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

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

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!

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!

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

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 85

Good Morning World!
We had a wonderful time with Bro. Billy Hughey.  This evangelist from Missouri is a very charismatic and outgoing person.  He believes very strongly in compelling visitors to come, and this is much appreciated in a world where complacency is rampant. Thank you Bro. Hughey for helping us meet 5 new people!


Psalm 85
This song of praise for the sons of Korah is another song about God's grace mercy and love, but it is also a song of warning and a challenge to God's people.  We love the mercy and grace of God!  However, it isn't so easy sometimes to not turn back to our old ways.  The purpose of God's grace and mercy isn't so we can continue in sin, but rather to show us that there is a way better than sin.  God loves us and brings us out of our captivity and bondage so we can be free and live in His kingdom of righteousness, not so we can turn around and run right back to our chains and put them on!

Too often people experience the mercy and grace of the Almighty, and they accept it.  Then, in a short time they turn around and give God his mercy and grace back as if it wasn't good enough!  We must learn to get over our petty lusts, and trust in the Holy Ghost; the spirit of Jesus Christ!  Life is too short to waste ones salvation on repeat grace fixes!

Yours for a relationship with Jesus after grace!

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

I will Yet Praise Him! -- Daily Bible Reading -- Psalm 43

Good Morning World and Happy New Year!

While walking for a couple minutes, from the building I clean in the mornings to my van, I had an opportunity to worship Jesus for being so good!  It was amazing.  Just a couple of minutes of silence in the morning.  The air was finally still.  The sky was dark.  There was silence just before seven in the morning.  No matter what is going on, or what we find ourselves caught up in there is always time to praise the Lord!

Our chapter for the day says it best:
Psalm 43

The last verse asks the question, "Why are you cast down oh my soul? Why are you disquieted within me?"  Many times I'm sure that we all can ask the same question of ourself.  Life and time are cruel sometimes.  They wait for no one, and we can get run over.  David felt like this many times, but the last phrase of this verse sums up his outlook on life, "Hope In God: For I will yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."  No matter the darkness I will yet praise Jesus!  No matter the circumstance I will yet praise Jesus!  No matter the trial or turmoil I will yet praise Jesus!  No matter the blessing or goodness that befalls me I will yet praise Jesus!  No matter the sickness or healing I will yet praise Jesus!

Oh, My Soul trust in the Lord.  Hope In God for I will yet praise him.  I may feel self pity right now, but I will yet praise HIM!  There is something so wonderful about praising and worshiping Jesus even when the situation doesn't seem like that is an option.  The sacrifice of praise is something special, and I encourage you to find a quiet place and just worship Jesus in the midst of your storm!  You never know what earthquake Jesus will send to save you!

Yours for true praise,
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

How often are you a Christian?

Another title could be:
"What are you doing about the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ?"


"And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Acts 11:26b
"...Follow in His Steps." 1 Peter 2:21-25

I have been on a quest. I have been seeking hidden treasure, but have only found questions. These questions need answers, and once answered will tell me if there is any treasure inside or not! I am referring to my own personal quest at self evaluation. This quest has lead to some very important findings about my inner person. (Once I've satisfactorily completed my quest I will share some of my findings.) For the purpose of this post I will focus on one particular question that arose:

"How Often Are You A Christian?"

We claim to be Christians, but how often does this fact show to those we meet everyday? How often are we actually practicing the character that Jesus displayed everyday? How often do we truly walk in Christ's footsteps?

"Do we think that we just are a Christian?"

Matthew 7:16-20

Do men gather grapes from thorn-bushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Fruit must be found on only its kind of tree or bush. You will never find plums on a blueberry bush or vis versa.

"Does a piece of fruit just happen?" "No! Of course not!"

1. The tree must be watered and fertilized so that the proper nutrients are flowing.
2. There must be enough sunlight and an appropriate temperature.
3. This will help the tree to blossom beautiful flowers, but only if the above two options are met.
4. There must be a transference of pollen. A. By Insects B. By Wind or C. By Self Pollination.
5. There must be an adequate incubation time, which includes the right amount of water, fertilizer, sun and temperature!
6. Finally over the course of a couple months the fruit will grow into maturity. This fruit will contain everything needed to reproduce the process all over again, or nourish another creature.

Let's take a moment to translate this into our spiritual growth period.

1. Prayer and the Word of God are considered "spiritual water" in the scriptures.
2. Bible Study and listening to Preaching are considered "spiritual fertilizer".
3. The Light of the Holy Spirit of Jesus is "spiritual sunshine".
4. Your relationship with Jesus Christ our Saviour is the fragile "spiritual blossom".
5. The "spiritual pollen" is transfered by Christian fellowship and Training from the Pastor, Spiritual Leader or a Christian Friend. The Wind of the Holy Spirit, and Personal Devotions also play a very important role in this pollination process.
6. Through a consistent regiment of all the above we can let our relationship "blossom" grow into a truly amazing and beneficial "spiritual fruit of the Spirit"!

As you can deduct in your own mind, many of us "Christians" aren't the "Christians" we claim to be. It isn't that we don't care, or that we are hypocrites, or even backsliding from our beliefs. We just are not putting enough effort and thought into being everything that Jesus died for us to be!

"Let's look at some of Jesus Christs Character Traits!"

(Note: this is just a brief list as there are over 60 recorded traits...)

• Humble
• Compassionate
• Had righteous indignation
• Courageous
• Loved His Enemies
• Was Kind and Tender hearted
• Took care of people's needs, sickness and afflictions
• Healed ALL of the Sick
• Stood for Righteousness no matter the cost
• He could not be bribed
• He took time to pray
• He went to Church often
• He read the Bible (even though He was the Living WORD!)
• He took time for family and friends (and took care of their needs)
• He took a break (to relax and stay focused on His purpose)
• He fed the hungry
  
• He gave drink to the thirsty
• He gave to the needy
• He was a peace-maker
• He was passionate
• He was focused on the goal and purposes of His life
• He worked Hard
• He Obeyed (even to the cost of His own life!)

He Also taught us what the "Fruit of the Spirit" taste like:

• Love
• Joy / Gladness
• Peace / Calmness of spirit
• Patience / Long suffering
• Kindness / Gentleness
  
• Goodness / Giving
• Faithful
• Meekness / Humility
• Self-control / Temperate

Finally, "How can we have this in our own lives?"

Abide in Jesus the Tree of Life! John 15:4, 5

Follow the steps to abundance that Peter pointed out should be in every follower of Christ's life:
2 Peter 1:5-12

1. Faith / Assurance
2. Virtue / Moral excellence
3. Knowledge / Understanding
4. Temperate / Self Restraint
5. Patience / Stead Fast / Faithful
6. Godliness / Devotion / Passion
7. Brotherly Kindness
8. Charity / Love

Keep these on the top of your vine and you will be full of tasty fruit!

Conclusion:
To give you a couple of starting tips here are some questions to ask yourself everyday, and whenever you have to make a decision in life:

• What Would Jesus Do?
• Is It Good For Me?
• Does It Glorify Jesus?
• Is It Profitable or Uplifting?
• Is It a Stumbling Block to my relationship or someone else?
• Will this become a weight and weigh me down?

Stick to Jesus and He will Stick to You!

Yours for a glorious relationship with Jesus,
Pastor Fred Grothe
PS> Enjoy this youtube Easter video. Let its message change your life!

5 steps to free your mind......

Today I've decided to post a messege I preached recently. This messege will help you keep your mind clear of the clutter that keeps us from functioning at peak efficiency. Also, I will be posting another messege in a couple days that will compliment this one so keep looking for more of Pastor Fred's thoughts! May God richly bless you!

(Below are a couple different translations of the same verse to give you an better idea as to the meaning and spirit of the scripture.)

Phi 4:4-8 KJVR Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Phi 4:4-8 GW Always be joyful in the Lord! I'll say it again: Be joyful! (5) Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. (6) Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. (7) Then God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable.

Phi 4:4-8 ALT Be rejoicing in the Lord always! I will say again, be rejoicing! (5) Let your* gentleness [or, considerateness] be known to all people. The Lord [is] near! (6) Stop being anxious about anything, _but_ in every [thing] by prayer and by petition, with thanksgiving, be letting your* requests be made known to God. (7) And the peace of God, the [peace] surpassing all understanding, will guard [or, protect] your* hearts [fig., inner selves] and your* thoughts in Christ Jesus. (8) [As to] the rest [or, Finally], brothers [and sisters], as many things as are true, as many as [are] worthy of respect [or, honorable], as many as [are] righteous, as many [things] as are pure, as many as [are] acceptable [or, lovely], as many as [are] commendable, if [there is] any virtue [or, moral excellence], and if any[thing] deserving to be praised, be meditating on [or, thinking about] these things.

5 steps to free your mind...

As it says in Proverbs 6 thing does God hate, yea seven are an abomination, so we can say this morning – “4 things will free your mind, yea five will keep your conscience clear!”

There is something very important about having a free mind. I realized this morning a truth I’ve known before, but hadn’t really put much thought to it. If a mind is bound so is the spirit of a person. If the mind is free the person’s spirit will be free soon after. In order to break a person’s spirit you must attack the mind, and what that individual knows to be true. If you can destroy their faith in themselves and others you will soon break their spirit.

If you want to have a great spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ you must have a free mind. A mind that is free of all encumbrances of this life. The cares of this world should have no affect upon you! ( I do realize that the cares of life usually do affect each one of us, but that isn't the way Jesus designed for it to happen. We must be willing and humble enough to believe that Jesus is in control, and he will take care of you!)

1. Rejoice in the Lord Always.

Remember to keep the joy of the Lord in your heart and mind at all times! “The Joy of the Lord is my strength!” There is something very powerful about joy through it all! One thing that we must remember is that there is a big, very big, difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is an emotion, but joy is a state of mind. Happiness can come or can go in a moment of time, but real joy will be constant through thick or thin. Let me explain it in terms of love. Many people love other people, but it really isn't love. It's an emotional experience because of a chemical connection between two individuals. True Love will stay up all night when your partner or children are sick. True love will love someone no matter what kind of a mess that they get thereselves into. True love will forgive sin not cover sin. True love is there no matter if you have an arguement or fight with your spouse. True love will allow you to stay married for 60+ years. True love does not ride upon emotions, rather it sticks through thick and thin.

In the very same way joy can be your constant companion. Joy because you know that Jesus is your friend and he will be with you no matter what. Joy because you know that your redeemer lives. Joy because you know that you can take everything to him in prayer. Joy be God is good all the time!

2. Let your considerateness be know to all me.

People need to know how fair, gentle, considerate, and kind you are. We must show the Love of Christ everywhere, for He is coming soon! There is something very special helping other people that takes your mind off of your own problems. Give it a try sometime you might just be pleasantly surprised.

3. Don’t let the cares of life get you down.

Things are going to happen in life that are really not nice or good. However, it is in your best interest as a child of God to not dwell on these situations. Don’t hold grudges. Don’t think to much about a circumstance. Don’t dwell on the past. Give it all to Jesus!

4. Give everything to Jesus through prayer and thanksgiving.

Again I say, “Give everything to Jesus!” A merry heart does well like medicine! By giving everything to Jesus and casting all our care upon Him we can keep the Joy of the Lord in our mind!

5. Keep your thoughts in the right place.

Truth, Honesty, Righteousness, Purity, Love, and Things worthy of talking about should be our top priority to think about!

When you look at a situation look for the virtue and look for what can be praised. I know people who only ever see the good in a situation. This is the proper way to look at life. Don’t worry about the bad and evil. Let each day worry about its evil. Just look to Jesus and find those things that are wonderful!

Result and Conclusion

The Peace of God will be a sentry and guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ! Jesus will help you keep a free mind. It may see difficult at first be the good Lord will help you to become a powerhouse of peace. Don't sweat the small stuff.

The Value of a Personal Relationship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours for a Personal Relationship with Jesus
Pastor Fred

A Biblical Perspective to Animal Stewardship and Seals

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

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

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

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

Genesis 1:26-31

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

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

Genesis 9

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

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

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

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

Something is wrong here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your's for animal stewardship,
Pastor Fred