Monday, December 15th, 2008

Charles Spurgeon Daily Devotion

2008-12-15T15:04:00.001-08:00

"And lay thy foundations with sapphires."Isaiah 54:11

Not only that which is seen of the church of God, but that which is unseen, is fair and precious. Foundations are out of sight, and so long as they are firm it is not expected that they should be valuable; but in Jehovah's work everything is of a piece, nothing slurred, nothing mean. The deep foundations of the work of grace are as sapphires for preciousness, no human mind is able to measure their glory. We build upon the covenant of grace, which is firmer than adamant, and as enduring as jewels upon which age spends itself in vain. Sapphire foundations are eternal, and the covenant abides throughout the lifetime of the Almighty. Another foundation is the person of the Lord Jesus, which is clear and spotless, everlasting and beautiful as the sapphire; blending in one the deep blue of earth's ever rolling ocean and the azure of its all embracing sky. Once might our Lord have been likened to the ruby as He stood covered with His own blood, but now we see Him radiant with the soft blue of love, love abounding, deep, eternal. Our eternal hopes are built upon the justice and the faithfulness of God, which are clear and cloudless as the sapphire. We are not saved by a compromise, by mercy defeating justice, or law suspending its operations; no, we defy the eagle's eye to detect a flaw in the groundwork of our confidence--our foundation is of sapphire, and will endure the fire.

The Lord Himself has laid the foundation of His people's hopes. It is matter for grave enquiry whether our hopes are built upon such a basis. Good works and ceremonies are not a foundation of sapphires, but of wood, hay, and stubble; neither are they laid by God, but by our own conceit. Foundations will all be tried ere long: woe unto him whose lofty tower shall come down with a crash, because based on a quicksand. He who is built on sapphires may await storm or fire with equanimity, for he shall abide the test.

Pray

2008-12-08T15:10:00.000-08:00

1st Kings 18:36~ O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel...

In a nation of idols and following everything under the sun and with a leader who does evil in the sight of the Lord; we see a prayer over a soaked sacrifice of man who sought after the glory of the Lord. Elijah alone on the Mt. Carmel with 400 prophets of the idol Baal wanted a national reformation.

I know it would be silly to try and compare similarities with Israel and America and the state the nations were and are in, but it is something that I think should not be overlooked. Israel received the promise land from God, they were in and established as a great nation. They wanted a king and God gave them their requests but just like God warned them this was not the best wish they soon would find out. It started strong but went downhill fast. The nation had forgotten the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. The past leaders over the broken nation have led the people far far away from the words of the Lord and there had to be someone to get their attention.

When all hope is lost there arises a hero named Elijah. He is a hero because he rebelled against the norm of society. He is a hero because he did not care to defy the king to his face. He is a hero because he stood up against the national religion. The only reason why he is a hero of the Old Testament is because he was obedient to God and did not lose that zeal.

In America the title of "Change" was proclaimed through the presidential debates. We see that the economy is like an unstable deck of cards falling. We see in November alone there were over 500,000 jobs lost. What about the spiritual state of the West. More and more churches even are forgetting that God's Word is TRUTH. That it is not infallible and inherrant. We see that the desire for the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel fading into the God of our making. My question is what about a spiritual change or at least an awakening.

May we take some notes on Elijah that we need to make a stand. This stand starts with just praying for God to show himself to a nation that has abandoned God.

Do you pray for America? Do you pray for the Presiden and the Presiden-Elect? Do you pray for the nation to seek God? Do you pray for those to not forsake God's Word?I know I am convicted of this area? Do I pray and trust the sovereignty of God?

The End of it All

2008-12-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a good thanksgiving. Alyssa and I had 20 family members over at our house. It sure made our house seem very cozy. We enjoyed each others company as well as the many different families represented coming together. I pray everyone had a good one and probably have some good stories to share as well.

Lately we have been going through the life of Solomon in 1st Kings on Sunday and it is interesting to see just how wealthy he was. It says that he would receive annually 666 talents of gold or 49,950 lbs of gold. He would have had over 403 billion dollars a year. He had over 1000 wives. He was the wisest man as well as the power of the whole world at his hand. No one could compare to his vastness and knowledge and I truly believe no one else to this day will. God gave him the warning of him departing from his ways which he did by making compromises throughout his kingship.

We see in Ecclesiastes that Solomon was trying to do everything under the sun. It is true that he tried everything. He tried being the smartest man alive. He tried having pleasure in women, in food, and in wine. He tried being happy with his power. He tried being happy with clothes and material things. He tried being happy with his fame and popularity but throughout the book of Ecclesiastes he says, "Vanity of Vanities." It is all meaningless or pointless.

He sums up the meaning of life in 12:13 by saying , "Fear God and keep his commanments." A man that had everything but realized he lost it. A man who gave the most important thing up for a life of pleasure. He tried obtainging more and more but it was just a circle of false hope. May we learn from Solomon that our true joy and success comes from him.

Charles Spurgeon Daily Devotion

2008-11-24T10:00:00.001-08:00

November 24th AM

"The glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams."Isaiah 33:21

Broad rivers and streams produce fertility, and abundance in the land. Places near broad rivers are remarkable for the variety of their plants and their plentiful harvests. God is all this to His Church. Having God she has abundance. What can she ask for that He will not give her? What want can she mention which He will not supply? "In this mountain shall the Lord of Hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things." Want ye the bread of life? It drops like manna from the sky. Want ye refreshing streams? The rock follows you, and that Rock is Christ. If you suffer any want it is your own fault; if you are straitened you are not straitened in Him, but in your own bowels. Broad rivers and streams also point to commerce. Our glorious Lord is to us a place of heavenly merchandize. Through our Redeemer we have commerce with the past; the wealth of Calvary, the treasures of the covenant, the riches of the ancient days of election, the stores of eternity, all come to us down the broad stream of our gracious Lord. We have commerce, too, with the future. What galleys, laden to the water's edge, come to us from the millennium! What visions we have of the days of heaven upon earth! Through our glorious Lord we have commerce with angels; communion with the bright spirits washed in blood, who sing before the throne; nay, better still, we have fellowship with the Infinite One. Broad rivers and streams are specially intended to set forth the idea of security. Rivers were of old a defence. Oh! beloved, what a defence is God to His Church! The devil cannot cross this broad river of God. How he wishes he could turn the current, but fear not, for God abideth immutably the same. Satan may worry, but he cannot destroy us; no galley with oars shall invade our river, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.

Charles Spurgeon

2008-11-10T11:55:00.001-08:00

"The eternal God is thy refuge."Deuteronomy 33:27
The word refuge may be translated "mansion," or "abiding- place," which gives the thought that God is our abode, our home. There is a fulness and sweetness in the metaphor, for dear to our hearts is our home, although it be the humblest cottage, or the scantiest garret; and dearer far is our blessed God, in whom we live, and move, and have our being. It is at home that we feel safe: we shut the world out and dwell in quiet security. So when we are with our God we "fear no evil." He is our shelter and retreat, our abiding refuge. At home, we take our rest; it is there we find repose after the fatigue and toil of the day. And so our hearts find rest in God, when, wearied with life's conflict, we turn to Him, and our soul dwells at ease. At home, also, we let our hearts loose; we are not afraid of being misunderstood, nor of our words being misconstrued. So when we are with God we can commune freely with Him, laying open all our hidden desires; for if the "secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him," the secrets of them that fear Him ought to be, and must be, with their Lord. Home, too, is the place of our truest and purest happiness: and it is in God that our hearts find their deepest delight. We have joy in Him which far surpasses all other joy. It is also for home that we work and labour. The thought of it gives strength to bear the daily burden, and quickens the fingers to perform the task; and in this sense we may also say that God is our home. Love to Him strengthens us. We think of Him in the person of His dear Son; and a glimpse of the suffering face of the Redeemer constrains us to labour in His cause. We feel that we must work, for we have brethren yet to be saved, and we have our Father's heart to make glad by bringing home His wandering sons; we would fill with holy mirth the sacred family among whom we dwell. Happy are those who have thus the God of Jacob for their refuge!

Charles Spurgeon

2008-10-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

"It is a faithful saying."2 Timothy 2:11

Paul has four of these "faithful sayings." The first occurs in 1 Timothy 1:15, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." The next is in 1 Timothy 4:6, "Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation." The third is in 2 Timothy 2:12, "It is a faithful saying--If we suffer with Him we shall also reign with Him"; and the fourth is in Titus 3:3, "This is a faithful saying, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works." We may trace a connection between these faithful sayings. The first one lays the foundation of our eternal salvation in the free grace of God, as shown to us in the mission of the great Redeemer. The next affirms the double blessedness which we obtain through this salvation--the blessings of the upper and nether springs--of time and of eternity. The third shows one of the duties to which the chosen people are called; we are ordained to suffer for Christ with the promise that "if we suffer, we shall also reign with Him." The last sets forth the active form of Christian service, bidding us diligently to maintain good works. Thus we have the root of salvation in free grace; next, the privileges of that salvation in the life which now is, and in that which is to come; and we have also the two great branches of suffering with Christ and serving with Christ, loaded with the fruits of the Spirit. Treasure up these faithful sayings. Let them be the guides of our life, our comfort, and our instruction. The apostle of the Gentiles proved them to be faithful, they are faithful still, not one word shall fall to the ground; they are worthy of all acceptation, let us accept them now, and prove their faithfulness. Let these four faithful sayings be written on the four corners of My house.

NYC update

2008-10-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I came back from NYC last night and was exhausted. We came back and rushed to go to a training meeting dealing with the polls for Nov. 4th. I hope everyone had a great week and continue to have one.

I do not know if you had ever gone to NYC but it was really cool and different way of life there. This was my 2nd time going but the first time I was only 5 so I do not remember a whole lot. This was an experience for my wife and I and it was a little bit of a culture shock as well. Every where you go you engage in people. There are people above you in the buildings, a bunch of people on the streets, and people below you in the subways. With all these people you have different people groups. There were many tourist from Europe but you also have many different nationalites living in the city. Many different people from all over the world come to NYC. As I was thinking about it, this would be a great place for Paul to go to and preach the Gospel. He would have been so engaged in the people and this city that he would be able to share Christ with so many people.

In Acts 17 Paul went to 3 popular cities; Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. Thessalonica was the capitol of Macedonia, Berea was 50 miles southwest of Thessalonica, and Athens was Athens was a lot further south of Berea. These were major cities with many different types of people around the world living in them. Rome had roads leading to these places, as Rome connected the world at that time Paul was able to spread the Gospel to the world. I was so blessed to be able hear Pastor Greg give a message in NYC with people from different parts of that area from New Jersey, to the Bronx, Harlem to Brooklyn, people came. May we desire the Gospel to spread in and be a light to a world that needs it.

From Morning and Evening- C.H. Spurgeon

2008-10-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

"Godly sorrow worketh repentance."2 Corinthians 7:10

Genuine, spiritual mourning for sin is the work of the Spirit of God. Repentance is too choice a flower to grow in nature's garden. Pearls grow naturally in oysters, but penitence never shows itself in sinners except divine grace works it in them. If thou hast one particle of real hatred for sin, God must have given it thee, for human nature's thorns never produced a single fig. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh."

True repentance has a distinct reference to the Saviour. When we repent of sin, we must have one eye upon sin and another upon the cross, or it will be better still if we fix both our eyes upon Christ and see our transgressions only, in the light of His love.

True sorrow for sin is eminently practical. No man may say he hates sin, if he lives in it. Repentance makes us see the evil of sin, not merely as a theory, but experimentally--as a burnt child dreads fire. We shall be as much afraid of it, as a man who has lately been stopped and robbed is afraid of the thief upon the highway; and we shall shun it--shun it in everything--not in great things only, but in little things, as men shun little vipers as well as great snakes. True mourning for sin will make us very jealous over our tongue, lest it should say a wrong word; we shall be very watchful over our daily actions, lest in anything we offend, and each night we shall close the day with painful confessions of shortcoming, and each morning awaken with anxious prayers, that this day God would hold us up that we may not sin against Him.

Sincere repentance is continual. Believers repent until their dying day. This dropping well is not intermittent. Every other sorrow yields to time, but this dear sorrow grows with our growth, and it is so sweet a bitter, that we thank God we are permitted to enjoy and to suffer it until we enter our eternal rest.

Spurgeon's Daily Devotional

2008-10-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

"He had married an Ethiopian woman."Numbers 12:1

Strange choice of Moses, but how much more strange the choice of Him who is a prophet like unto Moses, and greater than he! Our Lord, who is fair as the lily, has entered into marriage union with one who confesses herself to be black, because the sun has looked upon her. It is the wonder of angels that the love of Jesus should be set upon poor, lost, guilty men. Each believer must, when filled with a sense of Jesus' love, be also overwhelmed with astonishment that such love should be lavished on an object so utterly unworthy of it. Knowing as we do our secret guiltiness, unfaithfulness, and black-heartedness, we are dissolved in grateful admiration of the matchless freeness and sovereignty of grace. Jesus must have found the cause of His love in His own heart, He could not have found it in us, for it is not there. Even since our conversion we have been black, though grace has made us comely. Holy Rutherford said of himself what we must each subscribe to--"His relation to me is, that I am sick, and He is the Physician of whom I stand in need. Alas! how often I play fast and loose with Christ! He bindeth, I loose; He buildeth, I cast down; I quarrel with Christ, and He agreeth with me twenty times a day!" Most tender and faithful Husband of our souls, pursue Thy gracious work of conforming us to Thine image, till Thou shalt present even us poor Ethiops unto Thyself, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Moses met with opposition because of his marriage, and both himself and his spouse were the subjects of an evil eye. Can we wonder if this vain world opposes Jesus and His spouse, and especially when great sinners are converted? for this is ever the Pharisee's ground of objection, "This man receiveth sinners." Still is the old cause of quarrel revived, "Because he had married an Ethiopian woman."

Spurgeon's Daily Devotion

2008-09-29T11:55:00.000-07:00

"Behold, if the leprosy have covered all his flesh, he shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague."Leviticus 13:13

Strange enough this regulation appears, yet there was wisdom in it, for the throwing out of the disease proved that the constitution was sound. This morning it may be well for us to see the typical teaching of so singular a rule. We, too, are lepers, and may read the law of leper as applicable to ourselves. When a man sees himself to be altogether lost and ruined, covered all over with the defilement of sin, and no part free from pollution; when he disclaims all righteousness of his own, and pleads guilty before the Lord, then is he clean through the blood of Jesus, and the grace of God. Hidden, unfelt, unconfessed iniquity is the true leprosy, but when sin is seen and felt it has received its death blow, and the Lord looks with eyes of mercy upon the soul afflicted with it. Nothing is more deadly than self-righteousness, or more hopeful than contrition. We must confess that we are "nothing else but sin," for no confession short of this will be the whole truth, and if the Holy Spirit be at work with us, convincing us of sin, there will be no difficulty about making such an acknowledgment--it will spring spontaneously from our lips. What comfort does the text afford to those under a deep sense of sin! Sin mourned and confessed, however black and foul, shall never shut a man out from the Lord Jesus. Whosoever cometh unto Him, He will in no wise cast out. Though dishonest as the thief, though unchaste as the woman who was a sinner, though fierce as Saul of Tarsus, though cruel as Manasseh, though rebellious as the prodigal, the great heart of love will look upon the man who feels himself to have no soundness in him, and will pronounce him clean, when he trusts in Jesus crucified. Come to Him, then, poor heavy-laden sinner,

Come needy, come guilty, come loathsome and bare; You can't come too filthy--come just as you are.

Spurgeon's Daily Devotional

2008-09-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

I thought this was fitting:

"When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."Psalm 61:2

Most of us know what it is to be overwhelmed in heart; emptied as when a man wipeth a dish and turneth it upside down; submerged and thrown on our beam ends like a vessel mastered by the storm. Discoveries of inward corruption will do this, if the Lord permits the great deep of our depravity to become troubled and cast up mire and dirt. Disappointments and heart-breaks will do this when billow after billow rolls over us, and we are like a broken shell hurled to and fro by the surf. Blessed be God, at such seasons we are not without an all-sufficient solace, our God is the harbour of weather-beaten sails, the hospice of forlorn pilgrims. Higher than we are is He, His mercy higher than our sins, His love higher than our thoughts. It is pitiful to see men putting their trust in something lower than themselves; but our confidence is fixed upon an exceeding high and glorious Lord. A Rock He is since He changes not, and a high Rock, because the tempests which overwhelm us roll far beneath at His feet; He is not disturbed by them, but rules them at His will. If we get under the shelter of this lofty Rock we may defy the hurricane; all is calm under the lee of that towering cliff. Alas! such is the confusion in which the troubled mind is often cast, that we need piloting to this divine shelter. Hence the prayer of the text. O Lord, our God, by Thy Holy Spirit, teach us the way of faith, lead us into Thy rest. The wind blows us out to sea, the helm answers not to our puny hand; Thou, Thou alone canst steer us over the bar between yon sunken rocks, safe into the fair haven. How dependent we are upon Thee--we need Thee to bring us to Thee. To be wisely directed and steered into safety and peace is Thy gift, and Thine alone. This night be pleased to deal well with Thy servants.

From Morning and Evening- C.H. Spurgeon

2008-09-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

"From Me is thy fruit found."Hosea 14:8

Our fruit is found from our God as to union. The fruit of the branch is directly traceable to the root. Sever the connection, the branch dies, and no fruit is produced. By virtue of our union with Christ we bring forth fruit. Every bunch of grapes have been first in the root, it has passed through the stem, and flowed through the sap vessels, and fashioned itself externally into fruit, but it was first in the stem; so also every good work was first in Christ, and then is brought forth in us. O Christian, prize this precious union to Christ; for it must be the source of all the fruitfulness which thou canst hope to know. If thou wert not joined to Jesus Christ, thou wouldst be a barren bough indeed.

Our fruit comes from God as to spiritual providence. When the dew-drops fall from heaven, when the cloud looks down from on high, and is about to distil its liquid treasure, when the bright sun swells the berries of the cluster, each heavenly boon may whisper to the tree and say, "From me is thy fruit found." The fruit owes much to the root--that is essential to fruitfulness--but it owes very much also to external influences. How much we owe to God's grace-providence! in which He provides us constantly with quickening, teaching, consolation, strength, or whatever else we want. To this we owe our all of usefulness or virtue.

Our fruit comes from God as to wise husbandry. The gardener's sharp-edged knife promotes the fruitfulness of the tree, by thinning the clusters, and by cutting off superfluous shoots. So is it, Christian, with that pruning which the Lord gives to thee. "My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." Since our God is the author of our spiritual graces, let us give to Him all the glory of our salvation.

How are You?

2008-09-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

How is everyone doing?

A question that I know is somewhat hard to ask especially over an email. But really how is everyone doing spiritually? As life keeps going and everyone is going every wich way, it is hard to be able to grab everyone and ask how you are doing? Even better how are you growing the Lord?

On Friday night we are going over the Lord's armor and being ready for the every day spiritual battle that takes place. In it, Paul tells us to put on the Lord's armor and to be ready for Satan's snares as he wants to destroy us. Have you ever noticed when you become so busy with life that you can easily overlook being spiritually prepared. I am being honest, it is easy to overlook and think you are ready but how are you growing in the Lord? Ephesians 6:10-11 tells us to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armore of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Before you overlook this and continue with your daily tasks, please ask yourself, "How am I growing in the Lord?" Maybe you are ready a good book, maybe you are actually doing devotions, maybe you have set more time aside for prayer, I don't know but ask yourself, "How am I.

May we all look at ourselves and be convicted where we need conviction and encouragement where we need encouraging.

From C. H. Spurgeon

2008-08-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

"His fruit was sweet to my taste."Song of Solomon 2:3
Faith, in the Scripture, is spoken of under the emblem of all the senses. It is sight: "Look unto me and be ye saved." It is hearing: "Hear, and your soul shall live." Faith is smelling: "All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia"; "thy name is as ointment poured forth." Faith is spiritual touch. By this faith the woman came behind and touched the hem of Christ's garment, and by this we handle the things of the good word of life. Faith is equally the spirit's taste. "How sweet are Thy words to my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my lips." "Except a man eat my flesh," saith Christ, "and drink my blood, there is no life in him."

This "taste" is faith in one of its highest operations. One of the first performances of faith is hearing. We hear the voice of God, not with the outward ear alone, but with the inward ear; we hear it as God's Word, and we believe it to be so; that is the "hearing" of faith. Then our mind looketh upon the truth as it is presented to us; that is to say, we understand it, we perceive its meaning; that is the "seeing" of faith. Next we discover its preciousness; we begin to admire it, and find how fragrant it is; that is faith in its "smell." Then we appropriate the mercies which are prepared for us in Christ; that is faith in its "touch." Hence follow the enjoyments, peace, delight, communion; which are faith in its "taste." Any one of these acts of faith is saving. To hear Christ's voice as the sure voice of God in the soul will save us; but that which gives true enjoyment is the aspect of faith wherein Christ, by holy taste, is received into us, and made, by inward and spiritual apprehension of His sweetness and preciousness, to be the food of our souls. It is then we sit "under His shadow with great delight," and find His fruit sweet to our taste.

Reflections from Sunday

2008-08-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had the opportunity to attend church this Sunday. We were very blessed by a powerful message given by Pastor Jon Courson. He presented 3 points that we as a congregation should be doing for our pastor. As I was listening my first thought was, how cool because we usually associate church with what we can get from the pastor or what do we get out of it and this was different.

His 3 points were 1) Go to Jesus 2) Be like Jesus 3) Let Jesus be Jesus. I was so intrigued as he gave pointers for us as a church to be able to help out Pastor Greg and his family but also how to help out the body of Christ. Paul tells us in Galatians to bear one another's burdnes and we truly are here at Harvest. May we take these points and not only apply them to what is going on right now but continue to do it for others that are hurting.

One point I would like to highlight was when he was talking about how God revealed something in his study of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they were thrown into the fiery furnace for not bowing down before the idol. Pastor Jon highlighted that it was through the fiery furnace, through the trial in which they were in the presence of our Lord. We see in scripture that when we face trials of various kinds we are not alone. We have a loving Savior that is going through that fire with us. To make it even cooler is that Jesus already suffered through all the trials by taking on sin. A quote I like was, "I would rather be in the fiery furnace with the Lord than in the coolness of the courtyard." If going through the trials draw me closer to the Lord than let it.

I know we all will face trials and probably have faced many, but God is preparing us for something mighty that will happen. Be prepared, may you grow in all that you do.

PJ

Desiring God

2008-07-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

So, whether you ear or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God- 1st Corinthians 10:31

There are certain things in life that I look forward to doing. One of those is eating. I love being able to sit down and enjoy a meal. To some that may seem like a mundane task but to me it allows me to stop in my present state and enjoy another persons company and enjoy the food that was prepared for me. I hate having to rush through a meal because there are many things that may consume my day so eating takes a back seat. What are some things that you enjoy and even long for? What do you look forward in your day? It could be a simple, I look forward to my morning coffee. I look forward to lunch- PB&J all the way. It could be I look forward for work to be over. All of these are reasonable things to look forward too.

Do you exercise these things with the mindset, I do it for God's glory? Now I know I may be comparing a materialistic view to a heavenly concept, but what if we look at what we long for like a meal, coffee, or whatever like it is desiring God's glory in your life. I need to always check my heart to make sure I am desiring my Christ, My Savior, and My King. I can easily idolize the gifts of this life like food and comfort and forsake the gift and true comfort I receive in Christ. I challenge you to check your heart like I try to and see how do you desire for the glory of the Lord in your life? We will truly find comfort when we desire after God. When life is tough, when things happen that you look at and say I can never go through that, when you are stretched God will show his manfistation to you.

God Bless,

PJ

Lessons from Mary by Charles Spurgeon

2008-07-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

"As it began to dawn, came Magdalene, to see the sepulchre."Matthew 28:1

Let us learn from Mary Magdalene how to obtain fellowship with the Lord Jesus. Notice how she sought. She sought the Saviour very early in the morning. If thou canst wait for Christ, and be patient in the hope of having fellowship with Him at some distant season, thou wilt never have fellowship at all; for the heart that is fitted for communion is a hungering and a thirsting heart. She sought Him also with very great boldness. Other disciples fled from the sepulchre, for they trembled and were amazed; but Mary, it is said, "stood" at the sepulchre. If you would have Christ with you, seek Him boldly. Let nothing hold you back. Defy the world. Press on where others flee. She sought Christ faithfully--she stood at the sepulchre. Some find it hard to stand by a living Saviour, but she stood by a dead one. Let us seek Christ after this mode, cleaving to the very least thing that has to do with Him, remaining faithful though all others should forsake Him. Note further, she sought Jesus earnestly--she stood "weeping." Those tear-droppings were as spells that led the Saviour captive, and made Him come forth and show Himself to her. If you desire Jesus' presence, weep after it! If you cannot be happy unless He come and say to you, "Thou art My beloved," you will soon hear His voice. Lastly, she sought the Saviour only. What cared she for angels, she turned herself back from them; her search was only for her Lord. If Christ be your one and only love, if your heart has cast out all rivals, you will not long lack the comfort of His presence. Mary Magdalene sought thus because she loved much. Let us arouse ourselves to the same intensity of affection; let our heart, like Mary's, be full of Christ, and our love, like hers, will be satisfied with nothing short of Himself. O Lord, reveal Thyself to us this evening!

Into the Wilderness

2008-07-07T15:58:00.000-07:00

Deuteronomy 2:1~Then we turned and journeyed into the wilderness...

As Moses is recounting to the 2nd generation about their ordeal, he shares now about the wilderness experience they have had. When we look at the wilderness in Scripture it usually looks like a time of testing. It was a time of testing for Noah, building the Ark as well as being on the Ark for a long period of time. It was a time of testing for Hagar who fled from Sarai, it was a time of growth for David and a time of trust. It was also a time of faith for Elijah. More than all these wilderness experiences in Scripture we can not overlook Jesus who was in the wilderness for 40 days without food or water and was tempted by the Devil.

We all go through a wilderness time, some is by choice and other times it can be thrusted upon us. Sometimes it may be a drought of finances and not water, it may be a time of death that surrounds you, it may be a time of discomfort, it may be a time of hurt, and it may be a time of repeating faults. Either way our wilderness journey should be one where we grow. James 1:2 tells us to have joy of trials.

Temptation comes in our wilderness, our guard will be down and Satan will try to attack. We need to be ready. Have you been through a recent wilderness experience? Was it tough? How did God lead you through it? These are questions that I need to ask myself, because God is so faithful. As he led Israel by fire and cloud, he leads us today. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He has been faithful my whole entire life. He is faithful to his children. I am praying for you guys.

PJ

From Morning and Evening- C.H. Spurgeon

2008-07-03T11:31:00.001-07:00

"The illfavoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven wellfavoured and fat kine."Genesis 41:4
Pharaoh's dream has too often been my waking experience. My days of sloth have ruinously destroyed all that I had achieved in times of zealous industry; my seasons of coldness have frozen all the genial glow of my periods of fervency and enthusiasm; and my fits of worldliness have thrown me back from my advances in the divine life. I had need to beware of lean prayers, lean praises, lean duties, and lean experiences, for these will eat up the fat of my comfort and peace. If I neglect prayer for never so short a time, I lose all the spirituality to which I had attained; if I draw no fresh supplies from heaven, the old corn in my granary is soon consumed by the famine which rages in my soul. When the caterpillars of indifference, the cankerworms of worldliness, and the palmerworms of self-indulgence, lay my heart completely desolate, and make my soul to languish, all my former fruitfulness and growth in grace avails me nothing whatever. How anxious should I be to have no lean-fleshed days, no ill-favoured hours! If every day I journeyed towards the goal of my desires I should soon reach it, but backsliding leaves me still far off from the prize of my high calling, and robs me of the advances which I had so laboriously made. The only way in which all my days can be as the "fat kine," is to feed them in the right meadow, to spend them with the Lord, in His service, in His company, in His fear, and in His way. Why should not every year be richer than the past, in love, and usefulness, and joy?--I am nearer the celestial hills, I have had more experience of my Lord, and should be more like Him. O Lord, keep far from me the curse of leanness of soul; let me not have to cry, "My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me!" but may I be well-fed and nourished in Thy house, that I may praise Thy name.

Are you filled with God's jealousy

2008-06-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

he was jealous with my jealousy among them... Numbers 25:11

In this particular passage of Numbers, Eleazar's son Phinehas (grandson of Aaron) acted for the Lord. He was jealous with how the congregation was acting towards God. Israel was forsaking God and turning to Baal. They were giving into sexual sins with the Midianite women as an act of worship to Baal. He realized that it was wrong and it bothered him that these people that were blessed by God and in a covenant with him would turn their backs on Him.

In reading this passage, I was somewhat convicted because it is easy to say certain things are wrong but not be moved by it. We can just say well it is life and we need to stay away from those bad things but do we get upset about people falling into sin? How do I react when I find someone who fell into sin? Do you get upset that the world's way of life is influencing our loved ones? Do you act and make a stand when you know something should not happen and even when the world will call you a fool?

We usually think about jealousy as being a bad thing and we should not have it but here we see that Aaron's grandson was filled with jealousy and it was the same kind God has with us as we go to other gods and worship them (Exodus 20:5). Do we get jealous for the Lord when people serve other gods and other things and disown Him? Do we get sad over the lost? As I realize things in this world will continue and happen but I still have my job to make a stand against things that should not happen and stand for the Lord. I must not be selfish and think it is just for me to follow but share it with the world.

Longing for Now

2008-06-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

In todays pastor's meeting we were discussing the events that have taken place in California this month and how the Press-Enterprise had an article with 2 men getting married by a woman rabbi. As we were discussing this event as well as the allowing of homosexual marriages in California we were discussing what we thought the future was for America. As I was sitting there listening to the many great thoughts about this, I could not help but wonder what else will happen until the 2nd coming of Christ.

The Bible tells us that there will be birth pains leading up to this and Christ will be coming to establish his kingdom. As I was longing for that moment one of the other pastors said a profound statement. Despite everything that is going on we must stand firm in our faith. I realized that it was ok for me to long for the future and with Christ but also I need to face reality and say, "What can I do now." Just like Paul said, "To live is Christ and to die is gain." May I reflect Christ to a culture that is confused about who Christ is, and show love.

As we all are faced with family members who forsake after God's Word may we be strong by not compromising in what it says but also be loving at the same time. May we reflect on how Christ spoke to those who were rejected by the religous leaders. How he loved them but never compromised on what truth is. This has encouraged me to memorize more Scripture and try to be precise in how I communicate it. May my long for not only Christ return but long for Christ now in the lives of the lost. We may see a future of "Christian" compromising in certain areas because society has deemed it ok but may we never lose site of who really is our King. May we be ever strong in a culture that desires to forsake God.

God Bless,

PJ

Never Stop

2008-06-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

As soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it (Numbers 11:25).

In my daily reading of a chapter a day, I was reading Numbers 11. I saw how Isreal complained against God and how God took care of them still. I read how God told Moses to gather 70 elders to help him with aiding Israel. In this particular part, the elders came to the tent of meeting and the Holy Spirit rested upon them and they began to give praise and similar expressions of worship without training. This reminds me of the New Testament tongues of fire resting upon the apostles in Acts 2.

What is interesting about this verse, these 70 elders started to prophesy but did not continue. I may be reading into this but it does not say, "God had them stop." It says they did not continue. It also does not say, "These men refused to continue." I do not know who did the stopping but we do know that this was a one time occurance. All I know is that I would not want to stop being used like this and even today, I desire to be used by God in all different avenues of life. If these men were scared or did not know what to think this was a one time thing.

Have you ever been used and knew that it was of the Lord? It is kind of exciting as well as scary because we do not know what the future has for us. I just know that I love being able to be used by God. It is a great thing and I would hate for it to end. You are used by the Lord, and I pray that you will never stop wanting to be used no matter what capacity that is.

God Bless,

PJ

2008-06-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all~ 1st Thessalonians 5:14

Idle time is sometimes my enemy. I love when there is nothing scheduled and I get to do nothing. But, this is not always good for me. I hate when I just do nothing and I look around and see how many things I could have done. I mean not just cleaning, doing Jr. High stuff or even reading a good book; there is so much that I should be doing but sometimes I just don't want to. I bet all of you have had that feeling before too.

In this particular passage, the idle would be the undisciplined. The undisciplined man does not plan ahead and does not make the most of his opportunities. He has no self discipline that is mentioned as a fruit of the spirit. I am reminded of what is says in the end of 1st Corinthians 15. verse 58 says, "My beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. We must make sure that we do not give up, our work is not in vain."

I know it is very important to take time to rest, but if we abuse this we can become idle and we need to know that our work is not vain. This life is short and we need to make the best and most of it for our Lord. May you be encouraged to know that and it is ok to get some rest. God Bless and thank you for all that you do.

Jesus meets us

2008-05-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

Do you want to be healed? John 5:6

Jesus saw a man who had been unable to move around for over 38 years by the pool of Bethesda. Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be healed and the man's response was that he had no one to put him in the pool. We do not know if this was a legend that the sick desired to be placed in the pool if the waters were stirred but this man had lost hope. He did not even respond with yes, definitetly, or duh. It was an excuse from the beginning.

Jesus' response is perfect, as he said, "Get up and take your bed and walk." There was no physical contact with this man that made him better compared to some of other miracles of Jesus. This was just his voice. The man got up and was healed.

The question that comes up is that some people do not necessarily want to be healed, but why? Why not be healed physically but more important spiritually. The man was stricken for over 38 years. I can understand maybe a little bitterness or even hostility towards that type of question. The man was searching for something but that something was the pool of Bethesda. We may want to be healed but we look towards other things, other people, other ideas. The answer needs to be Christ. Jesus does ask if we want to be healed we just need to realize that he does meet us where we are sometimes. May we desire for the continuing of the salvation that we have and never lose sight of God's greatness.

PJ

God is Patient

2008-05-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

Mark 4:40~He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?"

Jesus said this to his disciples after he calmed the storm. They were in a boat leaving an area where Jesus just got done doing some healing. Jesus went to the stern of the boat and fell asleep as he must have been tired from doing ministry. The disciples were on the deck and a storm came upon them. The boat was getting tossed back and forth with the waves. The waves were becoming so powerful that they were splashing up on the deck and the boat was taking on water. They went into the stern and said, "Teacher do you not care that we are perishing?"

Jesus had so much patience with his disciples. I mean, he was sleeping and he could have said, "I am God, do not bother me with something that I am in control with." He could have had a wave come up and just knock them off the boat right then and there, but he didn't. He arose and calmed the storm. They just did could not get it. They saw the people being healed, they saw that he was doing something amazing but they quite did not get it that he was God. Here these disciples, with at least 4 of them experienced fishermen, went through a storm. I wonder if they thought because they were with Jesus nothing bad would happen. Maybe here is where they questioned if he was truly was God because they were going to die in a little boat because of a storm. Instead of asking Jesus to rescue them, they questioned him with their problem, death.

Jesus who did not rebuke them, cried out and calmed the storm. Then he just said a few words and some how we see in verse 41 they were kind of getting. The wheels in their heads were spinning at great speed, but they were filled with fear.

Have you ever not gotten something and you became frustrated or fearful? The disciples could not quite understand who was before them. They had faith in what they saw Jesus do but when it came to their own lives, they lacked it. We can see how God is working in other peoples lives and see how he is in control but when we may be faced with a storm, watch out because we may start acting like the disciples. The great news is Jesus is patient with us, just like he was with his disciples. I am so thankful that God is patient with me because I need it. I dont deserve what has been given to me, and I still have little faith sometimes.

Jesus will calm the storms in your life just like he does for others, but do you have faith that he can and he will?

Hello

2008-05-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon,

I would like to write a little note on some things within the ministry. First off, thank you for all who have given of their time. I am pleased by how you guys handle yourselves and have been dedicated to the kids when they come.

I would also like to remind everyone of a couple of things. Please make it every effort to come to the service that you have agreed to come. Obviously there are times that you will not be able to and you will need some r & r. This week we ran into a few problems, on Wednesday night we were missing some people from the groups and we had to do some switching around. We still were able to have small groups and life went on. There has been bigger problems in life. These next two weeks, I definetly need the help as I am busy teaching in high school and Adam will be running service. Adam did a great job with the little challenge.

On Friday Night, we are in need of males. The last few weeks there has only been about 3 guy counselors and I have 6 that are listed. I depend on the counselors on Friday because they make it worth it to come. I remember when I first got involved on Friday nights and the counselors made it so it worth it. They also made it so that the jr highers would get involved in the games. Friday is a commitment, I know. Also if you know anyone that is interesting in serving, a great time would be Friday Nights and where the need is.

Everyone is appreciated. I thank God for you because of your service in this ministry. Everyone contributes so much of their time. I may not say thank you enough, so THANK YOU! I mean it. Please look at this as me not picking on any one group of counselors or service time, we all need to make sure we do our part. Thank you for all who have been communicating with me, whether it is through email, text message, or phone. Thanks

Get it

2008-05-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

The Beginning of Wisdom is this: Get Wisdom...(Proverbs 4:7)

When I read this, I somewhat laughed, lol you know. The reason is because I was thinking of this deep statement coming after the beginning of wisdom is... We have looked at the beginning of knowledge which is fearing the Lord. That was a deep statement in my opinion. Now we are looking at the beginning of wisdom. The beginning of wisdom is getting it. Getting what, insight. Solomon writes that wisdom is getting insight. Insight into truth. Insight into handleling situations the right way. Insight into know what is right and wrong. Insight in talking to people the right way and bridging the gap.

Whatever wisdom is get it because that gives you insight. James 1:5 tells us that we can ask for wisdom. I want to be wise, Solomon is described as the wisest man who ever lived. He was able to discern certain situations for people, he had great insight in problems. May we desire to be wise in all our actions. The beginning of it is to get it, so get it, got it, good.

PJ

The Lord's Discipline

2008-04-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 3:11- My son do not despise the Lord's Discipline or be weary if his reproof for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

Discipline is never an easy thing to give or one to receive. I hate receiving discipline because I tend to beat myself up over the problem than getting over it. I have the weight of the world on me and feel like it is crashing down on me. God disciplines those he loves. Have you ever been caught in your sin? Maybe it was brought up some how and it just grabbed your attention? Maybe there was calamity due to the sin in your life? Whatever the case may be God allows us to get caught, God allows us to have the guilt, and God allows us to suffer in order for us to get past that point where we can grow in him. I know when I have children I will need to discipline them. They will not be perfect and I will not be a perfect parent but if I truly love my children I will correct them and guide them in the ways of the Lord, no matter how hard it is.

Do you love the Lord's discipline? I have to think about this because the answer is, I should love that he loves me enough to discipline me, but I hate getting in trouble. I hate having to make corrections in my life. Why, because it shows that I have flaws and am a sinner. It shows that I do not have it together. God loves us and he already knows that we are wretched humans who make stupid descions and choose sin over him sometimes. Have you asked for the Lord's dsicipline to be prominant in your life? It is a hard thing to ask because we will be stretched and sometimes hurt but the reward is way better. We will be closer to God. I pray that you desire the discipline of the Lord as I learn to too.

God bless,

PJ

Want Wisdom?

2008-04-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding-Proverbs 2:6

As we read last week that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and now we know we can ask the Lord for wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to decipher between good and evil. It is knowing how to make a good decision that brings glory to the Lord. James 1:5 tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given. Have you ever known about a situation that someone that does not know the Lord is involved in and the way they handled the situation was just plain stupid? It is not just, "I wouldn't have done that." I am talking about what made them come up with the conclusion. With not giving too much detail, there is someone that my wife and I know that had a problem and they did not choose the best way to deal with it. It seems like they are going to be stuck with the same problem again and again because they are not dealing with it in a right way. The blessing with being a believer is that we can make stupid decisions but we have a way out, asking God for the right way to decide on something. God's word tells us that we can ask the Lord for wisdom and he gives it. He is the author of true wisdom. Have you ever just regretted with a choice that you made and you knew that it was not the wisest decision? Did you go to the Lord first with your decision that you had to make? I try to learn from my mistakes and I know I need to the Lord's help in making decisions. Those tough decisions can be not be that tough because God already knows the outcome.

God Bless,

PJ

Are you Teachable?

2008-04-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 1:7- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction(Job 28:28; Psalm 111:10).

One of the questions being asked on a job interview that I always thought was interesting was if I was teachable. For some reason it always took some time to answer that question. None of the other questions really bothered me, just this one. Am I a teachable person. The truth is no, naturally I am not. I am the type of guy that would not want to stop and ask for directions because I should already know where Iam going. I do not want someone to teach me about a program on my computer that I have had for a while. It is hard for me to admit, "I don't know" to certain questions. Sometimes if I do not know the answer, I can make a good one up on the spot even if there is no truth in what I gave, at least it sounded good, when it would have been easier to say, "I have no idea."

Winston Churchill said, "Personally I'm always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught." That is probably true for a lot of us. When it comes to God's Word and standard, I should be learning everyday of my life until my death. True knowledge is fearing the Lord. Do I have the good fear of the Lord? Do you? When I learn more of God's Word I learn more what it means to fear him. When I fear the Lord, I am learning what his word says. Do I like being taught? That is the hard part? Being patient and sitting before the Lord so we can be taught? Sometimes that means being disciplined. The word disciple is very close to discipline and true discipliship will not happen without discipline. So are you teachable and are you being taught right now by God? What have you been learning?

God Bless,

PJ

Waters made sweet

2008-04-07T16:57:00.001-07:00

In Exodus 15 we read that Moses sang a song in appreciation about God and how glorious He is. At the end of the chapter we read that after a three day journey and no water that Israel begins to complain. It took no water and three days for Israel to get off focus and forget about the miracles of God. God told Moses to throw a log into the water and it became sweet and they were able to drink it.

How often after a great victory or a time of great worship with God that we can easily get our focus on something else like the problem or the sin or this or that. It probably did not take having no water and a three day journey, it may have been a phone call, sin, a confrontation, a bad day, an illness, a irritation of someone, or whatever it may have been did your focus get off God. Israel was able to witness God's mighty hand. They saw how he and he alone delivered them from bondage. They saw the plagues and when God spoke they happened and stopped. But they started to complain. I wish we could say we are better than Israel, but in all honesty I think we are worse. We get to see God's redemptive plan for mankind because we get to read what Jesus did for us. We know how mighty God is but still we get off track. Have you been off focus with something? Have you started to complain? As your pastor I would like to encourage to get back on track and refocus on who really matters, A wonderful and sovereign God. God is gracious and he will throw a log into our lives to get us back on track.

Spiritual Training

2008-03-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

1st Timothy 4:7--8~ Train yourself for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

We all train and are disciplined in certain areas. Some may be disciplined in training for a sport or a match. Some may be disciplined in practicing a musical instrument. Some are trained in their professions and practice their careers. If we add up the amount of time spent on training for those activities that we love what would they add up too? As Paul told Timothy that the physical training is of some value for the time, but spiritual training is of value today, tomorrow, and for eternity.

To have spiritual training means having spiritual discipline. I heard this quote by R. Kent Hughes, "No discipline no discipleship! No sweat no sainthood." There is discipline that needs to happen in our Christian walks. There is some work that needs to happen so we can improve in those weak areas. What are some areas in your Christian walk that have been slack? What areas to you need to spend toning or working on? How is your devotional time? How is your prayer time? How is your worship? How is your attitudes? It is easy to just be in the current of everyone else but we need to be disciplined as servants of the Living God.

PJ

Our Hearts burn within us

2008-03-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Easter at Harvest was great. We had several thousand people come for all the different services. 2nd service alone was packed. We had to use the dome for overflow for that service because the Fellowship Hall was full and there were at least 250 people in the dome for that service. The courtyard area had almost 2000 people alone. Pastor Greg did an awesome job with teaching and God really used him as he taught from the Luke 24 about the disciple on the road to Emmaus. The focus of the message is from verse 32, "Did not our hearts burn within us." What a great verse talking about the risen Lord.

I took last week off and tried to rest but I do not think I did much. I missed you guys and look forward to seeing everyone this week. We start back with our normal service schedule. Wed, Fri, and Sunday.

I am thankful to the times of rest or just to get away for a little while because it is easy to get burned up and your focus is changed from the purpose. As Pastor Greg shared on Sunday what a great message it would have been able to hear from the mouth of Jesus but I also realize what a great message is the Bible. Just like ministry can be work and we lose the focus of what it needs to be, so can reading God's word. It can become a task or a duty but not so our hearts burn within us as God is speaking to us. I always need to refocus and go back to the cross.

God Bless,

PJ

Lead me to the Rock

2008-03-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

Psalm 61:2~ Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.

Pastor Ralph Arhtur shared this passage with the staff last Wednesday and it was a great encouragment to me. David just got word that his son Absalom died. Verse 1 states, "Hear my Cry O God, listen to my prayer." God is never too busy to hear us. I find myself getting so caught up in the world of scheduling and working out services that I just sometimes don't stop and listen to the needs of others. I can sometimes have my mind running with other thoughts when my wife is talking to me. God is not like that. He not only listens but takes action on our cries. He either will have us wait, he will answer yes, and sometimes he says no but either way he is listening and acting on the behalf of our cries and requests.

God is our tower and he is strong. He is the rock which is solid. Edward Mote wrote a hymn called "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less"

My hope is built on nothing lessThan Jesus' blood and righteousness;I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand - All other ground is sinking sand,All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,I rest on His unchanging grace;In ev'ry high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand - All other ground is sinking sand,All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, His bloodSupport me in the whelming flood;When all around my soul gives way,He then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand - All other ground is sinking sand,All other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,O may I then in Him be found,Dressed in His righteousness alone,Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand - All other ground is sinking sand,All other ground is sinking sand.

Chris is my Solid Rock

Amen

Thank You!

2008-03-03T16:32:00.000-08:00

Philemon 4-5~ I thank my God always when I remeber you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints.

When I reflect of all the details that consist of the upkeep in this ministry it is easy to get overwhelmed because there is just so much that needs to be done. Not only can it be burdensome working on the logistics of the services weekly but also just with working on messages throughout the week to organizing activities as well as all the small things that can easily get forgotten about. I thank my God for not only my wife who gives me support even when I am frustrated but also I am blessed with a great help, Angela who does a lot of the unseen work that gets used througout the week. I am blessed to have a great staff of counselors that devote their time weekly. I hope that you know that it does not go unnoticed. I do thank God for you as I am a mere man that can not really do anything on my own. My wife and I are blessed to have people we can rely on and call on if we need help. My you be blessed by the Lord in what you do and know that your service is not in vain.

PJ

Reminders

2008-02-25T12:19:00.000-08:00

Man, I am tired and the retreat has not even happened yet. It is not even the week before which is like STRESS week. But, you know, I bet majority of you all feel like this, where you are going and going and you are on empty and you are still going. Rest does not seem possible as you look at your schedule and see everything that needs to happen not just for work but for your home and family. That is where I am right now. I am tired not only physically, emotionally, mentally, but also spiritually. I feel like there just needs to be time to recharge in all those areas where I can read, veg, and rest.

As I complain to everyone as poorest Jon, I need to stop because

1) There are other people that are going through more intense things than me right now. I bet some of you know people that are going through a lot right now too.

2) God is my sustainer and where does my hope, strength, and joy come from. FROM THE LORD. Psalm 59:9-10~my Strength , I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. Psalm 65:5-6O~God our Savior,the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength. Phil 4:13~I can do everything through him who gives me strength. James 1:2-3~Consider it pure joy , my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

3) This life is short, soon I will need not to have this work of this life over me but instead I need to look at it as if this is all I have and I need to make the most of it NOW (Ephesians 5:16).

May you be reminded and have strength through what you face.

Matt 11:28-30~ "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest . Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Lord on our own we can never be able to handle what this life has, that is why we need you as our sustainer and author of our faith. May we cling to you so we do not falter.

God Bless

Trouble and Shame

2008-02-18T13:23:00.000-08:00

Nehemiah 1:3~ And they said to me, "The remnant here in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.

Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the king, asked about the group of exiles that had survived during the captivity of Babylon and what was reported back to him was they are not good. It has been 140 years since that time. Why are they not good? The wall is broken and the gates are destroyed. In verse 4 we see Nehemiah who mourned over the news and asked for forgiveness from the Lord.

We know that the wall of a city during this time served a big purpose in protection. If a city had a good wall and good strong gates then they would be able so protect the people in the city. He mourned because nothing in that amount of time has happened to build the protection of the city.

We as Christians also should have a strong wall and gates to protect us from falling into the enemies hands. Jerusalem had a wall but it was destroyed by a mighty enemy. We have a mighty enemy fighting against us and we need to be prepared every single day. God gave Jeruusalem in the hands of the enemy due to their complacency in their walks. We too can become complacent. We need to be aware that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion ( 1st Peter 5:8) This battle is not against flesh and blood but against the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12) May we mourn when our walls are corrupted and may we desire for them to be built up in the strength of the Lord.

God Bless,
PJ

Mourning for the Lost

2008-02-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

Ezra 10:6~ Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib, where he spent the night, neither eating bread nor drinking water, for he was mourning over the faithlessness of the exiles.

At the close of the book of Ezra we see the exiles were marrying people that they should not have. They were marrying women and men from the surrounding lands that did idol worship. This was what happened before Israel was taken captive by Babylon and now they are returning to their old sin. They were forsaking what God commanded. Ezra heard about this and he went to the Lord first and then just wept and was so upset by this that he did not eat or drink. He had a heart for his people and knew what needed to happen, reform.

We hear this word "reform" a lot because the elections are happening and the those who are running use this word describing what needs to happen to our nation. There are some that may agree or whatever but we need to have this desire for the lost. The question that came up in my mind is how am I when I find out someone is in sin. I usually get mad and upset and bummed. But I can be honest it is not an attitude of mourning. I realized as I read Moses who would constantly lay himself out on the line for Isreal, he was the mediator between God and Israel. My attitude is this is what they deserve, God let your wrath come down. Where is the grace that needs to happen, where is the compassion for them. The truth is when I mess up, I need that one person who has compassion on me. We are so quick to judge and bring God's wrath and our own but do we mourn? Do we desire reform in their life? Do we desire for God to be glorified by the reconciliation

May we desire to seek God and for others to seek God as well.

PJ

The Hand of our God is Good

2008-02-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

Ezra 8:22-23~ For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, "The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him."

Ezra with the 2nd group of exilers returning were carrying about 5 million dollars worth of gold and silver. Ezra admitted his shame by saying it would be weird and hypocritical if he asked the king for help when we were so bold to say, "God is in control." In the next verse we see Ezra and the group asking the True KING for help and they fasted instead of going to the Persian king for troops.

How many times have we ever told a friend or a coworker that God is in control but when you personally get in a bind you may start unfolding at the seams. When you are in a bind that is when the world is really looking at you to see how you handle yourself. Proverbs 3:5--6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding but In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. I can recall so many times I shared these two verses with someone but when I am faced with a similar situation I do not heed my own advice. It is hard!

May we desire that we can say, "God is in control" and not feel like when we are in a situation that we wish we would have done this thing or asked this for protection. May we say God you will show yourself to this world and use me in this situation for your glory. Matthew 5:16~ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

PJ

2008-01-30T11:38:00.000-08:00

And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments came forward with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord, according to the directions of David king of Israel. And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel." Ezra 3:10-11.

The temple is being rebuilt after the exiles returned from Babylon under the permission of King Cyrus of Persia. The exiles with the leadership Jeshua and even the prophets Haggai and Zechariah rebuilt the temple as one person. They came together and focused on what was important, the place of worship.

When building something the foundations is the first to be laid before the walls and roof could be built. The foundation is so important because it needs to be strong for the rest of the building to be strong. Israel sang a song just as the foundation was laid and it showed that God is good.

Where is your foundation? Is it strong in the Lord and you know that his steadfast love endures forever? When you have weathered problems that come with the seasons do you hold to your strong foundation that is in the Lord? If we do not have our foundation in the Lord then we will not be able to stand through time. May you cling to the foundation of God with the salvation of Jesus Christ our King and we can come together as one person and be used to lay the foundation of Christ in the lives of the youth.

God Bless,

PJ

I have been sick

2008-01-23T17:03:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Sorry I did not send this out on Monday but I was ill with something that was not fun. I rarely get bed ridden and I was out all day on Sunday and Monday and most of Tuesday. I still am not 100% better but I am better than I was on Sunday that is for sure. Since I am rushing to get all the weekly stuff done this will be brief.

I am constantly reminded of the pride in my life and how I need to get rid of it and have humility. Isn't funny even when you think you have humility you start having a prideful humility. Before I was sick I was thinking how I am getting better at organizing things and God I think I can handle what I am doing and I start to get comfortable with everything. Then I become sick and I have to rely on other people for help. I know that God wants me to trust him and to let go of any pride I have. God is the one who fights for me, he is the one that has given me the ability to work and the ability to have air in my lungs. God is in control. When we start trusting ourselves pride enters into our lives. God is gracisous and merciful to us.

If we have any area of pride it must stop because it will tear us apart and limit how we are used by God.

PJ

Read the Word Outloud

2008-01-14T14:23:00.000-08:00

And he [Josiah] read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord- 2nd Kings 23:2

We left off looking at Hezekiah who was king of Judah but he died and soon there was another king who established idolatry back after it was just taken out of the kingdom. After him there was another king who followed after the previous him and he died. Then finally Josiah who was only 8 years old reigned, not much is said about what he did at 8 but we know that he wanted to have some repairs done to the temple and while they were repairing the temple they rediscovered a book. Some scholars think this was Deuteronomy and others just don't know. But this book called "The Book of the Covenant" talked about the law and the importance of it. King Josiah first read it and then went to the temple and gathered all the people to hear it being read. From that point on in his life he wanted to walk in the ways of the Lord, asked for forgiveness for their past and desired that the nation served the Lord. There was reform in Judah and God spared Israel for a few more years before Jerusalem is destroyed.

The reason I bring this up is that I think we to can easily forget certain things that are written in scripture. We have a tendancy to become complacent or thinking that we may be veterans in our faith that we overlook the "simple things." Have you ever went read something that you know you read a few hundred times in the Bible but you realize and get convicted because you may have neglected that part. The king could have wanted this rediscovered book to be hidden or brush it off as not relevant to their culture, but instead he read it to the culture. God's word is so important for our culture because it pierces our hearts and I hope and pray that we can be like Josiah and read it before them, not lacking in anything.

God Bless,

PJ

Where Do You Go When Trouble Comes?

2008-01-07T10:35:00.001-08:00

19:14~Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messenger and read it, and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord.

During the split of Israel into two different kingdoms, the northern kingdom, Israel, lasted a little over 200 years before the Assryians besieged the city. The northern kingdom had 19 monarchs and all of them were wicked in the eyes of the Lord. The southern kingdom, Judah, will last a little over 300 hundred years. 8 of 17 monarchs followed the Lord. King Hezekiah is enthroned and he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and he also tore down all the high places and alters that were left by the previous generation. Now we see something happen in history that is amazing. The king of Assryia just ransacked Israel and took the people captive, and its eyes now were on Judah. The king of Assyria made mention that he was better and more powerful then the gods of the lands that he destroyed so how great it the LIVING GOD. This king was vicious. He desired to take over nations and kill people. His destruction has turned to Judah, the remnant. King Hezekiah received the news and instead of 1st getting the troops ready for war or talking with his advisors. We see him go to the house of the Lord. He spread out the letter and laid flat on his face for God to be in charge of this problem.

Where do you go when trouble comes? Who do you talk to first? Is it your spouse? Good friend? Co-worker? I think about the certain times that trouble has come into my life and how sometimes I go straight to someone in confidence but I do not go straight to the Lord and say, "This is yours God; I do not want this problem or trouble, you are in control and you can take care of this." I notice the times that I do not do this, I become anxious and worrisome, but when I go to the Lord first, I have a peace and a confidence to know that He cares for my burdens and that he will lead me through this trouble. I must go to go God with confidence that he hears me but also in humility as he is in charge and in control.

I know I need to go through things to grow but I have peace that I am not alone when I do.

PJ

It is a new year

2008-01-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

Time does go by faster and faster. I am reminded of that when I see old Jr. Highers graduating from highschool and entering into college. I also am reminded when I see the frailty of human beings that this life was not suppose to be this way. When I read Genesis 1 I see that God had a plan and of course that plan was Jesus but I long for the future plan, being with Christ, being in his presence, being away from the misery of sin and into the perfection of the Godhead.

But------

Even when I long, I can not neglect what my purpose here on earth is. Showing the love of God through Christ to humanity. May I be diligent in my work as a Christian which encompasses every aspect of my life, may you be diligent as your work as a Christian in your homes and in your professions and in your schools. This life is short, make the most of every opportunity.

Romans 12:9-13~ Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in pryaer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Please bring this year in prayer for the ministry, for those in need, for my wife and I, and also that we will meet the needs of Jr. Highers. We should always long to outdo the previous year with things for the Lord. May we all draw closer and throw off the hinderance of sin.

With all that said, I just want to encourage everyone to make sure when you come to service that you are making relationships with the youth. I see more talking with one another and even though that is good that we can have fellowship, let us make another time for that so we can focus on the task at hand.

PJ

Merry Christmas

2007-12-23T08:45:00.000-08:00

Christmas is right around the corner and as I write this I am reminded of all the last minute things I need to get done. It is very easy to get distracted from the focus of Christ. Sometimes I get so frustrated that I just want to say, "Enough! The gifts and all this hustle, just can't we just stop!"

Well I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas and enjoy their week with friends and family.

I would like to just share what the heavenly host praised to God as the shepherds were watching and listening to the news of Christ's birth.

Luke 2:14~ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.

Jesus brings God's glory on earth for mankind.
Jesus is peace the true peace that the Jews spoke of.
God is pleased in his Son.
We find true peace in Christ with our souls and life.
When we receive the son, God is pleased in us.

May you desire Christ even more everyday as we can focus on him through all things.

PJ

Complaining?

2007-12-17T10:22:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those days, that once you woke up, you realized nothing is going to go the way you want it.

I had one of those days this past week, I hate them. I get really frustrated and then I complain about it to everyone.

In light of present circumstances, it is easy to look at it and complain about it. Sometimes saying, "God, is this really necessary for me to go through." I complain a lot, if you did not know that about your pastor. NOW YOU DO! It is easy to start going on a complaining tangent about everything. But God has his way of getting my priorities right and to see why am I really complaining.

This happens everytime someone may come up to me and ask for me to pray for them. I just stop and say, "God, forgive me for my complaining attitude, I have so much to be grateful for." This also happens during the worship service, "God, forgive me for dwelling upon my needs, you are so good to me." This happens when I ready his word, "Lord you love is so great, forgive me for taking my eyes off of it. My situations are really not that critical, I always tend to make them bigger than they are, and I dwell on them so much that it annoys my wife. That is why it is so important to be in the word, to participate in worship, and to pray for others.

Psalm 27:-4-14, "One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

PJ

Who's Got Your Back

2007-12-10T10:46:00.000-08:00

2nd Kings 6:16~ He said, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

Have you ever felt alone or outnumbered? I have never been in combat and I give credit to those who have. I have felt alone in certain circumstances but never because someone was going to get me. I have felt outnumbered but that would be just in a basketball game or soccer game but never in battle. Here Elisha and his servant are being surrounded by the ruthless Syrian army. But Elisha tells his servant do not be afraid, why, because there was a better, more powerful army that was surrounding them. It was God's army. And they were ready to protect Elisha and his servant.

It is the spiritual fight that we really should be concerned about and not necissarily the physical. Ephesians 6:12 tells us, "For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms." This is what will really drag us down.

There is a spiritual battle going on and we may not see it but it is over our soul. But the crazy thing is that I know I was purchased at a high price and no matter how crazy the battle goes, I am never alone or outnumbered because of what Jesus did for me on the cross. With this we know that we can face those spiritual oppositions only through Christ. He has my back, and his word tells me that He will never leave me nor forsake me. Have comfort in Christ even through those tuff time spiritually. Have comfort to know that you were bought at a price that you can never repay or need to for that matter.

PJ

Have Faith!

2007-12-03T10:50:00.000-08:00

2nd Kings 4:16 "At this season, about this time next year, you shall embrace a son."

As I continue with my study we seagway from Elijah to his replacement Elisha. As Elisha asked for a double portion of what Elijah had we see how that was answered.

This particular section is right after Elisha succeeds Elijah. The Shunammite woman was kind to Elisha and actually had her husband make a place for him to be able to stay at when he is in town. Because of her generosity Elisha had his servant ask her if there was anything she wanted. She asked for a son, because she did not have one and her husband was getting old. It turns out she did have a son a year later. Life probably seemed so great once she found out she was pregnant. How great it was to have a son, he probably worked with the father and the mother loved him. One day the son said his head hurt and was carried home and died in his mother's lap.

All of a sudden the life that she new was fading and becoming out of control. But we see that she did not stop with that. She said I know how this can be in control and who can do it. We see she placed him on the prophets bed not of look what you did but I know he can do something. Then she not only got on a donkey but looked for the prophet herself. She had so much faithto know this was not, there was more and she knew who to go to.

Today at church there is a funeral going on for a Caltrans worker who was killed while he was working on the freeway. It was amazing to see the parking lot full of Caltrans vehicles and the sanctuary was full of workers, friends, and family of the man that died. At this tragedy I know life is valuable and also things happen that we least expect. As I am reminded through reading this section that this life is not it, there is more to it. There is the hope of heaven. How many of us know that we need to be the one runs to run to Christ? Hopefully all of us know this and we can point people in the right direction. He is the only way. May we desire Jesus more than ever because we do not know what tomorrow holds.

I would not miss this for the world

2007-11-26T11:21:00.000-08:00

2nd Kings 2:2, 4, 6~ As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.

Three times Elisha says this to Elijah, the prophet whom he left everything to follow and learn from. As we read the text of 2nd Kings ch. 2 we see that Elijah and Elisha both were aware of what was going to happen, that God was going to take him away. Even other prophets were sharing with Elisha that today was the day that the Lord was going to take him. They did not say die, they knew God was going to be supernaturally taking Elijah away. But he stuck with Elijah through the tough times and the good times. He got the see the prophet at work. But this was going to be something spectacular, he did not want to miss this.

How is it when you walk with the Lord you do get to see some amazing stuff. You get to see how God faithfully takes care of his children, you get to see God work through his servants and share the Gospel, you get to see people whom you would never think receive the Gospel and turn from their old lives and they are a new creation.

Looking back from the time I started serving the Lord, I would not trade it for anything, I have had a wonderful experience but more than anything I get to see the Lord work in the lives of people. I would not want to miss that for the world. I am reminded of Isaiah, when the Lord was saying, "Whom shall I send and who will go for us? Isaiah said, "Here am I! Send me." I know he would not want to miss this opportunity to be used by the Lord.

May you be blessed and desire serving the Lord more than any other opportunity in this life.

PJ

Quiet! Hear the Whisper

2007-11-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

1st Kings 19: 12! And after the fire the sound of a low whisper...

Here we see our hero Elijah who was just used by God to show the prophets of Baal who is God. Then the Lord sends rain in the land of Israel after a 3 year drought. But, Elijah runs from Queen Jezebel because she threatened to kill him. God first comforted Elijah by sending him food underneath a broom tree and told him to go to Herob, the Mt. of God. At this cave that he came to live in God told him to go to the mouth of the cave because he would speak to him. First it was the great strong wind that came by, then it was a mighty earthquake, and then fire but God was not in either of those to talk to Elijah, it was the still small whisper that he wanted to speak to Elijah.

How comforting is it to know that our heavenly father has compassion on us when we run in fear. He could have grabbed Elijah's attention and said, "You fool, I am with you, did you not just see fire come down from heaven?" "Did you not just pray and it rained?" "Why are you afraid?" Instead we see him taking care of his prophet with food and then he spoke to him with a still small voice.

Lord, I am afraid and you want me to be used by you to this world which even Jesus said we are sheep among wolves. You comfort me in my running away, but sometimes I do not hear that still small voice because I expect the wind or the earthquake or fire to get my attention. I drown out everything around me with noise and not think God has that still small voice to grab my attention. Sometimes we need the mighty stuff to grab our attention, and sometimes we just need the whisper of God to comfort us and remind us that we have salvation in Christ our Savior and King. We are going to make it even when we do not think it is possible.

PJ

2007-11-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

1st Kings 14:7~ Because I exaleted you from among the people and made you a leader over my people Israel...vs9 but you have done evil above all who were before you and have gone and made yourself images, provoking me to anger and have cast me behind your back, vs 10-therefore I will bring harm upon the house of Jeroboam.

Here we see the sad change of events for Israel. Solomon turned away from the Lord which resulted in the kingdom being split. Now there was the king of Judah and the king of Israel. Judah had king Rehoboam and Israel had King Jeroboam.

In chapter 14 we see that a prophet was telling Jereboam's wife what the Lord has said. I exalted you and now I am casting you down. Why, because you have rebelled from the Lord.

I am reminded of the struggles with this life and with sin-

I just got off the phone with a distraught parent about dealing with a rebellious child. I think this is something that I may hear weekly from different parents wanting to know how to deal with their rebellious son or daughter. I share with them that I may lack in the parenting aspect but God's word is my authority and should be theirs. But I also remind them that their child is a little sinner or big depending on age but that it is a struggle with this life. But I remind them that they may be rebelling against them but it goes beyond that, they are sinning against God.

Jereboam caused God to anger because of his full on rebellion against God. Children rebel against God, people rebel against God.

As children of God we need to have the attitude that we hate sin. In Psalm 36:1--3 we see what a person who is against God and what they do. vs 1-An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. 2 For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin . 3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and to do good.

May we desire to kill the sin in our life and desire to love others for their sin to be dead as well.

The World will Say Blessed Be the Lord Your God.

2007-10-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

1st Samuel 10:9~ Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has mad you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.

Through the slow study of Solomon we see that he had a great fear of the Lord. I know it will change as we continue through 1st Kings. The Queen of Sheba came and visited Solomon because she heard of his fame in the name of the Lord. Nothing is really known about the queen other than she heard of what the God of Israel was doing in the kings life. When you read chapter 10 we see that she came with hard questions for the king and he answered them.

Instead of her saying, Solomon is great and wise she says blessed be the Lord your God. The glory of the wisdom was not Solomon but God who gave it to him.

How great it is when we can say the world is drawn to the glory of God through what God is doing in us. When the world can say Blessed be the Lord your God. There is truly a God and through Jesus Christ he is the only way.

May we live so the world can hear of amazing salvation of our Lord and they can say, "Blessed be the Lord your God."

PJ

Not one word has failed from God

2007-10-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

1st Kings 8:56 Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant.

As Solomon is closing his dedication to the Temple that was just built, we see what he tells Israel. Not one word has failed from God of all his good promises. How encouraging for Israel to hear as they just got a chance to see the glory of God fill the temple as well as an awesome prayer by their king. Solomon never mentioned anything about his duty to the people but the relationship betweeen God and His people. The prioirty and true relationship.

I have some wonderful opportunities to share with people that God's word never fails. But it goes on further God never fails. What he promises will never fail. He is faithful even when we are faithless. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will not strike us dead out of the blue because he feels like it. He does not stop loving us, even when we are rebellious. It is most likely us who are the ones who run away from his love and think his word has failed us in times of need. But it does not. Solomon said from what was spoken from the mouth of Moses which was regarding what he was going to do with the nation of Israel. We have the promise of Christ.

I do not know how your day or week or maybe even month has been but can always count on Scripture being true. People may let us down but God's Word to us never fails.

AMEN-

PJ

The Cloud that filled the House of the Lord

2007-10-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

1 Kings 8:10-11~ And when the priests came out of the Holy Place a cloud filled the house of the Lord, so the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.

The presence of the Lord came in as a cloud. This could remind us when the tabernacle was dedicated (Ex. 40:34,35- See also Leviticus 9:23). Both times (Other places in scripture as well) the glory of the Lord was visible in a place of appearance. God was revealing His righteousness, truth, wisdom, and grace. What is interesting is that the priests came to bring the Ark of the Lord into the temple. After they put the Ark in the inner sanctuary of the house of the Lord we see the cloud came and it filled the house so the priest could not stand or even minister.

When it is the glory of the Lord we have to see that we are not worthy to stand and even though the priest had to be clean and sanctify themselves for this act, it does not matter we cannot stand in the presence of the Lord. Not only stand but lowering ourselves in praise and worship and doing nothing of ministering because the Lord was there.

Toay even though we may not have a cloud of God's glory we are able to be in his presence because of what Christ did for us. It is easy to ignore the glory and be so involved in the work and ministering to one another that we forget the glory and just to stop or even stand. It is important that we do the ministering but sometimes that overshadows the true importance, the glory of the Lord.

Lord, may we never become ignorant of your glroy and may we be able to just stop and not minister when it comes to you. You are worthy to show yourself to others with or without us. May we not be focused so much on duty but more on desiring you so we can see your righteousness, holiness, truth, wisdom, and grace- Spread through the nations.

Truth

PJ

Newness!

2007-10-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

Ezek 36:26~ I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

I love fall! I like the feeling of the warm summer is leaving and there will be beautiful bearable days ahead. I love the cool nights so you can take a nice stroll around the neighborhood. It is almost a peaceful feeling of the weather. The coolness is approaching and the heat is passing away. I would rather have it cool than hot anyways.

When fall hits and how it feels like this newness of a season how can I not forget what God has done for me.

In Ezekiel, we see what God spoke to Ezekiel to prophesy about the nation Israel. He told them that he was going to act upon his Holy Name and gather Israel from all the nations and it shall show the surrounding nations who is God. He will give them a new heart and take their heart of stone away. In 2nd Corinthians 5:17 we see that is what Jesus did on the cross for everyone. The old has gone and the new has come. There is freshness in salvation, the heat passes away. There is newness in Christ.

May you never forget that you have a new heart, the old life has gone. Don't forget the freshness that came from the saving knowledge of the gospel that heard for the 1st time.

Lord, I pray that we all are refreshed in your Son, may we see the newness and peace that comes from Jesus. Amen-

PJ

God's glorious Wrath

2007-09-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Revelation 6:15--17~ then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselvesin the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on teh throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?

As we just got done teaching Revelation 6 on Sunday and the seal have been opened an we see God's judgment on the earth.

This last section of Ch. 6 we see that all the powerful rulers of the earth and rich and even the poor during the tribulation (more towards the end) will want to be hidden from the wrath of God. It was Adam and Eve who hid themselves from God when they were in paradise and sinned. It was Elijah who ran away and hid in the cave for his life because of the evil queen Jezebel. It was Peter after he denied Christ who hid in shame.

Sin makes us hide from the wrath of God. Because of sin we know what the penalty is death (Romans 6:23). Those in the world may reject God's Son and because of that they will see his wrath. For those who have the son we have a different type of fear, but not a dead fear. It is an awe inspiring fear of wanting to please our Father. Because of Christ we can stand before the Father (Hebrews 10:19).

May we desire God's justice as well has His mercy and grace. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

PJ

The Wave of Trials

2007-09-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

James 1:2--4~ Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that your testing of your faith produces steadfastness, And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing.

Have you ever had a test or trial and doesn't seem that it is not just one it comes in waves? When they come you can feel out of control and not to know what do to. James tells us that we are to count it as joy. Paul wrote the book of Philippians and throughout those pages are words of joy and rejoice yet he was in chains and in prison. It is weird to say but when you lack everything and lean on the Lord through the trial you see God in it all.

1st Peter 1:7~ These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold.

The goldsmith heats up the gold to become liquid. As it becomes liquid the impurities rise to the surface. The goldsmith must remove these partivles so the gold can be pure. The goldsmith will not just do it once but he will pass it through the fire multiple times. And when he could see his reflection in the liquid gold, it becomes ready.

May God see his reflection in us as we face these trials and we stand confident that we serve an awesome God that will take care of these trials no matter how unpleasant and painful they are we know we grow closer to our KING.

"The wounds of God are sweeter than the kisses of sin"

PJ

If You Could Have One Wish What Would It Be?

2007-09-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

And the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and god said, "Ask what I shall give you." And Solomon said, ..."Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people (1 Kings 3:5 and 9."

If the Lord appeared to you and asked, "What shall I give you?" What would your response be? How long would it take you to answer? This would honestly be a hard question to answer. Think about it, our God and Creator over everything asks what would you lkke and I will give it to you and the Bible says he is faithful what would it be? You can think about all the endless possibilities that you could do, all the financial hardships that would end, yours and the people that you may be thinking about. You can think how life can be easier or whatever your mind may think of but what would it be?

After reading what Solomon did, he pointed everything to God and just asked that he would be a king that would govern God's people God's way. I am amazed that there was not a selfish motive but that he would just do a great job at the position that he was placed into. If you asked God that you could be the best example and discern what is right for his people think about what an amazing opportunity. In fact that opportunity has been given to us by Christ dying on the cross for us and we have a chance to be this example. Instead of wondering what "I" could get out of God's will, the question should be, "What can I do and how can I be used? May we not neglect the opportunty that has been handed to us by the grace of God.

PJ

May Christ Live in You

2007-09-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

Today in our church all staff meeting Pastor Paul taught on putting on the fruit of the Spirit, gentelness. The one thing that he started by saying, it is impossible to put on this fruit as well as the others because on our own we can not do it, but if you go to the end of the section that Paul is talking about in Galatians we see how we can put on all of the fruits of the Spirit that are mentioned. In Galatians 5:24--25 he says, "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit."

Have you died to yourself today? This is a question that I never really ever ask myself but I should do it everyday. When we start living to ourselves then we start putting on the human characteristics which will result in sin and all the things that are mentioned in vs 19-20. Have you ever looked at the list of the fruits of the Spirit and you have to be convicted because we all fall short of that list, but when we read the last verses of the section we see that when we crucify our flesh then we can live by the Spirit.

Galatians 2:20~ I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Amen- May we constantly die in our flesh and know that we live in the Spirit. May Christ live in me!

PJ

Camp is Over

2007-08-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

It has been a couple of weeks since I last wrote to everyone. I pray all those who went to camp are blessed by the opportunity to be used by God. I look forward to the fruit that will come from it. I also hope all those that went are rested from all the energy and work that they gave. All those that did not go, thank you for your prayers because I know that you were praying for us, God was with us and moved mightly.

As now we are over the hurdle of summer in the ministry and school is starting it is easy to get to the point of a relaxed mindset with things. The next major trip is winter camp and that is not until March 08. It is easy to say, all the hard work is done and I can take it easy. As important taking breaks are (I know I am going to gone for some time coming in October and November- my anniversary, 2 years) but I have to tell myself that I can not let my guard down ever. Satan would love to distract me so that I could not be pushing for the development of the fruit that was from camp. As tired as I can be, I know the devil will be wanting to make any of us ineffective when there is down time.

Starting the section of the Lord's armor we see that Paul is telling the Ephesians to be on guard and to be ready. 6:10- says to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Who does your strength rely on? Where does your hope come from? I can say, Lord I pray for strength through the tough times but also when I want to be lazy. Lord I know it is through your might, that I can withstand all things. Camp was great and I look at all the hard work and say, "thank you Lord because you sustained me." Now I pray that I do not think the work is over (I have a tendency to do that). Give me strength God, I ask this for everyone in the ministry.

Love you guys,
PJ

Joy of Salvation

2007-08-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

I hope everyone had a chance to check out the crusade this weekend. If not you can go www.harvest.org and look at the archived videos of it. Also we put a little something together called, 'How to Survive the Crusade" which will be up later this week at the Jr. High website.

If you did have a chance to check out the crusade, it was a wonderful weekend with several thousand people coming down the receive Christ. My job was to catch people before they left the field to make sure they met with a decision follow up counselor. When I was just standing there I saw different reactions from different people. Some people came down because they wanted to touch the grass of Angel's Stadium, some came because the person they were with wanted to come down, and some you could tell had this look on their faces that the load has been taken off their backs. They found joy and peace. They were seeking salvation. 1st John says, we are writing these things that our joy may be complete. He was writing this due to what he got to see in his own eyes with walking and being around Christ. This complete joy only comes from knowing the son. His blood that was shed for us so we can become white as snow.

I saw joy on the couple people that I had the opportunity to talk with about salvation. It was encouraging for me to see this.

May we never take salvation for granted because it was a very high price that was paid for our debt that on our own we could not pay.

Jon

The Rapids of Life

2007-07-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

I had an opportunity to go to the American River and do some stuff that I have never done before. A bunch of us went up to this camp and did some rock climbing, a hike through this river/stream that involved swimming and climbing waterfalls, and white water rafting. I went not only to have an adventure and hang out with some cool people but mostlyto see about a future trip in the Jr. High Ministry.

One thing about this rapids is that it is very powerful to take this boat that has 6 people on it and it flows with the river. It is a very powerful thing to see and to hear. I was in sear awe of God's creation. After going through these rapids and this trip I was thinking and having the day just run through my mind.

First, if we did not have our guide I do not think that we would have made it but also it would have been a lot harder withouth the guide. We are in a life that has a river, some times it is calm and sometimes it has rapids. When the craziness of life just keeps on going and if we do not have the right guide to get us through we can get stuck or even hurt. I am so glad Christ is my guide. Isaiah 58:11~ The LORD will guide you always;he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.You will be like a well-watered garden,like a spring whose waters never fail.

Second, with the rapids you have to hold on and be ready. In life, those times that are just tough and frustrating or confusing, you need to hold on to what matters and just go through it. I clinged to the boat, when we went down some of the rapids and we have a strong foundation on Christ. He is our boat and safety. James 1:2-4~ Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Hold on and trust your guide.

PJ

riding the Escalator the Wrong Way

2007-07-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

I just wanted to say I had a blast at Hot Rod's and being able to hang out with all of you. I know everyone is extremely busy as well as I am but it is nice just to hang out for a few hours and enjoy the company of those you serve with.

A recap for those who did not attend.

I want to thank you for your service and appreciate the time and energy that put into this ministry. If I could tell you anything at all is that this ministry would be nothing with out you. I hope that you feel like this is your ministry and that you can call it yours. I also want to encourage everyone that they check their hearts and see where their motives are for this ministry. Is it out of obligation that one serves. Is it because some of your friends are in it and it is one of the only times you may get to see them? Or, is it out of love and adoration for the Lord and you see you important the youth are to you?

Everyone holds so much potential to be used to the fullest. Ephesians 5:16 tells us to make the most of every opportunity, and I would like to encourage everyone to do that when they come in the dome. You have an opportunity to be a mentor or a ear to some of these kids that come in the dome. Please take advantage of that. I pray that it is a joy for you to come to serve the Lord. That you make the most of every opportunity to be used.

Also I would stress the importance of modesty in dress. It is summer time and more towards the girls they need to see you as a counselor dressing appropriately. If you do not set the example, they will not do it, they need someone to lead the way for them. We live in a world that tries to justify certain things and these young Jr. High girls need older girls to set the right example for them.

Sometimes, I will try to run up the escalator that is going down. I don't know why I do this, one is because I am weird, but also it is a challenge. One time there was this really large escalator at an airport in Atlanta. I wanted to see if I could go all the way to the top. As I tried I was doing good but this was a 3 story escalator so it was long, but I stopped really fast and I found myself going back to the beginning.

The same thing with our Christian walk. We stop for a time, we go back to the beginning in sense. We lose our ground. If you also think about when we do not show up on a regular basis, then we lose the ground of those kids we see on a routine basis.

I thank God for all of you and you are truly a blessing to my wife and I especially the support in this new role.

Chew on this for a little bit please.

PJ

Be Prepared

2007-07-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

When Alyssa and I are going to go on a trip we usually try to write a list on what we need to pack. We do this so we can be prepared for our journey. I remember when I was going to go to Cambodia for a few months I had a big list that I had to pack because I needed to be prepared for what my journey consisted of. There were elements in that country that I needed to be ready for that I normally would not need to be.

How much more are you prepared to defend the Gospel. Most of the time we can easily make excuses like let the pastor do it, it is his job. He went to school for it. So in so knows more than me. I am just too busy with life. All of these are excuses that we may go through just because we do not have the self-discipline as well as desire to show ourselves approved.

2nd Timothy 2:15 says, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

Everyone who is a child of God has been given responsibilty with the word of truth. Are you approved? How do you handle God's word? How do you present yourself? We should never think we know it all, especially when it comes to Scripture but we do our best to present ourselves as one approved unto the Lord. I am guilty to say that I know I do not always handle God's word responsibly. I should be one who desires to know more and more about who God is and what are His characteristics. That is what the Bible does it reveals who He is and His love for His creation which is us.

Dear God,
Forgive us who and when we do not handle your word of truth the right way. We have no need to be ashamed. In your word alone is our foundation which is from you. I pray that we can handle your word responsibly and with great confidence that it will stand through time. We look forward to your return. I pray for a desire among us and your word that it would consume us and that we would pant after your word. Thank you for your word which directs us to Christ as our Savior and our King, without that we would be lost

Amen

Be Blameless

2007-07-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

1st Timothy 3:7~ Morever, he [the overseer] be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into the snare of the devil.

I am constantly reminded even though I am free in Christ and I have this freedom and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, but also I need to not be a stumbly block for others. As Paul wrote the overseer must be full of integrity that even the non-believer can testify that he is. Even John wrote about Gaius who had such integrity that the brothers and sisters testified about his walk. We live in day and age where there is so many things that can be brought up against us and we can say "I am free in Christ." Our main goal should be to be about the other believer, "Does this help the other person grow?"

Counselors, you have a great opportunity to be a blessing to the lives of those Jr. Highers that God has ordained to be in the services that you serve at. We need to make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:16). I would like you to take inventory of you life and everything that shows who you are. Look at your myspace pages, what is the content? What do your picture look like? I want to encourage and remind you that everything you do should not only reflect glory to our God but be a way to point to Christ and how he has changed your life. No, I am not labeling anyone specific but this is just one avenue of our life that can be used to show what Christ has done in your life. Jr. Highers do use myspace and will look you up. Also your page can be a stumbling block for someone else and that is one thing that I know I do not want to be responsible for.

God Bless-

PJ

Surf Camp

2007-07-02T14:36:00.001-07:00

Hey guys,

Surf Camp was a blast! There was about 95 of us down at YMCA Camp Surf and I can be honest I am glad to be home in my own bed and out of the sand but I think I will see enough sand because we brought a lot back the other day.
I hope all is well with everyone, the guys led service and thanks to all the counselors for their help this week.
I am at home right now so I do not know who's birthday it is but I will get that out soon with this post. Do not forget there is no Wednesday night this week and this Saturday is the car wash. Please be aware of that. I can't wait to see all of you and I pray for your weeks to go well.

The end of a king

2007-06-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

It is a tragic ending to King Saul. He was defeated not only by the Philistined but by himself and in how he died. He took his own life. There was nothing heroic or honorable about this ending. He lived a life that was first annointed by God to be king but then spoiled that right by pursuing himself and not God. One interesting fact about Saul's death was he not only killed himself but the Philistined took his body and cut off his head. They took his armor to their temple of Ashtaroth and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan for all to see (1st Samuel 31:8-10). Even though Saul ended his own life and the glory and honor was not there and he turned his back on God we see that there were still men who stood up for God. The Philstines paraded Saul to their people and their fake gods. They praised these fake gods for the death of Saul. There were mean of Jabeshgilead who heard about this and took the body down and buried Saul.

When we hear news of people that have turned their backs on God and maybe there is tragedy that falls upon them, what is our reaction? Is it of sorrow or this is what they deserved? Obviously when the prodigal is out and about they do not bring glory to God because they pursue themselves but still their should be grief. As we hear about family members that may go off and do their own things and turn their backs on God we need to remember God is so great and knows all things. Our love for him should pass on to love those that turn their backs on God for a short period.

May God Bless you this week

Steps of How to not fall into idlness: pt. 3

2007-06-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

Last week we looked at several different aspects of not falling into idleness. The main reason I wanted to talk about idleness was that we can all fall into it, young or old. We can get carried away and see that the busyness of life and when the breaks come we can fall into being idle. There is a way of taking breaks in life without being idle and falling into sin. There is time when we need to stop and focus on the Lord but that does not mean neglect Him.

We left off about not being drunk with wine but be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Now we continue with the action of how we are to greet one another.

vs 19- Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. This does not mean our life needs to be a musical but that we would have like the psalms attitude of how great our God is. He is sovereign. Not only do we address one another but we make sing and make melodies to the Lord. How awesome it is to say we can sing and make melodies to the Lord. Our life should be showing how great God is. Even when life is hard we still can think of how great our God is. I am reminded of Job and as he lost his family and his possessions the same day, he worshipped the Lord.

20- Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Give thanks always, are we thankful? Or do you complain? This is important because we see how things can be when we are thankful in all things and always. When we have that attitude and give praise to God our problems will not seem so big, there will be a better way to look at things, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. When we have a complaining attitude, the problems seem so big that all we can do is dwell upon the problem and this problem will never end.

The Lord is great and his mercies are new every morning. He is full of grace and compassion and is faithful even when we are unfaithful.

21- Submitt one another out of reverence for Christ.

We may not like that word submitt because it can seem that we allow people to walk all over us. He is not talking about letting people walk all over you but how you treat your fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord. Do you have to have ourselves be better than everyone else? Do you need better things than other people? Do you have to feel like you are in charge or be the center of attention?

May God Bless your week.

We are praying for you guys.

PJ

Steps of How to no fall into idlness: pt. 2

2007-06-04T10:25:00.001-07:00

This is a continuation of last weeks study of Ephesians 5:15--17

We saw how you first need to be careful how you walk- This being careful is observing and looking at your surroundings but not physically but spirirtually. There is Satan with the snares of sin to get us to stumble on our Christian walk.

Second, we need to be wise and not unwise. When we are careful we are wise and we know that because of Jesus' death and resurrection we have an understanding of truth and should trust that when we walk.

Third, we need to not be idle but make the best use of our time because the days are evil and fleeting. The wordage in the Greek is talking about a person working in the market and making the best use of their time so they could make the most money for their time. We need to realize that is what we are living for (not the money) but for using the time for God's. I think of the Parable of the Laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1--6).

Fourth, understand what the will of the Lord is. If we get entangled in this world we are not in the Lord's will. You can always see who is in the Lord's will by how they handle trials in their life. In order to be careful in our walk we need to be in the Lord's will.

Fifth, do not get drunk with wine but fill of the spirit. As Paul is not getting in a drinking argument but he is saying what we should be filled with instead. Today we may not personally have the drinking of wine to fill us but we get our lives filled with drama, our pride, issues that we do not make the most of every opportunity. (Read Romans 13:13--14).

As Paul is striving for the Ephesians to have this life lived for the Lord. In all things we need to put on Christ and make sure that he is at the front of our thoughts and desires.

Being idle creates ways for us to fall into sin and we need to be aware. Next week part 3.

PJ

Steps of How to no fall into idlness: pt. 1

2007-05-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 5:15-17

Look carefully then how you walk not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Paul writes this section and he first starts the chapter by talking about walking in love. We need to be imitators of God as beloved children (5:1). Then he says we can walk in love becuase we were dead first but now we awaken from the dead because of Christ (5:14). I find myself having to fight idleness. I mean those times that I could be doing something prosperous or beneficial but instead I do nothing. I actually like days now that I do nothing but after they are done I always say i could have done something to benefit my walk with the Lord. Maybe that meant more time and focus on God's word or maybe even going out of my way for other people. I find myself when I get into idleness it sure is hard to get out of it too. I want to stay in that place and not get out of it. It becomes a struggle to get motivated when you have not been for some time. In order to walk in love we need to do these things.

First, look carefully on how you walk.
How are looking where you walk? Do you find yourself not paying attention to what you are doing, I mean this in a spiritual sense. Do you know that you are an example to others because of how you walk. Do you know that you are to walk in the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Second, be wise in how you walk?
It is not just being careful which is part wisdom but it is also being Biblically wise. Jesus died to save us and give us understanding (1st John 5:20). Do you walk in the way of the Lord by being wise or are you foolish?

Next week we will focus on a couple more points of the verse

I pray and hope that you all had a great weekend and enjoyed your Monday. I know I sure did, that is why you did not get this until today:)

God Bless and Love you Guys,

PJ

Monday May 21st, 2007

2007-05-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

In Psalms 7 we see David relenting his feelings towards Saul and how he has pursued David. David was frustrated with it and probably really tired. He might have even said, "Why me, I am annointed." In the first verse David shows who he puts his trust into and that of course it is God. In verses 3 through 5 we see that David asks God to check his heart to make sure that he is not in the wrong by anything that is going on between he and Saul. He says, "O Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands, If I have repaid my friend with evil or plundered my enemy without cause, let the enemy pursue m y soul and overtake it, and let him trample my life to the ground."

I am reminded of if someone is my enemy and has done me wrong how do I react. I know I usually act in a sinful way but through this passage I look at David and see how he cared so much for making the Lord be glorified that even when he was not at fault he wanted to make sure he was not. God check my heart. I know I need to do this more often than not because I know I usually say how I am the victim. A good way to look at this is when I drive. I usually am the one calling out everyone elses faults and not mine, I am the victim when I get cut off, I am the victim when there is traffice. I never really say, "Am I at fault for this." It is a different way to look at it but obviously David was not at fault with Saul, but he wanted to make sure that he was not.

How often to you ask God to reveal when you are at fault? It is not the easiest thing to ask because I hate knowing when I am wrong, but that is the only way we can grow past our faults and grow from them. I pray that we can grow past our faults and realize when we are wrong. I pray that we confess our sins to the Lord.

God Bless,

PJ

How are you to the Lord's Annointed?

2007-05-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

I have been taking my sweet time with reading through 1st Samuel. I am amazed at how David was so gracious to a man that was so set on harming him. David would respond with I can not lay a hand on the Lord's annointed (1st Samuel 26:9). I think and think how David had a couple of opportunities to end the chase for his life and end the struggle all he had to do was kill Saul and it would be over. But he always had trusted the Lord through these trials. In chapter 26 we see that he said, "The Lord forbid that I should put out my hand against the Lord's annointed." "As the Lord lives, the Lord will strike him." David made this a God battle and not his own battler.

We are going through 1st John on Sunday mornings and I thought it was interesting that I am reading these different passages that can go hand in hand but John wites a couple of times through the whole book that If anyone sasy, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen (1st John 4:20). " Who is my brother and who is my enemy. Do I show love to these people. We could look at this and say you mean your family or other believers, but how about those that are above me or even my enemies. We know that God allows certain people to be over us. How am I to those people? This love that John is talking about, David had love by letting it be God's battle. Sure David fled for his life, and I bet he wanted to just end the pursuit and not have to worry about it anymore. He could have said, "Man, I should not have to flee for my own life from a fellow countryman but he did. He also could have said, "I am the new king, I am annointed." Even David's followers probably wanted it to end too but David showed love by being gracious. He knew it would happen again and again but he let God take care of this.

Do you show love towards the Lord's annoited even when you do not agree with everyting or that maybe they are in sin? Do you pray for those that the Lord has put over you, a boss maybe, or teacher? Do you have an attitude or disregard everything he or she says because you don't like it. Maybe they make your life miserable and you just can't stand it. No one has ever seen God; if love we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us (1st John 4:12). We are an example of who and what God did for us by showing his love.

How are you to the Lord's annointed?

PJ

2007-04-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

This is where the devotional will go in this section.

2007-04-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

The new Weekly Newsletter spot:

Welcome and I wanted to try to make these emails look a little easier to read.

This is the Monday before Mother's Day and I wanted to say Thank You to all the mother's out there in the ministry. I appreciate all your hard work here in the Jr. High ministry as well as the hard work you do in your homes. I know I would not be where I am today if it was not for my mother who prayed for me throughout the years and I know who still does pray for me. My mother is the example of a great Godly woman.

1st Peter 3:1-4 Likewise, wives be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives- when they see your respectuful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external- the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing- but let your adoring be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

Thank you mothers of the faith, you are worth more than silver or gold, any precious thing in this world but yet in God's sight you are precious. May you all have a great and wonderful day and life.

God Bless