The Shared Burden...[you are not alone]

Greetings, again, in Jesus Name!

I would like to share a thought and a little study I did for our Wednesday Evening Bible Study. Interestingly enough the original idea came for a comment left for the post "spiritual journey part two". Then after a couple days of thought and prayer, Jesus directed me to this verse, and the ensuing thought.

Matthew 11:28-30 [KVJ]
Come unto me, all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

This verse has been a promise verse for many people who are hurting, downtrodden, depressed, sick, alone, tired etc.... Yet with in the words of this verse is a truth that is more meaningful than this translation an give.

I have done an individual word study on these verses, and will endeavour to simplify it for sake of time, space and ease of understanding.
(Here is the rough transliteration of these verses. Let the message reach into your spirit!)

Come to me everyone who is growing weary, and upon whom a load is being placed, and I will give you a break from your labour.
Take upon your shoulders my yoke which I have already lifted up, and am wearing, and learn by following my example.
For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your life and soul while doing your work (labour).
Because my yoke is useful and kind, and my invoice (translated burden in KJV) is light weight.

What is the point or message of this verse? We are sharing Jesus' yoke. We are trading our weights, sins, burdens, problems, and cares in. Then Jesus brings us close to him and put his yoke on our shoulders, and we walk side by side with him!

Jesus said, "I am come that you might have life, and (not just any life but) life more abundant"

Philippians 4:6,7
"Be careful (or anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests by made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus!"

When we cast all our cares upon Jesus, he takes our load off, and puts a portion of his load on us, and we walk together sharing our burdens! Isn't it great to know that you can share your burdens with Jesus!

Hope this thought finds a place in your heart!

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Fred

Holding Hands...`

Have you ever went for a walk, or just been with someone you truly care about, and hold their hand? It is something very special and precious! I remember the many times I hold my wife's hand. I feel so close to her even when we aren't really talking much. Even when we are in the van driving we often hold hands, and it almost feels like we are sitting right next to each other! (Even though there is a large space between us!)

Well, today that is how I feel with Jesus! Like we are walking hand in hand! No, I haven't been praying for hours, or singing praises for a long time. No, rather I've been working all day long! As a matter of fact I am still working! I have 3 jobs to work today! 9-5, 6-9 and 9-until I'm done! Not much time to talk to Jesus, but if you begin to live what Galatians says: "We walk by faith and not by sight", and "If we live in the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit!" Then, our relationship with Jesus becomes one of lifestyle, and not of convenience. So, throughout the day I talk with Jesus. I've brought needs, praises, and wants before Him as we walked together through this day together. I has been wonderful!

I've noticed something. We often preach and talk about the need to set time aside for prayer. Yes, this is very important, but what about in between these times? I am beginning to realize that it is very possible, fulfilling and important to walk with Jesus every moment of every day! Let His presence be with you all the time. Don't be afraid to worship, praise or talk to Him anywhere or anytime! "For, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For, It is the power of God unto Salvation!" What person is more important to be "saved" than you!?

Make time to walk with Jesus all the time! I dare you!

Your for Jesus Christ,

Pastor Fred

Weekend Update!

What a weekend! Actually it started on Thursday!
I had to work an extra14 hours! Well enough complaining. That never go any one anywhere. In all the hustle and bustle of this busy weekend I was able to read something that really moved me! And instead of trying to explain it to you I will just leave the link. However, i would really like to encourage you to take a couple of minutes and read this newsletter.

THE GLORY AND BURDEN OF THE PRIESTHOOD

Enjoy, and let the power of Jesus empower you today!

P.S. Don't fast Jesus today!

Pastor Fred

...On the Run...

Today was one of those days! An "on the run" kind of day! You know a day when you've got to think on your feet, or eat on the go! Yeah one of those days! Yesterday I made some plans for today, as we often do, but there would be none of my plans!

The Bible tells us that when we make plans we should do so with the thought: "If the Lord wills...", I will do this or that.

So often we make plans as if they should be set in stone, but God has other plans for us, and if we are going to learn to be true servants, children and friends then we must learn to make place for HIS PLANS, and let ours slide!

So, today I had to pray on the run; yes, I am learning to find Jesus as I live through each day, I'm learning to discuss everyday items with Him on the go! This is what being a part of the Body of Christ is all about - Living every moment and every day in HIS presence and will!

So the next time you have an "on the run" kind of day remember Jesus is still wanting to talk and be with you!

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Fred

Spiritual Journey Part 2

Here is a list of some of the things that I am doing in order to facilitate the Presence, Power, and Spirit of God in my life.

• Read the Bible through in 6 months. (Approx. 7 Chapters everyday)
• Pray EVERYDAY ( It is very important to talk with Jesus everyday in order to know Him!)
• Start Teaching a Home Bible Study to someone/family before Christmas '06
• Win at least 5 families to God by Christmas '07
• Systematically study the Bible "God's Word" in order to find Jesus
• Get rid of weights in my life that continually call me away from being with Jesus
• Spend more time with my family

This list is a Challenge to me and to everyone. I must find, know, love and be a personal friend of Jesus'. There is nothing more important in this life!

Yours for Jesus,

Pastor Fred

My Personal Spiritual Journey

Well I've had a couple of really difficult years. (not much need to explain.) However, I've decided to get my life back on the right track! Oh, I haven't denied Christ or backslide, but I haven't been disiplining myself in prayer, Bible study, and Bible Reading. Nor, has my personal evangelism been strong. This summer I had the opportunity to attend the Apostolic Conference in Madison, Mississippi, and was once again challenged, inspired, motivated and empowered! Something that needs to happen often in a preachers life, and all christians for that matter.Now, I am weeding out the non-essentials and focusing on the essentials. This will be the start of my journey. Pray for me, and be apart of my accountability to keep focused and win the lost for the kingdom of Jesus Christ!

yours for Christ,

Pastor Fred Grothe