2018: Remembered as a Year of Attacks, Chaos and Confusion

     Sure, Satan has shown up in my
household from time-to-time, but nothing like the year 2018.    Now, at yearend, Satan has left my spouse, Will and I , recovering from his devastating blows to us.  We are shaping up to make 2019 a much better year!
     Let me go back to 2015 when Will and I moved back to Tennessee.  Satan has actually worked on us since that time.  Let us not focus on Satan's subtil work from that time, but let us glory in what God did for us.  God performed the miraculous for Will and me that summer.  How?  We were invited to local Episcopal Churches.  Will and I considered the choices presented at that time and decided on St. Timothy's of Kingsport.  Will and I have attended St. Timothy's since
our invitations that summer.  We became confirmed members in September 2018.  This confirmed membership is a good thing for Will and me; however, Satan has tried to prevent it every step of the way.  Will and I endured!
     In many fathomable ways, since 2015, Satan has worked to try and keep Will and me from moving forward in church service as a family.  The Adversary saw that Will and I were moving forward together in unity in God's will and worked hard to destroy us.
     Instead of writing on PAT blog about all the woes, I  took them to the Lord.  While discerning, I also took my woes to the Vicar, Jon Hermes, of St. Timothy's and had previously spoken to the Reverend Maggie Zeller of St. Christopher's.  Thanks be to God for His help through it all and always.  Thanks be to God for Maggie's words of wisdom and Jon's love of Christ and patience he has shown in indescribable ways.  Further thanks be to God for positioning Will and me to move forward once again as a unit in the Episcopal Church.  Let all the glory be to God with absolutely no glory directed to Satan.  Amen!

Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit

   



     Recently, my sister, Treasa, mailed me a bookmark with the words of Charles F. Stanley--"Today and Every Day God Loves You Without Hesitation."  Moments before I received the bookmark in the mail, I was reading I Corinthians 13.  I sent a text to Treasa to let her know of the experience.  She wrote back, "That's how I feel that God speaks to us.  It's not just a coincidence.  It's God trying to open our eyes to something.  We just need to be sensitive to what [H]e's trying to tell us."

      Since yesterday, I felt the Holy Spirit was speaking to me through the hymn, "Come, Thou Fount" by Robert Robinson, but what was He trying to say to me.  Last night I was touched by the depiction of Robert Robinson's life shown above.  Still, I was not clear on what God was trying to say to me.  This morning, I opened a book loaned to me by Reverend Margaret Zeller for the ordination discernment process called Amazing Grace; A Vocabulary of Faith by Kathleen Norris.  On the page after the table of contents were the words, "O to grace how great a debtor..."  Robert R[obinson]--"Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing."  All sources that I have seen have the last name as Robinson as opposed to Robertson as written on the page.  In any event, I sensed that God was trying to tell me something.

     Taking Treasa's advice and being sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell me, I found that I am to have no regrets in pursuing God's call.  The regret will come if I turn to the world.  I am to seek God's Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).  Therefore, as written in the final verse and final stanza of "Come, Thou Fount"--"Here's my heart, O take and seal it; seal it for Thy courts above.  Amen."

Glory and Praise be to God at the Altar!

     I am in the initial stages of discernment for ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church.  The process has been on hold with the fourth Bishop of the East Tennessee Diocese retiring and the fifth Bishop, chosen on July 28th, moving to Tennessee.  Once the fifth Bishop is settled in things will move forward.
     Nearly a couple of years ago, I had shared with you the Words from Psalms 43:3 where God had led me back to the Episcopal Church.  I had previously attended the Episcopal Church some in Washington state.  In Tennessee, God has worked a miracle where Will, my spouse, and I are both attending.  This is a miracle because in time past, Will has not wanted to frequent Church since we were rejected at a nondenominational Church in Washington.  Now, Will and I both enjoy going to a Church where we are welcome.
     At the time that God had spoken to me through Psalms 43:3, He had also spoken to me through Psalms 43:4-"Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God."  The Words are all prophesy still being fulfilled.
     God has led me to St. Timothy's Episcopal Church where I shall go to the altar to praise Him on the harp.  The 'harp'  I have is a classical guitar.  It is on this musical instrument that I shall eventually praise God because I am still learning to play.  Today, I had my guitar blessed by Reverend Harry Shaefer to set it apart for glory and praise to God.  Amen!

A View of 2016 through a Spiritual Lens

     God has manifested Himself through healing, sharing, talking, forgiving and communing at various times and places throughout 2016.
     God's healing was shown when the lady written about in the blog entry dated for Thursday, August 6, 2015 showed up at a laundromat where I go and said she was doing better.  I am convinced the laundromat is a Sacred Place because God shows up there frequently.  I hope and pray the lady continues to do better each new day.
     Another time God showed up at the laundromat when two ladies representing the Mormon Church shared youtube footage on their laptop of a virtual choir singing George Frederic Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus".  What a blessing their sharing was indeed.  You'll have to visit "World's Largest Virtual #Hallelujah Chorus" on youtube.
     On more than one occasion during our visit to the laundromat there has been talking amongst the customers and a worker there about God and His ways and ways of the world.  These talks have been enlightening.
     On more than one occasion God has shown up at my workplace through coworkers and me forgiving one another over disagreements.  One occurrence stands out when I was backward on how to approach a coworker to apologize and ask for forgiveness.  I turned to God for answers and He led me to Matthew 5:9--"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God".  Prior to this occurrence my coworker had apologized to me for a wrong and I forgave him.  Now, I was in the position of seeking his forgiveness for my wrong.  My coworker did forgive me.  Since we had forgiven one another on each occasion I brought that to his attention along with Matthew 5;9 and said to him that since we're both peacemakers, therefore, children of God, wouldn't that make us brothers? He agreed.  I expressed brotherly love to him.
     Encounters with God occur at church.  Communing with God can occur during the church service through the sermon, singing or taking the communion or through all of these means.
     Thank you for letting me share this view of 2016 through a Spiritual lens.

God is Glorified through "Sister Beck"

"Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid" (Matthew 5:14).

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

"O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me... (Psalms 43:3).

The Lord's Light and Truth has been shown through my sister, Becky.  From the time that Gary and I moved back to Tennessee in June to this present day, Becky has shown us nothing but love.  She has encouraged us during our readjustment to life in Tennessee.  She has gone above and beyond in helping Gary and me.  Becky has overlooked our differences and has accepted Gary and me with open arms.  She continuously expresses her love for us.  She wants us to succeed in our life in Tennessee.

Becky has offered uplifting words and has demonstrated faith through her actions all because she loves us.  I am blessed to have Becky as my sister.  God has sent His Light through Becky and revealed the Truth in His Word through her good works.  Good works so numerous to list!

One thing to add is that Becky's example led me to the Bible to search the scriptures to find her example in James 2:18 where she has shown her faith by her works by providing for help with our needs.  Amen!

Hymn for Grace and Healing

Lord, she said you speak to her all the time through Your Word.  She has been moved to shout in church--something she has never done.  Lord, she has faith in Your healing power, as she requested prayer for her Parkinson's.  You are clearly working in her life.  Now, Lord, I share this hymn from The Hymnal of the Prostestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America: 1940, p. 517 by Edward Hayes Plumptre, for grace in our hearts toward You and in hope for her healing in Jesus' name:

Thine arm, O Lord, in days of old
Was strong to heal and save;
It triumphed o'er disease and death,
O'er darkness and the grave.
To thee they went, the blind, the dumb,
The palsied, and the lame,
The leper with his tainted life,
The sick with fever'd frame.

And lo! thy touch brought life and health,
Gave speech, and strength, and sight;
And youth renewed and frenzy calm'd
Own'd thee, the Lord of light:
And now, O Lord, be near to bless,
Almighty as of yore,
In crowded street, [in laundromat,]
by restless couch,
As by Gennesaret's shore.

Be thou our great deliv'rer still,
Thou Lord of life and death;
Restore and quicken, soothe and bless,
With thine almighty breath;
To hands that work and eyes that see,
Give wisdom's heav'nly lore,
That whole and sick, and weak and strong,
May praise thee ever-more.  Amen.

God Sent His Light and Truth

After a period of silence, God has spoken to me through the Words of Psalms 43:3--

"O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill and to thy tabernacle."

These Words were actually fulfilled in my life last week.  Let me share with you how--God sent His Light and Truth through two Episcopal Church members I met last week.  God's Truth came through the Words of John 8:1-12 mentioned during our conversation.  The leading came through an invitation to church.  The church was on a hill surrounded by trees.  The service was a blessing for my spouse, Gary, and me.  Amen!

By the way, we are back home in Tennessee!

Silence Broken

The death of my Uncle George Valko on March 5, 2015 has moved me from silence to a voice in celebration of his life on this blog.  I cannot help but think of a time when I called his home and was talking to my Aunt Joan when Uncle George inquired in the background to whom Aunt Joan was talking.  Uncle George discovered it was me and said in his resounding voice, "Is that Eddie...Eddie Townsend?" It may have been a while since I had talked with them and I cannot help but remember the excitement and warmth expressed in his voice to have heard from me.  It puts a smile on my face to this day!

I must say Uncle George will be greatly missed.  I have many good memories of him throughout the years.  I appreciate the Biblical knowledge he has shared on many occasions.  For quite some time, he and Aunt Joan have referred me to Matthew 24.  I'll never forget when he, Aunt Joan and Steve ventured out in the cold to help Gary and me.  May you rest in peace Uncle George.  My tears surfaced as I brought this to a close...

"How do we know if we're hearing from the Lord?"

Today, I received a letter from Pastor Charles Stanley with In Touch Ministries which asks the big question: "How do we know if we're hearing from the Lord?"  I could not help but compare my recent response from God with the guidelines set forth in the letter.  Here are the guidelines:

1) "God's voice is always consistent with His Word." (Acts 17:11)

2) "His messages often challenge our faith." (Hebrews 11:6)

3) "(T)he Lord's voice is often quiet."  (I Kings 19:11-13)

In reviewing these guidelines I am happy and certain to say that my last response from God which I posted in a blog entry yesterday was indeed God's voice.  Referring to the guidelines, the Words I received were directly from Isaiah 55:10, 11.  My faith was challenged in the sense that I was moved to share the experience with you.  My faith was increased because of the presence of God that I experienced.  Personally, the reward for me is God's presence  (Hebrews 11:6).

In his letter, Pastor Stanley said, "...(God) often speaks quietly to our hearts at unexpected times (I Kings 19:11-13).  This describes my experience because I was searching for other scriptures when I unexpectedly came across Isaiah 55:10,11.  To increase my faith even more, God has spoken to me in His perfect timing through the words of Charles Stanley.  Amen!

Has God ever spoken to you? If so, I truly would enjoy hearing about the experience.  Write to me at e.towns@hotmail.com to share your experience.  

The Word of God has Spoken!

Recently I posted a version of this song with the lyrics on facebook saying, "It's raining the the Northwest tonight and I'm finding myself hoping that the word of God will pour down with it!;)"  When I turned to God's word over the weekend, here is what He said:  10)"For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11) So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10,11)  Through these words, God showed me the song is biblical and that He is present and listening to me!  Isn't God amazing?!

Inspired by F(f)riends!

I was introduced to this song through a blog posting on the Earlham School of Religion website entitled "When Way Opens: Having Faith to say "Yes" to the Movement of the Spirit" by Katie Heape.  I found the blog entry encouraging and the song speaking to my condition.  Perhaps you will relate.      

Jesus Will Call You Friend!

Yesterday, I posted the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" on facebook as the result of a conversation with a friend who had never heard it.  I was surprised to learn this; yet, I continued with the point I intended with the hymn and said to her that as long as we turn to Jesus we will have a friend.

The bible verse associated with Jesus as our friend is John 15:15--"Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."  Jesus continues to say in verse seventeen, "These things I command you, that ye love one another."

To share the love with you and my friend, here are the words to "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" written by Joseph Scriven:

What a Friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry 

Everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged,

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness,

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Saviour, still our refuge--

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer;

In His arms He'll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find a solace there.

Think about this...

The following is called "Christmas Meditation" from a poetry book titled Wings and Sky by Martha Snell Nicholson:

Suppose that Christ had not been born
That far away Judean morn.

Suppose that God, Whose mighty hand
Created worlds, had never planned

A way for man to be redeemed.
Suppose the wise men only dreamed

That guiding star whose light still glows
Down through the centuries.  Suppose

Christ never walked here in men's sight,
Our blessed Way, and Truth, and Light.

Suppose He counted all the cost,
And never cared that we were lost,

And never died for you and me,
Nor shed His blood on Calvary

Upon a shameful cross.  Suppose
That having died, He never rose,

And there was none with power to save
Our souls from death beyond the grave!

As far as piteous heathen know,
These things that I've "supposed"--are so!

Producing the Fruit of the Spirit

The fruit of the Spirit--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control--has been shared with you this Christmas month through posts of songs, words and a brief sermon.  It is only through abiding in Christ and Christ abiding in us that we produce fruit (John 15:4).

"Wise men still seek Him" are the words from a Christmas card sent to my household.  "After ['wise men'] are born into God's family by the Word of God, [they] grow [by the Word also].  (From a gospel booklet sent to my household entitled--"What Does it Mean to Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ?" by Mrs. Oliver B. Greene p. 18).  On pages eighteen and nineteen of the same booklet it says, "Truly--"Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before". "  We shall grow spiritually and produce the fruit of the Spirit each day we abide in Christ and He abides in us.  Amen.

Joel Osteen with Words about Self-Control

"Meekness and Majesty"

"O Come All Ye Faithful" Sung by Susan Boyle

Jazz Song about the Lord's Goodness

"Random Acts of Christmas Kindness"

Here are some suggestions for "Random Acts of Christmas Kindness" from youtube.  Perhaps you will adjust these to suit what works best for you!

Christmas Song about Patience