by Pastor Betzer | 2 Comments »
Exodus 36:7
For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.
What a scripture! What a realization of eternal truth! Just weeks out of 400 years of Egyptian slavery, the Israelites, led by Moses, were able to erect the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. One commentary places the value of the structures at $13.5 million. Enabled by the Lord, the Israelites had not only sufficient resources, but even more than enough.
Many church members (and church leaders) poor-mouth themselves and the Lord. They moan, “We can’t do this – we can’t do that,” especially in the areas of evangelism and missions. Many times, when they build necessary buildings they go into unnecessary debt. Are you aware that the resources available in the average congregation just stagger the imagination? I had lunch recently with a pastor who claimed his church was about on its last legs, that they had no money, no resources. I asked him what time he thought God had toppled dead off His throne. He snapped, “How can you ask such a foolish question?” I replied, “Well, I was just responding to your implication that God lied when He promised to provide all our needs.”
I cannot tell you how many times I have seen the Lord provide the absolutely unexpected “unprovidable!” God commanded Moses and the Israelites to build the Tabernacle. When they implicitly obeyed their Lord’s directive, His limitless resources were at their beckon. When we obey the Lord’s direction in both our private lives and the corporate life of the church, the resources are there. If the resources are NOT there, check your premises. Something is amiss. If we are in God’s plan, the “stuff” we have is enough. In fact, it is more than enough!
Prayer: O God, open my eyes of faith to behold the wonders of your provision that my natural eyes cannot comprehend. May I always do according to your will and purpose and so see your hand at work in all the dealings of life. Amen.
June 10th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Dear Pastor Betzer,
I just wanted you to know, You are a inspiration to me and my household, you encourage us to serve the Lord daily.
I have been led by the Holy Spirit many times in my walk, one of these times I felt led to share a very profound near death experience with you. I believe the enemy detained me from getting this message to you. Shortly after I wrote this poem. I am send it at the bottom of this email. Today on The Lamp, you said you have discernment of Spirits. Let your Spirit discern this letter. If the Spirit leds you, please contact me in regard to God’s words, ABSENT FROM THE BODY, PRESENT WITH THE LORD! 239-693-8544
Under God’s Grace,
Crystal Cummings
Great & Small
Shall Stand Before the Throne of Judgment
I’ve studied this passage, different times in my life,
I’ve searched it with Joy, Sorrow, and Strife.
I’ve looked up the word Great,
I’ve looked up the word Small,
I’ve looked up the word Judgment,
And it’s Written to ALL.
I’ve thought about what it meant, to Stand before Him,
Even though I was certain, I was Forgiven my Sin.
I thought about the Judgment, from the Opened Books,
So I grabbed my own Bible, for a closer look.
I searched through, Matthew, Acts and James,
Peter, Romans, and Corinthians,
by the time I read, Revelations 10,
I realized this Judgment, wasn’t About SIN.
This Judgment was about Works, both Good and Bad,
The Missed Opportunities, the Chances we Had.
The Moments that Passed, with each closing Day,
To Praise Him, To Worship, To Witness, To Pray.
I read about the Inheritance, of the Kingdom of God,
About Death and Hades, then I began to nod.
As I drifted off into a peaceful sleep,
I found myself standing at the Judgment Seat.
Now was the Time, to Account for all Deeds,
The Evil, the Barren, and the Fertile Seeds.
They were Tried in Fire, like Straw and Gold,
Corinthians 3, is where the Story’s Told.
The Dream got Darker, and I began to cry,
I dropped on my Knees to asked God Why?
I was a Good Person, Good Mother, and Wife,
So why was My Name Blotted, From the Book Of Life.
Yes I have Sinned, Again and Again,
And once in a while, I’ve Lied to a Friend.
I have been Slothful, and Rebellious at times,
Hated the Unlovely, and the Drunkards on Wine.
And when it comes to Witnessing, to those in Jail,
My minds more inclined to, their Bread should be Stale.
As for the Widows, I just don’t have time,
To listen to stories, of life in their Prime.
I gave a Reason, an Account for each Deed,
Yet all that God saw, was Lack of Sown Seeds.
I watched as my Works, got Burned in the Fire,
And I knew in my Heart, that I was a Liar.
I had Time for Widows, and the Fatherless Kids,
The Prisoners in Jail, and the Homeless that hid.
I had Time to Sow, a Thousand Seeds,
And Many Moments, for Many Deeds.
But I thought I was Covered, by the Blood of the Son,
and it wasn’t like I was a criminal on the run.
I was Working and Doing, what I thought was Right,
But Blinded by Satan, and Losing the Fight.
For it wasn’t just believing, he Died for our Sin.
It was about doing his Works, and Loving All Men.
So I am Writing this Poem, to One and All,
Get your Life Right, Before the Final Call.
Please search the Scriptures, Oh Hear my plead,
Faith Without Works, is Dead indeed.
By Crystal Cummings (Poetldy@comcast.net)
June 10th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Hello Pastor Dan
My wife, Carla & I met at CBC, and were married in 1978, that gives you a timeline for my request. We are currently at the Sonshine Network Conference of the IPCH, meeting in Tallahassee, FL.
I was sharing with 2 Pastors about your article in the TPE, and on the radio, entitled “The University of Hell”. Anyway I can’t find it online or in the archives. Would you happen to have a copy of this great message?
Thanks for your help
Pastor Don Rimer
Good Shepherd Ministries
4430 US HWY 1 S
St Augustine FL 32086
STAUGUSTINER@AOL.COM