Sunday, December 16, 2018

Tidings of Great Joy


In this moment and time, what the world needs is to remember the voice of the angel! “I bring you good tidings of Great Joy!” Tidings, that is news of great truth! Is there joy in the heart of the Lord’s saints today? Joy is so much more than happiness; it is everlasting and depends upon the strength of our belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. When the Angel pronounced Jesus’ birth, a multitude of heavenly host became visible to mankind as they praised Him! And what was Heaven’s response? Praising God and declaring: “On earth Peace, good will to all people!”  It was Joyous News to the shepherds out in the field watching their sheep by night. O saints, know the Good Shepherd watches you all through the night? It is His good pleasure to care for His flock! I hear the Psalmist in Psalm 100 “Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.” And the scripture goes on to reveal His desire concerning us: Vs4 ~ “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. Vs5 ~ “For the Lord is good; His mercy is ever-lasting; and His Truth endureth to all generations.” It is Jesus’ desire to commune with us, even in the night seasons of our life, and to reveal His expectation for us. His greatest desire is that we be ready for His Coming! He is coming again even as He came as the Child born and placed in the manager … the feeding place of the cattle. He is the one who desires to nourish us spiritually by His Word as He prepares us for eternal life. He will come in Rapture for His saints; He will come in death for His saints; He is coming! The prophets have forewarned us, this will happen. He will be born in Bethlehem! Micah 5: “Thou, Bethlehem, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” O the tidings of Great Joy that have been given to the believer who Loves the Lord with all their heart! The gifts He has given outnumber our thoughts! Love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, healing, joy unspeakable, peace, kindness, on and on go the precious gifts of our Saviour. The Angel promised it, Jesus has fulfilled it! And if we truly love Him with a full heart, tidings of great joy will fill our heart, our soul, and our spirit! “… with exceeding Joy. To the only wise God our Saviour, be Glory and Majesty, Dominion and Power, both now and ever. Amen.  Your Pastor

Monday, November 19, 2018

Grasshopper Mentality

The Message today comes from Numbers Chapter 13 and deals with the 12 men who were sent into Canaan to search out the “Promised Land!” These men had wandered with Moses in the wilderness.  They had eaten of the Manna, the food sent down from heaven. They had drank from the Smitten Rock, fresh water. They had witnessed the correction of God, the bounty of God, the remarkable fire of God, the cloud that followed them, the fire by night … yet they were blinded from the glorious power of their God! Read this Chapter again this week, it will inspire you. These men entered into this “Promised Land” at the Word of their God, the Lord God Jehovah! Probably everyone reading this knows what they found at the brook of Eshcol.  Vs23 “They came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two of them upon a staff.” And they proclaimed Canaan flowed with milk and honey and is a fruitful place. And here begins a sorrowful moment of unbelief.  As the men reported the glorious place which the Lord had provided for them, they were weaken by the giants that dwelt in the land. Their response to the God of all, who had sent them there was: the cities are walled and very greatthe People are huge and strong and “we be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.” Caleb sought to still their fear by saying “We are well able to overcome…” As the Israelite’s heard the report they lifted up their voice in victory? Noooo, they cried, they wept and murmured against Moses. This was the mentality of 10 of them; Vs33 “…we saw the giants, and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers!” And in my Spirit I heard: “For we walk by Faith and not by sight!”  This is a Scripture we must write upon our heart and place in our mind for the day in which we live! Loving you and Praying for you, Pastor

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Like a Shepherd


“Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him: behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He shall feed His flock like a Shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”  ~ Isaiah 40:10-11
Like a Shepherd! What is a Shepherd like? We know that Jesus has been called the “Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd, the Shepherd who is the Bishop of our soul! Knowing this, it should fill us with “that Joy!” The Joy that is unspeakable! This Joy causes us to know “He is working for our good!” These are the messages that God has put on my heart for this moment in time – today “Like a Shepherd,” Jesus teaches us great truths with natural things that we then might discern the Spiritual concept. Various times in Scripture the Shepherd is referred to, as one who cares for us, and guides us.  There is also great instruction from the Shepherd, the one who God calls to lead His flock. It is humbling to think that a Shepherd in the flesh can in any way be a leader as Jesus, who gave His life for the Sheep. As the natural Shepherd cares for the flock, so we learn Spiritual truths. There is nothing new under the sun so Scripture declares, yet everyday we dig into the Word of God, we find great treasures and depth of truth if only we will search for it. When a member of our church gave me the explanation of “Thou Anointest my head with oil” from Ps. 23. The Shepherd anoints the head of the sheep with oil, this is to keep the snarly insects away from their head, their eyes, their nostrils, etc. For the insects get into their head and drive them crazy to put it in layman’s terms. What a Spiritual lesson there is in that information he gave me. Like a Shepherd Jesus the Anointed one covers us. I hear in Scripture: Phil. 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” The Word of God is so powerful as we reach into It’s depth! Oh how we need the Shepherd of our soul in this hour! I find myself quoting daily … “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee!”  He is with us as Ps. 23 so clearly declares, even in the midst of our enemies and we know who the enemy of our soul is: He is a defeated foe! And even in the shadow of death He walks with us! It is my Prayer that God will pour forth His Oil upon His Church and invigorate the Body of Christ with His Love and Strength!  Loving Him and loving you, Pastor   ‘Jude 1:2’

Sunday, November 4, 2018

That Joy


“That Joy!” What Joy? I’m sure everyone who is a Born-Again Christian knows “Whose Joy” I am going to talk about. Perhaps “His Joy” is greatly needed in this day in which we live. The works of darkness excel, but there is no power greater than our God. I find myself being a bit more adamant today and opinionated, sometimes to a slow heat.  Difficult times call for Godly measures! But for the JOY that was set before Jesus, in the great stress of His earthly life, He was able to fulfill the Father’s desire. Our Father, who is our God has a great desire for us. He sent Jesus that we might have “Joy!”  Not an ordinary Joy, but “His Joy!” Our sins may be forgiven, Salvation is our portion, and His Love overflows toward us. We know this, but somehow we are tempted to doubt, worry, stress, and fear. This is the work of the enemy to detour our soul from Jesus’ Joy, His Peace, and the Hope that we have in Him. Jesus has removed our sins so far from us, we often forget to Thank Him for our Salvation. When we enter into a Thankful Spirit, remembering our Hope of Eternal Life, His Joy will overflow within us and His Joy is full! Perhaps we are often detoured from such thankfulness that the works of darkness cause us to lose hold of such a Powerful Joy! I love the Word of God in Jude 20-21 that reminds us: “Ye, Beloved, building up yourselves on your most Holy Faith, Praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep your-selves in the Love of God, looking for the Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto Eternal Life and of some have Compassion making a difference.” Scripture teaches us “His Joy” is unspeakable! When Jesus is first in our Life and Others second, something happens to Yourself!  Joy rushes in, revives the Goodness of Jesus’ Sacrifice, and hopefully we desire to be more like Him. Jesus is our greatest example of ‘caring for others’ – He was moved with Compassion on various occasions. This is because of His Father: We read in Micah 7:19 “God 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.”  God’s heart of Compassion for us caused Him to offer Jesus for our Salvation! Jesus Compassion covered us in His Cleansing Blood! Let us Rejoice in our Salvation, and be filled with His Great Joy sharing our Love with others! Loving you, Pastor

Awakened in the Storm


Fall is upon us, O glorious colors as the Lord lays to rest His creation for the winter season! Now Thanksgiving lies ahead of us and then the Glorious Advent of Jesus Birth. Begin now to prepare your heart for these glorious events and the wonderful opportunity to share Christ with your loved ones. It has been a stormy season and this has brought our Message today. The storms of life might rage, but we have a safe place in our God.  It is good for us to note the Works of God in our storm. The Psalmist encourages us that God does “wonders” in the deep. And in the Wisdom Literature of Proverbs we hear these Words: {8:28-29} “When God established the clouds above: when He strengthened the fountains of the deep: When He gave to the sea His decree, that the waters should not pass His Command-ment: when He appointed the foundations of the earth:” So much information God has given us in His Word that passes through our mind when we read, yet we need to stop and give glory to the Mighty Works of God’s Creation. Ps.95 We hear -- “In God’s Hands are the deep places of the earth: and He mentions the sea is His as He refers to the “deep places.” There are depths of His Everlasting Love that one day will be revealed to us. His Love toward humanity is overwhelming when you think of His Sacrifice, the giving of His Son. Such love walks with us through the storms of Life and the deep places of suffering. We’ll talk about “deep places” today and we will be reminded of His Word in Micah 7…. Who is a God like untoThee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, 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 our sins into the depths of the sea.  O Thank You Jesus!   Awaken our heart, still the storm and speak Peace to Your Children!  Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord;  Loving you pastor

I Will Build My Church

As we Celebrate 35 years together the Blessings of the Lord has surely overtaken us.  We remain a strong Church Family working together for the Glory of God. There are so many of you that labor with me in this work of the Lord! I sincerely want to thank each and every one of you for your faithfulness to the Lord, to our Church and to me. Having a hundred percent vote of confidence all these years means everything to me. God has truly been with us as we have married our youth, and laid our loved ones to rest in God’s Care. There is another Congregation of Commerce awaiting us in Eternal Life. I often envision our loved ones who have advanced to Glory as I come to the pulpit. I remember the place where they sat and their wonderful part in our Church Family. There is nothing so great as the Family of God! I truly believe that it was God’s plan for me to be your Pastor. I came to preach a couple of Sundays as you were looking for a Pastor. I thought I was just filling in on those two Sundays. There were other candidates for the Church. I was not a Pastor nor intended to be a Pastor, but I came.  After two weeks the board asked me to come again, so I came. At the end of the third week one of them asked if I was going home after church. I said yes I would be home. Before I got home, the Church had called me. I returned the call and they said “we would like you to be our Pastor.” I was overwhelmed and somewhat fearful. The rest is history, the vote took place and I have been here for 35 years! Through thick and thin we have worked together building the Lord’s House, and for His Glory! The first mention of Church in the Bible is in Matthew 16:18 where Jesus points out, He will Build the Church, it will be established on the Rock, His Son, Jesus Christ. It was on the Day of Pentecost that we hear of the Church once more. Acts 2:16-17 Peter rose up and quoted from the Book of Joel; the Old Testament Prophecy had come to pass …“It shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh:” O the glorious beginning of the Spirit Filled Church! I quickly learned the Church Calendar and after three years of Pastoring we ventured into the Pentecost season with a drama, and as the ones who were portraying the Disciples came down into the congregation speaking in tongues the Holy Spirit fell upon our Church! It was awesome! Saints were filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak in tongues. I will never forget that day! The glorious Words of Acts 2 rang out …   VS28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of Joy with Thy countenance. VS33 “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the Promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.”  VS42 [being very new at Pastoring I received the Message that God would Build the Church according to His plan, and this would be how He would do it, if we would …. VS42 Continue steadfast in Doctrine [The Word] and fellowship, breaking Bread and in Prayer! VS46 walking daily in one accord …VS47 Praising God, having favor with all people [our Community] and it is the Lord that will add to the Church. If we do all that we know to do, He will Build the Church and the gates of hell will not prevail, for we are victorious in Jesus Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit of God!  This is My story over these 35 years, always allow the Holy Spirit freedom, give time for Praise; break Bread often and teach/preach the Holy Word of God. It has been my Joy to serve this Body of Christ at Commerce Community Church. You have blessed me in so many ways and I love You dearly. There is no other way I would have wanted to spend the last 35 years, but serving you and my Savour!  Giving Thanks to Jesus for you!  Pastor

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Ascribe Greatness to Our God


The Message today comes from a Song that God gave to Moses and he sang it for the Israelites. In Deut. 31:22 Scriptures tells us that Moses writes a song in one day and charges Joshua to “Be strong and of a good courage:” In 44 verses the song talks about the “Greatness of God, Israel’s character toward God, His tender care for Israel, the Israelites lack of appreciation for God, the sins of Israel, God’s Judgment on Israel and concludes with … “Rejoice, O ye nations, with His people: for He will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance on His adversaries, and will be Merciful unto His land, and to His people!” Often, I am mystified at the doings of God, And His enduring Mercy! The song begins with a powerful thought that of God’s Doctrine is free and abundant. His instruction drops as rain, a drop at a time filtrating the mind and the soul of mankind. It lays for a moment on the heart as a dew, tender as it saturates the being of His people, then the showers come refreshing the ‘growth’ that has taken place. Now we catch a glimpse of God’s Greatness in Verse 3-4 I will publish the name of the Lord: Ascribe ye Greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of Truth and without iniquity, just and right is He.” O the Word of God is so precious! The song continues, and I hear Vs. 9 “For the Lord’s portion is His people;” Yet if you read the entire verses from 1 to 44 He laments that they “forsook God which made them, and lightly esteemed the Rock of their Salvation!”  So, the message today is “Ascribe Greatness to God!” I want to thank Him for the 35 years He has placed me in this house and this Ministry, the glorious things that He has wrought through our Worship and Service together. Next week I want you all to have an opportunity to “Ascribe Greatness to God” for what He has done in your life these 35 years! As we have worked together for Him. I’m looking forward to a glorious day of celebration, memories of loved ones who were a part of our Church Family who have preceded us into Eternal Life, and the testimonies of  God’s People  of His Faithfulness!   I’m a happy camper – camped out here at Commerce Community Church with you and Jesus!    Loving you, Pastor

Monday, September 24, 2018

I Am With Thee


Perilous Times are here even as the Lord Jesus has forewarned us in Scripture. Yet it seems humanity moves on without the knowledge that troublous times are approaching. Mark 13:7-8 we hear the Words of Jesus … “When ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.” Most Christians have read these Scriptures, but sometimes we scurry on through life not diligently giving attention to the times and seasons of God. We are nearing the end of the “Growing Season” on the Church calendar and soon the Thanksgiving Season will be here and then the Advent Season. In all seasons it is good to remember that God said: “…I Am with thee, and will keep the in all places whither thou goest …” Throughout the generations of time, God has revealed Himself as “always being with us!”  And Promising this as found in Heb 13:5-6  “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear …” It is so true that we are encumbered about with the ‘cares of this life’ until we sometimes forget “He is with us!” Even though the Message today talks of the Perilous Times to come, it also tells us that God is for us, and no weapon against us will prosper. God had Eternal Plans in store for His Children!  His thoughts that He thinks of us, are thoughts of Peace and to give us an expected end.  For when we call upon Him, when we commune with Him and Pray, He hears us and responds to our needs. He is the Everlasting God, more powerful then the Perilous Times, the troubled times, and the cares of this life. His Word tells us in Ps.5-6 For in the time of trouble He will hide me in His pavilion; in the secret of His Tabernacle and cause me to sing Praise! So in this season of “growing” we take in His Word, we hear His Promises afresh and we renew our Covenant with Him. We are strengthen against the works of darkness, and the things that perhaps easily beset us and we turn to the Power of our Christ, our Saviour, our Redeemer, our God who never leaves us nor forsakes us, but is our constant companion!For in Him we live, and move, and have our being! Loving you always, Pastor

Thursday, September 20, 2018

The Works of God, Questions


Questions, Questions, and many more Questions walk through our life and especially in these days of great changes in our society. Will America survive the total lack of respect for God’s Instructions? And then there are the troubles that haunt us in our lives. Do we find ourselves communing with the Lord only when we are in stress? When the trials are of great devastation do we wonder where God is? What about His Works in the earth that is, in the heart and the welfare of mankind? What goes on in our Spirit as we face difficulties? The Psalmist [77] asked these questions. God is so faithful to guide us in His Word. We see the difficulties of mankind over and over again. Job had many questions, as did his friends who questioned him. Have you ever been questioned about your belief in God or in the things of the Holy Spirit? We find answers in God’s Word. The Psalmist here begins to complain as he remembers God in his trouble. He says “I was troubled: I complained and my spirit was overwhelmed,” and then he pauses with a Selah.”  Perhaps he gave some depth of thought to his trouble and sought to encourage himself with “I call to remembrance my song in the night:” he began to commune with his own heart and his spirit made diligent search. In the time of Questions, we might just do that: Commune with our heart and search our spirit. There is never a doubt, God is for us, He will never leave us, we need only to seek Him with a sincere heart and He will bring us forth triumphantly! Pray, Commune with Him, and Search for Him in the crisis, He will always be found in His Word. The Psalmist asked, “Is His Mercy clean gone forever?” He soon responded: “This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the Right Hand of the Most High. I will remember the Works of the Lord: surely I will remember Thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. O Lord, let us remember!  ~Waiting for Jesus, and loving you, Pastor

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

The Works of God, Judgment, Hell

The Works of God are seen in His Word in many places and today we explore His Work in Judgment. Truth and Judgment go hand in hand. As much as He loves us, He corrects us and there is Judgment to the one who rejects God’s Son. It is true we don’t often preach on the subject of Hell. Hell is a real place, it is hard to think about “burning” for ever. Some might dismiss it as a mental thing, or some other way, but as we look at Scripture we see it is a place of torment and a place of reality. The mention of Hell comes right at the beginning of God’s Word: Job mentions it in 26:6 – “Hell is naked before Him, and destruction hath no covering.” Again in Deut. 32:22 “For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.” I believe most of all humanity has heard of hell, as you know, to some, it is one of their favorite words in adverse conditions. Little do they know they are speaking of a real place, a place of God’s Judgment. A place of horrid torment … David in the Psalms has knowledge of Judgment and Hell, [Ch.9] There we read: “The Lord is known by Judgment which He executeth: and the wicked is snared by the work of their own hands … The wicked shall be turned into Hell, and all the nations that forget God.  David pauses at this thought with a “Selah.” A study of Judgment and Hell quickly causes us to understand the words of Jesus, when He said “I Am the Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life.”  [John 8:12] We need the Light of Christ because the darkness of our society has become wicked and corruption of humanity is an all time high. We only have to read the Account of the rich man and the beggar in Luke 16. “The rich man ended up in Hell and we read he said: “I am tormented in this flame and he begged Father Abraham to tell his family, lest they end up in this place of torment.” In II Peter 2 we again hear of the Judgment and damnation; Vs 4 is powerful: “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to Hell …” In this Chapter we are reminded that God spares the righteous. Righteous meaning the one who is “right with God.” God delivered Noah out of the wickedness, He delivered Lot who was vexed with filthy conversation. Jesus is our deliverer, His Sacrifice is our Salvation! God is calling for His followers to come close and deliver the message of Judgment!  Loving you, Pastor

Monday, August 27, 2018

God's Works - Verity & Judgment


The Works of God are seen in His Word in many places and today we explore His Work in Verity & Judgment as spoken of in Psalm 111. It is a Psalm of Praise and gives reasons for Praising God with a “whole heart.” It also tells us this glorious Praise must be in the congregation of the upright. This is an awesome statement; there must be Praise in the midst of the congregation! This is a Truth! For Verity means: True, Steadfast, Sure, Faith and Agreement among other things. When Jesus said, “Verily, verily, He was giving a powerful meaning to His statement. In the Hebrew it meant: I Am speaking a Truth to you with an exclamation mark! There is no doubt in My Words.” Sometimes we read them, but we don’t take in the power of the Truth that is being said. Consider the Works of God. His Works are Eternal! In the eons of time John 16:28 Jesus tells us “I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again I leave the world, and go to the Father.” And then as we read Gen.1:1, we see the Beginning of the Works of God in the earth. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” The Message today is about Verity, verity, the Truth of God’s Works in the earth and in the hearts of His people. Here the Word of the Lord from the Book of Job: “God caused the Light of His Cloud to shine, He balanced the clouds and wondrous works of Him which is perfect in knowledge! ”The Works of God are often not known to us: From Eccl. 11:5: “As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. A good thing is to study His Word, for therein do we find the “Works of God!” John 6:28 admonish us “that we might work the Works of God by sharing the Life Giving Bread, which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ!” When Jesus was questioned concerning a blind man, they were told “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the Works of God should be manifest in him.And I love to report from the Scriptures “Speaking in Tongues is the “Wonderful Works of God!! ~ Acts 2:4-11. With all the Wonderful Works of God there is Judgment. Ps. 9:16-17 “The Lord is known by the Judgment which He executeth: the wicked is snared in the Work of His own hands.  Selah. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Thus the Message of God to the World, There is powerful Truth in Verity, and there is Judgment! Praying in the Spirit for you and loving you, Pastor

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Grace in the Wilderness


Grace, Glorious Grace, the most powerful commodity that ever given to a human! O let the Church be exceedingly thankful giving all Glory to our Lord Jesus Christ! Grace is: “Free and unmerited favor of God manifested in Salvation. It is the Salvation for sinners and Divinely giving favor and blessing.” This is such a small statement for the huge awesome power of God’s Unmerited Grace, given daily to every one who will believe in Him. The Wilderness is: “An uninhabited place of humanity, perhaps wild beasts; an empty pathless place; a bewildering situation to any who attempt to go there: Today’s Message is about the Wilderness experience that often occurs in the life of an individual. I’m sure it comes to all, but let us look at the Wilderness Experience that sometimes seeks to embrace the Christian.  Scripture reveals that Jesus was led of the Spirit into a Wilderness [Matt. 4:1] in Mark 1:12 we have a much stronger note, it says He was “driven” into the Wilderness. By this we learn, God had a plan for Jesus, a plan of preparation for His future. For in the Wilderness, it is a lonely place, perils of wild beasts, emptiness, and pathless-not knowing what is ahead. Jesus our greatest example has gone before us. Jesus experience in the wilderness lasted 40 days. Moses was led into the Wilderness and brought with him the Children of Israel. Their experience lasted 40 years! In Scripture there are many examples of “happenings” in the Wilderness. As I was in my devotions, I read in Jeremiah where God was dealing with the Israelites and the Prophet gave this startling comment: “The people which were left of the sword found Grace in the Wilderness!” And the Lord said unto them: “Yea, I have Loved thee with an Everlasting Love; Therefore with Lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Immediately my thoughts went to “our” Wilderness Experiences, when we feel alone, perhaps attacked by the enemy, and for a moment we feel empty, desolate and “pathless.” That does not understand the “trial of our Faith.” Our God gives us an awesome Grace in the midst of a Wilderness Experience and we ultimately are victorious in Him, coming forth in the power of the Holy Spirit. “Jesus came forth from His Wilderness experience in the power of the Spirit!” He is our strength and our Joy and we are empowered by His Spirit that lives in us. O Church receive the “rushing mighty wind of the Holy Ghost!” It will bring us triumphantly through the difficulties, the adverse circumstances, the loneliness, and the feeling of emptiness. God has a plan-a path for us as we come forth in the Anointed power of His Precious Holy Ghost!” 

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

What Adorns Our Heart

What does it mean to “Adorn our heart?” To adorn oneself is “to make more beautiful or attractive.” Perhaps the question is “Why Adorn our heart?”  Of course the answer is God sees out heart. It is more important what God sees then what man sees. But in today’s world it seems mankind is more concerned with what humanity thinks of them then what God Thinks of them.  Last week in Worship we examined the “Principal Thing” that God requires. Prov. 4:7-9 “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt Wisdom, and she shall promote thee: Wisdom shall bring thee to honour …” If the Principal Thing is Wisdom and then Understanding, that truly would be a “thing” of the heart and the mind … perhaps it could be called the “inward appearance of the Christian!” Today’s Message continues as we keep in mind the “Principal Thing --- Wisdom and Understanding.” As we continue in Prov.4. Our life is to be a “Shining Light that shines more and more!” We are admonished to “attend to God’s Word and incline our ear to Hear Him.” Vs23 continues: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of Life.” As God looks at our heart, it should be beautiful in Spiritual things as well as in the natural things of life. A Christian’s heart should be attractive to God, that is “pleasing to Him, beneficial in quality, able to lead someone to acceptance of Him.”  If our life is a “shinning path” and we are working each day at being a brighter image, let us hear the Words of Wisdom from God’s Word. 1 Peter 3:3-5 admonishes us concerning this very Principal; “let it not be the outward adorning, but let it be the “Hidden man of the heart, even the “Ornament of a Meek and Quiet Spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” The Ornament of the outward individual --- something that looks attractive but usually having no practical purpose, however the Ornament of the inward man is a quality of Grace, beauty and honour to the One who sees the heart.  As we understand Ornament it is a decoration that adorns our personage or our home, office, etc. But the question posed is: What Adorns our Heart? What is the Principal Thing that rules our heart? O Church may our Light so Shine that others may see Jesus in us as an Individual in whose heart Christ Lives supremely!   Loving you, Pastor

The Principal Thing

Let’s talk about “Principal Things!”  A “Principal Thing” – principal, meaning what is first in order of importance to us? Or, Who is the highest authority in our life? As we talk about “Principals Things” we think of the natural things that are important in our life. We also think of the People who are “Principal” or of great importance to us. The Word of God talks about “What is the Principal Thing!” Let us look at Spiritual Things, and meditate upon Proverbs 4:5-7 “Get Wisdom, get Understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the Words of my mouth. Forsake her [Wisdom] not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the Principal Thing; therefore get Wisdom: and with all thy getting get Understanding.” It is probable that as a Born Again Bible believing Christian, one has heard these Words before. Today we explore in depth the answer to “How to have Wisdom and Understanding” that we might please the Lord.” Job asked the question many years ago as he was being tried in his Faith; “Where shall Wisdom be found & where is the place of Understanding?” This discussion is found in the 28th Chapter of Job. There it talks about the “price” of Wisdom being more than gold, silver, rubies, coral, pearls, onyx, sapphire, crystal, etc. Many decisions encamp about us as we journey through the life that God has given to us and often we just make the decision without asking God for Wisdom and Understanding. Yet the “Principal Thing” is to seek His Wisdom and His Understanding in the issues of our life. There is great discussion in God’s Word pertaining to His Wisdom that will bring Under-standing to the difficulties that we often face.  He is a Holy God and desires to embrace us with His Holiness, Wisdom and Understanding. Note Prov. 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom: and the Knowledge of the Holy is Understanding.”  The problem is: We often forget that the Holiness of God should prevail in our life. For with His Holiness we can partake of Wisdom and Understanding. It is about our Fear of God and our Love to follow the example of Jesus Christ our Saviour. I encourage Ps. 111 this week in our devotions. 
Let us pursue His Holiness together, Loving you, Pastor

Monday, July 23, 2018

Flourishing in Christ

“Trees of Righteousness” Flourishing in Christ is a powerful statement! To Flourish has several meanings: Spiritually it means to develop a successful growth in the Lord, to be conspicuous, to shine!  A growth that proclaims Christ lives in us! We are not our own, but He is the Master of our Life. Scripture teaches Trees “flourish” – Grass withers! When one “flourishes” it is noticed! May we be noticed for our Spiritual condition is greater than, our physical condition or any negative characteristics that dwell in us. Christendom is fastly changing in our day as the Laws of our country seem to be defying God’s Law. As this occurs, the true meaning of living a life for Christ has dimmed in many areas of our society. Yet our Lord and Saviour remains the same, He never changes. We must “Flourish” in Christ so that others will see His righteousness in us. Righteousness simply means that we do the right thing. That we stand for right principles that we are not detoured by the “thoughts” of humanity, but we are focused on the Christ, which has Redeemed us.  I know that most of  you who read this column, are “Born again” saints, but we must stay focused on the Word of God and dwell in a realm of faith, trust, love, and right choices! As I focused on “Flourishing in Christ” I was immediately brought into the Word of God, what does it say about “Flourishing?”  The above Scripture in Ps. 92 gives us some thought: If we are to “Grow” like a cedar in Lebanon, surely someone who is not serving Christ will notice we are different. The Cedars of Lebanon were 100 feet tall with a circumference of about 40-50 feet. The Cedar’s fragrant wood was rot-resistant and knot-free, making it ideal for building purposes and greatly appreciated for its beauty. God is calling for “Trees of Righteousness” in this day.  His Word to us is found in: Isaiah 55:12 “For ye shall go out with Joy, and be led forth with Peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into Singing, and all the Trees of the field shall clap their hands.” We are His Trees of Righteousness! Loving you, Pastor

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Guest Rev. Ron Breese


Oh Let Us come into the Lord’s House with Rejoicing for His Love is awesome, and His Grace in our Salvation!  We are a Blessed people! We are the Creation of God! In my devotions this week it seemed the Lord pointed out to me some special things regarding “Let Us!”  I loved the thought of the family of God being seen as “Us!” and what was the Lord saying concerning “Us?” You will surely find out in the Congregational Reading today! The family of God is His “Beloved!” When the family of God walks together in Peace and Harmony it is truly a great blessing of honor to Him. I am so thankful for everyone of you!  We are a Family and I always feel the support of our Church family. God’s Word encourages … Let us sing unto the Lord – Let us make a Joyful noise – O Let us come into His Presence together and Praise His Holy Name!  Let us be Thankful, Let us be glad to go into the House of the Lord. How awesome it is when we Magnify our Saviour and exalt His Name together! It is like the Psalmist said in 133; Worshiping together is like the “precious ointment that ran down upon Aaron the priest; It is as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the Blessing, even life for evermore!”  The longer I live the more I love our Lord! There’s a song that says: “The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows…” Isn’t that the truth! Over and over the Lord is at our side, molding us, shaping us, bringing us into His image.  Sometimes it’s painful, sometimes it’s glorious, for sure it is always necessary for our Spiritual growth. Soooo… “Let Us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  As we have therefore the opportunity, Let Us do good unto all, especially unto them who are of the house hold of Faith.” Today I leave you with this powerful thought from Jeremiah 31:6-7 “For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and Let Us go up to Zion unto the Lord our God. For thus saith the Lord; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the Chief of the Nations: publish ye, Praise ye, and say, O Lord, Save Thy people, the remnant of Israel.” Let us lift up our heads for our Redemption draweth nigh! Loving you, Pastor

Monday, July 2, 2018

In God We Trust

Once again we celebrate the Freedom of our Country!  July 4th is a day that no one ever forgets! A day of great liberty for our Country. Yet the forces of darkness have set themselves to destroy the Works of God, the Creator of this Nation. I placed an article last week in the Bulletin called “Repairing The Nations,” which is a project of the American Family Association and comes with an urgent Call! Will God’s people take a moment to bend a knee in humility to Pray for our Nation?  All across the Land the Cry is going forth; “Christians come to God on your knees in Repentant Prayer for a Nation that is quickly falling into gross corruption.” The “Call2fall” is here, it is the 1st day of July, let us come to the Altar and reaffirm that our “Declaration of Dependence” and our Trust is in our God who will make His Country Great Again!  Does America truly believe in their voice, that says: “One Nation Under God!”  I think of the multitude of times that God and Trust are in the Lord’s Word! God is speaking to us concerning our Trust in Him. In just a few minutes I have passed through 10 verses of Scripture in the Psalms relating to our Trust in God.  As Christians it is part of our thought-life to Trust in God, but as I have noted in my own life, in the midst of crisis we really have to bear down in our heart and reach for our Trust in God!  Consider the meaning of Trust! “Firm belief in the reliability, truth and strength of someone! ”That someone is a Divine Being who created us! Can we accept this explanation of Trust for our Country? Will America place a firm belief in our Creator? Think about how important our money is to us, of course we don’t “love” it, but it is an important commodity, a value to us. And on that penny, it reads “In God We Trust! I have to smile; it is on a penny [and all monies]. When we are somewhat desperate, or have a ‘penny to our name’, it is then that we “Trust in God!” But how awesome it would be, if our thoughts were always focused on our Trust in God, just as an animated through running through our life daily. Even when David, the man whom God Loved greatly, his life was being pursued by the enemy, he penned a song of Trust. Ps. 40:3 “He hath put a new song in my mouth, even Praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.” O let the Church continue strong in their Trust of our God! Trusting God & Loving you, Pastor

Monday, June 25, 2018

To God Be All the Glory!


We continue to celebrate Pentecost throughout the month of June and our Prayer is “O Lord send the Fire of Your Presence upon Your people and Your land!” There is a special note in the bulletin regarding the Call2Fall! Please take note of this special time that the saints of God are calling for Unified Prayer throughout the Land. a day of “humbling and Praying” for our Nation and the leaders of our United States. It is our desire that God will be glorified in this action of His people.  And it is our Prayer that it will spark a fresh devotion of unified Prayer perpetually. God is to be glorified in His People! As we communicate with Him in all sincerity He is blessed and glorified. The Lord spoke to Moses in Lev. 10:3 – O hear His Words:  “This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be Sanctified in them that come nigh Me, and before all the people I will be Glorified.” God has set apart His people and consecrated them to righteousness and the failed to heed His Word. There is much discussion on the term Sanctified, but to simply put it forth is to say: God requires His people to be an example of the believer and walk in His way! Christianity has veered somewhat off the path today, but make no mistake God is still calling forth a people who will be Sanctified, that is set apart from the worlds system and a life that will Glorify the Presence of God in our life!  For All the Glory belongs to God, and He is seen as an awesome God when we Give Him all the Glory! Whatever accomplishments have happened in our life, it is because of His Love and favor. Today as we Worship let us give Thankful Thought to the life He has given us. We may have a bucket list unfinished, but it will fad in the beauty of His Holiness as we come into His presence and truly give time to Worship Him, to set as His feet as Jesus declared to Martha as she complained that her sister spent too much time at Jesus feet.  Jesus said unto her, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42. It blesses the heart of God when we Pray, when we Worship, and when we take time to sit quietly at His feet and give Him Praise! Let us kneel together on July 1.  ~Loving you, Pastor      

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Faithful Fathers


Happy Fathers Day to all our Fathers!  You are greatly appreciated in this Church Family!  May God’s Blessings overwhelm you today as you worship in the Father’s House! When Jesus’ parents finally found Him in Jerusalem talking with the doctors, they scolded Him and He said, “I must be about My Father’s business!”  As I meditated on this Passage of Scripture, I thought about the “Father’s Business!”  Our Father’s have a lot of business to attend to in life.  Jesus was preparing spiritually to be obedient to the Father’s business, and our Fathers must be prepared to do the physically business of God’s Children. And of course that includes Spiritual Business also. But there is a responsibility upon the shoulders of the Fathers. As we will see in Scripture today there are Fathers of Faith, Fathers of forgiveness, Fathers of Trust, Fathers of unbelief, and Fathers of obedience.  Abraham was a father of faith, He was challenged by God in various ways to exercise his Faith. He became the example of our Father God.  He was asked to sacrifice his only son. As he took his son to the place of sacrifice, his son asked: “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” No doubt everyone knows the Fathers answer: “My son, God will provide Himself a lamb.” Abraham was faithful to do the Heavenly Father’s business.  Joseph was willing to do the Father’s business in taking Jesus to raise as his own for a season. We see Joseph’s heart as they search for him in Jerusalem: When Jesus was found in the temple, Mary exclaimed: “Behold, Thy father and I sought thee sorrowing” We don’t often think of Fathers sorrowing, but truly there is a soft spot in their heart for their children. Then there is the Father that believed … A Father stopped Jesus on His journey one day and said: “Sir, come ere my child die.” Jesus replied “Go thy way, thy son liveth!” And the man believed, before he returned to his son, his servant came and exclaimed, “Thy Son liveth!” This Passage of Scripture continues to verify the fact that when Jesus spoke, it happened! Let me close with this admonition from the Lord to our Fathers … John 3:35-36: “The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand. He that believeth on the Son hath Everlasting Life.  Born Again Fellows, you are God’s son and you are in His hands!  Loving the saints, and praying for our Fathers, Pastor

Monday, June 11, 2018

Diversities


We are living in a generation of Diversity. Humanity can do whatever they want to do it seems. They can say whatever comes to their mind ... on Television, curse, mock our countries leadership, use examples of the Bible incorrectly for their own purpose. New sitcom called  “Living Biblically” ...  Diversities: this is a “Variety” of things  — the quality of having different forms, types or qualities; an assortment of; something differing from others of the same general kind.  Perhaps this is why we have a multiplex of Churches in our world, consisting of various beliefs and teaching a variety of doctrines – different denominations; a variety of Mission statements, and many combinations of beliefs concerning the Word of God.  The Revisions, they are just that, God’s Word Revised ... all this has brought about Diversity in our generation like no other generation.  Did you ever just watch the news and then wonder what world are you in?  One broadcaster tells you the tax program is no good, the next broadcaster tells you it is going to help you in a very big way. This is a Diversified generation! The variables are unending. Church life has changed and I’m resigned to say perhaps the Christian Life has also been diversified and changed to be more comfortable then the “fire & damnation” of the past.  But Jesus is the same, yesterday, and forever, He has not changed, nor has God Changed, He said, “I change not!” Jeremiah declared there is a “Sound of battle in the land, and of great destruction!”  It is a war against the Holiness of our God. While we are a country under God, the battle to take God out of our country is raging.  Disobedience to God is rarely taught and such punishment in not give a second thought. However the Word of God teaches us to come out from among the world and manifest Christ in our life. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; ”As we increase in Him, His Holy Spirit empowers us!  Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; It is better to walk in the diversity of the Holy Ghost, the gifts that has been given to the body of Christ then to follow the path of the world. O let the Church of Jesus Christ be alerted to the hour in which we live and stir up the gift of the Holy Ghost in our lives!    Loving you, Pastor

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Thy Great Power


God through Jesus Christ has empowered His People with the Holy Ghost! It is not a Power to rule, it is an inward Power of Spiritual Strength! The Old Testament speaks of God’s Great Power!  It is strength in our inner man.  Our Faith is stronger, our Hope is more trusting, our Love for God grows daily. As we see Jesus Ascend unto the Father, He leaves this Message … “Ye shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost comes upon you!”  Power to overcome those little things that detour you in your Spiritual Growth. Yesterday was good, tomorrow will be better, but is Spiritual strength growing? … In God there is Great power and “nothing is too hard for Him!” Christianity needs this Great Power for the day in which we live. We need to know of a surety that the Arm of God is stretched out toward His Children and … “Is anything too hard for the Lord?  When God’s Message reached Sarah that she would have a child in her old age, she laughed within herself. God’s response to that was: “Is anything to hard for God!” It is important to note the rest of God’s Word to her … “At the appointed time…” -- God has a time set in motion for the difficult season of our life. “At the Appointed time He said, I will return to thee, and you shall have a son.” There was a waiting process!  Ps. 27:14 “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” The waiting period strengthens us and tests the power of His Presence in our life. Sometimes it is hard for us to discern the Power of the Christ we serve. I love Nehemiah’s statement: “These are Thy servants and Thy people, whom Thou hast Redeemed by Thy Great Power! He was referring to the Israelites because of their disobedience, but it serves us well today as we see anarchy on the rise against God and Christianity. On day when the kingdoms of this world becomes the Kingdom of our Lord, we will Praise with the Elders and give thanks: “O Lord God Almighty, which art, and was, and art to come; because Thou hast taken to Thee Thy Great Power, and hast reigned!” Let the Church of Jesus Christ be alerted, He is Coming Soon! Loving you, Pastor

Sunday, May 27, 2018

The Promise of the Father


In the Old Testament God gave a Promise to the Israelites, it is called Abraham’s Covenant and it is awesome to read and to recognize that in the beginning of Holy Scripture we are included in God’s Plan. It is found in Genesis 17:1-7 to be brief let me quote Vs7 “And I will establish My Covenant between Me and thee, and thy seed after thee in their generations for an Everlasting Covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.” Here we need to stop and ponder this powerful statement that includes all the generations to come.  It was an Everlasting Covenant!  As we move into the New Testament we hear about the Promise of God being revealed through Christ.  In Christ we are Promised Eternal Life, this life has been Gifted with the Power of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the Promise of the Father!  Yet today it is not preached much in our Churches and when it is, it is like a mere statement that happened long ago. But wait, it is still in effect today!  Has the Church of Jesus Christ lost its power? We are called by Jesus to be Witnesses of Him and to receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost!  In Acts 1:4-5 listed above, we note Jesus Commanded them they should wait for the Promise of the Father! Perhaps this Command is not taken seriously in our Christian society today. If fact when it happened the ‘receivers’ were mocked! And those who looked on asked “What meaneth this” But Peter lifted up his voice and reminded them of the Old Testament Scriptures of Joel the Prophet: Joel 2:28-29: “It shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh;” Note Peter’s Words of the New Testament as he quotes from the Old Testament … As the Day of Pentecost arrives the Holy Ghost descends with a great sound, a rushing of a mighty wind and cloven tongues -- flames of fire! To this Peter responds: “This is that which was spoken by the Prophet Joel!” How has some portion of the Christ’s Church missed this “Promise of the Father” to them? Acts 2:39 declares: “For the Promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are far off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.  He is calling today, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying!” Note what comes with the Promise: Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.” Praying for the Holy Ghost to fall afresh & Loving You! Pastor