Friday, June 28, 2013

A Clean Conscience

I love to have a blameless conscience, don't you? Some of you may have never had one and wonder if it is even possible.

What keeps us from having a clean conscience? We rename our sinful thoughts and actions. We rationalize our greed, jealousy, and lust. We justify our anger. “They deserved it!” And one of the most common ways of evading our conscience, we blame others for our mistakes and poor decisions. Oh, and finally, we try to conceal it. Besides, what we do in the privacy of our bedrooms is seen by God and does effect others. None of these actions will remove our guilt and the harmful consequences. But, this does...

"People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
Blessed are those who fear to do wrong,
but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble."
Proverbs 28:13, 14 NLT

Confessing our sins, or agreeing with God that they are wrong, will allow us to receive His love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! It is so simple, but we must humble ourselves, and admit our failure. God will graciously clean our conscience.

"There shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men."
Acts 24:15-16 NASB

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Columbia, SC Marriage Conference

We had a very productive conference June  7-8 with Russ and Kim Humphries and the folks from their home group. Most of those attending were couples, but we were also very happy to have 5 singles join in. It was a joy to see their hunger to learn.

“How blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” Jesus, from Matthew 5.

God reminded us that in the same way that HE began a good work in us at salvation, “And I amColumbia, SC Couples Conference 2013 certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns,” Philippians 1:6, that HE began our marriages and would complete them! “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” Matthew 19:6 It was encouraging to be reminded that our marriages were His idea, have His blessing, and His strong support.

We simply need to align ourselves under His Spirit and His leadership to help complete this beautiful work. We looked at Ephesians 5:15-33 and noticed that we can not love our wives, or be subject to our husbands (respect), without first being filled with the Spirit. We also discussed 1 Peter 2 and 3 about how all of us are called to be humble; to be subject to one another, just as Jesus Christ was subject to His Father, and suffered to do so. Saturday morning Danelle spoke about how to be godly wives, and how to raise children who love God. (photo of the Saturday morning session)

Thank you all for your prayers for this time! Please pray for the saints who attended to apply the truths they heard. God knows Columbia and South Carolina need to see Jesus alive in our marriages and families! Marriages where Jesus is seen and love is abounding are a powerful testimony of His grace!

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Nelson Newsletter June 2013

I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me,

Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2

Dear ­Friends, ­­­­­­­­­­­

­­­­­­­­­ Danelle and I understand more and more how this ministry is totally dependent on God’s grace. Thank you for praying for us and believing that God hears our supplications. God promises in James 5:16, “The effective prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much!” Here are some of God’s recent accomplishments and plans for us.

Spanish Translation Steve’s book about relationships and marriage, Secure In An Insecure World, is currently being translated into Spanish! God provided the necessary funds in an answer to our prayers. Praise Him! Now pray for the funds to print it. Thank you!

House Church Another specific request of God was for the house church conference “How to Hear from God,” in Columbia, SC. Several members of our house church traveled to Columbia to hear these relevant teachings – “Abiding in Christ,” “How to Hear from God with Our Unique Personalities,” and, “How to Hear God (through His Word and personal application).” Please pray as we plan to do some outreach together later this summer here in Atlanta.

Couples Conference Danelle and I have been invited to teach a marriage conference in Columbia, SC this weekend, June 7th and 8th. Russ and Kim Humphries and their home group have invited us to speak using materials from Steve’s book, and to address other issues for couples and raising children. Please pray for God’s leading and for life transformation.

GCC Pastor’s Conference Steve will attend the GCC national Pastor’s Conference in Kansas City June 17-19. Please pray for our faith to grow, meaningful fellowship, and a renewed love for the lost. The theme is “Just Sow It,” training every church member to sow the gospel daily.

LINC in St. Petersburg, Florida Danelle and I will return to Florida to teach college students again this summer. We have been asked to speak on the family, and about how to control our thoughts. We covet your intercession for June 24-29. Pray for open hearts and minds. Also, please pray for our evangelistic outreach in the city.

Prayer Requests

1. Please pray for quality translation into Spanish of Secure In An Insecure World.

2. Pray for our financial support to increase to keep up with the cost of living, and the book printing.

3. Pray for the marriage conference in Columbia this weekend, June 7-8

4. Pray for God to refresh and motivate Steve and the pastors in Kansas City June 17-19.

5. Pray for Steve and Danelle’s teaching and outreach in St. Petersburg at the LINC program June 24-28.

Thankful for your faithful partnership!

­­Steve and Danelle