Pastor John,

Yesterday, while I was working at the hospital, I was walking into a patient’s room and the hospital chaplain came right behind me, asking me where a particular patient was. I told him he was out in the hall, so the chaplain went out there, found the patient, and said to him, “Hi, I’m [so-and-so]; would you like to receive holy communion?” The patient thought for a second, and said, “sure.” I tried to make myself look occupied out in the hallway so it would not be noticeable that I was secretly watching them from a distance. The chaplain said that he would first say an “Our Father.” He began to recite the prayer as the patient repeated it, and pulled out a tiny, beige-colored wafer the size of one of those Chiclet gum candies. He held it above his head with both hands as he prayed, and then presented it to the patient, saying, “the body of Christ.” At this point, I had walked into a vacant room to make a bed. I was filled then, and even now as I write, with this strange anger inside of me. The only thing I could say aloud was, “I’m sorry, Jesus, I’m sorry, I’m sorry…” I could only tell Him how sorry I was that people would say and believe such a lie in His name. I told Him, “I know the truth, Lord,” as if to reassure Him that there are some who know the truth about who He really is despite all who do not.

The feelings reminded me of when we were in a cathedral in England. The place was filled with candles and statues of Jesus, and what kept filling my mind repeatedly was, “my Jesus, my Jesus,” as if to say, “no, you all have it all wrong. He’s my Jesus; not this.” At the hospital, I was not thinking about how ridiculous the ritual was, but rather, I felt as if I could feel Jesus feeling misunderstood and I was reassuring Him that not everyone thinks that way, that some know His truth.

Later that day, I had an experience with a different patient that makes this difficult job well worth it. I’ve been working with this one older black lady since January. She had had a stroke and was now in rehab, but had improved so that her planned discharge date was to be this past Friday. Well, sadly, she had another stroke the Tuesday before the Friday she was supposed to go home, so her level of dependence had greatly increased. I had gotten to know her while she was on the upswing, and I really became fond of her. We would cut up and laugh and watch Price Is Right together. So, yesterday, I was giving her a bed bath and I could see it in her face and in the tears welling up that she was very sad and frustrated that she had gone so far downhill so quickly that she now required almost complete help to even bathe herself. I could just feel her sadness and I hated to see her so upset. I was trying to make her feel better, reassure her that she would get stronger, and not to worry. I told her, “Jesus can make you better. Just ask Him.” Her ability to form words has also decreased greatly, but I could hear her say, “I’m in God’s hands.” As I was rubbing her arm, both of us with tears in her eyes, I told her I loved her and that Jesus would take care of her, and I really believe He will. Having that moment with her and being able to share the real Jesus with her felt so good and real compared to that silly ritual I saw earlier.

Anna
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Hi Anna.

May God touch that dear lady, and the other patient, too. Fortunately, God looks on the heart instead of judging us simply by what we do. Maybe he wants the real God and doesn’t know how to find Him. Who knows? Maybe Jesus will even speak to that foolish minister the way he has spoken to us, and maybe that minister will humble himself to come out of ceremonial form into real life in the Spirit. I certainly hope so, for his sake as well as for those who look to him for spiritual guidance.

Pastor John

Last night [after the Oscars], it occurred to me that I am grateful that the Lord rescued me from a vapid Hollywood lifestyle, so I didn’t end up worshiping a gilded statuette instead of Him. Glory to God!

It could’ve easily gone another way. I was on that path.

He didn’t have to.

I owe Him my life. 🙂

Brad
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Yes, that is something to thank God for, Brad. God has rescued us all from one vain lifestyle or the other. He is worthy of our praise!

Pastor John

Reading & hearing everyone’s testimonies is so wonderful! Especially because it does remind you of what Jesus has done in your life at times and who he sends to help!

I was in college in Louisville, and it had snowed one night so that they gave us a few hours delay for classes. The roads weren’t bad enough, supposedly, to cancel classes for the day. I started driving to school and the roads were not bad. But I knew when got on the ramp to get onto the highway I needed to slow up because over passes stay frozen much longer than the regular roads. I looked in front of me and everyone in front of me was sliding and before I knew it I was, too. My car did a slow 180 and I was facing traffic and barely missed the guard rail. I was shaking and praying, because the traffic coming towards me had not seen me yet. Then, a man in a delivery truck stopped traffic by cutting across the lanes, motioned for me to turn around, so I did. As I started driving again I went to wave at the man to tell him thanks, but he was gone. There was no exit he could have taken, and a delivery truck is not easily hidden. He was just gone. I knew Jesus had sent me an angel that day. I cried they whole rest of the way to school.

But the next part is just as neat! About a year or so later, I was going through my emails and found one from Uncle Earl. He had written to me to see how I was doing because he’d been praying that day and my face came before him. I looked at the date, and it was the day before or day of (I don’t remember which) that had happened on the highway! The Spirit knows what to pray for!

Ashley

John:
It is starting to happen to Christianity as you said years ago when we studied Revelation. The Catholic Church in Rome will have to start paying property tax. Estimates are that it will amount to over a Billion Dollars a year.
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I haven’t heard that news report. Still, it is certain that the Church (not just Catholic) will be plundered and ruined by the Beast and his ten kings whom John spoke of in the book of Revelation.
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One thing hit me this morning which I hadn’t considered before now. While it is not the most important aspect, when a person participates in that religion, are they partaking in all the property stolen under false pretenses when people wouldn’t concede to it’s doctrine? Not wanting to take away from those who have been tortured and put to death as faithful martyrs. I wonder if that is the predominate way property was stolen.
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Yes, whoever is a member of the catholic Church shares in her guilt for the persecution, plunder, and murder of the saints of God over the centuries. And the Protestant sects have done similar evils to saints, although not nearly as much. To prevent any of His children from having innocent blood on their hands is one reason God is calling all who belong to Him to come out of Christianity altogether.
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It is sad to think none of our family in that abomination are being prepared for what is coming. JESUS, help us help your people!
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Yes, in one way, they are not being prepared, but in another way they are. They are not being prepared to OVERCOME the beast and “the strong delusion” that God will send upon His children who refuse His call to come out. That is what you are talking about. At the same time, they ARE being prepared, by Christian doctrines and traditions, to receive the Beast and to believe the Lie that Paul said was coming for them, in 2Thessalonians 2.
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Also I pray, “God, please help us prepare for whatever part of salvation history we will be a part of, so we will do those things which please you!”

The spirit has been saying, “Come out from among them, and touch not the unclean thing” for a long time, God, please allow your people to understand what the “unclean thing” is – Christianity.

The anointing is what destroys the yoke! We will need more strength to live uprightly in the wretched time and place that is coming. As matters take their destined course, we shouldn’t expect any different treatment from the saints in the past, but be comforted by the fact it is part of God’s plan.

Wendell

Dear Bro. John:

I am so thankful for Justin TV! I was at home sick on Sunday, but able to listen to the wonderful testimonies because God has given us this technology to share these stories of God. Each and every testimony felt like a sweet balm being applied to my soul! It stirred sweet memories of what Jesus has done in my own life. That is why our testimonies are so good to share – – they stir up what God has done for each of us.

What I really love about Jesus is that before we even knew him, he knew us and where we would be. I love that Jesus was storing up sweet memories (and testimonies) before I even received the holy Ghost. It is as if he “hid” them in the holy Ghost until I could give him the glory that only he is worthy of.

One of the testimonies I know he “hid” early in my life was the healing of my eye when I was just a small child. Listening to Bro. Jim G. tell about little Daniel’s eye on Sunday touched my heart deeply because I experienced that very same thing as a child. But, the Lord “kept” that testimony until after I received the holy Ghost. The reason I say he “kept” it is because I never once spoke of it during my childhood or adult life until after I received his Spirit – – and then I remembered the things of the Lord. Mmmmm, I love how this feels!

I could not have told that experience before I received the holy Ghost. Only the Spirit knows how to honor Jesus; so Jesus “kept” it until he could get all the glory for his wonderful works. Then, after I received the holy Ghost at 42 years old, it was as if I could smell the sawdust and see the wooden chairs set up in that big tent where my grandmother and aunt took me that night to be healed. I was about 5 or 6 years old at the time, and I had a cyst (about the size of a garden pea) come up on my eye. My mother worked for a doctor (surgeon) and had taken me to see him to get it checked. He told her that I would have to have it cut out and that it would scar me for life. My grandmother heard that diagnosis and said she knew of a healing preacher in town and she wanted to take me.

I remember going down front to where the preacher was. He was up on a stage and I stood below. He kneeled down and looked at me in such a warm, loving way that I did not feel afraid. He asked if I believed in Jesus and if I believed Jesus could heal me. With all the child-like faith I knew at the time, I softly replied, “Yes sir”. He then pinned an anointed cloth on me, laid hands on me and prayed for me, and then sent me home with instructions to keep believing and thanking Jesus for my healing.

My grandmother brought me home that night and my mother and I did as the preacher said. I wore the little anointed cloth and we prayed and thanked Jesus each night. Not too many days later, I woke up and the cyst was gone! My mother and I found the hard mass in the bed. It had rolled out during the night! I have never had a scar to this day! Praise God!! He is good!!

That preacher, I found out later, was Bro. Creech who knew your father during the days of the healing tent meetings. Who knew that some 40 years later, I would be living and loving the truth that George Clark loved. Jesus knew.

I thank Jesus for his blessings, not only with testimonies and songs since receiving the holy Ghost (what an abundance he has given!), but with testimonies brought to our memories from when he knew us even before we knew him. He was there all the time, waiting patiently in line.

As I have heard you say before, Bro. John, if God’s people could just get together and tell what Jesus has done in their lives there would be no division. I know this weekend touched many hearts – – it sure did mine. I pray we keep stirring up the gift of God and thereby provoke God’s children to live together happily in one accord!

Sandy 🙂

Pastor John
The meetings was so good this weekend. I enjoyed every minute of it. Having your sins washed away and some time later receive the Holy Ghost is what we have always heard preached. I thank God I have seen the truth, and love the truth you are preaching.

T.
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Brother T..
To understand the truth of the gospel is a very great blessing for anyone. But for us to have fellowship in the truth with God’s children, such as yourself and your family, somehow makes understanding the truth seem even better. I believe that the truth of the gospel is intended by God to be enjoyed by His people, together. May God hasten the day when all His children hear the truth preached, instead of the vain doctrines of men.

Pastor John

Pastor John

This hit me like a ton of bricks.

I read it… and re-read it. . . and I am stunned. My mouth is open. . .

This is a huge RELIEF to me, Pastor John. This is a concept that is so profound in its simplicity. It is something that I have never put into practice, because IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME.. . . but instead, I kept beating myself up, daily, weekly, month after month, for not being able to retain that “feeling” of joy or happiness or peace that the holy Ghost brings, and wondering WHY I couldn’t stay steady.

And you’ve wondered about me, I’m sure. How’s Brad doing? Is he steady and balanced in the Spirit everyday? Is he being pummeled by the spirits of the world and not staying full of the Spirit? If I had known this one little concept that Preacher Clark spoke. . If I had known this YEARS ago, I would have saved myself a lot of sleepless nights and worrisome days, blaming myself for not feeling the same everyday, and being disappointed in God for not keeping me pumped up.

But, explaining it this way, as “daily manna” to be consumed each day anew, . . . I can do this. I can take one day at a time, have communion with Jesus (which I usually do anyway), build myself up with fellowship more often, and open the floodgates for God’s love to flow in. One day at a time. Every day. Continuously.

This is the most profound Pearl I’ve ever read. I needed this. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Brad

 

http://www.songsofrest.com/CallOnMePractice.mp3

Morning,

I cannot stop thinking about how good the weekend meetings were. I really enjoyed all of it. The message Saturday night and the testimonies Sunday morning. We talked to Brad last night and he said there were over 30 stories yesterday. That is something. But something else that really stood out to me is the music God is giving us. I loved Saturday night hearing your song and seeing Damien, Donna, Taylor, Joel, Darren, and Gary all have a part in the beautiful music that added so much. I loved that! And then, Sunday morning, Aaron and Abby and Gary singing “Call on Me”. That was just beautiful. I was mesmerized. Really a beautiful song. REALLY. I look forward to hearing it again, hopefully we got a good recording of it. 8)

Amy
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I am just humbled by God’s mercy on us in the meetings this weekend. No words can tell it. We really needed those two meetings.

jdc

Pastor John,

I have loved all of the testimonies about God hearing us. I wanted to share my testimony about what he did for me in a work situation here recently.

When we decided that I needed to quit my job at Apex and work somewhere where I was more available to my children, that was a big decision for our family in so many ways. Financially, it was going to take our income and shrink it drastically and we were going to have to cut back on many areas in our budget, but it felt like such a right decision for us that we just needed to have faith that God would provide if we made this decision. I remember praying while in this transition prior to even starting at a nearby preschool, “God, I know you are in charge of our financial situation and that you are going to take care us.”

Well, I started up working at this preschool close to my house, and few pay periods passed, and my employer wasn’t paying me for my hours worked. It was always something. If she wasn’t handling paychecks right then, she wasn’t paying me on payday at all. It was so scary. We had never really been in a situation where we had to face the possibility of not being able to pay our bills at the end of the month. Another pay period passed, and again, she did not issue my paycheck correctly.

Jeremy and I talked after the second instance and resolved that if she didn’t pay me by Wednesday, I was going to tell her I was resigning. Well, she ended up not paying me again, and I quit. I was so afraid to quit because I had absolutely nothing to go to, but knew it was the right decision. I had no back up, and there were still bills that needed to be paid!! When I got off work that day, I went to Jerm’s parents house, printed off my resume, and left to go to as many places as I could to see if anyone was hiring. I kept praying that God would provide, and I kept reassuring myself, saying, “God I know you will take care of us, I know you will.”

The very first place I went to was called Promised Land Child Care :0). They basically hired me on the spot, paid me more than my previous employer, paid every week (So I didn’t have to play catch up so to speak), and the owner told me Sophie could come with me for free (which is big because child care centers typically do not do that).

All of 20 minutes passed, and I went back to Dad and mom’s house with a new job to start the next week.

I was never expecting even in my wildest dreams to have an assured job the same day I quit my previous one. Looking for jobs usually takes time and is a process… “But God”!! We didn’t miss a bill throughout this whole ordeal, and we wanted for nothing. God is so good. I feel like he gave me the first job to teach me a lesson, and then had the second job just waiting for me after that lesson had been learned.

It was so sweet that I just cried in Promised Lands parking lot. I felt so thankful and it touched me so deeply that throughout the whole ordeal at the first preschool, God had me in mind and that after it all, I could see where he was taking care of me all along the way.

I wanted to share that little piece of what God has been doing for me. It has been too good!! I love my new job and I love my boss. She is a straight-forward, no funny business kind of person. I think I have a new-found appreciation and respect for that sort of employer now, and it really puts the desire in my heart to be that kind of employee.

Wonderful meeting today!!! I feel so clean from all of the wonderful testimonies :o)

B. M.