The first week of December I’ll be making a trip to Magalia CA to pick up eighteen hand-made Afghans that will be shipped to Pastor Morneen before Christmas. They are all different sizes and several are for babies. Please let me know if you would like to contribute blankets, neck scarves, winter caps, and gloves. I would need them no later than December 13th if possible. Please only send new gifts.

Continued prayer is needed for Rev. Wanda Little of Spanish Springs, NV. She has cancer and needs total healing. Galye Wilson needs healing for a broken leg. She and Pastor Tim Wilson minister at McDermitt NV, New Life Center/AG. They minister to Native Americans from the reservation and beyond. Please pray for safety, health, encouragement and for many to be saved.

If you would like to take part in short mission trips to Native American lands just give me a call. I would love to help you begin your own outreach to such precious people. Often times pastors simply need friendship, assistance, Bibles and other gospel materials. They don’t need people to just drop in and do a quick “show” unless there is follow-up friendship and help available.They do need prayer, love, and encouragement. Sometimes there are simple repair jobs that are needed. Most of the pastors appreciate help, when people simply ask what they can do to assist them in their ministry.

I want to thank Mike and Joyce Tracy for all that they do in ministering to Native American people and their pastors! God’s Precious Jewels connected them with Pastor Valerie Edwards in Susanville CA, and they have continued to pour their lives into partnering with Pastor Edwards. They have ministered several times on the Pine Ridge Reservation in S.D. Randy and Carol Hoeppner, from Paradise CA, have also partnered with God’s Precious Jewels in transporting Bibles to the Susanville reservation. We have also traveled together to Arizona in the past.  One of my board members even paid church rent during a time of need. Many Christians, working together, are flowing together in Kingdom ministry.

I’ve just mentioned a few of the partnership efforts in this update, but God knows about all of those who have been unselfish in reaching out. New Life Assembly of Corning, Pastor J.R. and Linda Gonzales, have been most generous in helping send us on trips to the Hoopa Reservation. Nathan and Susie Mayo from Chico CA have partnered with God’s Precious Jewels several times, and have led many children and family members to Jesus through their unique and creative ministry.

I’m believing God for more friends to step forward in wanting to help. My health is improving, and since God has healed me of uterine cancer, I know that He will strengthen my legs and back too. I hope to begin making trips again this spring and summer. Believe God with me for all of this. I am always amazed how the Lord has brought forth partners with a passion for souls. I covet your prayers.

We need money desperately to pay off the ministry credit card, and to continue purchasing more Bibles and other gospel materials. The need is for at least $10,000.  Please keep in mind that I have never taken any salary, nor have my board members or any volunteers. Every love offering is for the ministry. In 2012 we will celebrate our 12th year of ministering to precious Native Americans.

Since 2007 we began ministering to other cultures too, as the Holy Spirit has led, but the main calling remains for Native American people. It’s been very exciting to provide Bibles, the Jesus DVD to Chinese exchange students and to Hispanic people. To date, the outreach has enlarged to all colors – God’s beautiful bouquet of color! I’ve never understood why mankind has fought against each other because of different skin color — all of our blood is red. And, after-all, the red blood of Jesus has purchased our freedom from hatred, and given us the beautiful body of Christ. Oh well, now I’m preaching. 

Big Vision — Big God — Big Results — Big growth in the Kingdom of God!

If you would like to know more about the ministry just click on God’s Precious Jewels, where the links are listed — right hand side of blog.         See email address: godspreciousjewels@att.net      (530) 824-0411

God Bless You, and please remember to pray for me, our board members, Pastor J.R. Gonzales, Marsha Patrick and Carole Clark. May God give wisdom and the miracles that are needed.

Patricia Martin/Founder

        Mario Murillo Tent Revival in Corning CA 

All of Tehama County and beyond were greatly blessed during the Mario Murilo Revival. Souls were saved and people were healed. Attendance was wonderful. We had between 300 and 450 present each night. The love and cooperation among believers was evident during each service. I believe that about 15 churches cooperated in putting the revival together.

More and more Christians understand that it’s time for us to reach out into our communities with the Gospel. People are beginning to seriously pray for their communities, America, Israel and the nations of this world. Surely Jesus is coming soon.

God’s Precious Jewels gave out a large number of Bibles (NT) during each service. One lady was so thrilled to receive a Bible that she held it to her heart. A Hispanic gentleman patted his Bible with great joy and smiles. Children received Gospel literature, as well as Bibles too.

I believe that the fire of God is burning the dross out of lives of believers who have an open heart, spiritual ears to hear and spiritual eyes to see. “Set you mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

                     October 9 through the 13th

      New Life Assembly — Corning, Calif.

Once a teenager though, I had ideas that did not always agree with my sweet Daddy. I wasn’t outwardly rebellious, but sometimes sneaky and quietly disobedient. He was seldom suspicious of me, at least not to my knowledge. While I didn’t get into the worldly things available such as drinking, sex, and drugs, I still sometimes told, what I considered, “white lies.” That gave me opportunity to stay out later and sometimes just have my own way. Had he known that his darling daughter was not quite the “little angel” that she appeared to be, I’m sure our relationship would not have been so intimate — no fault of my Dad, but certainly mine. His love would have held steady, but there would have been a change in our intimacy as father and daughter.

Our heavenly Father is the God who sees everything. He is El Roi —- the God who sees us (see Genesis 16). It’s my understanding that Hagar was the first to call God by that name. He is our personal El Roi. Knowing this truth will bring peace when we are living in obedience to the Word of God. Otherwise this knowledge can bring about fear, and we may hide from God just like Adam and Eve.

Many Christians feel that it is ok to keep one foot in the world and the other foot in the Kingdom of God. That stance simply brings about a condition of being lukewarm towards the Lord. “But since you are like luke warm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (Rev. 3:16 NLT)!

I love to share the wonderful promises of God that we find in God’s Word. My personal life centers upon the precious promises of God. Sometimes we neglect to remember that the Word also speaks of accountability on our part. We claim the promises of God and oft-times forget that they have conditions attached to them. It’s not like going to the casino (which I don’t do) and pulling the handle on the slot machine, and winning the money. God has not provided a life style of chance for us. Our lives are not connected to “good luck.”

Our heavenly Father has provided a clear guide — operator’s manual — laws  by which we can choose to live or not live by. When we “sit on our Father’s lap” — when we desire with all of our heart to live according to his regulations — we will be able to reach out and take unto ourselves all of the promises of God. God in His mercy still blesses us when we do not deserve it. He is a good Father to all of His creation. But why, if we love Him with all of our heart, would we want to “play games” with His blessings?

For the Christian though, we must decide to live to please Him first. It is our choice. I think it really comes down to this —- do we love Almighty God enough to resolve to live according to His ways or our own ways?  Now that I’m a Christian I certainly can’t live with my former teenage thought patterns. Well, I’ll correct that statement —- I can choose to live my way. What a sweet, faithful, and wonderful Father we have! He  gives us opportunity to choose. He is long-suffering with us and merciful, but let’s never choose to take advantage of this. There will come a day when —- well — you can fill in the blanks.

“Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! The teaching of Your Word gives light, so even the simple can understand”  (Psalms 119:129,130 NLT).  ”I pray with all my heart;  answer me, LORD! I will obey Your decrees” (Psalm 119:145 NLT).  ”LORD,  how great is Your mercy; let me be revived by following Your regulations” (Psalm 119:149). “Look upon my suffering, and rescue me, for I have not forgotten Your instructions.  Argue my case, take my side! Protect my life as You have promised” (Psalm 119:153-154 NLT).  I’m impressed to notice the emphasis upon the pleas for help, and the references to remembering personal accountability. Over and over the thought is repeated about following God’s regulations and instructions. Surely God has not changed His mind just for this generation of believers! The key verse in Psalm 91 NKJ, (the Psalm of protection) is found in verse 14. “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him…”

Great and Mighty and full of Love is our Heavenly Father! He has given us great and precious promises —- all recorded in the Bible — His love letter to us. Will we try to “win” the promises by sneaky ways, or will we choose to walk in the pathway that He has provided for us? How soon we tend to forget that serving God is not all about what we can get out of Him for our personal likes and dislikes. The message of the Gospel is all about God’s love and His forgiveness of our sins. Through the blood of Jesus we are reconciled unto God. Once we are born-again Christians we are to follow the path of Jesus Christ. “Seek  the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33 NLT).

 Jesus made it very clear when He said the following: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘if any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross and follow me’ (Matthew 16:24 NLT). We  all need to seek the Lord regarding our personal relationship with him. Have we forgotten our first love for our Lord? Have we become luke warm in our outlook concerning the message and life of salvation? I believe that Jesus is coming very soon, and we must not forget the seriousness of serving Him. Remember that in staying close, and sitting on the lap of Jesus, with our spiritual ears close to His heart, we will hear the rhythm of the heart of God.

They are an amazing couple, with hearts for the lost. Even though they lost their own young son a few months ago in a car accident, they have not ceased to minister. They also spend time in discipleship training in their own congregation, so that each one has opportunity to grow in the faith.

My travel is limited these days due to physical strength issues. I mostly travel in California now, but the vision that God has planted within my heart extends throughout every state in the U.S.  I had just told my board members that I  probably would not be purchasing anymore Bibles until enough money came into the ministry. But, when Pastor Marcus James called to tell me they were out of Bibles,  and explained the outreach plans, I could not turn a deaf ear to the need. I know that when we put God’s Word into the hands of precious souls, God  puts His Word into their hearts!

They need Bibles for all ages. The following Bibles will be shipped to them tomorrow (July 5th): 4 cases  of 20, of the NIrV children’s Bible = $319.20  –  NIV Path to Victory, 4 cases of 24 (sports Bible for teens)  =$479.04 and Native American NT for adults, case of 62=$155.00  — The complete Bibles for children and teens are ordered through Biblica (formerly International Bible Society) and the Native NT is ordered from American Missions International.  The total cost = $953.24 before shipping.  Each Bible for the children and teens have beautiful art work, and devotional Bible concept teaching included. The adult NT has over fifty pages of topical study guide information that is written especially for Native Americans.

GOD’S PRECIOUS JEWELS NEEDS YOUR HELP TO COVER THESE COSTS. IT’S SUCH A JOY TO KNOW THAT GOD’S WORD IS BEING PRESENTED TO OUR PRECIOUS NATIVE AMERICAN POPULATION. WOULD YOU JOIN HANDS WITH ME IN COVERING THE COSTS OF BIBLES? THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS A MATTER OF HEARTFELT PRAYER.  ANY AMOUNT WILL BE VALUABLE IN MEETING THIS CURRENT NEED. MINISTRY CREDIT CARDS ARE GREAT, BUT SOMEHOW THROUGH THE YEARS I’VE NOTICED SOMETHING. WE HAVE TO PAY THE C.C. COMPANY.  

When wanting to help,  just make your check out to God’s Precious Jewels, 1401 Yolo Street, Corning, CA 96021 or go to the web site at godspreciousjewels.info and click on the giving section for other ways to contribute. We are a 501 3C Christian non-profit ministry. All gift are tax deductible.

If you haven’t viewed the Prayer Summit post yet, just look to your right on the blog and click on MINISTRY UPDATES.

Please contact me if you desire to help in beginning your own ministry to Native American people. I would be thrilled to assist you with a free start-up packet of information, and to personally answer any of your questions.

While we wait, souls perish. We can take the Word of life, and the Holy Spirit will bring them into the Kingdom.

God bless you, Patricia Martin

This is your invitation to become a prayer intercessor for Native American children and their families. WILL YOU PRAY FOR ONE MINUTE EACH DAY? (Prayer suggestions are listed below)

 Since 2000 I’ve traveled, with volunteers, to five states and had the privilege of giving away thousands of Bibles and other excellent gospel materials. We also send large shipments of Bibles beyond those states visited. God’s Precious Jewels ministry has pledged to come along side of Native Pastors and other ministers, who do outreach in presenting Jesus, to many varied people living on reservations and other tribal lands. It has always been a helping ministry, wanting to assist rather than to promote change. However, we have sought to be good stewards in every way. We only work with Pastors and missionaries who believe the Bible is the  inspired and only infallible and authoritative written Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16)

The Lord has enlarged my vision in reaching out to our Native American neighbors. Inspiring others to “catch the need and the VISION” has become a greater passion. We have a desperate home missions need available to us here in America. While there are many excellent ministries to Native Americans only a small percentage are hearing the gospel. Many Native pulpits stand empty. Many children and their families have no ministry available to them. Please view the web site for a full understanding of this invitation to become one of our Intercessor Prayer Summit participants.  You can scroll down a little and click on the link of God’s Precious Jewels (right hand side) That will take you to the home page.

PRAYER GUIDE:

Native Pastors and all persons ministering to Native Americans will be protected, be encouraged, have provision for themselves and their ministry.

Pulling down of Satan’s strongholds on all reservations and tribal lands — and in individual lives.

That the Holy Spirit will soften hearts, and speak the gospel of Jesus Christ into their lives.

That Native Americans will come to understand the love of God for them — that they will come to know that their identity does not come from their culture, but through Jesus Christ.

May Christian Native Americans understand that first they are Christians and then they are Native Americans. ( Many put their culture before Jesus)

Pray that the Holy Spirit will speak into the hearts of the fathers, for a majority of the homes are without the strong leadership and love of a father. A high majority of mothers are alone with their children. Many moms are in jail, and grandparents are raising the children. God can and will change this as we pray.

Pray against poverty, rape, domestic violence, substance abuse, witchcraft, murders, accidents, spirits of infirmity  and  early death.

Pray that those ministering to Native Americans will have God’s wisdom and knowledge in knowing how to present the gospel to Native Americans. Ask the Holy Spirit to help them present the Word of God with tenderness and love, yet without compromise.

Pray for all of the ministers and ministries working with Native Americans. They come against a great deal of spiritual warfare daily. We need to apply the blood of Jesus upon their lives, ask God to guard over them with guardian angels and waring angels, and to place a hedge of protection around them.

Pray that Christians across the U.S. will begin their own creative ministries to Native Americans. (I’ve prepared a free start-up packet that can be emailed to those interested – several have already “caught the VISION.”

PLEASE VIEW THE CALL (A prophetic word given in 2006). It is on the web site. This same message has been spoken into the hearts of Christians across this land. In 2006, while in a meeting at the Native American College in Phoenix AZ, I shared the message with Pastor John Maracle  (Native American Fellowship) and Pastor Heron Claus (Chief Ministries). As I read it to them they were smiling. Pastor Maracle said, “It’s just like you looked into my computer because the Holy Spirit had given them the same message. But, that’s how our God works. As you pray please remember to include the prophetic message in your prayers. It’s all about how God sees the Precious Native American people, and not how many think of them. It’s just the opposite of how most Native American people view themselves too. I believe a great revival is coming to America and Native Americans are part of that revival.  If we pray faithfully, we will have the joy of celebrating this long over-do victory.

I know that every State within the United States will pray in the VISION.

I Believe God!

RIGHT NOW WE HAVE SEVEN STATES PRAYING THE VISION:  CA, AZ, OR, NV, WI, WA AND ID

Once on the web site you will see how to contact me for further information and free start-up information, if you also want to begin ministering to Native Americans.  There is a simple application procedure. Please give me at least a week or two to respond, depending upon the number of emails and comments. You may also leave your comments below this message, in the comments section. 

You can be a prayer missionary in your own home. You can pray while driving, doing dishes, during your quiet time or throughout the day — but pray. You can begin today.

Please let me know your decision, at your convenience.

“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they  may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.” (Matthew 18:19,20 NAS)

We can stand together in agreement, and there is no distance in prayer. How wonderful and powerful.

Blessings, Patricia Martin

The Pharisees called to Jesus from the crowd and asked that He rebuke the disciples. They did not approve of the loud praises that the disciples  were giving to Jesus. This is the reply that Jesus gave:  “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”  (Luke 19:40 NKJ) I firmly believe that all Christians should praise the Lord out of the abundance of their heart every moment of every day.

Dear God:

I give You my praise, for You have  given me eternal life, through Jesus Christ my Lord! How awesome is your plan of salvation for all mankind. How wonderful is Your redeeming love offered to each individual person —- Your creation —- Your masterpiece, when we receive Your free gift of everlasting life.

I oft ponder Your love for all of us, and Your personal individual love. I praise You for all of Your plans in arranging for our salvation. I praise You for living in my life. “that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations; but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:26,27 NAS)

I marvel at the fact that You know my every thought, hear my every word, see my every need, understand all of my frustrations and fears, and care about every intricate part of my life. In Your love letter, the Bible, You even care about every hair upon my head. “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore do not fear, you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31 NAS)

My heart resounds praise to You Heavenly Father, for all of Your individual and loving care. You did not need to create us with the gift of receiving  such love, such beauty, and such faithfulness. Yet, You chose such wonderful ways to manifest Your love into our lives.  As the God of all creation, You could have placed mankind upon this earth and left us to our own ways. We could have been as forgotten creatures. But, You gave a more wonderful plan for Your creation. When Jesus came to die for our sins, You offered us eternal life and healing for every need.  I owe You all of my praise —- all of my life —- and all of my heart!

There are not enough words in my vocabulary to describe my thanks and praise to You. You are worthy of so much more.  All heaven and earth — are creatures and creation need to sing forth a melody of continual praise unto You, my God and my Father. May the hand of Jesus continually mold my heart into adoration for You, and may the Holy Spirit continually breathe into my life a continuous melody of praise.  Amen

We can picture an actual crown placed upon our head by the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, with the inscription of: Lovingkindness and Tender Mercies. Since the Holy Spirit is gentle as a dove, we must choose do be diligent in our walk with the Lord, seeking Him with all of our heart, and keeping our vessels filled up to the brim with the oil of the Holy Spirit.

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” (Matthew 25:1-4)  We need to ask ourselves if we are “packed up and ready to go” when the bridegroom comes for His church? Or, will be out in the “market place” playing the role of the harlot of this world system? Will we have removed our crown and tossed it aside until it becomes so tarnished that it is no longer a crown, but just a forgotten gift?

But wait, for we can all live for Christ with our crown in place. Ephesians 2:5-10 explains this wonderful truth. “But God, who is rich in mercy , because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together and made us sit together in the heavenly place in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness  toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” See how the words abound clearly to distinguish us from those who have not yielded their lives to Jesus Christ, for He has ordained “that we should walk in them.” We are called by God to “walk in good works.” In so doing we are choosing to wear our gift from God — our crown —- the crown inscribed with the words, lovingkindness and tender mercies.

The riches described to us in scripture thrills our hearts as we bathe our minds with the promises of God.  “Through the LORD’S mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22,23) His love promises that His mercies are new each and every morning. How awesome and faithful is our God! So, we can arise each day with His praises upon our lips, springing forth from our inner most being.

We are not as a dry tree, but we are fruitful and blessed through the living water of Christ our Lord. (See John 4:7-14) Because we are redeemed by the blood that Jesus shed upon the cross, we are nourished unto life eternal each new day. While the world looks on with dismay and lack of hope, we are continually revived and blessed by God’s loving kindness and tender mercies. “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28) What a marvelous gift, our crown of lovingkindness and tender mercies! Let us wear it well.

While we cannot change history, we can do everything within our power to love precious Native Americans into the Kingdom of God. Native American Pastors are very dedicated and devoted to the work of the Kingdom. Over the past eleven years I’ve been greatly encouraged to meet some of the finest ministers in the United States. They are in ministry to win souls to Christ, and I’ve never met a hireling among them.  

A high majority of those who minister to Native Americans (some who are not Native Americans) face struggles beyond the norm. Many of them work long hours to support their families and still maintain a schedule “packed full” of huge ministry needs and activities. They also face vicious spiritual warfare. Some who are ministering are between 65 and 75! Others have physical disabilities that would put most of us in bed. Yet, they are called and they do not stumble over challenges, but leap over them by the power of the Holy Spirit. I’m impressed!

Something else that impresses me is the Native American people. They are intelligent and gifted by God. Yet, federal money, grants, casino monies — none of these elements help them become children of God —- washed in the blood of Jesus. There is a wide gulf between each tribe, tribal lands, and reservation life. Physically some do prosper, while others live in Hogans, without water or electricity.  Even when money is available, something else looms overhead —- substance abuse of all kinds, domestic violence, child abuse, incest, murders,  unemployment, and an inability to “climb out of the pit.” Those who are born into poverty end up feeling trapped by the circumstances of life. Very few make it out of a poverty laden reservation.

People of God —- where is our compassion for those in our own land? Native Americans fight in our wars, die for our country, right along side of us. Why is it so difficult to lend a hand when they are right here in the United States? You may answer, “There are already many excellent ministries doing the work of evangelism among the Native Americans.” That is true, but thus far we are only ministering to a small percentage of Native Americans. 

Again, I mention —- we cannot change our history but we can reach out to all Native Americans in our own country. We can come along side of Native American Pastors and others who are ministering, and strengthen their ministries. We can become prayer partners with them, making phone calls,  and sending emails. We can provide excellent free Bibles and all kinds of other gospel literature  that is  so desperately needed by many. Frequently Pastors need help with VBS, and outreach trips are a blessing to them. There is no end to the creative types of ministry available, all of which help churches thrive.  

Just getting to know them, asking what they need, and assisting them, helps build their ministry. Soon they will recognize that we have no hidden agenda, but that we are available to bless them. This can make the difference between a church remaining open or a Pastor leaving ministry, and ultimately souls being saved!

What has the Lord done? Just recently God has moved upon the hearts of two Assembly of God Pastor’s to possibly begin their own ministry to Native Americans. The missions director in our district arranged for the vision to be placed before all of the churches in the Northern CA/NV district. The message was in a monthly magazine, and I’m believing God that more and more churches will show an interest, and will call upon God’s Precious Jewels to send them free start-up packets, and that they will contact me with questions, etc.

My former Pastor, from the eighties who is now retired, doesn’t want to begin his own Native American ministry, but he has offered to help me in assisting churches and Pastors. Boise Rescue Mission is still interested in serving Native Americans and they have already reached out to a tribe in Idaho. Friends of mine have enlarged their ministry to Native Americans. I’ve contacted the missions director (leaving a message) of the Assemblies of God for the United States , as I want to share the vision with him also.

The vision is for God to reach out through His people across the entire United States, to Native Americans. Many more souls will be saved as a result of God’s magnificent love and power. Native Americans will take their proper place within our nation, furthering our commitment to bless those who have been so wounded. Isn’t that God’s message? Isn’t that His way? We can do it —- Yes we can — We can be that arm of righteousness extended to our hurting brethren. They are a proud people, and we want them to be proud in the Lord and His goodness.

Won’t you help? Let me know when you want to invite your church into the joy of ministering to Native American children and their families. Individuals may also request start-up packets, and I’ll be happy to meet with you personally if possible.

God’s Precious Jewels, Inc. is a Christian non-profit 501 c3 ministry. We are also a recognized ministry with the Assemblies of God, NCN District. However, we have the liberty to minister alongside of all Bible believing churches, and have ministered in five different states since 2000.

We put the Word of God into their hands and God puts the Word into their hearts!

In His Service,

Patricia Martin

When a small child I talked to God, and would ponder who He was and how He got started. Sometimes, out of the blue, a sweet presence would enfold my life, and I’d think, “where did that come from?” Now I know that presence was part of God’s call upon my life.

I’m convinced that the Holy Spirit is ever faithful, calling all people to repentance and salvation, for we know that He is not willing that any should perish. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

When in the third grade I used to walk about a mile to my piano lesson. My Mother showed me the route to take, carefully explaining that I was not to walk through an alley, as a short-cut. In Santa Barbara most of the homes had long alleys, and were used by cars and people.

One day I decided to take the alley, wanting to get home faster. As I approached the entrance to the alley I heard a voice call my name. Turning around to see who it was, there was no one there. I kept walking towards the entrance, and the voice called my name again, this time even louder. This was repeated three times, and with no one in sight I decided not to take the alley. I thought about that many times through the years, and still feel that God called my name to protect my life.

At age ten I heard the gospel. I wept inside, as I viewed the flannel graph story of Jesus on the cross, and I could hardly wait to get home to share the message with my Mother. I wanted to confirm with her that Jesus really did suffer and die for us. In my heart I heard Him calling me, but still I wanted to hear my Mom say, “Yes it is true.” However, she explained that the “bloody” gospel message was for the ignorant, those who were not highly reincarnated like my family. Still, I had heard His call, and the seed was planted. The seed grew, and I was marvelously saved in 1963.

 Wonder of wonders, both of my parents finally heard the call of Jesus upon their lives before they died —- my dad at age 90 and my mom in her eighties. My dad gave his life to Jesus just seven days before he died. I believe they both “heard the call.”

Are you listening for His call? You have to be listening. He calls us one by one. He calls us in different ways, but ultimately with the message of salvation, through the blood of Jesus Christ. But, we must have our heart open to His call. We must want Him. We must desire to know the wonderful creator of all good.

Sometimes hearts grow weary and harden, and no longer desire to know God. That can be changed by asking God to soften your heart. You can ask God to give you “spiritual ears” to hear His call. He will answer that prayer!

He still calls me, calling my name, and saying “continue on for I am coming again.” His voice puts to silence all foreign voices that attempt to destroy the good life — the life that He alone provides.

I do not know if you have answered the call to come unto Jesus yet. I don’t know if you have repented and given your entire life to Him. But, He knows, and He will continue to call your name. I hope you are listening for the love of God — that transforming love of salvation and eternal life — that love that gives you joy and peace in the darkest hours, and strength to greet a new day — that love that will one day usher you into the very presence of God and eternal life.

In the Bible, God’s Word, you will find the book of John. If you have questions about “the call” you can find the answer there. Perhaps if you are reading my thoughts today, you are hearing Him call you one more time. Today is the best day to answer “Yes.”