FEBRUARY 2006
IS IT WELL WITH MY SOUL?
H oratio G. Spafford lived from 1828 to
1888. He was successful attorney in
Chicago, an active member of the
Presbyterian Church and a friend and
supporter of D.L. Moody and other
Christian leaders of his day. Mr. Spafford
was happily married and he and his wife
had for daughters – Tanetta, Maggie, Annie
and Bessie. Deciding to treat his family to a
vacation, he planned on taking them to
Europe with him as he traveled on an
evangelistic campaign. Sudden and urgent
business delayed him, but his family
departed as scheduled on the S.S. Ville du
Harve. But tragedy struck. Halfway across
the Atlantic, the ship was struck by an
English vessel. It sunk in 12 minutes, and
among the 226 people who drowned were
the four daughters of the Spaffords. Mrs.
Spafford was among the few who
survived. Horatio Spafford
departed as soon as heard about
the tragedy, traveling on a ship
across the Atlantic to Great
Britain. He asked the Captain to
tell him when the ship approached
the area where his daughters were
drowned. The Captain complied with the
request, and Mr. Spafford stood on the deck
for hours, grieving and praying. Touched
by God’s grace, he composed a song on the
rolling deck of that vessel. It became a
classic among Christian hymns, the
powerful expression of faith and hope of a
husband and father. Here are the words to
“It is Well With My Soul:” “When peace,
like a river, attendeth my way, when
sorrows like sea billows roll – whatever my
lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well
with my soul. Tho Satan should buffet, tho
trials should come, let this blest assurance
control, that Christ hath regarded my
helpless estate and shed His own blood for
my soul. And, Lord, haste the day when my
faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back
as a scroll; the trump shall resound and the
Lord shall descend. Even so – it is well with
my soul.” Chorus: “It is well, it is well, it is
well with my soul.” Can we say this? Can
we pray this way? With God’s grace we
can; and His love and grace are always
present. All things are passing; only God is
changeless.
REFLECTION
T he Gathering of People Who Pray on
January 27-28 was a truly marvelous
experience as an expression of the Body of
Christ coming together in faith and love and
seeking God together. With heartfelt
thanks to Ray Miller from Little Rock and
Pastor Howard Boyd from here who were so
faithful and obedient to the prompting and
inspiration of the Holy Spirit, I have no
doubt that everyone who participated,
whether for both days, one day, or part of a
day, left spiritually
stronger than
before they
came. I know I
did. I urge you, if
you were not a
participant, to make a
commitment now to attend if at all possible
at future Gatherings. We will most likely
have a Gathering of two hours in an evening
in late Spring and another two hour get-
together in the late summer or possibly
prior to the National election in November.
And, if the Lord so wills, we will have an
evening and a day together again in late
January of 2007. Following is a summary of
the Gathering that just ended: The
predominant themes were unity in the Body,
personal repentance, a desire to “see” God’s
will clearly, spiritual warfare and
protection, and a call for the Church to
“wake up.” Ray led us on a spiritual
journey through the Book of Nehemiah on
Friday evening: Let’s rise and build
together; families each with specific tasks in
the rebuilding process and their working
side by side; their gratitude and awe over
the completed wall around Jerusalem; the
people coming together and proclaiming
God’s faithfulness and that He alone is
Lord. As Dr. Joe Aldrich, the founder of
International Renewal Ministries and the
Prayer Summit Movement, stated, any true
transformation in a community requires
unity, and unity requires humility. An
amazing and awesome spiritual bonding
occurred among the participants Friday
evening; it was almost palpable. The
facilitators invited us to reflect on how and
where we found Christ and to briefly share
our story as the Spirit led. As we listened,
we realized just how much we
spiritually have in
common, regardless of
denomination or
background. We had
the first of several
“concert of prayer”
times, as we all
together at the same time prayed
aloud for people to find the Lord and
thanking God for specific people whom God
used in our lives. As one of the facilitators
said, there is a big difference in the sound of
an orchestra warming up and actually
performing a concert. Well, this was no
warm up; it was a beautiful concert. Other
Scriptures, in addition to the Book of
Nehemiah, that came to the forefront Friday
evening, included Psalm 23, John 17, Psalm
42, Hebrews 13 and Isaiah 6. Saturday
began with an upbeat Psalm and prayer:
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness; come before
him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is
God. It is he who made us and we are his; we
are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his
courts with praise; give
thanks to him and praise
his name. For the Lord is
good and his love
endures forever; his
faithfulness continues
through all generations.”
(Psalm 100) Hebrews 12 ( I
encourage the prayerful reading of this
encouraged response to the Hebrews 11
account of Biblical people of faith), followed
by a prayerful study of The Lord’s Prayer
and Matthew 11: 27-32 (the taking on of
Jesus’ yoke) led by Ray set the tone for the
day. Ray encouraged a method of prayerful
reflection: Read Scripture; have a time of
quiet; pray a response; go deep into
ourselves with the help of the Holy Spirit
and enter into a contemplative time of
prayer. This approach to Scripture is not
informational but transformational. Don
Gabriel, who, though ravaged as he is by
cancer, was there the entire time with his
precious wife, Dorothy, prayed that God
help us to “swap burdens – ours for His –
for it is His that is light.” If we carry His
yoke, we’ll come to know the Father better
and walk with joy, humor in life and light.
We spent time thanking the Lord for His
sacrifice and asking Him to show us the one
He wants us to make. Gloria Cariker (wife
of Jim Cariker, Pastor of the Branson First
Nazarene Church) shared that being in Him
is really being in the “in-group” – and that
in-group is not a clique. Sharings from
others included: We are never, never alone,
so we can have joy and peace, and without
Jesus we just cannot know the Father. In
the late morning and in the afternoon of
Saturday, we focused on community
transformation. Branson (all of the area)
can truly become a sweet aroma of Jesus (2
Corinthians 2: 14-17). The question asked
us was: What is Christ doing in me to make
me a sweet aroma? We had small group
discussion as to how to make that happen.
We used Colossians 3 as a guide to
understanding how the Christian life should
be lived and therefore how we can become a
truly sweet aroma. Howard reminded us
during a time of total group prayer and
praise that Summit-style prayer is “Spirit-
led, worship-fed, relational prayer.” A
participant prayed “With a heart of
thanksgiving we will bless you, O Lord!”
Someone prayed that we all become “living
epistles.” Someone else shared that “God
hides sometimes, but He delights in our
looking for Him.” We broke into the seven
sectors of the UP Team: Businesses;
Churches and Ministries; Education;
Entertainment; Government; Medical;
Social and Civic Services and prayed for
people within those sectors, with focus on
Christians in the sectors, that they have the
grace and strength and desire to live as
demonstrating the love of Jesus. As we
prepared to receive communion, the
facilitators asked the question, “How many
churches are there in the Branson area?”
After we arrived at a figure of about 120+,
the answer was given: One! They urged us
to read and pray Revolution 2 and 3, Jesus’
message to the churches (Church) and to
seek what God is saying to the Church here.
Someone shared that too many churches are
looking in instead of looking out. Someone
else shared that there is too much “punch
in-punch out” mentality among us with
regard to our active participation in the
Church. We were reminded that where two
or three are gathered together, there is the
Church. We also spent time reflecting on
spiritual warfare and prayed that we
recognize the spiritual battle that we are in,
that there are spiritual forces creating
barriers to unity and transformation –
barriers such as turfism, bigotry, lack of
vision, half-hearted attempts at unity, a lack
of widespread genuine love and openness,
the hesitancy to take a stand for the truth.
The Gathering ended with praise,
thanksgiving, sharing of love – and
encouragement to go forth and do our part
in the goal to have Jesus Christ be the Lord
and Leader of our area. Our meeting place
on the top floor of the Grand Plaza Hotel, in
the Plaza Towers Restaurant was great, the
refreshments were wonderful, and our
lunch on Saturday was top-notch. Many
thanks to the Hamiltons: Jack, Jan, Kyle
and Kim for their great service and
hospitality. If you have never eaten there, I
strongly recommend it. You may not be
aware that each day, as the Restaurant
opens, the staff who choose to have a time of
prayer together. Awesome!
And, thank you, Ray,
thank you, Howard –
thank you, Holy Spirit.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
T wo men in pilots’
uniforms walked up
the aisle of the airplane.
Both were wearing dark
glasses, one was using a
guide dog and the other
was tapping his way
along with a white
cane. Nervous laughter spread through the
cabin; quite a joke, they thought.
But, to their dismay, the two
pilots entered the cockpit, the
door closed, and the engines
started up. The passengers
began looking around
nervously, searching
desperately for some sign that
this was just a practical joke. But no sign
was forthcoming. The plane began moving,
reached its runway and began moving faster
and faster down the runway. The people
sitting in the window seats realized that the
plane was heading straight for the ocean at
the end of the runway. Just as it began to
look as though the plane was about to
plunge into the water, the passengers began
screaming loudly. At that moment, the
plane lifted smoothly into the air. The
passengers relaxed and began to laugh a
little sheepishly. They settled in, began to
read their magazines and realized that the
plane was in good hands after all. In the
cockpit, one of the blind pilots turned to the
other one and said, ‘You know, Bob, one of
these days, they’re gonna scream too late
and we’re all gonna die.”
MORE ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
“I t is with a sad heart that I must pass
on the following news: Please join me
in remembering a great icon of the
entertainment community. The Pillsbury
Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast
infection and trauma complications from
repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71.
Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased
coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to
pay their respects, including Mrs.
Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California
Raisins, Betty Crocker,
the Hostess
Twinkies, Captain
Crunch, Tony the
Tiger, and M & M
(Red and Green
representing the others).
The grave site was piled
high with flours. Aunt
Jemima delivered the eulogy
and lovingly described Doughboy as a man
who never knew how much he was kneaded.
Doughboy rose quickly in show business,
but his later life was filled with turnovers.
He was not considered a very smart cookie,
wasting much of his dough on half-baked
schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times
he was a tough and crusty old man and was
considered a roll model for millions.
Doughboy is survived by his wife, Play
Dough and by two children, John Dough
and Jane Dough. Plus, despite the advanced
age of the parents,
there was one
doughboy in the
oven. He is also
survived by his
very elderly Dad,
Pop Tart. The
funeral was held at
3:50 for about 20 minutes. Betty Crocker
was interviewed afterwards and said that if
you were ever in a jam, Doughboy had the
recipe to get out of it.
THOUGHT TO PONDER
A s a new employment season is upon us,
many people are filling out
applications and putting together resumes.
Here is one resume that Bears thinking
about: JESUS CHRIST: Address:
Ephesians 1:20; Telephone: Romans 10:13;
Website: The Bible, with keywords
“Christ,” “Lord,” “Savior” and “Jesus.”
Cover letter: “Hello. My name is Jesus, the
Christ. Many call Me Lord. I have sent you
My resume because I am seeking the top
management position in your heart. Please
consider My accomplishments as set forth in
My resume: Qualifications: 1) I founded
the earth and established the heavens; 2) I
formed man from the dust of the ground; 3)
I breathed into man the breath of life; I
redeemed man from the curse of the law; 4)
The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant
come upon your life through Me.
Occupational Background: 1) I have only
had one Employer; 2) I have never been
tardy, absent, disobedient,
slothful or
disrespectful;
3) My
Employer has
nothing but
rave reviews
for Me. Skills
and Work
Experience:
1) Some
include healing the brokenhearted, setting
the captives free, setting at liberty those who
are bruised, healing the sick, restoring sight
to the blind; 2) I am a Wonderful
Counselor; 3) People who listen to Me shall
dwell safely and shall not fear evil; 4) Most
importantly, I have the authority, ability
and power to cleanse you of your sins.
Educational Background: 1) I encompass
the entire breadth and length of knowledge,
wisdom and understanding (see Proverbs
2:6);
2) In Me are hid all of the treasures of
wisdom and knowledge; 3) My Word is
powerful; it is a lamp unto your feet and a
light unto your path; 4) I can even tell you
all of the secrets of your heart. Major
Accomplishments: 1) laid down my life so
that you may live; 2) I defeated the
archenemy of God and mankind and made
a show of him openly; 3) I have
miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick
and raised the dead; 4) There are many
more major accomplishments, too many to
mention here. You can read about them on
my website, which is located at www.
TheBible. You do not need an Internet
connection or computer to access my
website. It is free and available at any time.
References: Believers and followers world-
wide will testify to My presence, My love for
each person, My salvation, My deliverance,
My restoration and My supernatural
guidance – and the eternal home with Me
that is My desire for
every human being. In
Summation: Now that
you have read My
resume, I am confident
that I am the only
Candidate uniquely
qualified to fill this vital
position in your heart. If
you will let Me, I will
properly direct your
path and lead you into everlasting life.
When may I start? Time is of the essence.
THOUGHT TO SHARE
A
n UP Team member, Jan Landers,
wrote a beautiful document entitled
“Happy New Year 2006!” This is from it:
“’For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro
throughout the whole earth, to show himself
strong on the behalf of those whose heart is
loyal to him. The Lord sought for himself a
man (person) after his own heart.’ (see 1
Samuel 13:14) In this New Year, as time
progresses, God is still looking for those that
have a heart truly after Him. God is looking
for a people after His own heart – a people
who are honest, open, teachable and
obedient to Him and His Word. We MUST
truly know Him. We MUST know His
Word. Many are called – but few will ever
answer the call in Matthew 20:16. We are
part of that end-time chosen few; we have a
lot of work to do; we must be ready. God is
continually teaching us if we are listening.
God is looking for a few good men and
women to do the job. It all begins in a
passionate pursuit after God…God wants us
to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to
him (Romans 12:1). It is not about us, but
about Him. He went to the cross and died
because He would rather die for us than
spend eternity without us…Our life on earth
is temporary, but our life in eternity is
forever. I don’t know about you, but in this
New Year and for the rest of my life and for
all eternity I want to live in God’s anointing
and His blessing which has been provided
for us all through the power of His Holy
Spirit…In our passionate pursuit after the
heart of God we find getting to know Jesus
and truly understanding His Word to be the
single most important things we will do in
our lives.” Thank you, Jan!
PRAYER MOBILIZATION
P
lease pray for Jan Landers, as she
continues to battle illness while serving
the Lord…Pray for the mother of a ten-year
old girl who was killed in an automobile
accident along with three cousins and an
aunt. Mom works at Celebration City…
Pray for the needs of the Caring People and
the ministry to single Moms (you can
receive their weekly prayer list at
janed@cox-internet.com…Pray for the
Torchbearers (ministry to Cameroon), for
the Spirit of America Hour, for Asleep
kNOw More, for Backstage Ministries, for
Prayer-Works and their upcoming banquet
for new home-owners, for Habitat for
Humanity and the local
chapter…for Jan Urbec as she
begins a new career…for
Christian Businessmen’s
Committee (CBMC) and the
upcoming Mayor’s Prayer
Breakfast and for
Businessmen’s Fellowship International
(BMFI) that both grow in having men
coming together to pray weekly…for the
Silver Dollar City Foundation and its new
ministry to schools and students and for
Love, INC as it continues to provide help
and hope to people in need…and for all area
ministries…for financial success in the area
as a new season shortly begins, to include
good jobs for all people in need and for
businesses that have servant leaders and
employees with servants’ hearts…for Becky
as she seeks God’s will with regard to career
and direction for her life…for Don who was
just diagnosed with cancer and who also has
a heart condition, and for his wife, Tami…
for Phil, that the many medical hurdles are
now behind him…for Tom as he heals from
disc surgery…for those who are seeking
God’s choice for a mate to share their lives
with…for Sue Head of CofO as she helps to
lead the “First PLACE! Character
Education Initiative”, which focuses on the
teaching of character qualities in our
schools and for the upcoming Cooperation
Event as another step in serving the needs of
our communities…for David Cate and his
role as Administrator of a local Christian
school and for all the Christian schools and
for Education overall – students, teachers,
counselors, staff, drivers, administration
and boards…for the 24/7 prayer
group at First Baptist Branson,
and that the meeting we had
may generate a prayer
partnership…for
Revolution House of
Prayer in Manitou
Springs and the Polk
and Cedar County UP Team as we partner
in prayer (please, UP Members, pray during
your hour for Polk and Cedar counties and
all of MO and NW AR and for Manitou
Springs, CO), and for Terri Cool a young
mother of two who suffered a stroke, is still
in the hospital struggling for her life and
may be looking at long term rehab…and for
the many, many needs that people have –
and for those who do not know the Lord,
that none be lost.
shared to a group. It is his prayer as cancer
continues its course through his body
without impacting in any negative way his
spirit: “Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.
For I know that through your prayers and
the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
what has happened to me will turn out for
my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope
that that I will in no way be ashamed, but
will have sufficient courage so that now as
always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. For to me, to
live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go
on living in the body, this will mean fruitful
labor for me…Whatever happens, conduct
yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel
of Christ…If you have any encouragement
from being united with Christ, if any
comfort from his love, if any fellowship with
the Spirit, if any tenderness and
compassion, then make my joy complete by
being like-minded, having the same love,
being one in spirit and purpose.”
(Philippians 1-2)
God bless you. Peace to you and yours. I
always welcome your comments, and I urge
you to consider joining the UP Team if you
are not a member and to spread the word if
you are. 331-1028 (cell, day and night).
Bob Burton

CLOSING SCRIPTURE

T his Newsletter ends with a Bible

passage that Don Gabriel recently