1 Thessalonians 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.6 ¶ Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
Sleep. Awake. Darkness. Light. Sober. Drunken. These are words that the Scripture includes in this passage. We are admonished by the Apostle Paul to be be "sober," be "awake," and not "sleep," in the spiritual sense as do others.
Have you ever been in the physical state between being asleep and being awake? I remember being in this state at different times in my life. It is not a good feeling. If you have ever been drunk on alcohol to the point of passing out, you may know how it feels to be in this state between being physically awake and asleep. You want to wake up and it seems you are stuck and no matter how much you try to wake up, you continue to be in limbo. I remember feeling smothered and strangely frozen in this state. I felt that If I fell back to sleep, I would never wake up. So I struggled and struggled until I finally awoke. When I finally awoke, I jumped up and breathed heavily for several minutes. Not a good feeling.
In the spiritual sense, we are admonished to be "awake." The Apostle Paul encourges Christians to continue as children of the light and to avoid the darkness. Perhaps there are those who are "stuck" in limbo between being awake and being asleep in the spiritual sense. We should be ever diligent in being prepared for the coming of the Lord for we know that he has warned that he "will come as a thief in the night." Our light should shine out to others who need to be awakened out of darkness or to those Christians who are stuck in "limbo" between being actively awake or just hanging on between being awake and being asleep spiritually. These Christians are "drunk" on things that keeps them from being actively awake. This "stupor" keeps them from shining as they should for the Lord. Maybe its the stupor of unforgiveness or the stupor of gossip, or a number of other stupors. The cry is "AWAKE!" Those stupors are just "drugs" of the devil to keep us from being awake. Put those things away and joyfully awake!
Put those stupors away and joyfully put on faith and love in HIM! So we gladly rejoice that we can be with HIM who died for us that whether we continue living in this life joyfully awake or in that final light that comes with the final sleep with HIM (passing from temporal breath to the celestial breath). . . .God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
•PRAYER AND FASTING JAN. 1-21. DANIEL FAST OF 21 DAYS.
•TOTAL FAST, PARTIAL FAST, INTERMITTENT FAST, FAST TO THE LORD
•January 4th at 6 pm. West TN District Meeting with Sectional Overseer, Clayton Mahan and State Overseer, E. C. McKinley, 541 Carriage House Drive, Holiday Inn, Jackson, TN
•Workday on Friday of this week at church for those who will come and help.
•TOTAL FAST, PARTIAL FAST, INTERMITTENT FAST, FAST TO THE LORD
•January 4th at 6 pm. West TN District Meeting with Sectional Overseer, Clayton Mahan and State Overseer, E. C. McKinley, 541 Carriage House Drive, Holiday Inn, Jackson, TN
•Workday on Friday of this week at church for those who will come and help.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Today's Meeting and Revival
Thank God for a great time in the Lord today. The Holy Spirit was very evident in our midst wooing and leading us into a time of intensive prayer and fasting. We have been challenged to join in the 21 day Daniel fast beginning January 1 through the 21st. Some may fast a "total fast." Others may fast a "partial fast" (liquid only or lighter diet). Others may fast intermittently (one meal a day, or a day or two at a time). We are simply fasting to the Lord and desiring HIM and what He wants for us.
The following is part of today's message.
•Some reasons why should we fast?
•1. We fast in obedience to Jesus’ teaching. (Matt. 6:16-18)
•2. We fast to demonstrate our dependence upon God. (James 4:10, 1Cor 9:24-27)
•3. We fast to demonstrate repentance from sin (and to intercede for others who need to repent). (Jonah 3:5-10, Daniel 9, Nehemiah 1)
•4. We fast to receive God’s wisdom and direction. (Acts 13:1-3, 14:21-23)
•5. We fast to receive deliverance in times of crisis. (2Chronicles 20).
SCHEDULED REVIVAL: Revival is tentatively scheduled for February 27, 28 and March 1 with Tennessee State Evangelist Tim Farmer.
The following is part of today's message.
•Some reasons why should we fast?
•1. We fast in obedience to Jesus’ teaching. (Matt. 6:16-18)
•2. We fast to demonstrate our dependence upon God. (James 4:10, 1Cor 9:24-27)
•3. We fast to demonstrate repentance from sin (and to intercede for others who need to repent). (Jonah 3:5-10, Daniel 9, Nehemiah 1)
•4. We fast to receive God’s wisdom and direction. (Acts 13:1-3, 14:21-23)
•5. We fast to receive deliverance in times of crisis. (2Chronicles 20).
We fast to God and for His good pleasure.
We are seeking God for revival and for reaching out to the lost.SCHEDULED REVIVAL: Revival is tentatively scheduled for February 27, 28 and March 1 with Tennessee State Evangelist Tim Farmer.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas
My family and I wish you and yours a blessed Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year.
Karen, Jason and I have enjoyed a great Christmas week. We have visited with most of Karen's family and most of my family who all convened at her mother's on Christmas Eve and my mother's on Christmas Day. I did not take pictures this year but focused more on being with each one in my family. God has tremendously blessed us and we are thankful.
Karen, Jason and I have enjoyed a great Christmas week. We have visited with most of Karen's family and most of my family who all convened at her mother's on Christmas Eve and my mother's on Christmas Day. I did not take pictures this year but focused more on being with each one in my family. God has tremendously blessed us and we are thankful.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Quotes
"I learned not to let compliments go to my head, nor criticism my heart." John Hope Bryant, who went from being homeless to founding Operation HOPE, America's first nonprofit banking organization, which has raised more than $400 million for the poor.
"Don't dwell on what you lack; dwell on what you have and use it to the fullest with gratitude. Don't dwell on your failures--learn from them and move on. Don't dwell on your fears or sorrows--dwell on your hopes." Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children's Defense Fund. . .from her Book The Sea Is So Wide and My Boat Is So Small: Charting a Course for the Next Generation
"Don't dwell on what you lack; dwell on what you have and use it to the fullest with gratitude. Don't dwell on your failures--learn from them and move on. Don't dwell on your fears or sorrows--dwell on your hopes." Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children's Defense Fund. . .from her Book The Sea Is So Wide and My Boat Is So Small: Charting a Course for the Next Generation
Christmas Service this past Sunday
We thank the Lord for a special Christmas service. We sang Christmas songs and had a great time in our Christmas banquet. We enjoyed playing the Christmas gift game. The game was new to the people here. We read the birth of Christ account from Luke and put the words right and left throughout the story. Each time the word right or left was read each one moved their Christmas present to the person to their right or left. All ages enjoyed this time.
We also enjoyed the Turkey provided by the pastor's family and all the trimmings provided by the members and friends of the church. We thank the Lord for this special time of the year and for our Lord and Savior who was born of a virgin and took upon himself the earthly, human body. Emmanuel, God with us, how awesome!
We also enjoyed the Turkey provided by the pastor's family and all the trimmings provided by the members and friends of the church. We thank the Lord for this special time of the year and for our Lord and Savior who was born of a virgin and took upon himself the earthly, human body. Emmanuel, God with us, how awesome!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Profundities From the Apostle Paul
2Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
It has been said, "the greatest gift in the privilege to give." This was evident with the church at Macedonia." Paul says of them, "2 Corinthians 8:15 ¶ Brothers and sisters, we want you to know how God showed his kindness to the churches in the province of Macedonia. 2 While they were being severely tested by suffering, their overflowing joy, along with their extreme poverty, has made them even more generous.3 I assure you that by their own free will they have given all they could, even more than they could afford.4 They made an appeal to us, begging us to let them participate in the ministry of God’s kindness to his holy people in Jerusalem.5 They did more than we had expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord and to us, since this was God’s will." GWV
The Macedonians were desirous to give even in their "extreme poverty" to those Christians in desperate need in Jerusalem. With the persecution and ostracizing of the Jerusalem Christians came great temporal need. Those in Macedonia were "extremely poor" as well but they understood the joy and blessedness of giving. The Apostle Paul commended and then admonished (not commanded) the church at Corinth, "2 Corinthians 9:1 ¶ I don’t need to write anything further to you about helping the Christians in Jerusalem. 2 I know how willing you are to help, and I brag about you to the believers in the province of Macedonia. I tell them, "The people of Greece have been ready to send their collection since last year," and your enthusiasm has moved most of them to act. 3 I’ve sent my coworkers so that when we brag that you’re ready, we can back it up. 4 Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me, they might find out that you’re not ready after all. This would embarrass us for feeling so confident as much as it would embarrass you." GWV
He emphasized the greatest gift of all. He reminds them in 2 Corinthians 8:9, "You know about the kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was rich, yet for your sake he became poor in order to make you rich through his poverty." When we think of the greatest gift of all we are constrained, yes moved with compassion, to give. He gave the best and the most to us.
So at this time of the year when we remember the gift that God (Emmanuel, God with us) gave we are thankful that "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son." No matter what words are used, "unspeakable gift," or any other words, no words have the power to describe the greatest gift of all. That is what Paul said, "unspeakable." What more can I do but give myself and all that He has given me or made of me. Just as the Macedonians who, "did more than we had expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord and to us, since this was God’s will."
God knows what one can give but most of all we should give ourselves. As the "Little Drummer Boy" song says, "I have no gift to bring, Shall I play for you, ba rum ba bum bum on my drum." He brought himself and what he had. So I bring myself, with all the faults, with little else to bring and joyfully proclaim, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift!
It has been said, "the greatest gift in the privilege to give." This was evident with the church at Macedonia." Paul says of them, "2 Corinthians 8:15 ¶ Brothers and sisters, we want you to know how God showed his kindness to the churches in the province of Macedonia. 2 While they were being severely tested by suffering, their overflowing joy, along with their extreme poverty, has made them even more generous.3 I assure you that by their own free will they have given all they could, even more than they could afford.4 They made an appeal to us, begging us to let them participate in the ministry of God’s kindness to his holy people in Jerusalem.5 They did more than we had expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord and to us, since this was God’s will." GWV
The Macedonians were desirous to give even in their "extreme poverty" to those Christians in desperate need in Jerusalem. With the persecution and ostracizing of the Jerusalem Christians came great temporal need. Those in Macedonia were "extremely poor" as well but they understood the joy and blessedness of giving. The Apostle Paul commended and then admonished (not commanded) the church at Corinth, "2 Corinthians 9:1 ¶ I don’t need to write anything further to you about helping the Christians in Jerusalem. 2 I know how willing you are to help, and I brag about you to the believers in the province of Macedonia. I tell them, "The people of Greece have been ready to send their collection since last year," and your enthusiasm has moved most of them to act. 3 I’ve sent my coworkers so that when we brag that you’re ready, we can back it up. 4 Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me, they might find out that you’re not ready after all. This would embarrass us for feeling so confident as much as it would embarrass you." GWV
He emphasized the greatest gift of all. He reminds them in 2 Corinthians 8:9, "You know about the kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was rich, yet for your sake he became poor in order to make you rich through his poverty." When we think of the greatest gift of all we are constrained, yes moved with compassion, to give. He gave the best and the most to us.
So at this time of the year when we remember the gift that God (Emmanuel, God with us) gave we are thankful that "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son." No matter what words are used, "unspeakable gift," or any other words, no words have the power to describe the greatest gift of all. That is what Paul said, "unspeakable." What more can I do but give myself and all that He has given me or made of me. Just as the Macedonians who, "did more than we had expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord and to us, since this was God’s will."
God knows what one can give but most of all we should give ourselves. As the "Little Drummer Boy" song says, "I have no gift to bring, Shall I play for you, ba rum ba bum bum on my drum." He brought himself and what he had. So I bring myself, with all the faults, with little else to bring and joyfully proclaim, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Today God Is First
The Anguish of Faith
Psalms 143:7 Do not hide Your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
Of all the biblical characters, David gives us a glimpse of a man who walked with God with great emotion in victory and in defeat. David never lost a battle throughout his many years of serving as king of Israel. In many of the Psalms, David often lamented about the difficult places where God had placed him. He talked of his enemies and the need for God to deliver Him. He talked of God's everlasting love for him. How do you suppose David came to this understanding after years of being sought after by King Saul who wanted to take his life? His years of turmoil within his family gave him many reasons to lose all hope in a loving God.
David often began his Psalms in a place of discouragement and loss of hope. But He never ended one Psalm in defeat. He always came to a place of victory in God by the end of the Psalm. David always placed his life in God's hands, knowing He would care for him.
Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143:8-10).
It is okay to feel discouragement. It is part of the process of grieving and working through those times of pain. But God wants each of us to allow Him to walk with us in these places. If you find yourself in one of these places, do what David did. Ask God to show you the way and let Him bring the word of His unfailing love to you.
From http://www.crosswalk.com/
Psalms 143:7 Do not hide Your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
Of all the biblical characters, David gives us a glimpse of a man who walked with God with great emotion in victory and in defeat. David never lost a battle throughout his many years of serving as king of Israel. In many of the Psalms, David often lamented about the difficult places where God had placed him. He talked of his enemies and the need for God to deliver Him. He talked of God's everlasting love for him. How do you suppose David came to this understanding after years of being sought after by King Saul who wanted to take his life? His years of turmoil within his family gave him many reasons to lose all hope in a loving God.
David often began his Psalms in a place of discouragement and loss of hope. But He never ended one Psalm in defeat. He always came to a place of victory in God by the end of the Psalm. David always placed his life in God's hands, knowing He would care for him.
Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143:8-10).
It is okay to feel discouragement. It is part of the process of grieving and working through those times of pain. But God wants each of us to allow Him to walk with us in these places. If you find yourself in one of these places, do what David did. Ask God to show you the way and let Him bring the word of His unfailing love to you.
From http://www.crosswalk.com/
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Sister Cathy Coleman's Visit Today
What a great time in the Lord today! The presence of the Lord was very evident throughout the worship time and the Sunday School today. Thank God for the power of the Holy Ghost and the closeness of the presence of our Captain - Jesus Christ.
Sister Cathy Coleman came today with her family after being unable to attend services since her brain injury accident back in late April. After much prayer and several months in rehabilitation, we rejoice that she is back with us. She went to class and was singing and worshipping the Lord throughout the worship time. She sang the songs from memory. It was a special time for her family and all of us to see our Sister who has gone through so much to be back in church. She had attended one other time with her husband about three months ago but was unable to stay because of pain and hearing problems. Today, however, she was there rejoicing and we all rejoiced with her. Praise the Lord!
Sister Cathy and the family continue to request prayer as she continues to gain strength and memory.
Sister Cathy Coleman came today with her family after being unable to attend services since her brain injury accident back in late April. After much prayer and several months in rehabilitation, we rejoice that she is back with us. She went to class and was singing and worshipping the Lord throughout the worship time. She sang the songs from memory. It was a special time for her family and all of us to see our Sister who has gone through so much to be back in church. She had attended one other time with her husband about three months ago but was unable to stay because of pain and hearing problems. Today, however, she was there rejoicing and we all rejoiced with her. Praise the Lord!
Sister Cathy and the family continue to request prayer as she continues to gain strength and memory.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
This Coming Sunday's Message
The Spirit of Christ. . .Forgiveness
Text: Matthew 16: 14, 15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Introduction: There are many treatises, books, articles and papers on forgiveness. Some have pushed forgiveness as the absolute answer to any trouble in a person's life. They casually and pointedly say, "just forgive and it will all work out." Some have made forgiveness as an optional discipline that only applies if the person chooses to forgive.
It has also been said, "to err is human, to forgive is divine." While this may be partially true, it cannot cover the full extent of the command of our Lord. This message may challange some of the casual statements that have been put forward over the years. This is the first of several messages on forgiveness. These messages will not exhaust this text but hopefully and prayerfully the Holy Spirit will help each one of us to become forgiving.
Supporting Scriptures:
Forgiveness is a command not a suggestion.
Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
There is no limit to forgiveness.
Matt 18:21 Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?“
22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
Did Jesus mean that we keep count and after the 490th time then we can wallop them?
Unforgiveness holds one in bondage.
Mt 18:27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
Mt 18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
Matt. 18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
Forgiveness is a volitional act.
It is a choice not a feeling. (hurt, anger, resentment, and vengence will resolve with forgiveness)
It is a purposeful decision.
It is based on Christ’s sacrifice and His power.
Reconciliation is always the answer.
Col 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Illustrations: In his book "What’s so Amazing About Grace," Philip Yancey tells a story about a man and wife who one night had an argument about how supper was cooked, it was so heated that night they slept in separate rooms. Neither has approached the other to say I’m sorry or to offer forgiveness, and they have remained in separate rooms years after the argument, each night they go to bed hoping that the other will approach them with an apology or forgiveness, but neither goes to the other. God’s forgiveness does not wait for repentance, it initiates and calls out repentance by offering forgiveness.
Power to Forgive and Love With The Weakest Effort
Her name was 66730, or at least that was the name she went by. Her father had died in a German Concentration camp as did her sister. Her freedom, her dignity, her humanity had been stripped away by those who imprisoned her and yet she survived. They had robbed her of everything she ever possessed but they couldn’t rob her of the one who possessed her, Jesus. She saw every day in Ravensbruck as a chance to minister to someone more needy then herself, and then one day she was released. As suddenly as she had become a prisoner she was freed, and her solitary aim was to minister to others. When the war was over she began traveling and speaking sharing her Savior and the vision that He had given her. And then one day, something happened, something that shook her to the very center of her being, why don’t you let me read you her account of what happened, oh you probably wouldn’t know her as 66730, you would be more apt to know her as Corrie ten Boom.
"It was at a church service in Munich that I saw him, the former S.S. man who had stood guard at the shower room door in the processing center at Ravensbruck. He was the first of our actual jailers that I had seen since that time. And suddenly it was all there, the roomful of mocking men, the heaps of clothing, Betsy’s pain blanched face.
He came up to me as the church was emptying, beaming and bowing. "How grateful I am for your message Fraulein, " he said. "To think, as you say, He has washed my sins away!"
His hand was thrust out to shake mine. And I, who had preached so often to the people in Bloemendall the need to forgive, kept my hand at my side.
Even as the angry vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man: was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him.
I tried to smile, I struggled to raise my hand. I could not. I felt nothing, not the slightest spark of warmth or charity. And so again I breathed a silent prayer. Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me your forgiveness.
As I took his hand the most incredible thing happened. From my shoulder along my arm and through my hand a current seemed to pass from me to him, while into my heart sprang a love for this stranger that almost overwhelmed me.
And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that this worlds healing hinges, but on His. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself."
Joseph says to his brothers: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20 NIV)
Text: Matthew 16: 14, 15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Introduction: There are many treatises, books, articles and papers on forgiveness. Some have pushed forgiveness as the absolute answer to any trouble in a person's life. They casually and pointedly say, "just forgive and it will all work out." Some have made forgiveness as an optional discipline that only applies if the person chooses to forgive.
It has also been said, "to err is human, to forgive is divine." While this may be partially true, it cannot cover the full extent of the command of our Lord. This message may challange some of the casual statements that have been put forward over the years. This is the first of several messages on forgiveness. These messages will not exhaust this text but hopefully and prayerfully the Holy Spirit will help each one of us to become forgiving.
Supporting Scriptures:
Forgiveness is a command not a suggestion.
Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
There is no limit to forgiveness.
Matt 18:21 Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?“
22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
Did Jesus mean that we keep count and after the 490th time then we can wallop them?
Unforgiveness holds one in bondage.
Mt 18:27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
Mt 18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
Matt. 18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
Forgiveness is a volitional act.
It is a choice not a feeling. (hurt, anger, resentment, and vengence will resolve with forgiveness)
It is a purposeful decision.
It is based on Christ’s sacrifice and His power.
Reconciliation is always the answer.
Col 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Illustrations: In his book "What’s so Amazing About Grace," Philip Yancey tells a story about a man and wife who one night had an argument about how supper was cooked, it was so heated that night they slept in separate rooms. Neither has approached the other to say I’m sorry or to offer forgiveness, and they have remained in separate rooms years after the argument, each night they go to bed hoping that the other will approach them with an apology or forgiveness, but neither goes to the other. God’s forgiveness does not wait for repentance, it initiates and calls out repentance by offering forgiveness.
Power to Forgive and Love With The Weakest Effort
Her name was 66730, or at least that was the name she went by. Her father had died in a German Concentration camp as did her sister. Her freedom, her dignity, her humanity had been stripped away by those who imprisoned her and yet she survived. They had robbed her of everything she ever possessed but they couldn’t rob her of the one who possessed her, Jesus. She saw every day in Ravensbruck as a chance to minister to someone more needy then herself, and then one day she was released. As suddenly as she had become a prisoner she was freed, and her solitary aim was to minister to others. When the war was over she began traveling and speaking sharing her Savior and the vision that He had given her. And then one day, something happened, something that shook her to the very center of her being, why don’t you let me read you her account of what happened, oh you probably wouldn’t know her as 66730, you would be more apt to know her as Corrie ten Boom.
"It was at a church service in Munich that I saw him, the former S.S. man who had stood guard at the shower room door in the processing center at Ravensbruck. He was the first of our actual jailers that I had seen since that time. And suddenly it was all there, the roomful of mocking men, the heaps of clothing, Betsy’s pain blanched face.
He came up to me as the church was emptying, beaming and bowing. "How grateful I am for your message Fraulein, " he said. "To think, as you say, He has washed my sins away!"
His hand was thrust out to shake mine. And I, who had preached so often to the people in Bloemendall the need to forgive, kept my hand at my side.
Even as the angry vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man: was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him.
I tried to smile, I struggled to raise my hand. I could not. I felt nothing, not the slightest spark of warmth or charity. And so again I breathed a silent prayer. Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me your forgiveness.
As I took his hand the most incredible thing happened. From my shoulder along my arm and through my hand a current seemed to pass from me to him, while into my heart sprang a love for this stranger that almost overwhelmed me.
And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that this worlds healing hinges, but on His. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself."
Joseph says to his brothers: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20 NIV)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS
Psalm 145:2Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.
Janet, Ann, and Jenny all agreed. This year they were going to get together daily to pray together and share their experiences. Over the past few months they had spent more time in fellowship with one another, and it was the best part of their weeks. They all worked in the same office, ate lunch together, went to church together, and they lived close enough that they could meet at one another's homes when necessary. In covenant with God and one another, they promised to get together for praise and prayer.
Perhaps such a set-up is not feasible for everyone, but it is easier and more enjoyable when we can share our faith with others. Other people hold us accountable to the commitment we make in a way that God does not. He will not force anyone to make time for Him. It is from a willing heart that God wants our time with Him to come. Friends and prayer partners can help us remember God every day, and thereby help us praise Him always.
Prayer:
Every day will I praise Thee, Lord. I will try to take time each day to reflect on the great gifts I have been given and the wonderful love that is in my heart. Thank You for that love. Amen.
From: www.crosswalk.com
Janet, Ann, and Jenny all agreed. This year they were going to get together daily to pray together and share their experiences. Over the past few months they had spent more time in fellowship with one another, and it was the best part of their weeks. They all worked in the same office, ate lunch together, went to church together, and they lived close enough that they could meet at one another's homes when necessary. In covenant with God and one another, they promised to get together for praise and prayer.
Perhaps such a set-up is not feasible for everyone, but it is easier and more enjoyable when we can share our faith with others. Other people hold us accountable to the commitment we make in a way that God does not. He will not force anyone to make time for Him. It is from a willing heart that God wants our time with Him to come. Friends and prayer partners can help us remember God every day, and thereby help us praise Him always.
Prayer:
Every day will I praise Thee, Lord. I will try to take time each day to reflect on the great gifts I have been given and the wonderful love that is in my heart. Thank You for that love. Amen.
From: www.crosswalk.com
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
CHRISTMAS SERVICE AND DINNER: Sunday, December 21, 11-1 pm. Children will present their Christmas poems and there will be a Christmas program.
Friday, December 05, 2008
This Coming Sunday's Message
Continuing with "The Spirit of Christ - Humility."
Text: Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
Introduction: Ever been around little children for any length of time? It is amazing to observe them and see the interaction between them.
For the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to work with 3, 4 and 5 year olds. One of them who is three years old, has trisomme three or Downe's Syndrome. She is the sweetest and easiest one to work with at times, yet the most independent and difficult at times. She can do many things for herself but sometimes she tries to do more difficult things that she needs help with.
Most of the children at this age are between becoming more independent in doing things for themselves, yet needing encouragement, and sometimes, help to do what is needed for them (like putting their coat on and taking it off, going to the bathroom, getting their lunch trays, etc.). They need a lot of encouragement and simple instruction.
For the most part these children are dependent. That is, they need constant care and supervision. They look to adults (parents, teachers, caregivers, aids, etc.) for supervision, provision, security and stability. Children smaller than them (birth to 3) are even more dependent. They need closer supervision and care.
As children grow older they become more independent. That is the goal of most parents - to see their children become independent (supervise and provides for themselves) and be able to function as mature, responsible adults. The natural flow of life leads one to want to become independent. When the child turns twelve, we want to see certain growth patterns and educational levels. As the young person reaches 16, 18 and 21 we look for benchmarks in their maturity (there are variations and factors to be considered with each one). That is the natural flow of growing and maturing. This may seem simplistic and it is in the natural physiological realm.
Yet in the Kingdom of God a more unique insight is noted. Jesus says in Mark 10:15, "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." Jesus does not say that we are to continue to be spiritually immature or to be childish in our knowledge. The Bible speaks clearly that we should grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, but we never come to the place that we do not need Him. That is, one can never declare independence from Him. We are dependent on Him from the beginning of our faith and all throughout our lives.
Independence from Him often becomes the failure of many. Adults or even older chilren often fall into the pit of "managing" their lives or being caught up in temporal, trivial pursuits that are completely independent of Christ. A sixteen year old decides he or she does not want to follow acceptable rules and patterns for life. She or he becomes involved in "independent" living that is far removed from Christ and a close relationship with Him. Child-like faith, dependence and innocence are pushed aside for what "I" want and not what Christ wants. Humility is pushed aside for "I" and Christ is removed from the picture.
One can never fulfill their destiny with Christ as long as "I" rules. The Apostle Paul said, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 An independent Pharisee who "wasted the Church of God" never forgot his dependence on the ONE he met on the road to Damascus.
Luke 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
to be continued. . .
Text: Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
Introduction: Ever been around little children for any length of time? It is amazing to observe them and see the interaction between them.
For the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to work with 3, 4 and 5 year olds. One of them who is three years old, has trisomme three or Downe's Syndrome. She is the sweetest and easiest one to work with at times, yet the most independent and difficult at times. She can do many things for herself but sometimes she tries to do more difficult things that she needs help with.
Most of the children at this age are between becoming more independent in doing things for themselves, yet needing encouragement, and sometimes, help to do what is needed for them (like putting their coat on and taking it off, going to the bathroom, getting their lunch trays, etc.). They need a lot of encouragement and simple instruction.
For the most part these children are dependent. That is, they need constant care and supervision. They look to adults (parents, teachers, caregivers, aids, etc.) for supervision, provision, security and stability. Children smaller than them (birth to 3) are even more dependent. They need closer supervision and care.
As children grow older they become more independent. That is the goal of most parents - to see their children become independent (supervise and provides for themselves) and be able to function as mature, responsible adults. The natural flow of life leads one to want to become independent. When the child turns twelve, we want to see certain growth patterns and educational levels. As the young person reaches 16, 18 and 21 we look for benchmarks in their maturity (there are variations and factors to be considered with each one). That is the natural flow of growing and maturing. This may seem simplistic and it is in the natural physiological realm.
Yet in the Kingdom of God a more unique insight is noted. Jesus says in Mark 10:15, "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." Jesus does not say that we are to continue to be spiritually immature or to be childish in our knowledge. The Bible speaks clearly that we should grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, but we never come to the place that we do not need Him. That is, one can never declare independence from Him. We are dependent on Him from the beginning of our faith and all throughout our lives.
Independence from Him often becomes the failure of many. Adults or even older chilren often fall into the pit of "managing" their lives or being caught up in temporal, trivial pursuits that are completely independent of Christ. A sixteen year old decides he or she does not want to follow acceptable rules and patterns for life. She or he becomes involved in "independent" living that is far removed from Christ and a close relationship with Him. Child-like faith, dependence and innocence are pushed aside for what "I" want and not what Christ wants. Humility is pushed aside for "I" and Christ is removed from the picture.
One can never fulfill their destiny with Christ as long as "I" rules. The Apostle Paul said, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 An independent Pharisee who "wasted the Church of God" never forgot his dependence on the ONE he met on the road to Damascus.
Luke 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
to be continued. . .
Thursday, December 04, 2008
WISDOM FROM PSALMS
Psalm 141:5 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
"You were really out of line back there."
Alan looked over at Barbara and nodded. He had been angry about a mix-up at the bank and had taken out his wrath on a poor, innocent teller. His temper often got him into hot water. Without a word, the two turned around and headed back to the bank. Though the line was long, Alan waited until he could return to the same teller, where he then apologized.
We need to have loving friends around us who will let us know when we are doing something wrong. If we are to grow, we need to have our shortcomings pointed out to us, so we can turn our weaknesses into strengths. Loving, constructive criticism will not hurt us; in fact, it will make us feel better. Love each other enough to criticize, for in caring criticism is the seed of maturity.
Prayer:
I do so many foolish things. I allow my own emotions to get the best of me at times. Channel my passions into constructive streams, and show me the better ways to go. Amen.
From: http://www.crosswalk.com/
"You were really out of line back there."
Alan looked over at Barbara and nodded. He had been angry about a mix-up at the bank and had taken out his wrath on a poor, innocent teller. His temper often got him into hot water. Without a word, the two turned around and headed back to the bank. Though the line was long, Alan waited until he could return to the same teller, where he then apologized.
We need to have loving friends around us who will let us know when we are doing something wrong. If we are to grow, we need to have our shortcomings pointed out to us, so we can turn our weaknesses into strengths. Loving, constructive criticism will not hurt us; in fact, it will make us feel better. Love each other enough to criticize, for in caring criticism is the seed of maturity.
Prayer:
I do so many foolish things. I allow my own emotions to get the best of me at times. Channel my passions into constructive streams, and show me the better ways to go. Amen.
From: http://www.crosswalk.com/
Saturday, November 29, 2008
This Coming Sunday's Message
Continuing With Series - Continued Below
Title: The Spirit of Christ
Text: Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Introduction: The Spirit of Christ includes the attributes of Christ. The Holy Spirit does not come into an individual to allow them to live licentiously and lawlessly. He comes to "testify of Christ" or as one version says "he will declare the truth about me (Christ)." John 15:26:b God's Word Version
The attributes of Christ are many. This message will begin a series on the Spirit of Christ and His Attributes. Some of those attributes include but are not limited to the following: humility, forgiveness, immutability, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and pre-existent. Of course we know that some of these attributes are only characteristic of Christ. No-one would say they are omnipotent or omnipresent. The attributes of Christ that these messages will deal with are those that God expects of Christians and are necessary by the power of the Holy Spirit.
These attributes are - humility and forgiveness.
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Philippians 2: 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Matthew 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
I am the least of the apostles. 1 Corinthians 15:9
I am the very least of all the saints. Ephesians 3:8
I am the foremost of sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15
Illustrations: A truly humble man is hard to find, yet God delights to honor such selfless people. Booker T. Washington, the renowned black educator, was an outstanding example of this truth. Shortly after he took over the presidency of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, he was walking in an exclusive section of town when he was stopped by a wealthy white woman. Not knowing the famous Mr. Washington by sight, she asked if he would like to earn a few dollars by chopping wood for her. Because he had no pressing business at the moment, Professor Washington smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and proceeded to do the humble chore she had requested. When he was finished, he carried the logs into the house and stacked them by the fireplace. A little girl recognized him and later revealed his identity to the lady.
The next morning the embarrassed woman went to see Mr. Washington in his office at the Institute and apologized profusely. "It's perfectly all right, Madam," he replied. "Occasionally I enjoy a little manual labor. Besides, it's always a delight to do something for a friend." She shook his hand warmly and assured him that his meek and gracious attitude had endeared him and his work to her heart. Not long afterward she showed her admiration by persuading some wealthy acquaintances to join her in donating thousands of dollars to the Tuskegee Institute. Our Daily Bread.
Humilty and A Passion For Praise
Humility and a passion for praise are a pair of characteristics which together indicate growth in grace. The Bible is full of self-humbling (man bowing down before God) and doxology (man giving praise to God). The healthy heart is one that bows down in humility and rises in praise and adoration. The Psalms strike both these notes again and again. So too, Paul in his letters both articulates humility and breaks into doxology. Look at his three descriptions of himself quoted above, dating respectively from around A.D. 59, 63, and 64. As the years pass he goes lower; he grows downward! And as his self-esteem sinks, so his rapture of praise and adoration for the God who so wonderfully saved him rises.
Undoubtedly, learning to praise God at all times for all that is good is a mark that we are growing in grace. One of my predecessors in my first parochial appointment died exceedingly painfully of cancer. But between fearful bouts of agony, in which he had to stuff his mouth with bedclothes to avoid biting his tongue, he would say aloud over and over again: "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Ps. 34:1). That was a passion for praise asserting itself in the most poignant extremity imaginable.
Cultivate humility and a passion for praise if you want to grow in grace.
James Packer, Your Father Loves You, Harold Shaw Publishers, 1986.
Beethoven's Piano
On a visit to the Beethoven museum in Bonn, a young American student became fascinated by the piano on which Beethoven had composed some of his greatest works. She asked the museum guard if she could play a few bars on it; she accompanied the request with a lavish tip, and the guard agreed. The girl went to the piano and tinkled out the opening of the Moonlight Sonata. As she was leaving she said to the guard, "I suppose all the great pianist who come here want to play on that piano."
The guard shook his head. "Padarewski [the famed Polish pianist] was here a few years ago and he said he wasn't worthy to touch it." Source Unknown.
Be humble or you'll stumble. D.L. Moody.
Many years ago, Christian professor Stuart Blackie of the University of Edinburgh was listening to his students as they presented oral readings. When one young man rose to begin his recitation, he held his book in the wrong hand. The professor thundered, "Take your book in your right hand, and be seated!" At this harsh rebuke, the student held up his right arm. He didn't have a right hand! The other students shifted uneasily in their chairs. For a moment the professor hesitated. Then he made his way to the student, put his arm around him, and with tears streaming from his eyes, said, "I never knew about it. Please, will you forgive me?" His humble apology made a lasting impact on that young man. This story was told some time later in a large gathering of believers. At the close of the meeting a man came forward, turned to the crowd, and raised his right arm. It ended at the wrist. He said, "I was that student. Professor Blackie led me to Christ. But he never could have done it if he had not made the wrong right."
Source Unknown.
Continued. . .
Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Acts 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews. . .
Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. KJV
Colossians 2:18 Let no one who delights in false humility and the worship of angels tell you that you don’t deserve a prize. Such a person, whose sinful mind fills him with arrogance, gives endless details of the visions he has seen. 19 He doesn’t hold on to Christ, the head. Christ makes the whole body grow as God wants it to, through support and unity given by the joints and ligaments. 20 If you have died with Christ to the world’s way of doing things, why do you let others tell you how to live? It’s as though you were still under the world’s influence. 21 People will tell you, "Don’t handle this! Don’t taste or touch that!“ 22 All of these things deal with objects that are only used up anyway. GWV
There's an idea floating around today that has to sicken the heart of God. It's this idea that true humility means you have to conjure up a kinder, gentler version of yourself so we can all just get along. It's a humility that says you have to straddle the fence, not offend anyone, and "make nice" with everyone. What a phony-baloney load of crap that is! I'm searching the Scriptures, and I can't find anyone like that, at least not anyone who was serving God. Am I to believe that John the Baptist was not humble because he confronted the Pharisees and called them a bunch of snakes? Did Paul lack humility because he appeared to be unkind when he sharply confronted the Judaizers in Galatia and hinted they should all do themselves bodily harm? And in the Old Testament the Prophets of God probably never understood the concept. Where was Elijah's humility when he confronted Ahab and Jezebel, and slew the false prophets of Baal? Surely Elijah wasn't putting forth his best efforts to get along.
From http://www.voiceofonecrying.com/humility.htm
Matthew 18-4 Therefore , anyone who becomes as humble as this little Child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
James 4:6 He gives us more and more strength to stand against such evil desires. As the scripture say, "God sets himself against the proud, but heshows favor to the humble."
1stPeter 5:5-6 You younger men, accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility ,for "God sets himself" against the proud, but he shows favor to the humble." So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you.
When we listen to most people talk these days, you could come to believe to be humble or show humility, means that anyone of this ilk is weak and spineless, but as we see in the above scriptures to be humble and show humility is true strength, for it reaches into the kingdom of heaven. When we are full of pride we are playing right into the devils hands, pride makes us weak and it reaches no further than our own ego. So therefore, we become a tool for the devil to use.
NAAMAN
Title: The Spirit of Christ
Text: Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Introduction: The Spirit of Christ includes the attributes of Christ. The Holy Spirit does not come into an individual to allow them to live licentiously and lawlessly. He comes to "testify of Christ" or as one version says "he will declare the truth about me (Christ)." John 15:26:b God's Word Version
The attributes of Christ are many. This message will begin a series on the Spirit of Christ and His Attributes. Some of those attributes include but are not limited to the following: humility, forgiveness, immutability, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and pre-existent. Of course we know that some of these attributes are only characteristic of Christ. No-one would say they are omnipotent or omnipresent. The attributes of Christ that these messages will deal with are those that God expects of Christians and are necessary by the power of the Holy Spirit.
These attributes are - humility and forgiveness.
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Philippians 2: 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Matthew 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
I am the least of the apostles. 1 Corinthians 15:9
I am the very least of all the saints. Ephesians 3:8
I am the foremost of sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15
Illustrations: A truly humble man is hard to find, yet God delights to honor such selfless people. Booker T. Washington, the renowned black educator, was an outstanding example of this truth. Shortly after he took over the presidency of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, he was walking in an exclusive section of town when he was stopped by a wealthy white woman. Not knowing the famous Mr. Washington by sight, she asked if he would like to earn a few dollars by chopping wood for her. Because he had no pressing business at the moment, Professor Washington smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and proceeded to do the humble chore she had requested. When he was finished, he carried the logs into the house and stacked them by the fireplace. A little girl recognized him and later revealed his identity to the lady.
The next morning the embarrassed woman went to see Mr. Washington in his office at the Institute and apologized profusely. "It's perfectly all right, Madam," he replied. "Occasionally I enjoy a little manual labor. Besides, it's always a delight to do something for a friend." She shook his hand warmly and assured him that his meek and gracious attitude had endeared him and his work to her heart. Not long afterward she showed her admiration by persuading some wealthy acquaintances to join her in donating thousands of dollars to the Tuskegee Institute. Our Daily Bread.
Humilty and A Passion For Praise
Humility and a passion for praise are a pair of characteristics which together indicate growth in grace. The Bible is full of self-humbling (man bowing down before God) and doxology (man giving praise to God). The healthy heart is one that bows down in humility and rises in praise and adoration. The Psalms strike both these notes again and again. So too, Paul in his letters both articulates humility and breaks into doxology. Look at his three descriptions of himself quoted above, dating respectively from around A.D. 59, 63, and 64. As the years pass he goes lower; he grows downward! And as his self-esteem sinks, so his rapture of praise and adoration for the God who so wonderfully saved him rises.
Undoubtedly, learning to praise God at all times for all that is good is a mark that we are growing in grace. One of my predecessors in my first parochial appointment died exceedingly painfully of cancer. But between fearful bouts of agony, in which he had to stuff his mouth with bedclothes to avoid biting his tongue, he would say aloud over and over again: "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Ps. 34:1). That was a passion for praise asserting itself in the most poignant extremity imaginable.
Cultivate humility and a passion for praise if you want to grow in grace.
James Packer, Your Father Loves You, Harold Shaw Publishers, 1986.
Beethoven's Piano
On a visit to the Beethoven museum in Bonn, a young American student became fascinated by the piano on which Beethoven had composed some of his greatest works. She asked the museum guard if she could play a few bars on it; she accompanied the request with a lavish tip, and the guard agreed. The girl went to the piano and tinkled out the opening of the Moonlight Sonata. As she was leaving she said to the guard, "I suppose all the great pianist who come here want to play on that piano."
The guard shook his head. "Padarewski [the famed Polish pianist] was here a few years ago and he said he wasn't worthy to touch it." Source Unknown.
Be humble or you'll stumble. D.L. Moody.
Many years ago, Christian professor Stuart Blackie of the University of Edinburgh was listening to his students as they presented oral readings. When one young man rose to begin his recitation, he held his book in the wrong hand. The professor thundered, "Take your book in your right hand, and be seated!" At this harsh rebuke, the student held up his right arm. He didn't have a right hand! The other students shifted uneasily in their chairs. For a moment the professor hesitated. Then he made his way to the student, put his arm around him, and with tears streaming from his eyes, said, "I never knew about it. Please, will you forgive me?" His humble apology made a lasting impact on that young man. This story was told some time later in a large gathering of believers. At the close of the meeting a man came forward, turned to the crowd, and raised his right arm. It ended at the wrist. He said, "I was that student. Professor Blackie led me to Christ. But he never could have done it if he had not made the wrong right."
Source Unknown.
Continued. . .
Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Acts 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews. . .
Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. KJV
Colossians 2:18 Let no one who delights in false humility and the worship of angels tell you that you don’t deserve a prize. Such a person, whose sinful mind fills him with arrogance, gives endless details of the visions he has seen. 19 He doesn’t hold on to Christ, the head. Christ makes the whole body grow as God wants it to, through support and unity given by the joints and ligaments. 20 If you have died with Christ to the world’s way of doing things, why do you let others tell you how to live? It’s as though you were still under the world’s influence. 21 People will tell you, "Don’t handle this! Don’t taste or touch that!“ 22 All of these things deal with objects that are only used up anyway. GWV
There's an idea floating around today that has to sicken the heart of God. It's this idea that true humility means you have to conjure up a kinder, gentler version of yourself so we can all just get along. It's a humility that says you have to straddle the fence, not offend anyone, and "make nice" with everyone. What a phony-baloney load of crap that is! I'm searching the Scriptures, and I can't find anyone like that, at least not anyone who was serving God. Am I to believe that John the Baptist was not humble because he confronted the Pharisees and called them a bunch of snakes? Did Paul lack humility because he appeared to be unkind when he sharply confronted the Judaizers in Galatia and hinted they should all do themselves bodily harm? And in the Old Testament the Prophets of God probably never understood the concept. Where was Elijah's humility when he confronted Ahab and Jezebel, and slew the false prophets of Baal? Surely Elijah wasn't putting forth his best efforts to get along.
From http://www.voiceofonecrying.com/humility.htm
Matthew 18-4 Therefore , anyone who becomes as humble as this little Child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
James 4:6 He gives us more and more strength to stand against such evil desires. As the scripture say, "God sets himself against the proud, but heshows favor to the humble."
1stPeter 5:5-6 You younger men, accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility ,for "God sets himself" against the proud, but he shows favor to the humble." So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you.
When we listen to most people talk these days, you could come to believe to be humble or show humility, means that anyone of this ilk is weak and spineless, but as we see in the above scriptures to be humble and show humility is true strength, for it reaches into the kingdom of heaven. When we are full of pride we are playing right into the devils hands, pride makes us weak and it reaches no further than our own ego. So therefore, we become a tool for the devil to use.
NAAMAN
GEHAZI
MANESSAH
Thursday, November 27, 2008
SPECIAL DAY
Today, Karen and I are enjoying being with my mother who is a young 78 years old. She has been up cooking and doing her daily activities. I want to take this opportunity to give love, honor and respect to my mother. She has been a "beacon" in my life. She often worked two jobs when I was young to support me and my sister. There have been some memorable moments as I grew up with a very special mother.
I remember one time when we were in Dickson, Tennessee where mom was paying some bills. As we walked along down Main Street about to cross the railroad tracks a five dollar bill blowed by us. We looked all around us and there was no one within 50 yards. I took off runing after the five dollars and grabbed it. I was about 8 or 9 years old and I knew my mother was having a difficult time paying some bills. She looked at me and smiled and said, "You better be glad you can run faster than me." Then she laughed. I looked at the five dollar bill (which was about like a fifty now). Then I grinned at her and held it up to give it to her. She smiled at me and lovingly said, "Thank you son." I knew she needed it and felt like a "million" dollars after I gave it to her.
I ask her today if she remembered that time. She said, "Why shore I remember it, I don't forget things like that." She just now said, "Thank you again son." She gives and gives and gives. If I could give my mother a million dollars it would not be enough to repay the life she has given me. I THANK GOD for a godly, loving mother.
She has traveled many miles for the Lord singing the gospel, serving in the local church in many voluntary capacities. She continues to sing to her Savior and teaches the Senior Adult Class at her home church. She may have some "odd, unique" ways but I can attest that she loves the Lord and serves Him from the heart - she has a heart after God.
When her life here is over and her time comes to go, I feel assured the angels will bear her over to the heavenly shore. Yet, she always says, I'm not worthy - only through the shed blood of Jesus - which is another reason why my mother is so special.
Accolades may be given to many on this earth but I give my respect, honor and love to my mother today and every day. Man may keep many records but only God keeps good books. God will reward her for all her faithful works to Him and the many on this earth.
I remember one time when we were in Dickson, Tennessee where mom was paying some bills. As we walked along down Main Street about to cross the railroad tracks a five dollar bill blowed by us. We looked all around us and there was no one within 50 yards. I took off runing after the five dollars and grabbed it. I was about 8 or 9 years old and I knew my mother was having a difficult time paying some bills. She looked at me and smiled and said, "You better be glad you can run faster than me." Then she laughed. I looked at the five dollar bill (which was about like a fifty now). Then I grinned at her and held it up to give it to her. She smiled at me and lovingly said, "Thank you son." I knew she needed it and felt like a "million" dollars after I gave it to her.
I ask her today if she remembered that time. She said, "Why shore I remember it, I don't forget things like that." She just now said, "Thank you again son." She gives and gives and gives. If I could give my mother a million dollars it would not be enough to repay the life she has given me. I THANK GOD for a godly, loving mother.
She has traveled many miles for the Lord singing the gospel, serving in the local church in many voluntary capacities. She continues to sing to her Savior and teaches the Senior Adult Class at her home church. She may have some "odd, unique" ways but I can attest that she loves the Lord and serves Him from the heart - she has a heart after God.
When her life here is over and her time comes to go, I feel assured the angels will bear her over to the heavenly shore. Yet, she always says, I'm not worthy - only through the shed blood of Jesus - which is another reason why my mother is so special.
Accolades may be given to many on this earth but I give my respect, honor and love to my mother today and every day. Man may keep many records but only God keeps good books. God will reward her for all her faithful works to Him and the many on this earth.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
THANKSGIVING
To all who read this, my family and I wish you a blessed Thanksgiving. We will be traveling to be with family.
See what you know about Thanksgiving by clicking this link
See what you know about Thanksgiving by clicking this link
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Death Notice - Ruth Helen Parker
Ruth Helen Parker, Sister of Deacon J. E. Moore died yesterday. The following are the arrangements from the McKenzie Funeral Home, McKenzie, TN.
Services for Ruth Helen Parker, 67, will be held Monday, November 24, 2008 at 2:00 pm at McKenzie Funeral Home with Bros. Jim Roberts and Jarrod Bailey officiating.
Interment will follow at Long Rock Methodist Church Cemetery near Huntingdon. The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 23, 2008 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and Monday, November 24, 2008 from 10:00 am until service time.
Mrs. Parker, a bookkeeper and homemaker, died Friday, November 21, 2008 at her residence. She was born on January 23, 1941 in Selmer, Tennessee to Virgil Lee and Bonnie Mae Meggs Moore. She was a member of McKenzie Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by a son Donald Ray Sanders, a brother Samuel Moore and two sisters Dorra Lee Moore and Dorise June McGee .
Survivors include her husband Elery Parker of McKenzie, a daughter Jeanie Ruth Lowe of McKenzie, a son James Douglas Sanders of Huntingdon, three sisters Corinne Moore of Selmer, TN, Guinne Ogle of Cary Don, KY, Lula Maie Adams of Wildersville, five brothers William Neese Moore of Humboldt, J E Moore of Huntingdon, Coy Moore of Huntingdon, Mack Moore of St. Peters, MO, Rodney Moore of West Port, TN, three grandchildren Tasha Lowe and Josh Lowe both of McKenzie, Melissa Townsend of Huntingdon and two great grandchildren Will and Bradon Townsend both of Huntingdon.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, the McKenzie Church of Christ, or the donor’s choice.
McKenzie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information please call (731) 352-4848 or visit www.mckenziefuneralhome.com
Services for Ruth Helen Parker, 67, will be held Monday, November 24, 2008 at 2:00 pm at McKenzie Funeral Home with Bros. Jim Roberts and Jarrod Bailey officiating.
Interment will follow at Long Rock Methodist Church Cemetery near Huntingdon. The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 23, 2008 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and Monday, November 24, 2008 from 10:00 am until service time.
Mrs. Parker, a bookkeeper and homemaker, died Friday, November 21, 2008 at her residence. She was born on January 23, 1941 in Selmer, Tennessee to Virgil Lee and Bonnie Mae Meggs Moore. She was a member of McKenzie Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by a son Donald Ray Sanders, a brother Samuel Moore and two sisters Dorra Lee Moore and Dorise June McGee .
Survivors include her husband Elery Parker of McKenzie, a daughter Jeanie Ruth Lowe of McKenzie, a son James Douglas Sanders of Huntingdon, three sisters Corinne Moore of Selmer, TN, Guinne Ogle of Cary Don, KY, Lula Maie Adams of Wildersville, five brothers William Neese Moore of Humboldt, J E Moore of Huntingdon, Coy Moore of Huntingdon, Mack Moore of St. Peters, MO, Rodney Moore of West Port, TN, three grandchildren Tasha Lowe and Josh Lowe both of McKenzie, Melissa Townsend of Huntingdon and two great grandchildren Will and Bradon Townsend both of Huntingdon.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, the McKenzie Church of Christ, or the donor’s choice.
McKenzie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information please call (731) 352-4848 or visit www.mckenziefuneralhome.com
Friday, November 21, 2008
From Power Point with Jack Graham
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. --Romans 8:26
Go ahead, you can admit it... prayer is hard work. There is a weakness within us that makes prayer difficult. It is our humanity, our "flesh."
When I start to pray, I can think of about ten other things I could be doing. Does that happen to you? I go over all my responsibilities or my mind wanders. Other times, I just don't feel like praying.
But it doesn't have to be that way! You and I can have effective, fulfilling prayer. What's the key? Praying in the Spirit.
There are two ways to pray. You can pray in the flesh or you can pray in the Spirit. What's the difference? Scripture says, "The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak."
So if you pray in the flesh, you pray in weakness. Prayer through our own efforts alone and for our own purposes does not get through to God. But if you pray in the Spirit, you pray with strength.
Wouldn't you like to pray with power? Wouldn't you like to know that your prayers are getting through? You can if you partner with the Spirit in prayer.
I want to encourage you to depend upon the Holy Spirit in prayer just as you depend upon the Holy Spirit for witnessing, for teaching others, and more.
Because He is our Comforter and our Help!
PRAYER THROUGH OUR OWN EFFORTS AND FOR OUR OWN PURPOSES DOES NOT GET THROUGH TO GOD. BUT IF YOU PRAY IN THE SPIRIT, YOU PRAY WITH STRENGTH.
from www.crosswalk.com
Go ahead, you can admit it... prayer is hard work. There is a weakness within us that makes prayer difficult. It is our humanity, our "flesh."
When I start to pray, I can think of about ten other things I could be doing. Does that happen to you? I go over all my responsibilities or my mind wanders. Other times, I just don't feel like praying.
But it doesn't have to be that way! You and I can have effective, fulfilling prayer. What's the key? Praying in the Spirit.
There are two ways to pray. You can pray in the flesh or you can pray in the Spirit. What's the difference? Scripture says, "The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak."
So if you pray in the flesh, you pray in weakness. Prayer through our own efforts alone and for our own purposes does not get through to God. But if you pray in the Spirit, you pray with strength.
Wouldn't you like to pray with power? Wouldn't you like to know that your prayers are getting through? You can if you partner with the Spirit in prayer.
I want to encourage you to depend upon the Holy Spirit in prayer just as you depend upon the Holy Spirit for witnessing, for teaching others, and more.
Because He is our Comforter and our Help!
PRAYER THROUGH OUR OWN EFFORTS AND FOR OUR OWN PURPOSES DOES NOT GET THROUGH TO GOD. BUT IF YOU PRAY IN THE SPIRIT, YOU PRAY WITH STRENGTH.
from www.crosswalk.com
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Profundities From the Apostle Paul
2Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. KJV
1Timothy 6:6 ¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. KJV
Did you ever hear the statement, "this is the worst of times and best of times." The Apostle Paul warned of some of the worst of times or, better said, "the worst attitudes and behavior of the latter times."
He continues, "2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith." KJV
What a list! What a warning! Reprobate or failing the true test of faith. They go through the form and seem to have all the right words at the right cues but, beware, lest their deceitfulness takes you in. Many of these preach a "prosperity only gospel." Their message is imbalanced and lacks the rightly divided aspect of the scripture. They deny the power of the Holy Spirit to effect change in a person. Their message includes no passages that deal with the the demise of those who "desire to become rich." Their message hammers, harangues and almost harasses people to turn their hard earned income over to them promising a "harvest from their sowed seed." The Scriptures are taken out of context over and over again and again. There is no mention of the passage that says, 1 Timothy 6:6 "But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." KJV
Yes, there are those who are blessed with money but the money does not have them. They are good stewards of God's supply and realize that it belongs to HIM not them. Be warned, do not be duped in these "perilous times." Jesus watched him and said, "How hard it is for rich people to enter the kingdom of God!" Luke 18:24 GW Version "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5 KJV
1Timothy 6:6 ¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. KJV
Did you ever hear the statement, "this is the worst of times and best of times." The Apostle Paul warned of some of the worst of times or, better said, "the worst attitudes and behavior of the latter times."
He continues, "2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith." KJV
What a list! What a warning! Reprobate or failing the true test of faith. They go through the form and seem to have all the right words at the right cues but, beware, lest their deceitfulness takes you in. Many of these preach a "prosperity only gospel." Their message is imbalanced and lacks the rightly divided aspect of the scripture. They deny the power of the Holy Spirit to effect change in a person. Their message includes no passages that deal with the the demise of those who "desire to become rich." Their message hammers, harangues and almost harasses people to turn their hard earned income over to them promising a "harvest from their sowed seed." The Scriptures are taken out of context over and over again and again. There is no mention of the passage that says, 1 Timothy 6:6 "But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." KJV
Yes, there are those who are blessed with money but the money does not have them. They are good stewards of God's supply and realize that it belongs to HIM not them. Be warned, do not be duped in these "perilous times." Jesus watched him and said, "How hard it is for rich people to enter the kingdom of God!" Luke 18:24 GW Version "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5 KJV
Saturday, November 15, 2008
This Coming Sunday's Message
TITLE: Enabling Grace
TEXT: Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Colossians1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
1Pe 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:1 ¶ Brothers and sisters, we want you to know how God showed his kindness to the churches in the province of Macedonia.2 While they were being severely tested by suffering, their overflowing joy, along with their extreme poverty, has made them even more generous.3 I assure you that by their own free will they have given all they could, even more than they could afford.4 They made an appeal to us, begging us to let them participate in the ministry of God’s kindness to his holy people in Jerusalem.5 They did more than we had expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord and to us, since this was God’s will.6 This led us to urge Titus to finish his work of God’s kindness among you in the same way as he had already started it.7 ¶ Indeed, the more your faith, your ability to speak, your knowledge, your dedication, and your love for us increase, the more we want you to participate in this work of God’s kindness.8 I’m not commanding you, but I’m testing how genuine your love is by pointing out the dedication of others.9 You know about the kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was rich, yet for your sake he became poor in order to make you rich through his poverty. GW Version
ILLUSTRATIONS: You're worried about permissiveness--about the way the preaching of grace seems to say it's okay to do all kinds of terrible things as long as you just walk in afterward and take the free gift of God's forgiveness. . .While you and I may be worried about seeming to give permission, Jesus apparently wasn't. He wasn't afraid of giving the prodigal son a kiss instead of a lecture, a party instead of probation; and he proved that by bringing in the elder brother at the end of the story and having him raise pretty much the same objections you do. He's angry about the party. He complains that his father is lowering standards and ignoring virtue--that music, dancing, and a fatted calf are, in effect , just so many permissions to break the law. And to that, Jesus has the father say only one thing: "Cut that out! We're not playing good boys and bad boys any more. Your brother was dead and he's alive again. The name of the game from now on is resurrection, not bookkeeping. Robert Farrar Capon, Between Noon and Three.
Charles Spurgeon and Joseph Parker both had churches in London in the 19th century. On one occasion, Parker commented on the poor condition of children admitted to Spurgeon's orphanage. It was reported to Spurgeon however, that Parker had criticized the orphanage itself. Spurgeon blasted Parker the next week from the pulpit. The attack was printed in the newspapers and became the talk of the town. People flocked to Parker's church the next Sunday to hear his rebuttal. "I understand Dr. Spurgeon is not in his pulpit today, and this is the Sunday they use to take an offering for the orphanage. I suggest we take a love offering here instead." The crowd was delighted. The ushers had to empty the collection plates 3 times. Later that week there was a knock at Parker's study. It was Spurgeon. "You know Parker, you have practiced grace on me. You have given me not what I deserved, you have given me what I needed.
Moody Monthly, December, 1983, p. 81.
C.S. Lewis says of true friendship, “True friendship is rare on earth. It means identifying with someone in thought, heart, and spirit. The whole experience of life is designed to enable us to enter in to this closest relationship with Jesus Christ. We receive His blessings and know His Word, but do we really know Him?” These were his comments regarding Jesus’ words to Philip in John 14:9, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip?”
The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God. C. S. Lewis
Note: Unless otherwise noted the above illustrations are from sermoncentral.com
TEXT: Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Colossians1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
1Pe 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:1 ¶ Brothers and sisters, we want you to know how God showed his kindness to the churches in the province of Macedonia.2 While they were being severely tested by suffering, their overflowing joy, along with their extreme poverty, has made them even more generous.3 I assure you that by their own free will they have given all they could, even more than they could afford.4 They made an appeal to us, begging us to let them participate in the ministry of God’s kindness to his holy people in Jerusalem.5 They did more than we had expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord and to us, since this was God’s will.6 This led us to urge Titus to finish his work of God’s kindness among you in the same way as he had already started it.7 ¶ Indeed, the more your faith, your ability to speak, your knowledge, your dedication, and your love for us increase, the more we want you to participate in this work of God’s kindness.8 I’m not commanding you, but I’m testing how genuine your love is by pointing out the dedication of others.9 You know about the kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was rich, yet for your sake he became poor in order to make you rich through his poverty. GW Version
ILLUSTRATIONS: You're worried about permissiveness--about the way the preaching of grace seems to say it's okay to do all kinds of terrible things as long as you just walk in afterward and take the free gift of God's forgiveness. . .While you and I may be worried about seeming to give permission, Jesus apparently wasn't. He wasn't afraid of giving the prodigal son a kiss instead of a lecture, a party instead of probation; and he proved that by bringing in the elder brother at the end of the story and having him raise pretty much the same objections you do. He's angry about the party. He complains that his father is lowering standards and ignoring virtue--that music, dancing, and a fatted calf are, in effect , just so many permissions to break the law. And to that, Jesus has the father say only one thing: "Cut that out! We're not playing good boys and bad boys any more. Your brother was dead and he's alive again. The name of the game from now on is resurrection, not bookkeeping. Robert Farrar Capon, Between Noon and Three.
Charles Spurgeon and Joseph Parker both had churches in London in the 19th century. On one occasion, Parker commented on the poor condition of children admitted to Spurgeon's orphanage. It was reported to Spurgeon however, that Parker had criticized the orphanage itself. Spurgeon blasted Parker the next week from the pulpit. The attack was printed in the newspapers and became the talk of the town. People flocked to Parker's church the next Sunday to hear his rebuttal. "I understand Dr. Spurgeon is not in his pulpit today, and this is the Sunday they use to take an offering for the orphanage. I suggest we take a love offering here instead." The crowd was delighted. The ushers had to empty the collection plates 3 times. Later that week there was a knock at Parker's study. It was Spurgeon. "You know Parker, you have practiced grace on me. You have given me not what I deserved, you have given me what I needed.
Moody Monthly, December, 1983, p. 81.
C.S. Lewis says of true friendship, “True friendship is rare on earth. It means identifying with someone in thought, heart, and spirit. The whole experience of life is designed to enable us to enter in to this closest relationship with Jesus Christ. We receive His blessings and know His Word, but do we really know Him?” These were his comments regarding Jesus’ words to Philip in John 14:9, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip?”
The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God. C. S. Lewis
Note: Unless otherwise noted the above illustrations are from sermoncentral.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Profundities of The Apostle Paul
2 Corinthians 2:14 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Why am I going through this? What did I do to deserve this? Have you ever heard those questions? Sometimes one may think they are the only one going through something difficult. Yet, we know that each person has their "difficult days" and "dark night of the soul."
Reading about the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul could make one cringe if one had to go through what he did. He says, "Are they ministers of Christ? I speak as a fool I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. . ." 2 Cor. 11:23-27 Of course, he was an exceptional minister that God enabled with abundant grace, but sometimes we faint at much less than what he went through.
If we can view our tests as something that God uses to help us become stronger and also to be able to minister to others, we surely will receive the grace to endure. What a difference it makes when we put things in perspective. . . . "For consider him (Jesus) that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." Hebrews 12:3
Why am I going through this? What did I do to deserve this? Have you ever heard those questions? Sometimes one may think they are the only one going through something difficult. Yet, we know that each person has their "difficult days" and "dark night of the soul."
Reading about the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul could make one cringe if one had to go through what he did. He says, "Are they ministers of Christ? I speak as a fool I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. . ." 2 Cor. 11:23-27 Of course, he was an exceptional minister that God enabled with abundant grace, but sometimes we faint at much less than what he went through.
If we can view our tests as something that God uses to help us become stronger and also to be able to minister to others, we surely will receive the grace to endure. What a difference it makes when we put things in perspective. . . . "For consider him (Jesus) that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." Hebrews 12:3
Friday, November 07, 2008
This Coming Sunday's Message
TITLE: Law, Grace & Truth
TEXT: John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
FOUR EXAMPLES:
Four examples of law, grace and truth.
1. A woman caught in adultery.
John 8:2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
2. A rich ruler.
Luke18:18 ¶ And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
3. A woman of the town.
Luke7:36 ¶ And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.
37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
4. A tax collector.
TEXT: John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
FOUR EXAMPLES:
Four examples of law, grace and truth.
1. A woman caught in adultery.
John 8:2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
2. A rich ruler.
Luke18:18 ¶ And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
3. A woman of the town.
Luke7:36 ¶ And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.
37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
4. A tax collector.
Luke19:1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
Law says death for sin, grace says mercy, truth says deliverance from and victory over sin.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Time. . .Wisdom. . .Purpose
The writer of Ecclesiastes (believed to be Solomon) records the words, "there is a time to every purpose under the heaven" (Ecc. 3:1)). One cannot remove themselves from the inevitable. When the time to weep comes, there will be tears. When the time of war comes, there will be death. When the time of purpose comes, the result will be evident.
Time moves along and as the saying goes, "waits for no man." The writer of the Psalm 90:12 (believed to be Moses) says, ". . .teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom." Proverbs 11:30b says, ". . .he that winneth souls is wise."
Many insignificant, cumbering "things" can come into our lives and hinder from being wise in our daily lives. These insignificant "things" crowd us, bully us and busy us into things that remove us from focusing on being wise - winning souls to the Lord.
Moses and Solomon were two well known characters in the Old Testament, yet, there is one that we look to that is greater than these two. Jesus Christ says to us, "Follow me, and I will make you to Fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19) Can there be any greater purpose than this? Can there be anything wiser than this? Can time be utilized for any greater or wiser purpose? What do you think? "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10) ". . .a greater than Solomon is here." (Matthew 12:42c) "For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17)
Time moves along and as the saying goes, "waits for no man." The writer of the Psalm 90:12 (believed to be Moses) says, ". . .teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom." Proverbs 11:30b says, ". . .he that winneth souls is wise."
Many insignificant, cumbering "things" can come into our lives and hinder from being wise in our daily lives. These insignificant "things" crowd us, bully us and busy us into things that remove us from focusing on being wise - winning souls to the Lord.
Moses and Solomon were two well known characters in the Old Testament, yet, there is one that we look to that is greater than these two. Jesus Christ says to us, "Follow me, and I will make you to Fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19) Can there be any greater purpose than this? Can there be anything wiser than this? Can time be utilized for any greater or wiser purpose? What do you think? "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10) ". . .a greater than Solomon is here." (Matthew 12:42c) "For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sixty-First Homecoming Celebration
It was great to have Bishop Paul Holt and wife Barbara with us for our Sixty First Homecoming Celebration. We were blessed with a great message from Bishop Holt. We enjoyed the fellowship of being with them. We have known the Holts for many years and enjoyed working in Youth Camps under them as Camp Directors. Bishop Holt is serving as International Heritage Ministries Director (including managing the Fields of the Wood) and as Assistant to the International Financial Director. We thank the for driving such a long distance (almost 600 miles round trip) to be with us. 
We also enjoyed local singing talent, a reading of the history of the beginnings of the Huntingdon church and a great meal prepared by the ladies of the church. We missed several who were out sick or away on trips. Although we were low in number we were "soaring as eagles" in Spirit - as Brother Paul encouraged us in his message. We believe God has great plans for the church here if we can just hear his voice and be involved in what He wants for this church. There is so much that He wants to do in us, through us and for us.
We also enjoyed local singing talent, a reading of the history of the beginnings of the Huntingdon church and a great meal prepared by the ladies of the church. We missed several who were out sick or away on trips. Although we were low in number we were "soaring as eagles" in Spirit - as Brother Paul encouraged us in his message. We believe God has great plans for the church here if we can just hear his voice and be involved in what He wants for this church. There is so much that He wants to do in us, through us and for us.James Thompson and Krystel Grace Wedding and Reception
Mr. and Mrs. James Thompson
The Bride and Groom's court.
We are one in "Spirit." We are one. . .
The Bride beautifies nature. . .
I'm am so tired. . .That's enough pictures. . .I am out of it. . .James Thompson and Krystal Grace, Wedding Rehearsal
Lets get this as right as we can this time. We laughed and laughed at "Monkey."
The Bride to be and Dad.
The ring bearer. . .
Good food, good friends, good fellowship and a great time together. Thanks to both families for the great meal. . . .Sunday, October 26, 2008
GREAT WEEKEND
We are thankful for a great weekend.
James Thompson and Krystel Grace are now Mr. and Mrs. James Thompson. It was my joy to see this couple for about six different pre-marital counseling sessions and then to officiate their wedding. What a great day yesterday was to see so many from their family and to see this couple joined together in holy matrimony. May God bless this marriage with his grace, love and presence throughout their lives. Hope to post some pictures later.
The Sixty First Homecoming Celebration was a great success today as we enjoyed hearing the history of the Huntingdon church read and was blessed by the message of Bishop Paul Holt, International Heritage Ministries Director. It was a great joy to be with he and Sister Barbara. His message encouraged us to continue to "mount up with wings as eagles." Thank God for a great message, worship, fellowship and enjoying a meal together.
James Thompson and Krystel Grace are now Mr. and Mrs. James Thompson. It was my joy to see this couple for about six different pre-marital counseling sessions and then to officiate their wedding. What a great day yesterday was to see so many from their family and to see this couple joined together in holy matrimony. May God bless this marriage with his grace, love and presence throughout their lives. Hope to post some pictures later.
The Sixty First Homecoming Celebration was a great success today as we enjoyed hearing the history of the Huntingdon church read and was blessed by the message of Bishop Paul Holt, International Heritage Ministries Director. It was a great joy to be with he and Sister Barbara. His message encouraged us to continue to "mount up with wings as eagles." Thank God for a great message, worship, fellowship and enjoying a meal together.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wedding and Reception
James Thompson and Krystel Grace announce their wedding vows for Saturday, October 25th, 2008 beginning at 2:30 pm.
Wedding Reception immediately following in the Fellowship Hall.
Wedding Reception immediately following in the Fellowship Hall.
Sixty First Homecoming Celebration
Sunday, October 26th will be Huntingdon's Sixty First Homecoming Celebration.
Guest Minister: Bishop Paul Holt, International Heritage Ministries Director
Local Singing Talent
Brief History of Huntingdon Church of God of Prophecy and Recognition of Former Pastors
Fellowship Meal after the Morning Service
Guest Minister: Bishop Paul Holt, International Heritage Ministries Director
Local Singing Talent
Brief History of Huntingdon Church of God of Prophecy and Recognition of Former Pastors
Fellowship Meal after the Morning Service
Saturday, October 18, 2008
This Coming Sunday's Message
Grace For Grace
•John 1:16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. KJV
•John 1:16 From his full measure we have all been given grace on grace. BB
John Blanchard noted, “For daily need there is daily grace; for sudden need, sudden grace, and for overwhelming need, overwhelming grace.”
Preacher Charles Swindoll recalled his last spanking when he turned thirteen years old. Chuck said, “Having just broken into the sophisticated ranks of the teen world, I thought I was something on a stick. My father wasn’t nearly as impressed as I was with my great importance and new-found independence. “I was lying on my bed. He was outside the window on a muggy October afternoon in Houston, TX, weeding the garden. He said, ‘Charles, come out and help me weed the garden.’ I said something like, ‘NO, IT’S MY BIRTHDAY, REMEMBER?’ “My tone was sassy and my deliberate lack of respect was eloquent. I knew better than to disobey my dad, but after all, I was the ripe old age of thirteen. Dad set a new 100-meter record that autumn afternoon. He was in the house in a flash and all over me like white on rice, spanking me all the way out to the garden. As I recall, I weeded until the moonlight was shining on the pansies. “That same night he took me out to a surprise dinner. He gave me what I deserved earlier. LATER HE GAVE ME WHAT I DID NOT DESERVE. The birthday dinner was a matter of grace. He showered his favor on this rebellious young man. And I enjoyed grace.”
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Charlie “Tremendous” Jones has come up with a way to tell his entire life history in 15 seconds or less. He says, “I am not what I used to be, I am not what I shall be, but, by the Grace of God and through the Blood of the Lamb, I shall become what I am supposed to be.”
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
In other words, we begin our Christian life in God’s grace, and then quickly abandon grace, and try to live our life, and almost to continue to earn our salvation, - by what we do, by our works. Author Jerry Bridges puts it like this: "We tend to give an unbeliever just enough of the gospel to get him or her to pray a prayer to receive Christ. Then we immediately put the gospel on the shelf, so to speak, and go on to the duties of discipleship. The grace that brought salvation to you is the same grace that teaches or disciplines you. But you must respond on the basis of grace, not law." Jerry Bridges - from his book Transforming Grace.
What makes Christianity different from all the other religions of the world? Years ago that very question was discussed at a conference. Some of the participants argued that Christianity is unique in teaching that God became man. But someone objected, saying that other religions teach similar doctrines. What about the resurrection? No, it was argued, other faiths believe that the dead rise again. The discussion grew heated. C. S. Lewis, a strong defender of Christianity, came in late, sat down, and asked, “What’s the rumpus about?” When he learned that it was a debate about the uniqueness of Christianity, he immediately commented, “:Oh, that’s easy. It’s grace.” --- Source unknown
DL Moody was a great evangelist from Chicago. He went to England once and met a young man there that wanted to preach in his church. Moody agreed thinking that he would never see him again. To his dismay he recieved a letter that said the young man would be in his town shorlty and wanted to take him up on the offer. Moody was going out of town that week and agreed to let the man preach, but he warned the deacons to be ready in case it was a real flop. When Moody returned from his business his wife informed him that revival had broken out in his church and that "he needed to be converted". The young man preached every night on the same text, John 3:16, speaking of the love of God, from his heart. Moody went and he said he was indeed converted. He said I used to preach the judgment side of the cross, now I focus on the grace side of the cross, I used to preach mainly on the wrath of God, now I preach he said on the love of God. His life and ministry were forever changed. We need to experience a renewal of the Love of Christ in our Lives.
Zec 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Charles Swindoll in his book on Grace puts it this way, "You want to mess up the minds of your children? Here’s how - guaranteed! Rear them in a legalistic, tight context of external religion, where performance is more important than reality. Fake your faith. Sneak around and pretend your spirituality. Train your children to do the same. Embrace a long list of do’s and don’ts publicly but hypocritically practice them privately . . . yet never own up to the fact that its hypocrisy. Act one way but live another. And you can count on it - emotional and spiritual damage will occur." Charles Swindoll. The Grace Awakening. Dallas: Word Pub., 1990) p.97
•Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
•John 1:16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. KJV
•John 1:16 From his full measure we have all been given grace on grace. BB
John Blanchard noted, “For daily need there is daily grace; for sudden need, sudden grace, and for overwhelming need, overwhelming grace.”
Preacher Charles Swindoll recalled his last spanking when he turned thirteen years old. Chuck said, “Having just broken into the sophisticated ranks of the teen world, I thought I was something on a stick. My father wasn’t nearly as impressed as I was with my great importance and new-found independence. “I was lying on my bed. He was outside the window on a muggy October afternoon in Houston, TX, weeding the garden. He said, ‘Charles, come out and help me weed the garden.’ I said something like, ‘NO, IT’S MY BIRTHDAY, REMEMBER?’ “My tone was sassy and my deliberate lack of respect was eloquent. I knew better than to disobey my dad, but after all, I was the ripe old age of thirteen. Dad set a new 100-meter record that autumn afternoon. He was in the house in a flash and all over me like white on rice, spanking me all the way out to the garden. As I recall, I weeded until the moonlight was shining on the pansies. “That same night he took me out to a surprise dinner. He gave me what I deserved earlier. LATER HE GAVE ME WHAT I DID NOT DESERVE. The birthday dinner was a matter of grace. He showered his favor on this rebellious young man. And I enjoyed grace.”
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Charlie “Tremendous” Jones has come up with a way to tell his entire life history in 15 seconds or less. He says, “I am not what I used to be, I am not what I shall be, but, by the Grace of God and through the Blood of the Lamb, I shall become what I am supposed to be.”
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
In other words, we begin our Christian life in God’s grace, and then quickly abandon grace, and try to live our life, and almost to continue to earn our salvation, - by what we do, by our works. Author Jerry Bridges puts it like this: "We tend to give an unbeliever just enough of the gospel to get him or her to pray a prayer to receive Christ. Then we immediately put the gospel on the shelf, so to speak, and go on to the duties of discipleship. The grace that brought salvation to you is the same grace that teaches or disciplines you. But you must respond on the basis of grace, not law." Jerry Bridges - from his book Transforming Grace.
What makes Christianity different from all the other religions of the world? Years ago that very question was discussed at a conference. Some of the participants argued that Christianity is unique in teaching that God became man. But someone objected, saying that other religions teach similar doctrines. What about the resurrection? No, it was argued, other faiths believe that the dead rise again. The discussion grew heated. C. S. Lewis, a strong defender of Christianity, came in late, sat down, and asked, “What’s the rumpus about?” When he learned that it was a debate about the uniqueness of Christianity, he immediately commented, “:Oh, that’s easy. It’s grace.” --- Source unknown
DL Moody was a great evangelist from Chicago. He went to England once and met a young man there that wanted to preach in his church. Moody agreed thinking that he would never see him again. To his dismay he recieved a letter that said the young man would be in his town shorlty and wanted to take him up on the offer. Moody was going out of town that week and agreed to let the man preach, but he warned the deacons to be ready in case it was a real flop. When Moody returned from his business his wife informed him that revival had broken out in his church and that "he needed to be converted". The young man preached every night on the same text, John 3:16, speaking of the love of God, from his heart. Moody went and he said he was indeed converted. He said I used to preach the judgment side of the cross, now I focus on the grace side of the cross, I used to preach mainly on the wrath of God, now I preach he said on the love of God. His life and ministry were forever changed. We need to experience a renewal of the Love of Christ in our Lives.
Zec 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Charles Swindoll in his book on Grace puts it this way, "You want to mess up the minds of your children? Here’s how - guaranteed! Rear them in a legalistic, tight context of external religion, where performance is more important than reality. Fake your faith. Sneak around and pretend your spirituality. Train your children to do the same. Embrace a long list of do’s and don’ts publicly but hypocritically practice them privately . . . yet never own up to the fact that its hypocrisy. Act one way but live another. And you can count on it - emotional and spiritual damage will occur." Charles Swindoll. The Grace Awakening. Dallas: Word Pub., 1990) p.97
•Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Sin demands to have a man by himself. It withdraws him from the community. The more isolated a person is, the more destructive will be the power of sin over him, and the more deeply he becomes involved in it, the more disastrous is his isolation. Sin wants to remain unknown. It shuns the light. In the darkness of the unexpressed it poisons the whole being of a person. This can happen even in the midst of a pious community. In confession the light of the gospel breaks into the darkness and seclusion of the heart. The sin must be brought into the light. The unexpressed must be openly spoken and acknowledged. All that is secret and hidden is made manifest. It is a struggle until the sin is openly admitted, but God breaks gates of brass and bars of iron (Ps. 107:16). Since the confession of sin is made in the presence of a Christian brother, the last stronghold of self-justification is abandoned. The sinner surrenders; he gives up all his evil. He gives his heart to God, and he finds the forgiveness of all his sin in the fellowship of Jesus Christ and his brother. The expressed, acknowledged sin has lost all its power. It has been revealed and judged as sin. It can no longer tear the fellowship asunder. Now the fellowship bears the sin of the brother. He is no longer alone with his evil for he has cast off his sin in confession and handed it over to God. It has been taken away from him. Now he stands in the fellowship of sinners who live by the grace of God and the cross of Jesus Christ… The sin concealed separated him from the fellowship, made all his apparent fellowship a sham; the sin confessed has helped him define true fellowship with the brethren in Jesus Christ. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together, 112-113.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Notes From Pastor Andy Stanley at the Catalyst Conference 2008: by Tim Stevens
Borrowed from Tim Stevens
· We want our leaders to have consistency between what they say and what they do.
· At the end of the day, everyone is a volunteer. They can quit at any time.
· Authenticity is a powerful leadership dynamic.
· Nehemiah got mad and asked the leaders to stop over-charging the people. They immediately complied. Why? Because for 12 years, Nehemiah had been living an authentic life in front of them. He had moral authority.
· As leaders, we must be the men and women who never carry into the future the hurt of the past.
· Perhaps the boldest leadership move you could make is to get on your knees and let go of your hurts.
· Men: If your wife feels like your church is your mistress, you are part of the problem you are trying to solve.
· If your kids feel neglected because of your time at the church, you are part of the problem you are trying to solve.
· We want our leaders to have consistency between what they say and what they do.
· At the end of the day, everyone is a volunteer. They can quit at any time.
· Authenticity is a powerful leadership dynamic.
· Nehemiah got mad and asked the leaders to stop over-charging the people. They immediately complied. Why? Because for 12 years, Nehemiah had been living an authentic life in front of them. He had moral authority.
· As leaders, we must be the men and women who never carry into the future the hurt of the past.
· Perhaps the boldest leadership move you could make is to get on your knees and let go of your hurts.
· Men: If your wife feels like your church is your mistress, you are part of the problem you are trying to solve.
· If your kids feel neglected because of your time at the church, you are part of the problem you are trying to solve.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Profundities From the Apostle Paul - MIDNIGHT
Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
Have we become the Sunday "day time church" in these latter days? It seems that attendance in night times of worship have diminished in many churches. Some have gone to having one service a week or one long service of celebration. While this may be good for the time limitations and schedules of many it cannot substitute for corporate gatherings that bring us together to worship the Lord during the night seasons. I understand that God can be worshipped morning, noon or night. For some, however, it is noted that the night time is a difficult time - in various ways.
For those who have been diagnosed as depressed, with panic problems or other types of so-called "mental" problems, night time seems to be the intensifying of those problems. So the doctor prescribes a pill that will bring on the drowsiness and the six to eight hours of sleep. When the person awakes, what then? For those who know God almighty, there is no greater time to pray, praise and worship Him than at night, even midnight or the early morning hours. No doubt, Paul and Silas had read the Psalm which says, "At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments." (Psalms 119:62) It did not matter that they were in a stinking prison where the thieves, murders and criminals were. They were seeking the Lord and singing praise to Him. Many of those in the prison came to know Jesus after the prayer, praise and worship of God, when the prison was shaken and the doors were opened. The jailor and his family were among those who came to know Jesus as their Savior. Don't we need a move of God like that in our nation, states, counties and cities?
Yet, this nation is more anxious and panicky over the stock market and the economy than they are over the need to repent and seek the Lord and the "church" rides that long black train as well. Perhaps it will take some type of "prison" for the church to realize how much we need to pray, praise and worship the Lord. It would do us well to remember the words of the Lord to Laodicea, "thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. . .As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." (Revelation 3:17 & 19) How much more rebuke and chastening will it take?
What about the night? God has no problem with the darkness of the night. "Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee." (Psalms 139:12) What He has a problem with is a church or person who is bound by the ways of the humanistic, secular time restraints that will crowd Him out of their lives. The Apostle Paul was not bound by time restraints that kept him from praying, praising, preaching, teaching and worshipping God. Yes, there are some who are radical and ridiculous about taking time and being "in front." But what about true worship? Yes, we should worship at home with family and, at times, in private worship but what about corporate times of worship? If we give .02 percent of 168 hours in the week, that would be about 3.5 hours. That is a very low number for assembling together corporately in a local church. Yet, it seems that we "cry for more time with family, jobs, or whatever it is we are doing. I wonder how much "entertainment" time (TV, games, sports, etc. etc.) we give each week? Sure, we can't seperate our daily responsibilities as a type of worship to God as long as they are priorities in His sight. I believe the perilous times we are in requires more coming together than we want to give.
The Psalmist wrote, "Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD." (Psalms 134:1) Where are those servants who stand in the house of the Lord by night? As a younger man, I remember anticipating and expecting great times in the Lord when we had Sunday evening services or revivals . At times, we were there until 11 pm, midnight, and sometimes, even after midnight, praying, praising, worshipping God almighty. God was worshipped, people were saved, filled with the Spirit and delivered from bondage. The next morning, I would be refreshed (with four or five hours of physical sleep) and ready to put in an eight or ten hour day of work. Some would leave early from the meeting, and there would be no judgmentalism about that. God knows our limitations and He knows our laxness as well. Where is the dedication to God? Where is the commitment to God?
Now, we say, "we need family time or we need to be at home on Sunday night." I know scheduled service times can be tradition laden, but we best beware and not take God's corporate study time, prayer, praise and worship time, lest we sleep a sleep of spiritual death. Yes, Paul was giving his farewell message that late evening and continued long into the night, but one has to wonder, what time did the meeting start? Did they come together later at night because of persecution factors? Did they start the meeting about "dark-thirty?" Did the meeting start earlier in the afternoon or around the sixth watch or ninth watch? That is not clear. What is clear, is that God's presence was active and mighty among them. Follow the reading from Acts 20:7, verse 8-12. "And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted." If he fell from the third loft, that could have been about 20 to 30 feet that he fell. God was present and he manifested in the healing of this young man, at mignight. Then they tarried and fellowshipped with sweet communion until daylight dawned. We need to cry out to God in the night seasons. "I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons." (Psalms 16:7) Where are we "church?" What are we doing "church?"
There will be a cry one day and it will catch many sleeping the spiritual death. "And at midnight (symbolic of an hour when many are sleeping) there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." (Matthew 25:6) "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." (1Thessalonians 5:6) Yes, I want to sleep, at times, when he gives me sleep in the natural, for he "giveth his beloved sleep." (Psalms 127:2) But I want to be AWAKE in the Spirit and sometimes that means we are "by night, standing in the house of the Lord, or "arising at midnight to praise him," or "being in a service which tarries for late hours."
O MIGHTY GOD HELP US TO MAKE TIMES TO STUDY YOUR WORD, PRAY, PRAISE AND WORSHIP YOU IN OUR CORPORATE GATHERINGS! AMEN! AND AMEN!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Wilbur Thompson Family Reunion Pictures
Here are a few pictures I took of my mother's family reunion. I was involved in seeing them and speaking with them so much that I did not get as many pictures as I would have liked.
In the foreground is Charles Thompson (89), the oldest living child of Wilbur and Hettie Thompson. Behind him is his only son, Paul, with his back to the camera. Next to him is Lamar Green, son of Chester and Rozelle (Thompson) Green. I enjoyed a lot of Summer time days and nights in their home. Across the table is Daniel (Danny) Thomspon, J. D. Thompson and Hilda (Hedgecoth)Thomspon's oldest son. I also enjoyed a lot of Summer time days and nights in their home.
Standing in the background is my mother, Beatrice (Thomspon, Gordon) Cathey (78). Delano Thomspon (71) is second seated on the right side of the table as you look at the picture. Barry Thompson is the first one seated on the left side of the table. He is J. D. Thompson's second son.
Several children of my cousins that I do not know the names of except Stephen Green (oldest Son of Lamar) with the bald head and sunglasses. In the farthest background is Janice Monday, who is the daughter of Vera Mae (Thompson) Monday and Glenn Monday. I enjoyed a lot of Summer time days and nights in their home.
Denver Thompson (69), the youngest of Wilbur and Hettie (Hill) Thompson's children. Charles, the oldest, and Denver, youngest, were born 20 years apart on the same day of the Month in April.
Tommy Thomspon, fourth on the left side of the table, is the son of Lowell Thompson. They lived in Ohio many years where Lowell worked at Fridgidaire until he retired.
Terry Thompson, J. D. Thompson's third son, his wife and daughter. Tim Thomspon, his youngest son was not present and I failed to get a picture of Trudy, J. D.'s youngest child and daughter.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Awesome Weekend
The church I pastor, Church of God of Prophecy, Huntingdon, TN, was gracious in allowing me to be away this weekend to be with my family in Crab Orchard and Harriman, TN. Bishop David Prince came to be with the folks at Huntingdon and minister to them. Thank you Brother David.
There were about 50 family members who came together for the Wilbur Thompson family reunion (my mother's father). There are four left of the eleven children that Hettie Hill and Wilbur Thompson had - Charles Thompson (89), Beatrice Cathey (78), Delano Thompson (72) and Denver Thomspon (69). The other 7 have passed on. We enjoyed seeing many other cousins, nephews, neices and others that we have not seen in several years. The food and fellowship was awesome. Another great time was when mom pulled out her mandolin and guitar and we sang many of the old spiritual hymns and worship songs. It was so good to see many of my cousins that I grew up with - working in the hay fields, going to Daddy's Creek, going to church together and getting a 5 cent coke and a 5 cent candy bar or bag of peanuts at the store next to the old church. Hopefully, I will post some pictures later.
Today we enjoyed being with my Brother Tony who is the Pastor of the Harriman church. There was a great spirit of worship. The presence of the Lord came in a powerful way. We enjoyed going to Cracker Barrel after church being with them. We are so blessed with great family and with a loving, gracious, mighty, holy God. TO HIM BE PRAISE, HONOR AND GLORY!
There were about 50 family members who came together for the Wilbur Thompson family reunion (my mother's father). There are four left of the eleven children that Hettie Hill and Wilbur Thompson had - Charles Thompson (89), Beatrice Cathey (78), Delano Thompson (72) and Denver Thomspon (69). The other 7 have passed on. We enjoyed seeing many other cousins, nephews, neices and others that we have not seen in several years. The food and fellowship was awesome. Another great time was when mom pulled out her mandolin and guitar and we sang many of the old spiritual hymns and worship songs. It was so good to see many of my cousins that I grew up with - working in the hay fields, going to Daddy's Creek, going to church together and getting a 5 cent coke and a 5 cent candy bar or bag of peanuts at the store next to the old church. Hopefully, I will post some pictures later.
Today we enjoyed being with my Brother Tony who is the Pastor of the Harriman church. There was a great spirit of worship. The presence of the Lord came in a powerful way. We enjoyed going to Cracker Barrel after church being with them. We are so blessed with great family and with a loving, gracious, mighty, holy God. TO HIM BE PRAISE, HONOR AND GLORY!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Urgent Prayer Request
I received an email from Sister Ragene Burks for prayer for her husband Chuck. Brother Chuck was taken to the emergency room tonight after having severe pain in his abdomen with much weakness. He was sent back home with the initial diagnosis of Chron's Disease. Let us join in prayer for Brother Chuck.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Profundities From the Apostle Paul
THE IMAGE OF CHRIST - WHOSE IMAGE DO YOU PORTRAY?
1Corinthians 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Ever notice how the image of a person seems to be the most important thing to society, the media or to many in Hollywood? The recent presidential debate (last night, October 7, 2008, in fact) was inundated with media comments about whose image showed the best connection with the public. One comment was, "Barak Obama seemed to show calmness and coolness while John McCain appeared to be angry at times." It is amazing that some people prefer a cool, calm demeanor over an angry, stern look - even when disastrous conditions and catastrophies are looming.
Of course, understandably, the type of image portrayed by politicians and others in the public eye is about connecting with the humanistic side of people. What about Christ's image to the public? Well one Scripture says, "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him." (Isaiah 53:3) Another Scripture says, "And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! (Matthew 27:29) Not a very pleasing humanistic image, huh? But, isn't there more to the image of this man? Surely he connected with the public more than this. Surely this is not the image that Paul is speaking of.
You may have guessed where I am going with this. Matthew 19:2 says, "And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there." His connection and popularity was great while he was on earth as a man as long as he was meeting the humanistic, temporal needs of people. There were even some who would take him by force to make him a king because of the miracles he performed. "When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone." (John 6:15) Don't we deserve to rule and reign with Him? We are to be be "priests of God and Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." (Revelation 20:6) Surely, this is the image that Paul is speaking of - at least part of it.
Well, not so fast. You see, Jesus did not come to have a popular image on this earth. He came to do the will of His Father and to bring, "many sons (and daughters) to glory. . ." Hebrews 2:10. He did not come to simply feed the "great multitudes." He did not come to fulfill a great image of the temporal, earthly, sensual desires of humans. When he was here on earth He said, "I must preach the kingdom of God. . ." (Luke 4:43) He further said, "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21) The Apostle Paul says, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17) Paul further says, "Who (Father God) hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (Colossians 1:13-17)
So with sincere longing and desire, I pray Holy Spirit do your complete work in me to change me into the image of Christ. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 2:18) "And as we have borne the image of the earthy (Adam's nature), we shall also bear the image of the heavenly (Christ's nature). Whose image do you portray? If you are not in His kingdom, simply ask Him to translate you into His kingdom. Confess that you are a sinner, with the fallen nature, trust His blood and accept His power to bring you in to His kingdom. Then the Holy Spirit will take you on an image changing tour that will be all glorious! The Holy Spirit is ready change you, "from glory to glory," into the image of Christ.
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