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firstIMPRESSIONS
So, after acknowledging that I did remember that occasion, Charles Zierle introduced himself to me, and told me that twenty years ago, he was enrolled in the Teen Challenge program, and that their group had attended every service during that week. But, more important than just attending, Charles received Christ as his Savior, and was also baptized in the Holy Spirit during the meetings I conducted at Calvary Temple. Charles asked if it would be possible for me to ordain him that evening, since it was under my ministry he was saved and filled with the Spirit. Twenty years ago, Charles Zierle was a sinner enrolled in a substance abuse recovery program, when he found Christ and invited Him into his heart during a meeting in Philadelphia, PA. Today, Charles is a graduate of both Teen Challenge and Zion Bible College, is married to his lovely wife, Patricia, raising their three children, and serves the Lord as both an evangelist with Lord of the Harvest Ministries, and as a missionary through Global Teen Challenge. Twenty years ago, I had the distinct privilege to preach a week of meetings in Philadelphia, where I had the honor to lead Charles to the Lord. This Wednesday I was equally honored to lay hands on him, place the mantle of ministry upon him, and ordain him into the full-gospel ministry. From now on, I will still fondly recall the week of ministry in Philadelphia – but there will be a new face on my memory. Although I remembered the time in Philadelphia, until this week, I had had no contact with, nor recollection of my first encounter with Charles. My friend, we just don’t know how we affect the lives of those whom we come in contact with each day. Today, as we walk in the Lord, led by His Spirit, we are working to shape the future of those we meet. Here is your copy of firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 7.18. Live for God, on purpose, making every moment count for the Lord! |
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The Interaction in Evangelism Quite often, as believers, we view our efforts in evangelism as a collection of actions and monologues on our behalf, with the world around us as little more than an audience to our show. Our hope and prayer is that they will acknowledge our presentation by asking Christ to be their Savior after our “show.” Although there is a need on our part of making a presentation of the truth of Christ’s message, and the love that He has for all, we need to realize that evangelism consists of at least as much listening and observing as it does speaking to those around us. This Sunday morning, we will continue our four-part series through the fourth chapter of Acts as we consider the Interaction in Evangelism. Be sure to join us as we look at verses 17-22, and examine the interaction between the religious leaders and Peter and John, learning what the Lord expects of us as we interact with those around us on a daily basis. (top)  God’s Seminary
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10 God is preparing you for the ministry that He is preparing for you. He’s working at both ends of the process-in your life to prepare you for a unique role of service, and He’s preparing beforehand the work He’ll give you in His timing. So wherever you are right now is God’s classroom for future service. Joseph’s prison term prepared him to be God’s man on Egypt’s throne. Moses’ years in Pharaoh’s court equipped him for his tasks as leader of Israel. For years Joshua served as Moses’ aide, and Elisha did the same for Elijah; God was preparing them both as successors. Paul’s years in Arabia were readying him for years of missionary service. Even Jesus experienced an extended period of preparation in the carpenter’s shop of Nazareth. Whatever you are right now, God is giving you experiences that are training you for future service. It may be over a long period of time or only a few minutes, but He equips us with what we need to serve Him. Think of your circumstances today as God’s Seminary. from Dr. David Jeremiah’s “Today’s Turning Point” daily devotional of May 3, 2007. www.TurningPointOnline.org (top)  God Is...
He is the First and Last, The Beginning and the End! He was bruised and brought healing! The schools can’t explain Him, and the leaders can’t ignore Him. He is Light, Love, Longevity, and Lord. His ways are right, I serve Him because His bond is love, I follow Him because He is the Wisdom of the wise, the Power of the powerful, the Ancient of days, the Ruler of rulers, the Leader of leaders, the Overseer of the overcomers, and is to come. And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size... His goal is a relationship with ME! When I fall, He lifts me up! He is everything for everybody everywhere, every time, and every way. So, if you’re wondering why I feel so secure, understand this... (top)  The Key
by Myra Holiday Your Prayers The best alternative when you feel the need to complain... Before you start or end your day, they should be your main priority... It will cause the disobedient to become humble and mild... The greatest assurance that everything will be alright... One minute, one hour, loudly, softly: whatever the form... They will keep you sane when everything around you seems “crazy”... Yes prayer is the key that unlocks every door... (top)  Patience in Prayer
by Joe Gatuslao When the idea is not right, God says, “NO” When the time is not right, God says, “SLOW” When you are not right, God says, “GROW” When everything is all right, God says, “GO” Remember: (top)  I Cannot Pray the Lord’s Prayer
I cannot pray “OUR,” if my faith has no room for others and their need. I cannot pray “FATHER,” if I do not demonstrate this relationship to God in my daily living. I cannot pray “WHO ART IN HEAVEN,” if all of my interests and pursuits are in earthly things. I cannot pray “HALLOWED BE THY NAME,” if I am not striving for God’s help to be holy. I cannot pray “THY KINGDOM COME,” if I am unwilling to accept God’s rule in my life. I cannot pray “THY WILL BE DONE,” if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life. I cannot pray “IN EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN,” unless I am truly ready to give myself to God’s service here and now. I cannot pray “GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD,” without expending honest effort for it or if I would withhold from my neighbor the bread I receive. I cannot pray “FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US,” if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone. I cannot pray “LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION,” if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted. I cannot pray “DELIVER US FROM EVIL,” if I am not prepared to fight with my life and my prayer. I cannot pray “THINE IS THE KINGDOM,” if I am unwilling to obey the King. I cannot pray “THINE IS THE POWER AND THE GLORY,” if I am seeking power for myself and my own glory first. I cannot pray ‘FOREVER AND EVER,” if I am too anxious about each day’s affairs. I cannot pray “AMEN,” unless I honestly say “Not MY will, but THY will be done, so let it be. “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your heavenly Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask Him.” – Matthew 6:7-8 from “If God Talked Out Loud...” by Clyde Lee Herring, 1977 Broadman Press, Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 76-27479. (top)  The Last Impression...
A preacher, who shall we say was “humor impaired,” attended a conference to help encourage and better equip pastors for their ministry. Among the speakers were many well known and dynamic speakers. One such boldly approached the pulpit and, gathering the entire crowd’s attention, said, “The best years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman that wasn’t my wife!” The crowd was shocked! He followed up by saying, “And that woman was my mother!” The crowd burst into laughter and delivered the rest of his talk, which went over quite well. The next week, the pastor decided he’d give this humor thing a try, and use that joke in his sermon. As he surely approached the pulpit that sunny Sunday, he tried to rehearse the joke in his head. It suddenly seemed a bit foggy to him. Getting to the microphone he said loudly, “The greatest years of my life were spent in the arms of another woman that was not my wife!” The congregation inhaled half the air in the room. After standing there for almost 10 seconds in the stunned silence, trying to recall the second half of the joke, the pastor finally blurted out, ”...and I can’t remember who she was!” Memory is an amazing thing. I have to agree with some of the dear saints at WFA who tell me their “forgetter” is getting better every day! I didn’t remember who Charles Zierle was, but he certainly remembered me. It was all a matter of perspective. Although that day twenty years ago had certain memories for me, it was revolutionary for Charles! Thank God he has never forgotten the day of his salvation, and more importantly, never forgotten Jesus! What is important in your life? Make tomorrow’s memories vital and vibrant by your decisions today! Hope to see you this Sunday as you make the decision to worship the Lord together with all of us at WFA! |
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Yours for HIM, |
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As I walked into the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday evening, just prior to the Ordination Service at the Penn-Del District Council, I was greeted by an unfamiliar face. One of the individuals we would be ordaining that evening said to me, “You’re Tim Satryan, aren’t you?” I cautiously answered, “Yes...” He quickly replied, “Do you remember when you preached at Calvary Temple in Philadelphia twenty years ago?” Well, ordinarily, I’m doing good to remember what I did last week, let alone twenty years ago, but truthfully, I did remember that occasion. The pastor at Calvary Temple back then was Rev. Ed Menaldino, who was also serving on the presbytery then, and I was serving as our district’s youth director. That year, he was conducting a year of “festivals” at his church, and he had invited me to be the guest evangelist for their “Festival of Preaching.” I was incredibly honored to have been asked by Pastor Menaldino to preach those meetings, and I have never forgotten that week.
