Here we are at the end of August. Tomorrow, by the grace of God we will be in a new month. Here is a prayer from an old book I have entitled: Prayers: Ancient and Modern. The book's copyright is from 1897. The prayer for today is as follows:
"O Lord, forasmuch as all my strength is in Thee, grant unto me this grace, that I may allow Thee to do whatsoever Thou wilt; and that my doing may be to lie still in Thy hand, and that Thou mayest do with me that thing only which is most pleasing to Thee.
Do Thou adorn me with holy virtues, giving me humbleness of mind, purity of heart, and all those gifts and graces which Thou knowest to be needful for me, and whatsoever Thou wouldest have to be in me, whether in body or soul; that so I may be able the better to please Thee, the more worthily and faithfully to serve Thee, and the more perfectly to love Thee.
I pray, moreover, that Thou wouldest give me grace to arrive at that degree of perfection which thou willest me to reach, and grant unto me the aids and dispositions needful for its attainment. Amen." - Ludovicus Palma
Tonight we will gather to pray and to study God's Word. I want to encourage our Church family to keep M.M. in your prayers today as she is scheduled for surgery this morning. I'll have an update for you at prayer meeting tonight. In tonight's study, we will learn how to be an example of the believer in our manner of life.
Praying for you and with you,
Pastor Mike
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Politics and Religion?
Whoa, have I lost my mind? Everyone knows a pastor should not mix politics and religion. Really? Who says? Seems to me that in Scripture the two were connected. When God's people were in right relationship with Him their political leadership served them well. When they forsook or slighted their relationship with God their political system also suffered and the people suffered as well. Looks to me as if the two are connected.
Rather than a separation of the two I think we are living in a day when the two are tightly joined together. Not for the good though. I think we have many in our country and around our world who have allowed their politics to become their religion. We look to government to do what God has promised His people He would do. God has been replaced by one's political affiliation.
Political programs must be financed to operate. Our government has no means generating finances other than through taxation. So, if we look to Government to meet our needs we will pay the price through increased taxes. Now here is where I saw politics and religion come together in my Bible reading today. In Proverbs 29:4 we read: "By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts (or "he who taxes heavily") tears it down." Do you see the relevance of that? We are seeing our country suffer tremendous financial burdens and yet our governmental leadership can only think of increased taxes as a means of solving our problems. I have news for them - IT WILL NOT WORK!!! I don't say that because I am some smart political consultant or analyst. Nope, I'm just a student of God's Word and He said that high taxes will tear the land down. Creating and worshipping a false god is costly.
The book of Hosea tells the story of what happens when God's people forsake God. It is a tragic story, in that regard. One theme we see is that God's people would turn to Assyria for help. Hosea 5:13 says that they "went to Assyria, and sent to the great king." Much like individuals in our country today they sought their deliverance from the politically powerful of their day. It was a poor choice because the verse goes on to state: "But he is not able to cure you or heal your wound." By the end of Hosea the people of God are challenged to declare: "Assyria shall not save us;" we would be wise to admit the same. There will be no lasting help, salvation, or deliverance that will come from the State House or the White House. Our hope is in the Lord.
Wonder what would happen if we determined not to allow our Politics to become our religion; but rather acknowledged the positive influence we could have upon our political system by simply living in a right relationship with God?
Now, that's something to think about.
Pastor Mike
Rather than a separation of the two I think we are living in a day when the two are tightly joined together. Not for the good though. I think we have many in our country and around our world who have allowed their politics to become their religion. We look to government to do what God has promised His people He would do. God has been replaced by one's political affiliation.
Political programs must be financed to operate. Our government has no means generating finances other than through taxation. So, if we look to Government to meet our needs we will pay the price through increased taxes. Now here is where I saw politics and religion come together in my Bible reading today. In Proverbs 29:4 we read: "By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts (or "he who taxes heavily") tears it down." Do you see the relevance of that? We are seeing our country suffer tremendous financial burdens and yet our governmental leadership can only think of increased taxes as a means of solving our problems. I have news for them - IT WILL NOT WORK!!! I don't say that because I am some smart political consultant or analyst. Nope, I'm just a student of God's Word and He said that high taxes will tear the land down. Creating and worshipping a false god is costly.
The book of Hosea tells the story of what happens when God's people forsake God. It is a tragic story, in that regard. One theme we see is that God's people would turn to Assyria for help. Hosea 5:13 says that they "went to Assyria, and sent to the great king." Much like individuals in our country today they sought their deliverance from the politically powerful of their day. It was a poor choice because the verse goes on to state: "But he is not able to cure you or heal your wound." By the end of Hosea the people of God are challenged to declare: "Assyria shall not save us;" we would be wise to admit the same. There will be no lasting help, salvation, or deliverance that will come from the State House or the White House. Our hope is in the Lord.
Wonder what would happen if we determined not to allow our Politics to become our religion; but rather acknowledged the positive influence we could have upon our political system by simply living in a right relationship with God?
Now, that's something to think about.
Pastor Mike
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday Summary - August 28, 2011
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
Yesterday we considered that "It is time to Uncover our Light." Jesus said: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12). After the Sermon on the Mount He told those who were gathered together: "You are the light of the world." (Matt. 5:14) So how are we doing being "light" in a sin darkened world?
We need to examine our lives to see if we have hidden our light under any "baskets" that hinder it's effectiveness. Our light can be hidden or dimmed by:
1. Our History
We sometimes allow our past to dim our witness in the present. What we need to remember is that, as a Christian, our past has been forgiven and we are no longer in bondage to our past sins or shortcomings. Don't let your history hold you back.
2. Our Hurts
Most everyone has been hurt by the words or actions of others. Often those hurts can hold us back from being the light Christ would have us to be. If we have been hurt (and who hasn't) we need to be willing to forgive and forget and move forward. We have all been forgiven by God and should extend that forgiveness to others. Don't let your hurts hinder the brightness of your light.
3. Our Health
Our spiritual health certainly impacts the quality of the light of our life. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun we should reflect the Glory of Christ. Obviously the closer we are to Christ the better we will reflect the light. Stay close to Christ through Bible reading, prayer, fellowship with other believers and regular times of worship to keep your "wick" trim and your light burning bright!
Here's a poem I did not get to share on Sunday.
God's lamps we are,
To shine where He shall say:
And lamps are not for sunny rooms,
Nor for the light of day;
But for the dark places of the earth,
Where shame and wrong and crime have birth,
Or for the murky twilight grey,
Where wandering sheep have gone astray,
Or where the Lamp of Faith grows dim,
And souls are groping after Him.
And as sometimes a flame we find,
Clear-shining through the night,
So dark we do not see the lamp
But only see the Light,
So may we shine, God's love the flame,
That men may glorify His Name."
-Annie Johnson Flint
Let's shine for Jesus this week!
Pastor Mike
On Tuesday morning I'll post an update about the Courageous Movie premier we were able to attend on Friday night.
Yesterday we considered that "It is time to Uncover our Light." Jesus said: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12). After the Sermon on the Mount He told those who were gathered together: "You are the light of the world." (Matt. 5:14) So how are we doing being "light" in a sin darkened world?
We need to examine our lives to see if we have hidden our light under any "baskets" that hinder it's effectiveness. Our light can be hidden or dimmed by:
1. Our History
We sometimes allow our past to dim our witness in the present. What we need to remember is that, as a Christian, our past has been forgiven and we are no longer in bondage to our past sins or shortcomings. Don't let your history hold you back.
2. Our Hurts
Most everyone has been hurt by the words or actions of others. Often those hurts can hold us back from being the light Christ would have us to be. If we have been hurt (and who hasn't) we need to be willing to forgive and forget and move forward. We have all been forgiven by God and should extend that forgiveness to others. Don't let your hurts hinder the brightness of your light.
3. Our Health
Our spiritual health certainly impacts the quality of the light of our life. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun we should reflect the Glory of Christ. Obviously the closer we are to Christ the better we will reflect the light. Stay close to Christ through Bible reading, prayer, fellowship with other believers and regular times of worship to keep your "wick" trim and your light burning bright!
Here's a poem I did not get to share on Sunday.
God's lamps we are,
To shine where He shall say:
And lamps are not for sunny rooms,
Nor for the light of day;
But for the dark places of the earth,
Where shame and wrong and crime have birth,
Or for the murky twilight grey,
Where wandering sheep have gone astray,
Or where the Lamp of Faith grows dim,
And souls are groping after Him.
And as sometimes a flame we find,
Clear-shining through the night,
So dark we do not see the lamp
But only see the Light,
So may we shine, God's love the flame,
That men may glorify His Name."
-Annie Johnson Flint
Let's shine for Jesus this week!
Pastor Mike
On Tuesday morning I'll post an update about the Courageous Movie premier we were able to attend on Friday night.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Which world are you thinking about?
Something is always going on in our world. Earthquakes, wars, revolutions, crime and much, much more. It's hard to miss the events of our world in an internet connected society. Facebook, You Tube, Google, e-mail and any other of various means of internet connectivity keep us all focused on the happenings taking place across the street and around the world.
The following words of C.S. Lewis may challenge you to think about which world you are most focused on at this time.
"The Christians who did the most for the present world were precisely those who thought more of the next. It is since Christians have begun thinking less of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at heaven and you get earth thrown in; aim at earth and you get neither."
Let's live today in light of eternity.
Looking for a New Heaven and a New Earth,
Pastor Mike
The following words of C.S. Lewis may challenge you to think about which world you are most focused on at this time.
"The Christians who did the most for the present world were precisely those who thought more of the next. It is since Christians have begun thinking less of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at heaven and you get earth thrown in; aim at earth and you get neither."
Let's live today in light of eternity.
Looking for a New Heaven and a New Earth,
Pastor Mike
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Today's Prayer
The following prayer comes from the "Kings Chapel Liturgy, 1831"
"We humbly pray Thee, O Father in heaven, to guide us through the darkness of this world, to guard us from its perils, to hold us up and strengthen us when we grow weary in our mortal way; and to lead us by Thy chosen paths, through time and through death death, to our eternal home in Thy heavenly kingdom; which we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord - Amen."
We will gather at 7:00 pm tonight to share our prayer requests with one another and to pray. We will also continue our study of 1 Timothy 4:12 focusing on the power of our words and how we are to be an example of the believer in the words we speak.
I'll be looking forward to seeing you tonight.
Pastor Mike
"We humbly pray Thee, O Father in heaven, to guide us through the darkness of this world, to guard us from its perils, to hold us up and strengthen us when we grow weary in our mortal way; and to lead us by Thy chosen paths, through time and through death death, to our eternal home in Thy heavenly kingdom; which we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord - Amen."
We will gather at 7:00 pm tonight to share our prayer requests with one another and to pray. We will also continue our study of 1 Timothy 4:12 focusing on the power of our words and how we are to be an example of the believer in the words we speak.
I'll be looking forward to seeing you tonight.
Pastor Mike
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
What if Hosea were alive today?
My Quiet Time Bible reading is taking me through the book of Hosea. Wow! It is like reading about the day in which we live. Hosea the prophet warned the people of the judgement they would experience if they did not return to the Lord and remain faithful to Him.
Hosea is calling out to a backslidden and sin engulfed people pleading with them to return to the Lord. Think about these words from Hosea 4:1-3 from the New Living Translation.
Hear the word of the Lord, O people of Israel!
The Lord has brought charges against you, saying:
“There is no faithfulness, no kindness,
no knowledge of God in your land.
2 You make vows and break them;
you kill and steal and commit adultery.
There is violence everywhere—
one murder after another.
3 That is why your land is in mourning,
and everyone is wasting away.
Even the wild animals, the birds of the sky,
and the fish of the sea are disappearing.
There was NO Faithfulness, No Kindness, and No Knowledge of God throughout the land. Because of that the people would break their vows, kill, steal and commit adultery. The land was full of violence. It was so bad that the land itself seemed to groan under the burden of the sin of the people.
That was then and this is now; But God is the same! I believe the crime, violence and perversion that is rampant in our country (and in the world) can be traced back to the fact that we have by and large chosen to forget about God.
In Hosea's words, we hear the message of the Lord for us today. "Return,... to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take with you words and return to the Lord; say to him, 'Take away all iniquity...'"
How will we do this? One person at a time. It is time for you and I to return to the Lord in areas where we have wandered away from Him and have stumbled.
Listening to God in the words of Hosea,
Pastor Mike
Hosea is calling out to a backslidden and sin engulfed people pleading with them to return to the Lord. Think about these words from Hosea 4:1-3 from the New Living Translation.
Hear the word of the Lord, O people of Israel!
The Lord has brought charges against you, saying:
“There is no faithfulness, no kindness,
no knowledge of God in your land.
2 You make vows and break them;
you kill and steal and commit adultery.
There is violence everywhere—
one murder after another.
3 That is why your land is in mourning,
and everyone is wasting away.
Even the wild animals, the birds of the sky,
and the fish of the sea are disappearing.
There was NO Faithfulness, No Kindness, and No Knowledge of God throughout the land. Because of that the people would break their vows, kill, steal and commit adultery. The land was full of violence. It was so bad that the land itself seemed to groan under the burden of the sin of the people.
That was then and this is now; But God is the same! I believe the crime, violence and perversion that is rampant in our country (and in the world) can be traced back to the fact that we have by and large chosen to forget about God.
In Hosea's words, we hear the message of the Lord for us today. "Return,... to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take with you words and return to the Lord; say to him, 'Take away all iniquity...'"
How will we do this? One person at a time. It is time for you and I to return to the Lord in areas where we have wandered away from Him and have stumbled.
Listening to God in the words of Hosea,
Pastor Mike
Monday, August 22, 2011
Sunday Summary - August 21, 2011
We enjoyed another blessed Lord's day on Sunday. It is always a joy to gather together with God's people to worship the Lord in our fellowship with one another, in our singing, in our giving and in sitting under the preaching of His Word. I am grateful for the four guests the Lord sent our way to worship with us. It is always good to have visitors join us for worship, Thanks to those who invited their family and friends to attend. I pray that we will all have a passion to invite folks we meet to come and join with us for worship. I believe there are people all around us who are looking for what we have as believers and brothers and sisters in Christ. People will come if we will invite them. Let's also be persistent in inviting friends and family members to join us for Worship. If it is worth inviting them once it is worth inviting them several times.
We concluded Acts 11 and what an exciting story is contained there in the birth of the church at Antioch. A pagan city becomes the place of a prominent Church. God can do great things if we will follow His leadership. I long to see him work in and through us to reach our community and our county with the transforming power of the Gospel.
Let's ask God to give us the spirit of Barnabas. We would do well to emulate his...
1) Character: He was a generous man and a good man.
2) Christianity: He was FULL of the Holy Spirit!
3) Commitment: He was full of FAITH.
4) Cheerfulness: He was GLAD when He saw the evidence of God's work in Antioch.
5) Communication: He exhorted and Taught the People.
6) Companionship: He knew when help was needed and sought out Paul to come and minister with him.
Let's pray and ask God to make us a "Barnabas" to those in need of an encouraging friend.
Sunday evening was a good night. We thought about three key words that should describe us as we seek to be all that God would have us to be in the days ahead.
1) Trust: Trust the Lord and Respect the leaders He gives us.
2) Transformation: Growth will at times call for a change in our Mind and our Methods. The level of thinking that brought us to this point in our church will probably not lead us ahead. We need the Lord to transform our minds for the sake of the Kingdom.
3) Team Work: We must work together. Many hands will make the burden light. Let's join up together to accomplish much for the Glory of God and the good of others.
It is a Blessing to serve as your Pastor,
Pastor Mike
We concluded Acts 11 and what an exciting story is contained there in the birth of the church at Antioch. A pagan city becomes the place of a prominent Church. God can do great things if we will follow His leadership. I long to see him work in and through us to reach our community and our county with the transforming power of the Gospel.
Let's ask God to give us the spirit of Barnabas. We would do well to emulate his...
1) Character: He was a generous man and a good man.
2) Christianity: He was FULL of the Holy Spirit!
3) Commitment: He was full of FAITH.
4) Cheerfulness: He was GLAD when He saw the evidence of God's work in Antioch.
5) Communication: He exhorted and Taught the People.
6) Companionship: He knew when help was needed and sought out Paul to come and minister with him.
Let's pray and ask God to make us a "Barnabas" to those in need of an encouraging friend.
Sunday evening was a good night. We thought about three key words that should describe us as we seek to be all that God would have us to be in the days ahead.
1) Trust: Trust the Lord and Respect the leaders He gives us.
2) Transformation: Growth will at times call for a change in our Mind and our Methods. The level of thinking that brought us to this point in our church will probably not lead us ahead. We need the Lord to transform our minds for the sake of the Kingdom.
3) Team Work: We must work together. Many hands will make the burden light. Let's join up together to accomplish much for the Glory of God and the good of others.
It is a Blessing to serve as your Pastor,
Pastor Mike
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Thursday's Thought
It's Thursday and on Thursday I plan to bring you a quote that I have come across in my reading during the week. I came across the following quote by Charles Spurgeon in my reading last week. It is a good one and one that should challenge each of us.
Take a few minutes to think about this...
May God kindle a passion for the lost of our community in the heart of each of us.
For His Glory,
Pastor Mike
Take a few minutes to think about this...
“If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for.” ~ Charles Spurgeon 1860 Sermon at Exeter Hall
May God kindle a passion for the lost of our community in the heart of each of us.
For His Glory,
Pastor Mike
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
A New Series on Wednesday and a Prayer to make Your Own
Tonight we will gather for our Wednesday night prayer meeting. Students in the sixth grade and up are invited to come out at 6:00pm for food and time to hang out and visit with one another. At 7:00pm we will begin with a song, a time of prayer and we will start a five week series on 1 Timothy 4:12. The messages will be geared toward our youth but will certainly be helpful and applicable to each member and guest. If you know any youth, invite them to join us. Sixth grade and up can join us at 6:00pm and EVERYONE may join us at 7:00pm
Here is a prayer from Thomas a Kempis for you to read over and make your own.
"Strengthen me, O God, by the grace of thy Holy Spirit. Grant me to be strengthened with might in the inner man, and to empty my heart of all useless care and anguish. O Lord, grant me heavenly wisdom, that I may learn above all things to relish and to love Thee, and to think of all other things as being, what indeed they are, at the disposal of Thy wisdom, - Amen."
Here is a prayer from Thomas a Kempis for you to read over and make your own.
"Strengthen me, O God, by the grace of thy Holy Spirit. Grant me to be strengthened with might in the inner man, and to empty my heart of all useless care and anguish. O Lord, grant me heavenly wisdom, that I may learn above all things to relish and to love Thee, and to think of all other things as being, what indeed they are, at the disposal of Thy wisdom, - Amen."
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Praying and Preparing to See Christ at Work
I believe the next few Sunday's can be significant Sunday's in the life of our Church family. This coming Sunday (August 21) we will continue in Acts 11, looking at the Church in Antioch. There are qualities and characteristics of that Church that we want to have in our Church. Take time to Pray this week, read Acts 11:19-30 and ask God to prepare your heart for the message He has for you.
On Sunday, August 28th, I plan to deliver a message God placed on my heart several weeks ago. I truly believe it can be a pivotal message in the life of our church. I earnestly covet your prayers as I seek to develop the message I believe God wants us to hear. The Scripture we will turn to will be Matthew 5:14-16 and I believe our Heavenly Father wants us to know that "It's Time to Uncover Our Light."
I am excited as I think about what God can do in our presence over the next several weeks. Let's pray, read the Word, keep our eyes and ears open for "Divine Appointments", invite others to join us in worship on Sunday and let's see what God will do in the weeks ahead.
With Love and Anticipation,
Pastor Mike
On Sunday, August 28th, I plan to deliver a message God placed on my heart several weeks ago. I truly believe it can be a pivotal message in the life of our church. I earnestly covet your prayers as I seek to develop the message I believe God wants us to hear. The Scripture we will turn to will be Matthew 5:14-16 and I believe our Heavenly Father wants us to know that "It's Time to Uncover Our Light."
I am excited as I think about what God can do in our presence over the next several weeks. Let's pray, read the Word, keep our eyes and ears open for "Divine Appointments", invite others to join us in worship on Sunday and let's see what God will do in the weeks ahead.
With Love and Anticipation,
Pastor Mike
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday Summary - August 14, 2011
We have been continuing our journey through the book of Acts and on Sunday we were in Acts 11. In the opening scene of Acts 11, we encounter a group of devoutly religious people; some probably had their hands on their hips and others with their arms folded sternly across their chest. With a scowl on their face coupled with a look of disbelief they are looking at the Apostle Peter and saying... "You Did What?!?!"
They were not excited about Cornelius and his household coming to faith in Christ. They were worked up over the fact that Peter had crossed the line and had a meal with Cornelius and that he had hung out with the Gentiles. After facing their CONFRONTATION, Peter gave a complete EXPLANATION of the event which is rich with instruction for us today.
Here are some of the highlights that we need to think through and apply on our own lives.
1) Peter tells them the whole situation started off when he was on the roof PRAYING.
Well, that's a good place to start. James reminds us that the "effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" I hope we will see the results of availing prayer in our church, our community and our county in the days ahead.
2) Next he received a clear REVELATION from the Lord.
We are blessed in that we can receive a clear revelation from the Lord EVERY SINGLE day. All we have to do is open His Word, read it and listen to what the Spirit says through the Word. May we hear and heed the revelation God has for us in His Word.
3) The CIRCUMSTANCES served to confirm that God was up to something.
Three times he sees a vision and hears a clear Word from heaven. The very NEXT moment there are three guys at the front door looking for Peter. You think that didn't have his attention? As we are praying and in the Word we need to keep our eyes open to what God is doing all around us.
4) Can I get a WITNESS?
Peter did, he had SIX of them. Six companions traveled with Peter to Cornelius' house. The witnesses served as a significant and reliable confirmation of God's leading in Peter's life. It makes me think that it may not be too wise to rush off into something without others to affirm and confirm our decision and direction.
5) The ground was PREPARED, the harvest was ready and God BLESSED Peter's preaching.
Peter preached and before he could finish the Holy Spirit fell on everyone gathered in Cornelius' house. That had to be EXCITING? Acts 11:13-14 are very interesting verses to me. In these verses, Cornelius tells how the angel had told him that Peter would bring a message by which Cornelius and all in his household would be saved. No wonder Cornelius had invited a crowd over (Acts 10:24-27). He believed the message he and his family would hear would CHANGE their lives and so he made sure to get as many as possible crowded into his home to hear the message. So, the question before us is "Who are we bringing to hear the message of salvation? Who are we inviting over to hear the message that "Jesus Saves"? The message WILL change lives. Maybe we need to have some home gatherings for the purpose of telling others about Jesus.
6) Peter ends his "Testimony" with a word of SCRIPTURE.
Notice what he tells the brothers listening to him; "I remembered the Word of the Lord, how he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." It's ALWAYS good to remember the Word of the Lord!
The Jewish brothers who sought Peter out for a CONFRONTATION now came around to a clear RECOGNITION of the fact that God was doing a mighty work among the Gentiles. They concluded "Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life." Thanks to that vitally important truth we are able to meet and worship the Lord each Sunday. Not because of our own good or our religious affiliation or even our religious heritage. We meet and worship a Risen Savior because He has GRANTED to us repentance that leads to life.
I want this message to infiltrate my thoughts and actions. I want it to transform me and our church. God has placed us in a community that NEEDS to hear the Gospel and we have to be willing to cross barriers to share the Good News with others. When we do we will see households come to Christ. After all the book of Acts is not the Acts of the Apostles, or the Acts of the Early Church; it is the Acts of The Resurrected Savior through the Holy Spirit. So I pray we will see the Spirit move in our midst in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Do you want that? Then let's pray, read the Word and look for God at work in the everyday details of life.
I'll have more to share with you tomorrow.
For His Glory,
Pastor Mike
They were not excited about Cornelius and his household coming to faith in Christ. They were worked up over the fact that Peter had crossed the line and had a meal with Cornelius and that he had hung out with the Gentiles. After facing their CONFRONTATION, Peter gave a complete EXPLANATION of the event which is rich with instruction for us today.
Here are some of the highlights that we need to think through and apply on our own lives.
1) Peter tells them the whole situation started off when he was on the roof PRAYING.
Well, that's a good place to start. James reminds us that the "effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" I hope we will see the results of availing prayer in our church, our community and our county in the days ahead.
2) Next he received a clear REVELATION from the Lord.
We are blessed in that we can receive a clear revelation from the Lord EVERY SINGLE day. All we have to do is open His Word, read it and listen to what the Spirit says through the Word. May we hear and heed the revelation God has for us in His Word.
3) The CIRCUMSTANCES served to confirm that God was up to something.
Three times he sees a vision and hears a clear Word from heaven. The very NEXT moment there are three guys at the front door looking for Peter. You think that didn't have his attention? As we are praying and in the Word we need to keep our eyes open to what God is doing all around us.
4) Can I get a WITNESS?
Peter did, he had SIX of them. Six companions traveled with Peter to Cornelius' house. The witnesses served as a significant and reliable confirmation of God's leading in Peter's life. It makes me think that it may not be too wise to rush off into something without others to affirm and confirm our decision and direction.
5) The ground was PREPARED, the harvest was ready and God BLESSED Peter's preaching.
Peter preached and before he could finish the Holy Spirit fell on everyone gathered in Cornelius' house. That had to be EXCITING? Acts 11:13-14 are very interesting verses to me. In these verses, Cornelius tells how the angel had told him that Peter would bring a message by which Cornelius and all in his household would be saved. No wonder Cornelius had invited a crowd over (Acts 10:24-27). He believed the message he and his family would hear would CHANGE their lives and so he made sure to get as many as possible crowded into his home to hear the message. So, the question before us is "Who are we bringing to hear the message of salvation? Who are we inviting over to hear the message that "Jesus Saves"? The message WILL change lives. Maybe we need to have some home gatherings for the purpose of telling others about Jesus.
6) Peter ends his "Testimony" with a word of SCRIPTURE.
Notice what he tells the brothers listening to him; "I remembered the Word of the Lord, how he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." It's ALWAYS good to remember the Word of the Lord!
The Jewish brothers who sought Peter out for a CONFRONTATION now came around to a clear RECOGNITION of the fact that God was doing a mighty work among the Gentiles. They concluded "Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life." Thanks to that vitally important truth we are able to meet and worship the Lord each Sunday. Not because of our own good or our religious affiliation or even our religious heritage. We meet and worship a Risen Savior because He has GRANTED to us repentance that leads to life.
I want this message to infiltrate my thoughts and actions. I want it to transform me and our church. God has placed us in a community that NEEDS to hear the Gospel and we have to be willing to cross barriers to share the Good News with others. When we do we will see households come to Christ. After all the book of Acts is not the Acts of the Apostles, or the Acts of the Early Church; it is the Acts of The Resurrected Savior through the Holy Spirit. So I pray we will see the Spirit move in our midst in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Do you want that? Then let's pray, read the Word and look for God at work in the everyday details of life.
I'll have more to share with you tomorrow.
For His Glory,
Pastor Mike
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Business Meetings, Budget Reports and Blessings
Last night we held our monthly "Member's Meeting." That's when the members look after the business of the Church. We look at what we have done, what we are doing and where we are going. We had a fair amount of business to deal with last night and everything went very well.
It is always exciting to make progress on various projects and goals. Ministry reports, plans for Homecoming, planning clean up days for our building and grounds, buying an ice maker and a few other odds and ends occupied our time and discussion.
As our member's know, I always like to look at how we started the month and where we ended the month. It's always a blessing to end with a little more than we started with. How do we do it? Are we a wealthy congregation? Do we have some secret reserve of finances? Are we exceptionally wise stewards? I don't know. But there is one thing I know. Our church budget typically reveals a church body that believes the truth of Proverbs 11:24.
This proverb says: "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want." As we give to the Lord's work and special ministry opportunities it seems as if the Lord continues to bless us. If we want to continue to experience God's blessings as individuals and as a church body we just need to "give freely" and trust God to take care of us.
We can either be "givers" or "withholders" and we will either "grow" or "suffer want." May we all continue to be givers!
For His Glory,
Pastor Mike
It is always exciting to make progress on various projects and goals. Ministry reports, plans for Homecoming, planning clean up days for our building and grounds, buying an ice maker and a few other odds and ends occupied our time and discussion.
As our member's know, I always like to look at how we started the month and where we ended the month. It's always a blessing to end with a little more than we started with. How do we do it? Are we a wealthy congregation? Do we have some secret reserve of finances? Are we exceptionally wise stewards? I don't know. But there is one thing I know. Our church budget typically reveals a church body that believes the truth of Proverbs 11:24.
This proverb says: "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want." As we give to the Lord's work and special ministry opportunities it seems as if the Lord continues to bless us. If we want to continue to experience God's blessings as individuals and as a church body we just need to "give freely" and trust God to take care of us.
We can either be "givers" or "withholders" and we will either "grow" or "suffer want." May we all continue to be givers!
For His Glory,
Pastor Mike
Monday, August 8, 2011
Thank God for Prayers, Pastors and Promises!
It is a blessing for each of us to talk with our Heavenly father about Anything, Anywhere at Anytime through our times of PRAYER. Today I have sensed the prayers of our Church family on our behalf. Thank you for praying for us and I pray that God will teach me to pray more for you. Prayers are powerful! In James 5:16 we read: "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (ESV). What a blessing to experience the power of prayer.
This afternoon we met with a PASTOR friend to be reminded of the power of the Gospel to change hearts and lives. You would think I, as a Pastor, would not need such a reminder; but sometimes in the midst of a storm its often easy to lose sight of the reality that guides us and guards us. The Gospel makes the difference! It is the Power of God! I sense that God has some tremendous lessons to teach our family in the days ahead and I pray that I will be a good student. Our Pastor friend listened attentively and then shared grace and truth with us in a way that helped to adjust our focus and calm our hearts. Thanks Robbie for spending some time with us this afternoon.
PROMISES. A promise is defined as "an express assurance on which expectation is to be based." God's word gives us a great promise in Romans 8:28. Here we read: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." As we go through events and situations that we do not understand and can't make sense out of we can have the "express assurance" that God is working "all things" "together for good," The same God that orchestrated the meeting of Peter and Cornelius is working in my life AND your life today. He is working through the various blessing and burdens of life for His Glory and our Good. I'm grateful for His promise and the assurance it gives me at this time.
So at this moment I am very thankful for Prayers, Pastors, and Promises. Maybe you too can be thankful for the same - I hope so.
For His Glory,
Pastor Mike
This afternoon we met with a PASTOR friend to be reminded of the power of the Gospel to change hearts and lives. You would think I, as a Pastor, would not need such a reminder; but sometimes in the midst of a storm its often easy to lose sight of the reality that guides us and guards us. The Gospel makes the difference! It is the Power of God! I sense that God has some tremendous lessons to teach our family in the days ahead and I pray that I will be a good student. Our Pastor friend listened attentively and then shared grace and truth with us in a way that helped to adjust our focus and calm our hearts. Thanks Robbie for spending some time with us this afternoon.
PROMISES. A promise is defined as "an express assurance on which expectation is to be based." God's word gives us a great promise in Romans 8:28. Here we read: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." As we go through events and situations that we do not understand and can't make sense out of we can have the "express assurance" that God is working "all things" "together for good," The same God that orchestrated the meeting of Peter and Cornelius is working in my life AND your life today. He is working through the various blessing and burdens of life for His Glory and our Good. I'm grateful for His promise and the assurance it gives me at this time.
So at this moment I am very thankful for Prayers, Pastors, and Promises. Maybe you too can be thankful for the same - I hope so.
For His Glory,
Pastor Mike
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Sunday Summary - August 7, 2011
We enjoyed another blessed day at Everett Springs Baptist Church! It was great to be back with our church family after being away ministering at Word of Life Ranch in Pottersville, NY. I am very grateful for the message God allowed me to deliver from Acts 10. If you have not taken the time to slowly and thoughtfully read through Acts 10 I want to encourage you to do so. It is a THRILLING chapter detailing the Gospel going to the Gentiles. The chapter is filled with miracles as God orchestrates the spreading of the Gospel.
Here is a summary of how the chapter flows. Hopefully it will be a reminder to all who heard the message and it will be a motivation to others to read the passage for their own edification.
1. Searching (vv. 1-2) Cornelius is searching for the truth as God draws him to Himself.
2. Hungering (vv.9-10) Peter is up on the roof to pray and is hungry.
3. Dreaming (V. 10) God sends a vision to Peter using his hunger to teach him an important lesson.
4. Wondering (vv. 17-19) Peter doesn't yet get the lesson God has for him but is pondering about what he needs to know about the vision of the sheet and animals.
5. Entertaining (v. 23) This is big - Peter hosts the three Gentile visitors for the night. God is at work breaking down racial and religious barriers for the spread of the Gospel.
6. Traveling (vv. 23-24) Fish do not jump in the boat, the fisherman must go after them. God said those who followed him would become fishers of men and Paul is traveling to Caesarea to share the Gospel with Cornelius. Who are we going to share the Gospel with?
7. Questioning (v. 29) Peter asked: "Why did you send for me?" Questions open the mind and engage one's conscience. May God lead us to ask the right questions of our friends and family members.
8. Witnessing (vv. 34-43) Here you have one of the best and clearest presentations of the Gospel to a Gentile audience in the New testament. (Perhaps I will write more on this in the days ahead).
9. Baptizing (vv. 44, 47-48) Wow, what a message. "While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word." Wouldn't it be something to experience that kind of message and response today? They were Baptized into the Spirit and then followed the Lord in believer's baptism!
I love the message of Acts 10. I pray that we will see God work in our midst in the weeks ahead to send us to those who need to hear the Gospel and that we may see some come to the Savior.
Sunday Night - What a night! I was able to share an update about my ministry at the Word of Life Ranch in NY. We also saw the "Week in Review" video from the week of camp. We also heard the Lord's thoughts about Children as recorded in Mark 10:13-16. Then I shared with our dear church family a heavy burden that we are bearing. God lightened our burden by allowing our dear brothers and sisters in Christ to share the burden with us. We concluded with a sweet time of prayer. The Lord's presence was real and the peace of God was felt. How do people make it without a church family? I do not know. I do know this, we ALL have burdens we bear. We all at times feel as if someone is standing on our chest and we cannot breathe. We all have heartaches and burdens that at times seem overwhelming. I also know that God has placed believers into the Body of Christ AND into a local church body and it is in and through that body that we gain the strength and ability to function and press on when we feel as if we can't take another step.
All who gathered together on Sunday night experienced the truth of Hebrews 10:24-25 which says:
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."We met together, wept together, prayed together and were encouraged to press on together.
Everett Springs family, I am grateful for your prayers and I am compelled to pray for you and your needs with a greater sense of understanding and with a deeper feeling of the burdens that we each bear.
I Love You,
Pastor Mike
Here is a summary of how the chapter flows. Hopefully it will be a reminder to all who heard the message and it will be a motivation to others to read the passage for their own edification.
1. Searching (vv. 1-2) Cornelius is searching for the truth as God draws him to Himself.
2. Hungering (vv.9-10) Peter is up on the roof to pray and is hungry.
3. Dreaming (V. 10) God sends a vision to Peter using his hunger to teach him an important lesson.
4. Wondering (vv. 17-19) Peter doesn't yet get the lesson God has for him but is pondering about what he needs to know about the vision of the sheet and animals.
5. Entertaining (v. 23) This is big - Peter hosts the three Gentile visitors for the night. God is at work breaking down racial and religious barriers for the spread of the Gospel.
6. Traveling (vv. 23-24) Fish do not jump in the boat, the fisherman must go after them. God said those who followed him would become fishers of men and Paul is traveling to Caesarea to share the Gospel with Cornelius. Who are we going to share the Gospel with?
7. Questioning (v. 29) Peter asked: "Why did you send for me?" Questions open the mind and engage one's conscience. May God lead us to ask the right questions of our friends and family members.
8. Witnessing (vv. 34-43) Here you have one of the best and clearest presentations of the Gospel to a Gentile audience in the New testament. (Perhaps I will write more on this in the days ahead).
9. Baptizing (vv. 44, 47-48) Wow, what a message. "While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word." Wouldn't it be something to experience that kind of message and response today? They were Baptized into the Spirit and then followed the Lord in believer's baptism!
I love the message of Acts 10. I pray that we will see God work in our midst in the weeks ahead to send us to those who need to hear the Gospel and that we may see some come to the Savior.
Sunday Night - What a night! I was able to share an update about my ministry at the Word of Life Ranch in NY. We also saw the "Week in Review" video from the week of camp. We also heard the Lord's thoughts about Children as recorded in Mark 10:13-16. Then I shared with our dear church family a heavy burden that we are bearing. God lightened our burden by allowing our dear brothers and sisters in Christ to share the burden with us. We concluded with a sweet time of prayer. The Lord's presence was real and the peace of God was felt. How do people make it without a church family? I do not know. I do know this, we ALL have burdens we bear. We all at times feel as if someone is standing on our chest and we cannot breathe. We all have heartaches and burdens that at times seem overwhelming. I also know that God has placed believers into the Body of Christ AND into a local church body and it is in and through that body that we gain the strength and ability to function and press on when we feel as if we can't take another step.
All who gathered together on Sunday night experienced the truth of Hebrews 10:24-25 which says:
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."We met together, wept together, prayed together and were encouraged to press on together.
Everett Springs family, I am grateful for your prayers and I am compelled to pray for you and your needs with a greater sense of understanding and with a deeper feeling of the burdens that we each bear.
I Love You,
Pastor Mike
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Headed Home!
Up at 4:30am for a 5:00am pick up to head to the Albany, NY airport. We made it to the airport in good time. It's now 7:20am, as I write this update. The airport has free Wi-Fi service, so I am posting this update with my I-pod touch (I think that is pretty cool). The week of camp ended up very well. The campers were very attentive and responsive to the messages. The staff was also grateful for the teaching ministry I had with the students. I am always grateful and excited to teach the Word of God to children at camp. I sure do appreciate our Church family allowing me this opportunity to extend our ministry.
I will be glad to home to see Marilyn and Stephen. I am also looking forward to being back with our Church family tomorrow. We will be in Acts 10 for the message tomorrow morning. I think I will share a camp update tomorrow evening. Well, it will be time to board the plan in a few minutes so I better wrap this post up for now.
For His Glory,
Pastor Mike
I will be glad to home to see Marilyn and Stephen. I am also looking forward to being back with our Church family tomorrow. We will be in Acts 10 for the message tomorrow morning. I think I will share a camp update tomorrow evening. Well, it will be time to board the plan in a few minutes so I better wrap this post up for now.
For His Glory,
Pastor Mike
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Thursday Afternoon at the Ranch
It's 1:40pm as I pause to write this update. Today I spoke on how we are to be example of the believers in our LOVE. There are three loves that we should have; 1) Love for the Lord, 2) Love for our Neighbors, and 3) Love for our Enemies. It was a bit humorous to me that after speaking on loving our enemies the campers all went down to "Main Street" to see the capture and "trial" of the bandits. Of course it was all in good fun, but some of the younger campers were pretty excited about capturing those "Stinky Bandits."
Here are a few pictures from the day:
Tomorrow, I will wrap up with a message on Daniel and how he was an example with his Words, Conduct and Love. Then I will fly home on Saturday and be back with our Church family on Sunday. I am looking forward to preaching from Acts 10 on Sunday and will be spending the next couple of days preparing for our Sunday service.
For His Glory,
Pastor Mike
Here are a few pictures from the day:
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| Council Hall Where we have "Bible Hour" each day |
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| "Deputies" and "Sheriffs" Bible Hour |
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| "Rangers" Bible Hour |
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| Hunting the "Bandits" on Main Street |
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| Marshall Jon and the "Bandit" at the Dunk Tank |
For His Glory,
Pastor Mike
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Home at the Ranch
I am at the Word of Life Ranch in Pottersville, NY speaking to 350 children. The morning Bible Hour for ages 6-10 is at 9:00AM and the Bible Hour for ages 11-12 is at 11:00AM. I am speaking from 1 Timothy 4:12 and challenging the students to be an example of the believers. Monday's message focused on what a "Believer" believes. Tuesday we focused on how to be an example in the words we speak. Today the focus was on a believer's conduct. The children and staff have been attentive to the messages and I believe the Lord is using them in the lives of the campers and counselors.
I am staying in a cabin that the Word of Life Bible Institute uses for their guest professors during the school year. Here's a few pictures of the cabin.
The son is up early here in the Northeast. I usually get up around 7:20. Breakfast is at 8:15 and then I head over to "Council Hall" to set up my computer and get ready for the 9:00AM meeting with the "Deputies" (Ages 6-7) and Sheriffs (Ages 8-10). After the meeting I usually read my Bible and another book I am reading until the 11:00Am meeting for the "Rangers" (Ages 11-12). Then its lunch time. After lunch I have visited with some of my friends up here and then head back to the cabin to work on the notes and graphics for the next day's message.
Here are a couple of pictures of the younger group of campers in "Council Hall"
It's 2:40 on Wednesday as I write this and I need to go out and get some more pictures to share with you in the next update. So I am going to head out in a few minutes to do just that.
Check back tomorrow and I WILL have another update for you.
I'm thinking of and praying for our Church family and am looking forward to being back with you on Sunday. I appreciate you allowing me this ministry opportunity and will be glad to share the highlights with you when i get back home.
For His Glory,
Pastor Mike
I am staying in a cabin that the Word of Life Bible Institute uses for their guest professors during the school year. Here's a few pictures of the cabin.
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| "Big Chief" Cabin at Word of Life Ranch |
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| Schroon Lake off the front deck of the cabin |
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| I work on my messages at this table each afternoon. |
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| The Living Area |
Here are a couple of pictures of the younger group of campers in "Council Hall"
Check back tomorrow and I WILL have another update for you.
I'm thinking of and praying for our Church family and am looking forward to being back with you on Sunday. I appreciate you allowing me this ministry opportunity and will be glad to share the highlights with you when i get back home.
For His Glory,
Pastor Mike
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