God's grace

God's power, it's unlike ours in that it has no limits, no wearing out, and it's not at all dependant upon any others. Terrible storm last night. Torrential rain, high winds, basement flooded when the sump pump failed. We had an 8 gallon, 4 hp shop vac someone had just given us, what a blessing. But it was taking forever! Then I walked over to the sump, lifted it up, set it back down, and it worked! After an hour of "shop-vaccing" I felt we had gotten no where, but after seconds of the right tool for the job was turned back on, all the water was gone. The power of God verses our own power and strength is a lot like that. Except a lot more! I was going to wear out, literally. My strength was waning big time. Then God showed up, yes, in the form of a working sump pump. As I was sitting here this morning I was thinking about how much we need God's provision for our family, how much we need His power and strength, versus our own. As I was saying this to my wife, she pulled out a power cord she had just found, and was looking for. The power of God, that's what we need, and we prayed for that together, for our family and for our ministry. God uses little things like lost power cords and properly working sump pumps to remind us of His strength, His power. Without it, we are like a shop vac trying to clean out the ocean. During the storm God had me praying, intensely. Normally I just enjoy the beauty of a storm, this was different. I found out later there was much damage in many places. But my prayer was a reminder, we are in a storm, a storm that is claiming souls, and we need to be praying Church, and we need your prayers to do the work we are trying to do. As I was hauling bucket load after bucket load, up and down the stairs, that was my prayer, that we, The Church, would pray more, and more people praying, for our work. Our work of evangelism, our work of taking people to God who need a major cleansing, that only Christ can provide. Please Church, pray, intently, as if lives depend on it, because they do, everyday. After the storm, the next morning, I walked around, and there was debris everywhere. It reminded me of the state of people's hearts, and it made me sad. I remembered after the storm, the night before, I had watched a story about WWII, and Hitler and his men. They have video of them walking and laughing, carrying on as if they hadn't committed some of the greatest atrocities in all of history, and I asked how, why? Sin was the Lord's response. People are not a good judge of their own hearts, they can't see how evil they've become. As I looked at the wreckage from the storm, and remembered the carnage of Hitler and crew, I was reminded of what sin does to people, and how horrible it is. God has given me compassion for them, for the lost. They need Jesus, just like I need Him so badly. He wants us to be clean, just like that shower I took after my basement workout, dead things floating around in the water I was in, that shower never felt so good. And so His grace will feel even better as the graceless world gets to feel His grace for the very first time. They are reaching, and we need to be giving. "Lord help us. help us to give all we can, and receive all You have. It will always be enough, Your grace always is." In grace, Tim

My hope for the Dakota nation.

I spoke this May 18th 2014 at the Dakota Peace Celebration in Mankato MN, where 38 Dakota's were hung. We are one blood, one nation. Adam and Eve were God's first creation. One blood. Then Noah, eight souls on the ark, one family, one blood. It is important that we realize, we are all of one blood, we are one nation. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17 NIV) 13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” Exodus 33:13 May 18, 2014 The Way and the Glory “Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.” (Exodus 33:13) “Moses the man of God” (Deuteronomy 33:1) was surely one of the greatest men who ever lived. He was the leader of a great nation, he received the tablets of the law from God. It was said that “there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10). Yet, “the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). It was such a man as this who made two remarkable requests of God. The first was, as above: “Show me now Your way.” The second, just a moment later, was: “Show me Your glory” (Exodus 33:18). These were not selfish requests. Moses desired the way of the Lord on behalf of his people. God answered this request with the gracious promise: “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). But then he also asked to see the glory of God. So God placed Moses “in a clift of the rock,” covering him with His hand as His glory passed by, allowing him to see the remnants of His glory, as it were (Exodus 33:22-23), since he could not have endured any more. With such a vision of God’s glory, Moses was then able to lead the Israelite multitude for 40 years in a terrible wilderness, transforming them from a mob of slaves into God’s chosen nation, ready to bring God’s Word, and God’s Son, into the world. We also can see His way and His glory. Jesus said: “I am the way” (John 14:6). Then He prayed: “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory” (John 17:24). Interesting, this was yesterday’s message, and would have fit perfectly with Emmitt Eastman! May 17, 2014 Running to Christ “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10) When one realizes that he is lost and that only Christ can save him, he should not delay a moment but come immediately to Christ. There are, in fact, several men in the New Testament who actually ran to Him. There was the man possessed with a whole legion of demons. “But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him” (Mark 5:6), and Jesus set him free. Then there was a young man who wanted to learn of Christ. When he found that Jesus was going away, he came “running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). Unfortunately, his sincerity failed when he realized the cost. Zeal without sacrifice is dead, as is faith without works. There was another wealthy man who was willing to pay the price. “And [Zacchaeus] ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way” (Luke 19:4). The conversion of Zacchaeus was genuine, and he demonstrated it by a changed and sacrificial life. In Christ’s suffering on the cross, He spoke of His awful thirst, and an unknown observer “ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink” (Mark 15:36). Christ will not forget this expression of concern and sympathy. After His burial, Mary Magdalene came back to tell Peter and John that the tomb was open. “So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. . . . and he saw, and believed” (John 20:4-8). All who hasten wholeheartedly to Christ, sincerely seeking to know and serve Him, will find salvation in His name, for “the name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” HMM

No more tickling ears

I believe we are living in a time when teaching the truth isn't good enough, apart from being filled with the Spirit. If you are a teacher, pastor, leader, we need to be filled with God's Spirit in order to be far away from this promise: "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." (2 Tim 4:3) I believe we have seen the last generation that has come, and is going on now, that could simply teach without power. (Luke 24:14) "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." If we are trying to do this, to live, or to teach in Christ, we must receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit that was promised. You must no longer teach in your own power and strength. You must be clothed in His power and authority, and not your own anymore. The world does not need more of us, it needs more of Christ. Beware Christian leaders, beware of the seduction of your own abilities. They at best are failing.

Waiting on The Lord: No Compromise, and staying in the fear of the Lord

From my facebook post today: I feel like I am being asked to join a circus, complete with a merry-go-round. (My wife had a vision of this this morning as we prayed!) I am being asked to consider some things, so could still use prayer. From "The Great House of God", (Lucado), Just like we need forgiveness other people do too. There comes a time in every relationship where it can be damaging to seek justice, and settling the score only starts a fire. There comes a time when the best thing you can do is accept your brother and offer him the same grace you've been given. (My paraphrase) I have given up the right to choose what is best for me, I have given that choice to the Lord, who always knows better anyhow. Don't forget, "You alone are wise, oh Lord." Like · · Share Tim Stromer A friend just showed up yesterday after work, exactly where I was helping out, and he said, "I really felt like God was telling me to come here, and now I know why." He had no idea I would be there. Yet another friend felt strongly he was supposed to call me and counseled me, and prayed over me. Man it's sweet to have Godly friends! Another friend sent me this last night:April 29 Listening with Purpose 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Yesterday we learned about hearing the Word with eagerness and attentiveness. Now, let’s think about approaching the Bible purposefully, expectantly, and prayerfully. Christians study the Scriptures not just individually but also corporately to learn more about God and His ways. Underlying this simple concept is a big challenge. To gather biblical knowledge with purpose means determining in our heart to obey what we hear (Ps. 119:33). And to do so expectantly means we believe that the Lord is going to speak specifically to us (Ps. 25:4). Sermons, Sunday school lessons, and quiet times on our own are all things to be anticipated. God uses these to build us up, strengthen us, or offer us comfort—He certainly makes listening to Him worthwhile. And obedience is the only proper response to this kind of personal attention. Approaching the reading of Scripture prayerfully prepares our hearts to listen well and ushers in an attitude of purpose and expectancy. Today’s passage tells the story of young Samuel’s first encounter with God. The priest Eli gives the boy valuable advice—that when the Lord calls, he should say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (v. 9). Pray those simple words with conviction before you open your Bible, and you will hear God more clearly. If you want to experience God working in your life, come to Scripture with a prayerful, expectant, purpose-filled attitude. The mourner will be comforted. The weary will gain strength. Those convicted of their sin will repent and know peace. All will sense joy. Recognize what a gift God’s Word is. 12 mins · Like Tim Stromer Also from my daily study today: May 1, 2014 Waiting “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?” (Mark 13:4) Whether things are going well or not, we must not be misled into a false sense of security. The disciples were looking at the beautiful and serene temple and grounds, but Christ predicted unprecedented destruction. “There shall not be left one stone upon another” (v. 2). Nor should we allow ourselves to be deceived by false prophets (vv. 5-6). Scripture gives ample information to allow us to identify and shun these “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” But to our shame, false teachings permeate our churches and television airwaves. Furthermore, when natural calamities and world turmoil cascade in on us (vv. 7-8), we must not be frozen with fear. These things must come (v. 7). Persecution must come also (vv. 9-12). We must not allow ourselves to be intimidated in our witness or tripped up by bitterness. Instead, we must “endure” and remain loyal to Him (v. 13). We must be at work to spread the gospel to all nations (v. 10) in spite of the opposition. And, “take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is” (v. 33). Let us commit ourselves to the attitude of heart and life He commanded. 4 mins · Like Tim Stromer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6X71sXagUY This came to mind as well. Man I LOVE the Lord, He is SO kind! Thank You Lord, I will wait.

How to play anointed music

Anointed means to "smear." (As in oil, but also, as in His Spirit, all over you) A person is first given gifts, even if they don't use those gifts for God, He gives them anyway, "Without repentance." Then when He calls someone to use a particular gift for Him, He then anoints that person to use that gift for Him, and then His Spirit flows through that person, which is where we Christians can "bear witness" with God's Spirit that indeed the Spirit of God is flowing through this "Chosen vessel of Mine." King David had a "Heart after God" and often times we see God filling David's mouth with praise. His prolific songwriting, or song receiving, is made evident to us through the Psalms, many of whom were penned by David as he worshiped God as a shepherd boy. Often times we tend to confuse talent with anointing, or God's call on someones life. Elvis started out singing hymns in his mom's church, and his mom loved that. Elvis rebelled against God and except for a few of his Gospel records, we still feel God's anointing, but often times we feel his giftings more. One of my personal favorites is Phil Keaggy. When, in his own words, he was trying to be "a little Beatle," he and his friends grew tired of it, and then as Buck Herring told me with Phil's release of True Believer, he was "Back worshiping God." (Though I would say Find Me in These Fields, Phil's and my favorite of the Beatlesque releases, was definitely closer to the worship category.) Phil was made to worship the Lord, and anytime he strays from that, God's anointing is felt a little less than when he worships God through his voice and guitar. Keith Green could not feel God's anointing on his records unless he played them "live" in the studio, recording both vocal tracks & piano at the same time. He was just trying to be obedient to what The Spirit was telling him to do, that was the hallmark of Keith's life. We were made to worship God with our voices and instruments, this is what makes Jesus music full of Jesus. Operating in God's anointing is different for each of us because it requires us to be obedient to what He has called us to do. Maybe instead of an entertainer Elvis was supposed to be a worship leader in the first mega church! How do we hear God's voice, and then produce music for Jesus? First, commit your life to Christ, and pray a prayer of committing your life to Him, something like: "Jesus, I admit that I have sinned, I have done wrong things, and I ask You to forgive me. I believe You died and rose again and that Your blood washed away my sins. I now commit to following You, serving and loving You, and I will live for You all the rest of my life, in Jesus Name, Amen." Once you've committed your life to Christ, then we pray that He would fill you with His Holy Spirit, in Jesus name. Once He's filled you, you now can receive His words of life that He alone has, and He can produce in you His Jesus words, His Jesus Music, His life giving gifts that He has given you, and longed for you to use them for Him, for His purpose, for His glory! Once you have been filled with His Holy Spirit, then you need to discern what His call is for your life. If it is to use your musical gifts for Him, then pray about how He would have you progress in fulfilling His will for your life, because remember, it's not about you, it's all about Him. As He fulfills His purpose in you, everything you do to the glory of God, He will use. You may spend the rest of your days singing songs of life to just your children. You may go on the road and work really hard and never get that record deal, but you may lead thousands to Christ. Or like David starting out, maybe your audience will be a bunch of sheep on a hill somewhere.

Tree's without fruit

Today's lesson is about bad fruit, and trees that can't produce good fruit. If we reject the Word of God, or put man's words above God's Word, then it's end is a spiral death with no hope. I was just with a group of men who do not believe the Word is true, accurate, or that the events like the death and resurrection of Jesus is even true. Before I met with them I was reminded of the scripture when Jesus sent out the disciples two by two, "Shake the dust off your feet..." if they don't receive you. (Matthew 10:14) One of the men I met with even quoted that scripture after our meeting, as if it was a good thing they were doing, rejecting the Word. They forget the verse after: 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city! So I left. The funny thing is, not only did their beliefs not match what the Word says, even their own book of doctrine doesn't! So what is their foundation? Matthew 7:24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” And it's fall was great...I don't want my friends to fail, get hurt, or leave Christ, or His word, because I know what can happen if they don't repent. I loved them too much not to say something. "Lord, please heal us, save us, deliver us from our own minds, deliver us from satan and his deceptive power. Let us think the thoughts of God, for His thoughts are powerful, right and good. They alone can set the captives free. Your Word oh Lord, Your Word alone. In Jesus name, amen." Study thanks to ICR & their daily "Days of Praise" April 25, 2014 Fruitless Trees “Woe to them! . . . trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots.” (Jude 1:11-12) Many illustrations in Scripture compare the responsibility of trees to bear fruit and the responsibility of Christians to produce righteousness. The reason for the frequent comparisons is that “a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit” (Luke 6:43). It is easy to tell what kind a tree is because “every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes” (Luke 6:44). Jude is making the point, however, that there are “trees” planted amidst the orchard of God’s Kingdom churches that have withering “fruit” or have already been rooted up as worthless, fruitless, and twice-dead. These trees have absolutely no place among the healthy trees. At best they scar and mar the beauty of the orchard, and at worst they spread their decay and rot throughout it. Another very important point is that trees that have withered or cannot produce good fruit are not salvageable. All of nature demonstrates and reinforces the eternal principle that “every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit” (Matthew 7:17). Such dead, fruitless trees are to be “hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Matthew 3:10). The common thread in all of these several pictures by Jude is the damage that can be done by ungodly “tares” among the wheat (Matthew 13:24-30), fig trees that should be providing nourishment but do not (Luke 13:6-9), and plants that are choked by “cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches” (Mark 4:19). All of these can spread the “leaven” through the whole “lump” and undermine the work of God (Galatians 5:9). HMM III A few scriptures since this was written: “[They are] raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame.” (Jude 1:13) “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt” (Isaiah 57:20). Paul warned the Corinthian church about those who dealt with “hidden things of dishonesty,” were “walking in craftiness,” or were “handling the word of God deceitfully.” In vivid contrast, Paul and his co-laborers openly displayed “the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (2 Corinthians 4:2). Like Jude, Paul forecasts only destruction for these kinds of people. They brag “in their shame” and have their mind set on “earthly things” (Philippians 3:19). “Foaming” at the mouth is frequently connected with demonic oppression in Scripture (Mark 9:17-18; Luke 9:39; etc.). Medically, the symptom is seldom positive. Perhaps Jude is offering a glimpse of the devilish source of such “raging” and raising a further alarm. As I read that last line, written in today's "Daily Praise" for ICR, I was astonished that one of the men who I met with actually did this everytime he got upset. He foamed at the mouth, and would get livid about evolution, and other anti God statements. He was the one that would not allow me to pray for the three men I was meeting with. So glad God has power over the enemy, and it's His wisdom I choose to trust in, in Jesus name, Amen.

Waterless clouds and broken cisterns.

There are men among us, people who teach lies, who have rebelled against God's truth, and who now are offended when people speak the truth. They teach that the bible is not the Word of God, that it was written by men, and it is fallible. I have even been with a group of "christian men" who do not believe in the literal death and resurrection of Christ, and forgiveness through Christ's blood. I am even being called to answer for my beliefs on this, even today. I have heard many times that the Cross of Christ offends, but this is the first time I have been confronted with it by "christians." I am reminded of Christ facing His accusers, or Luther standing before his catholic brethren. People that teach that the Word of God is not true, are broken cisterns, that hold no water. Jeremiah 2:13 “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water. They are clouds without water. Jude 1: 12 These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; 13 raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. Paul warned Titus about many “unruly and vain talkers and deceivers” who must be stopped so that “good men” would become “sound in the faith” (Titus 1:8-13). Thus, Jude compares those who hinder “the faith” to those who appear to represent godly pursuits and character but are empty of the refreshing and guiding power of the Holy Spirit and void of biblical wisdom and insight. They are “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14) and “serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:18). (The last few paragraphs were from my daily bible study, from this morning. The broken cistern concept came from an ICR mag that came in the mail yesterday, that I felt led to read last night. The Lord is confirming His word, even before I speak.) But I have prayed for this men, these "waterless clouds" and " broken cisterns" that the Holy Spirit would teach them, and that the truth would set them free, and that I, if I get the opportunity, would through kindness and love speak to them, for it is God's kindness that lead me to repentance, and it's only His kindness that can do it again for us all. Pray for me, that I would love these men, that I like Christ, would even be willing to lay my life down for them.