Ask--Do NOT Doubt!

Gideon, Dennis, and I went to Melrose and Manchester, MD with some bread, the Bread of life, and some clothes. Dennis is new to the team, and a great blessing! These guys endured several hours in chilly, icy conditions...

We prayed with Ashley who is about 20 and lives with her dad and his Jewish girlfriend. Her dad received some nice work shirts that had been donated to the ministry. Ashley's trusting God to help her walk out her faith and righteousness.

At the next house we had to dust our feet off--but were glad to find a believing neighbor and pray with her for her neighborhood.

JR didn't really care about Jesus or salvation until he heard the Truth and the Good News. Dennis testified to the goodness of God and JR opened up to at least asking God to reveal Himself. We experienced a move of God there-like a mighty rushing wind.

In Manchester, Mike said he's definitely a Christian and then slid his "forty" around his back. He had lots of questions about the Word. The enemy has been planting seed of doubt. The main questions were: What about the other religions and how do we know that Christianity is the only way? He was also concerned about accuracy in translations and interpretations of the Bible and how do we know it's true?

But, Mike has seen other believers experience joy and freedom in the Lord and confessed that he desires that. So, we were able to encourage him that the Holy Spirit is available to him, just like anyone else.

We talked about the fact that all men will one day stand before a Holy God and be judged for their works, good and bad while here on earth, that all Word is God breathed, God inspired (2Tim 3:16), and that every knee will bow and confess Christ is Lord (Phil 2:10, 11), and how faith produces good works (James 2:17)--righteousness.

He knew that he needs to quit drinking because of alcoholism in his family, but--other stuff--he never thought about. He's been "trying" to change on his own will power, but we were able to encourage him that with Christ, he doesn't have to do it alone, that God, through the power of the Holy Spirit can deliver him and strengthen him. (It was like explaining several of Pastor Sam's sermons all at once:)

Finally, we invited him to come out of the cold and across the street to a restaurant where we could answer other questions. He put down his beer, and joined us, despite an angry girlfriend. It's really the presence of the Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit that drew him and kept him there, desiring to bask in God's presence.

Dennis testified to the goodness of God (like a new wow everyday, better than Disneyworld!) and shared this Word about Mike's concerns:

Jas 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and with no reproach, and it shall be given to him.
Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, doubting nothing. For he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed.
Jas 1:7 For do not let that man think that he shall receive anything from the Lord;
Jas 1:8 he is a double-minded man, not dependable in all his ways.

Simply put, Mike knows he needs to stand firm in the Truth--the Word-or he won't receive anything.

We prayed with him that the Word he received will manifest and keep him. Amen.
We praise the Lord for a wonderful afternoon in His glory and for safe travels to and fro.