Sunday, December 23, 2012

Christmas 2012: Follow That Star

Good Morning World!
This will be the last segment of our Christmas series, and hopefully it will the most thought provoking of all.

We have been studying about many things so that we can prepare our hearts and minds for a proper spiritual celebration of the Birth of the Messiah - Jesus Christ.  We have talked about the value and necessity of “Trust & Obey”, and “Faith, Love & Giving” now we are going to talk about the importance of the Birth and our reaction to it.


Let us look specifically at the wisemen again.  I don’t know if they were working in their labs altogether or if they lived in different villages or countries, but one thing for sure brought them together - a new star.  This new star brought an emotional and physical response. They must follow that star!  No matter what perils lay ahead.  No matter the consequence or cost they were going to follow that star to the ends of the earth!

In Matthew 2:10  The Bible tells us that when they say the star they were exceedingly joyful!
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

We must try to imagine in our small way the beauty and immensity of this desire.  They have just travelled approximately two years of their lives chasing something that seems to be always just over the next hill, and now they are on their last legs and the end is really in sight!  They’ve heard prophecy of this new King’s birth and His birth place!  They know that they are on the right track - finally their faith and endurance is paying off!  They find the star again and continue their journey!

A. How does this story and response apply to us today.

It can attract attention in many areas of our lives, however, I am just going to draw your attention to one area with a couple thoughts.

Luke 19
9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.   10  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Romans 1
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

I am going to talk about the purpose of Jesus Chirst; the reason for His birth.  John the writer of the Gospel according to John tells us the He is the light and the darkness cannot overcome it.  So let us look at ourselves as lost flies.  We are nothing and our lives are many times meaningless, but all of a sudden we see a light glimmer in the distance, and like the wisemen we must follow that star of light!  So we turn our eyes into the light and we fly without ever knowing what will befall us, but we are following the light.

Many times like a fly we end up at the end of someone elses prank, or a trap which tries to do away with us, but there is something else to this light; it is different somehow.  We follow it inspite of the emotions that are crying us down.

B.  Let me pause here for a thought provoking siesta.

Recently I have had the opportunity to have conversation with a few people who have chosen to set their faith aside and no longer believe.  Life has taken its toll on these people, and because of it they have made this very important choice.  Not to diminish their life story or experience, but it is like they fly who is looking for the sunlight, but keeps getting fooled by the light of the fly zapper.  They keep getting bounced from one false light to another, and when life brings you down and you have no one to turn to for guidance in truth and righteousness it can very easily turn you aside and bring you to the point of laying aside a once precious thing.  We must be careful that we don’t trap ourselves in something that is shallow and will not really bring us any spiritual relief when we need it most.  There are so many false lights out their and at this time of year it can be so easy to get trapped by them, please don’t follow any light.  However, I encourage you to follow The Light - Jesus Christ.

Following men will lead you to disaster and devastation of mind, soul and spirit, but when we follow Jesus we find rest and peace in the midst of the storm.

------------------------
C. Back to our parable of light

When we hear the Gospel in Truth for the first time the light of it wells up in us and can overwhelm us, but I encourage you, as it takes a moment to adjust to the light first thing in the morning when you open your eyes so, it can take a moment to adjust to the saving light of Jesus Christ the first time you meet Him.

As the Bible indicates Jesus did come to seek and save that which was lost.  Not just people, but relationships, and not just any relationship, but a relationship with you personally!  Each one of us must find the light of the Star of Bethlehem to lead us to truth and a relationship with our Saviour Jesus Christ.

This Christmas I encourage you to look beyond the wrapping paper and food, and view the nativity in a new light.  Find a quiet place in your life and contemplate the creator and saviour, who came to find you!  The lighthouse light is bright, and the rocks of life are sharp, which one will you find yourself in.  Will your follow the life saving light, or will you ignore it because of past bad experiences and end up in the rocks of life? Will you find new life this Christmas, or will you participate in reminiscing about the old life, which leads to death and destruction?

The choice this Christmas is up to you.  Follow the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to salvation and freedom, or disregard it as another fraud and end up broken on the rocky shore of life....

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

How would you react?

Good Morning World!

Someone I know very dearly had a hard day at work the other day, which when talking to that person I heard all about it.  Even though I wasn't apart of the day, the comments and story made me upset too.  After some contemplation a thought crossed my mind - As a Christian and a child of God one of the hardest things to do is keep your spirit right during these situations.

The problem seems to be jealousy, and when someone isn't secure enough in themselves many times they take it out on the one who makes them insecure.  Strife doesn't have to take hold on us when we realize that if we just keep on doing what is right everything will work out right.

The hardest part is going back to work and putting a smile on your face and being nice to the ones who have wronged you.  Not only is this the true spirit of Christmas, but it is also a truth in life.  By being nice to those who wrong us, we heap coals of fire - conviction - upon their heads. (As scripture puts it)  When we turn our spirit to anger and hurt we will only lash out and vindicate the jealousy and insecurity of the one who hurt us!

Rather let us do what scripture says and leave the vengeance to God. Yes, He does fight on our behalf!  If we will keep a right spirit during times of hurt and wrong against us, God will ensure a righteous outcome.  It is a hard thing for our human nature, which loves to retaliate, but letting God take care of these types of problems will bring glory to Him and allow you to walk in freedom from the chains of strife and pain!

So, how would you react if your boss lit into you for something that you know isn't valid, nor wrong?  Just remember there are bigger eyes looking down wanting to help you out. Will you let Him?

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Advent Thoughts 2012

Good Morning World!
Here are some thoughts I've put together over the past few weeks to turn our minds back to the reason for the season.

Weeks 1 & 2
During our first two week period we talked about “Trust & Obey”.  During this Christmas season we need to be challenged to look back at the original story of Christmas, and re-enact the story in our own lives.  The gifts and such will be wonderful,  the giving will satisfy our souls, but what will we do for our spirits.

First:
Luke 1:5-20
Let’s look at the negative side of the coin, and see what happens when we do not “trust & obey”.  Zecharias was a righteous man, and his wife was a righteous lady.  God respected them because of their faithfulness during their time as servants of God, and so He rewarded them with the fulfillment of a promise and prophecy.
During the fulfillment of his priestly duties, which was very important, and randomly chosen an Angel appeared to him.
    1. He was preparing and burning incense, which fills the temple so that the High Priest can enter the Holy of Holies and sprinkle the blood and die not. This is a symbol of our praise and worship,and as we entertain the presence of God we must do - that we die not, so to speak.
    2. He had never seen nor heard of the Angel of the Lord during all his days.  The Angel of the Lord was a legend rather than a fact at that time.
    3. He was scared to death!
    4. Instead of turning his fear to faith, he was overcome with doubt.
    5. The promise and purpose of God was going to happen anyway, and so instead of finding another promise carrier, the Angel punished Zecharias.

If we decide not to Trust and Obey it may lead to the chastisement of God upon us.

Second:
Luke 1:26-38
Let’s look at the positive side, and see what happens when we do “trust & obey”.
Mary the virgin is getting ready to marry Joseph.  One day she has a visit from the same angel - Gabriel - who visited Zecharias.  The angel of the Lord tells her that she is the ONE that God has chosen to carry the Messiah!  She had some fear, but more than fear she wondered what was going on, and so the Angel explained.  She was going to have a baby - the Messiah.  Elizabeth was going to have the forerunner, and she was going to have the Messiah!
    1. Unlike Zecharias - Mary asked only a simple question of explaination
    2. Mary accepted the verdict with faith and obedience
    3. This season let us be like Mary and with open hearts “Trust & Obey” the calling of our Saviour, and do what He would want us to do!
Jesus came to seek and to save that which was Lost, so let us open our hearts to this calling and be His hands and feet during this Christmas season and help those who have need bringing the Gospel to all we meet!
Weeks 3 & 4
As we haven’t been able to meet regularly during this Christmas season, we will put two weeks into one as we did the first two weeks!

“Faith, Love & Giving”
This is a more practical look at our perspective of Christmas.  We don’t really know all the details of the birth of the Messiah, but we do have some notes on it, and in order to apply those things that were written for our examples and spiritual fulfillment we need to have a certain amount of faith. Let us look at some people who were on the outside looking in, and who they reacted to the news of the birth of a Saviour.

First:
Luke 2:8-18
The shepherds were busy doing what shepherds do: keeping the sheep out in the field.  Their job did not allow them the comfort of going home at night and sleeping in a warm dry bed, but rather they were in the field with the sheep day and night.  So, you can imagine the campfire stories that happened after this!
    1. The Angel of the Lord appeared again, this time with back up!  There was going to be no mistake that angels had visited these shepherds.
    2. The were told of the long awaited Messiah - He was born just a short walk down the road!
    3. What do we do with this news?  Do we stay on our jobs and forget this ever happened or do we go and see the Messiah!?
    4. I don’t know if they all just left the sheep in the field or if they took the sheep with them, or maybe they took turns, but they had faith and went to see this thing that had happened!
    5. Then they spread the news to anyone who would hear!

Second:
Matthew 2:1-11
The wise men from countries afar came seeking a great king.  Here is an act of faith if I ever saw one!  The seemed to have travelled from countries so far away that it could have taken up to two years for them to reach the place where Jesus was!  The impression that this star in the sky made upon them was so great that they were willing to go to the ends of the earth to find out the exact meaning it.  
    1. They enquired at the palace, but He wasn’t there.
    2. They listened to the scribes description of where the Messiah was to be born, and found the star again with joy!
    3. They followed the star right to the house where Jesus was!
    4. They worshipped Him and gave Him gifts fit for a King!

We have established the need for faith!  We must have faith to go to His birth place, and we must have faith to celebrate this 2,000 years later.  However, it should not stop there.  We cannot forget the attitude of Mary during this time either.  The Bible indicates that she loved Jesus, and pondered all these things in her heart!

Love  will bring us to a place of giving!  The Love of Jesus, which is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, if we will “Trust & Obey” with faith, will guide us to Give.  I’m not talking about giving to our family and friends.  Everyone does that and it isn’t necessarily following the commandments of Jesus nor the Gospel, but I mean to Give to those in need.

Let us take our Faith in Jesus, which is amplified by this season of worship, celebration, and giving and share some Love, which Jesus has put in our hearts, and Give something to those in need!  

Let us not contain our giving and love to just our family and friends, but let us go outside our door, and Good King Wenceslas did and share our bounty with the “poor” and “needy”.

Friday, December 14, 2012

How do you feel?

Good Morning World!

How do you feel?  How do you feel about Christmas?  How do you feel about giving?  How do you feel about family gatherings and Christmas parties?  So many questions a just a few minutes to ponder an answer!

I am asking these questions this morning because I want you to really begin to ponder the reason for the season.  Our modern concept of what is going on right now is somewhat warped and twisted.  Christmas is a combination of ancient pagan beliefs, mixed with more Christian beliefs and so we have the birth of a saviour along with the legend of a Saint who has been amalgamated with the stories of old German winter gods, wow what a twisted mix!

So, again I ask, How do you feel about Christmas?  There are many ways that you can approach Christmas.  Some just shun it altogether, some jump in head first and go crazy, some take it slow and easy, while others end up fighting their way through the malls and long store line ups!

There certainly isn't anything wrong with giving nice gifts during the holidays, but what I am afraid we let happen is the spirit of the grinch begins to settle on our soul as we become impatient and realize that we can't get that special gift for that special someone because it is sold out, or the line up is too long.  So many songs I hear during Christmas that say, "All I want for Christmas is you!"  So, my challenge this morning isn't to stop buying gifts, but to re-evaluate what your friends and family find important.  Yes, getting the new Galaxy Note 2 or the Iphone 5 would be nice, but is it really worth spending more than your budget this Christmas? Would a family party and carolling be better time to build lasting relationships?

Don't burn out your spirit of giving because of the commercialism of our modern age, rather step back enjoy the ambiance of life and connect with people you know and don't know!  Giving to a stranger may be the best thing that happens to you this year!

Yours for Christ
Pastor Fred

Thursday, December 13, 2012

A Rebellious Generation!

Good Morning World!

I wasn't sure what to write this morning, but then while reading a couple chapters in Proverbs I found it!  This time of year is usually a time of giving and receiving, but it is also a time of reflection and pondering.  I so enjoy reflection and pondering, but it does raise questions, problems and many times things that need to be changed.  If we don't think about where we are or where we have come from then we will never figure out where we are going.  I know we think we know where we are going, but most of us don't!

A prophecy from Proverbs 30:
11 There is a generation that curses its father,And does not bless its mother.12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes,Yet is not washed from its filthiness.13 There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes!And their eyelids are lifted up.14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords,And whose fangs are like knives,To devour the poor from off the earth,And the needy from among men.

I am only a young man, but I have personally watched the beginning of about 2 generations and rise of a 3rd.  The first I was apart of, and respect for elders and parents was still taught, albeit not as much as other generations.  Then as a very new young adult I watched the second generation as children through graduation, and they had very little respect for authority, so little it was hard to find. Finally, the 3rd generation, which includes my own Children respect and honor are a thing of the past.  Of Course I am desperately trying to instill this important life truth into my Children, but it seems so often I am beating my head upon a brick wall.  Society has changed so much in the past 30 years!  What was once ok is now breaking the law, and what was once breaking the law in now ok.  Children do not have any moral, spiritual, sexual or relationship guidelines, examples or mentors to follow!

We wonder why people are dying younger and younger, well I can give you a simple answer that you may not like or even agree with, but here it is none the less. The Bible tells us in a couple places: Children Obey your Parents.  However, what many people don't realize is that this scripture is the first commandment that comes with a promise, and in reverse a curse.

"Children Obey your parents that you may live long in the earth!"

I don't know if you understand what this means, but I'll tell you anyway.  If we learn respect of authority and we learn how to respect and honor our parents it will be a main deciding factor in how long we will live physically. On the flip side, we are rebellious and curse our father and mother, and don't listen to their wisdom and guidance then it will also be a deciding factor in the length of our life on this earth.

WAIT! You may say.  "I know many people who have died young that were good people."  True, True.  However, you don't know their heart or past, but the fact remains that society has bread rebellion into its very fabric, and now everyone is feeling the pain of this ungodly pandemic.  Just as we are all sinners because one man and women sinned against the creator, so because we have bread rebellion into our generation we all will feel the sting of death!

HOWEVER!  This is the reason for the season!  Jesus Christ was born, God with Us!  He came to seek and to save that which was lost! He came to bring us salvation from this rebellion and curse of death!  He came to free us from the slavery that comes with sin, rebellion and death.  Jesus the Messiah came to give us eternal life!  Through His birth, life and death we find truth, and truth will set you free!  Let us take time to ponder, and take ownership of the fact that we are apart a rebellious generation.  It is us, not them who need to change.  We, you, I are the ones who must find redemption, and turn back to the way of truth!

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Advent Thoughts: Trust & Obey

Good Morning World!  This advent season I would like to turn your attention to another reason for the season.  It's not all about the gifts or the giving, and it isn't all about the peace and joy, which we love and participate in especially during this time of year.  However, there is an element of the season that is often over looked, but has just as much relevance and importance as all the above.

TRUST & OBEY

There is a song that we sing when I am participating in a service at the local senior homes called Trust & Obey, and in it is described the blessing and importance of trusting and obeying Jesus our Saviour.  Also, in reading the story of the birth of Christ - the whole story, we come across two stories that really portray the meaning of our title.  First, we have the priest, Zechariah.  He was going to become the father of John the Baptist who was the forerunner or pro-claimer of the Christ.  However, when the angel told him this news he was full of fear and doubt.  So much so, that the angel punished him for his unbelief by taking away his ability to speak.  Zechariah didn't speak until after the birth of John when they were going to name him.  So much for trust and obey!  The other story is about Mary.  She a young virgin, with probably only a limited knowledge of God and angels, was visited by Gabriel the archangel, who told her she was the chosen one who would carry the incarnate God within her.  She asked a couple questions and with faith accepted this great honor without fear or doubt.  God was with her and made sure she was protected throughout the pregnancy and all the while the child was growing.

Are you beginning to see what I am talking about?  When we trust and obey we are given great honor in the kingdom of God.  We are protected and shown the way.  When we do not trust and obey we are given just the opposite.

I am not trying to scare anyone into finding Jesus, but I am trying to encourage you that when He comes knocking on your door that you listen, trust and obey!

Merry Christmas,
Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

When to give the gift of giving?

Good Morning World!

I've decided something.  It is a revelation that has been coming, I'm sure I've seen it, but my eyes were opened this week.  Not because of anything in particular, but there is was - knowledge and wisdom waiting to be seen and used.  What was this great revelation?  What was this epiphany that changed my way of thinking?

Here goes:

All my life I believed in the value of giving and the necessity of giving, but haven't ever been in a place financially or otherwise where I could give like I want to, or even as I know I should.  I have tried to give much money from my own pocket and my businesses, but before the cheques could go through something would always come up to hinder my faith based giving.  My intentions were there, but my reality swept my intentions under the rug.

The revelation I received is this: You have to give anyway!  I don't mean go out and give until you can't by groceries or pay your bills.  I mean go out and buy a cam-bro of coffee from Tim Horton's or Starbucks and take it to those who need it or will really appreciate it.  A friend of mine did that for thanksgiving.  He took 50 cups of coffee to the homeless and had a blast!  This isn't terribly expensive, but it is the kind of giving that really matters.  Find someone who will not be able to afford Christmas dinner, and give that to them.  Find someone who will not be getting gifts for Christmas and make sure they are taken care of.  There are so many ways that are inexpensive, for most of us, to help those in need.  My problem that has slightly stressed me out over the years, is that I want to help but have never felt like I could afford to help.  I have a big family and it takes a fair chunk of change to keep us going, so it always seems like at the end of the day all the money I get is gone, but I want to change that mind set.  I want to just give anyway!

So, one of my first 'acts of kindness' will be to do what I mentioned above.  However, we don't really have any homeless so I am going to take some coffee to the minor hockey game.  I'll find out when there is a hockey game on a weekend and buy an cam-bro of coffee set it up and give it to the cold people at the stadium.  Sure they could buy their own, but that isn't the point.  The point is give anyway!  If I here of someone who has a need this Christmas then I'll see to that then, but for now I will give anyway!

As Jesus said, "Give and it shall be given...!"

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Friday, November 23, 2012

A Thankful Heart

Good Morning World!

Down south past the Canadian boarder many people are getting ready for thanksgiving, no sorry scratch that, it's Black Friday and many people are getting ready to spend more money than they actually have!  Don't get me wrong finding a sale to save some green backs is very nice and all, but to stand in a line up for hours, and then fight over toys and electronics so that your children or loved ones will be happy on Christmas morning?  What kind of thanksgiving celebration is this?  Now we have black Friday in Canada because many of our chain stores come from down in the USA, I'm not sure how I feel about, NO I am sure.  We shouldn't do this!  The Bible tells us that we should give thanks in everything!  A thankful and merry heart is like good medicine.  All this hustle and bustle just so some giant rich stores can make more money isn't worth it, and the stress you'll feel is definitely not worth it!

So, let's slow down - take a breath - and find something to be thankful about!
Here are a few to help get you going:

I am thankful for fresh air to breath.
I am thankful for a family that loves me.
I am thankful for a home to live in.
I am thankful for a community that cares enough to help those in need.
I am thankful for a Country that still believes in freedom.
I am thankful for those that paid the price of my freedom.
I am thankful for friends who are there....
I am thankful for my Saviour Jesus Christ.
I am thankful for Healing and Miracles.
I am thankful for my sweet Children and the funny things they do.
I am thankful for a wife that loves me - unconditionally.
I am thankful for parents that raised me to know the difference...
I am thankful for a good education and the ability to learn even today.
I am thankful for a good cup of tea.
I am thankful for pancakes, french toast and oatmeal.
I am thankful for the farmers who work hard to supply our food.
I am thankful for the wisdom of seniors.
I am thankful for cameras so I can remember the past in color.
I am thankful for facebook & skype so I can talk to people far away.
I am thankful for my Bible which keeps me grounded on the straight and narrow.
I am thankful for Pie & Ice cream....
I am thankful for my Quad ATV, which gets me away from it all...

As you can see the list can keep on going forever!
Let's remember to be thankful!

Yours for Christ
Pastor Fred

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Are you making your father glad?

Good Morning World!

Here is a thought, which came to mind while reading Proverbs:  Are you making your father glad?  The scripture reads like this, "A wise son makes a glad father."  So, I ask the question again.  Are you making a glad father?  Are you a wise son, or at least trying to be?  Or, are you one of the many foolish sons out there who don't have respect for anything?  Society seems to be falling apart at the seams, and I believe it is because we don't have children with wisdom.

What is wisdom?  Basically, wisdom is this.  The ability to understand what is going on around you, and then having the fortitude to act appropriately.  Many people have understanding, but don't know what to do.  Most people have action, but they don't have a clue what is going on, or why people look at them strange.  Wisdom is an equal mix of understanding and action mixed with the salt of experience.  I truly believe that wisdom is developed within a person who is willing to learn.  Learn not just book smarts, but learn life lessons.  Are you willing to learn from other people's mistakes or do you have to learn everything the hard way - by yourself in the school of hard knocks?

This morning let's try on wisdom, understanding and the knowledge to do what is right.  Let us not put on the clothing of the lazy, rude, crude or ignorant.  Rather let us wake up, smell the coffee and look around to what is going on around us.  If you for one moment start looking at life with other people in mind rather than just yourself you will find there is a great big world out there that can be discovered!  Have a little wisdom!  Make your dad proud!

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

What do you believe in?

Good Morning World!

I heard this song the other day on the radio while driving, and I fell in love with it.  Too much of our music today is whining about what we don't have, or what we lost, and not enough is about values and what we have.  This is a good song and it is worth listening to.  I know it is country, but this is what country was meant to be.  Let's stop wishing our lives away and start believing in something that will change our world!

Here it is: Call me Old Fashioned by High Valley


Yours for Christ
Pastor Fred

Friday, November 16, 2012

Society Might bread laziness.

Good Morning World!

So, I think I might have figured out why we are breading a generation of lazy people.  This isn't necessarily 100% factual, but it is from my own personal experience, and therefore should have some merit.  Anyway, last weekend we went to the city for a doctor's appointment and to do some shopping.  My wife and I calculated the amount of money that we had available, and it wasn't much but it was more than usual.  So, we figured we had no worries, and while being frugal we would get what was needed, take our three oldest (who were with us) out for a nice lunch.  However, when we got to second store our account was dried up, and we had barely spent $200, which today isn't much.  So, leaving our treasures at the counter and being very frustrated we went to a bank to check out what was going on.  We had forgotten to account for our bi-weekly mortgage payment!  

I know that as a person who trusts in God and believes that all things work to together for the good of those who love God, I shouldn't have had a bad attitude, but it took a couple days and much prayer before I was even keel again!

So, with this story in mind, here is my premise:
How many times have you gone to pay for something only to find out that all your money is gone because someone has withdrawn it for you?  I know that as a parent my children do, on occasion, hear me grumbling about not having enough money.  They know that I work hard, getting up at 6am or before each morning to go to work.  Yet, for all my hard work I have very little to show for it, especially in my bank account!  Sub-consciously we are teaching our children that it doesn't pay to work hard, but rather that no matter how hard we work we will never get ahead.  Don't get me wrong I am teaching my children that working hard is good, but our grumblings and our complaints will get back to them, and the conflicting information will bother their little minds.  At the end of the day I see more and more young people entering the workforce, with little or no work ethic, and I believe this is why.

I am sure that there is more to it than this, but if we can learn to be content with what we have, and stop grumbling and complaining about our state our children would learn to do the same!

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Do you know what you will be, so you can be what you will be?

Good Morning World.

Yesterday being the Remembrance Day Holiday in Canada, we decided to clean up the yard and put in a couple cord of wood.  During this activity, Benjamin my son, was helping out by grabbing the little pieces of wood.  At one moment he said, "The wood that I will take, is the wood that I will take."  (or at least something close to that)  It really struck me as I have been studying lately on the scripture that says, "I am that I am has sent you."  Benjamin uses this phraseology all the time, and I think I understand what he is talking about.  He is very particular about the size and shape of wood that he will pick up as he is only a little guy.  So, what he means is: When I look over the stack of wood and I see a piece of wood that meets my criteria that is the piece that I will take and throw into the house.  So, to use my sons way of thinking we can say about God: I exist and am the one who exists without the help anything else, and I am the source of all things, and by me all things exist, therefore I am the ONE who exists.

Do you know what you will be or want to be?  If you do the be what you will be, and do what you will do!  Life seems to work out better when we follow through on what we are going to be and do!

Just a thought.

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Sunday, November 11, 2012

How to Please Jesus: Part 3

Good Morning World!

This will be our final lesson on pleasing Jesus, however, by no means will this topic be exhausted. There is much study to be done, just use these three studies as a foundation to build upon.  There is much to learn on why and how we must please our Lord and Saviour!

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2Ti 2:4-5 MKJV  No one who wars tangles with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who chose him to be a soldier.  (5)  And also if anyone competes, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully.

Soldiers and Athlets are set aside in our societies, and have been for centuries, so that they may train and perform their tasks and duties to the satisfaction of their leaders.  Ask any professional athlet and they will tell you that they must train eight to twelve hours per day.  They must eat proper foods, and regardless of personal urges to eat other things, must keep to a strick lifestyle that most people couldn't maintain. A soldier must not even live within the regular civilian world.  They are kept separate from civillians by living on a base.  On this base they train daily, and have duties that only a soldier will do.  These training excersizes and duties are meant to keep the soldier in top fighting condition.  If the soldier doesn't please his or her CO they are punished until they line up with the standards of the group.

Paul is writting here to show us that being a Christian and following Christ is very similar.  If they are kept up to a high standard, how much higher a standard are we held up to.  Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost, why do we think that we can continually cross the boundary between lost and found?  We must choose our position and stand firm.

A. Faith is the paramount attribute of a follower of Christ.

Heb 11:6 KJV  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

We must believe that there is a God, and that He exists.
We must believe that if we seek after Him we will find Him and He will reward us.

B. Pray for wisdom and understanding of God's will so that we may do it.

Col 1:7-10 KJV  As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;  (8)  Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.  (9)  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;  (10)  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

As soon as Paul heard of their belief in the Word of Truth of the Gospel and their love in the Spirit he began to pray that they were filled with and understanding of God's will for them so that they could do it and please Him.

C. Children, obey your parents in all things...

Col 3:20 KJV  Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

This is the first commandment with promise.  The promise being that you will live long on the earth.  If we want to please God children need to learn to obey, for if they do they will be able to obey God their heavenly father as He declares His will in their life!

D. We must present the Gospel to all without deceit or guile, but with purity and righteousness.

1Th 2:1-8 KJV  For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:  (2)  But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.  (3)  For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:  (4)  But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.  (5)  For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:  (6)  Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.  (7)  But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:  (8)  So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

1Co 1:21 KJV  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.


The Gospel message which is the power of God unto salvation must be preached, and the more we spread the love of God, and the salvation that is through Jesus Christ the more we are pleasing to God!

E. Keeping His commandments is Pleasing to Him.

1Jn 3:22-24 KJV  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.  (23)  And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.  (24)  And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

John didn't leave us without an answer:
  1. We must believe on the Name of Jesus Christ!
  2. We must Love one another
  3. We know He is in us by the Gift of the Spirit He gave us.

Faith in the Name, Love of the Brethren and being Filled with His Spirit are pleasing in His sight!  If we can learn to live by this simple mantra we will see so many more ways to please Him!

F. Praise and Worship are pleasing to God.

Psa 69:30-31 KJV  I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.  (31)  This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.

He desires a personal relationship with us, and it pleases Him when we are willing to have a personal or corporate cummunion with Him!

G. There are some things that we should abstain from, which is pleasing to God.

1Th 4:1-8 KJV  Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.  (2)  For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.  (3)  For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:  (4)  That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;  (5)  Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:  (6)  That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.  (7)  For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.  (8)  He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

   1. Abstain from fornication or sexual sins such as adultery, and sleeping around.
   2. Possess your body in sanctification and honour
   3. Learn not to lust and desire for what is forbidden.  Be content.
   4. Do not defraud your brethren in any matter
   5. Be ye holy as God is holy!

H. Doing good deeds for others and bring aid to those in need.

Heb 13:16 KJV  But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

These are a few ways that we can learn to please God as Christians and born again believers.  If we do these things we can be sure that we are doing what is pleasing to our saviour.  It is important that we pray, for when we do we are in communion with the one whom we wish to please and He can lead and guide us into all truth!

Thursday, November 08, 2012

Wise or Foolish?

Good morning world!

Reading in the book of Proverbs today, and many of the verses deal with wisdom and foolishness.  Wisdom being something we should all attain to, and foolishness is something that we should shy away from.  For example one verse tells us the that the labor of the righteous tends to life, and another verse tells us that the back of the foolish is for many stripes.  It might do some people good to get a good smack once in awhile!  Anyway, the point this morning is that we too often jump into situations in our life without thinking about the circumstances first.  Our ability to act with wisdom and understanding in many areas of our life seems to diminish over the past few decades. Years ago people were taught to think before they spoke or acted, but today we jump into life's crap without even knowing there is a bottom.

Why don't we try to use some wisdom today in our daily dealings?  You never know it just might change the outcome of your meeting you have today!

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Wednesday, November 07, 2012

What are you into?

Good Morning World!

So, my children are really into Gamecube the past week.  Almost an obsession really.  I finally got the cube working again, and that is about all they want to do.  It is even funny to watch the little ones try to play as if they have played all their lives!

It got me thinking this morning, "What if we serve our Saviour Jesus Christ like that?"  What would happen if we really loved Jesus more than anything, and that all we thought about was what we could do that would please Him?  My children are always trying to win new levels and get new awards and unlock new characters, and so they are always taking every spare minute to play.  What would happen in our lives if we took every spare minute to serve Jesus, talk to Him and listen to what He wants us to do for Him next?

I think our lives would change so much that within a few short weeks we would be so changed that we wouldn't even recognize who we are!  I mean a change for the better of course!

So, my question this morning:  "What are you into?"  What do you 'obsess' about?  Why don't you try to 'obsess' about the Saviour and creator of your life?!

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Sunday, November 04, 2012

How to Please God: Part 2

Good Morning World!
Here is our lesson for Sunday Morning November 4, 2012.  Part 2 of our ongoing series about Pleasing God.
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Joh 8:29-32  And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.  (30)  As he spake these words, many believed on him.  (31)  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;  (32)  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

We can see from this verse that Jesus did what He came to do, and obedience equalled pleasing God.  Not only did Jesus please God, but because He please God the Spirit of God was always with Him.

I know that this can sound kind of rhetorical as Jesus was the Almighty God wrapped in flesh come to reconcile the world unto Himself, but we must understand the principle of this lesson.  Sure Jesus always obeyed the Spirit within Him as it was what drove Him, but we too who are filled with the Spirit of God, which was in and apart of Jesus Christ also must learn to obey and be driven by this Spirit!

What was Jesus sent to do?
1. I am come to fulfil the law - Matthew 5:17
2. I am come to send a Sword - Matthew 10:34,35 (The sword that shows sin)
3. I am come to send Fire - Luke 12:49 (The Fire of the Holy Ghost is God's consuming fire!)
4. I am come in my Father's NAME - RECEIVE THE NAME - John 5:43
5. I am come for judgement - to show truth and hide it. John 9:39
6. I am come to give abundant life - John 10:0
7. I am come as a light to take away the darkness - John 12:46
8. Tell John this is what I am doing: The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. - Matthew 11:5
9. Luke 4:18,19 - I am anointed by the Spirit of God to: preach the Gospel to the poor, heal the broken-hearted, preach deliverance to the captives, the recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are bruised and preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
10. I am come to seek and to save that which was lost - Luke 19:10
11. I am come not to destroy lives, but to save them. - Luke 9:56

It sounds at the first glance that Jesus came to destroy, but in bringing a sword, fire and judgement He is shedding his Light into our lives.  This light of Truth is so powerful that we often reject it at first.  This causes turmoil where peace was intended.  It causes pain where life was intended.  It is not God who brings destruction  but it is our reaction to light and truth that brings destruction upon us.  Jesus didn't come to destroy, but to give us life in full abundance!

Jesus mission was to open up a door that lead all humanity back to the God who had created them.  The veil had been put in place because sin in men's heart and mind could not be allowed in the presence of a righteous God.

Jesus taught us how to live in this new union, and through the disciples spread this good news all over the world.

Jesus' death on the cross was the final piece to the puzzle, and even though it looked like the end, it was only the beginning!

The purpose of Jesus fulfilled and please God that He continued His purpose in us through the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of Christ, which is Christ in us the hope of glory!

So, what is the lesson here, and how does it teach us to please God?
The lesson that we learn from Jesus is that we must learn to obey and follow His will.  How can we do this?  By learning to listen to the voice of the Spirit in us and doing what it says.  As Samuel said, "Obedience is better than sacrifice."

Fulfil God's purpose for your Life!

Thursday, November 01, 2012

Playing Around will get you nowhere!

Good Morning World!

This morning I heard a song on the radio that got me thinking. It was a country song, and the only reason I had it on was because it seems my CD player has kicked the bucket.  Anyhoo', one line in the song caught my attention, "Friday night football, Saturday night last call, Sunday morning Hallelujah!" Certainly the tune was catchy, but the message was all messed up!

Do we honestly think that we are going to get anywhere by playing with the pleasures of this world during the week only to do lip service to God on Sunday?  Are we willing to sell our souls to carnal nature and "fun" during the week, only to "repent" on Sunday?  Will we truly find salvation by slapping Jesus in the face all week long only to give him a big huge on 'the Lord's day'?  Why don't we just pick up the nails and hammer and crucify him afresh ourselves?  We ought to just push the spear in his side ourselves!

It's a crying shame that we think that we can ride the fence without getting hurt.  It's stupidity to think that we can play with fire all our lives and not get burnt.  If we can't live for Jesus 24/7 then we have a problem.  Too, often we live not for Jesus or others, but ourselves.  Sure, it's nice to take a break and chill, but that should be the exception not the rule!  How is this world going to become a better place if everyone is only thinking about themselves?  Are we not taught as children the only way to change the world is to help others?  Yet, as adults and older teens, we seem to forget that other people are important.  We forget that we are not the only person on the planet with problems.  We forget that someone else has it worse than us!

I think I'll write a poem about this:

Sunday is day we worship the Lord,
I hope you don't get too bored.
I love my hands to raise,
To the Great I am in praise.

Monday my faith is strong,
With His help I'll do no wrong.
Through daily prayer I'll gain,
The strength to stay in the lane.

Tuesday, and I'll not turn back
From the daily mental attack.
I'll read His holy Word,
And fly away like a bird.

Wednesday I'll reach out and touch
A person that needs some lunch.
I'll show this world it needs
To hear some Gospel seeds.

Thursday I'll work for Jesus
Because He saves and see's us!
His will to preform,
My wayward soul to reform.

Friday and we think the work is done,
We are ready to lay it down for some fun.
To our knees we should go,
Before our salvation we blow.

Saturday we reach out to the needy.
Maybe there is someone crying feed me!
Let's take the family to the store,
So we can another life restore.
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Maybe this little poem will help you live you life a little bit differently!

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Endurance - Do you have what it takes?

Good Morning World!
This morning while cleaning one of the college classrooms I noticed a textbook opened to a story about Sir Ernest Shackleton a heroic explorer of the Antarctic.  What caught my attention wasn't his heroic feats as much as some interesting seemingly unimportant details.

On one of the expeditions he used a ship called the Polaris of great craftsmanship,  however, he changed the name to Endurance which was based on the family motto: Through endurance we will Conquer. This to me was the most important element of the whole heroic event!  Why?  Because it shows what was in the man.  Through endurance he was able to keep ALL of his crew alive in the Antarctic after a terrible shipwreck in the ice.  Not many people can say that they have what it takes to endure through such hardship and turmoil!

The scripture tells us that Jesus said these words: "He that endures to the end, the same shall be saved!" Do you have what it takes?  This can be a hard life, and believing in Jesus Christ and living by His principles can be difficult at the best of times.  Not because it is difficult to follow Jesus and His ways, but because people in this world don't understand why we do what we do.  It is a lack of understanding in the unknown and fear that causes people to treat those of us who try to live a righteous, God filled life in a not so pleasant manner.

It takes a great deal of intestinal fortitude and endurance to keep your tack, and not turn back.  We must not let the negativity of this world beat our convictions down.  Don't let the majority tell you that you are wrong, just because they don't understand your point of view.  Endure the cross as Jesus did, and one day you will find that it leads to a glorious salvation! Keep the faith and don't look back!

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Monday, October 29, 2012

Are your batteries being charged?

Good Morning World!

Last night before bed, as per usual, I made sure my cell phone was plugged in.  I usually plug it into my computer as most nights I leave it on, however, last night to save some energy and give the machine are rest I  turned off my tower.  The thought crossed my mind that my phone probably wouldn't charge, but thought I'd try anyway.  Sure enough this morning I still needed to charge the battery.  This brought another thought to my mind!

Too, often we go through our day without ever taking time to rest, relax, read, pray or meditate.  All these activities if done in a proper productive manner will help to recharge our batteries.  We feel that just sitting in front of the TV for a couple hours in the evening will relax us.  Not so my friend.  I've watched my share of movies before bed, and I have found that it never really relaxes the mind or body. 

We must find activities that we find relaxing.  Go for a walk in the woods.  Go for a ride on an ATV in the wilderness.  Bake a cake. Take a nap. Read a book. Pray.  

No getting more to the point, We also tend to forget, when we get busy to plug into our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Just because we say that we are a Christian, doesn't mean that we are automatically and continuously connected to His unlimited power.  No, the fact remains that we MUST take time every day to pray and get connected to His presence.  We MUST read His word every day to stay connected with what pleases Him.  Just because we leave the plug in doesn't mean any juice is flowing!  You must turn the switch on!

Have a great day!
Yours for Christ
Pastor Fred

Sunday, October 28, 2012

How to Please God: Part 1


Over the past few weeks I have been studying and teaching on the value of Pleasing God.  In the next couple of lessons I will be showing us how to please God!

How to Please God: Part 1


Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.


Pastor Fred's Transliteration:
When we are separated from persuasion and conviction (faith) in God we are weak and unable (impossible) to please Him: for anyone that approaches to worship God must understand it is necessary to have faith in the credibility (believe) that He is (exists), and  He is a rewarder (pays the wages of) of those who seek out, investigate and search for (in a Hebraism - with an attitude for worship) HIM.

1. We must find a way to be persuaded that He Exists.
2. We must find a means of conviction that He Exists.

Example:
1. I am persuaded that God exists from my upbringing and my own personal studies.  Also, nature shows me that there is a God who is a magnificent creator.
2. I am convinced and convicted beyond doubt that God exists because of my own personal experience.  A. God Healed me of Epilepsy  B. God Healed many other people that I saw being healed.  C. God filled me with His presence, and I know that He lives within me.

3. Rom 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 
    A. We must be willing to hear and listen to a Word from God.  This is something that speaks to you about a matter or topic in your life.  That is the reason for the preacher; to bring life into your life for a specific purpose or reason.  The preacher is a guide to lead you the Jesus Christ the Saviour, but he is not a professor to fill you with all the knowledge of God instantly.  You can't handle all of God!  The preacher gives you a word today, and another tomorrow and so on until you come to the knowledge of Christ.  That is why faith is so important!  We must have faith in Jesus that the word we received today will take us through until we receive the next word!

4. Without this kind of faith our spirit is weak and we are unable to do those things that please God.
Rom 8:5-8  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  (6)  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  (7)  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  (8)  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

The Carnal mind of mankind is so separated from God's ways that we can't even imagine them, and without even realizing what we are doing go to war against the ways of God.  (No matter how good we think we are we just can't understand God from man's point of view.)

5. There is one thing that we must understand!
God will always reward those who seek Him out!  He will always reveal Himself to you if you are willing to find Him.

Jas 4:8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 

Whenever we begin to get close to God He is always near to you and waiting for you to open your heart!

Mat 7:7  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 
Rev 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 

Jesus is always near to anyone if we will just seek Him!

6. We must believe that He exists!
The starting point of any journey is belief that you are going to reach your destination!  We must have a basic understanding that God is out there!

If we can believe that there is a God out there we are on our way to pleasing Him!

Friday, October 26, 2012

My 200th Post! (Do you hear or listen?)

Good Morning World!  WOW!
This will be my 200th post!  I decided a few years ago to stick with this blog, and even though I have changed it twice, and taken a couple sabbaticals from writing it is still here for the world to read and hopefully enjoy a fresh breeze of truth, and a small amount of wisdom.  (That was a long sentence!)
Now we are celebrating 200 bits of information, wisdom, advice, suggestions and sermons - it doesn't seem possible!  Thank You!

Today by way of celebration I am going back a few days to a conversation I had with a couple of my local banks tellers.  They were in the middle of a conversation when I arrived at the wicket, and knowing them as well as I do I made a smart remark; at which they all laughed.  However, because of the comment we started talking about the difference between listening and hearing.

They are both action words, but one is passive and one is active.  Passive means you can do the action without any real effort or action on your part.  Active means that there is a direct action that must be included or follow the use of the word.  So, we have Hearing.  This is a passive word.  This word can be done without any action required.  Listening on the other hand is an active word, and requires action on the part of the doer.  I might hear what my mother is saying, but I do not listen to what my mother is saying!

I have written 200 posts now, and I have had over 4,000 people read these posts, however, I wonder ho many of those people actually listened?  As preachers we are not interested in people who just hear the gospel, but we are trying to find people who will listen to the gospel.  Not very often have I directly preached the gospel in these posts, but almost every post has had an element that will lead you to Jesus if you will listen.  Too, often we just peruse the blogs in our list, but we don't actually digest this soul food and find a why to implement it.  I have a book on my shelf that is just over half finished because I am trying to put into action what is requested in the book. (This reminds me I need to check in the book and see how I am doing!)  I have just started the book of Proverbs, and decided to take it one chapter at a time, even though I memorized about 16 chapters of it as a youth, it still holds great and powerful truth that I will now try to instill into my children!

So, next time you read, or are required to hear something; listen!

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!