Purposed Righteousness!

During my Bible reading this morning I read a verse that I plan to integrate into my life!


Psalm 17:3b ..."I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress"

This should be a life verse for everyone!  David the great psalmist wrote some of the most poignant literature that there is, and this is no exception.  I wonder what would happen in this world if people would begin to purpose that they were going to talk right?


Just like the old quote, "you are what you eat," the same is true, "you are what you speak!"  We must learn to use right words.  Let us not be crass and obnoxious, but let us learn to speak with wisdom, thought, understanding and tact.


The lost art of being tactful is all but gone, and people don't seem to care what they say or write to each other.  This is a degradation of society that is really a shame.  We must purpose in our own minds that we are going to do what is right.  We must purpose that we are going to take responsibility for our own actions, words and ways.  We must purpose that we are going to do what is necessary to change our lives!


Did you know that you have available the greatest asset to a mind set and life change?  His name is Jesus!  He has offered us all the resources and help that we will ever need to have a fulfilled and successful life.  Jesus gives us assistance through the power of His Holy Spirit and ministering angels.  Through a daily lifestyle of prayer and Bible reading and study we can gain all the insight and instruction that we need to life a peaceable and successful life!


Don't ever complain that you are alone in this life, because Jesus is just a prayer away!


Your's for the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
Pastor Fred

Leaving your Promise because of the Famine!

I know many people who have traded in their promise from God, because of hardship, sickness, temptations, trials, distress, pain, and/or loss that has torn at the heart of their life.

In the Bible Abramhan and Sarah did the very same thing, and it just about cost them their lives and the lives of the nation of Egypt.

They were living in their promised land, doing the will of God, and then famine hit the Canaan land area. So instead of walking by faith and not by sight they picked up their bags and belongings and headed down to Egypt, which wasn't hit by famine. Egypt in scripture seems to have always been a type or allegory of sin or living in this world, and not in the Kingdom of Heaven; a type of worldliness, wickedness, ungodliness and so on. So, Abraham and Sarah left their promise, and went away from God's will to let the "world" and the pleasures of sin take care of their needs for the time being!

It is never appropriate to let this world supply our needs and pleasures no matter how short we say that we will stay! If we trust in Jesus and rely on his Word, staying true to his promises, commands and obey, then he will make sure the "people of this world" will take care of us!

While in Egypt Abraham was scared that he was going to die for the sake of Sarah his wife, because she was so beautiful! There is one reason NOT to go to Egypt if you ask me! So, they said that Sarah was his sister, and Pharaoh almost married her! God had to step in and just about destroy Egypt with a plague so that Abraham and Sarah would get back to His promise and will!

It never pays to leave the will of God just to sooth your pain and anguish! Jesus died on the cross for that very reason! We must learn to completely trust in Jesus for everything in our lives! Does that mean do nothing, and just sit around and wait? NO! NO! NO!

Jesus told us to obey his commandments, and to occupy until he comes! We must work, but we must work and pray will doing God's will and commandments, and living within the promises that he has given us! Each one of us probably has a different promise that God wants us to fulfill, and each one of us is unique in the sight of God, so we must not let what others are doing turn us aside from our spiritual promise!

Let us be like Joseph, who endured through the hardships, distresses, pain, anguish and loss so that he could fulfill God's will even though he couldn't see where God was going to take him! Joseph went from Daddy's favorite and God's little dreamer to a hurt, bruised boy at the bottom of a pit. He went from a pit to slavery. From slavery to seduction. From seduction to prison. From prison to dreams. From dreams to being the President of Egypt! Even in death Joseph was still living in God's promise and will by requesting to have his bones taken from Egypt and buried in the land that God had promised the nation of Israel!

Stick with Jesus he will see you through!

Yours through the famine,

Pastor Fred

Stages

I have been feeling like I'm about to enter a stage in my life. Something important is going to happen to me.

Have you ever felt like you have been going through stages?

It's kind of like being a child. Each year you get older you seem to enter a new stage, and as you get older those stages get longer and longer.

Infant to Toddler
Child to Teenie-bopper
Teenager
Young Adult
Adult hood.

However, once an adult the stages don't come so defined anymore.
It seems to come based on lessons in life to be learned.

I hope and pray I am ready for what Jesus has in store for my life!
"Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary!"

What stage are you in? Are you ready for the glory of God!?

Yours for Jesus
Fred

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

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!

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

Fingerprints!

Was just listening to K-Love on my computer this morning while we where getting ready for church. The song playing was "Fingerprints of God" by Steven Curtis Chapman. I just had to write something about this truth!

The song says that we are covered with the fingerprints of God! What an awesome thought! This means that God has very close contact with everything we do in our lives! He is there right now by your side holding on to your hand, and making sure that you don't slip and fall!

John 10:28-30
28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

30I and my Father are one.

Jesus cares very much about you, and all he wants is to have his hands in your life!

Here is a thought....
If the CSI's of the spiritual realm where to investigate you what would they find? Would they find the Fingerprints of God all over you, or would you have someone else's fingerprints on you!?


Get a hold of Jesus, and let him get a hold of you!

Yours for His fingerprints,
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

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

The "Rather Than" Principle!

I've been trying to get the time to write this post since Monday evening, however, with the in laws visiting time is very short each day! So I'm up rather early just to write this post...., and get ready for work! LOL.

I started reading a book last week called "Beyond the Closet Door" by Freddi Trammell. She is an amazing writer! She is one of the prayer warriors that you'd read about in a book - no pun intended. She's written many books and is a travelling speaker. Anyway this book like many she writes is on prayer. I wanted to share a portion of the second chapter with you.

Trammell starts the chapter describing the story of a lady named Bernadette who was experiencing an extreme amount of pain. So, much that she missed church at times. On this particular occasion Bernadette hid away in her closet of prayer, and prayed a prayer something like this: "Lord, you know my physical condition. I do not understand why these knots are growing in the upper part of my body. The swelling is enormous, and the pain is almost unbearable. Jesus I am going to your house tonight. I desperately need a healing touch from you. I must seek medical help if I fail to receive help from You tonight."
Mrs. Trammell was speaking at the service Bernadette was going to that night. She spoke on prayer. During prayer time Mrs. Trammell was lead to call out Bernadette, who stepped forward. She and the congregation read and prayed Jeremiah 17:14 over Bernadette. To make the verse more personal they inserted Bernadette's name in place of the pronouns. They prayed --"Heal Bernadette, O Lord, and she shall be healed; save Bernadette, and she shall be saved; for thou art Bernadette's praise."
A jubilant Bernadette testified that while the Word was prayed she felt the sensation of a whirlwind of fire swirling through her chest area. All the knots had disappeared. The swelling had dissipated and the pain was gone!
(now I will quote from the book rather than paraphrase:)

Bernadette chose to BELIEVE the Master was her deliverer rather than to accept a disease into her body! She spent time alone with Him and God honored her honest confession and dependence upon Him.
The "rather than" principle should be applied when the enemy begins to bombard our minds with anything less than what God has planned for us. Examples in scripture prove God will come to our rescue when we meet with Him in sincerity and truth:
Moses, rather than enjoy sin for a season, chose to suffer some afflictions in the flesh and be one of God's leaders.
Ruth, rather than stay with her own people, went with her mother-in-law and chose to be used of God and become instrumental in the birthing of the Messiah.
Esther, rather than continue to live in luxury, and ease, chose to take advantage of God's timing and save her people.
Rahab, rather than refuse to become involved with the spies God sent to spy out the land, chose to hide them in her house; thus saving her entire household from destruction.
....
Jesus, rather than call ten thousand angels to deliver Him from the cross, chose to give His life's blood for the saving of those who will believe in Him.
.....
(there where more, however, I chose the most common for the sake of space.)

What are you willing to do rather than accept what sin and the devil have waiting for you?
Are you willing to give up some time for prayer, study and communion with Jesus rather than spend time doing something with your friends, that will not mean anything tomorrow?

What is your rather than story?

Yours for Jesus rather than the devil,
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.

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

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

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

The Sound of Life...

The Bible in Exodus 28:34, 35 tells us that the High Priest had bells and pomegranates around the hem of his robe so that he would not die! I like to call this the Sound of Life!
In Luke 2:7-20 we have another kind of cry! A baby is born! Jesus is Alive! the Lamb of God has come to take the sin of the world away!

Allow me take a couple minutes to bring these two scriptures together.

As the High Priest entered the Temple and moved into the back room called the Holiest of Holies, all the people would gather around the temple to listen, and see if their scarifies were going to be accepted. They would listen to the tinkling of the bells as the High Priest walked through the tabernacle. If the bells stopped making noise that meant the High Priest was killed as their offerings where not accepted. If, on the other hand, the offering was accepted it seems that the High Priest would begin to dance for joy. The sound of the bells would gradually get louder and louder, and the people would rejoice for their sins were forgiven for another year!

Enter Jesus, the Lamb of God. That night about 2,000 years ago a cry pierced the darkness. A young lady was in labor, and feeling the pain. A while later another cry was heard: the Messiah was born -- Jesus was Alive! In the hills on the outside of town shepherds where watching their sheep. Suddenly the sound of Angels voices! They where declaring the birth of the Messiah, and praising God! The shepherds went to town and found Jesus just like the Angel had said! They left with their mouth filled with praise!

The sound of the Bells, and the praise of the Angels and shepherds are much the same! As a matter of fact I believe that any praise to God from anyone is like the tinkling of the bells: the Sound of life!

We praise Jesus because He has once and for all taken away the stain of sin from our lives. He has forgiven us, washed us, cleansed us, and put His spirit inside of us! We worship as the High Priest did, because we are forgiven and redeemed!

Let your praise ring out as the bells of old! Let the Sound of Life flow from you!

(for more on this, and a sermon outline go to our district website:
www.newfoundlandupci.org/sermons)