Sunday Words of Encouragement October 15, 2023 A Firm Foundation.

Our Sunday School teacher took a break from out study in James to present a study on “Why is Israel Important.” It was a good study and reinforced our prayers for peace in Israel and the Middle East.

Our service opened with strong worship and praise songs. We then had a fine message from a healing missionary. DE has had his own journey of faith over the past year after he returned from a ministry trip in great pain that didn’t let up. When he had his blood work done, his PSA was at 380 when is should be no more than 5.When he got to see a doctor four weeks later the level was 800. After another few weeks when he got to the specialist, urologist the PSA was at 1100 and he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer throughout his body tissues and bones. DE stated there are specific things he recommends for such a health journey.

1. Establish a firm foundation, focus point, sure anchor. Philippians 3:12-14 – press on to the goal; Matthew 7: 24-27 build your house on rock for a firm foundation. When he first got sick, DE went to the Bible and was given the verse in Exodus 15:26 where God reminded that He is the “I Am” who is our healer, Jehovah-Rapha.

2. Once you have established an anchor point, be prepared to return daily to the sweet spot, refuge. Cry out and seek the higher rock, my refuge and strong tower. Psalm 61:2-3. Take refuge in the shadow of His wings. Psalm 57:1. Refuel your spirit regularly before you are empty. Find verses that speak to you and soak in God’s word. Part of being a Disciple includes discipline. By staying in the Word, you can know that you have a faithful God who never changes.

3. Face the fear. When you get past your fear, you can do anything.
DE was given no hope of cure since the cancer had spread throughout his body. The doctors questioned why he waited so long but he never had any earlier symptoms. When bad reports keep coming, refocus on your anchor. Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You Psalm 56:3. Find strength in the God you know, the God who has never changed.
God knows our worries and pain. He records our misery and tears. Psalm 56:8.
When you push beyond your fear, you will find He gives you peace. When you move past your fear, anything is possible.

Don't expect the fear to go away. Don't be deceived. Satan is ready to defeat you and pull you away from God. There are levels – we grow from Faith to faith. You may have to break through levels of fear.
The apostles were in the room “with the doors locked for fear”. Jesus came and said “Peace be with you.”. John 20:19. Jesus comes in the place of our fear.

God can turn our fear to joy. Unlock the doors and windows and go to another level.
Although there was no medical plan for his treatment, DE did go through weekly treatment in Arizona. The cost was completely covered by donations. Ten months later there is now no evidence of cancer in his tissues and 25% is gone from his bones.

I like this song video for today because it speaks of God as our covering.

Verses for Today:
Philippians 3:12-14 NIV
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Exodus 15:26 NIV
26 He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”


I am thankful that I have a firm foundation in GOD, in whom I trust.

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 8, 2023 - Spirit Gives Life.

Our Sunday School message was “I Will if Thy Will”, based on James 4:13-17. We cannot boast of our plans because God may have a different plan. We need to give up our pride for humility and submission to His Will.

Our service concluded with Communion. The Message was on the Spirit Gives Life based on the scripture of John 6:51-56 and 60-63. Verse 60 notes this is a hard saying that offends people because it requires a surrender, an acknowledgement of God’s justice. Verse 63 reminds us that His words are spirit and life.

Christ is our living bread. He's bringing more than physical food to the disciples and the people. He reminds us we are in a covenant relationship. Under a contract, either side might default or leave the contract. A Covenant with God, that He established, cannot be terminated. Celebrating communion, we are reminded of the covenant and we are celebrating becoming one through the sacrifice of Christ.

We are able to put our hope and trust in God because He has already shown His willingness to fulfill the promises.

Philosophies are circumstantial, but our scriptural covenant is based on truth. No matter how you feel, the commitment has been made by God. He paid the debt that we owe and asks us to remember.

The believer has accepted the gift of Jesus. He has given us the Spirit through His death and through His Word. Do we live according to His word and His will?

We all need energy for life, the word gives us energy for our spiritual life. Through Christ’s blood we have life giving power.

Communion is a time to ask God: Search me, cleanse me.
He is faithful and just to forgive all. Let the life giving word transform us.
Christ lives in me and God has made us a peculiar people.
We have to change our diet. What are we feeding on?
The word is supernatural. Are we feeding on the word that gives us life?

After listening to many songs, I chose this one for today. Whisper (and remind me of your love)

Verses for Today:
John 6:51-56, 60-63 NIV
51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.

60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”

61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.


Lord, I give thanks for the covenant You gave. And I thank you for calling me to You. Help me live by Your Word.

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 1, 2023 - Delight and Meditate on God's Word.

Our Sunday School teacher continued the study in James 4:1-13 giving a message not to judge or be critical of others. We noted there is a distinction between being discerning a situation that needs attention and judging when it is not our place to judge.

Our service started with lovely worship songs. Pastor provided a good message from Psalm 1:1-6. He noted that men are born in sin due to the fall described in Genesis. Psalm 51:5.

Psalm 1 describes the difference between the wicked and the righteous. Apostasy can result from backsliding. Believers can wander out of their relationship with God by associating and taking advice from the ungodly. Listening to the world is stepping away from God. Anything that is inconsistent with the Word can draw a believer away from his walk with God.

It is important who we accept counsel from, who we hang out with, and what thoughts we listen to. We may be good people, but we need a savior. We are not necessarily born with Godly wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29.

“Blessed is the one … whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2. We have a perfect God who is always working on imperfect people. Meditating on the word changes the life of the person doing the meditating. Faith comes by hearing … and is increased by hearing.

There is “A way that seems right unto a man…” Proverbs 14:12-16. You cannot practice what is right unless you study God’s word. “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:9-11. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105.

Listening to and applying God’s word is act of worship; it is surrendering to God’s ways. Knowing the Word will change behavior.

The person who delights in God’s law is like a tree with sound roots that yields fruit in season, and prospers. Psalm 1:3. The rooted believer will prosper and have everything they need for Godly success. God will provide blessings and assurance even in hard times.

We all go through seasons, but God provides according to His Will and plans. At the final time of judgment, there will be a clear difference between the righteous and the wicked. Each person will fall in one category or the other. The choice is ours.

I searched (and enjoyed) many song videos but this is the one that stirred my soul for this message.

Verses for Today:
Psalm 1 ESV
1 Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law[b] of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.


Lord, I am so thankful that you give me guidance through Your word for all situations of life.

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 24, 2023 - He is God of our Darkness.

I was out of town this weekend for a GFWC Florida convention in Orlando. My convention mate and I did attend the short and sweet meditation service this morning.

I am sharing notes from a Sunday School lesson a few weeks ago. Our ‘substitute’ Sunday School teacher shared a video message based on Psalm 88. The message was “How to Deal With Dark Times” by Pastor Tim Keller.
Summing up the lesson is to tell people that Jesus understands our pain.

The author (Heman the Ezrahite) of Psalm 88 cried out to the Lord from the pit, claiming “darkness is my closest friend”. Pastor Keller noted that darkness can last a long time. We live in a fallen world. Life is pain, not a rose garden. The message is realistic and merciful. Don't have false expectations.

There is no better place to learn of God's grace than the darkness. God wants us to be a witness for Him. He is in the moment. God knows how men speak when they are miserable. He understands.

There is no better place to become a person of greatness. Like the faithful servant, Job. Do we love God for who He is? This is not just transactional. Think of Samwise Gamgee at end of Lord of Rings... he is unflappable.

There is no better place and time to recognize the assurance of our Savior. Jesus took the wrath on himself. Darkness was His only friend.
Isaiah 43 tells us the Lord says: ‘you are my servant. I have redeemed you.’

Darkness is nothing the resurrection won't cure. Don't tell yourself a negative story. Continually give God a sacrifice of praise. He'll never forsake us. We are believers not feelers.

This song fits well with this message “Your Presence is a Promise”.

Verses for Today:
Psalm 88:1-2 (NIV)
1 Lord, you are the God who saves me;
day and night I cry out to you.
2 May my prayer come before you;
turn your ear to my cry.

Isaiah 43:1- 2 NIV
1 But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
…
Isaiah 43:10-11
10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
11 I, even I, am the Lord,
and apart from me there is no savior.

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 17, 2023 - Encouraged by Refuge!

Our ‘substitute’ Sunday School teacher shared a video on Psalm 88. The message was “How to Deal With Dark Times” by Pastor Tim Keller. Summing up the lesson is to tell people that Jesus understands our pain in the darkness.

We had a guest US missionary speak during Service as our Pastor and his wife were away for a weekend of restoration. His message was from Paul’s experiences described in Acts 27:40- 28:6.
Paul had already experienced trouble in arrests and shipwrecks. These verses tell of another shipwreck. When the ship ran aground, everyone on board made it to land.

Believers will always face opposition. When the snake bit Paul, some said he must be bad and ‘he deserved what he got’. After he suffered not harm, they said he was a God. Opposition may come from different points of view, inside and outside.  We have to know not to stop the journey when there is trouble.

God is faithful to us in calm and storm. In word and action. How many times has Jesus helped you? Preach the word l, be sensitive to the Spirit.

You don't lie in discouragement, but you recognize it. You recognize the one who can help – Jesus. Jesus carries us to the end. Call on His name and He will see you through your circumstances. Don't give the devil any credit, but rather give praise to God.

The island where they landed was Malta which means refuge. Many times the scriptures tell us that God is our refuge: Psalm 46:1, 99:1, Psalm 57:1 and more.

Get into God's presence and wait. God will lift us out of the miry clay and He brings us to a place of refuge. Then He provides our needs.

Our refuge is also a place of restoration. In between times of immersion in God's presence there may be struggles. Paul went to work gathering wood for the fire because it was in his nature to serve.

The enemy wants to keep God's children beaten down, unable to do God’s work. We must remember that God gives us rest when we are burdened. Matthew 11:28. Jesus is the bread of life to sustain us. Christ lives within.

Satan attacks again as the snake. But we are told, ‘no weapon formed against me shall prosper’.
Paul shook the snake off and suffered no harm. He had the peace of God described in Philippians 4:7.

Satan tries to keep you from refuge. Don’t let him. Seek God and Be Encouraged.
The message concluded telling briefly of a story from Nehemiah where the people near the rebuilding work showed interest in the things of God. They made more room in the house for those who were interested.

I like this song of Refuge for today:

Verses for Today:
Acts 27:40 – 28:6. NIV
40 Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41 But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.
42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.

28
1 Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.



Jesus/God, help me to remember that You are Always my refuge!

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 10, 2023, Five Enemies of Growth

Our Sunday School teacher had a good message today which he titled “Cheating on God.”
The lesson was based on the scripture James 4:1-5.

Our service included Communion and a guest pastor, Duke Matlock, (author of Get Up and Grow).
Pastor Matlock identified Five Enemies of Growth.
He referenced the story of the talents from Matthew 25:14-29.
He noted that his greatest challenge was always self. His second greatest challenge was developing team, and the third is developing leaders.

To Pastor Matlock the desert looks lifeless, but grass and trees show life. He encouraged us to invest in God's talents... We need to have a healthy mindset. We want life to count. We are taught to have a future we need growth. No human has reached full potential, but the future is filled with hope. We can be committed to being better each day.
Growing and improving positions us for God's favor. Sometimes we set our goals too small.

Enemy 1 - ego. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. We should never fail to recognize God's favor.
Enemy 2 - complacency. Just going along is not growing. We need to go beyond to nurture the relationship with God and others.
Enemy 3 - distractions. Things of the world – like a boat and a Harley – are distractions from God’s kingdom.
Enemy 4 – our past. Past success does not predict future success.
Enemy 5 - laziness. Each Growth journey has to be active.

God has equipped you for His purpose.
We have three “friends” to help our growth:
Desire for things of God (Matthew 5:6).
Discipline.
Determination.

Why do you follow and worship God? We choose God. Each person has to choose for themselves.
People learn by being loved and loving others. God wants to do something with each person.

I found this song for today: I Still Choose You.

Verses for Today:
Excerpts from Matthew 25:14-29.
19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’
21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

24 “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.


Heavenly Father, I praise you for all you have provided. Help me to choose You each and every day.

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 3, 2023 - Come For Rest!

Our Sunday School teacher shared a good lesson from James 3:13-18 he called “Just How Wise Are You?”

We did our monthly collection at the beginning of Service for BGMC (Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge). It is always a joy to watch the children smile as they collect the loose change and dollars in their little cups. We also did a special collection for hurricane relief. We are mindful how traumatic it was for us in 2018. We have a team of people from multiple churches who will travel to Taylor County to help the clean up there.

Pastor’s message, “Come for Rest”, was from Matthew 11:28-30. In verses 25-27 Christ acknowledges the authority he is given. He then proceeds to invite us to come to Him. We cannot receive until we come to Him. He calls, we come, He blesses.

Circumstances in life should not be overwhelming if we are relying on God. When we get weary and worn at life, our faith may slack too.

He came and He calls. Will we surrender? If someone you love or care about (spouse, child, friend, workmate) interrupts your activity and calls you... do you surrender your immediate intent and respond?

Samuel was called and his elder, Eli, recognized God was calling. Eli told Samuel go back to bed but if He calls again say “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3.

We need to be mindful to make God (the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) a priority in our lives. Jesus say “Take my yoke…” He wants us to partner with Him, to surrender to a common purpose – His purpose, not our own. We are to be yoked and then to learn His agenda, not ours. After that a blessing can come.

God called Israel a harlot because the people were not yoked to God. They wanted the blessings without the partnership. We need to be committed, united with Christ.

The farmer yokes a young mule (or ox) with an old mule (or ox) so the younger can learn from the older. Often dog trainers will put pups with “a good old dog”.

We are to learn the nature and character of God. Knowing Him through scripture and prayer brings knowledge but that knowledge should be joined with submission.
Spend time with God. Where is your treasure?
Come to Him. Fall in love. Learn His nature. And find rest.

Psalm 23 tells us that the Lord “restores my soul”. That is your unique personality and mind.
Mental health is often a reflection of our spiritual or soul health.
He will give you strength.
Our life burden is heavy before we come to Jesus. Once we partner with Him, the burden becomes light.

I had several good song choices but I like this one! Lord of All.

Verses for Today:
Matthew 11:28-30 English Standard Version
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”


Lord, I thank you for inviting me to come and for teaching me that You are Lord of All!

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 27, 2023 - Spirit of Python

Our Sunday School teacher shared special memories today. His family was closely involved in a church in a neighboring county that was burned down by arson this week. The old building was not actively in use, but it held years of family stories since being built in 1949. It was the first church our teacher attended – from his birth through his own marriage and births of his children.
The memories were beautiful and poignant. We all recognize that the building itself is not the church which is the body of believers. On the other hand, even God gave the tabernacle as a center for the body to gather together for worship, praise, fellowship, and teaching. The loss of the building hits many with grieve as in a death.

Our pastor’s sermon this morning was from Acts 16:16-18 titled Spirit of Divination” or “Spirit of Python."
A few weeks ago Pastor spoke on the Spirit of Jezebel – manipulative and deceptive spirit that seeks to tear apart relationships. Then two weeks ago he spoke on the Spirit of Absalom – a spirit of rebellion.
Luke spoke to the spirit of divination or python which guarded the stone representing the oracle of Delphi. It is like a ventriloquist voice speaking for dummy. In the passage of scripture, it is a young girl who serves as a fortune teller. A voice may change in a demon possession, but not always. But it is apparent in the way the voice speaks out – in reverse or derision.
This spirit is real especially in more pagan settings.

Mental illness can be demon possession but mental illness without demon possession is very real too. Evil spirits are an enemy, not the neighbor or mentally ill.

The believers are to have nothing to do with fortune tellers, which includes horoscopes and psychic readings which are forms of witchcraft according to scripture.
We must be careful to be led by the Holy Spirit, not other things.
The young girl was speaking truth, but it was not of God.

Be careful because Spirits will manifest where they are allowed control.
God is omnipresent and omnipotent. Demonic spirits are not.
A spirit may appear with similar characteristics. They masquerade and deceive.
They can be and will be scared away from things of God.

We believe in the supernatural and we know that our God is greater within us than the evil spirits that attack us. But we have to stay close to God. And sometimes, like Paul, who became ‘greatly annoyed’ in the scripture passage, the demon spirit has to be dealt with.

We need discernment. Is there peace which comes from the Spirit of God?
We have to stand firm in the Holy Spirit. We need to pray against demonic spirits and take authority over them in the relationships of our lives: home, family, work, and community.
Worship and prayer to allow Kingdom of God to advance and push back the enemy.
We are the people of God and we can pray and invoke God’s power, through Christ, to cast out demons. The scripture says the spirit left her "that hour" which can be interpreted as ’that moment’.

The same supernatural God of the Bible works today. When the believer accepts Christ as savior, they need to surrender, yield, to allow their behavior to go through life changing transformation.

I like this song for today’s message: Don’t Tread on Me.

Verses for Today:
Acts 16:16-18 NIV
16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” 18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.


Lord, I invoke Your power to protect my family members and remove any evil and deceptive spirits from their circumstances.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 20, 2023 - Growing Up!

I am still recovering from my fever spikes and fatigue, so I attended church online. It was Pastor Appreciation Day and our Pastor preached on Ephesians 4:11-16 regarding God’s Call. I'm choosing to call the message "Growing Up!"

Christ called those to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. It is five-fold offices of God. The Lord gives a burden on the heart as a placement, but the call is in any of the gifts. It is for God’s purposes.

First, to equip and prepare the people of Christ to minister to others, to handle life. Each person is equipped to minister, not just to receive. We should not just hire ministers to do the work or to lead a corporate outreach instead of us doing individual work of ministry. You can’t be trained if you aren’t present to hear the messages or share in the studies.

Second is the “building up” empowering the body of Christ. Jesus didn’t live a perfect life, but He lived a sinless life, submitted wholly to God. We have to be submitted and present to God’s Word. God wants to convict and heal. If you have sinned or experienced broken relationship, Jesus came to save and heal. This is done through ministry. The Church suffers from having difficulty in humbling ourselves, in admitting we don’t have it all together. We think the sermon or lesson is for someone else. (Matthew 7:1-5 ‘Judge not lest you be judged…’) Religious people can be hypocrites when we need to be Authentic Christians. God wants you right on the inside, not on the outside.

Third is to reach unity and maturity. Unity does not mean we look the same, think the same, or do things the same. But we are in unity or accord to promote the Kingdom. Different styles are not important as long as we share and preach the same message. God wants us to grow up.

When we are mature:

1. We are not tossed to and fro, anchored in the faith; not deceived by messages that sound good but are not of God. Fads and styles can come and go.
2. We are less influenced by men and more influenced by God.
3. We love with the unconditional love of God. Sometimes we should not speak. Not everything needs to be said.
4. We grow in every way into Christ so every part of our life reflects Christ.

We are wired to revert to age of trauma… We need to pray that God matures us to understand love through His eyes. Also to know that the world doesn’t revolve around us.

We are to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Growing up in every aspect to allow God to choose what we get to be. (This is shown in the story of the potter and the clay. Jeremiah 18.)

The Body of Christ grows when we each mature and join together to allow God’s work. The Church gets healthy and healthy things grow. It is not the world or culture that is prohibiting the church, it is the lack of health in the churches. We need to be examples to show others how to handle life – with the Sprint and power of God.

As we grow and serve, the body “builds itself up in love…”

I found this song to fit today (and to make me cry) - It Starts Right Here:

Verses for Today:
Ephesians 4:11-16 New International Version
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.


Lord, Help me to be mature in mind, emotions and spirit so that I can be used by You to grow Your Kingdom. Mold me and use me.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 13, 2023 - Dealing With Absalom

We are praying for friends and family members in our Sunday School class. One of our brothers has been diagnosed with widespread cancer tumors. He is 89 and is choosing not to have any treatment. His family has been to the hospital to see him and it is not clear how long he has to be in hospital or if he will return home under Hospice care.

Our Pastor started the service asking us to pray for our college students and local students going back to school this week. He then introduced his sermon as “Dealing with Absalom” based on the scripture from 2 Samuel 15:1-6. Last week Pastor addressed the spirit of Jezebel.
When you hear a message on Jezebel pray for yourself and others rather than making a list of those you would point fingers at.

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Even Christians can operate under the influence of evil spirits. This hurts the church body. We are told: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11.

These evil spirits are active in today's society.

Absalom was under spirits. He killed his half-brother who raped Tamar because David didn't deal with it. Absalom got offended by the action of his half-brother and held onto the offense to redirect the offense and disrespect to his father, King David. Absalom took matters into his own hands.
#1. Don't walk in offense.
When we get offended and stay there, we are taking the bait of Satan. We justify sin by the offense. If we have to justify our behavior, our attitude is wrong. We are not allowing God's justice. Don't step in to try to fix offended parties because they both may reject you!
We have to trust God and take it to Him in prayer.
Beware of offense in marriage, in friendships, in work, in church and in life.

Absalom was in rebellion. This is the equivalent of witchcraft. Rebellion is consistent with bitterness and contention. We can influence others, especially the innocent. Absalom was gathering support for his agenda.
The Church is theocracy not democracy.
Absalom stole the hearts of the people. His actions were undermining his father’s authority.
#2.Resist the devil.
If you have to tear someone down to advance yourself, there is wrong approach.
Don't be impressed or deceived by a leader who is being critical or undermining his or he opposition.
Look what TV programs have done to tear down the respect for parents.
Humble yourself and resist. Seek God's Wisdom and Will.

Cleanse your hands...
#3. Give honor where it is due. Even though King Saul, David’s predecessor was trying to kill David, David honored his King.

In today’s society there is a huge spirit of criticism. And there is much disrespect through social media.
#4. Think on good things. Philippians 4:8. Speak positive and encouraging things…or stay quiet and pray for God to handle it.

I found this song which declares that Fear is Easy, Love is Hard.

Verses for Today: 2 Samuel 15:1-6 NIV
Absalom’s Conspiracy
15 In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. 2 He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, “What town are you from?” He would answer, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.” 3 Then Absalom would say to him, “Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.” 4 And Absalom would add, “If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.”
5 Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. 6 Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel.



Lord, Please help me turn to you if I begin to be critical or want to take someone else's position or joy.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 6, 2023 - Family Faith

Our church service this morning had audio difficulty online so I listened to the guest speaker from Sunday July 30.

The pastor noted that live is about relationships – with God and with family. There are life saving and changing truths in the word of God. God spoke the world (and man in His image) by the Word of His mouth. Words frame worlds. Agree with the Word by responding “Amen” or “so be it”.

2 Peter 2:5 – speaking of Noah as a “preacher of righteousness”. Joshua 24:15 “… chose you this day who you will serve… as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

God’s heart is for the family. Noah made “an ark to save his family.” And Abraham and his descendants made their home in the promised land by faith. Hebrews 11:6-9.

The church has failed to rise to the level where it should be. The church should be influencing the world by sharing light and salt. And the church is made up of families. The enemy is attacking the family, which hurts the church and hurts our witness. The current state of society shows the attack on the family. We need a strong family foundation, a three strand cord: Jesus, husband and wife, and children.

Keep things in proper context because anything taken out of context is subject to being a “con”.
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:22-27. [Emphasis added.]

We have to be careful not to allow any foothold (space or home) for the enemy. We can’t stay angry in our homes, and we have to go a step further. If we rebuke anger and other adversarial spirits, we have to fill that space with God’s spirit. Any space we do not occupy or fill with the Kingdom of God, we open to the adversary. Matthew 12:43-45. Where there is a void, the government, school, or medical authorities will, and have, stepped in!

Depression comes upon us this way. Also, sickness. We cannot say “oh, it’s flu season, so it is expected.” No! Do not confess or allow that. Say instead “I am God’s property and I rebuke illness.” It doesn’t mean we won’t get sick, but it is more of a resistance level. Do not be conformed to this world, be transformed.

The same promise given to Abraham was given to Issac and Jacob. Hebrews 11: 9. Faith is designed to be generationally passed down. (Amen.) Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” Three generations. God is the God of Abraham, Issac. and Jacob.

The blessing is also passed down to Abraham and his seed. We have a covenantal right to the same blessing and promise! To all the families of the earth. (Spiritual Blessing, not material blessings.) We are already blessed when we are in Christ.

The purpose of God is designed to be generationally passed down. The destiny and purpose on our lives belongs to God, not to us. Romans 8:28. Look what the Lord has done – not what we have done.

Noah got his whole family on board the ark. If you are at least having influence on your family, you are within the purpose of God. Not that you are responsible for their mess ups (think of Adam and Eve). Ministry needs to be inside our homes. The order of the family is to have the man be the head of the household. Women have had to step up when men have failed to do so.

The Ark was made of three stories. First level is foundation – God the Father. Second level has the door – Jesus is the door. The third level has a window – representing the Holy Spirit. This represents the redemption of Jesus. They went through the flood but were saved. The redemptive purpose of God needs to be alive in our families.

This is an interesting song to go with today’s message: Family Tree

Verses for Today:
Hebrews 11:6-9 NIV
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.


Lord, I pray that you help me to continue to pray over and influence my family- children, grandchildren, and siblings too.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 23, 2023- Overcoming Offenses.

I opened the door to pouring rain but grabbed my raincoat and went to church. 😊
I enjoyed the Sunday School lesson on James 1:21.

Our church service started with a short update from a missionary to the eastern Asian countries like Laos, Thailand, and more. The missionary goal is to “Change the Map” from 1% Christian in these Buddhist countries.

Our Pastor then shared his message from Luke 17:1-6 which he titled “Overcoming Offenses”.
Temptations will come. The enemy is always setting the trap or “skandalon” which is the trigger on the trap.

We live in an Offended culture. Offense will give you the ability to hear things that haven't been said. People seeking offense become paranoid; they set themselves up to be victims. Christians need to learn to live with grace towards others.

‘An offended brother is harder to win back than a fortified city; their contentions separate them like a gate locked with bars.’ Proverbs 18:19. Satan encourages offenses because they serve to divide us and destroy unity. Being offended (or giving offense) can cut off God's blessings working in our lives.

We need to recognize offenses or temptations as an attack from the enemy. Also, we need to be careful that our blunt speaking doesn't offend others. Offenses can be given intentionally or negligently. Be careful of your delivery and your motive.

Paul admonished Timothy in 2 Timothy 4: 22-26:

22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Christians need to be people of compassion, rebuking with love. Let others see the love and grace that comes from a Christ-like heart.

Taking offense is a lack of faith that God will work it out. We are to forgive and let God be the righteous judge. He will deal with their heart.

If we are to be a counterculture we must increase our faith to handle situations in God's way. Help us to forgive as we are directed. We have a mustard seed as a starter kit.

Offended people are used by enemy. Offense leads to betrayal to anger to deception and eventually walking away from God. We must stand firm and not get caught in being offended in a wicked world. Matthew 24:3-15.

I had to search for a song to day and I think I found a good one: The Jesus Way!

Verses for Today:
Luke 17:1-6 NIV
17 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves.
“If your brother or sister[a] sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
6 He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.


Lord, increase my faith to trust You. Help me to show compassion and to show Your Grace in all circumstances.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 16, 2023 - The Right Priorities

Our Sunday School teacher continued the study in James with James 1:19-21. James was telling the people to seek wisdom from God and to control temptations. In this morning’s verses the message is to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. Anger operates similar to an uncontrolled fire which is destructive, or a controlled fire which can provide maintenance.

Anger is natural, but people need to find a positive way to express their anger. There is too much anger present in our society today. Human anger doesn't produce justice. Righteous anger produces just action. Stay in your lane. Exercise Control.

Today’s sermon was based on Matthew 6:33 and could be titled “The Right Priorities”. Matthew 6:25-33.

Even if we don't plan it, we all have priorities. Pastor reminded us of the movie Up where the dog, Dug, would be totally distracted by the squirrel. Believers shouldn't be distracted by the things of the world.
Believers need to be eternally minded. Matthew 6:19-21.

God knows what we have need of. He takes care of the plants and birds who do what they are designed to do. He will take care of His people, but we too need to do our work. Matthew 6:25-32.

Sometimes we say I need something when it's really a want. Believers should not be preoccupied with earthly matters. “Your Will be done” is the first thing we are told to pray after recognizing God as our father who is entitled to worship. Matthew 6:5-15.

We need to seek His Kingdom, Peace, and Joy. We get entangled with things of the world that take our attention. But if we seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness, then everything else will follow. Seeking God is putting emphasis on the right relationship. Asking “God lead me”.
Seek peace by being in right relationship.
Seek joy though the Holy Spirit.

Make God’s Kingdom a priority and blessings follow. God provides for and rewards his followers. Submit to God and let the “Main thing be the main thing.”

This song came to mind right away: First Thing First:

A Verse for Today:
Matthew 6:33
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.


Lord, Help me submit to You, to Seek You and Your Kingdom!

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 9, 2023 - "Our Great God"

Our Sunday School lesson continued in James 1:16-18 with the message that Grace is connected to temptation; it is a good and perfect gift. Grace needed for sin. Gods unmerited favor is a higher level than forgiveness and mercy. Christ is the vehicle of that grace. Through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, death is swallowed by triumphant life. Sin, guilt, and death are gone. Romans 5:20-21. God sees us cleansed and as righteous with our final right standing to be revealed in our eternal lives.

We celebrated communion, remembering the sacrifice of Christ through the symbolism of the body (bread) and blood (wine/juice). We also celebrated our Pastor’s first year anniversary.

Pastor’s message was from 1 John 4:1-4, titled “Our Great God”. We are involved in spiritual warfare in this world. We have to test the spirits and teaching of any who present them as speaking for God.

Don't be misled by a charismatic person. Instead, ask if their message brings conviction. Preaching is sometimes a hard word in today’s worldly culture. Revelation 2:20-23. The church of Thyatira was scolded for tolerating the teachings of Jezebel instead of following God. [Note messages to the other churches also talk about false teachings. Revelation 2:2 and 2:14-15.]

Compare the acts and teachings of leaders and preachers to determine if it is consistent with the Biblical true. Does the teaching confess that Jesus is from God. Does it acknowledge our personal relationship with God?

We must discern what is of God. Antichrist has been in the world since the days that Adam and Eve were misled. We each must grow in faith by reading the Word daily.

Don't be deceived. “Feelings” are not reliable for decision making. There is a truth to stand on.
Once a believer has accepted Christ as his or her savior, the God dwells in that believer. ‘Dear children you are from God and have overcome’ the spirits of the world. ‘He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.’ 1 John 4:4.

No weapon formed against you can prosper. Don't compromise. Truth has not changed. Be biblically true rather than culturally correct.  Anchor yourself in the Word, and be in a church that teaches Biblical truth. We become Godly temples and must resist the upside-down teachings of the world.

I like this song for today:

Verses for Today:
1 John 4:1-4 NIV
On Denying the Incarnation
4 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

God my Father, Christ my Savior, Spirit my Guide, please keep me on your path and protect me from being deceived by the antichrist spirits of the world.

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 25, 2023 - Learning by Correction.

We continued our study in James this morning which our Sunday School teacher titled “Don’t Blame God”. Based on James 1:12-15 he explained that James was telling the followers that temptations don’t come from God, they come from personal desires. We all have to face temptations and the enemy will attack in our weak areas. We are going through resistance training which provides growth towards being more like Christ. Satan can't get to our spirit without going through our flesh. There is a spiritual battlefield in our mind.

We had a guest preacher this morning, a man who comes about once a year to share his humor and wisdom with his messages of Mercy and Grace. This morning he spoke on the scripture Philippians 4:10-13. As Paul stated, you have to learn to be content in whatever circumstances you are in. A guest preacher talks about what they know.

We learn by experience, study, instruction, trial, and sometimes correction. The preacher went through a time and situation where he was in jail, facing 35 years in prison. God delivered him from that and he had to realize that God loved him (as he loves all of us) freely.

The Preacher felt he would never preach again he knew that God forgave him but he couldn’t forgive himself. Then God said to him, “You have established a higher standard than me.”.
We can distinguish between condemnation – which is accusing – and conviction where God says “come to me”.

God declared us justified on the basis of Christ’s blood. You are justified - made righteous. Preacher asked: Who here is Holy? No one raised their hand.  In the Bible, only two personalities say I'm holy. God of course (Leviticus 11:44) and David in the Psalms cries out to God and doesn’t want the Holy Presence taken from him (Psalm 51:11 and more). David recognized that his righteousness came from God. Psalm 56:13.

God says we are to be Holy. 1 Peter 1:16. When we accept Christ as our redeemer then we become Holy. Now hands went up throughout the church. We can have confidence through the blood of Christ.

A final word of correction this man experienced was a word of submission to the Lord. When the preacher started to critique a pastor he was under, God told him, “Submit to this man.” The preacher was at a point in life where he was broke. When a missionary spoke, God said to give his last $50.00. He was reluctant. He said to God, “That's all I've got.” God said, “That's all I want.”

God spoke to him and said: “You can continue to flounder through life, or you can learn to listen and obey.” The preacher had to humble himself and learn to “listen and obey” before God could send him out to preach again. After a year or so the pastor he was under told him that God said he was to have a second chance to preach, like Jonah.

We have to humble ourselves to God’s direction. Then we can teach the lessons to others.

This is the song video I was led to after enjoying many. God You Are.

Verses for Today:
Philippians 4:10-13 NIV
Thanks for Their Gifts
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.


God, I thank you that you help me learn to listen and obey!

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 18, 2023 - A Father's Faith!

Our Sunday School teacher shared a good message from James 1:9-11. James was speaking to Christians who had given up everything to follow Christ. James noted that God honors the poor and that the rich have an opportunity to humble themselves and allow God to honor them too. The point being that those with fewer material goods are likely to have a closer reliance on God. This is a heart and attitude issue.

Pastor’s message, which was based on Mark 9:14-29, continued the message of man humbling himself to seek God’s help. Pastor’s message focused on the father of a demon possessed boy. Pastor noted that not all illness is from demon possession but most illness is from man’s sin nature. In this passage, the boy was seized by a demon and his father sought help by seeking out Jesus. He came upon the Apostles first and they were unable to cast out the evil spirit. The father kept going forward to the master, Jesus.

He was a good father seeking healing for his son. A father should know when his children need a touch from God. A father should raise his children to know they can look to God. Parents can and should provide Godly mentors for their children, especially in these days, to counterbalance against worldly influencers.

Elder men and women can teach the younger. Those who are close to Jesus can be an example. 1 Peter 5. Parents should look for someone who can be a Godly influencer. The parents, especially the father should be hanging out with other Godly men. Manly men can be Godly.

The boy’s father sought compassion – “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can” (Mark 9:22). Jesus responded: “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” (v23.) The father then appealed to Jesus saying, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (v24.) Jesus then cast out the demon, healing the boy.

Men need to be worshipers and followers of Christ in order to lead their family to Jesus. Pastor asserted it is an indictment on Christians when we spend more on our children developing in sports than developing their spiritual growth.

Men (and women) need to humble themselves and not be too proud to seek help. Micah 6:8. Psalm 18: 27; Psalm 149:4. Peter encourages Christians to seek God’s power in 1 Peter 5:6-7:

6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

All Christians need God to show up. Our reliance should be on Him. Paul boasts in his weakness to show God's strength. Paul acknowledges that he is not enough, but God is! Don't judge others, but rather intercede by prayer for them.

The boy’s father’s faith was not perfect, but he trusted that Jesus could work with imperfect faith.
God wants us to grow in our belief and reliance on Him. Don't be held back by mistakes in your past. Move forward. Press on to get to God. Desire more of God.

Men will not lead be able to lead their family to God if their wife and children are more spiritual than he is. Remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We do not have it all together, but we can give it to Him.

Pastor feels there has been a spirit of pride in our community that has kept men from relying on God. This is spiritual warfare. Do not be acclimated or remain accustomed to that spirit. Do it God's way, humble yourself. Lead your children to Christ!

We sang this song in worship and I found this video to share. Good, Good Father.

Verses for Today:
Mark 9:21-24 NLT
21 “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father.
He replied, “Since he was a little boy. 22 The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”
23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”


Heavenly Father, I give you thanks that you gave me a Godly husband who shared his love of you with our children!

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 11, 2023 - Renewal for the Weary!

Our Sunday School teacher has returned from a wonderful trip. He spoke this morning on “I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in.” I will save that message for another day.

We enjoyed our worship and then shared in communion.
The message was from Isaiah 40:26-31, titled Renewal for the Weary.
The nation of Israel has been split in two. Although David had been promised that if he obeyed God there would always be a descendant on the thrown. His son Solomon became king after David. Although he was given wisdom over all others, Solomon allowed his many wives to lead him astray and the nation became spiritually bankrupt resulting in occupation by Assyria.

The people are questioning ‘Where are you, God?’ This passage in Isaiah reminds us that when everything looks hopeless, God is still in charge. Look up. Get your eyes off your issues and get your eyes on Him. There were those accusing Nehemiah of wrong motives, but he looked to God. Nehemiah 4:14.

It is important for us to stay grounded in the Word which builds our faith and focus.
“17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 NASB.

When we are weary, it helps to remember what God has done for His people… and us. It is better than multi-level marketing. God says He is there for us, and He is the antidote. He is not worn down by this world.

We are told that God cares for the sparrow but He cares even more for us.
“29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” Matthew 10:29 NIV.
If we rely on God as we struggle through trials, we receive the crown of life. James 1:12.
We believe that every good and perfect gift comes from God. James 1:17.

When people are worn down they are susceptible to allowing lust to enter. We can recall that
God's mercies are new every morning. Some of us are workaholics, and we feel our plate is overloaded. We need to step back and put out hope and trust in Him.

Isaiah 55:2 tells us to ‘listen so our soul can live’: “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.

Our scripture today says “wait upon the Lord.” Verse 31. This is more than just waiting. It is waiting with expectation. Faith is involved. Believe that God is going to show up.
Activate hope, remember what is good - His blessings - and wait with expectation.
He is the God of provision.
Recount, even to yourself, the deeds of the Lord.
Paul tells us: “Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.” 1 Timothy 4:13 NLT
.
When you wait, or anticipate God, you will not just get by, but your strength shall be renewed.
When you are struggling through circumstances that seem wrong in your life, don't forget to celebrate what is going right.

I had a couple of song choices and decided on this one for this message:
Look Up Child.

A Verse for Today:
Isaiah 40:31 New King James Version
31 But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.


Thank you, Lord, that I can wait on You in expectation, knowing You have all things in control.

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 4, 2023 -- God Will Do It!

Our Substitute Sunday School Teacher shared a preaching video with a message God’s No Fly Zone. I will save that good lesson for another day.

We had a strong time of worship before Pastor started his Sermon he called: By Your Spirit or God Will Do It! The scripture was Zechariah 4:1-7; plus 8-14.
God’s word is powerful. Consider that God spoke creation into being.
This book reminds us that we will have struggles during life, but God will be with us.

Zechariah was dealing with hard times. The Israelites were facing opposition to rebuild the temple. Zechariah’s prophesy is to Zerubbabel who was the area governor who returned with Joshua the priest to rebuild the temple. Lampstand signifies God is with you and the two olive trees indicates the two witnesses.

The message to Zerubbabel, and God’s people, is that God will be with us and He will finish the work that is begun --- ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’….
God puts each of His people in the time and place that He wants to fulfil the purpose He has planned. Also, God gives enough grace to deal with whatever problem we face.

We cannot/should not rely on the military. As many have often said, government is not the solution; it is the problem.

Humans tend to think “If I do more I can work it out.” But God has made it clear that we cannot accomplish His Will without His Spirit. At end of day, we need Him.
No matter how big the problem, it is not too big for God.
We are not to have a spirit of fear or to be trepidations. We are to walk wisely by faith.
If He can solve our sin problem, He can handle any other obstacle we will face.

Verse 7 refers to the top stone (or capstone) which is the finishing stone of the project. The mountain in front of him will become a plain and he (Zerubbabel) started the work and he will bring forth the top stone “with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!"

God will finish what He starts. He doesn't start without finishing. But the task is finished through His Grace. All that we have is by grace - His Grace. It's the Lord's doing. God works through our obedience but His will and work are a product of His grace.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “’The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” Matthew 21:42.

We are able to finish the work because the Lord is on our side. As David said:
“Had it not been the Lord who was on our side,” Let Israel now say,…. Blessed be the Lord,…" Psalm 124:1 and 6.

Zechariah further says: Who dares despise the day of small things. Zechariah 4:10.
Small things are important. A hug, a word of encouragement. Great trees begin as small seeds.
We don’t know who will be impacted by our daily actions.

This isn’t the first video I thought of but I found it and it fits really well!
Take You At Your Word!

Verses for today:
Zechariah 4:6-7, 10 (NES)
6 Therefore he told me, “This is the Lord’s message to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength and not by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
7 “What are you, you great mountain? Because of Zerubbabel you will become a level plain! And he will bring forth the temple capstone with shoutings of ‘Grace! Grace!’ because of this.”

10 For who dares make light of small beginnings? These seven eyes will joyfully look on the tin tablet in Zerubbabel’s hand. These are the eyes of the Lord, which constantly range across the whole earth.”


Lord, always help me to remember that you are faithful to complete the good works you have begun!

Sunday Words of Encoragement May 28, 2023 - Spirit Power

Our Pastor was our substitute teacher this morning so we got a study and a sermon today. 😊
The study was on The Sanctified Church. What can we each do to help the Church become what God wants us to be? The Church not for show, but something God should be proud of.
The study text was Ephesians 5:24-27.
We should seek knowledge in the Word and apply it to our lives. At times we need cleansing and we can find that in the Word too – read Psalms.
The Church needs to be full of people who reflect the image of the Church that is in God’s Word.
The Church should be a place where the Gospel is proclaimed; fundamental principles are preached; lives are lived with integrity; and the Glory is given to God.
The Church should be people of God in line with the will of God. This will reveal the glorious Church.

The Service time began with remembering those who laid down their lives for freedom. 1 John 3:16.
Then Pastor spoke on the birth of the Church - Pentecost. Acts 2:1-4.
Baptism of Holy Spirit is not same as receiving Christ and being given the Holy Spirit. When we accept Christ as our savior, we receive the Holy Spirit to live inside us as our counselor, Paraclete.

We receive the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of eternal life. We are sealed and stamped as God’s child. The Spirit in us convicts us of right and wrong. As we spend time with the Spirit, He will direct our hearts. We learn to trust God, not ourselves. We also hope to be able to trust those who have accepted Christ.

But the Baptism of Holy Spirit is more. When we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we are clothed with power. We receive empowerment to be witnesses to others.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8.
49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24.

We don’t receive all grace at one moment. There are multiple acts of grace – in salvation, in healing, in comfort and more. We receive gifts of spirit but that does not mean we are all mature. Each person needs to study and needs to seek the Power of God to go with the gifts.
God is sovereign. We should desire the Power that God offers. .
The Holy Spirit indwelling gives us wisdom, knowledge and other gifts. But the Baptism of the Holy Spirit gives us power to be empowered witnesses.
There are times that this looks like praying in tongues, but the real purpose is to glorify God.
We have a boldness of Spirit given by God.

Do your friends see the difference in you? They should see more in each of us then just that we attend church. We need to be seeking and asking for the power of the Spirit. Luke 11:10-13.
Ask the Spirit to give you all that He has for you. Everything.
The Church needs power and boldness.
Don't stand in your own power.
The world is busy promoting lifestyles. The Church needs to be seen as more than a lifestyle. The Church should reveal and reflect Divine Relationship.

I chose this song for today. Start a Fire In Me

Verses for Today:
Acts 2:1-4 NIV
The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost
2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.


God, I pray that you magnify Your Spirit in me! Make me all you want me to be!

Sunday Words of Encouragement May 21, 2023 - God's Choice

We enjoyed a lovely Sunday School and service today. Our substitute SS teacher provided a lesson from 1 Samuel 14 on Jonathan’s acknowledgment and trust in God to fight the Philistines. It also speaks to Saul’s foolishness and failures in leadership that impacted the people.

During service, we celebrated nine high school graduates. And then a fitting sermon from our youth pastor. First he noted that ‘we fight not against flesh and blood but against principalities’. Ephesians 6:12. Pastor J focused his message on this quote by missionary (martyr) Jim Elliott: God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.

Pastor J went on to tell the story of how he met his future wife 10 or so years ago. He prayed to God for a special way to propose to her. He heard God tell him (twice because he wasn’t sure the first time) to propose on the stage of Rock the Desert in front of an audience of 3,000.00. He wasn’t sure of this because his wife was shy. After God reiterated the suggestion, Pastor emailed the organization and asked if they could help him. .The event organizer took it all and hand and it happened. Pastor J trusted God’s choice and God made the arrangements. His wife realized too that God had them in his plans! Instead of choosing his own way, Pastor J chose God's way.

The supporting scripture that Pastor J used is Proverbs 3:5-6. (See below the video.)

1. Trust the Lord with all your heart.

The heart is the seat of all emotions, not just a source of life. The Lord doesn't want us to trust in our own hearts, but to trust in the Lord with all our heart. We trust when we know and believe someone loves us. No one loves you more than God.

2. Lean on God.

Lean on God, not yourself. You cannot always protect yourself or know how tosolve the problem at hand. But you can lean on God. Pastor J told of a story of a child on the ladder who trusted his spiritual leader to catch him even when he heard his voice far away across the stage. The boy fell when told to and was caught by another helper who was there at the ladder. God is always there to catch us when we fall.

3. Acknowledge God.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him.” The world wants to restrict where God is. The enemy (the devil) tells lies saying, “Oh you might go to church but surely you can have a good time in the shadows during the week.”

Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. We need to be ready to accept God’s love for us in all things.

Pastor J and his wife have suffered great loss. They have two daughters they love, but they lost two sons at ages 10 months and 8 months due to a rare genetic illness passed through sons. God has made all creation subject to Him (and the man He created). “Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them/Him”… Hebrews 2:8-9.  Jesus paid for all healing when He was raised from death. All believers, and the children, will be healed when we/they are raised from death. We just haven’t seen it yet.

Pastor J shared what his mother shared with him during his hurt: ‘We don't always understand God’s hand, but we can always trust His heart (His love for us).’

Pastor J also shared an incident from the book Miracle of Courage by Monica Dickens. An three year old boy had to go through the extreme pain of a spinal tap. The mother explained that the doctor would have to hurt him in hopes of helping him. When the procedure was finished, the boy looked at the doctor and said, “Thank you for my hurting.”

Remember: God is good. We can trust who He is.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

We can (and should) pray: “God, help me to know how much you love me.”

Oh boy- What do you think about this song to fit today? Close.

Verses for Today:
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Lord, I do pray for you to give me wisdom and help me to trust you and to choose Your Way!