In a dark and wicked world there is a place of refuge. A place of love and acceptance, a place for all, for any, who choose to seek it, a place ordained by God. That place is His church of which Jesus is the head. A world wide body of believers that worship in different buildings. Each building should be a beacon in the dark, a lighthouse to those floundering on the waves of the world. Their light should be shinning so bright with love and encouragement and unity that the lost and lonely would flock through their doors. The church of Jesus should be a place of peace, edification, and non-judgmental. The church, along with individuals, is an ambassador for the Lord. If people don’t see Him in the church, where are they going to find Him? No individual church is perfect, but that should be each one’s goal! While we all aren’t going to agree on every point of doctrine, we can agree to love one another, not to think less of ourselves but to think of ourselves less and others more. We can accept one another, as Jesus accepted us, with flaws and faults. As a church, we are an oasis in a dry and dusty land. Let us do all we can to make our oasis one where people find the living water that Jesus freely gives!
As Joe South wrote in 1967, “I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden. Along with the sunshine, there’s gotta be a little rain sometime,” or as Jesus said a few years earlier, “In the world you will have tribulation.” Being a Christian is not all fun and games. James tells us, “when you fall into various trials.” Peter warns us, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing has happened to you.” There are going to be good times, but there will be hard times, and while everyone’s hard times aren’t the same, they are for the same reason, to strengthen you, strengthen your faith, to strengthen your trust in Him. God knows what’s best for you, what you need to help mature, We need to remember that trials are for our benefit and that “All things work together for good. to those who love God. to those who are called according to His purpose.” As they say, no pain, no gain, big trials bring big smiles (eventually). While we may never have a life free of trials, we will never have to go through any trial alone. Always remember, He will never leave nor forsake you, trials strengthen you, and while the world may be full of tribulation, Jesus has overcome the world! Don’t be cocky, but with confidence you can say, “Bring ’em on, You and me got this Lord!”
What were you created to be? Well, first of all, you were created to be you! You’ve got talents and traits and abilities and features from generations of genes mixed together that uniquely form you. But then, when you surrender that unique heart to the Lord, you start the process of becoming what God truly made you to be, like His Son! It is not an overnight thing, it’ll take time, a lifetime, but it is what we are to strive to do. We need to stop being conformed to this world and renew our minds, change our way of thinking, let go of old ways. It’s not easy and it’s not meant to be done alone. That’s why He has given us His Holy Spirit, His Word, His people. We need to ask the Holy Spirit for His help daily. We need to study His Word for wisdom. We need His people, each other, to encourage, comfort, and sharpen one another. Becoming like Jesus may sound like a lofty goal, but it is what God expects of us. It may not always seem we’re making as much progress as we’d like, so then there is a question we need to ask and answer ourselves. Am I really trying?
Some people think they have to go to extremes to please God. They make vows and pledges, go on spiritual journeys and quests, go into meditative trances for days and think they are pleasing Him but all they are really doing is pleasing themselves with their faux religion. You want to do what matters to God? Then do what Jesus told us to do! “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. You shall love your neighbors as yourself. You shall love one another as I have loved you!” Whole lot of lovin’ going on there but that is what He wants us to do and to do all that lovin’ we need to spend time with Him and others. A wise woman I know has always told me the greatest gift I could give her was my time. God is saying the same thing. Show Him you love Him by spending time with Him daily. Show Him you love Him by spending time with His children. Show Him you love Him by spending time with the unlovable, as He did and does. Relationships take work, aren’t always easy or enjoyable. So start with your personal relationship with Him first and let Him help you with the others. Loving relationships are what matter to Him. Strive to show Him how much He matters to you!
In a world that celebrates ego, it’s hard to be humble. If you’re not tooting your own horn there must be something wrong with you or you’ve got nothing worth tooting about! The world is getting more messed up every day. I blame Vince Lombardi for starting to send things downhill when he told his players, “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing!” Maybe to a football franchise but not in everyday life! Want to be really successful, an ultimate winner? Then surrender for victory! Surrender your life to Jesus. Give Him control, not only a part of your heart, but all of it! You say you trust Him, then trust Him! He knows you, all about you, and He knows what you need and when you need it. Wait on Him to open doors for you, don’t go around kicking them down. He knows where the lady and the tiger are. Trust Him not to let you get eaten! Let’s make it simple. Let go, let God! Now you’re in the driver’s seat and you don’t even need to touch the wheel!
The 4th of July is upon us again! The weekend started out with the Veteran’s breakfast on Saturday morning and continued with the patriotic concert “It’s America” on Sunday morning with a “picnic” after the 11:15 service. Thank you Pastor Steve and the praise team and Cathy and her crew for all the hard work to help make it a special celebration of our nation’s birth and independence! We are a truly blessed nation. Even with all the turmoil in the world and our own country, we are truly blessed. Let us never forget or take our eyes off of Whom all our blessings flow! Its not from any political party or politician or person. Our country is what it is because of men who honored God in all aspects of their lives and incorporated their faith into the foundation of the nation and He blessed them and this land for it. He still blesses this country because of all the men and women who honor Him in all aspects of their lives … but for how much longer? Enjoy the parades, BBQ’s, and fireworks. Remember those who valiantly fought for the freedoms we take for granted, but most of all, remember from Whom all blessings flow!
By, Tim Irving – Evangelism Team
By, Tim Irving – Evangelism Team
By Tim Irving – Evangelism Team
By, Tim Irving – Evangelism Team
By, Tim Irving – Evangelism Team
BY, Tim Irving – Evangelism Team