Praising our Lord Jesus Together!

Pastor's Pen for 9-29-19

Yes, You Can!

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:13

Henry Ford was known for saying, “If you say that you can then you can, but if you say that you can’t, then you can’t! Because success comes in cans and failure comes in cant’s.” Maybe we all need some can openers! You know we are our own worst enemy. We sell ourselves on the idea that we cannot do the things that we need to do. Always remember that if God leads you, He will enable you.

The person who is afflicted by can nots is a failure and they end up sucking their thumb and organizing pity parties! God deliver us from a don’t care, don’t try attitude! An unknown author penned these words:

If you would have some worthwhile plans,

You must watch your can’ts and cans,

You can’t aim low and then rise high;

You can’t succeed if you do not try!

If at first you don’t succeed … welcome to the club.😊 We have all tasted the bitter cup of failure only to discover that the cup of success is full and running over. Drink deeply, and trust God for your successes. You see, the best way to approach any difficulty is with the TRY-angle. Go ahead and watch our Lord give you the victory! Also, remember that life by the inch is a cinch but life by the yard is hard!

Pastor's Pen for 9-22-19

Bread

“ … it is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” – Matt. 4:4

Our Lord is referring to an essential in life. Bread speaks of nutritional needs of our human bodies. But we are also spiritual beings and we all have spiritual needs! We were created in God’s likeness and only God can satisfy the longings of our hearts. God’s Word is likened in this verse to bread. Notice the benefits of God’s bread from heaven:

· His Word keeps us from sin. Psalm 119:11

· His Word opens our eyes to truth. Psalm 119:18

· His Word enlightens us with direction. Psalm 119:105

· His Word is sweet. Psalm 119:103

· His Word gives us discernment. Hebrews 4:12

· His Word gives us understanding. Psalm 119:169

Are you spiritually hungry today for a satisfying meal from God’s divine oven? Eat bread and you will be nourished physically. Eat from God’s Word of Life and your entire being will be strengthened and satisfied beyond your comprehension! Remember: Partaking of God’s Word will never cause indigestion! 😊

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Pastor's Pen for 9-8-19

Are You a Good Communicator?

Part II

IMPERATIVES IN COMMUNICATION

Ephesians 4:25-32

· Be Honest. V. 25

ü Always speak the truth in love and be careful not to bend or stretch the truth. Always allow love to be your motivation. Eph. 4:15

· Be Calm not Angry. Vs. 26, 27

ü Diffuse anger as quickly as possible.

· Be on Guard with your Words. V. 29

ü Do not ever say anything that is unbecoming of a Christian.

ü Use every opportunity to make others glad that they had an opportunity to talk with you.

ü Be a Blessing! 😊

· Be Kind.

ü Never be mean spirited or argumentative, and always remember that nothing negative ever helps.

TEN PRINCIPLES FOR GOOD COMMUNICATION

1. Make it safe to communicate with you.

2. Seek to understand, not just to be understood.

3. Never assume that you know what the other person is thinking or trying to communicate. Ask as many questions that you can.

4. Listen intently, never interrupt someone when they are trying to communicate with you.

5. Too much talking can be as bad as too little talking. James 1:19

6. Never make a decision until you have gathered all of the story from every angle and view point.

7. Disagree? (Maybe) Disrespect? (Never)

8. Allow your friend to be open with their opinions without harsh judgmental rhetoric.

9. Consider poor communication to be a result of your own need to change and do not try to change your friend.

10. There is optimism and hope for the future … do not concentrate on past failures. 😊

Pastor's Pen for 9-1-19

Are You a Good Communicator?

Part I

“ … every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof …”

– Matthew 12:36

Communication is crucial! Did you know that the number one cause of relational problems is communication? I must confess to you that I believe that my number one weakness is in the area of communication. I am aware of this and I am constantly working to improve my communication skills. You see, communication is not one sided. Preaching is one sided and my weakness is not in preaching, especially when I know that the message I am delivering is from the Lord. But I believe that in order to build healthy relationships I/We must learn to communicate? Why? Communication develops many healthy traits.

Remember that God has a great desire to communicate with us! That’s why we have the source of prayer and His written Word to help us develop this much needed trait. Let me share with you some truths that the Lord has helped me with as I have attempted to strengthen my communication skills.

HINDRANCES TO COMMUNICATION

· FEAR

ü We may fear rejection of our opinions, thoughts, words, etc. from the person to whom we are attempting to communicate with.

ü We may not trust the other person to be confidential, so we avoid addressing concerns or issues.

ü We may feel that the other person does not care and only wants to hurt us, so we fear the pain that communicating will cause.

ü We may believe that there is a lack of love from the other person or that the other person does not practice unconditional love. Remember I John 4:18 tells us that, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear …”

· SELF-CENTEREDNESS

ü We can be more concerned about being understood or getting our way in a matter than in the other person’s opinion or perspective.

ü We are immature in our value system. We have not placed top priority in building great virtues in our lives. For example: truthfulness, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, trust, understanding, etc.

ü We do not practice scriptural mandates. For example: Philippians 2:3 tells us, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

· SELF-EXAMINATION

ü Very few people have regular self-examinations. The reason is very simple, immaturity and ignorance will lead us to believe that everyone else has a problem but not us. ☹

· A VICTIM MINDSET

ü We may think that we have nothing of value to say so we do not speak up.

ü We think that our opinion or words are worthless.

ü We have made previous attempts to communicate to someone and have failed, so why try again?

· WE DO NOT LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY

ü I Corinthians 13 teaches us the power of unconditional love. Verse 1 says, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not AGAPE, (unconditional or God-like Love) I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” Then Vs. 8 tells us that, “Agape never faileth.”

· UNCONFESSED SINS

ü Sins like anger, bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, pride, jealousy, and hatred will prevent healthy communications.

Pastor's Pen for 8-25-19

Shut the Door!

“… this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before …” Phil. 3:13-b

Doors are everywhere! We open them, walk through them, then we close them. Some we leave open that we should close. That is kind of like certain things in the past. Scripture teaches us that we should close the door on certain things in our past. Past pains, hurts, actions, sins, etc. should be kept under the blood of our Savior.

Past pains are always detrimental to the present and future if not placed under the blood of Jesus. The future is before us and only our Lord knows what that will bring. Use your past as a guidepost, not a hitching post!

Today, shut the door on any experience that brought you disappointment and pain. Shut the door that destroyed a dream that did not come true. Shut the door on all the mistakes you made and learn to forgive yourself as God forgives you. When you shut the door on the past, God will then open to you a door to the future. You will be greatly blessed, your life enriched, and you will enjoy life to its fullest! Please pray this prayer today: “Dear Lord, help me to place my past pains and hurts under your blood. Help me to trust You today and tomorrow.”

Let me give you the secret to doing what needs to be done. Focus on scripture! The remainder of this verse and v. 14 says, “ … reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Pastor's Pen for 8-18-19

Are You Greedy?

“And He said unto them, take heed and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” - Luke 12:15

A man asked Jesus about his inheritance and Jesus immediately recognized the spirit of greed and selfishness. Jesus warned him, “… beware of covetousness …” He went on to tell him that life does not depend upon things. The reason for the warning was that greed in a person’s life will ultimately and literally destroy you. Life is more than getting … life is about giving!

Is it a sin to have wealth? Absolutely not! Is it wrong to want to improve your lot in life, no! But when greed motivates you to go after wealth and wealth alone, then it becomes sinful! Remember, “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” – I Timothy 6:10 Money is a great servant but a very poor master. Greed has shattered many dreams, broken up many homes and marriages, and caused every war that has ever been fought. You see, I believe that when the Lord enters your life then greed goes out! John Wesley used to say, “Earn all you can; save all you can; give all you can.”

Several years ago, I read of a genius way that monkeys were caught in Africa. They would place cheap trinkets inside of a coconut to attract the monkeys. The monkeys would then see the glitter and stick their hand inside of the coconut through an open hole and grab the trinket. They would then go to a tree and begin to try to crack the coconut. The noise would attract the hunters and they would simply pick up the monkeys because they would not let go of the trinket. At any time they could have opened their hand and let go of the trinket … but they would not! Let’s learn from this trap and not act like silly, unwise monkeys!

Pastor's Pen for 8-11-19

Truth

“But speaking the TRUTH in love, may grow up into Him in all things which is the head, even Christ.” -Ephesians 4:15

Truth is like seeds that need to be sown, not like bullets that need to be shot. Truth will not bring about a desired effect until they have had time to germinate, sprout, and mature in the heart of the listener. Often, many years after a student graduates do they begin to reap the benefits of the instruction that they were taught. I have a peach tree that I planted a year and a half ago and I long to see the peaches that I know the tree will produce. 😊 I must be patient because I have planted the seed, and I water the tree regularly and I know that I will someday see fruit!

Sometimes we expect change in someone shortly after we plant life changing truths. Remember, it is God who gives the increase! If a member of our church could grasp just one or two truths in God’s messages to them, the results would be incredible! Perhaps this explains why God repeatedly says in scripture, “He that hath an ear let him hear.”

A great truth that the Lord has taught me is that truth is better communicated to someone when it becomes real in my own life. The fact of truth being real is when I live that truth day in and day out. For example, the truth of the power of prayer must be practiced regularly for me to reap the benefits. That is why our Lord said, “Men ought always to pray …” In other words, I do not really believe in the power of prayer if I never pray! In other words, truths must be taught, demonstrated and then practiced! What truths are you trying to teach? Are you demonstrating this truth by practicing this truth?

Pastor's Pen for 7-21-19

We are All Memory Makers

“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” II Peter 1:12

Everyone makes memories. There are good memories and bad memories. I believe that God wants us to create the best memories in everyone’s minds that we possibly can. It seems as if people will remember the unusual or extraordinary more than the usual or ordinary.

Why are memories so important? They are an imprint on our hearts and minds and they usually stay within us all our lives. Let me give you an example: To this very day I vividly remember words that were spoken to me in anger, in love, in instruction or in just casual conversation from my parents, my Pastor, my Professors and my peers. I keep every card that has ever been given to me because I do not ever want to forget people in my life that really cared for me and loved me dearly. They have given me good memories. 😊

The greatest way though to make a memory is not just by our words but by our actions, deeds and kindnesses. Have you performed a good deed for someone today or recently? Have you lifted a burden from someone who is overwhelmed by life? Have you opened your heart and extended friendship to someone who has been deeply hurt or injured? Scripture tells us that Jesus, “… went about doing good …” - Acts 10:38

When our goal in life is to be Christ-like then it becomes very easy for us to make good memories.

Let’s begin today to make great memories in our family’s minds as well as to our friends, church family and even stranger’s lives by our kind, loving deeds. 😊

Pastor’s Pen for 7-14-19

Children

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward.” - Psalm 127:3

All children are precious to our God! He loves them dearly. As a church God has entrusted us with many wonderful, talented, good-hearted, loving children. We must always work toward building a deep trust with them, with their parents and with our entire congregation.

One of the greatest lessons that you and I must be reminded of is that children learn by watching. Yes! They watch! What do they watch? They learn how to worship by watching us. They learn how to fellowship and build healthy relationships by watching us. They learn how to solve problems by watching us resolve our problems.

They learn how to forgive by watching us forgive.

I believe that children are a mirror of who we are and what we believe and stand for because they LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE AND OBSERVE. What good traits are they seeing in your life. Someone has well said:

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident.

If a child lives with praise, he learns to be appreciative.

If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.

If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to love.

Pastor’s Pen & Message 7-7-19

I Am Old Glory

For more than two hundred years I have been the banner of hope and freedom for generation after generation of Americans. Born amid the first flames of America’s fight for freedom, I am the symbol of a country that has grown from a little group of thirteen colonies to a united nation of fifty sovereign States.

Planted firmly on the high pinnacle of American Faith, my gently fluttering folds have proved an inspiration to unto millions. Men have followed me into battle with unwavering courage. They have looked upon me as a symbol of national unity.

They have prayed that they and their fellow citizens might continue to enjoy the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, which have been granted to every American as the heritage of free men.

So long as men love liberty more than life itself; so long as they treasure the priceless privileges bought with the blood of our forefathers; so long as the principles of truth, justice and love for all remain deeply rooted in human hearts, I shall continue to be the enduring banner of the United States of America.

Pastor's Pen June 9, 2019

Anger

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” - Proverbs 25:11

In this chapter we are given the instructions for dealing with anger in our lives and in the lives of others.

PATIENCE. Prov. 25:8

· The minute we hear something that disturbs us, how easy it is to become angry and to rush into the matter without thinking or praying.

· The wise thing to do is to think the matter through and wait upon God. Prov. 10:12; 12:16

· It is a wonderful gift from God to be, “… slow to anger …” - Prov. 15:18

PRIVACY. Prov. 25:9, 10

· Our first desire to tell the whole world and get everybody on our side. The Bible teaches just the opposite; talk to the person alone and do not allow others to interfere. Matt. 18:15-17

· Scripture admonishes us: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Rom. 12:18

· It is sad when professing Christians tell everyone but the one involved. ☹

WISDOM. Prov. 25:11-24

· Words are not just sounds that we hear; they are living, powerful realities that can either help or harm.

GENTLENESS. Prov. 25:21-22

· We are commanded not to render evil for evil. Romans 12:21

· If we are seeking to restore a sinning believer, we need a spirit of meekness and not an attitude of anger. Galatians 6:1

KINDNESS. Prov. 25:21, 22

SELF-CONTROL. Prov. 25:28

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Pastor's Pen for June 2, 2019

Abortion

This year marks the 46th. Anniversary of Roe v. Wade. We should be reminded that since the infamous Supreme Court ruling on January 22, 1973, over 60 million babies have been aborted.

This is the combined current population of Florida and California.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued the first proclamation designating January 22nd. as the National Sanctity of Human Life Day. He famously said, “I’ve noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born.” President Reagan also said, “I believe that until and unless someone can establish that the unborn child is not a living human being, then that child is already protected by the Constitution which guarantees life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to all of us.”

Tragically, the state of New York just countered Reagan’s point by redefining a person as “a human being who has been born and is alive.” By such definition, New York is declaring that the term “baby” only applies to a child that has been born. It’s hard to imagine that such insanity is deemed logical and progressive by so many.

As God’s people, let’s do everything in our power to SAVE LIFE not to TAKE LIFE! Scripture is very clear on where we should make our stand. Moses spoke very clear to the nation of Israel the words from God Himself:

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you LIFE and DEATH, blessing and cursing: therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that both thou and thy seed may LIVE.” - Deuteronomy 30:19

Pastor's Pen for May 19, 2019

A Blessed Person

Psalm 1

There are only two types of people in this world. They are either saved or lost … they are either godly because they are “in Christ.” Or they are ungodly, because they are in Adam. In this Psalm God gives us a contrast of the godly and the ungodly.

THE PERSON GOD BLESSES

Psalm 1:1-3

· A Person who is Separated from the world. V. 1

ü The Christian life is compared to a walk. Ephesians 4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15

ü It begins by a step of faith. Eph. 2:8, 9

ü Walking always produces progress. I John 1:7

· A Person who is Saturated with God’s Word. V. 2

· A Person who is Situated by the waters. V. 3

ü Water for drinking is a picture of the Holy Spirit of God. John 7:37-39

ü Our spiritual roots must go deep into God’s Word. Psalm 92:12-14

THE PERSON GOD JUDGES

Psalm 1:4-6

· The ungodly are like chaff. V. 4

ü They have no roots! Blown by the wind, useless to the purpose of God, they are neither beautiful nor fruitful.

· There is a future judgment. V. 5

ü The word “know” in the Bible means more than an intellectual acknowledgment. Scripture tells us that … “ … the Lord knoweth them that are His.” Jesus said, “I know my sheep” and some day

He will say, “I never KNEW YOU: DEPART FROM ME, ye that work iniquity.”

· There is a clear distinction between two ways. V. 6 –“For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

Pastor's Pen for Mother's Day, May 12, 2019

How Can You Help Your Family

Psalm 127

Everyone should have priorities and one of your highest priorities should be to have a strong family. You may not realize this but you are the heart and soul of your family.😊 Former President Dwight David Eisenhower said, “My sainted Mother taught me a devotion to God and a love of country which have ever sustained me in my many lonely and bitter moments of decision in distant hostile lands. To her, I yield a son’s reverent thanks.”

PLACE GOD AT THE HEAD OF YOUR HOME

Psalm 127:1-a – “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it …”

· One of the devil’s biggest lies is for you to give your children everything they want. Big houses, clothes, toys, cell phones, computers, video games, etc. and they will be happy.

· Remember the poem, “The Unseen Guest.” It used to be a popular plaque placed near or around a dinner table and read, “Christ is the head of this house, the unseen guest at every meal, the silent listener to every conversation.” Now families gather around a TV if they even gather at all.☹

PUT PARENTING AT THE TOP OF YOUR PRIORITY LIST

Psalm 127:3 – “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward.”

· God does not ask for perfection, but He does want your best.

· Remember the old hymn: “Hear ye the Master’s call, ‘Give Me Thy Best!” For, be it great or small, that is His test. Do then the best you can, not for reward, not for the praise of man, but for the Lord.

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM DESTRUCTIVE INFLUENCES

Psalm 127:1-b – “Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”

· Great Mothers are Great Protectors!

HONOR GOD OPENLY BEFORE YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS

Psalm 127:3-5

· Nancy Lincoln (Abraham Lincoln’s Mother) died in 1818, when Abe was only 9 years old. Her last words were: “Abe, I’m going to leave you now, and I shall not return. I want you to be kind to your father and live as I have taught you. Love your heavenly Father and keep His commandments.”

Pastor's Pen for May 5, 2019

The Power of God’s Word

“Forever, Oh Lord, Thy Word is settled in Heaven” - Psalm 119:89

Words have power! They can hurt, they can heal, they can direct or they can misdirect. Never underestimate the power of words! Also, never underestimate the power of God’s Holy, Inspired, Inerrant, Infallible Word!

GOD’S WORD IS LIGHT

Psalm 119:105 – “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

· Light enables us to see. God desires us to see truth. I Cor. 2:12, 13

· If you really want to know what’s going on in your life and in your world, then you’d better study the words in your Bible. II Tim. 3:16, 17

GOD’S WORD IS FOOD

Matthew 4:4 – “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

· Food enables us to grow. II Peter 3:18

· No food -no growth! Jeremiah 15:16

· Food begins with milk and then leads to meat. Heb. 5:11-14

GOD’S WORD IS A TOOL

Jeremiah 23:29

· Sometimes God’s Word has to break down before it can build up. Acts 20:32

· We must learn to use God’s Word skillfully. I Cor. 9:25

GOD’S WORD IS A WEAPON

Hebrews 4:12

· God refers to His Word as the sword of the Spirit. Eph. 6:17

· When Jesus battled Satan during his 40 day fast Jesus simply responded to his attacks by saying, “It is written” in vs. 4, 7, 10

Pastor's Pen for April 28, 2019

The Mission of the Church is Missions

Someone has well said, “You are either a Missionary or a Mission Field.” Our Lord’s entire mission on this earth was to reach the lost. Our Lord said in Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” I am so thankful to God that our church loves Missionaries and gives to send Missionaries to the lost all over the world! We should be involved in Missions because:

· Jesus set the example for us … He was a missionary! John 20:21 – “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”

· The greatest need of the entire world is the Gospel Message! II Cor. 4:3 – “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.”

· True New Testament Missions is Church Planting! I Timothy 3:15

· The Church was built on Jesus Christ. Matthew 16:18 – “ … upon this Rock (Jesus) I will build my church …”

· The last spoken words of our Lord was to go into all the world with the Gospel Message. Matthew 28:18-20

· Everyone can be involved in New Testament missionary giving. Some can surrender to go, some can give to send, everyone can pray for our missionaries. Matt. 9:37, 38

· Going, Sending or Giving involves faith and even strengthens our faith as we experience His Grace. II Cor. 8:9 – “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.”

Dr. F.B. Meyers said, “The church which is not a missionary church will be a missing church when Jesus comes.” He also said, “The only one among the twelve apostles who did not become a missionary became a traitor.”

Pastor's Pen for Easter, April 21, 2019

Jesus is Alive!

“ … He showed Himself ALIVE after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” - Acts 1:3

One of the most exciting truths of Christianity is the infallible, inerrant, inspired Word of God. Throughout scripture we are told of God being a God of the living not of the dead! Matt. 22:32 Even in Old Testament scripture we are given promises of a dying King yet risen Saviour in Isaiah 53. Psalm 115 shouts the truth of God being a LIVING GOD! Notice these truths:

GOD IS ALIVE– GLORIFY HIM! Psalm 115:1-8 (He then gives contrasts to dead idols made by men.)

· They have no Promises. Vs. 1-4

· They have no Protection. V. 5

· They have no Prayer. V. 6-a

· They have no Praise. V. 6-b

· They have no Power. V. 7

· They have no Presence. V. 8

GOD HELPS US – TRUST HIM! Vs. 9-11

· These vs. were sung by Temple choirs. One choir would sing, “O Israel, trust thou in the Lord!” and another would answer, “He is our help and our shield.”

· At that time in history, Israel was small and weak. Because of their sin, the people had been chastened by the Lord and sent into captivity.

· It was their idolatry that led to their fall.

· In Babylon they were cured of idolatry … pain and oppression caused them to trust a LIVING GOD!

GOD BLESSES US – FEAR HIM! Vs. 12-16

· Five times in these vs. scripture mentions blessings from God.

· What is a blessing? It is anything from the hand of God that is for our good and His glory!

GOD IS WORTHY – PRAISE HIM! Vs. 17, 18

· That is why we are here today! 😊

Pastor's Pen for April 14, 2019

Why Not Praise the Lord?

Psalm 145

Psalm 145 was written with only one purpose in mind: TO PRAISE THE LORD! Some Christians praise the Lord and some don’t. Perhaps the difference is this: the believers who praise the Lord have their eyes fixed on the Lord – while the silent saints are focused only on themselves☹ There are four main reasons why the Psalmist praised God. He saw:

THE GREATNESS OF GOD. Psalm 145:3-6

· God is great in His Person. V. 3

· God is great in His Works. V. 4

· God is great in His Majesty. V. 5

· God is great in His Judgment. V. 6

THE GOODNESS OF GOD. Psalm 145:7-10

· God’s goodness is Abundant. V. 7

· God’s goodness is Compassionate. V. 8

· God’s goodness is Universal. Vs. 9, 10

THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD. Psalm 145:11-13

· God’s Kingdom is a Glorious Kingdom. Vs. 11, 12

· God’s Kingdom is a Powerful Kingdom. V. 11

· God’s Kingdom is an Eternal Kingdom. V. 13

THE GRACE OF GOD. Psalm 145:14-20

· God is Gracious to those who Fall. V. 14

· God is Gracious to those who Hunger. Vs. 15-17

· God is Gracious to those who Pray. Vs. 18, 19

· God is Gracious to those who Love Him. Vs. 20, 21

Pastor's Pen for April 7, 2019

Touched by an Angel

“And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.” -I Kings 19:5

Can you imagine how Elijah must have felt when he was awakened from his nap by a Divine being? He had just finished his complaining to God how he didn’t have a desire to continue being His prophet. V. 4 He even went so far as to say, “Oh Lord take away my life …” v. 4

The angel touched him twice and then baked him a cake and gave him water to drink. (It must have been an Angel Cake.)😊 The meal and touch was enough to give him strength for forty days and nights.

You and I sometimes need a touch from an Angel to continue our journey. As wonderful as a touch from heaven may be to an individual, there is something far greater! Jesus promised us that He would literally come to us through the Holy Spirit and indwell us! The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is a great truth! In John 16:13, Jesus said, “When He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth.” As we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit, He gently leads us as a parent would lead their small child. Notice these truths about angels:

· When we fall, angels will pick us up. Psalm 91:11

· Angels, camp around us to protect us. Psalm 34:7

· God promises us bigger and better things that, “… the angels desire to look into.”

I Peter 1:12-b

· God warns us to be careful in this life because we may unknowingly entertain angels unaware. Hebrews 13:1

Stop, and thank God today for angels protecting us, but praise Him for

His indwelling Holy Spirit of promise!

Ephesians 1:13

Effectual Prayer

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16-b

Some day in eternity I believe that God will reveal to us how He heard and answered our prayers. James ch. 5 gives us many truths on how God answers effectual prayer.

James 5 tells us of four types of prayers:

1. Prayer for the Suffering. V. 13-a – “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray.”

2. Prayer for the Sick. Vs. 14 – “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”

V. 16-a “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.

3. Prayer for our Nation. Vs. 17, 18; I Kings 17, 18; I Timothy 2:1-3

4. Prayer for the Straying. Vs. 19, 20

As I mentioned earlier God will reveal to us some day how He worked on our behalf to accomplish HIS DIVINE WILL! Here is a poem that I read years ago to remind us of this truth:

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,

I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health, that I might do greater things,

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy,

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for … but everything I had hoped for,

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am among all men most richly blessed!

- An Unknown Confederate Soldier

Hickory Creek Baptist Church940-484-2091