As I have been thinking in the last few weeks about choosing a Key verse and song for the year 2012, I thought of the struggles that I have been having with a lot of pain from degenerative disc disease and also the fact that I am not able to sing as I have in the past. I have always signed my letters and named my web site, and recently ordered our grave markers and had engraved by my name, the phrase, “Singing His Praise”.

Since singing for me is much harder, and the pain and inability to do many things that I once did easily, I am finding that satan would steal my JOY. I share this so those who have similar situations may be encouraged.

When I was just a young child we sang a song in Sunday School and week day Bible Class that met once a week after school.

My good friend Beverly Smith (Yokum) and I would use our study hall to write the memory verses for our Bible class teacher.

I have determined to make this my theme song for the year 2012… and rejoice that I can still Sing His Praise in my heart and not allow self pity.

Along with that little song is an important message that we so need to keep in mind.

“J-O-Y”

Jesus and Others & You
What a wonderful way to spell J-O-Y
Jesus and Others and You.
In the life of each girl and each boy.

J – is for Jesus, for HE has first place,
O- is for other, we meet face to face.
Y – is for You in what ever you do,
Put yourself last and spell JOY.

The way to have real JOY in our lives is to follow the rules to this little song.

Philippians 2: 2 – 51 will be my verses for 2012 to help me “Forget about (myself) and concentrate on Him and worship Him.” (“We Have Come Into His House” 2).

“…make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vein conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5. Your attitude should be that same as that of Christ Jesus.”
In my counseling ministry I encourage those who struggle with discouragement and depression to follow this bit of advice, I am giving myself, and read I Corinthians 13 (THE LOVE CHAPTER) every day for one month and journal how those verses have helped them at the end of the month.

1 New International Version, Harvest House, 1995

2 “Celebration of Praise, Rick Powell, P. 27, Zondervan, 1980.

Still Singing His Praise – PROVERBS 2:3-5 “If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.”

This is my choice of Scripture for 2011…. and my song is “Higher Ground”

Each New Year, as many do, I like to think about what I want to happen in my life.

The Lord has burdened me for the lost and I would love to win some souls to HIM this year…..

I have selected the above Scriptures and Hymn for part of my goals for this year.

There are so many around us who need the LORD in their lives. Even some who profess Christ as their Saviour, yet deep in their hearts they know that they need to draw closer to HIM and be more faithful and obedient to HIM.

Are you reading the Word of God every day and are you praying for guidance every hour of the day? Are you attending a church where the Word of God is preached faithfully?

My personal desire is to point others to Christ. Either to introduce them to the LORD or help those who know him to grow and love serving HIM daily in a way the they too will ultimately win others to HIM.

Perhaps you have stress or anxieties that you deal with and that gets in the way of your faithfulness and obedience to God.

Let me pray for you. Leave a comment.

Those who are reading this and know the LORD, please pray with me concerning lost souls and that I may win those with whom I come in contact.

I do not want to put a number down because I do not want to limit myself nor the work of the Holy Spirit in lives.

So, I am praying for many lives to be brought to a saving knowledge of Christ or a closer walk with HIM in 2011 because of my witness.

In the last few months, I have had two people come to me and specifically state, “I don’t know if you have heard the gossip about me, but I just want to tell you myself what is true and what is not true.

This has caused me to ache deep in my heart for them and caused me to have mixed emotions.

One of honor that that person cared that I know their business and the truth about them.

Second, the great realization that what God thinks is far more important than what I think of them.

My first reaction is to hold up my hands to stop them and tell them that they  do not need to feel that they owe me an explanation and that it really is not my business.

In both cases those dear ones went on to explain to me their heartaches and concerns,

In the course of the conversation I tried very hard to help them understand that it was important for them to be sure that they talked with the Lord (both told me they were Christians)  and make sure that He knew there heart and to seek His leading and will about the whole situation so that He would be glorified.

Are you having a conflict with someone who has maligned you and your heart is aching.
“Tell Jesus, Tell Jesus, He will listen He will heed”. “Does Jesus Care?”

Yes, Jesus does care.

Isaiah 40:11
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart… “

Go to Him in prayer and lay your burden at His feet and tell Him your great desire to do right and honor Him with your life and then if necessary set things right  with the Lord (I John 1:9), then  between yourself and those who seem to be offended.  If they will not accept your attempts to make things right, give it all to the Lord and let it go.  Do what you can to make your own situation honorable before the Lord and then go on with HIM doing all in your power to dispel any false accusations and make sure there is no reason for the perceived situation.

God is faithful and He loves you… TRUST HIM today.

“Does Jesus Care”
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/d/o/doesjeca.htm

The second week there was one lady and the third week, two ladies…. God is working. ( a few others stopped by and listened in and left).

This week the same two ladies attended and shared requests for prayer.

I am encouraged and praise the Lord for the blessings in the class.

Jer.33:3 “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

Verse I memorized this week.

I Cor. 7:23,24 “Ye are bought with a price, be not ye the servants of men.  Brethern, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.”

"GOD USES THE PREPARED PERSON...

Well, I prayed for ladies to come, I sent out fliers with the monthly news bulletin for the community, one of the ladies took one to the person who puts announcements on the local radio station,  I ordered lesson books, prepared the lesson, and a few ladies signed up and a few others said they would come.

I prayed a lot about it and enlisted others to pray for the Lord’s blessing.

I went over to the community room, set up the stereo with nice music playing, took several extra Bibles so that if anyone needed a Bible. and had little pieces of paper set for deciding on a name for our class.

I called those who signed up to remind them this morning and the first call was a young woman who was very excited about coming but her sister answered the call and she shared that the young woman had an emergency in her family, the second lady had an appointment to have a test, one that planned on coming had an unexpected person come in at the last minute, and on it goes.

Yes, I was there by myself.  NOT!  The LORD and I were there.  I turned on the music and listened to Carrie Thompson’s  “Strings of Praise” accompanied by Jeff Acker and our son, Nathan Pierpont.

I decided if none came that I would stay there the whole time and read the Word and pray for the Lord’s anointing for when the Lord does choose to send someone in.

The key Scripture for the study  I am using (“Becoming A Woman of Prayer” by Cynthia Heald,) is “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3.

The book is one that was my mother’s and she had it about 2/3 filled out. It seems she may have been studying through it when the Lord took her home “to show her unsearchable things.”

Though, humanly speaking I  am very disappointed that no one came to the first Bible study, I am also overjoyed that I can still call upon my Lord and wait and see what HE has in store for me.

I am waiting on the edge of my seat, so to speak, to see what HE is going to do here in our little community.

Perhaps you will join me in prayer for God’s blessing as I  desire to share the love of God with others.

“Wait on the Lord” Ron Hamilton 1950 Copyright 1988, Majesty Music,  Inc.

Ask and it shall be given unto you;

Seek and ye shall find.

Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Opened in God’s time.

Ye have not because ye ask not;

So ask and seek and find.

For the Lord gives good thing in His time

Wait on the Lord, wait on the Lord,

I say wait on the Lord Thy God

Wait on the Lord, Wait on the Lord

Wait, Wait, Wait upon the Lord.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. NIV

This is a verse that I have kept over my sewing machine or work place for many years to remind myself of the importance of doing my very best in whatever I do. Whether it be a job or making a gift for a friend or family, in my work place, as a wife and mother, a pastor’s wife or teacher.

A dear niece noticed my typed note to myself several years ago and sweetly cross-stitched a beautiful plague for me in lavender with a pretty blue flower and lavender ruffle.

Whenever I went to a new job or moved I would take that little plague and put it up over my work area.

When I make a mistake in my crocheting that perhaps only I would even know isn’t right, I feel compelled to pull out my work and make it right.

I crocheted a beautiful apricot tablecloth with a pineapple design and several years after I made it I was sitting at the table and I noticed a place where I had skipped a cluster stitch. No, I did not take it apart and fix it, it is still a beautiful table cloth and it is still very useful, but it has been twelve years or more since I made it and it still pops out at me.

I think of the time when I was making a bride’s maid’s dress and the iron spit water on the peau de soie (a lovely matte satin fabric which Is very unforgiving). Needless to say I had to go shopping to replace the section that was damaged.

One day while decorating for a Christmas program I was carrying some boxes and I entered the building in the dark (the light switches were at the other end of the sanctuary) and someone had moved the platform furniture into the area where I usually walked freely and holding the boxes high, I suddenly crashed into the pulpit. Now though the hand is healed, I have a scar to remind me of that occasion.

I often think back over my life as a Christian and think of things which I wish I had done differently, or that I had been a better servant of Christ, a better wife, parent, or friend.

This reminds me of the “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” and the blessed fact, that as born again Christians who have put their trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, we are assured of His forgiveness.

I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Read this precious portion for the Word of God…..

First you begin right away changing your address so that things will go smoothly, call all utilities and have them stopped and started on the best days for all concerned, tell all your friends to get out their erasers, and then get on the computer and try to edit your personal data (which is no small task).

Then you dutifully go to the secretary of state to get a new drivers license….

Not so fast, wait, “do you have the list?” They ask.

Yes, that is right there is a list of things that you need to get a new drivers license.

To get a new MI drivers license I had to send for a certified copy of my birth certificate with a raised seal because mine was a photo copy (which I have used for I don’t know how many years, with no questions asked).

So I sent a photo copy of my copy of my birth certificate to Cassopolis County Clerk with a check for $13 and less than a week later I received my real birth certificate and they say and I quote, “please note” that the date on my birth certificate on file is august 28…..

I think someone must have been asleep when they recorded it because I have celebrated my birthday for sixty-nine years on august the 26th according to the copy my parents gave me.

I wonder who made the mistake.. My parents, the Dr., The clerk…. Oh dear…. This is pretty serious.
Now when should I celebrate my birthday….???

When I go to pick up a prescription am I going to have to give the 28th for my birthday….Will my drivers license expire on the 28th. Do I celebrate both days…. Ha ha!

I have always celebrated my spiritual birthday on the 28th as I remember being saved two days after my birthday. Which now makes my birthday and salvation on the same date.

What a trauma for an old lady. Then again why should I complain if I am two days younger.

“Praise the Lord, He Never Changes”

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

MELONY JANE (PIERPONT) EVANS SALVATION 8-29-60 WHILE HEARING ME WITNESS TO A NEIGHBOR BAPTIZED WAYLAND FIRST BAPTIST, WAYLAND, MI 1-26-1964

KENNETH LEE PIERPONT SALVATION 5-31-1963, DURING FAMILY DEVOTIONS WITH DAD WHILE MOM WAS AT WORK BAPTIZED 12-25-66, HI WAY BY-WAY BAPTIST CHURCH, NEAR MIDLAND, MI.

KEVIN ALAN PIERPONT SALVATION DURING DEVOTIONS WITH MOM, 4-25-1970 BAPTISZED 3-17-1974 BY BLESSED HOPE BAPTIST, DAYTON , OH

NATHAN SHIPLEY PIERPONT SALVATION 7-28-1972 DURING DEVOTIONS WITH MOM BAPTIZED BY HIS BROTHER WHILE PASTORING PLEASANT RIDGE CHURCH OHIO 6-5-1977

• TO KNOW THAT THEY ARE FAITHFULLY SERVING THE LORD IN THEIR VARIOUS MINISTRIES AND DESIROUS OF RAISING THEIR CHILDREN TO HONOR THE LORD WITH THERE LIVES.MELONY AND HUSBAND JIM (PASTOR)- GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH, OTT0WA, IL
  KENNETH (SR. PASTOR) AND WIFE LOIS(HATTON) PIERPONT- EVANGEL
  BAPTIST, TAYLOR, MIKEVIN (PASTOR) AND WIFE CAROLYN (WORTH) PIERPONT – HIGGINS LAKE
  BAPTIST, ROSCOMMON, MI

  NATHAN (MINISTER OF MUSIC) AND WIFE JENNIFER (GIEHL) PIERPONT,
  NORTHEASTERN BAPTIST, KALAMAZOO, MI

  TO BE SO BLESSED WITH THIRTY-ONE GRANDCHILDREN PLUS ONE ON THE WAY IN DEC. AND NINE GREAT GRANDCHILDREN. WHO CALL US ON THE PHONE TO LET US KNOW THAT THEY HAVE RECEIVED CHRIST AS THEIR SAVIOUR. TWO OF THEM ARE YOUTH PASTORS AND TWO IN TRAINING FOR MISSIONS WORK, ONE SERVING FAITHFULLY WITH HER HUSBAND IN THEIR LOCAL CHURCH AND THREE BEGINNING A MINISTRY OF SINGING GOD’S PRAISE, AND MANY YOUNG ONES WHO LOVE YOU AND SERVE YOU IN THEIR YOUTH.

  TO ME THIS IS THE GREATEST MOTHER’S DAY GIFT ANY OTHER COULD EVER ASK FOR. IT IS MY GREATEST DESIRE THAT ALL OF MY DESCENDANTS COME TO KNOW CHRIST PERSONALLY, HAVE A GREAT DESIRE TO HONOR THE LORD WITH THEIR LIVES AND LIVE FAITHFULLY FOR HIM (NOT NECESSARILY AS PASTOR OR MISSIONARY) BUT WHERE EVER AND WHATEVER THE LORD WANTS FOR THEM WHICH OF COURSE WOULD MEAN FAITHFULNESS TO HIM IN EVERY AREA OF THEIR LIVES.

  I PRAY THAT I WILL BE THE KIND OF EXAMPLE AND WHEN I FAIL THAT THEY WILL KNOW THAT MY GREATEST DESIRE IS TO HONOR MY SAVIOUR WHO HAS BEEN MY HELP AND STRENGTH.

“THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE”

http://carolyn.wpatch.com/

When we were at Church in Logansville Ohio I was invited to the Fortnightly Club ( a group of musicians that met monthly).Ha! It was fun and they usually had a theme.

This time it was Spring…

Everyone sang or played an instrument. I was the only singer… so I wrote that little ditty and also the sacred song ” ‘Tis A Miracle of God”

It was April or May…

IT’S WET

It’s wet, it’s wet
the rain is falling on the ground
It’s wet, it’s wet
There’s lots of moisture all around
It’s wet, it’s wet
You’re going to get you tootsies wet….
Don’t get in a muddle
You’ll fall in a puddle
You’re going to get your tootsies wet.

‘TIS A MIRACLE OF GOD

1.  Who can make a flower blossom?
Who can make the birds to sing?
Cause the winds to sway the tree tops?
‘Tis a miracle of God.

2.  Who can keep the sunshine glowing,
Even while the rain shall fall,
Bending them to make a rainbow?

‘Tis a miracle of God.

Chorus:

We must pause, fall on our knees
To Him credit all of these,
And give praise to the Creator.
‘Tis the Miracle of God.

Who can make the lightning thunder,
Yet, can calm the angry seas,
Put the stars up in the heavens,
‘Tis the Miracle of God.

3.  Jesus gave His life on Calvary,
Then He rose up from the grave.
He can give you life eternal.
Tis the Miracle of God.

Word’s and music by
Jane A Pierpont

I usually set my alarm on my palm so that I am prepared after work, but I forgot to put in the New Year’s schedule, so when I got into the car after work and Ken said we were ministering at the HCMC (I have to admit) I thought, “OH NO, I am just too tired”.

Isaiah 40:29-31
29. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

30. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

31. But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

We had our supper and then I practiced a song and changed my clothes.
I even had a little time to rest in my “bird cage” (swinging wicker chair).

When we arrived there was no one down stairs in the dinning hall where we usually meet and after a little detective work we arrived on the second floor where there were over twenty-five dear folk all lined up in their wheel-chairs waiting for the service to start.

After I got my Karaoke set up, I began to play the piano while Ken passed out hymnals.

There is one sweet lady there who always sits in the front and does the ‘princess’ wave to me while I play the piano.

We sang a few familiar hymns and even as I played and sang along, I truly enjoyed hearing some of the people singing along, especially on the choruses of the hymns.

I sang “Be Not Afraid” (One of my favorite songs) based on:

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

While Ken preached, I enjoyed watching the faces of the little congregation. Since they have just finished eating, probably have taken their meds and it is always toasty warm in the room, some have difficulty staying awake, Yet, off and on they will rally and smile and even laugh when Ken says something funny.

After the service we make the rounds and shake everyones hand. The ‘waving’ lady always comments on what I am wearing and tells me how pretty I am.

Another, tiny little lady took my hand firmly and thanked me over and over again and told me she loved my song.

My heart was broken when I patted the hand of a

young

women who seemed unable to communicate, but when I talked to her and patted her hand she gave me the most raidiant smile. That made my day.

Psalm 63

1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.

2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.

3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

I am so glad that I didn’t let the devil discourage me, because I felt better when we got home that I had when I came home from work.

“THERE IS JOY IN SERVING JESUS”