R U THIRSTY?

I remember when I first arrived in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm, and as we came off the airplane, we each were given a 2 liter bottle of water. We congregated together as we were issued orders that "NO ONE" will leave this tarmac until they drink all the water given us. Thirsty or not, we drank it all down. The reason behind this as they were giving us an indoctrination to the region that it was possible to get dehydrated without realizing it. The temperatures were seriously hot during the day and "Zero-Dark-Thirty" as we say for the middle of the night, it got extremely cold.

I read something recently, where they say if we start our day with an eight oz glass of cold water, it will jumpstart our system and help burn off calories quicker. Yes, that's me raising my hand asking for a gallon or two. Another thing I always teach new Christians is when you wake up in the morning before getting out of bed, lay there for a few minutes and pray. Give thanks to the LORD, and let him know whatever he has planned for the day--"Thy will be done."

John 7:37 now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 he who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" 39 but this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Jesus steps up and invites the thirsty to come to Him. Whether we realize it or not, each person has a deep thirst for Christ. Most often though, we turn to temporary things (i.e. romance, gadgets, food, work, etc.) for fulfillment. Are you letting your thirsty soul drink deep of who Jesus is?

Jesus, here and now, I turn to you to supply for my need. Forgive me of my sin. Heal my wounds. You are my sustenance. As my body depends on water for life, may you fill my desert soul with your Holy Spirit so that I may overflow.

GOING HOME FROM CHURCH

When you walk out of church how do you feel most of the time?

by Pastor Ed Tarno

I have been told by many people this last year they were not happy with their church. And the reason almost each gave was the same. The people were just not friendly. Well, my question to all who have ever thought that is this. We should ask ourselves why we attend that church or any church for that matter.

Going to church should not be for fellowship as important as that may be. Let me give you the word. Psalm 122:1 "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." Now may I remind you again, and you surely know this, there are no perfect churches or pastors or people within that body of believers or any other. That is a taken. I believe every child of God who is really born again needs to be joined with others in a building somewhere and serve and worship with others. Do I hear an Amen to this statement? I love going to church. I enjoy seeing each one every Sunday morning.

Their handshakes, hugs and smiles encourage me. The music lifts my spirits. The prayers, testimonies, and Bible teaching motivate me. However, none of those things are the real reasons I go. You see; I can get handshakes and hugs in a civic club meeting. I can find music on the radio. If I want more knowledge, I can go back to school. I go to church for more than those things. I go to church because I need to fellowship with the living God in the midst of His people. I need to spend time with Him and worship in His house!

There is something special about meeting God with other believers. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them." And that is the key to coming to church…God is among them. Oh I know; he is with each of us, outside of church, but there should be most of the time that you feel and sense just as the Psalmist said, I was glad when someone said it is church time. That is my translation. And another thought is this.

You should know inside of you this is where God would have you attend. That is the conclusion my friends.

YOUR LIGHT

Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 1 Cor. 15:33

Just last night at our family devotional, my wife Karen and I were discussing one of the parables of Jesus, (Parable of the Lamp) Luke 8:16 “Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lamp stand, so that those who come in may see the light.

We were discussing changes I have made in my own life and using the phrase "Let the Light of God shine through you." As I walk around the complex with the dogs, I pray for our community, and every now and then you can hear a couple arguing loudly, and I stop and pray for them for God to suck out the darkness and open the doors and windows and let God's light shine in.

Non-Christians judge us Christians on our lifestyles. If we are Holy on Sunday mornings, but Monday - Saturday full of rage, resentment, jealously, cussing, drinking, and smoking, etc. we are labeled as hypocrites, and justifiably. The Christian lifestyle is not an easy one; life seemed easier before, when we didn't care and just did what we wanted to do.

With that said, look back in the Old Testament, and you will see where God had destroyed cities, nations, and even flooded the planet during Noah's days. As God destroyed Sodom and Gomohora because of how corrupt, they were, does it make you stop and reflect about our own country? Are all the natural disasters and school shootings, drugs, crime escalating because God is trying to get our attention?

We've taken prayer out of the schools; some communities have "HAD" to remove the Ten Commandments from local government buildings, but yet a place I read about in Oklahoma, that the Satanists were going to erect an idol to be placed there for all to see. I could go on with so many more reports, but I am sure you see them too, just turn on your news channel.

In your day-to-day life how bright is your light for God? Does it only burn through church services? Is the candle still lit Monday - Saturday? Yes, we are only human, and were born into a sinful nature, but God gave us all "Free will" so our day to day decisions and actions are in our control. We all can cause a change to make this world a better place to live in. Think about yesterday's blog about "INSTEAD."

Let God's light shine through you every moment, and Cause a change †

INSTEAD

http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/soul-care

I was at the VA yesterday for an appointment and was talking to this guy who was senior to me, and we were discussing what changes we would make in the world if we were King for a day. We talked for ten minutes, and then my Doctor called me in. On my way home, I was talking to God to help me in my own personal life of how I can do a better job of being a Pastor, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend, etc. If I have said this once, I have said it a zillion times "How do you eat an elephant? One single bite at a time." Starting today I commit myself, to take a negative of myself and switch it to a positive. I will write it in a personal journal and review it once a week and see how my progress is going :-)

Dictionary: in·stead [in-sted], adverb

• as a substitute or replacement; in the place or stead of someone or something: We ordered tea but were served coffee instead.
• in preference; as a preferred or accepted alternative: The city has its pleasures, but she wished instead for the quiet of country life.

 Idioms:

• instead of, in place of; in lieu of: You can use milk instead of cream in this recipe.

Matthew 6:25-33 (NASB)

25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 and who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? 28 and why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 but if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow will be thrown into the furnace, will he not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?' 32 for the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly, Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

  

I'm sure many read the top part from the dictionary of the definition of "INSTEAD," and seen the Bible verse and said to yourselves "Oh yea! I know that from the Bible."

  

What if you were to pick a day this week and make it a "INSTEAD" theme, and I'll give you a few examples, and you can use them or add your own.

1. A car cuts me off on the road, and I go bunkers! However, "INSTEAD," I choose to stop and think perhaps some reason made them swerve into your lane. Hmmmm?

2. Did you hear that this guy wants to be a pastor and lead our church, and his wife does not believe in God and .... "INSTEAD," Oh I did not know that, but we shouldn't be talking about it like that? Join me now for a few minutes and let's pray for them both, that God gives him the wisdom like with King Solomon, and that his wife will come to accept Jesus. Hmm?

3. Everyone keeps talking about Jesus did this and that. Are these really fables or true stories? One day, I might go to church and ask the pastor about it. "INSTEAD," I want to know more about Jesus. I think I have an old Bible on the bookshelf, and I'll read the four Gospels before Sunday, and I will start going to this church around the corner, and ask the pastor for an appointment to come in and ask him about what I am still confused about with Jesus.

4. ENTER YOUR "INSTEAD." Take one day and make it a day to make a change in your life. You might even surprise yourself and find how much happier you are and have a sense of peace for a change.

ARE YOU THE ONE?

God's Preservation Ministry Soul Care

http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/soul-care

I hope you all had a great Memorial Day (Declaration Day) weekend. Quite emotional for me. Busy 2 weeks for me, between Dr appointments for Karen and myself, as well finals for 2 of the three courses I have been taking. Proud to say I passed the first final, but more importantly, I have come closer to God, and my studying the Bible in the Old Testament, just was a great Blessing to get intimate with the books of King's.

As for this ministry whether people like this or not or never comment or visit any of our social media sites, the KEY is, God has put me right here right now at this season of my life to do his will. If this whole process just reaches the one person God intended, then that is the Victory in Jesus. Just as my continuous course work, it's not the grade, but what I have learned from God's Truth--The Bible.

I want to close by saying if we can help anyone, just the one, let me know. We are here to help people through our Soul Care & Soul Shepherding ministries. For that I praise our LORD for all he is doing in my life and yours too. This moment you're reading this, is the next step in your life of deciding "What is your "Charge" from God? Just look at King David and King Solomon as examples. †

God's Anointing For You

God has an Anointing for You

 by Pastor Ed Tarno

My friends, there is no substitute for a genuine anointing. Fine facilities, educated preachers, a grand choir, and the latest in audio and video technology may be alright, in their place, but there is no substitute for the anointing.

What does this have to do with the church today? It has much to do with us. Jesus was God’s anointed because Jesus was our prophet, High Priest, and King. But in 1 Peter 2:9 Peter writes to the church, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood , a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Notice that phrase “royal priesthood.” That means that we are priests and king in the kingdom of God. There is only one King of kings, but we are the head and not the tail, we are above and not beneath, when it comes to our relationship with this world. He has given us power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Revelation 5:10 says that God has “made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth” (also, Rev. 1:6).

So, kings and priests were anointed, as were prophets. Not only does the Bible declare the priesthood of all believers, but it also teaches prophethood of all believers. Peter says that we are a “royal priesthood,” but then he goes on to say, “That you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness.” Proclamation is the role of the prophet. We have been called to go and tell, to speak forth His praises, to proclaim the good news. Jesus said, “And you shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be my witnesses” Acts 1:8 He’s promising us a prophets anointing to be proclaimers of the Good News. What am I saying? I’m saying that the Body of Christ, the church, has been called to be prophet, priest, and king in this world, and Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to anoint us serve in these capacities. When you become a believer and begin to enter into your role as servants of the Most High God, God will provide the power, the anointing, the unction from the Holy One, to do whatever God has called you to do, or wherever He has called you to serve.

So what does this mean? It means that God has a special anointing for you. It’s not like any other anointing that the world can give. It isn’t something that can be duplicated, or imitated. When the anointing is real, there will be no doubt. The anointing makes the difference. The anointing breaks the yoke. The anointing liberates the people of God to do the work of God and to do it in the might and power of the Holy Spirit. Are you ready for your anointing? Paul told Timothy, “Stir up the gift of God that is in you by the laying on of my hands.” In other word, “It’s time to stir up the anointing.” It’s time say, “I will not try to accomplish in the flesh, that which requires the Holy Spirit at work in me and through me.”

We read about the power of the Holy Spirit on Jesus, but Paul said, that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead shall also quicken our mortal bodies. Jesus said: 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever Not only was Jesus anointed, but God has an anointing for you, You need to walk in that anointing everyday.

Prayer Works!

Prayer Works!

By Pastor Stephen Piersall, God's Preservation Ministry Soul Care

gpmsc.org

facebook.com/GodsPreservationMinistry

networkedblogs.com/blog/soul-care

I have spoken about; “Forgiveness,” “Giving,” “How to Pray,” and today I just want to show you some examples how prayer can, does, and will be answered by our LORD.

1. Justine had Stage 4 cancer; jaw, sinus cavity, surgery and now in recovery. Cancer all gone, Over 1,100 people prayed for her.

2. Jaymie, broken extended family refuses to accept her, and she is pregnant. Recently had a baby shower with both sides of the family together in harmony. I remember in conversations with the family, that it has been impossible to gather for an outing in peace.

3. Lynn, life threatening abdomen surgery, over 1500 people praying. After recovery, received more bad news she would need another surgery. Everyone kept praying, latest news, No new surgery, swelling is reduced, fluid has drained, and severe pain is subsiding.

4. Someone at church received a prophetic word during the church service. He mentioned that there were people in the congregation with lower-back problems and some with right shoulder pain. No names were given. As I am with the church’s prayer team, I witnessed miraculous healing as we had several people come forward with those specific medical concerns. All left the church fully healed, while some sensed the warmth within them and were starting to notice they felt better. Prayer team that day was less than 10 people.

  

I could go on with more examples, but I only want to make this point. When someone says to pray for them, don’t acknowledge so and later forget. Pray right then and let God perform the miracles of healing TODAY, just as Jesus did over 2000 years ago.

  

I'll give a few points to when I have taught people to pray:

1. Be Focused. Ask the Holy Spirit to come and take over the situation and give you the words to pray for someone. Avoid generalizations, e.g. “Bless them," “Be with them," etc. Matthew 28:20 “I am with you always," Tell God exactly what you want him to do. Mark 10:51, Remember when the crowds brought a blind man to Jesus, our Lord asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" God does not want all the fluff and feel good words; He asks the same question of us, and be specific.

2. Be Consistent. Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you.” Start a regular prayer journal, write your prayers down and pray every day as God wants us to. Yes, Matthew 6:8 clearly states, “God knows what you need before you ask him." As we continue to pray, we submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit, so he can mold us into the character of Christ. The longer we pray, the greater we are empowered, led, and matured as a Christian.

3. Expect Results. Pray in faith that you know God is listening. Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Be sure, God will use a multitude of methods for healing. He uses physicians and medical technology of today. Pray for the doctors, nurses, staff, etc. Act and not be surprised that he intervenes in supernatural ways.

a. Death. Sometimes he heals us eternally by taking us from our fallen, diseased bodies into his open arms in Heaven. We must accept the outcome no matter what. He KNOWS best, and we are to remain in faith, “Thy will be done.”

Christian's Voice Your Faith!

Christian's Voice Your Faith!

http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/soul-care

Feed My Starving Children

Feed My Starving Children

Pastor Stephen... Our local church participated with this program April 9 - 12, 2014, and as a church we collected (above tithing/giving) $84,000. Which is $7,000 more than we budgeted. Last year, we prepared 350,000 meals, and this year we topped that at 381,024. Our budget was to feed 959 children, and this year we prepared enough meals for 1,045 children :-) Can I get an Amen? AMEN † 

I am so proud of our churches Pastor's, Staff, congregation and the family and friends that came to participate too. In addition we had a 7th grade class from one of the local schools show up and prepared meals as a class project. Bureaucrats want God out of the schools? Then let's bring the schools to the churches. AMEN †

One bag contains 13.6 oz. and there are six servings per bag. Many of the top food scientists.... Click the link below to read the rest of this fantastic story./.......

http://www.gpmsc.org/feed-my-starving-children

7 Ways Christians Should Behave Online

http://www.gpmsc.org/apps/blog/show/41919296-7-ways-christians-should-behave-online

Ron Edmondson is a pastor and church leader passionate about planting churches, helping established churches thrive, and assisting pastors and those in ministry think through leadership, strategy and life. Ron has over 20 years business experience, mostly as a self-employed business owner, and he's been helping church grow vocationally for over 10 years.

More from Ron Edmondson or visit Ron at www.ronedmondson.com/

I have had an online ministry for over 15 years. God has humbled me with the way He has chosen to use this influence He has given me. I try not to take it for granted.

One thing that has changed since I began ministering online ... and it’s changed for all of us ... is the rise of social media. Whether you believe it’s a good addition or not, we cannot deny its impact on culture or even on the church. Personally, I have chosen to use it for good as much as possible.

Still, it disturbs me some of the ways I see Christians respond on social media. I can post one thing ... whether serious or not ... and I do use humor intentionally as a part of my online presence ... and it never fails to amaze me how someone might respond. I have referred to the practice as a slam and run. I just have to thank God at times for the delete option! But, it’s an example of a bigger problem. Christians aren't always behaving well online. What we’d never say offline we have no problem saying online.

Seriously, this isn't a personal plea. This is a Kingdom plea. Just as the world is watching how Christians respond in public, they are watching how we respond online. We must be careful then with what we post. All of us will be misunderstood. But, we shouldn't be blatantly offensive.

Here are seven ways Christians should behave online:

1. No soapbox—We are told to “do everything without arguing or complaining.” (Philippians 2:14) That doesn't mean we can’t support causes we believe in, but they should be moral and biblical issues, not personal agendas.

2. No public bashing—Unless you've practiced Matthew 18 principles, and even then it would be rare, don’t address your problems with others online. It’s not helpful and never promotes peace. (Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14)

3. No little jabs—We shouldn't say things about others that may be misinterpreted as a stab against them. Guard your online tongue. (James 3) I see this especially as a passive-aggressive tactic. We feel “safe” evoking insults or cuts to another person online that we would never say to their face.

4. Encouragement—Social media can be a great way to encourage others. We shouldn't spam with massive amounts of posts. Few appreciate the person who shares everything they see, but most everyone likes to read an encouraging word pointed especially to them. (Ephesians 4:29)

5. Do to others—as we’d have them do to us. We should always think before we post. Pause. Breathe. Think. Post. Ask yourself how you would be impacted by the post before you post it. (Luke 6:31)

6. Guard against pride—We have to be careful with self-promotion and bragging about ourselves online. Granted, this is coming from one who has built an online platform online and I frequently encourage other pastors to do the same. It’s one of the best ways currently to engage people for Kingdom building. But, this is a reminder for me too. We must check our motives, guard our hearts and never allow our egos to rob glory from what God wants to do through our online presence. (Proverbs 11:2, 13:10)

7. Don't allow it to be a replacement for community—It’s easy to post “Happy birthday” or reply “Praying for you” without really doing so. We shouldn't trade the functions of the Body for an online presence. (Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 10:24)