Pastor’s Pen
The life of Paul was riddled with ups and downs. The last chapters of the book of Acts records the amazing account of sailing to Rome. He was heading to Rome for prison then shipwrecked. If it could go wrong, it did go wrong. Yet Paul remained steadfast in his trusting and following the Lord. When shipwrecked, Paul was bitten by a venomous viper and all assumed his death would soon occur. The people of the island said within themselves that he must deserve it. Winds blow tumultuously in our lives at times and we may even be attacked by vipers within our ranks, but this does not dismiss our duty and call from the Lord. Continue faithful as Paul and allow God to work out His plan in your life with your trust!
Pastor’s Pen
In my recent reading, I found a statement that has been constantly on my mind. Oswald Chambers made this statement. “If your faith is in experiences, anything that happens is likely to upset that faith.” All too often we hear of men and women of the church falling aside or backsliding because their faith was tested. When an instance that does not match their feelings should happen occurs, their faith is shaken. Faith must be tested and will be affirmed by the trials of life. Many go by their feelings and not faith at all. It is faith in God and His promise of eternal salvation that we base our trust in Him. When we base our faith on the reality of God’s promises, we will stand strong in our faith in Him! Winds blow and storms pass by, but God is the same. Have faith in Him!!
Pastor’s Pen
We are approaching the close of the year. The last month of the year is always filled with family functions and friends gathering to celebrate the Christmas season. With all the hustle and bustle of the month, the new year will seem but a few shorts days. During this busy time, remind those you are in contact with the true reason for the season. It is more than a party, presents and packages! It is the celebration of the King coming to defeat the sting of death, declare victory over the grave and redeem Himself a people! Praise the Lord for the birth of the Savior, Messiah and King! Let our voices praise Him for His goodness, mercy and love for mankind!
Pastor’s Pen
This coming Thursday, all of America will celebrate the day known as Thanksgiving Day. Many families will gather around a table spread with an abundance of delicacies from carved turkeys to pecan pie. We recall the pilgrims as they celebrated their first successful harvest joined with the native Indians. William Bradbury accounts an abundance of wild turkey to be eaten and contributed venison to be eaten along with garden vegetables. This time of celebration is wonderful, but let us not forget to Whom we must truly be thankful. We are blessed beyond compare as God has blessed us with many blessings. He has given us the greatest sacrifice, His Son, for our pardon from the penalty of sin! Thank God for His blessings on you!
Pastor’s Pen
Identity theft is rampant today. The ramifications and long term effects can be detrimental to the one that has had their identity stolen. With the digital age we are living, it is relatively easy to become someone other than yourself. This does not have to be a criminal act. Many people give the appearance of happiness, wealth and perfection in a profile but the truth is the opposite. What do you find your identity in? Is it a career, wealth, family, the appearance of happiness? As Christians, we find our identity is Jesus Christ. We place Christ on display. Strive to make Him seen through ourselves! Our identity before God is the righteousness of Jesus. Why not show that to the world and have Him seen in all we do?
Pastor’s Pen
Jesus was like no other. Repeatedly comments are recorded in Scripture that confirm this. In Mark 2, it is recorded men saying, “We never saw it on this fashion.” John 7 states that no man had spoken like Jesus. When devils were cast out and the dumb began to speak in Matthew 21, the multitudes said “It was never so seen in Israel”. May I say that there was never one like Him. Nor will there ever be another like Him. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is like no other! What He has accomplished, no other could do! What He will do, no other will be able to prevent Him! His power is unmatchable, His love is immeasurable, and His Word is immutable! I would have to agree with the multitudes, I’ve never seen anyone like Him!
Pastor’s Pen
I have noticed an abundance of billboards that are advertising personal injury attorney services. These advertisements make wonderful claims of large pay days at no cost to you. It is also promised that if your case is not won you will not pay anything. My thoughts went to the courtroom and how these people might present the case. But my mind quickly turned to the ultimate courtroom of heaven. I am thankful that Jesus Christ stands beside me but is also my payment for the penalty of sin. I am not represented by mere man, but God Himself. Because of His sacrifice and I am free from the bondage of sin, and my home is now securely heaven. He won my case and He paid the price. Thank you Jesus!
Pastor’s Pen
Have you ever been distracted and it cost something? A distraction while driving or walking down the sidewalk? The tactic of distractions have been used for many different reasons. Distractions are used to make a person focus on one spot while another action is being performed and thus the illusion. Watch the left hand while the right hand takes your wallet. A bump in the store while your belongings are removed. These deceivers use distractions to keep someone’s focus from the real action. The great deceiver, the devil, also uses distractions in our lives to rob us of the joy of the Lord or even spending time in His Word and in prayer. He distracts us to rob our joy of salvation. Be aware of the wiles of the devil, his deception and keep your eyes upon Jesus!
Pastor’s Pen
I have always heard that man’s best friend is a dog. I pose the question, “What of those that do not have a dog?” Or even yet, those that own poodles, are they really dogs? In reality, friendship is a relationship, not simply companionship. When we consider friends, what would be the parameters to measure this friendship? Today, friends and family have gathered to worship God and celebrate the risen Savior! He is the true measure of a friend. The Savior is a precious friend that gave His life that we might live! A friend that loves us unconditionally. A friend that is with us in good and bad times. A friend that comforts and brings peace. Today, if you need a friend, try Jesus! If you have not met Him, please allow us to introduce Him! You will always have a friend in Him!
Pastor’s Pen
What a Mighty God We Serve is a joyful song we enjoy often during our worship services! The lyrics include angels bowing before Him and heaven and earth adoring Him. These truths are evident and remind us just how mighty our God is! As we search the Scriptures, we find in the book of Micah a question to God! Who is a God like unto Thee (Mic 7:18)? This verse explains God pardoning iniquities and His anger not being retained because of another wonderful truth, mercy! How wonderful it is to serve not only a mighty God but a merciful God! Mercy is necessary for God to bring a broken and sinful people to salvation! May we all stand together and agree with Micah, who is a God like unto Thee? Mighty and merciful!
Pastor’s Pen
In the high tech, electronic world we live in there is much concern over our reliable and secure connections. We can control lights in homes, locks on doors, and the temperature settings of thermostats without being in front of them. With these conveniences, we must have a good connection. There is a much more important connection. How is your connection to God? Our connection to the Lord can affect much more than lights, locks and temperatures! Our connection to Him has the power to touch things unseen and work miracles that only He can perform! If your spiritual meter had a display, how many bars would you have? Would you be on LTE, 3G, or dial up? Strengthen your connection with God with daily time with Him in prayer and in His Word!
Pastor’s Pen
What is your mission in life? Our society exalts the successful, famous, wealthy, self-absorbed mission in life. The thought of self-gain and gratification tops the list. Our Bible study this past week brought us to a sobering verse. “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”. This stands in stark contrast to what is taught and believed by much of the world. Our mission should be one and the same as we endeavor to make much of God and little of our self. Our mission is to point all nations to the Savior that has purchased our redemption! Our mission is to display Christ and His love above everything! Won’t you join the mission set before the church? Contribute your all to this wonderful mission!
Pastor’s Pen
The economic climate that we enjoy allows us to overlook the wonderful benefits that many enjoy. Employers are offering better compensation packages than competitors. Offers are made not only in salary but in benefit packages which include vacation, bonuses, insurances, company vehicles, and childcare. Some offer house cleaning services, allow you to bring your dog to work and unlimited access to the company ping-pong tables. While some benefits are appealing and others senseless, I am reminded of the benefits we have as a child of God! Psalms 68:19 not only praises God for our salvation but blesses God for the daily benefits loaded each day! As a child of God, our benefits are endless and far greater than anything this world can offer!
Pastor’s Pen
Welcome to September! Soon the temperature and the leaves will begin to fall. This wonderful time of the year is a favored season of so many people. The trees leaves begin to turn magnificent colors and the beauty of the landscape in which God created is on full display! When the changing of seasons begins, I am also reminded of the wonderful faithfulness of God! He promised that the changing of seasons would endure and that promise is fulfilled every few months. If God is faithful to such major changes as the changing of seasons, He certainly will be able to be faithful to me and keep His promises. If you doubt His faithfulness, look to His wonderful creation that testifies of His glory every day! He has promised and shown Himself faithful.
Pastor’s Pen
Spiritual growth should be something that each Christian strives to accomplish. Spiritual growth has many aspects such as prayer, searching the Scriptures, our attitude, and the deeds that are a natural outflow from this growth. Prayer is often thought of as a way of blessing our food, asking for God’s protection for the night, or even informing God of what is occurring in our lives. But prayer is much more than these simple thoughts. It is a powerful way to combat the enemy, and the precious way to praise God and thank God for all He has done! Our request can certainly be made known to our God that cares for us, but why not try to thank Him today? Have you told your Heavenly Father that you love Him? Take a moment now and give Him the glory!
