Scripture of the Week

2 Timothy 2:2

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

  We had a wonderful weekend fellowshipping with the 43 folks at our recent clergy meetings. The full sharing fellowship was inspiring and refreshing, and the Word of God shared in session and out of session was a wonderful demonstration of spirit and power. Our vision for our lives increased with the increase of God, and our reverence and awe for Him was magnified by His mercy and grace.

  John Shroyer opened the meetings showing us how God prepared for years for the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Charlie Quillen taught on Gods grace, and Jon Nessle shared the seven main points of his Growing in Gods Power series. Allan Woodhouse taught the Sunday Morning Fellowship on Be a Friend of Jesus. Then we publically recognized the ordination of Dr. Bob Darnell. His family came in and we closed the weekend with this special time together.

  I remembered to do as a wise man once told me, and I collected my pay during the weekend. He encouraged me to always do my best for God, and promised that my pay would be the satisfaction and peace I would enjoy as I layed down to sleep knowing that I had done my best for God that day. My sleep was certainly sweet, and it continues to be as I do my best for Him.

  There is a cleansing power in the spoken Word that brings deliverance to the broken hearted and establishes us firmly in Gods grace. In John 15:3 Jesus said, Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Experience is certainly no guarantee for truth, yet until we experience Gods goodness, grace, and love what do we really know about Him? Gods Word is a Living Word that makes known Gods will and establishes a firm foundation on which to live.

  Psalm 107:20 says, He [God] sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. When the Word is spoken with love it heals and delivers. There is no substitute for Gods Word spoken on believing lips. I collect my pay when I know I have been faithful to do as He has asked. However, I love to get bonuses, too. Thats what I call the unsolicited thanks I get when God works in people and they write me. Following is one I received this week. I thank God for His mercy and grace that allow me to continue to do what He has called me to do.

Dear Wayne,
  Just wanted to say again how thankful I am for the Word you taught here in Bothel, WA on Walking by the Spirit. It changed my life! My attitude and countenance have changed because I am no longer looking at all my inadequacies but rather to the glory of God. The analogy you did using the compact mirror was an awesome example! I realized when I am looking at myself, I see myself (old man) and others see that too. But, when I'm looking at the Light (God) it reflects and shines out from me and though I don't see it (because I'm not looking at myself) others will see a difference in me because I'm reflecting the Light of God ~ a much more pleasant sight! :)

  I also wanted to say again how much the Word from Romans 7 blessed me. When you expounded on how sin uses the Word against us ~ WOW! In my mind the phrase "continue in the Word..." became like a prison sentence for me. I felt like I never did enough of the Word or didn't do it good enough to be worthy. Doing the Word was like a burden because I didn't think I could ever be disciplined enough and therefore never felt "free indeed" anymore. That has all changed for me now, and I understand that continuing in the Word is a walk of Grace (including stumbles!) with my Heavenly Father. What a relief! I am free to fellowship with God whether I got the house clean or the laundry done or not!

  I also appreciated how Ferne felt after leaving the cult and thank God immeasurably for working in her heart too, to get together with the Shroyers and how CFF all came about. I am so thankful for all of you and all the ways you bless God's people and share His Word. You have inspired me, and I once again have the desire in my heart to do the same and find ways to allow my life to bring people back to God.
Love to all,
A.L. WA

  The final touch, so to speak, with Gods deliverance is when we go and tell others about it. God is glorified as we let our light shine (Matthew 5:16). We have been redeemed and belong to Him. Expressing our thanks to Him, and declaring His goodness to others is the natural outflow of an unburdened heart (Psalms 107:2). What a privilege to live as one who belongs to Him.