Advent of Promise

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off,
even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” ~ Acts 2:39

        

As we come to this Special Holy Occasion, may our hearts turn toward God with great appreciation. It is the Birth of our Salvation. Jesus is the Advent of Promise! It was Promised of old by the Prophets of God that He would send forth a Saviour, born of a Virgin. We are the “receiver” of this Great Gift! Since it is the season of Gifts, let us give thanks for the many Gifts that came with our Salvation. The Gift of Mercy, The Gift of Grace, The Gift of forgiveness, The Gift of Love, and the Gift goes on and on … And then Jesus imparts to the Church and His People the Gift of the Holy Ghost! What a glorious season of Gift Giving we experience on a daily basis. Today we hear the grand old songs of the Church, the stable, sincere, Songs of Worship, that celebrate this season of our Lord’s Birth. We hear the instruments as they give glory to God and bring His Joy to the listener! Special Solo’s and then the Children’s moments to express the Birth of Jesus! We are small in number but sincerely mighty in Spirit and we celebrate with hearts full of Thanksgiving for God has sent His Son to Redeem us! One might ask, that is if they don’t know Jesus, why did He send His Son? The Word of God gives us the Answer! John 3:16-17 “God so Loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have Everlasting Life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be Saved.” And therein we have the Greatest Gift to mankind, Eternal Life! So Come Let us Adore Him, Christ the Lord!  Love Pastor

Thou Did Leave Thy Throne

    Thou did leave Thy Throne and Thy Kingly crown
Then Thou Came to earth for me;
In Bethlehem’s home no room was found
For Thy Holy Nativity:
O Come to my heart, Lord Jesus, There is room in my heart for thee!

Thou came O Lord, With the Living Word that should
set Thy people free; With mocking scorn,
And with Crown of throne, there is room at my side for Thee!
Emily E.S. Elliot ~ Timothy R. Matthews

The BENEDICTION

What Blessed moment in our History, the day Jesus Christ was born and delivered us from the Law. We give thanks for the Law, therein we see the Revelation of all the Prophets, a Virgin has conceived, and we are a receiver of so Great a Salvation. Oh Lord we ask for our families today, that you would draw them with cords of Love that they might know you! We give thanks for Your Birth Lord Jesus and we give thanks for Your Resurrection as the man sent from God to Redeem us. We Bless Your Birthday today, and we sense the power of Your Promise to return for Your people!  We await the Day of Your Coming again, may we all be ready! We ask these things in the Name of the Father, His Son, and the Power of the Holy Ghost!  Amen

“Advent of Joy & Eye Witnesses!”

 “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with Power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him. And we are Witnesses of all things which Jesus did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:”  ~ Acts 10:38-39

How Important do you think a Witness is??? Stop and give this some thought – the importance of a Witness!  It is hard for mankind to receive the Message of Christ, yet there were a multitude of “Witnesses!” – Eye Witnesses!  Consider the Witnesses that saw Christ heal the sick, the lame, and the moment that He cast the devil into the swine.  Think of the Witnesses that saw Him on the Cross – The Witnesses that saw Him alive after death!  Nothing about God was done in secret, it was open and Witnessed! And today we are His Witnesses, for He has Commissioned us - Acts 1:8  “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” This Precious Gift has been sent to those who will receive it – it is the Power of God that gives us boldness in our Journey of Faith, it requires Obedience to push forward and receive it, It is the Power of the Holy Ghost! Today we look at the First Witnesses who saw Jesus beside His Mother and Father. The Angels of heaven look on as this Holy Occasion begins to open … An Angel of the Lord is sent to give the Message to the Shepherds. They are quietly watching their flock by night when the Angel appears with the Message: “Fear not, for, Behold I bring you good tidings of Great of Great Joy, which shall be to all people! For unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord!” The Shepherds were frightened as the Angel appeared and the glory of the Lord shone round about them … Soon there was a multitude of the heavenly host Praising God, and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth Peace, Good will toward men.” Thus we have the first Witnesses, “Eye Witnesses” to the Christ born in the Inn, & laid in the manger. We also have record that a star appeared in the East and Kings are on their way to Worship the New Born King. Christmas is a season of “Great Joy!” I want to encourage the saints to not be ‘tempted’ about ‘things’ in this Holy Season, but to experience a fresh Joy of the Holy Ghost! O saints hear  this -- Acts 2:28 “Thou has made known to me the ways of life; Thou shalt make me full of Joy!”

Wishing you a “Joyous” Christmas,   Love Pastor

An Advent of Faith

“The Grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant
with Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus.”  ~ I Timothy 1:14

There is so much to be said about “Faith!” When you pursue “Faith” in the Scripture, there are 247 mentions of “Faith!” As we think on Advent and the decisions that were made by Mary and Joseph, we recognize the Power of Faith that moved them.  It was the Holy Ghost at work. There are so many teachings out there in this area of Faith, that I must muster of Faith to bring forth this “Advent of Faith!” Often there seems to be a mystery that surrounds “Faith” but today we look at simplicity of simply believing in God, Trusting His Word and walking out our life for Him. Faith to me is a walk, not so much a commanding, if you understand what I mean. Again we look at Mary as this Advent unfolds. For a moment let us follow Mary as she begins her walk of Faith toward the Birth of Christ. There usually seems to be a “conformation” when we take on a Faith Walk for the Lord. It might be a huge conformation, or it might be a small Word of God in season coming out of nowhere, like a friend, or a statement in a sermon, we turn to a Passage of Scripture that pops out and speaks to us, etc. Mary’s conformation came when she visited her Cousin Elisabeth. Miraculous things were happening to Elisabeth, she was older and had been barren when the Angel of the Lord appeared unto her husband. We’re talking about an Advent filled with the Power of the Holy Ghost! It is an Advent of Faith, Faith to believe in God’s Promise, even to us! What glorious Miraculous season of Advent. Holy Ghost is at work! Zacharias, Elisabeth’s Husband was a Priest and He was standing at the Alter when the Angel Gabriel appeared unto him with a powerful Message. Interesting; The Angel said: “Thy Prayer is heard: they wife shall bear a son and thou shall call his name John.” Hear Zacharias response: I am an old man, and my wife is well stricken in years! This leads me to believe the Prayers they had prayed was some time ago. Now these Prayers were happening!  Sometimes we think God does not hear us but be assured He is always listening, and in His Timing and according to His Will our Prayers will bear fruit!  This is a perfect example of God’s timing. John would be the one who proclaimed to masses, “Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world!” The Conformation: When Mary arrived at her Cousin’s and Elisabeth heard her greeting: “The babe leaped in her womb; Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: she spake out with a loud voice … Blessed art thou among women, and Blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Whence is this to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? All these things are a part of a Glorious and Miraculous season of Advent!  Loving U, Pastor        

Be Ye Thankful!

“Let the Peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in One Body; and be ye Thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all Wisdom; Teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Singing with Grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in Word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”  Col. 3:15-17

As the Body of Christ, Scripture tells us that Peace should rule in our heart and we are commended to be “Thankful!” Because the Word of Christ dwells in us! We are to admonish one another in Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs.  It is about the Grace of God that rules in our life. When I think about God’s Grace, it overwhelms me. It is also interesting that the Word of God calls for Hymns, yet it seems today there are masses of saints pulling away from Hymns and considering them archaic, old music. There is great purpose here as we meditate upon the Hymns we sing in our Church. Songs written from the heart directed by Spirit of God are a gift to the Church. When we sing them, there is a sense of the Holy Spirit which brings dedication to our heart. The whole world is captivated by “Amazing Grace” I have heard it often in my youth in the tavern as I would get my Father to take him home. “Are You Washed in the Blood?” a grand old song with a Salvation Message. When sung it tugs at your heart and reminds you of the cleansing power of God. Hymns are appropriate for the Church of our Lord. Spiritual Songs of thanks, Spontaneous lifting up one’s voice as the Spirit of God fills their soul. They are exhortation given in song perhaps, and the singing of the Psalms from the Word of God. Hymns, Psalms Spiritual Songs enlarges His Grace in us and a Spirit of Thanks pours forth from our soul. I hear the strands of Music as the Palmist declares …”I will enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with Praise – and be thankful unto Him … it seems music, singing, and Hymns are often included with the Giving Thanks! A song of Praise erupts as we give thanks for a Faithful God. In the Old Testament, Ezra gives us a glorious rendition of Thankful Praise! He is talking about an event that took place regarding the temple and he says: “They sang together by course in Praising and Giving thanks unto the Lord; because He is good, for His Mercy endureth for ever …. And all the people shouted with a great shout, and Praised the Lord ...!” Ezra 3:11. Let us be Thankful until a Song of Praise fills our heart and soul … are we willing even at midnight to rise and give Thanks? O Church be ye Thankful, let a Song of Thanksgiving arise in your heart for the Lord is Good, His Mercy endureth forever … O give Thanks at the remembrance of His Holiness! Desire the Song of the Lord to Reign in your being! And be ye Thankful!      You are in my Prayer, and Loved, Pastor

His Promise

“The Lord is not slack concerning His Promise, as some men count slackness; but is Longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”  ~ 2 Peter 3:9  

From the Pastor Study: What a powerful Scripture as we look at Second Peter 3:9. To think that the Lord is Longsuffering toward us – it touches my heart. God is not willing that any should perish! His desire is that all will repent. Meditate upon this -- God’s great burden is for Israel.  Zech 12:1 “The burden of the Word of the Lord for Israel” – And God reveals He stretched out the heavens and laid the foundation of the earth. God’s Creative Power is ever-present working, as Jesus said, “My Father worketh hitherto and I work!”  God’s preservation of things which He created is continual. He upholds everything by the Word of His Power and He is ever ready to hear our petitions when we bring them before the Throne of Heaven. Prophets continually remind us of the Creative Force of God. Amos 4:13 “For, lo, He that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is His thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The Lord, The God of Hosts, is His Nname.” God stretches out the heavens every day afresh, and every day He lays the foundation of earth, which, if His power did not uphold the earth, if would move from its orbit, and fall into ruin! I say all this for we need to remember the Power of our God when He makes a Promise to us. His Promise is powerful! Have you noted we know more today than yesterday? The knowledge of the Lord is being revealed from day to day even as it is in the world.  Next statement is worthy of a Selah [stop and think] “He formeth the Spirit of man within Him.”  God has formed His Spirit within us! 1 Cor 2:12 “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” To know the Promise is to the Gentiles [us] is revelatory to us! The Power of the Creative God has said in His Word – Gal 3:14 “The Blessings of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the Promise of the Spirit through Faith!” And what is the Promise? 1 John 2:25 “This is the Promise that He hath Promised us, Eternal Life.” The Promise of the Old Testament is found in Isa. 7:14, and 9:6” And to us Matt. 1:23 – Wishing you a wonderful Winter season as we wait for Christ’s Return.  Loving you, Pastor

Road Work Ahead

“I must Work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day:
the night cometh, when no man can work.”  ~ John 9:4

I’m sure everyone has seen a sign “Road Work Ahead? Our response is usually, O no! There are detours, lost of time, long lines sometimes/waiting, etc. Do these things sound familiar?  We are on a Spiritual Journey, and the enemy of our soul often plants things in our path to detour us from the Work that God has for us. Today’s Message is about our Road Work. What can we do for Jesus/Kingdom as we travel toward Eternal Life. We must overcome the detours, have patience while waiting, and “Work!”  So then we become “Doers!” Jesus was a “Doer” of His Father’s Will and ultimately obeyed God’s Word! Jesus’ road was most difficult, on His Journey to the Cross He “Worked!” The end of His Journey was suffering, shame, and crucifixion. Yet Jesus persevered & “Worked” on His Journey!  He paved the Road for our Journey to end in Eternal Life! Today we want to explore what it means to be a “doer” of the Word of God. It is a simple thought, but not so simple to do. It is time to be a “Reaper of the Harvest that awaits us!” It is not popular today to be a Christian Leader. It is great in the Church but when we get out of our comfort zone, it seems more difficult. A good place to start or continue whatever the case might be is – to notice, to be alert, to request the Lord to open our eyes, and our understanding, that we might grasp the opportunities that arise. We are living in a “self” society!  To be a “doer” of the Word, we must hear, we must see – Spiritually! Perhaps our eyes, our understanding is not fully opened – you know, the shades are nearly closed, drooping…. In Ex 31:3 we read God looking at a certain man and God said: “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in Wisdom, and in Understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship” … I love this – because Scripture goes on to say why He has so gifted this man: VS4-5 Sooo “he can “Work” in gold, silver, brass, he can cut stones and carve timber… wait for it … to “Work” in all manner of workmanship.” He was gifted with purpose to Work! What kind of work can we do for the Lord as we travel down the Road toward Eternal Life? If there ever was a time that we must to be busy for Him, it is now! “While it is day, for the night cometh, when we can not work.”  Sincerely Loving U! Pastor

Faith at the Cross

Consider the Faith that shadowed the Cross! Can we even comprehend the idea of “Faith” being on hand as the Crucifixion is taking place? Yet John stood there Faithfully embracing the moment. He had followed Jesus. The rest of the Disciples had scattered in the fearful moments that followed. It is probable that each of us at sometime have had such a “crossing” a painful moment, a disturbing crisis, a trying and troubling situation and fear knocked at the door and we crossed over into anxiety and fear. Perhaps we sought some mechanism, some out or some place or person to hide out with to escape the crisis – a cross. I say this because we hear the Words of Jesus telling us to “take up thy cross and follow me.” Perhaps we have had moments where we felt the cross was too heavy, or we could not go another step … again we look to Jesus and the road that He trod. We see His Faith as He continues to pursue His Father’s desire. The beating, the mocking, the weariness, they let him away to Crucify Him. Movies often show Jesus falling and struggling, but Scripture does not tell us He fell beneath the load, it tells us – “As they came out, [the soldiers, Jesus, and the crowd that followed] they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, him they compelled to bear His Cross.”  Could this be an example to us?  When we hear Jesus say, “take up thy cross and follow me?” Simon finished Jesus’ journey to the Cross and now we must carry the cross of Salvation for the world is fast paced toward the end of all things. Faith is the things hoped for – the evidence of things not seen. Jesus’ Faith in the Father’s plan would be the evidence that we now “trust” – Eternal Life. What Faith Jesus had as He proclaimed to the man on the other cross … “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise.”  Jesus Faith enduring the Cross abolished death, and brought life and immortality to us. May we have the Testimony of Faith in these trying times as we remember the men and women who walked before us.  In Faith we hear the Spirit say to John, write … “Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the Testimony of Jesus: Worship God: for the Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.  And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True. He was clothed with a vesture dipped in Blood: and   His name is called The Word of God.” Jesus Faith prevailed!     Loving you, Pastor

“Torment – Perfection?”

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; ~ Philippians 3:10

What a glorious day in which we can be called the “saints of God, His Friend!”  While we look around us and see the signs of the time; fires, earthquakes, devastation in our land, hate spewing out, and torment on every hand, we know that no weapon formed against us will prosper!  We see hate in our land, huge quantities of violence and the works of darkness springing forth with great vigor. But let us focus on the power of our “Mighty God!” I read in Joshua 23:14 these Words from God: “Behold, this day I Am going the way of all the earth: and ye now in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you: all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof!” Here is a Powerful statement: “The enemy of our soul seeks to torment us, while our God turns His Love upon us and this Love perfects us! God’s love is more powerful then the torment of the enemy. As we look over the avenue of our life and note the struggles, we also note that we have survived and God has not failed us, He is working His perfection in our difficulties. While the enemy’s desire is to torment us, deceive us, and breed his ill will toward us – God’s Love is perfecting and proving us! This is ironic, let me point to the 11^th Chapter of Hebrews Vs 27-40; "They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; [Of whom the world was not worthy]: they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the Promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” Our forefathers in the Faith paved the way for the Promise to become a reality in our Life. That Promise being Jesus, the One who shed His life Blood for our Salvation. Out of their torment and Faithfulness, we received the Blessing of Eternal Life. John the Beloved and Friend of Jesus writes under the Anointing of the Holy Ghost and declares: “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son … If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit.” In moments of torment, let us remember God’s Word to us, for it is our strength and power for that moment. Hear the Word of Lord … “Whoso keepteth His Word, in him verily is the Love of God perfected: hereby we know we that we are in Him!” – “Herein is our Love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment … There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. We love Him because He first loved us!” O saints these are the “proving days” the sincere days of our “overcoming” and the sharing of our testimony in Christ! Loving you and keeping you in Prayer, Pastor

Dr. Greg Wood, from Mexico

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

We had an awesome wonderful Anniversary Celebration, thank you so much, I feel exceedingly loved!  Special Thanks to the Church Board and all of you who came to celebrate with me. The years of our friendship have been rewarding and prayerfully the Lord has been blessed with all we have accomplished in the Ministry at Commerce together. I will be going on vacation this next week and Bro. Randy Goerndt with be with you in service next Sunday. Please know I am a call away should you need me. [515-201-8657 And it won’t bother me at all if you need to call me.]  My Jewelly is available if you need something and she will be blessed to serve you.

Today my Son in the Faith is with us to share about the Orphanage in Mexico. His daughter Alma will also be with him. It is always a joy to hear the news of the children and have Alma share with us too. We are working with Dr. Wood to establish an online Bible College. Of course this blessed me greatly. We have shared our studies and prayerfully they will reach the nations once again through the Ministry of Fountain of Life.

“Prayer is the mighty engine that moves the Mission work!”

I am grateful that God has placed a Prayer team in our House. Please know you can call the church for Prayer. Prayer is a powerful strength that God has given to His People – to think we can come boldly into our God’s Presence through the vehicle of Prayer. His ear is always open to us and His arms outstretched to carry us if need be. The Prayer team meets every Tuesday Am at about 8 o’clock. You can always call a few minutes before 8 and they will Pray for you as they gather together. If no one answers leave a message they will get it before Prayer.  Full of Thanksgiving, Pastor

Our Mighty God

“The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” Job 33:4  -- “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:”  Job 5:17

  

From the Pastor Study: We have seen in Scripture that God fulfills His Will to us.  He Promised a Redeemer and Jesus became our Saviour. A Mighty God created us, He made the Heavens and the earth, He is above all and in all!  “There are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every one to profit withal.” [I Cor. 12:6-7]  -- Because we have a Mighty God! As we pursue the Almighty God in Scripture it is awesome to see His Power and Promise.  He dwelt with His people in the Old Testament and yet His dealings continue to meet the needs of His people now in the season of the New Testament, a time in which we live! There were wars and rumors of wars, multiple wars as God moved His people through the pages of the Old Testament. And today the rumors continue. But we have a Mighty God who is for Justice, and Truth! I love this Passage of Scripture that I ran across in this Message:  Gen 49:24 “His bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob; from thence is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel:” Awesome to see Jesus as the “Shepherd Stone!”  And in the Old Testament. In Jesus we have a “Mighty God!” Let us remember that while God is Mighty in our behalf, He also is the Judge of all that we are. The Book of Revelation speaks a lot about this Mighty God as we see the end approaching. Revelation reveals a picture of this Holy God: [4:1-5] John beheld Him … “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. Immediately I was in the Spirit: and, behold, a Throne was set in heaven, and One sat on the Throne. He that sat was to look upon like a Jasper and a Sardine stone: and there was a Rainbow round about the Throne, in sight like unto an Emerald …This would be the Mighty God of Israel! And what followed is a Promise unto all generations: There was a sea of glass mingled with fire: and there stood the victorious ones standing on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. A voice came out of the altar and said, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, True and Righteous are Thy Judgments! There was no temple, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the Temple! The Elders proclaimed: “We give Thee Thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art and was and is to come; because Thou hast taken to Thee Thy Great Power, and have Reigned!”  Loving You, Pastor

What is Acceptable?

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”  ~ Romans 12:1-2

I have a great burden for the Lord’s Church, there are many changes in our world, the government, and socially. It has affected the Lord’s Church. What is on my heart today is “What is Acceptable?” What is Acceptable in our life today? What does the Word of God teach us. Have you noticed that there is an “unteachable” spirit in our world today and in our youth? We know the Word of God tells us that a child needs the rod of correction: All through Proverbs, the Wisdom Literature of Scripture, we hear the Spirit of God calling, “My Son, hear the instruction of thy Father, and forsake not the Law of thy Mother.” – “Hear Counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” – “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a Father and attend to know understanding.” I feel this deep in my spirit as I have pastored these many years and have witnessed great loss, and suffering because of “not hearing, and not understanding. When Scripture says; “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a Father … can we receive this as a Message from our Father in Heaven? For the Word of God is our road map through this earthly journey! Laws are changing, can we obey Laws that are against the Word of God?  Is the Word of God the manual of leadership in our life? Today’s Message is thought provoking and Prayerfully we will meditate upon “What is Acceptable” for the life of a Christian, for the life of God’s Church, for our Christian Family?” Choices, decisions, conclusions … What is Acceptable in the sight of God. The wisest man except for Jesus was Solomon and he wrote in the Scripture: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His Commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” There is a lack of the “fear of God” that is respect for God’s Word today. The Church has begun to follow the pattern of the world. It seems the Body of Christ wants “out of the box” – a worldly term used in the Church today. Church has become a theater, boutiques, entrainment, coffee – “What is Acceptable to God’s Holy House? What is Acceptable in the life of a “Born Again Believer?” The Lord speaks to us from His Word: “Ye, as lively stones, are built up a Spiritual House, and Holy Priesthood, to offer up Spiritual Sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ!” [1 Peter 2:5] We also see in Scripture that the Kingdom of God is meant to be … righteousness, peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost. For they that in these things serve Christ, this is acceptable to God! [Rom. 14:17-18] Can you hear the voice of the Lord … “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”  -- What is Acceptable to our God? –

“God is most Satisfied in us … When we re most Satisfied in Him!”

Loving you and meditating upon God’s plan for this hour, Pastor

Fruitful in Every Good Work!

“Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect Law of Liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a Doer of the Work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”  ~ James 1:22-25 

From the Pastor’s Study: Our Message today challenges us to please the Lord and be Faithful in Every Good Work!  Attached to that command of the Lord is “Increase in the Knowledge of God.”  I have said so often how much we need the Word of God – this Scripture goes on to tell us why! That we might be strengthened with Might, because there is a Glorious Power that come thru the Knowledge of God’s Word. It is this strength that carries us forward in the midst of crisis. What do we need this “Might” for?  That we might have Patience, be long-suffering, and with Joyfulness!  I can’t say I am always Joyful in the midst of God requiring Patience or Longsuffering.  So we must increase ourselves in the Word of God and be “Fruitful in Every Good Work!  It is always a great + when we Give Thanks to our Heavenly Father in all the circumstances of our Life! For He has made us Partakers of an Inheritance in the Salvation – The Light, of His Only Begotten Son! Here is a powerful explanation of “Might!” Webster defines Might as:  Power, Authority, Energy, Extreme, Extraordinary; Resources wielded by someone such as the Armed Forces … Oh, what a “Mighty God” we serve. More powerful then all the Armed Forces put together!  The Church of Jesus Christ need this Strength in this hour!  His Church must stand against the evil forces of our day and be “Fruitful in Every Good Work!”  What is the work that we are called to do? I see two areas where we can work for the Lord. First in Spiritual Work and then in Physical Work. A Most powerful Scripture that points us to the Spiritual Word is found in James 1:22 “Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only” -- There are forgetful hearers and then there are those who are not forgetful of this command of the Lord and the “doer” is one who shall be blessed in their deed! Jesus is our Greatest example “He went about doing good!” [Acts 10:38] I hear the Words of Jesus in John 9:4 “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” There is also the “Labour of Love” mentioned in Heb. & 1 Thess. God’s Covenant to Abraham was: Gen. 17:6 I will make thee exceedingly fruitful!        Loving You, Pastor

The Song of the Lord

“Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the Altar. And when the burnt offering began, the Song of the Lord began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by David king of Israel.”
  ~2 Chron. 29:27

As I prepared a Message I reached into the Psalms, the Song Book of the Church. And there in Ps. 34:1 I read “I will bless the Lord at all times: His Praise
 shall continually be in my mouth.”  My mind went quickly to last weeks Message when we read from 2 Chron. 29. The Congregation of Israelites sang the Song of the Lord while all the sacrificed animal flesh burned. Not only did they Sing, the Trumpeters, and Musicians played during that lengthy time!  So when I read in Ps. 34 David’s statement; that the Lord’s Praise would be continually in his mouth, the Spirit of the Lord nudged me to give this Message. I love what the Lord is doing today, He continues to guide me in the Scriptures for the Messages to the Body of Christ.  An explanation of “Continual” is: C “Continual Implies enduring existence often through constant renewal – reoccurring thoughts without fear …” As I meditated on this -- hmmm “Continual Praise!” The prompting of the Holy Spirit was: Think of how “Continual” our God is! He is full of Continual Compassion, His Mercy, His Grace, His forgiveness, His Truth – how thought provoking is the thought of “Continual Praise?! “Singing the Song of the Lord in our heart Continually!” David “sang” in the midst of distress, He sang when Saul tried to murder him, he sang when he was discouraged, and he sang when he was near fainting in the midst of his crisis! Ps.27 is a Song of great distress, a time of discouragement that David was going through, he recalls; “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the Goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Then he encouraged us to “Wait on the Lord!” We have all had times of waiting, and here, we are encouraged to wait, to remember the Goodness of the Lord in Continual songs of Praise.  What a time of waiting, if we could do it with Continual Praise! “Enduring through constant renewal!” Renewing ourselves in our Faith, our commitment to Christ, and Continually with a Song of Praise in the depth of our heart! What a “Continual God” we serve! The Psalmist wrote in the 52^nd Ps. “… the Goodness of God endureth Continually!”  O let the Church enter into the Continual Song of the Lord! And Sing His Praise “more and more” Ps.71    Loving everyone of you!  Pastor

“Deep calleth unto deep …the Lord will command His Loving kindness in the daytime, and in the night His Song shall be with me and my Prayer is unto the God of my life.”  ~ Ps. 42:7-8

A Call for Sanctification

“For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is Sanctified by the Word of God and Prayer. For bodily exercise profited little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having Promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”   ~ 1 Tim. 4:4-8

In my devotions and Prayer I heard the Lord say “I’m calling for Sanctification.” And my first thought was O Lord, please don’t ask me to peach on this subject. But as I Prayed I knew it was a holy moment and God was speaking in my spirit and calling me to sanctify my life a fresh. Then I must speak this Message to Lord’s Church. It is easy to get caught up in the corruption of our world today. Our conversation sometimes moves in slang words and critical attitudes. God’s guidelines have been annihilated and this has a great effect on His Church. I was led to John 17 – In Jesus Personal Prayer to His Father, in this intimate Passage of Scripture, our Lord Prays for us. Jesus reminds His Father, He has given us His Word – then He Prays for us: Vs9 “I pray for them: I Pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are Thine.” As we move through this Chapter, We hear Jesus Pray …Vs 17 “Sanctify them through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth.”  And the Lord’s desire for us is: “I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in One; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast Loved them, as thou hast Loved Me.” There is an Old Testament Sanctification and then we see Sanctification in the New Testament. Check out 2 Chronicles 29. Hezekiah comes into Kingship and He calls for the Priests and the Levities to sanctify themselves and the Temple and ultimately the congregation of the Israelites. This immediate Call for Sanctification of the Temple and God’s people in the Old Testament is quite unique. It required the following: Seven bullocks, seven rams, seven lambs, seven goats. These animals must be killed and their blood sprinkled on the Altar. The Sacrifices were to be burned and The Priests and Levites were to bring all manner of instruments and when the burn offering began, Vs27, “the Song of the Lord began with the instruments and all the Congregation worshiped, and the Singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: and all the congregation continued until the burnt offering finished!” And today we will explore the New Testament meaning ‘to be sanctified.’ As I Prayerfully pursued Sanctification and its meaning I knew the Lord is speaking to His Church in preparation for His Coming. His Great desire is that we will set ourselves apart from the world and be a witness of Who He is in our life! And that we will pursue His Holiness and to pursue His Righteousness, that our desires might be acceptable to our Lord and Saviour. With the Old Testament thoughts in mind, how awesome is the New Testament Sanctification?! Jesus Blood is our cleansing power, and His Mercy and Grace is readily available to all who desire to be Set Apart for Him!  Loving you and Pursuing Him, Pastor

The Father's Comfort

“Honour thy father and mother; which is the First Commandment with Promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” ~ Eph. 6:2-3

What a wonderful occasion to give honour to our Fathers and to Bless them. The Word of God talks a lot about Fathers in Scripture, some were good, some not so good. Of course we immediately see our Father God who is the Comfort of all humanity. His Comfort is full of forgiveness, Loving- kindness, Hope, and resounds in Joy as He sings over us. We are His Beloved and ever on His mind. Today as we give Honour to our Fathers, we remember our Heavenly Father and His Love that has been given to us in Jesus Christ our Saviour. We also know that there are those who have not experienced the depth of a Father’s love for some reason or other, but know this that God says He will Comfort You and His Comfort is Faithful and endures to all generations! The Father’s Comfort is always reassuring! God continues to comfort His people, in all the circumstances of our life He never leaves us, He never forsakes us, He is always there.  It is most amazing to see His Love for Israel, for they so often failed Him and to this day His desire is to draw them unto Himself.  It is His desire to bring a Peaceful rest to His Church, His People, a supernatural rest edifying our Spiritual being. He desires us to walk in the power of His Word and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost as He multiplies His Grace to us. A Father is our protector, who hides us from the fears of the day, He is an unseen strength that positions himself as the head of our family;  so our God is also the One who comforts us with -- Ps. 27:5 “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a Rock.” So many times He has hid me from the hurts and disappointments of this life, and our Father God will do the same for you! I Thank God for every one of you Fathers and Pray for God’s Power and Comfort to always be your portion. Happy Father’s Day! 

God's Memorials

“God said … I AM THAT I AM …The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.”  ~ Exodus 3:14-15

Let us give Thanks unto our Lord Jesus Christ for all the soldiers who have served and those who have given their life in our Country throughout the many years of America’s Freedom.  It is sincerely a time to Let Freedom ring! Not just as someone who is patriotic but also as a Liberated Christian! It is truly a day of Memorials. Heaven is filled with the warriors who have died for freedom and it is filled with our loved ones; a grand reunion awaits the Day of the Lord, when we will be together at the Bridegrooms Table in Eternity! Today we focus on God’s Memorials as set forth in His Holy Word, He is the God of Memorials! The Old Testament is full of Memorials, some 32 mentions of His Memorials. To name a few:  It is first recorded in Ex. 3:15 He tells us “My Name is forever, and this is My Memorial unto all generations.”  In Ex. 28:29 “Aaron shall bear the names of the Children of Israel in his breastplate when he goeth into the Holy Place, for a Memorial before the Lord continually.” God remembers Israel! Esther 9:29 “these days of Purim should not fail among the Jews, nor the Memorial of them …”  This is the day that God used Esther to save His Chosen Jews. The Psalmist records [135:13] “Thy Name, O Lord, endureth forever; and Thy Memorial, O Lord, throughout all generations.” Hosea 12:5-6 “Even the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is our Memorial. Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep Mercy … and wait on thy God continually.” Joshua was commanded to place stones in the waters of Jordan as a Memorial that the waters were cut off before the Ark of the Covenant, this was to be remembered forever!  And in the New Testament Jesus said of the women who poured oil upon Him; “Wherever this Gospel is preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this women has done, be told for a Memorial of her.” Matt. 26:13 -this is recorded twice in the Bible. Perhaps you have wondered in some crisis, where is God – He remembers you!  He is a God of Remembrance!  Loving everyone of you and keeping you in Prayer, Pastor

Special Guest Minister: Dr. Ron Breese

“The Lord is my Light and my Salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.”  ~ Psalm 27:1-3

Please welcome my son in the Faith and our brother in the Lord, Dr. Ron Breese. He will be the Messenger of the Word today. I am in Illinois this week-end on a family meeting, I will be officiating at my Great Nephew’s Wedding. I appreciate your prayer as I travel and God’s Mercy for strength. Have a great Sunday as you worship together and Praise our Lord and Savour.

Devotional reading for the week – Psalm 27, Ps 37:7-8, Prov. 20:22; Isa. 30:18:

The Lord is my Light and my Salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a Rock.

Now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in His Tabernacle Sacrifices of Joy; I will Sing, yea, I will Sing Praises unto the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have Mercy also upon me, and answer me.

 “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a Rock, and established my goings. And 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.” Ps 40:1-3 

The Benediction & Blessing

Blessings and Honor unto Our God and Savor! We have entered into Your House with Praise, we have heard Your Word, We have felt Your Presence; We stand in the midst of multiplied Blessings.  We receive all the Blessings of Your Hand, for our heart is full of Love for You. We ask for Your Blessings upon our Family, upon our neighbors, and we Pray that all who do not know You will come to the Saving Grace of forgiveness. Continue Heavenly Father to pour out Your Precious Holy Spirit upon the lives of Your People, Perform Your will to us is our hearts desire. Walk with us through this week until we come together once more to worship You! Thank You once again for all Your Blessings! We ask this in Your Holy Name, and in Jesus Name, and the name of the Holy Ghost, Amen