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I am studying and meditating on this year’s call to ministry: reconciliation and ambassadorship.

 I took out my Zondervan NIV Bible that we use for recovery program work at the Ark. It adds commentary on using scriptures for healing from addictions. One example is, “As we continue to explore just who this Higher Power is, we find that God is, among other things, the Great Reconciler.” As we continue our daily fellowship with Him through Christ, it says, “We become a New Person.”

All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…not counting men’s sins against them.  And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” (II Corinthians 5:18-19, NIV)

While travailing (laboring) for this ministry to show forth in our community, I learned of another 8-year-old who committed suicide. Healing, and our battle for preventing suicide among children, will take all of us. Community members, prayer warriors, pastors, and leaders came together the end of 2018. Dr. Steve Wiley and the Ark presented a request to join efforts to stop the rising numbers of suicides by kids from 5 years old thru teens and mid-twenties.  We came boldly to God’s throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace to help in this time of need.

The Ark offers a place of safety and relief for all needing comfort and help to overcome whatever they are battling!  We use Ark space for action. A place to use all our gifts together to find comfort and rest from attacks of Satan, our great enemy.

As Dr. Steve stated, “We are calling upon You, our God, to rescue us, rescue our city, our families, our youth from this spirit of suicide and hopelessness. Redeem our lives in peace and comfort in You.”

Yesterday, when I saw and heard the news of another child committing suicide, my travail began anew!  In March’s newsletter I spoke of how three Cs (consultation, conversation and committees) will not get the job done.  So, I am being led to offer the Ark.

The Ark has teenagers’ beautiful original art framed and hung on our walls. We use art, music and poetry to bring people out of depression. In small groups (or one on one) God will help us make the needed changes in lifestyles if only we ask.  He has given each of us gifts and told us to use them to benefit the body (our churches/families).

Our Teen Anger Management participants draw and paint during class sessions. One teenager started to toss her drawing after class. The drawing was beautiful! I asked for it. She hesitated but gave it…putting herself down. Later, when she saw it framed and hanging on the Ark’s wall, she was encouraged! Blessings come from our obedience to use our gifts. The blessings will increase as we become WILLING to see ourselves in a new light and offer support.

 The Ark is following Christ’s example to give when asked. Our mission is to help. Please call the Ark at 918-682-8411 when you are in need and ASK for help.

Dear friends of Ark of Faith, I want to remind each of you that: “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on [you], because the LORD has anointed [you] to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent [you] to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives…:” (Isaiah 61:1, NIV)

This is exactly what the Lord has called each of us to do.  Jesus challenged the Ark to proclaim the good news to the deaf in Muskogee Oklahoma and surrounding areas. Ark Deaf Signing classes began Feb. 12^th thru April 2, 2019.  Years ago, Monica White, from Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri worked 3½ years with deaf and prison ministry at the Ark before going into full time ministry with the deaf.  Angela Giyer also completed her college and Sign Language course with 1½ years at Ark.  She also was led to minister full-time to people who are deaf.

I finally allowed God to mature me in this area and began teaching a beginners’ Sign Language Class at the Ark. Now, I am reflecting! These two young women were used of God to help me and to create in me the desire to communicate with the deaf.  Over the years, this included teaching hearing people to communicate in Sign, one-on-one counseling, assisting deaf travelers on a cruise or at a hotel, etc.  Growing this ministry cannot be done in a few months. Our call is to reach deaf people wherever the need is in daily life.

Recently, an anonymous donor gave $200 to purchase bibles for the deaf.  Bibles for deaf people are specially written to present the word clearly to people who Sign. These bibles are more expensive. By sharing the costs and service, each of us can become a part.

Monica and Angela helped build the groundwork, I’ve personally been used to assist deaf while traveling, and the $200 donor was also a part of the Ark being able to assist deaf people. This is the way all Ark services grow. Prison ministry, Veterans’ ministries, meals, counseling, even coffeehouse all grew from using someone’s gift with the gifts of others.

What is your gift?  How are you using it for the Lord in your community or worldwide?  Remember you are never too old. I am 85, but, God used two young college students to create in me a desire I did not know I had.

These two young women came for prison ministry training and shared and exampled their deep desire to help the deaf in our community!  It was contagious. So think! How do you “get started”—and where?  In your church, my church, the Ark?

Finally, DEEP intercession may be needed “…in labor and travail… in fasting…” (2 Corinthians 11:27, ASV)  Consultation, conversation, and committees ( I call that the 3 “C”s) won’t get it done.  But God can encourage us – make a way where there seems to be to be no way. (Isaiah 43:19, Philippians 2:1)

If we come together, if “we” cooperate, laboring and praying together for deliverance…and return and give thanks to God (2 Corinthians 1:11, AMPC) we become free and can then help to free others!

As humans each of us knows suffering in times of crisis or troubling situations.  In our self-absorption we may wound or hurt others, even unintentionally.

We’ve been called to serve even as Jesus did – to do what He did.  He gives us grace and mercy; new every morning.  As we cry out to be strengthened by His Spirit, we can show  tenderness and humility in our relationships with one another.  Each of us is being called to come up higher.  Even as Jesus served and serves us daily, “when He was made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him, and God declared Him to be our High Priest.” (Hebrews 5:9-10)

His great love comes to us in the form of a servant.  Moving forward in this journey to perfection, Holy Spirit, help us demonstrate that we are truly faithful disciples.  Deliver us from prayers of unbelief, speaking base (crude) things or stating the problem rather than Your Word and truth.  What we say is what we get.  There is power and life in Your Word.

In Exodus 14:15 (GNB), Moses cried out and God asked him “Why are you crying out for help…move forward.”  Have you ever screamed, shouted from your gut, wept until you couldn’t cry anymore?  I have.  I re-read an old 2004 Ark newsletter and saw my God’s leading in the desire to perfect me.  Even Jesus cried out on the cross “Why have you forsaken Me?”  For Him it was a human moment lasting briefly. Not like us. But, if we tarry too long, we can get off into self-pity or self-will.

Prayer is the most important first thing to do. We must allow the Holy Spirit to move us quickly forward to God’s will.  Prayer requires our ACTION – obedience in faith.  We must choose, as Jesus did, to keep our eyes on Father God and not our weakness!

Our loving heavenly Father has promised that when we are weak, He will be our strength. (Hebrews 11:34)  We must choose to move into His purpose and thank Him for good and bad! (Romans 8:28)

The old 2004 newsletter stated we cannot claim instant maturity or receive it simply through laying on of hands.  Maturity requires daily commitment to our ever-faithful God!  Jesus is our Good Shepherd and will lead us step by step through even the shadow of death.  Read 1 John 4:18, in the Amplified Bible. It says every difficulty/problem/crisis is only a shadow.  We must keep our focus on Him and His Word!  Satan only comes to deceive, torment or distract us.

God’s word is unrelenting, undiminished, uncompromising, incapable of being changed and does not yield to self-will, Satan or life difficulty;  “What a record all… have won by their faith…” (Hebrews 11:39)  This refers to Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, “yet they did not receive what God had promised, because God had decided on an even better plan for us.  His purpose was that only in company with us would they be made perfect.  (Hebrews 11:40)

“Jesus answered, “Do you think you can make the guests at a wedding party go without food as long as the bridegroom is with them?  Of course not!  But the day will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”  (Luke 5: 34 GNB)

Fasting from food can bring feasting for the soul.  Yet, there is evidence that fasting can be abused.  Lord, my prayer today is that we not allow past spiritual exercises (like past sin) to keep us from the true purpose of our fast.  Let us use the fast as Spring Cleansing.

A dear friend and prayer partner, Nedda Horvath, gave me some books when she moved from Muskogee.  One was “God’s Chosen Fast” by Arthur Wallis.  It was a paperback first printed in 1968.  My gift copy is yellowed and now greatly worn and marked.  God continues using this to “show and tell” me where I’ve been. He’s still leading me into the new and higher ground.

One personal revelation came to me when Arthur Wallis listed 5 questions to help us in our personal choices.  The 5^th  question ignited my spirit: Am I determined above all else to minister to the Lord in this fast?  “They were worshiping the Lord and fasting.”  (Acts 13:2, GNB) 

Wow, for years I’ve been swimming daily while praising and worshiping God.  I also fast and pray every Monday as God has directed me. My daily swim is healthy for my body, and how the pool water and fast/praise washes me clean!  Daniel 9: 2-3, 21 & 22 states, “I, Daniel…turned my face to the Lord God, seeking Him by prayer, supplications—with fasting… Gabriel…said to me, ‘O, Daniel, I have now come out to give you wisdom and understanding.’ ”

True worship fasts negative talk, thoughts and actions.  I desire the same in my life.  Do you?  Joel (and also Luke) spoke:  “This is what I will do in the last days, God says:  ‘I will pour out my Spirit on everyone.  Your sons and daughters will proclaim my message; your young men will see visions, and your old men have dreams.  Yes, even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will proclaim my message…I will perform miracles.  Whoever calls out to the Lord for help will be saved.’ “ (Acts 2: 17-21, GNB)

Today, self-control is so difficult because in the USA many tables are full and readily available – but not to all.  Self-discipline and spiritual order may not be expressed in fasting.  It is not to be done for public gain or to advertise piety.

Fasting is needed today to practice self-denial, usually of food or other pleasures, in order to concentrate on what is Spiritual.  The fast that Father God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit want from us is to seek His true purpose and develop an attitude to the things of God!  Are we willing to stand in the gap and intercede for multitudes of lost, hungry people?  Fasting before God is a matter of true pressing interest. It can be done without words in open and sincere praise.

Are you willing today to be used of God in such a ministry?  We can grow in His power and effectiveness to deliver and redeem even as Jesus grew and was made perfect (Hebrews 7:28) by Father God.

“Last of all, Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating.  He scolded them because they were too stubborn to believe…He said…’Go…preach the gospel to all people.  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.  Believers will be given the power to perform miracles…drive out demons…speak in strange tongues…place their hands on sick people, and these will get well.’ ”  (Mark 16: 14-18 GNB)

God is my strength and power; and He maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: and setteth me upon my high places.” (II Samuel 22:33-34, KJV)

If we don’t ask, we won’t receive. If we don’t knock, the door will not open. If we don’t seek, we’ll never find. But Matthew 7:7-8 tells us to do these things and we will receive and find. Each of us must ask to be perfected and for Him to make our way perfect. Personally, I’m enjoying my life, my ‘Journey into Perfection.’ Did I say it was easy? No! But it is exciting and so worth it! It is so much better than cruising along with just-getting-by attitudes and lifestyles.

We continue using “Alone with God at Christmas” in our PTSD group. If you do not have the book, come to the Ark and ask. It will be your Christmas gift. Christmas season can become almost overwhelming at times. Do not allow Satan to rob, steal, kill, and destroy your Joy! (John 10:10)

The joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8: 10) Remember to “Put on the whole armor of God…having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:11, 15, RSV)

To protect ourselves from attack we must first be aggressive as Christ’s servants in today’s world. Sometimes we must say yes and sometimes no. Remind yourself that God rested on the seventh day and told us to do it every seven days, as well. REST is a commandment. (Exodus 20: 8-10) It is both a human and a godly need!

Yes, we are to celebrate the Christ of God with boldness and love. His is a kingdom of peace. Remember that we need equipment to complete our warfare to destroy evil and bring light into darkness. We can develop and enjoy the kingdom of right relationships in every area of our life.

Evil can’t be vanquished by moral platitudes or ethical ideals. We must act in faith for the Lord Jesus to make us sufficient for everything! Our spiritual eyes must be opened, our minds renewed to the mind of Christ. DAILY! (Romans 12:2)

Some experiences warp our minds toward all authority, or against friends and family. Grant us this Christmas season the gift to align our thinking, lives and service with God’s will, so we can do greater things than even Jesus did. (John 14:12) Say it with me: Holy Spirit, strengthen us. Give us Your wisdom to handle God’s household and our family households as You delegate. “Let us watch and be sober…putting on the breastplate of faith and love. (I Thessalonians 5:6, 8) We need our minds renewed to act in line with God’s will instead of worldly wisdom or thinking.

Thank God for Jesus, our Lord and Savior, and the gift of the Holy Spirit! Let us celebrate this year knowing we will not lean to our own understanding. (Proverbs 3: 5-6) Instead, Holy Spirit, lead, guide and strengthen us to share with people in need. Help us determine whether the righteous choice is to say yes, or no. As Sy Miller and Jill Jackson wrote in 1955, Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

We need to remind ourselves daily of good things—victories in our lives.  In this world we will know trials and tribulations (John 16:33, NKJV), but we have God’s promise of triumph.

We all have setbacks, disappointments and failures.  Again, Romans 8:28 tells us that good and bad things work together for God’s purposes. Have you ever learned from making a mistake? Have you ever been able to help someone else because of what you learned not to do? In the love of Father God, by the power of Jesus’ name and the leading of the Holy Spirit, victory is ours.

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ,  and  through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.“ (II Corinthians 2:14)

If we focus on victories, even miracles, our confidence is strengthened. To develop muscles in our bodies we need to exercise and become physically stronger.  That is also true in our faith walk.  We are being perfected, refined.  As we continue to praise God our faith is built up, just as our human muscles are built up by exercise.

We have good habits and bad ones. We need to develop the habit of focusing on our victories, both as we use our good habits and in the lessons we learn from conquering our bad ones.

Remember that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. (James 1:17, GNB) Praise Him for His favor and man’s favor.  (Proverbs 3:4, GNB) As the Don Moen song goes: God will make a way when there seems to be no way. He will open supernatural doors for you to move forward.

In the Good News Bible, Jeremiah 29:11 says that God “alone knows the plans he has for you; plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for…”  Again, this exact theme reappears in Romans 8:28 where everything, good and bad works together to accomplish His purpose – His fulfillment of creating the mind of Christ in each of us.

To develop Christ’s mind, attitude and self-control we must let The Perfector do His work. Like Christ, we must seek alone time with Father God. This daily alone time produces strength, fellowship and friendship with God.

Let us thank Him now, for all things good and bad, and ask the Holy Spirit to put away our wrong thinking. Focus on your victories!