"Abide in His Word" Daily Post

You Have the Spirit of Promise!

2010-07-12T10:36:00.001-07:00

God’s covenant with Abraham and the Spirit of Promise

God made a covenant with Abraham about four thousand years ago. God promised Abraham that he would make a great nation of him, that he would bless him, that Abraham would in turn be a blessing to all families of the earth, and that he would be the father of many nations (Genesis 12:2-3, 17:1-7). What an awesome promise!

The nation of Israel became a reality several hundred years later under the leadership and law of Moses, but they never became a blessing to all nations of the earth, and never became a multitude of nations. In fact, they fell into great sin, rejected God, and as punishment were taken out of the land by pagan nations. What happened to God’s promise to Abraham?

God’s Word tells us that Christ came that the blessing of Abraham might come to all nations, and that we might receive the Holy Spirit of promise. God tells us that His promise to Abraham and his seed was actually a promise to Christ who would be of the line of Abraham, and that if we are in Christ then we are Abraham’s seed and joint heirs with Him of the promise (Galatians 3: 14, 16, 29, Romans 8:16-17).

God give us Great and Final Victory!!

2010-06-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

King David and his mighty men celebrate victory.

With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless; With the pure You will show Yourself pure; And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd.

[God can out give anyone when it comes to mercy, and God can out sly anyone when it comes to slyness. You can out do God for the good, and you can't outrun God in your mischief.]

For You will save the humble people, But will bring down haughty looks. For You will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall.

[Nothing can stop you in your battles when walk humbly before the Lord.]

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places. He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

[God is perfect in all of His ways and His word is proven and sure. He is a shield to all who trust in Him, and He will teach you what you need to know about winning the battles of life.]

You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great. You enlarged my path under me, So my feet did not slip.

[God will be your deliverer and salvation. God will hold you up when you need a lift and when you feel like you just can't go on.]

I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them; Neither did I turn back again till they were destroyed. I have wounded them, So that they could not rise; They have fallen under my feet. For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.

[Our part is to pursue and fight the fight until the enemy is vanquished. God's part is to do what it takes to win the victory.]

(Psalms 18:25-39)

Praise God for the promise of victory, and for strength to fight the battle until our adversaries rise no more.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

God preserves a remnant for His name

2010-06-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

God's visitation program is a showing up in judgment, and God visited Israel and Judah with His judgment. But the Lord is zealous to preserve a remnant for His name that was faithful to Him.

And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah Shall again take root downward, And bear fruit upward. For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, And those who escape from Mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
(Isaiah 37:31-32)

Justice is turned back, And righteousness stands afar off; For truth is fallen in the street, And equity cannot enter. So truth fails, And he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. Then the LORD saw it, and it displeased Him That there was no justice. He saw that there was no man, And wondered that there was no intercessor; Therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; And His own righteousness, it sustained Him. For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, And was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly He will repay, Fury to His adversaries, Recompense to His enemies; The coastlands He will fully repay. So shall they fear The name of the LORD from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him. "The Redeemer will come to Zion, And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob," Says the LORD. "As for Me," says the LORD, "this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants' descendants," says the LORD, "from this time and forevermore."
(Isaiah 59:14-21)

Look down from heaven, And see from Your habitation, holy and glorious. Where are Your zeal and Your strength, The yearning of Your heart and Your mercies toward me? Are they restrained?
(Isaiah 63:15)

Your holy people have possessed it but a little while; Our adversaries have trodden down Your sanctuary.
(Isaiah 63:18)

Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your presence—
(Isaiah 64:1)

Your holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and beautiful temple, Where our fathers praised You, Is burned up with fire; And all our pleasant things are laid waste. Will You restrain Yourself because of these things, O LORD? Will You hold Your peace, and afflict us very severely?
(Isaiah 64:10-12)

Thus says the LORD: "As the new wine is found in the cluster, And one says, 'Do not destroy it, For a blessing is in it,' So will I do for My servants' sake, That I may not destroy them all. I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, And from Judah an heir of My mountains; My elect shall inherit it, And My servants shall dwell there.
(Isaiah 65:8-9)

You can go to abideinhisword.com to listen to my morning radio teachings on Revelation where we talk about God's coming wrath and coming glory.

We are either part of the problem or part of the solution. We are either part of the shame, or part of the glory. Which are you? Are you one of the zealous remnant of God that in the midst of apathy and worldliness lifts up the standard for Jesus and His way?

Come visit Egypt tonight at our Calvary Chapel Space Coast Titusville campus and see our zeal for God. Catch the Fire!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD!

2010-06-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

A mighty warrior named Jehu was being used of the Lord to take down the power that King Ahab and Queen Jezebel's royal house had gained over all Israel and Judah. Their sons and son-in-laws reigned in both nations, and they had instituted worship of Baal as the prominent religion with a great temple that they had built to Baal in Israel's capital city Samaria.

Then along came Jehu. He saw to it that Queen mother Jezebel, King Jehoram of Israel, and King Ahaziah were all killed, along with all of the priests and leaders that had supported their wicked regimes. He then met a man of God named Jonadab along his way to Samaria and invited him to join him.

Then he [Jehu] said, "Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD." So they had him [Jehonadab] ride in his chariot. (2 Kings 10:16)

Are you so zealous for the Lord that it shows? Could you invite someone you know to join you for a day and see YOUR zeal for the Lord?

Be blessed, and be a blessing,
Pastor B.

God knows how to bless and we therefore have a hope that cannot be shaken

2010-06-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt bountifully with me. (Psalms 13:5-6)

God is a good God and blesses us abundantly.
He has dealt bountifully with us.
And He is ALWAYS watching over us! The questions is are you ALWAYS looking unto Him?

I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. (Psalms 16:8-9)

Those whose hope is in the Lord are never moved and cannot be shaken. These are those that worship before Him daily and constantly. These are those that rejoice in the Lord always. These are those that trust in God to be merciful and to shower us with favor despite our unworthiness.

Are you one of the "these"?
Be blessed, and be a blessing,
Pastor B.

Not by might nor by power

2010-06-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

Our Lord is the Lord of armies and multitudes. He is the Lord of hosts! He has myriads of angels at His beck and command and accomplishes His purposes among the inhabitants of both earth and of heaven (Daniel 4:35).

So he answered and said to me: "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)

Amazingly enough God chooses to accomplish great things through the power of the Holy Spirit and tells us not to put our trust in riches or earthly armies, but to put our trust in Him!

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.
(Psalms 5:11-12)

Praise God that He is just not a god of the Christian faith, but that He is God of all creation. He is Lord of lords, and King of kings. He is indeed, the Lord of hosts, for all must bow their knee to His will.

You are in GOOD HANDS!!
Be blessed, and be a blessing,
Pastor B.

God's thoughts and words are perfect, what about yours?

2010-06-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

I'm sure most, if not all of you that read my devotion would agree that God's throughts and words are perfect.

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
(Psalms 19:7-14)

But waht about OUR thoughts and words? God's Word tells us that we should desire His judgments and ways more than gold, and consider His judgments and ways sweeter than honey.

We all have secret faults in the sense of faults that may not even be apparent to us. But often it is these 'secret' faults, crackes, weaknesses, unrighteousnesses that undermine our thought and emotional patterns so that our words and musings are less then God honoring. God is our strength and our redeemer. IN CHRIST we CAN OVERCOME! So how about submitting the meditations of our hearts and the words that we choose to God? How about asking that He judge our heart's ponderings and our words, and that He purge out the bad stuff? (i.e., the less than righteous stuff).

Here's to purity in all it's beauty. A purity that springs forth from the depths and secret places of our heart.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

How is your walk, your work, your speaking, and your taking?

2010-06-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

The word of God says that we must walk uprightly and work righteousness, that is, we must have a righteous action in all that we do.

The word of God goes on to say that we must speak the truth and that we must not take up an offense of another person or believe something shameful about them.

Backbiting, gossiping and evil speaking are probably three of the most hideous 'socially acceptable' sins within the church of Jesus Christ.

While these sins are repugnant to God, they are among those that many Christians would classify as 'no big deal', or 'not that bad'. There are many Christians that would go as far as trying to justify their backbiting and evil speaking.

We wouldn't think to justify lying, yet we come up with all sorts of 'situation ethics' that would justify our speaking evil of others. Sometimes it's even couched in spiritual jargon, such as "So and so really has a bad problem and we need to pray for them."

What does the word of God say?

LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the LORD; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.
(Psalms 15:1-5)

People who have a healthy walk with the Lord are not moved by the storms of life as they have their lives built upon the rock of Jesus Christ.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Saturday Night, Saturday Night

2010-06-11T06:22:00.000-07:00

There's an old song,
Saturday night, Saturday night, we all get together on a Saturday night,
on a Sunday or a Monday you can't do it right,
it's just gotta be a Saturday night.

Well, we have our new PSJ Saturday night service at 6:00! It's casual and it's contemporary, and it comes complete with coffee and snacks and fellowship afterwards. The youth meet at 7:30 afterwards and have a great time playing, doing worship music, talking, and having Bible study discussions.

Please take today and pray for this outreach, and if you're local, make a point to drop in.

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
(Hebrews 10:24-25)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

What is God working on?

2010-06-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

There is a plan that God is working, and it includes all of the saints, that is, all those that have been set apart for His purpose. Are you one of those?

If so, how do you fit into His plan? Do you know what His plan is? The Bible is very clear that God is, among other things, conforming a called out set of people to the image of Jesus Christ.

Are you one of those that God has called out?

Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
(Romans 8:27-29)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

God will bless the righteous

2010-06-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.
(Psalms 5:11-12)

Just who are "the righteous"? This is a million dollar question, as there are many blessing and promises of God that are made for the righteous.

But Romans 3:10 tells us that there aren't any righteous!

As it is written: "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE;
(Romans 3:10)

Many of us who have accepted Christ call ourselves 'saved' but wouldn't necessarily think of ourselves as righteous. And then there are those Pharisees in the temple that thought of themselves as righteous, but Jesus indicated that they weren't justified (in right standing) with God.

The good news (i.e., gospel) of Jesus Christ is that through Christ many were made righteous before God!

Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.
(Romans 5:18)

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—that, as it is written, "HE WHO GLORIES, LET HIM GLORY IN THE LORD."
(1 Corinthians 1:30-31)

Praise God! Christ is our righteousness, our sanctification (i.e., holiness), and our redemption. He not only made us 'saveable', but He actually redeemed us from the curse of the law, and gave us right standing (i.e., justification) with God through His blood atonement.

From one that is righteous in Christ,
Pastor B.

God will surround you with favor!

2010-06-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield. (Psalms 5:11-12)

You're surrounded! With the favor of Almighty God.

Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.
(Proverbs 3:3-4)

God will richly bless you with favor as you put your trust in Him, shout in Him, rejoice in Him, stand in the righteousness of Christ, stand on the word of Christ, and stand in the mercy of Christ.

Like Samuel, Jesus, and the early church, you will grow in favor with God and man.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Don't Grow Weary in Well Doing

2010-06-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

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.
(Galatians 6:7-10)

It is interesting to note that sowing and reaping goes along with not growing weary in well doing. If we grow weary in well doing we can take our hands off the plow and miss our harvest. We must not lose heart if we are going to sow and reap God's blessing. The apostle Paul knew what it was like to grieve in his heart as he ministered to people.

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.
(2 Corinthians 2:4)

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.
(2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.
(2 Corinthians 12:15)

The key in the above passages is to keep our focus on Christ.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
(Colossians 3:1-2)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Tasting the Blessing

2010-06-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

This is the view Moses had of the promised land from Mt. Nebo shortly before his death.

Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is across from Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land of Gilead as far as Dan, all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, the South, and the plain of the Valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. Then the LORD said to him, "This is the land of which I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, 'I will give it to your descendants.' I have caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there." So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. (Deuteronomy 34:1-5)

If we are not careful we can sometimes see a blessing without being able to experience the blessing. The old saying that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush is a reminder that the blessing is not ours until we have embraced it.

Moses was a humble man that that failed to experience the promised blessing of a great land because of his lack of faith and/or obedience. Elisha the prophet prophesied of a great miracle in 2 Kings 7 and the king's messenger did not believe God could or would do such a thing. Elisha told him that he would get to see the blessing, but not taste of it (2 Kings 7:19).

God has a banquet laid out before us of great blessing, but unfortunatley there are many that never get to taste of the greatest blessings on the table because of their lack of faith. Hebrews 4:2 tells us that the Israelites failed to enter into God's rest because of their lack of faith in His Word.

Are you trying to embrace God's richest blessings without trusting in and living by God's Word?

If so, you may get to see them, but you won't get to taste them. Taste and see that the Lord is good, and His mercies endure forever.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

We are Watchmen on the Walls

2010-06-01T07:53:00.001-07:00

We are Watchmen on the Walls of the City of God

Walls are used to protect those within them, but warning must be spread to those outside the walls to flee to the safety within the walls when a danger is coming.

When I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. (Ezekiel 3:18)

It is good that we have fled the wrath of God and are secure within the walls of Mt. Zion. We have an obligation, however, to warn those without.

What have YOU been doing lately to warn others of the Day of the Lord?

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T08:33:00.001-07:00

this video is in memory of those that died in service to our country’s military.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_klwtm67ogg

This video is in honor of those that are currently serving in our country’s military overseas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkkzNa2nlZI&feature=related

In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

All For His Glory

2010-05-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

One of the closings I use on many of my communications is "All by His grace, All for His glory."

"You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created." (Revelation 4:11)

God willed us and created us and we are set apart (sanctified) for a special purpose.

For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
(Hebrews 10:14)

We have been perfected, that is matured in Christ. We are mature beautiful fruit on the vine of Jesus Christ, and this was accomplished through one sacrifice for all time.

We weren't created so that we could just experience the joy of being fruit and hanging out on an awesome vine or tree.

We were created for the glory of God.

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Philippians 2:9-11)

and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
(Revelation 1:6)

So what's your 'bringing God glory' index looking like right now? How have you been bringing glory to your Heavenly Father and your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? The amazing thing about all this, is that God promises us that as we serve Him and bring Him glory that we will receive glory in Christ Jesus. If we lose our lives, we shall truly find them! Jump in to being a fully devoted follower of Christ! The water's fine.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Just How Naked ARE You?

2010-05-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

Most of you remember the fairy tale of the Emperor's New Clothes. If you don't you can google it and there are many sites that have the story. Impostors claimed to be weaving exquisite cloth for the emperor and yet what they held up for inspection was nothing! Fearing that something must be wrong with themselves, the king's men didn't challenge the impostors but complimented them on the material. The emperor in turn didn't want to admit that he couldn't see anything, and ended up wearing an imaginary set of clothes!

We, like the emperor, think we are wearing a great outfit when the world tell us we looks good, but in reality we are, by God's standard naked.

When we look at ourselves through the eyes of the world, we see ourselves as reasonably happy, reasonably well off, reasonably well clothed, and reasonably healthy. Yet if we are not living wholeheartedly for Christ we are in fact, wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and yes, naked.

So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 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— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
(Revelation 3:16-19)

Are you fervent for the Lord? Do you see the urgency of reaching the lost for Christ? Do you see the urgency of reaching the 'off track ones' for Christ?

It is when we lose our fervency and our sense of urgency that lethargy, apathy, and lukewarmness set in. Suddenly we are no longer sacrificially serving God out of a commitment, but serving Him when it is convenient. When we can afford to, when we're not too tired, when we don't have anything more important or more enjoyable to do.

God help us!
Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Christ is Ever Knocking- Are You Answering?

2010-05-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY
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.
(Revelation 3:20)

Christ is ever seeking our fellowship and we either join in that fellowship or refuse it.

Have you been fellowshipping with Christ, or have you been shutting Him out?

The word of God warns us that if our love is to be without hypocrisy we must abhor that which is evil and cling to that which is good.

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
(Romans 12:9)

Unfortunately sometimes we avoid the good (i.e., praying, witnessing, fellowshipping with the saints, worshipping, studying the Word), and cling to the stuff that is unhealthy and worldly.

Opportunity always knocks, but so does Christ. He brings opportunity to be spiritually victorious and to honor and glorify God with our life.

So are you answering?

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Are You Born of God? Then You are an Overcomer!

2010-05-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

We don't often see ourselves as overcomers. We tend to focus more on our circumstances or our failures then on who we are in Christ.

The apostle John said this,

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 John 5:4)

The faith of God is more powerful then the world. Therefore those that have it are more powerful then the world.

The apostle John also said,

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them [evil spirits], because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

The faith of God is more powerful then the evil spirits at work in the world. Therefore those that have it are more powerful then the demonic forces in the world.

No wonder the apostle James said, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
(James 4:7)

Our theme this year at Calvary Chapel Space Coast has been, "Overcome, or Be Overcome". This is not a season for the church of Jesus Christ to sit back and relax and take a breather. This is a season for the church of Jesus Christ to move against the forces of evil at work in this world and OVERCOME!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Revelation- Jesus is Ruler over the Kings of the Earth

2010-05-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Jesus is the ruler over the kings of the earth?

Our SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY is Revelation 1:5, which says,

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, (Revelation 1:5)

Do you realize what that means? God is in control!

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. (Proverbs 21:1)

The world so often looks so out of control that we sometimes forget that despite the fact that sin has infected our world, and that sinners hold positions of great authority, JESUS CHRIST HOLDS A GREATER POSITION OF AUTHORITY!

Our God loved us and washed us from our sins by His own blood!!

And now the risen Christ is reigning until all enemies are subjected to Him.

For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. (1 Corinthians 15:25)

Praise God for His salvation and deliverance! Praise God for His merciful reign over man and His patience toward us, not willing that any perish, but that all would come to repentance.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Press Toward the Goal

2010-05-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

Press toward the goal, my brothers and sisters in Christ!

Do not lean on your own understanding, do not trust your natural wisdom, do not think that you will win in your own strength, but whole heartedly put y0ur trust in the Lord.

It starts with making sure you have a right standing with God (the Bible calls this being "justified"), and this is obtained through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

It then continues as you walk in that faith, trusting God at every turn to work on your behalf.

"When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. So it shall be, when you are on the verge of battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people. And he shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; for the LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.'
(Deuteronomy 20:1-4)

Can you believe this? Before the general and the officers of the army addressed the troops, the priests were to address the troops. Yes, we are responsible to act, but our faith must not be in our own strength, but in the will and might of our God. Our God is our strength and our deliverer.

For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 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.
(Philippians 3:3-14)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Our SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY is Philippians 3:10

The Early Church and the Word

2010-05-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

How important was the Word in the growth of the early church?

Then those who gladly received his word were immersed; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
(Acts 2:41)

However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
(Acts 4:4)

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
(Acts 4:31)

but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." . . . Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
(Acts 6:4, 7)

So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
(Acts 8:25)

The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the immersion which John preached:
(Acts 10:36-37)

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
(Acts 10:44)

Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
(Acts 11:1)

Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.
(Acts 11:19)

But the word of God grew and multiplied.
(Acts 12:24)

who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.
(Acts 13:7)

On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.
(Acts 13:44)

Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.
(Acts 13:48-49)

Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing."
(Acts 15:35-36)

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
(Acts 17:11)

And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks . . . So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
(Acts 19:10, 20)

"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
(Acts 20:32)

So what do you think? How important was the spread of the Word of God in the growth of the early church?

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY:
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
(Acts 1:8)

So how are you doing in being a witness for the Lord to those around you?

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Golden Pot Stirrer Award

2010-05-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

How often have you been accused of stirring the pot? Did you know that stirring the pot can be a good thing, especially if you're stirring up the people of God to look out for each other and love each other the way Christ loved us.

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
(Hebrews 10:24)

How about do a little pot stirring today? Can you think of some ways that you can encourage a Christian brother or sister to share the gospel with someone? Or, to help out someone? Or, to bless a Christian brother or sister in a special way?

Be blessed, and be a blessing,

Pastor B.

Let Your Light Shine

2010-05-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
(Matthew 5:16)

"Good works" are more than actions. Good works are acts of obedience. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your acts of obedience and glorify your Father in heaven. One of our first acts of obedience must be to repent of our sins and receive Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent." (John 6:28-29)

Another act of obedience is to be the witness that God calls us to be.

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

Witnesses are sworn to tell the truth, and they are obligated to TESTIFY! We must testify, and that obligates us to speak up!

There is a sense in which God is on trial in the world every day. There are plenty of those that think of Him, or even accuse Him of beign uncaring, distant, and cold. Those of us that know differently have been called on to testify on His behalf. Not because of the consequences that God must face, but of the consequences that the unrepentant must face.

Let your light be the light of the Spirit and truth of God. Shine brightly til Jesus comes, and may many find their way in the darkness to salvation and new life in Christ because of your light.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

You don't TAKE communion, you SHARE in communion

2010-05-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship [communion, 'koin-no-nee-a'] with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

It is interesting that we call the Christian passover 'meal' communion. The word communion comes from the Latin 'communis' meaning 'common' or 'shared'. We get the words 'community' and 'commune' from this. Places where everyone mutually participates and shares in community life.

The Christian church is a community of believers that shares in daily life together

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
(Acts 2:46-47)

You don't TAKE communion or fellowship. You SHARE in communion or fellowship.

And our sharing or participation in communion is not based on OUR worthiness, but on the worthiness of Jesus Christ!

So why does the scripture tie fellowship with the cleansing of the blood of Christ? It is the blood of Christ that brings us into fellowship with the Father and the FAMILY of God. If we have communion the blood of Christ cleanses us from our sin. Not because communion cleanses us from our sin, but because communion is the outward demonstration of the relationship that we have with the Father and the family through the blood of Christ. It is the evidence that the blood is working on our behalf because it has brought us into fellowship with the Father and the family.

Praise God! Praise Him that Christ is our righteousness and our holiness and our sanctification.
Praise Him that the blood of Christ brings us into relationship with the Father and the family of God.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Is Immersion Really that Big a Deal?

2010-05-14T05:54:00.000-07:00

We have many denominations within the church of Jesus Christ that do not typically immerse people. The Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Methodist deonominations are some of the largest of these groups. Each of these groups has made significant contributions to the proclamation of Christ and the advancement of the kingdom of God. I believe it is a good thing to dedicate our infant children to the Lord and commit, as both parents and congregation of Christ, to disciple them as they grow. All Christians, however, would acknowledge that not all of these babies grow up into faith in Christ. Some reject Him. Some receive Him. John the apostle says that:

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: (John 1:12)

Jesus said that it is important for all of us to publicly confess Him:
"Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32)

So is immersion the way God has chosen for us to publicly confess our commitment to God? Should children of believing parents be immersed once they have received Christ?

Jesus Himself, though he was dedicated as a baby to God in the temple, was immersed.

Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were immersed by him [John the immerser] in the Jordan, confessing their sins. . . . And John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be immersed by You, and are You coming to me?" But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him.
(Matthew 3:5-6, 14-15)

Jesus thought it was important enough to submit to it even though He was without sin.

In fact, Jesus tied personal faith to public immersion:

He who believes and is immersed will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:16)

It should therefore not surprise us that His apostles tied personal faith to public immersion:

Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be immersed in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

And he commanded them to be immersed in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. (Acts 10:48)

Or do you not know that as many of us as were immersed into Christ Jesus were immersed into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through immersion into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, (Romans 6:3-5)

There is also an antitype which now saves us—immersion (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (1 Peter 3:21)

Personal repentance and faith in Christ is excercised when we call upon the name of the Lord to save us, but public confession in the waters of immersion has been an important declaration of the Christ follower for over 2,000 years.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY:
let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
(Hebrews 10:22)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Seek Him and Serve Him, Give Generously

2010-05-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

When someone is selling 'gold' jewelry it is always important to make sure it is real gold. One way is to examine it for markings such as '14k' or '18k'. Another way is to put a few drops of a certain chemical on it to see if it changes color.

In Malachi 3:10 God calls on His people to 'examine' Him and see if His promised blessing is for real.

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
(Malachi 3:10)

The Hebrew word translated "try" in the vers above is 'bachan', which means to 'search out', 'examine', or 'test' something for truthfulness, or genuineness.

God was calling on His people to bring the tenths (i.e., tithes) of their produce and herds into the storehouse of the temple as instructed in His law, and to check Him out, if you will, and watch Him pour out a blessing of superabundance.

While Christ and His apostles never promised us financial prosperity in exchange for giving generous, we do know that God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him and serve Him generously.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Trust the Lord, Fear the Lord, Honor the Lord

2010-05-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

Sessions 21-22

Most of us know the importance of having mercy and of having truth.

Most of would like to have favor with God and with man.

Three Keys to having mercy and truth, and having favor with God and with man.

Trust in the Lord, Fear the Lord, and Honor the Lord.

It may sound simple and straightforward, but look at what King Solomon had to say about this.

Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
(Proverbs 3:3-9)

Trusting the Lord means not leaning on your own understanding, and being willing to acknowledge Him and submit to Him in ALL areas of your life.

Fearing the Lord involves departing from ALL evil.

Honoring the Lord involves giving Him using ALL your possessions in the way that He wants you to, and giving to Him the first portion of your income and profits in life.

Wow!

A tall order and a total cost, but a tremendous blessing!!

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.
SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY
Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
(Proverbs 3:9)

Make the kingdom of God your number one priority

2010-05-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

Make the kingdom of God your number one priority.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

The kingdom of God is where God reigns. Those of us that have Christ reigning in our lives have been translated into the kingdom of His dear Son.

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, (Colossians 1:13)

God wants to establish His kingdom on earth. Adam and Eve failed. Israel failed.

And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel." (Exodus 19:6)

But God continues to rule over the nations and excercise His sovereignty from His throne.

For the kingdom is the LORD's, And He rules over the nations.
(Psalms 22:28)

The LORD has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.
(Psalms 103:19)

They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, And talk of Your power, To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, And the glorious majesty of His kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
(Psalms 145:11-13)

But there is a future day when God will establish His throne (the throne of David) on this earth.

And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
(Daniel 2:44)

The good news is that God is in control.

How great are His signs, And how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And His dominion is from generation to generation. . . . And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?"
(Daniel 4:3, 34-35)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Happy Mother's Day to the Moms and Five Minutes Peace to All of You

2010-05-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

There is a cute book called, "Five Minutes' Peace" by Jill Murphy that tells the story of a mother that just wants five minutes peace from her young demanding and often noisy children.

It's so right on with respect to the demands of motherhood, and I hope that all of you that are mothers have a great day tomorrow, and that you even get a rest and some peace from the day to day grind of motherhood. And for those of you that are not moms, I also hope you guys get some peace and some time to reflect on the goodness of God.

We are giving out a book to the ladies tomorrow at Calvary Chapel Space Coast that is called, Stones of Remembrance- A Rock-Hard Faith from Rock-Hard Places". It is the story of women of God that have chosen to walk in faith in the most difficult times.

What about you? Are you going through difficult times? Most of us would like a little less drama and a lot more down time. But the question is, are you walking out your faith in the hard times as well as the good times?

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."
(Acts 14:22)

who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
(2 Corinthians 1:4)

We strengthen one another's souls by exhorting one another to walk out our faith in the midst of the hard times. Be of strong. Be of good courage. Wait on the Lord and He will strengthen your heart (Psalm 27:14). And while you're waiting, take some time to encourage a few of your brothers and sisters in Christ to walk out their faith. When the going gets tough, those grounded in Christ renew their determination to be faithful witnesses and servants of the one true God.

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Weaknesses and Weapons

2010-05-07T05:48:00.000-07:00

We all have our weaknesses, but one thing you can be sure of. No matter what your weakness, God can do extraordinary things through you, and there is no weapon in heaven or earth that can successfully be used against you by your adversary. Do you understand what that means? Your adversary is helpless against you, because God is in you and because God is your strength where you are weak.

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY- THURSDAY
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Christ is in you and the power of Christ rests upon you as you serve God in the Spirit. There is a heritage that can be claimed by ALL SERVANTS OF THE LORD, and that heritage is that no weapon formed against you will work. Satan and his demonic horde can muster tanks, land mines, and even nuclear missles, but none of them will work against you and keep you from your destiny in Christ.

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY- FRIDAY
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me," Says the LORD.
(Isaiah 54:17)

The prophet Moses didn't think he was the man for the job because of he was not an eloquent speaker and had a speech impediment. The Lord told him that He would be his mouth and teach him what to speak (Ex.4:10-12). Isaiah didn't feel that he had it together good enough to be a prophet (Is. 6:5). Jeremiah didn't think that he mature enough (Jer 1:6). Yet God called all of these people and used them in a mighty way.

Has God called you to serve Him? Then rest assure He can use you to do extraordinary things, weaknesses and all!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

The Day of the Lord is Coming!

2010-05-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

The Day of Reckoning is Coming! It's a world wide 'come to Jesus' meeting. It is a day when the nations will be judged for their wickedness and their persectuion of God's people. It is what the prophets called "The Day of the Lord".

It is not the day when the Lord Jesus came as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. It is the day when the Lord Jesus comes as the Lion of Judah, the son of David.

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
(2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
(Revelation 19:11-16)

We all know John 3:16, but how about Joel 3:16?

The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. (Joel 3:16)

Who can you tell about the second coming of Jesus and the Day of the Lord?

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

What Does God Require?

2010-05-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

What does God REQUIRE of us? Interesting question. Not what would He like of us, or what He would want for us, but what does He REQUIRE of us?

Moses recorded the following in the book of Deuteronomy-

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good?
(Deu 10:12-13)

Wow! That sums it up, doesn't it? Some would have you think God doesn't require much, BUT . . . it's just the opposite. God requires EVERYTHING!

But that doesn't mean that the God following Christ following life is a complicated one with lots of rules. The prophet Micah put it this way-

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
(Mic 6:8)

The bottom line is that you and I have been purchased with the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28), all that we are and all that we have belongs to Him, and we are REQUIRED TO FAITHFULLY MANAGE WHAT IS HIS.

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
(1Co 4:2)

So how have you been doing in managing yourself and all that you have? Have you been managing it as if it belonged to Him? How faithful are we as stewards of what the blood of Christ has purchased?

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

What Kind of Seed are YOU Sowing?

2010-05-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

In Matthew 13 Jesus tells the parable of the sower that sows good seed in the ground, and the good seed is the Word of God.

Those that walk humbly with the Lord speak often of the wonderful works of God and the Word of God.

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.
(Psa 34:1-3)

Do you sow the good seed of the word of God and of testimonies of the wondeful works of God?

Believe it or not, arrogance and pride is one of the greatest enemies of those that are busy sowing the seed of the Word of God. One of the reasons for this is that arrogance and pride are subtle, and the schemes of the devil are subtle.

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY:
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (Jas 4:6-7)

Being a God-follower or Christ-follower is challenging, but not complicated. As the prophet Micah once said,

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" (Mic 6:8)

When we get puffed up and full of ourselves we tend to be judgmental and critical and see what is wrong with our brothers and sisters in Christ, rather than encourage them as they minister in the name of Jesus.

King Solomon once wrote,
"These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren."
(Pro 6:16-19)

May the Lord help us to actively sow good seed into those around us, and to encourage those others that are sowing good seed in the name of Jesus.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Heed the Lord- Dig the Ditches

2010-05-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

If God tells you to dig a ditch, dig a ditch. Whether it makes sense to you or not. How often we likely miss out on God's magnificent demonstrations of His power when we fail to heed His word to us.

Tonight is our first night at our Port. St. John campus, and we are excited about what God is going to do. He told us to start a contemporary casual service on Saturday nights in PSJ, and we have obeyed. Tonight is just the beginning of some neat things God is going to do.

On Sunday mornings here at Calvary Chapel Space Coast Titusville campus we are going through 2 Kings, and have seen how God sometimes calls us on us to do strange things in order to demonstrate His power.

The Israelite army is facing the army of Moab and God tells them through the prophet Elisha to dig ditches!

And he said, "Thus says the LORD: 'Make this valley full of ditches.' For thus says the LORD: 'You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.' And this is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.
(2Ki 3:16-18)

What's really strange, is that even though God says He will miraculously provide water for them if they dig the ditches He doesn't really tell them what this has to do with winning a victory against the Moabite army.

You'll have to read the rest of 2 Kings chapter 3 for yourself if you want to see what God had cooking. What I WILL tell you is that God showed up big, and the Israelites came out on top BIG.

As we go through our survey of the whole Bible in six weeks during our daily abide in His word teaching (abideinhisword.com) it reminds me of how often God asks His children to trust Him and how He demonstrates His love and power to deliver in some pretty amazing ways.

God can work in the midst of the ordinary, but He takes great delight in working in the midst of the out-of-the-ordinary so that man doesn't think his victories are through his own wisdom or might.

Not by power, not by might, but by My Spirit says the Lord.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Praying for You

2010-04-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

I included today's scripture in yesterday's devotion. I thought I'd put the time I usually spend writing your daily devotion into praying for you today. I'm praying for all of you that read this daily devotion, and praying for all those that will be reading it because you care enough to pass it on to others.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you, and may He give you peace. In the sweet, sweet, name of Jesus.

(1Pe 4:7) But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

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." Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
(1Pe 4:7-11)

Each of you reading this has at least one special gift from God that He gave you when you received the Holy Spirit. Minister to others with the abilities and giftings God has given you and bring a smile upon the face of Jesus and glorify your God.

You are loved. Be blessed, and be a blessing,
Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Wednesday-Thursday-Friday

2010-04-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

Wednesday-Thursday-Friday

This has been a hard week. My good friend and brother in the Lord Joe Wlasiuk (pronounced 'la-sook') passed away and went on to be with the Lord early in the week. We held a memorial service for him at our Calvary Chapel Space Coast Titusville campus yesterday prior to our evening service. I had the privilege of singing some worship music for Joe with his wife Gloria, his daughter Lynn, and his granddaughter Natasha shortly before his passing. Joe couldn't speak but would raise both his hands off and on as we sang of our wonderful God and what Christ has accomplished for us. Joe finished the race well.

What about you? How are you doing these days?

My apologies for not getting a devotional out and posted yesterday. I thought I'd pass on to you the scriptures for Wednesday-Thursday-Friday.

Wednesday Scripture:

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king."
(1 Samuel 15:23)

Thursday Scripture:

Do all things without complaining and disputing,
(Philippians 2:14)

Friday Scripture:
He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.
(Psalms 107:20)

God can heal us and God can deliver us, and His Word is key to His working in us.

For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness. Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Bound in affliction and irons—Because they rebelled against the words of God, And despised the counsel of the Most High, Therefore He brought down their heart with labor; They fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
(Psalms 107:9-15)

What chains do you need God to break?
Start by giving thanks to the Lord and sharing with others around you the wondeful works of God! Then watch the flood of His mercy and grace rise to bless you.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Blessing in the Midst of the Storm

2010-04-27T02:38:00.001-07:00

Most storms last longer than we prefer. But our Heavenly Father is leading us to the place where we can have peace, contentment, and even joy, whether the sun is shining or the storm is raging. He is calling us to be free of fear; calling us to trust Him more and experience His calm within the storm. (S. Troxel)

Roy Coy in one of his daily devotions said that he read a story about an old gentlemen that was known for his godly life. One day, someone asked him, "What do you do when you are tempted, old man?" He replied, "I just look up to heaven and say, 'Lord, your property is in danger.' "

Believe it or not, one of the keys to deliverance from fear and worry in the midst of life's storms is to praise God.

Are you willing to bless the Lord in the midst of life's storms? King David said that he blessed the Lord at all times in all situations through all of life's circumstances.

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.
(Psalms 34:1-4)

God delivers us from our fears and worries through the praise and worship!

TUESDAY SCRIPTURE:

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
(Psalms 34:1)

What often prevents us from praising God in all situations is our own stubbornness, and God warns us that stubbornness is a hardening of our hearts toward God, and therefore like going out and worshipping other gods.

WEDNESDAY SCRIPTURE:
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king."
(1 Samuel 15:23)

Don't allow your heart to be hardened toward God. Lift up your voice and praise the Lord in the midst of the dark days as well as the sunny days. You will bless others as you do so, and you will be delivered from your fears.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Think on it and Speak on it

2010-04-26T07:10:00.001-07:00

Think on God's Word and Speak God's Word. Can you imagine what a change there would be in the air waves of our planet if all of God's children would suddenly put that into practice?

How many words do you think you speak in one day?

Studies vary, but indicate that people tend to speak at least several thousand words a day.

If you just spoke God's Word or testimonies about God 10% of the time, that would be about a thousand words a day. Today's scripture is thirteen words. That means if you spoke the Word of God 10% of the time in your speaking that you could quote it 75 different times! Can you imagine how much scripture would get quoted if the 2 billion professing Christians of the world would do this?

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY:

I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds. (Psalms 77:12)

Think about the good things God has done for His people throughout the ages, and the good things that God has done for you throughout your life.

THEN TELL PEOPLE ABOUT IT! God has called you to be His witness! Whether you realize it or not, God is on trial by the world, being accused of not existing, not caring, and not loving. You and I have been called to the stand of life to testify for Him.

Hope you're following with us as we go through the Bible in six weeks! You can go to Abideinhisword.com for the podcasts, previous broadcasts, and such, and you can write me for the charts if you're interested.

Remember to pass this devotion on to as many people as you know. This will get the word out, and also offer people a way to go through their Bible to get an overview. If we work together we can be an even more effective witness for God, and do an even better job of getting the Word Out!

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Submission and Speak-ission

2010-04-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

Friday-Saturday

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
(Titus 3:1-2)

Two of what are probably the most difficult challenges for us as Christ followers is the command to willingly and quietly submit to those in authority over us, and the command to not speak evil of ANYONE.

What? You're kidding me, right? What could God possibly be thinking? Aren't there many people in authority that abuse their positions? Aren't there many in government that oppress the people? Aren't there many leaders that act like little Napoleons?

Aren't there many rules that don't make sense? Aren't there many laws and policies that aren't fair?

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— (1 Peter 2:13-15)

Submit to EVERY Ordinance? Why all the talk about being peaceable? gentle? humility?

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. (Titus 3:1-8)

God assures us that however difficult the way is that He is asking us to walk, it is good and beneficial to us to walk it. BE CAREFUL TO DO WHAT GOD SAYS TO DO.

So let's post the scriptures, put them in our cars, work places, homes, and churches, to remind us of how we are to conduct ourselves, and let's humble ourselves enough to admit we can't do it in our own power, (some of us may even need to admit we don't want to do it), and let's ask God to enable us through the power of the Holy Spirit to conduct ourselves with Christ like grace, and be careful to be good witnesses.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Meditate on His Word

2010-04-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
(Deuteronomy 6:5-9)

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
(Joshua 1:8-9)

Joshua 1:8 is a good scripture to post on your sticky notes or index cards. It, together with Deuteronomy 6:7, is a challenge to all of us to think on the Word of God throughout the day, and speak the Word of God throughout the day.

Not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is the answer to our weaknesses, fears, discouragement, and lack of success in those areas most important to our life.

So be strong (not weak) and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed.

No wonder Jesus said that if we abide in His Word that we are His disciples, indeed! His Word is the key to loving God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Our Hearts Sprinkled and Our Bodies Washed

2010-04-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 10:22 tells us that it is our hearts that get sprinkled [figuratively of being cleansed by the blood of Christ- the priests sprinkled things with blood in the Old Testament] and our bodies that get immersed in water when we come before the Lord.

let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
(Hebrews 10:22)

It shouldn't come as a surprise that God wants us to be cleansed before entering into His presence after committing our lives to Christ. We even take showers or baths to start our new day, or before going to an important occasion, and how much more important can the occasion of when we commit our lives to Christ be?

God called on those that were going to enter the Old Testament priesthood to be washed completely in water before being clothed with the garments and anointed.

"And this is what you shall do to them to hallow [sanctify, set apart] them for ministering to Me as priests: . . . And Aaron and his sons you shall bring to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and you shall wash [totally wet] them with water. . . . And you shall take the anointing oil, pour it on his head, and anoint him.
(Exodus 29:1-7)

And when you commit your life to Christ, you are entering into a priesthood of sorts, and will be serving God in a special capacity for the remainder of your days until you die or until Jesus comes again.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY:

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;
(1 Peter 2:9)

I like the word "royal" priesthood because we are to reign with Christ. You don't have to live your life under the circumstances, but can live your life over them.

Remember, if you are a Christ follower you are an ambassador for God down here, and we are to call on people to repent and restore their relationship with God.

Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be immersed in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift [which is an anointing] of the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 2:38)

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

How Holy are You?

2010-04-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

So just how holy ARE you?

God calls on us to be a holy people. The word holy in both Hebrew and Greek means to "stand apart" or to be "set apart". God alone is holy in that He stands apart from the world as a righteous, omnipotent, sovereign creator. We, however, can only be holy as God sets us apart for His service. In the Old Testament law there are many creeping things that were considered unclean, and that therefore would defile anyone partaking.

'And every creeping thing that creeps on the earth shall be an abomination. It shall not be eaten. Whatever crawls on its belly, whatever goes on all fours, or whatever has many feet among all creeping things that creep on the earth—these you shall not eat, for they are an abomination. You shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creeps; nor shall you make yourselves unclean with them, lest you be defiled by them. For I am the LORD your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy. Neither shall you defile yourselves with any creeping thing that creeps on the earth. (Leviticus 11:41-44)

This is a picture of what God is calling us to do. To be separate from the sin of the world, and to be fully devoted to His service.

but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." (1 Peter 1:15-16)

It's interesting that the Bible tells us to be holy in ALL our conduct. Why not post Leviticus 11:44 or 1 Peter 1:15 on index cards or sticky notes and display them in your car, work place, house, etc.?

Remember that we are called to be different. Called to be a unique people, zealous for the things of God.

who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (Titus 2:14)

I love how the King James Bible speaks in the above verse of God purifying for Himself a "peculiar people", zealous for good works. Are you different enough as a Christ follower that the world knows there is something different about you? Let's be so filled with a passion for God and His ways that everyone wonders what got into us!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Scriptures on the Gates?

2010-04-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

Where are the scriptures on these gates?

Where do we have our favorite scriptures posted?
When are we quoting or reading our favorite scriptures out loud?

It's interesting that right after the scripture that tells us to love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, and strength, is the one that tells us to teach them diligently, speak of them throughout our day, and to put them on our hands, doorposts, and gates.

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
(Deu 6:5-9)

Have you bought your index cards or sticky notes? Are you posting your scriptures each day where you can read them aloud and ponder their application?

Yours in Christ,
Pastor B.

Death is the Gate to Life

2010-04-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

It's strange how that death seems the end of life to us, but it is actually the gateway to life.

You sow a seed into the ground and it is only as the seed dies that the grain comes up.

what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. . . . It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. (1Co 15:36, 43)

In our quest for life we often miss the boat, not realizing that it is only as we are willing to give up our life that we will truly find life.

Jesus said, "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."
(Mat 10:39)

Is God a great enough priority in your life that you are willing to die to your life as you know it in order to find life as He has intended it?

Maybe God is calling you to step out of the boat- not because He wants you to walk on water, but because you're in the wrong boat.

We should be willing to pour our lives out for the kingdom of God, knowing that as death works in us, life will spring forth in others.

So then death is working in us, but life in you. (2Co 4:12)

The Health, Wealth, and Prosperity preachers have it right when they say we should generously sow our seed in faith. Where they miss it is when they say that the purpose of this is to reap a personal harvest. We generously pour ourselves into the ministry of God and generously sow our seed in faith trusting that God will bring a great harvest to His kingdom and to others. And in the process of witnessing God use us to bring life to others we will find ourselves truly rich.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Day 4- He Can Turn Lemons into Lemonade

2010-04-16T02:22:00.001-07:00

Believe it or not, God can take the worst of circumstances and can work them out for your good.

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY:
But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
(Gen 50:20)

Alternate SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
(Rom 8:28)

There is no need to fear what man can do to us, and even what life can do to us. The worst that man or life can dish out is no match for our Heavenly Father. He knows how to take harmful circumstances and turn them around for our good.

What is interesting in the above two verses is that God isn't promising that He will turn all of our weeds into roses. What He promises is to use the weeds to accomplish a good purpose. Sometimes this will be a purpose that is not obvious, and that is why it is important for us to trust God and to walk by faith and not by sight.

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)

Have you been excited about what God is doing in you and through you lately? We have the privledge of reigning over our circumstances in Christ, and not living under them.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Day 3- The Secret to Being Blessed by God

2010-04-14T06:13:00.001-07:00

For the next six weeks I will be sending out a special daily scripture and devotion Monday thru Thursday (hence the numbers). I will give you a scripture that I would like you to post (on a sticky note or index card) in your car, work area, house, etc., and will suggest some ways to apply it to your life. (I will still send one out Fridays and Saturdays, but they will not be numbered. The numbers line up with daily radio broadcasts that began today on WMIE 91.5 FM at 6:30 a.m. when I am taking listeners through the whole Bible in six weeks! :)- if you are not from our area, you will be able to pick up the six weeks of teaching on our "Abide in His Word" web site or on our Calvary Chapel Space Coast media page.)

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: (Please print this verse out on sticky notes or index cards and post it prominently so you can read it and think on it throughout your day.)

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. (1Pe 3:8-9)

Weird as it sounds, in God's kingdom the quickest way to getting a blessing is by giving a blessing. The way to be blessed, is to bless. We who are in Christ are the seed of Abraham through Christ and are part of God's great plan to bless the whole world (Genesis 12:3b). Are you fulfilling your calling to be a blessing where you are and where you go?

God's prophets throughout the ages have understood this "secret" or "key" to being greatly blessed by God. The prophet Isaiah recorded the following words of God:

"Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' "If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. The LORD will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
(Isa 58:6-11)

When you are willing to be a blessing to those around you you will find yours days brightened, your burdens lifted, and even healing and answered prayers will be on their way!

Be a light and a source of comfort to others, and the great light of God's favor will shine brightly into your own darkness and bring great blessing. How can you bless someone today?

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

(If this is too long for you to post, try posting just verse nine which begins with the "not returning evil for evil . . . "- I would love to hear from those of you that are posting your verses. Send me which verses you posted where, and let me know if it's okay to share your action with the devotion readers or radio listeners.)

Day 2- God's Gift of Righteousness- We Reign!

2010-04-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

For the next six weeks I will be sending out a special daily scripture and devotion Monday thru Thursday (hence the numbers). I will give you a scripture that I would like you to post (on a sticky note or index card) in your car, work area, house, etc., and will suggest some ways to apply it to your life. (I will still send one out Fridays and Saturdays, but they will not be numbered. The numbers line up with daily radio broadcasts that began today on WMIE 91.5 FM at 6:30 a.m. when I am taking listeners through the whole Bible in six weeks! :)- if you are not from our area, you will be able to pick up the six weeks of teaching on our "Abide in His Word" web site or on our Calvary Chapel Space Coast media page.)

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: (Please print this verse out on sticky notes or index cards and post it prominently so you can read it and think on it throughout your day.)

For if by the one man's offense [by Adam's offense in the garden of Eden] death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) (Rom 5:17)

God gives you His righteousness as a GIFT!!

And if you receive God's grace and God's gift YOU WILL REIGN IN LIFE through Jesus!!

The apostle Paul said that he was determined to be IN CHRIST, not having his own righteousness, but the righteousness of Christ which is ours by FAITH! (Php 3:9)

Many of us that claim to be born again by the Spirit of God can point to a time when we put our trust in Christ for our salvation. But so often, we then think it all depends on us from that point forward to live a good enough life to be worthy of the name of Jesus.

God's Word says this thinking is foolish. O foolish Christians! Who has bewitched you that you should lose sight of the fact that we have right standing with God through faith? Did you receive the Spirit through obedience to God's law or through faith? Are you foolish enought to believe that even though you were born of the Spirit by faith, that you perfected in the Spirit by obedience to God's law? God works in you through ONE MEANS. FAITH. You have right standing with God as a Christ follower each and every day through ONE MEANS. FAITH. (see Galatians 3:1-7)

When we fully grasp and cling to the amazing gift of God's righteousness, we will find ourselves seated in the heavenlies with Christ, reigning over our circumstances, and not struggling under them.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Day 1 Scripture and Devotion

2010-04-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

For the next six weeks I will be sending out a special daily scripture and devotion Monday thru Thursday (hence the numbers). I will give you a scripture that I would like you to post (on a sticky note or index card) in your car, work area, house, etc., and will suggest some ways to apply it to your life. (I will still send one out Fridays and Saturdays, but they will not be numbered. The numbers line up with daily radio broadcasts that began today on WMIE 91.5 FM at 6:30 a.m. when I am taking listeners through the whole Bible in six weeks! :)- if you are not from our area, you will be able to pick up the six weeks of teaching on our "Abide in His Word" web site or on our "Calvary Chapel Space Coast media web site as we get going.)

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: (Please print this verse out on sticky notes or index cards and post it prominently so you can read it and think on it throughout your day.)

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
(Rom 5:1)

To be "justified" means to be in right standing with God. Hebrews 9:27 tells us that we all must one day stand in God's courtroom and give account for our sins.

The good news is that Jesus Christ already paid the price for our sins, and though the penalty for sinning against God is death, the gift of God is salvation from death (i.e., eternal life) through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ! (Romans 6:23). Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, which means that He paid the ransom sufficient to set us free from the penalty of death.

Praise God, we can all have peace with God through faith in what Christ has accomplished for us! In fact, you have God's assurance that His love is being poured out upon you, and that you can therefore have peace in the midst of hard circumstances, knowing that He will work them out for you good.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Rom 5:1-5)

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Rom 8:28-29)

God is always cooking up good things for us in His kitchen, so be patient my brothers and sisters in Christ. And be at peace, knowing that you are ever in good standing with your Heavenly Father because of what Christ has done on your behalf. That is done! It is finished!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!

2010-04-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

Can you hear Gomer Pyle, United States Marine Corps, saying, "Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!" to his beloved Sargeant Carter? He took a lot of verbal abuse from his sargeant, but continued to believe the best in him, continued to support him, continued to maintain a positive attitude, and continued to delight in blessing his sargeant with nice surprises! :)

(One surprise for many of you regarding yesterday's devotional is that as best as I can determine, NONE OF THE TRIVIA QUESTIONS WERE TRUE! Just goes to show how we can be so sure we are right sometimes, even when we either are going on hearsay, or relying on a faulty memory.)

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
(Mat 5:44-48)

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. (1Pe 3:8-9)

So why don't you try pleasantly surprising someone with a blessing this weekend that normally wouldn't expect one from you. Maybe even someone that in your eyes doesn't deserve a blessing.

And if you do that, please send me an e-mail and share what happens.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.
pastorbaron@cfl.rr.com

What does the Bible really say?

2010-04-09T05:57:00.000-07:00

We often go through life thinking that people say things that they never say, and sometimes even thinking that the Bible says things it never says.

See how you do with the following:
Did Jack Webb in the TV series Dragnet ever say, "Just the facts, ma'am."?
Did Sherlock Holmes ever say, "Elementary, my dear Watson", in any of the books written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?
Did Captain James T. Kirk ever say, "Beam me up, Scotty" in any of the TV shows?
Did the witch of Shakespeare's Macbeth ever say, "Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble."?
Did Ingrid Bergman ever say, "Play it again, Sam" in the movie Casablanca?
Did Mae West ever say, "Why don't you come up and see me sometime?" in her movies?
Did James Cagney ever say, "You dirty rat!" in any of his films?

How many do you think you got right? Maybe even more importantly, how positive are you as to the number you got right?

It's easy for us to rely on our own recollection of things, but we must be especially careful when it comes to God's Word, to abide in it daily, and apply it daily.

As for me, I will call upon God, And the LORD shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice. (Psa 55:16-17)

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. (Psa 107:19-20)

Stay close to the Lord, my friends. Pray throughout your day, and cling to His Word.
Don't rely on your Sunday School training as a child, or your memory of Bible studies from yesteryear. Abide in His Word today.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

When All Heaven Breaks Loose

2010-04-08T04:14:00.000-07:00

All Heaven broke loose about 30 A.D. Jesus had been crucified, rose from the dead, and the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the 120 disciples that gathered in the upper room. 3000 were saved that day and baptized.

By 33 A.D. the church was under heavy persecution and had been scattered throughout Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. They preached (i.e., proclaimed) the gospel of Jesus whereever they went and many thousands more were converted to Christ. Saul the great persecutor of the church was converted to Christ and became the apostle Paul.

By 47 A.D. Paul and Barnabas were ready to embark upon a missionary journey that was going to go down in history as a world changer. By 57 A.D. many new churches had been planted throughout the Mediterranean world, and by 60 A.D. the gospel of Jesus Christ had been spread throughout much of the known Roman world.

30 years of great persecution and great advancement of the kingdom of God, only to be followed by the martyrdom of most of the original apostles and the apostle Paul.

In the latter days of the apostolic era only the apostle John remained, and in his exile on the island of Patmos he recorded the book of Revelation.

While the nations rage against the gospel of Jesus Christ and the advancement of God's kingdom, God's promise to provide for His own remains. And despite financial hard times and persectution the resounding cry and prayer of God's people was for the boldness to continue their mission of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.

So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: 'WHY DID THE NATIONS RAGE, AND THE PEOPLE PLOT VAIN THINGS? THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.' "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. (Act 4:24-37)

When God's people humble themselves and pray for the power to accomplish God's mission all heaven breaks loose!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Have you come out of the closet?

2010-04-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

Who are you REALLY? Do people know you for who you really are? Do they know you as a follower of Jesus Christ?

Jesus always spoke openly to the world. They knew what He stood for, and He boldly taught in synagogues and in the temple where the Jews always met (John 18:20).

Jesus warns us that "nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light."
(Luke 8:17).

The good news is that God knows our hearts. The bad news is that God knows our hearts. Nothing is hidden from Him.

So what are we hiding for? From the very beginning when Adam fell into sin, man has had this tendency to try and hide from God in his shame and embarassment.

Yet God is calling us to come out! He loves us and there is a covering for our sin!! So let's quit hiding in the closet, and in the power of the Holy Spirit come out and declare ourselves openly and boldly to be Christ followers!

It's time for Christians everywhere to come out of the closet. Bring your Bible to work, wear your Christian T-shirt to work, bring your Christian coffee cup to work. Be bold, be brave, for the Lord your God is with you.

Walk in faith, and you will walk in victory!!

Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. We also are with you. Be of good courage, and do it." (Ezr 10:4)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

The man from Uz

2010-04-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

Those of you that are old TV buffs, will remember "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." television series. Good guy Napoleon Solo fought the bad guys and always won.

Did you know that long before "The Man from Uncle" there was the man from Uz?

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.
(Job 1:1)

Job, in a sense, withstood the ultimate bad guy, Satan. The Bible says he was blameless and upright, and that he feared God and shunned evil (Job 1:1).

The Hebrew word translated 'blameless' here is 'Tahm' and means perfect, or complete. Something that is sound and whole, just as it was designed to be. Believe it or not, a synonym in the English language would be 'integrity'. Anything that has integrity is something or someone that can be trusted. A chair has integrity or trustworthiness if you can sit on it without it collapsing. A person has integrity or trustworthiness if you can depend on him/her. The word upright means "straight".

Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; For the future of that man is peace. (Psa 37:37)

Do you know someone that is a person of integrity, and who walks the straight and narrow path?
If you do, mark them, that is observe them closely, for the way of the trustworthy and straight person leads to peace and God's blessing.

And you shall do what is right [i.e., straight, upright] and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may be well with you, and that you may go in and possess the good land of which the LORD swore to your fathers, (Deu 6:18)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Things Hard to Believe and Hard to Test

2010-04-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

There are some things that are very hard to believe for some of us.

Did you know that women blink nearly twice as much as men?

Did you know that it is impossible to lick your elbow?

Did you know that it is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky?

Did you know that the "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language?

Did you know that if you sneeze too hard, you can fracture a rib?

Did you know that if you try to suppress a sneeze, you can rupture a blood vessel in your head or neck and die?

Did you know that most people who read the above statements WILL try and lick their elbow?

Some things are easy to test, and some things are hard to test. God tells us and promises a lot of thingS in His Word, but most are hard to test. We must therefore make a choice as to whether we are going to take Him at His word or not.

Psalm 4:5 has a very simple motto to live by: Do right, and trust in the Lord.

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.
(Psa 5:11-12)

Do you trust in the Lord? Then rejoice!! Shout for joy!! He defends you. Love Him and be happy in Him. He WILL BLESS THOSE THAT ARE IN RIGHT STANDING WITH HIM. He WILL SURROUND YOU WITH FAVOR!!

concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. (Rom 1:3-4)

HE IS RISEN, AND HE HAS THE POWER TO BLESS.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

YOU ARE INVITED to Join us for our Easter Sunrise service tomorrow at 6:00 a.m. behind Frontenac Baptist Church on the river, or join us for our 10:00 a.m. Easter service at the Calvary Chapel Space Coast facility (5195 S. Washington Ave. U.S.1) in south Titusville.

YOU ARE INVITED to Join us for our NEW RADIO BROADCAST Monday at 6:30 a.m. on WMIE 91.5 FM as we go thru the Bible in SIX WEEKS!!

YOU ARE INVITED to Join us on the web if you are not in Brevard County. Go to www.calvarychapelspacecoast.org media section for podcasts and services that you can't attend.

Happy Easter!

Can we mount up with wings like Vultures?

2010-04-02T01:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever ever heard the scripture, "They that wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like vultures"?

Our English Bibles translate this passage in Isaiah as,

"But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (Isa 40:31)

You may find it interesting that the Hebrew and Greek words translated "eagle"in our English Bibles may actually be referring to the once-numerous-in-Israel Griffon vultures.

In Matthew 24:28 we read,
For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. (Mat 24:27-28)

Eagles would be unlikely to gather around a dead carcass. Eagles are rarely seen in groups larger than two or three, and feed primarily on fish and living creatures. Dead carcasses are the primary staple of vultures, however, and they gather in great numbers for their feasting.

The featherless head of the vulture may be in view in Micah 1:16 as the eagle has a head thickly covered with feathers, but the Vulture's head and neck are but scantily sprinkled with white down.

The Griffon vulture is a majestic bird, and is said to fly higher than any eagle. So who knows, maybe God will renew our strength and enable us to rise up with wings like the majestic Griffon vulture.

With all that said, the important thing for us to remember is that when we are weak and weary, we can find our strength and hope renewed as we wait on the Lord.

Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! (Psa 27:14)

Do not say, "I will recompense evil"; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.
(Pro 20:22)

But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
(Isa 40:31)

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 6:9-10)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

What do you do when the chariots come storming in?

2010-04-01T06:42:00.000-07:00

Israel (a.k.a. Samaria) was about to be attacked by the Syrians.

Now Ben-Hadad the king of Syria gathered all his forces together; thirty-two kings were with him, with horses and chariots. And he went up and besieged Samaria, and made war against it. (1Ki 20:1)

So the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, "Notice, please, and see how this man seeks trouble, for he sent to me for my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold; and I did not deny him." And all the elders and all the people said to him, "Do not listen or consent." (1Ki 20:7-8)

The King of Israel is hauling up the white flag, but his elders are telling him not to pay attention to the threatenings of the Syrians and not to give in to their demands.

hmmmmmmmmmmm. When the chips are down and the pressure is on, do you trust in the Lord?

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. (Psa 20:7)

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.
(Pro 18:10)

Those who know the Lord know that He is trustworthy. He can be counted on. He is worthy of our praise, and is a strong rock and fortress.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Those Crazy Christians

2010-03-31T06:09:00.000-07:00

I'm not advocating sitting around in sunglasses and a "Turn or Burn" T-shirt, but I have heard this guy has been a persistent presence on a particular college campus, and my guess is he has sparked a lot of conversation.

All of us have probably met someone that has professed the name of Jesus and weirded us out at one time or another, and I'm also not advocating being weird in a way that creeps people out.

However, I am thinking that some of us might be able to do a better job at stirring things up for the sake and cause of Jesus then we do.

The early apostles were pretty determined to get the word out in Jerusalem about Jesus.

So one came and told them, saying, "Look, the men [Peter and John] whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!" Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!" But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men. (Act 5:25-29)

We are told by the word of God that we are to respect the ordinances of men and the authorities that are over us, ("having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men"— 1Pe 2:12-15), but we have a command to perform the mission of getting the gospel of Jesus Christ out to the masses.

So how are we doing? Could you be accused of trying to fill your community with the message of Jesus Christ?

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Too Much Drama?

2010-03-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

The ancient Greeks were famous for their drama, and the word 'drama' comes from an ancient Greek word meaning 'to do',or 'to act'.

Dramas in the Greek world were often a combination of what we would consider plays and opera. Many of the dramas were tragedies in which people suffered a transition from good fortune to bad fortune. Some felt that drama not only served as a means of entertainment, but of bringing forth emotion that could purge self-pity and other unhealthy things that were bottled up within us.

Having our hearts purified, or purged, is a good thing. Jesus said that a purged, or pure heart wil enable us to see God.

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. (Mat 5:8)

As Christ-followers, we know that entertainment does little to truly purge, or purify us, and that the key to a pure heart that is free from ilk such as anxiety is a life in Christ!

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Php 4:6-7)

King Solomon had it right when he said, "Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life." (Pro 4:23)

We must carefully tend to our hearts and minds, thoughts and emotions.

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man." (Mat 15:19-20)

Jesus said to him, 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the first and great commandment.
(Mat 22:37-38)

Here's to healthy hearts!
Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

How much SHOUTING have YOU done lately?

2010-03-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

In our 5:00 a.m. prayer time this morning at the church facility we looked at Psalm 95 and did some shouting.

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is the great God, And the great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; And His hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: "Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, As in the day of trial in the wilderness, When your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My work. For forty years I was grieved with that generation, And said, 'It is a people who go astray in their hearts, And they do not know My ways.' So I swore in My wrath, 'They shall not enter My rest.' "
(Psa 95:1-11)

We do a good expressing our excitement when watching our kids or favorite team play sports, but how good a job do we do in expressing our excitement about how great God is? The Psalmist says that we are to SHOUT! The Hebrew word here can indicate a shout of warning, joy, or triumph.

So how about trying a little shouting for the Lord sometime today? Go ahead, make that joyful noise!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Good ideas are not the same as God ideas

2010-03-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

The Greek word 'idea' comes from a word meaning to see, or to know, and means the form, appearance, or aspect. It is actually rendered "countenance" in the New Testament and only appears once.

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. (Mat 28:1-3)

Isn't that interesting that the angel's "idea" was like lightning? (You didn't know where the concept of bright and shining ideas came from, did you? :))

The Word of God says that all good things come from God, and in that sense if an idea is truly a good one it is a gift from God, just as our amazing brains are gifts from God.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
(Jas 1:17)

However, we must not mistake good ideas for God ideas. The latter flows from a relationship with God and His Word, and the former flows from your brain and bright light bulbs. (Recent research actually concluded that we’re more likely to come up with creative ideas if we’ve been exposed to that universal symbol of brilliant ideas: a glowing light bulb. The studies clearly suggest exposure to a bare, glowing light bulb stimulates mental processes that lead to creative thinking.)

As Christ-followers we must be careful to study the Word, pray, and seek God ideas, as they can lead us in a direction that good ideas won't. Someone once said that that the good is often the enemy of best. Too often in life we miss the best by settling for the good.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. (Pro 3:5-7)

How interesting that the Word of God would caution us NOT to be wise in our own eyes. It's not that God doesn't want us to be wise and to have good ideas. It's just that they are a poor substitute for God's direction and God ideas.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

No Attachment Sent Doesn't Have to be the End of the Story

2010-03-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

Did you ever send out an e-mail telling someone that you have attached something, and get a response back saying, "No attachment sent"? Happened to me this morning as a matter of fact. I went through a lot to send out that attachment that didn't end up sent. I picked up a set of music for this Sunday (it's Palm Sunday this Sunday), brought it to the church office, scanned the music, had the scanner send it to the computer in our church sanctuary, copied the scanned music file on the computer to a thumb drive, took the thumb drive to my office, wrote an e-mail to the worship team and hit the 'send' button. Only problem was, I forgot to attach the scanned music file. The plan just didn't come together.

There was a team called the "A-team" that appeared on television a good while back, that had to accomplish much more complicated and dangerous missions then sending out a set of music to the church worship team. They helped people fight bad guys, and managed to defeat them through some pretty elaborate schemes. Colonel 'Hannibal' Smith, the head of the A-team, became well known for the way he smiled at the end of each successful mission and said, "I love it when a plan comes together".

Unfortunately in life, many times our plans just don't come together- in spite of our best efforts, and in spite of bathing our plans in prayer.

But "No Attachment Sent" doesn't have to be the end of the story. I still had opportunity to resend the e-mail to the worship team and to add the attachment. And no matter which of your plans have not come together, it doesn't have to be the end of the story. For God has a plan for your life, and it will come together!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer 29:11)

God loves and guides, protects and provides.

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.
(Isa 48:17)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Where exactly are we going?

2010-03-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

Two thousand years ago a man named Jesus called out to some fishermen, told them to drop their nets, and to follow Him.

For the past two thousand years God has continued to call out to people, and has beckoned them to follow Him. Many, however, have not wanted to drop anything in order to do so, but to simply add God to one of their many priorities and activities in life.

When God calls on you to follow Him does He promise to use you in some way that is spectacular in the worldly sense of the word? Does He promise you that you will be able to use the talents that you so enjoy?

Actually, He promises you none of those things. As C.S. Lewis once put it, "No sphere of usefulness: you are not needed there at all. No scope for your talents: only forgiveness for having perverted them . . . " and no atmosphere of inquiry, for He will bring you to the land not of questions but of answers, "and you shall see the face of God."

Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." They immediately left their nets and followed Him. (Mat 4:19-20)

As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him. (Mat 9:9)

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mat 16:24-26)

So tell me my friend, Have you heard the call of God to follow Christ? Is your life more about you, or all about Christ? Just what exactly have you dropped and given up and turned from in order to follow Christ and serve Him? Just what does your Lord expect from you?

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Are you an "I" or a "C"?

2010-03-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

It is easy to stand tall, straight, and proud in the letter "I", but we must somehow bow in order to fit into the letter "C". There is no entering into Christ without first being humbled and kneeling at His feet for mercy.

He is holy and just. We are unholy and unjust. He is pure and strong. We are impure and weak.

The good news is that our Lord is slow to anger and abounding in mercy.

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. (Psa 86:5)

But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. (Psa 86:15)

Have you experienced the wonder of God's forgiveness and mercy? Are you willing to be His pipeline of forgiveness and mercy to others?

Let us be willing to overlook, and even cover the the sins of our brothers and sisters in Christ, for love covers a multitude of sins.

Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins. (Pro 10:12)

He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.
(Pro 17:9)

There is a time for personal rebuke, but the Word of God exhorts us to make a concerted effort to cover the weaknesses and transgressions of our church family, rather than expose them.

Let us choose to see the amazing things God has done in and through the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and let us choose to broadcast the good things rather than the bad.

Are you willing to be God’s pipeline of compassion and encouragement to the body of Christ, and particularly to your own local church family? What good stuff have you been spreading lately?

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Just how many times should you knock?

2010-03-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

All of us have knocked on God's door at one time or another and asked something of Him. Many times He does not answer right away, and it is only natural that we then ask ourselves the question, "Should I keep knocking?"

And He said to them, "Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and he will answer from within and say, 'Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you'? I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
(Luk 11:5-10)

If you have lost your keys, how long should you search for them? If you are at the doorstep to visit someone, how long should you knock? I guess it all depends. How badly do you need your keys? How important is it that you visit with that person?

Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed." But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us." But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, help me!" But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour. (Mat 15:21-28)

God expects us to ask Him for His blessing, and God is GREATLY PLEASED WITH FAITH. Remember Jesus' sigh, "O ye of little faith"? God is grieved by lack of faith, and delighted when we act in faith.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Heb 11:6)

Just how many times should you knock? However many times it takes to exercise your faith. For some, it may be a great expression of faith to make your request and leave it as His feet. For others, it may be a great expression of faith to persistently petition Him. The key is not how often to knock, but how to step out in faith as you knock. He delights in His own. Believe it!

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

So how would you write the next chapter?

2010-03-22T05:14:00.001-07:00

Have you ever parked yourself under a broom tree in the midst of the wilderness and had a pity party? Well, maybe not under a broom tree in the midst of the wilderness, but we've all likely thrown some pity parties in our time (though we don't usually invite guests). What fascinates me in the story of Elijah and wicked King Ahab is not so much that someone threw a pity party, as it is the timing of the pity party that was thrown, and the one that threw it.

In chapter 18 of 1 Kings Elijah had bravely confronted the wicked King Ahab and the wicked propehts of Baal in the midst of a severe famine.

He then proceeded to slay the wicked prophets of Baal and witness an apparent change of heart among many of God's people. If you were going to write chapter 19 of 1 Kings based on what you guessed would happen next, what do you think you would guess?

I probably would expect this to spark a great revival in the land, the dethroning or death of wicked King Ahab and Jezebel, and a time of great blessing for Elijah. But I would have been wrong. Instead, we find Elijah leaving his great victory at Mt. Carmel, and fleeing for his life into the wilderness where he is so despondent that he even asks the Lord to take him home.

What is that all about? Well, for starters it's about being human. No matter how much God has demonstrated His love and care for us in the past, no matter how many times God has used us in amazing ways, we are in constant need of reassurance. Most of us are quite insecure when it comes right down to it.

For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God. Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore. For great is Your mercy toward me, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. O God, the proud have risen against me, And a mob of violent men have sought my life, And have not set You before them. But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. Oh, turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give Your strength to Your servant, And save the son of Your maidservant. Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, LORD, have helped me and comforted me. (Psa 86:10-17)

God WILL help you, and God WILL comfort you.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

What town are YOU living in?

2010-03-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

If you were to paint a picture of a town based on the people you've conversed with the past week, the attitudes, the topics of conversation, the music you've listened to, the shows you've watched; what kind of town would it be?

I've been reading the CS Lewis book, "The Great Divorce" (it says it's about a bus ride from heaven to hell), and it starts in a small, not very pleasant town. One of the "visitors" tried to get people to conduct themselves better, but found that people tend to sink to the level of their surroundings.

Have you ever found that to be true? Have you noticed that the bad conduct of someone rubs off on those around them, but that the good conduct of someone is rarely or barely noticed?

There is an old saying that one rotten apple spoils the barrel. Jesus and the apostles warned us that bad teaching and bad living is like leaven, and "A little leaven leavens the whole lump." (Gal 5:9)

Somehow we convince ourselves that we can hang out with ungodly people or subject ourselves to ungodly things, and that our good example will somehow turn around ungodly behavior in those around us. The fact of the matter is, that the ungodly behavior will corrupt the good habits or practices. Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits." (1Co 15:33)

This is why the company you keep is so important.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. (Psa 1:1-2)

You will be much happier if you avoid listening to or taking advice from people that do not walk with the Lord. You will be much happier if you avoid hanging out with ungodly people, and you will be much happier if you avoid joining up with people that mock God, mock parents, mock the boss, or mock other authority in their lives.

The things you lend your ears to and the company you keep is the town you live in. So, what town DO you live in?

If it's not a good one, RELOCATE!

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Are You the Lord's? Are They the Lord's?

2010-03-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Do you belong to the Lord? Do the people that disappoint you belong to the Lord?

The Word of God tells us that we believers belong to the Lord, and that Jesus is our Lord. And if Jesus is our Lord, why do we allow ourselves to get entangled with the choices of our brothers and sisters? We all will give account of ourselves someday.

We should spend more time looking at ourselves and how we can be a better example and influence, and less time looking at what's wrong with others.

For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL CONFESS TO GOD." So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way. I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. (Rom 14:7-19)

So are you expending your energy on being a better example and influence, or on talking about what troubles you about your brothers and sisters?

Those that serve Christ pursue the things that build up their brothers and sisters in Christ and that bring the peace of God to the family of God.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Abide in His Word

2010-03-18T06:22:00.000-07:00

As we get ready to launch "Abide in His Word" ministries, why not look at a product we will use to help people focus on applying the Word of God to their lives- the SPAM can.

I've chosen the SPAM can because it's something everyone can readily get their hands on, and can be easily parked on your desk. After all, I've had one parked on my desk since 1995 (yes, the same can!- another story)

We can help people abide in His Word if we can get them to:

Survey the Word (We'll start by doing an overview of the the Bible in six weeks)
Post the Word (We'll give you principles and promises to post on sticky notes or cards)
Apply the Word (We'll help you act on God's principles and promises)
Monitor your actions (We'll help you keep track of the great things God does in you and through you- and even give you an opportunity to share if you would like)

It looks like we will be on at least three radio stations, and I will be teaching "live" at a Port St. John location Saturday nights, and a Titusville location Wednesday nights.

Please pray for us as we have a web site to put up (abideinhisword.org/.com), a radio show introduction to record (anyone?), materials to put together, and well, you get the idea. This daily devotion will part of this ministry, and will help you abide in His Word.

Thank you for your love, your prayers, your encouragement, and your support. This isn't just about you and me. This is about an opportunity to get little churched and unchurched to look at the Bible in a new way, as well as to help the very churched that have never seen how the stories of the Bible fit together in a big picture.

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by 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 1:2-10)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Do you like Trivia?
1) What is the main ingredient in SPAM meat?
2) What is the most popular nickname for SPAM meat?
3) Which state in the U.S. has the highest SPAM consumption?

send your answers to pastorbaron@cfl.rr.com

Are You Living? Are You Running?

2010-03-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

If you are not running the race, you are not truly living. Most people see themselves more like the runner then they see themselves like the dearly departed lying beneath grave stones.

Yet the truth is that God is the fountain of living or running waters, and that if we are not connected to Him, we are not truly living.

O LORD, the hope of Israel, All who forsake You shall be ashamed. "Those who depart from Me Shall be written in the earth, Because they have forsaken the LORD, The fountain of living waters." Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, For You are my praise. (Jer 17:13-14)

Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." (Joh 4:10)

In the midst of all of our running around and in the midst of all of life's craziness, we are not truly alive if we have not been born again through the Spirit of God and been joined to the fountain of living water. We stop up the pipes so to speak when we grieve the Spirit of God and prevent the living water from running to us and through us.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Eph 4:30-32)

God wants you to be a source of blessing and thirst quenching spring water to those around you.

Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38)

Are you connected to the fountain of living water? Is the living water of God flowing freely through you to others around you, or are the pipes stopped up?

Are you running the race for God?

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

A special thanks to Roy Coy whose daily devotion put my mind on this today, and who has care for me as his brother in Christ has meant a lot. Bless you and yours, Roy!

Musings on the Holy Spirit

2010-03-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

In response to questions such as, "How do you know if someone is ministering in the Holy Spirit?", or "How do you know that the Holy Spirit is present in a service?", I received some excellent thoughts. One brother wrote, "You know Pastor, I am not sure. When a song is sung in any Church, I think I know if it is in the spirit. You know, chill bumps, hair standing up. But on the other hand, the same song might not do anything for someone else."

Another brother wrote the following:

How about, "That place is Spirit Filled because its a mess!"? :)

What about the evidence of the Holy Spirit through obvious (or sometimes, not so obvious) attacks of the enemy. Attacks that externally appear like "Wow, that church has got some major issue!...but this church over here is Filled with the Spirit. :) The members never argue, bicker, or fight (Its like Mister Roger's neighborhood). Everyone always greets you with how wonderful their life is going, and nobody would ever challenge your walk with God........like those "nosey" Christians down at the church with all the drama going on!"

I believe things are not always as they appear on the outside. A big "pretty" church does not necessarily equal one that is "Spirit Filled", and a small one does not always equate to one that doing something wrong. Also, one that has a lot of ongoing drama does not necessarily mean that "God has left the building" (just a figure of speech) and things are out of control.
Maybe it's quite the opposite...the Holy Spirit is cleaning house; sewing good seed; firing people up; and rocking the boat. Tables are flipping; bad attitudes are getting whipped into shape; and good stuff is on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Satan (and his helpers) are not just going to lie there and take it (unless God tells them to). They jump up and start tossing in barbs and thistles; seeds of discord; discouragement; and doubt (whatever God gives them permission to do...which He then uses for His own good). And where does that leave us? Growing! On the outside it may appear dysfunctional and chaotic (because without him, we are), but inside He is letting the circumstances bang away at our heart. Making them become more like Him through our outwardly broken life (and relationships).

So don't run away, and try to get comfortable...you'll only delay His work and make it more painful.

Wow! I need to let this brother write for my daily devotion! :)

And since we have the same Spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I BELIEVED AND THEREFORE I SPOKE," we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. 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 4:13-18)

It is not too late to write me at pastorbaron@cfl.rr.com with your questions that you would ask a person to determine if they were truly a Christ-follower, or your commments about the presence and working of the Holy Spirit.

"Abide in His Word" radio broadcast will be starting shortly on WMIE FM 91.5 from 6:30-7:00 a.m. (I plan on doing the broadcast live.) I will share more on this with you soon as we pray about helping take people through their Bibles and focus on the basics. (If you know of someone that could help me with the recording of the radio broadcast intro song please let me know.)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Got the Spirit?

2010-03-15T04:38:00.001-07:00

What do you think are the outward evidences that someone is filled with the Holy Spirit?

Sometimes you will hear people say things like,
"He was really in the Spirit"
"She has the power of the Spirit"
"He got the Spirit"
"She's in the Spirit"

We've talked before about the fruit of the Holy Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

But do you think there are other outward evidences of someone being filled with the Holy Spirit?

Can you tell whether a church is praising God in the Spirit?
Can you tell whether a pastor is teaching in the Spirit?
Can you tell whether the Spirit is present in a church service?
Can you tell whether an individual is praying or ministering in the Spirit?

Send your thoughts to me at pastorbaron@cfl.rr.com and I'll let our devotion readers know what you think. Then maybe we can have some further discussion on this important topic.

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Act 1:8)

Have a great day and a great week!
Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Are You a Christ-follower?

2010-03-13T04:07:00.000-08:00

I recently asked you what kind of questions you might ask someone in order to determine whether they were simply a religious person or a true Christ-follower. Here are some of the questions that you proposed:

1. What has changed in your life since you became a follower of Christ?

2. What are you reading in your Bible right now?

3. How have you seen God answer prayers in your life this year?

4. How do you make decisions and plans for the future?

5. If you were deserted on a remote island, what would you take with you?

6. If you were to meet Christ today, what would you say to Him if He asked “why should He let you into my heaven?”

7. Do you have any regrets in your life and what are they?

8. What is your passion in life?

9. Did you find a way to hide some of your income on your taxes this year?

10. What’s in your record collection/iPod/mp3 player/iTunes library?

By the way, we are launching Abide in His Word ministries, and together we will help each other, and others around the world be better at following Christ. More information will be coming to you soon. Thank you so much for the part you play in "getting the Word out". Many of you pass this devotion on to other groups, and it's exciting to see what God is doing through YOU as you partner with me in spreading the Word.

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)

Again, thank you for the way you help sow the Word of God into the lives of others.
God bless.

Now the next question is, "How can I sow the Word of God into others TODAY?"

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Is God Really in Control?

2010-03-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

Is God really in control? This is a question I frequently get asked as a pastor.

God created us with inquisitive minds, and there are many questions that the scriptures do not clearly answer. But this is not one of them. If by "in control" you mean, is God actively engaged in accomplishing His purposes, and are there any powers that could override God's will, the answer is a resounding, "Yes, God is actively engaged in accomplishing His purposes", and "No, there is no power that can frustrate or override God's will and purposes".

Daniel 4:35 says,

All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?" (Dan 4:35)

Joseph had confidence that the evil that was done against him was turned around for the good by God for a divine purpose.

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. (Gen 50:20)

Romans 8:28 echoes this sentiment,

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
(Rom 8:28)

The key here, however, is that God's purposes are redemptive, and that His interest lies heavily in the area of redeeming a people for His name, and empowering them to be fruitful and advance His kingdom purposes here on earth.

Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. (Mat 6:10)

who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (Tit 2:14)

The Twila Paris song, "God is in Control" does a nice job of capturing some of this grand design when it says,

God is in control
We believe that His children will not be forsaken
God is in control
We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside Him, we know
God is in control, oh God is in control

History marches on
There is a bottom line drawn across the ages
Culture can make its plan
Oh, but the line never changes
No matter how the deception may fly
There is one thing that has always been true
It will be true forever

He has never let you down
Why start to worry now?
He is still the Lord of all we see
And He is still the loving Father
Watching over you and me

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

What's Your Line?

2010-03-11T03:22:00.000-08:00

There was an old TV show called, "What's My Line?" that ran from 1950-1967 where a panel of celebrities took turns asking a guest questions in order to determine his/her occupation. What kind of questions would you ask someone if you were going to try and determine if they were really a Christ-follower?

Think about that for a few moments. If you were a panelist in a game show where the guest was either a religious person that was not a true Christ-follower, or a true Christ-follower, what type of questions would you ask? Keep in mind, that there are plenty of people that have learned all of the "born again" lingo along the way, and who, in some cases might sound more spiritual than someone that just committed their life to Jesus Christ.

If you will send me some of the questions you might ask to my e-mail address at pastorbaron@cfl.rr.com, I'll share them with the readers of our daily devotion.

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? (Mic 6:8)

As Pastor B. would say, "Do right, love right, and walk right".

May God give you an awesome day, today!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

How is the Pruning Coming Along?

2010-03-10T06:15:00.000-08:00

A vinedresser prunes his fruitful grapevines so that they can remain healthy and continue to be fruitful. He uses hand shears, lopping shears, and even saws in some cases.

The Word of God tells us that our Heavenly Father is the vinedresser, Jesus is the vine, and we are the fruit bearing branches of the vine.

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (Joh 15:1-2)

If you are a child of God you will produce fruit, and if you produce fruit you will be pruned so that you can continue to bear fruit.

Jesus taught a parable about how the Word of God, like seed, is sown, or distributed. It doesn't really take root in some people, but it does in others.

"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)

God expects grapevines to produce grapes, and God expects Christians to be Christ-like. In fact, I like the term Christ-follower better than I like the term Christian, because the former implies that an effort to be Christ-like is taking place, whereas the latter can simply refer to one's professed religion, or religious faith.

The Word of God tells us that faith without works is dead, and that branches without fruit are dead. The name "Christian" is meaningless and valueless unless the person with the label is bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We expect plants that we purchase to bear the fruit that's on the label, and God expects to see the fruit that's on our label.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Gal 5:22-23)

Be fruitful, and multiply :)
Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Go

2010-03-09T06:46:00.000-08:00

go - vi. (an intransitive verb; i.e., it stands alone and doesn't need to act on a direct object)- 1. To proceed along. 2. To move away from a place: DEPART 3. To pursue a particular course.

Some 5000 years ago God told Noah to go forth (Genesis 8:16). Noah proceeded to follow God's direction to leave the ark and pursue the course of replenishing the world. Then about 2000 years ago Jesus told His disciples to go and teach all peoples, immersing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). His disciples proceeded to follow the Lord's direction to leave their lives at home, depart from their home towns, and pursue the course of reconciling the world to God through the teaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Have you heard God's call to "Go"? Have you been proceeding along the path that God has set for you? Have you moved away FROM the place that God wanted you to move away from? Have you moved TO pursue the particular course that God wants you to pursue?

We are all running a race, and are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses that have gone before us. I can hear your brothers and sisters in Christ that have finished their race and gone to be with the Lord encouraging you from the side lines to keep on. I can hear them shouting, "Go, my brother, Go my sister, Go!"

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

How Many Invites Have You Sent Out Lately?

2010-03-08T04:59:00.000-08:00

Then He also said to him who invited Him, "When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just." Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, "Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!" Then He said to him, "A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, 'Come, for all things are now ready.' But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.' Still another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.' And the servant said, 'Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.' Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.' "
(Luk 14:12-24)

The two big questions of the day are:
1) How many invitations have you given out lately to invite people to trust in Christ?
2) Who are you inviting?

It's interesting that Jesus not only deals with the issue of our responsibility to invite people to Christ, but deals with the issue of WHO we are to invite. It reminds me of that prophetic passage in Isaiah where we read,

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; (Isa 61:1)

God's heart goes out to the broken people of this world, and there is a sense in which the gospel of Jesus Christ is especially to be directed to them.

The bottom line is that we are to GO OUT and compel them to come in. So how much inviting and compelling have you been doing lately?

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Worship Him!

2010-03-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

The Hebrew word for worship means to bow down in homage. It is found 172 times in 166 verses in the Old Testament. It is rendered 'worship' 99 times in many English Bibles, rendered 'bow' 31 times, and 'bow down' 18 times.

The first three mentions of the word are as follows:

So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, (Gen 18:2)

Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. (Gen 19:1)

And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you." (Gen 22:5)

Worship involves coming humbly before God (hence the bowing), speaking and singing His praise, bringing offerings and gifts, and serving Him. (The Greek word for worship also means to bow down in homage. Worship is therefore frequently accompanied by people falling down before the one who is being worshipped.

the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: (Rev 4:10)

And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, "Amen! Alleluia!" . . . And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!" (Rev 19:4, 10)

Amen! Worship God!

By the way, congratulations to Susan Herman who was the only one that got all six answers from yesterday's challenge correct.

1. Moses and Aaron were the first two prophets of Israel
2. Jesus the Messiah was foretold in Deut 18
3. Samuel
4. King David
5. King Jeroboam
6. King Baasha

any questions on these, contact me at pastorbaron@cfl.rr.com

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Bible Challenge and Prophets

2010-03-05T06:28:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Claudia Eickhoff, Don Ames, Shari Glover, Susan Herman, Brian Barnett, and Sonny Liston on submitting the correct answers to the Bible challenge yesterday! The answers were as follows:

1. Zerubbabel led the first band of Jews from the Babylonian captivity in the first year of Cyrus, King of Persia (Ezra 1:2-4)[period of Ezra Nehemiah]
2. Jerubbaal was a name given to Gideon because he destroyed the altar of Baal (Judges 6:32) -- [period of the judges]
3. Jedidiah was the name which, by the mouth of Nathan the prophet, the Lord gave to Solomon at his birth as a token of divine favor (2 Sam. 12:25)--the period of kings and prophets

Speaking of Nathan the prophet, let's have the Bible challenge today on prophets.

1. Who were the first two leaders of Israel that were referred to as prophets?

2. Which "Prophet" was being referred to in this passage in Deuteronomy 18:18-19?

I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.
(Deu 18:18-19)

3. Which prophet does the scripture say was known to be established as a prophet of the Lord by all Israel from Dan (in the north) to Beersheba (in the south)?

4. The prophet Gad was which king's personal "seer"?

5. The prophet Ahijah told which king that his household would be like the household of David if he had a fully devoted [Shalam] heart toward God?

6. Jehu the prophet foretold that which wicked king would have his whole household destroyed?

Answers can be sent to pastorbaron@cfl.rr.com, along with any prayer requests that you might have. I do my best to answer all personal e-mails.

This Sunday we're talking about the word of God,and how important it is to trust in it. The Israelites of old did not enter into God's rest because they did not add faith to the word of God (Heb 4:1-2). Sometimes we forget that even though it is good to study the Bible and learn the Bible, that without faith it is impossible to please God.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Heb 11:6)

Your heavenly Father wants to bless you, so pursue that personal relationship with Him!

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Bible Challenge 2

2010-03-04T05:44:00.000-08:00

The opening verses of the book of Ruth place it in the times of the Judges, and it concludes with how she was the great grandmother of King David. In Ruth 4:17 the author states that Ruth and Boaz’ child is named Obed and that Obed “…became the father of Jesse, the father of David.” The final verses trace the family line.

As for Queen Esther, she was during the Ezra-Nehemiah time period.

After being in captivity for 70 years, former Israelites and Judahites returned to the land and in 535 B.C. started rebuilding the temple. This is recorded in Ezra. The temple was completed in 516 B.C. and Esther was queen of Persia about 473 B.C. In 458 B.C. a second wave returned to the land under Ezra, and in 445 B.C. Nehemiah leads the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Questions for today: Who was Zerubbabel? Who was Jerubbaal? Who was Jedidiah?
Bonus: Can you place each of them in the proper time period below?

Abraham and God's covenant with him in the land of promise
Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and the wandering
Joshua leading them into the promised land and the conquest
The period of the judges
The period of the kings and prophets
The captivity of the Israelites
Their return to the land to rebuild the temple and Jerusalem

Again, you can send your answers to me at pastorbaron@cfl.rr.com. Winnners will be posted :)

And He shall stand and feed His flock In the strength of the LORD, In the majesty of the name of the LORD His God; And they shall abide, For now He shall be great To the ends of the earth;
(Mic 5:4)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

A Bible Challenge for You

2010-03-03T05:43:00.001-08:00

I thought I'd give you a Bible challenge today. Before asking you the questions, I'll give you a basic chain of events. Adam and the garden, Noah and the flood, Abraham and God's covenant with him in the land of promise, Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Joshua leading them into the promised land, the period of the judges, the period of the kings and prophets, the captivity of the Israelites, their return to the land under Ezra and Nehemiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple, and the coming of John the Baptist.

Where in this chain events is the story of Ruth? Where in this chain events is the story of Esther?

Answers tomorrow.

I may not get to speak with you face to face but hopefully I will be able to speak with you via radio in the very near future.

Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. (2Jn 1:12)

If I were to teach on the radio again at WMIE 91.5 FM out of Cocoa, which times would be best for you to listen?

6:30-7:00 a.m.
8 to 8:30 AM
10:30 to 11 AM
4:30 to 5 PM.
5 to 5:30 PM

If you are in the brevard area and one or more of these times would be best for you drop me a line at pastorbaron@cfl.rr.com and let me know. We are also looking at internet radio for those that are receiving this devotion, but who are not in the area. More to come.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Our Inner Most Room

2010-03-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

Just as the Solomon's temple of old had an inner most room (the holy of holies), so we have our inner most room. It is a room deep within us that was dark and empty until the Holy Spirit came into us and dwelt there. It is the place where Christ can dwell within us. It is a place called our inner man, and it is a place from which flows the resurrection Holy Spirit power of Christ!

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:16-21)

The mercy seat sat in the Old Testament holy of holies, and once a year the high priest came in to sprinkle blood as an atonement or covering for the sins of the people. And so it is that the blood of Christ sprinkles our hearts and washes us from every sin, firmly seating us in God's lap of mercy.

May you find the riches of His mercy, the blessing of His peace, and the power of His love in your inner most room.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

11 1/2 Minutes Part 5

2010-03-01T04:06:00.000-08:00

11 1/2 Minutes Part 5

Below is Part 5 of "Can you spend 11and a half minutes thinking about Eternity?" (write to pastorbaron@cfl.rr.com for the entire electronic booklet to pass on to others.)

Part 5

being justified freely [declared to be in right standing with God] by His grace through the redemption [paid price] that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation [covering] by His blood, through faith . . . Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. (Romans 3:24, 28)

Have you put your faith in Christ for your salvation? ___________

Have you received His gift of salvation by accepting Christ as your Savior? ____

If you have, you are now a son or daughter of God, and are to confess this in baptism.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: (John 1:12)

Just think in 12 minutes it is possible to go from being “dead spiritually” to being alive in Christ! It is also possible that in 12 minutes you could go from being alive on this earth, to dead, and find yourself in God’s courtroom.

If you have received Christ as your Lord and Savior please print your name and the date:

Contact the person that gave you this or Pastor Baron Eickhoff at Calvary Chapel Space Coast to make arrangements to be immersed, and to obtain additional material that will help you experience the joy and peace of living as a Christ-follower.

Pastor Baron Eickhoff can be reached at 321-638-4464

Calvary Chapel Space Coast web site is www.calvarychapelspacecoast.org

Calvary Chapel Space Coast location is 5195 S. Washington Ave., Titusville, Fl 32780

CCSC Sunday Church service is 10:00 a.m.

CCSC Wednesday night service is 7:00 p.m. and is broadcast on WPIO 89.3 FM

More information on salvation is at www.followGod.org

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. (1Jn 5:13)

SPREAD THE WORD, THEY HAVEN’T HEARD!
SOW THE SEED TO THOSE IN NEED!

Pass this booklet on to as many people as you can. You never know what life you may touch for the glory of the Lord, and the salvation of a soul!

Then He [Jesus] 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!"

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 13:3-9, 19-23)

11 1/2 Minutes Part 4

2010-02-27T04:29:00.000-08:00

Friday, February 26, 2010
11 1/2 Minutes Part 4

Below is Part 4 of "Can you spend 11and a half minutes thinking about Eternity?" (write to pastorbaron@cfl.rr.com for the entire electronic booklet to pass on to others.)

Part 4

God is holy and righteous and no matter how much He loves us, our crimes against God’s law must be answered for, and the penalty must be paid.

For the wages [i.e., penalty] of sin is death (Romans 6:23)

Do you now see what you need to be saved from? ______

Do you now see why you need to be saved? ______

Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Rom 3:20)

No one is ever going to be “justified” or found in right standing with God on judgment day because of their obedience to the law. In fact, the law shows us just how horribly sinful we really are!

The ‘gospel’, or ‘good news’, of Jesus Christ is that God demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners (law breakers) Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8). He paid the penalty for our sin, and this is called ‘redemption’. Because the life of our flesh is in the blood, God’s righteousness required that the payment of our sin be the sacrificed blood of a perfect sin offering, and that perfect sin offering was Jesus Christ. That is why He is called the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29). John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes on Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Christ has done His part in dying for you as your sin offering, and offering you the gift of salvation from the penalty and power of sin. Christ is offering you a right standing with God. The legal term for this is “justified”. (If it will help you, you can think of being justified, as meaning “just as if you never sinned”.)

What is Christ able to offer you since He died on the cross for you? _______________

For the wages [penalty] of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23)

The question now is whether you are willing to do your part.

Just believing what the Bible says is not enough. James 2:19 tells us the demons believe, and they tremble!

"Repent, [confess and turn from your sin]

and let every one of you be baptized [immersed in water]

in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; [ask Christ to forgive you]

and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (salvation and eternal life!).” (Act 2:38)

Are you willing to repent of your sins? ________

Are you willing to call on Jesus Christ to save you? ________

Are you willing to publicly confess Christ as your Lord and Savior in the waters of baptism (i.e., immersion)? ________
(1 Peter 3:21 says that it isn’t the water that saves us, but it is the answer of a good conscience towards God)

If so, then go!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

11 1/2 Minutes Part 3

2010-02-26T04:49:00.000-08:00

Below is Part 3 of "Can you spend 11and a half minutes thinking about Eternity?" (write to pastorbaron@cfl.rr.com for the entire electronic booklet to pass on to others.)

Part 3

Exodus 20:14 says we are not to commit adultery, and Jesus said in Matthew 5:27-30,

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”

Have you ever looked at another person with lust (intense craving)? ________

What did Jesus say you are in danger of if you sin (violate God’s law)? __________

Exodus 20:15 says we are not to steal.

Have you ever taken anything that didn’t belong to you? __________

Exodus 20:16 says we are not to bear false witness.

Have you ever lied to anyone? ________

Based on our brief look at some of God’s law, would you say that you are a sinner, and that you have violated God’s law and broken His commandments?
__________________

By God’s holy and righteous standard, and by the words of Jesus Christ, are you a law breaker that is in danger of punishment and possibly hell fire, or a good person that hasn’t broken God’s commandments?

___________________________________________________________

Read the following scriptures-

But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away. (Isa 64:6)

As it is written: "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE; (Rom 3:10)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Rom 3:23)

Now you can hopefully see the answer to the question of, “What do I need to be ‘saved’ from? The answer is the judgment of a holy and righteous God before whom you will one day appear.

If you knew that you were guilty of committing many crimes against the state, and knew you were going to appear in court to answer for your crimes would you be fearful? _____

If you know that you are guilty of breaking many of God’s laws, and know you are going to appear in court to answer for your violations should you be fearful? _____

Proverbs 1:7 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Fear is evidence that you understand your predicament and are aware of your need of salvation, and more specifically, of a Savior.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

11 1/2 Minutes Part 2

2010-02-25T03:12:00.001-08:00

Below is Part 2 of "Can you spend 11and a half minutes thinking about Eternity?" (write to pastorbaron@cfl.rr.com for the entire electronic booklet to pass on to others.)

Part 2

If a lawbreaker has done many good deeds in the community and has said they are sorry, can a righteous judge let someone that is guilty of breaking the law go unpunished? _____________

Is God a righteous judge? ______

Can God then let religious people that do good deeds, say their prayers, and ask forgiveness, go free from punishment if they are guilty of breaking His laws? ________

Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
(Mat 7:22-23)

So if we’re all going to appear before the judgment seat of God after we die, a good question would be, “Have you violated God’s law?”

1 John 3:4 says that sin is the transgression, or violation, of the law. So when we talk about breaking God’s law, we are talking about our sin.

Let’s look at some of God’s law for a few minutes, and see how you do. [The Old Testament book of Exodus records some of God’s law/commandments, and Jesus refers to some of these commandments of God in the New Testament book of Matthew.]

In Exodus 20:7 we read, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”

Have you ever used God’s name inappropriately? ____________

According to the Bible, is God going to hold you accountable for this? ________

Exodus 20:13 says we are not to commit murder, and Jesus said in Matthew 5:21-22,

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' . . . But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.”

Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. (1Jn 3:15)

Have you ever been angry or had hatred toward someone? _____________

Have you ever called someone an idiot or fool in your anger? __________

What did Jesus say you are in danger of if you are guilty? _________________

No wonder we find ourselves in need of a Savior!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

11 1/2 Minutes Part 1

2010-02-24T08:25:00.000-08:00

Below is Part 1 of "Can you spend11and a half minutes thinking about Eternity?"

Part 1

Someone that cares about you would like you to consider God’s gift of salvation.

If I can assure you that this won’t take more than 12 minutes of your time, would you pick up a pen, think through some questions with me, and jot down your answers as we go? (You can even check your watch to make sure I’m being straight with you about the time. Ready?

Let’s start with the question of why any of us would need a gift of “salvation”. What do we need to be “saved” from?

To understand what we would need to be “saved” from, we would first need to know that there is a heavenly courtroom where we all will one day face God, the holy and righteous judge, and give account for our lives.

Hebrews 9:27 reads,
“And as it is appointed for men to die once, after this the judgment”.

Revelation 20:11-12 reads,
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.”

What does the Bible say you will face in God’s court room after you die?

___________________________________________________________

In earthly courtrooms what does a righteous judge do to people that are found guilty of violating the law?

If a lawbreaker has done many good deeds in the community and has said they are sorry, can a righteous judge let someone that is guilty of breaking the law go unpunished?

_____________

Is God a righteous judge? ______

To be continued . . .

write Pastor Baron at pastorbaron@cfl.rr.com to request the electronic copy of this to pass on.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Are You Willing to Spend 11 1/2 Minutes Thinking about Eternity?

2010-02-23T07:14:00.000-08:00

Every now and then some of you have posted comments to the blog asking me questions about the gospel of Christ, the Christian faith, salvation, and such. Please direct your correspondence to me at pastorbaron@cfl.rr.com. I received a "comment" yesterday with some excellent questions, but blog comments often don't provide the name and e-mail address of the author. I would be glad to post comments to the daily devotions that enhance the devotions, themselves, but don't want to distract readers of the devotions with sidebar discussions that really don't comment on the devotion, itself.

I do have a several page booklet that I have written called, "Are You Willing to Spend 11 1/2 Minutes Thinking about Eternity?" that answers a lot of basic questions regarding eternity and God's judgment of sinners in less than 12 minutes! So if you'd like an electronic copy of this brief booklet to read for yourself, or to send to friends, please e-mail me and request it.

It's great the way so many of you send this daily devotion on to others, and I want you to know that I do get comments back from people in other parts of the world. So be aware, that when you pass this devotion a long, you are planting seeds throughout the world for the cause of Christ. Thank You!!

Remember,
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. (1Jn 5:13)

There is a way to KNOW that we have eternal life, and the Word of God wants us to spread the good news. It will not always fall on fertile soil, but our responsibility is to "SOW IT so they KNOW IT"!

SPREAD THE WORD, THEY HAVEN’T HEARD!
SOW THE SEED TO THOSE IN NEED!

Pass this and the booklet I mentioned on to as many people as you can. You never know what life you may touch for the glory of the Lord, and the salvation of a soul!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Let's Not Be Fickle Soldiers in the Lord's Army

2010-02-22T04:46:00.000-08:00

Just how fickle are you?

One of the traits that is so needed by our men in uniform is constancy, stedfastness.

The Word of God says,

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
(1Co 15:58)

Isn't interesting that on the one hand we are told to be stedfast and immovable, and on the other hand we are told to be moving forward in the work of the Lord?

I think the reason for this is that the only way we can truly move forward in the work of the Lord is to be set and unmovable in our minds with respect to certain things.

One very present characteristic of the world, that is a very dangerous characteristic when present in God's army, is fickleness.

Fickleness is an inconstancy that is largely due to putting too much stock in outward circumstances. Greatness and success are measured by how things look on the outside in a given day, week, or month. The funny thing about the etymology of the word 'fickle' is that it comes from the Middle English 'fikel' and Old English 'ficol', which mean "deceit". That not only goes with the saying that outward appearances can be deceiving, but makes one think of the ultimate deciever that seeks to derail us from what is important in life.

When the Word of God warns us to be good soldiers and to not get entangled in the matters of this world, it is, among other things, warning us not to be tossed to and fro by what we see all around us down here. Looks are deceiving.

Trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit and don't trust your eyes. God is not fickle, and the more you walk in Him, the less fickle you will be. Keep your eyes on the target, your mind on the mission.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

You Could be Blessed in Your Pit

2010-02-20T04:49:00.000-08:00

Let's take a few minutes to read and then think about the story of Joseph where his brothers throw him into a pit.

Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, 'Some wild beast has devoured him.' We shall see what will become of his dreams!" But Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands, and said, "Let us not kill him." And Reuben said to them, "Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him"—that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father. So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him. Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat a meal. Then they lifted their eyes and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them down to Egypt. So Judah said to his brothers, "What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh." And his brothers listened. (Gen 37:20-27)

Hardship #1- Joseph's brothers want him dead and intend to kill him.

Blessing #1 for Joseph- Joseph's older brother Reuben saves his life. Most of his brothers want to kill him and throw him into the pit, but his oldest brother Reuben talks them into just throwing him into a pit in the wilderness where Joseph would die of natural causes due to no water. (Reuben was planning on coming back for Joseph when the others weren't around and rescuing him.)

Hardship #2- Judah, probably wanting to save Joseph's life at this point, talks them into selling Joseph to an Ishmaelite caravan. Unfortunately, this will foil Reuben's plan to rescue him, and put him on the road to Egypt where he will be sold as a slave.

Blessing #2- God is going to raise up Joseph to second in command of all Egypt and position him to save the lives of many people. (Genesis 50:20).

From inside that pit, it didn't look like things were going very well for Joseph, and things certainly didn't look very hopeful. Yet the very fact that he was ALIVE in the pit was a great blessing.

I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. (Psa 40:1-4)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Women and the Word

2010-02-19T05:20:00.000-08:00

Each Friday morning a group of ladies gather around the Word of God here at the Calvary Chapel Space Coast church facility and talk about life with the Lord. A lot of times the Bible has lessons for us that are not what we want to hear. One of the important things is that we take this journey TOGETHER.

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1Jn 1:7)

Did you catch two important truths here?

1) If we walk in the light as Christ is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. Fellowshipping together in Christ is part of walking in the light. One can't truly walk in the light and avoid fellowshipping anymore than one can truly live and avoid drinking fluids for very long.

2) If we walk in the light and fellowship with one another, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.

Now, that is a very interesting thought. We are familiar with the call to repent, be baptized, and call upon the name of the Lord for the forgiveness of sins, but how does walking the light and fellowshipping with one another result in the blood of Christ cleansing us from all sin?

I think the answer lies in the following two verses, and in Hebrews 3:13.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1Jn 1:8-9)

but exhort one another daily, while it is called "TODAY," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. (Heb 3:13)

As we walk in the light and fellowship with one another, we exhort one another and call each other into account so to speak. This will hopefully open our eyes to our sin, and cause us to be quicker to confess our sin, and to receive the covering and cleansing of the blood of Jesus.

And Praise God the Word tells us that He will cleanse us from ALL our sin, and ALL our unrighteousness!!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

How to Pray for God's People

2010-02-18T05:45:00.001-08:00

Daniel the prophet was a mighty man of prayer. I thought I'd share one of his prayers with you so that you could see how he approached God on behalf of God's people. The Babylonians had invaded Judea, sacked Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and had taken many, including Daniel, to Babylon.

And I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, "O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments.
(Dan 9:4-5)

Even though Daniel, himself, had been faithful to the Lord, he identified himself as part of the dispersed Judeans, and said "WE have sinned and committed iniquity". He could have said, "Those rebellious Judeans that turned from you have sinned and committed iniquity", but he said, "we have sinned". A good start at interceding on the part of your family or church family is to take "ownership" of your family. You are a part of your family, and you are therefore a part of the sin that goes on as well as the good things that go on. "We have sinned".

"O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, I pray, let Your anger and Your fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all those around us. Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of Your servant, and his supplications, and for the Lord's sake cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary, which is desolate. O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name." Now while I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God, yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, "O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand. At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision:
(Dan 9:16-23)

Daniel pleaded on behalf of God's people, not because they were deserving of His favor, but because they bore His name.

Daniel confessed his own personal sin before God, as well as the sins of God's people. No pointing of the finger at his fellow dispersed Judeans who had been disobedient to the Lord. No excuses. Just a plea for mercy based on the good name of the Lord and His mercy.

God is slow to anger and abounding in mercy (Psalm 103:8).

Don't hesitate to pray to your heavenly Father, and while you're at it, take the time to pray on behalf of your Christian church family as well as your immediate family.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

The Desire of Our Eyes

2010-02-16T04:14:00.000-08:00

God gives us many beautiful things in life. But it is important to remember the old saying, "The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away". The same God that so generously gives us things of beauty can take away those things. Our God is a justifiably jealous God (Exodus 34:14), and does not want us giving to another the affection that rightfully belongs to Him. It is common to think of things like work, sports, hobbies, and family competing for the attention and affection that might belong to God, but even 'religious' or 'spiritual' stuff can rob Him of the affection and attention He deserve. We can love our worship music, our Bible studies, our witnessing, our praying, and even our church buildings in a way that comes between us and our relationship with the Lord.

Even though the Old Testament temple was built by King Solomon per God's instructions, it became the object of Israel's affection and adoration, to the exclusion of their affection and adoration of God, Himself.

God was going to wipe away the temple with a single stroke.

Also the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Son of man, behold, I take away from you the desire of your eyes with one stroke;
(Eze 24:15-16)

With one stroke, God can remove something from our lives that we hold dear.

So when we read in Psalm 37:4 that God will give us the desires of our hearts, we best remember that this is all predicated on our taking great delight in our relationship with the Lord.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

5:00 A.M. Prayer

2010-02-15T12:33:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 15, 2010
5:00 A.M. Prayer

The alarm needs to be set pretty early to make it to 5:00 a.m. prayer on Mondays, but it is a great way to start the week.

Today we talked about how we are to look out for one another, and that we ARE our brother's keeper. We also discussed how our actions affect others, especially those around us.

Oswald Chambers made the statement that God hasn't left us on the earth to be saved and sanctified, but to "be at it for Him". He said that our life is the way that we say "thank you" to God for His unspeakable salvation.

Psalm 46 says:
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; . . . Be still, and know that I am God; (Psa 46:10)

God is never as far as we sometimes feel He is, and is always close at hand, ever ready to bless us and minister to us. He is a VERY PRESENT, VERY AVAILABLE, VERY CAPABLE, VERY DEPENDABLE, VERY POWERFUL help in times of trouble. We must only learn how to press into Him and receive His embrace. A good start is usualy just being still, and letting Him know that you know He's there and that He cares.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

The Debt We Don't Talk About

2010-02-13T04:44:00.000-08:00

Who do you owe? Many of us would never think of not paying our bills and not making good on what we owe to people, but some of us at times short change the very people to whom we are the most indebted. These are the church families that have brought the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Word of God to us, our families, and communities.

Paul put it this way in Romans 15:27:

For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them [the Christians from Macedonia and Achaia] indeed, and they are their debtors [these owe the church in Jerusalem]. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them [the church in Jerusalem] in material things. (Rom 15:26-27)

The church of Jesus Christ was born about 2000 years ago when the Holy Spirit came upon a group of believers in the resurrected Christ, and church families began springing up as the gospel (i.e., good news) and the Word of God was spread throughout the known world.

The Word of God bring salvation and life, and many have faithfully brought it and taught it so that people could be reconciled to God.

Do we really appreciate what these church families have done, and are doing? Do we see that there is a debt that we owe those that faithfully labor to bring us the Word of God?

Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE AN OX WHILE IT TREADS OUT THE GRAIN." Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things?
(1Co 9:7-11)

What God is saying in the passage above, is that those that feed you the Word of God are just entitled to your support, as you are entitled to your paycheck at your job. hmmmm.

By the way, while I am at it, a special thank you to all those that have faithfully supported your pastors and church families with your finances over the years. You have done more for the advancement of the kingdom of God than you know. Let's make 2010 a bannter year for sowing into the kingdom of God.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

It's never too late to set things on a right course

2010-02-12T05:51:00.000-08:00

Once there was a king named David. The Word of God says that he was a man after God's own heart. He had a son named Solomon that chased after and obtained most all that the world had to offer. As a result the kingdom was torn in two under the kingship of David's grandson (Solomon's son) Rehoboam. Judah and Jerusalem endured 17 years of Rehoboam's disobedient reign and 3 years of his son, Abijam, who wasn't any better. But along came Asa ("healing" in the Hebrew). He was King David's great great grandson; Solomon's great grandson; and Rehoboam's grandson. He was )

Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did his father David. And he banished the perverted persons from the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.
(1Ki 15:11-12)

Finally, a good king! He not only went to great lengths to uproot perversions and idol worshipping from the land, but he was not a respector of persons. He deposed the queen mother who was his grandmother (Rehoboam's wife) because of her idol worshipping.

It's never too late to start a new heritage with your family, and that starts with your own personal relationship with God. Those that are around me alot hear me frequently say that God is a god of new hearts and new starts.

So regardless of your lineage, your parentage, or you personal sacrilege, it is never to late to start anew. His mercies are new every morning, He is slow to anger, and abounding in mercy!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Glorify Your Name

2010-02-11T03:27:00.000-08:00

What trouble and difficulties are you currently going through in life?

Is your prayer more along the line of, "Father, deliver me", or "Father, glorify your name"?

As Jesus approached the hour of his crucifixion, He pointed out that it is impossible for a grain to produce fruit unless it first dies. We must be willing to die to ourselves in order to truly live unto God.

Jesus admitted that He was troubled in His soul as He pondered what was ahead for Him, but He couldn't ask the Father to save Him from it, because He knew that it was God's will for Him to go to the cross. His prayer was therefore, "Father, glorify your name."

But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. "Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name."
(Joh 12:23-28)

So what's it going to be? Dead to ourselves and alive unto God? Or, . . . ?

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
(Php 3:8-10)

What do you hold most dear? How closely are you holding it? Is it something that God wants you to hold on to?

Are you hearing God's voice? Are you heeding His call? Is your prayer, "Lord, glorify your name through me"?

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

What's Your Burden and What's Your Yoke?

2010-02-10T05:17:00.000-08:00

SO WHAT'S YOUR JOB IN THE KINGDOM?

Some people say that God doesn't want us to carry a burden, but I strongly disagree. Responsibility is a necesssary burden that all of us must bear, and especially when it comes to service within the kingdom of God and church of Jesus Christ.

We live in a day and age where people want to be served rather than to serve; independent rather than interdependent; free rather than obligated; indulged rather than involved; uncommitted rather than committed; detached rather than depended upon; and we could go on and on.

Church becomes more like a smorgasbord where families attend because of what's being served, rather than like a family where relationships are built on the foundation of commitment and self-sacrifice, as opposed to convenience and what's in it for me.

Jesus didn't say that we are to be burdenless. What He said was that He could make our burdens light. In fact He commands us to come to Him and be yoked up.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
(Mat 11:28-30)

It's funny in a way, but one of the fruits of personal "freedom" (that is freedom FROM self-sacrifice, commitments, obligations, and freedom TO do what best interests or serves you) is STRESS AND ANXIETY. (And medical science will tell you that stress and anxiety is the number one killer of our physical bodies.)

What Jesus offers us is a yoke of lifelong servitude in the kingdom of God, but what Jesus promises us is BLESSING AND PEACE! I.e., rest for our souls.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.