BECAUSE JESUS KNOWS EVERYTHING WE CAN COUNT ON HIM
In Luke 5: 1-7 (NLT) we read: “ 1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” 5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.”
What a great story Dr. Luke gives us. Simon and his fellow fishermen were washing their nets. They had finally given up. It’d been a long night. They were going home without a catch that night. Jesus hollers to them to go out where the water is deeper to catch some fish. They told Him something like, “Come on Jesus, we’ve been at this all night. There are just no fish biting.” Perhaps under their breath they were actually saying something like: “Give me a break! He’s just a carpenter. He still doesn’t realize we know what we’re doing when it comes to fishing. We’ve fished all night and caught nothing many times before.” These men truly were experienced fishermen. They had done all they could and had caught nothing! Indirectly, they were actually saying to Jesus, “look Jesus, it’s just been one of those nights. We’ve failed; Okay? No big deal. We just caught no fish, we did our best.”
In our day we might put it this way, “Hey, let’s face it, the economy is bad, business is not doing well, have not sold anything the whole day, employers are retrenching and many people are being laid off, companies are moving their businesses to Mexico and India, and we all know that the banks are not lending, the stock market is not doing well, the government can’t agree on health care or cap and trade, and small businesses are struggling everywhere, and so on.”
As this year draws to a close friends, I have some really good news for us all, Jesus is All-Knowing. He knew what the fishermen had gone through and He had the solution for them. When they did what He asked them to do, verses 6 and 7 tell us that the nets overloaded and both boats almost sank. In the same way my friends, Jesus knows everything you are going through right now and believe it or not, He has the solution for every one of those challenges yet to be resolved. He has all that you need to finish our 2009 and to embark upon 2010 with a positive outlook!
Remember friends, God knows everything. According to what David said in Psalm 139:2 He knows when you have your down moments and he know when you have your up moments. It says in the NLT: “You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.” His plans or you are not for evil but for good, to give you a future and an expected very blessed finish. The truth is friends, no matter how tough this year has been, no matter how many difficulties you have faced, no matter how you might be ‘feeling’, no matter what may still be ahead of you, I can tell you with absolute certainty that God still has a plan for you! On this busy Tuesday when this year is near its end and all the unknowns of what 2010 holds is almost in sight, let’s be encouraged reminding each other that Jesus does know everything,. Because Jesus knows everything, we can count on Him!
Have a Great week and a Blessed New Year!
In His service by your side,
Pastor Darryl
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tuesday Devotional November 10, 2009
FORGIVENESS IS SPELLED: J-E-S-U-S!
Just as I did last Tuesday, I’ve decided to keep a small theme throughout my November devotionals by using three simple scripture verses in each one. As you can see, the topic is forgiveness. Wow! Now that can really be a hot topic. Let’s look at the three scriptures dealing with the topic.
Matthew 18:20-21 (NIV) – “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. 21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me, up to seven times?" Matthew 6:14 (NIV) - “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Colossians 3:13 (NIV) - “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
The first scripture is Jesus speaking to His disciples regarding conflict resolution and Peter tacks on a request at the end of Christ’s lesson, proving that he hadn’t quite gotten it yet. The second passage is Jesus reminding His followers that if we’ll forgive others for what they’ve done to us, then His Father, God Almighty, will forgive us of the sins we’ve committed against Him. The third scripture is Paul telling the church at Colossae that as Christians, when they’re facing difficulties in the church that they need to resolve things between each other. Since God has forgiven us, we in turn must forgive each other.
On this very busy Tuesday, let me ask us all this question: Is there anyone you have not forgiven? You might say, “Wait a minute Pastor Darryl. You don’t know what they did to me, you don’t know how much they hurt me, you don’t know how they made me look, you just don’t know what all I’ve been through because of them”, and so on.
May I tell you today that you are absolutely right? There is no way I could ever know. I don’t even know to what lengths this devotional is being read. It may be that you’re in another country, because I’ve often received comments on my devotionals from across the globe. I am humbled and also blessed by that. But, it remains true, I do not know, and I don’t have to know. You see, there is someone who does know. He knows everything wrong that has ever been done to you. He is aware of all the pain you may have carried or are still carrying. He is cognizant of every unkind word you have endured, every painful moment you have experienced and every discomfort someone else has caused you to endure.
Friends, may I say to you today with the most sincere heart that no matter how much we may have endured, it is not enough to measure up to what Jesus experienced prior to the cross, upon the cross or even after the cross when those He loved felt He had let them down. He went through all of that for you and me. He willingly died for all mankind. He loved us so much that even in our sin, Christ died for us that we might receive His forgiveness and have the assurance of a home one day in the Heaven He has gone to prepare for His own.
As we move even closer to Thanksgiving Day, is there anything more important for us to be thankful for than the forgiveness that Christ has made available to us? I just don’t think so. Is there anything we have endured that is so bad that we cannot offer our forgiveness to the perpetrator because Jesus Christ Himself has offered His forgiveness to us and to them as well? I have to say it friends, there just is nothing we’ve endured that will allow us not to forgive and be justified in doing so.
Why not pause on this busy Tuesday and ask God to bring to mind anyone and everyone that you have yet to forgive. Ask Him to help you to freely give to them what Christ has given to you - Forgiveness! Oh friends, I promise you that it will lighten the load you are carrying. Forgiving someone else will set you free. Do not allow someone else’s actions to carry so much weight in your life that the negative feelings you have for them are so strong that it keeps you down. Get up, let go and give to that person what no one else can give to them. Give them your forgiveness. You’ll be so glad you did!
Remember, when you take time to truly spell things out so that they make the greatest sense, you are so much better off. So let’s spell it together, okay? Ready? Forgiveness is spelled: J-E-S-U-S!
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
Just as I did last Tuesday, I’ve decided to keep a small theme throughout my November devotionals by using three simple scripture verses in each one. As you can see, the topic is forgiveness. Wow! Now that can really be a hot topic. Let’s look at the three scriptures dealing with the topic.
Matthew 18:20-21 (NIV) – “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. 21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me, up to seven times?" Matthew 6:14 (NIV) - “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Colossians 3:13 (NIV) - “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
The first scripture is Jesus speaking to His disciples regarding conflict resolution and Peter tacks on a request at the end of Christ’s lesson, proving that he hadn’t quite gotten it yet. The second passage is Jesus reminding His followers that if we’ll forgive others for what they’ve done to us, then His Father, God Almighty, will forgive us of the sins we’ve committed against Him. The third scripture is Paul telling the church at Colossae that as Christians, when they’re facing difficulties in the church that they need to resolve things between each other. Since God has forgiven us, we in turn must forgive each other.
On this very busy Tuesday, let me ask us all this question: Is there anyone you have not forgiven? You might say, “Wait a minute Pastor Darryl. You don’t know what they did to me, you don’t know how much they hurt me, you don’t know how they made me look, you just don’t know what all I’ve been through because of them”, and so on.
May I tell you today that you are absolutely right? There is no way I could ever know. I don’t even know to what lengths this devotional is being read. It may be that you’re in another country, because I’ve often received comments on my devotionals from across the globe. I am humbled and also blessed by that. But, it remains true, I do not know, and I don’t have to know. You see, there is someone who does know. He knows everything wrong that has ever been done to you. He is aware of all the pain you may have carried or are still carrying. He is cognizant of every unkind word you have endured, every painful moment you have experienced and every discomfort someone else has caused you to endure.
Friends, may I say to you today with the most sincere heart that no matter how much we may have endured, it is not enough to measure up to what Jesus experienced prior to the cross, upon the cross or even after the cross when those He loved felt He had let them down. He went through all of that for you and me. He willingly died for all mankind. He loved us so much that even in our sin, Christ died for us that we might receive His forgiveness and have the assurance of a home one day in the Heaven He has gone to prepare for His own.
As we move even closer to Thanksgiving Day, is there anything more important for us to be thankful for than the forgiveness that Christ has made available to us? I just don’t think so. Is there anything we have endured that is so bad that we cannot offer our forgiveness to the perpetrator because Jesus Christ Himself has offered His forgiveness to us and to them as well? I have to say it friends, there just is nothing we’ve endured that will allow us not to forgive and be justified in doing so.
Why not pause on this busy Tuesday and ask God to bring to mind anyone and everyone that you have yet to forgive. Ask Him to help you to freely give to them what Christ has given to you - Forgiveness! Oh friends, I promise you that it will lighten the load you are carrying. Forgiving someone else will set you free. Do not allow someone else’s actions to carry so much weight in your life that the negative feelings you have for them are so strong that it keeps you down. Get up, let go and give to that person what no one else can give to them. Give them your forgiveness. You’ll be so glad you did!
Remember, when you take time to truly spell things out so that they make the greatest sense, you are so much better off. So let’s spell it together, okay? Ready? Forgiveness is spelled: J-E-S-U-S!
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
Monday, November 2, 2009
Serving The God of Miracles
How Are You And Your Clock Geting Along?
As I was praying about the topic for this weeks Tuesday devotional, I was reminded of the hour that those of us on Eastern Standard Time were fortunate enough to regain this past weekend. Of course I know as do you that it’s only good until next spring when we give it back again by moving it forward.
So I started thinking about a few of the Bible verses that speak to the issue of “Time”. I confess that I didn’t read all 566 passages, but I read many and decided to include just three.
The first is Paul’s words to the Ephesians church in chapter 5 verses 15-18 when he wrote: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
The second is David’s words in Psalm 90:12 – where he penned: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
The third is James’ words in chapter 4 and verse 14 where he says: “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
In each passage above, there is a warning, a challenge if you will, to be sure that we’re not wasting time and that we use it wisely and to the best of our abilities. Let me ask you the same 10 rhetorical questions I’ve ask myself on this busy Tuesday.
Q: How are you using the time that God makes available to you each day?
Q: Are you using some of it to honor God?
Q: Do you start your day off or perhaps end your day with the reading of God’s Holy Word?
Q: Do you use a companion devotional or study book as well?
Q: Do you take the time to not only pray, but also to meditate on what you have read?
Q: Do you pause before the Lord and let Him fill your heart and mind with the things that matter the most?
Q: Do you have a prayer list that you pray through? We provide a printed list weekly in our church worship folder every Sunday so folks can put it with their Bible or in their car or use it wherever they can to pray for the requests that are listed.
Q: How are you doing with the time God gives you that is not be spent but rather invested in sharing your faith with the Pre-Christians that cross your path daily?
Q: Are you seeing God work in the lives of others as you invest yourself in them? It is such a joy to see God bring spiritual victories when someone we invest our time in comes to know the Savior personally. The scripture says all heaven erupts in praise. That’ll sure make your day!
Today we both pause, writer and reader. We pause long enough to remember that the time God gives us is to be redeemed at its highest potential. Today we remind ourselves that our time is to be invested rather than spent. That means we invest it in our spouses, in our children, in our profession, in our church, and in our own continued personal spiritual development. When we do that, the dividends will have everlasting results. Let’s take the ultimate personal quiz to see if we’re being good stewards of the time God gives us daily. The best way to do that is simply to pause and ask ourselves question # 10;
Q: How Are You And Your Clock Getting Along?
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
As I was praying about the topic for this weeks Tuesday devotional, I was reminded of the hour that those of us on Eastern Standard Time were fortunate enough to regain this past weekend. Of course I know as do you that it’s only good until next spring when we give it back again by moving it forward.
So I started thinking about a few of the Bible verses that speak to the issue of “Time”. I confess that I didn’t read all 566 passages, but I read many and decided to include just three.
The first is Paul’s words to the Ephesians church in chapter 5 verses 15-18 when he wrote: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
The second is David’s words in Psalm 90:12 – where he penned: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
The third is James’ words in chapter 4 and verse 14 where he says: “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
In each passage above, there is a warning, a challenge if you will, to be sure that we’re not wasting time and that we use it wisely and to the best of our abilities. Let me ask you the same 10 rhetorical questions I’ve ask myself on this busy Tuesday.
Q: How are you using the time that God makes available to you each day?
Q: Are you using some of it to honor God?
Q: Do you start your day off or perhaps end your day with the reading of God’s Holy Word?
Q: Do you use a companion devotional or study book as well?
Q: Do you take the time to not only pray, but also to meditate on what you have read?
Q: Do you pause before the Lord and let Him fill your heart and mind with the things that matter the most?
Q: Do you have a prayer list that you pray through? We provide a printed list weekly in our church worship folder every Sunday so folks can put it with their Bible or in their car or use it wherever they can to pray for the requests that are listed.
Q: How are you doing with the time God gives you that is not be spent but rather invested in sharing your faith with the Pre-Christians that cross your path daily?
Q: Are you seeing God work in the lives of others as you invest yourself in them? It is such a joy to see God bring spiritual victories when someone we invest our time in comes to know the Savior personally. The scripture says all heaven erupts in praise. That’ll sure make your day!
Today we both pause, writer and reader. We pause long enough to remember that the time God gives us is to be redeemed at its highest potential. Today we remind ourselves that our time is to be invested rather than spent. That means we invest it in our spouses, in our children, in our profession, in our church, and in our own continued personal spiritual development. When we do that, the dividends will have everlasting results. Let’s take the ultimate personal quiz to see if we’re being good stewards of the time God gives us daily. The best way to do that is simply to pause and ask ourselves question # 10;
Q: How Are You And Your Clock Getting Along?
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
From A Pastor's Heart
Being Driven By Jesus On the Highway of Life When the writer penned in I Kings 8:58: –“May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our father”, although the author is unknown, it is pretty clear that he really wants us to be sure that we have given God complete control of our lives.
King David gives a similar challenge when he said in Psalm 119:1-2 “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.”
As I compared the words of these two powerful passages of scripture, I couldn’t help but visualize the highway of life. When you think about it, both writers were not speaking of a short trip, they were speaking of long journey. It’s a journey that each and every one of us should understand, is filled with many potential dangers as well as many potential blessings.
So let me ask you today; are you just traveling along in a carefree state oblivious to the challenges you encounter on your journey? Are you perhaps frustrated because it seems like all you’re doing is hitting every pot-hole that exists? Does your journey seem to be filled with detours and roadways that are constantly narrowing? Are you struggling because it appears that others are holding you back and impeding your travel? Or, do you possibly feel like you’ve had so many issues on your journey that you’ve had to pull over and lament about the road you seem unable to make headway on? Maybe you’re like so many who recognize that you’ve faced your share of break-downs. You’ve had your fill of flats. You’re tired of the struggle to get around others who seem to be blocking your path and you just aren’t sure how to proceed. Some may have even tried to encourage you by saying, “Hey, Why not hook-up to the Savior and let Him tow you for a while?”
Friends, on this busy Tuesday, I have a better idea. Why not pull over and shut things off for a few moments and talk to the Heavenly Highway Master Engineer. He knows the road you’re traveling so much better than you do. The answer is simple. Just get out, and walk over to the passenger side and get in. Ask Him to slide over and take the wheel. Oh yes, it’s still your car. It’s still your life. BUT, you’re now asking Him to drive. Friends, I learned a long time ago, there’s no better way to travel than Being Driven By Jesus on the Highway of Life! When we are driven to the place where we ask Him to drive, that’s when we’ve really started the best part of our journey. There is no one who knows exactly where you are going and exactly how to get you there than the very one who has planned your trip. It’s a trip that is designed by Him for you to follow. It is His will. It is His plan. Now that’s a journey we can all be sure, will help us arrive safely at our destination. What’s our final destination? It’s Heaven!
How about just checking today to be sure that you’ve not tried to take the steering wheel away from Jesus? If you have, just be willing to admit it, let go of it and let Him drive. After all, He knows your road so much better than you do. He will be sure you reach your destination. Let’s face it, if we’re going to make this journey called life a success, there’s no better way to travel than Being Driven By Jesus On the Highway of Life.
Have a Great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
King David gives a similar challenge when he said in Psalm 119:1-2 “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.”
As I compared the words of these two powerful passages of scripture, I couldn’t help but visualize the highway of life. When you think about it, both writers were not speaking of a short trip, they were speaking of long journey. It’s a journey that each and every one of us should understand, is filled with many potential dangers as well as many potential blessings.
So let me ask you today; are you just traveling along in a carefree state oblivious to the challenges you encounter on your journey? Are you perhaps frustrated because it seems like all you’re doing is hitting every pot-hole that exists? Does your journey seem to be filled with detours and roadways that are constantly narrowing? Are you struggling because it appears that others are holding you back and impeding your travel? Or, do you possibly feel like you’ve had so many issues on your journey that you’ve had to pull over and lament about the road you seem unable to make headway on? Maybe you’re like so many who recognize that you’ve faced your share of break-downs. You’ve had your fill of flats. You’re tired of the struggle to get around others who seem to be blocking your path and you just aren’t sure how to proceed. Some may have even tried to encourage you by saying, “Hey, Why not hook-up to the Savior and let Him tow you for a while?”
Friends, on this busy Tuesday, I have a better idea. Why not pull over and shut things off for a few moments and talk to the Heavenly Highway Master Engineer. He knows the road you’re traveling so much better than you do. The answer is simple. Just get out, and walk over to the passenger side and get in. Ask Him to slide over and take the wheel. Oh yes, it’s still your car. It’s still your life. BUT, you’re now asking Him to drive. Friends, I learned a long time ago, there’s no better way to travel than Being Driven By Jesus on the Highway of Life! When we are driven to the place where we ask Him to drive, that’s when we’ve really started the best part of our journey. There is no one who knows exactly where you are going and exactly how to get you there than the very one who has planned your trip. It’s a trip that is designed by Him for you to follow. It is His will. It is His plan. Now that’s a journey we can all be sure, will help us arrive safely at our destination. What’s our final destination? It’s Heaven!
How about just checking today to be sure that you’ve not tried to take the steering wheel away from Jesus? If you have, just be willing to admit it, let go of it and let Him drive. After all, He knows your road so much better than you do. He will be sure you reach your destination. Let’s face it, if we’re going to make this journey called life a success, there’s no better way to travel than Being Driven By Jesus On the Highway of Life.
Have a Great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
Monday, October 19, 2009
Why Not Be A Titus To Someone Else Today?
WHY NOT BE A TITUS TO SOMEONE ELSE TODAY?2 Corinthians 7:5-7 (The Message) 5-7”When we arrived in Macedonia province, we couldn't settle down. The fights in the church and the fears in our hearts kept us on pins and needles. We couldn't relax because we didn't know how it would turn out. Then the God who lifts up the downcast lifted our heads and our hearts with the arrival of Titus. We were glad just to see him, but the true reassurance came in what he told us about you: how much you cared, how much you grieved, how concerned you were for me. I went from worry to tranquility in no time!”
As Christians, we know that all of us have faced those times of sheer discouragement, and when the challenges just seem to pile up. It’s at those moments that we could all easily shout out that we feel like we are the poster child for “Murphy’s Law”.
You know friends, the Apostle Paul, perhaps the greatest missionary of all time, faced those same struggles that we face today. In our passage we see that Paul, after arriving in Macedonia, was writing to the church at Corinth. He was telling them that he was pretty discouraged. He knew they were upset with the first letter he had sent them chastising them and urging them to get their lives right. Things were going on in the church that had him totally dismayed and upset. Issues were creating divisions and he admits that they were all very nervous and quite concerned because they just didn’t really know how it would all turn out.
Then in the midst of the difficulties, enter Titus, the bearer of good news. Titus told Paul and his team that the church in Corinth had decided to get things right. They were coming together. The letter he had written that was used to bring challenge and a call to repentance was indeed heeded. That made Paul ecstatic. He went from discouraged to encouraged with one quick conversation with his friend Titus.
On this busy Tuesday, perhaps you are discouraged. David said in Psalm 27:14; “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” He also said in Psalm 42:5-6; “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!"
Maybe you are working with someone that you know is definitely discouraged. It’s possible that someone very close to you has shared their struggles with you and now they are awaiting your thoughts. Why not decide right now to give them an encouraging word? Why not pause and ask the Lord to help you right now, to be a Titus to someone today? Just stop for a few moments today and let God give you the words you need to share with someone else. Let Him help you to be the listening ear they truly need right now.
The songwriter offered encouragement years ago with these words: “Got any rivers you think are un-crossable? Got any mountains, you cannot tunnel through? God specializes in things thought impossible; and He can do what no other power can do.” Let’s take a Hebrews 12:1 approach to discouragement. It says: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, (and friends, discouragement will surely weigh us down)…and let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” How about it friends? Let’s be a Titus to someone today. Let’s help them to get up and get on with the race God has set before us all.
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Serving by your side,
Pastor Darryl
As Christians, we know that all of us have faced those times of sheer discouragement, and when the challenges just seem to pile up. It’s at those moments that we could all easily shout out that we feel like we are the poster child for “Murphy’s Law”.
You know friends, the Apostle Paul, perhaps the greatest missionary of all time, faced those same struggles that we face today. In our passage we see that Paul, after arriving in Macedonia, was writing to the church at Corinth. He was telling them that he was pretty discouraged. He knew they were upset with the first letter he had sent them chastising them and urging them to get their lives right. Things were going on in the church that had him totally dismayed and upset. Issues were creating divisions and he admits that they were all very nervous and quite concerned because they just didn’t really know how it would all turn out.
Then in the midst of the difficulties, enter Titus, the bearer of good news. Titus told Paul and his team that the church in Corinth had decided to get things right. They were coming together. The letter he had written that was used to bring challenge and a call to repentance was indeed heeded. That made Paul ecstatic. He went from discouraged to encouraged with one quick conversation with his friend Titus.
On this busy Tuesday, perhaps you are discouraged. David said in Psalm 27:14; “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” He also said in Psalm 42:5-6; “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!"
Maybe you are working with someone that you know is definitely discouraged. It’s possible that someone very close to you has shared their struggles with you and now they are awaiting your thoughts. Why not decide right now to give them an encouraging word? Why not pause and ask the Lord to help you right now, to be a Titus to someone today? Just stop for a few moments today and let God give you the words you need to share with someone else. Let Him help you to be the listening ear they truly need right now.
The songwriter offered encouragement years ago with these words: “Got any rivers you think are un-crossable? Got any mountains, you cannot tunnel through? God specializes in things thought impossible; and He can do what no other power can do.” Let’s take a Hebrews 12:1 approach to discouragement. It says: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, (and friends, discouragement will surely weigh us down)…and let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” How about it friends? Let’s be a Titus to someone today. Let’s help them to get up and get on with the race God has set before us all.
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Serving by your side,
Pastor Darryl
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
HOPE, INHERITANCE AND POWER, A THREE-FOLD LOVE GIFT FROM GOD
HOPE, INHERITANCE AND POWER, A THREE-FOLD LOVE GIFT FROM GOD
Text: Ephesians 1:18-19 (NIV)
“18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength…”One of my pastorates was on the east coast 13 miles from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Oh my, what an educational place to pastor. I still have many friends that live there, like Jeff McDowell and Don Hedman who are still working at the Kennedy Space Center, more commonly known as “The Rocket Ranch”. Whenever there was a Space Shuttle launch, all the surrounding towns swelled by the thousands. When there was a night time Shuttle launch, or when word slipped out about a “Delta” rocket night launch, the skies would light up, and the sounds that shook our windows and filled the air, to me still remain incomparable. Honestly, I can’t explain it well enough, you just had to be there.
I learned that the “Delta” rockets and the Space Shuttle Solid rocket boosters (the SRB’s), all burn a fuel mixture that creates such explosive power, that those massive birds can leave their earthly perches and be propelled into the vast skies and be totally out of sight in just minutes. Simply put, as the fuel burns, it then turns into a gas that causes a powerful pressure to build. Ultimately that pressure is pushing out in all directions. Naturally, the rocket is open at the bottom end so the gas burns and escapes because the pressure is building inside, and that in turn releases that power, causing the rocket to be propelled in the opposite direction.
Usually every “Delta” rocket or every Space Shuttle that launches has a very valuable “Payload” that it takes into outer space, for some very specific science related purpose. Of course the astronauts are the most valuable payload any rocket, or solid rocket booster and external tank could ever propel into space.
It’s that process that got me thinking. When we read the Word of God, we see that God provides to us His wonderful payload. He has all the power we need to accomplish any mission He gives us in our Christian walk. The key to the success of our ventures is our faith. Our faith is the key ingredient in the power of God. The more we grow in His love and the more we mature in our Christian walk, the more power He provides to us daily.
As we daily read the Bible it becomes clearer all the time that the greatest power that God gives to us is the power of His wonderful love. His love is a force like none other. His love is what led Him to the cross to die for our sins. His love gives us our hope. His love is what gives us a promise of a heavenly inheritance, and His love is what gives us the power we need to do whatever He needs for us to do, as we follow His will. As God guides our life’s ship, He also provides for every mission. That is our three-fold love gift from God; Hope, Inheritance and Power.
On this busy Tuesday be sure your launch pad is pristine. Let nothing block the power of God in your life. Make yourself available to whatever mission God has for you. Be sure that your faith is always at the ready. You never know when God will call you to launch out into a new area of service.
Your mission today is to have a great day and do all you can to stay on course in your mission the rest of the week.
Ready? Three…Two…One… Blast off!
Pastor Darryl
Text: Ephesians 1:18-19 (NIV)
“18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength…”One of my pastorates was on the east coast 13 miles from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Oh my, what an educational place to pastor. I still have many friends that live there, like Jeff McDowell and Don Hedman who are still working at the Kennedy Space Center, more commonly known as “The Rocket Ranch”. Whenever there was a Space Shuttle launch, all the surrounding towns swelled by the thousands. When there was a night time Shuttle launch, or when word slipped out about a “Delta” rocket night launch, the skies would light up, and the sounds that shook our windows and filled the air, to me still remain incomparable. Honestly, I can’t explain it well enough, you just had to be there.
I learned that the “Delta” rockets and the Space Shuttle Solid rocket boosters (the SRB’s), all burn a fuel mixture that creates such explosive power, that those massive birds can leave their earthly perches and be propelled into the vast skies and be totally out of sight in just minutes. Simply put, as the fuel burns, it then turns into a gas that causes a powerful pressure to build. Ultimately that pressure is pushing out in all directions. Naturally, the rocket is open at the bottom end so the gas burns and escapes because the pressure is building inside, and that in turn releases that power, causing the rocket to be propelled in the opposite direction.
Usually every “Delta” rocket or every Space Shuttle that launches has a very valuable “Payload” that it takes into outer space, for some very specific science related purpose. Of course the astronauts are the most valuable payload any rocket, or solid rocket booster and external tank could ever propel into space.
It’s that process that got me thinking. When we read the Word of God, we see that God provides to us His wonderful payload. He has all the power we need to accomplish any mission He gives us in our Christian walk. The key to the success of our ventures is our faith. Our faith is the key ingredient in the power of God. The more we grow in His love and the more we mature in our Christian walk, the more power He provides to us daily.
As we daily read the Bible it becomes clearer all the time that the greatest power that God gives to us is the power of His wonderful love. His love is a force like none other. His love is what led Him to the cross to die for our sins. His love gives us our hope. His love is what gives us a promise of a heavenly inheritance, and His love is what gives us the power we need to do whatever He needs for us to do, as we follow His will. As God guides our life’s ship, He also provides for every mission. That is our three-fold love gift from God; Hope, Inheritance and Power.
On this busy Tuesday be sure your launch pad is pristine. Let nothing block the power of God in your life. Make yourself available to whatever mission God has for you. Be sure that your faith is always at the ready. You never know when God will call you to launch out into a new area of service.
Your mission today is to have a great day and do all you can to stay on course in your mission the rest of the week.
Ready? Three…Two…One… Blast off!
Pastor Darryl
Monday, September 28, 2009
HIS IS THE ONLY WINNING SIDE!
“And at once they left their nets and [yielding up all claims to them] followed [with] Him [joining Him as disciples and siding with His party]” Mark 1:18 Amplified Bible
I’ve come to believe that our coming to the Lord and walking this Christian walk can actually be compared to “joining a party”. Already the talking news heads, and political pundits have started the early hype about who will run against the incumbents in next year’s mid-term elections, and which party will win the presidency in 2012. With all this party talk, I’ve been thinking about the most important party…God’s!
As Christians, we believe in one cause, which is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. After all, He is our ultimate leader. As Christians, we are urged to drop all self-centered plans and ambitions and live according to His will. It is our duty to be loyal to His cause. The agenda is simple. We want to see our enemy Satan defeated. We want to see souls delivered out of his grasp and enter into God’s saving grace. Now that is a platform we should all support!
I’m so glad that unlike other parties where the leader serves for a specified term, Jesus serves forever. The Bible says He is eternal (Deuteronomy 33:27). There is no end to His term. He is not voted in so He cannot be voted out. He can be neither impeached nor dethroned. His term is the same as His Kingdom. It is from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 145:13). Aren’t we glad indeed?
Friends, Jesus Christ is still inviting people today to join “His Party.” He wants us to be like Andrew and his brother Simon Peter who set aside their plans and ambitions, and followed Him so that His plans and His purposes could be fulfilled in their lives. Sadly, I must admit that, many are like the rich young ruler who was unwilling to give up what He had, in order to follow Christ (Luke 18:18-23). Too many refuse to understand, that when it comes to Jesus, He cannot lie, He cannot fail and that what He says, He will do. Friends, you can count on Jesus to keep His word! He told His disciples, the first 12 members of His party to “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men” and He did just that.
What side are you on today? To which party do you belong? I want to be like Joshua who decided for the Lord and declared “As for me and my house we shall serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15). Why not pause on this busy Tuesday and be sure that you have joined His party. Why not be on the right side, and side with Jesus? I can guarantee that you will never regret joining Christ’s party. The reason you ask? Simple! Ultimately, His is the ONLY winning side!
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Serving by Your Side,
Pastor Darryl
“And at once they left their nets and [yielding up all claims to them] followed [with] Him [joining Him as disciples and siding with His party]” Mark 1:18 Amplified Bible
I’ve come to believe that our coming to the Lord and walking this Christian walk can actually be compared to “joining a party”. Already the talking news heads, and political pundits have started the early hype about who will run against the incumbents in next year’s mid-term elections, and which party will win the presidency in 2012. With all this party talk, I’ve been thinking about the most important party…God’s!
As Christians, we believe in one cause, which is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. After all, He is our ultimate leader. As Christians, we are urged to drop all self-centered plans and ambitions and live according to His will. It is our duty to be loyal to His cause. The agenda is simple. We want to see our enemy Satan defeated. We want to see souls delivered out of his grasp and enter into God’s saving grace. Now that is a platform we should all support!
I’m so glad that unlike other parties where the leader serves for a specified term, Jesus serves forever. The Bible says He is eternal (Deuteronomy 33:27). There is no end to His term. He is not voted in so He cannot be voted out. He can be neither impeached nor dethroned. His term is the same as His Kingdom. It is from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 145:13). Aren’t we glad indeed?
Friends, Jesus Christ is still inviting people today to join “His Party.” He wants us to be like Andrew and his brother Simon Peter who set aside their plans and ambitions, and followed Him so that His plans and His purposes could be fulfilled in their lives. Sadly, I must admit that, many are like the rich young ruler who was unwilling to give up what He had, in order to follow Christ (Luke 18:18-23). Too many refuse to understand, that when it comes to Jesus, He cannot lie, He cannot fail and that what He says, He will do. Friends, you can count on Jesus to keep His word! He told His disciples, the first 12 members of His party to “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men” and He did just that.
What side are you on today? To which party do you belong? I want to be like Joshua who decided for the Lord and declared “As for me and my house we shall serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15). Why not pause on this busy Tuesday and be sure that you have joined His party. Why not be on the right side, and side with Jesus? I can guarantee that you will never regret joining Christ’s party. The reason you ask? Simple! Ultimately, His is the ONLY winning side!
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Serving by Your Side,
Pastor Darryl
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
“Not Just A Great Place To Worship, It Is Also A Great Place To Belong”
As a Pastor myself, I am always doing my best to encourage my Pre-Christian friends and associates to give our church a visit and come worship with us. I tell folks that we’re open every Sunday and Wednesday for business. That usually receives a chuckle and the point is subtly made. I know as do you that it is our friendship base upon which we will have the greatest impact. Still, we mustn’t forget that we will usually win people to ourselves before we will win them to our Jesus. So friendship evangelism is paramount in the life of the Christian, and where we attend church does offer a validation of our verbally stated life of faith.
I’ve seen so many people throughout my ministry that really aren’t in love with the church. Now don’t get me wrong, I mean that they are not really involved in its life daily, but rather, are just more or less, ‘Dating the Church’ – you know – going to it but not committing to it enough to be truly owning it as a vital part of their life. By belonging I’m not talking about church membership, but rather church involvement that is intentional because we love our church and want to see it grow as we meet the needs of those around us.
I’ve just finished reading Joshua Harris’ little book Stop Dating the Church. It is actually a pretty quick read and I must say it is well worth the short time investment of the two hours or so it takes to complete this little gem. He has some great illustrations to say the least and it really does get your attention – well, for sure, it certainly got mine.
In the book, Joshua Harris defines what we know to be: “THE CHURCH”. He clearly tells us why both God and all those who claim the name “Christian” are supportive of it. He talks about why the church needs Christians to take part in an active, supportive, passionate participation. He gives the reader 10 clear things to look for in a church, and gives practical tips on how to get the most out of every Sunday and every service. Here’s a quick quote:
“You see the strongest argument I know for why you and I should love and care about the Church is that Jesus does. The greatest motivation we could ever find for being passionately committed to the Church is that Jesus is passionately committed to the Church.” (A quote from page # 31)
Recently our church board stepped out on faith and had a professional production company create and produce a one minute commercial about out church. It has been uploaded, and it is now on the town of Avon, Indiana’s web site. We did this so that anyone from anywhere can know that our church is here. They will now also know that Avon Parkside Church is “Not just a great place to worship, it is also a great place to belong.” Because we’re in the second fastest growing county in the state of Indiana, we want people who will be moving to Avon, to know that we are here and that our ministries are available to them.
You can find a way to let people know that your church is available to them. The New Testament Church model that is presented in Acts 2:42-47 is a tried and true method. It’s God’s plan for every church to operate just that way. Most people are quick to recommend a great restaurant to friends, why not recommend the place where you are spiritually fed? Do you love your church? Do you bring your Pre-Christian friends? Are you excited about what your church is doing in your community? I so, Great! If not, why not do a ‘Church Check-Up’, and renew your commitment to the place where you worship. You’ll be so glad you did!
Why not make a personal commitment on this busy Tuesday to be sure and tell everyone God brings into your life that you’d love to have them worship with you at your church. Tell them that your church is ‘Not just a great place to worship, it is also a great place to belong.’
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
As a Pastor myself, I am always doing my best to encourage my Pre-Christian friends and associates to give our church a visit and come worship with us. I tell folks that we’re open every Sunday and Wednesday for business. That usually receives a chuckle and the point is subtly made. I know as do you that it is our friendship base upon which we will have the greatest impact. Still, we mustn’t forget that we will usually win people to ourselves before we will win them to our Jesus. So friendship evangelism is paramount in the life of the Christian, and where we attend church does offer a validation of our verbally stated life of faith.
I’ve seen so many people throughout my ministry that really aren’t in love with the church. Now don’t get me wrong, I mean that they are not really involved in its life daily, but rather, are just more or less, ‘Dating the Church’ – you know – going to it but not committing to it enough to be truly owning it as a vital part of their life. By belonging I’m not talking about church membership, but rather church involvement that is intentional because we love our church and want to see it grow as we meet the needs of those around us.
I’ve just finished reading Joshua Harris’ little book Stop Dating the Church. It is actually a pretty quick read and I must say it is well worth the short time investment of the two hours or so it takes to complete this little gem. He has some great illustrations to say the least and it really does get your attention – well, for sure, it certainly got mine.
In the book, Joshua Harris defines what we know to be: “THE CHURCH”. He clearly tells us why both God and all those who claim the name “Christian” are supportive of it. He talks about why the church needs Christians to take part in an active, supportive, passionate participation. He gives the reader 10 clear things to look for in a church, and gives practical tips on how to get the most out of every Sunday and every service. Here’s a quick quote:
“You see the strongest argument I know for why you and I should love and care about the Church is that Jesus does. The greatest motivation we could ever find for being passionately committed to the Church is that Jesus is passionately committed to the Church.” (A quote from page # 31)
Recently our church board stepped out on faith and had a professional production company create and produce a one minute commercial about out church. It has been uploaded, and it is now on the town of Avon, Indiana’s web site. We did this so that anyone from anywhere can know that our church is here. They will now also know that Avon Parkside Church is “Not just a great place to worship, it is also a great place to belong.” Because we’re in the second fastest growing county in the state of Indiana, we want people who will be moving to Avon, to know that we are here and that our ministries are available to them.
You can find a way to let people know that your church is available to them. The New Testament Church model that is presented in Acts 2:42-47 is a tried and true method. It’s God’s plan for every church to operate just that way. Most people are quick to recommend a great restaurant to friends, why not recommend the place where you are spiritually fed? Do you love your church? Do you bring your Pre-Christian friends? Are you excited about what your church is doing in your community? I so, Great! If not, why not do a ‘Church Check-Up’, and renew your commitment to the place where you worship. You’ll be so glad you did!
Why not make a personal commitment on this busy Tuesday to be sure and tell everyone God brings into your life that you’d love to have them worship with you at your church. Tell them that your church is ‘Not just a great place to worship, it is also a great place to belong.’
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
"You Know, I was thinking…”
“You know, I was thinking…” No Doubt, we have all said that to someone at one time or another, haven’t we? I have often thought myself about how God created us and has blessed us with the capability of independent thinking. He also has given to us a Free Moral Agency in the area of our personal choices. It’s a fact that our ability to reason as humans truly separates us from the animal world. We operate on a higher level, a higher plain than simply that of instinct. We are able to analyze and discern truth and reality. Never take it for granted my friends because this is a God-given gift for which we are most blessed.
Scientists tell us that our mind will think thousands of thoughts each and every day. Some research has noted that we can think as many as 3.5 million thoughts a year. Because these thoughts will cover all facets of our life, we quickly learn that this gives us the ability to deal with everyday situations and long-term planning. It also helps us to manage crisis as it comes. No doubt, thinking right helps us to live right.
We live in such a pluralistic world. It is a world that says, ‘let me think and do as I see fit and you do the same’. One of the overwhelming difficulties with that logic is that we end up encountering problems as another person’s actions seem to run cross current with ours. The result is definitely uncomfortable at best. What it yields is nothing short of a crisis. For example, those people who somehow come to the place where they no longer think that life is valuable quickly become a threat to those of us who do value life. As a pastor, I can tell you that thinking right is always an important exercise for Christians. Still I think it is also true that wrapped within right thinking, is what I offer to you today as three basic ingredients.
Ingredient # 1: There must be objective truth that we subscribe to. For the Christian this objective truth is the Holy Word of God. You see I am convinced that the Bible deals extensively with how we are to think, even though the world has overwhelmingly disagreed with that truth. But look around you; does anyone actually think that moving away from the Bible’s clear teachings has somehow helped our world? Indeed, it has had the exact opposite effect.
Ingredient # 2: We must be careful with whom we associate. As a result of our choices relationally, we are known by our environment. The company we keep influences and shapes our thinking more than we care to admit. From Children to Teens to Young Adults to Senior Adults, we can see that in time this truth is proven out over and over again. Those we hold onto, have a hold on us.
Ingredient # 3: The things that we allow our eyes to see as we read a book, watch the TV, view a movie, or peruse a magazine, and view via the technology of the internet definitely affects us. All of this will have a significant impact on how we see ourselves and others. Prolonged exposure to negative images is making our world less safe than ever. Sin is real, and we must never forget that it is also negative. I used to say that ‘Sin is the darkroom where Satan takes us to develop our negatives’.
In Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of the New Testament entitled The Message, the apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:8-9 “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into His most excellent harmonies.”
You know, I was thinking, that’s a pretty good way to live. What do you think?
As you have a Great Tuesday and rest of the week, remember this; you are all loved.
Pastor Darryl
“You know, I was thinking…” No Doubt, we have all said that to someone at one time or another, haven’t we? I have often thought myself about how God created us and has blessed us with the capability of independent thinking. He also has given to us a Free Moral Agency in the area of our personal choices. It’s a fact that our ability to reason as humans truly separates us from the animal world. We operate on a higher level, a higher plain than simply that of instinct. We are able to analyze and discern truth and reality. Never take it for granted my friends because this is a God-given gift for which we are most blessed.
Scientists tell us that our mind will think thousands of thoughts each and every day. Some research has noted that we can think as many as 3.5 million thoughts a year. Because these thoughts will cover all facets of our life, we quickly learn that this gives us the ability to deal with everyday situations and long-term planning. It also helps us to manage crisis as it comes. No doubt, thinking right helps us to live right.
We live in such a pluralistic world. It is a world that says, ‘let me think and do as I see fit and you do the same’. One of the overwhelming difficulties with that logic is that we end up encountering problems as another person’s actions seem to run cross current with ours. The result is definitely uncomfortable at best. What it yields is nothing short of a crisis. For example, those people who somehow come to the place where they no longer think that life is valuable quickly become a threat to those of us who do value life. As a pastor, I can tell you that thinking right is always an important exercise for Christians. Still I think it is also true that wrapped within right thinking, is what I offer to you today as three basic ingredients.
Ingredient # 1: There must be objective truth that we subscribe to. For the Christian this objective truth is the Holy Word of God. You see I am convinced that the Bible deals extensively with how we are to think, even though the world has overwhelmingly disagreed with that truth. But look around you; does anyone actually think that moving away from the Bible’s clear teachings has somehow helped our world? Indeed, it has had the exact opposite effect.
Ingredient # 2: We must be careful with whom we associate. As a result of our choices relationally, we are known by our environment. The company we keep influences and shapes our thinking more than we care to admit. From Children to Teens to Young Adults to Senior Adults, we can see that in time this truth is proven out over and over again. Those we hold onto, have a hold on us.
Ingredient # 3: The things that we allow our eyes to see as we read a book, watch the TV, view a movie, or peruse a magazine, and view via the technology of the internet definitely affects us. All of this will have a significant impact on how we see ourselves and others. Prolonged exposure to negative images is making our world less safe than ever. Sin is real, and we must never forget that it is also negative. I used to say that ‘Sin is the darkroom where Satan takes us to develop our negatives’.
In Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of the New Testament entitled The Message, the apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:8-9 “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into His most excellent harmonies.”
You know, I was thinking, that’s a pretty good way to live. What do you think?
As you have a Great Tuesday and rest of the week, remember this; you are all loved.
Pastor Darryl
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
EVERY SUCCESSFUL ACT FOR CHRIST BEGINS INTENTIONALLY
Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish, but those that keep the law, happy are they.”
When you talk about vision, our passage today really is known as the hallmark of verses that deal with the subject. In his devotion book, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers makes this statement about vision. “There is a difference between holding on to a principle and having a vision. A principle does not come from moral inspiration, but a vision does. People who are totally consumed with idealistic principles rarely do anything.”
I learned many years ago that principles are good and very important, but they are also standards by which we must stand firm in a world of shifting sand. I believe that Vision, on the other hand, could be worded as ‘Principle in Action.’ For instance, I, like you, want with all my heart to see every Pre-Christian I know, willingly come to a personal saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. As a dose of reality, I have learned that my wanting it to happen doesn’t make it automatically happen. Wanting this is a principle; but seeing myself used of God to reach certain people by putting a plan into place, well, that is what I call vision.
The reason that so many churches are dying today is because we so often mistake principle for vision. Note in our verse “but those that keep the law, happy are they.” Remember this; Principle gives us a position while Vision gives us Purpose. Solomon said that “where there is no vision, the people perish…” Let me take a brief moment and offer a little spin on that same verse as we apply it to our local churches and to the vision we must have for Pre-Christians. It goes like this: Remember this pastors and laymen, where there is no vision, the people will find themselves another Parrish!
On this very busy Tuesday I have a lovingly personal challenge to present to you. I challenge you to stretch yourself. Today, set a specific goal to take the time you need to focus on those you care about. Today, intentionally work on a personal approach for you to be able to lead just one person to trust Christ as their Savior. People don’t change their ways by accident. It is as true today in this the twenty-first century as it was in the very first century. The things that are getting done for Jesus Christ are not accomplished accidentally. Rather, in the same way, every successful act for Christ begins intentionally.
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week!
Pastor Darryl
Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish, but those that keep the law, happy are they.”
When you talk about vision, our passage today really is known as the hallmark of verses that deal with the subject. In his devotion book, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers makes this statement about vision. “There is a difference between holding on to a principle and having a vision. A principle does not come from moral inspiration, but a vision does. People who are totally consumed with idealistic principles rarely do anything.”
I learned many years ago that principles are good and very important, but they are also standards by which we must stand firm in a world of shifting sand. I believe that Vision, on the other hand, could be worded as ‘Principle in Action.’ For instance, I, like you, want with all my heart to see every Pre-Christian I know, willingly come to a personal saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. As a dose of reality, I have learned that my wanting it to happen doesn’t make it automatically happen. Wanting this is a principle; but seeing myself used of God to reach certain people by putting a plan into place, well, that is what I call vision.
The reason that so many churches are dying today is because we so often mistake principle for vision. Note in our verse “but those that keep the law, happy are they.” Remember this; Principle gives us a position while Vision gives us Purpose. Solomon said that “where there is no vision, the people perish…” Let me take a brief moment and offer a little spin on that same verse as we apply it to our local churches and to the vision we must have for Pre-Christians. It goes like this: Remember this pastors and laymen, where there is no vision, the people will find themselves another Parrish!
On this very busy Tuesday I have a lovingly personal challenge to present to you. I challenge you to stretch yourself. Today, set a specific goal to take the time you need to focus on those you care about. Today, intentionally work on a personal approach for you to be able to lead just one person to trust Christ as their Savior. People don’t change their ways by accident. It is as true today in this the twenty-first century as it was in the very first century. The things that are getting done for Jesus Christ are not accomplished accidentally. Rather, in the same way, every successful act for Christ begins intentionally.
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week!
Pastor Darryl
Monday, August 31, 2009
PLAN YOUR LIVES AROUND THE THINGS THAT MATTER MOST
1 Thessalonians: 5:18 says: “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
As we wind down the busy summer vacation season, that kicked off with the Memorial Day Weekend and will end with this weeks Labor Day weekend, I wanted to remind us all of what is really important (aside from the continually escalating gas prices).
Like each of you that have raised or still are raising your family, Gwen and I have learned within these past 30+ years through our ministry, that just as we parents want intimacy joy and an understanding relationship with our own family, God wants the same thing with each of us. Although God wants us to serve Him in spreading the Good News of His salvation, God wants first of all to have a deep and growing relationship with each of us. He desires for us to have intimate fellowship with Him above all else.
More often than not, when our relationship with God becomes as God Intends it to be, the blessings we receive run over into the lives of others. That’s how it has been for me and Gwen. As God has encouraged us to walk more intimately with Him, so also have our three wonderful children and their spouses observed and responded to the need in their lives to have a close walk with God. What’s more, God continues to bring them through their daily challenges just as He will also do for you and your extended family.
- A Pre-Fall Commitment –
As summer now comes an end, as we are returning from vacations, as school clothes, school supplies and homework abounds, why not make an intentional Pre-Fall commitment? Today, pause and remember the importance of continually building and enjoying the closeness of your immediate family? As you are doing that, don’t forget that God wants to enjoy the same kind of a close relationship with you.
Plan your lives around the things that matter most. Let me remind everyone to keep Christ in your plans. He not only wants that for the fall, but for every season as well.
On this busy Tuesday, as you make plans for the final holiday weekend until Thanksgiving, why not join me in this prayer. “Dear Jesus, thank you for staying near me and my family – even when we were heading in our own direction. Thank you for being faithful to us each day and for making us aware of your presence. Give us all a joyful and safe Labor Day weekend that keeps you included in our plans. Amen.”
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
As we wind down the busy summer vacation season, that kicked off with the Memorial Day Weekend and will end with this weeks Labor Day weekend, I wanted to remind us all of what is really important (aside from the continually escalating gas prices).
Like each of you that have raised or still are raising your family, Gwen and I have learned within these past 30+ years through our ministry, that just as we parents want intimacy joy and an understanding relationship with our own family, God wants the same thing with each of us. Although God wants us to serve Him in spreading the Good News of His salvation, God wants first of all to have a deep and growing relationship with each of us. He desires for us to have intimate fellowship with Him above all else.
More often than not, when our relationship with God becomes as God Intends it to be, the blessings we receive run over into the lives of others. That’s how it has been for me and Gwen. As God has encouraged us to walk more intimately with Him, so also have our three wonderful children and their spouses observed and responded to the need in their lives to have a close walk with God. What’s more, God continues to bring them through their daily challenges just as He will also do for you and your extended family.
- A Pre-Fall Commitment –
As summer now comes an end, as we are returning from vacations, as school clothes, school supplies and homework abounds, why not make an intentional Pre-Fall commitment? Today, pause and remember the importance of continually building and enjoying the closeness of your immediate family? As you are doing that, don’t forget that God wants to enjoy the same kind of a close relationship with you.
Plan your lives around the things that matter most. Let me remind everyone to keep Christ in your plans. He not only wants that for the fall, but for every season as well.
On this busy Tuesday, as you make plans for the final holiday weekend until Thanksgiving, why not join me in this prayer. “Dear Jesus, thank you for staying near me and my family – even when we were heading in our own direction. Thank you for being faithful to us each day and for making us aware of your presence. Give us all a joyful and safe Labor Day weekend that keeps you included in our plans. Amen.”
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
Monday, August 17, 2009
Receive a Three-Fold Vision of the Heart
Most Pastors don’t often preach from the book of Habakkuk, but there’s a great truth we can learn from Chapter 3 and verse 2 (NLT) “I have heard all about you, LORD. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.”
Although God does not motivate His children out of fear, it is only natural that out of respect for His awesome power, we fear when God reveals His vision to our heart. Think about it; would God, the creator of the universe, reveal to us the commonplace? Would the same Jesus who walked on water reveal to His children that he wants us to only give a glass of water? There is a grave danger in taking the things of God and reducing them to the status of commonplace.
Jesus didn’t tell us to just give a drink of water, but when we give it, to give it in His name. It may be that we have yet to give that drink in Jesus’ name and that is why we haven’t had a vision of the heart. Ultimately, though, God wants us to step out on faith and walk on that water that others are too afraid to step out upon.
Friends, please don’t be guilty of setting limits in your Christian walk as to where you will allow God to lead you. Let’s not simply seek for God to punish those who’ve wronged us or someone we love, but rather; reach out to them and share our Christ. Let God revive your heart and renew your desire to forgive. For most it appears, we have yet to let Him lead us to share that “cup of water” which comes from the River of Life. (Mark 9:41)
Even though you may have a very busy Tuesday before you, pause with me to notice three jewels that can be mined in this passage in Habakkuk. Look at how we can grow in God when we are willing to Receive a Three-Fold Vision of the Heart. 1. See the Impact of God’s Vision – It is Fear. 2. Notice the intention of God’s Vision – It is Revival. 3. Recognize the Influence of God’s Vision – It is A Change of Heart.
Let God help you change your heart from only wanting others to receive what you think they have coming to them for what they’ve done. You see friends there is such an awesome blessing that comes when we receive a vision of the heart. Habakkuk went from asking for God’s judgment against Judah to pleading for God’s mercy. Why not let God’s vision of the heart do the same for you today?
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
Most Pastors don’t often preach from the book of Habakkuk, but there’s a great truth we can learn from Chapter 3 and verse 2 (NLT) “I have heard all about you, LORD. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.”
Although God does not motivate His children out of fear, it is only natural that out of respect for His awesome power, we fear when God reveals His vision to our heart. Think about it; would God, the creator of the universe, reveal to us the commonplace? Would the same Jesus who walked on water reveal to His children that he wants us to only give a glass of water? There is a grave danger in taking the things of God and reducing them to the status of commonplace.
Jesus didn’t tell us to just give a drink of water, but when we give it, to give it in His name. It may be that we have yet to give that drink in Jesus’ name and that is why we haven’t had a vision of the heart. Ultimately, though, God wants us to step out on faith and walk on that water that others are too afraid to step out upon.
Friends, please don’t be guilty of setting limits in your Christian walk as to where you will allow God to lead you. Let’s not simply seek for God to punish those who’ve wronged us or someone we love, but rather; reach out to them and share our Christ. Let God revive your heart and renew your desire to forgive. For most it appears, we have yet to let Him lead us to share that “cup of water” which comes from the River of Life. (Mark 9:41)
Even though you may have a very busy Tuesday before you, pause with me to notice three jewels that can be mined in this passage in Habakkuk. Look at how we can grow in God when we are willing to Receive a Three-Fold Vision of the Heart. 1. See the Impact of God’s Vision – It is Fear. 2. Notice the intention of God’s Vision – It is Revival. 3. Recognize the Influence of God’s Vision – It is A Change of Heart.
Let God help you change your heart from only wanting others to receive what you think they have coming to them for what they’ve done. You see friends there is such an awesome blessing that comes when we receive a vision of the heart. Habakkuk went from asking for God’s judgment against Judah to pleading for God’s mercy. Why not let God’s vision of the heart do the same for you today?
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
IT’S CALLED A JEHOVAH - JIREA JUST IN TIME MOMENT!
IT’S CALLED A JEHOVAH - JIREA JUST IN TIME MOMENT!
In the Hebrew, there is a name for God that is one of the greatest blessings and encouragements any Christian could possibly hold onto. It is a name that provides a very promise within the name of God. The term; Jehovah-Jireh means "God who sees", or by implication "God will provide."
Perhaps you remember the name comes from the Bible account where Abraham was about to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. God stopped him and provided a ram in the thicket for Abraham to use as for the sacrifice. Time and time again we see God seeing the need and then providing for that very need. And friends, it always comes right on time…in God’s time.
Three weeks ago my church was given a 2000 Saturn by one of our wonderful laymen. He said to sell it and use the money for the church. Our church has been blessed to have this happen before. Most recently another one of our fine layman honored God with a “Big Boy Toy”. It was so nice to sell that classic, 40 year old, sweet, 1969 Chevy Camero, Indy Pace Car, and to then put those funds into the church to be used as ministry dollars to help others. The Saturn hadn’t gotten even a nibble. For some unknown reason as it sat there in clear view nothing happened. I know it was priced right, I’ve sold many that way. I couldn’t understand why…that is until last Tuesday.
As I was working at my desk, I received a phone call from a lady who said that she and her husband and daughter were desperately in need. They needed help to get to Florida. They had no car. Her husband had a job if they could just get the money to help them somehow get transportation to Florida. They’d take a Greyhound if they could just get the funds. He had lost his job here six months ago and she lost hers last week. I knew this was a legitimate need. They were staying with a pastor friend of mine. She asked if I could possibly give them even a few dollars to help them out. I felt at that moment a little like Peter in Acts 3:6 when he was asked for cash by the crippled beggar. It reads this way: 6”Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." You see Peter didn’t have much cash. But he did have the ability through God’s goodness to give the man more than what a little cash could do. God used Peter to meet the man’s biggest need. God used Peter to help that crippled beggar to be totally MOBILE!
There I was in the same position as Peter. I could have given her a few dollars. After all, that’s all she asked me for. But that wasn’t what God had in mind. You see, because of someone else’s generosity I had the ability to make them totally MOBILE. I asked her if they could use a 2000 Saturn, SL-1 car with all the options. She told me later that she almost passed out. We met up together and through God’s goodness I was able to meet their need. I gave them the title, and the car. She said to me: “Pastor Darryl, I know that God has met this need for us. God has provided this car today, and just in time.” At that moment dear friends, it hit me again. There it was. God was being God, and I could once again see it ever so clearly. What was it? IT’S CALLED A Jehohah-Jirea just in time moment.
Friends, on this very busy Tuesday, why not pause and thank God for all that He has given to you. Let Him work through you to bless others. Ask God what He might have you to surrender to Him through your church so that someone else could be helped like this family was. Let me ask all the “Big Boys” a question. Do you have any “Big Boys Toy’s” you can give to Jesus? Ladies, how about you?
Friends, you and I both know that the scripture is clear. We can never out give the Lord. But here’s an idea…why not see what it really feels like to try?
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
In the Hebrew, there is a name for God that is one of the greatest blessings and encouragements any Christian could possibly hold onto. It is a name that provides a very promise within the name of God. The term; Jehovah-Jireh means "God who sees", or by implication "God will provide."
Perhaps you remember the name comes from the Bible account where Abraham was about to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. God stopped him and provided a ram in the thicket for Abraham to use as for the sacrifice. Time and time again we see God seeing the need and then providing for that very need. And friends, it always comes right on time…in God’s time.
Three weeks ago my church was given a 2000 Saturn by one of our wonderful laymen. He said to sell it and use the money for the church. Our church has been blessed to have this happen before. Most recently another one of our fine layman honored God with a “Big Boy Toy”. It was so nice to sell that classic, 40 year old, sweet, 1969 Chevy Camero, Indy Pace Car, and to then put those funds into the church to be used as ministry dollars to help others. The Saturn hadn’t gotten even a nibble. For some unknown reason as it sat there in clear view nothing happened. I know it was priced right, I’ve sold many that way. I couldn’t understand why…that is until last Tuesday.
As I was working at my desk, I received a phone call from a lady who said that she and her husband and daughter were desperately in need. They needed help to get to Florida. They had no car. Her husband had a job if they could just get the money to help them somehow get transportation to Florida. They’d take a Greyhound if they could just get the funds. He had lost his job here six months ago and she lost hers last week. I knew this was a legitimate need. They were staying with a pastor friend of mine. She asked if I could possibly give them even a few dollars to help them out. I felt at that moment a little like Peter in Acts 3:6 when he was asked for cash by the crippled beggar. It reads this way: 6”Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." You see Peter didn’t have much cash. But he did have the ability through God’s goodness to give the man more than what a little cash could do. God used Peter to meet the man’s biggest need. God used Peter to help that crippled beggar to be totally MOBILE!
There I was in the same position as Peter. I could have given her a few dollars. After all, that’s all she asked me for. But that wasn’t what God had in mind. You see, because of someone else’s generosity I had the ability to make them totally MOBILE. I asked her if they could use a 2000 Saturn, SL-1 car with all the options. She told me later that she almost passed out. We met up together and through God’s goodness I was able to meet their need. I gave them the title, and the car. She said to me: “Pastor Darryl, I know that God has met this need for us. God has provided this car today, and just in time.” At that moment dear friends, it hit me again. There it was. God was being God, and I could once again see it ever so clearly. What was it? IT’S CALLED A Jehohah-Jirea just in time moment.
Friends, on this very busy Tuesday, why not pause and thank God for all that He has given to you. Let Him work through you to bless others. Ask God what He might have you to surrender to Him through your church so that someone else could be helped like this family was. Let me ask all the “Big Boys” a question. Do you have any “Big Boys Toy’s” you can give to Jesus? Ladies, how about you?
Friends, you and I both know that the scripture is clear. We can never out give the Lord. But here’s an idea…why not see what it really feels like to try?
Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
THE GREATEST THING TO HAPPEN TO ME SINCE JESUS
On this very busy Tuesday, we are a bit tired here in Indy. We closed out District Assembly yesterday. Another year is in the record books and we are now looking ahead during the church year 2009-1010 with anticipation. We look forward to all that God has in store for our churches and our individual ministries. The number one agenda item so many are talking about is the proposed merger of The Indianapolis District and the South West Indiana District. We will vote on the merger at next year’s Assembly.
As important as that merger is, I want to take a moment and remind us all of a couple of other very important mergers. Important merger number ONE is the day we gave our hearts to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. None of us will ever forget the day we met Jesus at the altar of salvation. What a joyous occasion that was, and what a blessing it continues to be for all of us. We rejoice in the day we made Jesus a part of our lives.
The second important merger that I’m sure we all hold dearly is the one that husbands and wives celebrate every year. It was a merger that happened at the marriage altar. Do you remember the excitement of that special day guys? I know that you certainly remember the joy and beauty of that wonderful day as well ladies.
Friends, today, August 4th is the day that the greatest thing to happen to me since Jesus took place. It was the day Gwendolyn Marie Clark said “I DO” to Darryl John Bogatay. Believe it or not, that was Thirty-Seven Years ago today. Yes, young engaged and married couples I said 37 years ago. We began life together with the "Cool" Sum of $25.00 cash in my pocket! Friends, I am absolutely honored and blessed to tell you that Gwen is the joy of my life. She is my best friend. She is the awesome mother of our three wonderful kids and the blessed grandmother of our four beautiful grand children. She is God’s greatest gift to me since He gave me His son, Jesus. I love her more today than I did when I fell in love with her at first sight. There she was quietly reading at dusk, seated on the third step under the light of the Eternal Flame at Mount Vernon Nazarene University on September 6, 1970!
Guys, why not on this Tuesday, pause for a moment and thank the Lord for the wonderful help-mate He has given to you. Ladies, stop and offer a word of praise to God for the wonderful man who is the other half of your heart. I promise you that it will help you to remember how blessed you really are. Even though the struggles and challenges of life come to every married couple, the blessed truth is that we go through those times together. Even in the hardest of times God honors our love for each other as He honors our love for Him.
Thank you for letting me share from my heart today. Yes, the merger between the Indianapolis and the South West Indiana Districts is an important merger to consider. But, the merger of our lives with Christ must always be number one. And my prayer is that you will say about your spouse what I have always said about mine. She is; THE GREATEST THING TO HAPPEN TO ME SINCE JESUS!
Have a Blessed Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
As important as that merger is, I want to take a moment and remind us all of a couple of other very important mergers. Important merger number ONE is the day we gave our hearts to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. None of us will ever forget the day we met Jesus at the altar of salvation. What a joyous occasion that was, and what a blessing it continues to be for all of us. We rejoice in the day we made Jesus a part of our lives.
The second important merger that I’m sure we all hold dearly is the one that husbands and wives celebrate every year. It was a merger that happened at the marriage altar. Do you remember the excitement of that special day guys? I know that you certainly remember the joy and beauty of that wonderful day as well ladies.
Friends, today, August 4th is the day that the greatest thing to happen to me since Jesus took place. It was the day Gwendolyn Marie Clark said “I DO” to Darryl John Bogatay. Believe it or not, that was Thirty-Seven Years ago today. Yes, young engaged and married couples I said 37 years ago. We began life together with the "Cool" Sum of $25.00 cash in my pocket! Friends, I am absolutely honored and blessed to tell you that Gwen is the joy of my life. She is my best friend. She is the awesome mother of our three wonderful kids and the blessed grandmother of our four beautiful grand children. She is God’s greatest gift to me since He gave me His son, Jesus. I love her more today than I did when I fell in love with her at first sight. There she was quietly reading at dusk, seated on the third step under the light of the Eternal Flame at Mount Vernon Nazarene University on September 6, 1970!
Guys, why not on this Tuesday, pause for a moment and thank the Lord for the wonderful help-mate He has given to you. Ladies, stop and offer a word of praise to God for the wonderful man who is the other half of your heart. I promise you that it will help you to remember how blessed you really are. Even though the struggles and challenges of life come to every married couple, the blessed truth is that we go through those times together. Even in the hardest of times God honors our love for each other as He honors our love for Him.
Thank you for letting me share from my heart today. Yes, the merger between the Indianapolis and the South West Indiana Districts is an important merger to consider. But, the merger of our lives with Christ must always be number one. And my prayer is that you will say about your spouse what I have always said about mine. She is; THE GREATEST THING TO HAPPEN TO ME SINCE JESUS!
Have a Blessed Tuesday and rest of the week.
Pastor Darryl
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
GOD SAYS; “NEED DIRECTIONS?” “MY WAY IS THE HIGHWAY.”
Have we not all come a long way when it comes to electronics and technology? Do you remember the black and white TV type arcade game called “Pong” that was created in 1972? How about the 1986 release of the Atari 7800, or the June 23, 1996 release of the Nintendo 64? Then fast forward to video games on our cell phones, the Nintendo DS, the X-Box, and the Wii. And the technology continues to improve and graphics are rapidly evolving at unbelievable speeds.
Haven’t we all been impressed by the head-spinning advances in what we now commonly know as GPS units? Nearly 1/3 of all American households now have access to either a hand-held cell phone type, a car dash installed type, or a portable Global Positioning System. Looks like that just about eliminates the old front seat remark that went something like this: “Honey just pull over and ask for directions, you know we’re lost!”
In Eugene Peterson’s The Message, he presents a paraphrase of what Wise King Solomon shared in Proverbs 3: 5 - 7a “Trust God from the Bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all.”
We really don’t have to get off track according to Solomon. We can stay on the right road, headed in the right direction, moving at the right speed, as we give God total control of our steering –will-. When we surrender to the Holy, Heavenly GPS, the one that was designed by God who is the actual creator of the very globe itself, we can be certain, His guidance will always be the right guidance.
If and when we stray from the right path, and we come to our Savior as I John 1:9 tells us to do, and we ask His forgiveness, just as your car’s GPS says “Recalculating” when you change directions, God also reminds us that our immediate U-Turn gets us headed back in the right direction.
Friends, on this very busy Tuesday can you pause for a moment and ask yourself if you have charted your Christian travels correctly? Have you mapped out the way God would have you to travel as you daily pursue your spiritual journey? Today just pause for a moment and YIELD to the directions provided by The Holy Spirit’s wisdom. Do a quick spiritual check-up and remember; God says; “Need Directions?” “My Way IS the Highway.”
Travel safely this week.
Pastor Darryl
Haven’t we all been impressed by the head-spinning advances in what we now commonly know as GPS units? Nearly 1/3 of all American households now have access to either a hand-held cell phone type, a car dash installed type, or a portable Global Positioning System. Looks like that just about eliminates the old front seat remark that went something like this: “Honey just pull over and ask for directions, you know we’re lost!”
In Eugene Peterson’s The Message, he presents a paraphrase of what Wise King Solomon shared in Proverbs 3: 5 - 7a “Trust God from the Bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all.”
We really don’t have to get off track according to Solomon. We can stay on the right road, headed in the right direction, moving at the right speed, as we give God total control of our steering –will-. When we surrender to the Holy, Heavenly GPS, the one that was designed by God who is the actual creator of the very globe itself, we can be certain, His guidance will always be the right guidance.
If and when we stray from the right path, and we come to our Savior as I John 1:9 tells us to do, and we ask His forgiveness, just as your car’s GPS says “Recalculating” when you change directions, God also reminds us that our immediate U-Turn gets us headed back in the right direction.
Friends, on this very busy Tuesday can you pause for a moment and ask yourself if you have charted your Christian travels correctly? Have you mapped out the way God would have you to travel as you daily pursue your spiritual journey? Today just pause for a moment and YIELD to the directions provided by The Holy Spirit’s wisdom. Do a quick spiritual check-up and remember; God says; “Need Directions?” “My Way IS the Highway.”
Travel safely this week.
Pastor Darryl
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Serving The God of Miracles
As I have been preparing for a week of "Spiritual Renewal" Services at the very wonderful Greenville South Carolina First Church of the Nazarene September 13 thru 16 I have been so overwhelmed by the awesome presence of the Holy Spirit. With every passage I have read, with every thought that has come as I have been writing the sermons God would have me to deliver, I remain in awe of His presence.
My niece Kathy and husband Sean who attend Greenville First are anxiously awaiting the birth of their new baby boy CHASE who is struggling in the womb with the heart issues surrounding HLHS. Right after praying for them again to be met by God's Holy Spirit in a personal way, I read Kathy's new blog post. Thank you Lord. I was so encouraged and I was blessed as I see their faith in God growing as God is taking she and Sean to a new level of TRUST. How wonderful it is to see the Holy Spirit, the great "Comfortor" doing what He does so well.
I know that the issues that each of us face are extremely important because we are the ones going through them. Ah, but may I please offer the encouragement needed as I remind us all that we are not going through these challenges of life alone. We have as our traveling companion the greatest friend ever - one who sticks closer than a brother - His name is JESUS!
If you too need a Miracle as do Sean and Kathy, then I remind you of the words of Paul to the Church at Ephesus in 3:20-21 as recorded in "The Message"... "God can do anything you know-far more than you could ever ask or request or imagine in your wildest dreams..."
So I say Let's Keep ASKING, Let's keep DREAMING because He's still ANSWERING.
Pastor Darryl
My niece Kathy and husband Sean who attend Greenville First are anxiously awaiting the birth of their new baby boy CHASE who is struggling in the womb with the heart issues surrounding HLHS. Right after praying for them again to be met by God's Holy Spirit in a personal way, I read Kathy's new blog post. Thank you Lord. I was so encouraged and I was blessed as I see their faith in God growing as God is taking she and Sean to a new level of TRUST. How wonderful it is to see the Holy Spirit, the great "Comfortor" doing what He does so well.
I know that the issues that each of us face are extremely important because we are the ones going through them. Ah, but may I please offer the encouragement needed as I remind us all that we are not going through these challenges of life alone. We have as our traveling companion the greatest friend ever - one who sticks closer than a brother - His name is JESUS!
If you too need a Miracle as do Sean and Kathy, then I remind you of the words of Paul to the Church at Ephesus in 3:20-21 as recorded in "The Message"... "God can do anything you know-far more than you could ever ask or request or imagine in your wildest dreams..."
So I say Let's Keep ASKING, Let's keep DREAMING because He's still ANSWERING.
Pastor Darryl
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