Tornado in Elmira

 

 Last Thursday a horrific Tornado swept through Elmira NY. Thanks to God no one was killed, but there was extensive damage.

  Every Thursday evening we meet at South Side Alliance for our small group. Not realizing the full fury of the storm, we headed to the church. Roads were blocked, trees were down, and most of the power was out. It looked like heavy winds had definitely visited our town. By the time we pulled into the parking lot we decided that if the church didn't have power, we were going home.

My husband's rule is, if just one person shows up for group, we have it. Surprisingly, a gentleman who we will call Harvey showed up, and the power was on in the church. Considering the circumstances, I would have rather been home. But, I hopped out of the car, locked it up, and slowly walked into the church.

It was Harvey's first time to the Thursday evening church service, and he gave his life to Jesus!

We found out later that the power was only on for three hours that evening and we were there for two of them. Coincidence? I don't think so! :) Although it is doubtful that this storm was created to get Harvey to church, it is probable that it was used as a tool.

Psalm 91:1-16

The Mighty Leader

I just got back from a lovely walk up our long, beautiful, country road. On my way back down the rocky hill, I began to think about Jesus. And what He has done for me. Suddenly, I found myself imagining what happened when God sent Adam and Eve out of the garden.
I saw two worlds separated by a thin clear wall. As Father God was standing behind them He said, "Don't worry, I have a back up plan." He whispered with power in His deep voice, "I'm sending Jesus." And then He gently led them into the new world we call earth.
The more I get to know God, the more I hear His voice like that, with love and power wrapped around every word. I no longer see His word as something that I have to try to live up to, but as precious manna from heaven that guides and directs me. I picture my heavenly Father gently wrapping His arm around me and saying, "Don't go near that Peggy, it will bite you." Or, "run through this door Peggy, I have great plans for you there." Our Heavenly Father is the mighty leader that guides with love and walks with us always.


Psalm 32:8; John 14:27; Romans 8:38-39; Jeremiah 29:11; 2 Timothy 1:7

The Mighty Comforter

I met this wonderful, heavyhearted woman last Sunday. She opened up to me, and I told her I wanted to pray for her before she left. After my husband and I prayed for her, a joy came over her. It was awesome! She was touched by God's love. Afterwords, she took us to her friends house to pray for her. The woman welcomed us into her home and she was able to experience God's love too. He truly is the mighty comforter!

John 13:34; 1 John 4:1- 21

Matthew 5:6

Don't Hide it...There is Power in Your Past!!!

I had an awesome dream last night!

I went for a very long walk with my friend and we stopped off at a gym to work out. I was in the ladies room and this woman came over to me and asked me if I would talk to her grandfather. I said yes and she took me to a room where he was working. I found it odd that she didn't introduce me, but I walked in anyway.
I went into the room and told him that his granddaughter wanted me to talk to him.
"Oh!" the gentleman began. "Isn't she sweet. And so pretty with her blonde hair and..."
"No, this one had black, curly hair with a shimmer of grey down the side."
"Wow." He said as he looked down at the floor and then back up at me. "I didn't know she knew I was her grandfather."
Then he began to air all his dirty laundry to me. I could see the sorrow in his face as he shared his dark secrets.
Then I began to share past hurts and secrets with him and he listened intently as if he could feel the pain as I described it.
As I was speaking to him, I whispered in my mind "Oh Lord where are we going with this. How do I lead him to You?"
And then it happened I came to the end of my story and I was able to tell the gentleman how those burdens were given to God and how I'm forever changed. That God's love was bigger!
The man's eye's grew big and it was as though I watched his heavy burdens fall from his shoulders and peace flowed over him.
As I left the room I looked back and he was covered in silk. God didn't just wash the guy's clothes, He gave him new clothing. Not just cheap clothing either, but top of the line. That guy was transformed and covered in silk.

Everyone who comes to Christ has an awesome story to tell. This is who I was, and this is who I am now! I am forgiven and changed forever. Don't underestimate the power of your personal story. God will use it to transform lives!! Tell someone what God has done for you today!!!

Revelation 12:11