A Christian God can use

It's very cold here in Southern Illinois today. I got a wonderful opportunity to stay curled up in my favorite blanket. This is my slowed season. For some reason I got to thinking about what it would've been like to have won the apostle Paul to the Lord. What an awesome man of God Saul/Paul was! That led me to think about the man that God used to lead him to himself.

That man's name was Ananias

What does it take to be a soul winner like Ananias?

The book of acts chapter 9 speaks of him. It also speaks of him in the book of acts chapter 22:12.

I'm using the acronym S.L.O.W.E.D

The first thing I noticed was he was spiritually devout.

The word devout basically has two meanings. First, it means somebody who is godly or has a heart like God. Secondly it means one who does his duty, like a soldier, for example. It sounds as though if I'm going to be a soul winner like Ananias, I need to have a heart like and for God and also I need to do my duty as a Christian soldier.

Second thing I noticed about Ananias is that he was Listening. He had his heart prepared for the voice and will of God. God help me to hear from you plainly.

Thirdly, Ananias was obedient. Yes, he, reasoned with Jesus, and he struggled a little but he ultimately obeyed. God even though I sometimes drag my feet, once I know your will, help me to do it no matter what I've heard or how afraid I am.

I noticed several things about Ananias that started with W.. I noticed that he was wondering. Everybody always wonders if they hear from God especially when the thing God is asking them to do is contrary to what seems to be in our and God's best interest. After all, this guy was the guy that was imprisoning Christians. Ananias could have thought something like, "God I want to be used of you, so common sense tells me, to run like crazy". I find many examples where God works contrary to common sense or at least our sense. Don't be afraid to wonder. Don't think less of yourself. Go back to God. Make sure of what he is telling you. Then have courage and obey him. I wonder how God could use the person that he is laying on my heart. No matter, it's your job to speak; it's his job to transform.

I find Ananias witnessing. He's talking about Jesus to someone who, days before, did not want to hear about Jesus at all. God can open impossible seeming doors for you to talk about his son. Just be willing and obedient. A soul winner must be willing to share his or her faith.

I also find him wonderworking! The Bible says Ananias laid his hands on Saul and his eyesight returned. Allowing the power of God to move through you and meeting their needs in the process can certainly cause a person to want to hear more about the Jesus that you know.

Next, I see Ananias "worth finding". I believe that Jesus convinced Ananias of the worth of Saul. He told him the plans he had for him. We can only be real soul winners if we see the worth of people. We must overlook their past and see what they are worth to God. If you have trouble seeing someone's worth, ask Jesus to show you what they are worth to him.

Lastly, I see evidence and effectiveness in Ananias’ life. I see him actually winning souls. I see him going to Saul and winning him for the kingdom. Many people talk about wanting to be a missionary or a soul winner but it takes someone willing to actually do it. Dare to ask God what he wants you to do, then do it.

I only read of Ananias winning one person to God. But Oh what a soul winner that one became.

One of the most wonderful things about Ananias is that he did not measure his worth to God or true success in ministry by how many he won or how big the job was. Be willing, obedient, responsive/reliable, and then know that the results are up to God. (Acronym W.O.R.K.)

Do you have someone whom God has laid upon your heart to speak to?

Please pray for those in Ukraine to be even more spiritually devout. Pray that we do our duty. Pray that we are Godly examples. Pray that God will help us to listen to his will. Pray that He will help us to obey his will once we know it plainly. Pray that God will make our times of wonder and questioning short and that when we do wonder it will only be because we are searching for his ultimate will. Pray that there be wonderworking, so that people can see the evidence of the power of God. Ask God to show us the worth of every human being. God please give us evidence that you are working here. Help us to not worry about numbers whether they are big or small. Simply do your will in us. In Jesus name, amen

Christmas Services - Yes, I attended 2 in one day

I was in Cherkasy this past weekend. I taught the 3rd year class at “Church of Truth.” We discussed Acts and after 6 hours the students asked if we could stay longer. What a blessing they were to me. In the morning I was to preach at their church.

Pastor introduced me as a servant of God, sacrificing my family and home to serve Ukraine. I began to sob, I don’t deserve such honor, I only want to please God and follow His path for me. As I walked up the steps to the platform, my knees began to give out. I knew it was the Holy Spirit and I was not sure what I needed to do.

I began to tell the congregation about studying the ‘wisemen’ for the past month. I was so excited by what I had learned! At that moment, I began sobbing and could not speak. We began to pray and prayed for the entire service. God led us into praying for individuals. People were healed and received overwhelming peace, which is needed in this time of financial crisis.

Not only were the people blessed, God blessed me in many ways. I needed a special touch from Him. I needed supernatural strength and God provided. We serve an awesome God. I was physically exhausted from the heavy presence of the Holy Spirit. But my day was not finished. I had made arrangements to attend another church that day.

We arrived at 'Word of Life' half way through the praise and worship. I was excited to see an old friend and meet her new addition to her family. I was going to enjoy this service and reflect on what had transpired in the earlier service.

God has a great sense of humor. For those who know me, you know I love to study and learn about my Jewish heritage through Jesus Christ. Well, God treated me to a wonderful Christmas service again. Ukraine celebrates the Orthodox Christmas on January 7th.

The pastor introduced the children and adults participating in the Christmas program. The program began with the Jewish anthem, and a born-again Jew coming out on the platform with his prayer shawl. I again began to weep. It was so powerful. The Holy Spirit flooded me with a desire to learn more. The entire program was centered on Jesus Christ, who was Jewish and what his life was like, as a child, a teen and as a Rabbi.

I was blessed. I made arrangements to meet with Brother Michael, he and his wife choreographed the Christmas program. He will teach me more about the “Lord’s Feasts” and Jewish traditions. I need to know that what I am teaching is correct. I have so many questions and now God has placed someone in my life to help me!

May God richly bless you,

The middle of the storm

Have you ever found yourself in a place where you felt terrified? In the book of Mark 4:36-41, the disciples found themselves in the middle of a sudden unexpected storm. Jesus was in the boat with them. I recently heard a young woman at my church speaking about what to remember when you find yourself in the middle of the storm.

Remember these things.

1) Remember who is in the boat with you.

2) Remember what he has done. He has done so many other miracles etc. They should have realized he could take care of this.

3) Remember that he can work in ways you never expected or could have imagined.

4) Remember that even though it looks like the circumstances are in control, they are not, he is.

5) Remember that he has the final word, "peace be still".

6) Remember that the last time you had a problem. He took care of you.

7) Remember that your last problem caused you to see him in a new way. This problem will too. They said the "what manner of man is this that even the winds and the seas obey him." The storm and victory over it will help you to know him and believe in his ability in a completely new way.

Cliff <*)))><
www.cliffclark.com

New Year’s Eve

I spent the morning studying and writing a new course. In the afternoon, Luda and I decided to go downtown and see the Christmas lights. We wanted to take in the decorations and the celebrations.

We left home about 3 in the afternoon while it was still fairly warm, about 25’. The Metro ride was very chilly, for some reason they had the windows open! Arriving downtown, the first thing we experienced was a Country Western band. I could not believe what I was hearing. Hey – they were pretty good and my feet began to do a line dance, Luda thought I was really strange.

We walked through downtown making our way to the square. The City’s Christmas tree was huge. Around the base of the tree, there were many types of entertainment. Miniature pony rides, horse rides, opportunities to have a photo with Santa and Mrs. Santa, also photos in a Cinderella carriage! There was so much activity and entertainment. There were bands of all types of music and people dancing in the street.

Reaching the phase of inability to walk or move, we sought refuge in the underground tunnels and mall. Hey ladies – if you like shopping, you would love this underground mall. They even have a food court including Mc Donald’s. What can I say? It is an American restaurant and when you are far from home, even Mc D’s is good! Mind you, I never eat at Mc Donald’s in America.

Once we thawed out, we returned to the square, there were so many people. We took some great photos and wandered about watching and taking in all the activities. I really enjoyed our time downtown.

However, reality hit me hard on our way home. Seeing a young woman so drunk she could not stand up, broke my heart. I prayed for her asking God to protect her throughout the night.

Seeing this situation made me thankful for what I have. I came home with a grateful heart and attitude. I thanked God once again for what He has provided this past year. I know the coming year will be blessed and prosperous. May each of you enjoy God’s richest blessings this year.

God bless you,
Kathy

teaching others

I have preached the gospel for over 30 years. I'm 52 and while I used to be the young guy, I suddenly find myself being the old fellow on the block. The younger ministers are continually asking me, "How do I teach other people?". I believe this is the answer. I also believe that this is the way that Jesus did it himself.

The process of teaching others
1) Tell me and I may remember.
2) Show me and I will remember longer.
3) Involve me and I will never forget.
4) Allow me or permit me to express it in my own words to my own generation in my own way of expression. The teacher should face their own fears that he or she failed to teach me. The teacher should trust the fact that they have done their best And the idea will be passed on.

1) Tell me and I may remember.

1Co 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

It has always been God's intention to save people by using people telling other people. He wants us to share our faith out loud. Like my old grandmother said however, actions always speak louder than words.

(Mat 13:34) All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

(Mat 13:35) That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

(Mat 13:13) Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Your words should be something that people remember. In order to help this process, Jesus used parables. Now, a parable shouldn't necessarily be some sort of Chinese proverb or something that it takes forever to figure out. It should be a catchy story or example that should be teaching the principles that you desire to convey. The purpose is to open up understanding. Teach the parables and principles of Jesus but don't be afraid to teach parables of your own also. Make it your life's mission to look for stories that make your points.

2) Show me and I will remember longer.

The message Bible says this;
(1Ti 4:12) And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.

(Mat 7:28) When Jesus concluded his address, the crowd burst into applause. They had never heard teaching like this.

(Mat 7:29) It was apparent that he was living everything he was saying--quite a contrast to their religion teachers! This was the best teaching they had ever heard.

People love to follow an example that they can see. They love the genuine article. A preacher, teacher, leader, not only teaches with his words but with his lifestyle.

3) Involve me and I will never forget.

(Luk 10:1) After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

(Luk 10:17) And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

I believe that Jesus knew the strength of involving other people in ministry. He knew that his time was short. He knew that eventually his work must be carried on. He sent the disciples out two by two to allow them to do the very things that they had seen him do. It is the purpose of the leader to model leadership. Often times the principle is much more important than the leader themselves.

4) Allow me or permit me to express it in my own words to my own generation in my own way of expression. The teacher should face their own fears that he or she failed to teach me. The teacher should trust the fact that they have done their best And the idea will be passed on.

Luk 22:2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

Joh 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

Here is where the rubber meets the road. Most established institutions or forms of belief are always threatened by newcomers. The scribes and Pharisees were scared to death of Jesus. They were also afraid of the people. They were afraid that people would leave and that they (the Pharisees) would lose their power. Do not be afraid to allow new generations of people to take what you have taught them and apply those principles. Each generation may do it slightly different than the former one but it is their job to convey the principle that you have thought was necessary to teach. Allow them to be themselves and express it in their own way.

I think the work you are doing in Ukraine is wonderful. I think that you are teaching and making a wonderful impact. Keep up the good work. Keep allowing them to put things in their own language so that the very truth of the Gospel will be passed on.

Thanks

Cliff

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve

We began our evening reading the Nativity Story from Luke; discussing how Christmas has become commercialized, yes even here. We made a new commitment to reading the Word and praying faithfully. Jesus is our only salvation, he came to die. During our discussion we discussed the three gifts presented to the Newborn King.

The three gifts were:
1. Gold: representing the King of Kings
2. Frankincense: representing the High Priest of Priests
3. Myrrh: this gift represented the Final Sacrifice

We enjoyed a wonderful nontraditional Christmas Eve, at least for me. Normally I would eat Lutefisk with my family. This year we celebrated with pizza and salads. We topped our meal with hot-fudge sundays. The children loved it, but so did the adults.

We visited and shared moments of the past year regarding spiritual growth. We called America to wish Dr. West a Merry Christmas. Then we opened gifts. It was so much fun to give gifts that filled several needs.

I thank God for the blessings I received this year and I am excited about what the Lord has for the ministry and myself in the New Year.

God bless you, Kathy

Dancing with Angels

Greetings to all,

With Christmas a few days away, we think about families and spending time together. I want you to meet part of my Ukrainian family. Lubny's Samaritans center asked me to work with the children. We decided to dance for the churches birthday. Here a church birthday is an elaborate celebration with seminars, entertainment and great Word! The children wanted to give something to the church, so we danced to a song called "Jesus Loves Me, Jesus Loves You". We had a great time and many people were blessed by the children's offering.

We hope you have a blessed Christmas. May your homes be filled with His peace and joy.
Kathy