Bearing Fruit that will Last

Often I reflect on the life of Paul and wonder what motivated him to keep on going with such zeal, even after being beaten, stoned or whipped.  What really was behind the statement from Acts 20:24, “I consider my life …

Apostolic Order

Apostolic order has two meanings; first we seek to order congregational life according to the teaching of the original Apostles in the first century as can be reasonably applied in our current day. Second we order our congregations under apostolic …

Extravagant Love by Patty Juster

By Patty Juster A strong young man stood by a gold gilded table pouring over some parchments.  He seemed deep in thought as he glanced back and forth from the table to something outside his palace window.  “Everything seems to …

God’s Project of Freedom Patty Juster

By Patty Juster All see you were wrong about the people you loved The men you created, in freedom you beget them Now they are jeering and mocking with great ire Their eyes blackened, raging they strip you Plucking your …

Happy Birthday, Sam

By Patty Juster Happy Birthday, my son, Of what age are you now? At twelve you were taken, Almost three years ago That makes you ‘bout fifteen Or has God made you old? How do you look, His glory clothes …

Holy Unto the Lord Patty Juster

By Patty Juster Alone, set apart, unto my Lord He does woo me This grief, heavy to bear Choking, screaming, crushing Now inviting me, he says, “come follow me” A highway of holiness, no wild beast does dare walk God’s …

Hope Born Patty Juster

By Patty Juster Oh hope, not yet born Does your heart still beat Your strength ‘bout forlorn Do I feel your feet? A Sono does tell You’re not yet dead But vitals not well Hope has gone to bed “Wake …

Hope Springs Patty Juster

By Patty Juster Wild geese honking, coolness creeping o’er the forest glade Leaves telling stories of soon redemption. In quiet waiting, the bulbs planted Thinking of better times, of days lengthened. Birds chirping, with babies gaping Asking how long ‘fore …

Intimacy by Patty Juster

The longing to be inside each other, to be intimately close, is innate within each of us.  When I think of the closeness I have with my husband I crave even greater intimacy.  It is not enough to have the …

Love Hurts by Patty Juster

LOVE HURTS The emergency room of the hospital bustled with too much activity. The noise and confusion seemed too intense for so early on this Sunday morning. Huddled into a corner sat a young mother and father. They were sitting …