Sometimes we long to know what’s going to happen to us, or how something will turn out. In this episode, Jon explains why God doesn’t simply show us our whole path, and why it’s important to trust the Lord when we don’t know the outcome.
Do our difficulties surprise God? Is He still working in our midst? Today, Jon discusses the story of Gideon and how the Lord calls him out of hiding to save his people. May you be encouraged today, and please share with someone!
“Be Strong and Take Courage, all you who hope in the Lord” – Psalm 31:24
As the days of Covid-19 wear on, and we all do our best to navigate the challenges ravaging our country and our world, I offer you the scripture above and those below. In all times the Word of God remains forever-true. Allow these truths to sink deeply into your heart.
“I know Whom I have believed and I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day.” – II Timothy 1:12
“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, and of power, and of a sound mind.” – II Timothy 1:7
“I will never leave you or forsake you…” – Hebrews 13:5
None of us have ever seen days as we’re now experiencing. But the question for the Christian is, “How shall we then live?” I propose to you that God’s wooing to our heart in the midst of such, is to trust Him and stand solidly firm on His promises. Only He is the same yesterday, today and forever. When everything else changes, He does not.
People ask us every day, “Are you planning to travel in ministry this summer?” The answer is unequivocally…yes. Unless we are prevented by very strong circumstances beyond our control, we plan to start CELEBRANT SINGERS’ training camp on Sunday, July 5, and be on the road sharing the life-giving message of Christ by July 11. My sincere thanks for your prayers and generous gifts which help greatly to make that possible.
In the meantime, be strong and take courage. Our God is forever-faithful and this too shall pass. We love you with the love of the Lord.
Your brother in Christ,
Jon F. Stemkoski, Founder/President
Stone Ministries, Inc.
Celebrant Singers
If God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, what has he given us? In this episode of Encouraging Words, Jon shows us how to apply these truths to the world around us. May you be blessed & share with those around you!
Peace isn’t a word that we think about much until we really need it. Today, Jon discusses the peace that comes from placing our confidence in Jesus Christ. May it bring you peace in the midst of chaos!
Jesus never said that following Him would be easy. In this episode, Jon explains what living for Christ means to him.
No one knows what tomorrow holds, and in these tumultuous times the future can be rather frightening. In this episode of Encouraging Words, Jon teaches us how we can respond when faced with hurt and the unknown.
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:8
I recently received a text from a dear friend…a former Celebrant who is now in the military. At this challenging time of isolation and national “lockdown”, I want to share his thoughts with you.
“Hi Jon! I’m up here in the Pacific Northwest doing USAF survival training. I spent six days in the freezing wilderness including time in a mock prison camp undergoing interrogation and some beating in a very tiny, very dark, cold cell. Through my whole time there, the lyrics of Celebrant songs kept running through my head. Fear and uneasiness had no place, for my Lord was with me. Jesus stayed with me in that cell…He never left me.”
His text touched me deeply…on so many levels… but it was his rock-solid testimony of God’s faithful and constant presence in his alone and isolated time that moved me the most.
You see, we too could feel alone, isolated, and completely out of control as something we can’t even see, called Covid-19, wreaks havoc on our world and drastically alters our lives. But the scripture at the top of this letter is an absolute promise to us from our unchangeable, loving God.
What a great opportunity for us as believers to realize that God really is our solid rock…our hope and strength…that He will never leave us! And yet, there are untold millions who have no relationship with Jesus and no such assurance in troubled times. Sincere thanks to you for your prayers which help greatly to reach them.
May the Lord keep you & yours safe, healthy and strong in these challenging days is my prayer.
Your brother in the gospel,
Jon F. Stemkoski, Founder/President
Stone Ministries, Inc.
Celebrant Singers
P.S. Please log on to our Facebook page or visit the previous posts to view some new videos called “Encouraging Words” we’re sending out weekly to bring perspective and hope in this time. -JFS
In part 2 of Encouraging Words, Jon Stemkoski reminds us that God will never leave us or forsake us. Please enjoy & share with someone who could use this word!
The Album “He Will Be Strong” is FREE for a limited time! You can find it and our other albums at Celebrants.org/store. God bless!
Jon Stemkoski walks us through a passage that reminds us in Whom we put our faith…2 Timothy 1:12. This is the first in a series we’re excited to release. Be encouraged & please share with someone who could use the same!
We’d love to hear from you! You can contact us at 1-800-321-2500 or celebrants@celebrants.org. God bless!
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