Pastor Buddy’s Blog

Expect the unexpected…

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Journal,

I had an interesting devotional this morning. My reading had brought me to Isaiah 64. As I was reading, two statements stood out. From my past experiences I knew the Lord was calling these statements to my heart. (Don’t you love it when He does this.)

In verse 3, Isaiah spoke of how God, “Did awesome things which we did not expect.” The other statment was in verse 4, where Isaiah spoke of God, “Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him.”

The impression that the Lord was speaking to me was so real that I wrote next to that Scripture portion, ‘August 6, 2007.’ Then I wrote in my ‘Gems for Jesus, “This is the Lord’s word to me on this day.”

Well, that’s the way it has been over my many years of walking with the Lord. He will lift a promise out of the Bible and place it right in my heart. But that’s not the only way Jesus shares to me. He has given me dreams, and visions, and special words spoken directly to my spirit. Of course He speaks to me through others.

The Lord’s ways of giving guidance to His children are varied and many. Yet I still love how He speaks to me from the Scriptures themselves. It is as if He lifts the words off the page, regardless of context, to give me faith and assurance that things are well taken care of.

So today I heard two things - First, I am to expect the unexpected. Secondly, all I need to do is wait on Him.

It gets even more interesting. Later this morning we had a call from Cabrini Hospital. In talking with the lady, seems we had a bit misunderstanding about my trip to MD Anderson in Houston. I’m not going there merely for an evaluation. I’m being sent for a stem cell transplant.

That bit of information stirred my heart. I instantly knew that it had a connection to my morning devotion.

Anyway, I did a bit of research on stem cell transplants for CLL, and found some very positive information. Of course I don’t want to read too much in this. The thrill for me came earlier this morning when the Lord told me to expect the unexpected. All I have to do now is wait on Him for the unexpected.

Talking about thrills, yesterday was a day of much excitement. Several things were in play. Right after church, Nathan was to leave with a ministry team to Mexico, where they’ll do work at the orphanage in Reynosa. Andre, Judy, and Justin are already there. Believe there are 14 people to help out.

Our morning service was simply awesome. David Stellwagon led us in such uplifting worship. Right after the greeting time, Nathan ask me to share with the congregation the latest news on our forthcoming trip to MD Anderson. I wanted to give our folks the assurances that we were doing fine, and that everything was alright. It was such a tender moment. Betty came and stood with me.

All I can say is ‘How precious the congregation of Christian Challenge.’ If there was ever a loving church family, Christian Challenge has to be at the top of the list. (Course every crow thinks her little ones are the blackest of the flock.)

And when Nathan took the pulpit it happened again. He ministered on the subject, ‘Peter’s Partnership Agreement.’ As I listen to Nathan speak, sometimes I feel like a youngster in the ministry. Nathan has such an ability to break open the Scriptures and make them come to life. I have to believe that some of his ability comes from being raised in a Christian home and from years of personal experience in serving in the ministry. (Nathan was licensed to preach at age 15.)

Yesterday evening at 6 p.m. was my Bible study. We had a good turn out. I shared from Isaiah 12 on the subject, ‘The Springs of Salvation.’ Following the teaching? we had another wonderful time of sharing and followed up with prayer. I was impressed that we should pray for family members who may be straying or struggling. Another precious moment.

I can’t wait for our Wednesday evening service. Various members have been giving their personal testimonies. It is so wonderful to hear how they came to the Lord. God’s children can be so transparent. Tina Frick will be sharing this week. She is such a sweet heart. Tina is like one of my kids. She is another one that I dearly love to pick at.

Let’s see - What can I leave with you How about another my songs. Oh yeah. Here is a good one. It is titled ‘Run Devil Run!’ (Pretty catchy huh.) Here it tis:

http://www.christianchallenge.org/audio/music/11_Run%20Devil%20Run.mp3

Much more love coming your way,

The son of Grace,

Buddy