Joshua 24:15 “ But if serving the Lord seems undesirable for you, then choose for yourselves whom you will serve…”
I know what you are thinking, what a verse to start of the New Year with, but there is a reason for this.
We are entering into a New Year, and with that comes the annual tradition of New Years resolution. Many of you have made resolutions, and many of you have probably already broken them. The question I have is, what is your resolution for your soul?
Joshua told the Israelite nation that they needed to resolve whom they would follow; this was not the time to be wishy-washy. This call comes out to us to resolve whom we will serve, will it be God or the World. Can we resolve to choose to serve God this year, or will we fall off the resolution bandwagon and go back to serving the world.
This year is going to present all sorts of new challenges. We have new leaders; we will have new laws, and new guidelines. There will be new prices, and new unemployment. There will also be new ways to entertain our selves and new ways to get into trouble. But more importantly there will be new ways to minister to the lost and lonely.
Choosing whom we serves will allow us to focus on what is important to us. If we choose to serve the world, the hungry will remain hungry, the poor will remain poor, the lost will stay lost and the sick will die. But, if we choose this day to serve God, then the lame will walk, the blind will see, the lost sheep will be found, the hungry will be fed and the sick will be cured.
The way Joshua’s speech ends is what I pray your response will be, for it is my response. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Happy New Year and May God continue His blessings on you.
Pastor Kent
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Keep Awake
P.K.’s Corner
Mark 13:37 “And what I say to you I say to all: Keep Awake”
In Mark, Jesus warns us that when he returns we will not know until it happens. There is no way to guess or be sure of the second coming, so we must be awake and ready for the return. Unfortunately we have forgotten how to stay awake and we have become spiritual sleepwalkers.
Our physical bodies require rest, this gives the body a chance to repair and refresh for the coming day. Even when we sleep, our bodies are hard at work repairing the damage of the day and preparing for the day to come.
In our spirituality, we tend to just sleep and not let our spirit be refreshed. Instead of resting and allowing the spirit to heal, we just shut down and do nothing to strengthen the spirit. We fall asleep, and it is a non-productive sleep.
Our spirits need to be re-energized on a regular basis. This is done through Church attendance, Sunday school, Bible Study, Devotional time and prayer. Only through these activities can our spirit be refreshed and ready for the challenges to come.
In the upcoming season, it is easy to get so caught up in the Christmas preparation that we forget to be ready for the kingdom. We let our spirits lag and fall in disrepair, and then we sleep. Jesus calls us to refresh, not pass-out, to prepare, and not fall down in fatigue, to be ready for the King of Kings.
Are you sleepwalking, or re-energizing?
Pastor Kent
Mark 13:37 “And what I say to you I say to all: Keep Awake”
In Mark, Jesus warns us that when he returns we will not know until it happens. There is no way to guess or be sure of the second coming, so we must be awake and ready for the return. Unfortunately we have forgotten how to stay awake and we have become spiritual sleepwalkers.
Our physical bodies require rest, this gives the body a chance to repair and refresh for the coming day. Even when we sleep, our bodies are hard at work repairing the damage of the day and preparing for the day to come.
In our spirituality, we tend to just sleep and not let our spirit be refreshed. Instead of resting and allowing the spirit to heal, we just shut down and do nothing to strengthen the spirit. We fall asleep, and it is a non-productive sleep.
Our spirits need to be re-energized on a regular basis. This is done through Church attendance, Sunday school, Bible Study, Devotional time and prayer. Only through these activities can our spirit be refreshed and ready for the challenges to come.
In the upcoming season, it is easy to get so caught up in the Christmas preparation that we forget to be ready for the kingdom. We let our spirits lag and fall in disrepair, and then we sleep. Jesus calls us to refresh, not pass-out, to prepare, and not fall down in fatigue, to be ready for the King of Kings.
Are you sleepwalking, or re-energizing?
Pastor Kent
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Give Thanks
Psalms 107:1 O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good, his steadfast love endures forever.
Last night, we had our Charge Conference. For those who may be new to this, this is the meeting where the church gathers to approve paperwork and plans for the coming year. It is also a chance for the District Superintendent to hear what has been happening in the church. During this sharing time I was told to not say a thing and let the members of the church share the good news. Those that were there shared many of the things that we had done over the year.
You, the Doniphan United Methodist Church, have been a loving, caring, committed family for Susan, the kids and I. The love that you expressed last night, and the love you continue to show confirms to me that this is the right place to be.
Throughout this year, Doniphan UMC has gone outside of itself. More kids than ever have attended church camp, for the 2nd time we sponsored a mission camp to an out of state disaster zone. You looked into your hearts and showed the love for the down trodden and handicapped through the PET vehicle project. You have shared in community ministries and have fed and housed over 2 dozen people this year. You have supported the local food pantry and continue to look for ways to help out those less fortunate. In essence God is working through every person in this congregation to reach every person outside of these walls. This is why I give thanks.
This past month, you shared your appreciation for Susan and I with a gift for Pastor Appreciation Month, and we feel truly blessed.
God is truly working here, and will continue, I give thanks for you, for what God is doing through you and for what God will do.
God Bless all of you.
Your Brother in Christ
Pastor Kent
Last night, we had our Charge Conference. For those who may be new to this, this is the meeting where the church gathers to approve paperwork and plans for the coming year. It is also a chance for the District Superintendent to hear what has been happening in the church. During this sharing time I was told to not say a thing and let the members of the church share the good news. Those that were there shared many of the things that we had done over the year.
You, the Doniphan United Methodist Church, have been a loving, caring, committed family for Susan, the kids and I. The love that you expressed last night, and the love you continue to show confirms to me that this is the right place to be.
Throughout this year, Doniphan UMC has gone outside of itself. More kids than ever have attended church camp, for the 2nd time we sponsored a mission camp to an out of state disaster zone. You looked into your hearts and showed the love for the down trodden and handicapped through the PET vehicle project. You have shared in community ministries and have fed and housed over 2 dozen people this year. You have supported the local food pantry and continue to look for ways to help out those less fortunate. In essence God is working through every person in this congregation to reach every person outside of these walls. This is why I give thanks.
This past month, you shared your appreciation for Susan and I with a gift for Pastor Appreciation Month, and we feel truly blessed.
God is truly working here, and will continue, I give thanks for you, for what God is doing through you and for what God will do.
God Bless all of you.
Your Brother in Christ
Pastor Kent
Thursday, August 28, 2008
His Will
PK’s Corner
1John 5:14
And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us. (KJV)
When was the last time we considered God’s will for us? Think about it, when did we last get on our knees and say, “God, I am available for what ever you have for me.” I would hazard to say that it has been a while, if ever.
You see, prayer is not about talking to God, it is about sharing with and listening too God. To follow God, is to desire to do God’s will. We try to tell God what to do, but we fall short in trusting God with our lives.
Trust is the issue. We trust a doctor who “practices” medicine, yet we have a hard time trusting the very person who created us. We know our will, but we do everything we can to avoid learning God’s will. We set up our plans, and curse God when those plans go awry, forgetting that God was not in those plans from the very beginning.
The next time we pray, lets take time to hear God. God is always reaching out to us, through His word, His spirit, His creation. We are the ones without excuse for not doing His will.
Pastor Kent
1John 5:14
And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us. (KJV)
When was the last time we considered God’s will for us? Think about it, when did we last get on our knees and say, “God, I am available for what ever you have for me.” I would hazard to say that it has been a while, if ever.
You see, prayer is not about talking to God, it is about sharing with and listening too God. To follow God, is to desire to do God’s will. We try to tell God what to do, but we fall short in trusting God with our lives.
Trust is the issue. We trust a doctor who “practices” medicine, yet we have a hard time trusting the very person who created us. We know our will, but we do everything we can to avoid learning God’s will. We set up our plans, and curse God when those plans go awry, forgetting that God was not in those plans from the very beginning.
The next time we pray, lets take time to hear God. God is always reaching out to us, through His word, His spirit, His creation. We are the ones without excuse for not doing His will.
Pastor Kent
Thursday, July 31, 2008
contentment
Philippians 4:11 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” ESV
“It is HOT!” That seems to be the most common phrase of the “dog days” season in Missouri. Temperature and Humidity go through the roof, and the heat index keeps us thinking about how cool we could be if we stayed home. Contentment is hard to find when you are sweaty and hot and uncomfortable.
Paul points to us that he had to learn to be content with whatever situation he was in. When following God, he never knew where he would go next. Sometimes he went to a city just to preach, sometimes he also had to work (making tents) while he was preaching, but all the while he remained content. I believe he remained content because he knew God had a purpose for him.
When we become discontent with our spiritual life, we need to look at what is at the base of that discontent. Have we decided that God is no longer in charge? Have we stopped being in awe of God’s goodness? Have we stopped listening to God’s call for us? Paul remained content because he was always focused on God, so maybe our discontentment is due not to God forgetting us, but because we forgot God.
Yes, we can be content in the heat, and the cold and the uncomfortable, but to be content means accepting God’s way as the only way.
God Blessings to you all.
Pastor Kent
“It is HOT!” That seems to be the most common phrase of the “dog days” season in Missouri. Temperature and Humidity go through the roof, and the heat index keeps us thinking about how cool we could be if we stayed home. Contentment is hard to find when you are sweaty and hot and uncomfortable.
Paul points to us that he had to learn to be content with whatever situation he was in. When following God, he never knew where he would go next. Sometimes he went to a city just to preach, sometimes he also had to work (making tents) while he was preaching, but all the while he remained content. I believe he remained content because he knew God had a purpose for him.
When we become discontent with our spiritual life, we need to look at what is at the base of that discontent. Have we decided that God is no longer in charge? Have we stopped being in awe of God’s goodness? Have we stopped listening to God’s call for us? Paul remained content because he was always focused on God, so maybe our discontentment is due not to God forgetting us, but because we forgot God.
Yes, we can be content in the heat, and the cold and the uncomfortable, but to be content means accepting God’s way as the only way.
God Blessings to you all.
Pastor Kent
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Church
PK’s Corner
July News Letter
Ephesians 1:23 “And the Church is His body, it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with His presence.”
The last couple of weeks have been busy, and not just busy, but BUSY. Two weeks ago Susan and I had the privilege of taking 7 youth to Beaumont Texas to assist in Hurricane Rita Clean-up. This past week was Vacation Bible School and 25 adults assisted in teaching 65 Children the love of Christ. It was awesome.
Church was in Beaumont and Church was here at Vacation Bible School. Throughout the summer, Church will be on campgrounds around the country, in cities of urban blight, in communities recovering from floods and famine with the help of the church. Where ever Christ is shown, taught, or spoken, there is church.
We often equate Church as the place we go to one day a week for about an hour, but it is more than that, Church is the body of Christ, and thus is anywhere two or more are gathered in the name of Christ. It isn’t where you are, but why you are. The important thing though is to let yourself be part of the Church.
Wherever you go this summer, keep in mind that you are part of the awesome body of Christ, and when you do anything in the name of Christ he is there.
Pastor Kent
July News Letter
Ephesians 1:23 “And the Church is His body, it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with His presence.”
The last couple of weeks have been busy, and not just busy, but BUSY. Two weeks ago Susan and I had the privilege of taking 7 youth to Beaumont Texas to assist in Hurricane Rita Clean-up. This past week was Vacation Bible School and 25 adults assisted in teaching 65 Children the love of Christ. It was awesome.
Church was in Beaumont and Church was here at Vacation Bible School. Throughout the summer, Church will be on campgrounds around the country, in cities of urban blight, in communities recovering from floods and famine with the help of the church. Where ever Christ is shown, taught, or spoken, there is church.
We often equate Church as the place we go to one day a week for about an hour, but it is more than that, Church is the body of Christ, and thus is anywhere two or more are gathered in the name of Christ. It isn’t where you are, but why you are. The important thing though is to let yourself be part of the Church.
Wherever you go this summer, keep in mind that you are part of the awesome body of Christ, and when you do anything in the name of Christ he is there.
Pastor Kent
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Try, just try
Matthew 25:25a “So I was afraid”
I must ask your forgiveness for using just a part of the scripture, but actually the whole text is pertinent to the PK’s corner. So when you get a chance look up Matthew 25: 14-30.
We try to wrap out minds around why the 3rd servant was treated so badly, what had he done that was so wrong? He did not lose anything and the master lost nothing, so why the anger?
The answer to this is the 3rd steward did not even try. Life is full of setbacks, disappointments and failed efforts. These are the things that make up the human condition. The worst thing to do is to give up and not try. When the talents were handed out, they were given according to ability. The 5 talent guy, could handle 5 talents, the 2 talent guy could handle 2 talents and the 1 talent guy showed the ability to the master to handle that talent. But the 1 talent guy failed because he was afraid, (at least that was his excuse). Fear of loss, fear of retribution, fear of not winning, all these things figured into his decision to not try. Ultimately his failure to even make an effort caused him to fail.
God encourages us to try, to make an effort, to reach our potential, but too often we don’t try for fear of failing, or looking bad, or just being different. To follow Christ is to put yourself out there, and trust that God will give you the ability to succeed. We cannot stay at home and say, “What’s the use?” Too many people do that already, God calls us to go beyond ourselves and take the one talent and help others.
Imagine the response if the one talent guy bought food for the poor and needy, or helped to build a hospital, or used the talent to pay debts for his workers, that would have been a worthy investment that would have surpassed the 5 talent guy.
It may seem that we have an uphill battle in sharing the Good News, but we have to try, failure to try is not an option.
Amen
I must ask your forgiveness for using just a part of the scripture, but actually the whole text is pertinent to the PK’s corner. So when you get a chance look up Matthew 25: 14-30.
We try to wrap out minds around why the 3rd servant was treated so badly, what had he done that was so wrong? He did not lose anything and the master lost nothing, so why the anger?
The answer to this is the 3rd steward did not even try. Life is full of setbacks, disappointments and failed efforts. These are the things that make up the human condition. The worst thing to do is to give up and not try. When the talents were handed out, they were given according to ability. The 5 talent guy, could handle 5 talents, the 2 talent guy could handle 2 talents and the 1 talent guy showed the ability to the master to handle that talent. But the 1 talent guy failed because he was afraid, (at least that was his excuse). Fear of loss, fear of retribution, fear of not winning, all these things figured into his decision to not try. Ultimately his failure to even make an effort caused him to fail.
God encourages us to try, to make an effort, to reach our potential, but too often we don’t try for fear of failing, or looking bad, or just being different. To follow Christ is to put yourself out there, and trust that God will give you the ability to succeed. We cannot stay at home and say, “What’s the use?” Too many people do that already, God calls us to go beyond ourselves and take the one talent and help others.
Imagine the response if the one talent guy bought food for the poor and needy, or helped to build a hospital, or used the talent to pay debts for his workers, that would have been a worthy investment that would have surpassed the 5 talent guy.
It may seem that we have an uphill battle in sharing the Good News, but we have to try, failure to try is not an option.
Amen
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sanctuary
Psalm 84:2 “Even a sparrow finds a home and a swallow, a nest for herself where she places her young near Your altars, Lord of Hosts, my King and my God.”
As I walked into my office this morning I looked at the tree that is next to the steps. In it was a nest and on that nest sat a mourning dove. Her soft eyes watched me with caution, not sure of my intentions. I just stood and looked at her.
In looking at the location of the nest, it is next to a wall and is protected from the north winds, a good location to raise young. I find it fitting that this dove would find sanctuary so near to God’s house. Eventually other birds will build and are building nests around this place, all seeking protection in the presence of God.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we followed the example of this dove, to seek shelter in the presence of God. The community of Christ offers us protection from the harsh winds of the evil one. God offers to cover us as a mother hen would cover her chicks, if we but ask.
As this summer progresses and we go about our lives, do not forget that there is a place of refuge, a place for rest, a place of safety, a place that is part of the body of Christ. Don’t forget the church.
Amen
As I walked into my office this morning I looked at the tree that is next to the steps. In it was a nest and on that nest sat a mourning dove. Her soft eyes watched me with caution, not sure of my intentions. I just stood and looked at her.
In looking at the location of the nest, it is next to a wall and is protected from the north winds, a good location to raise young. I find it fitting that this dove would find sanctuary so near to God’s house. Eventually other birds will build and are building nests around this place, all seeking protection in the presence of God.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we followed the example of this dove, to seek shelter in the presence of God. The community of Christ offers us protection from the harsh winds of the evil one. God offers to cover us as a mother hen would cover her chicks, if we but ask.
As this summer progresses and we go about our lives, do not forget that there is a place of refuge, a place for rest, a place of safety, a place that is part of the body of Christ. Don’t forget the church.
Amen
Thursday, April 24, 2008
because you love...
John 14:15 "If you love me, keep my commandments".
This statement portrays the beauty of the Christian belief. Love. In the laws of Moses, you were commanded to obey. If you did not obey, bad things would happen. You obeyed the Mosaic laws to prosper and to avoid hell.
Many ministers and churches today preach that if you don't live right, you will go to hell, so you must live right in order to get to heaven. Basically a rewards program. But that is not what Jesus taught, he taught love.
Here is another way to read this "Keep my commandments, for no other reason than that you love me." The Love of Christ should be the only motivator for obeying Christ. He tells us that because of his love for us he brings comfort and peace, but that is for those who love him.
We need to ask ourselves, why do we obey Christ, why do we go to church, why do we read the bible? If the answer is not "Because I love God' then we need to do a serious rethink of our faith.
Love is the only reason and motivation to follow Christ. If you love him... well you finish the sentence
Amen
This statement portrays the beauty of the Christian belief. Love. In the laws of Moses, you were commanded to obey. If you did not obey, bad things would happen. You obeyed the Mosaic laws to prosper and to avoid hell.
Many ministers and churches today preach that if you don't live right, you will go to hell, so you must live right in order to get to heaven. Basically a rewards program. But that is not what Jesus taught, he taught love.
Here is another way to read this "Keep my commandments, for no other reason than that you love me." The Love of Christ should be the only motivator for obeying Christ. He tells us that because of his love for us he brings comfort and peace, but that is for those who love him.
We need to ask ourselves, why do we obey Christ, why do we go to church, why do we read the bible? If the answer is not "Because I love God' then we need to do a serious rethink of our faith.
Love is the only reason and motivation to follow Christ. If you love him... well you finish the sentence
Amen
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
I AM
John 14:6 "Jesus said to him,"I AM the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me."
Powerful and often disturbing words. To some these words are elitist, to others the are only for followers of Christ and are not meant for non-believers. I believe that these words are for all. That to truly come in to relationship with God the father, you have to come to the Son first.
Jesus Christ was sent as the final sacrifice of salvation. Christ was able to bridge the chasm between our sinfulness and the perfection of the Father. When we approach God, we must first come to Jesus, for he and only he can be our advocate and only his atoning blood can make us clean.
When we look at the Holy Spirit, we see the comforter who points us to Jesus. We come to Jesus for his saving grace and by believing in him, we are washed white as snow and presented to the Father. The Father has prepared the banquet in which we may feast for eternity.
This offer is given to everyone, no one will be able to say they were not given a chance, the Holy Spirit sees to that. People choose, have chosen and will choose whether to follow the light, or stand in the darkness. The Holy Spirit shines that light to Christ, who is the way.
Paul would later write "That at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11) Some will bow in triumph and some in defeat, but there will come a time when the whole world will bow, and confess, because Jesus is THE way THE truth and THE life. There is no other way to come to the Father and share in eternal life.
Amen
Powerful and often disturbing words. To some these words are elitist, to others the are only for followers of Christ and are not meant for non-believers. I believe that these words are for all. That to truly come in to relationship with God the father, you have to come to the Son first.
Jesus Christ was sent as the final sacrifice of salvation. Christ was able to bridge the chasm between our sinfulness and the perfection of the Father. When we approach God, we must first come to Jesus, for he and only he can be our advocate and only his atoning blood can make us clean.
When we look at the Holy Spirit, we see the comforter who points us to Jesus. We come to Jesus for his saving grace and by believing in him, we are washed white as snow and presented to the Father. The Father has prepared the banquet in which we may feast for eternity.
This offer is given to everyone, no one will be able to say they were not given a chance, the Holy Spirit sees to that. People choose, have chosen and will choose whether to follow the light, or stand in the darkness. The Holy Spirit shines that light to Christ, who is the way.
Paul would later write "That at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11) Some will bow in triumph and some in defeat, but there will come a time when the whole world will bow, and confess, because Jesus is THE way THE truth and THE life. There is no other way to come to the Father and share in eternal life.
Amen
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
In His Prayers
John: 17:20 " I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message."
One of the statements we as believers share is " you are in my prayers." Often this is said when we find out that someone is in hardship or has fallen on rough times. Today's scripture tells us that we are in Jesus' prayers.
Talk about a wonderful place to be, to be prayed for by the very person to whom we pray, the son of God. When we lift people in prayer, we are also mindful of them, and this verse tells us that Jesus has his thoughts on us. Jesus thinks of us, because he loves us.
This is good news to share, that we have a savior that loves us so much he thinks and prays about us. The world view is, "out of sight out of mind", but God's view is always in sight and mind.
Truly we are loved.
Amen
One of the statements we as believers share is " you are in my prayers." Often this is said when we find out that someone is in hardship or has fallen on rough times. Today's scripture tells us that we are in Jesus' prayers.
Talk about a wonderful place to be, to be prayed for by the very person to whom we pray, the son of God. When we lift people in prayer, we are also mindful of them, and this verse tells us that Jesus has his thoughts on us. Jesus thinks of us, because he loves us.
This is good news to share, that we have a savior that loves us so much he thinks and prays about us. The world view is, "out of sight out of mind", but God's view is always in sight and mind.
Truly we are loved.
Amen
Friday, March 21, 2008
and Peter too.
Mark 16:7 " But go, tell His disciples, and Peter to, "He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see HIm, just as He told you.'"
In the passion story, Peter turned on Jesus. Peter thought of himself as Jesus' right hand man, he was the rock of the church, thus the name Peter (a play on the Greek word "Petra" or rock). Here is the one who was the support of Jesus. But on that night before the crucifixion, Peter turned on Christ. In order to save his own skin, Peter denied, denounced and cursed any association with Jesus of Nazareth.
But at the Resurrection, the Angels tell Mary to make sure Peter knows. Why, because even though Peter could not forgive himself, Christ had already forgiven him. Peter was human, and subject to human frailties, and Christ knew the love and strength in Peter's heart. Peter could not live a life of regret for one bad decision.
This is the promise Christ gives to us. He does not expect us to live a life based on our bad decisions. Christ expects us to live a life based on the hope of the resurrection. All we need do is to ask for forgiveness. Christ offers us life and he calls out to his disciples, and you and me too.
Amen
In the passion story, Peter turned on Jesus. Peter thought of himself as Jesus' right hand man, he was the rock of the church, thus the name Peter (a play on the Greek word "Petra" or rock). Here is the one who was the support of Jesus. But on that night before the crucifixion, Peter turned on Christ. In order to save his own skin, Peter denied, denounced and cursed any association with Jesus of Nazareth.
But at the Resurrection, the Angels tell Mary to make sure Peter knows. Why, because even though Peter could not forgive himself, Christ had already forgiven him. Peter was human, and subject to human frailties, and Christ knew the love and strength in Peter's heart. Peter could not live a life of regret for one bad decision.
This is the promise Christ gives to us. He does not expect us to live a life based on our bad decisions. Christ expects us to live a life based on the hope of the resurrection. All we need do is to ask for forgiveness. Christ offers us life and he calls out to his disciples, and you and me too.
Amen
Monday, February 25, 2008
Forget it
Jeremiah 31:34b
"For I will forgive their wrongdoing and never again remember their sins"
One of the problems of being human is trying to forget the wrongs that are done against us. We forgive, but that memory just seems to keep popping up its ugly head. We find it impossible to truly forget the wrong.
That is what's so awesome about our God. He has the ability to truly forget. When we confess our sins to him, and seek forgiveness, those sins are cast on the sea of forgetfulness. God never brings them up again, because they were paid for on the cross.
You see, to paraphrase a statement I heard, God doesn't hold anything over our heads, because his desire is to hold us in his hands.
God truly can forgive and forget. Go and do likewise.
Amen
"For I will forgive their wrongdoing and never again remember their sins"
One of the problems of being human is trying to forget the wrongs that are done against us. We forgive, but that memory just seems to keep popping up its ugly head. We find it impossible to truly forget the wrong.
That is what's so awesome about our God. He has the ability to truly forget. When we confess our sins to him, and seek forgiveness, those sins are cast on the sea of forgetfulness. God never brings them up again, because they were paid for on the cross.
You see, to paraphrase a statement I heard, God doesn't hold anything over our heads, because his desire is to hold us in his hands.
God truly can forgive and forget. Go and do likewise.
Amen
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Letting God
Genesis 50:20 "Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good...".
Oswald Chambers once wrote "God doesn't tell us what He is going to do, He shows us who He is...". When we look at the story of Joseph, it isn't until the end of the book that we come to realize that all that Joseph went through was dictated by God.
When we give ourselves to Christ, we agree to allow God to work in our lives, even if we can't see what the result will be. Heeding God's call is not about what is best for us, but what is best for the Kingdom.
When God is in your life, good is going to be the eventual result. Let God show you who He is.
Amen
Oswald Chambers once wrote "God doesn't tell us what He is going to do, He shows us who He is...". When we look at the story of Joseph, it isn't until the end of the book that we come to realize that all that Joseph went through was dictated by God.
When we give ourselves to Christ, we agree to allow God to work in our lives, even if we can't see what the result will be. Heeding God's call is not about what is best for us, but what is best for the Kingdom.
When God is in your life, good is going to be the eventual result. Let God show you who He is.
Amen
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Seeing the Kingdom
Matthew 16:28 "Truly I tell you, there are those standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom" (NRSV)
Something extraordinary happened last Sunday. In a single church building, over 600 people from many diverse Christian denominations gathered to worship, praise and lift up a little girl in prayer.
In Doniphan, the community has come together to build a house that can be used by families with special needs children. It is called the Tiffany House, because of the insperation of one very sick and very loving little girl.
When I stood on that stage and shared with the crowd, I glimpsed the kingdom of God. Because I saw the body of Christ, and felt the moving of God's spirit on that crowd. Gone were the denominational designations, gone was the hurt of church breaks, gone was the animosity of superior belief. We all stood as equals before God, and acknowledged ourselves as made in the image of God.
I ask that you keep this community in your prayers as we long for a continuation of this revival. God is doing great things here, and throughout the world.
Dear Lord, keep the fire of revival lit in your world, and help us to fan the flames so that truly the world will know that thou art God. Amen
Something extraordinary happened last Sunday. In a single church building, over 600 people from many diverse Christian denominations gathered to worship, praise and lift up a little girl in prayer.
In Doniphan, the community has come together to build a house that can be used by families with special needs children. It is called the Tiffany House, because of the insperation of one very sick and very loving little girl.
When I stood on that stage and shared with the crowd, I glimpsed the kingdom of God. Because I saw the body of Christ, and felt the moving of God's spirit on that crowd. Gone were the denominational designations, gone was the hurt of church breaks, gone was the animosity of superior belief. We all stood as equals before God, and acknowledged ourselves as made in the image of God.
I ask that you keep this community in your prayers as we long for a continuation of this revival. God is doing great things here, and throughout the world.
Dear Lord, keep the fire of revival lit in your world, and help us to fan the flames so that truly the world will know that thou art God. Amen
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