by Suellen | Bible
What’s so significant about the Bible?
Why is the Bible truly one of God’s greatest miracles in the world today? For the next few posts I want to be sharing my perceptions about this.
Let me start with a story. You may remember – or remember having heard about – a horrific incident which happened in 1979. It was right after the Shah of Iran was overthrown by radical Muslim clerics. (The same radical group still in power there today).
Thousands of radicals screaming, “Death to America,” stormed the American Embassy and took 66 Americans hostage – and held them captive for 14 months. We are talking about U.S. government officials being taken captive and held by this evil regime. It was unbelievable.
Jimmy Carter was president at the time, and it was the greatest embarrassment of his presidency as he was totally ineffective in trying to obtain their release. In fact, when President Carter directed an attempt to rescue the people, 8 American servicemen died in the effort, without obtaining their release. The mission was a dismal failure.
The United States was humiliated – and shocked at the treatment of their officials and the inability to find a solution. The release of these people didn’t come until Ronald Reagan was sworn in as president. That very day, they were released. (more…)
by Suellen | Prayer
Everyone wants a confident prayer life. We want to know that when we pray, God hears and He answers. Yet many don’t know how to attain this. So let’s talk about that.
First we have to be honest with ourselves and determine where we are in our journey. with God. Is Jesus truly our Lord? We want our eyes open to God’s plan and we can only do this if we do it His way. For our prayers to be answered the way we want we have to have faith in God, so every step we take is part of the process of building our faith.
(more…)
by Suellen | Awakening, The Church Awakening
The year was 1985 and our family was visiting my parents on the southeastern coast of Georgia. This is where I had spent my “growing-up” years, and I loved it. As my husband and I drove over the causeway to Sea Island, we were overwhelmed with the beauty – the huge Live Oaks, the windswept trees, the sand dunes, the meticulous landscaping, and the array of extraordinary vacation homes. Each home was unique, but each was manicured to perfection – and very expensive.
I had taken this drive many times over the years and had loved it. It was refreshing and intriguing to see the variety of homes and landscapes, and awesome to think of the money required to maintain such a lifestyle. Splendor and more splendor…
But this time it seemed different. (more…)
by Suellen | Awakening, Bishop Coleman
“What were the characteristics which caused your parents to be such great parents?” I asked. I was sitting at my dining room table with 6 of Bishop Hardy Coleman’s children, chatting about their life growing up. (Two of his children had gone on to be with the Lord).
The huge amount of responsibilities brought on by several thriving churches and the hard secular work necessary to provide for a large family never kept Bishop Coleman from showing his children the love and care they needed. He was always there for them, involving them in the ministry and the secular work whether it was farming or carpentry.
It was obvious that God’s hand had been upon their lives. All of them were now involved in God’s work to some capacity. Several of his children and grandchildren were ministers.
Certain things stood out as we chatted.
One, the Coleman home was a home of love. “Our parents loved each other unconditionally. They respected each other. There was never yelling in our home – at each other or at the children.”
Even when disciplining his children Bishop Coleman would show kindness. He was strict because his standards were high, but they always knew that the discipline was for their good. His love shown through even during the toughest times.
Secondly, Bishop Coleman and Ezera had an excellent manner of instructing those under their care. Bishop would take the time to teach and train his children – not just in spiritual things, but also in work skills. He always explained why there were certain requirements. While doing carpentry, for example, the sons learned skills which set them up for good positions later in life.
Thirdly, the Colemans were “totally real.” They didn’t teach one thing at church and live another way at home. They were consistent in living their lives for God – whether anyone was watching or not. Because of that quality, the Coleman children were able to “catch” many attitudes which would benefit them later.
Fourth, the Colemans were full of faith. When the teenage years hit and some rebellion arose, Bishop Coleman and his wife were faithful to pray. There was one season when one of the teenagers strayed away for awhile. During that time, Bishop Coleman had a chair which he had sitting close to him during every church service. It was a chair for the prodigal son when he returned. And return he did. The prayers of a righteous man avail much! (James 5:16).
Fifth, one attribute of Bishop Coleman which stood out to his children, was that he was unstoppable. Over the years there had been disappointments, as there are in any significant life. People had betrayed him. From time to time, finances had been lean. Churches had split because of arguments among the congregation.
Yet nothing could stop Bishop Coleman. He continued on – through the good times and through the bad. He forgave those who let him down, and he continued on. He wouldn’t stop.
That strength was one of the major characteristics which helped Bishop Coleman be so successful. That strength was also one of the characteristics which his children have carried with them. They too know how to endeavor to do great things. Their lives have also born much fruit.
Yes, Bishop is a remarkable man – and he has a remarkable family. All of them have been touched by God – and all of them show the blessing showered upon a man and woman who were so faithful to Him.
Remember, Forever upward!
P.S. You may check out Extraordinary: The Remarkable Life of Bishop Hardy Lee Coleman, Sr on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Extraordinary-Remarkable-Bishop-Hardy-Coleman-ebook/dp/1503111725/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424964862&sr=1-1&keywords=suellen+estes
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by Suellen | Awakening, Prayer
Many are talking about “awakening” these days. We are praying for it. We are believing God for it. Yet will we recognize it when it comes? (Glimpses of it are already here – can you tell)?
Do you know what an “awakening” would look like?
Some think that it means there would be large meetings where almost everyone present would turn their lives to the Lord. That may be the case sometimes, but not always. Some think that street preachers would suddenly begin seeing many salvations. Maybe so, but not necessarily. Some think that TV and radio ministries would be bombarded with requests. That could be, but again not necessarily.
You see, in the 70’s and 80’s (and maybe a little before), there was an awakening – and I was in on it. At the time, it was obvious that something unusual was happening. Looking back it is even more obvious. (more…)
