Faith and A God Story

May 22, 2025 Martha Rodman2 Comments

He will rescue the poor when they cry to him, he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. Psalm 72:12

A Fresh Personal Testimony from Sunday, May 18, 2025. This is why I love and serve our Savior.

My friends, we have an amazing God who shows up when we need him. Last week, I mentioned my sister was in hospice care. She passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025. After I received the text from my niece with this sad news, I started calling our remaining siblings. Losing a loved one is hard. Calling and sharing the news is draining, but also good. There were 8 of us in our biological family. One sister passed a few years ago. Now our precious Carol is gone. Sharing the news that she was with Jesus was expected, but still hard.

That day also held a Senior Life Ministry event that needed my leadership and presence. Our Senior Life planning team was so understanding and helped fill in some of my less than stellar thinking! But by the evening, I admittedly was drained and tired. Grateful for my Alexa app, I asked it to play some worship music while I tried to unwind. The worship tracks Alexa picked were just what I needed. I could feel my body try to unwind.

My alarm went off at 6:00 a.m. for my Sunday morning routine. I felt “off” and admitted I didn’t really feel like going. But after so many years of the discipline of church attendance, I knew I would go. However, I wanted my ‘inside’ heart to want to go too. It’s my habit, while getting ready for church, to listen to Living Word Fellowship, Voluntown, Ct service. Darryl and I were a part of that church family and they still support Impart Ministries. Pastor Kevin has been preaching about the Holy Spirit since the first of the year. He has laid a wonderful foundation for Him. The message this week was based on John 14.

Friends, have you ever simply pushed through doing what is “right”? But not had your heart into it? Me, too. But this time, I felt convicted. Instead of doing the “right” thing without the Spirit’s help, I asked for His help. Pastor Kevin talked about how precious this gift Jesus sent to us was. How He asked His Father to send Him, and I had a fresh revelation of His value. I knew I did not want to waste it. The Amplified Bible makes it clear how valuable the Holy Spirit is. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor–Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever. John 14: 16. AMP.

I thought about other gifts I have been given. Some appreciated, and others not so much. When we were twelve, my parents bought us big and beautiful dolls for Christmas. I looked at her and was so disappointed. A doll? At 12? I can tell you I was not feeling very appreciative. The funny thing is my mother kept her and one of my granddaughters has her! As I meditated on the incredible gift Jesus asked the Father to send us, I teared up. This message was so timely to me. I am not sure if I can truly write the right words to convey how personal God’s presence became. I just knew God had not only heard my heart cry, but gave me even added revelation.

My friends, I know it was the Holy Spirit who drew me to lean into Him that day. I did not lean away, as I so easily could have. He (the Holy Spirit) is so much more than we comprehend. He is definitely more than that doll I so despised. What good is it to have a Helper we never lean on? A gift we never appropriate? If I asked the Comforter to help my sister Carol’s family, including my siblings, do I trust in Him to show up as a Comforter? Do I believe He will fulfill His purpose?

Just reading those job titles in John 14:16 is mind-blowing. Do you believe He wants to be your Intercessor? Your Strengthener? I surely do. But Jesus did not stop with this. He is also the Spirit of Truth (vs 17). The Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you. John 14:17. AMP. One of my mentors described the Holy Spirit as a perfect gentlemen. He will not barge in where He isn’t wanted. I am sure He remains with us, but unless we acknowledge Him, we may not even be aware of Him. I want to remind us all, if we call on Him and He is there.

I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, bereaved, and helpless]; I will come back to you. John 14:18. AMP. That morning, the Holy Spirit came to me in my grief and allowed me to feel His loving care. I was not an orphan, comfortless, bereaved, and helpless. I could feel strength and purpose returning to my soul. It was such a special moment. I could serve my duties with joy, love, and care. Let’s not leave our gift on the shelf, getting dusty and old. Verse 23 in John 14 says: If anyone loves Me, he will keep my word (teaching) and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our dwelling place with him. Now that is humbling and amazing. I wonder how often we settle for less than we could, simply because we are too independent and maybe even stubborn.

Father, I thank you for helping us understand how to really lean on the Holy Spirit in every aspect He is to us. When we comprehend what a difference we have when we access Him as teacher, as Comforter or Friend our lives will change for the better. You truly will be glorified through our lives. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Faith and “Reminders”

March 7, 2024 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit’, says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6. NKJV

Let’s get a little background on this scripture. Zechariah, was a postexilic prophet–called to encourage the returning Israelites to complete the Temple. The people were discouraged. They had begun a good work, but due to lack of funds and leadership they had drifted to dealing with their own lives. The Temple rebuild had come to a stand still. These people had returned with enthusiasm from Babylon, but opposition from the Samaritans and other distractions took its toll. Have you ever felt discouragement try to whittle away at your God given assignment? Are you fighting doubt or your own discouragement? You might need this reminder: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Zechariah 4:6. NLT.

Zechariah (whose name means Yaweh Remembers) was sent to encourage Zerubbabel, the leader that was sent to restore the Temple. This was the fifth vision, Zechariah had. It was a vision of a golden lampstand and two olive trees. The golden lampstand had a bowl of oil on the top surrounded by seven lamps, each having seven spouts and wicks. I appreciate Zechariah’s forthrightness. “What are these, my Lord? What do they mean?” Don’t you know the angel asked. No, my lord, I don’t. The he said to me, This is what the lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I keep repeating this scripture, because most things we are facing we can’t fix. But He can. It is a reminder of how much we need the direction, power and strength the Holy Spirit can give us.

I am sure Zerubbabel struggled with the weight of the task he was sent to do. The exciting expectation that the returning Jews had, waned. They began with great strength, but now they had stopped working on the Temple. The angel continued talking to Zechariah. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerrubbabel sets the final stone of the temple in place, the people will shout: “May God bless it! May God bless it”. Then another message came to me from the Lord: Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me. Zechariah 4:7-9. What an encouraging word to Zerubbabel! He would complete the re-building. I want to encourage you today. He that has begun a good work in you, (and subsequently) through you, will complete it. It may not look like you expect at this time, but it will be what He plans.

The angel was not finished. He went on to say: Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand. God rejoices when we begin, no matter how small. He rejoices when we do not grow weary in well doing. He rejoices in the small attempts we make. Zerubbabel still had to rally the workers to finish the Temple, but having the word of the Lord to boost his confidence was priceless. My friends, do not forget His Presence, just like the lampstand is there to give light. He wants to show us the how, when most times we are so busy asking the why we don’t proceed to the how and when. Zerubbabel already knew the what. The restoration was completed in 515 B.C.E. God’s promise was fulfilled. Keep walking my friends, your promises will be fulfilled as well, if we surrender and partner with the Holy Spirit. He is our power and might.

Father, help us to remember that Your work in us begins with Your Holy Spirit. You want us to rely on Him. He will lead us and guide us in all things. Help us to keep our eyes open to see what you are doing in the midst of discouraging situations. Help us to listen to Your voice and share its encouragement with those around us. We trust you, dear Father. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and A Testimony

December 28, 2023 Martha Rodman2 Comments

If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. Isaiah 58:10.

I want to share with you an amazing God story. This is not my story, but the story of the family of God at Life Church, here in Oak Harbor, WA. Last year, our pastors decided to stretch our faith and seek to give away 400 food bags to the needy parts of our city. This year, our goal was 800 bags, serving Oak Harbor and a neighboring area, Anacortes.

This focus on “genero-city” included faith building messages and reminders of God’s promises. As we turned our eyes away from ourselves and onto Jehovah Jireh (The God who will provide) our faith was built and stretched. We were asked to give $40 per family, but not only supply for their need, but also to pray for them. Praying for “my” families made it so real. By God’s grace, I was able to contribute so several families would be provided for. It was a joy, not a burden.

I have always loved to give. It is something God has worked in my heart and soul, but somehow, through these teachings, I found myself looking for more needs to be met! Not only did we give financially, we also sacrificed time and energy. The Sunday before the give away, cards were placed at each targeted area, alerting the occupants that bags of food would be distributed the next Sunday. 800 homes received these cards. On Wednesday, about 130 people came to fill the bags with food goods for 800 Christmas dinners. Each bag also contained a Bible and invitation card to Life Church. Sunday hams were added to these bags and new teams set out to deliver them.

As each team delivered these bags, they offered to pray for the people. It was amazing how many people accepted that offer. One woman was so glad to receive her bag, but was more concerned that her friend would get a bag. The problem was that this woman was quite deaf, so they were instructed to knock very loudly at her apartment. This gal watched closely as another team went to her friend’s door, but she didn’t answer. Her friend said, wait, I have a key to her apartment. She is my best friend. When she unlocked her friend’s door, they discovered she was asleep in her recliner…but a pot on her stove was on fire! The timing of this food bag delivery saved her life and possibly the homes of many.

We heard another touching story. A young child came to the door, and then called her mom and siblings. Her mother had just told the children that they had no money or food for Christmas dinner. The children were very sad of course, and then our team showed up! Only God’s timing could turn things around so quickly. Prayers for healing, hope and provision were given to many.

My part during the delivery time was to be part of our intercessory prayer team. It was a joy to follow the Holy Spirit as He led us to pray for God’s leading for each team member. We felt His Presence, and they did also. We are still praying the seeds sown will bear much fruit for each family, and that the Bible would be read, and the blessing of the reading would be evident.

What is the take-away for me and you? It always pays to be obedient to the Holy Spirit, no matter how much it stretches your faith and your provision. It is always worth it. God cares for the poor, the widow and the orphans, we should too. Isaiah 58:10-11 in the message gives us this promise: If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and -out, Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight. I will always show you where to go. I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places–firm muscles, strong bones. You will be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. If we love and care for those our God cares for He will care for us.

Father, please help us to love others as you love us and as you love them. The poor, the orphan, the widow, the disabled, the weak and the strong. Help us get our eyes off ourselves and onto others, in Jesus’ Name, amen.