The Dickinson Journey

From the 1st Epistle of Clement -- Peace

2012-02-06T22:08:00.000-05:00

"We must adhere to those who cultivate peace, not to those who merely pretend to do so"

--Such is the title of chapter 15 in "The First Epistle of Clement" which caught my eye in my reading of The Ante-Nicene Fathers. (Thanks Dad, Mom, Michael, & Beth, for buying me this 10 volume set for Christmas, 1997.)

Cocoa Crinkle Cookies Recipe...

2012-02-04T16:12:00.001-05:00

I made some of these for our Chinese friends and they were delicious.

From Hershey Chocolate's Website.

Cocoa Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa or HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Cocoa
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Combine granulated sugar and oil in large bowl; add cocoa, beating until well blended. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir together flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to cocoa mixture, beating well.
2. Cover; refrigerate until dough is firm enough to handle, at least 6 hours.
3. Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease cookie sheet or line with parchment paper. Shape dough
into 1-inch balls; roll in powdered sugar to coat. Place about 2 inches apart on prepared cookie
sheet.
4. Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until almost no indentation remains when touched lightly and tops
are crackled. Cool slightly. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.
About 4 dozen cookies.
Post by Kimberly

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Something fun I (Sarah) wanted to share with you

2012-01-24T21:01:00.001-05:00

One morning while still in Colombia we were making eggs and we got one that had 2 egg yolks. I thought it was neat, so took pics to show you! =)
I would have posted this sooner, but I was too busy. =)
Here the 2 yolked egg...In the bowl

In the skillet

On my plate. =)

Isn't God Amazing...I probably wouldn't have thought of putting 2 yolks in one egg. =D
Posted by Sarah!

Campaigning for the Greatest Government

2012-01-12T16:28:00.000-05:00

Holy prophets in the Bible predicted a one world government. Power brokers say America must become weak before this new world order can be ushered in. It would seem that the politicians in power today seek our fall by taking away our God given freedoms, thus making us weak. But we citizens alone throw away our freedoms one by one every time we shrug off the "yoke" of God's requirements for us as recorded in the Bible. Our weakening comes from rejecting God the source of our strength. The resulting one world government will be a wicked one, ruled by the Anti-Christ. But he won't rule long. Christ will triumph and rule the earth. Wise Christians campaign for Christ's eternal kingdom.

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.
They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.     (Isaiah 11:4-9)
   - Phillip

Pray for our Medellin pastor and wife's employment

2011-12-30T12:24:00.002-05:00

Our pastor and wife in Medellin, Colombia make clothes for a living. They do such a great job. Before we left Colombia, they made us some fun clothes. 3 skirts for Kimberly, Sarah, and I. 2 nice shirts for our boys (which are a tad big, so they'll wear them later.) And this adorable dress for Mary! =)They had them all packed up so nicely.

They would like to start their own line of clothes (they normally sew for other companies) and this is the tag they'd like to use. =)

Us girls wearing our skirts from them.

~I took these pictures of Mary (wearing the adorable purple dress they made her) when she was 13 months, but never got them posted on my blog. =)
[She was laughing at Noah and Sarah who were peeking around the corner! =)]

We thought that Bro. Alberto and Sis. Alba did such a great job making these clothes for us!

***Please help us pray that God will continue to meet their financial needs through their sewing. They don't make much, and many times, the stores that contract them end up not paying them on time. (And this is after them making 100's of articles of clothing over a period of weeks!)

~What's Christmas about?~

2011-12-23T20:31:00.001-05:00

It's more than turkey and stuffing...
It's more than presents and wrapping!
It's more than santa and toys...
It's more than all the Christmas noise!
It's more than reindeer and a sled...
It's about our Savior in a manger bed! Written by Sarah (11) Dec., 2011

posted by Sarah

Snowball Cookie Recipe...

2011-12-18T14:48:00.000-05:00

Snowball Cookies...from Taste of Home
I made these cookies and they were delish. 8 23

Ingredients

1/2 cup Crisco® Light Olive Oil

1 1/4 cups quick rolled oats

1 (18.25 oz.) pkg. Pillsbury® White Cake

2 large eggs

2 tsps. clear vanilla

1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

Powdered sugar

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F.

Combine olive oil and oats. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir in cake mix, eggs and vanilla until well blended. Fold in nuts. Form into 1-inch balls and place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 minutes or until set. Cool on cookie sheet 1 minute. Remove cookies to cooling rack. Roll in powdered sugar while still slightly warm. Yield: 7 dozen cookies.

Post by Kimberly

Think about it for a moment...

2011-12-12T17:32:00.000-05:00

With little prayer, work is a drudgery and fraught with hindrances.
With prayer, work is a joy and progresses smoothly.
With much prayer, God works what no amount of labor by a multitude could ever do.

Con poca oración, el trabajo es un trabajo pesado y lleno de obstáculos.
Con la oración, el trabajo es una alegría y progresa sin problemas.
Con mucha oración, Dios hace lo que ninguna cantidad de trabajo por una multitud nunca podría hacer. - Phillip (Felipe)

Some Great Reasons To Pray

2011-12-05T11:17:00.000-05:00

It used to be common to meet someone called to a ministry of prayer. Where are those called to such today? Nowadays when you meet someone who prays much, you have met a rare person. But if Christians really believed these four points, there would be a lot more great pray-ers.

1.) History Makers Are Those Who Pray

Some used to be intercessors but are now living off the blessings of a past life. They are still good people, but has-beens in prayer living a busy life. Some others have yet to discover the glorious blessings of forsaking all to spend their life in the precious presence of God. But those praying now may not realize it, but they are the real movers and shakers of history. For pray-ers make history by teaming up with God.

2.) Those Who Pray Are Marked

Those given to a ministry of prayer if they are wholly sanctified are marked by a sweetness, a brokenness, a carefulness. The Spirit of God rests on them. To be with them is to be in the presence of Jesus. They follow our Lord. They live in the very presence of our Lord. They bear the image of our Lord.

3.) Great Things Follow Those Who Pray

God’s answers to prayer are spiritual blessings. Revivals and awakenings sweep down by prayer. God fearing congregations, glorious denominations, saintly grandparents, godly parents, holy youth have all been birthed by prayer. Pastors and missionaries, evangelists and faithful laity rise up as armies in answer to prayer. Who could place a value on prayer? To try would be fruitless.

4.) Prayer Brings Much More
Oh, we must pray that the Lord of the Harvest would send forth [prayer] laborers! For prayer begets prayer. And much prayer begets much glory, holiness, and blessings from the God who inspires and leads us in such a high calling.

-Phillip

~God sent me a Christmas tree~

2011-12-02T17:57:00.000-05:00

~I told you here on my blog that I was going to let Sarah post about this simple little tree in the kids' room. It's known to our family as "Sarah's tree!" Soooo, here's her version...with a little bit of help from Mommy! =)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I really wanted a tree for OUR room, but Daddy didn't feel like it was wise to spend the money for a 2nd Christmas tree...(When we don't know WHERE we are going to store it yet). I kept telling Mommy ideas like we could gather branches and form a tree to wrap lights around, etc. for I REALLY wanted a tree for our room.
Finally Daddy and Mommy told me to PRAY about God giving me one or helping me to find one (along side of the road, in the trash or where ever. =)
One night I asked Mommy how to have FAITH that God would answer my prayer for a Christmas tree. (She told me to make sure and pray "If it's Your will" and then trust God to do what was best!=)
[All the while She and Daddy were PRAYING HARD that God would answer my prayer! =)

The next day (Thanksgiving eve) as we were walking to get last minute supplies for our Thanksgiving dinner...Mommy (Who was DETERMINED to help Jesus answer this prayer for her little girl...IF He wanted to answer it =) saw a part of a Christmas tree sticking out of a black garbage bag on the street corner. Mommy went over and looked in the bag and it was just this simple little tree and it's base. Mommy called me over and said, "Look, Sarah,...look what Jesus just found you?!"
So, we picked up the tree and couldn't wait to get home to show Daddy THE TREE THAT JESUS GAVE US for our room!! =) ~

posted by Sarah

Christians thank God for His holiness

2011-11-26T16:43:00.000-05:00

Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and givethanks at the remembrance of his holiness. (Psalm 97:12)

Matthew Henry said…

It is God's holiness which, above all hisattributes, the angels celebrate. (Isa 6:3),Holy, holy, holy. Sinners tremble, but saints rejoice, at theremembrance of God's holiness, (Psa30:4). (Commentary on the Whole Bible)

Charles Spurgeon’s affirms…

“And give thanks at the remembrance of hisholiness” - which is the harmony of all his attributes, thesuperlative wholeness of his character. This is a terror to the wicked, and acause of thankfulness to the gracious. Inreference to the triumphs of the gospel, this text teaches us to rejoicegreatly in its purifying effect; it is the death of sin and the life of virtue.An unholy gospel is no gospel. The holiness of the religion of Jesus is itsglory, it is that which makes it glad tidings, since while man is left in hissins no bliss can be his portion. Salvation from sin is the priceless gift ofour thrice holy God, therefore let us magnify him for ever and ever. He willfill the world with holiness, and so with happiness, therefore let us glory inhis holy name, world without end. (Treasury of David)

Adam Clarke asserts…

But why should you give thanks at the remembrancethat God is holy? Because he has said, Be ye holy; for I am holy: and inholiness alone true happiness is to be found. As he, therefore, who hath calledyou is holy; so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. False Christians hatethe doctrine of Christian holiness; they are willing to be holy in another, butnot holy in themselves. There is too much cross-bearing and self-denial in thedoctrine of holiness for them. A perfect heart they neither expect nor wish.(Commentary on the Bible)

We thank God that Jesus came to save His peoplefrom their sins. For if we confess oursins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from allunrighteousness. Thinking of God’sholiness fills God's child with joy and thankfulness. His holiness once meant certain eternal damnation for us because we were sinners and the wages of sin is death. ButGod commands us to be holy and in love He has provided holiness through the bloodof Jesus Christ. When through faith inChrist we cooperate with His grace, God makes and keeps us as He wants us. For if we walk in the light . . . the bloodof Jesus cleanseth us from all sin. “Thankyou, God, for Your holiness. Because of Your holiness we have hope.” - Phillip

You Can Trust This Friend

2011-11-13T15:41:00.001-05:00

A.B. Simpson, Christian, Writer, C&MA founder

This is my beloved, and this is my friend—Song of Solomon 5:16

God is our friend. Which of you shall have a friend, . . . at midnight? asked Jesus (Luke 11:5). This concept of God as our friend has deep significance for each one of us. Who has not had a friend, who in some respects was more of a friend than anyone in the family? Reflect upon that friendship. Recall each act of love. Think of all you could trust that friend to do for you and all the ways in which he or she stood by you. Then as you concentrate the whole weight of recollection and affection, put God in that place of confidence and realize He is all that friend has been and infinitely more.
Our Friend! The one who is personally interested in us, who has set His heart upon us, who has come near to us in the tender and delicate intimacy of unspeakable fellowship. He has given us invaluable pledges and promises, He has done very much for us, He is ever ready to go to any trouble or expense to aid us. To Him we come in prayer-our heavenly Friend. (From Days of Heaven on Earth by A.B. Simpson, founder of the Christian & Missionary Alliance)

This and that...

2011-11-09T14:35:00.000-05:00

Although I really like Argentina, there is nothing like a good Colombian lunch and a tinto. (A tinto is a Colombian cup of dark, sweet coffee and it is often sweetened with their raw sugar cane sugar which is similar to our brown sugar.) We can make the coffee here in Argentina...but it is a little harder to make the lunch. I would really like to have a Colombian lunch right now. :o)

We saw these neat bikes made out of bamboo while walking here in Arg. And this is Mary's cute hair-do.

The kids at the park.

Some cool bark.

A neat restaurant.

Look at that neat tree in the background.

A pretty tree in the park.

-Post by Kimberly

Dating vs. Courtship

2011-11-04T20:30:00.001-05:00

A friend asked me for my opinion regarding dating verses courtship. Here are some Biblical principles I quickly wrote regarding relationships. I don't have all the answers I want yet. I do know that dating as our generation has defined it is broken. For some people courting and dating are one and the same, so they should be defined.

According to Wikipedia under the definition of "Courtship" I found the following interesting points:

"Courtship is the period in a couple's relationship which precedes their engagement and marriage, or establishment of an agreed relationship of a more enduring kind. In courtship, a couple get to know each other and decide if there will be an engagement or other such agreement."

"In earlier 1800s, young adults were expected to court with the intention of finding a marriage partner, rather than for social reasons. In America, in the 1820s, the phrase 'date' was most closely associated with prostitution. However, by the Jazz Age of the 1920s, dating for fun was becoming a cultural expectation, and by the 1930s, it was assumed that any popular young person would have lots of dates. This form of dating, though, was usually chaster than is seen today, since pre-marital sex was not considered the norm."

So, in taking in account their history and their usual current usages, I understand the generally accepted meanings of the words "court" and "date" to imply the following. Court seems to be with a more serious commitment in mind. Date usually seems to be for social fun and may or may not end up with a committed type of attitude. And among the many of the "Christian" youths that we have known, in a big part dating seems to be for giving myself pleasures at the expense of my special friend with the high hopes that all will end well. That is how I will use these words here. But whether we consider ourselves pro-dating or pro-courting, we must adhere to Biblical principles.

1.) We must first of all be concerned with the reality of who we are as a people.
As Christians, we do not belong to ourselves. In the very context of sexual purity and impurity God tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20,
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
I cannot do just anything I want. With my body, I must do all to the glory of He who bought me, for He owns me, not I myself.

2.) We must answer to someone -- our Lord and King.
"In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Judges 21:25)
But we DO have a King, and we cannot do what just seems right or feels good. Our King tells us what to do in Scripture. But most young people aren't even trying to find out and do what Scripture teaches here in our dating, therefore...
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6)
Our couples and their resultant marriages are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. The very things the young dating couples are doing right now WILL impact their marriages later.
So the entirety of our lives (including our relationships) must be submitted to the revealed will of God. (God reveals His will in Biblical principles.)

3.) Modern Recreational Dating (dating just for fun) is Heretical not Scriptural.
It's not even mentioned in Scripture and hardly even found in all of history until our modern history. It is motivated by a godless society based on pleasing the flesh rather than basing their actions on the Word of God.
Why would people date without any intention of marrying?
- To satisfy the lust of the flesh... either through immorality or entertainment.
- To satisfy heartfelt passions, that may be Biblical, but not seeking them in God's way. (ie. wanting to enter into a relationship that requires no lifelong commitment whatsoever. So that you can take off at anytime.)
None of this reflects Scriptural principles, so it must be disregarded as such.

4.) The defraud commandment.
"Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
"That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." (1 Thessalonians 4:5-7)
One of the meanings of "defraud" here is that of arousing "the lust of concupiscence" or arousing the other's "passionate desire." Or we could say that defraud here means to create the desire in someone for that which you cannot lawfully fulfill. This happens all the time with couples getting off alone on a date to arouse desires in each other that should not be fostered nor can they be lawfully fulfilled. That is why couples of the opposite sex should not be alone unless they are married. Because hormones, chemistry, emotions, attraction (or whatever you might wish to call it) between the opposite sexes are natural and unavoidable, but should not be fed nor allowed to blossom until they are lawful. To purposely sexually arouse someone other than your spouse is to defraud them and is denounced by God in Scripture. And to purposely cause someone to have an emotional affair with you is also playing with fire. For God promises to avenge such behavior. And many times it ends with dysfunctional marriages, broken homes, and broken hearts.

5.) The principle of treating the young ladies as our sisters.
1 Timothy 5:2 teaches us that our conduct with the younger women is to be as with sisters and with all purity. Young men, that means not touching them in inappropriate ways. That means having nothing but pure motives with them. That means not arousing in them desires which would be sinful to fulfill. That means treating them as you would want the men of the world to treat your little sister. Period.

6.) Paul told young Timothy (and us) to flee youthful lusts.
In many points we are told to "wrestle," but when it comes to lusts we are told to "flee." (A side point here: The more you protect your eyes, men, the more you can passionately love and be satisfied with one woman. Ladies, that is why modest clothes are important. And that is why there must be a carefulness between the courting couple.)   Why does God say to flee lusts? You will not be able to be in a relationship with a person of the opposite sex and be ALONE with him/her for an extended length of time without falling. Those who have tried it know I am telling the truth. And remember that "falling" comes a long time before the world says it does. Biblically, one can't be strong enough, Godly enough, or disciplined enough to do something that God already told you not to do. Don't be alone with a person of the opposite sex where you can be in a position to compromise yourself... because it will likely happen if you stay there long enough.
I never have forgotten an illustration by Paul Washer that I heard months ago; it goes like this:
I am a married man. Imagine that you came to a hotel suite, and you found me alone with a woman other than my wife. I answer the door and say, "Come in, Jane and I here were just making cookies."
You would say, "You can't do that!"
"Why not?" I ask, "We weren't doing anything wrong."
"It's just wrong. You can't be alone with someone of the opposite sex who isn't your wife. There are too many dangers!"
Exactly. And we encourage and condone that with young people in the dating game. I am a married man. A man with a dear wife and precious children who I value and would never want to lose. I am a man with much responsibility, I am responsible for various churches. I answer to a lot of people, pastors, and to supporters. This is going to make me want to be so much more careful to not fall. How much more careful (than any adolescent) would I be alone with a woman who is not my wife! But with adolescents who have less experience, less wisdom, less discipline, and much less to lose than I have to lose, we send them off to be alone for hours at a time with someone of the opposite sex. And we expect them not to fall morally? With so much less to lose than us adults who would never think of being alone with women of the opposite sex?

This is why I feel like dating as it is commonly defined is unwise, unScriptural, and dangerous. Courting as it is commonly defined seems to be the only other safe option I know of in our culture. As to how courtship should be practiced Scripturally, I am still open to answers. I did find helpful and interesting modern day love story shared by Marrianne Brown of her and Philip's courtship and marriage. It seemed to be Biblical and defined both dating and courtship in a wholesome and seemingly Biblical way. Here is a selection on her blog that I found intriguing and something I'd like to learn more about:

"One of those Wednesday evenings when we pulled into my driveway, Philip turned off the car and turned to me. It was in that conversation that Philip laid out his ideas of how relationships progressed. Stage #1 Friendship - This was the very basis for a relationship, basic information, finding if there were shared goals and ideas, finding out their commitment to God and His Word. Asking, "Is this person even a possible candidate for a wife/husband? If there was friendship and compatibility of goals and ideas and commitment to Christ then it was possible to progress to Stage #2 - Dating - sharing things that you wouldn't share on a friendship level, further probing of personal philosophies and background, examining theological ideas further. Deciding yes, this person is a possible life partner which would lead to Stage #3 - Courtship - This person has the characteristics of a life partner but there are some things that need to be talked about that are just not appropriate at level #2 - finances, any previous sin that would affect the relationship, all those "sticky" things that are "where the rubber meets the road". If the relationship withstands those scrutinies then the next step would be Stage #4 - Engagement - the actual commitment to marry this person, premarital counseling, and preparing for Stage #5 - Marriage.
That Wednesday evening Philip shared that we were in Stage #1 and he was praying about how to progress. That was one of the things I appreciated about him - I never had to guess about where we were at or how he was viewing the relationship. He'd had many years to figure out how to avoid some of the common pitfalls of romantic relationships and it sure saved me a lot of anxiousness and fear!" (From "Our Story - Part Six" http://philipmarianne.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-story-part-six.html ) With the definition of dating given here, I can agree with dating.

Credit belongs to Paul Washer for a lot of what I shared here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP6cc2aBecE And credit to my professor Dr. Allan P. Brown for his teaching on 1 Thessalonians 4:5-7.   - Phillip

Were God's people too patriotic in Jeremiah?

2011-10-28T14:57:00.000-05:00

"When tyranny comes... it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."

"Then spake the priest and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for the hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears."

Next to this verse Jeremiah 26:11 I have written in my Bible, "A backslidden ~~nation~~ church is Very Patriotic."

Now, I'm all for being patriotic if that simply means loving and seeking the good of our country. But often the farther away from God a nation becomes, the more the priests (religious leaders), prophets (preachers), and princes (political leaders) as in Jeremiah 26 get upset if you say anything against their political agenda. But later on in this passage we see the princes and people defending Jeremiah, so here the religious leaders seem even more patriotic than the others.

I have finally come to the point where I am liking more and more Paul's philosophy in 1 Corinthians 2:2 when it comes to politics. "For I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified."

Note: These are simply personal thoughts that came while reading this passage and thoughts that I may have to adjust with time. So please feel free to disagree with me, and I'll have no hard feelings. Thanks, Phillip

Happenings in our home...

2011-10-15T14:43:00.001-05:00

One morning Mary was on Mommy's bed and wanted a drink of water. But she had food in her mouth so I wouldn't let her. And this is what she did...

Mary is so dramatic :-)

Since Daddy has no private office, he usually uses earplugs while he is trying to study, which is most of the time. This morning our family was around the breakfast table, and Daddy who was going to have family devotions said, "I want everybody to lend me an ear." Then Sarah asked him, "What would you do if you had five ears?" Daddy answered, "I'd put an earplug in every one of them."
We (including Daddy) thought it was pretty clever. =)
-Post by Kimberly

Solomon: Loving Fast Horses & Beautiful Women, Just Like Daddy

2011-10-10T19:57:00.000-05:00

David had a perfect heart, but played around the limits ofwhat God forbad. His son Solomon losthis integrity following his daddy. How? Godprohibited Israel’skings from multiplying horses and wives.

He shall not

[1] multiply horses to himself, nor

[2] cause the people to return to Egypt…Neither shall he

[3] multiply wives to himself… neither shall he

[4] greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. (Deuteronomy 17:16-17)

Davidin the spoils of war killed many of the horses, but reserved horses for a hundredchariots. (2 Samuel 8:4)
When Davidperceived that God had established him as king he already had multiple wives.(2 Samuel 3:3) But he took even “more concubines and wives.” (2 Samuel 5:13)

David had these blind spots or ignorance. But ignorance is notbliss. David could have said, “It’sjust a little thing; it won’t matter.”
Solomonimitated his Godly father's sins of ignorance. But Solomon sinned much more. For he not only had 1,400 chariots and even morehorses [sin 1], but he also had a fine business giving horse rides for the people to go down toEgypt [sin 2]. Solomon went far beyond David’ssin not only in the quantity of horses, but in that he caused the people toreturn to Egyptand multiplied the silver [sin 4] so that it was as stones in abundance. (1 Kings10:26-29)

Andlike his daddy, Solomon had an unusual love for women. And his 1,000 wives, queens, and concubines [sin3] turned hisheart from God. So David’s heart wasperfect (v. 4), with some small sins of ignorance. But ignorance is not bliss, for our childrenfollowing our mistakes could lose their souls over it. Or at least they could lose God's blessing in their lives. -Phillip

Ministry trip to Medellin and Cartegena, Colombia

2011-10-07T15:09:00.000-05:00

Blessed, successful, and fun describe my trip to the churches in Medellin and Cartegena. In summary:

Santa Fe, Antioquia, Colombia. Our Medellin church is also in Antioquia. (creative commons, laloking97, flicker.com)

The leaders with their families are growing spiritually in both churches.
We witnessed to and prayed with various people.
I saw people seeking after holiness.
Several broke down in tears at the preaching of Bible truths; they have genuine spiritual hunger.
A good number worked hard, studied, and finished their homework in the classes we offered. (If you want to study the two topics we studied, read Wesley's 37th sermon and 1 Peter 1:16, "Be ye holy.")
We encountered a problem due to ignorance of Biblical teachings, but God beautifully orchestrated an opportunity to teach what God wants and resolve the problem. Several told me that in their heart they had not felt comfortable and now felt happy and relieved to have clear Biblical directions on this.
We gave the churches and their leaders a pile of helpful Christian books.
We had great heart to heart talks in the homes of the church leaders. I listened to them and showed them love and support.
I see them faithful in spite of a lot of hardships.

So thanks for praying; don't let up. God is answering. Hopefully next time, I'll be able to take a camera and have more pictures for you. - Phillip

A Day In The Home Of A Colombian Pastor

2011-09-29T18:59:00.000-05:00

Actually five days, and this time with Pastor Alberto family in Medellin. Some pics and a quick rundown are in order.
I left home for 10 days to split the time between the churches in Medellin and Cartegena preaching and teaching. Today I left Medellin for Cartegena so here are the pics of the first half of the trip.

Emanuel (6 years old) and I. He is Pastor Alberto and Alba's youngest son.

These trips are always difficult but enjoyable. I always enjoy what God teaches me when serving our Colombian brethren.

Their oldest son is about 16 I think. A year or two ago he said that he wanted to play the guitar. So he is teaching himself and doing a good job of it. He's a good student and wants to take his daddy's place someday as pastor. He's trying to serve God; pray for God's protection and blessing in his life. Actually pray for the whole family.

I saw a great sign on the door to their kid's room. "Awake thou that sleepest, and you'll be given light. Ephesians 5:14" I think I have the reference right. Anyway that was their paraphrase of the verse.

Pastor Alberto, his wife Alba, and their daughter Natay. Here in their home they make clothes for a living. While there this time, they were working on about 400 plus boys long sleeve button up shirts. This is how they support themselves. Thanks to some of you supporting us we were able to help get them set up with commercial equipment in the past. They do professional work both as seamstress and tailor. (More pics of their work perhaps in the future.) But they only make around 2 dollars profit per shirt.

We also did pastoral visits. I wish I had pics to explain the poverty, but the camera stayed at home with Heather. God gave us a thrilling time as we confessed Christ, his saving power, and prayed together!

A picture in front of the machine we were able to purchase for them thanks to you. Natay (19 years old) is peeking around the corner. Pray for her. She gave her life to God and is growing. Pray that God blesses and protects her spiritually and in every way. She and a young man here share affection for each other, help us pray for God's will please.

After sewing the clothes they snip off threads, neatly fold them, attach tags, and then bag each item in celophane. (Pardon the spelling, I can't remember how to spell that, and this blog spell check won't switch out of Spanish. Feel free to comment on any corrections in this post and I'll correct it.)

While getting ready to start service Pastor Alberto entered the sactuary early to pray.

His wife Alba soon joined him in pre-service prayer. Also, they are early risers. His is often up during the night to pray and she usually up before 4 am to spend a good time with God in prayer and Bible before starting her day with her family and sewing. Alberto sews too, when he isn't out or studying.

Here is a pic someone took during the service. ( Pardon the quality of all the pics, someone loaned me these pics.)

Earlier I mentioned these trips being difficult; here's what I meant. It's always hard to leave my family alone with my wife to care for our five children, homeschool, etc. alone. But Heather goes on anyway with such a cheery, sacrificial, selfless, and hardworking attitude. God has blessed me tremendously with Heather. I love that dear lady so much. Pray for her right now please.

Alberto, a sanctified man, asked me to preach and teach on holiness the whole time. This was the last service and God blessed us with His presence and help in a special way.

And now Heather packs for yet another move. A move to another country. A move to where we have no home. . . yet. A move to keep dragging suitcases, children, and school work along. And sunshine too; she brings a smile and happiness to my heart, our children's hearts, and to everybody else's hearts. God has used her to brighten a lot of night around this wide world.

This was a precious time of tears and calling upon God. Different ones testified to God specifically working in their lives. I believe it. They testified to God showing them light on specifics in their lives, specifics God wanted changed.

Please keep praying, for tomorrow we start classes and preaching again. I so need God's wisdom and annointing. And then next week I get to go home to my dear family. I love my job as daddy and husband. So the first thing I plan to do is just to be there for whatever needs they have. Then Argentina. So we must keep packing.

Hidden wonders of God before my eyes

2011-09-23T20:40:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been tempted to think that God isn't doing great works? In the church world, in politics, in your own life, is God just letting things happen while sitting idly by?

Wonder no more. Check out the lesson of these two verses.

"O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!" (Habakkuk 1:2) At times it may seem like we pray and pray and nothing happens. Through human eyes we may not see God work the way we want to see Him work. But then three verses later...

"Behold ye among the heathen and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you." (Habakkuk 1:5)

Right now, the puppets on the stage of history can do nothing without God's permission. God is bringing much greater wonders to pass than we can even know, and it is far beyond that which could be explained. For it is not that which we see with our eyes. It is Spiritual, a GREAT work, and He is doing it in our days before our very eyes. And we get to witness it. I see even now some of these great wonders by faith. Praise God!! See it?

Notable quotes about the Bible

2011-09-15T14:45:00.000-05:00

Abraham Lincoln: "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book."

W. E. Gladstone: "I have known ninety-five of the world's great men in my time, and of these eighty-seven were followers of the Bible. The Bible is stamped with a Specialty of Origin, and an immeasurable distance separates it from all competitors."

George Washington: "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible."

Napoleon: "The Bible is no mere book, but a Living Creature, with a power that conquers all that oppose it."

Queen Victoria: "That book accounts for the supremacy of England."

Daniel Webster: "If there is anything in my thoughts or style to commend, the credit is due to my parents for instilling in me an early love of the Scriptures. If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity."

Thomas Carlyle: "The Bible is the truest utterance that ever came by alphabetic letters from the soul of man, through which, as through a window divinely opened, all men can look into the stillness of eternity, and discern in glimpses their far-distant, long-forgotten home."

John Ruskin: "Whatever merit there is in anything that I have written is simply due to the fact that when I was a child my mother daily read me a part of the Bible and daily made me learn a part of it by heart."

Charles A. Dana: "The grand old Book still stands; and this old earth, the more its leaves are turned and pondered, the more it will sustain and illustrate the pages of the Sacred Word."

Thomas Huxley: "The Bible has been the Magna Charta of the poor and oppressed. The human race is not in a position to dispense with It."

W. H. Seward: "The whole hope of human progress is suspended on the ever growing influence of the Bible."

Patrick Henry: 'The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed."

U. S. Grant: "The Bible is the sheet-anchor of our liberties."

Horace Greeley: "It is impossible to enslave mentally or socially a Bible-reading people. The principles of the Bible are the groundwork of human freedom."

Andrew Jackson: "That book, sir, is the rock on which our republic rests."

Robert E. Lee: "In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength."

Lord Tennyson: "Bible reading is an education in itself."

John Quincy Adams: "So great is my veneration for the Bible that the earlier my children begin to read it the more confident will be my hope that they will prove useful citizens of their country and respectable members of society. I have for many years made it a practice to read through the Bible once every year."

Immanuel Kant: "The existence of the Bible, as a book for the people, is the greatest benefit which the human race has ever experienced. Every attempt to belittle it is a crime against humanity."

Charles Dickens: "The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or ever will be known in the world."

Sir William Herschel: "All human discoveries seem to be made only for the purpose of confirming more and more strongly the truths contained in the Sacred Scriptures."

Sir Isaac Newton: "There are more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history."

Goethe: "Let mental culture go on advancing, let the natural sciences progress in ever greater extent and depth, and the human mind widen itself as much as it desires, beyond the elevation and moral culture of Christianity, as it shines forth in the gospels, it will not go."

Henry H. Haley, Haley's Bible Handbook" (Michigan: Zondervan, 1965) pp. 18-19 found online here.

Step into an enchanted world

2011-09-12T19:19:00.000-05:00

It's been said to the youth:
"Never look at study as an obligation, but rather an opportunity to enter into the beautiful and marvelous world of knowledge."

How much more lovely and mysteriously fantastic is this world in the spiritual realm! The treasures gained from crying after God and studying His Word are invaluable and indescribably precious.

"Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:3-5)

T.M. Anderson said, "We discover the eternal things of God in direct proportion to the measure of our seeking in prayer." For Jesus in reference to prayer said, "He that seeketh findeth." (Luke 11:10) "The things of God knoweth no man save the spirit of God." (1 Corinthians 2:11) In other words, Mr. Anderson is saying that we do not discover the things of God by mere chance.

At the rate you are seeking, what of God will you discover?
You may be enamored with the unfathomable God.

"God, may our searching reflect the worth of what is hidden to the eyes of the world."        - Phillip

Progress: Formational Classes in Colombia

2011-09-09T18:11:00.000-05:00

In July we had the honor of hosting a fellow GHM missionary (who also served in Russia & Romania) and class professor (who also teaches at Wright State University) Daryl Hausman and his daughter Brittany in our home. And finally some pictures. We had four days of classes on Holiness along with 4 services that week with Daryl, Alberto, Luis, and Rigoberto preaching.

What a happy time when Daryl and Brittany arrived at the airport!

Pastor Alberto and his family (from Medellin) greeting the church. Here greetings and introductions are an important part of the service.

Daryl and Brittany (middle & right) with interpreter bringing greetings from our home church in the USA.

Daryl Hausman (right) getting ready to preach on entire sanctification.

Some of the girls and young ladies present in the services.

One of the midweek services during the singing.

Heather and Kimberly (as well as the rest of us) enjoyed having Brittany add her talent to the music.

A panoramic view of one of the evening services.

Some who were present at the classes along with some of their families. Daryl & Brittany Hausman from the USA, Pastor Luis from Peru, Pastor Alberto and family from Medellin, Pastor Jimmy & wife Farly from Bogota, Heather & I and our children, Pastor Edermin from Bogota, Lay Leader Rigoberto & family & Nancy from Cartegena.

Diligent note-taking students.

Professor and Minister Daryl Hausman teaching with his interpreter. We so appreciate the sweet presence of the God's Holy Spirit Who melted our hearts, gave us precious unity, and moved on our hearts with a hunger to seek after Him. What a wonderful and invaluable time this was!

Another classroom shot. We were honored to have Edermin Cortez and his wife and son join us. (foreground) Edermin is a national pastor who works with Raymond Shreve.

The day that Daryl and Brittany left we had some time to do a bit of sightseeing. This is the dining room of of the Quinta of Simon Bolivar. You history buffs know that he was known as "The Liberator." "He played a key role in Latin America's successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire, and is today considered one of the most influential politicians in Latin American history.Following the triumph over the Spanish Monarchy, Bolívar participated in the foundation of the first union of independent nations in Latin America, a republic, which was named Gran Colombia, and of which he was president from 1819 to 1830. Bolívar remains regarded in Latin America as a hero, visionary, revolutionary, and liberator. During his lifetime, he led Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia to independence, and helped lay the foundations for democratic ideology in much of Latin America." (Wikipedia)

After seeing Simon Bolivar's house, we went up the mountain for a bird's eye view of Bogota. Afterwards we went out for a coffee (sort of a Colombian thing) and then sadly said our goodbyes and I took Daryl and Brittany to the airport.

Thanks for praying for this special time. These deliberate times of teaching and preaching are important in the Spiritual formation of the Christian Nation Church here in Colombia. And it's not just important for our local churches but with the visiting of other pastors this time (and they hope to come back), these times are important for the edification and the formation of the holiness church here in South America. Please keep up the prayer support. - Phillip

Weak in the human. Mighty in God.

2011-09-06T12:54:00.000-05:00

Do you hope to serve others in some kind of ministry? Do you feel inundated with problems that threaten your effectiveness in ministry? The following should help you see possibilities for success where you never found it before.

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (selected from I Corinthians 4)

A quick summary and then the punchline:
God not only has called us to ministry, but He's had mercy on us. This is a calling to:
- Show the same mercy on others.
- Speak the truth in love.
- Exalt Christ.
- Experience weakness, trials, and affliction:
So that the power is of God not of us.
          To receive abundant grace.
          To be renewed daily.
          To bring about eternal glory.
          To keep our eyes off the temporal and on the eternal.

So weakness, trials, and afflictions make your ministry more effective! Keep the faith and welcome these blessings from God; you'll be even more fruitful!
   - Phillip

Current affairs: The US empire will be replaced.

2011-09-03T09:43:00.001-05:00

Over and over again God uses wicked pagan tyrants to punishHis people who have forgotten him. Likewise today He is employing wicked terrorists and tyrannicalgovernments to chastise nations who once knew but have forgotten God. For God aims to bring us to repentance. I think that no matter what our domestic andforeign policy might be, tyranny, injustice, terrorism, and suffering will onlyget worse in our nation until we once again turn to God. History shows dictatorial rulers andpersecution at times bringing people to their knees and consequently the churchgrew even stronger. (E.g. ancient Rome, modern China) We are to pray and labor for “Thy kingdomcome.” In elections and other currentevents Christians should not get too frustrated (tip: vent your frustrations inprayer) when the worst side of national leadership seems to prevail, for oftenGod uses this to bring about His kingdom.

We follow the Prince of Peace. Arecurrent unjust events bringing us to our knees or getting us up in arms? Oh, you say you’re a patriot? Just make sure that you don’t find yourselffighting against events that God uses to usher in His kingdom, nor that thegreat contention involved doesn’t rob you of the glory, faith, and love of Godburning brightly in your soul. And remember,the other side usually has Christian patriots too, who disagree with you. Something to think about, thanks to my father-in-law is the following, "for Christ's kingdom to come, all other kingdoms must fall."

"Our Heavenly Father, we turn to thee in repentance, may we do Thy will as it is done in heaven, so as not to frustrate Thee in the ushering in of Thy kingdom."

- Phillip

Darwin Edwards: A Noble Saint Has Gone Home

2011-09-01T11:24:00.001-05:00

In Boise, ID when we stopped to see Darwin Edwards and his dear wife Miriam while on Deputation '09

I had the honor of being Darwin and Miriam Edwards' pastor for 5 years in Phoenix Arizona ('99-'04). Darwin Edwards was exactly 50 years older than I, yet we were the best of friends. He and I would spend hours every week in Phoenix knocking on doors, passing out tracts, witnessing of Jesus, and inviting others to church. Heather and I, and our children loved him dearly. We prayed together, cried together, talked together, and laughed together. I began to call him "My Christian Grandpa" for he was like a dear grandpa to our family. We later had the honor of having him visit us here in Colombia, for he loved missions and he loved us, and what a delightful and precious time we had together!

Noah playing with "Grandpa Edwards" when he came to visit us in Colombia in '06.

At nearly 10:00 Wednesday night while preparing for bed here in Colombia, South America, we received the news that Darwin Edwards had died. (His obituary is here.) It is at a time like this when I wish that I were in the USA rather than in South America. We had always hoped for our whole family to be at his funeral for that was his expressed desire. So almost immediately after hearing the news last night, I went online to see about buying tickets. It was logistically and financially impossible this late in the game not just for the whole family, but even for just me alone. So instead of boarding a flight, I wrote a poem.

Brother Edwards in church in Barrio Corinto, Bogota, Colombia.

Having family altar in Colombia. It was in this visit when we discovered that we were expecting Elijah. So "Grandpa Edwards" got the news hot of the press -- he was the first one to know. He had been praying that we would have a brother for Noah.

If any of you get to heaven before me, tell Brother Edwards that I wanted to tell him goodbye, but I couldn't. But don't tell him that we said, "goodbye." Better to tell him that we said, "By God's grace, we'll see you later."

Darwin Edwards with Noah on his second and last Colombia visit in '07.

Goodbyes the last time he visited us in Colombia. How I miss him.

Written upon hearingof the death of my dear friend and Christian “grandpa”

Darwin Edwards

Pause with me, good men, and weep.

A nobler man than you and me

Has fallen asleep

But by now has wakened up in glory.

Heav’n to me will be more sweet,

A place of which he loved to sing,

Now its King he’ll greet,

My dear friend who is blessed up in glory.

Hush all noise, ye saints, and kneel.

Thank God so good for giving him;

Through our tearswe thrill

At the thought of him with God in glory.

Money scarce he gave to save

The needy in the name of Christ.

Now all that hegave

He now has, plus much more there in glory.

How he loved so much his wife.

He spoke to all about his girl,

The love of hislife.

He awaits her in a place of glory.

He often laughed and cried with tears

Whene’er he spoke of his great joy,

His Lord throughthe years.

And to think he’s with Him, what glory!

“Hear me, all,” I know he’d say,

“Have faith alone in Jesus Christ;

Your sins wash away.

And do join me in God’sholy glory!”

-Phillip Dickinson, 8/31/2011

Faith or presumption?

2011-08-29T18:20:00.000-05:00

"By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned." (Hebrews 11:29)

If the Israelites can run through on dry land we can too. So said the Egyptians. They really believed that they could. But we know better. They were not the people of God. So their faith was not real faith.

But often God's people have the same presumption. God's children say, "Let's go do the right thing and all will end well. " Not so. In Deuteronomy 1 God's people tried to take Canaan but also without real faith. God earlier had told them that they should conquer Canaan. But now Moses told the children of Israel that since they had been disobeying God by complaining (v. 27), not submitting to authority (v. 26), and not trusting God in their trials (v. 32) that God was not going to allow them to enter the Promised Land. So they "repented" (v. 41) and decided to go do the right thing and conquer the heathen for God anyway. But they "went presumptuously up into the hill." (v. 43) So they were "chased" by the Amorites and destroyed" and "wept before the Lord" but God would not hear them.

What's going on here? God's children thought that they had faith. But actually they were presuming on God. We also can do all the things that God tells us to do. Pray the prayer of faith, anoint with oil, take time out for spiritual disciplines, warn the heathen, preach, be instant in all seasons, finance God's work, reprove the works of darkness, forsake not the assembling of ourselves together, and ten thousand other things that God wants. But all is done presumptuously and without faith if we are harboring sin, walking against light, not single minded (Mt 6:22,23), or as the children of Israel, complaining, begrudging our authority structure, or not trusting in God in all circumstances. Or it may be that God doesn't want what we want and we need to listen to Him. Unless we do things God's way in order to have true faith our end result will also be a disaster like the Egyptians assaying to cross the Red sea or Israel going up and being smitten before the Amorites. Sure, God in his mercy may hear us and forgive us, but our work may be hindered or even lost. (1 Cor 3:13-15)

-Phillip (First published on 12-29-2007 on my old blog)

Amparo

2011-08-24T14:21:00.001-05:00

Thank you for your prayers for Sis. Amparo. This is the lady we lived with for the first 2 months when we moved here to Colombia. She has been/is very sick.~

~We bought some supper, and took it and went to see Sis. Amparo. We had a nice visit with her. Please keep her in your prayers. Thank you!~

Manipulate? Or pray.

2011-08-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

Hudson Taylor

"Learn to change men by God through prayer." - Hudson Taylor

posted by Phillip

Adonai -- God's name, God's character

2011-08-21T19:22:00.000-05:00

Adonai occurs 340 times in the Old Testament. Adonai has a very special meaning: Master, as of a slave of Master as a husband is to a wife. While the master expects service from his slave, he in turn guarantees to that slave that he will provide shelter, food, water, and protection. He will endeavor to keep that slave in good physical condition. A good man says to his wife, "As head of our house under Christ I will see that you have food, clothing, shelter, and protection. I will lay down my life for you because you are my wife." That is a picture of Adonai and His people: a relationship of a righteous master and his servant; of a loving husband and his wife.

-selection from High Conceptions of God by R. E. Carroll

Suffering brings blessing

2011-08-17T13:33:00.000-05:00

We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22)

"If you aspire to be a son of consolation; if you would partake of the priestly gift of sympathy; if you would pour something beyond commonplace consolation into a tempted heart; if you would pass through the intercourse of daily life with the delicate tact that never inflicts pain; if you must be content to pay the price of a costly education -- like Him, you must suffer."
- F. W. Robertson in Streams in the Desert (August 15) by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
-- Posted by Phillip

Please pray...

2011-08-15T09:17:00.001-05:00

Please pray for a dear lady named Amparo. We stayed with her our first two months here in Colombia. She is having some physical problems. She nearly died last Friday.

L to R Phillip, TaTa (her grandson), Helbert (her son), Elijah, Sarah, and Amparo.

- posted by Kimberly

Guitar pickin'

2011-08-12T12:41:00.002-05:00

Kimberly is learning how to play the guitar. Every spare second that she has, she is strumming away. =) In this picture she has a "helper" named "Mary" trying to help her learn. =) Last night she and Nataly played their guitars while our congregation sang "Amazing Grace" in church. =)

~God cares about Friends~

2011-08-10T11:12:00.002-05:00

~As Mommy, I would like to Thank the Lord for allowing our girls to have dear friends here in Colombia. "Thank you, dear Jesus, for sending such special friends for our girls!!"
The Lord planned that Kimberly would have a sweet friend named Nataly...~

~ And that Sarah would have a great friend named Gaby. Sarah and Gaby are actually "TWINS" that were separated at birth. HA! They are EXACTLY alike. They think alike, play alike, act alike and are hilarious together. Gaby and Nataly are precious young ladies.
Please pray that God will guide the lives of all 4 of these girls and use them for Him. Thank you! =)~

Our last music lesson before we leave

2011-08-05T10:23:00.001-05:00

We had our last lesson on July 14th before we leave for Argentina soon. So here I am playing with my teacher Adriana.

Sarah helped me and I made this blanket for her. We are going to miss her but hope that next time we come back from Argentina she can teach us more violin and piano. :-)

Last week during the classes on Holiness...

2011-07-27T11:16:00.002-05:00

Last week during the classes on Holiness...The Lord really gave us a week of feasting on His Word and In His Presence. The Lord really helped Bro. Daryl as he spoke Sunday, July 17th, and then as he taught classes on Holiness for 6 hours each day from Monday-Thursday. The Lord helped Bro. Alberto as he preached on Tuesday night. And the Lord helped Bro. Rigoberto as he preached this last Sunday. We thank the Lord for His help, and His Sweet presence. Thank you, Dear Jesus, for changing lives in a special way this past week!

A great event for the Colombian Church!

2011-07-16T20:21:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow starts a big week for the Colombian church. We ask your prayers. One of our CNC ministers will be here for a week and preaching and teaching on second blessing holiness. Pray for souls to be Entirely Sanctified. The pics below from the classes in March 2009 bring a lot of precious memories.

Our children love Pastor Pilmore.

Waiting for a class.

GHM Director teaching.

Pastor Jimmy preaching a short message.

Pastor Eisenhart preaching on holiness. Afterward there was a beautiful seeking after God.

Food and fellowship thanks to Heather and to the rest for coming.

Daryl Hausman and Mark Becker working in the kitchen.

Pastor Pilmore getting ready to preach in a house service.

This week leaders are coming from Medellin and Cartegena as well as those from the church here. Also Pastor Luis is coming from Peru. Please pray for wisdom, anointing, and an outpouring of God's Spirit.
Thank you, Phillip

Pics & video of our time in Peru

2011-07-14T11:00:00.004-05:00

Here are a few more pics of our trip to Peru. To read the previous posts click here. Here Pastor Jimmy preached in a house service. Downstairs they worked with fish (the cleaning not the cooking aspect) so imagine a rank odor filling the air as you look at these pictures. Pastor Luis and his wife Natividad have been trying to point them to Christ.

Some of the people seemed hungry for Christ. I found out later that among the people there was a drunkard and two people with AIDS. What a privilege to point them all to Christ, the only one who can save them from their sins.

Another day, we went to Pachacute, a poor village outside of Lima, about an hour from Pastor Luis's house. We took three different vehicles to get there. I thought that these three wheeled taxis were pretty nifty. After our two taxi rides we ended up taking a couple to get here on the last leg of the "journey."

Here we are in one such 3 wheeled taxi looking out at Pastor Luis and another taxi.

We arrived at Pachacute. Notice the sand everywhere and the ocean in the background a few kilometers away. No, we didn't take the time to go to the ocean while in Peru.

We finally arrived at the just-built lean-to that was going to be the first service here. No door, open gables, roof soon to sealed by laying a tarp over it, two light bulbs wired to a plug, sand floors and some bricks and boards to sit on made us just as happy as if we were in a cathedral. Someday as the church takes off and the people get a vision, things get fixed up more. But for now it doesn't look too out of place with the other poor shacks around there.

The first half of the service was singing led by Pastor Luis's wife Natividad. Her voice carried well. Good thing too because many didn't know the songs yet. Between the songs Sis. Natividad gave some excellent exhortations along with a clear testimony of how God saved her from her sins. This video clip shows them singing.

Pastor Luis here is addressing the people. And later he preached with fervor.

Pastor Luis gave me the opportunity to exhort the people to seek after Christ before he preached. Notice that darkness has settled in.

Sunday was our last full day in Peru. Pastor Luis gave me the opportunity to preach this Sunday in his church. God led me to preach and use my testimony emphasizing salvation from sin and heart holiness.

God blessed the time with a precious sense of His presence. Different ones were weeping and seeking after God. Afterward different ones gave their testimony.

Please pray for these different ones in Peru. Pray that God will establish His holy kingdom there. Pray that God will give us wisdom and holy fruit in working in Peru.

Sad goodbyes & Good news on our Visas!

2011-07-11T14:40:00.004-05:00

Praise the Lord! Good news on the Visas! But first here are some pics of us seeing off Melanie.

Noah and I (below) are taking Melanie to the airport. After which we had to run directly to the visa office. Notice Elijah playing in the picture. When Melanie started walking away Elijah began wailing and following her.

So Elijah walked with her to the guard house and amidst many tears gave her one last hug. May God bless Melanie in Bolivia and in her last year of college at UBC. She was a blessing to us and to the church here.

Now back to the good news on our Colombian Visas. I just got home with all of our Colombian Visas! God is so good!

They are good for another 2 years. And since this is our third Visa without problems, next year we are permitted to apply for a lifetime Colombian Residency. And then no more of this constant paperwork. Thank you for praying!
Phillip

Where we are at on our Colombian visas

2011-07-08T23:06:00.005-05:00

Praise the Lord! Several days now we have been across town working on our visas.

Here we are at a park doing some last minute paperwork.

Today the lady said that she is going to grant our visas. There were several issues, some unavoidable, yet she is going much beyond the call of duty to work with us. This is not the norm. By the way her name is Diana and she asks for prayer. She would have granted us our visas today but I didn't have the money with me and she can't give it to us until it is paid in full -- about $1,400 for 2 years of living in Colombia. This had to come out of our Argentina budget. I had forgotten how much it was, and I don't carry that kind of money around. But we are so happy for this progress, for they don't have to grant us permission to live in Colombia. And a lot of work has gone into this with the help of others. God is so good! I'm supposed to go back Monday and pay the balance and receive our visas! Praise God!

Kimberly and Melanie relaxing while we did paperwork.

Noah and Elijah playing on the playground while waiting. Somehow I can't find a picture of Sarah and Mary with us at the park.

Just before going in to have our paperwork examined

Please pray that these visas come through as promised. Thanks,
Phillip

God's how-to regarding fasting

2011-07-01T21:20:00.002-05:00

(Republished from first post on 6/15/07)

Jesus said that some things happen “by nothing but by prayer and fasting” I would think any prayer warrior would want this spiritual bunker blaster. But some are afraid to handle such a weapon or don’t know how. Others don’t realize the benefits of such.
God tells us how to properly fast in Isaiah 58. In vs. 3 and 4 we find that we must be holy, sincere, earnest, and charitable and not fast to be noticed. Fasting is to humble ourselves before God. (v.5) And God knows our intentions.
But what are the benefits? (v.6) Fasting breaks strong chains of wickedness, cuts loose heavy burdens, frees the oppressed, and breaks bondage. No wonder the devil tries to make the saints steer clear of fasting! Also, when we are not eating it gives us more income to help the poor, (v.7) which God wants us to do. One of the greatest misconceptions is that fasting will harm you physically, but God (v. 8) promises that your health will spring forth speedily. Dr. Joel Fuhrman (see his book Fasting and Eating for Health)and other doctors who specialize in fasting for treatment prove that fasting is healthy. Besides, Jesus would not advocate something destructive to His temple. Those who fast much testify to improved health and vanishing infirmities. Scientific studies show that those who have lived under fasting type conditions have longer life spans. Deny yourself and step away from the table, for many are digging an earlier grave with their fork.
Another benefit (v. 8) is that the glory of Jehovah will guard your back, similar to the children of Israel with Pharaoh’s army. When you call (v. 9) God will answer. When you cry, God will say, “Here I am.” God reiterates that with fasting you must live a blameless, careful, God fearing life, but if so, He will exalt your light in the middle of nowhere (v. 10) and it will break forth as the morning. (v. 8) Commentators believe that “light” refers to prosperity. Your darkness will be like high noon. Your every step will be ordained of God, He will feed your soul in famine, give vigor to your bones, and you’ll be like a flourishing garden and an eternal, artesian spring. Also they that are of you will build the old ruins, you will build the foundations of many generations, and you’ll be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the paths to dwell in. Meditate on that! But God gives one final condition (v.13) if you want Him to heed your fast and bless you like this. Don’t meddle with His Day of Rest. That is, don’t do your tasks and pleasures, but honor God not walking in your own ways, not finding your own pleasure, nor even speaking your own words, and then to consider this type of life delightful. Then God will cause you (v. 14) to delight in Him, give your life the ride of its life with abundant blessing, and nourish you with the heritage that He has promised Jacob. That’s a fact; keep your end of the covenant and God will prove it to you.
For water-only fasts longer than several days or more: 1) Lead up to your fast eating raw fruits and vegetables. 2) Expect weakness, pain, dizziness, and cold from detoxification, slowed metabolism, and lower blood pressure. 3) Drink lots of pure water. 4) Come off long fasts (1 week – 40 days) with juices and broths for the first 2 days. 5) Then eat juicy fruits & vegetables (starting slowly) for the same amount of time as your fast. 6) Plan on loosing a pound a day. 7) If you break your fast with heavy meals or food too rapidly there could be dire consequences with acute pain or worse. For you must give your body time to build up its digestive enzymes again (yogurt cultures & probiotics help). There is a strong temptation to gluttony after fasting, but it is harmful and can go to accelerated weight gain with your slowed metabolism. (If you are uncertain about fasting due to health problems, the above mentioned book would be an advisable read.)
-by Phillip

A few of my favorite things...

2011-06-29T21:37:00.002-05:00

Happy 50th Anniversary to Gramp and Gram! Go here for pictures.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

...coffee...

...USA and Colombia...

...my Christian family...

...the Bible...

...a "meard"...

...shoes...

...good sisters...

...little prayers...

...violin, piano, guitar...

...a handsome smile...

...a little lobster...

...and last but certainly not least...chocolate.

Posted by Kimberly!

A family worthy of our prayer and service in Peru!

2011-06-25T12:06:00.001-05:00

Some months ago Colombia's national pastor Jimmy Ramirez received an e-mail from a minister in Peru named Luis. Pastor Luis wanted to know if he could become a part of the Christian Nation Church. After some weeks of discussion and prayer we felt clear to make the trip to Peru to get to know this pastor and his dear family. This post outlines our observances and plan of action with them, as God wills.

Luis & Navidad and their children

They reminded me of some of the fiery holiness church people I know:
*Earnest preaching.
*Earnest singing.
*Pioneer mentality -- digging out new works.

Luis & his wife visiting before the first service of a new work they are opening an hour away. More on this in a later post.

*Very careful in external standards and not afraid to talk about it.
*Strong on giving clear fiery testimony of what God did when he saved them.
These are all things that I want our people to be exposed to.
Observances:
*They feel alone and very lonely.
*Children and wife need others of like minded faith to show they care.
*They have some precious children with a lot of potential, the daughter especially seems to have a very good heart.
*They want to work with us.
Other points:
*They have some points where they need instruction in doctrine.
*We do not know each other well yet.
*Serving Peru and them will take more money. But God will provide for us to do what He wants.
Course of action:
*We left good holiness books and asked that they read them, and then if they still want to be a part of our church to let us know and we might be able to work from there.

Pastor Luis & family receiving a bunch of holiness books we brought them.

*Pastor Jimmy reminded me that others here in Colombia also had a lot of blind spots but that as we have worked together, God is opening eyes and changing people in so many ways. Dress issues, Jewelry, Keeping the Lord's Day holy, Opinion on Tongues, Music, etc. Pastor Luis is already in agreement with us on most doctrinal issues. When he read our church doctrine and manual he said that this is what he has preached for many years and because he believes this way he has to work alone there in Peru.
*As God wills, we plan to continue trips to Peru to help encourage them (and other worthy contacts), support them in the right paths, serve them however possible, and encourage their children that they are not alone and to continue in the old paths.
*They are doing a good work and we want to serve God's servants.

Soon in a future post I want to show more pictures of their work and what we did with them while there in Peru.
Stay tuned,
Phillip

Musicians: Feeding God's Sheep

2011-06-23T23:25:00.001-05:00

*Reposted from first post on 1/13/08*

Church music is not about performance. Church music is not about performers. Church music is not about liking the music. Church music is about Christ! Church music is about the message of Christ. If we will lift up Christ, he will draw all men to himself. The Holy Spirit will break the "loaves and fish" of our music ministry and will feed a hungry multitude.

The reason some Church musicians are incessantly searching for new gimmicks in church music is that they are not filled with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, they cannot feed. A Christian must be filled before he or she can feed God's sheep! Rather than throwing away our time-honored styles for church music, we as church musicians must experience spiritual renewal.

-Selected from Church Music Matters: A Music Philosophy in Christian Perspective by Garen L. Wolf I

A refreshing time in a Peruvian home

2011-06-21T20:57:00.003-05:00

A missionary friend graciously encouraged me to look up Marco while in Lima, Peru and gave me his phone number. Marco years ago attended a Pilgrim church as a boy. I spoke with Marco and Sabrina (his wife) by phone before meeting them in person, and after just talking to them, I told Pastor Jimmy, "I can tell that this is a very dear couple." When I meet them in person I was not disappointed.

Jimmy, Marco and his family, and I

They invited us into their home twice for meals while we were in Lima. They also asked us to have a worship service while we were in their home. What a very precious family we found them to be! Although I don't know that it would happen, I found myself thinking that it would be nice if God would allow us to live in Peru just long enough to be able to have some time to work with and teach this hungry couple. They were filled with questions on how to have a Godly home. They spoke of their desire to have a lot of children. They have daily family prayer and Bible time. Marco shared that he wanted to get involved in the ministry. I saw love and order in their home.

Eating a delicious breakfast of fish, rice, and a spicy salad.

This is an ancient Peruvian sweet drink made with seeds which grow only between 3,000 and 4,000 meters altitude in the Andes. I forget the name but it was delicious and they said that it is very nutritious.

This is Marco's dad, Marcos.

With the Presidential elections that Sunday morning the government forbade the churches to have services. So we had a service that morning in the home before going to Pastor Luis' church that evening for a formal service. (I plan to post on that soon.)

Pastor Jimmy preaching.

Marco invited several to their house for the service and we gathered and sang and prayed together.

They sang with gusto and attentively listened to the preaching.

Then after I led the singing of some hymns Jimmy preached while they listened attentively; one was crying while he was preaching.

Pastor Jimmy preaching; God really helped him.

We also gave them some good books on holiness to read. Marco was happy and looked forward to reading them, for he wants to theologically prepare himself. Twice Marco told me that the next time we are in Lima to please stay at his house. (Speaking of their house, they've built it little by little while they live in it. This isn't easy, but it avoids going into debt.) The Lord willing, we hope to continue to reach out to this hungry couple in future trips to Peru. Please pray for Marco and Sabrina and their children Marcos and Paloma.

A tribute to my 2 special dads! Plus a challenge to us dads.

2011-06-18T21:36:00.001-05:00

*This post was first posted on my blog on 6/16/07 and re-posted today with some minor changes. The last paragraph was first published several years ago in our mission newsletter Dickinson Update. Our mission newsletter is free to all who want it.*

My father-in-law Edgar A. Bryan and I discussing something in Canada.

I do not claim to have all the answers when it comes to fathering. But number one, the Word of God is a never failing source of wisdom for us fathers. Number two, I have two delightful examples for me to happily follow. I am so blessed to have a wonderful father-in-law. I couldn't have married a wife with a better dad. He is disciplined. He is conscientious. He studies the Word of God and is a thinker. He is prayerful and sober. He inspires me to be a better Christian. And he treats me like his own son.
I know my blood dad even better (I have known him for 37 years) and I am not in the least bit disappointed by his life. I have seen him go through the fire many times and he is always coming through as pure gold. He loves God's Word, he loves to obey God, and he loves us too. He is as steady as a rock and is harder than a rock when it comes to work -- he has always done the work of three men. Please pray for my dad; he has been feeling sick and weak. Thinking about my Daddy makes me want to draw closer to Jesus and seek His face more. I wrote more here about what my dad did right.

My father Bud (Phillip Dean) Dickinson, Noah, and I having a special time together in Arizona.

Over and over I am challenged and convicted to be a better man by watching the lives of my two holy dads. They are ever learners, they use wisdom, are great husbands and grandfathers, have class, are Godly, and are delightful to be around. Thank you, God, you could not have given me better dads, nor dads with whom I would have been happier. I am blessed, satisfied, and thankful. I treasure the friendship of my fathers and honor both of you from my heart.
Perhaps one of the greatest sacrifices for me in being a missionary (if I could say that such an honor from God is a sacrifice) is that knowing that God is still giving my dear fathers (and mothers) life and I and my family are not able to be around to enjoy and learn from these great lives. God comforts me with the hope that they might live until after we have to come home the USA again someday and with the even greater Hope of Heaven. Praise God for this precious hope and promise to us who believe God's promises. Heaven -- where we will never again have to part and will always joy in being together.

Noah and I playing in a park in Colombia

Elijah and I sharing a snow cone in a park in Colombia

Raising Godly children is a Spiritual exercise. Aside from God we have not the wisdom, and then all is lost. But God cannot give wisdom unless we delightfully do all of His will. Yet it takes more than 2 works of grace and a prayer for wisdom to be a success. Through DESIRE a man separates himself, seeks, and intermeddles with all wisdom. (Proverbs 18:1) One would not build a house without first pursuing knowledge. But it takes a PASSION for seeking and applying wisdom to raise up Godly foundations. God knew that Abraham had this. "I know that he will command his children after him." (Genesis 18:19) Hours. No, years, dad who had long yearned for an Isaac, spent time talking, teaching, and training. He must have lived Deuteronomy 6:5,7. Dad, flee all other interests except to take God up on His promise (Proverbs 22:6), give your time, and TRAIN them! Seek out what this means and do it. In this we will see revival and our missionary activity prosper. When the hearts of Fathers turn to the children the curse will lift. -Mal 4:6
-Phillip

New Tab: What in the world do we do in South America?

2011-06-17T16:10:00.000-05:00

Elijah, Sarah, & Noah w / an alpaca in Bogota, 2010

Some wanted to know what we do here. So we've added a tab here on this website giving a rundown of our missionary responsibilities. I kept it brief but interesting with fun pictures. Click on the tab "Our Part Of 'Go Ye...'" located at the top of this blog. Always feel free to download the pictures for use in asking your church to pray for us. (most of the pics enlarge when double clicked) Thank you taking the time to educate yourself on how to pray for us.

We are done, Done, DONE with our room!!

2011-06-14T22:43:00.002-05:00

Sarah and I have worked on our room for FOREVER. But now we are DONE!! So our room is interesting and colorful (because we have been in Latin America half of our lives), but we like it! It is a mix of Colombian / American decor.

Our dresser.

Thank you Daddy for painting our mirror white!

We had fun shopping for our room.

This desk is not just any desk,

It's colorful and fun.

Like its owner, our sweet Sarah,

Who brings joy to everyone.

~written by Daddy and Mommy~

(Sarah wrote the following)

Thank you, Daddy and Mommy, for writing this poem for me; you are so SWEET B-)

Sarah's pencil holder.

Kimberly's desk.

Kimberly's bed.

Sarah's bed.

Our Grandma (& Grandpa) Dickinson bought us these lamps from IKEA. Thank you!

When we got our curtains mommy said, "The style now is to have curtains that pop. Yours explode!"

Our chairs that our sweet parents bought us.

Kimberly and Sarah

Caught in a sobering incident in Lima, Peru

2011-06-14T09:28:00.001-05:00

A lot of these pictures I am showing you are of the beautiful side of Lima. For we found Lima to be a clean city and historical Lima to be beautiful as you see here and in the previous post. We were impressed at how polite and kind many of the Peruvians were.

These two pictures were taken from the Plaza Militar or Plaza de las Flores pictured in the previous post. It reminded me of Cartegena, Colombia.

But Lima, Peru also had her sad side and poor sections too; I may share photos of that later. I was told somewhat jokingly by a missionary friend that it is said that the thieves there in Lima can steal your socks off of you without even removing your shoes and that even the police and cats walk the streets in groups of twos and threes.
We were there on the last days of their Presidential elections. The two candidates were Keiko Fujimori, a woman who aligned herself as a conservative and had Rudy Giuliani (former mayor of New York) as her special security advisor. She had also turned in her father years ago for corruption when he was the President. The other candidate was Ollama Humala a Communist running with the Communist party. On Saturday night we got caught in a Communist demonstration for Humala which somewhat shook me. We were walking back to our hotel and we heard shouting and honking as a sea of people flooding the street and sidewalks rushed toward us shouting, beating "drums," and waving red flags and other flags going to the plaza near our hotel. When the wave of people hit us, they pushed us with them and then I understood the real danger of getting trampled by a mass of people. With Jimmy following me, I had to struggle to get to a metal kiosk on the sidewalk to stand behind where we were protected from the oncoming river of people. The thunderous noise and emotion of the multitudes (the majority were youths) yelling, chanting, and banging and honking were tremendous and filled that part of the city and I saw how youths are enchanted with the promises of a Communist utopia. I wanted a picture of when we were being nearly swept away, but I didn't dare for fear of angering the mob. But after things had calmed down a lot and the main mass of people had already past, Jimmy took this picture of the stragglers later and captured a not-very-happy look on this man's face.

More stragglers later. By now we had reached the door of our hotel.

The next day was Sunday and election day. Keiko lost and Humala won. So Peru now has a Communist President who has promised to "get rid of the corruption." I ask a taxi driver if there were a lot of corruption to get rid of and he said, "I don't know of a lot of corruption." Many think that Peru could turn out to be another Venezuela with Hugo Chavez. God sets up and takes down kings, and will use this for the good of His kingdom. But depending how things go there, in the future we may loose opportunities for entering this precious, needy country for ministry there. Please help us pray for Peru, her new president, and for the building up of God's holy Church there.
Thanks,
Phillip

Arriving in Lima, Peru

2011-06-12T22:15:00.002-05:00

Praise the Lord! Our trip into Peru was a success! Lord willing I will be putting up some posts about the trip. We'll start with this post and include some neat pictures of historic Lima. The only good pictures we took of the Andes were from the plane since we didn't get very far out of Lima.
~In this picture you see the snow capped Andes in June with some blue lakes beyond them.~

~More snow capped Andean mountains in the distance.~

~Here we are descending toward Lima, so you see the Pacific. Lima is a coastal city of about 9 million people in the greater metropolitan area. We saw the ocean a few times, but only from a distance, because we stayed too busy.~

~One of the government buildings in historic Lima. The Peruvian flag reminded me of the Canadian flag but in place of a maple leaf was some type of a coat of arms.~

~This plaza was a half a block from our first hotel. The next day we went looking for another hotel and found one closer to our points of ministry to save on transportation costs.~

~Plaza Militar (Military Plaza) or Plaza de las Flores (Plaza of the Flowers) from a distance. Actually I was trying to get a picture of the ever present three wheeled motorcycle cargo hauler. I'm sure that that isn't really the name, but it's what I'm calling it for you. Here a lady is getting a ride, but I noticed them hauling lots of bags of potatoes. From what I am told, Peru is the origin of potatoes in the world and has hundreds of varieties. I believe it, for we saw a lot of cheap but delicious potatoes there. And around Lima, the Andean foothills reminded me of the smooth rolling hilly mountains of Idaho, where we in the USA grow our own potatoes.~

~This was the hotel room that we ended up with -- two beds, a closet, a table, what they called a "sanitary hygienic room," and a nice window -- simple but clean and economic. It was just like God to give us a hotel at the intersection of the two roads which would take us directly to our different contacts with only one bus each. Pastor Jimmy and I had some great talks about the Lord and some good times of prayer at this hotel. It was here we tried to prepare for preaching too.~

Soon I will try to post more of the ministry side of our trip as well as try to articulate more of the immediate blessings that has come from this trip. Thank you for praying for the trip. Stay tuned for more, Phillip

Melanie might need your prayers...=)

2011-06-11T23:22:00.000-05:00

As she...
Puts up with all of us! (Silly Elijah dressed himself up like this! =) And...

As she eats all of the new recipes we try on her. =)
("Tropical fusion salad with spicy tortilla ribbons" from Taste of Home! Apr/May 2010.)

We are loving having Melanie here with us! She is being a blessing! Please do pray that God will help her as she ministers for Him here in Colombia. =)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Thank you for praying for our Colombian paper work. You can read an update on my blog.

Short post w/ Peru picture & prayer request.

2011-06-09T08:07:00.007-05:00

This picture goes with the next post below about our surprise meeting with the Bryon Flings while in Lima, Peru. What a blessing! You never know who you'll meet up with and where.

Bryon & Michelle Fling w/son, Pastor Luis & family, Pastor Jimmy, & I in Lima, Peru

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I'm back from Peru. God blessed this trip tremendously! I expect to see fruit from this trip as well as go back in the future as God would will. I do hope to post more news and pictures of our trip here in the future.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~
But for now please pray, for today (along with church and going by the airport to pick up Melanie Smith) we plan to work some more downtown on our Colombian visas. Having this paperwork in order is important.
Thanks so much, Phillip

A "chance meeting" or a miracle?

2011-06-05T17:43:00.000-05:00

Before leaving for Peru Phillip had told me that one couple he WANTED to see while there was Bryon and Michele Fling who are missionaries in Peru!
Here is a paragraph that Phillip sent to me from Peru last Friday.

Dearest Heather and children,
Luis and his family took us to find an ATM and a closer hotel in Lima, Peru. As we were crossing a parking lot (as a short cut that Bro. Luis never uses) we saw another beautiful holiness family. I instantly recognized Bryon and Michelle Fling after not seeing them for 9 years. They instantly recognized me and I yelled with delight. Heather, I was hoping to contact them to see them while here in Lima. But they don´t even live in Lima as I had thought, but 12 whole hours away in Chiclayo where they are the directors of the Bible School there. They just¨"happened" to be in Lima. They came to complete their adoption papers with their new little boy (another miracle). Out of a city of nearly 9 million people what chance is there of several from a different country meeting up with another holiness family who live a day´s drive away. Pastor Jimmy and Pastor Luis and his family were delighted to get to know them. They were to leave Lima by bus in a couple of hours or so but we visited in the parking lot for a good while.

Much, Much Love,
Phillip

Isn't that JUST LIKE OUR JESUS to help Phillip and the Flings meet up? God is Awesome!!!!

~Come before His presence with Singing...~

2011-06-04T15:21:00.000-05:00

I love it that our children like to help in the church in any way they can. We love singing together, playing together, and worshipping God together using the talents He has given us....for HIS GLORY!
~Jimmy, Sarah, and Gaby singing the hymns in church.~

Psalm 100:2 says,
"Serve the Lord with gladness: Come before His presence with singing!"
The church here in Colombia...believes in and practices the "Come before His presence with SINGING" part! ~Here...Bro. Jimmy, Kimberly, and I singing (and I'm playing) during our 45-60 min. song service. Yes, you read that right! We normally WORSHIP God by singing about 10 hymns, then someone reads Scripture, then we sing about 5 more hymns...All this time we are STANDING! =) (Well, they are...for I get to sit down and play the piano.=) ~

~Bro. Jimmy, Kimberly, Natalie, and Sis. Farly singing.~

~Kimberly and Sarah playing their violins, and yours truly at the piano during a song service.~

May God help us all to WORSHIP HIM for who HE IS!! Have a wonderful LORD'S DAY tomorrow. =)

Please pray for our trip to Peru

2011-06-01T20:07:00.002-05:00

First let me ask for you to pray for a serious unspoken request here. Thank you.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Tomorrow Pastor Jimmy and I are travelling to Peru for 4 days. We will be with Pastor Luis and his precious family and will be working with and preaching with him. We so need your prayers for protection, blessing, and wisdom...

Pastor Luis and his family

We'll be in Lima, the capital city of nearly 9 million people. I hope to give you an update later of how the trip went. Thanks, Phillip
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Though we live in a reading age and a reading community, yet the preaching of the Gospel is the form in which human agency has been and still is most efficaciously employed for the spiritual movement of men." ~Daniel Webster, American statesman, orator, 1782-1852~

The Foundations Of The Sabbath In The Word Of God

2011-05-29T21:49:00.006-05:00

**Reposted from my original on 7/14/07.**

~Here's an excellent address on the Christian Sabbath by B.B. Warfield delivered at the Fourteenth International Lord's Day Congress held in Oakland, California, July 27-August 1, 1915, published in Sunday the World's Rest Day. 1916. A side benefit is that this helps answer the question, "What part of the Old Testament ought I obey as a Gentile?" This will Biblically answer questions one may have over the Lord's Day or what many still call the Christian Sabbath...why the change from Saturday to Sunday, its application to us New Testament believers, etc. This is not only Reformed theology but from my understanding of our Methodist Theology it is also what John Wesley, Adam Clarke, Thomas Ralston, and others of their Methodist contemporaries believed the Bible taught. Non-observance of the Lord's Day as well as Saturday observance is something that has always been rejected by the Church worldwide until only recently. Happy Reading to you truth seekers, Phillip Dickinson~

I am to speak to you today, not of the usefulness or of the blessedness of the Sabbath, but of its obligation. And I am to speak to you of its obligation, not as that obligation naturally arises out of its usefulness or blessedness, but as it is immediately imposed by God in his Word. You naturally dwell on the joy of the Sabbath. This is the day of gladness and triumph, on which the Lord broke the bonds of the grave, abolishing death and bringing life and immortality to light. As naturally you dwell on the value of the Sabbath. This is the day on which the tired body rests from its appointed labor; on which the worn spirit finds opportunity for recuperation; an oasis in the desert of earthly cares, when we can escape for a moment from the treadmill toil of daily life and, at leisure from ourselves, refresh our souls in God. I am to recall your minds—it may seem somewhat brusquely —to the contemplation of the duty of the Sabbath; and to ask you to let them rest for a moment on the bald notion of authority. I do not admit that, in so doing, I am asking you to lower your eyes. Rather, I conceive myself to be inviting you to raise them; to raise them to the very pinnacle of the pinnacle. After all is said, there is no greater word than "ought." And there is no higher reason for keeping the Sabbath than that I ought to keep it; that I owe it to God the Lord to keep it in accordance with his command.

It may nevertheless require some little effort to withdraw our thoughts even for a moment from the utility of the Sabbath and fix them on its bare obligation. Since Proudhon taught the world the natural value of the Sabbath, its supernatural origin and sanction have, in wide circles, passed perhaps somewhat out of sight. In its abounding usefulness to man, it may seem so obviously man's day that we may easily forget that it was for two thousand years before it was discovered to be man's day already the Lord's day; and, stretching back from that, from the creation of the world God's day. The Sabbath is undoubtedly rooted in nature; in our human nature and in the nature of the created universe. Unbroken toil is not good for us; the recurrence of a day of rest is of advantage to us, physically, mentally, spiritually. But had we been left to find this out for ourselves, we should probably have waited very long for it. Certainly Proudhon tardily learned it from observation, not of pure nature, but of the Sabbath rest ordained by God. We are told on the highest authority that "the Sabbath was made for man." Man needs it. It blesses his life. But man apparently would never have had it, had it not been "made" for him; made for him by him who from the beginning of the world has known all his works, and, knowing man, has made for him from the beginning of the world the day of rest which he needs. He who needed no rest, in the greatness of his condescension, rested from the work which he had creatively made, that by his example he might woo man to his needed rest.

To finish reading click here.

Colombian Oranges

2011-05-27T13:01:00.000-05:00

One of the many blessings of living in Colombia is all the WONDERFUL inexpensive fruit and veggies we get to enjoy! Like these yummy juice oranges. And with those we made this...

yummy Orange Julius!!

Orange Julius Drink
Yields: 4 servings
6 oz. (3/4 cup) orange juice
1 cup milk
1 t. vanilla
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/3 cup water
Fill rest of blender with ice (about a tray and a 1/2)
Blend until ice is slivered.

~My Birthday gift~

2011-05-26T09:54:00.000-05:00

Thanks, Grandpa and Grandma, for the birthday money you sent me. This is the skateboard that I got with your gift! I'm having fun with my skateboard. I like to take my skateboard to the park, and I like to jump on it!

Jesus helped me get a lot of schoolwork done and these shoes were my prize! (Plus I needed new tennis shoes anyway.)

God's Beautiful Grace Blessing Us

2011-05-24T21:00:00.004-05:00

**Reposted from origional post on 7/12/07.**
~My Sweetheart and my oldest son. What does this pic (taken June, 2007) have to do with this post? Maybe nothing; but I like it. Actually they are great blessings in my life.~

God is the origin and spring of all benefits man receives. He benefits the sweaty one toiling in the sunny field with a cooling flower laden breeze. And the drug addict weeping to be forgiven He blesses with a new life.

God's unmerited favor is called His grace. All we have gone astray and turned to our own sinful ways. God could leave us and never turn back, letting us face the wages of our sin without hope. But God's grace lovingly influences man in order form man into His image. By grace God reconciles man, constrains him from sin, and cleanses him from all unrighteousness through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Countless moral failures have proven God's forgiving grace as they became sterling tools in the hand of God. Anointed myriads have testified to God's deliverance from an old life of sin and demonstrated God's grace working in their exemplary new life. Notice a cowardly Peter transformed into the bold, Spirit filled preacher. And see a rabid Saul become the gifted Paul. Grace also rested on Timothy through his Godly upbringing. And grace was upon John banished on the island and permitted him the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Yes, God's grace crowned thousands of believers suffering in the Roman Coliseum and covered the others fleeing the demonic Roman emperors. And God by grace preserved a remnant in the midst of a corrupt church. Grace gifted William Tyndale to spread the Word of God in the common tongue and then answered his dying prayer at the stake to open the king's eyes. Just one year later, the king ordered the printing and distribution of Tyndale's Bibles. It was even God's grace allowing Gutenberg the brilliant idea of a printing press which printed such Bibles.

Grace lifted Luther from a damnable righteousness of works to the saving righteousness which is of faith. Later grace led Wesley with Luther's preface on Romans to believe, to be strangely warmed, and to be sent out in apostolic power. God's grace has raised up multitudes from spiritual death to preach with a living and vibrant faith. One was that ruthless slaver, Newton, who has now successfully preached to millions with "Amazing Grace." Grace has elevated other wretches from crying in their beer in despair to weeping behind the sacred desk with love and compassion.

Innumerable others have been delivered from a plethora of sins, pride, levity, hatred, lust, impertinence, ungratefulness, and a glut of sin's fruits such as pornography, drunkenness, sodomy, riotousness, and divers more. God's grace is abundant, for where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.

God in His grace blesses all, but His children benefit infinitely more. For of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. So we then, as workers together with Him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. Avail yourselves of God's grace and with resolve share it to all. Grace be with you all. Amen.
* By Phillip Dickinson, first published in "Dickinson Update," our missionary newsletter.*

There's a Wideness in God's Mercy

2011-05-23T21:09:00.003-05:00

**Reposted from its original post 7/11/07.**
~Sadly I realized that we do not have many pictures of us during family altar. But I did find this one of us having family altar with the Joseph Smith family in Indiana in our '04 deputation. We love them; what a pleasant time we had with them!~
A couple days ago in family altar we sang the following hymn. We are singing through the hymnbook, working our way through 2 catechisms, reading Scripture, praying, and at times discussing whatever is important during our times of family altar. God made this song so precious to us. I got choked up and we sang some of the verses several times. Enjoy.

There's a wideness in God's mercy Like the wideness of the sea;
There's a kindness in His justice Which is more than liberty.

There is welcome for the sinner, And more graces for the good;
There is mercy with the Saviour; There is healing in His blood.

For the love of God is broader Than the measure of man's mind;
And the heart of the Eternal Is most wonderfully kind.

If our love were but more simple, We should take Him at His Word;
And our lives would be all sun-shine In the sweetness of our Lord.
~Words by Frederick W. Faber, for more verses and music go here. ~
*Update: The pic was before Elijah and Mary came along. Presently in family altar our family is memorizing Scripture, I'm commenting on verses, and we are sometimes reading a short vignette of a great Christian (more often an old Methodist/Wesleyan/Holiness one) along with singing. We try to have time together both AM and PM.*

Elijah: Our little fix-it man

2011-05-22T22:42:00.000-05:00

Elijah has a little toy that lights up and plays music when you press a button. The other day Elijah brought it to us and said, "It doesn't work." So I tried it out and sure enough it didn't work, so I said to the family, "This toy is broken." Elijah who has just turned three promptly disappeared. And by the time I realized it, he had already run upstairs, recovered the correct screwdriver -- a Phillips screwdriver, and had the battery cover unscrewed, had taken it off of his toy, and had removed the batteries.

Elijah loves to "fix" things and tries to figure out how things work. I quickly grabbed the camera and took several pics of him "working" on the toy.

Noah had to help him put the batteries back in correctly, and amazingly it started working again. It looks like he takes after his Grandpa Dickinson. He is also so funny because he loves to be in charge. He is happiest when he is pointing and barking orders to keep things happening.

It is amazing how each of our children are completely different. We so need God's wisdom in leading them to perfect love for Christ in order for God to channel their interests and abilities for God's will and for His glory.
~ Phillip Dickinson

~Our family ministry day~

2011-05-21T18:45:00.002-05:00

~Last Tuesday our family decided to take a family trip up to visit the ACE school in Paraiso where Jimmy and Farly are giving their lives to educate these dear children. Our first 2 years here in Colombia we had a church in Paraiso. So, our children have A LOT of memories riding the buses an hour up the mountain to church and bouncing back down in a bus. =) Here we are on a mountain in Paraiso overlooking Bogota.~

~Bro. Jimmy is introducing the students to us.~

~Some of the students. A lot of these children have only one parent or no parents who can care for them. (Some of them have parents, but they are out of the home a lot of the time.) Some of these kids have to cook their own meals, get themselves ready each day, etc.~

~We bought a yogurt and a roll to give to each child. Kimberly and Sarah are passing them out.~

~Edgar was up there working on the computers.~

~One of the students enjoying his snack.~

~Bro. Jimmy asked Phillip to give a devotional. He tried to challenge these students with stories of young people in the Bible that didn't look like they had much hope, but God used them in a mighty way. (Daniel, Esther, the 3 Hebrew children, Joseph, and Moses [after he was taken from his parents].)~

~Sis. Farly surprised us and had made "Rice with chicken" (Arroz con pollo) for our lunch. It was delicious!~

~Kimberly teaching the students English. Jimmy and Farly teach the students a lot of the principles of English but they wanted Kimberly to go over the pronunciation of English.~

~Phillip snapped this picture as we were leaving the school.~

~Our kids going home on the bus.~

~We adults going home on the bouncy bus. It was a profitable day and we enjoyed getting to see the students. We are praying for these dear children...(and for Jimmy and Farly as they minister to them)...could you join us? These children know of sadness like we have never known...but Jesus loves them and can use their lives for Him!~

~By Heather~

How to bring freedoms to a people.

2011-05-20T18:21:00.003-05:00

About two years ago I was becoming more and more uptight over what I considered political tyranny both in our dear USA as well as around the world. By tyranny I means such things as us increasingly becoming a police state, the infringing of privacy rights, injustices of the powerful against the weak, etc, etc. God helped me to get over being uptight about all this with this verse.

"For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous..." Psalm 125:3a

The "rod of the wicked" equals tyranny.
The lot [or inheritance] of the righteous will not have this resting upon them. So I began to see the best way that I can serve my country and this world is to convert the people to Christ. Get them righteous and the tyranny of the wicked will fall off of them.

Over and over we see God judging wicked nations with tyranny; so reads history and the Bible. And over and over we see freedoms coming to righteous people. So I could join every political revolution in the book, but as long as we as a people are wicked, all my campaigns will be in vain, for I will be fighting against God's judgment. But get the people seeking God and God will liberate the people in His time. I'm not being a fatalist, but rather saying that the best use of my time as a Christian (who has found true freedom) is to be about kingdom work -- God's kingdom.

~Phillip Dickinson

3 Short Important Prayer Requests, Please

2011-05-19T10:05:00.002-05:00

1st Request:
In a couple of weeks Jimmy Ramirez and I plan to leave for Peru. A pastor there has asked to work with us. He said that for years he has believed and preached what we believe. Please pray for God to give us all wisdom, protection, guidance, and blessing on this trip. We want only God's will in all this. I am hoping to make some other contacts while in Lima.
2nd Request:
Pastor Jimmy is making a ministry trip to our churches in Medellin and Cartegena this week. He needs God's wisdom and anointing. I should be helping more in Bogota while he is gone; I desire God's help too.
Last Request:
This month we are working on getting our Colombian Religious Visas renewed. This is a big, important deal. Please pray for this.

Thank you much, Phillip Dickinson

Who said WE had to get out of bed??

2011-05-17T22:00:00.001-05:00

It is SATURDAY. (roll over) This time we get to sleep in! (yawn) We feel VERY lazy. (UGHH!) Then Elijah comes downstairs and says (and I quote), "MiMi, wake up." (bad breath) So Sarah goes and asks Mommy if we have to get up. Yes, unfortunately we have to wake up. But that is okay because we don't need to be lazy. Sarah and I get ready to make breakfast for a gift to Mommy for Mother's Day since she has to do something else. So we go downstairs and start making Soppy Chocolate. (You can go to one of Mommy's OOLLLD posts to get the recipe) Mommy ends up helping us. ;-)

Mary really enjoyed it!

- by Kimberly and Sarah

Funny but true. (You can't please everybody)

2011-05-17T20:46:00.000-05:00

I had to laugh at what C.T Studd said; it's so true. (Meanings change over the years; I leave his words as he spoke them.)

"Remember the miller's donkey . . . . the miller, son and donkey went to the market. The miller rode the donkey all the way and people exclaimed, 'Cruel man, riding himself and making his son walk.' So he got down and his son rode; then people slanged, 'What a lazy son for riding while poor old father walks.' Then both father and son rode, and people then said, 'Cruelty to animals, poor donkey.' So they got down and carried the donkey on a pole, but folks said, 'Here are two asses carrying another ass.' Then all three walked and people said, 'What fools to have a donkey and not ride it. So let's go ahead with our work for God and not care what folks say."

- Charles Thomas "C.T." Studd, 1860-1931, missionary to China, India, Africa

Have little to offer God? There's hope for you!

2011-05-16T17:42:00.001-05:00

In God’s kingdom there are some with five talents, some with two talents, and some with one talent. When it comes to accomplishing a task, God can take one with less intelligence, less abilities, and less potential but one who is wholly given over to God and then God makes up what that person lacks and uses him in mighty ways. For an average man plus God, becomes a mighty man. In light of this, does this mean we should disregard self preparation? God forbid. Should John Wesley have thrown out rigorous study, work, and prayer because God uses unlettered hillbilly preachers? Should have a barefoot boy carrying a slingshot later disregarded kingly conduct and royal planning with the priest, his counselors, and his generals, because God once used him as a boy David? No. God uses us as we are as long as our heart is perfect before Him, but we should always strive to grow and prepare ourselves for greater service yet. God wants perfect hearts, He wants them to strive to achieve in His will, and He wants to make them leaders. I must worry about being perfect before God and about doing what He wants, and He will use me as His tool as He sees best. But let's give God the sharpest tool possible.

~ by Phillip Dickinson

Faith that receives great promises

2011-05-15T08:20:00.001-05:00

Originally posted on 6/14/07.

He was 40 years becoming somebody. 40 years more becoming a nobody. Then 40 years more interceding between God and millions of people whom God wanted to make holy but who usually hated his authority -- what a life. Now (in Deuteronomy) Moses's death was nearing so he was giving last minute advice.He begins by reminding God's people how God delivered them from Egypt and had planned to bring them right into the Promised Land. They sent 12 spies to check things out there and tell them which cities they should conquer first. The spies returned and said, "It is a good land, that our God gives us." Moses reminded them that, "ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD you God:" (How? They were scared of the giants, great walled cities, and fierce warriors, and said, "We can't! We're going to die! Why'd you do this to us Moses?") "And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the Lord hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. . . . Ye did not believe the LORD your God . . ." (Deuteronomy 1:26, 27, 32) For this disbelief and murmuring God destroyed them and refused to let them inherit His promises; instead it went to their little children.

In my Bible's margin I have written, "Murmuring = disbelieving God. Disbelieving God = calling God a liar." Why? When we complain against our life's circumstances it's because we do not really believe God in what he says in Rom. 8:28, "All things work together for good to them that love God." And the children of Israel were disbelieving all of God's promises that He was going to bless them, prosper them, and give them that land. Disbelieving God is calling Him a liar. For they were scared saying, "The Amorites will destroy us! God delivered us from Egypt only to die at the hands of the Amorites!" But they were saying opposite of what God had said. "Take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites . . . I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them [to give to you]." By their disbelief they were calling God a liar. Is our murmuring and disbelief any less evil.

What promises are for us? Read any Book of the Bible and you will find it jam packed with promises written for YOU and for ME! Believe those promises and there will be no room for murmuring nor disbelief in you heart. And when there is no water nor meat, but only giants and mountains and your enemies have you trapped, you will know that God will bring you through this with great blessings because He has promised such. Through trust you will inherit a better land.

Industry vs. Idleness

2011-05-13T21:00:00.003-05:00

"From its very inaction, idleness ultimately becomes the most active cause of evil; as a palsy is more to be dreaded than a fever. The Turks have a proverb, which says, that the devil tempts all other men, but that idle men tempt the devil."
"[One] said that employment was nature's physician. It is indeed so important to happiness that indolence is justly considered the parent of misery." -Caleb Colton, clergyman (1771-1832)

"Every industrious man, in every lawful calling, is a useful man. And one principle reason why men are so often useless is, that they neglect their own profession or calling , and divide and shift their attention among a multiplicity of objects and pursuits."
-Nathaniel Emmons (1745-1840)

"In every place we find working men most susceptible to religion." -John Wesley (1703-1791)

Fullness Of Joy

2011-05-13T12:32:00.001-05:00

Originally posted on 6/11/07 after being published in "Dickinson Update," our missions newsletter.

Joy is a fruit brought by the Holy Ghost. With man, joy is impossible even in the most hilarious party. With God, joy is possible, even in the most hopeless prison. See Madame Guyon being hunted like an animal for sharing her faith. Then she was cruelly imprisoned for years. With immeasurable joy she wrote:

A little bird I am, Shut in from fields of air,
And in my cage I sit and sing, To him who placed me there:
Well pleased a prisoner to be, Because, my God, it please thee!

Naught have I else to do, I sing the whole day long;
And he whom I most love to please Doth listen to my song;
He caught and bound my wandering wing, And still he bends to hear me sing.

Thou hast an ear to hear, A heart to love and bless;
And though my notes were e’er so rude, Thou wouldst not hear the less;
Because thou knowest as they fall, That love, sweet love, inspires them all.

My cage confines me round, Abroad I cannot fly;
But though my wing is closely bound, My heart’s at liberty;
My prison walls cannot control The flight, the freedom of the soul.

Oh, it is good to soar, These bolts and bars above,
To him whose purpose I adore, Whose providence I love:
And in thy mighty will to find The joy, the freedom of the mind.

God given joy gives us conquering strength in any difficulty. But the mystery to many is how to acquire this joy. We know that in God’s presence is fullness of joy. (Ps. 16:11) And at the right hand of God there are pleasures for evermore. Those who by living meek and holy lives dwell in the presence of God are privy to God’s joy. But what about those who are righteous and have been filled with the Spirit of God and yet are in heaviness through manifold temptation. Heartfelt joy in these times seems to be a stranger. In the midst of such trials, what is key to such joy that seems to be so elusive? Praise! God inhabits the praise of His people. (Ps. 22:3) And remember that in His presence is fullness of joy. God draws near when we earnestly vocalize praises to God. We pass through the portals and enter into the grand courtroom of God as we purposefully thank Him. He ushers us through the seeming ceilings of brass and into His Majesty’s presence by means of praise. For we enter into His courts with thanksgiving and into his gates with praise, where there is abundance of joy.

Madame Guyon said, “The stones of my prison looked like rubies; I esteemed them more than all the gaudy brilliancies of a vain world. My heart was full of that joy which Thou givest them who love thee, in the midst of their greatest crosses.” She was so filled with praises that she composed and sang this song.

Strong are walls around me, That hold me all the day: But they who thus have bound me Cannot keep God away: My very dungeon walls are dear Because the God I love is here.
They know, who thus oppose me, ‘Tis hard to be alone;
But know not One can bless me Who comes through bars and stone.
He makes my dungeon’s darkness bright And fills my bosom with delight.

God draws near and gives His overflowing joy when He is sufficiently praised.
-Phillip Dickinson

Our Colombian visa situation. Thx 4 praying.

2011-05-11T10:01:00.000-05:00

Thank you for your prayers. My day at the office went well. I found out that I was facing a $225.00 fine due to us following the faulty advise of another government worker. But as soon as the man helping me found out that I was a minister and Christian he reduced it to $125.00. He also gave me his and his wife's number (she has a business which helps foreigners get their visas) and told me to call if I need help with getting our family's visas renewed. Praise God! In the next 3 weeks I have to renew all of our visas. This is more cost (nearly $1,000.00 if all goes well) and trouble than I like to deal with. But we will do our best, we all will pray, and whatever happens we'll take as God's will. Keep praying.

Need your prayer today...

2011-05-10T10:19:00.000-05:00

We would appreciate it if you would pray today. I have some important paperwork to take care of downtown for our Colombian visas; and we need God to help all to go well.
Thanks,
Phillip

Baby Jeremiah: Good News!

2011-05-09T13:32:00.002-05:00

Yesterday baby Jeremiah got out of NICU and got to stay with Daddy and Mommy, and the whole family got to be together! Michael said that little Isaiah and Sophia were doing their best to love their baby brother to death.

I understand that later they will be seeing a specialist regarding his hemangioma. But today they should get to go home from the hospital! Praise the Lord! We so appreciate all your prayers.

Daddy with baby Jeremiah

My Mommy, a great homemaker!

2011-05-08T18:24:00.001-05:00

A person that has influenced me is my Mommy. She is a great homemaker! She is a wife, a homemaker, and a mother. She loves her children, trains them, and cares for them. She cooks delicious meals, and she has a good decorating taste. But best of all she loves Jesus. A good character trait that Mommy has is that she is flexible. She can go without living room furniture (for a while) and can do a good job decorating without spending a lot of money. She likes to save money. My Mommy likes to bake, and cheers us with her baking. One way Mommy has influenced me is by showing me that a house does not have to be very fancy or rich to be a home. I chose to write about her because my PACE talks about homemakers. What better homemaker to write about than your own Mommy?

~Kimberly

What my Mom (and Dad) did right. Happy Mothers Day!

2011-05-08T05:00:00.002-05:00

I want to honor my parents Phillip (Bud) and Sherry Dickinson. Their two sons (Michael and I) dearly love and honor them today. Important traits have marked my parents' character for as long as I can remember, and I know that without these traits, I would not be the man I am today:

1.) They taught us to work hard and to be happy to do the dirty jobs that no one would want to do. (e.g. Mom, taught us young, along with many other things, to scrub floors with a rag on our hands and knees, and to clean toilets thoroughly whether our toilets or those in the church bathrooms. Dad often had us hoeing the garden, splitting wood, helping him get greasy while fixing cars or making other repairs, pushing a lawn mower, or watching him get dirty unplugging the sewer.) They enjoyed working hard and made work fun.

2.) They faithfully and happily took us to all of our local church's work days, revival meetings, camp meetings, missionary services along with giving happily of tithes and offerings. They were loyal and giving.

3.) God and His glory were their passion, for they often talked of God, the glory days that they had seen, and about paying the price in order to have God's glory. They prayed for and desired revival.

4.) I knew that they had the ear of God, for I have seen God work miracles in answer to their prayers. They prayed fervently and often loudly.

5.) My mother for years has been a shouter. (often where it was not popular nor welcome to shout God's praises) But I remember at the age of 17 being overwhelmed with an inexplicable burden that God gave me for His presence in my life, by listening to her shout around the camp meeting we were attending in Michigan. Praising and pleasing God were more important than people's approval or even than the neighbors' approval for she shouted praises out the open window of our house when she felt necessary and even when she was sick and in pain.

6.) My mother is a praying woman; I will never forget the times as a boy of walking in on her and seeing her kneeling at her bed with her eyes red with crying. Prayer was a part of our life.

7.) Mother was an avid reader of good holiness classics and had many of them in the house for us to find and read. (Just one example will I note. I well remember first finding the book Power through Prayer by E.M. Bounds around the age of 16 and I was so enthralled that I stayed up late into the night reading and praying.) My Dad thoroughly enjoyed listening to good holiness preaching, and he had quite a collection of preaching tapes. Their love for pure holy living instilled in me a love for the same.

8.) My parents both believed that their children were born with a sinful nature. And did several things to help us with such. They both knew how to use the rod well (usually the belt was handier for my Dad) and used it as often as we needed it and applied it until our attitude changed and we were truly repentant. They believed our teachers when they were told that we were bad at school and they again applied the rod. They kept us under fiery holiness preaching and stayed around to pray for us when we went to the altar. They helped us see our need.

9.) My father is a hard worker with a servant's heart and is a faithful man (a rare jewel today) to his wife, family, truth, local church, and to his responsibilities. How often I remember him working for free at our local church, or on the car of some preacher or missionary. We his sons want to be like our daddy, our hero. (He still does the work of two or three good men. And I'm not just a little boy blindly bragging.)

10.) Though we moved several times, having the family in a good holiness church trumped having a good job; at least one very lucrative job offer was declined by my father (when he was needing a job) due to a lack of a holiness church in the area. They wouldn't sell out their priorities, not for any price.

11.) My Father and Mother both greatly feared God and had an awe and a reverence for Him. For example, I remember my father asking me not to sing Christian music in a flippant way (for God's name and holy themes were being treated lightly by such). And at key times they would soberly remind us of those in the Bible who were struck dead due to sin. To this day I have a deep love for and healthy fear of God and I take great care that I might not grieve God by speaking lightly of any sacred subject. To them, holy and reverend is His name.

12.) My parents held in very high esteem those who preach the Gospel and tried not to speak of their faults nor even of their sins. Years later we their children, now adults, learned that they had known that a few of them were hypocrites all along. Yet never did they ever talk of their sins to us children out of respect for authority and out of wisdom. For because we children were ignorant, I look back and see how God used some hypocrites to bless and help our lives in many ways. A "speak evil of no man" policy blessed their children.

13.) My parents purposed to keep the lines open between their children and themselves. They built a strong relationship with time spent being with and in listening to, and in communication and friendship with we their children. They made sure that we were a close family. But not just with their children, between themselves they showed affection and love and proved their commitment to one another. We learned from their word and example that God HATES divorce. Today our family is closer than ever (and much larger due to marriage and having children) and still the best of affectionate friends.

14.) Following the Bible was paramount. If they felt the Bible taught something we followed that even if it meant sadly loosing friends. If it didn't teach something they didn't worry about it even if it meant not being able to be a part of the "club" in the church leadership.

15.) Of course like all of us, my parents have made mistakes. But they have been humble, willing to ask forgiveness, willing to forgive, and refusing to get discouraged enough to quit or to cast aside their faith. In the end faith is what matters. They are living to someday hear those most blessed words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things...enter into the joy of thy Lord."

Baby Jeremiah

2011-05-07T11:14:00.000-05:00

We are getting texts from my brother Michael updating us on baby Jeremiah and mommy Beth. I asked if we can share news; I know that this reminds us to pray. Last night Michael said, "Beth finally got to go back and see Jeremiah for a bit, she's very happy! Jeremiah just slept, he's worn out, had a stressful day!"

This morning Michael wrote, "Jeremiah is still in NICU, but since Beth is feeling better somewhat, and is more mobile, she gets to be with him a lot more today! Makes us HAPPY!" "Big" brother Isaiah got to see his little brother Jeremiah and was pleased with that. We laughed at Michael's joke that their next son will be named Lamentations. Thanks for praying for them.

Update on baby Jeremiah Wesley

2011-05-06T18:57:00.002-05:00

Please continue to pray for baby Jeremiah Wesley. The medical issue that I mentioned earlier is hemangioma. In simple terms he has a tumor like mass of blood vessels on the back of his head. So Jeremiah is in still in intensive care. Right now they want his breathing to improve. As you would know it would be hard for Mommy to be in one room while baby is in intensive care. Pray for mommy Beth and daddy too. Thank you.

~He's Here!!~

2011-05-06T11:50:00.001-05:00

Jeremiah Wesley Dickinson is here!!
7lb 11oz
We received this news around 9:08 (but just opened up our e-mail and found it!)
Wesley Dickinson is the name of Phillip and Michael's Grandpa Dickinson

(Phillip said that he will be the "Weeping Prophet" for the next little while! =)

Congratulations!!!! Michael, Beth, Isaiah, and Sophia!!

We love and miss y'all and wish we could hold the new little Jeremiah. (We like the name!!)

Pray for our sister-in-law and baby

2011-05-05T22:12:00.001-05:00

Please pray for my brother Michael's wife Beth and baby. Tomorrow (Friday) she will be having their baby Cesarean due to a medical issue. I know that daddy and mommy will appreciate our continued prayers. Thanks so much. I hope to post the good news of baby "?" later. We love you, Michael, Beth, and family. Sorry this isn't a current pic.


Michael, Beth, Isaiah, & Sophia Dickinson

Three dangerous things which bring backsliding.

2011-05-05T13:05:00.002-05:00

"...forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the hire of wrong-doing." - 2 Peter 2:5
Who was Balaam? A prophet. What was his way? Making a market of his gift. The New Testament speaks in three different ways about Balaam: "the way of Balaam," "the error of Balaam" (Jude 11) and "the teaching of Balaam" (Revelation 2:14). The 'way' of Balaam is to make a market of one's gift, presuming on it, putting yourself in God's show-room. 'I am here as a specimen of what God can do.' Immediately a Christian begins to put himself into the 'show business,' that is the way towards backsliding. The 'error' of Balaam is seeing only the standard of natural morality and never discerning God's ways behind. Immediately a Christian gets into the way of following his own wise common-sense morality, rather than the dictates of the Spirit of God backing the Word of God, he is on the high road to backsliding. Beware how you guide your Christian life and your Christian experience. Are you simply taking the ordinary high standards of the world in your business? Beware, that is an error that leads to backsliding. 'Oh, well, they all do it, I must do the same.' That is the ordinary standard; if it conflicts in the tiniest degree with the clear standard of God, beware! It is an error that leads to the false doctrine which is the very heart of backsliding, making a judicious mix-up between corrupt worldliness and godliness. That is the way backsliding will begin, it is fixing your eyes on the wrong thing. The 'teaching' of Balaam is the corrupting of God's people. Balaam taught Balak to corrupt the people by enticing them to marry the women of Moab. That is the Old Testament incident, but what does it mean? It means trying to compromise between corrupt worldliness and Christian profession. These are three dangerous characteristics pointed out in the New Testament, and they are fruitful in backsliding.
-Workmen of God (The Cure of Souls) by Oswald Chambers

You don't have to go to Starbucks...

2011-05-04T13:03:00.002-05:00

...to have an iced coffee. We like to make iced cofee at home. One day I was making this recipe and I decided to measure it so that I could post it. You can put your own toppings on it like whip cream, choc. syrup and a cherry on top. (you can also add ice cream) This recipe only has five ingredients!

Iced Coffee
2-3 tsp. instant coffee
15-18 cubes of crushed ice
1/2-1 cup sugar
4 1/2-5 cups of milk
2 bananas (optional)
Blend.
Serves 6-8

It's amazing what can be accomplished...

2011-05-03T21:19:00.007-05:00

"It's amazing what can be accomplished if you don't worry about who gets the credit."
- Clarence W. Jones, 1900-1986, missionary to Ecuador

A. Clarke: A promise for parents trying to make the money stretch

2011-05-02T20:31:00.006-05:00

Let the fruitful family, however poor, lay this to heart: "Children are a heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is his reward." And he who gave them will feed them; for it is a fact, and the maxim formed on it has never failed: "Wherever God sends mouths he sends meat." "Murmur not," said an Arab to his friend, "because thy family is large; know that it is for their sakes that God feeds thee."
- Christian Theology by Adam Clarke in the chapter "Parents and Children"

A New Twist to Peanut Butter and Jam

2011-05-01T17:54:00.001-05:00

I got this recipe from B. H.and Gardens mag. Issue May 2009 p. 196. I had never thought of peanut butter and strawberries together, but it is yummy.

FRESH STRAWBERRY BARS
prep: 25 min. bake: 25 min. oven: 350F yields: 24 bars
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
(I put only one cup of brown sugar and it was yummy)
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup strawberry jam
4 cups small whole strawberries, halved or quartered
1. Heat oven to 350 F. Line 13x9x2 with foil, extending foil beyond edges. Grease foil and set aside.
2. In large mixing bowl beat butter and peanut butter on med. to high for 30 seconds.
Beat in sugars, baking powder, and salt until combined. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until combined. Beat in as much flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in remaining flour.
3. Spread dough in prepared pan. Bake 25 mins. or until top is lightly browned and toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
4. Cool completely on rack.
5. Remove from pan by lifting foil. (I flopped it out of the foil on to a serving tray.)
6. Spread jam and top with berries. Cut into bars. Serve at once or refrigerate for up to 6 hours.
TO MAKE AHEAD Wrap the Peanut butter base in foil; store at room temp up to 24 hous. Before serving, top with jam and berries.

Say What?!

2011-05-01T16:58:00.001-05:00

I looked this word up in the dictionary for my science PACE and Daddy read the definition with me and he laughed and said that I needed to post this on the blog. So here's this VERY UNDERSTANDABLE definition. (sarcasm)

ar·thro·pod

noun \ˈär-thrə-ˌpäd\

Definition of ARTHROPOD

: any of a phylum (Arthropoda) of invertebrate animals (as insects, arachnids, and crustaceans) that have a segmented body and jointed appendages, a usually chitinous exoskeleton molted at intervals, and a dorsal anterior brain connected to a ventral chain of ganglia.

God encouraged me today with this verse

2011-04-30T20:56:00.002-05:00

God just gave me just what I needed today. I have been feeling so overwhelmed, tired, discouraged, and sad. There have been a bunch of problems . . . . normal problems that we all have in life, problems that always get better tomorrow. To top it all off, today I haven't been feeling the smile of God. I know, f-e-e-l-i-n-g-s we can't trust them; circumstances and feelings change with the wind, but at the time it still feels real. I went walking to find my dear wife some medicine since she has been sick the last couple of days, and I decided to read while walking. The first page I read was this:

"Rise and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness . . . to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." Acts 26:16,18

It was as if God was speaking to me saying, "Now get up and stand on your feet, there are people who need to be saved and sanctified, but you need to quit wallowing around in sadness so you can get something done." I started crying blessed because God would care enough for me to give me a quick swat on the rear and say, "Get over it. How can I use you moping around like this." So I decided to look at the possibilities through faith . . . no, the probabilities.

This makes me think of two quotes which let me know I have it SOOO easy:

"I live poorly with regard to the comforts of this life: most of my diet consists of boiled corn. . . . I lodge on a bundle of straw; my labor is . . . extremely difficult; and I have little appearance of success to comfort me . . . . But that which makes all my difficulties grievous to be borne is, that God hides his face from me." -David Brainerd

"If any ask what success I meet with among the natives? -- tell them to look at Otaheite, where the missionaries labored nearly twenty years, and not meeting with slightest success, began to be neglected by all the Christian world . . . Tell them to look at Bengal also, where Dr. Thomas has been laboring seventeen years . . . before the first convert, Krishno, was Baptized. When a few converts are made, things move on. But it requires a much longer time than I have been here, to make an impression . . . " - Adoniram Judson

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T21:30:00.009-05:00

The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king, who made a marriage for his son. - Matthew 22

Britain's Prince William on his way to Westminster Abbey at the Royal Wedding in London, April, 29, 2011. (Alastair Grant/AP Photo

A romance with royalty like Prince William falling in love with a commoner like Kate Middleton fascinates us perhaps because it is a picture of what Jesus has done with us. We see other captivating examples. Ahasuerus, king of a great kingdom fell in love with the fatherless captive Hadassah also known as the “fair and beautiful” young virgin Esther. And the elder rich Boaz fell in love with the young poor stranger in Israel, Ruth.

At marriage the wife lays aside her name and takes on the name of her husband. In the case of British royalty, Prince William's current title is Prince William of Wales. Under the rules of British titles, his wife born a commoner would be styled Princess William of Wales rather than Princess Kate, for she was not born a princess. (However, most will still affectionately call her Princess Kate.) Likewise we Christians are royalty only in Christ and we take on His name and loose our old identity in Him.

In the past on the day of the marriage, the bride, concealed under a thick veil, was conducted to her future husband's home. (Easton’s Bible Dictionary) This is how Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah. I found it interesting that William and Kate after their wedding went to Buckingham Palace, the home of a Prince. Christ went to prepare a place for us and he will come again and receive us unto himself and our heavenly home. The bride's robe in Revelation 19:8 is white. "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." Today, brides such as Kate Middleton still carry on the custom a veil and of a white gown. This custom today of a white gown still represents her purity. And traditionally Christian weddings have seen the bride's gown and veil covering her from head to toe. This tells her man that she lives for his eyes and his affection alone. Biblical Christians today also cover their bodies as God teaches us in His word. By doing such we are telling God we live for His eyes, His affection, and His approval alone, "forsaking all others'" (the world's) dictates, opinions, and affection.

When the preacher says, "You may now kiss the bride," this is the moment the couple has been anticipating, and with joy the groom removes the veil, beholds his bride's beauty, and they partake of each other's physical affection. This important word "now" means that they’ve kept themselves pure for this moment, they are at last permitted to give themselves to the other's kisses. This denotes keeping pure with not just body but also virginity of emotions and spirit. The word consummation is not just used for marriage but for the end of the age and with Christ and His bride. We are waiting and keeping ourselves pure to someday see him face to face and joy in His glory and presence. Consummate means: "To end; to finish by completing what was intended; to perfect; to bring or carry to the utmost point or degree." (Webster, 1828)

I think that the custom of the husband not being allowed to see the Bride nor her dress until she is led to the altar speaks of anticipation, patience, waiting the proper order of things.

Having a groomsman is Biblical: In some Bible times, the husband and bride were not to see each other but live in separate places until the wedding. The friend of the groom (groomsman) carried on communication between the two until the wedding when they could see each other. John 3:28-29 speaks of a "friend of the bridegroom" when John, Jesus' cousin says, "I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth." The groomsman, John the Baptist, communicated with God's people preparing them for the coming of the groom Jesus.

Bridesmaids (women of honor) attending the bride is also mentioned in the Bible. Psalm 45:9 Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir. And from that same verse we see the bride at the groom's right hand and today the married bride marches out on the right hand of bridegroom. Psalm 16:11, "In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." We look forward to spending "forever" with the Groom and living happily ever after.

Husband means, the “house-band,” connecting and keeping together the whole family.

We know in the past the young man was bound to give a price for the maiden such as in Ruth 4:10. "Moreover Ruth . . . have I purchased to be my wife." Jesus paid the ultimate price for us according to Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it." Also in Act 20:28, "Take heed . . . to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." Today in our USA culture, the only price is, "forsaking all others, I pledge thee..."

God tells us that marriage is indissoluble during the joint lives of the parties. According to the media itself, unfaithfulness to his marriage vow is the main reason Prince Charles is so unpopular today and many want Prince William his son to be king instead. God's moral law written on our hearts tells us that the husband and wife should be faithful for life. Matthew 19:6 "Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Romans 7:2-3 and 1 Corinthians 7:39 also mandate marriage's life long permanence.

-Phillip Dickinson

~My Winnie the Pooh Cake~

2011-04-28T14:11:00.000-05:00

(Mommy doesn't remember if she posted these pics of my cake on her blog, so I'm posting them on ours.) I had fun taking a cake decorating class while in the US with my friends and cousins. This is one of the first cakes I made.

Good message preached by B.J. Walker

2011-04-28T11:46:00.000-05:00

Thank you B.J. Walker for a beautiful, simple message you just preached on holiness at I.H.C. One point that really encouraged me to seek after God was something like the following. "You can have as much of God's presence as you desire."

James Plank preaching at IHC right now, IV.

2011-04-27T20:34:00.003-05:00

"Every lay person here, you are raising our future leaders."

"Laymen, THINK about the things you are doing in your home!"

"[With Samson little things quit mattering to him and] while Samson slept, they shaved his head, and the Spirit departed and he knew no different.
He lost his discernment and his power.
We dare not loose our God given power...we dare not loose the glory. [Little things do matter!]"

Bro. Plank is concluding... "please, hold the line," he is saying.

"Reinforcements are coming, there is a new generation coming. The young people will never fight for a cause [that you will not fight for.]"

"One comes on a white horse, our greatest reinforcement is coming..."

This is powerful!

"Most of all I want to get to heaven and hear, well done, thou good and faithful servant... amen."

I recommend that you get this message, folks, this was powerful. Orders can be made here, or listen while it is still archived. This has been making me want to spend more time in prayer and live oh so carefully. Blessings on you, Phillip... listening to IHC, via Internet.

James Plank preaching at IHC right now, III.

2011-04-27T20:20:00.002-05:00

"I have never been the same since going to Papua New Guinea. The most beautiful college choir hasn't sang on this pulpit. They were barefoot and tried to match. Their first song they sang, 'Called Unto Holiness.'"

"[To many today] Little things like simplicity [in dress] don't matter anymore.'

"[I don't want to knock our movement] I thank God for the things that remain."

"I know that there is a reproach."

"I appreciate my wife's {modesty] and simplicity. It is a conviction with her whether we are at IHC or on vacation."

"Living the careful life...the consistant life bears a bit of a reproach. But I want to tell you that with this life there is a glory [that makes any bit of the reproach seem so light.]"

"Since when was it up for debate that gold or silver could be used to adorn their body. [even with wedding bands]"

"Modesty is essential wherever you are."

"The people accross the years who have helped us to drive stakes, you line them all up here and they would all be modest even in their attire."

James Plank preaching at IHC right now II.

2011-04-27T20:08:00.003-05:00

"Are we more concerned about technology or are we more concerned about [God's presence]?"
"Are we more concerned about the show or are we more concerned about the glory?"
"Oh, how desperately our churches need some red hot anointed preaching."
"I know that there has been some wild fire in the past, but I'm not seeing wild fire; I'm seeing deadness."
"We have a right to shout and we have a right to mind God."
"Is anyone concerned that our songs are slowly changing for songs that are on the edge, chaffy...."

James Plank preaching at IHC right now.

2011-04-27T20:02:00.003-05:00

Wow! Praise the Lord!!!! James Plank is pouring it on right now at IHC. I started this live blogging late, so I missed the text. God give us a revival of holiness!!!
"It used to be all about a burden for souls, fasting for revival, etc... Now things like prayer... to some it doesn't matter anymore."
"Our young people will go wherever you and I lead them."
"As a young man I was not presented with multiple choice, but 'this is the way, walk ye in it.' It was all true or false, now it is multiple choice."

How do you know if you have a call?

2011-04-27T15:32:00.000-05:00

"Not called!" did you say? "Not heard the call," I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brothers and sisters, and servants and masters not to come there. And then look Christ in the face, whose mercy you have professed to obey, and tell him whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstances in the march to publish his mercy to the world.
- William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army

A peak into our family life right now...

2011-04-27T13:33:00.002-05:00

We've been enjoying listening to the Interchurch Holiness Convention (a.k.a. IHC) from here in Colombia! I love this way of holiness and I love her people!

A promise for the tearful.

2011-04-26T22:14:00.000-05:00

Here is God's promise for only those who cry.

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. - Psalm 126:5

And the following verse is no less beautiful.

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. - Psalm 126:6

Benefits of prayer

2011-04-25T21:04:00.001-05:00

One can not be defeated who lives upon his knees.
Knee work always prepares one to be useful in God's cause. A praying man is no drone, never! he is a live bee, making lots of good honey, his beehive full all the time...not only in a revival, not only when the preacher is around, but all the time.
- Praying Clear Through by W. J. Harney