Sunday Words of Encouragement May 14, 2023 -- Contentment

We shared prayers in our Sunday School. Then our substitute teacher shared a powerful video on prayer and a personal testimony of God’s favor. We were reminded not to focus on our laundry list of prayer requests but to Praise God and trust he knows our needs and the desires of our hearts. Psalm 37:4

Our Pastor gave a wonderful sermon. It wasn’t focused on Mothers or Mother’s Day but on Contentment, sufficiency, and great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6-8.

Pastor noted that he had been observing a young mother at a store and the thought came to him: Does she believe she is sufficient? Or does her husband? Or teens?

God's plan is for us to be content. We might question why we are like we are. But we are chosen by God because He created each of us. We are each fearfully and wonderfully made; unique and special.

Like a stone mason or a carpenter, God uses the chisel or grinder to fit stone or wood to build His Church. God created us with a plan and then He works on us, like the potter works the clay, to use us as He wants. Jeremiah 18:1-6; Romans 9:19-21.

God's plan is for each person to live Godly life. We are to have a saving relationship with Him; to surrender to Him. We are to be a living sacrifice, focusing on God, rather than the world. Romans 12:1-2. We are to desire the things of God.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

God transforms as we pursue Him. We need to come to God with the attitudes: “Create in me a clean heart…” (Psalm 51:10-12) and make me the person you want me to be. We need to pray for God to change our view from the world view where we are self-focused, to an eternal view of God..

Spiritual exercise should be a priority. It is nice to look good but it is the character that matters most. As we seek treasure in the kingdom we will also see fruits of the spirit.

Godliness with contentment is great gain. We get there by:
1. Daily prayer time.
2. Daily time reading the word of God.
3. Pursuing a relationship with God

These efforts will lead to contentment. God will provide what we need. We don't have to do anything to impress another because we please God and will be find our worth in Him.

Great gain comes with blessings. Our lives can be sufficient serving Him. He provides the resources we need.
We brought nothing in our lives and can take nothing. 1 Timothy 6:7.
If we have food and clothing we can be content. 1 Timothy 6:8.
Our lives should be driven by eternity! God provides our needs when we are living to please Him.

I think this is a good song for today: Jireh.

Verses for Today:
1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.


Lord, I pray that you continue to allow me to draw closer to You and to find my sufficiency in You. Thank you for reminding me to be Content in You.

Sunday Words of Encouragement May 7, 2023 - Battling Evil Spirits

We shared prayer requests as always this morning. Then our guest Sunday School speaker from last week finished his lesson from Luke 18 and 19.  God wants us to trust Him.

Our church service started with lovely worship and a move of individuals to praise and give thanks to an Almighty God who has no equal.

Pastor’s sermon was titled “Battling Evil Spirits”. It started in Ephesians 6:12 but included many other scriptures. Sometimes our lives seem like we are on a roller coaster. We are up and down with good and trouble. We need to remember that we are fighting a spiritual enemy. The enemy wants to divide us by attacking each other. This is true in families, church, and nations.

A big area that Satan takes advantage of is the anger and bitterness of unforgiveness.  2 Corinthians 2:10-11. Jesus tells us to forgive as God has forgiven us. We are to pray for enemies. We need to give forgiveness before asked, not just when we are asked. Unforgiveness can cause resentment against church members, the church at large and even against God. Unforgiveness can damage the church.

Make sure you are forgiving. Remember that love keeps no grudges. 1 Corinthians 13:5.
Set your mind on things of God not of the world. Peter tried to rebuke Jesus for telling what he would suffer, but Jesus called Peter ‘Satan’ because he was thinking on human concerns. Mark 8:31-33.

We won't always understand. Jesus rebuked his disciples when they wanted to punish a town for rejecting him. He said to his disciples: “But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” Luke 9:55.

There are times we do the right thing with the wrong attitude, because it is from a wrong spirit.
A friend admonished our pastor once because he noted he was preaching from frustration instead of compassion. The message was right but given in a wrong spirit.

There are many improper spirits such as anger, immorality (Revelation 2:12-20), and imposters (2 Timothy 3:12-13) . “…[E]vil doers and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” There is an antichrist spirit that appears to be right but is evil. Matthew 7:21-23. We must ask the Holy Spirit for discernment so that we can judge leaders by their fruit not just by their appearance. Those who are not repentant for trouble and are always blaming others may be deceived by their own pride.

Then there are people who are oppressed by those evil spirits. This can occur when the church or people tolerate the spirit of the imposter, Jezebel. Our inner beings need to be aligned with God so we can know if a situation is being directed by a wrong spirit. Division is not of God.

There are many spirits to avoid and here are three evident in our world today:
The Spirit of Jezebel: a manipulative spirit more interested in controlling the process than caring for the person. (The church needs to return to modesty.) This spirit undermines the authority of God.
The Spirit of Absalom: This spirit possesses a desire to be in authority, but not with any kind of purity of heart. It typically harbors camouflaged bitterness, unresolved offenses, disappointments, and anger. It thrives on hidden agendas and wars against leadership.
Absalom was the third son of King David. Absalom took offense to the wrong done to his sister Tabor and instead of allowing proper justice, he went into rebellion. He wanted to take over the kingdom so he stole the hearts of the people away from King David. He presented himself to the people as a servant but really brought anarchy.

The Spirit of Python: Pythons constrict their prey, cutting of their breath and suffocating them. This spirit is revealed in the story of Paul meeting a girl with a spirit of divination. Acts 16:16-24. She was exhorting the public to listen to Paul but her actions were muting his message - restricting the breath of the Holy Spirit. This spirit can be seen in outside voices speaking to teens but stealing the voice and impact of their parents.

Remember to forgive and clothe yourself in spiritual armor.

I had a song in mind but couldn’t find the one.
So I found this and it fits today’s message:
Now It’s Our Turn.

Verses for Today:
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.


Lord, please fill me with the Holy Spirit and help me to be discerning of spirits around me.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 30, 2023 - Holy Places

We had a local guest minister for our Sunday School this morning. He shared some testimony as well as a Biblical lesson, The Importance of Having Faith in Jesus.

Our service started with lovely praise and worship and I was touched when our Pastor went to his knees during the worship time. His sermon, titled Holy Places, was based on Exodus 3:1-6.
When Moses saw the burning bush, he turned aside to “see this strange sight….”
God spoke to Moses from the burning bush and told him “the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

As a young man, Moses stepped in on his own to deliver a Hebrew slave, during which he killed the Egyptian overseer. Then Moses ran away into the wilderness, where he became his Father-in-law's shepherd.

The burning bush was a God moment for Moses. It is arguably a theophany or Christophany.
A theophany is a manifestation of God in the Bible that is tangible to the human senses. In its most restrictive sense, it is a visible appearance of God in the Old Testament period, often, but not always, in human form. Christophany is the manifestation of Christ.

In the Old Testament, there are frequent “theophanies” and “Christophanies.” The word theophany comes from the Greek word theos (meaning “God”) and the Greek verb meaning “to appear.” So a theophany is an appearance of God. And a Christophany is an appearance of Christ.

There can be a lot of life lived between God encounters. Even if we don’t have continuous God moments or encounters, He is still there. God shows up to change lives, not just to provide a good feeling. For example, Salvation is beyond what we feel. But it is a promise through knowledge and faith.

We need to be aware of God moments in our lives. Where these occur, there is a Holy Place. Sometimes we have tarried at the altar to see what God is doing.

It is a moment when we are not just a fan, but we know the place is Holy because God occupies the place. Often the God encounter is to change the direction of life. Jacob met and wrestled with God at El Bethel (a place of worship). Joseph had several God encounters to become the father of Israel. Job had heard of God, then personally encountered Him.

God moments are not just for you but to share with others. The encounter generally has to do with the future. We need to recognize when and where God speaks. God moments and Holy Places are also where our perspective of God changes. We are struck with awe and God reveals Himself.

God revealed Himself to Moses as the great “I am”, from which we get Yahweh, or Jehovah.
Pastor acknowledged that he sometimes lives his life ‘in high voice’. This is the result of zeal for God, a passion birthed out of a Holy place.

As a cautionary word, we must be careful not to be tempted to stay there. (Like Peter at the mount of transfiguration.)

If you want to stay, you are missing the message to go out with the mission. Holy Places are places of launching. The woman at the well goes into the city to tell others.

Holy Place encounters are for us to give the message to others. To mobilize and be a witness to influence those around us.
When God shows Himself mighty in the wilderness as fire and smoke, we are to go and bring others back. We are to lead others to see our awesome God.

I found this song which I think fits today! Evidence.

Verses for Today:
Exodus 3:1-6 NIV
Moses and the Burning Bush
3 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”
4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”
And Moses said, “Here I am.”
5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father,[a] the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.


Lord, help me to remember all the God Encounters of my past. Help me to be open to more. And help me to share them, to lead others to You.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 23, 2023 - The Lord's Prayer

I was away at GFWC Florida Conference this weekend and just arrived home. We attended a sweet memorial service this morning for those members who died over the past year. We said the Lord's Prayer together and I found this song to share.

The Lord's Prayer (It's Yours)

Verses for today:
Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
     hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
     your will be done,
     on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
     as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
     but deliver us from the evil one.’

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 16, 2023 - A Spiritual House

I was a little slow this morning so I missed Sunday School. The only plus was I was early for church and got to greet many people.

Pastor finished up the sermon series started before Easter. The scripture was 1 Peter 2:1-6.
Sometimes independent people say they want “nothing to master me or control my life”. And sometimes God is speaking to us and we aren't listening. The question is whether we are willing to listen and allow God to guide our lives.

As a new baby longs for milk, so we should long for the things of God. 1 Peter 2:2. Each believer is a part of God's kingdom and church; part of the body of Christ. Once we accept Christ, we enter a building process. God is building a place for himself. He is weeding out the bad characteristics.

Our lives should change as we experience God. A person who must yield when they come to Jesus. It is more than a decision, it is an experience. There is a new beginning as the new believer is made new. Jesus works a transformation, from inside out. To be transformed, you must allow Christ control of your life.

The believer becomes a living stone. There will always be some people who will reject God. But Jesus is precious. He is worthy to be worshiped. To follow Jesus, He must become the centerpiece of our life.

The living stone will allow God to build a spiritual house. 1 Peter 2:5. God specializes in breathing life into death. It is essential to let God be the builder. As the contractor works with supplies, it isn’t enough just to buy the materials. The raw material needs to be cut and fit into the planned design. Each person is the equivalent of just a 2 x 4.

The destiny of a Christian is to live a life for God, not be the most popular on the Internet. It is not really important to get the credit as the credit really belongs to God. Do we let God direct our service?

God is building a Holy Church, a Holy people. We each should be seeking holiness, not worldliness. God created you to worship, to glorify Him. We each are to give spiritual sacrifice. 1 Peter:2:5. When we recognize that we are not satisfied to be on our own, then we become willing to sacrifice to be part of His Kingdom. Our Pastor had to lay down music to be what God wanted him to be – a preacher and a teacher.

Some people are looking for a church where they want to be instead of letting God use them where He wants them to fit. The Body of Christ needs each part. Are we willing to allow God to fit us where he wants us? Are we willing to be built into a spiritual house?

I found this song and think it is wonderful for today’s message. First Things First.

Verses for Today:
1 Peter 2:1-6 NIV
2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”


Lord, I pray that You remain the center of my life and fit me, use me, where You want me. You are worthy of my humble sacrifice.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 9, 2023 - He Is Risen!

I drove to Panama City Beach to go to church with my daughter and granddaughters. I was very glad they wanted to go to church. The church was different for me and had worship music that sounded like country music. But they also sang a couple of well-known Easter hymns.
The Pastor delivered two sections with the same message.

The summarized sermon was the message of sin and salvation. Man is at odds with God. But before tine began, God had a plan to reconcile sinners back to Him - the work of Christ. Jesus died as a substitute for sinners.

Humans have the responsibility to repent and believe that Jesus is the son of God, He died for our sins and rose from the dead. We have to accept Jesus as our Lord. Jesus will return as King of kings, Lord of lords. Once you accept Christ as Lord, the Holy Spirit lives in you and you will live in eternity.

Then the Pastor read the Easter story from Scripture where God tells the story: John 19:1- 20:18, 30-31.
For the son has come to seek and save the lost. Luke 19:10.

The Christian can have abundant life in God's Kingdom, current and future. John 10:10. Abundant is a life of value. We miss out because we lose focus on God’s Word. Abundant life cannot be manufactured. It comes only from God.

Jesus is alive, calling your name. He is The Risen King.

I found this song today which is perfect for Resurrection Day! Thank You Jesus for the Blood.

Verse for Today:
Matthew 28:5-7 NIV
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”


Praise God for the Gift of salvation through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ!!

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 2, 2023 - Hossana!

We had a lovely and busy Palm Sunday today. After a spirit filled Sunday School and service we had a family fest for our church and community in the afternoon.

Our Sunday School teacher shared a message for Palm Sunday. He reminded us that all of the events were at God’s direction, even the roles that Satan plays. After all, God could have sent Lucifer (Satan) straight to the pit; or He could have prevented the snake (Satan) from luring Eve and Adam. Why did God allow Satan to roam free and to participate in leading to the crucifixion of Jesus? God gave man the freedom of choice. If man couldn’t experience struggle and sorrow, and couldn’t see evil, how would man know success, joy, and good? Don’t we need spiritual opposition to make us choose God?
James 1:12 tells us that trials lead to promise: “12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Holy week was a true roller coaster from the triumphant entry on Sunday to death on the cross on Friday. But, hold on, cause Sunday (when Christ is risen) is coming!

Our Service opened singing Hosanna and our young folks coming in waving palm fronds. Pastor first gave an offering message on sacrifice and giving – by Jesus Christ and by believers.

2 Samuel 24:18-25 tells how King David bought a threshing floor to set up an altar. The owner offered the place, the oxen, and supplies to the king for free. But David responded that he could not accept the items free because “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”

Salvation is a free gift from Jesus, but worship has a cost. Giving ourselves, our talents, and our resources is part of our worship.

Pastor then shared the message for Palm Sunday. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Coming into the city on a horse is a picture of a triumphant king. Why did the local men allow Jesus’s disciples to take the colt for their master? Mark 11: 1-9. When we accept Christ and follow him, we live in obedience. The job description for a Christian is “listen and obey.”

In the day of Moses leading Israel from Egypt, they celebrated the Passover sacrifice to signify their freedom. At the time of Passover, Jesus is the sacrifice for our sin and all of us have sinned. We deserve the death penalty for our sin. God the Spirit convicts us.
Before his death, Jesus reveals who he is. Riding on the colt is fulfillment of prophesy found in Zechariah 9:9. The people of the day wanted Jesus to be a political savior, but he came to be a spiritual savior.

Our cry of Hosanna is another act of worship.
“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:40.

We need to allow Jesus to show us who He is. The book of Revelation is not about John, but about the reconciliation through Jesus. Jesus comes running to us. We can believe that God has greater things for us as we are promised eternal life.
But He also promises good things now, not always free from trouble, but abundant living.
Today we want God to make things work for us right now. But are we ready to surrender to do the right thing? The Will of God?
Jesus is more concerned about our eternal salvation than our earthly comfort. We need to be Spirit led rather than purpose driven!

We live in the ‘now and not yet’ kingdom.
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil...to give us freedom. It is true that people can be demon possessed and oppressed. But Jesus can deliver us from the devourer. Jesus can save us now. God wants us whole. God wants us free from addiction. God wants us to live in the Kingdom – the King’s Dominion. When we seek His Kingdom come and His will be done, Jesus is ready to give us a crown of glory.

I liked this song for today: A Thousand Hallelujahs.

Verses for Today:
Mark 11:1-9 NIV
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
11 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”


Jesus, my Lord. Thank you for being my Sacrifice!

 

Sunday Words of Encouragment March 26, 2023 - The Enemy's Weapons Won't Prosper!

Our Sunday School teacher shared a message regarding Feelings. He noted that sometimes the Church gets criticized that believers are relying on their emotions or feelings. It is true that we have to be careful that youth revivals are more than just emotional rallies. The youth are our hope for the next generation.

The teacher shared some video clips showing that youngsters (8 to teen) who were exhibiting impacts of experiencing the Spirit. This is wonderful and encouraging but we acknowledge that we need a balance between knowledge (sound doctrine through Biblical teaching) and feelings (hearts touched by the Spirit). We need both heart knowledge as well as head knowledge. Feel while you can but be grounded in the knowledge of faith.

Our teacher noted that the more senses involved, the more real the experience. In the Church we have hearing and seeing supported or expanded by touch and taste to experience the Holy Spirit
Taste and see that Lord is good. Psalm 34:8.

We need to be diligently praying for our children, grandchildren and future generations to feel as well as get to know God.

Our service this morning started worship songs that led to a movement of the spirit. There was a Word of God given: “Call upon the Lord. He has enough and more to meet your needs.” The presence of God was with us through an extended time for altar prayer, a short message by Pastor and a concluding time at the altar.

One of our congregants gave a positive testimony. She praised God that her daughter is 30 days sober and making good choices. Her son who didn’t want to be in church for the past six months asked to go to church and youth group this week. In the past six months, the family has gone from homeless (staying with friends or even in their car) to moving into a house of their own!

Pastor preached on just a small part of his planned message. The teaching was based Isaiah 54:17 which states that ‘no weapon formed against you shall succeed, and this is a heritage’ to God’s people! Heritage means an inheritance and in this context, it is a special possession from God. If you are saved, there are promises that belong to you: salvation, provision, healing, and prosperity in God’s realm.

When accusations and lies are told about the Church, they will fall flat.
The Creator (God) of the creator (the blacksmith) of the weapon is greater than the enemy. The weapon will not prosper. By learning the word of God, we are able to avoid and defend against the weapons of the enemy. God has promised that the Church will win. God builds the church.

We want it to succeed and condemn any lies. Be careful how you speak. When people of God talk about the church, they are talking about themselves. (Just as when a spouse speaks talks about the other, they are talking about themselves as well.) We must be prepared and on watch for the enemy. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10.

Churches will vary in their style, which is the sauce. The meat (assuming it is a Biblically grounded church) is still meat. We should always be about building up each other and the Church generally, not tearing it down.

Faith comes by hearing. What people need to hear needs to be uplifting. We serve a God who still does miracles!

The Spirit led me to this song today which I think fits the Word that was given as well as the two messages! More Than Able!!

A Verse for Today:
Isaiah 54:17 ESV
17 no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed,
and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord
and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”


Lord, I give thanks for the heritage of protection You have given me from the weapons of the enemy!

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 19, 2023 - Unloading Docks.

Sunday School our teacher shared this video from Louie Giglio about Fruit Cake and Ashley, regarding the importance of sharing faith through love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sCvmaEUxFU

Our service was sparser than usual as many are out for spring break and the pastor’s family (a large group) were out after a very lovely wedding service for his eldest daughter yesterday. We had a guest evangelist who is a minister sharing the Holy Spirit.

He reminded us how Paul encouraged Timothy to be an evangelist. 2 Timothy 1:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:4-6.  When we are in the presence of Almighty God, we won't be able to stand under own power.
The Minister’s message was titled: The Unloading Docks based on Acts 21:1-3.
Paul had an assignment, and we still have that assignment today.

We are here for a reason and purpose. Our assignments get hindered by distractions because we live in a fallen world. But we have been called from darkness to light. 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

We are to walk by faith, and by the Holy Spirit. It is a journey of faith and not everyone goes along with you. The people Paul had been ministering to did not want to see him go. Acts 20: 36-38. Paul had to wrestle away from his friends in order to follow God. Obedience is better than sacrifice. There are times when we have to tear loose from hindrance in order to move forward with our assignment.

We have to recognize that it is not enough to just get to heaven. It is not appropriate to just sit around when there is work to be done. We are to take someone with us to heaven!
Many can come up with excuses not to go to church: my back hurts, I have a headache, the kids want to go to the beach, it’s my only day to relax, etc.
The longer we stay put, the harder it may be to move. We need to be ready to push past the junk in our life to fulfill the assignment God has for each of us.
Too often we start and stop, start and stop. We decide to coast, we claim to be weary. Do not just sit. Get up and move. Follow God. Be steadfast to keep going. Move out in faith onto the open water.

Paul’s ship was ready to unload. We need to unload our burdens on God. Cast your cares on God.
Pour it all out. Coming to Christ is a place of repair. Whatever is needed there is a repair. Syria (where Paul’s ship went) means rock or stone. Don't carry too much, unload it. Isaiah 40:29-31.
When there are rivets to be repaired on the ship, you take it to the dock for repair. God will keep the ship afloat especially when you go to him for restoration. Lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus.

Don't let distractions remove you from your path to Jesus. And share with others to give them the opportunity to come to Christ. One thief next to Jesus on the cross accepted the offer of heaven, the other did not.
Don't look back. Release the old wine skin.
We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow.
Unload your burdens on the one who carries you. Allow God to do his work while responding to do your assignment.

Verses for Today:
Acts 21:1-3 NIV
21 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo.


Lord, I thank you that I can unload my burdens on you, that you restore my strength, and that the Holy Spirit is available to direct me in the assignment you give me.

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 12, 2023 -- Hunger and Thirst.

This morning our Sunday School teacher shared an audio message by Dr. Lori Salierno (https://lorisalierno.com/speaking/) She founded the non-profit organization Celebrate Life International which promotes Teach One to Lead One. The message was based on the little boy who gave his lunch to Jesus who used it to feed 5,000. John 6:5-13. The point is that little is much in the hands of God. If we are living in the God space, we don’t focus on the little we have but we recognize that God it can be much if we allow God to use it. Are we willing to be available, to give God what we have available for His use?

Our service enjoyed opening worship and communion. Pastor continued his series on Living Stones with the second sermon from 1 Peter 2:1-3. Pastor reminded us that the Christ followers’ behavior and beliefs are to be based on God's word.

Verse 2(a): “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk…”
New born infants have strong hunger need. We are to be hungry for the spiritual word. We are to desire something from the Lord. When people are invited to join pyramid sales organizations, one of the key tools is repeated pep talks to feed the excitement.
We are told by Jesus himself: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6.
Why spend resources on things that don't satisfy? We need to seek what truly can satisfy.
Faith comes from hearing the message and hearing the message comes from systematically reading the Bible. Romans 10:17. His Word is what God wants you to hear.

Verse 2(b): “…so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,…”
The Greek word for “Grow” means ‘to attain power’, ‘to bear fruit’. By growing in spiritual power, we can bear fruit for God's kingdom. We are not perfect but we should be growing.
In the book of Galatians, Paul lists nine specific behaviors – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – that result from the work of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life. Galatians 5:22-23. These behaviors help show our faith and show Christ to others. They can lead to spiritual offspring.
God initially encouraged Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. Genesis 1:22. Pass on the good things that Christ has done for you. Does your behavior show others what it is like to be a Christian?

Verse 3: “now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” Those who know God by His touch in their lives know by experience that He is Good!
“Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8.
The more mature Christian (i.e those who have lived longer) can share their experiences to encourage young believers to trust and know that God is good.

I had several lovely video song choices and decided on this one for today.
To Know and Make Known

A Verse for Today:
Matthew 5:6 NIV
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.


Lord, please keep me hungry and thirsty for You and Your Word. Show your love through my behaviors.

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 5, 2023 - Grow Spiritually

Although it creates a longer post, I am including my notes from both Sunday School and Sermon. It happens quite often, without planning, that the messages share elements of teaching! I love seeing God at work in this way through two teachers who listen to the Spirit.

Our Sunday School teacher wrapped up his thoughts from the Asbury revival with a discussion of the new movie, Jesus Revolution. First, he noted the childhood abuse suffered by Lonnie Frisbee, his struggle with sin, and his short time as a homosexual that resulted in the consequence of death by Aids. According to the biographies, Lonnie did renew his relationship with God, as well as having a restored contact with Greg Laurie and Chuck Smith shortly before Lonnie’s death.

Then, our teacher discussed similarities between the youth of the 70s and the youth of today.
The Jesus Revolution was deemed to come from the disillusioned youth of the 70s searching for meaning. Like the 70s, the youth of today are facing much disillusion and isolation. There is a high incidence of suicide among the youth of today. One third of youth aged 18-25 are dealing with mental and emotional issues. There are 3700 suicide attempts daily for high schoolers.

As shown in the movie, Pastor Chuck chose to preach only with the Word, separating Lonnie and the gifts of the Spirit (what Chuck viewed as emotional involvement) from Chuck’s services.
Teaching the Word without gifts of the spirit is educational and leads to knowledge, but it denies the power of God given in the gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:28-31.
Paul warned Timothy to be careful of this in 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
We are to be ever learning. God is a God of communication by Logos, the Word in text, and Rhema, the spoken Word. John 6:63.
How much of the Word is getting into you?
We each need a balance of the Word, Spirit, and prayer.

Our Service opened with worship that led to a call to allow God to test our hearts. We also had a testimony of a miracle healing for a child we prayed for early in the week.

Pastor’s message for giving this week was from Malachi 3 where the Lord asks, ‘will a man rob God?’ Verse 8. The Lord goes on to say, “bring the whole tithe into the storehouse” and he will give overflowing blessing and protect the giver from “the devourer...” Verses 10-11.

Pastor started a new series with today’s sermon he called: Becoming Like Stones. The scriptures are 1 Peter 2:1-3 ESV. He reminded us that we are all called to ‘make disciples’. Matthew 28:16-20. But every denomination and every preacher uses their own approach. They each “Season the meat by their own vision.”

Chapter 2 verse 1* opens with “Therefore…” or “So…” That means you need to look back to the concept of the previous verses. The verses 22-25 of Chapter 1 talk about the living and enduring word of God. Things of men change but the Word doesn't change. We can be excited by the Word and the gifts of the Spirit. (See the Sunday School message!)
*(Pastor reminded us that chapters and verses were set out by men for study as they were not part of the original texts/letters.)

Now return to Chapter 2 “in light of God’s word….”

• Rid yourself of Malice…. Put away; Take off the carnal nature. “So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:11-12. Cast off the works of darkness. There are things in our lives we need to get out of our lives. We all have sins (of commission or omission) that we need to confess. Then we need to repent; change our ways.
• Rid yourself of all Deceit… We need to be people of light not dark and deception. Deception is close to witchcraft. It is an attempt to manipulate the situation.
• Rid yourself of Hypocrisy... Too many people wear a mask instead of being real. We are not to pretend but to be authentic people. We all have issues. Our Image and identity have to line up.
• Rid yourself of Envy… Do not hold spite towards others. Rejoice with those who receive blessings. And acknowledge the blessings we each have from God and that “but for the Grace of God” our lives could have more trouble.
• Rid yourself of Slander… There is enough hateful and hurtful speech in the society without any coming from believers.

Believers need to allow God, through the Word and Spirit, to make us who He wants us to be.

I watched several song videos and liked this one to share today.

Verses for Today:
1 Peter 2:1-3 NIV
2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.


Lord, help me to draw into your Word and your Spirit. Make me who You want me to be.

Sunday Words of Encouragement February 26, 2023 - More Than a Savior

Our Sunday School teacher continued to speak on Revival noting that our youth and people need a sovereign move of God, not entertainment. What is happening in this revival (at Asbury University and Pursuit for NW, plus more) should be the normal where people are hungry for God. In true revival God recenters himself as the focus of our hearts. Revival is each day renewal, walking with God is daily, not just a Sunday event. We need to be careful not to get stuck doing church instead of worshiping.

Our Service began with wonderful worship and praise songs. In offering, Pastor reminded us to put God first and give Him the first fruits. He'll bless the rest.

The sermon was from Acts 2:36-41. I named it “More than a Savior”.
Verse 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Many Christians accept Jesus as their savior. But do they acknowledge Him as Lord? When we allow God to move in our life, others are watching and many respond. When we know for certain that God made Him [Jesus] both Lord and Christ, we recognize that He was specifically made for the office He grew into. He was made for an eternal purpose.

All creation is subject to the Lord's authority. He has all authority given from the Beginning. “All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17.
Eventually, every knee will bow and every tongue will “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…” Philippians 2:10-11.

We have all seen a bratty child throw a fit because they want to be out from under the authority of their parent or teacher.

God manages all the world (not just the neighborhood like Bruce Almighty or Evan Almighty).
When we acknowledge Jesus as Lord, we accept His authority.

Pastor noted the story of the Shunammite woman. 2 Kings 4:8-37. God had blessed her hospitality to Elisha by giving her a son. When the son died in the field, the woman didn’t despair or seek help from her husband or Elisha’s servant. But she went to Elisha with her need, trusting that the God who gave the promise would be faithful to honor the promise. Elisha revived her son.

Believers are told we are bought with price and God owns us.1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Our position needs to be more than accepting Christ as Savior, but needs to allow Him to be Lord. We are slaves to sin until we become slaves of Christ. It is a complete act of surrender. We need to acknowledge a mindset that says “If the Lord wills....” We choose to live in God’s choice, under His plan.

Those listening to Peter “…were cut to the heart... “ Verse 37. They were told to “Repent… and be baptized…” Keeping in mind that repentance means more than saying, “I’m sorry”. It means making a 180 degree turn. Turn away from your own way to follow God’s way. Seek the Will of God.

I found this Song Video that fits today’s message. I Am Not My Own.

Verses for Today:
Acts 2:36-41 NKJV
36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
A Vital Church Grows
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.


God, help me to remember every day to acknowledge Jesus as my Lord as well as my Savior.

Sunday Words of Encouragment February 19, 2023 - Walk in Him!

Our Sunday School was interesting this morning. Instead of going forward with the study in James, our teacher opened discussion on the movement of God going on at the “2023 Asbury Revival”, the ongoing Christian revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky that started February 8 and is drawing people from all over the world. It is wonderful that so far it is a clear movement of the Spirit without any celebrities or apparent man-made manipulations.

One of the students questioned said something that will make us think: “Make a list of everything you want. Then ask if there is anything on that list that you want more than the Holy Spirit.” Now that will tell you where your priorities lie.

Another important thing about this revival is that it started with the students, young people. This fulfills a prophesy made in the past couple of years that the next big revival would be led by the young people.


We shared in wonderful worship and praise. Our Pastor’s sermon was “Walk in Him” based on Colossians 2:6-7.

First, God calls the people, then those who will, surrender. Faith is our response to God’s invitation of love and a personal relationship with Him. Keep in mind that each person is provided with a measure of faith. Romans 12:3. This is our starter kit (like sourdough starter). But faith increases by hearing and studying His word.

The text today is broken down like this:
1. As we received Christ Jesus -- by grace through faith. Accepting the gift of God.

2. Walk in Him -- By grace through faith. Every breath is a gift of God. All that you have is a gift. Grace might not change the mess you’re in, but grace will change you and help you through the mess.
When the Biblical text says that you will be healed or blessed or delivered, the “be” is the present participle or active “being”. So we are being healed, being blessed, being delivered. The action in ongoing.
Pastor shared how God has controlled a degenerated disc in his back for many years. I can claim that too as I had a diagnosis of a degenerated disc low in in my back in 2000. After prayer, God has controlled that issue. I know it is not gone because I occasionally lift a box I shouldn’t, bend the wrong way, or sneeze too hard without support and I will be bent over for a day or two. But I am ever so grateful that God has controlled the disc and I have not needed any other treatment.
As Paul said, he ‘”fought the good fight”. 2 Timothy 4:7. It is an ongoing fight. Keep on walking.

3. Firmly rooted and built up. Roots are the foundation that pull the nutrients in. We need to have our roots anchored in God and soak up the Spirit. It has been noted that growing churches have different leaders - some skilled preachers and others not so much. But what they do have are congregants who have hearts that are hungry for God. Don’t be drawn away or deceived by the world. Colossians 2:8.
Built up means there needs to be strength above the surface as well. The canopy of a tree is proportional to the root ball. This part will be visible to others. If the tree appears weak, it is not a problem of production but a problem of consumption – it is not getting enough nutrients.

4. Established in your faith. Anchor yourself in Him.

5. As instructed. We have to learn. Remember, God’s word specializes in people who aren't good enough!

6. With gratitude. Abounding, always being thankful.
Sometimes we need to historically remember all the good God has done; be always mindful of all His benefits.

After enjoying a dozen or so videos I chose this one for today’s message.
I think if we Walk in Him, we can be “Living in the Overflow.”

Verses for Today:
Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
Spiritual Fullness in Christ
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

I thank you Lord for You have been so good to me all my life. Continue to be with me and help me to continue to Walk in Your Spirit.

Sunday Words of Encouragment February 12, 2023 - Agape Love

My stomach was not settled Sunday morning and after going twice to the car, I decided to stay home rather than risk exposing anyone else to a tummy bug. Pastor’s message was about Agape Love - from 1 John 4:7-10.

These words were directed to believers, not a specific church group. These are universal truths.
Agape love is a benevolent love desiring the best for the object of the love.
It is a command of God and God gives us the ability to do what He commands.
God so loved us that He made a way out of our sinful condition. John 3:16.
If we don’t want the best for others, we don’t know God. Our desire should be that everyone be saved and go to Heaven.

God is love It isn’t always easy to desire the best for others, like exes or those who have mistreated us or threatened us. But if God is in us, His love will flow through us. We need to abide in Him and allow Him to abide in us. 1 John 4:15-16.

The first fruit of the spirit is Love. Galatians 5:22-23. Only God can change, or transform, our hearts from hate to love. We have to get rid of negative attitudes of jealousy, covetousness, hate.
We have to have an attitude of love, then we have to act in love.
How do we act? We serve for the benefit of others. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Love is patient…. And that is another fruit of the spirit. If we struggle with patience we have an issue with Agape love. Agape love gives mercy and patience. Love is the expansion joint that God gives us to deal with others.

God is forbearing and patient with us. When we recognize that, we can be forbearing and patient with others. Ephesians 4:2. Colossians 3:13.
If we can’t love one another, how can we love the world?
Agape love is more than acceptance. It is wanting the best for others.
We offend God but He sent His Son to atone for our offense and bring us back in relationship.
If someone has offended us, we need Agape love to forgive the offense.

To get Agape love we have to have transformation in our hearts. We have to surrender to God and allow Him to dwell in us.

I found this song and it made me cry. "Love You With the Truth"

Verses for Today:
1 John 4:7-11 NIV
God’s Love and Ours
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Lord, thank you for loving me so much that you gave your son Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice for my sins. Please help me to love others enough to show your nature to them.

Sunday Words of Encouragement February 5, 2023 - Humble Yourselves to God!

Our Sunday School class was different as we celebrated our teacher’s 65th birthday. We shared prayers and testimonies of how God answered prayers during our lives.

We opened church service with good worship. Pastor’s message was based on 1 Peter 5:6-9 which he titled “Beating the Devil”. The Bible text deals with humility. Humbling ourselves is how we win spiritual battles. Humbling ourselves means we consider others more than ourselves.
We understand this aspect as we mature in our faith. Ephesians 4:10-13. Christ humbled himself, even to the cross. Philippians 2:5-8.
Humility helps us not walk in deception. Humility helps us depend on God, not ourselves.
As we mature in grace, we should be clothing ourselves in humility. It is a choice we make.
As verse 6 says, we humble ourselves under the hand of God. We seek God first.

While Jesus humbled himself to death, God exalted him “so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11. Humbling ourselves recognizes God's sovereignty.

Will we submit to His will?
When we humble ourselves, we recognize we can’t do it by ourselves. But we can cast our cares, our anxieties, on God. Don’t take them back like a yo-yo or a paddle ball.
Humble yourself.
Trust in God.
Resist the devil.
Stand firm in faith.

I liked this book for standing in faith and surrendering. "To You."

Verses for Today:
1 Peter 5:6-9 NIV
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Lord, help me to stand on faith, to humble myself, and to cast my cares on You, knowing I can trust You to take care of me.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 29, 2023 - Hungry for God

Our Sunday School teacher led this morning’s lesson from James 1:5-8 which he titled If You Need Wisdom. He distinguished wisdom from knowledge, noting that wisdom involves the proper use of knowledge. And part of Biblical wisdom is seeing the situation from God’s point of view. Going through trials helps refine us, to get out impurities.

We had a lovely time of praise and worship and then celebrated Communion.
Pastor’s message this morning was from 2 Kings 2:1-14 regarding being Hungry for God and the double blessing. You can't tell anything to a person who knows everything. It is hard for such a “know-it-all” to hunger for more when you think you have it all. But when you have an open, teachable spirit, you can recognize the many acts of Grace in your life.

When Elijah first invited Elisha to follow him, he went by and threw his mantle (cloak) on Elisha and kept moving. Elisha responded by chasing after Elijah. He wanted Elijah to mentor him. We all need mentors. We have to pursue and follow after wise and experienced believers who will help us grow in our relationship with God.

After Elijah defeated the pagan god, Baal and battled with Ahab and Jezebel, he was tired. As he knew he was going to meet God, Elijah took Elisha to three places where he told him to stay. First was Bethel which was considered a “house of God”, a good place. But Elisha said he would not leave his mentor. They then went to Jericho a place of victory. Again, Elisha would not stay. Elisha went on with Elijah to the Jordan, the place of transition. When Elijah asked what Elisha wanted, Elisha asked for a “double portion” of his spirit. Elisha wanted more. Elijah said that was a difficult thing, but to watch and if he saw him go, then it would be given. This was to acknowledge the sovereignty of God.

Part of the goal of fasting and praying is to seek more of God and more of our relationship with Him. We need to have a teachable spirit. Don't just be settled where you are. Don't be satisfied with your current level. Don't be so attached that you can't grow. Don't resist learning. Don't be too proud to learn.

Are you hungry? When you are hungry, you don't need a great cook. We count our hardship with joy. James 1:2-4. God is moving forward. Are we ready to move forward too? Paul encouraged Timothy to stir up the gift. 2 Timothy 1:6.

Our Pastor stated that he believes our church is at transition. We need to press in for more.
Are we hunger for more? Ask for the move of His Spirit.
Grace abounds greatly in a world full of sin.
Don't give up or grow weary...
Stay committed. Keep on doing. 2 Kings 13:15-18.
Stay committed. God “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,...” Ephesians 3:20. Press in and Believe God for more.

I like this song for today’s message. I Need You More.

Verses for Today:
2 Kings 2:9-10 NIV
9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.
10 “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.”


Lord, I pray that You keep me hungry for more of You.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 22, 2023 - Fasting for God's Will

Our Sunday School is now studying James. Our teacher was excited this morning as he shared the lesson from James 1:1-5, which he titled “Say What?” James was addressing believers who were going through times of persecution and hardship. James was giving a direct message of encouragement and reality i.e. 'put on your big girl pants'. Face the situation with joy and active patience because the trouble will lead to endurance in your faith.

We had beautiful worship and praise which ushered in the presence of God. Pastor’s message was from Isaiah 58:1-8 to address God’s meaning of fasting versus man’s meaning. God is directing Isaiah to admonish the people who seek God daily and who look like they are doing right but have deceived themselves. James 1:26. It is stated repeated in the Bible, “everyman looks right in his own eyes”.

God looks at our hearts and motives. Proverbs 21:2. Fasting with wrong motive is not good. We should not be seeking our own agendas, but rather seeking to do God’s Will. We need to ask God to allow us to follow His Will.

We should not seek our own pleasures but seek His will. It is part of honoring the Sabbath, known as the Sabbath principle. Give the day to worship and to God, trusting that He is able to maintain the world, and particularly our own world, without us.

While fasting, the flesh will rebel. We need to die to self and show the fruit of the Spirit: self-control.

As children of God we should be walking in the Spirit. We may get agitated, but, like Christ, we should be angry without sinning. If we are led by our flesh, we are disqualified from blessings.

Humbling ourselves in fasting is just one step. The next is to seek His Will and be available as a servant to God. God wants to restore us and the surrounding circumstances through us.
He wants to break all yokes in our lives and let us find freedom in His Will.

We're not a submitted church for just 2023, but for generations to come. Being submitted starts with the people wanting God more than their own pleasures. Allow Him to restore and rebuild.

I found this song which is fitting for today’s message: Trust in You.

Verses for Today:
Isaiah 58:6-8
6“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.


My Heavenly Father, Redeeming Lamb, and Guiding Spirit, I know you see the bigger picture in my life and in all the world. I pray that You will help me to surrender to Your Will.

Sunday Words of Encouragment January 15, 2023 - Anchored in the Shaking Waves by Johnathan Cahn

I didn't get to church this morning and apparently they didn't get to have the service online.
So I am sharing a video from Jonathan Cahn on being Anchored in the Shaking Waves.
I hope someone who needs to hear this message will get to listen.
Anchor yourself through the storm.

A Verse for Today:
Hebrews 6:19 NIV
19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. …

Lord, help me to stay anchored in You.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 8, 2023 - Alignment, Balance and Focus

I enjoyed visiting with church friends this morning. Our Sunday School teacher allowed an open discussion to conclude the study in Revelation, which he has dubbed Revelation of Restoration.

Church began with two well known praise songs and then we had guest ministers/revivalists. They both are amazing singers and shared in song and message. The husband noted that God will not operate through you until he is able to operate in you. He also stated that we have all ‘been through things, are going through things, or will go through things.’ We are all impacted by the world around us. God is going to take us through and into new things. The preacher asked if we would be “available” to God? He then gave a message on “Alignment, Balance, and Focus”.

God will give us direction and focus. The Bible directs us to “train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 KIV. Parents sometimes plan a career for their children that isn’t suitable to the nature of the child and results in disappointed dreams. Parents need to be more like God, knowing their child and directing the child to follow which may result in a going beyond our dreams.

When you follow God, He will align you with others who will support and help guide you. The most important thing we can do is to read His word. When the tires on your car are out of balance, the ride is rough. This is true of live too.

2 Timothy 2:15-16 tells us to show ourselves approved and this would be living in alignment with God's word. Paul tells us “one thing I do, I press towards the goal for the prize...” Philippians 3:13-14. We should be available for His direction; focused on Him as the goal. Let go the past to focus on the future. He has a plan for you. We each have a divine appointment.

You Lord will show you the path for life. Psalm 16:11. “18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Proverbs 29:18 KIV. The NIV translation reads: “18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.”

The preacher encouraged us to catch the vision of our Pastor and our Church under God’s direction. As we follow after God, we will see things change. It is not just in the doing, but also in the ‘being’ that we succeed. Being available.

I was looking for the song for today and found this one. God I Look To You.

Verses for Today:
2 Timothy 2:15-16 NIV
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

Lord, help me to focus on you and to stay in alignment with Your Word.

Sunday Words of Encouragment January 1, 2023 - God's Expectations

My granddaughter and I arrived home safely on Saturday. All appeared fine with the house until I turned the well pump/water fuse back on. Then my granddaughter said, “Grandmom, there is water spraying from the pump house!” So, I had to call the well/pump repair man. He is supposed to come this morning.

I missed attending our first church service that opened with church breakfast. :-(  But I am thankful I could attend the service online.

Pastor reminded us that the church will go into a 21-day time of fasting starting next Sunday. His message was on God’s Expectations for Us.

We don’t always know what others expect, even our spouses and family members. And often we don’t communicate our expectations well, if at all. Do we even think about God’s expectations?

God says, ”When you pray…When you give…When you Fast.” These are not “if you” situations. God expects these as part of our worship.

Most Christians pray – to greater or lesser extent.
Only 5% of professed Christians tithe to their church. And the average giving is $17.00 per month. (That is barely the cost of a fast-food meal or fancy coffees for two.)
Malachi 3:10 says, “10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

How many of us fast?
Why do we fast? We are fasting to grow closer to God, to get to know Him better, and to see His presence manifest in our lives. We want to see His peace, His joy, His love radiating from each of us. We fast to seek God, not to impress others. Matthew 6:5-6, 16-18.

The fast does not expect us to eat no food for 40 days or 21 days. There are a variety of fasting plans we can participate in.
Many of us will do a “Daniel fast” where we forego certain foods. We are to plan to give up some food, a meal or something else that God calls us to give up. Then we are to be mindful and spend that time with God.

Pastor believes God is calling our church to be more than a “status quo” church. We are seeking the supernatural kingdom of God.

Supernatural power and anointing to flow in our lives. Goal to have more powerful prayer life, more anointing of God. More evidence from your life of God in your life.
God rewards with favor and forgiveness, release from addictions, peace.

We fast not as a hunger strike to get God to move but replacing our hunger for things of this life with the things of God.

James 4:2b-3 tells us “You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

If we seek to focus on God, we seek to have the Kingdom of God manifest more in our lives.

I didn’t pick a “New Year” song because this song spoke to me instead.
I had a little struggle with my first Christmas, birthday and New Years in 37 years without my Bob.
This song reminds me that God still Reigns and He is God.

Verses for Today:
Matthew 6:16-18.
16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you..

Lord, I pray that you will help me seek and be true to Your expectations of me.