The Power of God's Word

God really blessed me with a wonderful God sighting last night. Late in the evening I traveled to the hospital to visit a friend whose mother was admitted to the hospital. I went to simply offer a word of comfort and to pray with the family, however God used this visit to bless my heart as much as the family I was visiting.

Upon entering the hospital room I saw my friends mother lying in the hospital bed heavily sedated and hooked up to a number of monitors, etc. I immediately greeted my friend and then looked into the eyes of the woman lying in the hospital bed. Her eyes only opened for a brief moment and there was no indication that she was aware of my presence. I asked if it would be okay if I prayed, and of course the family said yes. I begin by reading several psalms and after reading Psalm 1 the woman lying in the hospital bed gently lifted her hand and placed it on mine as I continued to read. After several peaceful minutes I closed our time with prayer and my friend whispered "I love you mom." This mother, who had only moved her hand slightly during my entire visit now whispered "I love you too" in return. A small tear immediately ran down my own cheek as I was reminded of the power of God's and His love for us. I quietly walked out of the hospital room and thanked God for the gift that He had just given me and then I headed home.

I pray that this Easter season God speaks His words of love to you in a deeply meaningful way.

Blessing to you all this Easter season,

Ffej

Junior High Winter Retreat 2009

On December 4th, a group of 50 junior high students, high school staffers, and adult leaders loaded up the bus and headed for an awesome weekend at Camp Utaba in Liberty, Utah. God always does amazing things when we go on a retreat and this weekend was no exception! From the moment we arrived the presence of God was apparent and it was a joy to be with this group of people.

One of the things that struck me this year in a more powerful way than ever before was how being at this place (Camp Utaba) felt like being part of something much larger than just one weekend away. I realized during the evening teaching that I personally had been coming on retreats to this place for 22 years (usually two or three times per winter)!!! It really blew my mind to think about but it was an instant remind of how important these times of retreat really are. God has done such wonderful things in my own life and I have had the privilege of observe the countless blessings of our Lord being poured out into the lives of others during retreats as well! I truly count it a blessing to have the opportunity to continue to minster to the youth of Good Shepherd, they continue to be an awesome group of people and God continues to bless us with His presence!!! Yeah God, You are so good to us!