Heartland World Ministries Church

  We received a wonderful email this week that contained a poem entitled, "The Prodigal." I've not yet personally met the author, but am thankful she also posted it on her Facebook page, because others need to read it! It beautifully describes the life of someone who wandered away from the Lord, only to find their way back to Him. I wanted to share it with you: THE PRODIGAL
By Mary Grace Wallace "What happened to her? Where did she go?
The one with the laugh and never a foe.
She'd light up the room with only a smile,
Lending a hand or an ear all the while. Somewhere along the journey of life
Her heart was consumed by darkness and strife.
When did it change? How can she know?
She faded too slowly to see it go. Confused by the hurt and turmoil of late,
She wonders if this is really her fate [ ... ]

There was a conversation I had with an individual some time back who was expressing their strong desire to 'do something for God.'  This person had been enduring a season of uncomfortable circumstances that were causing him to deeply evaluate his life.  The result? He began seeking answers from His Heavenly Father; focusing his thoughts on what God wanted rather than what he wanted.. This reminds me of the activity of a mother eagle when building her nest. She builds her nest in the tallest trees on the highest mountain ledges. The nest is skillfully constructed by first laying down thorns, jagged stones and many sharp objects. Each of these materials seem useless in nest construction, but there is sound reason for this. Afterward she covers it with a thick layer [ ... ]

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 Not one day passes that we don't receive feedback from those who listen to or view our sermons either by web or television. Oftentimes the notes are kind and encouraging, thanking us for preaching the Word with truth and clarity. Other replies are filled with angst, written by those who have been irritated by the Gospel message. Some simply write to argue, some to sincerely question because they're seeking. We welcome them all. We recently received a response from a listener who does not claim to believe in God. This individual adamantly expressed his view that God is not the Creator of all that is; that idea is completely false in his mind. Instead, their faith rests in the fact that our billions of stars and planets 'simply happened.' Our very own Al Roeve [ ... ]

With each passing day it becomes more evident that the church MUST rise up and answer the call to faithful, fervent and focused prayer. Our nation and culture as we know it has come under such attack. The Bible clearly tells us that we have an adversary; his goal is to steal, kill and destroy. We can be certain, that if anything is good, moral or righteous then prepare for the enemy's onslaught as he attempts to bring on its demise. While this may not sound very uplifting, I want to bring a tremendous encouragement to you today. We as the people of God have at our disposal a fail- proof weapon that the forces of hell cannot overcome. We have God's faithful promises, given throughout His Word; IF we pray, then HE WILL answer. As your Senior Pastor, I certainly welcome your prayers for mysel [ ... ]

There's something on my heart today that I want to share with all who are feeling the pinch and pressure of this recession.  I know that financial concerns are on the increase and that can cause distress and lack of peace, so I want us to focus on what God's Word tells us about His faithfulness. Our Heavenly Father is steadfast, unchanging, and is always watching out for His children.  This brief passage appears in my devotional, Daily Awakenings. If you have been subject to the stress and uncertainty of these days, then let these words sink deep into your soul. It is interesting to talk to people who once had the faith for God to save them, but now are lacking in faith for God to lead them, (or provide for them). Like a child, weeping tears of repentance, they once humbly receiv [ ... ]