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

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

What you Say is What you Get!

I have recently discovered that among the many wonderful nuggets of gold found with in the covers of the Holy Bible - God's Word - there is a universal truth that many people believe, follow, and practice. This universal truth is contained within the old adage "What you preach is what you get." This being said there are many secular life coaching groups that teach their clients this very thing, and get paid big money too!

God himself has taught us that with faith, action and our words we can obtain the things we want and need! It is truly amazing what Jesus taught us in his word!

Let me try to make it very simple! In the Book of Hebrews the Bible describes to us that Jesus upholds creation by the "word of his power". This statement means that when we talk about the power and ability of Jesus Christ we are helping uphold creation in its proper balance! Why? Because when you talk about the power of God you are invoking His ability into reality! When you talk about the Healing Power of God He heals! When you talk about the Saving Power of Jesus He saves! When you talk about the miraculous abilities of Jesus He brings forth miracles!

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the (preached or talked about) Word of God!

Have you ever noticed a sports team who are negative because their best player is out of the game or season? They usually don't win, and if they win it will be few and far between. But, if you get a team of players that are positive and are always talking and believing that they are winners you will have a team that wins, and if they do happen to lose it will be few and far between!

If you want something in your life whether physical or spiritual then start talking about it, and you will start acting upon what you have faith in. And the next thing that you will realize is that your dream, and conversations have become a reality!

Yours for a faith filled and explosive reality!
Pastor Fred

The Healer is in the House!

Good Morning Everyone!

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

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

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

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

Yours for divine Healing,
Pastor Fred

The "Little People" Rule!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The "Little People" Rule!

Yours for the Little Guy,
Pastor Fred

Dig a Little Deeper in the Storehouse of His Love!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours for a deeper relationship with Jesus,
Pastor Fred

Where He Leads I will Follow...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is better?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Mysterious Ways of God

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

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

The Mysterious Ways of God!

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

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

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

WOW! What words of wisdom!

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

"What you Preach is What you Get!"

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

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

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

Yours for a prepared spirit,
Pastor Fred

The Crossroad of Change

HAPPY NEW YEAR's EVE!

The end of the year. What a promising, yet sobering thought. As this last day of the year is on a Sunday I've taken the opportunity to force myself to objectively scan this past year. I was aiming to see what I'd done and had not done. Then in my praying and retrospect I came across a sermon I preached at the beginning of 2006. I decided the best way to find out what I was supposed to do last year is read my goals, and so I read.

I was uplifted and devastated all at the same time! I had forgotten what God had inspired me to preach and do last year! After reading the message in its entirety I realized that I had let people, and negative spiritual influences keep me from attaining my God given goals. And as I look at where I am today I see that instead of going forward it would seem I've gone back a ways.

Nevertheless, I am making this last day of 2006 a day of crossroads. A day in which I remember the past in order to ensure the future. I will not make the same mistakes twice! In reading my goal setting sermon I found at least one major area in which I didn't maintain myself.

One of the many things I set out to do was to maintain a personal intimate relationship with Jesus in order to foster personal evangelism. Which means in short that I wanted to get close to Jesus so I could lead more people to His side for their own personal salvation.

Because I took the time and made myself look back I identified areas that I need to change and work on. I believe that this is very important for all of us. It takes strength, character, courage and a willingness to face our own personal skeletons and demons.

It is impossible to make positive changes without first looking back and finding the problems and their roots. We must look backward and inward. We must be willing to face the music. We must not fear what we will find.

We all have things in our live that must change! Please make the next 24 hours worth while, and make those personal changes that will take you closer to Jesus. Don't let a habit, character flaw, a grudge, a hurt, jealousy, bitterness, hate, lifestyle keep you away from Jesus, and put you in Hell! Rather join me at the Crossroad of Change, and together we will change our lives so that Jesus can be apart of our lives.

Change is never easy, but it is always essential, important and impossible to escape. The problem with change is that you can do it willingly or eventually you will be forced to change. Changing willingly ensures that you can change for the good, and maintain control. But, when you are forced to change it is rarely for your good or benefit. Please make the right change today! Today is the day of salvation!

Yours for Positive Change in Jesus,
Pastor Fred

He Never Sleeps!

What in the world are you doing up at 5:50 am on a Saturday Morning?! Saturday is the day of the week that you're supposed to sleep in!

I was thinking this very thing this morning when I got up at 10 minutes to six. What? Yeah, I was up that early on a Saturday. I own a janitorial business, and I find that getting up early is easier than staying up late. And besides that I need to keep my customers happy, so I get up even on the days when I should be relaxing, and go to work.

While cleaning this morning the thought occurred to me that Jesus is much the same. He is the head of the Church; the people in this world who have truly obeyed the scripture and been born again of water and spirit. Jesus, the scripture tells us, is like a watchman on the wall; He never slumber nor sleeps. He is always looking out for His people. He never sleeps in. He never doses off, and misses a call. No, Jesus never sleeps! He is always on call. He Always is ready to take care of His own!

I'm so glad that I serve a God and Saviour that is on me side. Who always has me best interest at heart; even if I don't think so! Thank you Jesus for being with me through the thick and thin! Thank you Jesus for preparing the path before me, and ordering my steps! Thank you for never sleeping!

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Faith that is greater than the storm!

(First I'd like to apologize for blogging late today. It's been a very busy day!)

We've had about 15 centimeters of snow over the weekend, and this morning when i was up early getting ready to shovel at the church and around the house, my wife asked if we knew if anyone was going to be coming to church this morning. I said I didn't know. (The people who have been coming are rather erratic!) I believe she was implying that we stay home and enjoy the comfort of our living room, but we went to church anyway.

Well, the above conversation although brief got me thinking about faith. We often let circumstances dictate how we feel, what we are going to do, and what level of faith we are going to employ. Instead we ought rather to have faith, faith that will see you through every situation great or small. Faith isn't a wimsical comodity that is here today and gone tomorrow. Rather faith is an entity, that if we allow to grow, will be able to carry us over every mountain, across every river, and beyond evern desert that life may through our way.

I went to church today, not because of the weather, or because it is the right thing to do, but rather I went to church because I have faith in Jesus, and I wanted to go and worship Him. I went inspite of the storm. Let your faith soar beyond your physical sight, beyond your physical feelings, and beyond your mental emotions. Trust in Jesus for everything, I garauntee that you will not be disappointed!

Yours for Faith
Pastor Fred

A Child's Faith!

Well it's time again to bragg about my children! Sorry if you don't think it's appropriate, but when you have your own children you'll understand.

Anyway, My Son Ethan can be very spiritual sometimes, especially for being 4 years old. I've tried to teach him about prayer, faith and trusting Jesus. However, it usually affects him when someone has a booboo, or when he needs to take care of monsters at night. But, once in awhile he says and does something that is profound and has extraordinary faith involved.

It snowed here on Thursday, yeah!, but it rained on Friday. Well, this disappointed Ethan, as you can imagine. Children love to play out in the snow! It's pure and white, beautiful, and peaceful. Kids love it! So Friday morning Ethan asked me to take some water and throw it up into the sky so we could have more snow! (Is that profound, and understanding for a 4 year old or what!) Anyway, I try to be truthful and honest with my children, and told him I couldn't do that, but, I said, Jesus could. So I lead Ethan in a simple prayer of faith for more snow.

Well, all Thursday while we had the snow everyone said that it was going to be warm all weekend. (between 11 and 14 degrees Celcius) This would make sure that we wouldn't have any snow. So, I went to town on Friday after lunch, a couple hours after Ethan prayed, and behold everyone was talking about the snow storm we were now supposed to get! The forcast changed in a matter of hours from no snow to a bunch of snow. (15 centimeters I think)

If we could just learn to have the absolute unconditional faith of children this world would be filled with the wonders of the divine working in our lives! Too, often we let doubt and life cloud our minds, and we can no longer see into the unsee world of faith, hope, love and peace! Shed your doubt and "realism" and let true child like faith work in your life today!

Yours for Faith,
Pastor Fred

Believing is Seeing...

Many people look at life through this looking glass: "Seeing is Believing." And, for the most part it does people well, and even can lead you into some success. If you can see it, it must be so.

However, there is a better way to approach life: "Believing is Seeing." What? You want me to believe in something before I'll see it? In a manner of speaking, yes! The Bible doesn't start with a dissertation about why or why not to believe in God, creation and spiritual things, it just makes a simple, complete declaration. God expects us to believe that He is. No display of power (other than the creation of the universe). No physical form. Just a declaration.

Let me put it this way. If you do not believe that God is, that God loves, that God is interested in every part of your life, then you are not likely to see the many ways that He interacts with you, blessing you, helping you, saving you.

Have you ever encountered a "miracle", something that was not explainable, but you are still alive because of it today? Have you ever had a close shave? These are all times when the Almighty God sent His angels to minister life to you! He cares about you and wants you to meet with Him personally, and He will do anything to lead you to His side.

Have you ever gone through something in your life that was really rough? A sickness, trouble at work, family problems or other such pain? Many times this is God trying to wake us up and bring us close to Him. During a time like this have you ever called out for help, asked "why me" or prayed. This is exactly what Jesus wanted. He wants us to know Him, and often the only thing that will open our eyes to the truth is pain.

In closing, just remember that sometimes you must believe in something before you can really see and understand it. "Believing is Seeing!"

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Jesus has a treat in His pocket for You!

(Note: this is an outline of my Sunday Morning Message, and is and expansion from my previous post, which the Lord directed me to prepare.)

Phi 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. (5) Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (6) In nothing be anxious; but in everything 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 guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

Phi 4:19 And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

------------------Quick word Study from verses-------------------

• Rejoice : Means "to be happy, to be well, to thrive, to be glad, and to rejoice exceedingly."
• Moderation/Forbearance : Means "that which is appropriate, mild (mannered), gentle, equitable, suitable and fair." (related to self-control).
• Careful/Anxious : Means "to be troubled with cares, to care for (as in looking out for a thing/person), to seek to promote one's interests, and caring or providing for."
• Need : Means "employment, needs, necessities, occasion, demand, requirment or destitution."

---------------------------------------------------------

INTRODUCTION
Do you remember as a child being around senior citezens or your grandparents? They always seemed to have something in their pockets or purse to give you! They had some kind of treat whether a piece of gum, candy or a bar. It was always enduring, and you remembered who usually had a treat to give!

I. We often short change our blessings by short changing other people in need.

In verse "19" Paul is declaring the blessings of God upon a group of people. So often we too claim this verse as our own promise out of trouble. However, we often miss the punch line!
Phi 4:14-18 Howbeit ye did well that ye had fellowship with my affliction. (15) And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only; (16) for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need. (17) Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account. (18) But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.

The Philippian Church was a rather poor church, but they always dug deep and gave extra. They travelled great distances to supply the needs of Paul their founder and leader. It seems that when no one else was giving the Philippians gave all the more.
Because they didn't regard their own misfortune and destitution, but gave willingly to the cause of Christ, they were going to be rewarded with a great blessing and provision from God!
So Often as Christians, and even those outside the Church give, because we know that we will receive a blessing in return. WRONG ANSWER! We should be ashamed of ourselves! We must change our way of thinking. We must not give to get, but rather we must give to bless others, and the work of God willingly, without thought of return!

God Loves a Cheerful giver!

II. Anxiety and worry often thwart our best efforts to live within the kingdom and according to His will!

Have you ever worried when the next bill was going to be paid? Have you ever been anxious about when you where going to get more groceries? Have the welfare of your families ever been a concern for you?

Too often we base our feelings and opinions on the circumstances around us, and by what we can see! However, my jesus is bigger than all your fears, worries, cares and troubles. We often let life dictate our fears, but let us learn to cast all of our cares on him for He truly cares about us!
I'm not telling you to quit your job, to stop providing for your family, or even to stop caring about your family, but I am saying we need to start learning to view things God's way!
As someone once said, "See a need, fill a need!" When we help each other out of love and compassion, with the purpose to further the kingdom of God. He steps in and fills your needs!

III. Yes, These two thoughts are part of the same truth!
When we stop worring about ourselves and leave it in His hands, we will begin to see other peoples needs too! We don't stop working and taking care of ourselves and families, but we do leave the worry behind. Do what you can and leave the rest up to Jesus! By leaving worry and cares with Jesus, he can then show us someone else in need. Using what you have fulfill that need, and Jesus in turn will show someone else you have a need and it will be fulfilled!

IV. Keep your attitude right!
(Read Matthew 6:24-34)

Mat 6:31-34 Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

A right attitude does not seek to promote itself, but rather seeks to promote Jesus and His kingdom first! How do you spell Joy?

Jesus Others You!

When we learn to practise this proper attitude we are walking "in the light as He is in the light!" We are living by His commands, and we are His Children. Jesus knows how to take care of His children. He has a pocket full of treats for His kids!

Joh 15:9-12 Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love. (10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. (11) These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. (12) This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you.

When we trust fully in jesus, He will take care of us!

Jesus has a bandaid in His pocket....

Don't children just say the cutest things sometimes!?

We spend quite a bit of time teaching our children the value of prayer and that Jesus is always by your side read to help, and protect you. Once in a while we see the fruit of this labour in what they say!

My two older children love band aids and whenever one or the other gets a small cut or scrape they both "need" to have a band aid to cover their "blood".

Well my 4 year old has been developing a pimple on his nose for a couple of days, and today he finally noticed that is was there. He immediately started to complain about it and asked for a band aid. I told him that he didn't need a band aid and that it would go away in a couple of days. His simple straightforward response was profound, momentous and absolutely sweet:

"Jesus has a band aid for me. He has a band aid in his pocket."

Jesus does have a band aid in his pocket. He has something for everything we go through, do to our self, and for every time we slip up and fall. Jesus is always there by your side!

Jesus loves you more than anything and has a band aid in his pocket for you!

Yours for the Kingdom,
Pastor Fred

Feed Your ... Victory!

For the past few days I've been studying with a series of DVD Lessons from the Bible College 5 out of the "First United Pentecostal Church of Wichita." Pastor Cornwell is an awesome teacher! Here is a nugget of Gold which I found in the second lesson.

(this of course is my own personal spin and vernacular!)

So often we base our feelings, attitude and daily character on our circumstance, which are currently surrounding us. Due to this fact we are more often in an attitude of defeat, rather than sounding the trumpet of victory! We allow the attitudes, feelings and negative vibes that are around us to influence how we act. We should not let other people dictate to us how we should feel, act or live. We need to push past the negative and demonstrate our faith, love and worship to Jesus verbally, physically and emotionally! The trumpet of victory is always preceded by those who would try to stop moving forward, by murmurers, by wet blankets and other such negative influence. Yet, in the midst of all that there will be strong leadership that will urge us onward toward victory.
We can even learn to live in a spirit of victory! An attitude, which doesn't derive it's passion and emotion from the present circumstances, but rather feeds itself off of past victories, present faith and future hope! Don't let your circumstance dictate defeat, rather let your faith push you to certain victory!
Learn to make victory a habit!

Yours for the Kingdom of Christ,
Pastor Fred

When God Respects You your deliverance is near!

Greetings in Jesus Name!

The following is a message that I prepared for Sunday Morning November 5, 2006. The outline is rather short, and contains a couple word studies, however, I trust you will also get the message.

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WHEN GOD RESPECTS YOU

Exodus 2:23-25

And it came to pass in the course of those many days, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. (24) And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. (25) And God saw the children of Israel, and God took knowledge of them.

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WORD STUDY:

In the King James Version of the Bible the phrase "and God took knowledge of them" reads "and God had respect unto them."

The words respect or knowledge are a hebrew word (yawdah) which means: to know. It means - "to perceive and see, find out and discern; to consider". It's Greek counter part (ginosko): to know means - "to be taking in knowledge, to come to know, understand, or to understand completely".

These words are often used in the sense of approving; and "because God knew" - had respect for and approved of, them, therefore He was determined to deliever them.

or as another comentary put it:

"God heard their crying, and remembered His covenant with the fathers: "and God saw the Children of Israel, and God noticed them." God's notice had all the energy of LOVE and PITY. He accepted them!

In Exodus 3:7,8 God investigated the cry He heard, and when He heard, saw, understood, and remembered He planned the best course of action to deliever.

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One scripture tells us that God is looking for ways to bless us! He is searching out methods, plans which will benefit His people!

--> Sometimes this means we have to go through some nasty stuffy.

--> In this nasty stuff we are drawn to prayer.

--> When our cry reaches God, He begins to investigate!

--> When He understands and knows everything about our situation He acts accordingly!

Have you ever heard the statement, "I appreciate your situation...." That is kind of what God is saying to us. "I have heard what you are saying, praying and crying, and I appreciate what you are going through, now this is what I'm going to do about it!"

Let's look at a few other situations in which a cry came up before God.

-- Abel's Blood cried unto God for vengeance. God investigated and took appropriate action.

-- David made a regular practice of crying to God. Psalms 18:6

-- The wicked deeds and spilled blood of Sodom and Gomorrah cried unto God for justice, and He came down and investigated. Genesis 18:21; 19:13

-- Cornelius's Prayer built a memorial to God! Acts 10

Summary

When God has respect to you he investigates your need, sees what you are going through, understands how you feel, remembers the promise He gave you and plots the best possible deliverance for your situation!

It may take some time, but He'll be right on time. So, don't delay make your request known to God!

Philippians 4:6

Let God know what you are going through, how you feel, and be thankful for what He has done, is doing and will do!

God bless you!

Using the Enemy's Weapons against them!

Did you know that the military strategy of using an enemy's weapon, strategy, offensive and/or attack against them was instituted by divine will? Yes, God was the first to use this kind of a strategy! Let me describe the story.

Adam and Eve where created by God as told in Genesis chapters one and two. Each day God would come down off His throne in Glory and visit with His creation. A relationship grew, and it seems that God chose the cool of the day for His visits.

In the mean time, Lucifer, who had been cast out of heaven, was planning an attack so daring it required his own personal touch, and not that of a lowly imp. He made his way into the garden enough times that, at least to Eve, he seemed to be familiar. When the timing was right, and Eve was passing near the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he tempted, beguiled and deceived her. She ate the forbidden fruit, and took a portion for Adam, whom she convinced to eat too.

There eyes where now opened to a whole new world of possibilities: Good versus Evil! Not only this, but they had sinned against God disobeying His one and only "thou shalt not."

Lucifer thought he had won, and for many centuries it seemed he had, but God told him, Adam and Eve that He would take this seemingly brilliant victory, and turn it against Lucifer. God was going to use the very thing, Adam and Eve, that Lucifer was using to get back at God, to redeem, save and bring humanity back into a divine relationship with Himself!

Gen 3:15 And there will be war between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed: by him will your head be crushed and by you his foot will be wounded

Sometimes you may feel like satan has won a victory over you, however, don't dispare God is still in control, and through Jesus Christ will turn that victory into a defeat! We are more that conquerors through Jesus Christ who loves us! Jesus is on your side so who possibly can be against you and win!

Yours for the Kingdom,
Pastor Fred

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