Pastor's Blog

A Way of Life

Steve turned to take the office trash to the dumpster with a sigh of frustration. He could feel his blood boiling as he thought about his assigned task.  Steve muttered with growing intensity, “I spent 6 years in college getting a bachelor’s and master’s degree – and the only time the boss speaks to me is to tell me to take out the garbage!”  His fists were now… clenched and no one dared speak to him as he reached the back office door.

The pictures that were hanging in the waiting area rattled as he slammed the door behind him.   He handled the thin trash bags with brute force and before he knew what he was doing the bags split wide open and trash went everywhere!  The next ten to twelve minutes were spent picking up pieces of trash that blew all over the company parking lot.  He finished his job, but not before he created a mess.  Steve misused his time and talents while taking advantage of the financial resources of the company – all because his attitude demonstrated a stronger focus on self than anything else.  The attitude you possess in your position of distress will reveal your stewardship.  Jonah struggled with the same downfall when God asked him to preach in Nineveh (Jonah 1:2).  He eventually preached in Nineveh, but he struggled with his attitude even after the city turned to God (Jonah 4).  Obedience to God’s call without the right attitude is not faithful stewardship.  The attitudes as well as actions of a believer are visible to men and accountable before God.  Take an honest inventory of your attitudes this week and compare them to the Word of God.  Are your attitudes hindering faithful stewardship to God?

Revival Ready or Revival Proof

We would probably all say we need revival in our own life, our own family, and in our own church.  Are we ready for revival or are we living in a position hindering revival?

 

Consider the list below (compiled by Christ Life Ministries) as you consider your own life in comparison to the Word of God.

Revival Ready:

  1. You refuse the “lukewarm” option (Rev. 3:15-16)
  2. You refuse to function unless Jesus has the preeminence (Col. 1:18)
  3. You expose false teaching and remove evil influences which cause God’s people to stumble (Rev. 2:20-23)
  4. You strive to “rightly divide the Word of truth” and apply it practically (II Tim. 2:15)
  5. You are dead to public opinion and desperate for vital union with God
  6. You reject the notion that rebellion is a normal part of growing up (I Sam. 15:23)
  7. You despise a “form of godliness” – and you desire God’s power (II Tim. 3:5)

 

Revival Proof:

  1. You are happy to remain “lukewarm” (Rev. 3:15-16)
  2. You are content to “go through the motions” without an obvious sense of God’s presence.
  3. You lack the fear of God and ignore the threat of being “spued out” by God (rev. 3:16)
  4. You refuse to repent of sin (Rev. 3:3)
  5. You endorse the belief that rebellion is a normal part of growing up (I Tim. 6:20)
  6. You are content to function apart from your first (foremost) love (Rev. 2:4)
  7. You practice selective obedience determined by the prevailing culture and possible negative outcomes (Prov. 29:25)

Devotional Thoughts From Pastor

February 2016: Anyone can become overwhelmed with the failures of the not so distant past. Sometimes these failures begin to rule your heart and thus an inferior mindset is nurtured in your heart. You cannot change the past…what is done is done. However, there are two Biblical directives for failures of the past. First, you must confess your sin and repent (Proverbs 28:13; I Jn. 1:9). God is ready and willing to forgive. You are not doomed to failure the rest of your life. Yes, you are weak, but God is strong! Your victory will come from God and you will not begin to see the victory you desire until you first begin with a right relationship with God. Second, you must press on! Philippians 3:13-14 states “…forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” It is time to get up off the spiritual bench of complacency and press on for Jesus Christ! Press on with daily scripture reading & memorization, press on with Biblical thinking, press on with witnessing, and press on one step of faith at a time. Keep your focus on Jesus Christ and PRESS ON!

January 2016: What did you learn last year? What did God teach you that you willingly yielded to, and that you followed God with a spirit of humility? Such steps of faith, one at a time, draw you to a clearer reflection of Jesus Christ. These steps of faith are the foundational victories in your walk with God. They are reasons for giving praise to the Lord and reasons for humility before God. You praise Him because He has done a thrilling work of victory in your heart. You stand in humility before Him because He has done an undeserved work of victory in your heart. This speaks of spiritual change in your life. Spiritual change in your life is necessary for spiritual growth in your life. II Peter 3:18 says that spiritual growth is absolutely vital for the child of God to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Take time today to rejoice in how God has done a work in your heart over the last 12 months…to God be the glory for the great things He has done!

December 2015: Little Joey was told to clean his room. It was a mess! Joey started making his way to his room when he saw his hot wheels car collection sitting on the living room floor. He remembered he wanted to play with his new car that he received on his birthday. So, he sat down to try out his new race car. After about 10 minutes of exciting car crashes and police chases on the living room floor with his new hot wheels, Joey started to hear his mother’s footsteps coming down the hall. It wasn’t until he heard her footsteps that he remembered he was supposed to be cleaning his room. He wasn’t trying to disobey on purpose…he just got distracted. Many believers aren’t setting out in stubborn rebellion to disobey God – they just get distracted. The technology (email, internet, video games, iPods, PDAs, etc…) and the busy schedules we embrace in today’s world can cause much distraction for even the most diligent believer. Are you distracted in your walk with God? There may even be things that aren’t necessarily sin that distracted you last week, like: sports, social networking, more hours at work, or your home computer. Ephesians 5:15-16 say, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Take time to evaluate your steps this week. Walk carefully, buy back that time, and move forward with excellence for the Lord!

  • November 1, 2015: The Lord gives clarity to your authority with a clear command. The Christian leader is commanded to be a servant. Matthew 20:26 says it this way, “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.”  This will look strikingly different to the world in which you live. The Christian leader will set aside selfish or personal desires for the needs of others. You will even be thinking of and looking for the needs of others before they are declared to you. You may be saying, “Well, I’m not a Christian leader yet.” Really? The phrase “Christian leader” is not referring solely to Sunday school teachers, deacons, and the pastoral staff. God has called you to be a Christian leader in your work place, in your home, and in your neighborhood. Your neighbors, co-workers, and most importantly, your family are watching you. Many of them know you go to church, pray over your meals, don’t listen to bad jokes or curse, and that you read your Bible. They want to know if that makes any difference in your life. They want to know if a personal relationship with Jesus Christ would be the answer they are looking for to fill the emptiness in their own life…or are you looking to simply serve self? A servant’s heart is not just a nice idea – it’s a command. Are you obeying God?
  • October 1, 2015: We all live in a day when submission to authority and selflessness are often absent and believed to be a weakness.  The world promotes with great conviction a philosophy that is in opposition to the Word of God: “me first,” “my needs are more important,” and “no one is going to tell me what to do.”  Too many believers adopt this philosophy and then wonder why they struggle with contentment, joy, and satisfaction.  The answer is simple.  A believer cannot obtain contentment, joy, and satisfaction apart from a Biblical way of life.  Living in opposition to the Word of God and embracing this “me-first” philosophy is not the position we should choose to live.  Matthew 20:26-28 states, “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” The sad truth is the world’s philosophy has gained too many followers within the church. Take time to examine your heart today…look at your way of life (philosophy).  Are you following the example of Jesus Christ in Matthew 20:28 and ministering to or serving others (others…like your spouse, children, co-workers, and even your “enemies”)?  A servant’s heart is a way of life…the Biblical way of life.
  • September 1, 2015: Joe took Ben out for lunch to show his genuine interest in Ben’s spiritual life…Jen bought Mary a Bible study book they planned to work through together…Jake volunteered to help Mark work on his house and then he used the time to encourage Mark in his role as a godly husband. Discipleship can take on many forms and methods. Sometimes discipleship involves sitting down for a one-on-one predetermined Bible study, and other times it involves a cup of coffee and an informal conversation. The word “disciple” means learner. The point of discipleship is helping another believer learn more about the Bible and grow in the Lord. The goal is spiritual maturity. What is your goal in the relationships that surround you each day? Are you looking at people and things as opportunities to satisfy your wants and desires; or are you looking at people in a way that helps them become more like the Lord?  Barnabas sought to encourage Paul and John Mark. Paul sought to encourage Timothy, Silas, and many newly established New Testament churches. David sought to encourage Jonathan, and Joseph even sought to encourage the very brothers who once considered killing him. Romans 14:19 reminds us to “…follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Part of your discipleship opportunities must include building up others as they pursue the Lord. What things are you “following after” this week that will build up another believer?
  • August 1, 2015: “He is mean and hateful. He constantly opposes all of my core beliefs. He mocks me at work and uses me to advance his own promotion within the company. I have watched people try to help him and he purposely hurts them. However, now he says ‘things have changed’ and that he is a ‘different person.’ Should I reach out to the guy who has hurt so many of my friends? Or is it time for him to get a taste of his own medicine?” Does this sound familiar to you? Similar situations happen in many a believer’s life on a weekly basis. Take a moment to consider the life of Barnabas this week. The name Barnabas means “son of consolation.” Barnabas was an encourager. He came along side the man called Saul (Acts 9:27) to help him grow in his walk with God. Saul definitely didn’t deserve kind treatment — he had persecuted Christians! Barnabas also came alongside another man, John Mark (Acts 12:25; 15:37-39). He was a young believer that had made some immature choices and needed someone to encourage him in his walk with God. Saul went on to be known as the apostle Paul. God used him to write more than half of the New Testament and to teach many believers how to help other believers in their walk with God (i.e.-Timothy). John Mark went on to be a help to Paul (with whom he had an earlier conflict-Acts 15:38) and God used him to write the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament. Is there someone who is crossing your path that has rubbed you the wrong way? Perhaps it is time for you to put your arm around that believer and encourage their walk with God.

 

  • July 1, 2015: Many people can remember a person that made a big difference in their life. What about you? A teacher, a relative, a man who became a father-like figure or perhaps it was one who simply loved you when you felt unlovable. Whoever it was…that person made a difference in your life. They showed you genuine compassion and friendship. They showed you the love of Christ in them and through them. It may have been the key turning point in your life! Jude 22 reminds you of the truth you received, “And of some have compassion, making a difference.” What difference are you now making in the lives of others? Are you getting involved in mentoring relationships to help others draw nigh to Christ? Titus 2 clearly calls the older to teach the younger. II Timothy 2:2 pointedly persuades, “…the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” You may feel it is you to whom someone must reach; however, you will find the greater blessing is in doing the reaching yourself. Be warned: this type of relationship is not passive. It is active – you must choose it! How active are you in mentoring opportunities that surround you? There are young believers, struggling believers, children, elderly, and your own family needing the genuine compassion of Jesus demonstrated to them. This will require time, effort, and most of all ability from the Lord. The believer must choose such an investment to receive the eternal profit. What will you choose today?

 

  • June 1, 2015: Do you remember playing Follow the Leader as a child? There would be one person chosen for everyone else to follow. To play the game correctly, everyone had to go wherever the leader would go and do whatever he would do. It was so much fun to be the leader! It was also a great responsibility to be the leader. The game would sometimes end abruptly if someone got hurt or if someone couldn’t perform at the same level as the rest of the group. I Corinthians 11:1 reveals a key truth: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” Paul’s basic instruction here is to follow him as far as the believers in Corinth could see Christ in him. In other words, people in your life ought to be able to follow you to a vibrant walk with Christ. With this key truth in mind, how far can others follow you? Whether you realize it or not, you are leading people every day. You are leading friends. You are leading others in your family. You are leading co-workers and neighbors…and sometimes even strangers. But, to what or to whom are you leading them? The gravity of your leadership must be realized. Paul goes on in verse 3 to remind us that “…the head of every man is Christ….” Your ultimate leader is Christ; however, God has called you as His servant to “be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (I Tim. 4:12). You are commanded to lead others to Jesus. So, to be the leader, you really must follow…learn to follow Jesus today.

 

  • May 1, 2015: Have you ever felt “unsuccessful” in your walk with God? Perhaps you have made spiritual decisions and then you turned around to make choices that were against the decision you made for Christ just a week ago. Do you see other believers who seem to have a better home life and you wish that was you? You may have even had long talks with your spouse, a friend, or your pastor and received good counsel – but you just can’t seem to get victory! My friend, it is time to stop talking with those who are about you and starting talking with Him who is above you. The transformation of your heart is what you really need in your daily walk with God. Without the transformation of your heart (a work of God from within), you will only achieve a temporary facade. With the transformation of your heart, you will see a lasting work of genuine surrender that is not attached to mere emotional responses. This is also a daily work of surrender. So where do you go for genuine transformation? The answer is given in one word: Jesus. Jeremiah 29:11 assures the believer with this: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Before you can be the leader God wants you to be, before you can be the employee/spouse/parent/teenager God wants you to be, and even before you can be the believer God wants you to be…you must first know Jesus. Go to Jesus and His Word to develop a relationship with Him of greater depth, greater peace, and greater strength…go to Jesus today!

 

  • April 1, 2015:Consider this…Your life as a Christian is not about all the dos and don’ts recorded in the Bible – it is about your relationship with Jesus Christ. You will miss everything if you can only see “the rules.” The commands in God’s Word are good and needed, but the real attraction ought to be Jesus! Some may say, “Amen! I can do what I want!” Yet, many others will say, “Not true! A Christian is commanded to obey the Lord!” Don’t misunderstand the direction of this vital focus for the believer. It is true that the believer must obey the Lord and give the Lord the preeminence in his life in all things (Col. 1:16-18). However, this obedience is really the outflow of a relationship with Jesus. Such obedience will come in response to a genuine relationship with your Savior. Think about the scriptures: “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (Jn. 14:15), “…love the Lord thy God with all your heart…” (Mtt. 22:37-39), and “We love Him because He first loved us” (I Jn. 4:19). The Lord initiated a relationship with you! Ignore the relationship you are to have with Jesus and you will ignore greater depth and blessing from Jesus. To be a disciple of Jesus Christ requires you to follow Him in a relationship of love – a relationship that will manifest your obedience to Him in the end. Discipleship requires the ultimate relationship! How’s your relationship with the Lord today?

 

  • March 1, 2015: What do you do when you want to make sweet tea? Do you add more tea…more of the same? No…you add something different. If you want something different, you need to add something different. Someone once said that adding the same ingredient to the mix, but expecting different results, is the definition of insanity. Are you an “insane Christian?” Are you adding the same old ingredients of the world, but expecting godly leadership to flow out of your life? Matthew 5:13-14 declare, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world….” Godly leaders will be salt and light! What kind of seasoning are you manifesting to the world around you? Are you declaring Jesus (THE Light of the world) to those within your influence? Too many believers are not salt and light of the world, but they bemoan the lack of godly leaders and the lack of godly outcomes in their own sphere of influence. May the church cease complaining about having to be different and start living as God has called His children to live. May the believer provide leadership with salt and light that leads to Jesus!

 

  • February 1, 2015: As a pastor, I have observed that there are individuals that have tremendous influence over certain situations, and more specifically, certain people. I have watched a teenager control the atmosphere of an ent…ire youth group and then I have seen an adult declare a couple of sentences that changes the entire outcome of a church vote. The impact of such influence can be anything from how to dress (teenagers AND adults), to habits you choose, to telling others of God’s saving grace! In short, the impact can be powerfully good…and powerfully evil.Leadership can be summed up in one word – influence. It is the ability to influence another to go a certain direction in thought or action. Our influence (leadership) will be seen in our example. I Timothy 4:12 says we are to lead by example. It says in this verse to “…be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” The Bible states that our example is viewed in our speech and lifestyle, demonstrated with love and empowered by the Spirit of God, lived out by believing God to be true at His Word and our actions above reproach. Review the example provided to those in our own sphere of influence in the last 48 hours. What kind of example did we provide and where did that example lead others? Think about the words we exchanged with our spouse, children, and friends. Recall the lifestyle we modeled for your co-workers, neighbors, or even those we didn’t know were watching us. We may need to be a little more honest before God and man (II Cor. 8:21) this week to provide leadership that makes a difference of eternal gains. A strong leader…a Biblical leader…admits wrong. Such a confession will lead us to restoration for excellent leadership. This repentant heart will also lead others to the greatest example of all time – Jesus Christ. Be thou an example of the believer.

 

  • January 1, 2015:  As we walked through the store one day, I discovered that my family was following me at every turn. I decided to have a little fun. I started taking the “long way” to our destination. I even went in-between each of the small displays in the middle isle (in a circular pattern) to see if everyone would follow. This is when it was discovered that Dad was having a little too much fun. You must take great care in whom you follow or how you are leading. To what or to whom are you leading others? People follow your leadership whether you realize it or not. If your family and friends only had you to lead them – where would they end up? Would they have a burning passion for the salvation of the souls? Would they have seen such joy in serving the Lord from your life that they would want the same for their own life? Or would they have seen more bitterness than blessing (Eph. 4:31-32), more selfishness than service (Prov. 14:12; Eph. 4:12), or more longing than contentment (I Tim .6:6)?   You don’t lead a certain way merely because others are following – go deeper for your motivation! Lead others to Jesus Christ because you know He is the truth (Jn. 14:6) and His way is perfect (Ps. 18:30). Ask the Lord to fine tune your heart this week to His leading in your life. Determine to follow the Lord and His Word and lead others to the One who is more than enough!

 

  • December 2014: When you were in school there were certain “tools” you had to have in order to learn – namely, books. When you took your first job you most likely had new “tools” that were crucial to your successful employment, like, a computer or a drill. These tools were vital to your task and without them your task would be virtually impossible. Your success was directly connected to your willingness to develop skill in the use of your tools. II Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” God has given you the tool of all tools – the Bible! This tool is also a powerful weapon (Jeremiah 23:29; Hebrews 4:12) amidst the spiritual warfare in which you seek daily victory. Develop your skills in the study of this tool and the use of this weapon God has so richly entrusted to you. Seek to know this book like no other book you know. Know it intimately in the boundaries of its own context. Memorize it, meditate upon it, read it, trust it, obey it, and declare it to all who will listen. You will never be disappointed in having invested so much in the study of God’s Holy Word.

 

  • November 2, 2014: If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, you have been forgiven. You have been forgiven of your sin. You have been forgiven of your lies, deceptions, unjust treatment of others, gossip, immoral thoughts, idolatry, envy, bitterness, and much more! You did not deserve to be forgiven and you did not do anything to earn such an action from God – but He still forgave you when you asked Him. This truth of God’s forgiveness is both exciting and humbling. God forgave you and He commands you to forgive others. In the parable of the talents, the master rebukes the servant for not forgiving a $12 debt when the master had forgiven the servant of a 12 million dollar debt. Matthew 18:32 says, “Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:” The servant is called wicked, not because he had a great debt to the master, but because he was unforgiving to others. God has forgiven you of something like a ‘12 million dollar debt’ owed to Him. What keeps you from forgiving others of their ‘$12 debt’ owed to you? May we forgive others as “God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven us.”

 

  • October 6, 2014: Colossians 3:23, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men….” An employee was asked to take care of a task that was not greatly desired. He procrastinated in getting started and had to be reminded several times to begin. He said nothing, but he wore his lack of motivation on his face for all to see. It wasn’t until his supervisor reprimanded his work ethic and warned of further consequences if his actions didn’t change, that he began his work with greater diligence. How are you doing what you are doing? Perhaps God has called you to that opportunity of the role of mother, or father, or husband, or wife. Or what about those ministry opportunities of cleaning the church, helping in the nursery, kitchen detail (or maybe another comes to your mind) that the Lord has blessed you with this week. Are you doing it “heartily”… with singleness of heart to the Lord? Lord, help us give you nothing but excellence in our actions and attitudes.

 

  • September 1, 2014: You will have many different leaders in your life time. Some leaders you will choose (your friends), some leaders choose you (your boss), and some leaders are chosen for you by God (your parents). In Ken Collier’s and Matt William’s book, Biblical Leadership, types of leaders aredivided into descriptive categories like: position, personality, and competent leaders. They also consider one other leader description – the “character” leader – a right kind of role model. These descriptions help you better understand our own leadership as well as the leadership of others. Take a moment today to only consider the leaders you have chosen yourself in view of the following scriptures. Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind….” I Peter 1:16 continues this thought in saying, “…be ye holy; for I am holy.” Are the leaders you have chosen leading you to a closer walk with the Lord? Are you providing leadership for others that lead them to a closer walk with the Lord? When you choose wrong leaders it is often because you are not providing Biblical leadership yourself. In choosing wrong leaders, you will often seek someone that connects with your own heart’s desires. The search for Biblical leadership must begin within the confines of your own heart! “Search me, O God, and know my heart…”

 

  • August 1. 2014: When I was the pastor of a church in Colorado, I went to a home improvement store to purchase some supplies. The church was working on renovating an old building to use as a new church facility.   The lady behind the counter asked me what staff position I held at the church and I told her I was the pastor. She was surprised by the answer and commented several times that I looked much too young to be a pastor. “Are you even 23 years old yet?” she said with great disbelief. She then asked if I was the “children’s pastor” or the “youth pastor.” I said I was the only pastor. I then found myself trying to convince her for the next 5 minutes that I was in my 30’s, had four children, and was old enough to be the pastor! The New Testament religious leaders didn’t believe that Jesus was who He said He was; however, there was a man in Luke 4:33 who didn’t question the identity of Jesus. This demon possessed man fearfully spoke, “Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.” Do you question the identity of Jesus? Do you question His sovereignty, His love, His power, Or His wisdom when considering His will for your life? Satan has been whispering such doubts into the ears of mankind since the Garden of Eden. True confidence in Jesus will not find shame or disgrace. The relationship of all relationships is your walk with Jesus Christ. You can trust Him with your life!

 

  • July 1, 2014: The pastor announced that he was going to begin a new series of sermons on the subject of stewardship. Brad moaned and Jan gave him a swift poke in his side. He slowly looked over to see Jan’s eye brows pressing down over her forehead. It wasn’t until Brad saw “the look” from his wife that he realized his response was actually out loud. He didn’t intend to let anyone know his actual feelings on the subject, but his heart revealed itself with greater vibrancy than he would have wanted to show even on a bad day. Why is it that when the word “stewardship” is mentioned you can sometimes get a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach? This response is not because money is tight, but because the believer has the wrong view of God. A right view of God will produce the right response to stewardship. You know the Bible teaches that everything you have comes from God (I Cor. 4:2; Col. 1:16-18). You know you are commanded to tithe and give offerings (Deut. 14:22; II Cor. 9:3-6). You know you are to give cheerfully to Lord (II Cor. 9:7). However, did you realize that when you struggle with these truths in your attitude or actions — that your struggle is actually with your view of God? When you truly believe that God is good, that giving God first place in your finances is good, and that God has already given you more than you deserve – it is then you will rejoice in the opportunity which the Lord has given you to give back to Him. “…for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

 

  • June 5, 2014: Matthew 20:28 says, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, provided the example of a servant’s heart. His example also demonstrated a visual testimony to the multitudes and a clear contrast to that of the hypocritical religious leaders of the day. Jesus lived in contrast to the leaders about Him: serving instead of being served…surrendering His ‘rights’ instead of insisting on His ‘rights.’ This presented a message of true clarity, depth, and real hope. What is the message of your example? Would those closest to you say a message of your example is a servant’s heart or a self-focused heart? Take time to think about your answer to these questions. Don’t give an easy, ‘good’ response that you think people want to hear. Honestly search your heart and the evidences of your actions over the past few weeks to discover the truth. There is a solution if you don’t like the answer you discover. The only solution is to humbly confess sin, begin cutting off the supply to the wrong choices, and then make decisions that fill your heart with the right desires, like: consistent personal devotions, removing wrong influences (i.e.- music, videos, and internet choices that lift up sin), planning to be in church with God’s people this Sunday, and even accountability. There is victory in surrender!

 

  • May 2014:  You live in a day when submission to authority and selflessness are often absent and believed to be a weakness. The world promotes with great conviction a philosophy that is in opposition to the Word of God: “me first,” “my needs are more important,” and “no one is going to tell me what to do.” Too many believers adopt this philosophy and then wonder why they struggle with contentment, joy, and satisfaction. The answer is simple. A believer cannot obtain contentment, joy, and satisfaction apart from a Biblical way of life – living in opposition to the Word of God. Matthew 20:26-28 states, “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” The sad truth is the world’s philosophy has gained too many followers within the church. Take time to examine your heart today…look at your way of life (philosophy). Are you following the example of Jesus Christ in Matthew 20:28 and ministering to or serving others (others…like your spouse, children, co-workers, and even your enemies)? A servant’s heart is not just for specific occasions. It is a way of life…the Biblical way of life.

 

  • April 9, 2014: Have you ever corrected a child for his lack of a joyful spirit over your instructions?  The dishes needed to be done, or his bedroom needed to be picked up, but he obviously didn’t want to do it.  You find him “doing” the task, but he is struggling immensely with his attitude.  You may persuasively quote a verse like Colossians 3:23, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, asto the Lord, and not unto men.”  Perhaps you even followed up with something like, “and if you cannot correct your attitude I am going to help you correct it!”  It is frustrating and disappointing when the attitude of obedience is not joyful.  In fact, it really isn’t obedience at all when a person is yelling inside his heart, “I don’t want to do this!”  Let me apply this a different way…what is your attitude regarding God’s command to you to give Him the financial first fruits of the increase with which He has blessed you?  You very well may give that tithe or offering, but what is your attitude when you give?  II Corinthians 9:7 says, “…God loveth a cheerful giver.”  The word cheerful in this passage means “hilarious.”  While I don’t advocate laughing hysterically while the offering plate passes through your pew, I do believe there ought to be such yieldedness regarding finances that there is a genuine thrill to give to the Lord.  This is not a mild contentedness, but a thrill in your soul!  Yielding to God’s way for your finances will bring a confident thrill to your soul.

 

  • February 1, 2014: God calls us to excellence in everything we do…but how is that possible in every area of our busy lives?  With this simple statement you may be thinking, “I can’t do any more than I already am!”  That’s probably true…but we often make that statement when things are too full and little room is left for the LORD.  Can I ask you a few questions? Are you making your time with the Lord a daily priority above everything else?  Are you cutting your daily Bible reading or your time of prayer short for other things?  Are you certain your days are filled with what God has for your daily schedule?  Must everything on your task list be done today or with a little rearranging could your task list be less overwhelming (i.e.-asking for help from others or spreading the task out over a few days)?  God’s power for your daily task list is crucial to peaceful daily living.  To be sure, you will find great help in praying over what fills your task list at the start of each day — after filling your “gas tank” with the Word of God.  Psalm 20:7 states, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”Our great God delights in empowering his children to do what He has called them to do (and that includes work, home, and church).  May we all be certain of God’s will for each of us today…and that the power to do His will comes from the relationship we must have with Him.

 

  • January 1, 2014: When I visit my doctor he always wants to record my weight.  Before I step on the scale…I prepare for ‘the event.’  I take my shoes off, my coat off, and rest my briefcase against the wall (and fast for 12 hours before the visit…I wonder if 24 hours would make a big difference…hmmm).  Why do I do all this?  A lower number weight will guarantee greater success with my doctor in the exam room.  My doctor will insist I lose some weight for better healthy living if my weight is too high.  Hebrews 12:1 says, “…let us lay aside every weight….”  What is weighing you down in your life as a believer?  This weight may not necessarily be sin, but it is keeping you from victory.  Insisting on working too many hours, enjoying sports or hobbies with much of your ‘free time,’ and seeking a quick fix for more pleasure through excessive sleep or food can all be weights you need to lay aside.  It isn’t wrong to enjoy sports, work a job, sleep, or eat; however, these must be kept in balance so you can “run the race with patience.”  The disciplined runner will lay aside all possible weight for the end goal of victory.  Set your gaze sharply on the finish line in your race as a believer.  Enjoy opportunities (hobbies, sports, etc…) God gives you, but keep them in balance with all that God has entrusted to you in your home, work place, and church.  Let’s lay aside the weight and run to victory!

 

  • November 22, 2013: Joe took Ben out for lunch to show his genuine interest in Ben’s spiritual life…Jen bought Mary a Bible study book they planned to work through together…Jake volunteered to help Mark work on his house and  then he used the time to encourage Mark in his role as a godly husband.  Discipleship can take on many forms and methods.  Sometimes discipleship involves sitting down for a one-on-one predetermined Bible study, and other times it involves a cup of coffee and an informal conversation.   The word “disciple” means learner.  The point of discipleship is helping another believer learn more about the Bible and grow in the Lord.  The goal is spiritual maturity.  What is your goal in the relationships that surround you each day?  Are you looking at people and things as opportunities to satisfy your wants and desires; or are you looking at people in a way that helps them become more like the Lord?  Barnabas sought to encourage Paul and John Mark.  Paul sought to encourage Timothy, Silas, and many newly established New
    Testament churches.  David sought to encourage Jonathan, and Joseph even sought to encourage the very brothers who once considered killing him.  Romans 14:19 reminds us to “…follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Part of your discipleship opportunities must include building up others as they pursue the Lord.  What things are you “following after” this week that will build up another believer.

 

  • October 28: Walk through any mall and you will see numerous demonstrations of parenting skills.  Permissive parenting, passive parenting, and authoritarian parenting will most likely be viewed within the hour.  Each method’s implementation will vary slightly; however, the truth is, each parent is actively pursuing a specific parenting method (whether they realize it or not).  God has provided varying examples of parenting in the Bible.  Eli neglected his sons and they became known for their wicked ways.  Abraham placed Isaac on the altar as a sacrifice – and Isaac submitted to his father.  Lot lost much of his family when Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed.  Paul noted that Timothy’s mother and grandmother clearly instilled their love for God in Timothy (II Tim. 2:5).  The crucial need of the day is clear: godly parents need to take an active role in the life of their children!  Several things are assumed in this statement.  First, parents need to pursue God (“godly parents”) in order to lead their children to do the same.  Second, raising a generation of disciples for Jesus Christ is not an accidental occurrence; it is an “active” role for every parent.  Third, God gave children to parents (“their children”).   It is parents that have the God-given responsibility to cultivate more than mere moral citizens of the community.  Children are a gift from God (Ps. 127) and as such ought to point to God in their life’s work.  The world needs pastors, missionaries, construction workers, and businessmen who are disciples of Jesus Christ.  Your children will be the fruit of your labor as a parent.  What you sow in the lives of young people will produce a certain fruit.  Whether you like this kind of future fruit is dependent upon the seeds you sow right now.

 

  • September 10: Parents sometimes say, “We need someone to disciple our child.”  They want someone to help their child grow in the Lord.  They want someone to help them overcome peer pressure and make godly choices.  These parents are seeking the right things, but they are looking for them in the wrong places!  Sunday school teachers, youth pastors, or godly senior citizens from church are all good choices – however, they ought not to be a parent’s first choice for discipling their child.  The one who disciples another certainly must demonstrate a desire for spiritual things and possess an undeniable depth in their walk with God.  These are qualifications that  can be developed over time.  Believers must also consider the commands of God.  Ephesians 6:4 reminds us that children are to be brought up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”  Deuteronomy 6 proclaims numerous truths about God that each child must be taught.  These passages provide vital instruction for parents: parents must disciple their own children.  Ephesians 6:4 begins with “And, ye fathers….”  Deuteronomy 6:7 reveals that you and I must “…teach them diligently unto (our) children….”  The responsibility to disciple the next generation begins with the parents!  Although the church must play a role in mentoring the next generation, parents cannot step aside and expect another to fulfill the God-given responsibility of molding their own children.  Too many parents hope the Christian school, the Christian college, or the youth pastor will guide their child to greater spiritual depth in their absence.  Convictions, Biblical beliefs, and philosophy of life must be purposely developed within a child through the role of the parent.  God will use others
    to help mentor the next generation, but developing disciples of Jesus Christ begins in the home.

 

  • August 13: “He is mean and hateful.  He constantly opposes all of my core beliefs.  He mocks me at work and uses me to advance his own promotion within the company.  I have watched people try to help him and he purposely hurts them.  However, now he says ‘things have changed’ and that he is a ‘different person.’  Should I reach out to the guy who has hurt so many of my friends?  Or is it time for him to get a taste of his own medicine?”  Does this sound familiar to you?  Similar situations happen in many a believer’s life on a weekly basis.  Take a moment to consider the life of Barnabas this week.  The name Barnabas means “son of consolation.”  Barnabas was an encourager.  He came along side the man called Saul (Acts 9:27) to help him grow in his walk with God.  Saul definitely didn’t deserve kind treatment, for he had persecuted Christians!  Barnabas also came alongside another man, John Mark (Acts 12:25; 15:37-39).  He was a young believer that had made some immature choices and needed someone to encourage him in his walk with God.  Saul went on to be known as the apostle Paul.  God used him to write more than half of the New Testament and to teach many believers how to help other believers in their walk with God (i.e.-Timothy).  John Mark went on to be a help to Paul (with whom he had an earlier conflict-Acts 15:38) and God used him to write the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament.  Is there someone who is crossing your path that has rubbed you the wrong way?  Perhaps it is time for you to put your arm around that believer and encourage their walk with God.

 

  • July 10: A group of children sat down for a treat.  A sweet elderly lady dished out some cold ice cream on a hot day for each of the children.  As soon as the children saw their bowls, one little boy said, “He got more than me!”  Any adult can have the same mindset when looking at other Christians – “No fair!  God gave him more than me!”  Such a focus is truly out of focus!  It speaks of selfishness and pride.  It assumes that you know better than God in what you ought to receive.  What did God give you last week in the form of time, money, and talent?  The vital evaluation you ought to seek is not “who received more,” but more so – “how did you use what you received?”  Luke  16:10-12 state, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.  If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?”  It seems your meditations would be best spent considering your degree of faithfulness to God in what He has entrusted to you, and not upon that which you do not possess.  Determine this week to faithfully manage for the glory of God the time, money, and talents God has entrusted to you.

 

  • June 2: Do you wish you had more friends?  There is a difference between a “friend” and an “acquaintance.”  The latter is far more causal and is a “surface” relationship; however, the former has greater depth in experience and emotion.  In general, we all seek friendship with someone.  Consider this truth, the Lord gave Adam his wife Eve so that he might not be alone (Genesis 2:18).   Married adult…have you considered the greatest friend you can have on this earth – your spouse?  I realize I am directing my thoughts to only married adults today.  Lest anyone misunderstand – there is nothing wrong with your “having a friend” and there are many single adults who are wonderful examples of a godly friend.  This Biblical truth doesn’t mean that singles are to be ignored; in fact, the Lord has blessed my family with many single adult friendships.  However, too often married couples are missing the greatest friend they ought to have, because they are looking for friendship in every other place possible.  God gave you your spouse—so that you might not be alone.  Your spouse doesn’t need to be your only friend, but your spouse ought to be one of your best friends.  This will take time and effort like every other friendship requires.  Examine the friendship of your spouse and keep in view the wonderful gift God has given you in your marriage relationship.

 

  • April 24: When you were in school there were certain “tools” you had to have in order to learn – namely, books.  When you took your first job you most likely had new “tools” that were crucial to your successful employment, like, a computer or a drill.  These tools were vital to your task and without them your task would be virtually impossible.  Your success was directly connected to your willingness to develop skill in the use of your tools.  II Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  God has given you the tool of all tools – the Bible!  This tool is also a powerful weapon (Jeremiah 23:29; Hebrews 4:12) amidst the spiritual warfare in which you seek daily victory.  Develop your skills in the study of this tool and the use of this weapon God has so richly entrusted to you.  Seek to know this book like no other book you know.  Know it intimately in the boundaries of its own context.  Memorize it, meditate upon it, read it, trust it, obey it, and declare it to all who will listen.  You will never be disappointed in having invested so much in the study of God’s Holy Word.

 

  • March 25: Anyone can become overwhelmed with the failures of the not so distant past.  Sometimes these failures begin to rule your heart and thus an inferior mindset is nurtured in your heart.  You cannot change the past…what is done is done.  However, there are two Biblical directives for failures of the past.  First, you must confess your sin and repent (Proverbs 28:13; I Jn. 1:9).  God is ready and willing to forgive.  You are not doomed to failure the rest of your life.  Yes, you are weak, but God is strong!  Your victory will come from God and you will not begin to see the victory you desire until you first begin with a right relationship with God.  Second, you must press on!  Philippians 3:13-14 states “…forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”  It is time for you to get up off the spiritual bench of complacency and press on for Jesus Christ!  Press on with daily scripture reading & memorization, press on with Biblical thinking, press on with witnessing, and press on one step of faith at a time.  Keep your focus on Jesus Christ and PRESS ON!

 

  • February 27:  The pastor announced that he was going to begin a new series of sermons on the subject of stewardship.  Brad moaned and Jan gave him a swift poke in his side.  He slowly looked over to see Jan’s eye brows pressing down over her forehead.  It wasn’t until Brad saw “the look” from his wife that he realized his response was actually out loud.  He didn’t intend to let anyone know his actual feelings on the subject, but his heart revealed itself with greater vibrancy than he would have wanted to show even on a bad day.  Why is it that when the word “stewardship” is mentioned you can sometimes get a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach?  This response is not because money is tight, but because the believer has the wrong view of God.  A right view of God will produce the right response to stewardship.  You know the Bible teaches that everything you have comes from God (I Cor. 4:2; Col. 1:16-18).  You know you are commanded to tithe and give offerings (Deut. 14:22; II Cor. 9:3-6).  You know you are to give cheerfully to Lord (II Cor. 9:7).  However, did you realize that when you struggle with these truths in your attitude or actions — that your struggle is actually with your view of God?  When you truly believe that God is good, that giving God first place in your finances is good, and that God has already given you more than you deserve – it is then you will rejoice in the opportunity which the Lord has given you to give back to Him.  “…for God loveth a cheerful giver.

 

  • February 1: To understand humility, it is helpful to first understand what pride looks like in our own life.  Is there strife or contention in your relationships?  Proverbs 13:10 says, “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom” and 28:25 continues with, “He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.”  Is your life characterized by seeking after God?  Psalms 10:4 says, “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.”  Do you consider yourself a loving person?  True Biblical love will not brag (a manifestation of pride).  I Corinthians 13:4 tells us, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”  Do you see such pride in your life as sin?  Proverbs 21:4 declares, “An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.”  A proud spirit can be seen in our relationships to one another and to the Lord.  We must turn from pride, confess it as sin, and walk in humility before God.

 

  • January 31: The world around you is shouting an “I deserve my rights” philosophy: “my right to marry what gender I want” — “my right to end a baby’s life or an adult’s life if I want” — “my right to live as I want.”  As a believer, what are your rights?  I Corinthians 6:19-20 tells you, “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”  As a believer, you have been “bought with a price” and belong to God.  “Ye are not your own” and have no rights, but now are called to follow God.  The statement – “you have no rights” – often sends out loud alarms in your mind.  The defense system of your flesh (our pride) rises up quickly to defend and counter attack such a statement.  But should it be so scary and bring such defensive responses to say “you have no rights because you belong to Jesus?”  It should not…and will not be so—when your attention is placed on who God is (His power, His love, His Wisdom).  Take time to meditate today on whom God declares Himself to be…the results are joyous!

 

  • January 7: There are some characteristics that will disqualify people from great opportunities.  This can be seen in relation to potential employment opportunities all the time.  An employer wants certain characteristics in a future employee: technical skills, relational skills, and personality type all play a part in qualifying for a job.  You and I can have all the abilities in the world to serve the Lord, but we will always come up short when possessing one spiritually lethal characteristic: selfishness.  Samson was one of the judges God used to deliver His people out of bondage.  The Bible records in the book of Judges how God enabled Samson with amazing strength to defeat the enemy; however, Samson’s greatest enemy was himself!  God gave Samson specific boundaries in which to live.  He thought his way was better and more satisfying than God’s way.  His high view of “self” disqualified him from incredible ministry for God.  God is equipping you and me for incredible ministry opportunities in our home, work place, neighborhood, and church.  He wants to use you and me for plans we cannot even comprehend right now.  Selfishness can potentially destroy those ministry opportunities and cause great damage to our walk with God.  The result for Samson was devastating, having his eyes plucked out and enduring the mocking of his enemies.  When you and I choose our own way over God’s way we will find our end result devastating as well (Prov. 14:12; II Pet. 2:18-22).  Selfishness is the enemy of faithful stewardship.   Believer, ask the Lord to root out such selfishness in your own life and keep your gaze focused on Jesus…THE way, THE truth, and THE life.

Online Fun For Kids

Are you looking for some safe places on the internet for your children to check out and enjoy?  Click here to try out some great websites!

®   Kids 4 Truth — The Kids4Truth website will provide some daily devotionals, Bible animations, answers to questions about God, and much more!  This website also tells you about our weekly children’s Bible club for those in K4 through 6th grade. This strong program of Bible teaching and scripture memorization teaches our children truths about 12 essential Bible doctrines. Kids4Truth meets every Wednesday night from 6:50 to 8:15 PM (from September to May each year).

®   Answers in Genesis is a great source of information about the creation of the world – presented with many visual aids (pics, videos, and interactive opportunities). This website provides tabs called “Get Answers” and “Education” that will help you talk to others about the lies of evolution and the truth of the Bible. You will also find out when and where the Answers in Genesis radio program airs in your area of the USA.

®   NBT’s Kids Corner –This website for Neighborhood Bible Time provides a tab called “Kids Corner.”  Under that tab you can watch videos about creation, and great “dynamations” about a lot different things in the Bible. Neighborhood Bible Time comes to our church every summer for great preaching with lots of fun – just for kids!

Are You A Learner?

A disciple is a learner.  Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ? 

Do you have a teachable spirit that enables you to learn the things of God?  Too many have pride that gets in the way of learning the things God has for their continued growth in Him.  This pride will keep you from a clearer reflection of the Lord in you.  It is often voiced with thoughts like: “I already know that” – may I ask why you aren’t doing it if you know it to be true?  Or “who is he to tell me what to do”—may I suggest that perhaps “he” is one who loves you and is concerned for you.  Or even a phrase like, “I am not giving that up to serve God” – and yet, did not Jesus give up everything to provide salvation for you?  People that advance in corporations are learners.  People who advance in sports are learners.  Believers who grow and mature in the Lord are learners as well.  Learners change and become more than what they started as.  II Peter 3:18 says, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”  God has called us to change and become more like Him.  May we come to the Lord with an expectation for change and growth…to learn how we can become more like Him.

Finding A Friend

“No one seems to befriend me!”  Have you ever said that or maybe thought it?

Proverbs 18:24 states, “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”  Two things are clear in this passage of scripture.  First, you need to show yourself friendly to others if you are to have friends.  Others may have approached you for conversation, or done something special for you.  May I ask…have you shown yourself friendly to others?  It is important to see that the focus in showing yourself friendly to others is rooted in humility and selflessness.  It is only pride that keeps you back from this Biblical instruction.  The second item seen in this passage is that you already have a friend that sticks closer than a brother!  The hymn writer said it this way, “What a friend we have in Jesus.”  No friend on this earth could ever be a greater friend than Jesus Christ.  Jesus tells you the truth (because He is the truth).  He never leaves you, and he never changes…what a friend we have in Jesus!  May we show ourselves friendly to others and never turn from the wondrous fellowship of the friend that sticks closer than a brother

Friendship

Looking for a friend?  You may not need to look as far as you might think.

Do you wish you had more friends?  There is a difference between a “friend” and an “acquaintance.”  The latter is far more causal and is a “surface” relationship; however, the former has greater depth in experience and emotion.  In general, we all seek friendship with someone.  Consider this truth, the Lord gave Adam his wife Eve so that he might not be alone (Genesis 2:18).   Married adult…have you considered the greatest friend you can have on this earth – your spouse?  I realize I am directing my thoughts to only married adults today.  Lest anyone misunderstand – there is nothing wrong with your “having a friend” and there are many single adults who are wonderful examples of a godly friend.  This Biblical truth doesn’t mean that singles are to be ignored; in fact, the Lord has blessed my family with many single adult friendships.  However, too often married couples are missing the greatest friend they ought to have, because they are looking for friendship in every other place possible.  God gave you your spouse—so that you might not be alone.  Your spouse doesn’t need to be your only friend, but your spouse ought to be one of your best friends.  This will take time and effort like every other friendship requires.  Examine the friendship of your spouse and keep in view the wonderful gift God has given you in your marriage relationship.

3 Post-Election Reminders for the Church

There has been a lot of conversation among believers in recent weeks…even months…about the current state of our nation’s politics.  The election is over and the results are in, but how I wish there was this much discussion and “liveliness” among the church about the Bible & salvation!  I’ve witnessed a powerful boldness & a confident belief when it came to all things politics.  Believers would not back down when the subject was politics.  Where is the powerful boldness of the church’s witness for Christ today?  A boldness that will not back down — for unlike politics, salvation is an eternal life or eternal death matter!  Where is the church’s confident belief they are right when it comes to the matter of eternal life?  Where’s the urgency for the salvation of souls in our prayer meetings…in our personal witness… and yes, even in our social media posts?

No matter who you voted for yesterday…no matter your joy & triumph over victories…no matter your disappointment & grief over defeats…or no matter your disengagement & indifference to this election cycle…REMEMBER these truths:

 

1. God is still sovereign.

He is in control.  He has not left you helpless and hopeless.  HE ALONE is your hope.  Turn away from the “what ifs” and “if onlys” running around your mind.  Discipline your mind…choose to think on what is truth…meditate on the person of God.  He has not changed!

 

–Hebrews 13:5, “for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

 

–Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

 

–Malachi 3:6a, “For I am the LORD, I change not….”

 

–Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

 

 

2. God is still calling you to pray and love one another. 

The church united to pray over this election.  Believers, have been following different national Christian leaders and their pastors to pray more often for our nation, and churches even held days of fasting & prayer.  Amen!  We do need to pray more…don’t stop!  The urgency has not ended because a new man and new political party were elected into national power.  We (the USA) have still wandered far from God.  We still need revival.  We still need to remove all the “altars of false gods in our land.”  If anything, the urgency of the gospel, God’s saving grace, ought to be clearer than ever.  Satan wants to divide, distract, derail, and discourage the church.  The urgency continues every day…come to prayer meeting this week and pray with your church…for your church!  Be prayer warriors…be known for your love for one another.

 

— Luke 18:1b, “…men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”

 

–I Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.”

 

–II Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

 

–John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

 

 

3. God hasn’t changed our mission. 

People need the Lord.  Heaven and hell are real.  Souls need to be saved.  Everything is NOT going to be “alright” just because we have a new political leader who is set to take over in 2017.  Only God can do the work that truly needs to be done in us and through us.  WE NEED THE LORD.  Follow your precious Savior with increased longing and awareness of your need for Him.  #Godismorethanenough  #Godisworthourpursuit #FocusedonJesus

  

–Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

 

–I Timothy 2:4, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

 

–John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

 

–Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

 

–II Peter 3:18, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

 

–Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”