What to do when you're against the odds....

No Matter What Stay In The Fire!

2 Timothy 3:12

2Ti 3:12-14 And indeed, all the ones desiring to be living in a godly manner in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (13) But evil people and impostors will advance to the worse [fig., will go from bad to worse], leading astray [fig., deceiving] and being led astray [fig., being deceived]. But _you_ be remaining in the [things] you learned and were entrusted with, knowing from whom you learned [them],

A. There is no escape from persecution!
Anyone with a new or different idea will always be persecuted. Besides that we are also believers of and in the Name of Jesus, which puts a second mark on us. Not only are we marked for having religious beliefs and ideas that go against the flow, but we also, follow a faith, which has a name and leader with all power. And, the enemy of our soul will always rise up against that name. Mark One - Humanity is afraid of those things they don't understand. Mark Two - Satan is in constant battle against those who are of the Name of Jesus!

B. Stay in the fire!
Just because persecution is inevitable, doesn't give us the right to give up. Paul instructed Timothy in our text: "Stay in the Fire!" (Remain in the things you have learned.) Just because someone isn't going to like you doesn't mean you should stop doing the right thing! If your boss askes you to lie about something on the phone are you going to do it? NO! You do the right thing even if it costs you your job! Stay in the fire! We can't afford to let the wet blankets of this world get us down. Instead of caving in to the conformity of this world, burn hotter and brighter and make the wet blankets burst into flames!

Romans 8:35

Rom 8:35-39 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? [Will] affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? (36) Just as it has been written, "For Your sake we are being put to death the whole day; we were accounted as sheep for slaughter." [Psalm 44:22] (37) _But_ in all these [things] we are completely victorious through the One having loved us. (38) For I have been persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers nor powers nor [things] present nor things about to be (39) nor height nor depth nor any other created [thing] will be able to separate us from the love of God, the [one] in Christ Jesus our Lord!

C. If we stay in the fire can anyone take you out?
NO! Nothing can separate us from the Love of God! Mankind and Satan himself can through all kinds of terrible things our way, but if we stay in the Light as He is in the Light, nothing can separate us from Jesus! His Spirit, Blood, Word and Name are our Salvation, Sheild, Sword and Armor!

Joh 10:25-30 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. (26) But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. (27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (28) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (29) My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. (30) I and my Father are one.

We are one with Jesus if we will be willing to stay in the fire!

Acts 11:19

Act 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

D. When persecution comes what will be your response!?
Too often we are like people in the parable of the sower:
Matthew 13:21 & Mark 4:17

Mat 13:20-22 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; (21) Yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. (22) He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Why must we be so shallow? Why must we be so inconsistant? When you love someone do you leave them at the first sign of trouble? Though the thought may cross your mind you stick with them even in the rough times, because love is more important and powerful and trouble, money, pain, discord or distress!

What can separate us from the Love of Jesus? "Nothing!"
What can separate us from the Love of Jesus? "Nothing!"
What can separate us from the Love of Jesus? "Nothing!"

Conclusion & Summary
We are part of something greater than any one of us individually! We are part of a body that spans the gap between earth and eternity! We are apart of the Body of Jesus Christ! A spiritual body of Believers that stretches through all of time, and that is knit together by a common faith in Jesus Christ.

Let us not be weary in what we are doing for Jesus. Let us not fear what man will try to do to us. Let us not be shallow, but be firmly grounded in Jesus Christ. Let us stay in the fire, and through the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit of Jesus weather every storm that comes our way!

(This is my Sunday Morning Message for December 1, 2007. It will be included in my Bible Studies section above for future reference.)

Yours for truth and commitment,
Pastor Fred

Personal Revival

Many people don't realize what revival really is! Some of the most common thoughts are: An increase in Sunday attendance, better singing, teaching more home Bible studies, and so on. However, real revival is something a little more personal.....
















The picture above shows and describes what many people would say is an old time revival. Again revival is something a little more personal.

Let's look at the etymology of the word revival: re - again and vive - to bring to life. So in short our word for the day means: To Bring to Life Again! So someone who has never known Jesus can't possibly know Him again! Revival is for people who know or knew Jesus, and have gotten a little too comfortable, and over time lost the close personal relationship that they once had. They can be revived again!

If you feel like you have lost a little something between you and Jesus then it is about to to wake up are realize that you need Jesus now, today, immediately!

If you have never really known Jesus it time for you to become spiritually alive, and begin your personal relationship with Jesus! There is nothing as exciting as knowing Jesus! He is with you through the thick and the thin!

Yours for personal Revival!
Pastor Fred

Fire! Fire!

When someone yells, "Fire!, Fire!" What is the first thing that comes to mind? Stop. Drop. Roll. Call 911. Get water. What comes to mind when you are alerted about a fire? Too, many of us fire is considered dangerous, and we shy away from it as much as possible. Sure, we may heat our homes with, and it may be the driving force in many of our vehicles, but other than that we don't like fire. Forest fires destroy much of our real estate every year. Fires destroy many homes every year. The list could go on and on. However, there is some elements of fire that we must understand before we can truly understand its power, potential and so we can loose our fear of it.

First, fire starts with a single spark which then combusts with something else and oxygen to form a flame. This flame then becomes larger as it consumes whatever it comes in contact with. This is the reason that fire can be so dangerous. However, fire needs oxygen and a slight breeze to burn. Take away oxygen and the fire dies very quickly.

You may be wondering by now what in the world is this crazy preacher talking about fire for? Well, let me get into it.

I would like everyone to become a fire, in a sense. Why, What do you mean?

1. Fire consumes whatever is around it. If we are going to change our world for the better, and impact lives for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ then we must become a spiritual fire that will leap onto those who are near us, and consume them! Every ideal, proposal, business plan, must light a fire under those who hear and read them or they will surely die. We must possess and display such a passion about what we believe in that it must consume those who see and hear it!

2. Fire needs oxygen and fuel to burn. We must be a source of continual inspiration and substance for people to feed off of. We also, must be connected to the ultimate source - Jesus Christ. We must get in His presence and feed upon His Word as often each day as we can. Thus, we will be able to impact other peoples lives more easily!

What do you get excited about? What gets you going? What do you enjoy talking about? Learn how you feel when you are doing those things, and then get just as excited about Jesus, and let your flame burn!

Burning for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Here are a couple of very thought provoking video's

Please take the time to digest this video. We've been preaching about this very thing for years!
If you want the video here is the Link.

This is a pretty vivid description of a persons walk with Jesus! Here is the link.

Labor Day Weekend and Your Family

Greetings in Jesus Name!

What a lovely weekend we are going to have! The rain is falling....I mean really falling! (over 50 mm in the forecast for today and tomorrow!) The sky is gray and we are stuck in the house for the next couple of days! Yet, we are going to have a wonderful weekend!

"What?" You say.

Yes, I've been working hard all week, and haven't seen much of my family. So, this weekend no matter what the weather or circumstances we are going to have a great time! My Family, Myself and Jesus are going to take advantage of being together, and enjoy each other's company!

So if you are stuck in the house with your family, don't despair take advantage of it and get to know your family again! There is nothing so precious as family, so don't let them slip away!

Our government has given us a holiday before the school year, fall and winter start so take time with your family and make sure they know that you love them!

May God bless you and your family!

Yours for Family,
Pastor Fred

The Value of a Personal Relationship

Greetings in Jesus Name again!
Just a quick note before I start this post. I've decided that my life will probably not get any less busy, and so I determined the other day that I just need to make time for this ministry, rather than wait for time to do this. And that goes for anything in our lives. We must Make time of reading the Bible. We must Make time for prayer. We must Make time for Jesus. We must Make time for family. We must Make time for friends. Time isn't our friend, so you must make time do what you want him to do!
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The Value of a Personal Relationship

All too often when a Preacher or Christ like person speaks of 'Personal Relationships' we automatically assume and understand that they are trying to convince us to get to know Jesus. And in most cases that is true. However, I'd like to add to that stereotype and note that pretty much every personal relationship in your life is valuable!

True I'd like every man, woman, youth, and child to experience a true, powerful relationship with Jesus Christ, but it is also true that if you can develop personal, close relationships with people in your life it will also be a great asset!

In particular David in the Old Testament, during his time before he was king of Israel, used his personal relationships and experiences to keep strong and make it through many struggles and trials.

1 Samuel 16 - 1 Samuel 30
You'll notice that king Saul's men understood the value of David's skill as a musician and warrior to Saul in his depressed and oppressed condition. However, that value didn't start over night. That value came from years of instruction from his parents and personal contact with the Almighty God in the time before we knew about David! Not only was David's personal relationship with God beneficial to him, but it was also beneficial to someone else! You'll be able to help others because of your personal relationships! (Especially one with Jesus)

Next in Chapter 17 David used his personal relationship with Jonathan, Saul's son, to overcome a great trial in his life. The two young men had become fast friends, and this relationship help get him away from Saul's sharp Javelin's, with which Saul had tried to kill David numerous times! A personal relationship with someone will also benefit you. You will undoubtedly need someone to help you in the future, or maybe right now. Those with whom you have personal relationships, I mean good, close, true personal relationships will be the ones who will really help you in your times of need!

I could mention a couple more, but for the sake of time lets go right to the last example. In Chapter 30 David goes home to Ziklag, and finds it burning, his family, and the families of his men along with every possession are gone! The Amalekites had come and destroyed and taken everything! This distressed and upset David and his men so much that they cried until there wasn't any strength in them to cry! (Have you ever done that before? Then you will understand.) It quickly turned into a stand off because the men's emotions turned to anger and they were getting ready to stone David. So, once more David called upon a personal relationship, and used it to strength himself, and figure out which way to go! This time David "Encouraged Himself In the LORD!" He strengthened himself in the presence of the Almighty, and this helped him get his head on. He then called for the priest, and inquired of God, which way to go. God said GO! They went and destroyed the Amalekites and brought their families back and many more possessions than they had before!

Personal Relationship are very important and valuable! You must have them to make it through this life. I do encourage you and everyone to find Jesus and get to know Him as your friend. However, while on your journey to find Jesus make some earthly personal relationships, and you will soon see that there is great value in being interdependent!

Yours for a Personal Relationship with Jesus
Pastor Fred

Jesus is Looking for Just ONE!

The other day I was listening to the radio (www.klove.com), and one of the short programs came on. I don't remember who the guy was or what the program was, but I do remember what he said. As a matter of fact I incorporated it into our Thursday night Bible Study lesson.

Ezekiel 22:30
30And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

God doesn't want to pour out His wrath upon us, and is search, yea looking for ONE to stand in the gap, and intercede on behave on a nation, the continent, the world!

Did you know or realize that every major revival in the Bible and in this world since the early church has started with ONE person getting ahold of God, and spreading the message to another ONE, and another ONE!

If we would stop focusing on reaching EVERYONE, and just get out and reach ONE we can and will bring Jesus to the Whole World in a matter of years!

Back to our radio program. The announcer was talking about our current rate of evangelizing the world, and that it would take an impossible amount of years to reach the world. However, he went on to describe a method that can reach the entire world in just a matter of years!
(This can also be proven through math give or take a couple years)

If ONE person would go out and reach another ONE person. Then, he/she would disciple that one person for one year, so that they knew Jesus, His Word and had a relationship with Him. After that year the two would go out and reach another ONE person each; that would be four people. Those two new ones would be discipled for ONE year. Next those four would go out and reach out to another ONE person each; that would be eight! ....and this process of reaching the lost and discipleship would continue every year ONE person to effectively start the ball rolling that would reach the entire population of planet earth in approximately ................ (guess)...........
..................................
................................
32 years......!!!!!!!!

Isn't that amazing! So get off your rear end, and get out and just find ONE! If every true Christian and child of God would do this, we could effectively evangelize the world in a matter of years!

I did the math for my community, and in 5 years I could help 100 people find Jesus, learn to know Him and love Him. In 10 years we could reach 3,200 people which would be everyone in my community. Within another 3 years we could reach the rest of the Green Bay Area! And to top it off within 18 years from now we could reach over 819,000 souls. That is more people than who live within Newfoundland and Labrador! All because ONE person stood in the gap and reached out to another ONE!

Be THE ONE!

Yours for reaching the world,
Pastor Fred

PS> It sure feels great to be back in the saddle! It's been a crazy summer so far, but God has been real good. I'll tell you about it sometime!

The Healer is in the House!

Good Morning Everyone!

It's been far to long since I've posted anything, and I do have something very special for you today!

I've been sick for a couple of weeks and so my visitation hasn't happened, as I didn't want to spread my flu to the seniors. Anyway, yesterday, which was Saturday June 9, I decided to swing by the Retirement Centre, and visit a couple of people.

I poked my head in on the two I usually visit, and they were both having their afternoon naps so I left them. On my way out, I met a man who began to complain to me about an awful pain in one of his teeth. He explained that the tooth had recently been removed, but for the past week the pain was intolerable. As we talked I explained to him that I was a Pastor, and would he like for me to pray for him. He happily agreed, and so i got him to sit down on a near by couch, and prayed. I said my good-by's and left. After putting on my shoes, and as I started to open the door to leave, the said man came up to me and asked if I was the one who had just prayed for him. I answered yes. He began to rejoice! The pain was instantly gone! Before I could tell he was in great agony now he was blissful and ecstatic that we was finally free from that pain! He was so happy that he began to cry as we talked! We rejoiced in the greatness of Jesus!

I don't know if you believe in prayer, or if you believe that there is a God? But I can tell you the truth! Jesus is alive! He is the almighty God who made heaven and earth! He is the great healer of all our diseases, pains, aches, problems, sicknesses! Jesus does still care about His people and He will and can heal you!

Yours for divine Healing,
Pastor Fred

The "Little People" Rule!

I am so positively, passionately, excited about this little discovery!

Almighty God is so awesome! He works in such mysterious, wonderful, awesome ways! Did you realize that a bunch of insignificant, relatively small in numbers "Little People" took on all the remaining giants in the earth, and wiped them out? Yeah that's right, the "little guy" took on the "big guy" and won! What's even better is that God authorized it!

If you'll take the time to read the first 3 or 4 chapters of Deuteronomy, you'll find the beginning of Moses' last few speeches.

In them he recounts Israel's coming and goings for 40 years in a harsh wilderness. He seems to be really rubbing in the fact that the previous generation made it to the promise land, then due to lack of faith, trust and obedience in Almighty God, and a desperate fear of the "local giants", the Anakims.

So in Chapter 2 of Deuteronomy Moses reminds the new generation of Israel that they were not allowed to go to a couple countries because they where related being descendants of Esau and Lot. Then he interjects that both of these nations who had settled years ago had to kick out giants in order to set down their roots! Lots two kids Moab and Ammon both had to kick out the Emmims and Zamzummims.

When God makes a promise He keeps it! God didn't call the greatest, most populated or strongest nation, but He called the least! The "Little People" rule! All through the Bible you can read stories of Great people, who started out as the "little person", but God used them to bring great victory!

Here are a few: Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Sampson, Samuel, David, and the list goes on and on!

So when you feel down and out, beaten and bruised, trampled and downtrodden just remember that God loves to use the "little guy", and make something great out of him!

The "Little People" Rule!

Yours for the Little Guy,
Pastor Fred

Soul Winners Boot Camp

My friend Matthew Maddix is impacting the world with his vision and implementation of the "Soul Winner's Boot Camp." If there was ever a time for Holy Spirit filled Christians to stand up for Jesus it is now! This camp is an awesome opportunity for you to feel, experience, and use the extraordinary power and presence of God!

You will experience sharing a personal relationship with Jesus to 100's and 1,000's of people! 100's and 1,000's of people will be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit of Jesus on the street! It is time for us to take the Gospel and Power of Jesus to the street! Take advantage of this once in a life time experience!

Here is part of what you will see, learn and experience:










God bless you as your reach the lost of your world!

Yours for souls,
Pastor Fred

Fingerprints!

Was just listening to K-Love on my computer this morning while we where getting ready for church. The song playing was "Fingerprints of God" by Steven Curtis Chapman. I just had to write something about this truth!

The song says that we are covered with the fingerprints of God! What an awesome thought! This means that God has very close contact with everything we do in our lives! He is there right now by your side holding on to your hand, and making sure that you don't slip and fall!

John 10:28-30
28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

30I and my Father are one.

Jesus cares very much about you, and all he wants is to have his hands in your life!

Here is a thought....
If the CSI's of the spiritual realm where to investigate you what would they find? Would they find the Fingerprints of God all over you, or would you have someone else's fingerprints on you!?


Get a hold of Jesus, and let him get a hold of you!

Yours for His fingerprints,
Pastor Fred

Dig a Little Deeper in the Storehouse of His Love!

Do you remember this song? I believe the "Fairfield Four" sang it. What truth it holds! We must always dig a little deep. Love a little harder. Give a little bit more! Another song by "The News Boyz" states, "to have found you, and still be searching for you is the souls paradox of life!"

You can never have enough of Jesus! You should never find your self in a position of complacency and satisfaction with Jesus. Don't get me wrong, you need to be satisfied in Jesus, but this satisfaction should drive you to get more!

In Ezekiel 47:1-12 God is continuing to show Ezekiel very important truths about the temple, its spiritual applications, and meanings to the Church to come. Here we find a prophecy of a time to come, but also a spiritual allegory to Christ's Death, and the tearing of the veil in the Temple.

Ezekiel sees a river flowing down toward the Dead Sea, which is completely contaminated with salt, as a result of God's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. However, instead of destruction this time God's sends forth healing waters from the sanctuary to heal the desert, and heal the water in the Dead Sea. Life springs forth, medicinal trees grow, fish return and thrive, and all but the marshes and bogs are completely healed!

I want to draw your attention to the verses in which the angel is measuring the river. The fist 1,000 cubits (21,000 inches or 1,750 feet) was only ankle deep. The second 1,000 cubits was knee deep. The third 1,000 cubits was waste deep. Finally, the fourth 1,000 cubits and beyond was over the head, an uncrossable, swim-able river!

I would like to make a parallel from this with our walk with God!

Lately God has been working on me about my relationship with him, and the amount of control I've given Him over my life. (I need this chastisement once in awhile to keep me on the right road!)

Notice the four different stages of the river, in each of the first three the person wading into the water has control of his actions to a certain extent.
1. Ankle Deep: Here one can get ahold of God, splash around and get really wet, but their feet is still completely grounded, and they can jump out at anytime! Not a very consistent walk with God! You have too much control, and He has very little!
2. Knee Deep: Here it is much the same as above, but the difference is that it is getting harder to just jump out at any moment, and a strong current could sweep you off your feet. The problem here is multiplied from above, because we are cautious about how far in God we are willing to go! Again Jesus doesn't have enough control, and we aren't willing to do "everything" He askes.
3. Waste Deep: Here we can swim a bit, but we can always stand up and walk out. We can let the current take us, but if the going gets too rough we can always get out fairly easily! I think most Christians are here or in the Knee Deep experience. We are still in control of how much we allow ourselves to do for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ! We are sometimes like Ananias and Sapphira who along with the rest of the church felt God dealing with them about their giving, and the need to do more. So, they went and sold a piece of property, and gave it to the Church. However, they conspired together, and kept back a portion for themselves. This wasn't wrong, they had a right to keep some of the money, but in order to save face they lied to the Apostles, the Church and God! The result: They died!

"There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of Death!" (Prov 16)

• How deep is your relationship?
• Are you partaking of the river and trees, or the marshes and reeds that are still full of the salt of God's wrath?
• Are you willing to become a fish and let the man of God catch you?
• Are you willing to lose control, and wade out into waters you can't control yourself in?
• Are you willing to become a new spiritual creation in Christ Jesus? (2 Corinthians 5:17)

It takes faith, trust and obedience to let Jesus change you!

It is time for each of us to take a step of faith, and launch out into the deep! There is untold riches, glory, power, healing, faith and love out there! We must only take the first step!

All Things work together for those who love Him, and who are (living there life according to His calling) called according to His purpose! (Romans 8:28)

Jesus knows what's best, even if it doesn't seem like it at first. None of us enjoyed the correction and chastening of our parents, but when we look back we can see that it really was for our good, and we are better for it. So, when we go through the highs and lows or our walk with God, we will look back and see Jesus really does know what is best for us!

I encourage you to dig a little deeper in the storehouse of His love!

(other scriptures to read: Ephesians 2:1-7; 3:14-19 and Romans 12:1-2)

Yours for a deeper relationship with Jesus,
Pastor Fred

Where He Leads I will Follow...

The past week has been one of much soul searching, re-consecration, repentance and finally, once again handing the keys over to Jesus!

Romans 8:28
28We are assured and know that [^[a]God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

Philippians 4:13
13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Do You know what's interesting? Everything that Jesus does is purposeful, designed, and best of all it is for mine and your good! The catch is that HE, that is Jesus Christ, MUST be in control, and we must learn to trust, obey, listen, follow and trust!

See when we are in control, even though sometimes we think that He is in control, everything will eventually fall to pieces, and turn to dust!

Proverbs 16:25
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 10:29
The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

We are not our own best friend! We are our own worst Enemy! Our plans are all bound to fail!

What about all those worldly millionaires who keep getting richer and richer?

Let me answer that question with a scripture: a parable of Jesus:

Luke 9:24-26
24For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

25For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

26For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

What is better?

• To have all the money you could ever desire or peace of mind?
• To have all the worldly treasures you could have or eternal salvation?
• To have all the fame you could handle or a personal relationship with Almighty God?

These are three simple questions, but they carry eternal weight! It's like a quote I once read,

"He who provides for this life, and cares not for eternity is wise for a moment, but a fool forever!"

Sure it would be wonderful to have money at my disposal, but the question isn't the "have", but what would you do with it? Can God trust you with money? Are you a good steward of what God gives you? Are you consistent?

Everything we do must be done with Jesus' purposes and plans in mind! Are you willing to give your savings for the purposes and plans of God's Kingdom? Are you willing to forfeit your retirement fund to help Jesus reach lost souls?

Unless you are willing to give everything to the cause of Christ, land, money, vehicles, then you are not fit for the Kingdom!

The Mysterious Ways of God

Looking back over the past few days I can see how God was trying to prepare me for what happened on Monday! Looking back I wonder why it didn't dawn on me! For some reason we never expect a sermon to be for us; we never expect God to deal with "me", but He does, and when it happens we almost always start the "name and blame" game. Then we look back and realize, "Oh, Jesus was trying to communicate His plans, why didn't I notice and listen?"

By now you are wondering, "what in the world is this crazy preacher talking about?" That's what you are about to find out!

The Mysterious Ways of God!

Let me start at the result, and then go back to the beginning so you will understand everything, as I slowly perceived the hand of God at work.

I received a call on my cell phone while at my Church office with some very disturbing news.
The owner of one of the stores I clean called me up and informed me that they would not be renewing my cleaning contract. The renewal date fast approaching. At first this was a major blow, as it was one of my main sources of income each month!

I fussed and complained and was quite upset with Jesus for letting this happen to me. I mean come on, I try so hard to make ends me and keep this Church open and running, but around every turn there is something to climb over, push through, dig around or drill through! It does get frustrating at times, but as my wonderful wife later said, "Honey, it will be ok. Everything will work out fine....God doesn't shut a door if He doesn't have a better one open!"

WOW! What words of wisdom!

Now let me go back to where I should have realized Jesus was letting me know something was going to take place. (He could have begun to talk to me much earlier, but my little pea brain can only see back this far.) Saturday evening I was once again privileged to participate in a community Gospel concert, which was going to raise money for our "Green Bay Community Living Association." There was a great list of singers from the area. I was fourth on the list, and due to my businesses cleaning schedule I couldn't stay for the whole concert leaving shortly after my turn was up. Anyway the song sung just before I was up struck me very strongly and ministered to me in such a way that I used it in my Sunday Morning sermon. The young lady singing, Crystal Woodford, sang about letting go, and letting Jesus take the wheel! It was a very powerful message.
So, Sunday morning I preached about "Jesus Take the Wheel." It was a good message about our constant human trait, which causes us the think that we are better than Jesus, and we are always trying to take control of our own lives. This we ought not to do, but we should rather let go of the steering wheel of life, and let Jesus have control of the direction we are going to take! We ought to get up each morning and find out what direction He would have us take! If we would just learn to listen and follow Jesus would tell and direct us, which way to go!

"What you Preach is What you Get!"

Sunday evening I felt is God's plan for us to be in the Middle Arm Church for service. So, Saturday I'd made arrangements with Rev. Glenn Christopherson, and he gladly invited us down for a visit. I immensely enjoyed the service! God's presence moved in during the worship service, and a young lady reached out, and Jesus touched her greatly! Having the altar service first, Rev. Christopherson decided to shorten his message, which was about the fact that our walk with God will have mountains and will have valleys. We will have ups, and we will have downs. He talked about the fact that no matter whether we are in an up or down it is necessary to "look up to the hills from whence comes our help, our help comes from the Lord!" Instead of looking down, we must look up so we can see where we are going, and which direction we should take!

Now what are the odds of hearing two messages in the same day from two different preachers and two different Churches during two different services? This is no coincidence. Jesus was trying to prepare me for a bump in the road, a valley if you will. Jesus sees all, knows all and understands all. I don't know if it was God's will that I loose this contract, but I do know Jesus saw the phone call coming and began to prepare my spirit for this obstacle.

If we would just listen to our own advice some times, and look around to the signs that Jesus is giving us we would be much better off, and more prepared for everything that comes our way! Never question the mysterious ways of God, and never brush a sermon off, as if it is for someone else! Jesus may very well be talking to YOU!

Yours for a prepared spirit,
Pastor Fred

A Footnote to Animal Stewardship

I feel compelled to give a footnote to my previous post on animal stewardship. I received a very interesting comment to that post, and it shows that I may have been a little missunderstood. And, if someone is going to quote me I would rather that they get a clear understanding of my motives, meaning and position.

Stewardship:
--Wikipedia:

Stewardship is a sense of personal responsibility for taking care of something that is not one's own. The term stewardship has different interpretations depending on the context of the word. It can apply to environmental resources, commercially-made products, finances, land claims, or organizations, among other things.

--Wiktionary:

Etymology: From Old English stiward, stigweard

Pronunciation: The word is pronounced "stew-urd".

Noun

steward (plural stewards)

1. A person who manages the property or affairs for another entity.
2. A ship's officer who is in charge making dining arrangements and provisions.
3. An attendant on an airplane. [syn: flight attendant]
4. A union member who is selected as a representative for fellow workers in negotiating terms with management. [syn: shop steward]
5. A person who has charge of buildings and/or grounds and/or animals. [syn: custodian, keeper]
6. In IT, somebody who is responsible for managing a set of projects, products or technologies and how they affect the IT organization to which they belong.

Therefore, animal stewardship is the taking of responsibility of the animals (and creation) that God has given to us; caring for them and managing them.

Why did God give us animals?

Genesis 9:1-7

1 So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.^[a] 2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. 3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. 4 But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. 5 Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man’s brother I will require the life of man.
6 “ Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man. 7 And as for you, be fruitful and multiply; Bring forth abundantly in the earth And multiply in it.”

Let me put this into perspective with animal stewardship.

It is, therefore, our duty, responsibility and honor to care for God's creatures so that we can supply the world with food. We must do it in a ecologically sound manner. It is not in our interest to be cruel, and slaughter every species into oblivion; when they are gone we starve!

Finally, let me put a footnote in about our local seal fishery. In the past, over 20 years ago, the hunt was extremely cruel, however, we have evolved the seal hunt into a very humane respectful fishery. Unfortunately, the opposition is using films, pictures and other propaganda, which is outdated! I didn't say that they were wrong, I said that it is outdated!
If we don't hunt the seals, the seal population will get so large that they will begin to hunt us! They are already eating most of the few cod stocks that are left!

So, in conclusion, I am an advocate for Animal and Environmental Stewardship. Am I perfect? No, I am trying in my small way to make a difference. Will I continue to eat meat? Yes, if I don't eat it eventually it will eat me. God understands that we must curb the animal populations so that they are manageable just read the story about Israel's gradual conquering of Canaan land.

Yours for understanding,
Pastor Fred

A Biblical Perspective to Animal Stewardship and Seals

Every year around this time we begin to hear trash about the need to abolish this fisher, that hunt, and save this animal. Most of the people who raise these feeble yet very noisy arguments don't really have any idea what they are talking about! They use information that is ancient, out dated and generally useless. However, they manage to convert "celebrities" over to their "side" all the time using this OLD information. Makes you wonder how smart some of our favorite stars really are if they can't even do some research of their own, but just take the word of some "joe" at face value! Anyway let's move on....

Before we break open the bread of life on this very controversial subject I would like to make a comment. If animal rights activists are truly working to make this world a better place for animals rather than humans, they all ought to be complete vegetarians! If they are not vegetarians then they are only out to make money, make a statement, get their names out in the headlines, and really truly don't care about animals!

That said, I personally am not an animal rights activist, and am not a vegetarian, but I am a preacher of God's Word, and am an animal stewardship activist. My voice is small in the wide world of idea's but none the less today I shall be heard, or rather God's Word will be heard!

In the Beginning God created the heaven and earth, and upon this wonderful earth God place mankind. God originally gave man some basic duties, among which included tending to, and maintaining the vegetation and tending to all the animals. God put us her and gave us command and stewardship over the earth. It is our responsibility to care for everything in this earth, and tend to it as if it was our own farm and cattle!

Genesis 1:26-31

26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.29And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.30And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.31And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Then after the flood God gave Noah another command concerning animals:

Genesis 9

1And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. 2And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. 3Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. 4But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.

Now we must except the command of God, and be stewards of His creation!

Over the past 110 years or so, we as humans have desecrated this planet we call home! We have made extinct many species of animals. We have over fished the wales, the fish, and many of the land beasts! Instead of advocating stewardship over animals, and tending to them and keeping them we have eaten everything up because of our greed!

Now we have a huge population of seals, just a few fish and we still are overfishing the depleted fish stock and asking government to lower our seal quotas!

Something is wrong here!

We should be lowering the fishing quotas, and raising the seal quotas!

Let's do a little math for a bit. I am no scientist, but I understand adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing....

6,000,000 (6 million) seals equals many millions of hungry mouths. What do seals eat? FISH! What do we eat? FISH! Therefore if there are 6,000,000,000 (6 billion) humans eating fish, and one of many species of seals, which has over 6,000,000 (6 million) residents eating fish, we have a problem!

I am not advocating the extinction of seals, then we would be over run with fish! Rather we need to sit down do the math, and figure out how many seals we need to keep in order to balance this equation out!

STEWARDSHIP! (Taking proper care of something given to you. Keeping it. Maintaining it. Preserving it. Prospering it.)

We have learned how to maintain and prosper our cattle such as cows, sheep, goats and other such animals, but we have eat to maintain the stocks of animals within our oceans, seas, lakes and rivers.

We must stop being greedy, and stop hording all the goods this world has to offer!
Rather we must turn this whole earth into a farm, and treat all animals with respect, and maintain a healthy balance of all species!

Many provinces and states have put legislation in place that maintain deer, moose, wolf and coyote populations. When either one is down they lower the licenses, and when either one gets to large they raise the licenses. This is a fair system, flawed but fair! We must do this type of thing with all species. Maintain the ecosystem, and maintain the animals within each!

Your's for animal stewardship,
Pastor Fred

Respect, Responsibility, Reverence...

I've had the opportunity this week to talk to many people, and on topic that has reoccurred several times is: Respect!

Our society here in North America is very much lacking in respect. We don't respect our parents, our parents don't respect our children, we don't respect the elders, the elders don't respect the youth, the people don't respect the government and the government doesn't respect the people!

wwweeewwww That was a mouth full! ***stops to take a deep breath, and collect his thoughts***

OK.

The Bible gives us a truth that almost every family in North America has set aside in some form or fashion. Some more than others, but none the less we are all guilty of breaking this truth!

Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:19-21

Ephesians 6

1CHILDREN, OBEY your parents in the Lord [as His representatives], for this is just and right.

2Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother--this is the first commandment with a promise--^(A)

3That all may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.

Cross references:

1. Ephesians 6:2 : Exod 20:12

Exodus 20:12 (Amplified Bible)

12Regard (treat with honor, due obedience, and courtesy) your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God gives you.

We must learn to respect or we will (this is a definite promise) not live a long prosperous life!

Have you ever wondered why so many young people are dying in the past few years?

Go back up and re-read the verses given!

The Bible clearly states that if we will honor, obey and respect our parents that we will live long on the earth. I'll let you in on a little secret that people try to get around and avoid. When God gives a promise, there is always another side to the coin! If we don't obey, honor and respect our parents we will not live long on the earth!

Parents this is also a mark against us! We must instill respect, honor and obedience into our children. As one of the verses above says, we must not provoke our children to wrath and anger. Too, often we are not willing to get down on our children's level and understand where they are coming from. We must respect our children if we expect them to respect us!

I firmly believe that the rebellion that is seen in this world is a direct result of a generation of bad parenting! This is due in part or in whole to the fact that we have disliked how our parents brought us up so we in turn rebelled from the "old ways", and now we have sired a generation that is totally lacking in respect and honor. Everyone is out for themselves, and no one cares about anyone else!

Well I better stop my ranting as I could take the rest of the day here! However, I think and hope you've gotten the point!

TEACH THEM TO RESPECT BY LEADING THEM! RESPECT AND YOU WILL GAIN RESPECT! Save this generation before it is too late, and the land begins to spew us out!

Yours for a revival of respect!
Pastor Fred

A tribute to the reader!

Well I'm back in the saddle as it were! It was a long busy week, but it is finally over, and now we are starting a new week.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, each and every one of my readers, for your friendship, tolerance, and the fact that you have returned on a number of occasions.

I met one of you this last week. I was at work, I am sorry if I seemed a little stand off-ish - I was having a rough day, but I am taking this opportunity to acknowledge you my readers.

This is the day I pay tribute to people who care about other peoples opinions! You acknowledge that we might have something important to say. Thank You!

Also, I want to take this opportunity to share with you some news, and updates which will be forth coming in the near future!

1. There will be more video content. some of which will contain yours truly.
2. I am endeavoring to become an active member of the Canadian Bible Society. In which case I will be offering Bibles in your native language.
3. I am trying to start a prize department for every so many visitors. (i.e. The 1,000 visitor may receive there own personal Bible for free!)
4. I will be asking for you to send a prayer for a country on my counter. (we currently have at least 51 countries to pray for and we have only prayed for about 5 of them!)
5. I will open up a testimony section for you to send me your testimonies of God answering your prayers!

These are just some of the things that will be offered to you the reader in the near future!

As always I will continue to write thoughts which the good Lord gives me, which I hope will enrich, motivate, and inspire you to have a closer walk with Jesus!

In closing here is a scripture that I preached from this morning. Meditate on it and see what God tells you!

Romans 13:11-14 (Amplified Bible)

11Besides this you know what [a critical] hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up out of your sleep (rouse to reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah).

12The night is far gone and the day is almost here. Let us then drop (fling away) the works and deeds of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.

13Let us live and conduct ourselves honorably and becomingly as in the [open light of] day, not in reveling (carousing) and drunkenness, not in immorality and debauchery (sensuality and licentiousness), not in quarreling and jealousy.

14But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts).

If you live by the sword, you will die by the sword!

Mat 26:52 ALT Then Jesus says to him, "Put your sword back into its place! For all the ones taking up a sword will die by a sword.

What is going to kill you?

Crazy question? Not really!

As Jesus put it: If you live by the sword you will die by the sword!

I want to live by God's Word, and in His Spirit. If it kills me so be it!

What do you live for? Work, Money, Fame, Glory? You will die by what you live for!

If you live for work, you will work yourself into the grave!
If you live for money, you will die trying to get money!
If you live for fame, you will die while attaining that goal!
If you live for glory, you will probably be assassinated!

I would rather live for the cause of Christ, and die on my way to heaven than any other foolish, irresponsibles, vain or frivolous things we live for.

May this be a motivation to live for Jesus, rather than this world!
You will die by what you live for!

Pastor Fred

Ever Wonder?

Have you ever wondered:

1. Why there is some much crap going on in the world today?
2. Why are there wars and famines?
3. Why are there homeless, and shut-ins?

My list could go on and on, but I'll let you think about the possibilities. Have you ever thought about these things? I'm sure you have, most everyone I've ever talked to has at some point in time thought about world hunger, famine, dying children and the homeless.

Let me share a couple scriptures with you before I explain.

Leviticus 26:3-13
(vs 3 and 4)

If ye walk in my statutes and keep my commandments, and do them; then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

Also read:
Deuteronomy 28:1-14
Deuteronomy 30:1-14

The above verses describe the blessings of God upon His people if they will follow in His ways.

BUT

There is another side to the coin! If we will not walk in God's ways He will put on us all the curses, and more until we repent and come back to God!

Read:
Leviticus 26:14-46
Deuteronomy 28:15-68
Deuteronomy 30:15-20

These scriptures are for the children of God you say.....sure here are some for those who are not "children of God."

Leviticus 18:24-30
God will command the land to spew out the inhabitants who defile themselves with unholy things and activities!

The simple answer is "SIN".

We have let down our standards, our beliefs, our convictions, our faith and let society and modernism dictate to us what is right or wrong. The only problem is that society things all the wrong things are right, and all the right things are wrong!

We must get back to God, repent and live according to Holiness and pleasing God!

Yours for righteousness,
Pastor Fred

Learning from their mistakes

In studying for the Home Bible Study I teach weekly, another one of God's purposes has become very clear. It is so very important, yet we often neglect it because of our own stubborn natures. "Pride comes before a fall, and a haughty spirit before destruction." This is a quote from the wisdom of king Solomon, and is the reason we miss out on many of the simple straight forward truths of the Word of God.

Our study this week was a survey of Israel's entering Canaan, conquering it and dividing the inheritance. We ended with the reign of the first three kings Saul, David and Solomon. However, before we can get to any of the above events we must first study Moses' last sermon. Parts of which are in Deuteronomy 28 and 30.

Moses gives a blessing and a cursing upon Israel. A blessing for obedience to the commands and laws of God, and a cursing for the disobedience of those commands and laws. He presented life and good, death and destruction. It was up to Israel to choose which path to take.

Moses died, and Israel, under the leadership of Joshua, divided and conquered the land of Canaan.

The Bible tells us in Judges that Israel served God throughout the life of Joshua, and throughout the lives of the elders who out lived Joshua, but soon after the final elder died, they left God's ways and followed the pagan, unholy ways of the peoples around them. Israel looked around and saw the ways of the people they were living among, and began to serve their gods.

Guess what happened? Exactly what Moses told them would happen! The Bible tells us that God punished them until they were sore distressed, and cried out to God. And as Moses said, when they cried out to God for help, He gave them a judge to deliver them. This happened 16 times until the time of Samuel. After whose time Israel asked for a king, which is another message altogether.

1 Corinthians 10:5-12 tells us that we must learn from their mistakes so that we don't fall in the same way!

Here is the moral to the story.

1. Follow, Trust and Obedience brings life, health and prosperity.
2. Neglect, Doubt and Disobedience brings death, sickness and poverty.

People often wonder why they are going through the circumstances they face, and the simple answer my be that God is trying to bring them to repentance for the sin and evil in their life! Don't blame the devil for every bad thing that happens. Instead, repent of your sins and turn to God, and He will prosper your path!

Yours for following the ways of God,
Pastor Fred

A strange time to study!

The Holy Spirit leads in mysterious ways and at mysterious times! Sunday is our unofficial day of rest. We all have a nap or relax during the afternoon. I personally don't usually take a nap as it usually messes me up pretty badly. However, my wonderful wife asked me to have a nap as I had to go to work for the evening. So, I complied. Needless to say I was majorly messed up!
I got home about 12:30 am after working for 8 hours scrubbing and waxing a floor, and was very energetic. ( I slept from 1pm - 4:30pm!) I tossed and turned in bed for many hours unable to sleep. My mind continuously turning. Finally, about 2:30am I got back up, and came down to the computer to do some work. The Holy Spirit had been working me over about doing a study for someone who had been emailing me as of late. So for the next hour I studied! I went back to be around 3:3o am after doing a fairly lengthy study about the Holy Spirit and why it is so very important and essential.

(Here is the link, it is also above in the new section.) The Necessity and Importance of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus moves upon us in mysterious ways, and at mysterious times. The important thing isn't why, when or what for, but how we will react when the call comes. If I had not have gotten up and done the study my inspiration and train of thought would have been gone. When Jesus calls we must answer and go quickly!

Yours for the mysterious ways of God,
Pastor Fred

Happily Married Ever After.....

I believe I've discovered on of the greatest Marriage tips. I've known about it in the back of my head for awhile, but I actually got to the place where it worked for me! It is so secret that your spouse doesn't even have to know that you are doing it!

What is this powerful weapon of marital success? What is this secret that is so subtle in its approach that the recipient won't even realize it?

PRAY and Living in the Presence of Jesus!

What? I pray and still don't get along with my spouse.... Your are wrong! No I'm not wrong! Just sit back and read. Let this simple truth sink in and take root.

Pray as most people know it is simply a forum for us to bring our complaints to Jesus; our needs, wants and desires. However, true prayer isn't just a forum for us to talk about us, and other people's needs, rather prayer is a meeting, conversation, relationship of time spent between two friends. Time well spent between a Father and child; that is true prayer!

Prayer is a time of relationship between Jesus and you. The more time you spend in the presence of Jesus the more you will become like Him! If you let His Spirit come in, and wash over you the light of His presence will make you see things differently! The Holy Spirit and The Word of God will work together, and grow you into a new spiritual creature in Christ Jesus!

Now I'm not talking about just a few minutes here and a few minutes there. I'm talking about relationship prayer; prayer closet prayer. I am talking about taking time out each day to be with Jesus; 30 minutes to more than an hour. This type of relationship prayer spills over into the rest of your day and life. You will find yourself spontaneously bursting into praise, prayer and worship throughout your day!

Then, when your spirit becomes in tune with His Spirit your life will be changed.

Now, how does this effect your marriage? Well, those little things that we all dislike our spouses doing, no matter how small become insignificant. Instead of seeing those negative qualities, we begin to focus on the wonderful things, which made us fall in love with that person in the first place. We are no longer finding ways to pick a fight, but instead we are finding ways to love.

The Bible tells us that, "perfect love casts out all fear," and "Love covers a multitude of sins." If we truly have the presence of Jesus in our lives we will have this "true" love, and it will spill over into your marriage!

So if you are having marital problems, sure go find a counselor to help, but also try to get close to Jesus who will in turn help you get close to your spouse! Pray like you've never prayed before! Stay in your closet of prayer until you feel His presence, like arms enfold you! Make it your lifestyle!

Then you will be happily married ever after!

Yours for a great marriage,
Pastor Fred

The Tabernacle God's PLan of approach!

First I must apologize for not publishing anything over the past few days. I've been busy studying a very interesting part of the Word of God - The Tabernacle.

I've been reading and studying in Exodus lately about the Israelites, Moses, Mount Sinai and the instructions to build the Tabernacle. I have found some very interesting parallels, types and shadows that are reflected in our approach to God today. (I hope to have my draft published for viewing in a day or so.)

So often people try to get to God on their own terms, and don't care much about God's ways, plans and purposes. In the process they get "kicked" out of God's presence, because they have entered the throne room in the wrong manner.

I you were to bust open the door to the throne room of the queen of England or another Monarch, and run up the hall shouting your demands you'd probably be shot within a few moments and/or ushered out by some rather large, strong soldiers. Yet, we think we can do this very thing when entering into the Throne of Almighty God!

What about the scripture in Hebrews that says we can enter into the throne room of Grace boldly to find help in time of need? The writer of Hebrews is writing to Christians, who should have already taken the appropriate steps to becoming accepted into God's presence.

I'm sorry to be the one to break it to you, but the books from Romans through the Revelation of Jesus Christ are not written to or about sinners, and people not serving God. Rather these books are written to people who have accept the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts and have given their lives to Jesus and now serve Him. They are not meant to be instructions for sinners on the way to be saved, or enter God's presence. No that is what the Old Testament and the first five books of the New Testament are for. The other 22 books in the New Testament are instructions and doctrine for the Christian who already understands some things about the Gospel and Truth of Jesus.

If you are not a regular in the throne room of God, next time you enter don't make a show of who you are rather, make a display of who Jesus is!

Yours for God's Plan of Approach,
Pastor Fred

Your Life is Like a cloud of steam....

We find in James these words:

Jam 4:13-15 BBE How foolish it is to say, Today or tomorrow we will go into this town, and be there for a year and do business there and get wealth: (14) When you are not certain what will take place tomorrow. What is your life? It is a mist, which is seen for a little time and then is gone. (15) But the right thing to say would be, If it is the Lord's pleasure and if we are still living, we will do this and that.

Your life is like a cloud of steam, it rises up for a moment then is gone. You saw the form of something for a moment but it vanished, before you could determine what it was. Mist, Steam, Clouds, Smoke all figments of something great, but that is now gone!

What is your life? What are you doing with your life in the short time you have left? Time is all you have, and it is very fleeting and short! What are your ambitions, goals, desires? Are they worthy of the time needed to do them?

Don't waste the time you have, rather aim at what is really important in life, and seize the day! Don't let it be said of you when you are dead and gone, "They were a nice person, but I don't remember anything that they did...."

Rather let it be said of you, "They were a child of God," or "That was a true Christian, who showed the love of God everywhere," or "Their life was full of God's Love." What will be the epitaph on your tomb?

Paul wrote these words:

2Co 6:1-2 BBE We then, working together with God, make our request to you not to take the grace of God to no purpose. (2) For he says, I have given ear to you at a good time, and I have been your helper in a day of salvation: see, now is the good time; now is the day of salvation:

You don't have to wait for God, God is waiting for you. Today is always a good day to turn your life around and get in with the "God Gang"! Don't waste your life anymore let Jesus show you a better way!

Yours for Time well spent,
Pastor Fred

Places God Records His Name!

Yesterday while reading in Exodus 20 I came across a couple verses that threw me into a studying frenzy!

Here is the verse:

Exodus 20:24
24 An altar of earth you shall make for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I record My name I will come to you, and I will bless you.

An altar is a place of sacrifice, consecration, separation, forgiveness, repentance, renewal and judgment. God's Altar was to be of earth. Never of cut or hew-en stones, but raw stones and dirt. Also, this verse describes two types of offerings upon this earthen altar. (Note: Both of these sacrificial offerings were to be free-will. In other words you do it because you want to not because you have to.) First, the burnt offering which is an offering of judgment and repentance. Second, the peace offering which is an offering of thanksgiving and worship.

Especially notice the last phrase.

"In every place where I record My name I will come to you, and I will bless you." First of all you must realize that this phrase is linked to the first part of the verse, and the following couple verses. As a matter of fact this truth can be traced all the way through the whole Bible!
(Transliterated this verse could say:
The places where God's Name is marked, and when viewed brings remembrance of God. In these places God's blessing is found!)
Let me see if I can discuss it in short. (If you would like a complete copy of this study please email me.)

Let's go to 2 Corinthians 4:7
The "Treasure" Discussed in this verse in its simplest form would be the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Salvation from our Sins. The "Earthen Vessel" refers to an implement or container that contributes to the usefulness of the user and is made of clay. (Which is breakable.)

In the Old Testament God asked His people to make altars of earth upon which they would offer sacrifices of worship. Now we become the earthen altar, within which Jesus places His Glory, Power, Salvation and Gospel!

Let's go to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
In this scripture the believer is described as the "Temple of the Holy Spirit". Is there not an altar within a temple? Is there not the Name of a God within a temple? We are not our own Jesus owns us!

Let's take a step farther. Remember that Exodus 20:24 referred to a place in which the name of God has been recorded?

When we are Baptized into Christ in water and Spirit we put on HIS NAME!
Galatians 3:26-4:6
If we are now children then we must also have the family Name!
Notice these verses which describe to us the proper method of Baptism, which always included the NAME of JESUS!
Acts 2:38-41
Acts 10:44-48
Acts 19:1-7
1 Corinthians 6:11

Summary:
Jehovah seems to have been looking ahead in time and telling us that upon whatever earthen vessel his name is marked there shall the blessings of God be! In the New Testament we have the revelation of the fullness of God's name - Jesus! When we are baptized "in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins", and filled with the Spirit of Christ, not only does this cleans us from our sins, but it also stamps upon us the family name - JESUS!

Yours for the Name of JESUS,
Pastor Fred

Stewardship Part One: Time

Over the past week or two, I've felt a real tug in my spirit to pay more attention to proper Christian stewardship.

What is stewardship? The Holy Bible describes stewardship in this way:

(If you wish to look up the word in Strong's Concordence or Thayer's Bible Dictionary it the Greek word "oikonomos" number 3623 in the Greek sections.)
Thayer Definition:
1) the manager of household or of household affairs
1a) especially a steward, manager, superintendent (whether free-born as was usually the case, a freed-man or a slave) to whom the head of the house or proprietor has intrusted the management of his affairs, the care of receipts and expenditures, and the duty of dealing out the proper portion to every servant and even to the children not yet of age
1b) the manager of a farm or landed estate, an overseer
1c) the superintendent of the city’s finances, the treasurer of a city (or of treasurers or quaestors of kings)
2) metaphorically the apostles and other Christian teachers and bishops and overseers

Read with Me a couple scriptures before we move on. (Click on scriptures to read them.)

• Matthew 25:14-30
• I Corinthians 4:1-2
• Ephesians 5:15-21
• Colossians 4:5-6

God has given us so many wonderful thing! Health, Strength, Life, Breath, Family, Friends, Employment, Houses, Vehicles, Money and the list can go on and on. Some people have more and some people have less. It doesn't matter what you have, or even how much you have. What really matters is what are you doing with what you have?

I purposely left out of the above list on of the most important commodities that God has given us. Why? 1) Because we often over look its value and importants. 2) Because above all I believe that God has given it to us to use wisely, and we fail every day!

What is it? TIME! We play with time as if it doesn't exist. We manipulate time for our own purposes, uses, and desires. We are NOT good stewards of the time that God has given us! Someone was quoted to have said, "Time is the coin of Life, Don't let a fool spend it for you!"

How often do we waste time needlessly? Probably every single day! We waste time doing frivolous things that mean nothing. Don't get me wrong, I like to take a break and play a computer game sometime too, but it isn't what we are doing so much as how long we do it. Jesus didn't save us from our sins, just to sit on our rear-ends watching our favorite Television Show! Jesus washed our sins away so we could be stewards of the Kingdom of Heaven!

Is salvation truly free then? Yes! Salvation is still free. You are not required to work for salvation, nothing we can "do" is ever good enough. Jesus paid for salvation in the garden, on the Cross and in the grave. His precious blood was spilt to paid for the removal of our sins. In order to be saved and washed from our sins, we must believe and have faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel. We must have faith that His sacrifice was sufficent to set us free from our sins. Then we must understand that we are all born in sin; everyone is a sinner - no one is guiltless! Acknowledging our sin should cause us to be sorry that we have rebelled against the will of the Almight God. This sorrow will bring true heartfelt, tearful repentance of our sins. This brings the forgiveness of God into our lives and it feels wonderful. Next we must get the stains of sin out of our spirit and soul. We do this by being baptized by imersion in water for the remission of our sins. We must be baptized in the NAME of JESUS CHRIST, as it is the only name with the power to invoce the cleansing blood of Jesus into our lives. When we come out of the water we are now also cleansed. So we have been Forgiven and Cleansed, which means we are now empty! The sin that was in us is gone, and there is now void in our spirits which must be filled. This is where the gift of the Holy Spirit comes into play. After the above is finished we open our mouths, and hearts in honest, transparent worship to Jesus for His gift of Salvation, and then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit of Christ into your spirit! The first evidence that you have been filled to overflowing is when Christ's Spirit begins to speak through your mouth in a language that you don't understand; a language of man or angels! (Acts 2:38)

As it says in John 3 you can't see or enter into the Kingdom of Heaven unless you've been spiritually born of Water and Spirit!

Now back to our topic of stewardship. Once you've been "saved" from your sins, as described above you are taken from the kingdom of darkness and put into the Kingdom of Light - the Kingdom of Heaven! Now you are a sworn resident of Jesus' Kingdom, and part of His family.

To explain this a little better let me ask some questions. You did not have to pay a cent to become a part of your family did you? No you were born or adopted, and your family loves you even though you don't pay for it. (hopefully) You don't have to pay for salvation either, just obey the scriptures! (as described above.) However, your family often askes you to take responciblity for things. Such as, cleaning your room, taking out the garbage, doing the dishes, household chores and the like. This is a form of stewardship. By your actions toward the above list you are showing your level of stewardship ability. If you obey and do what your parents ask, without much fuss, then you are probably a good steward. On the other hand, if you kick up a stink, and throw a temper tantrum you are not a good steward, and can be likened to the servant in Matthew who buried his treasure.

Stewardship is about taking care of God's Kingdom, and the portion of it that He has given to you! There are many areas of stewardship, which we will discuss at other times, but here we are looking at time.

TIME! Every Moment of every day has a purpose. It is our job to stay close enough to Jesus so we understand what each purpose is! Did you bump into someone to day accidentally? Maybe Jesus wants you to minister to that person. Did you end up in a hospital recently? Maybe Jesus wants you to reach out to a nurse, doctor or another patient? What are you doing with your time? Is it spent on you, and only you? Do you use your time to reach others? Are you giving your time back to Jesus? What are you doing to take care of the TIME that JESUS has GIVEN you in this LIFE?

Many preachers talk about tithes and offerings in regards to money. However, we ought also to give at the very least a TITHE (or tenth) of our TIME back to Jesus! Time is so valueable and we often waste it! It's like going to the store, and buying pop and a candy rather than Juice and fruit. You just wasted your money because the pop and candy will not benefit you at all! In the superstore of Life what are you buying with your time? Pop or Juice, Candy or Fruit? Are you sharing the Love of Christ to others or are you giving the cold shoulder to someone who may need your help? Are you giving to people in need or filling your bank accounts and home with riches? Do you spend time at the soup kitchen to help the homeless or are you playing your latest Nintendo or PS3 game?

Jesus gave you the TIME you HAVE LEFT, Don't Waste it!

Yours for stewardship of time,
Pastor Fred
PS> if you would like further information on anything discussed above please feel free to email me!