Okay. What a day. Busy as usual. Anything but a day of rest. But I will try to get a little of that tomorrow.
God is good. Good worship service this morning. I enjoy preaching on giving and tithing, but it usually doesn't make for a great altar service.
Sargent Brown was a blast. A super friendly brother in the Lord. We will see how it goes with security on hand.
Tonight's Covenant-Making service was good. A little adventuresome. Carol is okay. She went home from the hospital. We need to keep her in our prayers however. I appreciate everyone that attended and participated. I think we have gotten off to a great start in 2010!
May God bless you! Make it a great week in the Lord!
-Pastor
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Countdown to Sunday - Reasons to Rejoice...even in January
Good morning everyone! I trust its been a good week. Man, am I glad January is almost over. As you might guess, its not one of my favorite months mainly because of the cold weather. However, below, I have listed a few good things about this month.
~ Our church leadership conference has been great. The attendance, the session leaders, and the actual equipping of our leaders has really went well.
~ Nearly $8,000 has come in toward the brick-by-brick challenge since the second week in January.
~ Our worship services have been wonderful this month. Also, we are hearing wonderful reports from our youth and children worship services too.
~ Very little snow! Praise God...that means more folks can get out, we haven't had to cancel any church services, and less snow and ice which means fewer dollars we have to spend on snow removal.
~ Finally, the Colts are in the super bowl again. Come to think of it, its been a great month!
Oh, believe me, there are many negatives I could have written down as well. Nonetheless, we believers are commanded in Philippians 4:8 "think on those things that are pure, noble, virtuous...praiseworthy" (paraphrased) and when we do that, even in dreary, cold January...God gives us strength and gets the glory!
Have a wonderful weekend!
-Pastor
~ Our church leadership conference has been great. The attendance, the session leaders, and the actual equipping of our leaders has really went well.
~ Nearly $8,000 has come in toward the brick-by-brick challenge since the second week in January.
~ Our worship services have been wonderful this month. Also, we are hearing wonderful reports from our youth and children worship services too.
~ Very little snow! Praise God...that means more folks can get out, we haven't had to cancel any church services, and less snow and ice which means fewer dollars we have to spend on snow removal.
~ Finally, the Colts are in the super bowl again. Come to think of it, its been a great month!
Oh, believe me, there are many negatives I could have written down as well. Nonetheless, we believers are commanded in Philippians 4:8 "think on those things that are pure, noble, virtuous...praiseworthy" (paraphrased) and when we do that, even in dreary, cold January...God gives us strength and gets the glory!
Have a wonderful weekend!
-Pastor
Thursday, January 28, 2010
A Plastic WAL-MART JESUS
Good morning everyone! I pray you have a great day today. Here's a strong but "right-on the mark" word from Darren Smith. I have carried quite a few of his posts in the past. He is a street preacher who I believe hears from God. May God bless you and mess you up as you read it.
-Pastor
-by Darren Smith.
We, the Body of Christ, should be a revolutionary force on this
earth, not a sub-culture bound by the walls of our buildings and
our lifestyles. If you look around you in the culture today, we are
losing the battle for the hearts and minds of the people. Our
families are in decay, our cities are in decay, our nation has
become a nation of godless people living for themselves in
rebellion to God. We really don't want to address the problems,
instead most of us that claim to be Christians bury our head in
the sand and refuse to look. Instead, we go to church rather than
becoming the Church that God ordained. We even build doctrines
around our lack of concern for what's happening around us and
become even more self-centered and ineffective. Then we wonder
why even our own families are falling apart. Is it surprising that
the divorce rate in the church is the same as the secular world?
Not really, because you can't find any difference with the modern
church and the world; we copy all the things that they do. In
reality we have become them.
I am about to bring up a couple of points that will anger a whole lot
of people, but I really don't care if it causes them to think. The
first point is the whole "We can change this land in the political
arena." This is not true and should be examined. Consider this,
does the River of Life flow out of Washington DC or out of the
body of Christ? Does the healing flow come from the halls of the
most corrupt Congress ever, or from the Holy Spirit? If not, why
do we spend so much effort and time trying to get man-made
institutions to take over this work? We should be in the process
of a complete world takeover by the Kingdom of God, by carrying
out the mandate of Christ our King: go into all nations making
disciples. Would this not bring about the change needed on this
earth or have we, in our foolishness, come up with a better plan
than the Great Commission? I think not!! Instead, we have created
a man-made religion that has no power at all, and a secular gospel
that has no power and, in fact, is no gospel at all. Our idea of the
Great Commission is to create a Christian castle filled with people
all looking for something for themselves - not to sacrifice their life
for Christ.
This system of religion is simply a business designed to grow and
support itself. Their idea of being radical is to send out emails
telling everyone they know to get stirred up about such holy
things as taking the little plastic baby Jesus out of the court-
house square. I get hundreds of these emails where people
think they are fighting the good fight by getting into such things.
God help us if that is radical faith. I really don't care if they
take the little plastic Jesus out of the city hall or courthouse
square and I don't believe Jesus does either. Part of the problem
is that the little plastic Jesus is the only Jesus that most of
our country recognizes. They don't know the King of Kings, nor
do they take Him seriously. If they did, they would get radical
about living His message instead of rushing to the mall on
black Friday to prepare for what the culture calls His birthday.
Wow, is that how Christ would want us to remember Him, by
filling up our shopping carts and credit cards with more junk
we don't need, instead of bringing people into His Kingdom?
Would He rather us spoil ourselves even more or would He have
us put our money and time to good use by feeding the hungry
and clothing the naked, taking care of widows and orphans? Or
what about sending out preachers and ministers of the Gospel
to take over this world - do you think Christ would choose this or
the commercial American Christmas? Guys, I'm telling you that
Christ will return to this earth to judge it and He will not return
as the little plastic Jesus that you can buy at Wal-Mart made
in China - no, He will come back as a roaring Lion with fury and
there will be no excuse for those who are truly His disciples.
At judgment day Christ will not ask for your voter registration
card to make sure you are a republican or a democrat, He won't
even ask you if you were mad about them taking down little plastic
Jesus or saying "Happy holidays." Friends, He won't ask you if
you protested the taking down of the Ten commandments off of the
courthouse wall or how many Christian t-shirts you wore, or even
if you bought all the latest praise CD's. No friend, He will ask
questions like these: What did you do for the least of these?
Did you care for the widow and orphan, feed the hungry, give
without expecting anything in return? Did you love God with all
your heart, love your neighbor as yourself without expecting
his friendship? Did you repent and live a life that shows it, did
you forgive so you could be forgiven? Yes, these are the questions
that will be asked and no amount of religious activity will make up
for these things, the sheep and the goats will be separated.
Many of you may say right now I never hear this at my church..
If this is you, I say get out of there as fast as you can and pray
for a true body where you will be challenged to get this right.
To say this as simply as possible.... we must become radical
and I would say even militant. Read Matt 11:12. Yes we must
forcefully take hold of the Kingdom and advance it with all
we are. We must truly bombard this land with the truth. We
must charge the gates of Hell and tear them down. Matt 16:18.
We have the power from on high - why don't we use it? We would
rather stay in our comfortable buildings and homes and hope
maybe the Lord will forgive our lack of passion for Him. Why is
this true? Because we are just like Demus that deserted Paul -
2 Tim 4:10. We love this present world.
You say its not that bad; well, I beg to differ. This world is heading
to Hell on a runaway train and for the most part the modern church
is adding fuel to the engine. The ones out here trying to throw on
the brakes are called "too radical, extremist, critical" and even
divisive. Brothers, I would rather be called all these things than
"complacent" or a casual Christian. We are doing all we can to get
this message out and are looking for like minded people from all
over this world to join the fight. If this is your heart please let us
know. The Revolution has begun and man will not be able to stop it.
The question is whether are not you will join.
Are you willing to lay down your life and take up your cross and
follow Christ? Will the Christ that shed His blood for you on the
Cross and beat death and hell for you be your Christ or will the
little plastic Wal-Mart Jesus be the one you choose?
-Darren Smith,
www.streetscapeministries.com
www.revivalstreet.com
www.unitethefight.com
-Pastor
-by Darren Smith.
We, the Body of Christ, should be a revolutionary force on this
earth, not a sub-culture bound by the walls of our buildings and
our lifestyles. If you look around you in the culture today, we are
losing the battle for the hearts and minds of the people. Our
families are in decay, our cities are in decay, our nation has
become a nation of godless people living for themselves in
rebellion to God. We really don't want to address the problems,
instead most of us that claim to be Christians bury our head in
the sand and refuse to look. Instead, we go to church rather than
becoming the Church that God ordained. We even build doctrines
around our lack of concern for what's happening around us and
become even more self-centered and ineffective. Then we wonder
why even our own families are falling apart. Is it surprising that
the divorce rate in the church is the same as the secular world?
Not really, because you can't find any difference with the modern
church and the world; we copy all the things that they do. In
reality we have become them.
I am about to bring up a couple of points that will anger a whole lot
of people, but I really don't care if it causes them to think. The
first point is the whole "We can change this land in the political
arena." This is not true and should be examined. Consider this,
does the River of Life flow out of Washington DC or out of the
body of Christ? Does the healing flow come from the halls of the
most corrupt Congress ever, or from the Holy Spirit? If not, why
do we spend so much effort and time trying to get man-made
institutions to take over this work? We should be in the process
of a complete world takeover by the Kingdom of God, by carrying
out the mandate of Christ our King: go into all nations making
disciples. Would this not bring about the change needed on this
earth or have we, in our foolishness, come up with a better plan
than the Great Commission? I think not!! Instead, we have created
a man-made religion that has no power at all, and a secular gospel
that has no power and, in fact, is no gospel at all. Our idea of the
Great Commission is to create a Christian castle filled with people
all looking for something for themselves - not to sacrifice their life
for Christ.
This system of religion is simply a business designed to grow and
support itself. Their idea of being radical is to send out emails
telling everyone they know to get stirred up about such holy
things as taking the little plastic baby Jesus out of the court-
house square. I get hundreds of these emails where people
think they are fighting the good fight by getting into such things.
God help us if that is radical faith. I really don't care if they
take the little plastic Jesus out of the city hall or courthouse
square and I don't believe Jesus does either. Part of the problem
is that the little plastic Jesus is the only Jesus that most of
our country recognizes. They don't know the King of Kings, nor
do they take Him seriously. If they did, they would get radical
about living His message instead of rushing to the mall on
black Friday to prepare for what the culture calls His birthday.
Wow, is that how Christ would want us to remember Him, by
filling up our shopping carts and credit cards with more junk
we don't need, instead of bringing people into His Kingdom?
Would He rather us spoil ourselves even more or would He have
us put our money and time to good use by feeding the hungry
and clothing the naked, taking care of widows and orphans? Or
what about sending out preachers and ministers of the Gospel
to take over this world - do you think Christ would choose this or
the commercial American Christmas? Guys, I'm telling you that
Christ will return to this earth to judge it and He will not return
as the little plastic Jesus that you can buy at Wal-Mart made
in China - no, He will come back as a roaring Lion with fury and
there will be no excuse for those who are truly His disciples.
At judgment day Christ will not ask for your voter registration
card to make sure you are a republican or a democrat, He won't
even ask you if you were mad about them taking down little plastic
Jesus or saying "Happy holidays." Friends, He won't ask you if
you protested the taking down of the Ten commandments off of the
courthouse wall or how many Christian t-shirts you wore, or even
if you bought all the latest praise CD's. No friend, He will ask
questions like these: What did you do for the least of these?
Did you care for the widow and orphan, feed the hungry, give
without expecting anything in return? Did you love God with all
your heart, love your neighbor as yourself without expecting
his friendship? Did you repent and live a life that shows it, did
you forgive so you could be forgiven? Yes, these are the questions
that will be asked and no amount of religious activity will make up
for these things, the sheep and the goats will be separated.
Many of you may say right now I never hear this at my church..
If this is you, I say get out of there as fast as you can and pray
for a true body where you will be challenged to get this right.
To say this as simply as possible.... we must become radical
and I would say even militant. Read Matt 11:12. Yes we must
forcefully take hold of the Kingdom and advance it with all
we are. We must truly bombard this land with the truth. We
must charge the gates of Hell and tear them down. Matt 16:18.
We have the power from on high - why don't we use it? We would
rather stay in our comfortable buildings and homes and hope
maybe the Lord will forgive our lack of passion for Him. Why is
this true? Because we are just like Demus that deserted Paul -
2 Tim 4:10. We love this present world.
You say its not that bad; well, I beg to differ. This world is heading
to Hell on a runaway train and for the most part the modern church
is adding fuel to the engine. The ones out here trying to throw on
the brakes are called "too radical, extremist, critical" and even
divisive. Brothers, I would rather be called all these things than
"complacent" or a casual Christian. We are doing all we can to get
this message out and are looking for like minded people from all
over this world to join the fight. If this is your heart please let us
know. The Revolution has begun and man will not be able to stop it.
The question is whether are not you will join.
Are you willing to lay down your life and take up your cross and
follow Christ? Will the Christ that shed His blood for you on the
Cross and beat death and hell for you be your Christ or will the
little plastic Wal-Mart Jesus be the one you choose?
-Darren Smith,
www.streetscapeministries.com
www.revivalstreet.com
www.unitethefight.com
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Haiti Update
This is the latest update from the Mountain Top Ministries website. Mountain Top Ministries is a ministry directed by Willem and Beth Charles. Please keep them and the Church of God in Haiti in your prayers.
-Pastor
________________________________
Food distributions are well under way. Willem is helping to distribute in the outer lying areas of Port Au Prince as well as here in the immediate area. People are desperate & there have been a few close calls, but God has brought them through.
The last 10 days are beginning to catch up with us. Willem has been unable to sleep & is still moving. The task at hand is so great that it's hard to rest. But praise God, supplies are getting to the people.
Our school principals report that all of our teachers are safe. Many are asking about their students. It is not physically possible for us to reach each & every family at our Gramothe & Dumay schools. We have no way to know their status until school resumes. We have good reason to believe that though houses may have been lost, the earthquake came at a time that most families would not be in their homes. This gives us hope. The good news is the president of Haiti is encouraging schools that can, to reopen. We will let sponsors know as soon as possible about the status of their students. On behalf of our students & their families, thank you for your prayers & concerns.
We continue to encourage you to please pray. Pray for the people of Haiti, pray for Willem, pray for success of the food distributions, pray for MTM to be prepared for the ministry work yet ahead. Thank you, from the very depths of our hearts.
-Pastor
________________________________
Food distributions are well under way. Willem is helping to distribute in the outer lying areas of Port Au Prince as well as here in the immediate area. People are desperate & there have been a few close calls, but God has brought them through.
The last 10 days are beginning to catch up with us. Willem has been unable to sleep & is still moving. The task at hand is so great that it's hard to rest. But praise God, supplies are getting to the people.
Our school principals report that all of our teachers are safe. Many are asking about their students. It is not physically possible for us to reach each & every family at our Gramothe & Dumay schools. We have no way to know their status until school resumes. We have good reason to believe that though houses may have been lost, the earthquake came at a time that most families would not be in their homes. This gives us hope. The good news is the president of Haiti is encouraging schools that can, to reopen. We will let sponsors know as soon as possible about the status of their students. On behalf of our students & their families, thank you for your prayers & concerns.
We continue to encourage you to please pray. Pray for the people of Haiti, pray for Willem, pray for success of the food distributions, pray for MTM to be prepared for the ministry work yet ahead. Thank you, from the very depths of our hearts.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday Wrap Up
Another wonderful Lord's Day! Isn't God Awesome! What a service Sunday morning. People were saved and some came back to Christ. Praise the Lord! Another great night of our leadership conference. Thank you so much Wilma, Rev, Annette, Maria, and Debbie, Tim and Teresa. Super job!
And finally, what about those Colts!
Everyone have a great week!
-Pastor
And finally, what about those Colts!
Everyone have a great week!
-Pastor
Friday, January 22, 2010
Countdown to Sunday...What or Who Will You Worship this Weekend?
Its Friday again...its getting warmer. Sunday, it might be in the lower to middle 50's...sounds like a great worship day! And I do mean, a great day to worship God - not football or a football team.
About eight years ago, I went with my brother to a Colts vs Seahawks preseason game in Indianapolis. My brother, who was a chaplain working with the Colts at that time, had invited me to go to the pre-game chapel service and the pre-game meal. I had been to a couple Colts chapel services before so I wasn't really caught up in the stardom thing anymore. We had a good chapel service where about twenty players and coaches attended. The pre-game meal followed where my bother and I sat and had fellowship with about five players at our particular table. It was fun and it was ministry. However, what really stood out to me was how I felt when we walked into the dome later on that evening to attend the exhibition game.
We had mvp passes that were complimentary and we were escorted down right behind the bench. On the way in and when we got to our seats, we saw all of these crazy fans coming in wearing their jerseys, with their faces painted, and paying at least $35 a person to watch this preseason game. They were excited to be there and rightfully so. But for my brother and I, it was different. We were looking through different lens. We had just ministered the Word of God to these guys. We prayed with them. Some shared personal problems, some things that they were dealing with - not football stuff. Real life stuff...struggles, temptations, and everyday life concerns. Later, we sat and ate with them. Shook hands with them and hugged some of them that were fellow believers. At that point and time, we just didn't see them like the fan in the seats saw them.
Still to this day, when I think of NFL football players, I appreciate their great talent, their work-ethic, and really can't relate to their star-treatment; but I still see them as normal young men who have needs like everyone else. I often am amazed how desperate we often are as humans to created mini-gods out of human beings...how easy it is to become more than just fans, but even worshippers of fallible mere mortals who might do one thing very well. Its no wonder that one of the first commandments that God gave Moses was to put no other god before the one and true God. God created us with this vacuum-need of worship and I guess He knew man would worship something or somebody to fill the void.
So I will be watching Sunday when the Colts play the Jets...Lord-willing. However, what I am excited most about is another Lord's day to worship the one great, Almighty, Wonderful, Savior, Jesus Christ. He died for my sins. He has given me eternal life, peace, joy, forgiveness, and redemption. All of those things and more, no football team can offer me.
Enjoy your weekend!
-Pastor
About eight years ago, I went with my brother to a Colts vs Seahawks preseason game in Indianapolis. My brother, who was a chaplain working with the Colts at that time, had invited me to go to the pre-game chapel service and the pre-game meal. I had been to a couple Colts chapel services before so I wasn't really caught up in the stardom thing anymore. We had a good chapel service where about twenty players and coaches attended. The pre-game meal followed where my bother and I sat and had fellowship with about five players at our particular table. It was fun and it was ministry. However, what really stood out to me was how I felt when we walked into the dome later on that evening to attend the exhibition game.
We had mvp passes that were complimentary and we were escorted down right behind the bench. On the way in and when we got to our seats, we saw all of these crazy fans coming in wearing their jerseys, with their faces painted, and paying at least $35 a person to watch this preseason game. They were excited to be there and rightfully so. But for my brother and I, it was different. We were looking through different lens. We had just ministered the Word of God to these guys. We prayed with them. Some shared personal problems, some things that they were dealing with - not football stuff. Real life stuff...struggles, temptations, and everyday life concerns. Later, we sat and ate with them. Shook hands with them and hugged some of them that were fellow believers. At that point and time, we just didn't see them like the fan in the seats saw them.
Still to this day, when I think of NFL football players, I appreciate their great talent, their work-ethic, and really can't relate to their star-treatment; but I still see them as normal young men who have needs like everyone else. I often am amazed how desperate we often are as humans to created mini-gods out of human beings...how easy it is to become more than just fans, but even worshippers of fallible mere mortals who might do one thing very well. Its no wonder that one of the first commandments that God gave Moses was to put no other god before the one and true God. God created us with this vacuum-need of worship and I guess He knew man would worship something or somebody to fill the void.
So I will be watching Sunday when the Colts play the Jets...Lord-willing. However, what I am excited most about is another Lord's day to worship the one great, Almighty, Wonderful, Savior, Jesus Christ. He died for my sins. He has given me eternal life, peace, joy, forgiveness, and redemption. All of those things and more, no football team can offer me.
Enjoy your weekend!
-Pastor
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Haiti, Judgement of God?
Greetings everyone! I trust your week is going well. We heard from our friends Pastors Willem and Beth Charles in Haiti. They are fine and their children are doing fine. Their medical facility at their ministry center was pretty much destroyed. They started this past weekend building it back with the help of a ministry out of Chicago that was staying with them before the quake came. Willem believes that the judgment hand of God is on Haiti. He noted that hundreds or thousands of corrupt government officials that lost their lives in the quake. He said he believes God wants to raise up a new and just government that will not take advantage of the people. He believes that God desires to do a new thing in Haiti beginning spiritually and then carrying over into every area of Haiti. He asks that we keep him and his country in our prayers.
Only a few days remain in our 21 days of prayer and fasting. I am thankful for this time to give to God the first fruit of my year. As in our cell lesson this week, God blesses the first of what we have when we give it to Him. This is a principle throughout scripture. You may not be seeing the breakthrough that you have been looking for since your fast, but keep walking in obedience. God's blessings are all around you! Focus on them and give Him praise.
-Pastor
Only a few days remain in our 21 days of prayer and fasting. I am thankful for this time to give to God the first fruit of my year. As in our cell lesson this week, God blesses the first of what we have when we give it to Him. This is a principle throughout scripture. You may not be seeing the breakthrough that you have been looking for since your fast, but keep walking in obedience. God's blessings are all around you! Focus on them and give Him praise.
-Pastor
Monday, January 18, 2010
Haitian Earthquake Affects Church of God
The Church of God in Haiti has been a daughter of the Church since 1933. It was Pastor Jacques Vital-Herne, the first overseer in Haiti, who wrote on March 17, 1933, to Pastor S. W. Latimer, the third overseer of Church of God, to affiliate with the Church in Cleveland.
Pastor Latimer answered positive on June 13, 1933. At this time, there were 8 local churches. The growth of churches was very quick. In 1936, Haiti had 30 churches. God has richly blessed our congregations.
Presently
At the present time, there are 741 local churches and 327 missions and more than 250,000 members. The present overseer, Bishop Elysee Joseph, has passed away due to injuries acquired during the earthquake. The Church of God is among the largest Christian movements in Haiti.
We have Church of God schools in the Haiti area. One specific school is the Seminaire Biblique. It is one of four bachelor’s-degree granting schools in Haiti and one of three in the country that is approved to train public school teachers. The Church of God has more than 100 schools (including elementary), several clinics, hospitals and orphanages.
Pastor Latimer answered positive on June 13, 1933. At this time, there were 8 local churches. The growth of churches was very quick. In 1936, Haiti had 30 churches. God has richly blessed our congregations.
Presently
At the present time, there are 741 local churches and 327 missions and more than 250,000 members. The present overseer, Bishop Elysee Joseph, has passed away due to injuries acquired during the earthquake. The Church of God is among the largest Christian movements in Haiti.
We have Church of God schools in the Haiti area. One specific school is the Seminaire Biblique. It is one of four bachelor’s-degree granting schools in Haiti and one of three in the country that is approved to train public school teachers. The Church of God has more than 100 schools (including elementary), several clinics, hospitals and orphanages.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sunday Wrap Up
Okay...great Sunday! This morning started off with me teaching a new college class. It was great. Lots of fun. We had our bibles out talking about the Word of God with our coffees as people walked by with their grocery carts. I love it!
Sunday morning service was good! There was a great spirit in the service this morning. I can't tell you how much difference the prayer and fasting makes in the service. Its so much easier to preach and to minister. Even though we have some great spiritual warfare going on right now in the church. God is seeing us through it all and giving us breakthrough.
Tonight's third night in our month long Leadership Conference was great. Once more the session speakers knocked it out of the park. Our Sunday School and cell leaders meeting was very productive. I am amazed and so blessed at how God has raised up such a beautiful and dedicated group of leaders in our church. Once again, thanks to everyone who participated tonight!
Have a wonderful week.
-Pastor Randy
Sunday morning service was good! There was a great spirit in the service this morning. I can't tell you how much difference the prayer and fasting makes in the service. Its so much easier to preach and to minister. Even though we have some great spiritual warfare going on right now in the church. God is seeing us through it all and giving us breakthrough.
Tonight's third night in our month long Leadership Conference was great. Once more the session speakers knocked it out of the park. Our Sunday School and cell leaders meeting was very productive. I am amazed and so blessed at how God has raised up such a beautiful and dedicated group of leaders in our church. Once again, thanks to everyone who participated tonight!
Have a wonderful week.
-Pastor Randy
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Operation Compassion Responds to Haitian Earthquake Victims
If you would like to give to the relief in Haiti, I highly recommend giving through Operation Compassion. Last year, Operation Compassion was named by Forbes Magazine as the most efficient non-profit Relief Organization in America. I have listed below information about the Haiti earthquake and how you can make a donation if you would like to help. Thanks so much!-Pastor Randy
Operation Compassion Responds to Haitian Earthquake Victims
By admin, January 13, 2010
Late Tuesday afternoon a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck 10 miles southwest of the capital city of Port-au-Prince. The destruction is massive and buildings, homes, hospitals and many other structures have collapsed. The human toll is unknown as scores of injured seek medical help. Rescuers continue to search for trapped victims as screams, groans and cries for help could be heard throughout the night.
During the past five years, Operation Compassion has averaged sending more than 10 – 40 ft containers a month with relief goods to Haiti. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world and poorest in the western hemisphere with 80% of the population living below poverty standards and 50% unemployment.
Collapse: Much the Haiti National Palace was destroyed in the massive earthquake
Haiti has been in virtual disaster mode for several years due to civil unrest, multiple hurricane and tropical storm hits.
With Operation Compassion’s continual shipping of goods and supplies into Haiti, more than 20 containers are arriving this week and during the next several weeks, disaster relief distribution can begin immediately and survivors can start piecing their lives together.
Last night, four of our key Haitian partners contacted us regarding our response. These partners are experienced with Haitian disaster relief and have warehouses, trucks, hospitals and employees on site.
You can help the victims of Haiti in one of three ways:
To use your credit card: www.operationcompassion.org look for the “givedirect” button.
Call us at 423.728.3932
To send a check or money order:
write us at the address below.
Church of God World Missions #7900505
Anyone interested in supporting financially, donating products or providing a corporate lead may contact:
Operation Compassion
David Lorency, President
Tim Burdashaw, Int’l. Operations Coordinator
Lisa Boen, Int’l. Logistics Coordinator
114 Stuart Road, NE Suite 370
Cleveland, TN 37312
423.728.3932 Office
423.728.3958 Fax
www.operationcompassion.org
Fasting is More than just Prayer and Abstaining from Food...
Good morning! Its the middle of the week and God is still good and faithful. Please remember that today.Please remember Ruby Money and her family. She is experiencing congestive heart failure and they have called the family in. Ruby is a wonderful Christian lady. She is assuring everyone that she is ready and asking them if they are ready.
Thanks everyone for praying and fasting. Read Isaiah 58 as you fast. It underscores that there is more to fasting than just doing without food and substituting it with prayer. Notice the emphasis on not judging others ("pointing the finger") and gossiping about others, denying yourself, serving others, and humbling ourselves. Please read it carefully this week. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you and make "God's chosen fast" your agenda for your own personal fast. I believe as we do this our fast will be life-changing and church-changing.
1 “Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast.
Shout aloud! Don’t be timid.
Tell my people Israel[a] of their sins!
2 Yet they act so pious!
They come to the Temple every day
and seem delighted to learn all about me.
They act like a righteous nation
that would never abandon the laws of its God.
They ask me to take action on their behalf,
pretending they want to be near me.
3 ‘We have fasted before you!’ they say.
‘Why aren’t you impressed?
We have been very hard on ourselves,
and you don’t even notice it!’
“I will tell you why!” I respond.
“It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.
Even while you fast,
you keep oppressing your workers.
4 What good is fasting
when you keep on fighting and quarreling?
This kind of fasting
will never get you anywhere with me.
5 You humble yourselves
by going through the motions of penance,
bowing your heads
like reeds bending in the wind.
You dress in burlap
and cover yourselves with ashes.
Is this what you call fasting?
Do you really think this will please the Lord?
6 “No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
and remove the chains that bind people.
7 Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
8 “Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
9 Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.
“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
10 Feed the hungry,
and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
11 The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring.
12 Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.
Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls
and a restorer of homes.
13 “Keep the Sabbath day holy.
Don’t pursue your own interests on that day,
but enjoy the Sabbath
and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day.
Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day,
and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly.
14 Then the Lord will be your delight.
I will give you great honor
and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob.
I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Have a wonderful day!
-Pastor
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday Wrap Up
Another great Sunday yesterday. Actually, great weekend. Special thanks to Corina and all of those who worked with her in bringing Life Touch in to do the church directory. Nearly, eighty families had pictures taken which was a super showing in spite of the bad weather.
Yesterday's morning service was awesome. I appreciate everyone who brought their faith commitment cards and presented them to the Lord. As a church, we really need to accomplish these three objectives over the next few years. If we will corporately be faithful with our sacrificial giving over the next few years, it will happen. God will bless our faithfulness and He will provide what is needed.
Another great showing last night. Thanks to Ken, Annette, Rev, Debbie, Amy, and Wilma who did a great job leading sessions. We will have a different line-up next week including separate sessions for Sunday School teachers and cell leaders.
Please remember in prayer Ruby Money. She has suffered congestive heart failure and is not doing well. Also, as we pray and fast, please remember Arlene Miller and the Studdard family. I will continue to blog some teachings on fasting this week. God is blessing the church and I am sure you for your fasting. Lets keep praying and fasting for "breakthrough" in individuals, families, in the church, and in our communities and nation.
Have a great week!
Yesterday's morning service was awesome. I appreciate everyone who brought their faith commitment cards and presented them to the Lord. As a church, we really need to accomplish these three objectives over the next few years. If we will corporately be faithful with our sacrificial giving over the next few years, it will happen. God will bless our faithfulness and He will provide what is needed.
Another great showing last night. Thanks to Ken, Annette, Rev, Debbie, Amy, and Wilma who did a great job leading sessions. We will have a different line-up next week including separate sessions for Sunday School teachers and cell leaders.
Please remember in prayer Ruby Money. She has suffered congestive heart failure and is not doing well. Also, as we pray and fast, please remember Arlene Miller and the Studdard family. I will continue to blog some teachings on fasting this week. God is blessing the church and I am sure you for your fasting. Lets keep praying and fasting for "breakthrough" in individuals, families, in the church, and in our communities and nation.
Have a great week!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Fasting...the Powerful Secret Weapon of the Believer (part 2)
What is the fast that God has chosen?
#2 - Practice Charity
Isa 58:7 Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives.
Isa 58:10 if you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need,
Mat 6:1 "Make certain you do not perform your religious duties in public so that people will see what you do. If you do these things publicly, you will not have any reward from your Father in heaven.
Mat 6:2 "So when you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it, as the hypocrites do in the houses of worship and on the streets. They do it so that people will praise them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full.
Mat 6:3 But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it.
Mat 6:4 Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.
Why is giving in Isaiah 58 and in Matt 6 so closely connected to prayer and fasting, because again as I mentioned early as you become broken and become more humble YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF MORE COMPASSIONATE AND MORE BENEVOLENT TOWARD THE NEEDY, POOR, AND HURTING. This is the kind of spirit that God wants us to have toward others!
#3 – Prayer, Praise, Worship, and Solitude with God
Mat 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Mat 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Mat 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Mat 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven.
Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Isa 58:9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am].
David spent a lot of time with God without praying. Read the Psalms, you see David in solitude with God, worshipping praising, meditating, and being still before Him. YOU PROBABLY SEE HIM DOING THESE THINGS MORE THAN PRAYING!
Conclusion: Look at how God blesses us when we fast the fast that God has chosen?
Isa 58:8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.
Isa 58:9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am].
Isa 58:11 And I will always guide you and satisfy you with good things. I will keep you strong and well. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water, like a spring of water that never goes dry.
Isa 58:12 Your people will rebuild what has long been in ruins, building again on the old foundations. You will be known as the people who rebuilt the walls, who restored the ruined houses."
Mat 6:31 "So do not start worrying: 'Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?'
Mat 6:32 (These are the things the pagans are always concerned about.) Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things.
Mat 6:33 Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things.
Mat 6:34 So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.
-Pastor Randy
#2 - Practice Charity
Isa 58:7 Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives.
Isa 58:10 if you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need,
Mat 6:1 "Make certain you do not perform your religious duties in public so that people will see what you do. If you do these things publicly, you will not have any reward from your Father in heaven.
Mat 6:2 "So when you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it, as the hypocrites do in the houses of worship and on the streets. They do it so that people will praise them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full.
Mat 6:3 But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it.
Mat 6:4 Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.
Why is giving in Isaiah 58 and in Matt 6 so closely connected to prayer and fasting, because again as I mentioned early as you become broken and become more humble YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF MORE COMPASSIONATE AND MORE BENEVOLENT TOWARD THE NEEDY, POOR, AND HURTING. This is the kind of spirit that God wants us to have toward others!
#3 – Prayer, Praise, Worship, and Solitude with God
Mat 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Mat 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Mat 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Mat 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven.
Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Isa 58:9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am].
David spent a lot of time with God without praying. Read the Psalms, you see David in solitude with God, worshipping praising, meditating, and being still before Him. YOU PROBABLY SEE HIM DOING THESE THINGS MORE THAN PRAYING!
Conclusion: Look at how God blesses us when we fast the fast that God has chosen?
Isa 58:8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.
Isa 58:9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am].
Isa 58:11 And I will always guide you and satisfy you with good things. I will keep you strong and well. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water, like a spring of water that never goes dry.
Isa 58:12 Your people will rebuild what has long been in ruins, building again on the old foundations. You will be known as the people who rebuilt the walls, who restored the ruined houses."
Mat 6:31 "So do not start worrying: 'Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?'
Mat 6:32 (These are the things the pagans are always concerned about.) Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things.
Mat 6:33 Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things.
Mat 6:34 So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.
-Pastor Randy
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Fasting...the Powerful Secret Weapon of the Believer
Introduction: Throughout my ministry and Christian walk, I have always felt like I have had a secret weapon in prayer and fasting when faced with difficulty or attacks from the enemy, Satan. I have always tried to be led of the Lord in using it.
I used it back in 1981 when I received my calling into the ministry, I wanted make sure I was clearly hearing God. When I faced my first “big battle” as a pastor in a church plant in Rockville, Indiana, I used it when the enemy came against me personally and the young church that I was planting. I have used “the secret weapon” several times as we were childless and watched God perform a miracle in a few short days to bring about a beautiful gift in Gabriel. I used the “secret weapon” once when I was told our church couldn’t buy a particular church building and within a two-week period we raised the down payment and purchased the church. I went to my secret weapon in 1991 when faced with severe headaches every day for a year and was miraculously healed.
In 1998, we didn’t know if we should Indianapolis or stay, but through prayer and fasting God made it evident that this was His plan for Kings Point and for us to come and pastor. Back in 2002, I was very discouraged and ready to leave this church and the ministry. I used the secret weapon of prayer and fasting and God gave me a plan to implement “to disciple and equip people so that they might disciple and equip others.”
Many, many other times in my life and ministry I have used this secret weapon and God has never let me down….He has met with me intimately…drawn me closer to Him…fine tuned me…spoke to me…shown me things…removed obstacles…healed me and delivered me…opened doors for me…THE SECRET WEAPON – FASTING.
Over the 25 plus years I have practiced fasting, God has taken me to school. He has taught me some things about fasting. One of the big things he has taught me is there is more to fasting that just doing without food. One of the obvious things you see in several different places in the Bible is the connection between fasting, praying, and giving.
Almsgiving, prayer, and fasting, are three great Christian duties - the three foundations of the law, say the Arabians: by them we do homage and service to God with our three principal interests; by prayer with our souls, by fasting with our bodies, by alms-giving with our estates.
Another, practice of fasting according to the Old Testament is the removing of bondages, the breaking free of oppression on our lives and that of others.
Another practice of a “true fast” is to stop criticizing, blaming, and gossiping -If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; Isaiah 58:9
God promises many great blessings in the scriptures when we practice the fast that HE HAS CHOSEN…THE KIND OF FAST THAT HE HONORS…ONE THAT IS DONE RIGHT IN HIS EYES.
A true fast unto the Lord will life-altering, life-changing. It first of all changes you! You become broken and humble before the Lord. You see yourself differently and you see others differently. God will give you a compassion for the poor, the hurting, the oppressed. As our soul is afflicted, we become stripped of our pride which causes us to be critical of others, blame, gossip, and murmur. A true fast causes us to depend upon God for nourishment not those things that feed the flesh.
A true corporate fast moves the hand of God in a church or in a nation. In the O.T., you see God moving immediately and mightily when Israel fasted.
Lets take a few minutes and look more closely at those things God’s Word says that makes up the FAST THAT GOD HAS CHOSEN. Look at Isaiah 58:6…
Isa 58:6 "The kind of fasting I want is this: Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free.
# 1 - Remove or break the chains or bands of wicked oppression
The fast that God has chosen consists in reforming our lives and undoing what we have done amiss (Isa_58:6): To loose the bands of wickedness, the bands which we have wickedly tied, and by which others are bound.
These bands of wickedness must be loosed, or they will bring us into bonds of guilt much more terrible.
There are people here this morning that need chains of oppression broken in your lives. You are living in bondage and it is only going to get worse. You NEED TO BE FREED!
Many of you know friends, family members, or people you work with that live in oppression and need to be set free. YOU ARE NOT HELPLESS, YOU CAN FAST ON THEIR BEHALF AND SEE THEM DELIVERED AND SET FREE.
[to be continued tomorrow]
I used it back in 1981 when I received my calling into the ministry, I wanted make sure I was clearly hearing God. When I faced my first “big battle” as a pastor in a church plant in Rockville, Indiana, I used it when the enemy came against me personally and the young church that I was planting. I have used “the secret weapon” several times as we were childless and watched God perform a miracle in a few short days to bring about a beautiful gift in Gabriel. I used the “secret weapon” once when I was told our church couldn’t buy a particular church building and within a two-week period we raised the down payment and purchased the church. I went to my secret weapon in 1991 when faced with severe headaches every day for a year and was miraculously healed.
In 1998, we didn’t know if we should Indianapolis or stay, but through prayer and fasting God made it evident that this was His plan for Kings Point and for us to come and pastor. Back in 2002, I was very discouraged and ready to leave this church and the ministry. I used the secret weapon of prayer and fasting and God gave me a plan to implement “to disciple and equip people so that they might disciple and equip others.”
Many, many other times in my life and ministry I have used this secret weapon and God has never let me down….He has met with me intimately…drawn me closer to Him…fine tuned me…spoke to me…shown me things…removed obstacles…healed me and delivered me…opened doors for me…THE SECRET WEAPON – FASTING.
Over the 25 plus years I have practiced fasting, God has taken me to school. He has taught me some things about fasting. One of the big things he has taught me is there is more to fasting that just doing without food. One of the obvious things you see in several different places in the Bible is the connection between fasting, praying, and giving.
Almsgiving, prayer, and fasting, are three great Christian duties - the three foundations of the law, say the Arabians: by them we do homage and service to God with our three principal interests; by prayer with our souls, by fasting with our bodies, by alms-giving with our estates.
Another, practice of fasting according to the Old Testament is the removing of bondages, the breaking free of oppression on our lives and that of others.
Another practice of a “true fast” is to stop criticizing, blaming, and gossiping -If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; Isaiah 58:9
God promises many great blessings in the scriptures when we practice the fast that HE HAS CHOSEN…THE KIND OF FAST THAT HE HONORS…ONE THAT IS DONE RIGHT IN HIS EYES.
A true fast unto the Lord will life-altering, life-changing. It first of all changes you! You become broken and humble before the Lord. You see yourself differently and you see others differently. God will give you a compassion for the poor, the hurting, the oppressed. As our soul is afflicted, we become stripped of our pride which causes us to be critical of others, blame, gossip, and murmur. A true fast causes us to depend upon God for nourishment not those things that feed the flesh.
A true corporate fast moves the hand of God in a church or in a nation. In the O.T., you see God moving immediately and mightily when Israel fasted.
Lets take a few minutes and look more closely at those things God’s Word says that makes up the FAST THAT GOD HAS CHOSEN. Look at Isaiah 58:6…
Isa 58:6 "The kind of fasting I want is this: Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free.
# 1 - Remove or break the chains or bands of wicked oppression
The fast that God has chosen consists in reforming our lives and undoing what we have done amiss (Isa_58:6): To loose the bands of wickedness, the bands which we have wickedly tied, and by which others are bound.
These bands of wickedness must be loosed, or they will bring us into bonds of guilt much more terrible.
There are people here this morning that need chains of oppression broken in your lives. You are living in bondage and it is only going to get worse. You NEED TO BE FREED!
Many of you know friends, family members, or people you work with that live in oppression and need to be set free. YOU ARE NOT HELPLESS, YOU CAN FAST ON THEIR BEHALF AND SEE THEM DELIVERED AND SET FREE.
[to be continued tomorrow]
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Sin's Costly Consequences
Gen. 4:6-7 "Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
God reminds Cain that if you would have done what was was right - what you knew to do, you wouldn’t be angry and downcast. But if you do not what is right, sin is coming after you. But does Cain learn from this? No, he doesn't. Undoubtedly, if he would have, he wouldn't have committed the first murder on the earth.
10-13 "The LORD said, "What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground. Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth." Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is more than I can bear. Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me."
Cain did not learn anything, did he? Again, he does not do what is right and he is feeling sorry for hiself as he deals with the consequences of his sin. I suggest to you that Cain's self-pity and resentment over his unaccepted sacrifice led to his murder of his brother and for a Cain a more unbearable punishment. As God said, Sin was crouching at the door.
If Cain would have humbled himself and confessed his sin regarding the sacrifice, the murder of Abel would not have happened. Cain's mistake is often repeated in our world today. It is imperative that when we sin against God we are broken and repentant. When we are not, Satan is setting his trap for even a bigger fall to come with even greater consequences.
-Pastor Randy
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Sunday Wrap Up
Two good services...great crowd tonight. Thanks to all of our leaders who came out to the first night of our leadership conference. Some of you didn't make it...hope to see you next week.
Please keep Tim and Sonya in your prayers this week. Also, Stan and Gail. It will be a tough week for them all including the children. But God will help them to overcome.
Everyone remember Nona Moore in your prayers this week. Also, remember Rick and Kathy.
I appreciate everyone who took a Faith Commitment Card today. Again, please pray over it this week and come prepared Sunday to bring it and present it to the Lord in our AM service. Please we want everyone to participate.
Please join us in our 21 days of prayer and fasting. It makes a difference!
-Pastor
Please keep Tim and Sonya in your prayers this week. Also, Stan and Gail. It will be a tough week for them all including the children. But God will help them to overcome.
Everyone remember Nona Moore in your prayers this week. Also, remember Rick and Kathy.
I appreciate everyone who took a Faith Commitment Card today. Again, please pray over it this week and come prepared Sunday to bring it and present it to the Lord in our AM service. Please we want everyone to participate.
Please join us in our 21 days of prayer and fasting. It makes a difference!
-Pastor
Friday, January 1, 2010
Others May - You Cannot
-by G.D. Watson.
If God has called you to be really like Jesus He will draw you into
a life of crucifixion and humility, and put upon you such demands
of obedience, that you will not be able to follow other people, or
measure yourself by other Christians, and in many ways He will
seem to let other people do things which He will not let you do.
Other Christians and ministers who seem very religious and useful,
may push themselves, pull wires, and work schemes to carry out
their plans, but you cannot do it, and if you attempt it, you will
meet with such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you
sorely penitent.
Others may boast of themselves, of their work, of their successes,
of their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any
such thing, and if you begin it, He will lead you into some deep
mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your
good works.
Others may be allowed to succeed in making money, or may have
a legacy left to them, but it is likely God will keep you poor,
because He wants you to have something far better than gold,
namely, a helpless dependence upon Him, that He may have the
privilege of supplying your needs day by day out of an unseen treasury.
The Lord may let others be honored and put forward, and keep you
hidden in obscurity, because He wants to produce some choice
fragrant fruit for His coming glory, which can only be produced in
the shade. He may let others be great, but keep you small. He
may let others do a work for Him and get the credit for it, but He
will make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are
doing; and then to make your work still more precious He may let
others get credit for the work which you have done, and thus make
YOUR REWARD TEN TIMES GREATER when JESUS COMES.
The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch over you, with a jealous love,
and will rebuke you for little words and feelings or for wasting your
time, which other Christians never feel distressed over. So make
up your mind that God is an Infinitely Sovereign Being, and has a
right to do as He pleases with His own. He may not explain to you
a thousand things which puzzle your reason in His dealings with
you, but if you absolutely sell yourself to be His love slave, He will
wrap you up in Jealous Love, and bestow upon you many blessings
which come only to those who are in the inner circle.
Settle it forever, then that you are to DEAL DIRECTLY WITH the
HOLY SPIRIT, and that He is to have the privilege of tying your
tongue, or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes, in ways that
He does not seem to use with others. Now, when you are so
possessed with the living God that you are, in your secret heart,
pleased and delighted over this PECULIAR, PERSONAL, PRIVATE,
JEALOUS GUARDIANSHIP and MANAGEMENT OF the HOLY
SPIRIT OVER YOUR LIFE, then you will have found the vestibule
of Heaven.
-G.D.Watson (1845-1924).
SOURCE: Faith, Prayer, & Tract League,
Tract #76; Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
If God has called you to be really like Jesus He will draw you into
a life of crucifixion and humility, and put upon you such demands
of obedience, that you will not be able to follow other people, or
measure yourself by other Christians, and in many ways He will
seem to let other people do things which He will not let you do.
Other Christians and ministers who seem very religious and useful,
may push themselves, pull wires, and work schemes to carry out
their plans, but you cannot do it, and if you attempt it, you will
meet with such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you
sorely penitent.
Others may boast of themselves, of their work, of their successes,
of their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any
such thing, and if you begin it, He will lead you into some deep
mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your
good works.
Others may be allowed to succeed in making money, or may have
a legacy left to them, but it is likely God will keep you poor,
because He wants you to have something far better than gold,
namely, a helpless dependence upon Him, that He may have the
privilege of supplying your needs day by day out of an unseen treasury.
The Lord may let others be honored and put forward, and keep you
hidden in obscurity, because He wants to produce some choice
fragrant fruit for His coming glory, which can only be produced in
the shade. He may let others be great, but keep you small. He
may let others do a work for Him and get the credit for it, but He
will make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are
doing; and then to make your work still more precious He may let
others get credit for the work which you have done, and thus make
YOUR REWARD TEN TIMES GREATER when JESUS COMES.
The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch over you, with a jealous love,
and will rebuke you for little words and feelings or for wasting your
time, which other Christians never feel distressed over. So make
up your mind that God is an Infinitely Sovereign Being, and has a
right to do as He pleases with His own. He may not explain to you
a thousand things which puzzle your reason in His dealings with
you, but if you absolutely sell yourself to be His love slave, He will
wrap you up in Jealous Love, and bestow upon you many blessings
which come only to those who are in the inner circle.
Settle it forever, then that you are to DEAL DIRECTLY WITH the
HOLY SPIRIT, and that He is to have the privilege of tying your
tongue, or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes, in ways that
He does not seem to use with others. Now, when you are so
possessed with the living God that you are, in your secret heart,
pleased and delighted over this PECULIAR, PERSONAL, PRIVATE,
JEALOUS GUARDIANSHIP and MANAGEMENT OF the HOLY
SPIRIT OVER YOUR LIFE, then you will have found the vestibule
of Heaven.
-G.D.Watson (1845-1924).
SOURCE: Faith, Prayer, & Tract League,
Tract #76; Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg){kind=small}