Greetings,
You may be thinking, "that’s a pretty unusual title" but I want to explain the reasoning I chose Highly Exhausted and not Highly Exalted. God truly is highly exalted, above all other gods that may try to take His place or fill voids in our lives, however this title comes from a different approach.
Beginning Monday December 6th I began a fast that I have never partaken of in my life. For 3 days I fasted all three meals, as well as any by products that may have taken the edge off my hunger (except for a mint to satisfy the cruelness of a starved breath). Monday was a bit challenging not being able to eat breakfast; lunch came as a passing aggravating gnat, and supper was an incredible test as I ate from scripture while my family ate physically. I tried to justify reasons for not continuing the fast through Tuesday, however God's convictions pressed me onward.
As I teach and preach on fasting I explain that through fasting there is very little "boom revelations". What I mean by that is that through fasting and praying you are in a great dependency upon God for His strength as you relinquish your ability to strengthen yourself You carry burdens of your fellow brothers and sisters and continue to pursue intervention for them through prayer and supplication. Tuesday was a bit more difficult, but it was incredibly amazing. I felt impressed to dedicate my prayers that day for my fellow brother. He was to deliver His own fathers eulogy and needed great strength from God. I felt a since of Aaron and Moses brotherhood. As he delivered the message it was very humbling to hold his spiritual arms up as his spirit fought unwaveringly through the battle.
Earlier that morning (which I had decided early on - Tuesday was to be my last day of Fasting) I extracted a few dollars from our savings to pursue a transfer into another account. While knowing the balance before hand, I proceeded to request a printable balance- that is when God spoke! Our balance revealed at least a hundred dollars to the greater than what we had originally knew. As tears streamed my face and my voice quivered under the divine intervention and thanksgiving before God, the Holy Spirit spoke almost audibly into my heart and said "If you thinks that something, try me one more day" I quickly made up my mind to fast a third day.
On Wednesday it was especially difficult to fast. My hunger was so intense and overwhelming that my prayers throughout the entire day where for an intervening strength from God himself! Many Christians fast for blessings, or to persuade God's decision- but I am sorely convicted to fast for a selfish ambition for my own blessings. I am so greatly blessed and so undeserving of them that all that my sacrifice comes as a request for God to afflict me with the burdens and passions of others. My desires are in wanting God's desires. I continued throughout the entire day to seek the face of God, to pursue the will of my Father and intervene in prayer. I didn't receive a booming revelation or a supernatural vision as before, but the spiritual high that God placed me on was incredibly exhausting after being removed from that mountain of intervention.
It is my belief that God desires many others to fast and sacrifice on a grander scale, however our middle classed minds are so apprehensive to give up what we think we cannot afford. "How can I give more in tithes and offerings when I can barely pay my own bills" seems to be the on going excuses. What if we just tried God? Do we really trust Him to provide and not own understandings? God revealed the reason of my fast Wednesday night. I have been so burdened by giving more and wanting to help those in need, but I had no clue to what sacrificing really means. By giving up something that I crave daily and view as a great necessity in my life- God was able to show me what giving really means. I was physically deprived of my bodies natural need to eat, but found it so worth the fight to sacrifice. God is faithful to those who are faithful.
2010-12-10
2010-11-01
From the desk of Pastor Shane
Trunk-or-Treat went off without a hitch, but definitely with God. Our youth have put together a drama team, that is astounding to say the least, and have dedicated themselves to a new type of ministry. Last night 10/31/2010 was there first time presenting their new drama (which was also the first time ever the drama team has performed) "The Champion" by Carmen. These kids are inspirational and have been greatly inspired by God. To watch them grow and mature in their faith is such an honor and privilege and I am truly grateful to have been given this great opportunity to teach and lead them.
If you missed the message last night, it was entitled Ghost Hunting. There are many aspects of evil and attaching demonic forces that we as Christians have come to accept at the norm of our everyday life. When we finally realize that we must stand for God and His statutes it is then we will see God heal our land. (that's basically it in a nut shell)
We are going to be having a great time this weekend Nov 6 at our Firehouse starting at 7am for a yard sale. I hope you will all come out to support us and receive free coffee and refreshments.
In Christ,
Pastor Shane
If you missed the message last night, it was entitled Ghost Hunting. There are many aspects of evil and attaching demonic forces that we as Christians have come to accept at the norm of our everyday life. When we finally realize that we must stand for God and His statutes it is then we will see God heal our land. (that's basically it in a nut shell)
We are going to be having a great time this weekend Nov 6 at our Firehouse starting at 7am for a yard sale. I hope you will all come out to support us and receive free coffee and refreshments.
In Christ,
Pastor Shane
2010-08-17
James 2: 14-26
Floods, Persecution Crisis Grows in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, August 16, 2010 - Christians here, who have been suffering a new a wave of terror from Islamic extremists and criminals, are now facing terrible flooding. They are desperately in need of more emergency help now. The Christians in many areas are under a virtual state of siege according to eye-witness reports from indigenous missionaries in Pakistan.
"The crisis aid we sent in July for survivors of the persecution in Faisalabad got through and is making a big difference," says the Christian Aid director for South Asia, but there are now many more needs in Pakistan. This is all made more urgent by the worst flooding in 80 years.
More than 1,500 people have died and 200,000 Christian families are among the 20 million affected by the disaster. Three million are homeless. The flooding began in the frontier regions of Peshawar, northwest Pakistan and across the border in Taliban-infested Afghanistan. However, they have now spread downward throughout the country.
Christian Aid Mission had established an emergency fund to help care for survivors after Pastor Rashid Emmanuel and his brother were murdered during a court appearance in Faisalabad, Pakistan last month. The brothers were brought to court under draconian blasphemy laws designed to persecute Christians and other minorities. Since then, the needs have expanded beyond persecution.
Those wishing to help the widows, orphans and other survivors of anti-Christian violence in Pakistan and the flood victims may give online or send contributions to Christian Aid Mission, Box 9037, Charlottesville, VA 22906. Gifts should be designated to fund code 470PERS.
"Native missionaries are grateful for the help we are sending but the needs are increasing every day - we must send more help," said the director.
Most of the central provinces have been flooded including the rich agricultural heartland of Punjab. Bridges are out everywhere downstream, and in some places, like the Swat Valley, all the bridges are gone! There is a growing fear that cholera will spread and the reconstruction will take years.
Meanwhile, there is still a need for ongoing relief to thousands of Christian families who were burned out of their homes and shops during the organized persecution campaigns that began last month.
After the murders of the Emmanuel brothers by masked gunmen, thousands of Muslims went on a rampage in the nearby Christian communities of Warispura and Daunagar. Automatic weapons fire and rioting continued for days and Christian lawyers say the police did nothing to stop the looting of Christian shops and homes.
Christian leaders begged Christian Aid to alert Christians in America and around the world to pray for them - and response is starting to arrive.
The Christian brothers were falsely accused of posting blasphemous posters at a local train station by the single witness of Khurram Shahzad, a Muslim man. The posters were later proven to be forgeries by police investigators.
The Emmanuel brothers had headed a non-profit organization called the United Ministries Pakistan located in the Warispura Christian community of Faisalabad.
Almost daily over the last month, threats of violence and physical attacks have occurred against Christian Pakistanis. Several other reports of killings and burnings have been documented from various parts of the country and in nearby Afghanistan since this current anti-Christian persecution began.
"We will continue to send help to both the flood victims and persecuted believers in Pakistan," said the Field Director for South Asia, "just as we have for many years."
Click here to help persecuted believers and flood victims in Pakistan.
Christian Aid Mission
email: insider@christianaid.org
phone: 800-977-5650
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, August 16, 2010 - Christians here, who have been suffering a new a wave of terror from Islamic extremists and criminals, are now facing terrible flooding. They are desperately in need of more emergency help now. The Christians in many areas are under a virtual state of siege according to eye-witness reports from indigenous missionaries in Pakistan.
"The crisis aid we sent in July for survivors of the persecution in Faisalabad got through and is making a big difference," says the Christian Aid director for South Asia, but there are now many more needs in Pakistan. This is all made more urgent by the worst flooding in 80 years.
More than 1,500 people have died and 200,000 Christian families are among the 20 million affected by the disaster. Three million are homeless. The flooding began in the frontier regions of Peshawar, northwest Pakistan and across the border in Taliban-infested Afghanistan. However, they have now spread downward throughout the country.
Christian Aid Mission had established an emergency fund to help care for survivors after Pastor Rashid Emmanuel and his brother were murdered during a court appearance in Faisalabad, Pakistan last month. The brothers were brought to court under draconian blasphemy laws designed to persecute Christians and other minorities. Since then, the needs have expanded beyond persecution.
Those wishing to help the widows, orphans and other survivors of anti-Christian violence in Pakistan and the flood victims may give online or send contributions to Christian Aid Mission, Box 9037, Charlottesville, VA 22906. Gifts should be designated to fund code 470PERS.
"Native missionaries are grateful for the help we are sending but the needs are increasing every day - we must send more help," said the director.
Most of the central provinces have been flooded including the rich agricultural heartland of Punjab. Bridges are out everywhere downstream, and in some places, like the Swat Valley, all the bridges are gone! There is a growing fear that cholera will spread and the reconstruction will take years.
Meanwhile, there is still a need for ongoing relief to thousands of Christian families who were burned out of their homes and shops during the organized persecution campaigns that began last month.
After the murders of the Emmanuel brothers by masked gunmen, thousands of Muslims went on a rampage in the nearby Christian communities of Warispura and Daunagar. Automatic weapons fire and rioting continued for days and Christian lawyers say the police did nothing to stop the looting of Christian shops and homes.
Christian leaders begged Christian Aid to alert Christians in America and around the world to pray for them - and response is starting to arrive.
The Christian brothers were falsely accused of posting blasphemous posters at a local train station by the single witness of Khurram Shahzad, a Muslim man. The posters were later proven to be forgeries by police investigators.
The Emmanuel brothers had headed a non-profit organization called the United Ministries Pakistan located in the Warispura Christian community of Faisalabad.
Almost daily over the last month, threats of violence and physical attacks have occurred against Christian Pakistanis. Several other reports of killings and burnings have been documented from various parts of the country and in nearby Afghanistan since this current anti-Christian persecution began.
"We will continue to send help to both the flood victims and persecuted believers in Pakistan," said the Field Director for South Asia, "just as we have for many years."
Click here to help persecuted believers and flood victims in Pakistan.
Christian Aid Mission
email: insider@christianaid.org
phone: 800-977-5650
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