Heavenly Humility

Humility like the darkness, reveals the heavenly lights.

Henry David Thoreau 1817-1862, American Essayist, Poet, Naturalist

Prov 15:31-33
He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility. NASU

“Only those who feel little in the eyes of God, can hope to be mighty in the eyes of men,” or so said Ernest Moritz Arndt, the German Poet. Humility is one of the most valuable, yet I think, misunderstood traits of a Christian. I think humility is a tool given to us by the Holy Spirit, when we pause to hear, and listen to His wisdom, as opposed to listening to our own.

Our self-learned worldly wisdom has a loud voice, and it rules over many decisions in our lives, but the most important decisions that we make, must include the gift of humility. I have seen some with a false humility that was used as a means of selfish gain, and those that flaunt their humility in such a way as to make it almost repulsive. So what is the measuring stick of a righteous humility?

Well the measure is simple. It is love, not a self love, but a love of others. It means that you don’t spend most of your time wallowing around in the bright light of the wants of your world. It means that you make it a daily habit to pull the shades down and look into the dark corners of our world at the needs of someone else, and when you do, then you will see those heavenly guiding lights of humility…God Bless.

Pastor William

Drawing Lines in the Sand

In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves.

Thomas Carlyle 1795-1881, Scottish Philosopher, Author

Eccl 7:8-9
The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit. Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools. NASU

It is the hardest thing in the world to remain emotionally detached from a controversy, but in fact that is the best way to handle one. A wise saying that has helped me many times in controversies is to weigh the end. If I win this argument what have I won? Many times we can win arguments, but lose friends that we dearly love and care for, and live with regret over hasty words or decisions.

Paul tells us this in James 1:19-20, “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” Paul is pleading that in the church, in the body of Christ, we are all to be great listeners. We are to ensure that we take the “we” out of our hearing and hear with the mind and heart of Christ, the heart of the church.

Now if your beginning was bad, Solomon says the end of the matter can be better, and it can be, if we let Christ deal with everything in between and keep the mind of Christ, and be wary of our own. I remind myself daily of an important fact, and that is this, His mind, and His thoughts, are so much higher than my own, let’s all who are called by His name, “Christians,” strive towards being “good listeners,” we will hear our Father, and each other…God Bless.
Pastor William

You've God It All

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.

Hannah More 1745-1833, British Writer, Reformer, Philanthropist

Todd Ruthman

1 Cor 3:19-23
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, "He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS"; and again, "THE LORD KNOWS THE REASONINGS of the wise, THAT THEY ARE USELESS." So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God. NASU

You have so much! No, I’ve not lost my mind this morning. In the middle of these tough economic times I can rejoice in all that is mine, you and I are rich. Now you may be smart enough to figure otherwise, but if you are, you’re caught. That’s right you are caught in the riptide of the world and it will pull you further and further away from the truth that God wants you to walk with in this world.

In 1 Tim 6:17 Paul tells Timothy, “ Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.” Now how many things did Paul say we were supplied with? All! Yes, everything that you and I need on this earth will be supplied to us, even Paul’ and all the other people or things that will keep us safe.

So, let’s you and I today boast of our riches. That’s right! Tell others that you are financially, and emotionally secure, for you have no need to fear anything. It’s right there in God’s Word, claim it and keep it. God gives to us wonderful security as He speaks through the Apostle Paul. All things belong to us, we belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God, Glory Hallelujah, we are safely hidden in Christ…God Bless.

Pastor William

Things in Common

It is the things in common that make relationships enjoyable, but it is the little differences that make them interesting.

Todd Ruthman

1 Cor 9:20-23
To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. NASU

We all appear to be much the same, but it is the subtle differences that make us all individual, and unique. I really believe though that as much as we are a little different, it is important for us to highlight what it is that we have in common with each other. For instance there is one thing that we all have in common that is a very important event in all of our lives, and that is death.

As Christians we have an assurance in death that others do not have, and that is that at our death our life has just begun. As the world entices us to leave the safe confines of our security in Christ, we can also tempt them with the assurance and security that we have in this life. In life they have many unanswered questions that we have answers to, but we also must take the time to heighten their interest.

Paul says to us, come out of where you are, and live for a moment in the life of someone else. Consider things that would open opportunities in their lives for you to explain to them the hope and security that you have in Christ. Paul is telling us that sharing is partaking in the Gospel, and everything that we do on this earth, is for the sake of the Gospel. To become all things to all, to identify with some, and lead as many as we can to the Shores of Glory…are you partaking…God Bless.
Pastor William

Appearances are Deceiving

The world is governed more by appearances than by realities, so that it is fully as necessary to seem to know something as to know it.

Daniel Webster 1782-1852, American Lawyer, Statesman

Jer 20:10-12
For I have heard the whispering of many, "Terror on every side! Denounce him; yes, let us denounce him!" All my trusted friends, watching for my fall, say: "Perhaps he will be deceived, so that we may prevail against him and take our revenge on him." But the LORD is with me like a dread champion; therefore my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will be utterly ashamed, because they have failed, with an everlasting disgrace that will not be forgotten. Yet, O LORD of hosts, You who test the righteous, Who see the mind and the heart; Let me see Your vengeance on them; For to You I have set forth my cause. NASU

When I see a bird that walks like a duck and swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck. We have heard that saying from our youth haven’t we? It is good advice for us to pass on today as well, and to teach again to our children. The world today has many definitions for peace and prosperity, but increasingly peace is not identified with God. Why is this so and what prevents the world from acquiring and desiring the lasting peace that can only come from Him?

Well, for the most part, the world has no desire for the lasting peace whose birth begins with pain. Birth requires pain doesn’t it. Most every beginning that ends with success has hard work, and sacrifice associated with it. Jesus gave us some clues in Matt 10:33-34, "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

A duck is born a duck, and will always be a duck, but you and I were born in sin, and reborn in Christ Jesus. Therefore we are not what we were, but what He has remade us to be. All the ducks will want you to be like them and walk like them and quack like them, but you are not a duck any longer. You and I are to let them laugh. The ugly duckling can face these unpleasant times knowing that one day, the world will stand in awe at what Jesus has recreated us to be, forever…God Bless.
Pastor William

Oh The Ways God Brings Us Together

Great perils have this beauty that they bring to light the fraternity of strangers.

Victor Hugo 1802-1885, French Poet, Dramatist, Novelist

Ps 119:19-24
I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul is crushed with longing After Your ordinances at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, the cursed, who wander from Your commandments. Take away reproach and contempt from me, for I observe Your testimonies. Even though princes sit and talk against me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes. Your testimonies also are my delight; they are my counselors. NASU

Great perils bring together strangers. This I know is true. I see it after every great storm that goes through communities. The hurricanes and the tragedies force them out of their houses and into the streets. The tv doesn’t work, the internet is shutdown and the x-boxes are disabled. Sweat starts to trickle down the faces of the strangers so; they must open their windows and hear the sounds of life, and of the others that live around them.

That is the great tragedy of our time. We are all strangers living next door, a stone throw away from someone we know nothing about. Yet, we should want to know all of the strangers we can, for that is the only way to lead lost people to Christ. God also has a way of checking up on us and making us accountable. Listen to what God says of strangers in Heb 13:1-2, “Let love of the brethren continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

Now isn’t that a way to keep us awake and aware. We may be passing angels whenever we pass someone that God puts in our path to test our sincere love of the brethren. You see, God really is serious about our commitment to love one another as He has loved us. So…today watch carefully those whom you meet, search your heart and pray for God’s Spirit to guide you…you may pass by an angel…God Bless.

Pastor William

Right Sized Worlds

I wish I could write a beautiful book to break those hearts that are soon to cease to exist: a book of faith and small neat worlds and of people who live by the philosophies of popular songs.

Source Unknown

Heb 4:12-13
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. NASU

I have found through the years, as you may have also, the curious way of some people that live in small worlds that they create for themselves. People will tell you that they live in these small worlds for different reasons, but most of the time they are the result of fear and ignorance. They can hide in simple philosophies found in music or from some popular figure around them, but they will not disturb the pages of God’s Word.

Some people seek the truth and some run from it. There have been many who have tried to destroy the Bible, the Word of God” in various ways. The desire was to remove its personal influence on the soul who reads it. But a crime worse than burning a bible is committed when it is not read, nor opened daily. Most books written have a popular theme, escape; and in the Word of God we will find the ultimate escape story.

It is a story of our escape from death, hell, and the grave, and it is the greatest love story ever told, but it is not for small hearts and minds, nor small worlds. The Word of God is “Alive,” and those who have opened up their small worlds have found the power that lies within its pages. It makes small worlds big and big worlds small, and lays bare who we truly are, the person that God sees every day, God’s Word keeps us in a real and right sized world…God Bless.

Pastor William

What's Coloring Your Life?

My nature is subdued to what it works in, like the dyer's hand.

William Shakespeare 1564-1616, British Poet, Playwright, Actor

Gal 4:8-9
However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? NASU

The same vices and the same follies have been the fruit of all ages, though sometimes under different names, said Lady Mary Montagu. I have heard it said many times, of certain persons that they were “good” people. I also hear the words of Jesus when He clearly speaks that the only “Good One” is The Father. I know what people are saying when the say that of someone, but the truth is if that person has that reputation, it means they have done a better job of conquering their nature.

It can be conquered, or held in check, but only if it is totally subdued in the Word of God. Our souls are what we saturate them with, and if that is ourselves, then it is not very pretty. George Bernard Shaw said this of the human nature, “There is nothing that can be changed more completely than human nature when the job is taken in hand early enough.” Now I think that is true, don’t you, I have heard many testimonies of the influence of Godly Fathers, Mothers and teachers.

So what are you soaking in today, what is coloring you life? Is it vivid and does it express the wonderful Glory of God? If it isn’t pleasant then find out why. It is the dark dregs of sin, and our own human nature that steals the beautiful colors from our life in which God wishes us to be seen in. The rainbow of hope given as a promise to Moses is yours, and you can find that “Pot of Gold” in God’s Word…God Bless.

Pastor William

The Changing Times

They spend their time looking forward to the past.

John Osborne 1929-, British Playwright

Isa 43:18-21
"Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. "Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. "The beasts of the field will glorify Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I have given waters in the wilderness And Rivers in the desert, To give drink to My chosen people. "The people whom I formed for Myself will declare My praise. NASU

The past, it is a product of what we “choose” to remember. The past is made up of good times and bad, but those things that are good have a special place in each of our lives. The thing we must remember though is that we cannot go their again, and that is only right, it wouldn’t be proper; we would never get anywhere would we. John Keynes once said, “ I do not know which makes a man more conservative -- to know nothing but the present, or nothing but the past.”

So where is the balance? We cannot rest in the good things of the past, and we must not rest too much in the promises of the present. So then, where do we find rest, peace and the fulfillment of life? We find it in the Lord, He who tells us “I will do something new, and asks us this question, “will you be aware of it?” So the promise that we have, the rest and peace and purpose that I find in this life, is a looking forward at the life to come. God gives me hope for tomorrow.

This God, our God, makes roads in the wilderness, and streams in the desert, and even uses the most unlikely things to bring Him praise. The Ostrich, and the Jackal, and yes, even we are vessels chosen for His Glory. God has created and formed us for Himself, we are His chosen peoples, and Paul tells in 2 Cor 6:2 the time that we are to dwell on is today, “behold, now is "THE ACCEPTABLE TIME," behold, now is "THE DAY OF SALVATION”…God Bless

Pastor William

The Size of Your Faith

The true sound and strong mind is the one that can embrace equally great and small things.

Johnson

Zech 4:10
"For who has despised the day of small things?” But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel -- these are the eyes of the LORD which range to and fro throughout the earth." NASU

It was said of the Jews, what are these silly people building? The poverty and the weakness of the Jews caused those around them to judge them harshly. As Nehemiah set about the Lord’s business, the officials and the spectators offered frequent criticism of their venture. Sanballat and Tobiah in Nehemiah 4: 2-4 ridicule their efforts, Tobiah says of their efforts, “if a fox should jump on their wall it will fall down.”

Doubt is always around the Lord’s work. In Amos Ch 7, Amos cries out to the Lord, “Lord how can Jacob stand, for he is small? But what they could not see and what we do not see today is the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel, God’s master builder. We can know that what God is building will stand because His eyes of perfection will surround us on every side, He will assure perfect completion.

Isn’t it great to serve Him? He always wins and He always finishes what He starts so, we cannot look at the size of the work, but we must look at the size of He who does the work, and He is God. Nothing can stand against Him, and nothing is too big for God to undertake. So, whatever it is that you and I face today, God is up to the task, and we are to remember that the blueprints are in “His” hands. What God wants are faithful believing servants that will show up at the wall…God Bless.

Pastor William

There's More To You Than Meets The Eye

Higher than the question of our duration is the question of our deserving. Immortality will come to such as are fit for it, and he would be a great soul in the future must be a great soul now.

Ralph Waldo Emerson 1803-1882, American Poet, Essayist

John 17:1-3
Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. NASU

You and I have a greater purpose on than we realize. Jesus realized and knew His purpose, and you and I need to grasp and fully understand ours. I like what Emerson says of great souls. We really need to be great souls here, for we really need to fulfill our purpose, just as Jesus did, by being about God’s business.

God has glorified you and I also, have you stopped to realize that? He has given us eternal life, and we know the King, and are accepted into His royal family. Jesus has transformed us from a temporal and limited existence and moved us into eternal realms with Him. I like the way God says it in Eph 2:4-6, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

So, now you see it, right. You and I are already royalty, so we just need to start acting like royalty. We need to be great souls that exemplify our Great heritage that is granted to us in Christ Jesus. He did not need us, but He, God chose out of His Great Purpose and Power, to LOVE us. Hallelujah, What a Savior. If we will focus on who God has made us, we will find out eternally who we really will be, for there is a lot more to you and I, than meets the eye…God Bless.
Pastor William

Continuing On

God Almighty hates a quitter.

Samuel Fessenden 1847-1908, American Lawyer, Politician

Luke 9:62
62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
NASU

Perseverance, it is an important character trait. Jesus speaks of its importance in Luke 9:7 and we also hear a similar word from the earthly brother of Jesus in James 1:2-4, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

It seems that it is very important to each of us to be fully committed to Jesus, for Paul again has some strong words for us in Heb 10:38 “BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.” In my Bible these words are capitalized and I would take from this that God expects from us a solemn and serious commitment to Him.

What is the level of your commitment? Is it just a passing interest, for if it is, it is not enough to maintain you on your journey with Him. It is just as Jesus warned those that would make shallow commitments to Him while He walked this earth, we will not always have the earth’s comforts to complete His purpose here. Maybe that would stir us up to save this world, if He would dump us out of our soft and cushy couches, our fox holes and bird nests, maybe then the plowing would be done…God Bless.

Pastor William

Know Who You Are?

We are made for larger ends than Earth can encompass. Oh, let us be true to our exalted destiny.

Catherine Booth

Isa 65:9-12
9 "I will bring forth offspring from Jacob, and an heir of My Mountains from Judah; Even My chosen ones shall inherit it, and My servants will dwell there. "Sharon will be a pasture land for flocks, And the valley of Achor a resting place for herds, For My people who seek Me. "But you who forsake the LORD, Who forget My holy mountain, Who set a table for Fortune, And who fill cups with mixed wine for Destiny, I will destine you for the sword, And all of you will bow down to the slaughter. Because I called, but you did not answer; I spoke, but you did not hear. And you did evil in My sight And chose that in which I did not delight." NASU

We are limiting ourselves! Yes, we are missing the greatest rewards if we are looking only at the limited shores of this world. This earth being so close to us at this point in our eternal destiny (and we are all eternal creatures), is filling the eyes of all who live here. Yet, this is not what we are made for. We are made for richer and more meaningful purposes than this by our God who seeks to enhance our vision.

God calls us His “offspring.” Well, talk about royalty, and He calls us heirs, just read Isaiah 65, for it does not end there. We are called His chosen ones, His servants, and we are to dwell on His Mountains and rest in His valley, and these are wonderful words that are expressing wonderful gifts we could not begin to understand.

But, look at what happens to those that chase the world’s fame and fortune. God says doing so destines us to the sword, because we choose to delight in things that He doesn’t delight in. Now this tells us that we should make it our goal to seek to please Him, to open our ears to the heavens and to answer our God when He calls, too live out our lives here on the mountains and rest in His valleys even now…God Bless. Pastor William

Purpose Defined

Man's ultimate destiny is to become one with the Divine Power which governs and sustains the creation and its creatures.

Alfred A. Montapert, American Author

Ps 68:16-19
Why do you look with envy, O mountains with many peaks, At the mountain which God has desired for His abode? Surely the LORD will dwell there forever. The chariots of God are myriads, thousands upon thousands; The Lord is among them as at Sinai, in holiness. You have ascended on high, You have led captive Your captives; You have received gifts among men, Even among the rebellious also, that the LORD God may dwell there. Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. NASU

Isn’t it great to look around and see the beauty of all that God has created for His children to enjoy? I look in wonder at the powerful elephant and gaze in curiosity at the Platypus, all of God’s wonder and strength is seen in His creation. But, we must not worship that which He has created, for we must keep it in its proper place. It was created for us and exists because of us, and it owes its existence to our presence.

Here, in the words of David, the mountains look in wonder at their Creator, all of creation bows in reverence to Him who dwells forever on High. All of this around us was created to direct us to Him and not to distract us. Even creation somehow knows what its purpose is here. It is an abode for men that God has decided to become One with, whom He, God, has decided to establish an eternal relationship, and even creation knows what its part is here.

We must remember that this temporary place in which we dwell is much like a womb. It has all that we need to mature us and to point us in the right direction. That which surrounds us even knows who we are; we are not temporary mountains, or streams of water. We are children of the living God, rebellious or righteous, and at the end of time we will be born into our eternal dwelling, chosen by our knowing what our rightful purpose was in this world…God Bless.

Pastor William

Part of "The Plan"

He is a king who fears nothing; He is a king who desires nothing!

Seneca 4 B.C. – 65 A.D., Spanish-born Roman Statesman, philosopher

Zech 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Matt 21:5-7
5 "SAY TO THE DAUGHTER OF ZION, 'BEHOLD YOUR KING IS COMING TO YOU, GENTLE, AND MOUNTED ON A DONKEY, EVEN ON A COLT, THE FOAL OF A BEAST OF BURDEN.'" The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their coats on them; and He sat on the coats. NASU

I like the way that Paul explains it to us in 1 Tim 6:15-16; “He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. Now listen to John in Rev 17:14; “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful."NASU

As you read the words of Seneca, the ancient Roman Philosopher, it causes you to stop and ask yourself some questions this morning. Why is God interested in me, He doesn’t really need me, for God needs absolutely nothing. God is totally and wholly complete within Himself. God does not fear anything, God does not need me to exist, so why does He care for me, and who am I that He would send His Son to die for me, to redeem me and include me in His Great Plans?

Well, it is because you and I were called, called to be a part of His purpose and plan for all of creation. He alone decided it would happen this way, and it is for His purpose that we are made. We are made complete in Him, and without Him we will make no eternal footprints while we are here. We are described by Him in Revelation 17:14. We that is you and I are the, Called, the Chosen, and the Faithful, and when the doors to this age close, it is necessary that we be found with Him, by His Pierced Side…God Bless.

Pastor William

A Persuasive Life

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

Calvin Coolidge 1872-1933, Thirtieth President of the USA

1 Cor 2:2-5
For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. NASU

Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American Poet and Essayist, said this of rewards, “The reward of a thing well done is to have done it. There is much in this statement that the church could learn from today. We, as the living Body of Christ, must function as, The Body of Christ, in that we must just as Christ did, live out the Word of God before this dying world.

Your and my words are weak and without strength, but listen to Heb 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Now that is not just the spoken word, but more than that it is the power of “The Word” lived, and displayed before the world in faith.

So it comes back again to our walk. We show our hearts in that we live out in faith what we believe the Word of God promises to each one us. It means that there will be times in our lives that the World says, “Do it this way” and we will say no, and go to God’s Word, find our answer, and believe Him even when everything around us tries to persuade us differently. We will decide, to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back…God Bless.

Pastor William

Believe the Impossible

If you don't have solid beliefs you cannot build a stable life. Beliefs are like the foundation of a building, and they are the foundation to build your life upon.

Alfred A. Montapert American Author

Mic 7:7-9
But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise; though I dwell in darkness, the LORD is a light for me. I will bear the indignation of the LORD Because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me out to the light, and I will see His righteousness. NASU

One of my favorite passages, and one that also challenges me in God’s Word, is this one, Heb 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Now isn’t that a passage of scripture that speaks to us of the impact of faith and belief on our lives? It gives me a challenge, and it gives me a promise.

If I make it a foundation for my life, then my life will be filled with promise and with rewards. May I ask you this morning, why you would not fully place all your trust in this God who will place a guarantee of blessing on your life? So you say, “Well it is not very pleasant right now.” Ah… so, now we speak of stability. Listen to the words of Micah this morning and be reassured by his faith.

Micah says I’m going to slip and fall, and I am going to make mistakes in my life and the Lord may have to take a switch to me every once in a while, but, don’t think you’ve got me down. My God who corrects me, also lifts me up, and even though it seems that the darkness is thick around me, He is my light. Pay attention to Micah’s actions, he is watching with expectation, he waiting, and he is bearing up, for he with faith believes God will bring him again, into His Glorious light. Now that’s faith…God Bless.

Pastor William

Outward and Inward

Once the good man was dead, one wore his hat and another his sword as he had worn them, a third had himself barbered as he had, a fourth walked as he did, but the honest man that he was -- nobody any longer wanted to be that.

Georg C. Lichtenberg 1742-1799, German Physicist, Satirist

Luke 6:45-46
45 "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. "Why do you call Me, "Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?
NASU

We live in a time when it is popular to follow, and when I say follow, I mean to follow anything without examination. As a new school year pops up a trip to your local market for this year’s school supplies will yield a plethora of different celebrity pictures on display. Must haves, and mothers and others will go to extreme measures to make sure their child has the right stuff.

It is an indication of just how much we all desire to be seen and accepted. We will try to acquire traits or clothes that we hope will also draw attention to us. Many do not care what it costs to get into the “limelight” even if it is to go to the extreme measure of killing someone for 5 minutes of fame on the national news at night. But, all of this is an outward appearance, a temporary attempt to identify a desperate need inside, a picture of a searching and unsatisfied life.

We can make this mistake as Christians too. We can tote our bibles, and say our prayers, and even make it to every church service and miss the boat. Listen to Jesus in Matt 23:28, "So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” He told the Pharisee’s they were full of dead men’s bones, and just as having the latest designer clothes doesn’t say you’re a hit, being in a church doesn’t make you a Christian. We must carry much more than His name, we must show the world His heart…God Bless.

Pastor William

The Prices Are Going Up On Everything

In Today's News , Holy Cow! 1 Million Dollars for one special red cow!


Num 19:1-2
Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, "This is the statute of the law which the LORD has commanded, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel that they bring you an unblemished red heifer in which is no defect and on which a yoke has never been placed. NASU

It is amazing to me the value that we place on things in this society. This was in the news this morning. Just think 1 million dollars for one cow. We have run amok in this society. Just think of how many hungry children that much money could feed. The question I would ask after purchasing 1 cow, for 1 million dollars, is “where’s the beef.”

There is a special red cow that would be hot on the market in these times, and it is a pure Red Heifer. The ashes of a Red Heifer is a necessary prerequisite for participating in any Temple service, efforts have been made in modern times by Jews wanting to rebuild the Temple to locate a red heifer and recreate the ritual. Most recently, a cow that was considered a potential candidate was disqualified because it sprouted several black hairs.

The fact is that we already have the perfect sacrifice, to take the stench and penalty of death from us. Jesus, and He gave His life for us, outside the camp. In Hebrews 13:12,13, the phrases "without the camp" and "without the gate" show us not only an identification of Jesus with the Red Heifer, but an indication as to the location of the crucifixtion. Now if we can only place the right value upon the life that He gave for us and give Him our lives in return…God Bless.

Pastor William