WHAT YOU MADE FOR?

Acts 6:7
7 The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. NASU
** Why did the word of God keep spreading and the church kept growing? Because people were doing what they were gifted to do. It is so important to find your gifting weather it be focusing on prayer and the Word of God, or singing to the Lord, greeting people etc. the important thing is that you are plugged in and using your gifts to bring Glory to God and blessing the church with your talents. The challenge we have here is that most people think that their gifts and talents are only used in the boundaries of the church property. This is were we error often. So we sing for the Lord on Sundays thru being a soloist or on the worship team and then we sing the worlds songs during the week. There is a separation that takes place because we don’t know how to fit our God given talents and gifts into the worlds system. What is the answer? Well the scripture clearly states that “whatever you do both in word or deed, do it all to the glory of God.” I then will not put myself in compromising situations that would not bring glory to God. If I’m a greeter at church and I have that gift inside me, then I find ways to volunteer my time and gift to be used in different areas to let that light shine before men so they can see your works (greeting) and glorify your father in heaven. You see people will compliment you during your life and outside of the church for the great things you do using your gifts. You respond in gratitude of thanks that they took notice and then you turn to God, maybe then or maybe later that evening, and say; “Father thank you that you have given me this gift and talent of greeting. I give all that praise that was given to me back to you where it belongs. I love you and want to honor you with everything you have blessed me with.” Then you look for more opportunities to share His gifts within you with others in the dark.

WHAT YOU EVERY SAY I WILL DO

Ex 24:7
7 Then he took the book of the covenant and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, " All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient!" NASU
** Yea, right! They sound like a bunch of 6 year olds. “what you ever say we will do.” And not long after that, they are making a calf! Have we changed? Do we still say that we will obey whatever God tells us? And how often do we follow thru? God I will do whatever you tell me to do….what? you want me to fast for 5 days? You know I can’t do that….. what? You want me to learn self control? But Lord, look at everyone else…. I have much more self control than they do….
** And the argument goes on and on from generation to generation and most of the time I feel like we are loosing ground in our obedience to God. Every once in a while I’ll see someone step out and do GREAT things for the Lord. People who have chosen not to live their lives according to this worlds patterns but follow closely to God. These are the people who make being a pastor worth while. These are the people who drive me to be better at leading God’s people.

ABORTION?

Ex 21:22-23
22 "If men struggle with each other and strike a woman with child so that she gives birth prematurely, yet there is no injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman's husband may demand of him, and he shall pay as the judges decide. 23 "But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty life for life, NASU
** Ok, so here is a verse very clearly stated how important a baby in the womb is. If a baby dies in the womb even not on purpose as stated in the verse above then it is considered murder and the person who even accidently killed the baby in the womb must give their own life for the baby’s life. And yet we have clinics that we have set up all over America to end babies lives. We end these babies lives for the purpose of convenience. Not only is America murdering their babies but just last Friday our president signed in to play for us to spend over 400 million dollars to go to other countries to their abortion clinics to murder their babies. This kind of action will not go unpunished. America will be judged by the great God Jehovah on their actions and the millions of lives being murdered. Who will ever stand up and speak for these babies that do not have a voice? The other day I was driving by an abortion clinic and there was one lonely person outside holding up a picture of an aborted baby. It was gross, sick looking and I could not even bear to look because of how ugly the picture was. I was thinking if this was even wrong for this person to hold up such graphic pictures. But it was the truth! It is exactly what goes on behind the walls of that abortion clinic. So what will we do? Who will stand up and speak for these babies? Will we? Will Christians? Probably not, we will just take our stimulus checks and turn our faces away and go about our merry way while millions of lives are lost in abortion clinics.

WHAT YOU HAVE IS ENOUGH

Acts 3:6
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." NIV
** I don’t have money, but what I do have? Peter knew that he did have something to give. Many people often feel like they don’t have anything to give to others. You may feel like you’re not talented in areas or that you don’t have a lot of money. Maybe you don’t know what you can do. There are many ways to share what you’ve got. And your reply is…. “what do I have?” The love of Jesus and the power of Jesus! You can give Jesus in many ways that would be so simple. You don’t have to do it just like Peter in a public display. I’ve heard of people accepting Jesus by just picking up a note or bible tract in a bathroom stall or on a can food in a grocery store. I knew of one man who would go to the grocery store and place the tracts in the plastic surrounding the can foods. Whatever or however you do it, you can share Jesus. What you’ve got is enough, the question is, do you believe it? Lord, please make me aware of every opportunity to share you with those who need you. Amen.

GET MOVING

Ex 14:15
15 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. NASU
** Ok, Moses, a lot of whining and not enough walking. It was time for Moses to get on the ball and start putting action to his prayers. Often times I’ve met people who pray about something over and over again and never get done what they need to do because they are still praying about it. So, YES, pray about things that you are faced with. Seek God with your whole heart….. Now, walk in faith believing you have the answer. I understand if you feel like you still don’t know what to do after seeking God over it. So now connect with someone else and share with them your situation and open the bible and get other’s opinions and line them up with the bible then do it.** This is the first day of the 5 day fast and so far so good but the day is not even half over…… I’m really looking for God to do some supernatural things in my life and those that are pushing for a difference in their lives.

2 CHOICES

Luke 23:42-43
42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." NIV
** Can you imagine the drama that played out on this day? Here you have 2 criminals who was deserving of death, one on each side of Jesus. One curses Jesus and the other believes in Him. It definitely shows the heart of man kind. Some, when everything is going wrong and troubles come (like the thief who believed), run to Jesus and yell for help. Then there’s the other people who, like the man who insulted Jesus, when troubles come and everything is going wrong, get mad at God and blame Jesus for all the bad things that are happening. Which one will you be? Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for you. He didn’t deserve it we did. He shouldn’t have died, we should have died. But while we were still sinners, still hurling insults and blame at Him, He died for us. What an awesome God we serve!

SIFTING ANYONE?

Luke 22:31-32
31 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." NASU
** satan wants to sift each one of us as wheat! Here Jesus tells Peter that he will fall under the pressure of satan’s sifting basically saying that not only has satan demanded permission but that God has given him this permission because He says that “after you have turned again (repented), strengthen your brothers.” So we know that if we fall we should use that fall to strengthen others that could be going thru difficult temptations and trials. The greatest thing is to know that Jesus is praying for each one of us that “our faith may not fail.” I love Him so much! He has done great things for us, He has done great things for ME!

GOOD FOR EVIL

Gen 50:20
20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. NASU
** Here we see the whole picture of Joseph’s life. From the moment he was sold in to slavery the plan of God was put into effect to turn the evil plans of Joseph’s enemies to the plans of God. God has a plan for us. He gives us visions and plans that are amazing and fruitful for our lives and yes even plans that work to preserve the lives of many people. Everyone of us have that plan within us. Plans to rescue lost people. So because I know that God will take every plot of the enemy and turn it into good, I rejoice in all situations because I know that He is at work in me to see that He will be exalted and praised.

MISSING HELL

Luke 16:23-27
23 "In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 "And he cried out and said, ' Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.' 25 "But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. 26'And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.' NASU**How horrible it will be to miss heaven. I know that the flames will be real and hot and I still think that the horror of hell will not be that people will burn for all eternity but that they will miss being with Jesus for all eternity. If you notice Abraham talks about a great chasm fixed between heaven and hell so no one can cross over BUT notice that you can look across and see heaven from hell! You will be able to see what you missed for all eternity. You may say “how horrible that God would do this.” I tell you the truth, God never intended for man to go to hell. This place was reserved for the devil and his angels that rebelled against God and was thrown out of heaven. If you are reading this, there is hope for you. You don’t have to go to this place called hell separated from a loving God who gave His life for you through Jesus Christ so you would not have to go to a Godless eternity in flames. Confess your sins right now and ask Jesus to come and live in your life and believe that Jesus is Lord. For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE his only son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for you. That whosoever believes in Him would not perish in hell for all eternity but have everlasting life with Jesus Christ and spend the rest of eternity dwelling in heaven.

LOVING FIRST

Luke 14:26-27
26 " If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. 27 "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. NASU
** Ok, so how hard of a teaching is this? Now I know that He isn’t talking about turning your back on your family and hating them like an enemy. How do I know? Because He also says love and honor your parents. He’s talking about getting your priorities straight. Jesus must come first in our lives no matter what and no matter who may stand in our way. Again I’m reminded of the verse “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” When I place Jesus as number one in my life to the point that it look like I hate everything else, then true love for my dad and mom, wife, children, brothers and sisters really shines out thru me. Only when I love Him above all else will I ever experience true love for others.

THIRD TIME THRU JOHN

Ok, so it's the third time thru John and it's amazing how much my spirit is being transformed. Spirit Detox is hard because it still involves your soul and body during the decision making to read the bible. So this is what I got after the third time reading:
John 20:6-76 And so Simon Peter also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7 and the face-cloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself.NASU
** So I don't know if you noticed this or not but everyone wants to know if the cloth that Jesus was buried in that they say they found is real or not. supposidly they can see the body marks and then the face marks on the cloth. Well..... this scripture would prove them wrong. It can't be the real shroud because in John it says that the face cloth was seperate from the body cloth. Read it again above... "rolled up in a place by itself." There ya go! the Shroud is not real, it's a fake. I know it is from some sincere people who just want other people to believe in Jesus and His death but I've found out that Jesus doesn't need our lies to prove His exsistence. His Word is enough and we need to excell in His word so we can bring that truth to the world. So how have you guys been doing on the "I tell you the truth" or "Truly truly I say unto you." study? Hang in there guys, it's hard but it will be worth it!

Pastor Dave

CONTROL

Luke 13:14
14 But the synagogue official, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, began saying to the crowd in response, " There are six days in which work should be done; so come during them and get healed, and not on the Sabbath day." NASU
** How amazing people are. They all want to control everyone else so they can get the glory. What is the big deal? Here a woman had been sick for 18 years, not able to straighten up, bound by the devil and these men have the nerve to be upset because she was freed! Now if they would have been the ones to free her it would have been a different story. They would have made signs and had someone yell in the streets about how wonderful they were…. “come see the great official who freed the devil woman!”
I’m for Jesus! I’m glad He steps on the bullies and sets people free. I’m glad that He cares enough for the person that He isn’t controlled by traditions, rules or regulations. He is my hero and I will always be proud to be in association with Him…. I’m glad to be called a CHRISTian.

BOOK OF JOHN FIRST BLOG

Ok, so it's my second day of reading thru the book of John and both days I found myself focusing on this verse:
John 5:14
14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, "See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you."NIV
** "You are well AGAIN.".... 38 years this man was sick and it doesn't say alot about how he got sick but the fact was, he was laying there on a mat for 38 years wanting to be healed. After Jesus heals the man, He then uses some interesting words of instruction to this man. "You are well AGAIN. Stop sinning or someting worse may happen to you." Was He saying this because the man became sick in the first place because of sin in his life? And was Jesus saying this because He suggested that if the man continued to sin that he would be sick again? Very interesting.... what do you think?

HOW'S THE BOOK OF JOHN?

So far once through. This is a tough challenge and I know it will be hard for many of you. Keep pressing in and don't give up. If you don't complete it one day then press for the next but at least try and try hard. This will bring Health to your Body and nourishment to your bones! I read it yesterday afternoon and late last night and it took me around 3hrs. If you have an audio bible try using that and listen when you drive etc.
Thanks for working hard at keeping pure and clean!

Pastor Dave

HEART REPAIR

Just thought I would pass this on from Gene Judd. It goes along with the sermon yesterday and it's a very funny and good read. Thanks Gene.

Recall NoticeThe Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units, code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Subsequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N. , as it is primarily expressed.Some other symptoms include:1. Loss of direction2. Foul vocal emissions3. Amnesia of origin4. Lack of peace and joy5. Selfish or violent be havior6. Depression or confusion in the mental component7. Fearfulness8. Idolatry9. RebellionThe Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next,download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.&nb sp;No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:1. Love2. Joy3. Peace4. Patience5. Kindness6. Goodness7. Faithfulness8. Gentleness9. Self controlPlease see the operating manual, th e B.I.B.L.E (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace.The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.Thank you for your attention! GODPlease assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by "knee-mail.'

UNIVERSALISM

Luke 9:20
20 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "The Christ of God." NIV
** “Who do you say that I am?” This will be the most important questions in the days ahead. I am amazed in my current studies that I have found a new word floating around. “Universalism.” This belief is surfacing around the world and some of the most influential people in the world are using it. What is it? It’s the belief that there are many ways to God. That Jesus Christ is only one way of many way to eternal life. I am both excited and afraid! Excited because this is so much of what to expect of the end times and afraid because I’m not sure how much stuff we will need to go thru before we see Jesus return. The TRUE Christians will have to make a choice to either submit to this teaching because it will become a worldwide belief (if it isn’t already) and when we don’t accept this teaching and belief, we will be outcast and will be put away because of our resistance. I will be teaching on this this Sunday so hang on to your hat and fasten your seatbelts because I know this will be a doozie! Oh and by the way JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY….. there is no other way, name, religion to be save other than the name of Jesus Christ.

OBEDIANCE WITHOUT QUESTIONS

Gen 22:10-12
10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied. 12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." NIV
** “Now I know that you fear God.” I guess you could say that this is the first time that Abraham didn’t question what God was doing. Everything from lying about his wife to questioning things. He had finally made up him mind to follow thru without any comments or questions but just obedience. We can take a lesson here by following Abrahams example. Obedience without questions. Why do I have to go there? Why did that happen to me? To them? When will I see the blessings you promised? When, where, why? Just obey…. Once we learn in this way, who knows what great things that God has planned for us?

WRATH OF GOD

Gen 18:25
25 Far be it from you to do such a thing — to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?" NIV
** This is just another reason that I believe that we will not be here during the “wrath” of God in the end times. Abraham clearly states that God is a God that does not punish the wicked and the righteous together. Right now I see many build ups that are happening in the world today that will require God’s wrath to destroy them. Two of the things are the same two things that the bible tells about God’s wrath. One is the freedom for homosexuals. We are in a huge war right now in California because the majority voted against gay marriage and the gay population is rising up and attacking the church and anyone who speaks out against them and their ways. In our reading, you can see that the men of the city came to Lot’s house because they wanted to have sex with the visitors. God in return not only because of this one account but because the whole city set the standard of gay relationships, burned the whole city and everyone in it. Two, the killing of the innocent children. The world is setting themselves up for the wrath of God because they are freely open to killing children in the womb. Not only are we in America killing these children, we are allowing our tax dollars to pay for it to happen here in America but also in a few weeks sign into play for America to spend over 300 million dollars a year to pay for abortions in other countries. When the wrath of God will come on this world I do not know, but I know that we who have followed God’s standards of being followers of Him will not be here when it happens. Matter of fact, I believe just like lot and his family, God will tell us to not even look back at the destruction that He will bring upon this earth. I just pray that we can change as many as we can before this horrible day arrives.

HE STILL BLESSES

Gen 17:17
17 Then Abraham bowed down to the ground, but he laughed to himself in disbelief. "How could I become a father at the age of one hundred?" he wondered. "Besides, Sarah is ninety; how could she have a baby?" NLT
** Here again as yesterday, I find that God looks beyond our perfections and sees that we are only human. In one aspect Abraham bows down to God but during the bowing, he laughs to himself in disbelief! And what does God do? He blesses Abraham in spite of his unbelief. I think often times we get caught up in walking and talking so perfectly so we don’t mess up God’s promises or blessings in our lives that we forget what an awesome God we serve. Now don’t get me wrong, I think we should have good confessions and we should live as sinless as we can. But I think because we fail sometimes, we think we have broken the blessings that God has for us. Well, I believe that God is bigger than us and He looks at our heart and acts upon our heart before He acts on our flesh. All thru the bible you will find one mess after another of men and women who didn’t act like they should be blessed by God and yet God still gave them the blessing or did some miraculous thing among them. I do try to please God with my flesh in the best ability that I have, but I know when I mess up and sin, God looks beyond my flesh and sees what’s in my heart.

HE LOOKS BEYOND US

Gen 12:11-13
11 As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, "I know what a beautiful woman you are. 12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' Then they will kill me but will let you live. 13 Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you." NIV
** This story has always amazed me. I mean, God has chosen a man, Abram, to be the promise for the future. And what does the promise do? Lie! And as we read on, we will find that this is not the first time. Yet God still chooses to bless Abram. Often times we set this perfect standard on people who God chooses to do His plans and we think that they have no flaws. I’ve noticed that all thru the bible men and women were full of flaws and troubles. I believe it is because number one, there are no perfect people and two, God chooses to use US! As imperfect that we are with all our flaws, God loves us and wants to use us to accomplish His tasks and all the wonderful things He has in store for this world.

WHEN WILL HE COME?

Luke 2:26-27
26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. NASU
** I’ve heard a lot of speculations about the return of Christ. Many have put dates on it and some have predicted different times of the year or ? what do I believe? I believe He is coming back. When? I hope today! I choose to live my life as if He will return each day I wake up. I mean, how can you go wrong with that type of lifestyle? I also know that Jesus said to us “occupy until I come.” So I just don’t go outside and look up everyday and wait for Him to show up. I occupy myself with things that will make Him happy when He comes back knowing that I was thinking about Him everyday. The day of the Lord’s return should not be a surprise to any of His followers. 1 Thess 5:4
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; NASU
Why? Because we expect Him any day and we live our lives as if today was the day. The downside to this is if you are an impatient person and after 4 years of expecting Him to come back, you get distracted thinking that He will not come back for a while. What happens is we forget we have a job to do and get our minds on the wrong things. We forget there is a world that is dying and people are going to hell every day and we are focused on why He has not come back for us. Believe me, if we can keep our minds on doing His work and rescuing people from an eternal hell then time flies so fast, before you know it we will see His face! It may or may not be through a rapture experience but we WILL see His face! And isn’t that what it’s all about in the first place? Have we forgot what we were in this for in the first place? HIM! We do what we do because He so loved us that He gave His life for us. How great it is to know that one day weather thru the rapture or that my time on earth is done, I will behold Him in all of His glory and will wrap my arms around Him and never let Him go! I can’t wait!

HAPPY NEW YEAR...... BEGINNINGS

Gen 1:1
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. NASU
** This is what it’s all about! Beginnings. A new slate, starting over. And isn’t it amazing that this is also where all the controversy begins. In the beginning God created! No one else can create something from nothing. It’s no good trying to think before or beyond the beginning because there is only one that can do that….. God! He’s my hero! And what is His weakness? He has none….. no one or nothing can bring Him down. He is GOD and He is bigger, greater and more than anything or anyone. There’s nothing He can’t do, there is no God like my God…… AWESOME!!! He was in the beginning and He will also be in the end….. and best of all….. I WILL BE WITH HIM! Even so, come quickly Jesus.