That Book Might Be TRASHED

"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, For it is the power of God unto salvation..."

I am not ashamed of...the stand on "separation" that my husband has preached through the years, and is not about to change.

I am not ashamed of...the many messages I have heard through my life,  preached by my father and many men of God on "living holy before God".

In fact...I LOVE what I've been taught! Therefore...I am not ashamed to say...

I STILL BELIEVE THE OLD-TIME APOSTOLIC MESSAGE OF REPENTANCE, BAPTISM IN JESUS NAME, AND THE INFILLING OF THE HOLY GHOST WITH THE EVIDENCE OF SPEAKING IN OTHER TONGUES, AND HOLINESS WITHOUT WHICH NO MAN CAN SEE THE LORD!

I am not ashamed to be called..."One of them".

The world has been trying to water down the gospel of Jesus Christ since He walked the face of this earth. It bothers them that they have never been able to do away with the fact that there are people all over the world that have received the gospel, and who live it. Those believer's will die for that which was given to them through the inspired Word of God.

I recently heard from a friend that a well-known speaker/author in the Christian world made some disparaging remarks about Pentecostal women. I am not one that gets offended easily, but this really started me to thinking, because...

I had wanted a particular inspirational book, written by this "well-known speaker/author".  I had told my husband I wanted it, so, for Christmas one of my presents was "that" book. I was happy to get it, but my spirit was troubled within. That may bring a little frown to your brow because I should have been happy, but, before ever asking for the book my heart had already talked to me. "WHY do you need to read a book to inspire you to draw closer to God that's been written by someone you know does not believe the Apostolic message? WHY do you want to read "that" book when you have books on your bookshelf that are written by people you KNOW loves truth, has a walk with God, and you KNOW they fast and pray until the gates of hell are shaken to their foundation? What can you learn from that "Christian writer/speaker" that you can't learn from someone you know personally and trust them with any situation you might face? If you have a need, all you have to do is pick up the phone and call one of your "fasting prayer warriors" and ask them to take your need to the Lord, and when you hang up the phone you know, without a doubt, they will pray for you?"

Six weeks later I have to confess, "that" book is still sitting on my table by my recliner except for when I put it in my "book bag" to travel with me, and I haven't read it, yet. I've picked it up several times to read, but that nagging thought keeps coming at me.  "What can that book teach you..."  I'm now starting to believe it is the Holy Ghost trying to get my attention to NOT read it.

Lest you think I am crazy and have fallen out of the bed and hurt my head...I have MANY books written by people who are not Apostolic.  They do not believe the same as I do, and I have enjoyed learning from people who are well learned in their field. But, as far as I know, they haven't made it a point to ridicule and belittle my faith and the lifestyle I, and many thousands have chosen to live.

In these last days, there is a poison going around that is scaring me!  There are times, I am uncomfortable "hanging" with people that do not love holiness, righteousness, and living a life "separated unto the Lord" like they once did.  I think the "uncomfortable feeling" comes when whoever it is speaks against that which we have loved and cherished.  It's scary to think some have turned away from what they have been taught, yet still profess to be "okay".   Maybe they think it's too old fashioned or it's not necessary to live like "grandma and grandpa" to be saved.  But, I have thought it through many times, trying to figure out what it is in the world that people want.  I can honestly say, there is nothing in this world that beckons me!  My mind is made up!  I'm going to heaven!  I am not saying we should be "isolated" from the world.  I'm not talking about NOT loving the sinner, or the backslider who has failed God.  I want that to be clear!  My heart hurts thinking about those who have lost their way and seem to not be able to find their way back "home".  I am praying for those who are hurting.  If anyone knows me well they know I love people, love to have fun, love to laugh and enjoy life. They also know that I hold on to a clean life-style and godly living. They know that I am not one to quickly condemn and do my best not to judge others. But, my question to ME and to you is...Are we going to allow ourselves to bring in the "poison of carnal thinking" men/women and expect to live through it?

Back to "that" book...I am very seriously thinking about throwing it in the trash and never reading it. I most likely will not listen to the author preach or teach again. I have no use for anyone that attacks the saints of God and belittles them because of their godly life-style. Oh, it's not because they have attacked ME, but because they have spoken against a people who have chosen to live "holy lives unto the Lord". I will not listen to anyone tear down my Apostolic heritage! I love God too much, and the many men and women who have walked the "road of righteousness" to allow it to be diminished to nothing. I would rather throw "that fifteen dollar book" in the trash than to drink in the poison of deception. The more poison you drink, the more it chips away at the bricks and mortar of truth. My peace of mind and clear thinking is worth a whole lot more than FIFTEEN DOLLARS!

Take Me Back

While ironing this evening I felt my soul being stirred.  I recognized that God was saying something to me, so I listened a little closer.  I am learning that when I feel Him breaking through my thoughts that He has something I need to hear.  Sometimes it's for me, other times it is a word for "someone else".  Most of the time I do not know who that "someone" is.  So, the only thing I know to do is pray and sometimes write what I feel.  (Lest anyone think I am "super spiritual", please don't.  I am just a sinner saved by grace.  In other words...if it wasn't for Him...I would be nothing!) 

When I felt the Lord prompt me, I stopped and wrote on Facebook these words..."We're living in the last days!  WHY let down the guard rails in your life now?  It doesn't make any sense!  HOLD ON!  It'll be worth every conviction, every godly instruction, every step you take in the footprints of righteous men and women who gave their life for what we hold dear." I went about the house, but this thought will not leave me alone.

...Pandora Radio was playing...I heard...

TAKE ME BACK! TAKE ME BACK DEAR LORD...
TO THE PLACE WHERE I FIRST RECEIVED YOU!
TAKE ME BACK! TAKE ME BACK DEAR LORD...
WHERE I FIRST BELIEVED!

...the Holy Ghost swept in...and I felt it!

...I prayed...YES GOD! TAKE ME BACK WHERE I FIRST BELIEVED!

What is it in the world that you're wanting? What bright lights are calling you? What is it you're wanting to do that you haven't been able to do, or maybe I should say...allowed to do? Why do you want it?  Why do you want to do that "something"?  "The pleasures of sin are only for a season".  What you desire is going to bring your soul to ruin. WHY HALT YE BETWEEN TWO OPINIONS?

Yes...TAKE ME BACK! TAKE ME BACK DEAR LORD!

Before I hit the "Publish Post" button,  I know I could DELETE this whole thing.   But, I refuse to do so! "Someone out there" just might be getting ready to make the biggest mistake of their life! I wish I could yell loud enough to get your attention! It's time to WAKE UP to the lies you are believing! Whatever you do, please do not resist the voice of God! He is calling your name! He is trying to get your attention.  COME HOME! COME HOME!

I can hear another song playing in my memory...

Eternity...Eternity...where will you spend Eternity?
In Heaven or Hell...where will it be?
Where will you spend Eternity?

You can click this blog closed, and go about the rest of your evening.  No one will stop you!  Or, maybe you can find a place to pray and return back to God!  He's waiting with open arms!  He loves you and I love you!  Please do not wait...

Real People

I was needing a kind word from someone this week when out of nowhere a friend that I had not known for long walked up, gave me a warm "friend" greeting, wrapped me in her arms, and let me know I was loved!  I cannot express the warmth I felt from her greeting.  I went home that night a changed lady because someone gave their love in a beautiful, unassuming, gentle, sweet way.  Later, she came to me and apologized for being "disrespectful" to me.  She felt she had been too familiar.  I could not have been more surprised!  I assured her, with tears, that she had touched me in a way that I needed on that day. 

I love REAL people!  In God's work there should never be "big I's and little You's".  REAL people love without reservation, and give unselfishly.  The dear sweet lady that hugged me was REAL, unassuming, and unselfish!  She was giving PURE LOVE and I knew it was coming from a heart filled with GOD'S LOVE!  God placed her in my life and I'm blessed to call her "friend".  I am really looking forward to my next visit with her, even if it is for a "split second in time". 

We are living in a hurting, selfish world.  People all around us are longing for love and friendship.  Don't be afraid to reach out and love someone.  Be REAL!  Reach for others and help them carry their load.  They will be forever thankful. 

Hope Beyond This Life

While sitting here reflecting over the last few days the song comes to me...

There is coming a day,
When no heart aches shall come.
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye.
All is peace forevermore,
On that happy golden shore.
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There'll be no sorrow there,
No more burdens to bear.
No more sickness, no pain,
No more parting over there.
And forever I will be,
With the One who died for me.
What a day, glorious day that will be.

WE HAVE A HOPE BEYOND THIS LIFE!

In the midst of sorrow...we have joy. The "happenings" around us may take our "happiness" away for a time, but the joy that comes from God, stands strong and unshaken!

In the last few days we have lost another beautiful "warrior of the cross". No, we didn't see her up in front of the crowds, but she was a strong, unwavering woman of God! I never saw Sis. Pam Rhoads without a ready smile and worship coming from her heart. Even in the pain and suffering she went through, her faith remained strong! We will miss her on the 'ole camp ground! I do not understand the ways of God, but I trust Him! One thing I do understand is that my heart is longing more and more for "home" where there is no more pain, sickness or death!

I'm longing for home, for the sun's going down.
I long to go where, sweet rest can be found.
I'm just about through, with this old house of clay.
I'm leaving this world...for glory someday.

The Passing of Sis. Pam Rhoads

Sis. Pam Rhoads, wife of Bro. David Rhoads passed away at her residence on January 14, 2012.  Bro. Rhoads serves as the Facilities Administrator of the Camp Grounds in Lufkin and they reside on the Camp Grounds.

Services for Sis. Rhoads will be as follows:

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 17, 2012, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Carroway Funeral Home, 2704 S. John Redditt Dr., Lufkin, TX (936-634-2255).

Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Eastview United Pentecostal Church, 2411 Paul Ave., (Paul Ave. & Loop 287), Lufkin, TX (936-632-3525).

Interment will be at 4:00 PM Wednesday, January 18, at Huffines Cemetery, Huffines, TX, which is near Bivins, TX.  Bro. Kent Rhoads will be officiating at the interment.

Please pray for the family.  Some additional information about this great lady:

Pamela Jean Lewis Rhoads was born July 20, 1951 in Atlanta, Texas, and died Saturday, January 14, 2012 at her residence. She was an alumnus of Texas Bible College. She has been a wife, mother, nurse, housewife, Bible Quiz coach, Sunday school teacher, pastor’s wife, missionary, and friend to many. She had resided in Lufkin for the past 8 years. She was a member of Westside Apostolic Church and known for her ready smile and positive attitude.

Survivors include her husband, Rev. David G. Rhoads of Lufkin; daughters, Kimberly Rhoads Goodrum and husband Vlad, missionaries to Paraguay, South America and Adonya Rhoads Dryden and husband Kevin of Mooringsport, Louisiana; grandsons, Elisha Goodrum, Samuel Goodrum, Kristopher Dryden, and Killian Dryden; father and mother, Reverend D.A., Sr. and Lorene Lewis of Marshall, Texas; brothers, Rev. Danny Lewis and wife Donna of Kirbyville, Texas and Rev. Jonathan Lewis and wife Cindy of Opelousas, Louisiana; and multiple aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Voice of Experience

My sister, Ronda wrote a Comment on the last post I wrote, Hold On to Truth .  I want everyone to read what she said, so I'm re-posting her words.  God speaks to us when we seek Him for answers to our questions!  I love how He spoke to Ronda. 

Many years ago when I was asking the Lord (sincerely)if everything I had been raised to believe was truth, the Lord gave me this scripture.  I will never forget that day. This truth is precious to me and it is not for sale!

2 Timothy 3:13-15

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Hold On to Truth

In my Bible Reading this morning I read the scripture once again that says...

Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.  And he said unto the woman, "Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" Eve answered him and said, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:  But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, "Ye shall not eat of IT, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die."

First of all the serpent came to Eve with the intention of "twisting" what God had said, and somehow upon hearing what the serpent had to say Eve decided to make the story a little "juicier" by adding her own words to the situation.  Eve told the serpent what God had said then added..."neither shall ye touch it".  I haven't read where God said those words.  By the time the conversation between the serpent and Eve was over she was probably so confused about what God had told her husband, before she was created, that she now questioned if that's REALLY what He meant when He told Adam he couldn't "eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil".

Since I read these scriptures this morning my spirit has been stirred within.  Through the years I've watched how the adversary works on the minds of people, and more than ever I find myself guarding my heart and mind when someone comes around and starts "adding their twist" to the Word of God.  You know, Eve had no reason to not trust the serpent.  They lived in the same garden.  They walked down the same trails.  They enjoyed the perfection of God's creation, together.  She wasn't afraid of the serpent, because until he came to her and was used to "question God's instructions" she had no reason to be.  She didn't even know what "fear" was!  It wasn't till after she had disobeyed God that her eyes were opened to what she had done.  Isn't that just like sin?  You get enthralled with the "bright lights" and enjoy playing around with sin, and then...your eyes are opened to the fact that you have disobeyed God and now have to suffer the consequences!  

The spirit of deception is a scary thing!  What is so scary is that a person can be wrong and not know it.  The word deceive means to mislead by a false appearance or statement.  It is hard for me to think anyone would want to deceive others on purpose, but there are people that are evil enough to do just that!  Deception is a trick of Satan and he is working overtime to deceive you into believing "God didn't mean it THAT way".  "Oh Eve, it's okay!  You're not going to die just because you eat a piece of fruit!  Come on!  Get real!  God is a God of love.  Go ahead..." (hee-heee-heee)  I hear him smirking as he walks away. 

2 Peter 2 is a chapter in the Bible that I take very seriously. The beginning of the chapter is very sobering: Listen..."But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction." Now, if that doesn't make you cringe listen to this. "And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed." (ESV) You can read the whole chapter if you're interested, but the other part that "gets me" says: "They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For if,after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: "The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire."

I am usually very positive on my blog and upbeat about life, but when it comes to being saved, I get serious REAL fast!  There is nothing more important to me than hearing my Savior say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."  I haven't lived for God my whole life to now "turn away" from the things I've been taught.  I hear it ringing in my ears as my husband, my father, and many other preachers have said, "Beware lest anyone tries to turn you away from what you've been taught!" Then using Apostle Paul's words..."But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."  I hear my husband telling our church, "You need to get a love for this Truth!  If I was to get up one night and preach to you something contrary to this Book, don't believe it!  Love this Truth!  Hold it dear!  Don't let it go!" 

My heart IS stirred tonight!  I can't get away from the fact that Satan is working to deceive anyone that will give him a chance.  He is wanting to put a QUESTION in their mind about what they have believed for many years.  They once loved the Truth.  They once believed in "holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord".  What they never believed would happen to them, they have allowed to overtake them, and they don't even realize what's happened!

I decided a long time ago that I'm going to hold onto what has been handed down to me from "holy men of God" who have paid the price to preach this glorious Truth!  I will not listen to anyone that wants to tell me what I love is no longer relevant and we don't have to live that way anymore.  I love God too much to fail Him now.  As David prayed, I pray..."Lighten mine eyes lest I sleep the sleep of death." 

The Beginning of a Great Year

When this morning dawned, I shook myself into reality and found myself in "high gear"! January 2012 is going to be a very busy, yet enjoyable time for us. This coming weekend is M.A.P. - Ministerial Advancement Program for the ministers who are becoming members of the United Pentecostal Church International here in the Texas District, or those who are going to a different level of being licensed. (ie: General or Ordination) As I was preparing for my classes today I felt excitement down deep inside as I thought about the ladies I will have the privilege of teaching. I am so blessed to be one of the teachers, and take my part very seriously. What a privilege to be asked to teach, and what a responsibility!

As I look back over my life I can say that I wouldn't have wanted to live any other life. I loved growing up in a Pastor's home. I loved listening to preacher's and their wives talk about the work of God when they came to preach for Daddy. The stories were wonderful! I smile thinking about the funny stories that were told and can still hear Daddy laughing and Mother giggling. I gave up my bedroom many times so the "Evangelist couple" could have a place to stay. I don't ever remember thinking I was being misplaced! I loved the fact that these "special people" were staying in MY room. I have been blessed in life and can honestly say that I love being a Preacher's Kid!

In my earliest memories I dreamed of marrying a preacher! I wanted to travel and be with him every mile, do whatever I could to help him in revivals, and I've had that privilege. When my husband felt God calling him to pastor, I wanted to be right there beside him doing whatever I could to help in the Kingdom of God! The saints we were privileged to pastor were wonderful to us and our boys. They gave us their love and became our "family". My life has been blessed beyond measure. Raising our sons in a ministers home has brought them the same opportunities that I had growing up. They have been in the presence of great Missionaries (home and foreign), Evangelists, Preachers and Teachers. They also got to sit and listen to the stories and experience the presence of great men and women of God. I'm so glad they have their fingerprints in their hearts.

Please excuse me as I "count my blessings", but I guess in preparing for the weekend seminars my heart started remembering. Thank God for a wonderful life! I'm pretty sure the reason my heart is full of expectation and excitement is because I want the ladies I'll be teaching to experience this great life.

P.S. I guess I need to say for anyone who is thinking I'm blinded to the fact that the life I've lived hasn't always been a "rose garden"... I am not oblivious to that fact! We've reached to pick a rose a few times and got pricked by the thorns. It didn't feel good and we cried. We've had our times of frustration, life's burdens weighing us down, and experienced disappointments. But...GOD has never disappointed us! And when it seemed we were about to sink He stepped into our situation and commanded "PEACE BE STILL"! I can say..."I have NEVER seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging for bread!". God has supplied our every need and walked with us through every valley! HE has been our Strength, our Director, our Counsellor, and I have nothing to complain about! When we've worked for the greatest Employer ever known to man...how could I complain?

The Beginning

Sunday, January 1, 2012...

What a beautiful day! We were privileged to be in church at Broaddus, TX with Pastor and Sis. Mark Green where the Lord, and the beautiful saints of God met with us. One of the "congregational songs" we sang this morning was "The Old Rugged Cross". I don't know when I've heard this old anthem at church or on the radio for that matter, but as we began singing, the presence of God swept into the congregation. I looked around and saw many hands raised in worship and my heart was warmed by the knowledge of what Jesus did for us on Calvary. I saw Him hanging on the cross with His arms outstretched with His hands nailed to the cross. As I sang and "remembered" what He had done for me, I raised my hands in worship. I was overwhelmed with the fact that "because He was nailed to the cross for me, I was privileged to raise my hands to Him!" Thankfulness filled my heart! I praised Him this morning with a renewed appreciation for the cross and the sacrifice He made for me.

This year...I am wanting to renew my appreciation for the simple, yet deep things of God! I want my heart and spirit awakened to the things of the "Spirit"! I don't have time to waste! I do not want the "basics of God's Word" to be lost in the "programs of the church". I love the fact that we have the tools for organized Bible Reading and organized Prayer, but I don't want to read my Bible or Pray just because it's the "thing to do". My heart is hungry for the Word of God to SPEAK to me!

Could it be that this restlessness in my heart is because the Spirit of God within is realizing Jesus is going to return? Could it be that He is stirring my heart to get me prepared for His coming? Could it be that "the spirit that raised Christ from the dead" is getting ready to "also quicken this mortal body ... and we shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air?" Could it be...Gabriel is raising the trumpet to his lips and is just waiting for Jesus to say, "BLOW YOUR TRUMPET, GABRIEL! I'M READY FOR MY CHILDREN TO BE HOME!"

Yes, I'm restless! I'm longing for "home"! And, I'm watching the sky to see if He is "coming in the clouds"! But, while I am waiting...I will prepare!