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
Thank you for stopping by my blogspot. God Bless You Today! Commerce Community Church http://smbcs.org
Sunday, December 16, 2018
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
great – the 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
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
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