Do You Want To Quit Praying For Others?

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. - Ephesians 6:18 With sadness in her voice she opened up about her 23-year-old son and his girlfriend problems. He had been in a rotten relationship with a young lady for years. There was no doubt, after listening to his mother, that they were toxic for each other. Despite the pain, her son could not let her go—even though they hurt each other often. Everyone saw the relationship was doomed to failure. He would call his mother and pour out his broken heart to her and ask for her advice. Sadly, nothing ever changed. His girlfriend was like having a bad cold that would never go away. She even followed him out to California from Atlanta. My friend was at the end of her rope. She wanted to give up on her son. I encouraged her with the truth above from Ephesians and this truth from Hebrews: “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end” (6:11). I admonished her not to quit with this promise, “And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Who do you know who hasn’t changed and shows no signs of repentance, much less understands that he or she has a problem? Who are you tempted to quit praying for? What you are feeling is normal, but don’t quit trusting God to change them, ever! It seems like a paradox. They may never change, but we must never stop believing they can. Instead, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9).

Nelson Newsletter - February 2019

Dear Friends,

Spring is coming soon to Georgia! With spring’s arrival, there is a reminder of new life and the resurrection power of God. He gives new life to anyone who calls on His Son! “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

  

Regional House Church Conference (January 25-27) Churches from Georgia, Florida, Maryland, and North Carolina enjoyed sharing this new life in Jesus at our annual retreat. Wayne Jacobsen (second row center), author of He Loves Me, and  Finding Church,  helped all of us evaluate the health of our relationship with God. He encouraged us to abide in Christ and His love and not succumb to the pressure to perform for God or live under fear. Thank you for praying for us! God answered our requests.                                                                                        

                                                    

   

Clemson Conference (February 1-2) Brian & Miriam Bridgeman (in the photo with their children) invited Danelle & I to lead a weekend retreat for Clemson students. Marketa, pictured here with Danelle, is one of those who attended. She is a grad student from the Czech Republic. She made a profession of faith this summer during our outreach. Danelle and I are continuing to Skype with her each week to help her grow in her new relationship with Christ.

St. Petersburg Church This month Danelle and I enjoyed another visit to help the church in St. Petersburg transition to open, participatory meetings and a more organic life together under Christ’s headship (leadership). We spent time with individuals, as well as with the entire church, praying, reading the word of God, worshipping the Lord, and becoming better friends. Robbie McAlister and Matt Gordon were also there one evening for a time of encouragement, as they were visiting some of the Florida churches.

                                                                                          

                                                                          

Prayer & Praise

1. Atlanta House Church Pray for us to apply the truth we heard at our conference about God’s love for us, so that we would be more satisfied and secure in Christ, resulting in our love others increasing. Praise God for the new jobs, homes, and friendships that He has provided recently!

2. Clemson Ministry Thank God for the students who attended the retreat and were serious about growing in faith! Please continue to ask God to use Brian, and the students he is working with, to get the Good News of Jesus to students, so they would come to know Him as their Lord.

3. St. Petersburg Church Pray for these saints to continue hearing from the Lord through His word and to be led by His Spirit with courage and confidence. Pray for Danelle & I to have insight into how to help the church grow. We will plan to return in April.

Praising God for you and your support,        

Steve & Danelle