They will Fall

I have been reading Isaiah for awhile lately, and a thought occurred to me as I was reading. There is chapter after chapter of doom and gloom for many nations and kings, not just for Israel. It was after a few nations had been prophesied to destruction that I realized these are all nations who rose up in fame, power, glory and greed. These are all nations who because of their riches didn't put their trust in God. These are all nations who rose up against the children of God!

No for some heart searching questions:

1. Is it possible that nations rise and fall based upon their relationship with God?

If so my country could be in for a rude awakening! We have gotten so far from God it is getting scary.

2. Is it possible that nations are judged upon their treatment of God's people?

3. Is it possible that governments will be put to ruin because of the evil bills that they pass?

4. Is it possible that governments and nations could have greater prosperity if they turn back to God, and institute more righteousness in our schools, court rooms, and cabinet meetings?

These are questions that should seriously be thought about and a solution that brings us back to Jesus should be Implemented!

Yours for a closer walk with God,
Pastor Fred

Fire! Fire!

When someone yells, "Fire!, Fire!" What is the first thing that comes to mind? Stop. Drop. Roll. Call 911. Get water. What comes to mind when you are alerted about a fire? Too, many of us fire is considered dangerous, and we shy away from it as much as possible. Sure, we may heat our homes with, and it may be the driving force in many of our vehicles, but other than that we don't like fire. Forest fires destroy much of our real estate every year. Fires destroy many homes every year. The list could go on and on. However, there is some elements of fire that we must understand before we can truly understand its power, potential and so we can loose our fear of it.

First, fire starts with a single spark which then combusts with something else and oxygen to form a flame. This flame then becomes larger as it consumes whatever it comes in contact with. This is the reason that fire can be so dangerous. However, fire needs oxygen and a slight breeze to burn. Take away oxygen and the fire dies very quickly.

You may be wondering by now what in the world is this crazy preacher talking about fire for? Well, let me get into it.

I would like everyone to become a fire, in a sense. Why, What do you mean?

1. Fire consumes whatever is around it. If we are going to change our world for the better, and impact lives for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ then we must become a spiritual fire that will leap onto those who are near us, and consume them! Every ideal, proposal, business plan, must light a fire under those who hear and read them or they will surely die. We must possess and display such a passion about what we believe in that it must consume those who see and hear it!

2. Fire needs oxygen and fuel to burn. We must be a source of continual inspiration and substance for people to feed off of. We also, must be connected to the ultimate source - Jesus Christ. We must get in His presence and feed upon His Word as often each day as we can. Thus, we will be able to impact other peoples lives more easily!

What do you get excited about? What gets you going? What do you enjoy talking about? Learn how you feel when you are doing those things, and then get just as excited about Jesus, and let your flame burn!

Burning for Christ,
Pastor Fred

Happily Married Ever After.....

I believe I've discovered on of the greatest Marriage tips. I've known about it in the back of my head for awhile, but I actually got to the place where it worked for me! It is so secret that your spouse doesn't even have to know that you are doing it!

What is this powerful weapon of marital success? What is this secret that is so subtle in its approach that the recipient won't even realize it?

PRAY and Living in the Presence of Jesus!

What? I pray and still don't get along with my spouse.... Your are wrong! No I'm not wrong! Just sit back and read. Let this simple truth sink in and take root.

Pray as most people know it is simply a forum for us to bring our complaints to Jesus; our needs, wants and desires. However, true prayer isn't just a forum for us to talk about us, and other people's needs, rather prayer is a meeting, conversation, relationship of time spent between two friends. Time well spent between a Father and child; that is true prayer!

Prayer is a time of relationship between Jesus and you. The more time you spend in the presence of Jesus the more you will become like Him! If you let His Spirit come in, and wash over you the light of His presence will make you see things differently! The Holy Spirit and The Word of God will work together, and grow you into a new spiritual creature in Christ Jesus!

Now I'm not talking about just a few minutes here and a few minutes there. I'm talking about relationship prayer; prayer closet prayer. I am talking about taking time out each day to be with Jesus; 30 minutes to more than an hour. This type of relationship prayer spills over into the rest of your day and life. You will find yourself spontaneously bursting into praise, prayer and worship throughout your day!

Then, when your spirit becomes in tune with His Spirit your life will be changed.

Now, how does this effect your marriage? Well, those little things that we all dislike our spouses doing, no matter how small become insignificant. Instead of seeing those negative qualities, we begin to focus on the wonderful things, which made us fall in love with that person in the first place. We are no longer finding ways to pick a fight, but instead we are finding ways to love.

The Bible tells us that, "perfect love casts out all fear," and "Love covers a multitude of sins." If we truly have the presence of Jesus in our lives we will have this "true" love, and it will spill over into your marriage!

So if you are having marital problems, sure go find a counselor to help, but also try to get close to Jesus who will in turn help you get close to your spouse! Pray like you've never prayed before! Stay in your closet of prayer until you feel His presence, like arms enfold you! Make it your lifestyle!

Then you will be happily married ever after!

Yours for a great marriage,
Pastor Fred

This is the Day that the Lord has made!

Good morning one and all! What a wonderful day this is! God is so Good, so righteous, so loving, so merciful; I love Him with all of my being!

There is a song that we sing, which also is a scripture; a Psalm of David.

This is the Day,
This is the Day,
That the Lord has made,
That the Lord has made,
I will rejoice,
I will rejoice,
and be glad in it,
and be glad in it.
This is the day that the Lord has made,
I will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the Day,
This is the Day,
That the Lord has made!

Did you realize that your attitude in the morning can reflect upon the remainder of the day? As a matter of fact a joyful attitude in the morning can help you stay joyful no matter what happens through the remainder of the day!

It is amazing what a godly attitude can do for your soul! Thankfulness and joy to God is healthy for you mind, and for all who come in contact with you!

So I challenge you to pray this morning (or whenever you read this) and get a thankful, joyful attitude before God and man!

Yours for the Day the Lord has made!
Pastor Fred

Daily Repentance...important or unimportant?

While praying this afternoon I received an inspiration!

Before I discuss this inspiration let me ask some questions, which will lay the foundation for our premis.

• Do you ever feel like you and God are not on the same page, frequency or station?
• Do you ever wonder why your prayers are not seemingly being answered favorably?
• Do you ever have a hard time praying?
• When you are finished praying do you feel better, worse or the same?

Now on to our premis: Daily Repentance...important or unimportant?

If you are a practicing Christian then you will probably say "Ofcourse repentance is necessary!" However, do you understand why? Maybe, maybe not.... Here is a little discussion about repentance.

Notice my title mentions "DAILY REPENTANCE" most people understand that repenting of sins if important, however, how often do you repent? This is the question which must be answered very honestly! Scripture has much to say about prayer, and repentance. Let us look at some of these verses.

• First let us look at Matthew 6:9-15
• 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
  Our Father in heaven,
  Hallowed be Your name.
  10 Your kingdom come.
  Your will be done
  On earth as it is in heaven.
  11 Give us this day our daily bread.
  12 And forgive us our debts,
  As we forgive our debtors.
  13 And do not lead us into temptation,
  But deliver us from the evil one.
  For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.^[a]
  
  14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Notice there is much in the "LORD's PRAYER" that requires us to repent and forgive. Notice the outline of this prayer: 1. Praise (Praising God for Being God) 2. Will of God (Praying about God's will to be done in our lives) 3. Petitions and Requests (Daily needs) 4. Repentance (notice this repentance is based upon our continued show of mercy and forgiveness to others) (also, note verses 14, and 15! Jesus will not forgive if we do not forgive!) Finally, 5. Praise and Worship.

Jesus teaches us here that whenever we pray we should include this simple outline in our prayer, which includes much needed repentance.

Personally, while I am praising at the beginning of my prayer I usually repent, as I find that it makes me more open to the Word of God, presence of God, voice of God and the leading of His Spirit.

• Second Scripture: Philippians 2:12, 13
• ASV So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (13) for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.
  

Here Paul the Apostle is exorting the Philippian church to obey the teachings that he taught them. He makes is personal by telling the to "work out their own salvation with fear and trembling". As much as God is a God of Love, He is also a God of Holiness, Righteousness and Justice. Another scripture tells us that "it is a fearful thing to fall into the Hands of a Holy God." Therefore, Paul is implying, along with many other things, that a daily prayer life, which should include a humble attitude and repentance is very important!

If you haven't answered the above questions with these two verses then let me close with this summary.

First, an attitude of forgiveness toward everyone on our part is important. Without it we can't be forgiven of God. If we aren't forgiven of God then our prayers will most likely be answered with a resounding "NO"! In order to come into the presence of God through prayer, we must enter without any baggage. No weights or sins are allowed into the throne room of God. Therefore, if we are to gain audience with Jesus we must first repent of our sins!

As an illustration: I've been walking with God for most of my life, and I was brought up to fear, trust and pray to Jesus as my Saviour and Friend. However, as I'm only a lowly human, I can still make mistakes, and fall short of God's Glory. Therefore, no matter how long I am a Christian there is still and need for daily repentance.

I wouldn't want to miss the Second Coming of Jesus, and the taking away of His Church because I forgot to repent that day, and I had sinned! (Food for Thought!)

Yours for Daily Repentance,
Pastor Fred

A Time for Renovations!

What a Week! It has been a very looooooong week! Yet, it hasn't been a long week in a bad sense. I've been extremely busy renovating. We gutted out our dinning room, and renewed it from floor to ceiling! What a job, it took us all week, as I had to work most of the week. Now at the beginning of the new week we are basically finished. Just a few nick knacks to fix up.

So, on account of this I haven't had time to write my thoughts this past week. Now, let me share something that I feel is very important.

While we were busy renovating this week the Lord Jesus impressed upon me the importance of renovations not just in a home, but also in the spiritual life of a person. Everyone of us needs to undergo a period of renovations every once in awhile so we can keep out the junk that the devil, this world, and our old carnal nature tries to hide in us.

Webster describes renovation as:

• 1. the act of renewing, a making new after decay, destruction, or deprivation; renewal; as the renovation of the heart by grace.
• I looked up Renovating and it refered me to Renewing: -- 1. Making new again; repairing; re-establishing; repenting; reviving; renovating.
• Romans 12:2

In order to renovate we must first take out the junk, decay, depravity and destruction. We need to lay aside our weights and sins which distract us from walking with Jesus. We need to separate ourselves from things that are worldly, and lead away from God. We need to repent which is a turning away from something, and get baptized, which is a washing away of the dirtiness of this world and sin.

• Hebrews 12:1
• 2 Corinthians 6:16, 17
• Acts 2:38

Next we must rebuild after we take out all those bad things in our lives. For, if we don't put something back in, something other than God will find its way into our hearts and take us over again. Luke 11:24, 25

We need to fill our lives with the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, for we are the living temple of the Holy Spirit. We must put on Jesus Christ, and the Whole armor of God. We need to become the image of Christ, so that when people look at us they see Jesus instead. We must fill our selves with the Spirit so much that we portray the fruit of the Spirit.

• Acts 2:38
• 1 Corinthians 6:19
• Romans 13:12-14
• Galatians 3:27
• Ephesians 4:24
• Ephesians 6:11
• Colossians 3:10
• Galatians 5:22, 23
  
• Colossians 3:12-14

Regular renovation will ensure that we stay close to Jesus, and that we are always fresh and alive in the Spirit. We can't afford to become stagnant or stale for then we will open ourselves up to something that we really don't want in.

If we don't renovate our lives we will not be saved from God's wrath to come!
If we do not renovate our lives we will not be able to understand what God's will it!

I want to know what God desires of me!

Yours for Christ,
Pastor Fred

PS. These are not images or our renovations! Just some I took off the Internet for emphasis.

My Revolution: Organization

Well its only been a few days, but it already feels like a year long journey!

I've determined to revolutionize myself, and among other things become organized, and stay organized. I must teach myself to be organized! I must force myself to be organized! I must live a life every day that is organized! (to a certain extent)

I went to my office at the Church and re organized it. At work I re organized the way I work and plan for each day. I keep more notes - so I don't forget important things!

Organization is extremely hard work!

A revolution is extremely hard work!

There are some things in life that we must be willing to sacrifice for, and there are other things that we never sacrifice!

Things that can be sacrificed:

• Time (there is never enough so sacrifice it for the right reasons.)
• Energy (you only have so much so make sure you know what your doing it for.)
• Food (only eat to live never live to eat.)
• Material Things (stuff only weighs you down, only have what you need, and never get attached to it for it only lasts so long.)

Things that should never be sacrificed, but sacrificed for:

• Jesus Christ (never sacrifice your relationship with Jesus for anything! You'll regret it sooner than later.)
• Your Family (family is only second in importance to God, and above all else! Do not let anything get between you and your family and Jesus!)
• The Holy Bible of God's Word (refer to number one)
• Prayer (refer to number one)

So often we put importance on things that are not really important. The Bible tells us to "buy truth and sell it not." There are so things in life that are priceless, and should not be traded once we have obtained them!

• Truth
• Love
• Friendship
• Family
• Jesus
• Honesty
• Moral Values
• Forgiveness
• Faith
• Joy
• Peace

The list could go on for a long time, as could both of the previous lists. Yet, the point here is what are you willing to sacrifice for? I've made some decisions to sacrifice what time and energy I need to in order to be organized, what are you going to change in your life?

As i mentioned in my previous two posts, Jesus is and must be an integral part of my revolution in order for it to work. Is your revolution Jesus worthy? Would Jesus be happy to help you, or would he have to say no to your offer?

Find Jesus and you'll find something worth living for and with!

Yours for a revolution with Jesus,
Pastor Fred

Revolution through Jesus Christ! It can be Done!

Romans 7:24, 25a
O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

These verse have helped me to actually make revolutionary change! If you were to read the context of these verse you would find that Paul the Apostle was talking about the battle that goes on within each of us between good and evil. Paul describes it something like this:

When I try to do good I can't, and instead I do something wrong. When I try not to do something wrong the carnal nature in me will not allow me to do right. How can I get out of this conundrum!

Sunday I preached a message from these verses, and it was most definitely for me! It seemed everyone got something from the message, but I personally acted upon these convictions Sunday evening. But first let me explain what I'm describing above.

We try to make resolutions every year, and almost every year we through the resolutions out the back door. This year I want not to make resolutions, but to make a revolution in my life! Like Paul's description of our human state I am often stuck in this rut. Resolutions are made by individuals, and often tried to be enforced by individuals, but a revolution takes more than one person! It might start with one, but it spreads and soon a group of people are raising up and making permanent change!

Notice what the first part of verse 25 said: "...Through Jesus Christ our Lord." We Can have a revolution in our lives, make these changes and maintain these changes, but we must have help! We must have a group, and you and Jesus definitely makes a group! Romans 8:31 tells us that If God be for us who can be against us!

So, if you want to jump on the band wagon with me to start a personal revolution first you must get a hold of Jesus! Repentance is the start of a revolution! Turn from the direction you are taking, and turn unto Jesus, and he will lead you into a personal revolution!

It can be done! You can do it!

Your for a revolution
Pastor Fred

Resolutions or Revolutions

New Year is here again, and it's time for us to re-evalutate our lives, make changes, do things differently and love a little harder.

So many people make resolutions, which Webster defines as

• "1. Fixed purpose or determination of mind; as a resolution to reform our lives; a resolution to undertake an expedition.
  
• 2. The effect of fixed purpose; firmness, steadiness or constancy in execution, implying courage."

It is a resolve to make changes, but so many times there is no action, back bone or determintation to actually make the necessary changes you've decided to do. Often I feel that resolutions are so common place that we don't feel bad to neglect them, or forget them altogether. Things that are common place don't hold very much value, but like the old saying "you don't no somethings value until its gone." People don't value water until they don't have it any morel. People don't value friendship and love, until they are all alone with no one around. People don't value anything really until they don't have it anymore.
I believe its time for a revolution instead of resolutions!
The Wikipedia describes a revolution as:

• A revolution (from Late Latin revolutio which means "a turn around") is a significant change that usually occurs in a relatively short period of time. Variously defined revolutions have been happening throughout human history. They vary in terms of numbers of their participants (revolutionaries), means employed by them, duration, motivating ideology and many other aspects. They may result in a socio-political change in the socio-political institutions, or a major change in a culture or economy.

A complete turn around! It is much like the word we use to describe our part in the salvation process - repentance. A revolution and repentance are basically the same thing! They both describe going one direction and then seeing the error of that way and making a complete U-turn, and going the opposite direction!
All of our lives need a revolution! We are travelling, many of us, down a road, which the Bible describes as, "the end thereof are the ways of destruction!" It is time we got some determination, back bone and stood up to ourselves, and make a revolution that we can look back on with pride and resolution. Let us be able to say of this day, "that was the day I changed my life for the better!" May we also be able to say, "I gave my life to Jesus, and Oh, what a change!"

Revolutionize your resolutions, and really make change in your life!

Yours for positive change,
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

One Week Left, and I'm up before 6:30am!

Micah, my youngest boy - 14 months - woke up briefly at about five after 6 this morning! I walked him back to sleep rather quickly so now at about 6:40 am I'm writing in my blog. I didn't figure that it would be much point going back to bed for about a half hour - my alarm is set for quarter to seven. So, here I am taking a great opportunity to talk to you; my blog friends!

It's one week until Christmas! This time next week we will most likely be celebrating the Birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ! I'm so excited!

What do you get excited about? In general I mean? Not necessarily about Christmas, but what in your life gets you excited? Here are some things that get me excited:

• When I'm being spontaneous with my wife!
• When I see my children doing something cute, special, funny and or profound!
• When I watch my oldest, Ethan, pray and God answers His prayer - pretty much every time! (For example: It has snowed every time my son has prayed for "Jesus to throw more snow or water up in the air so that it will snow.")
• When someone repents of their sins, and/or gets baptized in Jesus Name for the remission of their sins, and/or receives the Gift of the Holy Spirit into their spirit. (I say and/or because it doesn't always happen one after the other.)
• During Holiday's when I'm celebrating something about Jesus. i.e. Easter, Penecost Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas...
• When I get to buy something for someone and watch them get excited when they receive it.
• When God answers my prayers, and/or when God blesses me just because!
• When God opens a door for me to witness to someone about His greatness, grace, love and mercy!

There is so much more I could say, but I think you can see how I work from this short list. Again I would like to know - "what makes you excited?" This is a very particularly excited time of the year, so maybe it would be a good time to reflect about this. So often we go through life and do not take time to reflect on our own lives. Looking back over your own life can be a very helpful way to see what direction your life is currently taking, and maybe will give you the opportunity to see that you need to make some very important changes.

The Bible tells us in the Proverbs that there "is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end of that way are the ways of destruction!" During this last week before we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, take time to reflect, and see what needs to be changed. Nothing would excite me more if I know of someone who gave their life, spirit, soul and body to Jesus during this Christmas season!

Don't wait to get right with Jesus! NOW! is the time, to day is the day of salvation! Take care of your spirit, and soul's eternity now! The longer you wait the harder it gets. Don't get me wrong nothing is impossible with God, but I found that the longer people live in sin and their own will the hard it is for them to let go, and let God have His way! Jesus is here right now! Just reach out and touch Him, as He passes by. He isn't to busy to here your hearts cry. He is passing by this moment your needs to supply. Jesus is here right now, reach out and touch Him, as He goes by!

Don't ever for get that Jesus really does love you!

Your's for and exciting Christmas with Jesus!
Pastor Fred

In Everything Give Thanks!

This was one of those days that you could write home about! WOW! It was really great! Work went smoothly for a change, it just seemed everything worked out right!

The Bible tells us in Thessalonians, "in everything Give Thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus Concerning you!" I realized something today in the midst of all the hustle and bustle that we ought to remember to thank God for the good days, and during the bad days remember the good ones so we can find something to thank God for!

I'm not too much into "positive thinking", however, I've learnt that if you set your mind frame to think joyfully, thankfully, and in a positive and cheerful maner that the day usually turns out much better than if you don't really determine to look at life any particular way.

We all know that a grumpy person tends to get grumpier, so that same should hold true for that of a person with a thankful and cheerful outlook on life!

So, here is my challenge to you! Instead of just letting life slip by tonight and tommorrow change your frame of mind and be thankful in every situation, be cheerful, kind and curtious, and finally put a big smile one your face. Next, go out the front door, and go conquer your day in Jesus Name!

I Dare you to try this! I can garantee it will change your life! (PS> if it doesn't work for you, you've missed something very important so go back and try again!)

Yours with a thankful heart!
Pastor Fred

What's In Your Mind!

One of the main ways the devil attacks people is through implanting thoughts in our minds!

Beware of this deadly trick. It has the ability to ruin your life in the matter of minutes!

For example, last night for no real apparent reason my temper just blew up! I got a bit nasty with my kids for a bit until I realized that I don't act like this. Normally I'm pretty calm, and my tempt takes along time to blow if ever. I began to rebuke this state of mind, and pray in Jesus Name, and it wasn't very long until I was at peace again and calm.

If during the run of a day you begin to think weird stuff, things that you normally wouldn't, try talking to Jesus about it. He has this amazing ability to turn your life around, and calm your mind and spirit! Cast all your care upon Him for He Cares for you!

Check what's on your mind, and steer clear of the devils devices!

Yours for a peaceful mind,
Pastor Fred

What side of the bed do you like?

Here is a thought for you to ponder? When you get up in the morning, which side is more common, the grumpy side or the happy side?

How you get up in the morning can determine how you spend the rest of the day. If you wake up grumpy it can be most difficult to put a true joyful smile on you face. Unless of course your boss gives you a 25% raise, your wife cooks our favorite breakfast, or you win the lottery! (you get the point!)

My suggestion this morning, and a lovely one it is, is to make up your mind first thing that your are going to have a great day, and you most definitely will! Determine that nothing is going to give you the blues, make you upset or cause you loose your temper. When you make this kind of resolution, and then ask Jesus to give you a helping hand there isn't anything that can stop you!

And if you like good music tune into www.klove.com for you listening pleasure, and it will help make you smile, and even laugh throughout your day!

God Bless and Happy Mood Change!

Pastor Fred

Humming your way to a smile!

Yesterday morning I began singing some of the old hymns, which have some beautiful words, and great stirring tunes! Hymns such as: "I am Thine oh, Lord", "Draw me nearer", "Isn't He Wonderful!" What a great way to start a morning! It puts a smile on the face, stirs up the spirit, sets a wonderful mood for the day, and connects one with Jesus!

A scripture comes to mind: "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. " Ephesians 5:18-20

Why do most people go to the club and have a beer or wine? Couple reasons: 1. They are going to have a good time, and unload from a long day or week. 2. They are trying to forget a bad time or something that is bothering them. In other words they aren't happy and they are trying to be happy!

They easiest and best way to a smile is to sing a song in your heart to the Lord! Something fast or slow, that really doesn't matter. What matters is that its a song you like, and that uplifts your spirit!

That is one reason why I listen to www.klove.com on me computer at home and work. Because it helps put an uplifting song in my soul. From there it grows and helps keep the whole day in focus and enjoyable!

Try it sometime and you will soon be humming your way to a smile!

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Fred