Thoughts Nov.19 2010
THOUGHTS FROM JACK AND GLAD
THANKSGIVING: A GREAT OPPPORTUNITY TO GLORFY GOD
LUKE 17:11-19
There are many reasons for giving glory and thanks to God. It should be obvious to everyone that God meets our needs. HE created us and He loves us very much. We are His children. Therefore, we should express our thanks and praise to Him. In this chapter in Luke, we have an example of ten lepers, who came to Jesus and asked for mercy because of their terrible disease. Jesus healed all ten of them and told them to go, as an act of faith, and show themselves to the priests. As they were going all were healed. Jesus healed them all. Now think of this, only one of the ten returned. Nine of these lepers did not return to give glory to God. As Christians we must see that God the Father, through HIS Son and Holy Spirit, infinitely blesses us just as he blessed these poor lepers. So Jesus asked the question, "Where are the other nine?" Did they not see any reason for going back to Jesus to thank Him?
Jesus was not lamenting that the nine didn't return to glorify God. He was surprised that they did not see the need to thank God. God doesn't need our praise nor thanksgiving for Himself, but we desperately need to praise and thank the Lord because when we do, we ourselves have a wonderful opportunity to increase our relationship with Him. We experience His presence when we praise and thank Him. We need to be thankful! We need to give praise!
Thanksgiving is not just a holiday, but it can be a time of year when we emphasize our thankfulness to God with our families and friends. It was reported last year on internet that Thanksgiving was the least important holiday in America. It has been suggested that we should not have a special day of thanks anymore. Why have we become less thankful?!
There is a very good lesson that we miss if we do not read and understand the whole story of the ten lepers. Jesus said to the 10th leper, go your way, your faith has made you whole. The Greek word used here for whole is 'sozo.' It literally means "Your faith has saved you." Jesus was saying, "You recognize me as Lord and you not only are healed but saved as well." All ten lepers received healing for their leprosy, but only one came back to give glory to God. Only one gave praise and thanksgiving to God. And only one received complete spiritual healing from God. God does a deep spiritual work in each of us as we give Him praise and thanks! Let's all take every opportunity to give thanks and praise and glory to God, not only at this holiday time, but every day that we live. It is the only way to experience deep spiritual renewal in our lives.
Give thanks to the Lord for He alone is good!
Brother Jack and Glad
THANKSGIVING: A GREAT OPPPORTUNITY TO GLORFY GOD
LUKE 17:11-19
There are many reasons for giving glory and thanks to God. It should be obvious to everyone that God meets our needs. HE created us and He loves us very much. We are His children. Therefore, we should express our thanks and praise to Him. In this chapter in Luke, we have an example of ten lepers, who came to Jesus and asked for mercy because of their terrible disease. Jesus healed all ten of them and told them to go, as an act of faith, and show themselves to the priests. As they were going all were healed. Jesus healed them all. Now think of this, only one of the ten returned. Nine of these lepers did not return to give glory to God. As Christians we must see that God the Father, through HIS Son and Holy Spirit, infinitely blesses us just as he blessed these poor lepers. So Jesus asked the question, "Where are the other nine?" Did they not see any reason for going back to Jesus to thank Him?
Jesus was not lamenting that the nine didn't return to glorify God. He was surprised that they did not see the need to thank God. God doesn't need our praise nor thanksgiving for Himself, but we desperately need to praise and thank the Lord because when we do, we ourselves have a wonderful opportunity to increase our relationship with Him. We experience His presence when we praise and thank Him. We need to be thankful! We need to give praise!
Thanksgiving is not just a holiday, but it can be a time of year when we emphasize our thankfulness to God with our families and friends. It was reported last year on internet that Thanksgiving was the least important holiday in America. It has been suggested that we should not have a special day of thanks anymore. Why have we become less thankful?!
There is a very good lesson that we miss if we do not read and understand the whole story of the ten lepers. Jesus said to the 10th leper, go your way, your faith has made you whole. The Greek word used here for whole is 'sozo.' It literally means "Your faith has saved you." Jesus was saying, "You recognize me as Lord and you not only are healed but saved as well." All ten lepers received healing for their leprosy, but only one came back to give glory to God. Only one gave praise and thanksgiving to God. And only one received complete spiritual healing from God. God does a deep spiritual work in each of us as we give Him praise and thanks! Let's all take every opportunity to give thanks and praise and glory to God, not only at this holiday time, but every day that we live. It is the only way to experience deep spiritual renewal in our lives.
Give thanks to the Lord for He alone is good!
Brother Jack and Glad
Pastor's thoughts 11 11 2010
GOD'S GIFT OF GLORY: DON'T MISS IT
Part ONE
2 CORINTHIANS 3:16-18; 4:1, 6.
INTRODUCTION: I was praying about this weeks thoughts when a portion verse of
the Bible came to me. It was a portion of 2 Cor. 3:18, which said, we all … are
changed into the same image from glory to glory. I didn't even know where the
verse was found and I had to look it up. At that point I was sure that this was special.
I. SEEK THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD'S GLORY. We need to seek this knowledge it
for ourselves. We see it like looking in a mirror, with Our Lord is standing behind
us. We see ourselves and then we behold the image of the glory of the Lord
standing behind us. No sinful man can look into God's face and see the totality
of HIS GLORY.
If you will read 2 Cor. 3rd AND 4th chapters you will understand, why it is so
important for us to understand God's special gift of glory to us. "For God who
commanded the light to shine out in the darkness, hath shined in our hearts,
to give light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
(2 Cor.4:6),
II. SEE GOD'S GLORY IN JESUS IN EVERYDAY LIFE. (2 Cor. 3:18).
This verse says that we are constantly being transfigured into His very own
image … and we are going from glory to glory (for this comes from the Lord
Who is the Spirit." Amplified version.
What the scripture says is that we can be assured God will let us experience
the glory of God in our lives. We can experience His presence through face
of Jesus Christ.
III. SHARE GOD'S GLORY THROUGH OUR MINISTRY. (2 Cor. 4: 1,4-6).
We need to see and read this whole chapter. Paul is telling one of the most
sinful churches of that day, that they can serve Christ. That people can see
through us the light of the gospel of Christ. Paul is so excited and says, "We
don't preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your
servants for Jesus' sake. He says, For God said Jesus made his light shine
in our hearts to give us light of the knowledge of the glory of God in face of
Christ. (2Cor. 4:5-6).
CONCLUSION: My prayer is that you and I do not miss the glory of God and all
that God has for us. My desire is to wet your appetite for more. Next week we will
share about thanksgiving, praise and ways to give glory to God.
THOUGHTS FROM JACK AND GLAD NOVEMBER 2, 2010
THOUGH HE SLAY ME, YET WILL I TRUST HIM
For several weeks I have thought of the verse from Job "Though He slay me yet will I trust Him." Job 13:15 and then another 'though' emerged in my Bible study over the past few weeks. The other 'though,' was in Philippians 2:6-7 "Though being in the form of God He thought it not robbery being equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant and coming in the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of man." I thought first of Job's statement. Job suffered every possible way that a man can suffer. His wife told him when all the calamities hit Job, to curse God and die. Then after this he was sorely afflicted over his whole body. His friends came to him with skewed theology and told him to confess his secret sins. He tried to maintain his integrity. Finally, Job made his great statement of faith in God when he said, "Though He slay me yet will I trust HIM."
This was such an encouragement to me. I told the Lord that I want to let this be a scripture that will guide my life, because Glad and I went through so much frustration, and difficulty in our move here to Richmond. God did bless at every step, but it was so hard. We left what we had know as 'home' for the past 11 years. We left a church family at VBCG who loved us and gave us a wonderful opportunity to serve the Lord and others. But through it all God has given us a new opportunity for service here with family. We trust Him for the future!!
Then I read the other 'though' concerning Jesus in Philippians. Though He was God, He became man in order to suffer and die for me and you. Folks, He did it for us!! He gave us hope, salvation and a future!! There were many other 'thoughs' in the Life of Jesus. However,this 'though' was the most important because it concerned the cross. This also put Job's comment in perspective too. Glad and I sometimes felt like Job during this move. Through all of the things that have transpired over the last couple months,we sometimes failed to see the hand of God in it. So, we have been brought to that wonderful statement, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.' It has greater meaning in our lives that it had even just months ago. My prayer for each of you is that whatever you are going through now, you will look at your problems and say, though this is happening to me, yet will I trust Him. Then you will look to the Cross and see the Resurrection and praise the Lord that Satan cannot take away your trust in Christ and His redemption life from you.
Trusting Him in All Things,
Jack and Glad
For several weeks I have thought of the verse from Job "Though He slay me yet will I trust Him." Job 13:15 and then another 'though' emerged in my Bible study over the past few weeks. The other 'though,' was in Philippians 2:6-7 "Though being in the form of God He thought it not robbery being equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant and coming in the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of man." I thought first of Job's statement. Job suffered every possible way that a man can suffer. His wife told him when all the calamities hit Job, to curse God and die. Then after this he was sorely afflicted over his whole body. His friends came to him with skewed theology and told him to confess his secret sins. He tried to maintain his integrity. Finally, Job made his great statement of faith in God when he said, "Though He slay me yet will I trust HIM."
This was such an encouragement to me. I told the Lord that I want to let this be a scripture that will guide my life, because Glad and I went through so much frustration, and difficulty in our move here to Richmond. God did bless at every step, but it was so hard. We left what we had know as 'home' for the past 11 years. We left a church family at VBCG who loved us and gave us a wonderful opportunity to serve the Lord and others. But through it all God has given us a new opportunity for service here with family. We trust Him for the future!!
Then I read the other 'though' concerning Jesus in Philippians. Though He was God, He became man in order to suffer and die for me and you. Folks, He did it for us!! He gave us hope, salvation and a future!! There were many other 'thoughs' in the Life of Jesus. However,this 'though' was the most important because it concerned the cross. This also put Job's comment in perspective too. Glad and I sometimes felt like Job during this move. Through all of the things that have transpired over the last couple months,we sometimes failed to see the hand of God in it. So, we have been brought to that wonderful statement, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.' It has greater meaning in our lives that it had even just months ago. My prayer for each of you is that whatever you are going through now, you will look at your problems and say, though this is happening to me, yet will I trust Him. Then you will look to the Cross and see the Resurrection and praise the Lord that Satan cannot take away your trust in Christ and His redemption life from you.
Trusting Him in All Things,
Jack and Glad
Pastor Jack's Thoughts Sept.10, 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS
SEPTEMBER 10, 2010
COMBATING THE STRESSORS OF LIFE
All of us go through some major life stressors. Depending on who does the list, some of the top ones are the loss of a loved one or friend, loss of a job, and moving!! One at the very top of one list that I read was moving to a different location. You are leaving friends and family and your brothers and sisters in Christ. This is especially true if you are a senior citizens. Well guess what?! Glad and I wholeheartedly agree. Even our trip half way around the world (1966) with four young children in tow doesn't compare to this move that we are making.
So this occasion has given us time to think about how to deal with stress. What can Christians do about stress? Well I believe the scripture gives us the answer. "In everything give praise (thanks) because this is the will of God for your life (concerning you.)" I Thess. 5:18
Psalm 103 is so special to us. Praise is very precious to God, because it blesses Him and us too. In our worship services we have praise teams to lead us in singing, because corporate praise and worship go together. This Psalm gives us reasons to praise. It changes our focus and helps us look to the Lord. So why praise? Listen to Psalm 103. Read it and mediate on it and let God flood your soul with praise in the situation. It may not change the situation, but it takes You to the Lord who can lift you up and above the current situation in your life.
WE MUST PRAISE HIM BECAUSE OF WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR US. (103:2) Look carefully at that verse and don't forget any of His 'benefits' (blessings) that are yours through His love for you.
The first benefit we see here is that the Lord forgives all our sins. Ps.103:3 This is huge. Yesterday, I received a letter from the mission field where a young woman was in total bondage to moneylenders. She was going to commit suicide, because she believed she was so sinful for getting into this debt. The leaders of the church there shared Christ with her. She accepted HIM and began rejoicing. The burden of sin was lifted. She is rejoicing that she now has help with her problem. Did the problem disappear? No, but now she can find solutions to the problem because of her new life in Jesus and in the way that He gives her answers to solving the problem.
Another benefit that we see in this Psalm is that God heals all our diseases. (Ps.103:3). This is not a name it and claim it philosophy. But our Lord does heal our minds, attitudes, our spirits and our illnesses. Sometimes, HE heals us by taking us to heaven and sometime he heals us through modern medicine but you can be sure that the Healer is God! So we praise HIM for eternal life and for healing.
There is so much to say on this subject that I want to continue this next week. Please think about this and read carefully Psalm 103. It will bless you as it has blessed me!!
Leaning on Him,
Pastor Jack
SEPTEMBER 10, 2010
COMBATING THE STRESSORS OF LIFE
All of us go through some major life stressors. Depending on who does the list, some of the top ones are the loss of a loved one or friend, loss of a job, and moving!! One at the very top of one list that I read was moving to a different location. You are leaving friends and family and your brothers and sisters in Christ. This is especially true if you are a senior citizens. Well guess what?! Glad and I wholeheartedly agree. Even our trip half way around the world (1966) with four young children in tow doesn't compare to this move that we are making.
So this occasion has given us time to think about how to deal with stress. What can Christians do about stress? Well I believe the scripture gives us the answer. "In everything give praise (thanks) because this is the will of God for your life (concerning you.)" I Thess. 5:18
Psalm 103 is so special to us. Praise is very precious to God, because it blesses Him and us too. In our worship services we have praise teams to lead us in singing, because corporate praise and worship go together. This Psalm gives us reasons to praise. It changes our focus and helps us look to the Lord. So why praise? Listen to Psalm 103. Read it and mediate on it and let God flood your soul with praise in the situation. It may not change the situation, but it takes You to the Lord who can lift you up and above the current situation in your life.
WE MUST PRAISE HIM BECAUSE OF WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR US. (103:2) Look carefully at that verse and don't forget any of His 'benefits' (blessings) that are yours through His love for you.
The first benefit we see here is that the Lord forgives all our sins. Ps.103:3 This is huge. Yesterday, I received a letter from the mission field where a young woman was in total bondage to moneylenders. She was going to commit suicide, because she believed she was so sinful for getting into this debt. The leaders of the church there shared Christ with her. She accepted HIM and began rejoicing. The burden of sin was lifted. She is rejoicing that she now has help with her problem. Did the problem disappear? No, but now she can find solutions to the problem because of her new life in Jesus and in the way that He gives her answers to solving the problem.
Another benefit that we see in this Psalm is that God heals all our diseases. (Ps.103:3). This is not a name it and claim it philosophy. But our Lord does heal our minds, attitudes, our spirits and our illnesses. Sometimes, HE heals us by taking us to heaven and sometime he heals us through modern medicine but you can be sure that the Healer is God! So we praise HIM for eternal life and for healing.
There is so much to say on this subject that I want to continue this next week. Please think about this and read carefully Psalm 103. It will bless you as it has blessed me!!
Leaning on Him,
Pastor Jack
Pastor thoughts June 15 2010
PASTOR JACK THOUGHTS JUNE 15, 2010
BE ENCOURAGED! ENCOURAGE OTHERS!
Both the Old Testament and the New Testament have many references about encouragement. We often overlook that word and fail to put it into action in our lives. Actually, many of the scriptures that emphasize courage and encouragement link it with its opposite word, FEAR!! Over and over in the OT, God said to His people, "Do not fear! Be of good courage!" Then right before Jesus gave His life for us on the cross, He spoke these words of encouragement, "These things have I spoken unto you, that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer (be encouraged), I have overcome the world." In John 14 He also said that He was going away, but that He would return to take us with Him to a new heavenly home. What a wonderful word of encouragement to each of us.
The words, "Be of good courage" are mentioned more than 7 times in the N.T. And those words mean "Cheer up!!" Jesus used "Cheer up!" in reference to the fact that He pardons our sins.(Matt. 9:1-8). He says that we are to cheer up when we see His power that is in us. (Matt. 9:18:22). Then in Matthew 13:22-27, Jesus says that He will cheer us up with His precious presence. Jesus longs for us to be a happy and cheerful people. Satan is a discourager, but Jesus says that He gives peace, comfort and encouragement to those who trust in Him (John 16:33.)
Then in many of the books at the end of the NT, Paul, Peter and others often included the words, "Be encouraged and encourage others!" Once a person is encouraged by God and His presence through prayer and Bible study, then he must go out into the world to share that encouragement with those around him. What a better world we would live in if we made this practice a rule in our everyday relationships. Try it and see what happens! Make an honest effort to be an encourager. Change your world to the glory of God.
Do this: Try to encourage at least five people during your day and note the reaction that each person had toward your words or actions of encouragement. Then share your findings with a family member or with a fellow believer. Rejoice together that God used YOU to His glory that day!!
Encouraged By His Spirit,
Pastor Jack
BE ENCOURAGED! ENCOURAGE OTHERS!
Both the Old Testament and the New Testament have many references about encouragement. We often overlook that word and fail to put it into action in our lives. Actually, many of the scriptures that emphasize courage and encouragement link it with its opposite word, FEAR!! Over and over in the OT, God said to His people, "Do not fear! Be of good courage!" Then right before Jesus gave His life for us on the cross, He spoke these words of encouragement, "These things have I spoken unto you, that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer (be encouraged), I have overcome the world." In John 14 He also said that He was going away, but that He would return to take us with Him to a new heavenly home. What a wonderful word of encouragement to each of us.
The words, "Be of good courage" are mentioned more than 7 times in the N.T. And those words mean "Cheer up!!" Jesus used "Cheer up!" in reference to the fact that He pardons our sins.(Matt. 9:1-8). He says that we are to cheer up when we see His power that is in us. (Matt. 9:18:22). Then in Matthew 13:22-27, Jesus says that He will cheer us up with His precious presence. Jesus longs for us to be a happy and cheerful people. Satan is a discourager, but Jesus says that He gives peace, comfort and encouragement to those who trust in Him (John 16:33.)
Then in many of the books at the end of the NT, Paul, Peter and others often included the words, "Be encouraged and encourage others!" Once a person is encouraged by God and His presence through prayer and Bible study, then he must go out into the world to share that encouragement with those around him. What a better world we would live in if we made this practice a rule in our everyday relationships. Try it and see what happens! Make an honest effort to be an encourager. Change your world to the glory of God.
Do this: Try to encourage at least five people during your day and note the reaction that each person had toward your words or actions of encouragement. Then share your findings with a family member or with a fellow believer. Rejoice together that God used YOU to His glory that day!!
Encouraged By His Spirit,
Pastor Jack
Pastor's thoughts Stewardship June 7,2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS JUNE 7, 2010
GOD'S REQUIREMENTS FOR MAN'S STEWARDSHIP
This is 'Stewardship Month' at VBCG and a very important month it is! God has not left us ignorant about His requirements for our lives. Throughout the Old Testament and in the New Testament He spoke of His requirements on how to live life, trust Him and follow Him. When we, as Christians, hear the word 'stewardship' we think immediately of money. We turn away because we don't like for the church to talk about 'our/my money' but alas, it isn't our money. The money is a gift from God (from the very beginning!) Everything in life is a gift from God and we have the responsibility to be faithful in the way we use the time, abilities, money and everything else that God has so graciously provided for us. Without His provision, we have nothing.
This week, take a little time and think about Micah 6:8. It says, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." How do we please God? It is very plain.
1. This verse says that God is pleased when our actions in life are just! In other words, we must be honest in the ways that we interact with other people and with God. We must be honest in the way we use our time, our money and our abilities in dealing with God. But not only that but we must be honest in all of our actions toward other people!
2. God requires that we love mercy. We pay a lot of attention to people and things that we love, don't we?! God requires that we focus our attention and be intense with our love of mercy! This means that we live our lives being kind and forgiving toward others. We have a merciful God and we must take our example from Him.
3. The third statement is the most important: walk humbly with God! It seems that God's Word saves the most important instruction in this verse for last.....walk humbly with God. When you walk with someone you usually do so in unity and in peace and oneness with that person. We don't walk with enemies....we run from them. We don't usually walk with strangers because we don't know them. We walk with a friend or someone we love dearly. To walk with God means to be in unity with Him as a child walks with his mother or father, hand in hand or side by side, trusting and and in perfect peace and submission.
Think about this and adjust the areas of your life that you need to adjust in order to follow God's requirements. As I said yesterday in worship, then you will enter into His joy each day! Be obedient and follow His requirements. You are blessed when you do.
"Help us to be faithful stewards, Lord."
Pastor Jack
GOD'S REQUIREMENTS FOR MAN'S STEWARDSHIP
This is 'Stewardship Month' at VBCG and a very important month it is! God has not left us ignorant about His requirements for our lives. Throughout the Old Testament and in the New Testament He spoke of His requirements on how to live life, trust Him and follow Him. When we, as Christians, hear the word 'stewardship' we think immediately of money. We turn away because we don't like for the church to talk about 'our/my money' but alas, it isn't our money. The money is a gift from God (from the very beginning!) Everything in life is a gift from God and we have the responsibility to be faithful in the way we use the time, abilities, money and everything else that God has so graciously provided for us. Without His provision, we have nothing.
This week, take a little time and think about Micah 6:8. It says, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." How do we please God? It is very plain.
1. This verse says that God is pleased when our actions in life are just! In other words, we must be honest in the ways that we interact with other people and with God. We must be honest in the way we use our time, our money and our abilities in dealing with God. But not only that but we must be honest in all of our actions toward other people!
2. God requires that we love mercy. We pay a lot of attention to people and things that we love, don't we?! God requires that we focus our attention and be intense with our love of mercy! This means that we live our lives being kind and forgiving toward others. We have a merciful God and we must take our example from Him.
3. The third statement is the most important: walk humbly with God! It seems that God's Word saves the most important instruction in this verse for last.....walk humbly with God. When you walk with someone you usually do so in unity and in peace and oneness with that person. We don't walk with enemies....we run from them. We don't usually walk with strangers because we don't know them. We walk with a friend or someone we love dearly. To walk with God means to be in unity with Him as a child walks with his mother or father, hand in hand or side by side, trusting and and in perfect peace and submission.
Think about this and adjust the areas of your life that you need to adjust in order to follow God's requirements. As I said yesterday in worship, then you will enter into His joy each day! Be obedient and follow His requirements. You are blessed when you do.
"Help us to be faithful stewards, Lord."
Pastor Jack
Pastor Jack's Thoughts May 31 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MAY 31, 2010
JOY
What produces joy in a Christian's life? Happiness is often confused with joy but it is so very different. Happiness is usually realized when we are content with material things or pleasing situations in our lives. It can change in proportion to how pleased we are with those things. Joy on the other hand comes from within a contented heart and is not dependent on things or situations. One can be very poor and without material possessions or very ill and feel much pain, but still have an abundance of joy! Amazing isn't it? Christians who suffered in concentration camps have often said that it was the joy of the presence of the Lord that sustained them during difficult times. Joy is like a fountain of water coming from the inside of a person. True joy is a gift of God Himself. It is His blessing. Joy comes from within when we walk with God and obey Him and it is often displayed on the outside of a person too. Proverbs 15:13 says, "A joyful heart makes a cheerful face."
God's Word says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength!" So it is not only seen by others on your face but it is strength that helps you in all parts of daily life! God also gives a promise in Deut. 33:25, "As your days, so shall your strength be." That means that God's strength that comes from the joy of the Lord is unending. It is replenished on a daily basis...in abundance and running over because the source of joy is God Himself!! These are promises in God's Word. We can depend on them.
This coming Sunday, I plan to preach on entering into the joy of the Lord. We, as Christians, must be joyfully obedient to our Father, so we can enter into His joy and make it the daily dwelling place of our inmost being! Joy is contagious so share it. You will be glad you did because your joy will double as you share with others.
Joyfully,
Pastor Jack
JOY
What produces joy in a Christian's life? Happiness is often confused with joy but it is so very different. Happiness is usually realized when we are content with material things or pleasing situations in our lives. It can change in proportion to how pleased we are with those things. Joy on the other hand comes from within a contented heart and is not dependent on things or situations. One can be very poor and without material possessions or very ill and feel much pain, but still have an abundance of joy! Amazing isn't it? Christians who suffered in concentration camps have often said that it was the joy of the presence of the Lord that sustained them during difficult times. Joy is like a fountain of water coming from the inside of a person. True joy is a gift of God Himself. It is His blessing. Joy comes from within when we walk with God and obey Him and it is often displayed on the outside of a person too. Proverbs 15:13 says, "A joyful heart makes a cheerful face."
God's Word says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength!" So it is not only seen by others on your face but it is strength that helps you in all parts of daily life! God also gives a promise in Deut. 33:25, "As your days, so shall your strength be." That means that God's strength that comes from the joy of the Lord is unending. It is replenished on a daily basis...in abundance and running over because the source of joy is God Himself!! These are promises in God's Word. We can depend on them.
This coming Sunday, I plan to preach on entering into the joy of the Lord. We, as Christians, must be joyfully obedient to our Father, so we can enter into His joy and make it the daily dwelling place of our inmost being! Joy is contagious so share it. You will be glad you did because your joy will double as you share with others.
Joyfully,
Pastor Jack
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MAY 24, 2010
SEIZE YOUR OPPORTUNITIES!
Last week I mentioned that Jesus was the Master communicator. We saw how he communicated with the woman at the well in the message yesterday. Now, I would like for you to think about how He always tookevery opportunity to help people. He is a master at that too and He encourages us to do the same. He gave us His own example of this when He was on earth and now He leads us through the power of His Spirit who lives in us. Galatians 5:25 urges us to "live and walk" in His Spirit daily! And Galatians 6:10 tells us "Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all...." just as He did.
Opportunities come into our day like little golden nuggets of surprise. They are not often planned in our schedule but they are suddenly right in front of us and we must reach out and take them. Jesus was tired and weary but He saw the well and He saw the woman standing there and He jumped right into conversation with her. He knew that everyone has a need and she was certainly no exception! He broke all the cultural barriers and reached out to her. It is exciting to see how one opportunity in conversation lead to the next and in the end of it all she ran and got others to come and hear this amazing Man, Jesus. This was not a planned event in Jesus' day but it was a world changing event since that event has been told over and over even until today. It is a story well worth some study. Learn from it and follow Jesus example this week.
Find your opportunities to be kind, to help others, to tell someone of Jesus' love. Try this. Get a piece of paper and write down the opportunities that you had in your last 24 hours. Then write down how you responded to those opportunities. Jesus met people who were lonely and talked with them, He met those who were sick or sad and healed them. Little children came to Jesus and He did not turn them away. He grasped every opportunity with great delight. Look for your opportunities and grasp them, just like Jesus did! Look for the unexpected in your day and make it a golden opportunity to glorify God and love others.
I had a golden opportunity a few days ago. It is my habit to give Bible tracts to people as I go about my day. I was standing in line at the grocery store and turned to a woman behind me. It was the end of the day and she was tired just like I was. The tract title was "You are Special." She took it and with a huge smile she said with great surprise "This says, I am special!!" I responded, "Yes, you are very special to God!" She went away with a joyful smile just because I had seized the golden opportunity that God had suddenly put into my day. Find your opportunities, it will bless your day!
Looking for God's golden opportunities!
Pastor Jack
SEIZE YOUR OPPORTUNITIES!
Last week I mentioned that Jesus was the Master communicator. We saw how he communicated with the woman at the well in the message yesterday. Now, I would like for you to think about how He always tookevery opportunity to help people. He is a master at that too and He encourages us to do the same. He gave us His own example of this when He was on earth and now He leads us through the power of His Spirit who lives in us. Galatians 5:25 urges us to "live and walk" in His Spirit daily! And Galatians 6:10 tells us "Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all...." just as He did.
Opportunities come into our day like little golden nuggets of surprise. They are not often planned in our schedule but they are suddenly right in front of us and we must reach out and take them. Jesus was tired and weary but He saw the well and He saw the woman standing there and He jumped right into conversation with her. He knew that everyone has a need and she was certainly no exception! He broke all the cultural barriers and reached out to her. It is exciting to see how one opportunity in conversation lead to the next and in the end of it all she ran and got others to come and hear this amazing Man, Jesus. This was not a planned event in Jesus' day but it was a world changing event since that event has been told over and over even until today. It is a story well worth some study. Learn from it and follow Jesus example this week.
Find your opportunities to be kind, to help others, to tell someone of Jesus' love. Try this. Get a piece of paper and write down the opportunities that you had in your last 24 hours. Then write down how you responded to those opportunities. Jesus met people who were lonely and talked with them, He met those who were sick or sad and healed them. Little children came to Jesus and He did not turn them away. He grasped every opportunity with great delight. Look for your opportunities and grasp them, just like Jesus did! Look for the unexpected in your day and make it a golden opportunity to glorify God and love others.
I had a golden opportunity a few days ago. It is my habit to give Bible tracts to people as I go about my day. I was standing in line at the grocery store and turned to a woman behind me. It was the end of the day and she was tired just like I was. The tract title was "You are Special." She took it and with a huge smile she said with great surprise "This says, I am special!!" I responded, "Yes, you are very special to God!" She went away with a joyful smile just because I had seized the golden opportunity that God had suddenly put into my day. Find your opportunities, it will bless your day!
Looking for God's golden opportunities!
Pastor Jack
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thoughts May 17 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MAY 17, 2010
COME UNTO ME
Have you ever noticed how many times in the Bible Jesus gives a very gracious invitation to us? That invitation is often followed by a promise or a word of encouragement. He says, "Come unto Me all who are tired and weary and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 He often urges us to"Ask" and promises that He will hear and answer. Matthew 7:7 In other places, Jesus invites us to "knock and the door will be opened" and He also tells us that we should not fear because we are more important to Him than the little sparrows that He cares for daily! Matthew 10:31 Why is it so difficult for us to trust His invitation and believe that God is gracious to us? We are prone to question God and not to trust Him yet, He blesses our trust and faith in Him when we do trust.
There is a very wonderful account in Matthew 8 that tells about Jesus' and a poor leper. The leper, of course, was an outcast due to his illness but he bravely approached Jesus and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean (from my disease)." Then Jesus did an astounding thing that surely startled the crowd. He touched the leper. No one else would touch him. Actually, the law forbid anyone to come close to a leper, much less touch him. But Matthew 8:3 gives Jesus' reply to the man, "I am willing!! Be cleansed.' Immediately his leprosy was cleansed." Our Lord is so gracious!
Jesus is willing to meet all of us at our point of need too. He longs to touch us. He desires that we communicate with Him in prayer. So, why are we so reluctant? We put off our prayer time and Bible study in order to do 'other' things. We ask Him for things but then forget to thank Him when He answers! That is a very human response because we live in a sinful world and Satan tries, at all times, to draw us away from Him.
Think this week about how Jesus responded to the woman at the Samaritan well. John 4 Study His reactions to her questions and to her need in spite of the fact that she didn't know who He was. He was truthful but yet very gracious to her. By the law of the Jews, He shouldn't have even talked to her but He is the God of compassion and love. He knew how to communicate with her in order to draw her to faith in God. What a wonderful Savior we have. Get to know Him better this week by reading about some of the people that He touched as recorded in the New Testament. We can all learn a lot from Him by the way He responded and communicated with people.
Come to Him and learn,
Pastor Jack
COME UNTO ME
Have you ever noticed how many times in the Bible Jesus gives a very gracious invitation to us? That invitation is often followed by a promise or a word of encouragement. He says, "Come unto Me all who are tired and weary and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 He often urges us to"Ask" and promises that He will hear and answer. Matthew 7:7 In other places, Jesus invites us to "knock and the door will be opened" and He also tells us that we should not fear because we are more important to Him than the little sparrows that He cares for daily! Matthew 10:31 Why is it so difficult for us to trust His invitation and believe that God is gracious to us? We are prone to question God and not to trust Him yet, He blesses our trust and faith in Him when we do trust.
There is a very wonderful account in Matthew 8 that tells about Jesus' and a poor leper. The leper, of course, was an outcast due to his illness but he bravely approached Jesus and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean (from my disease)." Then Jesus did an astounding thing that surely startled the crowd. He touched the leper. No one else would touch him. Actually, the law forbid anyone to come close to a leper, much less touch him. But Matthew 8:3 gives Jesus' reply to the man, "I am willing!! Be cleansed.' Immediately his leprosy was cleansed." Our Lord is so gracious!
Jesus is willing to meet all of us at our point of need too. He longs to touch us. He desires that we communicate with Him in prayer. So, why are we so reluctant? We put off our prayer time and Bible study in order to do 'other' things. We ask Him for things but then forget to thank Him when He answers! That is a very human response because we live in a sinful world and Satan tries, at all times, to draw us away from Him.
Think this week about how Jesus responded to the woman at the Samaritan well. John 4 Study His reactions to her questions and to her need in spite of the fact that she didn't know who He was. He was truthful but yet very gracious to her. By the law of the Jews, He shouldn't have even talked to her but He is the God of compassion and love. He knew how to communicate with her in order to draw her to faith in God. What a wonderful Savior we have. Get to know Him better this week by reading about some of the people that He touched as recorded in the New Testament. We can all learn a lot from Him by the way He responded and communicated with people.
Come to Him and learn,
Pastor Jack
Focus on Jesus Coming May 10 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MAY 10, 2010
KEEP YOUR FOCUS
Begin this week by asking yourself "Where is my focus?" Have you noticed lately that the focus of many people is shifting? We seem to be living in a world where our focus is changing from being God centered to being centered on ourselves and other things. Our days are consumed with "me and my." " What makes me happy? How can I make enough to buy what I want?" These are common attitudes with people in our world today. There seems to be a race to succeed and do well for self. On the surface that doesn't seem so bad but when we think of God's desire for His children, it is all backwards.
Take a moment to think about what Jesus taught. He reminded us to love God with all our heart, mind and soul and to show our love for others by putting them first!! That is different isn't it?! He also told us to focus on God's will for our life and to watch and wait for His return as the last days of this world approach. Jesus told the story of the virgins who were waiting for the 'bridegroom' to arrive. Some of them were focused and vigil. They had prepared oil for their lamps and were waiting in the dark night for the bridegroom's arrival. The other virgins were too busy to spend their precious time by keeping their lamps trimmed and filled with oil. They didn't see the need to wait but went about their way doing other things. Then suddenly the call went out, "The bridegroom is coming!! The foolish virgins ran around trying to hurriedly get oil and be prepared but alas, it was too late. They had consumed their time with selfish things and they were not ready!! The virgin who had keep their focus were ready and found great joy and rejoicing in the arrival of the bridegroom!
Jesus used that story to illustrate the need for us to stay focused on His will and His return. He is the bridegroom and the we (the church) are His bride. Have we taken His word lightly and become too consumed with ourselves, our things, our needs, our wants? Or are we ready for Him by staying focused on His will, His way, His Word? It is time for us towake up and look at where we are focused! Blessings await those who work to take care of daily needs for themselves and their family but at the same time stay focused on God.
Should Jesus return to earth today, would you and I be ready? Here are a few hints on how to stay 'God focused.'
Focus on Jesus the Author and Finisher of your faith!! Hebrews 12:2
Pastor Jack
KEEP YOUR FOCUS
Begin this week by asking yourself "Where is my focus?" Have you noticed lately that the focus of many people is shifting? We seem to be living in a world where our focus is changing from being God centered to being centered on ourselves and other things. Our days are consumed with "me and my." " What makes me happy? How can I make enough to buy what I want?" These are common attitudes with people in our world today. There seems to be a race to succeed and do well for self. On the surface that doesn't seem so bad but when we think of God's desire for His children, it is all backwards.
Take a moment to think about what Jesus taught. He reminded us to love God with all our heart, mind and soul and to show our love for others by putting them first!! That is different isn't it?! He also told us to focus on God's will for our life and to watch and wait for His return as the last days of this world approach. Jesus told the story of the virgins who were waiting for the 'bridegroom' to arrive. Some of them were focused and vigil. They had prepared oil for their lamps and were waiting in the dark night for the bridegroom's arrival. The other virgins were too busy to spend their precious time by keeping their lamps trimmed and filled with oil. They didn't see the need to wait but went about their way doing other things. Then suddenly the call went out, "The bridegroom is coming!! The foolish virgins ran around trying to hurriedly get oil and be prepared but alas, it was too late. They had consumed their time with selfish things and they were not ready!! The virgin who had keep their focus were ready and found great joy and rejoicing in the arrival of the bridegroom!
Jesus used that story to illustrate the need for us to stay focused on His will and His return. He is the bridegroom and the we (the church) are His bride. Have we taken His word lightly and become too consumed with ourselves, our things, our needs, our wants? Or are we ready for Him by staying focused on His will, His way, His Word? It is time for us towake up and look at where we are focused! Blessings await those who work to take care of daily needs for themselves and their family but at the same time stay focused on God.
Should Jesus return to earth today, would you and I be ready? Here are a few hints on how to stay 'God focused.'
- Before you get out of bed in the morning, submit your day to Him. Pray and ask Him to direct your day.
- Spend time in His Word. We all have 24 hours, surely some part of 24 hours can be spend reading God's Word.
- Invite His Holy Spirit to direct your actions and attitudes....yes, and even the thoughts you have and the words you say.
Focus on Jesus the Author and Finisher of your faith!! Hebrews 12:2
Pastor Jack
Be Thankful Pastor thoughts May 5 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MAY 5, 2010
BE THANKFUL!!
These are two simple yet powerful little words, be thankful! They are words that carry with them much peace, comfort and joy. God's Word urges us to be thankful and to rejoice. It is a standard for every Christian. Actually being thankful is an attitude by which we should live our lives. Hebrews 12:28b says, "....let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe..." Thankfulness is a meaningful part of our worship to God everyday.
Unfortunately, we often forget to be thankful and ask, "What do I have to be thankful for?" I am reminded of a man in the Old Testament who didn't see the need to be thankful. The story is found in I Samuel 25. David's troops had protected the servants and property of a certain man named Nabal. It was the time of harvest when food was plentiful and David sent word to Nabal and asked if he would please give a little food to his troops since they had provided protection for him and his family throughout the year. Nabal was drunk and refused to show any thankfulness for David and his men. He was not thankful!! David was furious and immediately prepared to take revenge on Nabal but Nabal's wife, Abigail heard about the incident and protected the life of her husband by quickly preparing food for David and his servant and begging David's forgiveness for her husband's rude and unthankful attitude. David listened to her and forgave Nabal because of Abigail's thankful actions and words. Actually, the Bible says that God, Himself, took Nabal's life because of his unthankful attitude and later, Abigail became David's wife. Interesting story!
This week, we have a golden opportunity to show our thankfulness to someone we love and cherish. This Sunday is Mother's Day. We all have or have had a mother. With a few exceptions, she is the one who cared for us and gave us so much during the first 18 years of life! Once a year, we have the blessed opportunity to honor her and thank her for all her selfless work during childhood. It is a special day! Be thankful! We often think of giving flowers or gifts, which is great, but the most cherished thing for a mother's heart is when her child says, "Thank you Mom. I love you." These are golden words for a golden lady. We should express our thanks everyday throughout the whole year, but especially on 'her day.'
Col. 3:15b says, "Be thankful!" It is a command and not an option. Let us not be like Nabal but let us freely give thanks to God, our parents and others. Be a thankful person! You will find that your life will be changed when you are truly thankful!
With Thanksgiving!
Pastor Jack
BE THANKFUL!!
These are two simple yet powerful little words, be thankful! They are words that carry with them much peace, comfort and joy. God's Word urges us to be thankful and to rejoice. It is a standard for every Christian. Actually being thankful is an attitude by which we should live our lives. Hebrews 12:28b says, "....let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe..." Thankfulness is a meaningful part of our worship to God everyday.
Unfortunately, we often forget to be thankful and ask, "What do I have to be thankful for?" I am reminded of a man in the Old Testament who didn't see the need to be thankful. The story is found in I Samuel 25. David's troops had protected the servants and property of a certain man named Nabal. It was the time of harvest when food was plentiful and David sent word to Nabal and asked if he would please give a little food to his troops since they had provided protection for him and his family throughout the year. Nabal was drunk and refused to show any thankfulness for David and his men. He was not thankful!! David was furious and immediately prepared to take revenge on Nabal but Nabal's wife, Abigail heard about the incident and protected the life of her husband by quickly preparing food for David and his servant and begging David's forgiveness for her husband's rude and unthankful attitude. David listened to her and forgave Nabal because of Abigail's thankful actions and words. Actually, the Bible says that God, Himself, took Nabal's life because of his unthankful attitude and later, Abigail became David's wife. Interesting story!
This week, we have a golden opportunity to show our thankfulness to someone we love and cherish. This Sunday is Mother's Day. We all have or have had a mother. With a few exceptions, she is the one who cared for us and gave us so much during the first 18 years of life! Once a year, we have the blessed opportunity to honor her and thank her for all her selfless work during childhood. It is a special day! Be thankful! We often think of giving flowers or gifts, which is great, but the most cherished thing for a mother's heart is when her child says, "Thank you Mom. I love you." These are golden words for a golden lady. We should express our thanks everyday throughout the whole year, but especially on 'her day.'
Col. 3:15b says, "Be thankful!" It is a command and not an option. Let us not be like Nabal but let us freely give thanks to God, our parents and others. Be a thankful person! You will find that your life will be changed when you are truly thankful!
With Thanksgiving!
Pastor Jack
Pastor thoughts Failure and Victory April 26 2010
PASTOR'S THOUGHTS APRIL 26, 2010
FAILURE AND VICTORY
As long as we live in this world, we will face both failure and victory. We, as Christians, do not like to talk about failure and we are a little reluctant to mention our victories, but both of them are realities in life. Along with many other things, the Bible is a huge 'human interest story book.' Let your mind go back to some of the most colorful people listed in God's Word. I am sure you will remember Moses who killed a man, but also led God's people in victory out of slavery! David was a 'man after God's own heart' but also failed terribly when he committed adultery and suffered much because of his failure. Then there were others like Adam, Jacob, Sarah, Noah, all of whom had both failure and victory in their lives. Oh yes, what about Peter?! Peter was commended by Jesus for his bold statement of faith, "You are the Christ the Son of the Living God" but also had great failure when he said, "I don't know the Man (Jesus)" not once but three times!! Each one of these people had failed, but each one also knew the great victory of overcoming their failure. They knew that through repentance and asking God to forgive them, they could go on in life to realize many wonderful victories. God says that His way to victory over failure is 'to repent and believe'!
Take a look at Peter's life. He denied His Lord, but Jesus forgave him and he went on to lead many to Christ. He preached and healed and even wrote several books of the New Testament. When we think of Peter, we have hope that "our sins that so easily beset us" can be put behind us through God's forgiveness and strength. Then we should walk forward in a life of victory that displays God's grace to all around us.
When you do wrong things and know that it is sin, come quickly to repent and ask God to restore you. Remember what the prophet Micah said, "But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me! Do not rejoice over me my enemy (Satan). Though I fall....I will rise! Though I dwell in darkness....the Lord is a Light for me!" Micah 7:7-8. God brings us back to victory even as He did Peter.
Know His Victory and walk in Holy Spirit and in hope!!
Pastor Jack
FAILURE AND VICTORY
As long as we live in this world, we will face both failure and victory. We, as Christians, do not like to talk about failure and we are a little reluctant to mention our victories, but both of them are realities in life. Along with many other things, the Bible is a huge 'human interest story book.' Let your mind go back to some of the most colorful people listed in God's Word. I am sure you will remember Moses who killed a man, but also led God's people in victory out of slavery! David was a 'man after God's own heart' but also failed terribly when he committed adultery and suffered much because of his failure. Then there were others like Adam, Jacob, Sarah, Noah, all of whom had both failure and victory in their lives. Oh yes, what about Peter?! Peter was commended by Jesus for his bold statement of faith, "You are the Christ the Son of the Living God" but also had great failure when he said, "I don't know the Man (Jesus)" not once but three times!! Each one of these people had failed, but each one also knew the great victory of overcoming their failure. They knew that through repentance and asking God to forgive them, they could go on in life to realize many wonderful victories. God says that His way to victory over failure is 'to repent and believe'!
Take a look at Peter's life. He denied His Lord, but Jesus forgave him and he went on to lead many to Christ. He preached and healed and even wrote several books of the New Testament. When we think of Peter, we have hope that "our sins that so easily beset us" can be put behind us through God's forgiveness and strength. Then we should walk forward in a life of victory that displays God's grace to all around us.
When you do wrong things and know that it is sin, come quickly to repent and ask God to restore you. Remember what the prophet Micah said, "But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me! Do not rejoice over me my enemy (Satan). Though I fall....I will rise! Though I dwell in darkness....the Lord is a Light for me!" Micah 7:7-8. God brings us back to victory even as He did Peter.
Know His Victory and walk in Holy Spirit and in hope!!
Pastor Jack
Pastor Thoughts April 19 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS APRIL 19, 2010
WHO DO YOU LOOK LIKE?!
Interesting question?! Sometimes when a baby is born we try to decide which parent the baby looks like. It seems that all of us look like someone or something. The way we appear brings up images of something in people's minds. People sometimes think, "Oh that person looks wealthy, educated, happy, angry, kind" or many other things. The Bible even speaks about idols and says that "Those who make idols and trust in them will be like them." (Ps. 115:8) That is a scary thought. People sometime become like the thing or person that is most important in their life!
The Bible also says that in the beginning, "God made man in His own image." (Genesis 1:26) It is God's desire and will, that we become like Him and His Son, Jesus. This is His will and goal for our lives. Sometimes it is a process that takes a long time. God patiently works on us to mold us into what He wants us to be, like His Son! We see this in many Bible characters, but one of the most interesting people in the Bible is how God molded and worked on one of Jesus' disciples, Peter! When Jesus first called Peter to follow Him, he was a 'rough and tumble' fisherman. He probably did not have much formal education and he certainly was not 'refined' in ways and speech. Yet, we can clearly see how Jesus worked with Peter until evidently he became an outstanding evangelist and author!! God took a fisherman and made him into a 'fisher of men' as Jesus promised Peter in Mark 1:17. Jesus worked on Peter and made him like Himself! It was a long hard journey for Peter. He went through some times of doubt and denial, but in the end of his life no one could deny that Peter did not look like His Savior in words and in actions. People could look at him and tell that he had 'been with Jesus' because he looked like Him and talked like Him.
So, who do you look like? Who do I look like? Do we look like Jesus? Remember, we become like the person who we honor and love the most! Let us all try for the next four or five days to judge everything we do and say but "What would Jesus do in this situation?" "How would He look at this person or that person?" "What would His reaction be to this?" Then let us do exactly what we think Jesus would do. Keep a note of this on paper so you can go back and read your response to life and see if you looked like Jesus in word and action. I'll try, will you?
I want to be a "Jesus look-alike"
Pastor Jack
WHO DO YOU LOOK LIKE?!
Interesting question?! Sometimes when a baby is born we try to decide which parent the baby looks like. It seems that all of us look like someone or something. The way we appear brings up images of something in people's minds. People sometimes think, "Oh that person looks wealthy, educated, happy, angry, kind" or many other things. The Bible even speaks about idols and says that "Those who make idols and trust in them will be like them." (Ps. 115:8) That is a scary thought. People sometime become like the thing or person that is most important in their life!
The Bible also says that in the beginning, "God made man in His own image." (Genesis 1:26) It is God's desire and will, that we become like Him and His Son, Jesus. This is His will and goal for our lives. Sometimes it is a process that takes a long time. God patiently works on us to mold us into what He wants us to be, like His Son! We see this in many Bible characters, but one of the most interesting people in the Bible is how God molded and worked on one of Jesus' disciples, Peter! When Jesus first called Peter to follow Him, he was a 'rough and tumble' fisherman. He probably did not have much formal education and he certainly was not 'refined' in ways and speech. Yet, we can clearly see how Jesus worked with Peter until evidently he became an outstanding evangelist and author!! God took a fisherman and made him into a 'fisher of men' as Jesus promised Peter in Mark 1:17. Jesus worked on Peter and made him like Himself! It was a long hard journey for Peter. He went through some times of doubt and denial, but in the end of his life no one could deny that Peter did not look like His Savior in words and in actions. People could look at him and tell that he had 'been with Jesus' because he looked like Him and talked like Him.
So, who do you look like? Who do I look like? Do we look like Jesus? Remember, we become like the person who we honor and love the most! Let us all try for the next four or five days to judge everything we do and say but "What would Jesus do in this situation?" "How would He look at this person or that person?" "What would His reaction be to this?" Then let us do exactly what we think Jesus would do. Keep a note of this on paper so you can go back and read your response to life and see if you looked like Jesus in word and action. I'll try, will you?
I want to be a "Jesus look-alike"
Pastor Jack
Thoughts:relationships April 12 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS APRIL 12, 2010
RELATIONSHIPS: BROKEN OR WHOLE!
Let us recap our theme from last week. Relationships are emphasized from the beginning to the end of our Bible! God Himself IS a 'Holy Relationship' between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! God created man to live in a relationship by making Adam a partner, named Eve. God designed relationships! Not only did He establish relationships, but He gave us rules and regulations for our relationships both toward Him and others.
Here are a few things that God's Word teaches us about our relationship to Him and others:
2. Then toward others, "Let brotherly love continue..." Hebrews 13:1 Our relationship with other people is built on our love for God!
Having said this, let me ask, "What happens when relationships get broken?" This should not happen, but let us face it, broken relationships do happen and cause us much grief. How do you fix a broken relationship? What does God's Word say? Forgiveness is the key to restoring relationships! Peter asked Jesus how many times the law requires us to forgive and Jesus replied, "Forgive....seventy times seven" meaning that we should continually forgive. Matthew 18:21-22. Jesus also gives us a warning, "If you forgive men whey they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you! But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14. Forgiveness and an attitude of forgiveness is essential in restoring broken relationships.
This week, think on forgiveness and the Words of Jesus and ask God to reveal to you what relationships in your life need 'fixing.' Ask His guidance in helping you go to that person and make things right. Another little hint is to do something special for a person or persons who have hurt you or who you have ill feelings toward. It has been my experience that by reaching out and making yourself do something for a person will draw you closer to them and help you to restore that broken feeling in your heart. By doing this, you are building a bridge of communication with that person. Try it!!
Remember these commands from God's Word: "Live in peace with each other" I Thes. 5:13, "Encourage and build up one another" I Thes. 5:11; "....consider others better than yourselves" Phil. 2:1-4; "...carry each other's burdens" Galatians 6:2. These are good words to remember and live by when you are restoring relationships with others.
Forgiveness is the key to restoration!
Pastor Jack
RELATIONSHIPS: BROKEN OR WHOLE!
Let us recap our theme from last week. Relationships are emphasized from the beginning to the end of our Bible! God Himself IS a 'Holy Relationship' between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! God created man to live in a relationship by making Adam a partner, named Eve. God designed relationships! Not only did He establish relationships, but He gave us rules and regulations for our relationships both toward Him and others.
Here are a few things that God's Word teaches us about our relationship to Him and others:
- Love the Lord your God with all your mind, soul and strength! See Deut. 6:5 and Mark 12:30. Our relationship with Him is built on our total love for Him. His Word tells us that our love for Him will draw us to talk with Him, seek His will, honor and praise Him, worship Him, put Him first....on and on...which means to put God ahead of everything else in your life.
2. Then toward others, "Let brotherly love continue..." Hebrews 13:1 Our relationship with other people is built on our love for God!
Having said this, let me ask, "What happens when relationships get broken?" This should not happen, but let us face it, broken relationships do happen and cause us much grief. How do you fix a broken relationship? What does God's Word say? Forgiveness is the key to restoring relationships! Peter asked Jesus how many times the law requires us to forgive and Jesus replied, "Forgive....seventy times seven" meaning that we should continually forgive. Matthew 18:21-22. Jesus also gives us a warning, "If you forgive men whey they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you! But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14. Forgiveness and an attitude of forgiveness is essential in restoring broken relationships.
This week, think on forgiveness and the Words of Jesus and ask God to reveal to you what relationships in your life need 'fixing.' Ask His guidance in helping you go to that person and make things right. Another little hint is to do something special for a person or persons who have hurt you or who you have ill feelings toward. It has been my experience that by reaching out and making yourself do something for a person will draw you closer to them and help you to restore that broken feeling in your heart. By doing this, you are building a bridge of communication with that person. Try it!!
Remember these commands from God's Word: "Live in peace with each other" I Thes. 5:13, "Encourage and build up one another" I Thes. 5:11; "....consider others better than yourselves" Phil. 2:1-4; "...carry each other's burdens" Galatians 6:2. These are good words to remember and live by when you are restoring relationships with others.
Forgiveness is the key to restoration!
Pastor Jack
Pastor Thoughts march 29 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MARCH 29, 2010
FIX (FOCUS) YOUR EYES ON JESUS!!
"Fix (look at or focus) your eyes on Jesus the Author and Finisher of your faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 As we begin 'Holy Week' as some refer to it, let us keep our focus on our Savior who gave His life for us on a cross two thousand years ago.
In honor of Him, let us focus our thoughts, praise and thanksgiving on His wonderful gift to us. Since He gave His life for us, surely we can take time to worship and adore Him in our daily lives this week. And remember as you do, this week in not only in memory of His sacrifice on the cross but also of His victory in the resurrection! All of us who have trusted Him as Savior are a part of this celebration of victory and His reign!
As we prepare our minds (hearts) for Easter Sunday, let me suggest that each of us do several things:
3. Ask God to give you opportunities this week to speak a word of Him to others, lend a helping hand to someone in honor of Him, and above all, honor Him in your actions and thoughts each day.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad because great is our Savior and Lord!! Let this week truly be a 'holy week' as we, each in our own way and time, give glory through our lives to our Risen Lord and King, Jesus!!
Fix your eyes on Him!!
Pastor Jack
FIX (FOCUS) YOUR EYES ON JESUS!!
"Fix (look at or focus) your eyes on Jesus the Author and Finisher of your faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 As we begin 'Holy Week' as some refer to it, let us keep our focus on our Savior who gave His life for us on a cross two thousand years ago.
In honor of Him, let us focus our thoughts, praise and thanksgiving on His wonderful gift to us. Since He gave His life for us, surely we can take time to worship and adore Him in our daily lives this week. And remember as you do, this week in not only in memory of His sacrifice on the cross but also of His victory in the resurrection! All of us who have trusted Him as Savior are a part of this celebration of victory and His reign!
As we prepare our minds (hearts) for Easter Sunday, let me suggest that each of us do several things:
- Remember in prayer and praise the day that you prayed and invited Him to be your Savior. Thank Him and praise Him for His new life in you.
3. Ask God to give you opportunities this week to speak a word of Him to others, lend a helping hand to someone in honor of Him, and above all, honor Him in your actions and thoughts each day.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad because great is our Savior and Lord!! Let this week truly be a 'holy week' as we, each in our own way and time, give glory through our lives to our Risen Lord and King, Jesus!!
Fix your eyes on Him!!
Pastor Jack
Pastor Jack's Thoughts March 23, 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MARCH 23, 2010
GOD'S SURPRISES
Have you ever been surprised by God? If you have you will never forget it!! The Bible is full of stories of God's surprises to His people. In the Old Testament, we find so many stories of how God changed events and surprised His people. Think of David and the giant! Here was a young man who wasn't even of age to go to battle and yet God used him to fight and KILL a giant who was the enemy of God's people! Even King Saul tried to make him use his armor for protection and David said, "No, I am going in the strength of God!" I Samuel 17:45 Then there was Gideon who said, "I'm a nobody! I can't!!" Yet God told him, "Go in the strength that you have (and lead my people) and I will help you!!" Surprise, surprise, Gideon became one of God's strong leaders who lead the people to repent of their evil ways and follow God for 40 years!! Judges 6,7 Then another timewas when Israel's enemy was coming against them in battle, David cried out to God and God told him to take his troops and stand in front of the mulberry trees and "when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, go quickly and fight" because God had already defeated the enemy!! God's huge surprise both to the enemies and to His people! 2 Samuel 5:22-25
Yet, the most glorious surprise that God had was after the crucifixion! The Jewish leaders thought, "We will kill this man Jesus and then all our problems with him will be over! Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" And they did! They hung him on a cross and His physical life was snuffed out! His blood drained onto the ground and His body was laid in a tomb and they thought, "Well, that is the end of Him." We don't have to worry about this man anymore.......WRONG! Then came God's delightful surprise! On the third day, God brought Him back from death and the cry rang out among His beloved disciples, "He's alive, He's alive!" God surprised the Jewish leaders and the disciples were surprised too! Even today we are still surprised by God's power of the resurrection! Events seemed to be one way, but then God reached out and turned things around and we are blessed today because He did! We serve a risen Savior!!
Watch for God's ongoing surprises in your own life this week! Make note of them and praise Him for His power and grace on events in your life. Don't miss His delightful handiwork in your life! When bad events turn into good, know that He is still working today! Places to look: an 'almost' accident on the highway, and event that seemed bad but turned out good, hurtful words by a friend but God gave you peace, a time when you needed something and God provided! The list is endless! God gave the Martins a wonderful surprise yesterday when we had an unexpected visit with a dear friend from Thailand! What an encouraging day! God's surprises in daily life! What a blessing!
Watch for God's wonderful surprises!!
Pastor Jack
GOD'S SURPRISES
Have you ever been surprised by God? If you have you will never forget it!! The Bible is full of stories of God's surprises to His people. In the Old Testament, we find so many stories of how God changed events and surprised His people. Think of David and the giant! Here was a young man who wasn't even of age to go to battle and yet God used him to fight and KILL a giant who was the enemy of God's people! Even King Saul tried to make him use his armor for protection and David said, "No, I am going in the strength of God!" I Samuel 17:45 Then there was Gideon who said, "I'm a nobody! I can't!!" Yet God told him, "Go in the strength that you have (and lead my people) and I will help you!!" Surprise, surprise, Gideon became one of God's strong leaders who lead the people to repent of their evil ways and follow God for 40 years!! Judges 6,7 Then another timewas when Israel's enemy was coming against them in battle, David cried out to God and God told him to take his troops and stand in front of the mulberry trees and "when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, go quickly and fight" because God had already defeated the enemy!! God's huge surprise both to the enemies and to His people! 2 Samuel 5:22-25
Yet, the most glorious surprise that God had was after the crucifixion! The Jewish leaders thought, "We will kill this man Jesus and then all our problems with him will be over! Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" And they did! They hung him on a cross and His physical life was snuffed out! His blood drained onto the ground and His body was laid in a tomb and they thought, "Well, that is the end of Him." We don't have to worry about this man anymore.......WRONG! Then came God's delightful surprise! On the third day, God brought Him back from death and the cry rang out among His beloved disciples, "He's alive, He's alive!" God surprised the Jewish leaders and the disciples were surprised too! Even today we are still surprised by God's power of the resurrection! Events seemed to be one way, but then God reached out and turned things around and we are blessed today because He did! We serve a risen Savior!!
Watch for God's ongoing surprises in your own life this week! Make note of them and praise Him for His power and grace on events in your life. Don't miss His delightful handiwork in your life! When bad events turn into good, know that He is still working today! Places to look: an 'almost' accident on the highway, and event that seemed bad but turned out good, hurtful words by a friend but God gave you peace, a time when you needed something and God provided! The list is endless! God gave the Martins a wonderful surprise yesterday when we had an unexpected visit with a dear friend from Thailand! What an encouraging day! God's surprises in daily life! What a blessing!
Watch for God's wonderful surprises!!
Pastor Jack
Rejection to Victory Easter Thoughts
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MARCH 15, 2010
REJECTION TO VICTORY
God's Word is amazing! This week take time to see Jesus from Isaiah, through the Gospels and into Revelation. It all focuses on Jesus! Isaiah 53 shows us a perfect picture of the sadness of the cross. Take time to read that chapter. It talks about our Savior's pain, suffering and rejection....don't miss reading this in preparation for Easter. Think about His grief and rejection! He was rejected by men, smitten by God and carried our sins to the cross so that we might have salvation from sin and death!! What a gracious Savior! He came from the glory of being One with the Father to receiving all the sin of the world and separation from His Father so that He could deliver us from death into life! What a sacrifice!
Then we see Him in Matthew 28:6 "He is risen!!"; John 20: 19, 21, 26 "Peace be unto you!!" We see the victory after His tremendous suffering. The angel said, "HE IS RISEN!!" Those are victory words! He has done what no other man could do! The power in Him brought Him back from death and hell. Then Jesus concludes with His giving us a gift, "Peace be unto you!!" He came to suffer and die so that He could secure our peace and salvation! What a gracious Savior!
Now we go from history to the future when we read Revelation 19, we see Him in victory as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords;" in Revelation 21 we find Him as "The Beginning and and End" and also as the "Lamb" who saves us from our sins. He re-enters the world with victory and honor. The One who was once rejected by man is Victor of Glory! What a King!
Easter is a celebration of his death and resurrection but don't forget the whole picture: He suffered, He died and He will return as King!! Rejoice! Be exceeding glad and praise His wonderful Name.
What a sacrifice! What a gracious Savior!! What a King!
Pastor Jack
REJECTION TO VICTORY
God's Word is amazing! This week take time to see Jesus from Isaiah, through the Gospels and into Revelation. It all focuses on Jesus! Isaiah 53 shows us a perfect picture of the sadness of the cross. Take time to read that chapter. It talks about our Savior's pain, suffering and rejection....don't miss reading this in preparation for Easter. Think about His grief and rejection! He was rejected by men, smitten by God and carried our sins to the cross so that we might have salvation from sin and death!! What a gracious Savior! He came from the glory of being One with the Father to receiving all the sin of the world and separation from His Father so that He could deliver us from death into life! What a sacrifice!
Then we see Him in Matthew 28:6 "He is risen!!"; John 20: 19, 21, 26 "Peace be unto you!!" We see the victory after His tremendous suffering. The angel said, "HE IS RISEN!!" Those are victory words! He has done what no other man could do! The power in Him brought Him back from death and hell. Then Jesus concludes with His giving us a gift, "Peace be unto you!!" He came to suffer and die so that He could secure our peace and salvation! What a gracious Savior!
Now we go from history to the future when we read Revelation 19, we see Him in victory as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords;" in Revelation 21 we find Him as "The Beginning and and End" and also as the "Lamb" who saves us from our sins. He re-enters the world with victory and honor. The One who was once rejected by man is Victor of Glory! What a King!
Easter is a celebration of his death and resurrection but don't forget the whole picture: He suffered, He died and He will return as King!! Rejoice! Be exceeding glad and praise His wonderful Name.
What a sacrifice! What a gracious Savior!! What a King!
Pastor Jack
Thoughts for March 10, 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MARCH 10, 2010
CITIZENS OF GOD'S KINGDOM
Have you ever thought about the world's idea of an earthly kingdom' as opposed to God's Kingdom? Kingdoms always have kings and they both have subjects or citizens. Citizens or subjects make up a kingdom. so let us think about how different the standards of this world are to the standards that God teaches us about His Kingdom.
**The world puts a lot of emphasis on wealth and how to attain it at all costs.
Jesus said, "What does it profit you if you gain the whole world and lose your soul?!"
**The world puts great emphasis on the importance of body and health.
God's Word says that the heart (feelings, thinking) is the well-spring of life and the body must obey the heart.
**The world says that if someone hurts you, you have the right to get even or set the record straight.
God says that we should never take revenge and that a soft word turns away wrath.
**The world says, "It is all about me and mine."
God says that we should love others like we love ourselves, being kind and helpful, and putting them before ourselves.
** The world says, "I can chose who I like."
God says that we must love everyone because God Himself loves us all and He IS love!!
I could go on and on with these difference between world-thinking and God-thinking, but God-thinking is far superior to the thinking and actions that the world uplifts in daily life. God expects His children to think and act like He does. We, as citizens of God's Kingdom, must be different from the world. It is a much higher standard and will bring greater joy and peace to you and all those around you. Your life will honor God and His Kingdom will be honored on earth even as it is in heaven. Isn't it exciting that God gives us the opportunity to be partners with Him in His Kingdom?!! We are about our Father's business!!
It would be interesting for each of us to make a mental note this week on the ways that our acts and reactions, that God teaches us, are different from the world's teachings. That is the way that we can make a difference in our world and honor God's kingdom here on earth!!
Let's be "Kingdom People,"
Pastor Jack
CITIZENS OF GOD'S KINGDOM
Have you ever thought about the world's idea of an earthly kingdom' as opposed to God's Kingdom? Kingdoms always have kings and they both have subjects or citizens. Citizens or subjects make up a kingdom. so let us think about how different the standards of this world are to the standards that God teaches us about His Kingdom.
**The world puts a lot of emphasis on wealth and how to attain it at all costs.
Jesus said, "What does it profit you if you gain the whole world and lose your soul?!"
**The world puts great emphasis on the importance of body and health.
God's Word says that the heart (feelings, thinking) is the well-spring of life and the body must obey the heart.
**The world says that if someone hurts you, you have the right to get even or set the record straight.
God says that we should never take revenge and that a soft word turns away wrath.
**The world says, "It is all about me and mine."
God says that we should love others like we love ourselves, being kind and helpful, and putting them before ourselves.
** The world says, "I can chose who I like."
God says that we must love everyone because God Himself loves us all and He IS love!!
I could go on and on with these difference between world-thinking and God-thinking, but God-thinking is far superior to the thinking and actions that the world uplifts in daily life. God expects His children to think and act like He does. We, as citizens of God's Kingdom, must be different from the world. It is a much higher standard and will bring greater joy and peace to you and all those around you. Your life will honor God and His Kingdom will be honored on earth even as it is in heaven. Isn't it exciting that God gives us the opportunity to be partners with Him in His Kingdom?!! We are about our Father's business!!
It would be interesting for each of us to make a mental note this week on the ways that our acts and reactions, that God teaches us, are different from the world's teachings. That is the way that we can make a difference in our world and honor God's kingdom here on earth!!
Let's be "Kingdom People,"
Pastor Jack
Pastor's Thoughts March 3, 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MARCH 1, 2010
IN THE HOUSE OF GOD
The dwelling place (house) of the Lord God is mentioned several places in the Bible. When bad events happen people are prone to faithlessly ask, "Where is GOD?" The answer is, "He is in His dwelling place." Well, where is that?! Let us look at some facts from the Bible: The Lord inhabits (lives in) the praise of His people (Ps. 22:3). The Lord God dwells in His temple and our bodies are a temple for Him and His spirit (I Cor. 3:16). God's 'house' is in heaven where He has prepared a place for us (John 14:1-3). He is not hiding from us! He promised to "never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)." So, He is ever present with us!!
A huge point of confusion about God comes from the fact that we, as humans in human bodies, think that God is just like us. We can not conceive that He is 'other' than us. He is not confined to a physical body! We think small! God says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, my ways are not your ways."Isaiah 55:8 God is much bigger and more complex than our human minds will allow us to understand. That is where faith comes in. We must trust the Lord! We must have faith! Faith is being sure of what we hope for, the evidence of things not seen. God appears in our life every day, but many do not see Him, because they are not looking for HIM. We don't look through physical eyes, but through spiritual eyes focused by faith!
This week, watch for appearances of God in your life. Maybe it will be through a spoken word to your heart at a very important moment, or maybe God will suddenly change events in your day for your good, maybe you will see that God protected you from some downfall. Maybe you will have an opportunity to help someone or give a word of encouragement and think to yourself "where did THAT come from?!" From God? Watch for His work around you and you will be surprised how much He does in your day!
So where is God's dwelling, where is His House?! He dwell with us and at the same time He dwells in majesty in heaven. He, unlike us, is ever present, every where! Where is He when bad things happen? He is waiting for us to run to Him for safety, comfort and orders about what He wants us to do. "The Name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18: 10
Watching for Him,
Pastor Jack
IN THE HOUSE OF GOD
The dwelling place (house) of the Lord God is mentioned several places in the Bible. When bad events happen people are prone to faithlessly ask, "Where is GOD?" The answer is, "He is in His dwelling place." Well, where is that?! Let us look at some facts from the Bible: The Lord inhabits (lives in) the praise of His people (Ps. 22:3). The Lord God dwells in His temple and our bodies are a temple for Him and His spirit (I Cor. 3:16). God's 'house' is in heaven where He has prepared a place for us (John 14:1-3). He is not hiding from us! He promised to "never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)." So, He is ever present with us!!
A huge point of confusion about God comes from the fact that we, as humans in human bodies, think that God is just like us. We can not conceive that He is 'other' than us. He is not confined to a physical body! We think small! God says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, my ways are not your ways."Isaiah 55:8 God is much bigger and more complex than our human minds will allow us to understand. That is where faith comes in. We must trust the Lord! We must have faith! Faith is being sure of what we hope for, the evidence of things not seen. God appears in our life every day, but many do not see Him, because they are not looking for HIM. We don't look through physical eyes, but through spiritual eyes focused by faith!
This week, watch for appearances of God in your life. Maybe it will be through a spoken word to your heart at a very important moment, or maybe God will suddenly change events in your day for your good, maybe you will see that God protected you from some downfall. Maybe you will have an opportunity to help someone or give a word of encouragement and think to yourself "where did THAT come from?!" From God? Watch for His work around you and you will be surprised how much He does in your day!
So where is God's dwelling, where is His House?! He dwell with us and at the same time He dwells in majesty in heaven. He, unlike us, is ever present, every where! Where is He when bad things happen? He is waiting for us to run to Him for safety, comfort and orders about what He wants us to do. "The Name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18: 10
Watching for Him,
Pastor Jack
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