Changes Coming, A Record Breaking Month and other Info  Added 25 July 02 by: Steve      

A couple of readers asked me for some statistics on LetUsWorship.com.  Thought I'd take a minute to let everyone know that July has set new records for visitors to the site.  So far the site has averaged about 32 unique visits a day for the month of July.  The site has had 9500 hits this month so far, but the unique visits per day is a more accurate indicator of how many different people are visiting/surfing.  Traffic has been going up about 33% each month for the last 3 months.  Thank you for visiting and being a part of LetUsWorship.com.  I thank God for his many blessings.  I will probably be changing the format of the Main Page somewhat, some readers have suggested moving the Recent News And Comments section to it's own page, and I am considering that, so as to make a more uniform Home Page - Email me and let me know which way you would prefer!  I will be replacing the Message Board with a Hot Topics Section.  I have also changed the logo's and have managed to cut the average page load times down by 26 seconds.

Refining and Purifying Silver   Added 19 July 02 by: Steve      

That week this woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work.  She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.  As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up.  He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest, so as to burn away all the impurities.  The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot, then she thought again about the verse,   that He "sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that you are in God's hand, He has His eye on you, He will not let you be destroyed, and He will keep holding you and watching you until He sees His image in you.

Double Rainbow   Added 19 July 02 by: Steve      

I saw a Double Rainbow this morning at 7:10.  I don't know the meaning of seeing a Double Rainbow - but Perhaps God was just emphasizing his earlier promise to the World.  All I know is that it was beautiful in both a Spiritual and Physical way.  Thank you Lord.

An Important Message   Added 19 July 02 by: Steve      

Matthew 5:23-24  23. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24. Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.  

I would urge everyone to examine themselves against the two verses above.  I have seen relationships, families, and even churches torn apart because of failure to obey them.  Sometimes these instructions seem hard to follow, especially if you have gone and attempted reconciliation and been rebuffed (been there, done that!).  But you cannot avoid these verses any more than you can avoid any of the other verses in the Bible - - If God's Word says to do it, you should strive to follow those Words.  Sometimes we carry our anger around inside of us - - God has given us specific instructions against this.  He knows the damage that grudges and unreleased anger does to us.  It is important to note that Jesus says to do this even before you offer your gift to God.  It seems to me that it would be hard to attend a worship service in good faith, if you are separating yourself from your brother knowingly.  How can you, knowing this, offer worship or praise to the Lord when you are knowingly in disobedience?   And it isn't just all about you - You are not only helping yourself, but your brother by such reconciliation.  I am writing this today because I know many people in general and two families specifically that are struggling with these very issues.  I would ask that you pray for these unnamed families.  And examine yourself to make sure there isn't something you need to do before you offer your gift to God.  As hard as it might be to swallow your pride and humble yourself, well, if Jesus said it, you know you have to do it.  

Sunday's Church Service   Added 16 July 02 by: Steve      

As some of you may know, we have been looking for a church to attend ever since our Pastor moved on from Shepherd's Fold.  We had been going to different churches the last couple months.  It felt strange, after having attended church so faithfully for the past 18 months, to suddenly be unsure of where exactly we would be each Sunday.  Different people would pull us to go here or go there, it was hard to get a clear picture of where we would go.  Sometimes it's hard for me to separate the pulling of people from the pulling of God.  I pray every Saturday about where we will attend Sunday.  Well, let me tell you, our family did something a little different this Sunday, we held a church service at our house.  It was a small, private good service.   Everyone was involved, everyone that attended was sincere.  Everyone that attended worshipped and praised God.  There were songs of Worship.  4 people gave sermons.  4 different messages were given, but all tied together nicely into one solid message, tailored just for the family.   It was only a 2 hour service, but I'll tell you, I was glad I attended!  I pray and I try very hard to discern what God would have me do week to week.  This felt right, and was right.  God was with us.   We had to take an hour long trip afterwards to Dexter and the family sang songs of Worship and discussed the lessons from our worship service throughout the entire trip.   It was the best service I'd attended for a few weeks.  Going into Sunday, once I'd made my decision, I was a little nervous about having a service at my house - I knew it might seem  a little awkward, and perhaps even strange to some.   But I'm learning to listen to the Holy Spirit, and the results back up the correctness of the decision.  Upon reflection, it was like God was telling me to tend to my own personal flock, my own family.  

Attending a church service at home was different!  I wouldn't advise everyone try it, nor would I want to do that every week, but I am glad we did it this week.  Some would chastise me for this, others might be scornful.  A man I know got on to me for not attending church services - I patiently tried to explain that I did attend.  I can live with scorn pretty easily, after all, some would also chastise me for being a Christian, or scorn me for praying - Should I be moved by their scorn?  Heaven forbid!  God help me not to love the praise of men!  I doubt this will be the last time I do things that people won't understand!  Our family will continue searching for a home church, having church services at home every Sunday might not be fruitful in the long run, but for this Sunday, it was a blessing!  I would remind everyone not to forget to minister to your own family.  Perhaps a church service at home EVERY day would be fruitful!  It might remind us to be in AWE of God everyday and everywhere, not just when we enter the church building itself.    I will continue to pray for guidance on the home church issue.  I am open in my searching, I have found good churches in several denominations - I, myself, do not claim to be any particular denomination, I am a Christian.  Thank you Jesus, I praise your Holy Name.

  

Streaming Audio Alternate Link   Added 16 July 02 by: Steve      

Here is another test link for streaming audio - - Please test it if you are having trouble with the others.  On some tester's machines, the other links downloaded the entire audio file before playing it - - The link below should begin playing the message automatically (streaming) after just a few seconds.  Please test this link, as well as the others, and let me know of any problems, including your wait time (the time between when you click and when you hear).  This link should work for people who do not want to install RealPlayer. 

  Steve's message - The End Is Near  - AutoPlay

  

Streaming Audio    Added 15 July 02 by: Steve      

I am working to setup Streaming Audio on the site, so listeners won't have to download entire audio files to hear them.  Please feel free to test the two following RealPlayer Streaming Audio links and the two MP3 links let me know how they are working.  Please let me know which works best on your computer.   Also be aware that MP3 files can be downloaded for playing later, whereas Real Player files cannot be downloaded later, but provide better real time listening from the web without long delays.  I need feedback because different people have different computer setups and I want to ensure they are working on all listeners machines. 

  Steve's message - The End Is Near  - Real Player Format

  Steve's message - The End Is Near  - MP3 Format

  Dr. J. Allen Blair's Message July 15, 2002 MP3 Format. 

  Dr. J. Allen Blair's Message July 15, 2002 - Real Player Format

  A Web Site I Recommend    Added 15 July 02 by: Steve      

  WWW.GladTidingsRadio.org 

I regularly go into work rather early, and I often have to opportunity to listen to a preacher on the radio, around 5:30.  His name is Dr. J. Allen Blair and he runs a radio ministry called Glad Tidings, INC.  I find his messages insightful and I have requested and received permission to convert some of the messages from the RealPlayer format over to the MP3 format and to list them here.  The link to Dr. Blair's site is www.GladTidingsRadio.org.  I recommend you visit it.  You can listen to his sermons there using RealPlayer.  I am providing MP3 links for those who do not wish to use RealPlayer, or wish to download the sermons for listening offline.  I have contacted Gary Janes who works with Dr. Blair and received permission to do this.  Please be aware that the ministry is supported by contributions so please visit their site and let them know if these messages have assisted you.  Do not send support to my site, I take no credit for these messages, I am merely helping to spread them.   Here is the message I heard today, 15 July 2002.  I thought it a particularly good message for all Christians to listen to - -  

  Dr. J. Allen Blair's Message July 15, 2002 MP3 Format. 

Here is the link to the message in RealPlayer Streaming audio format:

  Dr. J. Allen Blair's Message July 15, 2002 - Real Player Format

  Encouragement   Added 11 July 02 by: Steve      

Becky sent me this in an email, I thought it was a nice story.  Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been  on vacation. Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. 

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Couples  walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days and weeks passed. 

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.  She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."  

Epilogue: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.  If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy. 

  Prayer List   Added  11 July 02 by: Steve      

 I have finally gotten around to adding a Prayer List to the website.  If you'd like to be added to the prayer list, please send me a message letting me know.   Also, if you have had a prayer answered or would like to relate an experience in which God has blessed you, please send me a message letting me know the details.  I am contemplating creating a Praise Report or a Praise List to go with the prayer request list.
 Click here to go to the Prayer List

  Writings Listing     05 July 02 by: Steve       

All the articles and devotions and sermons are now displayed on one easy to read page - just follow the links to get to it.  Some articles were taken from an old website called ShepherdsFold.net, so links on those specific pages may no longer work properly, but you will see the text.  I am posting those also because many of them were very well written, although they seemed to upset a lot of folks.  Be warned, most of the articles from ShepherdsFold.net were not "feel good" messages, they were calls to examine yourself and ensure you were following God.  Since many people do not like to examine or confront the areas in which they are not following God, many people get upset by those writings.  This is regrettable, but does not absolve the messengers from their responsibility to deliver the message!  So read at your own risk!  
 Click here to go to the Writings List