My Story, Celebration Church

Salvation!

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:38:27 GMT

God gave me a divine appointment yesterday morning, I had the pleasure of leading F.M. to the Lord, he is the owner/lead electrician on my job. He is a Native American which lives on the reservation in Pine Ridge about 90 minutes from Wanblee.
He had come into my trailer to discuss something and it quickly turned into a discussion about the Lord. After he had repeated the sinners prayer he had stated “I surely did not expect this today.”

Prayer really works! I am sure you all have been praying and so have I.
I wanted to say thank you for your prayers, but keep them coming, I am not done here yet.

I cannot wait to see what God will do next, Wow!

Topic started by T.K. (Guest)

1 replies. Last reply from on 8/11/2010 9:38 AM

Back Healed

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:56:36 GMT

At Intercessory Prayer Class Pastor Brent said that God wanted to heal someone's back that night. My hand shot up because I had been in quite a bit of lower back pain for a couple of weeks. I had missed two days of work because I had been hardly able to turn myself over in bed, let alone get out of bed after bending over to pick up my little granddaughter! I had contacted Healing Rooms and friends were standing with me for healing as well.

Even when I was in the most pain, I just kept praising the Lord and thanking him that in spite of my symptoms, I knew I was healed. Well, I guess was looking for a temporary solution (getting rid of the pain), but God was actually looking to heal me of a congenital problem. I had a twist in my spine and one of my legs was a little shorter than the other. This had caused pain off and on for years and the need for repeated chiropractic assistance.

About a year ago, it dawned on me that maybe the Lord would heal me! So back to the Intercessory Prayer Class -- Brent asked me to sit in a chair with my feet up on another chair. He told the class to watch as God would grow my leg out. I was in awe waiting to see what would happen. As I sat there I did feel three little pops or releases in my leg. I left there, and even though I still had some pain, my faith was high. I felt that this was the time to receive from the Lord so I drove around praising him and thanking him.

By morning the pain was completely gone! It was the first morning I woke up without pain in weeks! In addition, I was pleasantly surprised to notice that my walking felt different and seemed easier somehow. For about a week it felt like an unseen hand was holding me steady on my left hip -- I felt very tight there. A few days later, I could hardly believe it when I checked in a mirror: normally I would look slightly crooked (one hip higher than the other), but now my hips are both the same!

I have checked this over and over and PRAISE THE LORD, HE REALLY HAS HEALED ME! I have to keep checking it is absolutely too good to be true. But it is true. What an amazing God! Jesus deserves all the glory. Thanks to all of the people in the Healing Rooms and Intercessory prayer class who believed for my healing! Thank you to Brent for listening to God and being willing to take a step of faith to call me out of the crowd and put his faith on the line. MOST OF ALL THANK YOU JESUS MY HEALER!!

Topic started by K.S.

1 replies. Last reply from on 8/8/2010 4:56 PM

divine appointments and healings

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:10:41 GMT

This is a little late in coming but wanted to also share what occurred on the week we were to pray for divine appointments. It was a little different week for me as I was off of work all week. I did not have any specific plans but wanted to take time to spend with the Lord as much as possible. I had been praying with a friend from church over the phone ( we do this frequently) lifting up our families, our needs, the church , Israel etc. After I got off the phone my youngest son 21 called. Long story short, it was a divine appointment. This is a son who had accepted the Lord when he was younger and then again two years ago but has really struggled lately. The Lord led me to speak into his life to prophecy to him that although he was the youngest and least likely, that HE was my Warrior. ( I have two older sons in the military) . I felt impressed to tell him that he was a warrior like Gideon and then I felt impressed to call out all the treasures that the Lord had placed in him. I saw a treasure chest that had been tightly sealed and the Lord had broken the seal. Too much to tell here but what happened was that he got deliverance that night and his eyes were open to the call of GOd on his life. Every day that week he called me for prayer and to talk about the Bible. God touched him greatly and he now has hope and excitement about serving the Lord. If that was not enough, my cousin called me and again while I was in prayer, I was able to lead him through prayer to a greater acceptance of the Lord's love for him and he is now excited about coming to church and getting more involved. Same as my son, since I was off work for the week, I had much time to attend to counsel, prayer, emails etc with these two. PRAISE JESUS!!
Healing testimony,
A few weeks back out of the blue a large lump appeared on the back of my head. I had not had an accident or anything. It was strange to say the least. I decided to not get into fear although I did believe this was an enemy attack. I decided to take God at his word and simply to stand on God's promises that I AM HEALED and that this lump was nothing that I was going to worry about. I went forward for prayer during the service and one of the women of faith I know from Healing Rooms prayed, stood with me and we agreed together that it was healed in the mighty name of Jesus. I did not feel anything immediately but just kept on believing that it was gone. WIthin a day, Praise Jesus, it was gone. It got smaller and smaller until it was not there any longer. I want to encourage people that we pray and then we stand on God's word. We do not need to wrestle our healing from God. Jesus already took our sickness and disease on the cross. We can simply receive it and STAND even when it is not readily apparrent that we were healed.

Not only do we serve a GOOD God, we serve a MIGHTY God. The scripture says MAGNIFY the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together!! He is BIGGER, GREATER, than anything we face. We must magnify him above our troubles and above the devil's lies about our circumstances! His name IS above every name!! Let's face our God and not our enemies. If we face our enemies, they begin to be magnified in our lives. We all need to look to Jesus. Magnify him.. Tell of his wonderful deeds among men!!
THank you, love you!!

Topic started by K. S.

2 replies. Last reply from a sister in Christ (Guest) on 7/25/2010 12:10 PM

The power of prayer and healing

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:31:35 GMT

Wow, where to begin! It has been almost 5 yrs since I heard the words...you have cancer. I went through surgery and all the treatments that went along with it. Since the surgery, I have had chronic issues with calcium abnormalities and very elevated blood pressure. Last week my blood pressure climbed to it's highest (even while being on medication) and what put the icing on the cake, I found myself having pain like I have never experienced before in my lower back. I went to bed on Thursday night with a sore achy back. I got up in the middle of the night and found myself falling straight to the floor with pain that was so unbearable. It took over as hour to get back up onto the bed. The next morning it happened again. I went to the doctor that late morning and had an MRI done that afternoon. The results came back showing some degeneration of my lower spine and an Osteo at the end of my vertebrea (it's like a spur on the back bone). The inflammation around the Osteo site was what was causing the pain in my back. I was beside myself on what I was going to do about this. I am only 32 yrs old, this is something that I should not be having to deal with yet. With confusion and frustration that went along with the pain, I found myself listening to what our awesome Lord was telling me. Why I only stop to listen when things are intense, I am not sure, but I was being told to slow down and put myself first! These words were hard to take since I am a multitasker and have a family that needs me, but I had no choice as I was put in a position to stop what I was doing and listen and give thanks for the blessings that I have been given the blessing that I was about to receive.
Tonight, 4 days since my back pain halted my life, two very special people from our church family walked into our home to help me regain my faith and trust in the Lord and accept his word and touch. We sat down and talked about what was going on with me physically and how it made me feel spiritually. After some wonderful words together, they sat me down, placed my legs up on a chair and started to pray over me - asking for healing physically and emotionally. Asking that all of my emotional "baggage" be taken away and allow my body to heal inside and out from my head to my toes. My body quickly began to go numb and a heat wave went from my neck down to my knees. It was an overwhelming experience. After we prayed, I was asked to try to get up and walk around. It was AMAZING, I was able to get out of the chair WITHOUT pain, discomfort and help from my husband. I felt free! Not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. I could feel the Holy Spirit in me, nudging me to continue to keep my faith strong and show my love to our Lord by listening all of the time telling the devil to go away and never again have any control of me and my body!
"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" Romans 8:28
Praise the Lord! He will continue to heal me and protect me!

Topic started by R.R. (Guest)

1 replies. Last reply from on 7/19/2010 10:31 PM

A terrific reminder

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 22:18:49 GMT

My husband and I attended the 11:00 service last Sunday (7/11/10) when the youth were giving their testimonies. It was a terrific reminder as to how God can work through anyone's life. From 1996-2004...I was a Youth Advisor for the church I grew up in. During that time...I kept telling youth how crucial it was to have a personal relationship with Christ...while I struggled with that very thing...and still do to this day. Listening to the youth last Sunday taught ME the lesson. Their testimonies were incredibly powerful! Some people think you have to make a big production about living your life for Christ...but you don't...and this ministry that was presented last week was an awesome example of that. Way to go Celebration youth, pastors and supporters!!

I have been a lot more diligent in my prayers this week. I've tried treating them more like a conversation rather than me talking to my wall. I have felt a calming sensation a few times that I can only equate to God letting me know that he's listening. I've been more aware of people and things around me. I have actually found another Christian in my department and started talking to him...and he's been a tremendous stress relief.

Keep up the great work! I look forward to more messages!

Topic started by JD (Guest)

1 replies. Last reply from on 7/17/2010 10:18 PM

Another Grocery Store appointment

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:29:24 GMT

Again, I payed for another's groceries after asking God to bring the right person behind me in line. Tiffany got tears in her eyes and we talked for about 15 minutes about her life and the struggles she's been going through. Just this week she decided to turn her life around. I told her no strings (Brent's line), just unconditional love from Christ. I gave her a Random Acts of Kindness card from Celebration and a 50's Block Party invite. I pray Tiffany will find strength to turn to God during these hard times.

Topic started by L.R. (Guest)

1 replies. Last reply from on 7/15/2010 11:29 AM

Obedience + Expectancy = More

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:31:51 GMT

On Sunday, 6/27/10 before the offering - God instructed me to take all the cash out of my wallet and put it in the offering. It wasn't a lot (about $70). However, that money was going to get us through the next few weeks for groceries. Tim had taken two weeks off from work to drive bus for the Random Acts Tour and doesn't get vacation time...so, needless to say two weeks without pay is rough for us. At church Pastor Blane asked that we bring the offering up to the platform during the song. Instantly I was excited - I knew if God instructed me to give ALL that I had - He would bless me at some point...I definitely had an expectant heart.

Four days later I was at the School of Intercession Class. Florence came up to me and gave me an envelope...she said someone wanted to bless us with paying for my tuition for the class...We had already paid for the class, so...this amount could be used to get us through...and it was $150...over double of what I gave to God. We can NEVER out give God.

I want to encourage anyone reading this - listen to the Spirit and obey - even when in the natural it makes NO sense - by being obedient I rec'd more than double of what I gave up and God wants to bless you in the same way...and even more so:)

To God be ALL the Glory!!

Have a TREMENDOUS day!
Dawn:)

Topic started by Dawn Mahoney

1 replies. Last reply from on 7/1/2010 9:31 PM

Prayed for divine appointments

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 23:35:49 GMT

We prayed for divine appointments. God gave us some.

J. prayed with his employee to receive Christ (the employee's brother recently committed suicide)

I prayed with an employee who was concerned about physical symptoms after having surgery

We were able to bless two TC students – helping them go on a mission trip to NY

I prayed with my daughter-in-law for the first time – we now pray weekly.

I was invited to teach on prayer at a church – I was able to share with 8-9 women on having personal relationship with Jesus and ideas on how to pray along with prayer tools – I prayed for each woman that morning.

Topic started by J.H. (Guest)

1 replies. Last reply from on 6/19/2010 11:35 PM

MN Teen Challenge

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:25:05 GMT

Tonight, I attended the orientation meeting for Teen Challenge. As they described the program, the process, and commitment, it felt very right and timely (divine, I suppose). As a young person, I yearned for a "real parent." I needed someone who would hold me accountable, and offer correction when I needed it. This program will allow me to bless the life of someone, and perhaps even to heal my own teenage soul that was so lost.

I know God has placed me in Celebration Church, and He is calling my household to give both our money and our time. This is our divine appointment—not just for this week, but for our next many years. Without Celebration, my children would be lost, my marriage would have probably ended in divorce, and I would be living a fearful, desperate, and lonely life. Celebration leadership—thank you for bringing the captives (some of the struggling young people from Teen Challenge) to our church. Thank you for encouraging us to grow, stretch ourselves, and pray for one another. As Brent would shout: "Hallelujah!!!!" Now, I need to go figure out who I am treating to lunch tomorrow!

Topic started by L.P. (Guest)

1 replies. Last reply from on 6/18/2010 6:25 PM

Prayer in a Restaurant

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:54:24 GMT

This week has been filled with divine appointments. On Wednesday night, a friend took us out for pie. We noticed our waitress had just burned her hand. I asked if we could pray for her, and my nine-year-old put her hand right on the wound. We all held hands and prayed right in the restaurant. It was great! We need to have the courage to pray for the hurting right when we have the chance. Later on, we all got the giggles and laughed so hard we needed to leave the restaurant. On the drive home, two of the girls riding with us told me they had not accepted Christ yet. I stopped the car and we talked right on the side of the road. They all accepted Christ! God is sooo faithful.

It doesn’t stop there! Today, I had a neighbor come and share that she was desperate for groceries. Her family only had sixteen dollars in food stamps which needed to last until Monday. I took a moment and remembered God’s Word about how we are to feed the poor and care for needy. I had just gone shopping, so I decided to give her my gallon of milk and all kinds of other goodies.

Later on, I got a chance to pray with her and her husband. My kids are seeing first-hand the calling that God has for us as a family. After we prayed, my friend wept. I am sooo thankful that God is allowing me to be a part of His plans! Everyone needs the love of Jesus and I'm so glad the Lord shines through me. It’s affecting my neighborhood! I give the Lord all the glory because He takes such good care of us! Praise God! Let’s see what tomorrow brings. I'm available God!

Topic started by A. L. (Guest)

1 replies. Last reply from on 6/18/2010 5:54 PM

Grocery Store

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:32:50 GMT

At times, I feel led to pay for someone’s groceries when I’m at the grocery store. I usually pray God will place me in the right line and that He will let me know if I should do it. Having said this, what happened to me Monday wasn’t too unusual, but never has the opportunity been so blatant.

The young woman ahead of me stopped the clerk halfway through her grocery checkout as she frantically searched through her purse. She realized she didn't have her checkbook or credit card. I stepped next to her and said, "I would like to pay for your groceries." She said she had fifteen dollars to pay and would be grateful if I could pay for the rest. She quickly added she would pay me back. I said, "No, you don't know what today has in store for you and you might need that fifteen dollars." She responded, "Can I get your name or do you have a card so I can send you the money?" With a smile I replied, "No." "Why would you do this?" she asked. "I'm a Christian," I replied. "Well, thank you. I've never had this happen to me," she ended.

Before I left, I told her I attend Celebration Church in Lakeville and she should come visit us sometime. After getting to my car with my groceries, it dawned on me—I could count this as two completed ministry assignments! Pastor Londa Lundstrom Ramsey charged us during her sermon to do something kind for someone else, and also to witness to someone this week.

Topic started by L.R. (Guest)

1 replies. Last reply from on 6/18/2010 11:32 AM

Prayer at Holiday Gas Station

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:28:33 GMT

My favorite clerk at Holiday Gas Station is an "on-fire" Christian. Her name is Janice. I see her super cute smile between three and five days each week. Last week she stopped me and told me she had recently been getting some customer complaints that she was talking about God and Jesus too much. She also shared that she told them that she will not stop!

As I was paying for my gas, God told me to pray with her. No one was waiting behind me in line so I prayed with her and asked God to give her strength to proclaim and witness daily.

I know this encounter was a divine appointment. I could tell she really needed the encouragement. It would have been easy to say, "I will pray for you later," and forget to pray or pray out view of public scrutiny. I was so glad I followed God’s leading and seized the moment to pray for her on the spot. I have determined to keep praying for her to have strength to witness.

Topic started by E.D. (Guest)

1 replies. Last reply from on 6/18/2010 11:28 AM