How to Please God: Part 2

Good Morning World!
Here is our lesson for Sunday Morning November 4, 2012.  Part 2 of our ongoing series about Pleasing God.
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Joh 8:29-32  And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.  (30)  As he spake these words, many believed on him.  (31)  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;  (32)  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

We can see from this verse that Jesus did what He came to do, and obedience equalled pleasing God.  Not only did Jesus please God, but because He please God the Spirit of God was always with Him.

I know that this can sound kind of rhetorical as Jesus was the Almighty God wrapped in flesh come to reconcile the world unto Himself, but we must understand the principle of this lesson.  Sure Jesus always obeyed the Spirit within Him as it was what drove Him, but we too who are filled with the Spirit of God, which was in and apart of Jesus Christ also must learn to obey and be driven by this Spirit!

What was Jesus sent to do?
1. I am come to fulfil the law - Matthew 5:17
2. I am come to send a Sword - Matthew 10:34,35 (The sword that shows sin)
3. I am come to send Fire - Luke 12:49 (The Fire of the Holy Ghost is God's consuming fire!)
4. I am come in my Father's NAME - RECEIVE THE NAME - John 5:43
5. I am come for judgement - to show truth and hide it. John 9:39
6. I am come to give abundant life - John 10:0
7. I am come as a light to take away the darkness - John 12:46
8. Tell John this is what I am doing: The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. - Matthew 11:5
9. Luke 4:18,19 - I am anointed by the Spirit of God to: preach the Gospel to the poor, heal the broken-hearted, preach deliverance to the captives, the recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are bruised and preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
10. I am come to seek and to save that which was lost - Luke 19:10
11. I am come not to destroy lives, but to save them. - Luke 9:56

It sounds at the first glance that Jesus came to destroy, but in bringing a sword, fire and judgement He is shedding his Light into our lives.  This light of Truth is so powerful that we often reject it at first.  This causes turmoil where peace was intended.  It causes pain where life was intended.  It is not God who brings destruction  but it is our reaction to light and truth that brings destruction upon us.  Jesus didn't come to destroy, but to give us life in full abundance!

Jesus mission was to open up a door that lead all humanity back to the God who had created them.  The veil had been put in place because sin in men's heart and mind could not be allowed in the presence of a righteous God.

Jesus taught us how to live in this new union, and through the disciples spread this good news all over the world.

Jesus' death on the cross was the final piece to the puzzle, and even though it looked like the end, it was only the beginning!

The purpose of Jesus fulfilled and please God that He continued His purpose in us through the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of Christ, which is Christ in us the hope of glory!

So, what is the lesson here, and how does it teach us to please God?
The lesson that we learn from Jesus is that we must learn to obey and follow His will.  How can we do this?  By learning to listen to the voice of the Spirit in us and doing what it says.  As Samuel said, "Obedience is better than sacrifice."

Fulfil God's purpose for your Life!

The Wine Press of Life

Good Morning World!


Have you ever felt like life was just crushing you?  Have you ever felt like a little grape being crushed in the press?  I would like to use this analogy to encourage you today.

What are grapes used for?  Juice, Wine, Jelly.  Do we enjoy these products?  Do we know that for the most part they are beneficial to the body? (In Moderation!)  So how do we get these products?  They are crushed, squished, rendered, cooked, boiled just to name a few.  This process of destruction brings forth the sweetest of Juice and is then made into many things!


Your life may seem like it is going through the wringer, but just have faith and trust in God!  You may not like the process, but the outcome will be beautiful and full of flavour! You may be crushed, bruised and thrown from the fire into the frying pan, but remember your problems will only last for a season and joy comes in the MORNING!  His mercy is new every day!


Raise your head, Raise your hands, Lift your voice and let Jesus know that you are holding on!


Yours for the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Pastor Fred

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

Daily Bible Reading -- Psalm 76

Good Morning World!  We are back again!  WOW it really has been awhile, and Lord willing we won't have this much space between posts anymore.  Much has happened in our lives since the birth of our 5th and final baby from hospital visits to infections and the influenza, and it seems that life is once again normalizing. (If normal is a term that I can use for our life!)  Don't worry the baby has been fine and continues to grow much to "the mama's" dismay!  Little Jael isn't going to be little much longer.

Lord willing we can get through the rest of Psalms quickly as we don't have much left to read.

Psalm 76

We might as well say that we are reading from the book of Asaph as of late.  We again read a Psalm written by this great singer, and worship leader.  I rather enjoy reading Asaph as he seems to have great emotion sewn into his poetry and songs.  I also enjoy his word pictures, they help one see into the past and become apart of the writing.

The first verse really jumps out to me this morning.  "In Judah God is known."  This is a very powerful phrase.  It begs the question, "Is God known in your home, family, town, community or area?"  When other people look at you can or do they say, "He/She is close to God."?  When people visit your community can they feel the presence of the Almighty God as they enjoy the shopping, restaurants, hotels and other attractions?  We must not lower ourselves to the world around us, but we must stand fast and stay close to Jesus.  We must spend enough time with Jesus that the people of this day and age will say to us what was said to Peter and John, "They have been with Jesus!"

Wouldn't it be wonderful to know in your heart and spirit that you have spent time with the creator of the universe?  Wouldn't it be awesome to know that you made contact with the almighty God?  You, a nothing, a nobody, an insignificant being in an infinite universe took time to meet with the sustainer of all things!  I can't say that I have every been in the presence of earthly royalty, and probably never will, but I can say that I have been in the presence of Jehovah, our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.  He has condescended and allowed me to enter His holy presence, and I have rejoiced in Him and He has filled me up with His righteousness and goodness.

I want God to be known in my home.  I want God to be known in my community.  I don't mean I want to know God in my home, but I want the presence of God to be so strong in my home that when other walk by, or come to visit they know that they have been in the presence of God.  I want there to be a reputation that people can find God in our home.

Do you desire God to be in you home too?

Yours for a reputation of God,
Pastor Fred

Daily Bible Reading -- Psalm 60 - 61

Good Morning World!

I find it amazing how much we as humans rely on a schedule of events for our day to run smoothly.  This amazes me because our days rarely go according to plan!  For example this morning I am at the computer blogging before 7 a.m. because I was up cleaning the college building before 6 a.m., which is my regular schedule for each morning.  I haven't blogged all last week because I had a friend cleaning for me so I could help my wife with the baby's schedule.  The moral of the story is -- because I broke some of  my daily routine certain parts of my day became undo-able!  May I suggest something before we move on to Psalms?  If you have a good schedule that is keeping you close to Jesus don't change it unless you will get closer to Jesus!

Psalm 60
This chapter seems to indicate a fight between family members.  It is never pleasant to wage war with a member of you family.  We must seek a peaceful solution as quickly as possible.  We must seek the wisdom of Jesus as much as possible.  Jesus declared that a house divided against itself will fall.  We must pray for peace in the family daily, and ever seek to keep the peace within the family so we call all serve Jesus to the best of our ability.

Psalm 61
I would call this a song of trust and relationship.  These are attributes we must have with Jesus in our life.  We must trust Jesus is our shelter, our covert in the time of storm.  We must have a relationship with Jesus so that we may abide with Him forever, and daily perform our vows.  There is something special about abiding in His tabernacle, and learning from Him daily.  However, we can only transform our tabernacle into His tabernacle when we have a relationship with Him, and have surrendered every part of our lives to Him.

We surrender to Jesus through repenting of our selfish, sinful ways giving our lives into His control through baptism in Jesus name, which gives us family access through His name.  Finally, we become a full tabernacle and family member when we allow the DNA of heaven to flow through us and over flow through the infilling of the Holy Ghost as we speak in a heavenly language.

Let's stop fighting family. Let the prince of peace come into your life and recreate your tabernacle into something of beauty, something of use to the kingdom of heaven!

Yours for trust and relationship with Jesus!
Pastor Fred

The Cry of the Heart

Have you ever had something, a thought, idea, person, circumstance, etc, on your mind that just drove you to cry out? Have you ever been driven to cry out to Jesus? There are so many different places that our lives go, often we face "the valley" and must cry out for help, solace, comfort, direction, and/or deliverance. Let me tell you; Jesus is the Good Shepherd and he will be there for you, and will take care of you while you experience your circumstance!

Having said all this, I must admit that my heart has a cry right now, and has for quite some time. I've had a burden burning with in me, and it will not let me go! And, for that I thank God!

Part 1) I have been extremely dissatisfied with my relationship with Jesus, and have been experiencing an emotion much akin to anxiety about soul winning and reaching the lost souls around me everyday! Again, I thank God for it!

You have possibly mistaken my testimony as a complaint rather this is not a complaint, but is a desire, and passion to do more for my Saviour and God Jesus! I do not complain that I have a cry in my heart to God, I welcome it, and long for it to grow in me and develope in to something of beauty and wonder!

If we ever lose our passion for souls we have condemned the world to hell and are quite possibly heading down that road ourselves! Don't ever lose your passion for the lost, and constantly allow Jesus to work through you to become the beacon of light that this lost and desperate world needs!

Part 2) I have a burden upon my heart to have a closer, more powerful, more intimate, more direct relationship with Jesus. I don't want to just be a son, or servant, but I want to be a friend of God! I want to know Jesus better than I know my wife! I want to know Jesus better than I know myself! I want to know Jesus better than anything else in this life!

The one thing that I feel has come out of this so far is a deeper, more consistant, time of Daily Bible Reading. It has been a wonder period of growth for me. I purchased a diary type note book that has attachable tabs and a place for date on each page. In this book I have been writing notes on each chapter I read each day, and this had helped me to look forward to the experience every day!

Again I welcome this cry of the heart, and hope I never lose the desire to be at one with Jesus. If it means quiting a job or two to make more room for Jesus in my life and family so be it! I want and need Jesus more than anything in this mortal life!

What is your heart crying for?

Are you crying for more of Jesus?

Maybe you should be!

Your for more of Jesus

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

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

Does Jesus Amaze You?

Text: Acts 2:1-8

Down through history there have been many things, events, sights and ages that have brought much amazement to humanity; an amazement to its wonder and glory, or at its evil, destruction and ruin. Yet, at all the amazing things that this world has shown, seen, experienced and been through there has not be anything more amazing than the coming of Jesus Christ!

The incarnate almighty God robbing himself in humanity, and coming to earth being born a baby fragile, innocent, cold, hungry, and tiny is absolutely AMAZING! This same Lord growing as a boy, learning his father’s trade, obeying His parents and experiencing what it means to be a child and a teen is truly AMAZING! Then becoming a man, and leaving the security of home, and taking up his purpose as leader, healer, redeemer, teacher and sacrifice this too is AMAZING! Finally, Jesus gave His all in the garden, upon the cross, and arose triumphant from the tomb! All these things are AMAZING beyond what words can truly express!

My question to you this day is:

“When was the last time you were amazed by Jesus?”

1. Does anything about our Saviour invoke an emotional response?

Do you no longer feel a wonder when you come to the house of prayer and worship?

Do you no longer feel the excitement at knowing you have been redeemed?

Do you no longer experience the brush of angel’s wings while living your life?

Is there no wonder at the cross, the grave or sky which took Jesus home?

Is there no wonder when you once more hear the age old story?

Have you no fear of God in your heart?

Have you no consideration that this life will not last for ever, unless you find Jesus?

Does not the fact that you have witnessed and experienced divine healing change you?

Does not the fact that you have witnessed and experienced salvation move you?

As Paul wrote: “You did run well, who did hinder you?”

What are the weights and sins that are weighing you and me down? Why is it so difficult to forget about our self, our surroundings, our neighbors and just Worship like we really mean it, feel it, and know we ought to?

2. Find something that amazes you about Jesus, and grow from there!

During the life of Jesus there were many times that people were amazed by him, at him and because of him. Even after Jesus was gone during the ministry of the Apostles there was still much amazement because of Jesus!

Mat_12:22-23 Mar_1:23-27 Luk_4:31-36

Jesus Cast out the dumb and blind devil

Mat_19:16-26 Mar_10:17-32

Rich young ruler asked about salvation

Mar_2:1-12 Luk_5:18-26

Four bring the sick of the palsy

Mar_6:46-52

Jesus walks on the water and calms the sea

Luk_9:37-44

After Transfiguration he casts out devil from boy

Mar_16:1-8

Jesus Rises, Women see angel

Act_2:1-8 Act_2:12-39

The Day of Pentecost and out pouring of Spirit

Act_9:19-22

Paul is converted and preaching Jesus

These people experienced Jesus and were amazed. Just because we can’t really “see” Jesus here doesn’t mean we can’t experience him. I am challenging you this day to experience Jesus again and be amazed! There is nothing more amazing than experiencing Jesus for yourself!

3. Don’t be guilty of bottling your salvation up!

So many people have experienced Jesus for themselves, and then after a few months you no longer hear about their experience. Don’t be one of those people who allow the “MATURE” Christians calm them down. Rather stand outside of the box and be a light that shines in the darkest night. Do not worry about their snide remarks. Do not concern yourself with their sarcastic remarks. No, be a tower of strength; a lighthouse in spite of the storm!

There is nothing more frustrating to a Christian than not expressing their love for Jesus! Just like two people who are in love, if they don’t tell each other thy love each other there is great pain. Yet, if we don’t express our devotion and amazement about Jesus we will forget, and loose our way!

We are meant to be the most expressive, outgoing, giving, loving, kind and hospitable people in the world. No one should be able to out give a child of God in anything! Don’t bottle up your emotions. Don’t hold back on the fact that Jesus saved you from your sins! There is no greater story than your personal testimony of Christ’s victory over sin in your life!

(True Story)

While at our community Ministerial ecumenical Easter service at a local Church the Lord impressed upon me the need to pray for the sick. So after my message I asked everyone who needed prayer to raise their hand. Many people participated. As We prayed a corporate anointed prayer of healing you could feel the Spirit of God move through the building. After the service was about to close the lady who was doing the benediction noted this prayer, and said, “…You could almost feel that God was healing people as we prayed” then she finished, “I have never felt that before!”

To be perfectly honest this made the whole service for me. For a lay minister from another church group to publicly confess and announce that they had never felt a particular move of God, but today they had, and that it was worthy of note, absolutely was wonderful!

When we can let the amazement of Christ back into our lives and follow his guidance and leading it is truly AMAZING!

ARE YOU READY TO BE AMAZED BY JESUS!?

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!

Personal Revival

Many people don't realize what revival really is! Some of the most common thoughts are: An increase in Sunday attendance, better singing, teaching more home Bible studies, and so on. However, real revival is something a little more personal.....
















The picture above shows and describes what many people would say is an old time revival. Again revival is something a little more personal.

Let's look at the etymology of the word revival: re - again and vive - to bring to life. So in short our word for the day means: To Bring to Life Again! So someone who has never known Jesus can't possibly know Him again! Revival is for people who know or knew Jesus, and have gotten a little too comfortable, and over time lost the close personal relationship that they once had. They can be revived again!

If you feel like you have lost a little something between you and Jesus then it is about to to wake up are realize that you need Jesus now, today, immediately!

If you have never really known Jesus it time for you to become spiritually alive, and begin your personal relationship with Jesus! There is nothing as exciting as knowing Jesus! He is with you through the thick and the thin!

Yours for personal Revival!
Pastor Fred

The Value of a Personal Relationship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours for a Personal Relationship with Jesus
Pastor Fred

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

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

Nothing But Jesus

Here is an interesting verse for you.

• Matthew 6:33 - "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you!"

Isn't that wonderful! Oh, you don't know what "all these things are"? Well let me tell you!
This verse is found near the end of the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, one of - if not - the most important and famouse sermons that Jesus taught. Jesus taught these lessons first to His disciples, then to the crowds of people who were waiting for him in the valley. It the verses of chapter six prior to this verse Jesus was talking about things in life which we need daily to survive. Such as, food, health, shelter, and work.

Too, often we live our lives in utter selfishness. We work so we can pay for our car, and house, eat our food, play our games, and be with our family. And, last but not least much of our getting is so we can keep up with the "Jones's". This is the mentality that society would like us to have, because it makes the business man rich!

However, Jesus taught us another way. The road less travelled!

Jesus taught us to think of God first, then others, and lastly ourselves! Jesus taught us to seek ways to help the Kingdom of God grow, and ways to live in God's righteousness rather than to seek what will make you or I important, rich or look better than someone else. Here is an acronym which may help keep this idea in your mind:

• J - Jesus
• O - Others
• Y - You

If we will follow this simple rule, it is most certain to bring everlasting Joy! Our focus should be on "NOTHING BUT JESUS" If Jesus is the formost thought in our lives we will not have to worry ourselves about the little things that we need He will supply it!

Now don't miss understand me, we still must work, eat, sleep and live, but instead of focusing of making enough money to pay the bills, start focusing on what Jesus might want you to do. Jesus wants you to pay your bills, but if we offer Him first dibbs at the pot He always supplies the rest!

So in the coming weeks I challenge you to stop focusing on your needs, and to start focusing on the Needs of the Kingdom and His righteousness! Find out what Jesus wants you to DO!

Nothing But Jesus,
Pastor Fred

Normalicy Again?

Praise the Lord I'm finally finished my all nighters! As a matter of fact I'm home early! It's only about 1:30am rather than the usual 5 or 5:30 am.

My Children will be over joyed!
My Wife is already happy as I will be able to get up with the baby tonight!
I'm very happy as I'll be able to get back to normal life!

I've had a lot of time to pray this past 9 days, but I've missed going to my office and having alone time with Jesus, and reading my Bible.

Jesus is a wonderful friend, and I don't know what I would do without Him!

Here is a quick suggestion, no, a double dare!

--Put your complete trust in Jesus, no matter what the situations you face in life. Leave doubt and fear behind, and let just the presence, peace, love, grace, mercy and righteousness of Jesus walk with you. You'll be amazed at the results! (When you do this let me know how Jesus walks with you!)

Yours for an amazing life in Christ
Pastor Fred