Sunday, December 31, 2006

The Crossroad of Change


HAPPY NEW YEAR's EVE!

The end of the year. What a promising, yet sobering thought. As this last day of the year is on a Sunday I've taken the opportunity to force myself to objectively scan this past year. I was aiming to see what I'd done and had not done. Then in my praying and retrospect I came across a sermon I preached at the beginning of 2006. I decided the best way to find out what I was supposed to do last year is read my goals, and so I read.

I was uplifted and devastated all at the same time! I had forgotten what God had inspired me to preach and do last year! After reading the message in its entirety I realized that I had let people, and negative spiritual influences keep me from attaining my God given goals. And as I look at where I am today I see that instead of going forward it would seem I've gone back a ways.

Nevertheless, I am making this last day of 2006 a day of crossroads. A day in which I remember the past in order to ensure the future. I will not make the same mistakes twice! In reading my goal setting sermon I found at least one major area in which I didn't maintain myself.

One of the many things I set out to do was to maintain a personal intimate relationship with Jesus in order to foster personal evangelism. Which means in short that I wanted to get close to Jesus so I could lead more people to His side for their own personal salvation.

Because I took the time and made myself look back I identified areas that I need to change and work on. I believe that this is very important for all of us. It takes strength, character, courage and a willingness to face our own personal skeletons and demons.

It is impossible to make positive changes without first looking back and finding the problems and their roots. We must look backward and inward. We must be willing to face the music. We must not fear what we will find.

We all have things in our live that must change! Please make the next 24 hours worth while, and make those personal changes that will take you closer to Jesus.
Don't let a habit, character flaw, a grudge, a hurt, jealousy, bitterness, hate, lifestyle keep you away from Jesus, and put you in Hell! Rather join me at the Crossroad of Change, and together we will change our lives so that Jesus can be apart of our lives.

Change is never easy, but it is always essential, important and impossible to escape. The problem with change is that you can do it willingly or eventually you will be forced to change. Changing willingly ensures that you can change for the good, and maintain control. But, when you are forced to change it is rarely for your good or benefit. Please make the right change today! Today is the day of salvation!

Yours for Positive Change in Jesus,
Pastor Fred

Saturday, December 30, 2006

He Never Sleeps!

What in the world are you doing up at 5:50 am on a Saturday Morning?! Saturday is the day of the week that you're supposed to sleep in!

I was thinking this very thing this morning when I got up at 10 minutes to six. What? Yeah, I was up that early on a Saturday. I own a janitorial business, and I find that getting up early is easier than staying up late. And besides that I need to keep my customers happy, so I get up even on the days when I should be relaxing, and go to work.

While cleaning this morning the thought occurred to me that Jesus is much the same. He is the head of the Church; the people in this world who have truly obeyed the scripture and been born again of water and spirit. Jesus, the scripture tells us, is like a watchman on the wall; He never slumber nor sleeps. He is always looking out for His people. He never sleeps in. He never doses off, and misses a call. No, Jesus never sleeps! He is always on call. He Always is ready to take care of His own!

I'm so glad that I serve a God and Saviour that is on me side. Who always has me best interest at heart; even if I don't think so! Thank you Jesus for being with me through the thick and thin! Thank you Jesus for preparing the path before me, and ordering my steps! Thank you for never sleeping!

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

What A Wonderful Christmas!

Greetings again to all my blogger friends from around the world! God has been good to us, as He always is, this Christmas! Surrounded by family and friends it has be just great!

My wife and children were very good to me as well, boy what wonderful gifts they got me! My family and friends, thank you for these blessings!

Among the many wonderful things I received, my wonderful wife got me a new Bible! I love it. It has large print (now I don't have any trouble reading it!). It is just the right size! Thanks Baby!

Well, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. May the Peace that Passes all understanding come upon you during this end of the year! May you have a divine visitation from Jesus our Lord and Saviour, the Christ child!

P.S. I will be putting regular posts up during this week and the new Year again. Thanks for visiting over the holidays, and may God richly bless you all!

Yours for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ,
Pastor Fred

Monday, December 18, 2006

One Week Left, and I'm up before 6:30am!

Last Christmas when Micah was only a couple months old!
Micah, my youngest boy - 14 months - woke up briefly at about five after 6 this morning! I walked him back to sleep rather quickly so now at about 6:40 am I'm writing in my blog. I didn't figure that it would be much point going back to bed for about a half hour - my alarm is set for quarter to seven. So, here I am taking a great opportunity to talk to you; my blog friends!

It's one week until Christmas! This time next week we will most likely be celebrating the Birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ! I'm so excited!

What do you get excited about? In general I mean? Not necessarily about Christmas, but what in your life gets you excited? Here are some things that get me excited:
  • When I'm being spontaneous with my wife!
  • When I see my children doing something cute, special, funny and or profound!
  • When I watch my oldest, Ethan, pray and God answers His prayer - pretty much every time! (For example: It has snowed every time my son has prayed for "Jesus to throw more snow or water up in the air so that it will snow.")
  • When someone repents of their sins, and/or gets baptized in Jesus Name for the remission of their sins, and/or receives the Gift of the Holy Spirit into their spirit. (I say and/or because it doesn't always happen one after the other.)
  • During Holiday's when I'm celebrating something about Jesus. i.e. Easter, Penecost Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas...
  • When I get to buy something for someone and watch them get excited when they receive it.
  • When God answers my prayers, and/or when God blesses me just because!
  • When God opens a door for me to witness to someone about His greatness, grace, love and mercy!
There is so much more I could say, but I think you can see how I work from this short list. Again I would like to know - "what makes you excited?" This is a very particularly excited time of the year, so maybe it would be a good time to reflect about this. So often we go through life and do not take time to reflect on our own lives. Looking back over your own life can be a very helpful way to see what direction your life is currently taking, and maybe will give you the opportunity to see that you need to make some very important changes.

The Bible tells us in the Proverbs that there "is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end of that way are the ways of destruction!" During this last week before we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, take time to reflect, and see what needs to be changed. Nothing would excite me more if I know of someone who gave their life, spirit, soul and body to Jesus during this Christmas season!

Don't wait to get right with Jesus! NOW! is the time, to day is the day of salvation! Take care of your spirit, and soul's eternity now! The longer you wait the harder it gets. Don't get me wrong nothing is impossible with God, but I found that the longer people live in sin and their own will the hard it is for them to let go, and let God have His way! Jesus is here right now! Just reach out and touch Him, as He passes by. He isn't to busy to here your hearts cry. He is passing by this moment your needs to supply. Jesus is here right now, reach out and touch Him, as He goes by!

Don't ever for get that Jesus really does love you!

Your's for and exciting Christmas with Jesus!
Pastor Fred

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Alone with Jesus....finally!

It is so easy to get caught up in the rat race of life! Running to and fro trying to make a living, trying to support your family, trying to love and live right, but too ofter getting caught up means that you have lost your identity and individuality!


Don't get me wrong I do pray often while going through the day, but it isn't always private. Walking and talking with Jesus is wonderful, but there is something special about getting alone with Jesus. It's like taking a walk with a friend in a mall. You don't get into a conversation of great depth, but when you are alone with that friend you may talk about many private things at great length and detail. This is kind of what I'm talking about. Getting alone with Jesus, and letting your "hair down" as it were.


I would strongly suggest that you stop, take a deep breath, look around, find a quiet place and talk to Jesus! When we get caught up in the hustle and bustle it is easy to forget about Jesus, it is very important that we make some time to slow down, clear our minds, and be still and realize that He really is God!


Well, I finally got the chance to be alone with Jesus! It was wonderful! It only lasted a few minutes, but it was awesome! I was able to pour myself out to Him, and He was able to pour Himself into me! What an awesome God Jesus is! So personal, so intimate, so loving, so forgiving, so gentle, so kind, and full of grace!


Get alone with Jesus!


Yours for time with Jesus,

Pastor Fred

Friday, December 08, 2006

Are you in the "mood" for Christmas?


(As you might have noticed I've been occupied else where. As I've said in my previous post it's the season to be busy!)

Over the past couple of weeks I've... (I had to stop writing this post because my son was sick, and needed me to hold him, and now a couple days later I don't remember in which direction my thoughts where going!)

Let me start again!

Are you in the "mood" for Christmas? Do you like Christmas? What is your reason for celebrating Christmas? There are so many answers to these questions, and I'm sure most everyone would have a different answer to each question. The other night while doing some Christmas shopping I over heard a couple of old ladies complaining about the hustle and bustle while they where trying to shop in WalMart. One old lady said something as I passed by that really struck home to me. She said to her friend that the problem is that we allow ourselves to get sucked into the bustle, and we forget what it's all about. (That was a little bit paraphrased!)

This statement is so true. We allow the commercial industry to dictate what we must do to have a fun, festive and happy Christmas season. Yet, there is truly only one thing that can make us happy, and that is Jesus Christ! A personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ is the most satisfying thing you'll ever experience. It helps you have peace in turmoil, joy during pain, love through hate, faith while in despair, and endurance through the tough times. He is always there to lean on in every situation!

Yesterday we where able to go Christmas shopping in Corner Brook yesterday (Saturday), by ourselves. (Just the wife and I.) We left the 3 children at a friends house and went shopping all day! It was most relaxing. We were definitly tired after, but we had a large amount of gifts, and a large amount of fun! Why am I saying this? How many people really have fun during this season? How many people really enjoy shopping while about 5,000 other people are too? Not too many, but because of Jesus, and because the children where at a trusted friends house we had nothing to worry about, and just had fun! See, even during the most stressful time of year you can have peace and joy when your trust is in Jesus!

Yours for a peaceful happy Christmas,
Pastor Fred

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Tis' the season to be.....busy!

Seasons Greetings,

I guess this week kicks off the Christmas season in its highest gear! I've been going crazy for the past 2 weeks, and I'm just realizing that I need to slow down, take a deep breath and take a look around.

During Christmas everyone seems to forget the reason we celebrate, and goes crazy getting gifts, decorating, baking, shopping ect.... Yet, if we would only take time out of our craziness, and remember this is the season we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Saviour. We ought to give the greatest gift to Jesus, because He is the one who came to save us from our sin, the wickedness of the devil and death. We ought to give of our time, money and most importantly of ourselves to Jesus.

The greatest gift this Christmas would be if you met Jesus this year, and started a personal relationship with him!

Read Acts 2:38 for more information on how to start a relationship with Jesus.

Yours for a Christ filled Christmas,
Pastor Fred

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

With God nothing is impossible!

What a day yesterday! Yeah it was one of those days! I missed an appointment, and forgot about another. (They called me a reminded me about 5 minutes after the meeting started!)

My wife started participating in our business yesterday. She's supplying baked goods to one of our local stores, ValuFoods. So, she was baking all day yesterday, and our normal schedules were non-existant!

Anyway, let me discuss my premiss and title for this post. The meeting I was late for was a Ministerial Association Christmas Carol Service at one of the local services. We have one every year to raise money for a charity or good cause. It was a great service, and during the benediction Pastor Foster made reference to the scripture about Mary, when she was talking with the Angel about the birth of Jesus. The Angel said, "For with God nothing is impossible!"

This is a very powerful scripture! The angel came on an ordinary day. Mary was probably in the house doing her chores. When the Baby was born it was an ordinary day. The people were being taxed, the shepherds were in the field working, and everyone was busy doing what they did.

Yet, on a very ordinary day Jesus came. God manifest in the flesh shone His light into a very dark world, and the darkness could not defeat it! Nothing is impossible with God.

It could be on a very ordinary busy day for you that Jesus could stop by and visit with you. His light could shine so brightly in your life, and melt all your sins away! It doesn't matter the day, nor does it matter the hour. It doesn't matter the situation, nor does it matter the problem. Nothing is impossible with Jesus!

As the song says:
My God can do anything, anything, anything;
My God can do anything, but fail!
He put the stars in the sky,
He'll wipe those tears from your eyes,
My God can do anything, anything!

Never dispair Jesus can do anything!

Yours for the Spirit of Christ,
Pastor Fred

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Faith that is greater than the storm!

(First I'd like to apologize for blogging late today. It's been a very busy day!)

We've had about 15 centimeters of snow over the weekend, and this morning when i was up early getting ready to shovel at the church and around the house, my wife asked if we knew if anyone was going to be coming to church this morning. I said I didn't know. (The people who have been coming are rather erratic!) I believe she was implying that we stay home and enjoy the comfort of our living room, but we went to church anyway.

Well, the above conversation although brief got me thinking about faith. We often let circumstances dictate how we feel, what we are going to do, and what level of faith we are going to employ. Instead we ought rather to have faith, faith that will see you through every situation great or small. Faith isn't a wimsical comodity that is here today and gone tomorrow. Rather faith is an entity, that if we allow to grow, will be able to carry us over every mountain, across every river, and beyond evern desert that life may through our way.

I went to church today, not because of the weather, or because it is the right thing to do, but rather I went to church because I have faith in Jesus, and I wanted to go and worship Him. I went inspite of the storm. Let your faith soar beyond your physical sight, beyond your physical feelings, and beyond your mental emotions. Trust in Jesus for everything, I garauntee that you will not be disappointed!

Yours for Faith
Pastor Fred

Saturday, December 02, 2006

A Child's Faith!

Well it's time again to bragg about my children! Sorry if you don't think it's appropriate, but when you have your own children you'll understand.

Anyway, My Son Ethan can be very spiritual sometimes, especially for being 4 years old. I've tried to teach him about prayer, faith and trusting Jesus. However, it usually affects him when someone has a booboo, or when he needs to take care of monsters at night. But, once in awhile he says and does something that is profound and has extraordinary faith involved.

It snowed here on Thursday, yeah!, but it rained on Friday. Well, this disappointed Ethan, as you can imagine. Children love to play out in the snow! It's pure and white, beautiful, and peaceful. Kids love it! So Friday morning Ethan asked me to take some water and throw it up into the sky so we could have more snow! (Is that profound, and understanding for a 4 year old or what!) Anyway, I try to be truthful and honest with my children, and told him I couldn't do that, but, I said, Jesus could. So I lead Ethan in a simple prayer of faith for more snow.

Well, all Thursday while we had the snow everyone said that it was going to be warm all weekend. (between 11 and 14 degrees Celcius) This would make sure that we wouldn't have any snow. So, I went to town on Friday after lunch, a couple hours after Ethan prayed, and behold everyone was talking about the snow storm we were now supposed to get! The forcast changed in a matter of hours from no snow to a bunch of snow. (15 centimeters I think)

If we could just learn to have the absolute unconditional faith of children this world would be filled with the wonders of the divine working in our lives! Too, often we let doubt and life cloud our minds, and we can no longer see into the unsee world of faith, hope, love and peace! Shed your doubt and "realism" and let true child like faith work in your life today!

Yours for Faith,
Pastor Fred

Friday, December 01, 2006

You Can't Hide YOUR Mistakes!


Have you ever made a mistake, whether small or large, which you tried to cover up? Of course you have! We've all done that at some point in time. Adam and Eve humanities parents did it so what hope do we have!?

Anyway, I made a mistake while working at the print shop a couple months ago. It was a "big" mistake! If you read my post from yesterday, you'll know I had a great day which included church bulletins, however, the last order of bulletins I destroyed! (just to be honest and plain!) Anyway I forgot to set them up properly, and printed them. I only figured out I'd done it wrong while I was cutting them down. Anyway I worked really hard to make them look like they were the right size, but many of them were about an inch small both length and width wise! I hoped and prayed my boss wouldn't notice!

That night she was in the shop doing some work after hours, and decided to see if I'd done a good job, well she took one look at the bulletins and knew they were too small. (After 20 years of experience her eye is pretty good!) To make a long story shorter, we had to redo all the bulletins, and didn't hardly make a penny on the job! (By The Way: I do know what I'm doing now!)

So, the moral of the story is, it doesn't matter how hard you try you can't hide your mistakes for ever! You may keep something hidden for awhile, but somewhere alone the line your mistakes will be found out!

Yours for honesty
Pastor Fred

Thursday, November 30, 2006

In Everything Give Thanks!

This was one of those days that you could write home about! WOW! It was really great! Work went smoothly for a change, it just seemed everything worked out right!

The Bible tells us in Thessalonians, "in everything Give Thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus Concerning you!" I realized something today in the midst of all the hustle and bustle that we ought to remember to thank God for the good days, and during the bad days remember the good ones so we can find something to thank God for!

I'm not too much into "positive thinking", however, I've learnt that if you set your mind frame to think joyfully, thankfully, and in a positive and cheerful maner that the day usually turns out much better than if you don't really determine to look at life any particular way.

We all know that a grumpy person tends to get grumpier, so that same should hold true for that of a person with a thankful and cheerful outlook on life!

So, here is my challenge to you! Instead of just letting life slip by tonight and tommorrow change your frame of mind and be thankful in every situation, be cheerful, kind and curtious, and finally put a big smile one your face. Next, go out the front door, and go conquer your day in Jesus Name!

I Dare you to try this! I can garantee it will change your life! (PS> if it doesn't work for you, you've missed something very important so go back and try again!)

Yours with a thankful heart!
Pastor Fred

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Preparation is Key

I also own a Janitorial Services Business, and was going to do a spray buff job on Monday, however, I found out that I didn't have all the stuff I required to do the job so I had to wait until I got the rest of my supplies.


Today we went into Grand Falls-Windsor, a city near our town, to get my son circumcised, and while there I went and picked up the few things that I needed for a couple jobs I've got coming up. It is amazing what can put a wrench in your plans. It usually isn't something big, but rather the small things. I had all the "big stuff", but a couple small things I'd forgotten and because of it, I had to wait a few days!

In life the same holds true; preparation is definitely the key to success! Many times it is the little things that we didn't take into consideration that causes us to fail and not succeed.

A relationship with Jesus is the same. So many people over look critical things because they seem small to the nonspiritual mind. Yet, in the eyes of Jesus those small things are just as important as the "big stuff". If you are not completely prepared as Jesus says in the word of God, then you are not prepared at all, and you will find it very difficult to follow Jesus; especially in the hard times.

But if we are prepared and have searched the scriptures daily we will find that Jesus is ever true and faithful, and never far from anyone of us! Preparation is the key! Don't miss out on Heaven because of a small detail! Make sure you are ready today, now!

Yours for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ,
Pastor Fred

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

What's In Your Mind!

One of the main ways the devil attacks people is through implanting thoughts in our minds!

Beware of this deadly trick. It has the ability to ruin your life in the matter of minutes!

For example, last night for no real apparent reason my temper just blew up! I got a bit nasty with my kids for a bit until I realized that I don't act like this. Normally I'm pretty calm, and my tempt takes along time to blow if ever. I began to rebuke this state of mind, and pray in Jesus Name, and it wasn't very long until I was at peace again and calm.

If during the run of a day you begin to think weird stuff, things that you normally wouldn't, try talking to Jesus about it. He has this amazing ability to turn your life around, and calm your mind and spirit! Cast all your care upon Him for He Cares for you!

Check what's on your mind, and steer clear of the devils devices!

Yours for a peaceful mind,
Pastor Fred

Monday, November 27, 2006

Thoughts on the World Today...

Looking through the headlines today doesn't allow for a very optimistic conversation. War, Terror, Genocide, Murder, Robbery, Divorce, Scandal, Hate and the list goes on and on! Afghanistan isn't much better off than it was before. Terrorists are still at large. And, in the name of Peace we all continue to send more troops into the battlefield as "peacekeepers". Here in Canada our troops are called "peacekeepers," yet they drive tanks and carry assault rifles!

This world's idea of peace if quite screwed up! We try to force peace at the end of a gun barrel, instead of trying to change to people we are "fighting for". Peace doesn't come from outside forces it comes from within the soul and spirit of a person.

Jesus came to this world not to force peace on all mankind, but to show us the way of peace on an individual basis.

Joh 10:7-11 Jesus therefore said unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (8) All that came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. (9) I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture. (10) The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. (11) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep.

Joh 16:33 These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Phi 4:6-9 In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (9) The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

It is Jesus who brings true peace to our soul and spirit. It's His Spirit living in us that transforms us from hateful, dishonest, hurtful, deceitful to loving, kind, gracious, peaceful, joyful people.

It is difficult to be at peace with this world until you are at peace with God and yourself first!

Let the peace of Jesus wash over you today, and help you change your world one soul at a time!

Yours for Peace,
Pastor Fred

Sunday, November 26, 2006

The Sound of Life...

The Bible in Exodus 28:34, 35 tells us that the High Priest had bells and pomegranates around the hem of his robe so that he would not die! I like to call this the Sound of Life!
In Luke 2:7-20 we have another kind of cry! A baby is born! Jesus is Alive! the Lamb of God has come to take the sin of the world away!

Allow me take a couple minutes to bring these two scriptures together.

As the High Priest entered the Temple and moved into the back room called the Holiest of Holies, all the people would gather around the temple to listen, and see if their scarifies were going to be accepted. They would listen to the tinkling of the bells as the High Priest walked through the tabernacle. If the bells stopped making noise that meant the High Priest was killed as their offerings where not accepted. If, on the other hand, the offering was accepted it seems that the High Priest would begin to dance for joy. The sound of the bells would gradually get louder and louder, and the people would rejoice for their sins were forgiven for another year!

Enter Jesus, the Lamb of God. That night about 2,000 years ago a cry pierced the darkness. A young lady was in labor, and feeling the pain. A while later another cry was heard: the Messiah was born -- Jesus was Alive! In the hills on the outside of town shepherds where watching their sheep. Suddenly the sound of Angels voices! They where declaring the birth of the Messiah, and praising God! The shepherds went to town and found Jesus just like the Angel had said! They left with their mouth filled with praise!

The sound of the Bells, and the praise of the Angels and shepherds are much the same! As a matter of fact I believe that any praise to God from anyone is like the tinkling of the bells: the Sound of life!

We praise Jesus because He has once and for all taken away the stain of sin from our lives. He has forgiven us, washed us, cleansed us, and put His spirit inside of us! We worship as the High Priest did, because we are forgiven and redeemed!

Let your praise ring out as the bells of old! Let the Sound of Life flow from you!

(for more on this, and a sermon outline go to our district website:
www.newfoundlandupci.org/sermons)

Friday, November 24, 2006

What side of the bed do you like?

Here is a thought for you to ponder? When you get up in the morning, which side is more common, the grumpy side or the happy side?

How you get up in the morning can determine how you spend the rest of the day. If you wake up grumpy it can be most difficult to put a true joyful smile on you face. Unless of course your boss gives you a 25% raise, your wife cooks our favorite breakfast, or you win the lottery! (you get the point!)

My suggestion this morning, and a lovely one it is, is to make up your mind first thing that your are going to have a great day, and you most definitely will! Determine that nothing is going to give you the blues, make you upset or cause you loose your temper. When you make this kind of resolution, and then ask Jesus to give you a helping hand there isn't anything that can stop you!

And if you like good music tune into www.klove.com for you listening pleasure, and it will help make you smile, and even laugh throughout your day!

God Bless and Happy Mood Change!

Pastor Fred

Thursday, November 23, 2006

The Hound of Heaven

  • God never lets you go without a fight!
  • Jesus is the hound of heaven who will fight all hell for you!
(sorry about the length of the poem. However, as it is one of the greatest poems ever written and a classic, I chose to keep it in its entirety.)

The Hound of Heaven

    I FLED Him down the nights and down the days
    I fled Him down the arches of the years
    I fled Him down the labyrinthine ways
    Of my own mind, and in the midst of tears
    I hid from him, and under running laughter.
    Up vistaed hopes I sped;
    And shot precipitated
    Adown titanic glooms of chasme d hears
    From those strong feet that followed, followed after
    But with unhurrying chase
    And unperturbèd pace,
    Deliberate speed, majestic instancy,
    They beat, and a Voice beat,
    More instant than the feet:
    "All things betray thee who betrayest me."

    I pleaded, outlaw-wise,
    By many a hearted casement, curtained red,
    Trellised with inter-twining charities,
    (For though I knew His love who followèd,
    Yet was I sore adread,
    Lest having Him, I should have nought beside);
    But if one little casement parted wide,
    The gust of his approach would clash it to.
    Fear wist not to evade as Love wist to pursue.
    Across the margent of the world I fled,
    And troubled the gold gateways of the stars,
    Smiting for shelter on their clangèd bars,
    Fretted to dulcet jars
    And silvern chatter the pale ports o' the moon.
    I said to Dawn: be sudden, to Eve: be soon,
    With thy young skyey blossoms heap me over
    From this tremendous Lover!
    Float thy vague veil about me lest He see!
    I tempted all His servitors but to find
    My own betrayal in their constancy,
    In faith to Him their fickleness to me,
    Their traitorous trueness and their loyal deceit.
    To all swift things for swiftness did I sue,
    Clung to the whistling mane of every wind,
    But whether they swept, smoothly fleet,
    The long savannahs of the blue,
    Or whether, Thunder-driven,
    They clanged His chariot thwart a heaven,
    Plashy with flying lightnings round the spurn o' their feet --
    Fear wist not to evade as Love wist to pursue.
    Still with unhurrying chase
    And unperturbe d pace
    Deliberate speed, majestic instancy,
    Came on the following Feet,
    And a Voice above their beat --
    "Naught shelters thee, who wilt not shelter Me."

    I sought no more that after which I strayed
    In face of Man or Maid.
    But still within the little childrens' eyes
    Seems something, something that replies,
    They at least are for me, surely for me!
    I turned me to them very wistfully;
    But just as their young eyes grew sudden fair
    With dawning answers there,
    Their angel plucked them from me by the hair.
    "Come then, ye other children, Nature's -- share
    With me" (said I) "your delicate fellowship;
    Let me greet you lip to lip,
    Let me twine with you caresses,
    Wantoning,
    With our Lady Mother's vagrant tresses,
    Banqueting
    With her in her wind-walled palace,
    Underneath her azured dais,
    Quaffing, as your taintless way is,
    From a chalice,
    Lucent weeping out of the dayspring."
    So it was done.
    I in their delicate fellowship was one.
    Drew the bolt of Nature's secrecies,
    I knew all the swift importings
    On the wilful face of skies,
    I knew how the clouds arise,
    Spumèd of the wild sea-snortings.
    All that's born or dies,
    Rose and drooped with, made them shapers
    Of mine own moods, or wailful or divine.
    With them joyed and was bereaven.
    I was heavy with the even,
    When she lit her glimmering tapers
    Round the day's dead sanctities.
    I laughed in the morning's eyes.
    I triumphed and I saddened with all weather,
    Heaven and I wept together,
    And its sweet tears were salt with mortal mine;
    Against the red throb of its sunset-heart,
    I laid my own to beat
    And share commingling heat;
    But not by that, by that was eased my human smart.
    In vain my tears were wet on Heaven's grey cheek.
    For ah! we know what each other says,
    These things and I; In sound I speak,
    Their sound is but their stir, they speak by silences.
    Nature, poor step-dame, cannot slake my drouth.
    Let her, if she would owe me,
    Drop yon blue bosom-veil of sky, and show me
    The breasts o' her tenderness;
    Never did any milk of hers once bless
    My thirsting mouth.
    Nigh and nigh draws the chase,
    With unperturbèd pace,
    Deliberate speed, majestic instancy,
    And past those noisèd Feet,
    A Voice comes yet more fleet:
    "Lo, naught contents thee who content'st nought Me."

    Naked, I wait thy Love's uplifted stroke!
    My harness, piece by piece, Thou hast hewn from me
    And smitten me to my knee;
    I am defenceless, utterly.
    I slept methinks, and woke.
    And slowly gazing, find me stripped in sleep.
    In the rash lustihead of my young powers,
    I shook the pillaring hours,
    And pulled my life upon me. grimed with smears,
    I stand amidst the dust o' the mounded years--
    My mangled youth lies dead beneath the heap.
    My days have crackled and gone up in smoke,
    Have puffed and burst as sun-starts on a stream.
    Yeah, faileth now even dream
    The dreamer and the lute, the lutanist;
    Even the linked fantasies in whose blossomy twist,
    I swung the Earth, a trinket at my wrist,
    Are yielding: cords of all too weak account
    For earth, with heavy grief so overplussed.
    Ah! is thy Love indeed
    A weed, albeit an amaranthine weed,
    Suffering no flowers except its own to mount?
    Ah! must --
    Designer Infinite --
    Ah! must thou char the wood 'ere thou canst limn with it ?
    My freshness spent its wavering shower i' the dust.
    And now my heart is as a broken fount,
    Wherein tear-drippings stagnate, spilt down ever
    From the dank thoughts that shiver
    Upon the sighful branches of my mind.
    Such is; what is to be ?
    The pulp so bitter, how shall taste the rind ?
    I dimly guess what Time in mists confounds,
    Yet ever and anon, a trumpet sounds
    From the hid battlements of Eternity.
    Those shaken mists a space unsettle,
    Then round the half-glimpseèd turrets, slowly wash again.
    But not 'ere him who summoneth <dt> I first have seen, enwound
    With glooming robes purpureal; cypress-crowned.
    His name I know, and what his trumpet saith.
    Whether man's heart or life it be which yields
    Thee harvest, must Thy harvest fields
    Be dunged with rotten death ?

    Now of that long pursuit,
    Comes at hand the bruit;
    That Voice is round me like a bursting sea:
    "And is thy Earth so marred,
    Shattered in shard on shard?
    Lo, all things fly thee, for thou fliest Me.
    Strange, piteous, futile thing;
    Wherefore should any set thee love apart?
    Seeing none but I makes much of naught" (He said),
    "And human love needs human meriting;
    How hast thou merited --
    Of all Man's clotted clay, the dingiest clot?
    Alack! Thou knowest not
    How little worthy of any love thou art!
    Whom wilt thou find to love ignoble thee,
    Save Me, save only Me?
    All which I took from thee, I did but take,
    Not for thy harms,
    But just that thou might'st seek it in My arms,
    All which thy childs mistake
    Fancies as lost, I have stored for thee at home --
    Rise, clasp My hand, and come."

    Halts by me that footfall --
    Is my gloom, after all,
    Shade of His hand, outstretched caressingly?
    "Ah, fondest, blindest, weakest,
    I am He Whom thou seekest!
    Thou dravest love from thee, who dravest Me."
    Francis Thompson

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Believing is Seeing...

Many people look at life through this looking glass: "Seeing is Believing." And, for the most part it does people well, and even can lead you into some success. If you can see it, it must be so.

However, there is a better way to approach life: "Believing is Seeing." What? You want me to believe in something before I'll see it? In a manner of speaking, yes! The Bible doesn't start with a dissertation about why or why not to believe in God, creation and spiritual things, it just makes a simple, complete declaration. God expects us to believe that He is. No display of power (other than the creation of the universe). No physical form. Just a declaration.

Let me put it this way. If you do not believe that God is, that God loves, that God is interested in every part of your life, then you are not likely to see the many ways that He interacts with you, blessing you, helping you, saving you.

Have you ever encountered a "miracle", something that was not explainable, but you are still alive because of it today? Have you ever had a close shave? These are all times when the Almighty God sent His angels to minister life to you! He cares about you and wants you to meet with Him personally, and He will do anything to lead you to His side.

Have you ever gone through something in your life that was really rough? A sickness, trouble at work, family problems or other such pain? Many times this is God trying to wake us up and bring us close to Him. During a time like this have you ever called out for help, asked "why me" or prayed. This is exactly what Jesus wanted. He wants us to know Him, and often the only thing that will open our eyes to the truth is pain.

In closing, just remember that sometimes you must believe in something before you can really see and understand it. "Believing is Seeing!"

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Jesus has a treat in His pocket for You!

(Note: this is an outline of my Sunday Morning Message, and is and expansion from my previous post, which the Lord directed me to prepare.)

Phi 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. (5) Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (6) In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

Phi 4:19 And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
------------------Quick word Study from verses-------------------
  • Rejoice : Means "to be happy, to be well, to thrive, to be glad, and to rejoice exceedingly."
  • Moderation/Forbearance : Means "that which is appropriate, mild (mannered), gentle, equitable, suitable and fair." (related to self-control).
  • Careful/Anxious : Means "to be troubled with cares, to care for (as in looking out for a thing/person), to seek to promote one's interests, and caring or providing for."
  • Need : Means "employment, needs, necessities, occasion, demand, requirment or destitution."
---------------------------------------------------------
INTRODUCTION
Do you remember as a child being around senior citezens or your grandparents? They always seemed to have something in their pockets or purse to give you! They had some kind of treat whether a piece of gum, candy or a bar. It was always enduring, and you remembered who usually had a treat to give!

I. We often short change our blessings by short changing other people in need.

In verse "19" Paul is declaring the blessings of God upon a group of people. So often we too claim this verse as our own promise out of trouble. However, we often miss the punch line!
Phi 4:14-18 Howbeit ye did well that ye had fellowship with my affliction. (15) And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only; (16) for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need. (17) Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account. (18) But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.
The Philippian Church was a rather poor church, but they always dug deep and gave extra. They travelled great distances to supply the needs of Paul their founder and leader. It seems that when no one else was giving the Philippians gave all the more.
Because they didn't regard their own misfortune and destitution, but gave willingly to the cause of Christ, they were going to be rewarded with a great blessing and provision from God!
So Often as Christians, and even those outside the Church give, because we know that we will receive a blessing in return. WRONG ANSWER! We should be ashamed of ourselves! We must change our way of thinking. We must not give to get, but rather we must give to bless others, and the work of God willingly, without thought of return!

God Loves a Cheerful giver!
II. Anxiety and worry often thwart our best efforts to live within the kingdom and according to His will!

Have you ever worried when the next bill was going to be paid? Have you ever been anxious about when you where going to get more groceries? Have the welfare of your families ever been a concern for you?

Too often we base our feelings and opinions on the circumstances around us, and by what we can see! However, my jesus is bigger than all your fears, worries, cares and troubles. We often let life dictate our fears, but let us learn to cast all of our cares on him for He truly cares about us!
I'm not telling you to quit your job, to stop providing for your family, or even to stop caring about your family, but I am saying we need to start learning to view things God's way!
As someone once said, "See a need, fill a need!" When we help each other out of love and compassion, with the purpose to further the kingdom of God. He steps in and fills your needs!

III. Yes, These two thoughts are part of the same truth!
When we stop worring about ourselves and leave it in His hands, we will begin to see other peoples needs too! We don't stop working and taking care of ourselves and families, but we do leave the worry behind. Do what you can and leave the rest up to Jesus! By leaving worry and cares with Jesus, he can then show us someone else in need. Using what you have fulfill that need, and Jesus in turn will show someone else you have a need and it will be fulfilled!

IV. Keep your attitude right!
(Read Matthew 6:24-34)
Mat 6:31-34 Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
A right attitude does not seek to promote itself, but rather seeks to promote Jesus and His kingdom first! How do you spell Joy?

Jesus Others You!
When we learn to practise this proper attitude we are walking "in the light as He is in the light!" We are living by His commands, and we are His Children. Jesus knows how to take care of His children. He has a pocket full of treats for His kids!

Joh 15:9-12 Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love. (10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. (11) These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. (12) This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you.
When we trust fully in jesus, He will take care of us!

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Jesus has a bandaid in His pocket....

Don't children just say the cutest things sometimes!?

We spend quite a bit of time teaching our children the value of prayer and that Jesus is always by your side read to help, and protect you. Once in a while we see the fruit of this labour in what they say!

My two older children love band aids and whenever one or the other gets a small cut or scrape they both "need" to have a band aid to cover their "blood".

Well my 4 year old has been developing a pimple on his nose for a couple of days, and today he finally noticed that is was there. He immediately started to complain about it and asked for a band aid. I told him that he didn't need a band aid and that it would go away in a couple of days. His simple straightforward response was profound, momentous and absolutely sweet:

"Jesus has a band aid for me. He has a band aid in his pocket."

Jesus does have a band aid in his pocket. He has something for everything we go through, do to our self, and for every time we slip up and fall. Jesus is always there by your side!

Jesus loves you more than anything and has a band aid in his pocket for you!

Yours for the Kingdom,
Pastor Fred

Sunday, November 12, 2006

What is most important? -- everything else leaves you empty...

There are many scriptures which describe to us important things in life here are at least 2.

Mar 12:29-34 Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one: (30) and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. (31) The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (32) And the scribe said unto him, Of a truth, Teacher, thou hast well said that he is one; and there is none other but he: (33) and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is much more than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices. (34) And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

and

Ecc 12:13-14 This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. (14) For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
In life there are many things which tug at us for our attention, however, many of those things are not as important as we make them out to be. So often, men, we spend our hours at work trying to make ends meet, and provide for the family, but we have forgotten one of the most important needs of our family -- YOU DAD! The family needs a father's touch, compassion, love, strength and presence. It isn't enough to just be around for a couple hours a day, and expect your children to understand what you are really trying to do. Kids don't care that you are trying to give them a better life than you had they just want YOU! Your wife may understand, but she doesn't care as much about a little hardship as you might think, what she really desires is your touch, voice and closeness!

We value money, prestige, materialistic gain, but don't take time to realize - once you are dead and gone someone else will have everything you presently have. What is the real value in life? What is that thing that will help us find joy in what we do? What is most important?

Here is a few things I jotted down yesterday while thinking on this very thing:
  • Learn from the mistakes of others so you can move on to more important lessons.
  • Make a habit out of Pleasing God!
  1. We need to have an intimate personal relationship with Jesus Christ!
  2. We need to have an intimate personal relationship with our family!
  3. We should enjoy fellowship with friends, family, and visitors.
  4. Live a life that is pleasing to Jesus.
  5. Teach others to love Jesus.
  6. Teach your family Strong moral values.
  7. Love your spouse unconditionally.
  8. Love your children unconditionally.
  9. Do everything you do as if you are doing it for Jesus Christ.
  10. Love your life and the life of others.
  11. Budget your time and money, but give most of it to Jesus and to your family.
  12. If you make a mistake, don't let it keep you down, remember you are not alone, get up and never give up!
(The first three in this numbered list are in order, but from 4-12 are done in any order, they are of equal importance.)

Don't ever let your life get away from you, find those things that are truly important and enjoy them! Don't let sickness or a near death experience wake you up!

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Feed Your ... Victory!

For the past few days I've been studying with a series of DVD Lessons from the Bible College 5 out of the "First United Pentecostal Church of Wichita." Pastor Cornwell is an awesome teacher! Here is a nugget of Gold which I found in the second lesson.

(this of course is my own personal spin and vernacular!)

So often we base our feelings, attitude and daily character on our circumstance, which are currently surrounding us. Due to this fact we are more often in an attitude of defeat, rather than sounding the trumpet of victory! We allow the attitudes, feelings and negative vibes that are around us to influence how we act. We should not let other people dictate to us how we should feel, act or live. We need to push past the negative and demonstrate our faith, love and worship to Jesus verbally, physically and emotionally! The trumpet of victory is always preceded by those who would try to stop moving forward, by murmurers, by wet blankets and other such negative influence. Yet, in the midst of all that there will be strong leadership that will urge us onward toward victory.
We can even learn to live in a spirit of victory! An attitude, which doesn't derive it's passion and emotion from the present circumstances, but rather feeds itself off of past victories, present faith and future hope! Don't let your circumstance dictate defeat, rather let your faith push you to certain victory!
Learn to make victory a habit!

Yours for the Kingdom of Christ,
Pastor Fred

Sunday, November 05, 2006

When God Respects You your deliverance is near!

Greetings in Jesus Name!

The following is a message that I prepared for Sunday Morning November 5, 2006. The outline is rather short, and contains a couple word studies, however, I trust you will also get the message.


WHEN GOD RESPECTS YOU

Exodus 2:23-25

And it came to pass in the course of those many days, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. (24) And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. (25) And God saw the children of Israel, and God took knowledge of them.


WORD STUDY:

In the King James Version of the Bible the phrase "and God took knowledge of them" reads "and God had respect unto them."

The words respect or knowledge are a hebrew word (yawdah) which means: to know. It means - "to perceive and see, find out and discern; to consider". It's Greek counter part (ginosko): to know means - "to be taking in knowledge, to come to know, understand, or to understand completely".

These words are often used in the sense of approving; and "because God knew" - had respect for and approved of, them, therefore He was determined to deliever them.

or as another comentary put it:

"God heard their crying, and remembered His covenant with the fathers: "and God saw the Children of Israel, and God noticed them." God's notice had all the energy of LOVE and PITY. He accepted them!

In Exodus 3:7,8 God investigated the cry He heard, and when He heard, saw, understood, and remembered He planned the best course of action to deliever.



One scripture tells us that God is looking for ways to bless us! He is searching out methods, plans which will benefit His people!

--> Sometimes this means we have to go through some nasty stuffy.

--> In this nasty stuff we are drawn to prayer.

--> When our cry reaches God, He begins to investigate!

--> When He understands and knows everything about our situation He acts accordingly!

Have you ever heard the statement, "I appreciate your situation...." That is kind of what God is saying to us. "I have heard what you are saying, praying and crying, and I appreciate what you are going through, now this is what I'm going to do about it!"

Let's look at a few other situations in which a cry came up before God.

-- Abel's Blood cried unto God for vengeance. God investigated and took appropriate action.

-- David made a regular practice of crying to God. Psalms 18:6

-- The wicked deeds and spilled blood of Sodom and Gomorrah cried unto God for justice, and He came down and investigated. Genesis 18:21; 19:13

-- Cornelius's Prayer built a memorial to God! Acts 10

Summary

When God has respect to you he investigates your need, sees what you are going through, understands how you feel, remembers the promise He gave you and plots the best possible deliverance for your situation!

It may take some time, but He'll be right on time. So, don't delay make your request known to God!

Philippians 4:6

Let God know what you are going through, how you feel, and be thankful for what He has done, is doing and will do!

God bless you!


Saturday, November 04, 2006

Seasonal Joy!

Christmas has officially started at our home! On November 1st we start the Christmas music and start putting up some decorations - we love to celebrate Christmas as long as possible!

When you develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the time of year we designate to celebrate his birth becomes extra special! We love to share, give, rejoice, love and sing about His coming from Heaven to Earth to show us the way!

During this time of seasonal Joy let the spirit of Christ and His coming wrap its warm arms around you, and lift you above your sorrows, strife, problems and stress! May you learn to have your own personal relationship with Jesus Christ!

Yours for the Kingdom of Christ,
Pastor Fred
P.S. If you'd like more information about having a personal relationship with Jesus please feel free to email me!

Friday, November 03, 2006

Using the Enemy's Weapons against them!

Did you know that the military strategy of using an enemy's weapon, strategy, offensive and/or attack against them was instituted by divine will? Yes, God was the first to use this kind of a strategy! Let me describe the story.

Adam and Eve where created by God as told in Genesis chapters one and two. Each day God would come down off His throne in Glory and visit with His creation. A relationship grew, and it seems that God chose the cool of the day for His visits.

In the mean time, Lucifer, who had been cast out of heaven, was planning an attack so daring it required his own personal touch, and not that of a lowly imp. He made his way into the garden enough times that, at least to Eve, he seemed to be familiar. When the timing was right, and Eve was passing near the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he tempted, beguiled and deceived her. She ate the forbidden fruit, and took a portion for Adam, whom she convinced to eat too.

There eyes where now opened to a whole new world of possibilities: Good versus Evil! Not only this, but they had sinned against God disobeying His one and only "thou shalt not."

Lucifer thought he had won, and for many centuries it seemed he had, but God told him, Adam and Eve that He would take this seemingly brilliant victory, and turn it against Lucifer. God was going to use the very thing, Adam and Eve, that Lucifer was using to get back at God, to redeem, save and bring humanity back into a divine relationship with Himself!

Gen 3:15 And there will be war between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed: by him will your head be crushed and by you his foot will be wounded

Sometimes you may feel like satan has won a victory over you, however, don't dispare God is still in control, and through Jesus Christ will turn that victory into a defeat! We are more that conquerors through Jesus Christ who loves us! Jesus is on your side so who possibly can be against you and win!

Yours for the Kingdom,
Pastor Fred

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

In search of hidden treasure!

A few days ago in prayer and study I was thinking about the purpose of God's Word, and why we should study it. I decided that I would figure out why it is so important to study God's Word, and in so doing give myself purpose when I open the "good book" and dive into its wonders and mysteries!

Reasons for Studying the Bible:

#1. What was the Bible written for?

In learning why we should study the Bible, we must inevitably answer the question: "What is the purpose of the Word of God?"

  • Hebrews 4:11-12 Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, that no man fall after the same example of disobedience. (12) For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.
  • 1Corinthians 10:6-12 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. (7) Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. (8) Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. (9) Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. (10) Neither murmur ye, as some of them murmured, and perished by the destroyer. (11) Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come. (12) Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
  • Galatians 3:21-24 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could make alive, verily righteousness would have been of the law. (22) But the scriptures shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. (23) But before faith came, we were kept in ward under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. (24) So that the law is become our tutor to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
From these verses we can see that the purpose of the Bible is: To teach God's creation (us) how to come back to Him, by showing us what the wrong way is, and demonstrating which way is the right way. In the process of learning the right way, we will inevitably find Jesus, to whom the whole Bible points. The point of finding Jesus, is to become a son or daughter of God. At which point the Spirit of God enters into us, and leads us unto, and into all truth! (John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26)

# 2 Why must I study God's Word?
  • 2Timothy 3:14-17 But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. (15) And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (16) Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. (17) That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.
  • John 6:63 It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, are are life.
  • John 14:1-6 Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go, ye know the way. (5) Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; how know we the way? (6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.
If the purpose of the Bible is to show us Jesus, and teach us how to meet Him and interact with Him, then the major reason to study His Word is to Find Him!

It should not matter our background, what people have told us to believe, we must find Jesus for ourselves! The only way to find Jesus is through His Word, with much study and much prayer.

  • 2Timothy 2:15 Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.
The whole point of study is to be approved of God, not to be approved of men. It is God's Word, and we must know what He says!
  • 2 Peter 1:20-21 knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation. (21) For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
We must find the right way to Jesus and His kingdom! There is only one way, not many as some would lead you to believe! It doesn't matter the name over the Church house, what matters is if they know the ONE WAY!

Thanks for reading and God bless you as you begin your own personal search for Jesus in His Word!

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Fred

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Lessons Learned in the Print Shop

I wonder what the title would be on the blog Jesus would have had if he had lived in 2006 as he did 2,000 years ago? Maybe, "Lessons Learned in the Carpenter's Shop," or "Parables learned from life." Anyway, I'm going to start this section of my blog, and it will appear from time to time.

I've been working at a local copy, print and party supply store for a few weeks helping out a friend who has been off for awhile because of an operation. This segment will highlight lesson's I've learned will working there, which can translate into life and teach a spiritual lesson. I guess I could sub-title this blog: "Parables from the Print Shop!" Well, here are a couple of lessons I've learned in the past couple of weeks.

LESSON # 1
When beating down paper, (the process of taking a sheaf of uneven edged paper and beating it off a table or something hard inorder to get the sheaf straight, and looking like it just came out of the package.) in order to get an even edge all around quickly and accurately one must losen their grip and let go of the sheaf of paper so that it is no longer compressed. This allows the paper to move freely and fall in to an orderly form.
--->Application:
So many time in life we feel that we must keep complete control over every situation in our lives. We try to hold on to everything and make sure it goes exactly as we plan. However, things rarely go as planned, and if we would learn to let go a bit, step back and let God work things out we would live lives that were free of stress!
Matthew 6:24-34
---->Don't be anxious about your life, your things or tomorrow. Rather serve and seek Jesus, and He will take care of the little stuff too!

Philippians 4:4-9
---->Rather than worrying about everything, would it not serve a better purpose to take everthing to God in Prayer? For, do we not have a friend in Jesus?

1 Peter 5:5b-10
---->So often we let appearances dictate who we should be. Stop being proud, start being humble and God will take care of your reputation! Worrying about what others think of you, can bring a nervous break down, rather expend your energy giving your worries to Jesus; He cares about you!

(The next part of the scripture leads me to my next lesson, and ties both together!)
LESSON #2
---->Slow Down, pay attention, focus on the job at hand, do not get destracted, and stay organized. In doing this each job will be done quicker, you will not make as many mistakes, and the end result will be much more enjoyable!

continuing with 1 Peter 5:
---->Rather than clouding your mind with worry, give all your anxieties to Jesus, in so doing you will be much more alert and aware of the important things in life!
You will also learn and be alert to the fact that the little worries of life are only a snare placed by the "Roaring Lion" to knock you off balance, and mess with your mind. This, if not delt with, will inevitablely destroy and devour your spirit! Because you are now alert you can resist him (the roaring lion called the devil), and establish what you really believe in, and realize you are not alone in this world! In due time Jesus will come and complete you, confirm you, strengthen you, and establish you!

Yours For Christ,

Pastor Fred

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Culture Shock

What a great weekend! Thanksgiving here in Canada! Jesus is so good to us! On Saturday morning I was talking to my mother and she invited us out to her place for Thanksgiving dinner, which we were going to have on Sunday afternoon. So in the proper impromptu fashion I woke up my wife, gathered the kids, packed some clothes and wisked off to St. Philips, (which is near St. John's) a 6 hour drive!

I ended up preaching on Sunday morning, and the Holy Spirit really met with us! I preached on "The Message of Fall". I'll blog about it another time - it was really good!

Thanksgiving dinner arrived and we had another guest. A man from England who my brother is working partners with. We both had culture shock! The poor guy has been in Newfoundland for about 16 months, and has had to relearn his ways of doing things!

In England any trip 1 hour or over requires a suit case! They don't eat pumpkins, which I might at is a shame because they are quite good! (pumpkin pie mmmmmm.....) This is in no way to slander or downplay the British, but I'm pointing out some interesting cultural differences between Canada and England.... We sometimes take our culture for granted, but we don't realize that other people just don't do it how we do, and we should be thankful for our respective cultures, and learn to worship God in them.

Another point before I go, it dawned on me this weekend that the Holiday of Thanksgiving is really only observed in North America (i.e. Canada and the U. S. of A.). What a priviledge to share some of our unique culture with someone, and on such a special holiday!

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Fred

Something to Laugh About!

Pastor Fred Online: Sermons & Puppets

Our Prayer Family: A List of Prayer Requests

  • Newfoundland & Labrador! That a wave of God's Spirit would flood this great province!
  • Your Neighbors, that Jesus would save their souls!
  • Springdale, Newfoundland: Pray that God's Spirit would awaken souls to their need of salvation and continued spiritual growth. Also, pray that Pastor Fred can teach many Home Bible Studies.
  • Pastor Fred and his family: Pray for Health, Strength, Inspiration, Revival and that God will lead him to many hungry souls
  • The Country You Live in: Pray for Salvation, Revival, Missionaries and the Moving of God's Spirit

Weekly Prayer for A Country on my counter:

Please pray with me for the country that is in focus each week. Thank You and may God richly bless your prayer life.


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A Prayer for Canada:



This week Lord Jesus we bring the country of Canada. Let the revival of your Word and Name sweep across this vast dominion. Let all ethnic groups that now call this great land home become hungry for something more, and find YOU! Let the Church arise to become the bastion of Truth that it is meant to be. Let you people become the light and power that spreads your Gospel throughout all this land!
We ask this all in the Name of Jesus Christ -- Amen!