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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 86

Good Morning World!
(Please note we have a new look, hope you enjoy!)

It will soon be time for a new computer.  My main computer is about 4 years old this month and is very over used!  Now my Operating System Key will not work, and the OS doesn't seem to want to re install!  Windows 7 here I come.  (Hope that is a good thing!)  Took 10 viruses off my laptop because of software I downloaded trying to fix my computer!  People just don't get the principle of compassion and sharing!  They always have to add something bad to something good!  I am glad I serve a God, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is able to deliver!

Psalm 86
We are starting to get back to David's writings, and this one is full of goodness.  There is so much in this song that we could spend many days learning from its instruction and prayer style, however I think that one verse will suffice for today.

Verse 11 "Teach me your way, O LORD; I will walk in your truth: unite my heart to fear your name."

This is amazing!

1. First, David is asking for instruction.  Instruction from God for life, in his situation & spiritual.  
2. Second, David is declaring his intentions; To walk in the truth that God gives him during his time of instruction.  It is one thing to ask of God, but it is quite another thing to declare to God your absolute intention of following His Words once received.  Many people have asked God for things, and even made a bargain with God, but few actually keep their word!
3. Third, I really like this, David asks God to unite his heart for the purpose of fearing only God and His awesome powerful Name!  Too, often we are torn between too many things in life, and we really don't have a focused heart or mind on any one thing.  We need to reclaim our lives, our focus, our heart and our mind so that we can fully focus on one thing - Jesus our Lord and Saviour.  Time is getting short, and we must work while it is day, but we must work as to God and not to man.  Therefore, we can still live our lives to for the most part and still be completely focused on Jesus!

All of this truth comes from just one verse of this amazing song!  Please read more and you will find great truth on every turn!

Yours for Truth, and Following the Instruction of God,
Pastor Fred

Daily Bible Reading -- Psalm 77

Good Morning World!

Psalm 77 - A Psalm of Asaph

If we would take the Psalms written by Asaph and separate them into their own book we would have a very interesting word picture painted.  Asaph brings a different set of emotional experiences to the table.  His experiences seem to be quite different to those of David, and this chapter is not any different.

Have you ever asked the question, "Where is God?"  or, "God where are you?"

Have you ever wondered why God allows the world to go the way it is going?

So, does Asaph.  He asks this question over and over again through more than half this scripture.  Has God left us?  Is God so angry at us that He is refusing to show mercy anymore?  Has God forsaken us?  The questions keep pouring from the soul of this great singer.

The interesting part is Asaph doesn't come up with an answer.  God doesn't shower down a revelation into the situation, nor does He reveal His plan to Asaph.  Rather Asaph decides that God is still good, worthy and awesome, and begins to remember what God did for him and Israel in the past.  In remembering what God is really like, and remembering God's greatness in the past Asaph begins to praise and worship again.  This praise and worship leads to testimony and soul winning because no matter what you are going through right now God is still good, and He still cares for you!

So praise Him for what He has done, and Jesus will make Himself real to you again!

Yours for the Sacrifice of Praise,
Pastor Fred

Daily Bible Reading -- Psalm 76

Good Morning World!  We are back again!  WOW it really has been awhile, and Lord willing we won't have this much space between posts anymore.  Much has happened in our lives since the birth of our 5th and final baby from hospital visits to infections and the influenza, and it seems that life is once again normalizing. (If normal is a term that I can use for our life!)  Don't worry the baby has been fine and continues to grow much to "the mama's" dismay!  Little Jael isn't going to be little much longer.

Lord willing we can get through the rest of Psalms quickly as we don't have much left to read.

Psalm 76

We might as well say that we are reading from the book of Asaph as of late.  We again read a Psalm written by this great singer, and worship leader.  I rather enjoy reading Asaph as he seems to have great emotion sewn into his poetry and songs.  I also enjoy his word pictures, they help one see into the past and become apart of the writing.

The first verse really jumps out to me this morning.  "In Judah God is known."  This is a very powerful phrase.  It begs the question, "Is God known in your home, family, town, community or area?"  When other people look at you can or do they say, "He/She is close to God."?  When people visit your community can they feel the presence of the Almighty God as they enjoy the shopping, restaurants, hotels and other attractions?  We must not lower ourselves to the world around us, but we must stand fast and stay close to Jesus.  We must spend enough time with Jesus that the people of this day and age will say to us what was said to Peter and John, "They have been with Jesus!"

Wouldn't it be wonderful to know in your heart and spirit that you have spent time with the creator of the universe?  Wouldn't it be awesome to know that you made contact with the almighty God?  You, a nothing, a nobody, an insignificant being in an infinite universe took time to meet with the sustainer of all things!  I can't say that I have every been in the presence of earthly royalty, and probably never will, but I can say that I have been in the presence of Jehovah, our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.  He has condescended and allowed me to enter His holy presence, and I have rejoiced in Him and He has filled me up with His righteousness and goodness.

I want God to be known in my home.  I want God to be known in my community.  I don't mean I want to know God in my home, but I want the presence of God to be so strong in my home that when other walk by, or come to visit they know that they have been in the presence of God.  I want there to be a reputation that people can find God in our home.

Do you desire God to be in you home too?

Yours for a reputation of God,
Pastor Fred

Daily Bible Reading -- Psalm 73 "Is the Grass Greener?"

Good Morning World!

Have you ever wondered why there seems to be so much injustice in the world today?  Have you ever wondered why it seems the bad are rewarded and the good are dealt an evil blow?  Well, I have and it seems we can have an answer today, and it comes from our Psalm of the day!

Psalm 73 - Book Three
David is confessing a questioning heart, and asking God for repentance because he almost turned away from God's way.  He looked around and saw that the ungodly didn't seem to have any problems, pain or poverty.  They seemed to have a silver spoon in their mouth from birth and acquired great riches easily.  This injustice was difficult for David to bare because he saw the righteous suffering on every hand, and he couldn't understand why!

Finally, he went to the temple to pray and seek and answer.  He got his answer!  He rejoiced and didn't slide when he saw the end of the wicked, and how they are despised by God, and cast away.  They are thrown into outer darkness, and are tormented for eternity.  This caused great joy as the truth that God is in control and does care about the affairs of man is still a fact!

May I put my two cents worth in.  After reading this chapter I got the thought that the righteous suffer now so they can be ready for eternal glory.  The wicked don't seem to suffer as much, but they will suffer for eternity in hell fire and the brimstone of damnation!

The military and police services both train their recruits for the worst that they can expect.  They put them through hell on earth so that they can be ready for anything when the time comes to be deployed!  We are in the army of God, and are being trained for eternal glory and a position the the court of the Almighty.  A little suffering down here will never out way the glory too come!

Praise God that I have been counted worthy to suffer down here that I may obtain an eternal crown and reward in glory!

Yours for daily training and suffering,
Pastor Fred

Daily Bible Reading -- Psalm 72 "A Prayer for Leadership"

Good Morning World!

This morning our reading is very important to everyone.  We all need and/or have a leader in our life.  We all have someone whether a person, police force, or government that we must answer to.  We all have people in our lives that lead us: teachers, pastors, business owners, mayors, presidents, prime ministers, premiers, kings and/or queens.  These people lead us, and teach us.  We hope that they are directing us in the right direction, however, sometimes they do not.  This morning's reading is a prayer for Solomon by the passing King David.  We ought to pray a similar prayer for the people in our lives who are leaders.

Psalms 72
 ¹Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.
 ²He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
 ³The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
 ⁴He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
 ⁵They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
 ⁶He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
 ⁷In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.
 ⁸He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
 ⁹They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
 ¹⁰The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
 ¹¹Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
 ¹²For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.
 ¹³He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
 ¹⁴He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
 ¹⁵And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised.
 ¹⁶There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.
 ¹⁷His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.
 ¹⁸Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
 ¹⁹And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
 ²⁰The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended. (Psalm 72, King James Version)

Praise Your Way to Victory! Daily Bible Reading -- Psalm 47

Good Morning World!  Another cold day in Springdale, but Jesus is still on the throne!  He is alive!  He is victorious! He is almighty!  He is Saviour!  He is the Healer!  Jesus is Good All the Time!

Psalm 47

Have you ever praised your way out of the "paper bag" of life?  I mean really get with it and just worship in spite of all the turmoil around you?  There is something wonderful about the sacrifice of praise!  There is something amazing about the connection that you receive with Jesus when you praise Him even though the storm is blowing!  Look at Paul and Silas.  They were beaten, imprisoned, falsely accused, and yet they took time in the middle of the night, while the shackles tore at their hands and feet, to lift a song of praise to Jesus!  The presence of God was so strong the building, chains, doors and area they were in could not handle it, and had to bust open in spite of being locked!

David is describing a scenario of worship that calls God into action!  Clap your hands, Shout and Worship with a voice of triumph, because God will (future tense) take care of our enemies who are trampling us down!  Let's not wait until God triumphs to worship.  NO!  Let's worship before He makes His move, because we know that when God moves nothing can with stand Him!  We know that He will take care of us!  We know that He is almighty!  We know that He is on the throne!  Worship in spite of the storm!  Worship you way to Victory!

Another time God called the armies of Israel to battle, however, He asked the praise team to march in front of the soldiers.  The would sing and praise their way into battle!  As they sang and praised God the enemy thought they heard an innumerable army, and turned and fled before the battle ever started!  When we worship Jesus with a voice of triumph the enemy becomes confused and can no longer fight!  When we sing with a voice of triumph we begin to unleash the power of heaven upon earth!

Let's stop cowering under our situations and circumstances.  Let's rise up as the people of God and begin to Praise our way to Victory with the loud voice of triumph!

Your's for Daily Spiritual Victory,
Pastor Fred

A Loaded Question: Daily Bible Reading -- Psalm 44

Good Morning World!  It is a nice crisp one here in Springdale, with a few flakes falling after a couple days of rain.  The thin white covering reminds me of God's grace and love.  They are a covering for us, and keep us from the dirt of this world!

Psalm 44
Has anyone ever asked you a "loaded question"?  You know the question I'm talking about.  The question that really doesn't have a right answer.  The question that could make you look bad or good all in one word.  The question that digs down into the heart of the matter, and finds the truth.  The question that will allow no lie or no way out.  Yeah, that question!
This chapter starts out sounding like an awesome praise report and then quickly turns into a loaded question aimed straight at the heart of God.  Have you ever had one of those, "You did it for them God, why not for me?" kind of prayers.  This is exactly where David found himself.
God we've heard about your greatness in the past from our fathers.  We haven't forgotten your name or precepts.  We are in a huge pickle and are loosing the battle.  Why aren't you helping us like you helped our fathers?  They weren't as committed as we are.  Where are you!?  Save us Lord for your mercies sake!  This is David's prayer.  He is upset, ashamed and confused.  Are you?
Sometimes in life bad things happen to good people while good things are happening to bad people.  It may seem unfair, but I've found a way to find peace in the storms of life.

1. Continue to trust in Jesus.  He always has my best interest in mind even when it doesn't seem like it.
2. Continue to call on Jesus.  He will answer when we call.  He is a gentleman and will wait for the call.
3. Continue to Love Jesus. He first loved me and died for me.  Nothing in life is equal to that.
4. Continue to Worship Jesus.  Worshiping the Saviour always brings the sunshine in!
5. Continue to Remember the Work.  Jesus is working on me.  Jesus is preparing me for "Heaven".
6. Continue to Fellowship. We all need each other, and leaning on fellow believers is always a blessing.
7. Continue to believe that Jesus is Good All the Time!

These few things have helped me through many "Loaded Question" situations in my life.   We will all have them, but it is your reaction to those times that will determine the final outcome.  Will it become your greatest blessing or your final curse?

Yours during the "loaded questions",

Pastor Fred

PS> Note that we have our "Pastor Fred Online: Video" section up and running again!  Please visit often and watch.  Pass them along to friends and family.  We will have at least one new video up each week following the Sunday Church services.  More good stuff to come!

Daily Bible Reading & Devotion -- Psalm 42

Good Morning World, and Happy New Year!  What a great way to start a new year, and begin the first Sunday of the year; with thoughts of Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord!  There are many thoughts I would like to share, yet it is the reading for today that says it best!  I find God's word always says it best!

Psalm 42
Interestingly enough this chapter starts with the title - "Book 2".  We are starting a new year with a new book, and a renewed sense that God is going to do something wonderful this year!

"As the hart (deer) pants after the water brooks, so pants my soul after you, O God!"

What a way to start the new year!  The soul longing, seeking, searching, thirsting.  This will be a year of great change, great technology, great revival, great music, great preaching and great disaster.  The only way we are going to find any direction, peace, comfort, sanity or success is if we train our mind, soul and body to seek after Jesus!  We must thirst for Him more than we thirst for our daily bread and drink!  We must thirst for Him more than we love our family!  We must thirst for Him for than anything!  Find you way to the Church house every opportunity you can!  Find you way into the presence of God every opportunity you can!  It will be your strength and strong tower.  Say the Name of Jesus as a prayer of faith as often as you can!  In this world where the Name of Jesus is taken in vain and used as a curse, use it rather as a blessing and prayer wherever you are and whenever you can!

Seek, Thirst, Hunger, Follow after Jesus Christ the Lord!

Yours for a blessed New Year!
Pastor Fred

Daily Bible Reading & Devotion -- Psalm 40 - 41

Good Morning World, and Happy New Year's Eve!  May the Lord richly bless you.  May His light shine upon you and light your path.  May you have a new relationship with Jesus, and see what God and really be to you!

Thank you for helping this blog reach over 3800 souls and over 150 countries!  I can't what to see over 4000 souls and more!  Stick around and see what God is going to do!

Psalm 40

David is again describing the trials and tribulations of life.  Knowing this gives me hope!  The knowing that the man after God's own heart had good days and bad days.  He had ups and downs.  He felt small, poor and needy even though he became king of Israel.  This gives me hope and comfort!  Why, you ask?  Because, when I have my ups, downs, ins and outs I too can still trust in my maker and know that He is there to show his great grace and mercy through me!  Don't ever feel too low.  Don't ever let your emotions take you to the edge of destruction.  Be like David and let your spirit cry out.  You will soon see the mercy and love of Jesus enveloping you and giving you peace in your storm!  Let your enemies be ashamed and desolate!  Let your spirit rejoice because it trusted in and sought after Jesus!

Psalm 41

Let the first statement of this chapter be our New Year's resolution, "Blessed is he that considers the poor!"
Don't worry about losing weight -- you'll do that when your are ready.
Don't worry about relationships -- that will happen in time.
Don't worry about your bad habits -- you'll stop them when you are fed up with yourself.
NO, this year do one thing; consider the poor!  There is such great blessing when we look beyond ourselves and reach into the life of someone who is needy.  Everyone has a need.  You can find them on your street.  They could be your neighbor.  There is no better why to show the love of God than by helping someone who is poor and destitute.  In this tough economic time when many millions of people are out of work it is time for God's people to rise up and help the poor.

Am I poor?  In today's standards -- YES!  I've never made enough money in a year to bring me over the national poverty level.  Am I blessed?  In God's economy -- YES!  I have less than many, and more than most.  I am blessed!  God is good to me, and I want to show that goodness to someone else!

This year find a soup kitchen, homeless shelter or someone unemployed and help them.  It may not be much, but Jesus will multiply your efforts!  May be that is the point of the miracle of the fishes and loaves.  Little is much when God is in it!

Are you having trouble making ends meet?  So am I!  Yet, when we help the needy God not only supply's our needs but also the needs of others!  It is amazing!  I dare you to try, and see how God blesses you!

Yours for a great New Year in Jesus
Pastor Fred

Daily Devotion & Bible Reading -- Psalm 38 - 39

Good Morning and Happy New Year! (Almost!)

I pray and trust that you've all had a bless Christmas Season, and that the Spirit of the Almighty has reached His had into your life. Remember that Jesus is always available, and He is ready to answer your cry for help in these unsettling times.

This has been a very interesting, blessed and busy time for us. As mentioned a few days ago, we have been blessed with a new business, and now the hard work begins as we prepare a new store, move the old to the new, and still finish all the other seasonal work that is required. Many long days and short nights are foreseen ahead!

We were also blessed with seeing some of my family who we haven't seen in 10 years! Some more in about 8 years! It was fun, interesting and wonderful to renew family connections, especially ones that you may never get a chance to see again. Reminiscing about the past, giving nostalgic gifts, and dreaming of the future are all part of meeting old family ties. It was wonderful! I was even able to minister the gospel to them through clowning and preaching, which was something of interest all in itself! Thank God for this Christmas. Many memories that should never be forgotten! We also ended up in the hospital with our little boy Benjamin, who had a reaction to some dogs, along with some congestion had trouble breathing and ended on a ventalin mask. 3 times. It all worked out, and we were prescribed a puffer. Since being home he hasn't had a problem. We will definitely need to be careful around dogs in the future.

Daily Devotion -- December 28, 2009
Psalm 38 -- 39
(Try to catch up a little from the holidays)

Both of these chapters deal with personal sin. First we have a great chapter of repentance something we should make a practice of on a regular basis. Repentance is very important to good spiritual health, and will keep your mind clean and at ease. Repentance is also a sure way to stay in contact with Jesus, and will allow His Spirit to work in us more effectively.

Second David is concerned about his spiritual tendencies. He feels very upset that he is full of vanity and sin. Even though he vowed not to sin, and to bridle his mouth it seems he had much trouble. This caused him much internal turmoil, and instead of completely closing up, he turned to God, and poured out his heart. This is a great point and shows us that we need to release our problems to God. If you ever find yourself internalizing because of your problems find a secluded place and release your thoughts and problems vocally to God. The will help cleanse your spirit, and keep you in contact with Jesus who is the ultimate problem solver!

Keep your eyes on Jesus and don't lose faith!

Yours for a renewed relationship with Jesus,
Pastor Fred

Daily Bible Reading -- Psalm 37

Merry Tibbs Eve World! (A Newfoundland Tradition - The Eve of Christmas Eve!)

May the Good Lord shine His light upon you and direct your steps and heart this holiday season.

December 23, 2009
Psalm 37

This is another Psalm of David that talks about the age old fight between Good and Evil. Herein, is describe the fact that the righteous must have patience, mercy and love in the face of the evil and wicked ways of worldly people. Don't fret or worry about their actions, too much. Pray. Yes, Pray desperately for their salvation, but don't fret about the condition they are in. Sooner or later they will be gone and the righteous will be left!

Trust in the Lord and he will direct your paths! Commit your plans and ways into His care and He will bring them to pass!

The key is patience, mercy, love and trust. So, often we trust in our own schemes, and they fail. Why not try the God of the Universe today and let Him work out the fine print. He does such a great job and working out details. Just look at nature around you!

This Christmas season take time to have a conversation with Jesus about your life, and the direction it is taking. You'll not be sorry!

Yours for Trust, Love, Patience and Mercy,
Pastor Fred

Daily Bible Reading -- Psalm 35

Good Morning World!

What a wonderful and interesting weekend we had. The hope of God's amazing blessings abound! A friend and I went to Grand Fall's to buy a few gifts for our wives that we couldn't find in town, and at our first stop the rear window of my van blew out when we shut our doors! It was completely shocking. Being Saturday we couldn't find any place that could help. LORD willing (in Jesus' Name), our local glass shop will be able to fix it at a "Christmas Deal".

Then this morning reading Psalm 35, I am again completely amazed at God's ability to give us a scripture for our circumstance! Have you ever felt persecuted, misused, treated badly, backed into a corner? Then this chapter is for you! Jesus is our great and righteous judge, and it behooves us to cry out to Him for judgement! Our case is being set up by the enemy, and we see it so we must call for a miss trial and put the blame back on the enemy. We must cry out for the mercy of God, and see what blessing He has in store.

Just one more thought before we sign off. The only way the Jesus can give us a blessing is if something bad happens first! The only way Jesus can heal us is if we first get sick! The only way Jesus can raise the dead is if first we die! So, don't get all twisted in knots just because something bad happens. It may just be Jesus getting ready to bless you with showers from heaven!

Yours for Christ's righteous Judgement,
Pastor Fred

Daily Bible Reading & Devotion -- Psalm 26 & 27

Greetings World, Brothers and Sisters in this fine December morning! God Is Good All the Time!

Another busy weekend, that the good Lord brought us through. Clowning, Power Hour, Sunday Service, Senior Home Service and some over-time work at the day job made for another weekend I didn't get to stay home much and be with the family. Albeit, Ethan my oldest, spent Sunday afternoon with me making my rounds. That was nice.

That said, here is both Psalm 26 & 27 thoughts from Sunday and Monday.

December 6, 2009

Psalm 26

This is an interesting Psalm, because it provokes an idea that isn't often discussed in Christian circles. What thought is that? Well, if you would read this chapter you'll find out that David is having a discussion with God about his righteousness. (That is David's righteousness) We always preach that we don't have any righteousness, and should never claim to have any. Yet, David is blatantly declaring that he is innocence.

I think that there may be a reason behind David's self assurance of salvation. He knew his relationship with God was genuine, and that he was living according to the laws of God. Therefore, he felt justified saying that he was innocent and righteous. At the same time it would seem that David found himself in a situation that he felt wasn't justified as he was following the will of God.

See, there are times in our lives when things happen that we just don't understand, and feel are just not right. It is during these times that we begin to question God and orate about our own goodness. Yet, the whole time God is just trying to teach us a simple lesson if we would only stop and take time to learn it.

Finally, I like what David says in the last verse, "My foot stands in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord!" In other words David found his true source of innocence and righteousness - the Lord his God!

December 7, 2009

Psalm 27

Here we have another Psalm of praise and trust. It is a wonderful thing to trust, and know without the shadow of a doubt that you will be taken care of! It can be difficult to trust people at times, but let me assure you that Jesus is someone who can be trusted. Not only can you trust Jesus with your salvation, but you can also trust Him with your life! David understood the value of trust, and leaned on God on every occasion. (Please note that on the rare occasion David didn't lean on God he regretted it for the rest of his life!) When we learn to completely trust in God He will hide us in the secret place of His Pavilion and no one will find or harm you!

Have a blessed day!

Pastor Fred