August 2010

Jeri and I would like to express our deepest thanks and appreciation to our dear friends and partners for standing with us while I undergo treatment for melanoma. Know of a certainty that Father God hears your prayers! We're also grateful to those who are standing with us financially, helping to relieve financial pressure and enabling us to carry on the work of the ministry even during times when I'm unable to travel and minister due to the side effects of the treatment.

I do have some good news to share. Jeri and I recently returned from our bi-weekly trip to MD Anderson in Houston. Each visit includes a series of tests to determine whether or not the cancer is growing, is dying, or lying dormant. As you may know, according to medical science, this type of cancer (melanoma stage 4) has been documented as incurable. They don't give much hope. However, our hope is in Christ! Our most recent test results give us great hope.

"That you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19

Years ago I heard a young minister preach on the enormity of God.  Through his message he continually emphasized not only God's never-ending vastness, but his goodness.  "God is BIG!" was his motto, repeatedly declared throughout his sermon.  I never forgot his words.    How many of us take the time to stop and think about the big-ness of God?  Is there any problem or circumstance larger than the Maker of the universe?  Robert South, theologian from the 1600's once wrote on this subject:

Think about it, we are presently incapable of understanding God in His fullness.  But we can have as much of Him as we choose to attain.  Let me encourage you to pursue Him more than you presently are. He's eager to show us the height, the length, the depth and breadth of His love.

Blessings,

Steve Hill

R.A. Torrey, a devout pastor, teacher and evangelist from New Jersey, faithfully served during the late 1800's-into the 1900's.  His fervor for prayer was contagious; his insight and instruction inspired others to seek God with diligence and determination.  He desired to follow Christ's example when it came to spending time in prayer, especially when it came to seeking God early in the mornings.  I love his words of exhortation...

More can be accomplished in prayer in the first hours of the day than at any other time during the day.  Every child of God who would make the most out of his life for Christ, should set apart the first part of the day to meeting God in the study of His Word and in prayer.  The first thing we do each day should be to go alone with God and face the duties, the temptation, and the service of that day, and get strength from God for all.  We should get victory before the hour of trial, temptation or service ever comes.  The secret place of prayer is the place to fight our battles and gain our victories." I am excited about what the Lord will do as we set aside our time and attention to seek Him.

Blessings,

Steve Hill

Psalm 33:11-18 - The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance. The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks On all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works. No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy,

The above passage from Psalms is so packed with enduring truth. These verses, when applied to our lives, offer rich and lasting security, despite what may be happening around us.  If you're like me, then your prayer is that our nation, these United States of America, would truly be a nation "whose God is the Lord."

Here is a little story that sadly describes the attitude of many in the church-world today. My heart overflows with passion to see true Christians rise up from their slumber and get out of the bed of mediocrity.

Our world today must see Jesus clearly if they are ever to respond; and we are the ones who must present Him with truth and clarity. He's promised that He will draw all men unto Himself when we lift Him up.