Monday Minute
Nearing the end of the book of Ephesians, Paul walks us through the armor that we have in our spiritual walk. The conclusion of that list is the power tool of prayer. Not only does he admonish the believer to pray always, but he then gives us a prayer request. Paul asks the people to pray for him. We all stand in need of prayer. Then it is specific! Pray for boldness and the right words to say. We must all ask God to grant us this prayer as well. Not only do we petition the Lord for this but we lift others up as well. Take a minute today to ask God for boldness and wisdom. Call out the name of someone you know today that needs the same! It will take just a minute!
Pastor’s Pen
Welcome to February! Where the focus of the world is football and love! The “big game” is held here in our area and the fans have traveled from all around. In a few days, there will be proclamations of love and proposals for marriage. The world daily peers into itself for gratification and approval. States are now celebrating the fact that promiscuity can be indulged in without the fear of consequences of those decisions. Love has turned into a physical act rather than the true aspect of respect, affection and devotion. I am so thankful that we serve a living Savior that has displayed what love truly is and I have experienced His love. I am thankful that I am part of the bride of Christ and there is coming a day in which a great contest will need no clock, officials, or advertisements! It is a time in which the all powerful God of this universe will display His power and authority and rule over all! Every knee will bow, and every tongue confess!! He is Lord!!
Monday Minute
A song can have a tremendous outcome on a person. It can affect your attitude, mood, or even your emotions. The powerful notes in music can stir a people. A song resonates with me today, “How Long has it Been?” A song that merely poses the question of how long has it been since you spoke to the Lord. Sure, many pray before the eat and some pray before we sleep. Some whisper a prayer before departing for the day. Whispering these short prayers are great, but how long has it been since you talked to God. Taking the time out of the day and really talking with Him. Monday is a great day to begin a special time in which you will spend time with the Lord. Why not start today? God will not reject your call, but He will hear your prayer!
Pastor’s Pen
Life is full of highs and lows, mountain tops and valleys, victories and defeat. The life of a Christian is not promised to be an easy road all of the time. These times of difficulty should not deter us from continuing to live for the One that has saved us and has washed us in His own blood. The Bible clearly teaches that God will allow these times in our life. God allows these times that we can grow closer to Him and we can learn to lean and be dependent upon Him for all our needs. The one thing we can know for sure is that God has not left us nor forgotten us. He is on our side. He will rescue in His time. I encourage you today to bask in the blessings that God has granted you! If you find yourself in a time of difficulty, remember what God has done and what He can do! If you are in the midst of a time of blessing, thank Him and pray for your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Monday Minute
During the Sunday evening services, we have been looking into the messages sent to the seven churches. These messages are located in the book of Revelation. These messages serve a purpose of encouragement and edifying, but also of warning. In each of the seven letters, a common message is repeated. This message is, “I know thy works”. Salvation, of course, is not of works but we are instructed to place our salvation on display by our works. Jesus specifies that our Father in heaven may be glorified by our works! Our Lord does know what we are doing for Him and the intent of work that we are performing for Him! We are told that our work will be tried in fire on the day of judgement. Our works will either burn and become ash or it will be purified and become priceless jewels. So our encouragement should be, work for the Lord! Take a minute this Monday and work for the Lord! Show His love and compassion. Be a witness for Christ in this darkened world today! He knows your work!
Pastor’s Pen
Each Christian life should be lived in light of the Word of God! The precious Word of God is our road map, guideline, and manual for all of life’s matters. I understand that there is a growing group of people, and yes, even Baptists, that feel that some of the Word of God is irrelevant for the people of God today. There is no cause for any to leave out any of the Word of God. God has given us Words of wisdom, songs of praise, the way to salvation and the absolute truth that we can know we have eternal life! Paul wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that ALL Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. It may be that the people spreading this toxic heresy are truly the ones irrelevant, but it is certainly not the precious, inspired, inerrant, infallible, preserved Word of God.
Monday Minute
Communication is imperative to every relationship! The more communication within a relationship, the more open and honest this relationship becomes. This is true of our relationships in every aspect of our life, whether it is in our family, friends or co-workers. Communication is also necessary in a relationship. If communication begins to falter, our relationship will begin to falter as well and we can apply this to our Christian walk. Are the lines of communication with you and God? How often do you talk to Him in prayer? Have you spoken with Him today? Why not take a minute and speak to the Lord, “The Prayer Bells of Heaven” are ringing!
Pastor’s Pen
The word “new” can have many definitions. Of course, the most common definition would mean something that is of recent origin. It is “new”. There is also the definition of new as in something that is not of recent origin but is “new” to you. With each new day, something “new” will be presented in our life whether it will be new challenges or new blessings. Today, we have been blessed with a new day to serve the Lord with gladness and to praise His holy name, the name that is above all names! As we worship God today, be mindful that God desires to perform something new in each of our hearts today. Whether He grants mercies new, grace new, encouragement new, or a sweet peace in our heart. No matter your search of something new today or your need of something new in your life, God is where “new” all begins! He can make all things new!
Monday Minute
Mondays always seem to be a difficult day. The weekend has past and we face the reality of the world again. Sweet peace comforts my soul when I am reminded that the same God we serve Sunday is here on Monday as well! His presence is just as real today as yesterday. If today has offered a difficulty, lean on the everlasting arms of God! Trust in His plan. As the hymn says, we are safe and secure. Know that God has not forsaken you and will never leave you! Encourage yourself in the Word of God! Take a minute this Monday to praise Him!
Pastor’s Pen
Our country is approaching a holiday that has been dedicated to being thankful. Specifically, it was set aside for our nation to be thankful to God for His mercy and grace, His healing and His love for us. As the years have passed, much of the country has turned this time of reflection and thankfulness to God into another materialistic focus. This Thanksgiving Day, may the people of God continue to stand true and give honor and gratitude to the One that is worthy. My challenge to you is this. Take the time to pen down a list of all the blessings that God has bestowed upon you. Prayerfully look at this continually growing list and begin to praise God for all He has done. When you begin to focus on what God has done, the things of this world will grow distant and unnecessary. For we serve a God that has done all things well!
Pastor’s Pen
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone that took part in our fall festival. Our church family was able to reach out to our community and give them the gospel in many different ways. Almost 200 meals were served. Hundreds of tracts were placed in the hands of people that needed the gospel. The gospel was being shared in the form of music to all that were present. Last but not least, several of you were able to share the gospel in person to many people. Distributing the gospel was the goal for this fall festival. Thank you for giving your time, talent and treasures to allow this goal to be accomplished! This outreach is not accomplished unless you are willing to serve. This outreach is not accomplished without being ready to proclaim your Savior! Now, let us enjoy our time to worship and give the glory and praise to Jesus!
Pastor’s Pen
Recommendations are very common in each of our lives! We seek out to find a new establishment to dine or a new destination to vacation. We search for others that have already experienced the restaurant or vacation destiny. We inquire about the dishes that are served or the greatest photo opt while vacationing, what is there to do, where would we stay? These recommendations carry influence in our lives. We consider where the recommendation originates, then decide the best option! When we experience a great establishment, we want to give our review and recommendation! We should be just as excited to give our review and recommendation about church as well! This is a place where God is moving and lives are being changed! Tell your friends and family about how great the God we serve is and how we are privileged to meet with Him in our church! I am sure they will be interested in your recommendation!
Pastor’s Pen
It is a joy to serve the Lord. The Bible tells us to serve the Lord with gladness! The Hebrew word for gladness is used 93 times and is contextually connected to praise the majority of those times. Many times, this is due to God delivering His people from something they could not deliver themselves from! As we look at our service for the Lord, is it truly done with gladness? One definition denotes gleeful joy! Now is not the time to look as if we are defeated! We may have difficult battles and the attacks may mount up against us, but may we remember that we have already won! We are encouraged in the Word of God that we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ! Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world! We serve with glee, joy, gladness and tell the world how great is the Savior of the world! The day of the Lord is rapidly approaching, serve the Lord with gladness until He comes!
Pastor’s Pen
Word association is an interesting game to play. It allows you to understand how people think and reasons for the attached thought process. Pause for a moment and think of this word, ministry. What comes to your mind? If we are honest, most will think of a preacher, the deacons of the church, one that prays for others, the choir, or someone that will sing a special. Each of these answers are correct, but is that what it is limited to? May I ask you, do you have a ministry? The word ministry means service. The above listed are in fact services, but there are many other avenues to serve the Lord. As a Christian, we should all be in some type of service for Jesus. A service that will further the kingdom of God. We are all in the ministry. We all are to go and tell the world about Jesus Christ! God has given each of us talents and abilities and He expects us to serve Him with them. Your ministry can be the difference in another’s eternity. Go now Christian, make the most of your ministry.
