Thursday, June 27, 2019

Mocking Miracles


 They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born?.. we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.” And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others were mocking and saying, “They are full of sweet wine.” Acts 2:7-8, 12-13
There will always be those who mock the miracles of God as these Jews mocked these Spirit-filled Christians in Jerusalem. As we all know, drunkards don’t speak clear, intelligible language, nor do they typically praise God. It was 9 a.m. and any drunkards most likely were hung over from the night before, or still sleeping. In addition, there were over a dozen different languages from outside Israel being spoken intelligibly by these new Christians who were all Galileans. Therefore, they would not know these languages. It was miraculous!
Some will try to explain away the works of God in your life instead of acknowledging the acts of the Almighty. If you prayed to God, and a friend was healed, a marriage was restored, or someone’s life was supernaturally changed, some will mock. They may blow off your credit to God by rationalizing or using science. After all, what is more powerful than the human mind and science? But don’t give in. Instead, “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts” (2 Peter 3:3).
Expect to be mocked as these Christians were. Don’t fall for the false narrative when a true miracle has occurred. Remember, God can and will use the professionals, the doctors, and the scientists to perform His miracles. He will also do mighty deeds that are beyond science or logic. Expect Him to do miracles in your life today!

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Nelson Newsletter - June 2019



Dear Praying Friends,

Atlanta House Church We are thankful that both Ana Groff and Cathlyn Yong found great jobs, in Tucson and Chicago respectively, but are sad to see them leave. We like to think that we are “sending them out” instead. Actually, that is a more accurate description, since both of them have the heart of an evangelist and long for others to know Jesus. They will be on mission!

Speaking of being on mission, Danelle and I have had several opportunities to engage our neighbors in gospel conversations. Last week we had our new neighbors over for dinner and we had 3.5 hours of deep conversation! God also allowed me to share the gospel with an entire Hispanic family a few weeks ago when I was rescuing a swarm of honey bees from their yard. We talked for a while and I gave them a copy of my book, Secure In An Insecure World, hoping to continue our conversation. When I returned that evening to collect the bees, ten of them came out to talk about God, marriage, and the family! They said they loved my book and asked me to sign it for them. Lesson: Be ready! “Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of each opportunity [treating it as something precious].” (Amplified Bible)

Prayer & Praise

1. Atlanta House Church Ask God to provide Cathlyn (wearing white shoes) and Ana Groff (with no shoes J) with great church families and to adjust to their new jobs. Pray too for our new neighbors & the Hispanic family to come to know Christ! Pray for more open hearts this summer.
2. St. Petersburg Church Ask our Lord to give grace to Jon and Pam Trunk to follow His Spirit and His word as they lead and care for the church. Danelle and I may return in August to assist them.
3. David & Stephanie Moving David got a job at Old Dominion University in Virginia, Beach. They leave this Friday. Ask God to give them the grace to adjust to a new community and a new job - all with a new baby and 3 young boys in tow! They also want to start a house church.
4. Pastors Conference Pray for the Great Commission Church pastors as we meet this week in Minneapolis. May we hear from God, be refreshed in our faith and encourage one another.

We are grateful for your prayers,        

Steve & Danelle   

                                
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