Another Answered Prayer…God doesn't miss anything!!

I shared this on my "Morning Sonshine" devotional today, but I wanted to share it here too!

One of my favorite promises is Ephesians 3:20. I've probably already quoted it on this blog a couple times. It says:

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."

For quite a few months now, I've been writing down each answer to prayer that I receive. I actually challenged God awhile back that I wanted to see Him answer at least one prayer every day. I don't have the courage yet to pray for "one soul a day" like Praying Hyde prayed for, but I do have courage to ask for one answered prayer every day!

Well, since I put God to this challenge, I've of course been praying quite fervently. And He's been faithfully answering. Every single day He gives me answered prayers, often times more than one. I never realized before how faithful He always takes care of me, and how He's working in my life until I started trying to keep record. It's amazing…

Well, yesterday was extra-ordinary as I have SEVEN answers to prayer, all in one day!!!!! ;-) But there's one in specific I have to share about. To most people this wouldn't seem that exciting or special, but to me, it means the world.

You see, for a number of months now, I've been trusting God with my needs. One thing that I've been praying for since January is for some gravel to make a parking spot for my car, and for my driveway, so I don't get stuck when it rains. It's not anything urgent…and I could probably survive another few years without getting it, but it's just something I need. God has sent me funds…but to be honest, besides paying essential bills, I just have a hard time using them on myself or on stuff here around the house as I know there are so many people dying without a knowledge of the truth. So…. although I probably could have bought the gravel by now, I just haven't been able to do it. So I've kept praying!

Well, yesterday, Dad came to my office where I was working and he was very urgent. I need your help to drive the truck to the local community church, about 5 miles away. They have a pile of gravel there, and they have used all they need, now they are trying to get rid of it. They just called and asked if we could use any? I was so shocked. I was like, "Daddy! I've been PRAYING for GRAVEL!! In fact, I just prayed for it this morning!!!" Now my dad was shocked. "Really?? You never told me! But I guess you told the right person. You told God."

So we went to get gravel. We got like 4 truck loads of the stuff, plus 2 trailer loads. It was enough to fill in most of the ruts in our driveway, make me a parking spot, plus put gravel on the wet places around my jogging trail. At the end, our neighbor even brought over one more tractor barrow of the stuff that he still hadn't found a place for. (Talk about personal delivery!) I couldn't believe it! My mom told me, "All the years we've lived here, we've never been given free gravel before! Truly God answers prayer!"

Again, to some, this may seem crazy to get excited about, but I have just been in awe and thanksgiving ever since. God knew I didn't want to spend the money on the stuff, so He just gave it to me, without charge! Isn't He amazing???

I could go on and on telling you stories of the way He's answering my prayers. It's unbelievable! We truly serve an amazing God. And I'm so grateful that He cares not just about our big problems, but about little things too, like gravel for our driveway! ;-))))

Lessons from Those who've Suffered for their Faith!

Just finished reading the Sabina Wurmbrand story in the book "The Pastor's Wife." Simply amazing! I had already read the book "Tortured for Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand, and have really been getting more and more involved in supporting the ministry they started, "Voice of the Martyrs." Anyway… If you need a fresh dose of faith and inspiration up against unbelievable hardships and trials, this book has it.

Let me share a little bit about this amazing women of God!

Sabin Wurmbrand, at the age of 23, met and married Richard Wurmbrand. Neither were Christians when they married. However, while they were spending some time that first year in the mountains of Romania for Richard to recover from a health issue, both Sabina and Richard were converted to the Christian faith. Upon returning to their home in Bucharest, they joined the Anglican Mission Church.

During occupation Romania during World War II, Sabina’s parents, two sisters, and one brother were killed in Nazi concentration camps and in the ensuing years the couple spent their time rescuing Jewish children from ghettos that they were forced to live in by the Nazi regime. They also taught in bomb shelters and were arrested several times for underground Christian activities.

After the war a million Russian troops poured into Romania, enabling the Communists to seize power. As the communists attempted to control the churches for their own purposes, Richard & Sabina Wurmbrand immediately began an effective “underground” ministry to their enslaved people and the invading Russian soldiers. The Wurmbrands also traveled to Budapest, smuggling in goods and food that were needed by refugees living there. During her travels, Sabina actively spoke to the Russian occupation troops about the Christian faith. In 1946-47 she organized Christian camps for Romania’s religious leaders of all denominations and conducted street meetings with gatherings of up to 5,000 people. This was the beginnings of what would become “Voice of the Martyrs.”

One day during a great communist convention on which they were required to attend, they sat watching pastor after pastor get up and praise the new Stalin government and leadership. Both Sabina and Richard were infuriated. Finally, Sabina whispered to her husband. "Will you not wash this shame from the face of Christ?” He responded. “IF I speak, you will loose a husband.” She replied, “I don’t need a coward for a husband.” Richard did get up and speak for the glory of Christ that day and what he said made such a stir and had the leaders so angry that they had to shut down the entire convention for that day, and they severed the wires to the microphone as his message was going out all over Romania!

A few months later, Richard was arrested. It was 1948. As a result of his stand for Christ and Christian work, he spent a total of 14 years in Communist prisons, three of those years in solitary confinement, suffering unimaginable torture at the hands of his captors. 

Not many women have had their faith tested like Sabina Wurmbrand. Though she suffered much sorrow and loss during the war and post-war years, she never gave up her faith. During Richard’s imprisonment, Sabina selflessly helped the persecuted church while struggling herself for survival for her and her young son. Sabina was eventually arrested herself and spent three years in Romanian slave labor camps and prisons, where they were beaten and abused and starved, and had to deal with unimaginable conditions of hardships. Many women died, and only those who had faith kept their sanity. What was the hardest is that she had to leave her young son to live on the streets and with the care of friends. 

After being released, she spent several years under house arrest. The Communist leaders offered her freedom if she would divorce her husband and renounce her faith. She refused although she didn't even know if he was still alive. They then told her that her husband died in prison. She would not believe the report and kept a hope alive that she would see her husband again someday.

In 1964 Richard was released from prison returned home. He soon resumed his work. In 1965, the Wurmbrand family was ransomed from Romania for $10,000 and Richard was warned again not to preach. The family traveled to Scandinavia and England before arriving in the United States, where Richard testified before the Senate in Washington, D.C. regarding his inhumane treatment in Communist prisons. His story and the stories of many thousands of persecuted Christians from behind the Iron and Bamboo Curtains were carried across the world in newspapers in USA, Europe, and Asia.

For the rest of their lives, Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand worked with “The Voice of the Martyrs” to serve the persecuted church around the world. Sabina actively spoke to churches, groups, and conferences for 32 years after the founding of the ministry and accompanied her husband to testify at Congressional hearings on religious persecution. 

Here in the freedom of the United States, we don't even understand what Christians around the world are dealing with today! However, I'm ashamed at my ignorance for so many years as I've discovered Christians are persecuted and imprisoned right now (over 200,000 of them) in Vietnam, China, North Korea, Cuba, Laoas, and even still in the former Soviet Union. In many other countries like the Middle East and in parts of Africa, Christians are threatened on a daily basis by radical Muslims. Many Christians are killed each day….yes, even today. I think of Pastor Saeed, an American Pastor from Idaho, that still lies locked alone in a prison in Iran! He's one face I know…but there are so many others that I don't know!

The Wurmbrand's challenge us today to not be silent, but to stand up, speak up, and do all in our power to help our persecuted brothers and sisters! What will you do today? What will I do today?

If God gives an "inch"…I'll take a MILE!

Golden was trained to be a teacher of biology. He was not raised as a Christian, but actually was a practicing Muslim. However, he was became sick. He didn't know what to do. One night he had a dream. In the dream he was told distinctly, “If you want to be healed, become a Christian.” He woke up from the dream and he said, “Ok, I’m sick, but I believe God is telling me that I need to be come a Christian and I will be healed.” So 27 years ago he became an Adventist Christian. He accepted the teaching and the beliefs of the Bible. And since he didn't know better (I say this tongue in cheek, as it seems that many modern day Christians don't believe that God can still do great things today) he began to apply what is in the Bible and pray for miracles. The gospel not only healed him, but changed his life, and as a result, he began to enthusiastically preach the gospel. 

As he grew spiritually, he decided he wanted to serve God full time. So he changed from being a biology teacher to farming so he could preach more. This brother is used by God. He is like modern people from Acts. 

A little while back he was in Malawi as a lay person. He brought at least 8,000 people to Christ, 50% of these come from Muslim background. A few months ago, Golden went to a village. There were only 80 SDA Christians in this village. So he went there and preached the gospel for 5 weeks. As a result, almost 3,000 were baptized. From 80 to 3,000 in less than 2 months ago. Some people may say, "Well that's Africa! These people are poor. They need Jesus! They are eager to learn!" But no! These are difficult areas where they haven't seen growth in years. Furthermore, he doesn’t rush people to go to baptism pool. He only chooses to baptize those that are really ready. One day when they were going to have a baptismal ceremony about 500 wanted to be baptized. But he only accepted 120 because he wants to study with the others more and make sure they are grounded spiritually. It's about quality of conversion, not just quantity. 

There are many other miracle stories I could share from this man's life. But if you ask him the secret to his success? It's fasting and prayer! Sometimes he prays for 7 hours a day! 

I don't have Golden's testimony yet…although I'm praying that my life could also demonstrate God's power, but let me share an answered prayer from this past weekend!

"He that began a good work in you will carry it forth unto completion!" Phil 1:6

To give some background, three weeks ago, I spoke in a small but beautiful congregation here in the area where I live. During this day, God blessed as many hearts were broken and many came forward asking for special prayer. One prayer request was for a husband that was estranged. The wife came forward pleading that God would restore her marriage. Her daughter (probably 12 years old) also came forward, asking for prayer that she could be reunited with her daddy. We all cried and prayed together.

Well, something God has been convicting me of for a long time is that when I go and speak, I must not just see people inspired, but I must see people changed. Also, that people will see ANSWERS to the prayers that we pray and know that there is POWER in prayer. It's not just a theory, it's a reality!!! Of course, neither of these goals can be accomplished without the power of the Holy Spirit. So every time I speak there is a lot of prayer (and often fasting) involved as I prepare. This weekend back in March was no different. Even after the seminar, I felt especially burdened for a number of the requests that were presented, and one being, that God would restore this relationship. In fact, my brother and some of my family have even joined me in praying for these requests over the last few weeks. I've been confident God will work, and I've just been waiting to hear what He would do.

As a result of how God blessed during this seminar in March,  I was invited to speak at another congregation in the month of April. Well, yesterday was the day, and so my brother and I again traveled some hours so I could speak and share.

To my surprise, who should greet me when I pulled up at the church yesterday, but this smiling middle-age man. He began telling me how much my prayer seminar had impacted his wife, how they'd been having marriage problems, but how God had been working in her life since the prayer seminar. And now he wanted to experience what she had experienced. He didn't even have to tell me his name. I looked at him incredulously! "You must be Bradley*?!!" He looked a bit startled. "How did you know?" he asked. "Because I've been praying for you BY NAME ever since that prayer seminar when I prayed for your wife last month! I'm sooooo excited to hear that God is working." He smiled and continued to tell me how God had been restoring the relationship with his daughters and how he had hope for what God was doing in their lives and in his marriage.

Wow! Truly God is working…And once again, I'm reminded, God does answer prayers!

Well - as you can guess, God once again blessed my time with this new congregation. In the afternoon, when I opened up the time for personal prayer burdens, we took turns surrounding each other in prayer, and Bradley* was one that we prayed for as we all wept (in sorrow for the struggles, and also in joy for what God was doing). I told those that surrounded him, "We may not have finished the story yet, God is still at work here, but just the fact that we are here and that God has given us this inch means that we need to claim the full MILE!!!!!! I believe that "He which started the work in us will be faithful to complete it!"

God answered many more prayer request yesterday during my prayer seminar, but I just had to share this one for now. The prayers are not over, we will continue to pray until we see complete victory and restoration. But I praise God, because of the signs that HE IS WORKING and it's obvious that He is ANSWERING OUR PRAYERS and doing something very special! 

“I asked the angel why there was no more faith and power in Israel. He said, “Ye let go of the arm of the Lord too soon. Press your petitions to the throne, and hold on by strong faith. The promises are sure. Believe ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.” I was then pointed to Elijah. He was subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly. His faith endured the trial. Seven times he prayed before the Lord, and at last the cloud was seen. I saw that we had doubted the sure promises, and wounded the Saviour by our lack of faith.” Early Writings, p. 73

We are told that Elijah did not wait for the full evidence that God had heard him, but was willing to venture all on the slightest token of divine favor. And yet what he was enabled to do under God, all may do in their sphere of activity in God’s service.

*Bradley is a pseudonym to protect privacy of individual!

"Keys to United Prayer" is now viewable!

Ok, this is my most FAVORITE TOPIC!!! (In case anyone wondered!)

I've just discovered that Part Two of our prayer program for HOPE TV is now online. (I'm not sure if it's even been broadcasted yet, but since it's online, I'm sharing it! :-) You can watch it by clicking the picture below. Enjoy, and please go grab some friends and start PRAYING!!!!

“The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church is looked forward to as in the future; but it is the privilege of the church to have it now. Seek for it, pray for it, believe for it. We must have it, and Heaven is waiting to bestow it.” The Review and Herald, March 19, 1895.

“The Latter Rain—Let Christians ... ask in faith for the promised blessing, and it will come. The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the former rain, and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant.” The Signs of the Times, February 17, 1914.

“These scenes [of Pentecost] are to be repeated and with greater power…” COL, p. 121

“He is well pleased when they make the very highest demands upon Him, that they may glorify His name. They may expect large things if they have faith in His promises.” DA, 668

Keys to Powerful Prayer!

Just wanted to share a recent program I had the privilege of recording with Janet Page for HOPE TV's "Ministry in Motion." We filmed two programs: one on how to grow your personal prayer life, and one on how grow a community through united prayer. The second program has not aired yet. But for now, here's the first! Click on the picture below to VIEW THIS PROGRAM and enjoy! And if you are blessed, please share with others.

"Ask and ye shall receive…" Matt. 7:7

“Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little. God is willing and ready to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children.” Steps to Christ, p. 94 

All Night Prayer and much more…

Just wanted to give a brief over-view in pictures of our last ARME conference that was held at Camp Young Judaea, a Jewish camp in central Texas. Once again, we saw God go above and beyond our expectations… It was amazing! Especially powerful was our two ALL-NIGHT prayer meetings. (See pictures and testimonies below.)

First off though, of course, at every ARME Bible Camp, there is lots of inspiring training, lots of Bible Study, and even times of testing, when attendees get to take turns (only if they choose) defending their faith by the Bible alone. Some of these pictures you can see below. (Our speakers included Pastor Ivor Myers, pictured directly below, as well as Ingo Sorke, also pictured below, Chair of the School of Religion for Southwestern. Other speakers included Evangelist Emanuel Baek, and Martin Kim.)

However, it was during the time of All-night Prayer, praying over the needs of our attendees, that we began to see real spiritual breakthrough and answers to prayer. We originally were planning to only host 1 all-night prayer session during our event. But the first night was so powerful, and many people had still not been prayed for, so we offered a second half-night. (Going 36+ hours without sleep isn't easy for us staff, but God really worked miracles for all of us these two nights. Although you can't tell in the pictures below, over 200 people took part in the all-night prayer.)

Below, I am sharing some Bible promises and encouraging people that as we pray for one another, we need to claim the Bible promises and stand upon the Word in Faith! People did this, and as a result, God worked in a mighty way for so many!

The next series of a pictures features a man named Dave. (He's the white guy with the beard in the black shirt!) He has been to three of our events now. The first one he didn't participate in anything, but had only grudgingly come because his ex-wife had pleaded with him to come. The second time he attended, just this past December, his life was totally changed and he gave his heart to God. The third event he attended, this past February as pictured below, he's now pouring out his life and heart for others, and he and his ex-wife are in the process of reconciliation. I thought it was so amazing, especially knowing his history and struggles, to now see him pleading and praying for others as we once prayed for him.

Here, below, you can see him praying for a woman to have victory in some area of her life. It was so beautiful! God has made him a real prayer warrior. His life is changed… and to God be the glory!

And beyond that, the blessing is now flowing to Dave's 5 year old son. In the picture below, you can see Dave's hand on his shoulder. This little 5-year old stayed up all night with us praying. (I think he fell asleep a few times.) But much of the time, he was praying for others. It was amazing!

At one point, this little boy decided that he needed prayer for himself. So he got into the "hot seat" and asked us all to pray for him. His 3 year old sister didn't want to be left out, so she climbed into his lap, so we prayed for both of them. :-)

Time after time, young people came forward, sharing struggles and trials that they were going through and the brokenness of their hearts. Grown men and women wept, and we cried with them. And while we prayed, they found the victory and they walked away in peace. 

Here's a testimony from a young lady named Shawnah:

"This past week I attend ARME Bible Camp for the first time! I'm not sure if words can express what an amazingly incredible experience it was! Meeting and dwelling with people of one accord, praying intently for each others needs, abstaining from all pollutants with a strict vegan diet, out in nature, oneness with God! Thank you God for introducing me to ARME! I am so happy to be part of the family, and so excited to see the Holy Spirit move in His people.

Friends, what I learned in the 5 days at ARME is what we as a church need to be doing/teaching/living in these last days. We need to KNOW our Bibles inside and out; to lay hands on one another in prayer. In essence, to truly put God first in our lives. Until then, He will continue to wait patiently for his character to be perfectly reproduced in his people. The Lord is using this ministry in a mighty way to awaken many to his call! Thank you God for allowing me to be a part of the journey! If you can make it, it will be one of the best experiences of your life!"

Let me share some more testimonies that people put on Facebook about their ARME experience:

"ARME was a wonderful experience from the moment I arrived. I met at the entrance by two men (Dave and Calvin) who wanted to pray with me and gave me water. WOW! The prayer room and the all night united prayer was beautiful. God has been calling me into a deeper prayer experience and the prayer room was a great model. The music (corporate and solos) was refreshing and uplifting. All the staff and volunteers were very friendly. The food was great and both of my kids (one Heir Force and one teenager) had a fabulous time." - Yolanda

"I was super impressed by the whole program. I especially enjoyed the all night prayer that started with United Prayer followed by individuals sharing their needs so that we could pray for them. I stayed from 9:30 PM until 5:00 AM the next morning. The morning devotions by Martin Kim where exceptional. Of course, all of the speakers were tremendous. If you ever have a chance to go, do all in your power to get there." - Judy

"My brother came and experienced ARME Bible camp for the first time.  It was such a blessing to see him so excited about learning how to study the Bible. Once he heard the blue print message by Pastor Ivor Myers, he was so overwhelmed that he said he has to make it his mission for his children to experience ARME. Towards that end, he will be taking his family to the next ARME in Colorado. Praise God for this ministry. To see the spirit of revival and reformation take hold in his heart is such a blessing and I am so thankful to all of the ARME staff members as well as all of the fellow ARME attendees who helped to make his experience such a favorable one. Thank you ARME Bible Camp. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!" - Alex

"The prayer room changed my life forever. If you are an Arme leader you were there to know the story. Guess Valentines day (Feb. 14th, 2013) was meant for me to meet someone who wants me to be the lover of my soul. If you wan a come to where you find and meet Christ come to ARME. It's a place where you won't get "judged" (haha a). Instead you get prayed for or upon. You won't get ignored! You'll get welcomed with open arms." - Michelle 

"ARME was an answer to my prayer I prayed a couple of years back…A few years ago the Holy Spirit was convicting my heart for a greater purpose. I drew nearer to God and was re-baptized. I am not the type of person that stands up front of a crowd and talks. I always hide in the back and sneak out at the end. But God was calling me for a higher purpose. One thing led to another and now I'm the head deacon and speaking God's word once a month at my church. But I'm a simple minded person and when I read the Bible, I didn't just see "dirt" there was a "landfill of dirt." So I prayed for a better way to dig into the Bible. Praise the Lord for Arme's ministry and the leaders. The teachings that Pastor Ivor Myers taught on how to dig into the Word, let's just say I'm seeing "oceans" now. Praise the Lord for His guidance and answer to prayers. The prayer room was amazing, especially the all night prayer. Simply AMAZING!" - Jeremy

The stories could go on and on. Even as I, Melody, type this blog posts, I have a stack of testimonies on my desk waiting to be typed up. We just praise God for His work at ARME, and for the greater work He will do in the coming days as we spend more and more time in prayer with Him!

Incidentally, this was one of our smaller camps (we had about 400 people), but we all agree it was one of the most powerful yet. And our team actually spent time praying together EVERY DAY for almost a month before this event came, so we really feel like God rewarded our prayers! As you can see in the pictures below, many people were revived and re-dedicated their lives to God. And many more went out with a new passion and power for their life, work, and purpose of living!

To God be the glory, great things HE HATH DONE!

Just sick or dying? Prepared or distracted?

At church this past week, a friend of mine was sharing prayer requests. She was asking that people continue to pray for my mother and grandma as she said, "They are still sick." Not even realizing what I was doing, I spoke up! "My mom's still sick, but my grandma's not sick." Everyone kinda chuckled and you would have too, if you knew the full story. Then the realization hit me of what I'd just said and how odd it must sound. "No…she's not sick, she's just dying!" I finished lamely…

The fact of the matter is, my grandmother isn't sick like my mom who has had the normal cold/flu. But what my grandmother has is much worse…she's dying of breast cancer, and it's terminal. She will not be living much longer. But since she's not got the same sickness my mom and I have had, I was quick to assert her health…when in reality, she is in much worse shape than any of us, and she does need much prayers. 

"How ironic!" I was thinking, as I reflected on this later. We live in a world that is dying spiritually, and yet...if we don't exhibit those normal signs of sickness (depression, discouragement, despair etc) everyone says you are in good health. If you've got a good job, a successful career, if you manage to pay the bills, and take a nice vacation…even if you are active in successful ministry, you would be pronounced by most as being in the most excellent of health. But are we truly? And what determines our true status of health?

In Ecclesiastes we are told:

"A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease." Ecl 6:2

Here we can see that God defines health as more then what you see on the outside…in fact, what you see on the outside could be nothing more then empty vanity.

As we watch the world around us, we all know that Biblical prophecy is literally being fulfilled before our very eyes. We are living in the last days, and Jesus is truly coming back very soon. So how can we prepare? How can we know that we have true health, so that we will not be caught sick, distracted, and off guard?

"Christians should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise, and this preparation they should make by diligently studying the word of God, and striving to conform their lives to its precepts.... God calls for a revival and a reformation."—Prophets and Kings, 626.

However, have you ever noticed how difficult it is to study the Word of God? Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to find time…I mean really find TIME to pray?

A friend of mine recently made this observation in a Facebook post. He states:

WHO INVENTED ALL THE FOLLOWING DEVICES AND WHY?

Iphones, Smartphones, Androids, Hundreds of thousands of phone 'Apps' to choose from, Cable, Satellite, DirectTv, etc.... hundreds of entertainment and sports channels to choose from, etc., Thousands of video games, online and offline, PlayStations, Xbox and such like…. Facebook, twitter, Myspace and all such like...

Well, you get the idea....

So here is my point... no, here is a word from Jehovah God to especially to the last day church:

"Satan well knows that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer and the searching of the Scriptures, WILL BE OVERCOME by his attacks. THEREFORE HE INVENTS EVERY POSSIBLE DEVICE TO ENGROSS THE MIND" Great Controversy, p. 519

Let us repent! Shall we?

Hmmm…. he has made a pretty good point there, wouldn't you say? Yes, I think so! (And not that using technology is wrong. But how much do we allow technology and all this stuff to distract us from what we are suppose to do to PREPARE?)

I may not be sick like my grandma, and maybe you aren't either. But let's remember that "true sickness - sin sickness" only God can define. "For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." 1 Sam 16:7

Let our prayer be today, "Lord, make me whole and complete in You…and may I not be caught unawares. Teach me to watch and prepare by studying your Word and taking time with you!"

Still posting Daily Morning Sonshine - please stop by and say Hello! :-)

Living by Faith REALLY WORKS!!!!

Well…January is almost over and I'm just now getting back here to say Happy New Year!

God is continuing to supply my needs and open up windows of blessings that I can hardly believe. And He always gives His blessings in such unique ways too!

So, if you follow my personal blog here, you know that on December 24th (Christmas Eve) I wrote about how God so beautifully supplied my appliances for my kitchen from a gift that I received on November 21st, Thanksgiving Eve. Well, after I finished writing that post on December 24th about this miracle, I got a phone call from some very special people that I've been working with regarding the "Revival and Reformation" projects at the GC. They had called to tell me that they were sending me a significant "love gift" in appreciation for my work. I couldn't believe it!!!! I had JUST finished writing about the miracle from Thanksgiving, and now God was giving me another one…just in time for Christmas!

Isn't God AMAZING??? His paycheck is soooo much better than the one I use to make!! Living by faith really practically works…even here in the middle of the United States!!!!!!!

So… my fridge and cook stove came from someone that I helped feed. And now God has provided my fireplace stove (the next large item on my list of needs for my cabin) from a couple that God is using to light revival fire all over the world! How ironic and simply amazing is that? And I might add too, it came just when I was ready for it.

"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus!" Phil. 4:19

On top of this, there are a multitude of additional answers to prayer He's given me this past month when it comes to provision. He's given me funds to pay my bills, to cover travel expenses, to buy a new computer. He's helped me lower some of my current bills and much more. And He's also continuing to open up doors in ministry and bless me with more spiritual blessings than I feel I can contain! I'm soooo thankful, but I'm not content with these blessings….I want MORE!!! Not more physical blessings…I'm not even really asking for those anymore! (Remember Dec 24th post? "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?" Matt. 6:25,26) 

So I'm really seeking to NOT take thought of these things anymore. I'm praying for spiritual blessings. I want to see my friends receive the fullness of the gift of Salvation. I want to see loved ones accept the gospel! I want to see strangers that I've never met come to know Christ because of His power working through me! Yes, I want MORE!!!!! And I will keep asking…. because God tells us to ask, and our asking is part of the condition of our receiving! 

Some feel that my daring quest for MORE is a bit audacious… after all, shouldn't I be content with what God has given already? But no… God wants us to ask more. He wants us to expect large things of Him! And the fact that He's already blessed means He himself longs to do MORE!!!!!!

"When we are humble and contrite we stand where God can and will manifest Himself to us. He is well pleased when we urge past mercies and blessings as a reason why He should bestow on us greater blessings. He will more than fulfill the expectations of those who trust fully in Him. The Lord Jesus knows just what His children need, how much divine power we will appropriate for the blessing of humanity; and He bestows upon us all that we will employ in blessing others and ennobling our own souls." Ministry of Healing, p. 513

So you can watch and smile, or you can join this quest with me!

God, please give us MORE!!!! Give us MORE FAITH!

"If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." Matthew 17:20

NOTE: By the way…to enjoy some of the daily spiritual insights God has been giving me this New Year, please visit me at my new daily devotional blog: Morning Sonshine! We are on day 22 so far…and I'm so excited for what God has for us in the coming days!

Introducing Morning Sonshine's Daily Vit. B-3 Challenge

I've started a BRAND-NEW Devotional Blog called "Morning Sonshine." I'll still be doing updates here, about my personal life and blessings. But the "Morning Sonshine" will be a inspirational resource site that will hopefully be a blessing and encouragement to all of you! Please visit me there!

You'll also notice a TAB above in this blog where you can click directly to my new blog!

My God shall supply ALL your needs!!!!

You know those verses in the Bible where it says:

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?" Matt. 6:25,26

Well, I have to admit, I've taken MUCH THOUGHT on these topics the last few years…especially as I've walked away from a very good paying job, and I suddenly found myself much more dependent upon God for my needs.

Needless to say, God and I have had many interesting conversations over the years on these topics…over what I would eat and wear, how I would pay the bills, how I would manage all the expenses. And I've often been very specific in my prayer requests. "Now you know God… I need this by such and such a time. And don't forget about that God? If possible could you…?" etc.

I remember when I lived in Loma Linda (back in 2008), and my sister was moving to her new house (since she was getting married.) She was taking all our furniture (it was hers actually), including a very NICE porch swing, and I had no way of replacing it all. So I began to pray that God would provide new furniture…even a porch swing!!!! Well… believe it or not, He did!!! The swing came first. My neighbor across the street had a garage sale and was selling a swing (much bigger and much nicer than my sister's) for only $30! It was probably worth $200 or more. I couldn't believe it. (And she regretted selling it to me too as soon many others wanted to buy it - but she'd already sold it to me!) But praise God, He had answered my prayer, and I didn't even have to go borrow a truck to bring that sweet baby home. All we did was roll it from her yard to mine.

The furniture came in much the same way! The very weekend my sister moved out, I happened to be gone to a conference in Colorado, and she called me and told me a friend had some furniture that he couldn't keep anymore and they wondered if I wanted it? I had never seen the furniture, but I said "Sure." When I came back, it was all moved in…and again it was nicer (at least in my view-point) then the furniture she moved out. ;-) Yes indeed! God had done it again…and all without my even lifting a finger!!! I couldn't believe how specifically God had answered my prayers.

Well, He has continued to do that time and time again over the years. Supplying my needs and often times even better than I have asked.

Just this past year, God has given me a beautiful little cabin in the country. While I've always wanted to have a little quiet cabin hide-away, it is a dream I, to be honest, never expected in a million years to come true. (Especially since I don't work anymore and I have no savings.) But God has reminded me again this past year when you take care of His business, He will take care of yours.

Well, that brings us to more recent miracles and answers to prayer!

As we've been getting close to completing the cabin, I knew that there would be appliances and specific furniture items needed that I/we couldn't afford. However, as I've been growing in faith and learning how God provides, I was reading again those verses in Matthew 6 where it says, "Take no thought about what you'll eat or drink or how you'll be clothed." I've read those verses hundreds of times, but somehow I still keep "taking many thoughts" about these needs. After all, we all have them, right?! Where is the money coming from for next month's bills? How will I be able to afford this or that?

Well THIS TIME, as I read over Matthew 6, I decided… "If God says to take no thought, I'm going to stop taking thought. I'm going to let Him worry about providing those things and I'm going to focus my prayers on the salvation of souls and more eternal issues." So I made myself a list of all the things I needed (these are needs, not just desires) for my new home, and I told God, "I don't know how you are gonna manage to supply these things when I live way out here in the middle of no-where. But you are God! I'm gonna let you deal with these needs and I'm gonna focus on praying about your needs!" And I put the list aside and didn't pray about those things anymore.

Would you believe it…one week later, the eve of Thanksgiving, I got a letter from someone with $1,000. It was the day my incredibly skilled and talented carpenter brother finished installing my kitchen cabinets, and we needed appliances. It was also during the famous "Black Friday" sales, when many things are majorly discounted. (Tell me God doesn't have good timing!?) With that timely gift, I was able to buy both a fridge and stove and save over $400 in the process.

Where did this miracle gift come from?

Well, the last year I lived in Portland, God impressed me to invite a young lady that was in need of a home, to come live with me in my home. (She'd been in some pretty rough circumstances and was really struggling!) She ended up living with me for almost a year. I took care of her and also tried to be a blessing and share Christ with her. During our time together, she decided to give God a chance, and we had many beautiful times of prayer together. Finally, when I left the area, she went to live with her parents. Finally, after searching for a job for literally months, she got one. However, a few months later (this past August), she had a seizure and tragically died. Her mom called me broken hearted this past August 17th to share the heart breaking news. At that moment I felt so horrible. While I'd helped Becki a lot, I found myself wishing I'd done more. But God knows our hearts, and we just do the best we can with each day that He brings.

Later on her sweet mother contacted me again and asked if there was anything of Becki's that I wanted to keep. I remembered this "PRAY" plaque that Becki had gotten when she lived with me, since we prayed so much. And I told her that I'd love to keep the plaque as it meant a lot to me and also encompassed so much of my life and ministry now.

Two months later I received a package with the plaque and things I'd given Becki. The "PRAY" plaque is the first decoration I put in my new living room! I also was shocked to receive with this package a $1,000 check her mom was giving me from Becki's account. She wrote, "You helped Becki so much and as soon as she got her job, the first thing she said was, 'Now I can help Melody like she's helped me.' So I'm giving these funds on her behalf!" (Melody Sniffles…)

I asked my mom, "What could I do with such a special gift? I feel like this is blood money?"My mom and I cried together as I read Darlene's letter. Then my mom told me: "Well Melody, you need a fridge and stove right now…and it looks like God has provided. Remember, when you feed the poor and needy, God will feed and take care of you!" WOW….I was just speechless...

So…that's how God gave me my miracle fridge and stove!!! (Pictured below with newly installed cabinets that Daniel built himself!)

Isn't God simply amazing?? I took no thought… but thankfully He did! He saw my need!

It's Christmas Eve, and so instead of writing more, I think I will do what is most fitting on such a night. I'm going to go back to my cozy little cabin and play Christmas carols, and read about that night long ago when Christ was born because He saw a GREAT NEED we all had! Even though we don't know the exact time of Christ's birth, I'm so thankful to be reminded each year of His gift. I pray that He may continue to not only be born, but to LIVE in my life…and in yours…not just today or tomorrow, but all year long!

Merry Christmas!

Aloha and Merry Christmas!!!!

I apologize that there will be NO Happy Holiday cards from Melody this year!!! Much too busy to manage that. (Maybe next year!) But as I sit here at my desk enjoying a quiet evening, my heart overflows with thanksgiving for how God has blessed this past year. Truly this year has held so many special memories and milestones. Some highlights for me include:

• Seeing so many miracles and answers to prayer - more then ever before!
• Taking ARME International to England and Bali for the first time
• Speaking in Germany and visiting Martin Luther's landmarks of faith
• Spending a month working with the General Conference and seeing more answers to prayer!
• Traveling cross-country with Raluca to and from ARME events
• Seeing the foundation of my own cabin started and NOW (as of 2 days ago) finally enjoying it in completion! (I'm ready for visitors!!!!!)
• Getting to visit the Welsh Revival landmarks in Wales, U.K.
• Experiencing God's sustaining strength during All-night prayer meetings
• Seeing my own community being revived through the power of united prayer!
• Enjoying another trip to Hawaii for ARME XIII!
• Learning afresh the power of God's Word in my life personally, like never before!

I could go on and on, but those are a few things that come to mind. God has been so good and this year has been soooo RICH and so amazing!

I just returned 3 days ago from our 13th ARME Bible Camp which was on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. This camp was smaller than usual, but the power of the Holy Spirit was evident on every hand, from the miracles of how people came, to the transformations that we saw in the hearts of so many, to the powerful Holy-Spirit filled messages, to the testimonies that were shared during family night, and even to what He did in our own lives personally. I don't have any pictures from our ARME photographer yet, but I will share a few personal photos.

While I have to say that I would NOT want to spend my whole life on an island (and I much prefer hiking in the mountains over walking on the beach any day), I know that it's a treat if you get to visit even one of the "tropical paradises" that God created for us this side of Heaven. 

Well, I've had this privilege three times now: The first time in 1993 on a high school outing, then last year with our first ARME Hawaii, and now this year. This year was a complete miracle how everything came together because, for me (even though I'm the director of Programming for ARME and I absolutely must be in attendance), I simply did not have the funds to afford the trip. (All our staff pay their own registration/lodging/and food in addition to airfare - and this is tough when you do so many camps a year!) But God provided for me in a very special way for ALL the expenses of this camp. Secondly, I was exhausted from all my fall travels and speaking, and I really felt the need of a time of refreshment. But I had no idea how I could afford to stay even an extra two days in Hawaii. But God worked everything out again. He provided a place to stay with my ARME girls a whole weekend beforehand, and someone donated a "time share" for us to stay in (at a five star resort) afterwards for several days. Amazing!!!! We felt like Queens!!! 

Besides just needing a place to stay (which God provided so beautifully….see pictures above!) I was praying for a special spiritual blessing on this trip! As I work behind the scenes with ARME and do so much hurrying and scurrying keeping the program going, I often feel left behind in the blessings that everyone else is getting at camp. I'm sure many ministry leaders feel this way! (That's what happened last year when we brought ARME to Hawaii, and I was afraid it would be the same this time.) But God did not leave me destitute. This time I had such a blessed time with God…from early morning times of prayer out on the beach, looking up at the stars, to watching the morning sunrise as I read from God's Word (see picture below), to the beautiful all-night prayer that He strengthened me to be part of.  

Each ARME, one of the biggest highlights for everyone is the all-night prayer meeting. It's something that simply cannot be described in words. You just have to attend it to understand. (Picture below.)

While we do United Prayer some of the time, much of the night (during all-night prayer) we spend surrounding each other in prayer over specific needs. Some of my teammates have asked for special prayer in the past, but I've always been too proud to do so myself. About five ARME camps ago… (that would be Pine Springs Ranch in Southern California this past January), I felt convicted that I needed special prayer regarding a certain area in my life. But I was too proud to get up and share. So one camp after another has continued to pass, and Melody (ever strong and stoic, and feeling like she needed to be praying for others rather than being prayed for) refused to acknowledge her need. Finally this camp, I'd had enough. Enough with pride, enough with being stoical… I just got up and asked. It was such a relief when I allowed myself to fall on the Rock and be broken. Such peace encompassed my whole soul. I felt already like God was answering my prayers!! And the amazing thing was, after I shared, many more came forward to share as well…admitting that they too needed to be broken. So I was reminded once again, what a blessing it is for everyone (not just ourselves) when we are willing to be vulnerable and share.

There is one part of the Oahu island where one young woman (who had dreams of Heaven) said she felt most resembled her dreams of anything she'd ever seen. This picture below is that part. The whole valley is lush, but the water is simply amazing. On Sabbath, before ARME started, our girls group climbed to the top of the one of the overlooks and had a beautiful time of prayer.

Last year when I was here on Oahu, I conquered another fear of mine - "Heights and being alone!" I climbed this sharp pointed mounted that you see here pictured below. And I not only succeeded (it was very steep and I even needed to use ropes at times as I could have literally fallen off the mountain trail) but I did it ALONE…with no family and no friends to cheer me on!! So when I saw this special mountain, even from a distance, it brought back special memories.

Then of course, there are all those little special gifts that God brings all along the way. Here is a picture of a "rock crab" that I just happened to step on. I picked it up, thinking maybe it was a shell, and almost freaked out when it started moving and I realized it had legs. So amazing!

Here are some island cardinals. I thought they were wood-peckers, but they are actually cardinals! Aren't they beautiful?? Any demonstration of God's handiwork!!

Below is our private resort beach and pools that we got to enjoy for a couple days after camp. Being a go-getter and what some would deem a "work-a-holic" I find it hard sometimes to just relax and be refreshed. But God reminded me on this trip that it is ok, and not just "ok"…but GOOD…to come apart and rest awhile! What a blessing. I needed this break and this sunshine!!

 Of course the food was absolutely scrumptious! It would be no problem to do "Daniel's Fast" in Hawaii. Plenty of luscious fruit and healthy veggies. We enjoyed this immensely! The plate below is one delicious lunch from our pre-camp girls retreat. Next you catch a glimpse of some of our gang at the BEST THAI restaurant in the whole world!!!!! (If I had money, I'd travel to Hawaii just for this tasty meal…which has not yet arrived on the table below!) And the last picture is our final meal together before our team parted ways to return to the mainland.

So this isn't exactly a Holiday Merry Christmas letter, but this is a post reflecting on the goodness of my Lord and all the ways He's blessed me this past year! And I look forward to what He has in store in this coming year!