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Money, Mercy and Ministry Matters
“Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.” 1st Corinthians 9:7-18
Friends, this Website Ministry has cost more pain, betrayal, persecution and tears than money could ever afford. And yet it is yours to spiritually drink and feed from without the cost of money or price. For it is written:
“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” Isaiah 55:1-2
Free all that you can Free I am just a Remnant Soldier I am an Evangelist true Yet I don’t claim to be a great spiritual warrior I am just one of the chosen and few
Battle wounded I was one who had fallen Discharged as a casualty of spiritual war Yet I am abiding my time as I now recover Waiting to be redrafted so I can settle the score
Yet back on the home front I’ve noticed a difference There is no respect for a soldier like I As a matter of fact I am despised and exploited Just a Basket-Case Has-Been who should of have died
Thus I must endure the contradictions of sinners Despising the stigma, opposition and shame For there is no hero’s honor for a grunt such as I To Jesus Christ be all glory and fame
A man’s foes shall be they of his own household And the tender mercies of the wicked are sometimes so cruel It’s been a hard lesson in the hate of the world Yet it’s high time I graduated from this chastisement and school
Because at times I still feel battle weary And I desperately need some true R and R It would be so nice to take a leave for a season Yet the battle is never really that far
For Satan never takes a vacation And when we are wounded he comes for to kill Seeking to finish the job he has started Inorder to destroy that which he failed to first steal
Pastors have their months, their weeks and their days To be appreciated by praises, admirations and gifts Yet I fear that an appreciation day for a grunt such as I Would make me unappreciative of the life I must live
Now taking up my cross begins to take on a new meaning I can’t get caught up in such an unrealistic gross lie For Minister Appreciation Days they come and they go Yet eternally lost souls never cease to still die
Thus the weapons of our warfare are not so weak or that carnal I don’t need such incentives to fight the good fight Because I’ve suffered for the sake of God’s Word and His Kingdom And it’s now far too personal to just give up and die
Casting down such vain imaginations Pulling down such evil and religious strongholds It sometimes gets so lonely out here in my foxhole Holding this position of conviction alone
For this Remnant testimony I have stood and I’ve fallen The persecution has been more than can tell Yet by God’s grace I have risen again and again Against the threats of the world, my enemies and Hell
Yet there are Spiritual M.I.A.’s and P.O.W.’s still suffering Out there in the battlefield who stand all alone They were taken captive by satanic forces And now they’re unable to find their way home
Yet I sense that reinforcements are going to be coming A last day Remnant Revival Infantry shall soon stand and rise Marching onward true Christian Soldiers With their Twoedged Swords held up to the skies
I hear the sound of a great army rising Come join me my brothers in a battle field foxhole To evangelize behind the lines of the enemy Binding the forces of Satan our adversary and foe
We must make advancements for the cause of the Kingdom Souls must be set at Liberty so that they might be freed From the powers of Satan to the Power of our God We must sow the incorruptible Word as a sower sows seed
Glory to God in the Highest - Hallelujah His Truth and His Name are still marching on Holy, Holy, so Holy - Almighty Is our LORD and KING JESUS who reigns from His Throne © 2006 Raymond Bolton Pena
About this Ministry
If I might be completely honest, I really do not presume to know that it is God’s will for me to even ask for a financial offering? Every Ministry that I ever did was out of my own pocket and yet being unable to do secular work now after suffering various infirmities which were directly related to the attack of Satan and the result of persecution to put me out of the Ministry. I am now presently appealing my Social Security Disability Denial and God knows where I'm at and what I need in way of help for this Ministry. I'm not starving here, and I do have shelter, clothing and food. God has been very gracious in meeting the basic necessities and I am very thankful for that.
Yet as far as Ministry is concerned, I used to do a Pen Pal Ministry of sending poems of encouragement to prison inmates. And I always got back letters from souls expressing that their lives were encouraged and given hope. I also received a few Salvation reports of people actually being saved through reading the Gospel message in the poems I sent. The beauty of it all is the fact that these poems get passed on to others in the Prison System. And there were times that I received request from inmates who wanted more to distribute themselves, but I began to face such demonic attacks from enemies and one personal and financial crisis after another that I could hardly afford the postage and printing cost to send one letter let alone many. Thus, because of the high cost of postage and printing and needing a new printer and then facing homelessness and having to constantly move. It really caused me many set backs. I left a lot of people hanging and have lost my contact addresses. And I fear that many of those I once wrote and sent poems unto may now think that I am just indifferent and have stop caring.
Most recently I was able to check my e-mail at a relatives home and discovered that someone e-mailed me a couple of weeks before and they said that they were considering suicide and really needed to hear a word of encouragement when they came across this Web Site. And I thank God that they found it. This individual is facing some of the same trials that I myself have lived under for many years. And it is at times like this when you begin to realize just how important these trials are in preparing you to Minister to others who are suffering under the same satanic attacks that you yourself have come through. I tried to e-mail this person back but my relative’s computer began to have problems. This individual is facing financial difficulties after losing their job and having to move in with a sister who is being very cruel and causing them so much stress that they considered suicide. So I would ask that you might pray for this person named Kelly.
The Worth of a Soul?
What price can we put on the salvation of a lost soul? In the eyes of God our souls are so priceless that He gave His only begotten Son to save us. And just like many of you I have unsaved loved ones whose souls are hanging in the balance and perhaps there are many who have reached the point of desperation over a straying child, a back sliding spouse or even an aging parent. And if I might offer a word of encouragement through the following poetic contemplation. Then please take the words of this poem “Grace Abounds” and claim the promise as your own Word of encouragement in due season.
Grace Abounds
“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:19-21
When the battle looks lost and without a hope that thy loved ones shall be saved Don't forget God's saving grace and the costly price He paid
For Death and Hell will reach out for them until the very end So it is up to us to pray them through from their besetting sins
Therefore remember that the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much For the chains of sin break asunder with the Master's touch
Thus what of sin and the power thereof compared to the power of Jesus Christ Remember He raised the dead and rose again for He is the Resurrection and the Life
Therefore do not fret or fear in vain when Satan comes to steal For all it takes is the presence of Jesus Christ the way-ward’s heart to feel
For the Light of Life hath shined out of darkness conquering Death in victory Thus the prayer of faith shall save the sick and set the sinner free
So no matter how far they seem to be fallen lost or backslidden in sin Remember God's promises shall never fail Yet we must stand in the gap for them
Because where sin abounded grace did much more abound for sin hath reigned unto death Thus even so might grace reign unto eternal life by Jesus Christ through righteousness. © 1992 Raymond Bolton Pena
“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray....Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:13-16
There are so many more poems I have which would make the perfect tract to pass for whatever the need demands. When I was living in Chicago doing full time street ministry. I would just type and shrink copy my poems into home made tracts and distribute them. And I’ve seen sin hardened prostitutes repent and leave the streets after reading them. I called them “Poetic Life Tracts” back in the day and God willing I will one day be able to begin this new “Poetic Scroll Tract” Ministry even better. So please pray for me, God knows the details and all the impossibilities which I have already faced and still face. Yet on the positive side of promise, I’ve come along way from Rock Bottom and several years ago while facing very dire and distressing circumstances in relation to the threat of being Homeless again and wondering if I would ever return to the Ministry? God gave me a dream in which I heard the most beautiful heavenly voices singing the following poetic verses.
Hope against Hope
“Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” Romans 4:16-25
When the world says it's impossible And they tell you it can't be done When you fear you're doomed to failure And this race you'll never run
You must face each impossibility Take up your cross and don't be swayed Just look unto Jesus who endured such contradictions And for your calling He’ll make a way. © 2002 Raymond Bolton Pena
If you know that you have a calling and it just seems like there’s no hope because there are mountains of impossibility hedging your way. Just remember that God is still a mountain mover and in His time He shall make a way for the vision and dream which He gave you. Yet if I might give you an extra word of advice, I once heard an aged Preacher say that the secret of success in true Ministry that is going to count for God is that you start from scratch and you just keep scratching! And that is exactly what Abraham did; he believed God in Hope against hope and carried on in spite of all evidence to the contrary.
And I can testify to the fact that I’ve not only scratched for a very long time, but were it not for carrying on and suffering through a million delays, disappointments, set backs and bewildering circumstances, I would not be standing before this open door now. And yet just because I have this door opened before me, it does not mean that I have somehow arrived. I’m still just the same dirt poor unknown nobody that I was yesterday. I am still scratching so to speak and I’m learning more and more what true spiritual Ministry really means as opposed to the physical concepts of Ministry that I was once so blinded and limited by. Because you see, when I get an e-mail from a precious soul who was going to kill themselves but decided not to after being lead by God to this Web-Site. Or someone gets saved after reading the poems. Or someone is delivered from the torment of a satanic lie after being made free through the truth. To me those things are the most glorious blessings of the greatest success!
There are so many celebrated Preachers out there doing so much in the name of Jesus with Ministries which seem very successful and worthy of honor in the eyes of man. And yet in reality they and their Ministries are a miserable failure in the eyes of God. God can not use the flesh, and nor can He use us to our full potential until He has first subdued our flesh. The ambitious career minded celebrity Preacher might very well enjoy the admiration and praises of men here in this present world. Yet in the next, both they and their names shall die in infamy as they perish in the flames of hell.
For it is only by dying to ourselves and our own expectations and/or the carnal expectations of others. That we are able to enter into the realm of walking in the visions and dreams which God has given to us. It has nothing to do with so much that is being taught by the visible Media Ministry of today. And though at times it might seem as if God has left you hanging, and the growing pains are overwhelming, He knows right where you are and He is using all those adverse circumstances and fiery trials to subdue you into His perfect will for your life. Many years ago God gave me a poem titled “To Be Subdued” and at the time I was absolutely clueless as to what true Ministry really meant.
To Be Subdued
"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." Micah 7:18-19
Born into this present world / a realm of sin and death Foreordained unto a purpose / quickened by God’s breath
Dreams and Visions of Heavenly callings / expectations to be renewed Faithfully leading the way of the cross / our whole existence to subdue
Tested sorely in relation / unto the task at hand Refined and polished in the school of patience / until we comprehend
Earthen vessels made of clay / instruments finely tuned In oneness with God’s thought and purpose / the flesh He can not use
Quickened by God’s breath / our whole existence to subdue Until we comprehend / the flesh He can not use © 1992 Raymond Bolton Pena
True Ministry has nothing to do with the success and financial freedom that you see in the lives of the Media Preachers. It’s not about big crowds and many followers and supporters. It’s about Ministering Christ and His Spiritual Life to a lost and dying needy world. And even more so about Ministering to the spiritual needs of His flock. The richest reward for me personally in being able to get this Ministry on the Web, is knowing that all the sacrifices that I’ve made through the years were not in vain. For in spite of every thing that Satan and my earthly enemies have done to ruin me financially, to break down my health and to destroy me mentally, emotionally and spiritually in order to stop this Ministry, God still made a way.
I also look forward to the fellowship of other like minded Christians who share my deepest held convictions. But most importantly, I know that God can and shall use my writings and poems to Minister His grace of a Word in due season to not only His scattered Remnant flock, but to the saved and unsaved alike. And if you are a backslider please know that this Ministry is being raised up especially to reach lost lambs and straying sheep like yourself.
I’m only responsible for doing what I’m able to do and it’s no one else’s fault if I don’t. I fear that far too many times we have been lead to believe that the “Ministry” is dependant upon flesh and blood and the support that it can give. When in reality it is God who lifts us out of the dust and exalts us in due time. My point is that when it comes to Ministry - God does not need us as much as we need Him; in that, without us the Ministry of His Kingdom is not going to break down. And yet without Him our Ministries will break down and fail even if by all outward appearances they appear to be the most celebrated successes.
If I might just be strait with you, it’s very hard out here in this world to live a true Christian life. I’m not talking about temptation here, though that can be a challenge as well. But, what I’m talking about is suffering for the sake of the Gospel and for doing the right thing. I personally do not know where a lot of these Ministers are coming from who get on the radio or television and promote all these Christian “self help” and “how to” books. Because in many cases, if you really read between the lines, you will realize that these men and women are writing from their own sheltered and pampered personal experiences which are totally void of reality. I’m talking about the real world here where dog eats dog and “Doing What Jesus Did” instead of wearing the letters “W.W.J.D.” is really going to cost you a lot of tears, pain and suffering.
In no way am I suggesting that God is unfaithful, because He really does give us more grace and He sees us through. But lets just be real here, because it has been said that “The World is a Vampire.” And if you can not appreciate the reality of that statement, then perhaps you need to go live a real Christian life and face some rejection, betrayal, persecution, exploitation and heart ache. Because if you were really standing for the truth you would soon discover that not only is the world a Vampire, but the visible American Christian Church at large is also a Werewolf in Sheep’s clothing. And we are not in Kansas anymore because like it or not that yellow brick road of religious compromise is spiraling strait to hell itself.
It’s very hard to trust anyone these days, because truth has fallen in our streets and just as Pilate ask Jesus “What is truth?” Before the spirit of antichrist possessed the crowds to cry: “Give us Barabbas;” So likewise, the lying spirit of antichrist reigns over the hearts and minds of the world’s religious masses. What I’m saying here is that we are living in a spiritual twilight zone where gross darkness and strong delusion abounds. And that is why I have now come to the place where I have decided not to personally ask for anyone’s financial support for myself. There are people being laid off from work all over the country and things are only going to get worse. And yet, there’s so much that I feel I could do if I just had the equipment to do it with. And that is why I would simply ask that if there is anyone reading this article who has a used but working printer, scanner, and/or a copy machine available which they no longer need. Please pray about contacting me if you feel lead to donate any of these items to this Ministry.
I am also in desperate need of a good running automobile, preferably a van that can be used for personal transportation and Ministry. But any good running used car will do. Thus if there is anyone out there who already has this need in their power to give, but who were just waiting upon God to direct them unto whom to give it. Again, please contact me. And last but certainly not least, if anyone out there feels lead by God to help support this Website by sending a check or money order for any amount; Then please, by all means, instead of sending it to me personally, please send it to Lisa Ruby of “Liberty to the Captives” at:
Liberty to the Captives C/o Lisa Ruby 1103b Chinquapin Rd. Travelers Rest, S.C. 29690
And please let her know that it is a love offering for all the hard work that she has done in making this “Remnant Life Ministries” Website a reality. For doing so would be the same as supporting this Website because she has not only bought me a computer, but she has paid for everything to keep this Website up and running all these many months. Even when suffering her own financial set backs and struggles. And I personally owe her so very much for all the labor that she and her family has done for me and for all the help which they have given me. And I feel so very indebted to them and even terribly regretful that I have not been able, nor am I presently able to repay them, though they have never even asked or expected it. So again, if God so leads you to support this Website by a one time love gift offering or in any monthly amount. Please send it to Lisa Ruby with my best and heart felt wishes.
And again, if God lays it upon your heart to donate any of the aforementioned office equipment or to donate a used car. Please contact me by Postal mail at: Raymond Pena, 46 Maplewood Dr., Apt. A-5 Summerville Ga. 30747. And once I receive the needed office items and/or automobile, I will have this article updated to let everyone know that God has met the need through you His Remnant people.
I would also like to apologize for not being able to answer your e-mails right away. At present I can not afford the internet and I owe the library too much money to pay at this time, so I can't presently use their computers to answer my e-mails. I realize that it is written to: "Owe no man" and maybe I'm going to be misjudged as a “bad steward?” Yet for the record I always pay my late fees at the library.
I guess by now you have figured out that this is not some professional business like Ministry. I am just a soul who is trying to walk in obedience to the calling without compromising my God given convictions just to secure a position or open door in the so called “Ministry.” So if I do not come across as some kind of career minded professional here, it‘s because I‘m really not. Right now I’m sitting at my desk typing in a little bedroom. So you could say that the size of this Ministry is not really that big, in that it fits into a 5‘ by 10‘ space beside my bed. And nor do I care to put up a front to impress anyone. After all I’ve been through, I’m happy to just have a bed to sleep in out of the cold. I’m just a God called Preacher facing life’s hardships and tribulations like so many others. But I have been given a Ministry Vision to begin a Newsletter and Poetic Scroll Tract Ministry as well as a Ministry to the Homeless. And I believe that the time to do so is A.S.A.P. for the time is now so short and the End is at hand.
Visible Means Hinder Faith
In Conclusion: Some time back, after earnestly praying about the matter of having to receive food assistance from the State. I was some what disappointed in God and confused as to why I rarely seen anymore “miracle break through” blessings. And I was strongly impressed; yea, even compelled to pick up a book by T.A. Sparks and I opened it right up to a chapter which carried the title of something to the effect that read: “Visible means hinder Faith.” Though I do not recall if that was the exact title? Whatever the case, the Lord spoke to me through that writing and answered my prayer in conveying the fact that sometimes God chooses to use very unlikely and un-seeming means to care for His own which others discount as being natural and ordinary. Thus making the faith of the one concerned more pure and precious as they are not given the visible proof which others so desperately need just to believe God. And this is a mark of true spiritual maturity being the difference between a true mature faith which depends only upon God’s Word with no visible evidence, and an immature faith which depends upon visible evidences to remain viable.
And it is written: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1st Timothy 6:6-12
Finally, please pray for my healing and recovery and that if it be God’s will, I shall receive a favorable Judgment when ever I go before a judge in the up coming appeal hearing on my Social Security claim. I pray it is soon. And please pray for me and mine. My Mother has just come home from the hospital and is slowly dying from a lung disease and other complications including herniated, ruptured and deteriorating disk in her neck and back. They believe she also has Cancer and she must go in for further testing. So please pray for her complete deliverance, healing and recovery. She is a very special lady who has worked very hard all her life to care for her children and grandchildren. She has loved us all, even when we did not deserve it. She has taken the back seat and allowed herself to be walked over and has known the hatred of ungodly and cruel in-laws who I personally believe were sent by Satan to steal, kill and destroy our faith, hope and love. And though I have personally misunderstood many of her decisions and even resented some of them concerning her loyalties to those who I felt were acting contrary to her. I now realize that it was the personal Cross that she was, and is still carrying in loving her own to the end. I have never known anyone who was as selfless and self sacrificing as my own Mother. And in an age when true Motherhood is such a rare virtue, I know that my Mother is called Blessed from the courts of heaven above them all.
May the Grace, Peace and Mercy of Jesus Christ be upon you and yours always and forever. Your friend and fellow laborer in the faith and patience of Jesus Christ. Raymond Pena
P.S. I highly recommend the writings of T.A. Sparks and A.W. Tozer. I honestly believe that T.A. Sparks was the truest modern day Apostle to this last generation if there ever was one. And there can be absolutely no argument that A.W. Tozer was a true Prophet of the Highest to this last generation. I am presently reading: “Tozer on Worship and Entertainment” which is a compiled work of selected excerpts from his written Ministry. And if I might testify, the book which had the second greatest impact upon my Christian life (apart from the first greatest which is the Old King James Bible,) was “The Pursuit of God” by A.W. Tozer. Watchman Nee is also a more excellent Teacher and writer. His book “The Normal Christian Life” is without compare in teaching the truths of Faith in the book of Romans.
If ever there were three writers which deserved the titles of an Apostle, a Prophet, and a Watchman, they would be T.A. Sparks, A.W. Tozer and Watchman Nee. And God willing I hope that my own writings as a sound doctrinal teacher might in some way reflect the spiritual depth and value of theirs to God's Last Day Remnant flock. Sadly most professing Christians in this hour have never heard of such Giants in the Faith. And many of those who have, sometimes write these men off as being “Mystics” because they themselves are so shallow in matters of true spirituality and Christian maturity. For if by “Mystics” they mean spiritualist in the cultic and esoteric sense of the word (and many do) then they are totally wrong. Yet if they mean a “Mystic” in the sense of being a Wise and Godly Spiritual Sage of old, then I would personally have no argument against them.
Thus having said that: If you are a new Christian or an older one who is hungry for true Spiritual Bread and thirsty for the true Waters of Life. I would recommend that you read “The Pursuit of God” by A.W. Tozer, “The Normal Christian Life” by Watchman Nee and “The School of Christ" by T.A. Sparks. And no true Christian Library should be without “Living Waters From Deep Wells of Revelation Parts 1&2” by T.A. Sparks.
P.P.S. If there is anyone out there who knows where to obtain a recorded copy of a word of prophecy called “The Eye of the Needle” about true worship in these last days. Please contact me and pass on the info of where I may secure a copy of this anointed exhortation and admonition to the Church. The speaker is accompanied by the playing of a piano and it is deeply and powerfully anointed. Thank You and God Bless and Keep You and Yours.
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