The Bond of Perfectness

 Thoughts from the Sermon: 1 John 2:5-6 Exhorts us concerning the Love of God! “Whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the Love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He Walked.” Usually our thoughts are ‘no one is perfect!’ But as saints of God’s Love, committed to His kind of Love, this will bring perfection to our Life. Perhaps not the zenith of perfection, but a perfection in our Love for God as we walk out our life before Him! These questions come to mind as we explore Perfection as a Born-Again Believer. What are we Passionate about? What witness do we bear of His Love in us? How committed are we to following Christ? These are questions that need to stir our heart on occasion that we might grow in the things of the Lord! Christianity has wondered far away from total dedication.. Saints we need to strengthen our Love for God! It is good to stop on occasion and have a checkup as to how committed we are to God’s Love! To Journey with Jesus is a lifelong adventure. Trusting in Him, giving the battles of the ‘care of Life’ into His hands. Knowing that no matter the circumstances He will never leave us nor forsake us! Trusting in Him when the challenges of our day press us, but knowing He is beside us and we can trust Him! Let the church hunger for more of Him, more of His Powerful Word, and a Hope beyond the scrimmages of the enemy. May the thrill of serving Jesus – Loving Him override the works of darkness and despair, for in Him, His Love, we have the Hope of Eternal Life! Let us put on Charity, and walk in the Bond of Perfectness. “Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that worketh in us, Unto Him be Glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Loving you, Pastor

Give Unto the Lord

“Give unto the Lord, ye kindreds of the people, Give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the Glory due unto His Name: bring an offering, and come before Him: Worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness.” 
~ I Chronicles 16:28029

Scripture teaches us, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven!” Today our thoughts turn to “How we Give Thanks for our Lord!” It is good for us to dwell on the things that He has given us and to remember them with Thanksgiving in our heart. Even in an adverse situation there is cause to give devotion unto the Lord! As our hearts turn to embrace a “Thankful Spirit” and to meditate upon the Goodness of God, He will visit us! It is good to know that He dwells in the midst of our Praises. It is with heartfelt devotion we give unto Him as we Worship our God and Redeemer. May our Praise and Worship encompass a Thankful heart! So often we are discouraged with our lot in life and never seem to accomplish the things that we desire, but we can accomplish His desire and that is to lift up holy hands and Bless His Precious Name! It is awesome when we join together and there are a multitude of voices worshiping in a great anthem Praise. The Fellowship of the saints in “one accord” is so special! God’s heart is stirred toward humanity when we join our Spirit with His heart and in the multitude of the family of God give Him Praise. When we give adoration to our Lord it is a true sign that we are not thinking of ourselves but honoring Him. We are destined to join the Eternal ranks of heaven and one day stand before the Throne of God and together lift up our voices with the Hosts of Heaven, and cry: “Blessing, and Glory, and Wisdom, and Honor, and Power, and Might, be unto our God for ever and ever!” Praise and Worship emerges from a heart of thanksgiving and it is the greatest Gift we can offer unto our God. In these days of chaos and ‘testings’ let us open our heart even more to offer Praise and Adoration unto our God! He is worthy to be Praised! Let us offer unending Praise and Thankfulness — “Praise Him for His Mighty Acts: Praise Him according to His Excellent Greatness.” ❤Pastor

The Benediction:
Gracious and Holy Father, we give You the Highest Praise! For You are our Glorious God! You care for us, You provide for us, You never leave us nor forsake us! You give us Eternal Life and our desire is to honour Your Glory and Power. We are grateful for Your Love and the overcoming Mercy and Grace You bring to our life. We know You go before us and You follow after us, for we are the apple of Your eye! Our heart is full of adoration today as we have joined in Worship together to Bless Your Holy and Powerful Name. Thank Your for the transforming Love You give to us. We ask that You watch over our loved ones and draw them to Your Saving Grace. We ask these things in Your Holy Name we Pray, in Jesus Name and the power of Your Holy Spirit, Amen.

Willing to Stand!

 “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”   Matthew 26:41 

There are powerful issues today that a True Christian must face if we are to “Stand” for our Lord and Saviour!  You may already be standing strong and think, I know that! I am Blessed to Pastor a strong congregation of Bible Believers and I thank God for everyone of them! But there is always room for more power to “Stand” for our Saviour, especially as the works of darkness are seeking to prevail against the Church of the Living Saviour and mess with the creative forces of our God! I really believe that the sincere Christian must prepare and always know that more of God is needed in our lives as we face the challenges of our day. Today’s Message is an age-old account found in Scripture. If you were a Sunday School kid you know this by heart!  But God spoke to me in the night concerning our Spiritual Stand for Him and nudged me to this Account in His Word. We know David slung the stone and Killed Goliath. Goliath was the enemies’ Champion.  We know He took 5 stones from the brook and continued strong against the demonic force that tormented His Chosen People. There is so much more to that account then just slinging the stone as we will see in the Message today. David willingly took a “Stand” for God and Scripture reveals he hastened and ran toward the enemy declaring: “1 Samuel 17:46 “This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.”  David was willing to Stand for Israel and his God! O how we need such courage in this hour! So many things tried to dissuade David from his stand!  His brother called him prideful and naughtiness of heart. Saul tried to laden him down with heavy armor, telling him he was not able to go against this powerful enemy, but in each case, David turned a deaf ear to the satanic forces formed against him and pushed forward! There was a Willingness in him as he took his “Stand” for God’s people. We reflect on another man who surrendered His Will with Joy and gave God’s People Redemption! All Praise and Glory to the Son of God! It is our hour to surrender willingly and stand for righteousness and holiness and faithfulness, we cannot be detoured by the obstacles!  Warriors are needed for the Kingdom of God!  Loving You, Pastor

 

The Benediction:Heavenly Father we hallow Your Precious Name!  We come before You in the transforming Power of Your Love. Increase our meditation of the Solid Rock You have given us in Jesus our Saviour! Strengthen us, O Lord, that we might stand against the powers of darkness and proclaim Your Love.  We are grateful for the powerful stone we have in the Rock of our Salvation.  Help us to seize the opportunities You send our way, teaching us to grow in Your Grace and to have the Willingness to stand for Righteousness! Nudge us with a desire for more of Your Word and a greater Prayer life as we face the difficulties of our day! O Lord, You are our gentle Shepherd, draw our loved ones into Your Redeeming Love I Pray.  We ask all these things in Your Holy Name, In the Name of the Father, His Son, and the Holy Ghost!  Amen!

Nurture God's Grace!

“Grow in Grace, and in the Knowledge of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be Glory both now and forever. Amen.” 

~ 2 Peter 3:18

The topic today concerns one of the Glorious Gifts that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Grace perhaps is often taken for granted, but as we meditate upon God’s Grace, we see many important things about this Gift. Quickly our mind turns to what Jesus has done for us in providing such an awesome Gift! Paul writes about the Gospel of Grace and tells us; it was his greatest joy to testify of the Grace of God! Prayerfully, I Hope we never take God’s Grace in Christ for granted. But as society changes, wickedness seems to prevail, our minds may drift and the Thoughts of His Grace lingers quietly in the back of our mind. Today let us hear the Word of the Lord when we are admonished to: “Grow in Grace, and the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” {2 Peter 3:18} I use the term, “Nurture His Grace” within our heart and life! Being Graceful is a good place to start – hear the Psalmist: Ps. 86:15 “Thou, O Lord, art a God full of Compassion, and Gracious, Long-suffering, and plenteous in Mercy and Truth.” Gracious, of course, means courteous, kind, Pleasant, and to esteem favor, etc. But in the Word of God, Gracious takes on a more powerful thought. “Abounding in Grace, Merciful, Manifesting Love, Ps 103:88 “The Lord is Merciful and Gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in Mercy.” The Hebrew thought about Gracious is: When God calls you Gracious, He sees you as a treasure, He delights in you, regardless of your status or behavior. But the Glory of God is found in Grace – free and unmerited favor, manifested in God’s Love for us. God, sending Christ to bring us Grace, this unmerited Favor; Salvation from sin, Divine Blessings, and Eternal Life to mention just a few. You no doubt have heard the statement; There but for the Grace of God ... Yes, “For His Grace...” His Grace is so much more than what humanity can even think of! In that while we were sinners, He forgave us, rescued us, redeemed us, and imparted powerful Spiritual Gifts to the Believer. Grace is mentioned over 170 times in various ways in God’s Word ... 1st mention in the Bible –Gen. 6:8 “Noah found Grace in the eyes of the Lord!” The Old Testament could only talk about it - we have it! – Let us “Nurture God’s Grace within our heart & Life! ❤ Pastor

The Benediction:

O Lord, what a Mighty God You are! The Gifts You have given to the Church are Glorious, powerful, and overwhelming when we think about them and meditate upon them. Thank You for this Gift of Grace! I Pray today that You will draw unto Him in a greater knowledge of this great Gift. We see Your Mercy and Your Love, and it is our desire to have the experience of Noah, when he found Grace in the eyes of the Lord. Turn our thoughts toward You in this generation of so much unfaithfulness, for we are in Your House to Worship You! Your Grace and Mercy. In Mercy you withhold judgement, and in Grace You give us Gifts we don’t deserve! What an awesome God You are ... and Jesus our Greatest Gift, how thankful we are that His Blood covers us, He forgives us, and Gifts us with Spiritual Gifts abundantly! Who can even know the depth of these Great Gifts? What a Glorious God and Saviour we have. We are thankful for the Holy Ghost! O Lord draw our loved ones unto you I Pray ... In Jesus Great Name, Amen

Who Is Worthy?

 “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” ~ Revelation 4:11

Today we go to the glorious book of Revelation. As Chapter 4 ends there is a glorious Anthem of Praise. Then John sees God’s right hand in Chapter 5 as He hands to the Strong Angel a Book Written within and on the back side, it was sealed with seven seals. The Strong Angel proclaims with a Loud Voice, “Who is Worthy” to open the book and to loose the seals. John wept much because no one was worthy to open the book. O Church, weep not for we learn – “The Lion of the Tribe of Juda” prevailed! In the midst of this awesome heavenly scene, The Lamb steps forth! He takes the Book out of the Right Hand of Him who sits on the throne! Those present fall to their knees to Worship, and all heaven is filled with the sound of harps–there are golden vials filled with the Prayers of the saints – and a New Song bursts forth — “Thou art Worthy” for Thou was slain and hast Redeemed us to God by Thy Blood and hast made us unto our God kings and priests! The voices came forth from ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands! Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah! Even as I write this my room is filled with the Presence of our God, the Great Jehovah and the Lamb of God, His Son! Our worthiness is set in motion because Jesus became our advocate before the Throne of God! In this day of our world turning to blaspheme against the very works of God’s Creative nature, Heaven still rises to Worship and illuminates the Power of our God and reveals the Worthy Lamb of God in preparation for Judgment. We are living in a time that the “patience” of God lingers for a moment and Eternity awaits the saints who are made worthy by the Precious Blood of Jesus that covers us as He intercedes for us even as we Worship today! The Church of the Living God must rise in this hour and Worship as David, with all our heart! Thank You Jesus, for in You we are Worthy to receive Eternal Life! ❤ Pastor

CALLED UNTO LIBERTY

“Saints, ye have been Called unto Liberty; only use not Liberty for an
occasion to the flesh, but by Love serve one another.” ~ Galatians 5:13

July 4th is almost here! Tomorrow all across our nation there will be great and wonderful celebrations! I always muse at things like this: a Celebration of Liberty! Not only to Celebrate our nation but to be reminded to Celebrate our Liberty in Christ. When our Nation Celebrates a Holiday, we can always see a Spiritual Opportunity. The Awesome Freedom that God has given to us in our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ! Today we honor our God-minded forefathers who set in motion a nation whose motto is ”In God we Trust” – We are One Under God! We also honor every man and every woman that has gone to battle for the Freedom we have in our Country. World War II– fought from 1939 to 1945 has been stated as the deadliest of all our Wars, over 70 million fatalities. We are exceedingly grateful and thankful for our Military! Wars cost lives. There have always been battles it seems from the beginning of time. Wars in the Old Testament, wars in our world even as we Celebrate this Day of Glorious Independence! Then there is the war that satan started so long ago with God in the Garden of Eden as he set in motion evil and disobedience. The Prophet Isaiah the records that moment ... [Isa 14:12-14] “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer ...For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Then God’s Greatest Gift was given, the Life of Jesus to bring us Freedom from sin, we have Liberty in Christ! Scripture reveals this Glorious text ~ Gal. 5:13 “For, saints, ye have been Called unto Liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by Love serve one another.” It was the Love of God, the Love in the heart of Christ that purchased our Spiritual Liberty! And we are “Called unto Liberty!” To be free of sin as we move from Glory to Glory, as we grow in Your Love, and Your guidance. As we hear Your Word ...”Whoso looketh into the perfect law of Liberty, and continueth therein, they being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this one shall be Blessed in their deeds.” Loving You, Pastor

“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of 
the Lord is, there is Liberty. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:16-17


The Benediction: O God, Bless our America, bring us back to the Paths of Righteousness! Have Your way in our Country, and prepare us to be a witness of Your Great Salvation. Thank you for the Call to Liberty wherein you have set us free. Breathe Your Spiritual Strength into our heart and mind as we Celebrate this Holiday. A Day you have placed on our calendar! As we see and hear the “fireworks” may a Holy Fire be kindled in us. May we sense afresh the Liberty, You have given us in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Master. All restrictions of the Law are past and we marvel at Your Goodness, Your Love poured out upon us, and the Power of Your Spirit that guides us! We Praise You O Lord! Please draw our Loved Ones unto Your Saving Grace. Thank you for Calling us to Liberty! We ask these things in Your Holy Name, and in the Name of Your son, and the Power of the Holy Ghost! Amen

The Unmatched Battle

There is a battle going on today in the hearts of mankind, in our country, and in Christianity! There is an enemy that looms larger than life as we face the future. Today we consider an “Unmatched Battle” that occurred in the Old Testament. There was much warfare as Israel faced the nations that were against God Jahovah! There was battle after battle, it seems that way today that warfare is present, it is one difficulty after another and God is in the Life of a Christian to prove their love and Faithfulness to Him. It may not be a huge battle in your life or it may be gigantic hardship that you face, but it is an unmatched battle if you are a believer in the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ! The enemy may think he is a “champion” in this hour in which we live, however large he may seem, God is greater! Our first response to an attack of the enemy/satan is to do what the King did to David, He tried to put on the amour of the day to protect David. The world’s way will never conquer, what we need is the Amour of God! It may look like we are in an “unmatched” battle. We must not be like King Saul and respond with “dismay and great fear!” Let us be reminded of David’s first response as He faced the giant/enemy! “Who is this Philistine/enemy that he should defy the armies of the Living God!” Imagine a small young lad standing in the shadow of a 13 foot + man. Sometimes our enemy seems so much bigger than we can even imagine, and we seem so “unmatched” for devils work against us. This is until we get on the Amour of God, rest in His Peace and use the weapons that are not carnal! Again we hear the positive voice of David; “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight!” In these battles that we face, let us use the weapon of David’s choice – the Rock of our Salvation: 2 Sam 22:3-4 — The God of my Rock; in Him will I Trust: He is my Shield, and the Strength of my Salvation, my High Tower, and my Refuge, my Saviour; Thou savest me from violence. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be Praised: so shall I be Saved from mine enemies!” – Let us remember God knows those that Trust in Him! O Church Praise and Praise and Praise our Deliverer! Loving you, Pastor

The  Benediction

O Lord, our Faithful God, how Thankful we are for Love you bestow upon us, the constant and ever present help we know you have for us! Gratefulness rises from the depth of our being as we Trust in You! O God we ask for strength and faith as we walk in the mist of our struggles! May our Trust in You be strong for we know You care for us with an Everlasting Love. We need Your Blessings and guidance as we seek to walk in paths of Righteousness! Enlarge us for the battles and strengthen our hearts with the Power of Your Word, illuminate the Holy Ghost in our life for we know we are well able with you at our side. We ask for our Loved Ones, that you would draw them with Your Love to the Salvation that is available to all mankind! Thank you for Your forgiving Power, in You we Trust! We ask these things in the name of the Father, The Son and the Holy Ghost!

The Lord is Good! – Part 3 “Acceptance in the Beloved! “

 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but Righteousness, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is Acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for Peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” ~ Romans 14:17-19

There are four things, and a powerful 5th one to remember in Nahum 1– God is furious with sin 2– The Lord is Good 3– We have a Strong Hold in the day of trouble 4– He knows us when we Trust in Him! And 5– Nahum 1:15 Good Tidings;“Behold upon the mountains the feet of Him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth Peace!” Who is our Peace? Eph 2:14 tells us it is Jesus! The three As of these Messages are: We have Assurance in Christ, We have Assistance/Help in Him, and today: We are Accepted in the Beloved– the family of God! Eph. 1:4-8 is so powerful – “According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be Holy and without blame before Him in Love:” VS6 To the Praise of the Glory of His Grace, wherein He hath made us Accepted in the Beloved. In the Old Testament we were kept from the presence of God in the tabernacle ... but now the veil has been rent -ripped open from top to the bottom – Heb 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain Mercy, and find Grace to help in the time of need.” This final Message is prevalent for today – Have you ever felt like you were not accepted? It is an uncomfortable situation ... and often causes us to feel inadequate or insufficient, ... Isn’t that where we are today within our country ... racial issues – everyone vying for Acceptance ... O the power of God’s Word: “He has Accepted us in the Beloved, the family of God!” As Accepted in Christ, we are part of the Kingdom of God – and hear what the Kingdom of God houses – “For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but Righteousness, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost. For He that in these things serveth Christ is Acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for Peace, and things wherewith one may edify another!” – Rom. 14:17-19– This is truly the Goodness of our Lord! While evil seems rampant, and there are many issues of this life, still there is a God who forgives sin, loves us, accepts us, ready to Assist us and secures us in the time of trouble! All Glory to our God! Love, Pastor

 

The Benediction

Gracious and Mighty God, O how we Praise You! With hearts full of thanksgiving we give Praise for the Power of Your Word that brings encouragement to our hearts! You are a Faithful God and a Glorious Saviour! You give us Assurance of Your Mercy and Grace, the forgiveness of our sins, and we know You Love us! You give us Assistance, which is the gift of Your Miraculous Help! Thank You for accepting us into the Beloved, the family of God! Cause us Dear Lord to draw near to you in these times of stress and anxiety ... for you are our Hope and we Trust in You! You are an ever present Saviour! We thank You for the Power of the Holy Ghost to lead and guide us! May our lives bring honour to You! We ask that you surround our loved ones who don’t serve you and bring them to Salvation – asking these things in the Name of Jesus. In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost!

The Lord is Good

 “The Lord is Good, a Strong Hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that Trust in Him.” ~ Nahum 1:7  

As we Open the Message of Nahum, we find it is a hard book to read. Nahum is a Minor Prophet, just as important as the Major Prophets, just shorter. His name, Nahum means “comfort.” It is a strange name for this Book, because the Book of Nahum is a book of judgment. It is a Book of harsh pronouncements of doom against a people who had abandoned the ways of God. While Nahum’s Message is one of Judgment and wrath, there is one bright spot. VS 7. “The Lord is Good, a Strong Hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that Trust in Him.” In the midst of all the words of wrath, anger and doom, this Verse stands like a shining beacon of Hope in the darkest hour. As we pause at this powerful, positive point in the midst of great judgement – “The Lord is Good!” – There are some lessons to be learned as we look into what Nahum calls “The Burden of Nineveh” which Scripture reveals is a vision. As you remember Jonah was commissioned to preach to Nineveh, which he finely did, but now some 80-100 years later the city has fallen once again into great wickedness and the Judgement of God is revealed. In this small Book Nahum, as the other Prophets, carries the burden of a vision and the impending Judgement of God. In this Book it is a great declaration of the “Power” of God! He is “furious” with the wickedness and the rebellion of His People. Can you imagine How the Lord feels over our country and the Laws that are contrary to His creative Nature? However He reminds us “He is Slow to Anger” so for many years to us, He has suffered as He watched His Children fall away from Him. We also see the “Power” of Might; “He controls the whirlwind, the storms, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.” – “The sea obeys His command, the mountains quake, the hills melt, and the earth burns at His Presence!” His Word says: “Who can abide in the fierceness of His Anger?” This is a strong lesson that declares the heart of our Lord! It restores an awesome fear of the Lord” who loves His People, sent His Son, in our time, and allows His Love to suppress His Anger at a rebellious nation. Yet we will see this glorious fact: “He knoweth them that Trust in Him! To them “The Lord is Good, and He is a Strong Hold in the time of trouble!” Thank You Jesus! ❤ Pastor

The Benediction
Almighty God, You are the Lord of Your People and we come into Your Presence with Thanksgiving and a grateful heart. In Your Word we see the Power that resonates within Your Being and we are so Blessed to know that You are a Strong Hold for us in the trials of life that we face. We also recognize that You desire our Trust! Enlarge Your Word within our heart and life until Trust bursts forth in the power of Your Grace and Mercy. We hear Your voice: “Come unto Me, draw nigh to Me and I will draw nigh to you.” O Lord You are Faithful and Good to us. Please draw our loved ones unto Your Salvation and refine our witness of You so that they might see Your Presence in us. We ask all these things in Your Wonderful Name, In the Name of the Father, His Son, and the Precious Holy Ghost! Amen

The Cup and the Bread

 “For the Bread of God is He which cometh down from Heaven, and giveth life unto the world. John 6:33 Likewise also the Cup after supper, saying, This Cup is the New Testament in My Blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:20

“The Cup And the Bread ”: When we see these two Words our mind immediately goes to the Holy Communion Table. This is good because I read in Ps. 23: 5 “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:” Holy Communion is not just a religious tradition. It is the pathway into the Presence of our God! It holds the Promise of “Cleansing, Healing, Intimacy and Fellowship!” Such Intimacy is Holy Communion with our Savior. It should happen often, because it is to Remember these important issues of our lives. If we do it often as Jesus suggested, then it is on the leadership to continually be in search of Revelations that are revealed as we partake of Lord’s Table. Meditate upon this for a moment, we are in the midst of enemies, the enemy of our soul is constantly at work to detour us from Spiritual Matters. It is in the “strength” of the Lord’s Table that we “move and have our being!” Remembering that through the “Cup and the Bread” there is Overcoming power! Holy Communion is Jesus’ meal of Divine Love extended to us! There re glorious rich benefits in the “supping” with the Lord. In fact Jesus is the “Broken Bread!” Jesus is the Bread that came from Heaven to be broken for our transgressions. We often work for bread that perishes, but the Food that endures leads us to Eternal Life. John 6:27 "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto Everlasting Life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed.” This Meat of God’s Word is found at the “Lord’s Table!” In Ex. God rained bread from heaven, a foreshadow of the Eternal Bread to Come. At the Table of the Lord we see Jesus as He serves His Disciples – we are His Disciples! In Luke Ch.22 Jesus raises the Cup and He tells them He will not drink of the Fruit of the Vine until the Kingdom of God shall Come. Consider the Cup, All that was in the Cup, the nails, the crown of thorns, the stripes – all emitting His Precious Blood, the Blood that would cover our sins! Here in Luke He takes the Cup up twice: first as He mentions His desire for them; and after dinner as He tells them, “The Cup is the New Testament in My Blood, which is shed for you.” What a moment it must of been at the Table of the Lord. In the Bread we see the Broken Body of our Lord! Depth of thought must be given to this Sacrifice of Jesus’ that He gave to us! Loving you, Pastor

The Benediction

Thank You dear God for sending Jesus! As we have come to the Table of the Lord today, our hearts are filled with great Joy to be reminded that Jesus’ life is in us and we have Eternal Life because of His Sacrifice. Help us O Lord to see the depth of Your Love, that you would suffer and die for us. We now can enter into the Holy of Holies, into the Throne Room of our God! We enter with thanksgiving and Praise! We have partaken of Your Love, and Your Sacrifice, and we are humbled and Blessed! We ask that you keep our families under Your protection and draw them to this Eternal Salvation. As we sit at our tables today let us remember the Table of Christ. The Broken Bread and the Cup of the New Testament that fills our heart today. We ask all these things in the Wonderful Name of our God, His Son, and the Holy Ghost! Amen

Anchor Thy Soul!

 “By two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the Hope set before us: Which Hope we have as an Anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;” ~   Heb. 6:18-19

As we saw the Burden of Habakkuk last week, we entered the arena of the Prophets! There is much to be learned as one studies the Prophets of the Old Testament. Sometimes it is terrifying to see the Judgment of God as He walks among His Chosen, the Israelites. Yet in all His dealings with mankind He is a Compassionate God who desires to bring His people to the Expected End which is Eternal Life with Him. Today the spotlight is upon Jeremiah as He Laments for God’s People. Once you have read through the Book of Jeremiah you will then enter the Lamenting, the weeping and the great burden that is on the heart of this Prophet. Amid the grieving, the sorrow, and the anguish, there is Hope! God offers a Refuge and an “Anchor” that will stabilize His Chosen People. And as we take in the Word of God today, we will see what is Sure, Stedfast and an “Anchor” for our soul. Our nation today is in turmoil as Jeremiah’s nation was so many years ago. There is Refuge in Christ for we are able to enter into the Presence of God through Jesus’ Blood and find the Anchor that is stedfast. An Anchor is used to secure the Ship, to keep it from drifting away in stormy weather. Without an Anchor, the ship will slowly drift away with the wind and strong current. If it is not Anchored it will put the vessel and the crew at great risk. The Anchor will secure the ship at a safe place. If the ship has a damaged engine or a difficult problem, and it has no Anchor it will begin to drift and this could become a most dangerous situation. We must Anchor our Soul, that is the desires of our life in Christ! If there ever was a time that Christianity must be Anchored it is today. The storms of Life rage, but we have a Refuge in Christ! In all Jeremiah’s Lamenting his answer comes as he recalls the Hope He has in Jehovah!  “The Lord is my portion saith my soul; therefore will I Hope in Him.” To Moor a vessel to the sea bottom which provides stability in stormy weather, is to attach to an Anchor! We have that connection by the Power of the Holy Ghost and we are Anchored within the veil, that is within our Saviour, our Refuge!     Loving you, Pastor

The Benediction

O Lord God, what a mighty God You are! You are the Great Jehovah and we Worship You! We enter Your gates with Thanksgiving and into Your Courts with Praise!  You still the storms that rage and You are the Refuge for Your People, You are greater then the storms of this life!  Cause us to Anchor our desires in You, and avoid the temptations of our day. Our Hope is in You!

Surround us today as we have come into Your House. Come with Your Healing Power, Your Cleansing Power, and with the Power of Your never ending Love. Secure our vessel that we never drift from the center of Your Will. Thank You for Jesus who has touched our soul and Redeemed us!  In Him our Anchor holds!  O Lord watch over our families and draw them close to You I Pray; We ask these things in the wonderful of our God, and in Jesus Name and the Precious Holy Ghost, Amen

We are Triumphant in Christ!

 “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to Triumph in Christ,

And maketh manifest the Savour of His knowledge by us in every place.”  ~2 Cor. 2:14

While this is a serious season, it is a Season of Victory. Lent begins on Strove Tuesday with preparation ... Ash Wednesday follows and forty days of “Prayer, Fasting, and Giving!” We do this in remembrance of Jesus. His Journey in the flesh began with the Wilderness experience of Fasting and being  tempted of satan. Jesus came forth Triumphant in the Power of the Spirit.  His first offering of “giving” was at the Wedding in Cana. Here He performed His first Miracle, turning the water into wine for the Wedding. It was a gift of love, for the wedding party had little means to supply that amount of fine wine for the guests. The Lenten Season is a season to remember Jesus. The happenings in His life from the moment of His “Overcoming” satan in the wilderness to the Glorious moment of Resurrection. In these forty days, we seek to discipline ourselves Spiritually by Prayer, Fasting, and showing forth a Spirit of Charity. Our Prayers turn from “asking” to “Praising” and our Fasting may be food, things we like, habits, desires, anything that will bring a discipline Spiritually to our life. We are Triumphant because of Jesus’ strength and power over the works of darkness. In all things He has gone before us and prepared the way. As we draw near to Him in this Holy Lenten Season, the Holiness of His person will surround us with His Joy! Remember Jesus said: “These things have I spoken unto you, that My Joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” So many things Jesus said to us that we need to remember, thus this is a season to read the “Red Words” and bring to remembrance His Exhortations to us!  His Triumph over satan in the very beginning of His Ministry is a Powerful Testament to the God we serve. God entrusted Jesus to us knowing that He would be Triumphant over the enemy.  The enemy that seeks to destroy our Faith and our Joy!  Faith and Joy go hand in hand for if our Faith is strong, we have “Jesus Joy” activated in our heart and life! So as we take on our Lenten Discipline let us do it with Faith and Joy that as an “Overcomer” the enemy is defeated and we are Triumphant in Christ, Our glorious Resurrected Saviour!  Loving you and in Lenten Discipline as we serve Our Lord and Saviour together!   Pastor

The Benediction    

Almighty God, we come to You in Jesus Holy Name, a Name above all names!  In this Holy season we bring forth our disciplines to Honour You. We give Thanks for all Your wonderful works in the midst of the difficulties of our nation. We know You are a Faithful God and Saviour, we entrust all things into Your care. As we humble ourselves and remember Your Overcoming Power in the time of Your Temptation, we give You the Highest Praise! We are Thankful, so Thankful for all Your Goodness to us! We are humbled that we can come boldly into Your Presence and Worship You at the Throne of Heaven. Our hearts Rejoice over the multitude of miracles you have performed to Your People! The Victory You have given us in Eternal Live! We rejoice!  Keep watch over our families I Pray, that they might come to serve You with a whole heart! Our hearts fill with Joy for such a Loving Saviour!  In Your name we give You Praise - in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost!  Amen

Spring Up, O Well

 “They went to Beer: that is the well whereof the Lord spake unto Moses, ather the people together, and I will give them water.   Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it:  Numbers 21:16-17

”Welcome to the First Day of Spring in Two Thousand Twenty Two! I love the Words from Isaiah 61:11 especially on this Lord’s Day! “For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to Spring Forth; so the Lord GOD will cause Righteousness and Praise to Spring Forth before all the nations.” It is always a breath of fresh air when Spring arrives!  We see the first Robin of the season.  We see the small buds appearing on the trees till there is a soft green glow emerging from their limbs. Our spirit is lifted when the sun arrives and we feel the soft breeze upon our face – for a moment something “springs forth” within our being and the happiness of Spring is enjoyed. It arrives after the chilly winter, barren trees, cold winds, and occasional snow! There must be a lesson that God is teaching us in the seasons of His weather.  We are Blessed in Iowa, we have winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall!  No matter where we live, we are Blessed for God’s eye is upon us! Let us meditate Spiritually for a moment as we breathe in the fresh Spring Air. Life has its seasons! No matter the weather, life has its seasons! This brings me to the Message today with the Text from Numbers 21.

In the season of drought, God opens the Rock! This Rock is Jesus! The spear was thrust into His side and John writes as he stands near the Cross – “A spear pierced His side, and forth with came there out Blood and Water!” Blood to cover us as we stand before God and Water to wash away our sin! If Israel could come forth in such a Praise as they Sang “Spring Up, O Well; How much more can we Sing “Spring Up, O Well! He is the “Living Water” that quenches our thirst and fills our vessel with life! Hear the Prophetic Words of Isaiah: Isa. 12:3 and 5 Therefore with Joy shall ye draw water out of the Wells of Salvation. Sing unto the Lord; for He hath done excellent things: ...” Our Song comes out of the “Wells of Salvation,” something that only Israel heard about as the Prophets spoke God’s Word, but we are partakers of God’s Holy Redemption through the Jesus Precious Blood! As Spring once more approaches let us Sing – “Spring up, O Well! And let His Presence flow over our being for “He hath done excellent things!” Let His Praises Spring Forth in Song ...  Hallelujah!      ~ ❤Pastor 

   The Benediction    

Heavenly Father, we Sing of Your wondrous Love and Your Holy Ghost energy that flows so Powerful in our Salvation! Think You for the Joy of Spring Time and the seasons that are given to our Spirit. O God as this Spring comes forth help us to sing “Spring Up, O Well! Fill Your people with “Jesus’ Joy” that energizes our Spiritual being continually in this Holy Season.  Empower Your people with Hope, Faith, and Joy as we Look for Your Appearing!  Walk with us in this Lenten Season as we meditate upon Jesus’ life, His Sacrifice, His Love, and the Gift of Eternal Life He has given us!  We ask Lord, that You will be the Healer to Your People, the Saviour to the Lord and with Cords of Love draw our families unto You. Father may this be a glorious Springing Forth of Your nature within us I Pray. We give Honor to the Father, His Son, Jesus and to the Power of the Holy Ghost!  And Loving You!  Amen

Holy Holy Holy

Angelic Beings — “... And they rest not day or night, saying Holy, Holy, Holy,

Lord God Mighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”

Holy, Holy, Holy, reverberates throughout heaven as our God is Worshiped! It is a sound heard perpetually around the Throne of God according to the Revelation in Scripture! Just muse for a moment, close your eyes and see if you can envision the voices of Praise as they go forth in the Presence of God! Perhaps Christianity has lost touch with the “Holiness “of God! Some go too far with the outside of Holiness, and some never think of His Holiness —God’s Holiness is an issue in our inner most being. What we think, what we do, how we act, or maybe I should said react. Yes, human actions tell us a lot about an ourselves. What is on the inside of our mind and Spirit often betrays us. And sometimes there are closets in our heart that hold sincere but painful things. Today’s Message is about calling out to God for His Holiness and Righteous to be ignited with in our soul, that we might gain more energy Spiritually! These times seemingly have slowed down our responses, masks, shots, news casts, but God has said He will save us from wrath! The sincere Christians have placed their lives in the hands of the Lord and we live and move in “His Love,” Trusting in His Grace and His Mercy, for we know He is a Merciful God! So as we Trust in Him let us consider a deeper relationship with Him. Begin once more to give attention to “His Holiness!” – What can we do? We must offer Worship and Praise more often for He inhabits our Praise. Christianity needs more of Him, less of the world. Consider the Holiness of God: In the beginning as God was dressing His Priests; there was a ‘signet upon a plate which Aaron, the Priest wore and in Pure Gold it was engraved and read – “Holiness To the Lord!” There were many instructions for the Priest. He would give many instructions to the people and each time he would go before them they would see the words – “Holiness to the Lord!” What a responsibility our Ministers have today as God entrusts His People to us that we might impart Spiritual Nourishment. Let us meditate upon “His Holiness” today!  Loving you, Pastor

The Benediction    

Omnipotent and Precious Father, We come into Your Presence to give You the Highest Honour and Praise! We say Holy, Holy, Holy, are you God! We are reminded of just how Precious You are as we muse through Your Powerful Word. We are grateful for Your Love, and Your care for us! You are Holy, Wonderful, Mighty, our defender, deliverer, our shield and defense; strong tower and Soon Coming King!! Stir our hearts in these times of stress, and as we Praise You dwell among us I Pray, Holy is Your Name! Surround us with the Power of Your Presence as we go from this place today, stir our hears with Your Holiness that we might hear Your voice as we Worship You this week. O Lord, we ask that You cover our Loved Ones with Your Mercy and draw them unto Your Salvation. We give You Praise, we exalt You for You are a Holy God! We ask all these things in Your Holy Name, the Name of Jesus and the Power of the Holy Ghost!  Amen     

Remember Thy Ways!

"Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee ... to humble thee, to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou would keep His commandments, or no.” ~Deut. 8:2    

As we ponder the things that have transpired in this last year and prepare to enter a brand new Year, What do we remember?  Our world has changed in just a year or so. Government has changed, Laws have changed, masks are worn and shots are being given ... It is hard to remember what it was like before all these things begin to come into view. As the Book of Revelation slowing opens we begin to see the signs of God’s dealing with humanity. However it is not a new thing, God’s dealing with His People. We remember He has dwelt with His People from the beginning as he drove Adam and Eve from the Garden and placed the ‘Cherubim’ with flaming swords to protect the Way of the Tree of Life! God admonished the Children of Israel in Duet 8 why they had a terrible 40 years. It was to humble them, prove them, and to know what was in their heart, and if they would be faithful to follow Him. We can Thank God that He sent Jesus for humanity could not keep the Law. After all the failures, we hear the Lord say; “I will establish My Covenant with thee, and thou shall know that I Am the Lord!”  And we are the receiver of this awesome Covenant given to us in the Blood of His Only Begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ! Today let us remember the ‘ways’ that God has led us these many years. God was reminding them He had led them for those 40 years in the wilderness and He continues to led us today. He leads us in Mercy, Grace, and a Peace that the world does not have. As I mused over the last 40 years of my life, I found Him to be present in all the difficult times as well as so present in the good times. God wants our heart! In these trying times let us turn more often to Him, knowing that we will see us through because we remember His Goodness, His Faithfulness, His forgiveness and we know that He is always present with us!  Our Lord has remembered us in the days of our youth and He continues to walk with us today; Thank You Jesus,  ❤ Pastor

The Benediction    

Almighty God, You are our strength in these times of change! We look unto You as the Author and the Finisher of all things. We give You Praise as we Worship with the saints today.  We remember Your Love that surrounded all last year, and we are Thankful O Lord for all the Goodness You have shown to us. We are thankful for the Covenant You have remembered toward us and we are Thankful for Jesus and the Power of the Holy Spirit that You have sent to guide us on our Path. You are a Faithful God!  I ask for Your Blessings to continue upon this people as we remember all that you have done for us. Please Lord Jesus watch over our Loved ones and draw them to Your Saving Grace.  We ask these things in the Name of our Father, Your Son Jesus, and the Holy Ghost, Amen!

 

The Winds of God

 “God causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth;

He maketh lightnings for the rain; He bringeth the Wind out of His Treasuries.” ~ Ps. 135:7 

“The Winds of God!”    

   We have been experiencing the elements in these past few weeks, and as I was in devotions I came across the Treasuries of God. There I found the elements of our weather, are not just weather, but Spiritual Weather also. I remembered what Jesus said “Ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” Today the weather man can preempt any storm usually, but as Christians – can the body of Christ discern the signs of our time? I believe the saints can if we will take time to inventory our relationship with the Lord.  Again as I have mention before we see the evidence of evil becoming stronger and stronger, yet Christianity does not seem to be stronger.  In today’s Message we find that “Wind or Winds” are mentioned over 140 times in Scripture. The Word speaks of the East Wind, the North and South Wind and the West Wind. Some times it focuses on the “Four Winds.”  From searching the Word, I found some winds are chastenment, some are correction,  some are Prophetic; Miraculous, and Punishment, etc. Some winds are strong, boisterous, mighty, rushing, etc. These winds are part of the Treasure of God. It’s interesting to check the mention of each wind in Scripture and see what God uses it for – South Wind 16 times–North Wind 35– East Wind 28 – and West wind 1: Interesting Eccl, 1:6 “The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.” The wind turneth about continually in its course, and then returneth again to the beginning! I take this Spiritually – The Wind of God surrounds us, The breath of God never leaves us – it is in us! And always encamping about us, as it returns we are kept in the circle of God’s Love.  Of course by now you are seeing the revelation of this Message, it is the “Rushing Mighty Wind of God’s Holy Spirit that surround us, never leaves us and is always around us! Let us meditate upon the power of this Truth! God uses the natural things of this earth to teach us Spiritual Strengths! Here the declaration of 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 name – And He lives in us! Loving you, Pastor.  

The Benediction

    Almighty God, how thankful we are for all Your Goodness to us! O Lord Your Faithfulness overwhelms us. Your Presence surrounds us and Your Word is power and strength to our life. We come humbly before You to request the Power of Your Ghost to permeate our life until we are exceeding mindful of Your Powerful Presence! You are our Hope and our Peace and we rely upon You! We ask you to watch over our families and draw them with cords of Your love unto Salvation. Remind us O Lord to meditate upon the glorious power of Your Word! We ask these things in Your most powerful Name, In Jesus Name, Amen

In This Will I be confident!

“Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, ... In this will I be confident.”    Ps. 27:3 

  

Lets talk about our Confidence in this hour in which we live. We have had to summon up our courage, our Faith, and our Confidence! David the Psalmist begins with “The Lord is my Light and my Salvation!” Salvation imparts Light to David, even tho’ he has never met the Christ who is the Light of the world! To be truly confident, we must dwell in His Light, it is our Salvation that dispels the darkness! This is why we are in a moment of time that we need to energize our Salvation. What a strange statement one might think. How do we energize our Salvation?  Of course we can go to the Word of God, there is strength and Confidence in His Word. We can evaluate the depth of our Worship, the time we spend in Prayer and Meditating/communing with Him ... Could it be we might need to strengthen the “Fruit of His Spirit” that resides in us? When you sincerely love someone, you think often of them, you keep in contact with them, and your concerned if they are in some kind of problem. Perhaps lethargy has attacked the Church World. The Church World seems to be experiencing a lack of energy or enthusiasm for the things of God? That could be true in our everydayness – but has it attacked our Spiritual being? Is there an Unresponsiveness to Spiritual things in this season of change and anxiety? What is God’s call to the Church and His people? Is there a lack of Spiritual activity? These questions arise as I view the changes in the Church World. Vs3 of Ps.27 stands out for David sees that God is His Light in the trials of His Life and declares “the Lord is my strength!”  It is interesting to note that Ps. 27 is a Psalm of distress, but it us filled with Confidence. Vs1 The Lord is David’s Light, Salvation, Strength, our Life, no fear and “In this will I be Confident!” Remember Phil. 1:6"Being Confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Loving You, Pastor 

The Benediction:

  

All Powerful Father who reigns over this People, we come in thanksgiving to Worship and Praise You for all Your Goodness unto us! We thank You for the Confidence You have given us in Eternal Life by sending Jesus to cover us with His Precious Blood.  He has sent the Power of the Holy Ghost to guide us along this journey on earth! As Thankfulness arises in our heart may our Confidence in You be strengthen and absolute! Darkness can not prevail for You have sent Your Light into our world! Our confidence is in You! And in You there is no fear!  O Lord draw our loved ones unto Salvation I Pray ... Strength Thy people for the tasks at hand for in you is our Confidence!  We ask these things in Your Name, in Jesus Name, and the Power of the Holy Ghost, Amen