Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
A letter of thanksgiving from Kurt Steele
It will be one year ago next week (February 28, 2007) when God sent me to San Diego, Ca to be restored to my Lord and Saviour. Please forward this to anyone. I apologize for the length of this post at the beginning because it will be long as I have outlined my words and I apologize for any names that I have left out. My weakness in my body, eyesite and my brain, due to my recent stroke, may cause this email to be disjointed. God has slowed me down and I must confess that the more I live in weakness, dependancy, and humility, the sweeter He becomes. I am listening to a song that I have been meditating on "How Deep the Father's Love for Us". I want to start this post with these words:
How Deep the Father's Love for Us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross
My guilt upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powr's, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
I think the line that gets me the most is "Why should I gain from His reward?" I ask myself, "why" and the answer I hear so clearly, His Grace. I have really learned in the months with you all the glory of GRACE. New Hope Church were the very arms of God's grace for me. Kurt Steele's life and name were about to be radicaly transformed. You all took me in with open arms. I recall my heart being broken and ashamed at the San Diego airport when Jon Newland and Ken Gowen picked me up on at the end of February last year. I did not know what restoration meant...I did not know what the road will hold...I did not know what the future would hold. I knew I needed to give in and submit to God. I did not know what that would look like or even if I could survive. A friend Larry Leatherman challenged me to just make a second more and then a minute and then an hour and then a day. With the recent stroke, I have learned the day by day trust and that is what I am holding on to each day. I did that, taking each step with great fear but all of you held to the confidence that God was sovereign and good. I was led into warfare that I can not imagine because of the territory I gave up to the enemy. My rebellion had led me to believe LIES. Hence, my declaration in this song..."Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer". My life deserved hell not rewards and certainly not the love that the body of Christ at New Hope Church in San Diego. I was placed in the home of Brad and Kathy Johnson, a place of restoration and healing. I will never forget the first night there hearing the water from their waterfalls and yet my heart raged with questions of uncertainty. How would I ever recover from the disaster of years walking in rebellion and living and obeying the lies? How would anyone forgive me? BUT in the shelter of this warm and loving home, I began to hear God's voice. In a deep spiritual deliverance that started on that that first night. God began to break through the darkness. My daughter assured me on the phone and she encouraged me to call her mother, my first wife and we called her. I sensed her forgiveness from her for the first time. I am sure she forgave me long before that night but I felt it and I felt the love of the elders as they battled Satan on my behalf. The spiritual deliverance that began that night I can not even begin to describe. My heart began to break and I began to fill the loving, gracious and tender mercy of God. Satan and His lies began to crumble.
I remember on that Friday morning opening God's word to the Psalms and reading in Psalm 57:1:
Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me,
For my soul takes refuge in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge
Until destruction passes by.
I could not express this better, "in the shadow of Your wings". There I was in Brad and Kathy's home, safe and secure in the shadow of His wings. Many times Brad would play worship music and turn the waterfalls on and I would have tears in my eyes. Could God forgive Kurt Steele? Yes, His blood is sufficient and as Paul wrote in I Timothy, "the grace of our Lord was more than abundant with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus."
Friday night, I met my first care group. The Newland's group at the Jone's house. Chuck Mueller sharing on the sovereignity of God. I broke down and I remember kneeling and the care group laying hands on me and praying with all their hearts. Do you know how powerfully God answered your prayers? I still remember Carol Zupkas leading in "Our God is an Awesome God" at the end of that prayer session. What an awesome God He is to bring you all to me. The chains began to fall off. "I thank my God in all my remembrance of YOU."
I remember the first Saturday AM so clearly. I found my heart was so moved by all of your love and support. It was a prayer time and I remember that Steve Faivre was leading the group that Brad and I attended. I met my friend and brother, Phil Prather. We had so much in common and have become so close as brothers. God spirit was there. Jehovah Shamah, the God who is there, brought us unity, love, and peace. God was using all of you. The love and grace filled my heart. After this we had a prayer session scheduled in the trailer, I did not know that there would be another spiritual war. I do not remember alot, but I do remember Chuck Mueller with the Word of God, Brad's tears and proclaiming that I would be "proclaimer of truth", Steve Drake hearing from God that "He would go before me in the a battle", and Ken Gowen instructing me to read the Word of God and His truth. There may have been more and I apologize if I left anyone out. The battle to remember and a battle that those who were stronger faced with me and a battle. I began to see the power of Jesus' ministry. People listening to the living God and NOT afraid to take a stand against the enemy.
My first Sunday was amazing. Ken Gowen was speaking on God's amazing love. I had been away from God so long and his words in this message penetrated my soul beyond belief. I remember turning to Brad Johnson and crying on his shoulder. God was breaking me beyond belief. Isaiah 57 :15 tells us that God dwells with the humble, lowly and contrite heart. THROUGH ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS and LOVE, I felt God's healing love and grace. The Body of Christ at New Hope Church were the hands and arms of Jesus as I pressed into my restoration.
Sunday night was my first exposure to "Living Free" series. Ken Gowen was teaching and it was amazing. I began to learn about real spiritual transactions taking place in the heavenlies and breaking free from the strongholds that held me captive. I saw the opportunity I had allowed Satan to get a hold in my life but more importantly how to break free. Sid Harr stopped me at the break and asked, "when are you going to get back into ministry" and it was painful because of all the wasted years. I write this to encourage all of you to live every minute in the freedom that Jesus has supplied and bought for you. Could God set Kurt Steele free? YES and He gave a new song in my heart.
I recall a sermon the next week by Kirt Edwards on revival and I saw God move on all of us. Thank you Kirt for your power, faith, enthusiasm, and your smile.
I sit here now, recovering from a stroke, with great thanksgiving in my heart for the body of Christ at New Hope Church and the love and support that I felt from day one. I am completly dependant on God's sovereignty and His abundant grace. I am listening to gospel music and worship and I heard a song the other day that filled my heart with grattitude. I would like to share the words with you all right now:
Verse 1
I had won all I could win
There was no place I hadn't been
BUT my heart was just so needy and so poor
Then I heard Him gently say,
"Why don't you just lose it all and find My Way"
So I gave it up and found it all and more
Chorus
I lost it all to find everything
I died a pauper to be born a king
When I learned how to lose
I found out how to win
Oh I lost it all to find everything
Verse 2
I was frantic to survive
And I was racing to arrive
And I walked on any
Standing in my way
And I watched my schemes all die
And I realized that I could find New Life
Because the old died that day
I am so thankful that "I have lost it all to find everything." I have found Christ and He is sweeter every day. My life was turned into constant prayer times where all of you listened to God on my behalf. I can not name you all because so many rallied to be on prayer teams to lead me to the cross and the victory over the enemy. I have 3x5 cards that tell me the road to restoration, my original design and the path to victory over the enemy. I remember very severe battles and sweet victory as God used all of you and your faithfulness.
Joe and Trish Rhodes came home from their New Zealand trip and they had no idea that I actually came to San Diego, Ca. I had been ministered to for two full weeks by the body of Christ at New Hope Church. I cannot express my grattitude for the humble servant of God, Joe Rhodes. Joe did not give up on me for all of these years. He kept calling me and giving me opportunity to return to the Lord. My heart is so grateful for his persistance in love and grace. Trish spoke a truth in my first prayer session with them, "God wants you to be small in His hands."
I want to insert my thoughts about Joe Rhodes. He has been a constant inspiration and picture of a humble servant of God. His life stands to me as a man who constantly pursues the glory of God and becomes more and more transformed into Christ's image. I stand amazed as his words and counsel have led me back to contemplate the grace of God like I have never seen.
I must thank my two dear care groups, The Newland's care group and the Johnson care group. I cannot describe the power of the care group and the power of not isolating myself but the power of true community. I could not have done this and I cannot survive in my walk with all of you. You are my lifeline...you are a picture of God's amazing grace. Each one of you in both of these care groups have been powerful hands in the restoration process.
Pressing into restoration is so powerful and ICIT became a key component of my growth. There is nothing more central than the glory of God and as I press more and more into my restoration and conform more to the image of Christ, the more God is glorified. I am now really beginning to enjoy God and see the happiness and satisfaction that He provides as I press into restoration. I love a line in ICIT:
"Regardless of the manner in which Christ exposes our need, the outcome is that He places our feet upon the path of humility.Yet, humility not only leads us to possess Christ's other virtues, it is the life essence that sustains and renews them. It is humility that recognizes when virtue is growing cold, and humility that confesses the need for greater faith. Without humility, our virtues harden into lifeless statues within the sanctuary of our hearts. It is humility that sustains the unfolding of true spiritual nobility. It provides increasing wholeness, life and growth to all other virtues."
The prayer sessions were several each week and caused me to press into repentance, receving God's forgiveness and grace, resisting Satan and his schemes, and replacing the lies of Satan with the truth of God. I am meditating on God's word now and memorizing the scripture. I can tell you the deeper I plunge in God's word, the sweeter He becomes as I grow in His grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In my recovery physically, I am learning what true intimacy with God means and the amazing power of intercession. I am falling in love with God at a whole new level and my heart is filled with grattitude for all of you and your love and grace and support of me. My brain is so tired and my body is a little weak but I feel His presence. My restoration process is progressing. My relationship with my daughter and my son are healing and I am enjoying a relationship with them. My relationship with my mother has miraculously healed and here I am in her home, healing physically. I am seeing her through Jesus eyes and I love her. My relationship with my Uncle Walt and Aunt Val is healing and I see them and how much they love me. My relationship with my Cousins, Ray and Debby are healing and I feel their love for me. My relationship with my first wife has begun to heal and it amazing how we are co-parenting with her and see her grace and forgiveness of me. I still pray for a relationship with my baby, Becca. I still pray for financial recovery but only as God see fits to supply in accordance with His grace.
I am excited to say that I have seen the restoration of my friendship with Jon Self my dear brother. I love you Jon and Linda with all my heart. It feels so great to laugh with you again.
This stroke has caused me to stop and reflect about all of you and how much you have meant to me. Next week marks my 1 year anniversary of my restoration process. How can I say thanks? I know I have left out so many people's names: Lois Goosman, her smile and her prayer in the office so many times with me and for me, Vicki Hicks and the amazing revelations in listening prayer. Chuck Mueller, Jon Newland, Steve Drake for the amazing prayer walks around San Diego. My adopted brother, Jason Johnson and his dear wife, Danica for their love and support. Brad and Kathy Johnson opened their home to me and ministered healing in my life. Their love, life, support and especiall their care group brought me so much joy and restoration. Vicki Hicks spoke the words from God into my life. Gary and Carol Zupkas battled in the trenches in spiritual warfare for my soul. My brother, Chris McCary walking with me arm in arm in restoration makes the journey less lonely. We are growing together as two brothers in Christ. We are climbing the mountain together. Vicki Harr saw a vision for me that I was like crackled glass, broken but beautiful. I have carried that with me through these months. Yale Kim has touched me by his heart and his love for Christ that radiates from him while he leads worship. Sid Harr sang on my voicemail "Jesus Loves Me" and brought me to tears. I am so grateful for that special encouragement. I can not begin to name all of the body at New Hope Church that have touched me and the love that I have for you all. I am so humbled by the GRACE that you all have shared. I can not begin to recall all of you and every event but I am trying to do this with all of my heart. Betty McCary and her amazing love and faith. Her encouraging words when I was ready to give up pulled me through with healing and power. The merciful tears of Barb Gowen touched my heart with healing power from on high. Bill and Angie Bailey in multiple prayer teams that led me to the foot of the cross and victory. Bill hit me hard with truth about self pity and led me to His powerful grace. How can I say thanks? My heart is filled with overwhelming joy and praise because of the work of revival that God is doing at New Hope Church.
My memory takes me to a prayer time on a prayer team where Loretta Cook had some amazing scriptures that God gave her to revive my soul. I praise God for all of yoru knowledge of His word and how gracefully you bring the truth to bear in my life.
My heart is in awe of Tom and Linda Parker who opened up their home for me to stay with them. Their love for God and life brought joy to my heart. Thank You...the times of laughter and tears will always be remembered and treasured. Tom, your practical way of viewing life and spirituality is so refreshing. Thank you for being like Jesus to me.
Tom Goosman and his tender heart of grace and a pattern for submission to the Lord and pressing into restoration. Your constant prayer and support is felt.
I praise God for Nick, Dennis, Angela, Lynne, Lois, and Holly, the church staff at New Hope Church. Their love and smiles were inspiration to not quite.
Thank you for the meals and opening your homes to me. You all are true followers of our Lord and Saviour.
I do not know what my future holds but through all of you, I have seen Jesus...you all have touched me at the core. The one thing I can say is found in Philippians 1:6, "He who began a good work in KURT STEELE will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
My closing comments are for my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. His wounds have payed my ransom and I am slowing down physically and several times I felt like I might go home to see Jesus. What is powerful is that there was not fear to face my Saviour, no shame. Powerful truth of Romans 8:1 is felt "There is therefore NOW NO condemnation for those in Christ Jesus." All of you have been my shoulder to cry on, my strength when I felt I could not make it another step, joy in the midst of my grief, love in an unloving world, warriors in a wicked and evil battle, and an amazing picture of Jesus Himself. Yes, the very hands and feet of Jesus.
As I am recovering, I have alot of time to pray and all of you are in my prayers. I love you all with all my heart.
Love,
Kurt Steele
How Deep the Father's Love for Us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross
My guilt upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powr's, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
I think the line that gets me the most is "Why should I gain from His reward?" I ask myself, "why" and the answer I hear so clearly, His Grace. I have really learned in the months with you all the glory of GRACE. New Hope Church were the very arms of God's grace for me. Kurt Steele's life and name were about to be radicaly transformed. You all took me in with open arms. I recall my heart being broken and ashamed at the San Diego airport when Jon Newland and Ken Gowen picked me up on at the end of February last year. I did not know what restoration meant...I did not know what the road will hold...I did not know what the future would hold. I knew I needed to give in and submit to God. I did not know what that would look like or even if I could survive. A friend Larry Leatherman challenged me to just make a second more and then a minute and then an hour and then a day. With the recent stroke, I have learned the day by day trust and that is what I am holding on to each day. I did that, taking each step with great fear but all of you held to the confidence that God was sovereign and good. I was led into warfare that I can not imagine because of the territory I gave up to the enemy. My rebellion had led me to believe LIES. Hence, my declaration in this song..."Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer". My life deserved hell not rewards and certainly not the love that the body of Christ at New Hope Church in San Diego. I was placed in the home of Brad and Kathy Johnson, a place of restoration and healing. I will never forget the first night there hearing the water from their waterfalls and yet my heart raged with questions of uncertainty. How would I ever recover from the disaster of years walking in rebellion and living and obeying the lies? How would anyone forgive me? BUT in the shelter of this warm and loving home, I began to hear God's voice. In a deep spiritual deliverance that started on that that first night. God began to break through the darkness. My daughter assured me on the phone and she encouraged me to call her mother, my first wife and we called her. I sensed her forgiveness from her for the first time. I am sure she forgave me long before that night but I felt it and I felt the love of the elders as they battled Satan on my behalf. The spiritual deliverance that began that night I can not even begin to describe. My heart began to break and I began to fill the loving, gracious and tender mercy of God. Satan and His lies began to crumble.
I remember on that Friday morning opening God's word to the Psalms and reading in Psalm 57:1:
Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me,
For my soul takes refuge in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge
Until destruction passes by.
I could not express this better, "in the shadow of Your wings". There I was in Brad and Kathy's home, safe and secure in the shadow of His wings. Many times Brad would play worship music and turn the waterfalls on and I would have tears in my eyes. Could God forgive Kurt Steele? Yes, His blood is sufficient and as Paul wrote in I Timothy, "the grace of our Lord was more than abundant with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus."
Friday night, I met my first care group. The Newland's group at the Jone's house. Chuck Mueller sharing on the sovereignity of God. I broke down and I remember kneeling and the care group laying hands on me and praying with all their hearts. Do you know how powerfully God answered your prayers? I still remember Carol Zupkas leading in "Our God is an Awesome God" at the end of that prayer session. What an awesome God He is to bring you all to me. The chains began to fall off. "I thank my God in all my remembrance of YOU."
I remember the first Saturday AM so clearly. I found my heart was so moved by all of your love and support. It was a prayer time and I remember that Steve Faivre was leading the group that Brad and I attended. I met my friend and brother, Phil Prather. We had so much in common and have become so close as brothers. God spirit was there. Jehovah Shamah, the God who is there, brought us unity, love, and peace. God was using all of you. The love and grace filled my heart. After this we had a prayer session scheduled in the trailer, I did not know that there would be another spiritual war. I do not remember alot, but I do remember Chuck Mueller with the Word of God, Brad's tears and proclaiming that I would be "proclaimer of truth", Steve Drake hearing from God that "He would go before me in the a battle", and Ken Gowen instructing me to read the Word of God and His truth. There may have been more and I apologize if I left anyone out. The battle to remember and a battle that those who were stronger faced with me and a battle. I began to see the power of Jesus' ministry. People listening to the living God and NOT afraid to take a stand against the enemy.
My first Sunday was amazing. Ken Gowen was speaking on God's amazing love. I had been away from God so long and his words in this message penetrated my soul beyond belief. I remember turning to Brad Johnson and crying on his shoulder. God was breaking me beyond belief. Isaiah 57 :15 tells us that God dwells with the humble, lowly and contrite heart. THROUGH ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS and LOVE, I felt God's healing love and grace. The Body of Christ at New Hope Church were the hands and arms of Jesus as I pressed into my restoration.
Sunday night was my first exposure to "Living Free" series. Ken Gowen was teaching and it was amazing. I began to learn about real spiritual transactions taking place in the heavenlies and breaking free from the strongholds that held me captive. I saw the opportunity I had allowed Satan to get a hold in my life but more importantly how to break free. Sid Harr stopped me at the break and asked, "when are you going to get back into ministry" and it was painful because of all the wasted years. I write this to encourage all of you to live every minute in the freedom that Jesus has supplied and bought for you. Could God set Kurt Steele free? YES and He gave a new song in my heart.
I recall a sermon the next week by Kirt Edwards on revival and I saw God move on all of us. Thank you Kirt for your power, faith, enthusiasm, and your smile.
I sit here now, recovering from a stroke, with great thanksgiving in my heart for the body of Christ at New Hope Church and the love and support that I felt from day one. I am completly dependant on God's sovereignty and His abundant grace. I am listening to gospel music and worship and I heard a song the other day that filled my heart with grattitude. I would like to share the words with you all right now:
Verse 1
I had won all I could win
There was no place I hadn't been
BUT my heart was just so needy and so poor
Then I heard Him gently say,
"Why don't you just lose it all and find My Way"
So I gave it up and found it all and more
Chorus
I lost it all to find everything
I died a pauper to be born a king
When I learned how to lose
I found out how to win
Oh I lost it all to find everything
Verse 2
I was frantic to survive
And I was racing to arrive
And I walked on any
Standing in my way
And I watched my schemes all die
And I realized that I could find New Life
Because the old died that day
I am so thankful that "I have lost it all to find everything." I have found Christ and He is sweeter every day. My life was turned into constant prayer times where all of you listened to God on my behalf. I can not name you all because so many rallied to be on prayer teams to lead me to the cross and the victory over the enemy. I have 3x5 cards that tell me the road to restoration, my original design and the path to victory over the enemy. I remember very severe battles and sweet victory as God used all of you and your faithfulness.
Joe and Trish Rhodes came home from their New Zealand trip and they had no idea that I actually came to San Diego, Ca. I had been ministered to for two full weeks by the body of Christ at New Hope Church. I cannot express my grattitude for the humble servant of God, Joe Rhodes. Joe did not give up on me for all of these years. He kept calling me and giving me opportunity to return to the Lord. My heart is so grateful for his persistance in love and grace. Trish spoke a truth in my first prayer session with them, "God wants you to be small in His hands."
I want to insert my thoughts about Joe Rhodes. He has been a constant inspiration and picture of a humble servant of God. His life stands to me as a man who constantly pursues the glory of God and becomes more and more transformed into Christ's image. I stand amazed as his words and counsel have led me back to contemplate the grace of God like I have never seen.
I must thank my two dear care groups, The Newland's care group and the Johnson care group. I cannot describe the power of the care group and the power of not isolating myself but the power of true community. I could not have done this and I cannot survive in my walk with all of you. You are my lifeline...you are a picture of God's amazing grace. Each one of you in both of these care groups have been powerful hands in the restoration process.
Pressing into restoration is so powerful and ICIT became a key component of my growth. There is nothing more central than the glory of God and as I press more and more into my restoration and conform more to the image of Christ, the more God is glorified. I am now really beginning to enjoy God and see the happiness and satisfaction that He provides as I press into restoration. I love a line in ICIT:
"Regardless of the manner in which Christ exposes our need, the outcome is that He places our feet upon the path of humility.Yet, humility not only leads us to possess Christ's other virtues, it is the life essence that sustains and renews them. It is humility that recognizes when virtue is growing cold, and humility that confesses the need for greater faith. Without humility, our virtues harden into lifeless statues within the sanctuary of our hearts. It is humility that sustains the unfolding of true spiritual nobility. It provides increasing wholeness, life and growth to all other virtues."
The prayer sessions were several each week and caused me to press into repentance, receving God's forgiveness and grace, resisting Satan and his schemes, and replacing the lies of Satan with the truth of God. I am meditating on God's word now and memorizing the scripture. I can tell you the deeper I plunge in God's word, the sweeter He becomes as I grow in His grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In my recovery physically, I am learning what true intimacy with God means and the amazing power of intercession. I am falling in love with God at a whole new level and my heart is filled with grattitude for all of you and your love and grace and support of me. My brain is so tired and my body is a little weak but I feel His presence. My restoration process is progressing. My relationship with my daughter and my son are healing and I am enjoying a relationship with them. My relationship with my mother has miraculously healed and here I am in her home, healing physically. I am seeing her through Jesus eyes and I love her. My relationship with my Uncle Walt and Aunt Val is healing and I see them and how much they love me. My relationship with my Cousins, Ray and Debby are healing and I feel their love for me. My relationship with my first wife has begun to heal and it amazing how we are co-parenting with her and see her grace and forgiveness of me. I still pray for a relationship with my baby, Becca. I still pray for financial recovery but only as God see fits to supply in accordance with His grace.
I am excited to say that I have seen the restoration of my friendship with Jon Self my dear brother. I love you Jon and Linda with all my heart. It feels so great to laugh with you again.
This stroke has caused me to stop and reflect about all of you and how much you have meant to me. Next week marks my 1 year anniversary of my restoration process. How can I say thanks? I know I have left out so many people's names: Lois Goosman, her smile and her prayer in the office so many times with me and for me, Vicki Hicks and the amazing revelations in listening prayer. Chuck Mueller, Jon Newland, Steve Drake for the amazing prayer walks around San Diego. My adopted brother, Jason Johnson and his dear wife, Danica for their love and support. Brad and Kathy Johnson opened their home to me and ministered healing in my life. Their love, life, support and especiall their care group brought me so much joy and restoration. Vicki Hicks spoke the words from God into my life. Gary and Carol Zupkas battled in the trenches in spiritual warfare for my soul. My brother, Chris McCary walking with me arm in arm in restoration makes the journey less lonely. We are growing together as two brothers in Christ. We are climbing the mountain together. Vicki Harr saw a vision for me that I was like crackled glass, broken but beautiful. I have carried that with me through these months. Yale Kim has touched me by his heart and his love for Christ that radiates from him while he leads worship. Sid Harr sang on my voicemail "Jesus Loves Me" and brought me to tears. I am so grateful for that special encouragement. I can not begin to name all of the body at New Hope Church that have touched me and the love that I have for you all. I am so humbled by the GRACE that you all have shared. I can not begin to recall all of you and every event but I am trying to do this with all of my heart. Betty McCary and her amazing love and faith. Her encouraging words when I was ready to give up pulled me through with healing and power. The merciful tears of Barb Gowen touched my heart with healing power from on high. Bill and Angie Bailey in multiple prayer teams that led me to the foot of the cross and victory. Bill hit me hard with truth about self pity and led me to His powerful grace. How can I say thanks? My heart is filled with overwhelming joy and praise because of the work of revival that God is doing at New Hope Church.
My memory takes me to a prayer time on a prayer team where Loretta Cook had some amazing scriptures that God gave her to revive my soul. I praise God for all of yoru knowledge of His word and how gracefully you bring the truth to bear in my life.
My heart is in awe of Tom and Linda Parker who opened up their home for me to stay with them. Their love for God and life brought joy to my heart. Thank You...the times of laughter and tears will always be remembered and treasured. Tom, your practical way of viewing life and spirituality is so refreshing. Thank you for being like Jesus to me.
Tom Goosman and his tender heart of grace and a pattern for submission to the Lord and pressing into restoration. Your constant prayer and support is felt.
I praise God for Nick, Dennis, Angela, Lynne, Lois, and Holly, the church staff at New Hope Church. Their love and smiles were inspiration to not quite.
Thank you for the meals and opening your homes to me. You all are true followers of our Lord and Saviour.
I do not know what my future holds but through all of you, I have seen Jesus...you all have touched me at the core. The one thing I can say is found in Philippians 1:6, "He who began a good work in KURT STEELE will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
My closing comments are for my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. His wounds have payed my ransom and I am slowing down physically and several times I felt like I might go home to see Jesus. What is powerful is that there was not fear to face my Saviour, no shame. Powerful truth of Romans 8:1 is felt "There is therefore NOW NO condemnation for those in Christ Jesus." All of you have been my shoulder to cry on, my strength when I felt I could not make it another step, joy in the midst of my grief, love in an unloving world, warriors in a wicked and evil battle, and an amazing picture of Jesus Himself. Yes, the very hands and feet of Jesus.
As I am recovering, I have alot of time to pray and all of you are in my prayers. I love you all with all my heart.
Love,
Kurt Steele
Monday, February 18, 2008
I am delighting in God's Sovereignty
I am so glad God has stripped me down to nothing so I can see more clearly He is God and I am not God. I am reminded of a gospel favorite that states "I lost it all to gain everything. I died a pauper to be born a king."
Friday, February 8, 2008
Kurt Steele - Something great about my stroke...
Today, my mom and I went for a walk. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and it was a great day. My mom noticed that she locked her keys in the house and had alarmed the house. She was really upset about it, but my perspective was "we have a day with sunshine and God is slowing us down to enjoy the day..." My mom called all who had spare keys and noone answered there phones or cells. God had slowed us down. My mom finally relaxed and a neighbor gave us a ride to Starbucks. We sat and talked and soon my cousin picked us up and we got into the house. I guess the lesson is clear: God many times allows things to come into our lives to slow us down so that we will stop to smell the roses, enjoy the sunshine, drink in the beauty of relationships and enjoy Him.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Kurt Steele - I am learning to be patient...
James 1:2 states that we should consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the tesing of your faith produces endurance and let endurance have its perfect result that you may be be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing...
The key to christian maturity is endurance through trials. I am learning to delight in God through the process of trials. My focus must remain on Him and Him alone. I am memorizing the scriptures and this is powerful because it causes me to meditate over and over again on God's word.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Kurt Steele - My process of documenting was interupted by a stroke...
God saw it His will to lay me up with a stroke and I am learning to be still and know that He is God. I never realized how impatient I can be with His perfect process. I want to go and do instead of just sitting at His feet and resting in His presence. Who does that sound like? Martha and Mary! I feel I can just get busy and God wants me to slow down and hang on to Him and Him alone.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Kurt Steele - The 30 Day Challenge Continues
This has been a bit challenging because I am so easily distracted from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. I have renewed my commitment and it is powerful because it once again becomes apparent that it is His power in the process of sanctification. But I am reminded of Philippians 1:6, "For I am confident of this very thing that HE who began a good work in me will perfect it till the day of Christ Jesus." AND "it is He who is at work in ME both to will and to work for HIS GOOD PLEASURE.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Kurt Steele - Day 2 - Happiness in Conversion
The Gospel is ALL about God. He causes everything in conversion. I am a dead man in my sin born in sin and God awakens me and gives me the gift of faith. A key to being happy in God is to realize his sovereign work in our conversion. We need to realize that this is "the glorious gospel of the 'happy' God" (I Timothy 1:11)!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Kurt Steele - Day One - The Happiness of God
The foundation of this pursuit is that God is absolutely happy with all of His works, His Son and Himself. This is security for us and I am meditating on this fact. God is completly happy in Himself. He is consumed with Himself, His glory and His name. I meditate on this fact. I glory and revel in the fact that God is a happy God.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Kurt Steele - 30 Day Challenge
I am challenging all of you to join me in a 30 day challenge to "Glorify God by Enjoying Him." I am intensifying my focus on my happiness and finding ultimate and satisfying happiness in God. Yes, I am a Christian Hedonist and I am going after this with fervency. For the next 30 days, I am going to powerfully focus on pursuing happiness in God.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
My discovery and commitment to Christlikeness
I am growing and realizing that I must delight in what my Father in heaven delights in. He delights in His Son and that should be my focus, Jesus Christ and His character and actions. I realize that the more I gaze on Him, the more I become like Him. The hymn is correct:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace!
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