No Bad Mouthing Apostolics Here

[Jermyn Davidson]

Lately, I've been in the valley-- a very rocky and dark valley.

Sadness has gripped me a few nights.
Anxiety attacks.
Temptation.
All of this, while temporarilly unable to make it to my church because of some transportation issues.

It has seemed to be very, very bad.


So I made it to church yesterday morning.

I'm not the only one going through. There seemed to be a bit of heaviness. In the past, I've been one to try to focus my prayers and worship during the service to fight that spirit of heaviness. This Sunday, it seemed there was little or any fight left in me.

It was all I could do to get to the House of God-- and I was so glad when I got there.

Smiling faces, nice songs, a good sermon and yet it was at the altar that God did something for me Sunday 03/13/2011.


There is this young guy-- maybe 16 years old. His father and I are friends and his son is a really good kid.

When the altar call was given, I was the first person at the altar-- but I didn't feel like praying. I wasn't going through the motions, I was really praying. It just seemed like I was wasting time.

So Evan comes up next to me and prays with me.

I keep praying while wondering where is God. Maybe I've strayed away in my mind too far-- anger, resentment, lust and everyday life can do a number on your thought life when you're not careful.

Evan is praying and he's pouring his heart out to God on my behalf.


Do you know how humbling it is to have someone pouring their heart to God on your behalf? I am not even sure if humbling describes every thoought associated with the experience. In fact, I began to feel a lifting inside me as Evan prayed for me.

It wasn't manufactured.

Finally, a single tear streamed down my face and soon many as this young man prayed for me.

When we were done praying, I was a different man with a different mindset. I had confidence in God and in myself. I had confidence in my place in God.

I BELIEVED in God again-- not that I ever stopped, but my confidence that God is with me, bringing me through all of this for His Purpose and that this is not happening by chance.


When we were done, there were two other brothers there to greet me. There wasn't anything deeply moving about the greeting, but I felt stronger as I left the sanctuary.


Despite the fact that I am certain that I do not see the scriptures the same way as most Apostolics, I thank God for the Apostolics.

[Sam]

Jermyn, what an inspiring story of how we in the Body of Christ can lift one another up and about the body functioning like it should. We as brothers and sisters do indeed need one another and we are part of one another.

reminds me of a sermon I was thinking about and working on called, "What's Right With The Church?" I never did get it all together as a sermon and preach it publicly, but while I was thinking about it, I sure preached a lot of stuff to myself as I thought about how easy it is to put "the church" down but how great it is to have "the church" and to be a part of it.

[faithit166]

im posting this site it may be of help to you jeremy,i just listened to this sermon,by jeff arnold,http://www.upperroomac.com/index.php...032&Itemid=127 go to home page and click to the right on march 2010 then click on jeff arnold great message its called searching for some light in your night god bless

[Sam]

When I read your post I thought of this song.
I've liked it ever since I first heard it several years ago.

The Altar
by Ray Boltz

The service is nearing an end
The choir is singing "Just As I Am"
And now as that old song is played
People at the altar are kneeling down to pray
Some are finding mercy
Forgiveness for their sin
Some are fighting battles
They’ve been struggling to win
The time has come to give them to the Lord
That’s what this altar is for

That’s what this altar is for
You don’t have to carry those burdens anymore
There’s a light in the darkness
And there’s a love that’s true
And Jesus is waiting
Waiting here for you
Go quickly now before they close the door
That’s what this altar is for

I see a father is praying with his son
Momma kneels beside them
Thanking God they’ve come
There’s an old man standing there in tears
Giving up a part of him
He’s held back for years
Hearts are being broken
Lives are being changed
And those who call upon Him
They will never be the same
The time has come to give in to the Lord
That’s what this altar is for

That’s what this altar is for
You don’t have to carry those burdens anymore
There’s a light in the darkness
And there’s a love that’s true
And Jesus is waiting
He is waiting here for you
Go quickly now before they close the door

You can give your burdens to the Lord
That’s what this altar is for

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpOhdC131xk

[Ev. Duane Williams]

Remids me of Aaron and Hur holding up Moses' weary hands.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Ev. Duane Williams

Remids me of Aaron and Hur holding up Moses' weary hands.

Yep - - nothing wrong with needing others in a low time.

[MawMaw]

Thank you Jermyn for sharing that wonderful testimony. I sit here crying after reading it. God bless you and continue to strengthen you as you live for Him.

[onefaith2]

When one finds theirself at odds with certain doctrinal points, like I have , it is easy to "forget" the reason why you came to the apostolic church in the first place. Great post! I've experience something similar as well about 6 years ago.

[Scott Hutchinson]

I have been in a difficult time myself and I know that praying people have been a source of strength to me.

[Sam]

Here's an oldie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzjT3ej3tA8