TODAY, I AM LIFTING UP YOUR HANDS TO HEAVEN
Have you ever heard that absence makes the heart grow fonder? I understand what this means; but in the past few months I have come to a new definition of what it means. We have missed being able to be with you in what Paul called the "fellowship of mercy." As I was praying for you today, it was as though as your friend and pastor I was holding up your hands to God. I know that you pray for the staff and GayNell and myself; and we depend on it more than you may realize. Aaron and Hur held up Moses hands when he grew weary in the book of Exodus chapter 17 and as a result Israel won the battle. I often pray for you corporately and individually, but today it was totally different. I literally felt myself lifting up your hand to heaven. David in Psalms 141 prayed like this:
God, come close. Come quickly!
Open your ears—it's my voice you're hearing!
Treat my prayer as sweet incense rising;
Treat my raised hands as an evening prayer.
The raising of hands in prayer is seen throughout the Old Testament as a sign of dependency, surrender and honor to God. I am sure some, along with me, have felt like this lately:
"Hear the voice of my supplication (specific requests, humble entreaties) as I cry to You for help, As I lift up my hands and heart toward Your innermost sanctuary (Holy of Holies)." Psalms 28:2
Paul spoke about this in his instruction to young Timothy as he wrote him his first letter, 1 Timothy Chapter 1:
A Call to Prayer
2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, 2 for kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth. 5 For there is [only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom [a substitutionary sacrifice to atone] for all, the testimony given at the right and proper time. 7 And for this matter I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying [when I say this]—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and disputing or quarreling or doubt [in their mind].
It is impossible to come into the throne room of heaven with anger issues, disputes and quarrels with others or doubt in your mind.
Jesus' last act before he departed to heaven is indeed wonderful. I thought you would appreciate reading this for yourself from Luke 24.
49 And behold, I will send forth upon you what My Father has promised; but remain in the city [Jerusalem] until you are clothed with power from on high.
50 Then He conducted them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up His hands, He invoked a blessing on them.
51 And it occurred that while He was blessing them, He parted from them and was taken up into heaven.
52 And they, worshiping Him, went back to Jerusalem with great joy;
53 And they were continually in the temple celebrating with praises and blessing and extolling God. Amen (so be it).
I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS FOR US AS WE PRAY FOR YOU. THANK YOU ALSO FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT DURING OUR REMODEL. WE ARE STILL WORKING, AND I KNOW THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED AND ARE STILL WORKING WOULD APPRECIATE A THANK YOU FOR ALL THEY HAVE BEEN DOING. WE STILL HAVE SOME EXPENSE TO BE COVERED. PASTOR VERNEL WOULD BE GLAD TO UPDATE YOU ON WHAT IS NEEDED TO FINISH THE PROJECT.
OUR THEME FOR 2021 IS: DON'T QUIT. SO, IT IS OUR FOCUS TO KEEP ON KEEPING ON.
WE BELIEVE IN YOU, AND WE NEED ONE ANOTHER MORE THAN EVER BEFORE!
Your Loving Pastor's,
