Waiting
Anybody besides me have trouble waiting? Anybody else want to know what’s coming, what you’re facing, what is going to happen? Anybody else ever get hit in the face with fear with the “what ifs” about tomorrow and the future?
Now I know in my head that these thoughts of “what if?” don’t come from God. I know in my head that fear does not come from God. I know in my head that God is the “blessed controller of all things.” (I Timothy 6:15 Phillips) But I can easily lose perspective when these things want to come crashing in. What I must remember to do right off the bat is raise that “red flag” of warning that I used to tell my children when a problem started.
One of my devotions reminded me of the importance of trusting.
Psalm 37:7a – Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself…
He is God, you know. He is in control of every detail of my life and of yours. He doesn’t go on vacation. He doesn’t sleep. He doesn’t wink His eyes so as not to notice. No! He, the Almighty Creator and God of the Universe is at work continually! Yes, I said, continually!
So my encouragement to myself, and to you, is to “not fret.“ God knows exactly where you are in life, what you have “on your plate” day to day, what you are facing and will face. In other words, He’s got everything under control.
So if you start to fret, worry, get anxious, want to make something happen this coming week, revert quickly in your mind to Psalm 37:7. Take a deep breath, relax and know that He is with you and for you, working for His glory and honor!
-Pastor Dotty
Now I know in my head that these thoughts of “what if?” don’t come from God. I know in my head that fear does not come from God. I know in my head that God is the “blessed controller of all things.” (I Timothy 6:15 Phillips) But I can easily lose perspective when these things want to come crashing in. What I must remember to do right off the bat is raise that “red flag” of warning that I used to tell my children when a problem started.
One of my devotions reminded me of the importance of trusting.
Psalm 37:7a – Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself…
He is God, you know. He is in control of every detail of my life and of yours. He doesn’t go on vacation. He doesn’t sleep. He doesn’t wink His eyes so as not to notice. No! He, the Almighty Creator and God of the Universe is at work continually! Yes, I said, continually!
So my encouragement to myself, and to you, is to “not fret.“ God knows exactly where you are in life, what you have “on your plate” day to day, what you are facing and will face. In other words, He’s got everything under control.
So if you start to fret, worry, get anxious, want to make something happen this coming week, revert quickly in your mind to Psalm 37:7. Take a deep breath, relax and know that He is with you and for you, working for His glory and honor!
-Pastor Dotty
Jesus standard of prayer
Jesus lifestyle was one of prayer.
He did nothing without consulting the Father.
He woke early to pray.
He stayed in constant communication with God through prayer.
He obeyed what He saw and heard in times of prayer.
Jesus was determined and focused on obedience to the Father.
Prayer is a daily necessity for daily triumph.
Before His baptism He prayed.
The Holy Spirit teaches us to pray.
Jesus had a habit of prayer.
Prayer empowered Jesus to meet the needs of others and fulfill God’s will.
Jesus intercedes for us through prayer.
He had great opposition, but God always gave the victory.
All of these examples of Jesus prayer life are guiding principles for our own prayer lives.
“But Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing alone. The Son does only
what he sees the Father doing, because the Son does whatever the Father does.” John 5:19
He did nothing without consulting the Father.
He woke early to pray.
He stayed in constant communication with God through prayer.
He obeyed what He saw and heard in times of prayer.
Jesus was determined and focused on obedience to the Father.
Prayer is a daily necessity for daily triumph.
Before His baptism He prayed.
The Holy Spirit teaches us to pray.
Jesus had a habit of prayer.
Prayer empowered Jesus to meet the needs of others and fulfill God’s will.
Jesus intercedes for us through prayer.
He had great opposition, but God always gave the victory.
All of these examples of Jesus prayer life are guiding principles for our own prayer lives.
“But Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing alone. The Son does only
what he sees the Father doing, because the Son does whatever the Father does.” John 5:19
The Principle Thing is wisdom
How many are aware that the world is constantly telling us what we "need"? We "need" the latest fashion, the big promotion, the relationship, and all the things that make the "me" happy. While all those things are not inherently bad the Bible tells us, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom…" Proverbs 4:7a. It is very clear that seeking Godly wisdom is the principle thing. When we are pursuing God and His wisdom in our lives the rest will surely take care of itself.
Wisdom – How To Get It
Wisdom – How To Get It
- Seek - Proverbs 8:11; Proverbs 16:16
- Meditate - Proverbs 4:11-13
- Obey - Proverbs 2:6-10; Proverbs 8:33
- Ask - James 1:5-6
- Observe - Proverbs 6:6-11
- Heed Godly counsel - Isaiah 31:1a; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 13:10
- Hang with the wise - Proverbs 13:20
Fruit of the spirit test
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
LOVE – Can I love people I don’t naturally like?
JOY – Am I a happy Christian?
PEACE – Am I at peace with myself, others and God?
PATIENCE – Am I able to be patient with my surroundings and the people who are with me, or do I get exasperated easily?
KINDNESS – Do I take part in “acts of kindness”?
GOODNESS – Is my life characterized by doing good for others?
FAITHFULNESS – Will I trust God in whatever happens, or will I turn my back on Him?
GENTLENESS – Will I be gentle when the occasion arises?
SELF-CONTROL – Do I reject thoughts, or stop actions, that no longer serve me any purpose?
By Jerilyn Catarelli, shared during final class on Christian Living in the Christian Workers Bible Class
LOVE – Can I love people I don’t naturally like?
JOY – Am I a happy Christian?
PEACE – Am I at peace with myself, others and God?
PATIENCE – Am I able to be patient with my surroundings and the people who are with me, or do I get exasperated easily?
KINDNESS – Do I take part in “acts of kindness”?
GOODNESS – Is my life characterized by doing good for others?
FAITHFULNESS – Will I trust God in whatever happens, or will I turn my back on Him?
GENTLENESS – Will I be gentle when the occasion arises?
SELF-CONTROL – Do I reject thoughts, or stop actions, that no longer serve me any purpose?
By Jerilyn Catarelli, shared during final class on Christian Living in the Christian Workers Bible Class
What Will You Pursue?
Recently, at the Juniata College graduation young adults with varying hopes, dreams, and goals were in surplus. There was a common thread among them: where they go would depend on what they were going to pursue.
Philippians 3:10 states, “His purpose was that through the church all the rulers and powers in the heavenly world will now know God’s wisdom, which has so many forms.” It is evident here that Paul had a singular pursuit, to know Christ. Then in Romans 3:11 he says about the current state of man, “There is no one who understands. There is no one who looks to God for help.” There is a stark difference here between the pursuit of most men and the pursuit of Paul. Paul we see clearly desired to know Christ whereas others too often failed to even look to God for help. Read 2 Chronicles 31:20,21 and Jeremiah 9:23,24 – here are two examples of ones with a heart for God a desire to pursue Him. The scriptures are full of accounts of ones with a heart for God.
How many of us know someone who pursue something with all they have? Most of us do. There are many things that attract us to pursue it. What is your main attraction, what is your main pursuit?
Our greatest and main pursuit should be God.
First off, if we are going to pursue God we need to agree with Him. Amos 3:3, “Two people will not walk together unless they have agreed to do so.” This is simple, how can we agree with God if we are not willing to walk with Him? How can we walk with God if we are not willing to agree with Him? The beauty of walking with God and agreeing with Him is that the more we walk with Him, the more we take on His likeness, His traits. Did you ever have a super hero that you looked up to as a kid? Maybe even as an adult? Is God the hero we hope to emulate? We should want to be more and more like God. It is written, “Be holy, because I am holy. What a lofty goal to emulate! We should work to be holy.
Regardless of what we may claim our pursuit to be, our true pursuit will show up at one point or another. One thing is for certain, the grass withers and falls as scripture says, but the Word of God lasts forever. His word of truth in our life remains forever.
One thing to keep in mind, as we pursue Christ areas in our life will be revealed about ourselves that need changing. In Isaiah 6:1-5 we read about the fiery serpents, which also translate to “burning love”, for the things of the Lord reveal to Isaiah his truly impure self. Only in the presence of God did Isaiah see himself for what he truly was, unclean. He knew God was strong and in control and he was weak and out of control. God revealed this to him not to make him feel terrible, but to give him a chance to become holy. Thank God for revealing our true nature to us so we can change. Our true nature isn’t revealed for us to wallow in it, but for us to change. With Christ we can overcome. Isaiah was able to then interpret the world around him for what it was, not so good.
In Exodus chapters 14 and 15 we read about Moses and Pharaoh. We see how Pharaoh’s arrogance inevitably leads to his demise. God spoke to Moses to lead him and his people out of Egypt and at first there may have been fear and panic, but when God spoke to Moses there was a peace and a calm. God made a way through the Red Sea when there was no way. When Pharaoh attempts to follow through the Red Sea he and his men are drowned. When we know God is in charge, as Moses did, we can interpret the world around us and it removes the panic, the fear, and the worry. Walking with God brings ease to our life.
Pursuing God makes us stronger and more secure. “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and he chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:27. Who did God choose? The weak and the foolish, us! God chooses us for a reason because we are His! We do not have to be the most intelligent or the best of the best, we need to be willing and available. He will make us who He wants!
2 Corinthians 12:9, 10, “But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.” So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can live in me. For this reason I am happy when I have weaknesses, insults, hard times, sufferings, and all kinds of troubles for Christ. Because when I am weak, then I am truly strong.” When we are weak, He is strong! Relying on God gives us all the strength we need. If we are not pursuing God with everything then we have a better way. There is no better way than His way! When He is in us, we are blessed with His strength.
Read Romans 8:35-39 reminds us NOTHING can separate us from pursuing God and His love with the exception of myself. What will we choose to run after more than anything, God or the things of this world?
“Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well.” Matthew 6:33
“God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.” John Piper
Philippians 3:10 states, “His purpose was that through the church all the rulers and powers in the heavenly world will now know God’s wisdom, which has so many forms.” It is evident here that Paul had a singular pursuit, to know Christ. Then in Romans 3:11 he says about the current state of man, “There is no one who understands. There is no one who looks to God for help.” There is a stark difference here between the pursuit of most men and the pursuit of Paul. Paul we see clearly desired to know Christ whereas others too often failed to even look to God for help. Read 2 Chronicles 31:20,21 and Jeremiah 9:23,24 – here are two examples of ones with a heart for God a desire to pursue Him. The scriptures are full of accounts of ones with a heart for God.
How many of us know someone who pursue something with all they have? Most of us do. There are many things that attract us to pursue it. What is your main attraction, what is your main pursuit?
Our greatest and main pursuit should be God.
First off, if we are going to pursue God we need to agree with Him. Amos 3:3, “Two people will not walk together unless they have agreed to do so.” This is simple, how can we agree with God if we are not willing to walk with Him? How can we walk with God if we are not willing to agree with Him? The beauty of walking with God and agreeing with Him is that the more we walk with Him, the more we take on His likeness, His traits. Did you ever have a super hero that you looked up to as a kid? Maybe even as an adult? Is God the hero we hope to emulate? We should want to be more and more like God. It is written, “Be holy, because I am holy. What a lofty goal to emulate! We should work to be holy.
Regardless of what we may claim our pursuit to be, our true pursuit will show up at one point or another. One thing is for certain, the grass withers and falls as scripture says, but the Word of God lasts forever. His word of truth in our life remains forever.
One thing to keep in mind, as we pursue Christ areas in our life will be revealed about ourselves that need changing. In Isaiah 6:1-5 we read about the fiery serpents, which also translate to “burning love”, for the things of the Lord reveal to Isaiah his truly impure self. Only in the presence of God did Isaiah see himself for what he truly was, unclean. He knew God was strong and in control and he was weak and out of control. God revealed this to him not to make him feel terrible, but to give him a chance to become holy. Thank God for revealing our true nature to us so we can change. Our true nature isn’t revealed for us to wallow in it, but for us to change. With Christ we can overcome. Isaiah was able to then interpret the world around him for what it was, not so good.
In Exodus chapters 14 and 15 we read about Moses and Pharaoh. We see how Pharaoh’s arrogance inevitably leads to his demise. God spoke to Moses to lead him and his people out of Egypt and at first there may have been fear and panic, but when God spoke to Moses there was a peace and a calm. God made a way through the Red Sea when there was no way. When Pharaoh attempts to follow through the Red Sea he and his men are drowned. When we know God is in charge, as Moses did, we can interpret the world around us and it removes the panic, the fear, and the worry. Walking with God brings ease to our life.
Pursuing God makes us stronger and more secure. “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and he chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:27. Who did God choose? The weak and the foolish, us! God chooses us for a reason because we are His! We do not have to be the most intelligent or the best of the best, we need to be willing and available. He will make us who He wants!
2 Corinthians 12:9, 10, “But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.” So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can live in me. For this reason I am happy when I have weaknesses, insults, hard times, sufferings, and all kinds of troubles for Christ. Because when I am weak, then I am truly strong.” When we are weak, He is strong! Relying on God gives us all the strength we need. If we are not pursuing God with everything then we have a better way. There is no better way than His way! When He is in us, we are blessed with His strength.
Read Romans 8:35-39 reminds us NOTHING can separate us from pursuing God and His love with the exception of myself. What will we choose to run after more than anything, God or the things of this world?
“Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well.” Matthew 6:33
“God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.” John Piper
What type of hearer are you?
Last Sunday we heard a good word of the Lord as Pastor Art proposed the question: what type of hearer are you? Beginning in Luke 8, highlighting verse 18 we can heed the warning to consider carefully how you listen. Luke 8:18 “Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”
God has a great desire to speak to us, lead us, and guide us. It is our responsibility to carefully listen for what God wants to speak to us not what we want to hear. There are constant knocks at our door, but which will we answer? Our society is bogged down with voices and sounds vying for our listening ears, but there is promise and blessing in hearing what the Lord has to speak to us.
Proverbs 8:34 “Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.”
There are four types of hearers according to Luke 8:12-15:
1. Care-less – focus on all, but God.
a. Luke 8:12 “Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.”
b. Matthew 13:13 “This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.”
2. Superficial – those that hear, believe, receive, then turn away and don’t do.
a. Luke 8:13 “Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.”
b. John 12:25-26 “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
3. Carnal – double minded in their walk with God.
a. Luke 8:14 “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.”
b. 1 John 2:15 “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”
c. James 4:4 “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
4. Sincere – a heart that understands and hears.
a. Luke 8:15 “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”
b. 1 Kings 3:9 “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
It is easy to read each type of hearer and perhaps relate to each in some regard or another. However, what a joy it will be to know that you are a sincere hearer; a hearer who like in 1 Kings 3:9 has a discerning heart for the things of God, a hearer who not only hears, but has a heart that understands and listens to God’s word. Can we be described like those in Luke 8:21 “He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” one that not only hears, but puts God’s word into practice?
We can choose the type of hearer we will be and in the meantime, while we decide in our day to day, we know God has said this: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20
God has a great desire to speak to us, lead us, and guide us. It is our responsibility to carefully listen for what God wants to speak to us not what we want to hear. There are constant knocks at our door, but which will we answer? Our society is bogged down with voices and sounds vying for our listening ears, but there is promise and blessing in hearing what the Lord has to speak to us.
Proverbs 8:34 “Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.”
There are four types of hearers according to Luke 8:12-15:
1. Care-less – focus on all, but God.
a. Luke 8:12 “Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.”
b. Matthew 13:13 “This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.”
2. Superficial – those that hear, believe, receive, then turn away and don’t do.
a. Luke 8:13 “Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.”
b. John 12:25-26 “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
3. Carnal – double minded in their walk with God.
a. Luke 8:14 “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.”
b. 1 John 2:15 “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”
c. James 4:4 “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
4. Sincere – a heart that understands and hears.
a. Luke 8:15 “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”
b. 1 Kings 3:9 “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
It is easy to read each type of hearer and perhaps relate to each in some regard or another. However, what a joy it will be to know that you are a sincere hearer; a hearer who like in 1 Kings 3:9 has a discerning heart for the things of God, a hearer who not only hears, but has a heart that understands and listens to God’s word. Can we be described like those in Luke 8:21 “He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” one that not only hears, but puts God’s word into practice?
We can choose the type of hearer we will be and in the meantime, while we decide in our day to day, we know God has said this: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20
Complainer or worshiper?
In Acts 16:16-40, we read about a time when Paul and Silas were doing a good work for Christ by casting out a spirit from a servant girl. The master was angered by this because he could not make money off the girl. Paul and Silas were beatened and chained in prison. All for doing the work of the Lord. This is what we can probably presume was a terrible, horrible, very bad day for Paul and Silas. Yet, in Acts 16:25 it says, "But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them." PRAYING AND SINGING HYMNS TO GOD! They were beaten, chained, punished, but regardless of it all they made a decision to worship the Lord even in their terrible circumstance. They knew that even in their pain and suffering they could still share the Good News. You're encouraged to read all of chapter 16 in Acts, but let's relate this to us today. Can you relate to Paul and Silas? Do you choose to worship the Lord in EVERY circumstance or do you complain?
There are two types of people, complainers and worshipers. You may know someone who can find good in the worst of situations and you may know someone who can find bad in the best of situations. However, in both situations the most important choice is our attitude. It's true that what our eyes focus on, what our heart focuses on is what makes us. What are your eyes focused on? Where is your heart focused? True worshippers make a predecision that there is ALWAYS something to praise God about.
Viktor E. Frankl was a survivor of the Holocaust. He wrote, "Everything can be taken from a man, but one thing: the last of human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." This man suffered horrific circumstances, was striped of his very identity, but he knew that he still had the freedom to determine his attitude. What a good reminder that we cannot be striped of our worship or positive attitude, but we can choose to give it up if we're not careful.
It is our responsibility to keep things in perspective. Something we can all learn from and acknowledge is that when we're in a spiritual or emotional slump it's because we've most likely zoomed in to the problem. We are fixating on what's wrong. ZOOM OUT, turn your focus and attention to God.
Worhsip is taking our eyes off circumstances and focusing on God. Remembering all things are possible, all is right in Him. Worship reframes our circumstances, restores perspective, and enables us to find something right. When we truly live a life of worship joy of our salvation is restored, we have renewed hope and freedom, and we become belanced again.
Let our lives be full of light, don't hold on to former things and focus on what is good, pure and right. In this life that is only a vapor, will you choose to live a life of worship?
Luke 11:34-36
"Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.”
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things;do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a
way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Philippianns 4:8
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
There are two types of people, complainers and worshipers. You may know someone who can find good in the worst of situations and you may know someone who can find bad in the best of situations. However, in both situations the most important choice is our attitude. It's true that what our eyes focus on, what our heart focuses on is what makes us. What are your eyes focused on? Where is your heart focused? True worshippers make a predecision that there is ALWAYS something to praise God about.
Viktor E. Frankl was a survivor of the Holocaust. He wrote, "Everything can be taken from a man, but one thing: the last of human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." This man suffered horrific circumstances, was striped of his very identity, but he knew that he still had the freedom to determine his attitude. What a good reminder that we cannot be striped of our worship or positive attitude, but we can choose to give it up if we're not careful.
It is our responsibility to keep things in perspective. Something we can all learn from and acknowledge is that when we're in a spiritual or emotional slump it's because we've most likely zoomed in to the problem. We are fixating on what's wrong. ZOOM OUT, turn your focus and attention to God.
Worhsip is taking our eyes off circumstances and focusing on God. Remembering all things are possible, all is right in Him. Worship reframes our circumstances, restores perspective, and enables us to find something right. When we truly live a life of worship joy of our salvation is restored, we have renewed hope and freedom, and we become belanced again.
Let our lives be full of light, don't hold on to former things and focus on what is good, pure and right. In this life that is only a vapor, will you choose to live a life of worship?
Luke 11:34-36
"Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.”
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things;do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a
way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Philippianns 4:8
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Clinging to Jesus Like Blue Funky Mold on White Bread!
Cling means to hold on tightly to. Do we hold on tightly to Jesus? Let's dive into Hebrews 4:14-16 to understand more of why we can cling to Jesus.
Hebrews 4:14-16 14 That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it. (New Living Translation)
1. He is the Son of God (4:14 'That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him.').
2. He understands my weaknesses (4:15 'This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.').
3. He was tempted just as I am tempted (4:15 'This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.').
4. He did not sin (4:15 'This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.').
5. He tells us to (4:16 'So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.' )
He tells us to come to Him, not timidly and out of fear of failure, but boldly. When we come boldly, He supplies us with grace (the free and unmerited favor of God), mercy (kind or forgiving treatment of someone who could be treated harshly), and help. I don’t know about you, but I need His grace and mercy. I need HIM! There are difficulties, situations, experiences that I just have difficulty dealing with. There are things from the past, worry about the future, and enough evil today to drive me off the deep end. There are times when my support system, family, friends, etc, leave me down or are just not there. But Jesus is always there. He is the support system that never fails. His mercy and grace are there to help me when I need it. I can cling to Him for EVERYTHING!
Hebrews 4:14-16 14 That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it. (New Living Translation)
1. He is the Son of God (4:14 'That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him.').
2. He understands my weaknesses (4:15 'This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.').
3. He was tempted just as I am tempted (4:15 'This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.').
4. He did not sin (4:15 'This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.').
5. He tells us to (4:16 'So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.' )
He tells us to come to Him, not timidly and out of fear of failure, but boldly. When we come boldly, He supplies us with grace (the free and unmerited favor of God), mercy (kind or forgiving treatment of someone who could be treated harshly), and help. I don’t know about you, but I need His grace and mercy. I need HIM! There are difficulties, situations, experiences that I just have difficulty dealing with. There are things from the past, worry about the future, and enough evil today to drive me off the deep end. There are times when my support system, family, friends, etc, leave me down or are just not there. But Jesus is always there. He is the support system that never fails. His mercy and grace are there to help me when I need it. I can cling to Him for EVERYTHING!
the cross & honoring our military heroes
We encourage you to view each of the videos below about the ultimate sacrifice.
The Cross - a message of salvation and hope.
S.K.I.T Guys - Heroes
The Cross - a message of salvation and hope.
S.K.I.T Guys - Heroes
P.U.S.H - Pray Until something happens
Synopsis of Pastor Art’s message last Sunday morning
PUSH is an acronym for Pray Until Something Happens! Jesus had a great deal to say about prayer and in Luke 18:1-8 He shared a parable about prayer. From that parable there are 3 keys we can learn:
1. DON’T WORRY–PRAY!
In the parable, the widow didn’t sit at home wringing her hands about her problem. Instead of worrying, she got up and approached the only person who could help her–the judge. In verse one Jesus said we ought always to pray and not to give up. The NASB says, “Pray and do not lose heart.” The Greek word translated “give up” is enkenkao. It literally means to “be filled with bad thoughts.” Worry is filling your mind with bad thoughts of the worst that could happen. Worry is like water. It begins as a trickle of doubt that creeps into your mind. If it isn’t stopped, it soon becomes a stream of fear which creates a pond of paranoia which overflows into a river of distress which develops into a raging torrent of tension. And before you know it, the flood of worry has carved a Grand Canyon of anxiety in your mind! When you face a challenging circumstance you have two choices. You can lose heart and let worrisome thoughts control your mind; or you can pray about it. You should pray and not worry because the God of the Bible loves you and cares for you.
2. DON’T QUIT–PRAY PERSISTENTLY!
In the parable, the poor widow kept on begging the judge to grant her justice. She didn’t just ask once and say, “Let me know what you decide.” She was persistent with her petitions. Have you ever asked God for something, and when He didn’t answer your prayer immediately, you quit praying? That’s a big mistake. Persistence is an important factor in prayer. This poor widow in Jesus’ parable had been knocked flat–but she refused to stay down. She got up and persistently made her request to the judge. You have an adversary who opposes you on every hand. The devil doesn’t want you to pray and he’ll do everything he can to make you stop praying! But don’t quit! Keep praying!
3. DON’T DOUBT–PRAY POSITIVELY!
We need to expect God to answer our prayers. If we doubt that you’ll receive an answer, chances are you won’t. James warns us not to let doubt creep in when we pray. He writes: “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:6-7) We must be careful not to let doubt enter our prayers.
When we pray, we need to expect an answer because God answers every prayer. He may not answer as we desire, but He answers.
1. God may answer your prayer QUICKLY
2. God may answer your prayer LATER
3. God may answer your prayer BETTER
4. God may answer your prayer NO
Are you consumed with worry and anxiety? Pray instead. Have you stopped praying about a need in your life? Are you considering quitting in some area where God has placed you? Don’t quit–keep on praying persistently! Are you filled with doubt about prayer? Start praying positively, expecting God to answer. Every time you walk through a door that says PUSH–let God remind you to Pray Until Something Happens!
PUSH is an acronym for Pray Until Something Happens! Jesus had a great deal to say about prayer and in Luke 18:1-8 He shared a parable about prayer. From that parable there are 3 keys we can learn:
1. DON’T WORRY–PRAY!
In the parable, the widow didn’t sit at home wringing her hands about her problem. Instead of worrying, she got up and approached the only person who could help her–the judge. In verse one Jesus said we ought always to pray and not to give up. The NASB says, “Pray and do not lose heart.” The Greek word translated “give up” is enkenkao. It literally means to “be filled with bad thoughts.” Worry is filling your mind with bad thoughts of the worst that could happen. Worry is like water. It begins as a trickle of doubt that creeps into your mind. If it isn’t stopped, it soon becomes a stream of fear which creates a pond of paranoia which overflows into a river of distress which develops into a raging torrent of tension. And before you know it, the flood of worry has carved a Grand Canyon of anxiety in your mind! When you face a challenging circumstance you have two choices. You can lose heart and let worrisome thoughts control your mind; or you can pray about it. You should pray and not worry because the God of the Bible loves you and cares for you.
2. DON’T QUIT–PRAY PERSISTENTLY!
In the parable, the poor widow kept on begging the judge to grant her justice. She didn’t just ask once and say, “Let me know what you decide.” She was persistent with her petitions. Have you ever asked God for something, and when He didn’t answer your prayer immediately, you quit praying? That’s a big mistake. Persistence is an important factor in prayer. This poor widow in Jesus’ parable had been knocked flat–but she refused to stay down. She got up and persistently made her request to the judge. You have an adversary who opposes you on every hand. The devil doesn’t want you to pray and he’ll do everything he can to make you stop praying! But don’t quit! Keep praying!
3. DON’T DOUBT–PRAY POSITIVELY!
We need to expect God to answer our prayers. If we doubt that you’ll receive an answer, chances are you won’t. James warns us not to let doubt creep in when we pray. He writes: “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:6-7) We must be careful not to let doubt enter our prayers.
When we pray, we need to expect an answer because God answers every prayer. He may not answer as we desire, but He answers.
1. God may answer your prayer QUICKLY
2. God may answer your prayer LATER
3. God may answer your prayer BETTER
4. God may answer your prayer NO
Are you consumed with worry and anxiety? Pray instead. Have you stopped praying about a need in your life? Are you considering quitting in some area where God has placed you? Don’t quit–keep on praying persistently! Are you filled with doubt about prayer? Start praying positively, expecting God to answer. Every time you walk through a door that says PUSH–let God remind you to Pray Until Something Happens!