The Pilgrim Nazarene. Volume VIII No. 1 The Official Organ of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church Jan/Feb 2011

Transcription

1 The Pilgrim Nazarene Volume VIII No. 1 The Official Organ of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church Jan/Feb 2011

2 CONTENTS Jan/Feb 2011 Volume VIII No. 1 DEPARTMENTS Perspective 2 From the General Superintendent 3 The Great Commission 4 Christ, Our Daily Bread 5 The Secret Place of Security 6 From My Journal` 7 Truth for Teens 8 Grandma D s Story Time 9 Devotions for Plain Folks 10 Voices from the Past 12 EDITOR Larry W. Pettit GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT Stephen R. Snodgrass GENERAL SECRETARY Mark Russell Jr. GENERAL TREASURER Michael Covington GENERAL FOREIGN MISSIONS SECRETARY Stephen E. Robinson Printing and Circulation: Country Pines, Inc., Shoals, IN. Photo Credits: Front cover photo courtesy of Jupiter Images. The Pilgrim Nazarene The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald is published bi-monthly by Pilgrim Nazarene Publishing, 1925 W. 59th St., Davenport, IA Phone: lpetes@att.net Web Address: Subscription price: $10.00 per year for a single issue or $ per year for a bundle of ten (10) issues. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 1925 W. 59th St., Davenport, IA the editor s perspective HAPPY NEW YEAR OR BLESSED NEW YEAR? We have all no doubt heard or even said it ourselves, Happy New Years what it means is; the hope for a Happy Year this year. But, that cannot be just wished for or conferred upon someone by our salutation. What will make your new year happy? A life of less stress? more money? or more toys and gadgets? Or more of God and God s presence in your life? God s Word says Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye double minded ( James 4:8). Have you made any New Year s Resolutions many have and they have broken them already. This really takes more than a resolution to draw near to God, one must get decisive, then, one must take action, and then, one must follow through. What does 2011 hold for us? Yes, I know no one knows, but the Lord knows and we are advised to study God s Word and He has promised to guide us into all truth. John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. Could it have been much the same way years ago? I believe so. In Isaiah s day, Judah rebelled against the Lord and would not listen or heed in fact they said, Say to the seers, see not, and to the prophets, prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits. They did not want to hear the truth, they did not want to change their ways, and they did not want to know what the future held for them. Many in our day are the same way. Not only sinners in a world of sin but also many Christians in the church would rather bury their head in the sand and not hear or be troubled by what the Word says about the last days. America voted for change and now we can see the change it is getting. The complexion of our whole nation is changing, like it or not. If, we are living as close to the coming of Christ as many profess to believe, then perhaps we are witnessing the prepatory conditions necessary for the rise of the anti-christ and the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. If that be so, 2011 could see some major changes taking place in this world and in the way we live. Just the other day, Cambodia announced the United States was no longer its number one enemy, but now CHRISTIANS are their number one enemy. With the rise of the...continued on page 11 2 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald January/February 2011

3 from the desk of the General Superintendent Rev. Stephen R. Snodgrass Prayer The Church s Need Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) When asked by a doctoral student at Princeton, what is there left in the world for original dissertation research? Albert Einstein replied, Find out about prayer. Somebody must find out about prayer. In a day when, the church is seeking for greater glory for itself; bigger buildings, programs that surpass that of the governments, nicer budgets, friendlier staff, more eloquent speakers, more comfortable settings, we are missing the commission that God has called us to. To be a called-out people, to be a God-fearing people, to be a Bible-teaching people to be a praying people. Over the past few months, it has been a growing concern that the church is losing its vision of prayer. The traditional mid-week prayer services have been replaced with programs that border more on social content rather than a spiritual emphasis. Long gone are the men s prayer meetings on Sunday morning. The prayer rooms that once rang out the cries of God s people before a service, seeking God s Presence, conviction of sinners and anointment of the minister, are now silent. The volume of prayer that could be heard outside the church when we would pray collectively, is now replaced by the lone leader as we sit in silence. The question that we must ask ourselves is this: Are we better? Are we seeing God work in bigger and better ways? Are we having better revivals? Are more souls being brought into the Kingdom? I believe if the church as a whole were to answer these questions honestly we will come to sad conclusions. Who is the John Hyde of today? Dr. J. Wilber Chapman recalls preaching in Hereford, England. For days there was a signal absence of power and conviction of sin. But when John Hyde came there, God came to town, said Chapman. God and Hyde walked together. As a result, when Chapman made the appeal on the first night after Hyde was in that town, fifty men came to Christ. Chapman begged Hyde, Pray for me. Into a room these two men went; Hyde turned the key in the door, turned his face up to God, then turned the fountains of his great heart open. Chapman adds, I felt the hot tears running down my face. I knew I was with God. With upturned face, down which the tears were streaming, John Hyde said two words: Oh God! For five minutes at least, he was still again, and then when knew he was talking with God, his arm went around my shoulder, and there came up from the depth of his heart such petitions for men as I have never before heard. I rose from my knees to know what real prayer was. Pastors, it is your call and duty to lead your flock in the place of prayer. In 1750, Thomas Manton wrote, Like priest, like people; O ye ministers of the Word, consider well that you are the first sheets from the king s press. Others are printed after your copy. If the first sheet be well set, a thousand more are stamped with ease. See, then, that the power of religion prevail over your own hearts, lest you not only lose your own souls but cause the ruin of others. Sunday School leaders, it is your call and duty to teach those under your care about prayer. To pray without ceasing. Reminding those under our charge that we are solely dependent upon our Heavenly Father for every breath and everyday strength. Parents, lead by example in the place of prayer. Tell your children of the times of old, when God s power was motivated by the prayers of His people. Tell them of the all-night prayer meetings when God came and sinners were convicted. Let them know that it is possible today and then lead by example. If we are to have a spiritual awakening, it will be brought about by the prayers of God s people. If our churches are to bear fruit, it will be because of prayer. It will take more than whispering a prayer in the morning, noon and evening to keep our heart in tune. That makes for a good singing, but what we need today is earnest, fervent, effectual praying. So, child of God, join with me, as I call up to God to heal our land, revive our vision and save our children. My heart cries to see God move as has He did in the past. I ve had a taste of the Glory and no substitute will do for me. This kind only comes by prayer and fasting. May God help us to be a people of prayer. SRS January/February 2011 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 3

4 the Great Commission Brethren, Pray for Us Prayer is one of the greatest blessings of the Christians life. You can pray to God day or night. You may pray over things large or small, public or private. You may pray over things near and dear to your heart and pray for those who are far away and you may not know too much about them. Your prayers have power. You have the power to bind the powers of darkness and to bring relief for them that are in need. You have power to move the hand of God in receiving answers to prayer. This is a reminder to pray for Rev. Johnpaul Pinapoti and the work in India. Pray for God s guidance, unction and direction for the work. Pray for the ministers and churches and their needs. Pray for the children in the orphanage, the widows and lepers that are all a part of this great work. 4 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald January/February 2011

5 Christ, Our Daily Bread No man could teach like Christ, for it was God in human flesh weaving together eternal themes with earthly pictures. No man could heal like Christ, for it was God walking amongst the afflicted. No man could pray like Christ for it was the Son talking with His Father. When Christ hurled his prayers up into the arms of the Father, not an angel ignored a single syllable from those lips for they might be called to an errand. When asked about prayer pointers, He gave subjects guaranteed to interest the Father and address our every need. Amongst them, Give us this day our daily bread. It might mean food, but surrounding language reveals a very spiritual theme, and Biblical scholars suspicion something more is meant here. Christ discouraged us from fussing over our daily needs since He is our Bread-winner, (Mat 6:30-32) and as placid ponds reflect cobalt skies, fleecy clouds, and colorful trees, Christ continually employed our physical needs to mirror something greater- I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. ( John 6:35) Christ also saw the multitudes as sheep having no shepherd, and Psalm 23 s first statement is, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want! Trusting God for all needs is critical. Satan tempted Christ to turn the stony wilderness into a bread basket, encouraged Adam and Eve to slight the care of God by eating forbidden fruit, and inspired Israel to demand fare beyond manna. We all are tempted to obsess about our needs to the point of ignoring God s laws. Some work on Sunday, lie in business, seek immoral avenues of meeting fleshly appetites, etc. If not careful we turn stones into bread and fix crying needs by using our powers to get the job done. We do this because we think because God just isn t doing a good enough job, and He really only takes care of those who care for themselves. If Christ had done this He would never have eaten angels food-cake. The wilderness crowd had quail, but Rev. Michael Yancey never feasted in Canaan. Adam and Eve had forbidden fruit, but lost their appetite while the juice ran down the corners of their mouth. To understand the care of God we only have to travel back to Eden, pass through gates hung upon stone pillars and into the luxuriant avenues of trees whose branches dip with sun-kissed fruit, where birds serenade from leafy choir lofts to the background music of sparkling fountains and bubbling brooks. In a later picture I see Noah s great ark enveloping the precious cargo of God buoyed upon judgment waters, nosing its weary way upon the granite shallows of Mt. Ararat. God then takes colors from a rainbow arched above his throne and weaves together an iridescent reminder of His love. God cares for His children. An elderly gent, afraid of jets, finally rode on one, and when asked how the trip went, said it was fine, but he, never really put all my weight on it the whole trip! This speaks of the mindset of many. We have a reserve in our dependence upon God, and He wants us to see we can lean on Him completely. Christ told Satan, it is written, thou shalt not live by bread alone, but by every word out of the mouth of God. This doesn t mean a fast on physical needs, but a feasting on all needs met! He then told that bread-filled crowd, Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you. When Christ promised to meet their hunger, the tattered, travel worn, and hungry-faced crowd immediately responded, Lord, evermore give us this bread! (Evermore means at all times ) i.e. Feed us continually! What they meant was not what Christ wanted them to mean. Let s catch the spirit of His model prayer, and pray deeply, on all levels, Father, Give us this day our Daily Bread January/February 2011 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 5

6 The Secret Place of Security This may be a Psalm of great importance to Christians in the days ahead. PSALMS 91 A Psalm of Confidence A Psalm of Commitment A Psalm of Consolation A Psalm of Courage He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. {abide: Heb. lodge} I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him and shew him my salvation. {long...: Heb. length of days} (KJV) Annual Preachers Meeting March 9 11, 2011 Wednesday thru Friday Rev. Darrell Stetler Guest Speaker Rev. Stephen Snodgrass General Superintendent Pilgrim Nazarene Church Westlake Pilgrim Nazarene Church 938 Mulberry Street, Westlake, LA Pastor: Rev. & Mrs. Kennith Adamson The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald January/February 2011

7 From my journal... June December 2010 As I begin this entry into my journal, I wish to thank each of you for your prayers for my wife and family throughout the last few months. In June, after hearing of my wife s illness, the General Board, let me take a leave of absence to be with my wife and family as long as I was needed. Throughout Connie s hospital stay and during her time of recovery ( June October,) Bro. Tony Ross and Bro. Larry Pettit helped cover my Conference duties. Bro. David Taylor chaired the General Conference and Bro. Robert Jones helped run the Camp and was my right arm during this hard time. I want to thank these men for their help to me. Connie and I were blessed to be in the camp in Dickson, Tennessee on Friday night and heard Bro. James Plank preach a wonderful message with seekers in the altar. I met with the General Board on Saturday, August 7 th and returned home. During this time, my wife was hospitalized seven times, for a total of forty-five days. She received eight rounds of chemotherapy and had to be given numerous units of blood. On September 20 th, Connie received her last dose of chemotherapy. After taking my wife to the doctor on September 22 nd, I traveled to Cabot, Arkansas to preach the mid-week service, hold an annual meeting and call a pastor. Bro. Mike Swearingen accepted the call to return as the pastor of Cabot and we pray the Lord will continue to bless them as they shepherd the good people at Cabot. I traveled home the next day. October 2 nd, I traveled to Duncan, Oklahoma to begin a revival with the Mike Covingtons. Bro. and Sis. Covington are wonderful host and it was a delight to be with the folks in Duncan again. The Lord gave us a good meeting and there was good attendance with many visitors throughout the meeting. On my way home from Duncan, I stopping in Shreveport and had breakfast with Bro. Steve Robinson. It was good visit with Bro. Robinson and personally thank him for his help during Connie s sickness. He chaired several board meetings in my absence. On Tuesday, October 12 th, I took Connie to get scans of her lungs and liver and we received the news on Thursday the 14 th, that they came back clear. She still goes in for blood work every other week, but we believe that God has touched her and she is cancer-free. It has been a journey, but Jesus has been there with us every step of the way. October 17 th, I filled the pulpit in Pleasant Grove, Alabama, as Pastor Robert Jones and his family were away on a much deserved vacation. As a family we traveled to Seffner, Florida and preached in the Fall Retreat services on October 24 th. It was good to be with Pastor Jay Smalley and the folks there at the Seffner God s Missionary Church. This is where my in-laws, the Mark Russells, attend and we were able to spend a few relaxing days with them, arriving home on the 26 th. On October 28 th, I traveled to West Harrison, Indiana, with my daughter Katelyn and Autumn Smalley, to attend Youth Challenge. Friday, the 29 th, I went down to Millersburg, Kentucky and met with Bro. Terry Jolly, to see the progress that has been made on the property. I want to thank Bro. and Sis. Pettit for going to Millersburg several weeks prior and working very hard to fix some problems that we had in the basement. At the time of this writing, Sis. Judy Jolly has held services for two weeks at Millersburg and they have had several visitors from the community. Please pray for the Jollys as they endeavor to build a soul-saving station in Millersburg, Kentucky. After our meeting on the 29 th, Bro. Terry Jolly and I met Bro. Bill Carpenter, our pastor in Georgetown, Kentucky for a nice lunch. We had a wonderful time of fellowship together. I arrived back in West Harrison at Youth Challenge, in time to hear Bro. Dan Stetler preach a challenging message to a very large group of young people. I appreciate the leadership of Youth Challenge and the vision that they have for our church of tomorrow. My family and I attended the last service of revival with Bro. Tony Ross, at Jasper, Alabama on October 31 st. Bro. Ross brought a challenging message on our duty in these last days. I appreciated the truth delivered. It was good to fellowship in the parsonage, with Pastor David Fogleman and his family and Bro. and Sis. Ross. On November the 4 th, Bro. Robert Jones, Bro. George Stevenson and I traveled to Little Rock, AR to attend the General Board meeting. It is always good to be with the brethren. As we met the Lord can and ordered our business. We were able to get much accomplished and completed in record time. I appreciate each of the board members making the effort to be there. This was the best attended meeting that we have had in a long time. We traveled home on Saturday morning and thank the Lord for travelling mercies for all of our men. Wednesday, 10 th, my family went with me to Whitehouse, TX, where my wife spoke in the mid-week service. Bro. Cable traveled with me to Dallas Spanish and it was a joy to have him with me. Following the evening service in Dallas, we traveled back to Whitehouse and enjoyed the hospitality of the Cables. It is always a blessing to be in their home. After a visit with our friends the Jackie Carpenters on Thursday, we traveled home, arriving very late....continued on page 11 January/February 2011 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 7

8 Truth God s Word Is Our Roadmap My nine year old son, Travis, really enjoys looking at maps. Not long ago, Travis, Tyler and I were traveling together crossing several states. Travis asked me where we were headed and proceeded to look it up on the map. After he had located our destination, he began to browse through the atlas. Pretty soon he came up with a game: Name the Capital. He would call out the state, then Tyler and I would try to answer. It was a fun time of learning for all of us. Several months ago on another occasion, I was traveling by myself across several states. It is not a trip I am familiar with but I did not take any time to look over the route of my trip. I missed the first highway and went about ten miles out of my way. I missed a second turn that cost me about twenty minutes. The whole time, all I needed to do was to open a map, chart out my course, and keep my eyes on the signs. But I did not take time to do it. Instead, I found myself bumbling though little towns in the middle of nowhere, frustrated and lost. Many times in my spiritual life, I have taken a similar journey. There have been times in my life when I have not been sure what to do or where to go, but I did not take time to look at the road map of God s Word. Frustration and hopelessness seemed to take over my emotions. Questions began to surface in my mind. All the time the answer to my problems was in the Map that sits on my desk. All I needed was to do a little searching, chart out my course in prayer, and place my trust in God. Truly, life is so much more peaceful when I take the Travis Approach. Things go a lot more smoothly when I find my direction at the start of the day instead of aimlessly wondering down the unfamiliar pathways of life without looking at the Map. I love seeing the promises that God gave me in my times of trouble. I find joy in browsing through the old stories of great men and women, and realizing that they were not much different than I. I love knowing that in the end, God s children are going to live with Him forever, and there will be no darkness and pain. I know, because I have read it in God s Map. So if you are finding life difficult right now, or maybe you feel like you are on a deserted country road all alone, try looking at the Map. You will be surprised how much better the journey will be when you know where you are headed. 8 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald January/February 2011

9 Dare to Be a Daniel Do any of you boys and girls know who Philip P. Bliss is? If you look in your church hymnal, you will find his name as the writer of some of the songs. He was considered one of the best gospel songwriters. Even as a child he loved music. Philip s parents were poor so they probably could not afford to buy him a musical instrument. As a result, he made his own, which were very crude. He would try to make music, after a sort, with them. Once, when he was about ten years old, he passed a home where he heard, for the very first time in his life, a piano being played. He was so captivated by the beautiful sounds he heard that he walked right into the house where he saw a woman playing the piano. How startled she must have been when she stopped playing, to find a ragged, dirty, barefoot boy standing by her, saying, Oh lady, play some more! She promptly ordered him out of her house, not realizing the child s real hunger for music. While Philip was still a youth, he wrote a song and sent it to Mr. George F. Root, who was, at the time, one of America s best known composers. Philip asked him to send him a flute if he thought the song was good. Mr. Root kindly sent him a flute. This event began an acquaintance which, later in his life, resulted in Philip becoming a musician and evangelist together with Mr. Root and Ira D. Sankey. Philip was one of the most handsome men I ever met, said one man. He had a beautiful deep singing voice which made him extremely popular as a song leader in evangelistic meetings everywhere. He could write the music as well as the words for his hymns. Some of the songs you will find in your hymn books that he wrote are: Almost Persuaded, Wonderful Words of Life, Dare to be a Daniel, The Light of the World is Jesus and Jesus Loves Even Me. When he was only thirty-eight years old, in 1876, he and his wife were killed in a tragic train accident. Mr. Bliss got out of the wreck, but perished when he returned to rescue his wife. A monument to his memory was erected in Rime, PA his boyhood home. Dare to be a Daniel! Dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known! How about you boys and girls do you dare to be a Daniel (or Danielle)? Information in this story taken from Stories from Hymns We Love by Cecelia Margaret Rudin Mrs. Dorothy Tiethoff is Grandma D. She would love to hear from you! Her address is grandmadt@juno.com. SUBSCRIBE NOW... The Pilgrim Nazarene The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald is published bi-monthly by Pilgrim Nazarene Publishing, 1925 W. 59th St., Davenport, IA Phone: lpetes@att.net Web Address: Subscription price: $10.00 per year for a single issue or $ per year for a bundle of ten (10) issues. January/February 2011 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 9

10 Rev. Larry W. Pettit Fruitfulness Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit John 15:2 New Years, new starts, new resolutions, new diets, new determinations and new attempts are all a part of the turning of the page from the old year to the new year with all that it contains and the happy hopes of anticipating hearts. How about you? Have you made any self examinations of your spiritual life? Do you have any spiritual aspirations as you stand at the threshold of a New Year? This is always a great time of the year to take time and do some reflecting and see and manifest the deep desires of the soul. As you look back on the last year of your walk in life, can you see yourself drawing nearer or farther away from the Lord and His will and call for your life? Look at the fruit that your life has produced for God and His Kingdom in this past year. Look and see how the Lord has been working on you. The children sing the song, He s Still Working On Me. This is true. It is not just a childish song, but God has the desire to continually fashion us into the image of Christ Jesus. He does so like the farmer with his grape arbor, the branches must be purged, or else the little sucker branches will grow and rob nutrients from the rest of the plant and the fruit at harvest time will be hindered and affected. In the same manner the Lord will purge our life of the things that are unlike Christ and rob us of true spirituality. Have you ever prayed for patience? What happened? You probably received tribulation. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience (Romans 5:3). That s just how it works; can you not see how the Lord is trying to help develop and mature each one of us as we walk with the Lord? Are there areas the Lord has been speaking to you about? What about your own personal desires to overcome and be victorious? Take time, reflect and look to see how this year may be a year of real personal spiritual growth and a time of bringing forth of fruit and productivity for the Lord and His Kingdom. Remember, the Lord is always at work in our lives, yet He needs our consent and our obedience that we may bring forth more fruit. 10 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald January/February 2011

11 From My Journal...continued from page 11 November 24 th, my family and I traveled to Akron, OH, to join in a Russell Reunion. It was good to be with all the family. We had so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and being with family just made it better. On Monday, 29 th, we were back at the oncologist office for our bi-weekly visit and they told us that the numbers looked great and my wife is maintaining all the progress that she had made. The first week of December, my brother, Mike and his family came to Alabama and we were able to spend a couple of days together in the deer woods. It has a long tradition of the Snodgrass family and I m glad we can still do this together once a year. December 9 th, we were in Winchester with the Don Bates, Jr. family. We had looked forward to this visit and had a wonderful time with the Bates. On December 10 th, we had lunch with the pastors at Muncie PNC, Bro. & Sis. Scott Turner. We have wonderful memories from our eight years of ministry in Muncie and it was great to spend some time with them. On December 15 th, I was at Dallas Spanish and had a good service and a meeting afterward. Following the service, I traveled to Sherman and spend the night with the Chuck Dodd IV family. They are always gracious host and we had great fellowship together. While there they shared with me the pictures of the progress that is being made on the new parsonage in Durant, OK PNC. They will be moving to Durant upon completion of the new parsonage. Thursday, I met with Bro. David Taylor and he took me on a tour of the new parsonage that is being built at Sherman, TX PNC. Bro. Todd Gardner was on the roof when I arrived and it is going to be a beautiful addition to the property there. For some time Bro. Pedro Anaya has felt lead to start a new church in the Dallas area and on the evening of December 16 th, I organized this church with eleven charter members. There were about 45 in attendance in the service and the Lord s Presence was so real. It was good to see the new people that were coming. Pray for the Anayas as they start this new work and pray that God will continue to bless their efforts. Also pray for Dallas Spanish as they call a pastor and continue to minister in their community. I traveled home and arrived in time to enjoy the Christmas program at my local church in Pleasant Grove. Pleasant Grove PNC welcomes the Bartons and the Butlers to our church family. We closed out the year with my in-laws in our home. Bro. Mark Russell helped me with a building project in our home and the Pilgrim Nazarene Church has a new office that is closer to completion. As we said goodbye to 2010, we were overwhelmed with the Lord s blessings to us. We are more determined than ever to serve Him and proclaim His goodness to all that we meet. Dear Pilgrim Nazarene Church family, I believe that Jesus is coming back soon. Let s purpose in our hearts that there is nothing that will keep us from seeing His face and hearing from His lips, well done. There is nothing in this world that holds our attention. Let us focus our attention on winning the lost, preserving our goodly heritage and making it to the city. May God richly bless each of you. SRS Happy New Year or Blessed New Year? Continued from page 2 Muslim ideology, Christians around the world are in danger. The Obama administration has placed more debt upon our nation than what can be sustained. Countries are fleeing the instability of the American dollar. Secret meetings have taken place with China, Japan, Russia without the presence of the US; seeking to replace the dollar with the Euro, the Yen or some other form of currency. Can we not see every day brings an unfolding of Bible prophecy? The Mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat said, Every time I meet an evangelical, Zionist, Christian leader who comes to Jerusalem, I am amazed by the love, the importance Jerusalem plays in their hearts. Dr. Mike Evans of Jerusalem Prayer Team warns, President Obama is continuing his plan to force Israel to give up East Jerusalem the birthplace of Christianity to become a Muslim capital for the Palestinians, along with Judea and Samaria as they form a new nation. This is a direct attack on the prophecy and promises of God and it will bring devastation to Israel and a curse on every nation that supports it. We don t just wake up one day to the tribulation; it advances ever so slowly and ever so surely. Revelation 6:4 says, And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. Is it not time for Christians to study God s Word seriously so as to recognize the unfolding events that are transpiring before us each day. What will make for a Happy New Year? Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. You will find peace, confidence, and the love of God shed abroad in your heart. January/February 2011 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 11

12 The Pilgrim Nazarene 1925 W. 59th St. Davenport, IA Larry W. Pettit Words have meaning, meanings have purpose and these collected and quoted words from people of the past and present have the ability to influence, improve, and change lives. Richard Baxter: I preach as one sure never to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men. J. Wilbur Chapman: Sin is small in its beginning, sure in its progress, and terrific in its ending. J. H. Jowett: The range of our possible sufferings is determined by the largeness and nobility of our aims. Andrew Murray: Men of strong faith are men of much prayer. William Booth: Every sinner must be either pardoned or punished. C. H. Spurgeon: We must pray to pray, and continue in prayer that our prayers may continue. Phillips Brooks: Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers pray for power equal to your tasks. D. L. Moody: Christ is just as great as your faith makes him. A. W. Tozer: He is waiting to be wanted H. B. London: We must continue to pray for a renewed and courageous church, knowing that prayer without action won t change things.