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
Monday, August 31, 2009
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
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