Have You Gotten off Track?

Do you ever feel like you're running the race but not getting anywhere? Do you ever feel like you're expending a lot of energy, but not getting nowhere?

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
(1Co 9:24-27).

I'd like to share a few things with you this week on running the race. The first is that if you're running God's race you need to be temperate, or self-controlled, in all things (same word used in 1 Cor 7:9 regarding control of one's sexual desires). One thing that causes us to exhaust ourselves and get nowhere is when we refuse to see our fleshly attitudes for what they are and to submit them to the obedience of the word of God. If you don't submit your thoughts and attitudes and desires to the teaching of the word of God, you will become a spiritually undisciplined runner who relies on others to constantly provide the correction, and 'others' just can't do the job of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the one that knows your heart, and lives with you day to day. The Holy Spirit works through the word of God (Eph. 6:17), and through the word of God we receive our constant cleansing (John 15:3).

Stay in the Word, submit to the Word, and run on the Word.

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

What's Wrong with Me?

Have you asked yourself that question recently? Do you ever wonder why you keep messing up? Why you keep stumbling? Why you can't get your act together? Do you ever tire of trying to figure y0urself out? Or of struggling? Sometimes we immerse ourselves in our work, in the lives of our children, in our hobbies, or even in our church work, but when we come up for air we find that our life hasn't gotten any better. Sometimes we blame our unhappiness on other people or circumstances, but most of us at one time or another begin to sense that the real problem is 'us'. Now you would think that this would be a great start, but if the problem is 'us', then how do we fix 'us'? And many of us have eventually come to the conclusion that we can't be fixed. If others can't be fixed, if our circumstances can't be fixed, and if we can't be fixed, then where does that leave us?

The answer is, "in the hands of the Fixer". While it is true that WE can't fix ourselves, fix others, or fix our circumstances, it is equally true that God CAN.

But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?"
(Rom 9:20)

But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand. (Isa 64:8)

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
(Php 1:6)

I can't find a verse in the Bible where it says we are responsible to fix ourselves, or to fix others, or to fix our circumstances. I CAN find in the Bible where it says we are to put our stumblings and those of others behind us, and press forward to the glory of God.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
(Php 3:12-15)

Press toward the goal,

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

What Eyes are You Using?

All of us have eyes, but did you know that the eyes of God are spiritual eyes that look upon the heart?

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
(1Sa 16:7)

If we wish to see others as God sees them, if we wish to see our circumstances as God sees them, we must learn to look through the spiritual 'eyes' that God gives us, and not rely so heavily on our natural eyes.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
(2Co 4:16-18)

Is that what they call an 'oxymoron'? "While we do not look at the things which are seen, but AT THE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT SEEN." How do you look on things that are not seen?

Answer? By the power of the Holy Spirit.

But as it is written: "EYE HAS NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, NOR HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART OF MAN THE THINGS WHICH GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
(1Co 2:9-10)

God loves you, and His Spirit can help you see beyond hard people and beyond hard circumstances.

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
(Eph 1:17-18)

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

What have you been putting in your gas tank?

Having spiritual car problems? Having that spiritually run down feeling lately? Feeling like you need some sort of spiritual jump start? Feeling like you need your spiritual battery recharged? Feeling like you're just not going anywhere spiritually at this time in your life?

Unfortunately, our flesh tends to point us outside of ourselves for the cause of our problems, when in fact spiritual engine problems indicate a problem inside of us.

One of the questions you might ask yourself is what kind of fuel you've been putting into your spiritual engine? I.e., what kind of fuel have you been running on spiritually? Your fleshly wisdom, fleshly way of looking at things, fleshly abilities, and fleshly attitudes? Trying to serve the Lord in the flesh is liking trying to run your car on water. Of course, putting water in your fuel tank will likely ruin your engine system quickly, whereas you can cruise along in life running on flesh power, and not even know sometimes that your inner spiritual self is being starved for the flowing fuel of the Holy Spirit.

That is why God tells us not to quench the Spirit and not to grieve the Spirit (Eph 4:30 and 1 Thes 5:19).

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
(Rom 8:1)
So he answered and said to me: ". . . 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the LORD of hosts.
(Zec 4:6)

Driving under the influence is the best thing we can do as Christ followers. It's just that the influence needs to be the power of the Holy Spirit in us.

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
(Eph 5:18)

If God would but grant us the grace to all be found guilty of living our daily lives under the influence. Are you running on the right fuel?

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Calvary Chapel Cafe

Our 'Calvary Chapel Cafe' is open today from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Stop in for a cup of coffee (and maybe a piece of homemade sweets) at our church facility here at 5195 S. Washington Ave., have some fellowship, browse the resource center or library, relax, and read a book or have a quiet time with the Lord.

Bill Cureton, Alex Nunez, and Larry Sumlin will be on hand to greet you and help you feel at home. (It's not an actual 'cafe' per se (hey, that rhymes!), but we have great coffee and a fridge.

rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
(Rom 12:12-13)

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "LOVE WILL COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS."
(1Pe 4:7-8)

It's kind of interesting that prayer and hospitality go together, isn't it? Come on by, have a cup of coffee, and let us pray with you.

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Banners for His Glory

We are entering a new season of celebration as a church, and the banners on the front stage are just the beginning. Our youth and kids will be forming a processional each Sunday leading into the worship service that will include about a dozen large banners and many streamers. Excitement is building as the Spirit is moving, and if last week is any indication of what the Lord has in store for us as fellowship, I AM READY!

You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah
(Psa 60:4)

He will lift up a banner to the nations from afar, And will whistle to them from the end of the earth; Surely they shall come with speed, swiftly.
(Isa 5:26)

The church needs to rally, and the nations need to repent. The trump could sound soon, and what of our families and communities should He return this week, or even tonight?

Rise up, O Men of God,

Rise up, Women of God,

This is war, and we must advance in the power of His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

WE WILL RETURN!

Praise God! It looks as though the Lord has opened up the way to establish a beachhead for further Kingdom of God operations in the hood of Titusville. (Is that brother Chuck Brumm driving that boat? Does he have a smile on his face?)

Our Jesus Walk team was led by the Spirit down a street where we saw a small crowd gathering and where it looked like a fight was about to break out. We guys quickly moved into the area armed with our Bibles, our bottled water, (and our teddy bears), and what happened next was God's handiwork. The tension was displaced by the presence of the Holy Spirit, and within a short period of time our team’s women and kids joined us, and we ministered to the men that were gathered in a spot where we were told several shootings have taken place in the past year.

Seeing 'gang members' reading the Bibles that they had been handed, holding hands in a circle of prayer, offering up their prayers, and asking for us to return was more than touching. We were assured they would watch out for us if we would be willing to 'set up camp' on the corner and come back to minister the Word of God and the love of Jesus to the gangs and people in the area.
My heart went out to these guys, especially in that I’m not sure most of them really believed we would return. WE WILL BE BACK!
Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Jesus Walk Tommorow at 9:00 a.m.

For those of you that missed it last time, join us for our Jesus Walk tomorrow and meet us at the church facility at 5195 S. Washington Ave. in Titusville (about a mile north of the 405 overpass on the east side of U.S. 1).

Vans will take us to a neighborhood in central Titusville where we will pass out water, toy teddy bears, Bibles, and tracts, and we will share the gospel and pray with people. We expect to spend about a hour or so, and would be glad to have any of you join us. We have been to this neighborhood before, and were very well received. People even stopped their cars in the streets to talk with us, and we planted a lot of good seed for the Lord.


Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Mat 13:3-9)

"Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (Mat 13:18-23)

Pray for us, and if you can, be adventurous and join us!
Yours in Him,
Pastor B. (you can reach me at 638-4464)

Heavenly languages

What language does God speak? What language do the angels speak?

When those two angels appeared to Lot in Genesis 19 did they speak Lotonian? When the angel appeared to Peter in Acts 12 did he speak Peterican?

In what tonuge, or language, did Adam and God converse?

We're going teaching through the book of 1 Corinthians on Sunday mornings, and I'm now in chapter 13.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
(1Co 13:1)



Corny as it may sound, I do know what language God speaks- love. Maybe we should focus a little more on speaking in God's tongue, than on the tongues of men and angels. What do you think?

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

May we raise up a generation for Him

That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, That they may set their hope in God,


[we live in a generation whose hope is in power, position, health, and wealth- unfortunately we find this misguided trust among the people of God]


And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments; And may not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not set its heart aright, And whose spirit was not faithful to God.


[we do not have to be like the generation that preceded us. we, by God's grace can be different, but the change must start in our heart.]


. . . And anger also came up against Israel, Because they did not believe in God, And did not trust in His salvation. Yet He had commanded the clouds above, And opened the doors of heaven, Had rained down manna on them to eat, And given them of the bread of heaven. Men ate angels' food; He sent them food to the full. . . . So they ate and were well filled, For He gave them their own desire. They were not deprived of their craving; But while their food was still in their mouths, The wrath of God came against them, And slew the stoutest of them, And struck down the choice men of Israel.


[There is a righteous anger with God, and He disciplines His own. Is it an anger that is birthed out of the pain of being rejected by one's own? When our hearts are filled with lust, God may choose to precede His judgment by giving us the desires of our lustful hearts, and those basking in earthly delights suddenly find themselves naked and destitute.]


In spite of this they still sinned, And did not believe in His wondrous works. Therefore their days He consumed in futility, And their years in fear.


[Discipline is not always followed by repentance. Hardened hearts, when disciplined, often yield little more than more sin, excuses, and vain attempts to justify wrong attitudes, wrong priorities, and wrong doings.]


When He slew them, then they sought Him; And they returned and sought earnestly for God. Then they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer. Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, And they lied to Him with their tongue; For their heart was not steadfast with Him, Nor were they faithful in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, And did not destroy them.

-Psalm 78

[We can feel sorry for ourselves without truly repenting, and seek God out of desparation rather than out of godly sorrow for our sin. We are capable of saying all sorts of wonderful things to, and about God when we want something from Him, and yet our hearts betray our lack of faithfulness and commitment to our covenant with Him. Yet, when it comes to His own, He is full of compassion and ready to forgive.]

If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
(2Ti 2:13)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

CCSC Spiriutal Boot Camp

How would you like to go to spiritual boot camp this summer? I've thought about offering one, maybe a one or two day program.

We are fighting a war of the will and of the mind, and unfortunately many of today's modern Christians are spoiled, too easily distracted, too easily dismayed, and too easily disruptive to the mission.

In the military Boot camp is mostly a mind game. It's designed to take the civilian out of you and replace it with a top-notch military servicemember. Spiritual boot camp should be designed to take the 'world' out of you and replace it with a top-notch soldier-servant in God's army.

In boot camp you learn that the world doesn't revolve around you, and that excercising self-discipline is more important than exercising your right to smoke, drink and entertain yourself as you please. The military does not exist to serve you, you exist to serve the military. You are not your own. Your purpose is to support the mission.

In spiritual boot camp you learn that the world doesn't revolve around you, and that its thinking and lusts need to be eradicated from your mind and will. Excercising self-control is more important than excercising your liberties to smoke, drink and entertain yourself as you please. God doesn't exist to serve you, you exist to serve God. The mission is everything.

You don't have the right to be upset, to be distracted, to be dismayed, or to be disruptive. You are not your own. Your purpose is to support the mission.

You don't like whose in charge? You don't like the policies? You don't like the rules? You don't like your comrades? What's your point?

In boot camp you learn that one of the most important things is to shut up, listen, follow the rules, and do what you're told. Believe it or not, this principle exists in God's kingdom, as well. It's just that God puts it a little nicer.

It's not all about your physiological or psychological problems or needs. It's not even about your perceptions or your feelings. You see, it's not about you.

Under tips for surviving boot camp, military.com offers this piece of advice:

"Bonus Tip. Go to Church. Even if you are an atheist, church is a good time to reflect on yourself, escape the pressure and regroup for the day or week ahead." While church may give you opportunity to reflect on yourself, escape life's hecticness, and regroup, it is simply not enough to effect lasting spirutal change."

Unfortunately, church is not enough to effect radical spiritual change. Ready for some spiritual boot camp?

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

2 Cor 10:3-5

Are we serving well?

Any one of us can dress up and look the part of a server. And any one of us can run around serving. The question is therefore not so much do we look the part, nor even whether we're doing a decent job at acting the part, but rather is, "Are we actually serving well?"

Are you a servant of God? If so, are you serving well? Most of us have heard someone say that they wanted to finish the race well, and hear the Lord say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant". Is that what you would like to hear when your race is over in this life? If so, I would think it important for you to ask yourself, "Are you serving well?".

There are two parts to that question. The first is whether you are serving, and the second is whether you are doing it well. So what do you think constitutes serving God? And what do you think constitutes serving Him well?

To serve is to "minister to people". In fact, the Greek word διακονέω (dee-ah-kone-eh-oh) is translated by both the word "serve" and "minister" in the New Testament.

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mat 20:28)

"Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' "Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Mat 25:41-46)

One thing is for sure. Jesus thought serving, or ministering to people is an important part of honoring and loving God with our lives. He gave His all. Now what about us?

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Ants- the team to beat

Alas, it appears that Carpenter ants have invaded our home, as my wife has found a mound of wood 'shavings' next to our front door coming out from behind the floor molding. (If any of you have tackled this problem you could give me a call on my cell today (321-638-4464) and let me know what you recommend.)

Ants, like members of a soccer team, are known for their amazing ability to work together without a commander. They have the capability of adjusting as they go, without a general overseeing the operation, or calling timeouts to give instructions on the sidelines.

Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.
(Pro 6:6-8)

The ants are a people not strong, Yet they prepare their food in the summer;
(Pro 30:25)

Ants apparently don't worry about what they can or can't do on an individual basis, but know how to get the job done as a team. What a great model for the church of Jesus Christ.

Unlike the ant, though, the natural man has had his 'instincts' corrupted through his fall into sin, and therefore needs spiritual guidance and teaching to equip him to do the Lord's work (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
(Gal 6:6-10)

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

P.S. Men are welcome to stop by today and say 'hello' behind our church facility at 5195 S. Washington Ave. in south Titusville, where we will be attempting to clear about an acre of land behind our parking lot for use by our families.

Quit trying to salvage your stinky clothes- Keep putting them off

Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
(1Co 5:7-8)

if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, putting away lying, "LET EACH ONE OF YOU SPEAK TRUTH WITH HIS NEIGHBOR," for we are members of one another. "BE ANGRY, AND DO NOT SIN": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.
(Eph 4:21-27)

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
(Col 3:8-10)

And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth."
(Rev 5:9-10)

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"
(Rev 7:9-10)

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Finally

Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you . . . The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. (2Co 13:11-14)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Eph 6:10-12)

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. (Php 4:8-9)

Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;
(1Th 4:1)

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, (2Th 3:1)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Death and Life are in the power of the Tongue

A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment. A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart [a fool thinks his opinion is worth expressing, even when no one is asking for it]. When the wicked comes, contempt comes also [the wicked hold other in contempt- harsh criticism and fault finding are pillows on which the wicked rest]; And with dishonor comes reproach. The words of a man's mouth are deep waters [a man's words flow from the depths of his being, and reveal a lot about his character and spiritual self]; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook. It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment. A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows [a fool is readily offended or readily picks up the offences of others, and uses his mouth to stir up negative emotions]. A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul [unbeknownst to the fool is that his attempts to paint others in a bad light are actually destroying him spiritually]. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body. He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer. [the talebearer ruins reputations and the one that is not working along side others to accomplish the group's mission is actually undermining the mission and helping the wicked one destroy.] The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem. [the righteous know that it is not their wealth or position that is their security, but their relationship with the Lord.] Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility. He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him. [Arrogance is the source of destructive behavior, and people that are quick to jump to negative conclusions about others will be shamed.] The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit? . . . Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. [The results of our words is unbelievably destructive and is unbelievably life-giving. You will reap what you dish out with your words, for the bad or for the good] (Pro 18:1-21).

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Three Keys to Joy in the Lord

Have you ever wondered why some Christ followers are just so happy in the Lord, and some seem so down trodden? This is a topic we could probably write books on, but I thought I'd take the time to at least point out three keys to a joyful Christian life.

#1- Don't focus on what you're accomplishing for Christ, but on WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST- His redeemed child!

Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." (Luk 10:17-20)


#2- Don't focus on having the good life, but on BEING A GOOD WITNESS for the Lord Jesus- especially in the midst of hard times.

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
(Act 20:18-24)



#3- Make a constant effort to apply the Word of God to your life, and to spread the Word of God everywhere that you can. (i.e., Be an example of how to turn from indulging in the things of the world [our desires and idols], to serving the living and true God. )

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
(1Th 1:5-10)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Catering Service or Family?

It seems that the trend is for churches to function more like Christian catering services, than families joining together in Christian discipleship. Much money is spent on advertising and fancy marquees displaying the many wonderful offerings that have been prepared to meet the tastes and desires of the people in the community. Whatever your tastes, you will find something to enjoy, and we will go out of our way to make you feel comfortable and to make sure you get something out of each service and program we provide.

Whatever happened to growing up in a Christian family? A family where you didn't always have as many nice things as the family down the street, but you knew you had the things that really mattered- the love of a family. A family where lots of things weren't the best by the world's standards, but it didn't matter, because you were family. A family where it wasn't about what you could get out of something, but about what you could build together- as family.

In a family it's the joy of learning, working, and serving together for the glory of God, and not what other people think of our cooking. In a family mom doesn't have to compete with the professional chef. In fact, it is the chef that won't stand a chance, because the reason mom's cooking is best is because we know each dish was prepared in love, and love is what makes her cooking so special.

Money can buy the best Christian smorgasbord in town, but money cannot buy the love of a family.

Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— . . .
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Rev 3:17, 20)

Jesus doesn't care what fancy dishes we have on the table. Jesus wants to have a relationship with us. You see, Jesus knows teh value and the love of family.

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Members of the Royal Family

Here I sit about to perform another wedding. Did you ever stop and think that every time a son and daughter of God marry, that in a real sense it is a royal wedding? After all the Word of God says that we are a royal priesthood.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
(1Pe 2:9)

We are of the royal line of the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of David, the Lion of Judah. What earthly pomp and splendor often accompany the joining of two people together when they are members of royal families on earth.

What heavenly pomp and splendor must accompany the joining of two people together when they are members of THE ROYAL FAMILY of heaven!

Of course, all royal families have their wayward sons and daughters, trying to flee the great responsibility of being part of a royal household, and trying to blend in with the common of the world. But those that are destined to be royalty will ultimately come home.

Are you part of the royal family of Christ, the Messiah, the King of kings, and Lord of lords? Are you fulfilling your responsibilities as a member of His royal household? Or are you one of those wayward sons and daughters trying to blend in with the world?

You can run from who you are, but you can't hide.

But the LORD said to Samuel, . . . "For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
(1Sa 16:7)

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

The Most Powerful Weapon

The classic struggle between good and evil. The harp vs. the pitch fork. Maybe you never thought about it, but which is actually the more powerful weapon? For those of you that didn't catch the service or our broadcast last Wednesday night, we discussed God's teaching on good overcoming evil. In our human flesh we tend to see evil as this very powerful threatening force, and most of us wouldn't think of taking a harp into battle. But why not?

David used the harp to battle evil spirits (1 Samuel 16:23). Sing to the LORD with the harp, With the harp and the sound of a psalm,
(Psa 98:5)

Instruments of praise make the best instruments of war, at least in the spiritual arena. Next time you are plagued by spirits of depression, anxiety, and find yourself alone in the dark, break out in songs of praise and thanksgiving. Join a group of believers and enter into praise and thanksgiving with them. God's people have been given to you as a gift, and there is strength in the congregation.

I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death. For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots. But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me! Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog. Save Me from the lion's mouth And from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered Me. I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel! For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when He cried to Him, He heard. My praise shall be of You in the great assembly; I will pay My vows before those who fear Him. The poor shall eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the LORD. Let your heart live forever!
(Psa 22:14-26)

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
(Rev 3:20)

Open the door through praise and thanksgiving. Worship Him, my brothers and sisters, worship Him.

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Discouraged?

Being discouraged isn't fun, but it is a reality of life. As a Christ-follower we are constantly trying to measure up to a standard that is humanly beyond our reach. Sometimes we are overwhelmed with our own sense of our sinfulness and shortcomings. Sometimes we are overwhelmed with what others point out as our sinfulness or shortcomings. Sometimes we are just overwhelmed. As that one commercial so pointedly asks, "Just want to get away?" And some of us would shout out, "Yes!"

What happens when we get discouraged or feel despondent is that we have a sense of being very alone, even if we are surrounded by one or more people that love us. We feel like we are isolated in our own little fortress, and that we are the lone defender. No wonder that sometimes we just want to run the white flag of surrender up the pole. Even the helpless Alamo had 150 defenders.

But I guess that's the point. Who is your refuge in times of trouble?

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. (Psa 9:9-10)

The Word says that those who know the Lord will put their trust in Him, for the LORD does not forsake those who seek Him. We know we can count on God. And if we don't know that, then we don't really know God.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
(Psa 46:1-2)

God is so dependable, that though the whole world comes crashing down around us, we will not fear, for HE is our refuge and strength.

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

What do you need to be 'saved' from?

Do you need to be 'saved'? Those of us that are in the category of 'evangelical Christians' often talk of 'being saved', but there are likely many people that are asking the question, "Saved from what?" when they hear us talking about it. In fact, many people out there probably think that the question, "When did you get saved?" is similar to the question of, "When did you join the Christian church?", or "When did you get baptized?", or "When did you get serious about your religion?".

Many people are unaware of the fact that they stand condemned before a holy and righteous God, will stand in His courtroom at His judgment seat after death, and that the wages of their sin is death in the 'forever' sense.

Now that's something to want to be 'saved' from! I wrote a little six page booklet entitled, "Can you spend 12 minutes thinking about Eternity?" that discusses some scriptures related to appearing at the judgment seat of God when we die, and asks the reader some questions based on these scriptures. My hope is that this will be a valuable tool to hand to someone you care about, and which will help them understand what they need to be saved from, and why they need a Savior.

If you're interested in getting a copy, just e-mail me and I'll send you one. I only ask that in return, you let me know if it helps someone.

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Is the battery running low?

The phone is ringing. If this is an important call, just how long is it going to last? Will the phone last? My wife, Claudia, had a call from our daughter in Germany yesterday morning (they're six hours ahead of us), and before too long I could hear the phone beeping the way it does to let you know it's running out of 'juice'. I grabbed the handset from another base in the house, answered the phone, said "I love you" to my daughter, and offered Claudia the other phone. We switched and I hung up the almost expired phone on its base to recharge.

Sometimes we act like these cordless phones. In fact, I've even heard some Christians 'beep' at someone, warning them that their 'spiritual charge' is about to run out. We can only take so much, or so we say, and if things don't change we're going to suddenly lose our Christ-likeness. Watch out! After all, isn't the reason we go to Sunday church services to get our battery recharged?

No. The reason we go to Sunday church services is offer up our sacrifice of praise as a church family, and to build each other up in Christ. (Koinonia anyone?)

And further more, it is not true that we can only take so much due to our 'spiritual charge' being low, because we have an indwelling source of spiritual electricity in the person of the Holy Spirit. The only way we can lose our Christ-likeness is through willful acts of sabotage against our own personal system. We can choose to not be in prayer, not be in the Word, not be in worship, not be in fellowship, not be in Koinonia, not be witnessing, not be serving our church family, and to not do the many things that Christ instructed us to do. Thanksgiving is a choice. Forgiveness is a choice. Longsuffering is a choice.

We are dependent on God's Holy Spirit, so we must stay plugged in, and keep our system well maintained. But next time we lose our Christ-likeness, let's not blame it on our battery running low.

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Mr. Potato Head and the Body of Christ

During my Sunday morning message yesterday I armed our youth with a couple of ears and arms and feet, eyes, nose, and mouth from a Mr. Potato head. I then gave one of them the 'potato' body and told them they could place the body parts where they wanted as their fellow youth brought up the various body parts. As you can imagine the body parts didn't end up where most of us thought they should go.

We then talked about the scripture in 1 Corinthians 12 where it says in verses 18 and 28 that God sets or appoints the members of the body in the way that He sees fit. This matches the statements that the Spirit gives gifts as He wills.

So which of these body parts are you? What has God appointed you to do as that body part?

Even though we all have a mission as members of God's military force, we each have a unique assignment. What is your assignment?

A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
(Pro 28:20)

Are you faithful to the Lord?

Jesus talked often of the good and faithful servant.

1 Cor 4:2 says, "it is required in stewards that one be found faithful."

Of course, there is ultimately one that is faithful and true, and that is the Lord. He is the very Word of God, and He alone is wholly faithful and true. AND HE IS COMING AGAIN!

and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(2Th 1:7-12)

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. (Rev 19:11-14)

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.