House Church Talk - Re: prayers needed

[Liz Smith]

I want to thank all my brothers and sisters in Christ that prayed for my  
husband and I during our time of transition to home church.   We have  
tried to "work on our character, not our reputation" as one brother put  
it, even though we were tempted to be all that our former pastor and his  
staff said we were.  It hurt though, hearing the lies, and one couple (the  
husband is a deacon there) actually said they could fellowship with us  
after the summer "when everything will probably have blown over by  
then".   Sad.

But the Lord is healing us.  And I wouldn't have traded this time for  
anything because I know I am being refined by Him.  I have learned so much  
about myself and have dropped alot of baggage.  I am now ready for  
wherever the Lord wants to lead us.

Someone else on this list forwarded the link to The "Out of Church"  
Christians.  That was excellent -- I was starting to feel guilty about not  
attending "church".  I was awestruck by Him again though.  I didn't get to  
read it right away,  but read it when He planned for me to, and now I know  
I am not alone and what we are doing is really from Him.  And the day  
after that, my husband and our friends, who also left the church we were  
at, planned our getting together once a week to do a bible study and  
fellowship lunch.  We also invited another couple who have recently left  
that same church.  It's just so wonderful to fellowship with other  
Christians who are committed to Him.

It's time to move on.  The Lord is preparing our way and I am excited  
about it.  And He forgives me for doubting that He was listening to my  
cries.  His way are not my ways, I know that now.

I praise You Lord, praise the name of Jesus Christ -- may all the earth  
shout Your name and give You the glory.  Thank you for Your word which  
sustains us, strengthens us, prepares us.  Thank you for your Spirit which  
comforts us.  Thank you for my brothers and sisters who have prayed for  
me, cared for me.  May we always choose Your ways and Your will.



In His Care,
Liz Smith



-- 
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are  
safe.  Proverbs 18:10