Sunday, September 28, 2014

Fear of Honesty

Pastor Stephen Piersall      September 27, 2014







We all go through different trials and tribulations in our life and often get stuck in the rut of our state of affairs. To get the best course of relief from the hurts, bad behaviors, you are going to have to deal with the fear of honest.
Three common fears that the devil uses to keep you stuck in your rut and keep you afraid to face your truths.

The fear of your own desires.

You do not have to be afraid to deal with your; memories, sins, abuses, and hurt.  If you have ever felt like that, let it all go. Each person has experienced at some time during their lives that they were losing their mind because of their iniquities. You may be shattered, but you are not crazy. You are also in the appropriate company, because we’re all broken. We all have vulnerabilities, fears, and habits, etc.

The fear of what others think of us.

You are anxious to be open, because you might be rejected or dismissed or even abandoned. Others might think less of you as a Christian. You’re fearful of being yourself, because you are all, you have. If people do not like what they see, you are hanging out with the wrong company. Do not be distressed that others will try to fix you.

The fear that being truthful is irrational.

Why tell anybody else about what you are struggling with? You feel like you have been there previously, and it did not provide relief. Consider that if you had earlier been totally honest, you would already be free. The Bible says, “Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16).

When you can let go of your fears and confess your mistakes to other people, God has promised you the healing you have been looking for.



I will be blogging real soon on a series of "The Armor of God," going in-depth of why we need the protection, and where we are vulnerable.  PLEASE Share this blog address with all your contacts, as this will only be published here. I solicit your support in helping us add new subscribers, as this too will turn in to a YouTube channel †


Thursday, September 11, 2014

Are You running Out of Time?




Are you running out of time?


It is September, and our children are back in school. The leaves are turning color, and before you know it; snow will be falling, and we will be wondering what happened to 2014? The days and weeks and months and years seem to roll one into another like a dream.

Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Take a few minutes this week, and think back on the events that have transpired. How many; births, deaths, how did the economy affect your life, how along did you get in reading your Bible, how many people did you bring to your local church, did you help anyone to receive Jesus’s gift of Salvation?

Psalm 39:4 “Show me, LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.”

I mention this as a beloved pastor friend of mine passed away last week and looking back what a wonderful life of commitment to Our LORD. At his funeral, his wife requested the church to have 50 people in the chorus worshiping God, raising the roof off the church with singing full of love. Just imagine the choir he must have heard when he met with Jesus in person? Awesome!
 
Job 9:25 “My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away without a glimpse of joy.”

Let us to do the same. As we become more cautious of our fleeting days let us become more appreciative of the Lord's providence and more aware of His favor on us.

Job 7:6 “My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and they come to an end without hope.”




Pastor Stephen Piersall
God's Preservation Ministry Soul Care 

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Want Proof? Proof Given!




Evangelist Lynn McKenzie is on our staff, and she writes a daily blog of insights of her life and things going on around her. Not only is she a blogger, but an author (http://www.amazon.com/Lynn-McKenzie/e/B00MD2JZ3G/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0). You can follow her daily blog at this link:

Many Ministers in our world take the calling by Jesus himself of “The Great Commission” seriously. Yes, we all should too. Many of us have life insurance policies set up for our loved ones to have monies after our death. Let me ask you, how much do you have invested in your life insurance policy? $50K, $500, $ million? All this money you spend on monthly payments to provide security for your loved ones is a great idea, but what is in it for you? Think about as you read the following blog of time, commitment, and what life insurance policy do you have for yourself? The answer to this will be revealed in one person’s life as you read on.

A few months ago, a fellow I knew named Mike, had wanted to see what it was like to worship at a Baptist church.  So, he came to our worship service, one Sunday. Afterwards, we had a pot-luck luncheon, and Mike joined us. During that time of fellowship and good food, many people came to speak with Mike.  Like my pastor, some friends, and our Bible study teacher, W.

W and Mike had quite a conversation.  W was previously a Muslim and converted many years ago. Mike was raised Catholic.  However, he had an experience with someone within the Catholic Church that turned him right off.  So, he decided that God didn't exist and decided to become an atheist.
Part of me wondered why Mike would want to see what it was like to worship at a Baptist church.  Of course, he had never before been with a Baptist church family. However, I wondered if possibly God was leading him back to Christianity.

Just so you know, Mike and I did not have a relationship of any kind, other than just being friends.  In the spring, he got angry with me for talking about God, and our differences in thinking made him not speak with me for a while. You may recall reading that I had a van problem a while back.  And, a fellow showed up to drive my daughter B and I to her vehicle.  That was Mike. After that, I heard from him off and on.  He was looking for information about being on dialysis.  His doctor told him he needed to have dialysis three (3) times a week.  Even so, it didn't begin.

About a week and a half ago, he called me and let me know he wanted me to list his house for sale.  I thanked him, but had to explain that although I absolutely am a licensed realtor and must pay all the fees associated with my licensing, I felt I was but not well enough to return to working. So, I mentioned that I had a friend who works for the same broker as I do.  L is someone I've known since I was first licensed in 1988. He agreed to meet with her, last Tuesday.  However, he wanted me there, also. Mike explained that since he's carrying around so much extra fluid in his body, that he was having trouble walking, and was continually out of breath.  He let me know his front door would be unlocked, and if he didn't answer the bell or knocking, it would probably be because he was having trouble on the staircase.

I asked him repeatedly, if he let me take him to the hospital.  Even when we met with L, when she listed his house for sale. His answer was always... NO!  He wanted to wait until after he saw his heart specialist, which he was scheduled for the previous Friday. Ultimately Thursday evening, he called me.  During our conversation, he asked me if I would drive him to his heart specialist's appointment, the next morning.  I agreed to do this for him.

Friday morning, I called him just before I left home, and left a message letting him know I was on my way to pick him up.  Upon arrival, there was no answer. So, I took his mail out of his mailbox, and opened the door to enter his home.  After placing his mail on his kitchen table, I called out his name, over and over gain.  There was no reply. I exited the house, and called L, asking her to come over immediately.  She lives close by, but I could hear the water running, as she was in the shower.  Even so, she let me know she'd be there as soon as she could. Meanwhile, I saw a neighbor outside and asked him if he would go into the house with me to check on Mike.  I explained that although I was improving, I was still having trouble climbing multiple stairs and was weak after having that major surgery.  He agreed.

At the bottom of the staircase, we both called out Mike's name.  There was no answer. The fellow went up the stairs; I climbed only a few stairs.  From upstairs, he looked at me and said that Mike wasn't in any bedroom. But then, he saw Mike laying on the floor in the bathroom.  He couldn't tell if Mike was breathing, or not. I called 911. Fire and Rescue arrived before the Ambulance, and then the Police arrived. Questioning of both this fellow and I, happened repeatedly.  Then, each of us had to give a report that was taken in a police vehicle. Afterwards, the officer who took the report went into the house.  He came out and told us that Mike could not be resuscitated.  He was dead.

This was stressful and upsetting to me.  Not because we had some sort of relationship, because we did not!  We were just friends. My first thought was that Satan had truly had his way, with Mike.  Sigh... I wished that Mike had been in a relationship with Jesus Christ.  And, I silently wished that Satan had stayed out of Mike's life. Almost like what we read in Matthew 4:10, "Then saith Jesus unto him, get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."

I commented that knowing Mike had died, was upsetting to me, because of his relationship with God.  On the other hand, maybe I should say... lack, thereof. We discussed the situation, and I explained what Mike had told me, about his walking away from God, in the past. The officer remarked that Mike had been found lying on the floor, face down.  He commented that if Mike had laid there still alive, he would have had time to call out to God. That's when I said I had written about that issue recently on Life with Lynnie (LwL) (re: Robin Williams), and stated God told us in His Word, the Bible that whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved (Romans 10:13). The police officer speaking with us, was obviously Christian.  For this, I praised God. We agreed, that Mike may be in Hell.  Alternatively, he may be in Heaven... if he had cried out to our Lord, after he collapsed/fell. No one here on earth, knows.  Only God knows where Mike is, now.


Friend, I thank you for reading Life with Lynnie (LwL).  And, I pray that you have a relationship with Our LORD, Jesus Christ. For instance, if you do, you are saved from spending eternity in Hell.  And, I will be able to one day meet you, in Heaven.


Pastor Stephen Piersall, God's Preservation Ministry Soul Care 
networkedblogs.com/blog/soul-care

Saturday, August 16, 2014

War! Do You Have God's Peace?

Pastor Stephen Piersall                                                     August ‎15, ‎2014


Do You Have God’s Peace?

Wars and even more wars, every day in the news it is the headlines! Have you ever done a study and find a time that there was NOT a war on this planet? Even Jesus described to his disciple's wars, and rumors of wars would be a sign toward "End of Times." That fact alone makes it difficult for us to figure that one out, considering WWI & II, were the wars to end all wars.

Have you ever stopped to think of whom is the mastermind of wars? Satan is the driving influence behind man's viciousness to his fellow man. He is the source of instigation of wars. Satan wants to eradicate humans because he knows our ultimate potential of becoming glorified sons of God. He hates that our destiny is, among other things, to judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3, Hebrews 2:10, 1 Peter 5:8).

The devil cannot directly destroy human beings without God's express permission (Job 1:12, Luke 22:31). Therefore, he sets himself to influence humans to destroy themselves, hoping to end it all through the bloodshed of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21).

Satan will fail, but the path of his destruction is right before our eyes. Here are some examples?

·      Abortion
·      Alcohol
·      Drive-by shootings
·      Drugs
·      Genocide
·      Process foods
·      Race riots
·      School shootings
·      Smoking

I am sure you can name a few more yourself. We, for the most part, are not directly affected unless a friend or family member, or a well-known personality, e.g., Robin Williams. Yes, it is a shame for anyone. For that matter, to die because of Satan's influence.

I figured since this is fresh in our minds, to mention once again, there is an alternative. No amount of money can buy you the life insurance policy that Jesus has for us. If you have not accepted the gift of Salvation, now is the time to decide. God created us in his image, but also gave us "Free-will" to determine what we do with our own lives.

Buying a new car, yes we can sleep on it and decide in the future. As for your opportunity of eternal life in Heaven, you may NOT awaken the next day to consider it more. Now, is the time to decide! If you already are a Christian, I ask you how many individuals are on your own prayer journal that you are praying for regarding salvation.

If you are against it altogether, go about your day as you see fit.
If you are on the fence and leaning toward God, drop to your knees and just ask Our LORD Jesus for forgiveness. My staff and I are available, and you can contact us multiple ways listed below. We will be glad to answer your questions, guide, and pray for you. Even so, YOU must make the first step. † 




May God shine his light through you 
Pastor Stephen Piersall
God's Preservation Ministry Soul Care 

Friday, August 1, 2014

Good Samaritan





These last few months, and particularly these recent weeks, Karen and I have been consumed with medical issues with ourselves having surgeries to other family members, notably with CANCER.

I am so proud of our church's help, as I have needed rides to Dr's appointments since I'm not allowed to drive yet since my surgery. Other church families coming forward to visit and take us to the store for items we needed. Our neighbor family has pitched in and helped with taking our two pugs out, and other assorted chores, etc. Can't say Thank You enough.

We are just so BLESSED, with the help, phone calls, texts, etc. that we give an LOUD SHOUT-OUT to JESUS Our LORD and Savior †

The idea of a Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) right from the Bible has come alive right before our eyes. Such a wonderful story, and a Blessing to be receiving the help we have needed thus far.


We cannot wait to go to church this weekend and worship Our LORD together with our church. Do you have any similar stories to share of how God has Blessed YOU with a Good Samaritan?


Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Pledge...

By Evangelist Lynn McKenzie

Pledge...



















pledge...
Once again, here on Life with Lynnie (LwL), I'll be honouring my Lord.

After all, today is SONday!  The day when believers worship God.

The music I am honouring our Lord with today, is by Ray Boltzand is entitled, "I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb".  Here is a link so you can listen and/or sing along: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mECQOt2z7mw 

The lyrics are below:


I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb

I have heard how Christians long ago
Were brought before a tyrants throne
They were told that he would spare their lives
If they would renounce the name of Christ

But one by one, they chose to die
The Son of God, they would not deny
Like a great angelic choir sings
I can almost hear their voices ring

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
With all my strength, with all I am
I will seek to honor His commands
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb


Now, the years have come and the years have gone
And the 'cause of Jesus still goes on
Now, our time has come to count the cost
To reject this world, to embrace the Cross

And one by one let us live our lives
For the One who died to give us life
Till the trumpet sounds on the final day
Let us proudly stand and boldly say

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
With all my strength, with all I am
I will seek to honor His commands
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

To the Lamb of God who bore my pain
Who took my place, who wore my shame
I will seek to honor His commands
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb


With this past week being a special time of pledging allegiance to my country Canada, and to my secondary country USA, I found this song to be rather fitting.

After all, not only do we need to pledge allegiance to the country we live in, but we must do so to our Lord, Jesus Christ.  For we must honour Him.

Just like our sister-in-the-Lord, Meriam Ibrahim has done, plus others too, anyone who has salvation by trusting in/believing upon our Lord Jesus Christ, who is truly saved, would never deny Him.

Why?  Because anyone who chooses to deny Christ, will be denied by our Father in Heaven.

Just as we read in Matthew 10:33, "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."

There is no way I would ever deny my Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Nope.  

He loved me enough to give up His life for me.  And, for you, if you are believing upon Him.

Jesus did this, so that we could have everlasting life.

My friend, I pray that one day I'll meet with you.  Either here on earth, or in Heaven.


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail: lifewithlynnie@gmail.com 

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Message For Our Leaders



I have a message for our leaders.


by Pastor Ed Tarno

There is an Unholy War going on at this present moment. It is between the "kings" and "rulers" and the Lord Jesus Christ - God's Anointed One - authorized and qualified by Him to rule and reign over all the earth.
Psalm 2:2, David described the warfare in this manner - "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His anointed." Look around you...read the front page headlines...or catch the breaking news on TV - and you will have to agree that there is an unholy war going on right before our very eyes. What antagonism there is - which is aimed at the rise of Christianity...the adherence to God's Holy Word as the only rule book for mankind...or the salvation message found in One Person and One Person alone - the Lord Jesus Christ.

What we see is a specific and definite plot stirred up by a determined malice and deep-seated hatred against the Lordship of Jesus Christ over every life. These leaders have combined...resolved...become firm, determined, or fixed in their purpose...taken a resolute and obstinate stand...and set themselves in an array - so to speak. Their faces are as flint and their hearts as an adamant in their defiance against all godly and sound reasoning. They have absolutely no Fear of God whatsoever. They "take counsel together." In other words, they animate one another in their opposition. By means of utmost vigor, they are deliberate with such unanimity on schemes and plans of preventing the establishment of the Kingdom of God on this earth in the hearts of men, women, boys, and girls. Notice which David defined as their major opponent - "against the LORD, and against His anointed." 

Oh! They might fight certain individual believers or churches that are zealously preaching the Gospel Truth, but ultimately, their "case" is with God. As we read between the lines, we see that the devil's problem is not with the wishy-washy, spaghetti-spined "Christian." No! No! No! Furiously he fights those who are just like their leader - "Anointed" - those who are kicking down the gates of Hell and rescuing sinners from the grasps of demons and evils...those who are so dead to self and allowing Jesus to be increased while they are decreased...those who are more interested in the advancement of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus than their own reputation, honor, and name. These "kings" and "rulers" - who are demon-inspired - are actually envious of the Lord Jesus' advancement on this earth. 

They are exasperated with His authority over their lives and the lives of their subjects. They despise - with an unholy passion - the spirit of holiness which the Gospel message perpetrates and promotes. They "rage" (Psalm 2:1) at the discovery of their sins. They gnash their teeth to think of the possible obscuring of their glory. They fret at the thought of their dominion being usurped by another - even though he is worthy of all praise, honor, dominion, and power. What word would God have for such leaders? What word of instruction could possibly stop this insane madness? David offered it in Psalm 2:10 - "Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth." Amen


Wednesday, June 18, 2014

15 MINUTES



15 minutes of your day? Hmm! There are 10,080 minutes in a week. Wow! That is a lot of time for sure. Can you spare a dollar? To what degree would you get your 15 minutes of fame? You can buy XXX Car Insurance in 15 minutes. What if I could guarantee you, if you promise to give merely 15 minutes a day of your time, you can cause a change in our world? In fact, I will make a bet with you, and I do not bet unless I know I can win, ask my kids and grandchildren LOL

Sure you could read your Bible, do something special for someone, exercise and burn a zillion calories, or even take a power nap. Even so, I challenge you to pray for a minimum of 15 minutes a day. We even have a prayer list on our web site gpmsc.org, you could use with information on a five step praying plan to use as an example.

If you take 15 minutes every day to pray, I promise that you will grow spiritually. Will you accept my challenge?

In fact, I dare you to share this with all your contacts in life, and social media, that we could be the start of an epidemic of prayer, reaching upward to Our LORD God, and have a one on one conversation in 15 minutes a day. May God Bless you peace within your heart †

Friday, June 6, 2014

WHEN LOVE TAKES OVER




By Pastor Ed Tarno

When Love takes over, Grace Takes Over, 'for God so loved the world that he gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life'. This scripture deals with love, and we know there is no power, or teaching, or rule, that will match the love of God. Though many have tried, no one can explain the love of God. Poets and songwriters have failed, and ministers preach but cannot fully explain his wondrous love.

We don't need the Spiritual Gifts like speaking in tongues, or healing as much as we think we do, though they are wonderful, and we praise God that we have them. Even so, if these gifts are not governed by love, they are not effective, and multitudes on this day are exercising the Gifts of the Spirit without the True Spirit.

Love should govern the home we all agree. A home that's not disciplined by love is not much of a home. If the husband and wife don't solemnly love one another, they cannot trust one another. Are you still with me? Remember, love is the strongest force in the world. Instead of focusing upon some emotion or gift, we should place our faith upon the love of God. If we come back to this principle, our Christian growth will progress much faster, for God is loved, and is healing and brings peace to your soul. Oh I knew it, Ed. You always get to that part didn't you? No but God does. Always.

This is the day of which Jesus said, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten." If we have God's love within our heart and projecting through our lives, we will receive his correction in these last days. In the Greek, there are 'phileo' or natural love between a man and his wife; however, there is also 'agapao', or divine love, and these two loves are different. For instance, with the love that you have for your wife, you might attack a man who would insult her; at the same time, with agapao or divine love, you would pray for his lost soul. That's the difference.

I'm sure many of us have been confused with phileo for agape love. Phileo or human affection is intellectual, whereas agape love comes from the heart by faith. Phileo love will always doubt and question, but agape love will always rest and be at peace. Godly love has trust, and strengthens faith. Like that small verse, we do many short-lived things in this life, and Jesus said if you but give a cup of cold water in My Name, you have your reward. I'm so glad. He sees those little things we do. Love is a powerful force, and when love reaches the end of its strength, sovereign grace takes over and grants love's petition. That's the reason we have a Savior, who is delighted and shows his compassion to the world and produced a Savior.

God wanted so much to see you well; His love went out and produced an atonement for your sickness as well as your sins. It was the love of God that constrained him to do it. Nothing is greater than love - it brings trust; it brings faith, and it brings pardon. Love has no fear. Love casts out fear in fact. There's a great deal of fear among Christians, and this should not be. Fear stems from a lack of confidence, and a lack of confidence stems from a lack of faith.

God wants you to cast your cares upon Him, for He careth for you. Love and trust Him - Love is not based on legalism. We can't come to God by government. Love is based on faith in God, trust in God, confidence in God. And when the love of God comes into your heart, you won't be suffering from affliction.


Sunday, June 1, 2014

GRAB-GROW-n-GO






Many churches or ministries have a theme and use that to attract individuals to attend their church. My church's theme "Grab-Grow-n-Go!" we want to create a "Come as you are" atmosphere where people can connect with Jesus and others, (Grab) develop towards their fullest potential (Grow) and step into their God-given roles (Go). Simply put...Grab-Grow-n-Go!


As you go about your lives this week, I encourage you to try to reach a peace, that is just a slice of Heaven. Praying before getting out of bed, be conscious of everything you do and say and how it is presented. Help someone, pick up the trash on the ground on your way to the dumpster with yours, smile, greet people you see throughout the day. Keep God's light burning within you and let it shine to the world that this is how a believer by faith (Christian) lives their lives. Have that family devotional, even if you just read one chapter a day in the Bible. At bedtime pray again and ask God for his grace and forgive you of any sins you may have down. Remember waking up tomorrow is not a guarantee.


This whole process of walking in the Kingdom of God, will bring you closer and many times accomplish the ultimate...Christ Consciousness †


Lastly we solicit your support and connect and share with our social media sites. we are on Facebook, Twitter, web page being completely renovated in less than 10 days, or follow our blogs, by different Christian author's. Thank you in advance †



Saturday, May 31, 2014

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.


Friday, May 30, 2014

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.


Thursday, May 29, 2014

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 †

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

INSTEAD









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.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

ARE YOU THE ONE?






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. †