Judges 8; Psa. 42; 1 Cor. 15

1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, “Where is your God?” 4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, Ps. 42:1-4

The Psalmist cries out for God. We get the sense of the grief as he yearns for the presence and pleasure of God. We don’t know what brought on this distance but we do know that there was a time when he use to go with the House of God with the multitudes. He remembers the pleasure of God’s presence, the joy of corporate worship and the peace of God that filled his heart. But something has happened and nothing can satisfy his soul but God. It is like a panting dear for the cool stream, his tears fill his bed and his anguish is more than he can take. I wonder how many of us have that kind of passion for God. How long can we go without those satisfying times of God’s presence. I think far to often people don’t cry out for the missed presence of God but simply learn to live with it. I see this at times when people come to church after being away for an extended period and I will see them weep during service, and I know they are being reacquainted with the presence of God. Oh the joy of living in the presence of God. There is no greater joy and nothing that can satisfy our soul than being in his presence. He beckons us to come and walk with him today.

Pastor Rick

Judges 6,7; Psalm 52; I Corinthian 14

"Let love be your highest goal, but also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives, especially the gift of prophecy." I Cor. 14:1

Over and over again, in Paul’s writings, he takes us back to what is primary to successful Kingdom living—love! In this portion of scripture, one that deals with Spirit-filled living, Paul starts by establishing a plumb line and that is “let LOVE be your highest goal…” This reminds us of other portions the Apostle has penned regarding love. “If I could speak all the languages of the earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clashing cymbal.” (I Corinthians 13:1 NLT) “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity” (Col. 3:14 NASB) “Love is patient. Love is kind. Love isn't jealous. It doesn't sing its own praises. It isn't arrogant.” (I Corinthians 13:4) Paul continues to herald this pressing principle because he recognizes that LOVE is the central truth that holds the church together. Where there is love, there will be unity, cooperation, hope and teamwork. So much more is accomplished when we are working together in love. Paul goes on to instruct the Corinthians regarding love and spiritual abilities. He wants them to experience the power and joy of speaking in tongues but also that there are more benefits to the body of Christ when the gift of prophecy is exercised, again, all of these gifts operate most efficiently when rooted in love. Basically, he is saying, everything operates better when love is the highest goal. May this portion of scripture today encourage you to operate with love as your highest goal. I pray that God’s love fills you to overflowing and that you will operate in the spiritual gifts that are available to you through the promises in the Word of God.

In Him,
Carol Danna
Next Reading: Judges 8; Psalm 42; I Corinthians 15

Jud. 4,5 Ps. 39,41; 1 Cor 13

Ps 39:4
"Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.


David’s cry in the Psalm is the same as Paul’s understanding in 1 Cor 13:1-3 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. They both say we need to understand that our existence on this planet amounts to nothing. It does not matter what I accomplish in the flesh unless I have the love of God in me. This is all about love, Jesus said “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." We are always asking should I do this, should I say that, How should I act with this person or that? The truth is we already have the answer. Let our actions and words reflect the love of the living God. Well how do I make sure I am doing that, I ask? Well it is explained to me in detail in 1 Cor.13. The truth is I already know what to do. I am just looking for a justified way out of giving up my needs or wants for someone else. I need to come to the place in my life where I not only pray the prayer but, believe and do this simple prayer “never the less Father thy will be done”.

May this be the week, the Sunday that I (we) give up my (our) will to His will and let His love rein and flow through me (us). So that (as Jesus said) “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

May the Lord bless you and keep you this week, in and with His love.

Pastor Jack

Next reading: Judg. 6, 7; Ps. 52; 1 Cor 14

Judges 1-3; 1 Cor. 12

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 1 Cor. 12:4-6

All followers of Christ have been given gifts for the body of Christ the church. The challenge of the pastor is the same challenge that Paul had with the Corinthian church and that is to convince people three things. One you have been given a spiritual gift. You might not know what it is yet but it is your responsibility to find out. You discover your spiritual gift by serving the church family. It is in the service itself that your gift rise to the top and are discovered by yourself and God. Second of all we all need to realize that our gift is extremely valuable otherwise God would not have given it to us. Every task in the body is important and we need them all. Saying that the church doesn’t need you is like saying your body doesn’t need your liver. Your liver might not be very visible and when it is functioning properly it goes unnoticed but without it the body dies. You might think well the body of Christ won’t die with out me. That is true but it also won’t function properly without you either. Thirdly we all need to recognize that we need the gifts and ministry of the other parts of the body. Isolated parts of the body die. Remove a finger from the hand and it dies. Connectivity is essential for survival and it is especially true spiritually. I believe this is more than attending church once a week. It takes being a part of the church, were you are fully engaged in the life of the Church and are both a giver and a receiver. That is why small groups are so important and getting involved in a ministry is a must. You are needed and you need the church family. The more who get this the more healthy the church and the individual lives connected to her.

God Bless,

Pastor Rick

Joshua 23-24; 1 Corinthians 11

"Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. But you are to hold fast to the Lord..." Joshua 23:6-8

These are Joshua's parting words to the people. It's his final farewell to his leaders and it's his heart cry for them and I know it's the Lord's. I too share Joshua's heart for all the people I have led and have had the opportunity to shepherd over the yeas. Joshua knew where the people were weak and what they must do to remain in relationship with one another and God. The first thing Joshua tells the people is to (1) follow the written word. The Scripture tells us faith comes by hearing and reading of the word. The enemy knows that if he can get you out or the word or you become lazy in your devotion to the word it's only a matter of time before your faith in the Lord becomes weak. So Joshua goes on to warn them to stay away from any other gods or nations that will lead you astray. We know the activities that are leading us away from the Lord and the Lord is telling us to flee from those activities and make it you life mission statement to fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Make it a constant reminder who you are and what God you serve. I have the words from Joshua posted in my home in my living room to make such a declaration for me and my family. Joshua 24:15 says "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

So today what is being proclaimed on your walls or from you TV? These words are so powerful for me because I come from a family history who do not serve the Lord and the destruction in our family runs deep with a history of alcoholism, divorce, anger, and despair. Jesus has come to to give life and life to fullest that life is found in serving the Lord. The people made a covenant on the day these words were spoken and I suggest we do the same so let's cry out with the people and say"We will serve the Lord our God and obey him"

serving alongside you,

Joe

Joshua 18-19; 1 Cor. 9

19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ , that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. 1 Cor. 9:19-23

Soul winning is one of the most challenging and rewarding things anyone can do. When you put your heart toward soul winning you place you heart next to the heart of God. God is a passionate soul winner and all who follow after Christ become fishers of men. In this scripture Paul is telling us that to be a soul winner you have to be intentional. He says when I am with the Jews I do what I can not to offend the Jews so I can reach them and when I am with the Gentiles I become like the gentiles so I can win gentiles. In other words I have to enter into the lives of people with the intention of leading them to Christ. I don’t live a compromising life but I am willing to make sacrifices so someone can find salvation. I don’t want to lose track of the call to soul winning. As the founder of our denomination once said, “Soul winning is the only thing, I will lay everything on the alter of God that I might win souls.”

God Bless You,

Pastor Rick

Joshua 15-17; 1 cor. 8

“But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” 1 Cor. 8:9-13

We live in a day when people boast of their freedoms. Preachers sitting in their professors chairs smoking cigars and drink a beer while teaching the Bible. These self indulged, pride filled proclaimers of Christian liberty, know nothing of Paul’s kind of love. It is my right to my freedoms I hear people say. In the mean time fellow believers are falling because they can’t walk in the same freedom. I recently was talking to a couple who for years have been pretty free about their alcohol consumption, it is their freedom, there is only one problem their twenty something daughter is now an alcoholic. It was free flowing with moderation in their home but their daughter doesn’t have the same kind of freedom and now without the Lords intervention they have years of sorrow ahead of them. I pray for the Lords deliverance for this young woman. We must be lead by love not what simply feels good. I recently heard of a church that was encouraging their small groups to have more alcohol available so they can reach their unsaved friends easier. Well what is next nude hot tubes or medical marijuana parties. You might get more people to come out but they will be far from being disciples. Let’s keep our hearts pure and put our freedoms behind the love of others.

Pastor Rick

Joshua 12-14; I Corinthians 7

"You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men." I Corinthians 7:23

As we approach Good Friday and Easter, we seem to focus more on the price that was paid for us, but really, remembering this great price is something that we should constantly bring to the front of our thinking, the 'high price' that was paid for God to purchase you and me. It says in John 3:16 that, "God so loved the world, that He gave His ONLY begotten Son." We must not take lightly the price paid for us. August, 1871, C.H. Spurgeon preached a sermon, Bought With a Price, he said "there was something inestimably precious paid for you; and ye need scarcely that I remind you that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without spot." We were not purchased or redeemed with corruptible things, as silver or gold, but with the precious, powerful blood of Jesus Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. The New Living Translation puts it this way, "God purchased you at a high price. Don't be enslaved by the world." The Greek says, "Don’t become slaves to people." Paul is writing to the Corinthian Church, reminding them to keep their priorities in order and do not become slaves to people in relationships--that living a life that is honoring to God as holy followers of Christ, we are honoring the great price that was paid on the cross. In Chapter 7, in context of marriage and family, that the best life lived is one solely given to serve God. The greatest appreciation we give to God for this great gift, is to live a holy life, a life set aside, focused on bringing glory to Him. Pastor Rick spoke about 'putting on' a new wardrobe yesterday, (if you didn't hear that message, I encourage you to listen to it this week as it really puts feet to this portion of scripture). When we take off the old man, the old ways (read Colossians 3) we are able to make way for the new work that the Lord wants to do in and through us BECAUSE of the power of what He did on the cross. We can 'supernaturally' experience tender mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, forgiveness and so much more when we are not slaves to our own selves. So today, my prayer is that we would not live as if we were our own, but as those purchased with the great price of Christ's blood and that we will glorify God in our body and our spirit, remembering we belong to Him!

Be blessed today...Carol Danna
Next Reading: Josh 15-17; I Corinthians 8

Josh 9-11 1 Cor 6

Josh 10:20-21
So Joshua and the Israelites destroyed them completely-almost to a man-but the few who were left reached their fortified cities. 21 The whole army then returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and no one uttered a word against the Israelites.

As someone who has actually been to war, it is hard for me to imagine a battle where the enemy is completely wiped out and your whole army returns safely. Yet when the battle is the Lords how can there be causality, it is the Lords war. In Jesus battle for our soul the same is true except there was one causality Jesus himself. However our causality, our King rose up to be our King forever. He will rein in the universe and in our lives as Lord, Savior and King. The battle is His because we are His we are His family, His children His warriors and the battle cannot be lost if it is His. But Paul reminds us 1 Cor 6:7-8 there is a battle we cannot win. “The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers”. Paul reminds us if the battle and the warrior belongs to God then so does the things the Warrior owns. As Pastor Rick said last Sunday we need to be so “Heavenly” minded that these things become only things and we remember they will all burn.

May God make us so Heavenly minded that we are willing to give up even the right to be right for the sake of love. That is my prayer this morning. That I (we) would be so much the family of God that “no one uttered a word against the Israelites (Gods family)”.

Pastor Jack

Josh 12-14 1 Cor 7

Joshua 7-8; Psa. 69; 1 Cor. 5

9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. 12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” 1 Cor. 5:9-13

“Your Judgmental” Have you ever heard those words. I know I have and there were times when that meant I was in sin and I was. But other times it was just a guilty conscience trying to escape the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This scripture is about the church failing to hold those who name the name of the Lord and accountable for their unrepentant open sin. This kind of accountability is foreign to the church today. We want to make sure we don’t do anything to offend anyone, but what about offending the Lord or what happens when the church’s reputation is maligned by someone who claims Christ but lives an ungodly life. This is the case here, there is a young man in the church who was sleeping with his step mother. The church refused to discipline him and the community was judging the church as immoral. In today’s world people just say well everyone is a sinner so how can we judge this man. Paul says it is sin to just let it go without accountability and then he tells them that the church must hold accountable those who destroy the reputation of the church through their open sin. This is not about seeking to find fault in people nor is it about exposing the sin of a repentant believer. This is those who name Jesus as Lord and sin openly, and say well no one is perfect. I believe this “at all cost don’t offend anyone” mentality is the reason that there are so many who go to church, live like the devil and think they are just fine with God. This is why people don’t come to Christ with a repentant heart to be free from sin but only want his blessing. Well I got on my hobby horse today, I hope you don’t mind.

God Bless,

Pastor Rick

Next Reading: Joshua 9-11; 1 Cor. 6

Joshua 3-6: 1 Cor 4

"He did this so that all the people of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord you God." Joshua 4:24

Several people have teased me about my passion for rocks. It's our reading today that moves me to collect them and have others do the same. Usually at a kids camp or any other camp actually I'll share how Joshua was instructed by the Lord to go gather stones to remind them and others how powerful and mighty God is. I have several in my back yard, office and drawers throughout the house. Sometimes I wonder if I am breaking some law. Each stone has significant meaning to me as it calls to remembrance a word spoken to me or a reminder of the many miracles in my life. Every time I have taken my children to their first camp they get a stone and I thank God for the miracle of life that he has blessed me with. The other day in the yard Colette tried to pick up her stone in the yard and I literally fell to my knees in worship and began to explain to her all the miracles the Lord had done when she was born and some more testimonies about that stone. I fell in worship because I had forgotten about her stone and even some of the many testimonies about Colette's birth. You would think parting the Red Sea and Jordan river would be something someone could never forget but the truth is the People did and even though those stones were a visible reminder it still didn't prevent the people from doubting and fearing the Lord. So today stop and be reminded.... find a rock take it to work or put it in the yard. Today the Lord your God has spoken to you that His hand is powerful and nothing is impossible with Him.

Standing on the Rock,

Pastor Joe
next reading: Joshua 7-8 Psalm 69 1 Cor 5

Joshua 1-2; Psa. 37: 1 Cor. 3

“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” 1 Cor. 3:5-8

Am I hearing it right? Is he saying ministers are nothing? “Neither he who plants or waters are anything”. But don’t we want to be recognized for the effort that we put in. Don’t we want to climb the latter of success. Paul doesn’t see it that way. We look for superstars, it’s not just the world that looks for superstars, the church has been guilty of this for years. We take gifted leaders and place them on a spiritual pedestal and then get shaken when they fall. Paul says we are not to see giftedness as synonymous with Godliness. The fact is we are one body some water and some plant and some preach and some clean and some shake hands and some clean dippers and God brings the increase and God is glorified because God is the only superstar. As for us there is a wonderful eternal reward according to our own labor. Notice it’s according to our own labor not according to the visibility of our ministry that is the criteria for God’s that a boys. So don’t get caught up in human evaluation but only seek his approval.

Pastor Rick

Deut. 32-34; 1 Cor. 2

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Cor. 2:1-5

Paul new that if he was to truly make a difference in the Corinthians lives, it would take more than eloquent speech, confident preaching or brilliant oratory. What people need is the power of God. Not everyone can be a great preacher or have the mind of a C.S Lewis but every follower of Christ can operate in the power of God. Like the words of Zachariah “ This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘ Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.” Zachariah 4:6. We often look at those who have the most visible ministries and think “they are used because they are so gifted.” The problem is we really don’t know how they are used. Sometimes the real fruit happened because someone in the background was doing all the spiritual heavy lifting. Paul humbly, proclaimed the gospel to the Corinthians because he didn’t want any of them to think they could have any real results without the power of God for it is the power of God alone that transforms lives. As a long term preacher I have learned the hard way that everything isn’t as it seems. Many times I have approached the pulpit with confidence that my message was a good one and have it fall flat while at other times I've been completely unsure with a message and realize afterward that God’s Spirit did a mighty work. Often when I think I have done my worst that’s when some of the most powerful work has been accomplished. Trust his power, rely on him, seek his face and you can accomplish whatever he asks of you.

Pastor Rick

Deut. 30-31; Psalm 40; I Cor. 1

"I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear and will trust in the LORD." Psalm 40:1-3

There is a common thread in all three of our Bible reading passages today and it is 'waiting'. In Deuteronomy 30-31, Moses is waiting to be with the Lord while the children of Israel are waiting to enter the Promised Land. In I Corinthians 1, the newly birthed church is assiduously waiting for the second return of Christ and David is giving God thanks for hearing him while he was waiting patiently on the Lord. How many times we find our selves saying, "Lord, I'm waiting..."? Waiting for breakthrough, healing, provision, spiritual growth, direction, wisdom--we wait. We wait for God to work in our lives, to answer prayer and to shape and mold us into His image. Most of all, we wait for His soon return! Waiting is one of the best places and one of the most difficult places to be; I will be the first to say that the word 'patient' does not always accompany the word, 'wait' in my life. Psalm 27 says, "[I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." (vv. 13-14) This waiting is accompanied with a sense of anticipation and in Psalm 40:1, it infers a waiting with strength and a binding together. How can we become patient in waiting? First, develop your faith through prayer, praise and God's Word. Rehearse the good things God has done in the past in order to be encouraged that He will answer prayer for the things you are waiting for now. Stay connected in fellowship. You'll be encouraged by other believers as you are waiting and you will also be an encourager. Lastly, let those songs of praise to our God flow and as you are waiting with patience you will be a testimony to those around you and they also will trust in the Lord. "Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See [how] the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." James 5:7-8

Next Reading: Deut. 32-34; I Cor. 2

Duet. 28-29; Gal. 6

"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." Galatians 6:7-9

There is just no getting around it--garbage in, garbage out. We can not, day in and day out, feed the flesh with garbage and expect to reap everlasting life. The options are endless when it comes to feeding our flesh--just stand in line at the grocery store (I was once dubbed the "Magazine Zcar" at a local grocery store because I kept getting magazines banned when my children were little) and just reading the titles are corrupting. What about TV, oh my, just the commercials alone are enough to send one to the altar and we haven't even begun to touch on the issue of the internet. This is where we must not grow weary, we must not grow weary in keeping the faith and standing strong against the temptations of the world. I do not know a better way to feed the Spirit then by the Word of God. "For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) "Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalms 119:105) "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." (Psalm 19:7-8) "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."(Psalm 119:11) It is true that we seldom reap in the same season that we sow but there is always a season of reaping, whether it is of the Spirit or of the flesh, it is our decision.. If we do not lose heart and we continue to sow in the Spirit we will reap everlasting life and we will reap in due season. Rejoice, be happy, because right now, you are sowing to the Spirit! In John 6:63 Jesus said, "the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life."

Next Reading: Deut. 30-31; Ps. 40; I Cor. 1

Duet 25-27 Gal 5

Gal 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Many years ago I was starting business, with a partner. We went to see a lawyer about drawing up a contract between us. At one point in time I asked the lawyer why do you keep focusing on the negative parts of this business. I don’t think we are going to have all these problems. The lawyer’s response was “My job is to help you figure out what to do when it all falls apart. If everything goes fine you will never need to refer to this contract. The contract is only there to help you when and if it all falls apart”. Later I was very grateful for that contract. In the same way in Deut we find God giving them the rules for when it all falls apart, What to do when the husband dies or what to do about the beggars, or if the kinsman will not except the wife of his brother. However, in Gal 5 we find Paul speaking of what it should be like, when it is working the way it is suppose to. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law". If we chose to live with the Spirit there is no need for the law. If we walk with the Spirit we will live the spirit of the law. Matt 22:37-40 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

My prayer this morning is, may the fruit of the Spirit be the fruit of our lives.

Pastor Jack

Next reading: Duet: 28,29 Gal: 6

Deut.22=24; Gal' 4

"Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art [you are] no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir, an heir of God through Christ." Galatians 4:3-7

The only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, is Jesus, the Son of God. We are son's of God and have all been adopted in to His family. It's great to be adopted in to the family of God and know that we are chosen by God Himself. We are born by the Spirit, born again into the family of God, but yet, it was by adoption that God chose us. Jesus is the onoly begotten Son of God, so that He came to redeem those that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because we are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son in to our hearts, crying, Abba, which is the Hebrew word for daddy. God wants us to experience with Him that close and intimate relationship as our Daddy, as our Father. "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." (Ephesians 1:5-6) So often, followers of Christ live way below their means in this area of relationship with the Father. We can call ourselves children, adopted by God, but never experience the relationship intended for us. It is liken to having a very generous bank account but only living off of the pennies you pick up from the sidewalk. In order to live in the fullness of our relationship to Abba Father, we simply need to place our trust in Him and live with full assurance that His promises and provision are there for us to enjoy. May today be a day of great blessing as you revel in the knowledge of God's great love for you as your Abba Father.

Next Reading: Deut 25-27; Gal 5

Duet. 19-21; Galations 3

Deuteronomy 20:16-18
"However, in the cities of the nations the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave anything alive that breathes. Completely destroy them- the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanaites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites- as the Lord your God has commanded you."

How could a loving God ask such thing? Order the destruction of an entire people. The further you study the more you see that God is just and the orders or commands are loving. When a region is further away more provisions are given for conquered territories but for those that are in the same region where God's people live they are told to wipe them out. Why? He did this to protect his people from idol worship, which was certain to bring to ruin Israel. Duet 20:18 tells us "Otherwise, they will teach you to follow all the detestable things they do in worshiping their gods, and you will sin against the Lord your God." Because they were not obedient more lives were loss as Israel experience constant oppression and attacks from leaders and peoples who were supposed to be removed. We too are supposed to destroy the evil in our lives. God has given us victory over sin and many times were told to remove all the sin in our lives. Yet we allow certain evil's to exist thinking God didn't mean for me to remove every evil out of my life. I recall being in relationships when I was young in the Lord that I knew were not healthy, and decisions had to be made. At the time I felt I was being a little to legalistic or struggling if I heard the Lord right. I thank God I acted on God's spoken word to me and looking back now understand that the Lord was right. God has called many of you today to remove all the things that would ensnare you in your walk with God. It could be certain relationships, music, entertainment, alcohol or the pursuit of money. God is not a kill joy but a merciful and loving father. I am reminded of that everyday as I look upon my wife and kids and experience so many blessings when I walk in strict obedience over my own interpretation of what the Lord has for my life. So make the decision today to --- kill it. Pick up the sword and do it. I'm not talking about people off course even though some of you are tempted. If you did some more soul searching you might find your probably the evil in that person's life. Jesus is the fulfillment for that command and so your not at liberty just to let you know. Flee from evil and cling to what it good.

Pastor Joe

Deut. 16-18; Ps. 38; Gal. 2

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Gal. 2:20

I was there on the cross with Him. I don’t remember being there I in fact my earliest memory was when I was 2 years old in 1956. Wow that seems like a long time ago but not long enough, Jesus died over 1900 years earlier. How can we believe this scripture is applicable to us. It seems far fetched but it is at the core of the Gospel. You see the mystery that has been revealed, namely that “Christ is in us the hope of glory.” It isn’t just a nice theological concept or a poetic inspiration, it is a reality. Christ really does dwell in believers, and since we are one with Him then we were with him when he was crucified. I died with Christ because Jesus and Me are one. That means the you already have died and that is why Paul says in Romans that a man is subject to the law as long as he is alive but once he dies he is no longer under the law, but he is free from the law. Death breaks all judgment, that is why a person can be sentenced to 100 years in prison but if he dies after only being in prison 10 years no one holds him responsible for staying another 90 years to fulfill the judgment. Your death with Christ sets you free. There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.

God Bless You,

Pastor Rick

Deut. 13-15; Gal.1

“If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, 2 and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," 3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer.”
Deut. 13:1-3

There are two Spiritual Kingdoms and only two. Every person is in one Kingdom or the Other, either the Lord God is their King or Satan is their King. What followers of Christ know is that the worship of any other is actually the worship of demons. Demons have the ability sometimes to do miracles within limits. But the unsuspecting soul will confuse their power for the power of God and the Lord warns us to not follow them. When someone worships Buddha or Allah or follows the so called prophet Joseph Smith or Mary Baker Eddy they are worshipping demons not God. The Kingdom of darkness lives in the darkness, it doesn’t want people to know who they are truly worshipping, because who you worship you become like. Whoever you worship you give power to over you life. I have to admit that the Devils strategy is effective, Just get a lot of options out there and hope that people choose any but the truth and confuse people so they say, “well they must all be good. But Jesus says “there is only one way.”

Pastor Rick

Next reading: Deut. 16-18; Psa. 38; Gal. 2

Duet. 10-12; Mark 16

16 Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. 17 Then the LORD'S anger will burn against you, and he will shut the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the LORD is giving you. 18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

A parents caution, be careful, watch out. These were the words I would hear from my parents before going out. As a teenage I just ignored them, what could happen to me? As a parent myself I used the same words to my kids. Why did I say those words that use to bother me? Because I’ve lived long enough now to know the potential danger to those who are not paying attention. When God says “be careful” he might know something that we are oblivious of and that there is some real danger. The danger is an enticement to idolatry. It is a real danger because we have been created to worship and we will worship. It can be anything, material goods, pleasure, knowledge, you name it and there is someone who is worshipping it. And those most susceptible to it are those who ignore the caution. So he gives us the cautionary thing to do, He says, “Fix these words of mine in your hearts”. And then he gives some how to do its’, that include talking to your children all the time. So I just want to say “Be careful out there”.

Pastor Rick

Next Reading: Deut. 13-15; Gal. 1

Deut. 7-9; Mark 15

"Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess the nations that are greater and mightier than thyself, cities that are great and fenced up to heaven..." Deut. 9:1
Pressure does one of two things; either it brings the best out of us or the worst. We either 'react' or we 'respond' in pressurized situations. Now it has been 40 years since Moses first stood before the children of Israel, ready to usher them in to the Promised Land. But, the last time they stood at the brink of this rich inheritance, the pressure was too much for them and they ended up making God mad enough to send them marching through the dessert for 40 years. This 2nd time around, Moses begins to sense the people are again beginning to deal with fear--oh that pressure cooker, it's steamin' up and Moses wants them to face their fears and enter in to this land God has promised--he doesn't want them to miss out in their fear and in their stubbornness. Plus, Moses knows in just a short time, this people that he has led must enter in to this new land without him. So here he stands and says, 'Hey folks...listen to me cause I have a couple of really important things to say before you have to go this alone.' First, understand God is going before you and is with you. "And understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God is he which goeth over before you." (Deut. 9:3) Then Moses tells them to remember it isn't because of their righteousness-in other words, be humble. "Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God gives thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for you're a stiffnecked people." (Deut. 9:6) Basically, listen people, you do not deserve any of this, you have been stubborn this whole entire time and I have pleaded your case before God and over and over again God has been merciful toward you when He really just wanted to wipe you out. Are you not thrilled to know that Jesus, as Moses was a foreshadow of Christ's coming, stands in the gap before us as well and leads us in to all that has been promised? We need not be afraid to possess the land, only walk in faith and humility. Today, may God fill you with a faith that walks you in to His promises and then may you say, "All the glory belongs to Him alone!"
Be blessed today,

Carol Danna
Next Reading: Deut. 10-12; Mark 16

Duet 5, 6 Ps 43 Mark 14

Deut 5:8-10
8 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

As I read these scriptures I am reminded again of how much God loves me. He warns me again how His love works. If I chase after other gods in my life like people or money or things I want. That “idolatry” as God calls it not only affects me but, my children and generations in the future. Even three of four generations ahead, in other words what I teach my children will be taught to my grand children and their children. On the other hand He will show love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments. King David says it this way ”Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God". David is reminded that his hope is in the God who loves him his Savior his God. In Mark 14 Jesus explains to them the ultimate love that will save generations to come. God is again saying, this is my way of “showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” Jesus says, “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." 23Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. 24"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," He said to them. This is how much I love you I give you my blood, my body, everything for you and generations to come.

My response this morning is the same as Joshua “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." And my prayer is for a thousand generations to come

May God bless you and keep you and your family for a thousand generations.

Pastor Jack

Next reading Duet 7-9 Mark 15

Deut. 3-4; Mark 13

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. 10 Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when he said to me, "Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children." Deut. 3:9-10

When God does something wonderful in our lives we think we’ll never forget God’s goodness, but God knows our nature. It didn’t take the Israelites long to forget the miracles in Egypt. What is it about human nature we remember the bad things and forget the goodness of God. The Lord tells them to “be careful and watch yourselves closely so we don’t forget”. We need to rehearse the good things God has don. That is why he tells them to assemble for the hearing of His word and then teach them to their children. So that from generation to generation families would rehearse and then add to the stories of God’s goodness building a family story of God’s grace. Can you imagine generations of family members telling the story not just of their own lives but the history of God’s dealing with the family. We have lost this kind of family history, most of the time we look at family trees and it’s about place of birth, ethnicity etc. We need to reherse the things of the Lord to our children and encourage our history to be His-story.

God Bless,

Pastor Rick

Next reading: Duet. 5-6; Mark 14

Dueteronomy 1-2: Mark 12

'And you shall love the Lord your God with all your mind, and with all your strength." Mark 12:30

One of the most frequent questions that people ask me is, 'what or how do I know God's will for my life.' I tend to be very quick and confident in giving them the answer and it's found in today's reading. God's will for your life is that you will love God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength. When I asked Pastor Rick that same question many years ago he responded with this verse as well. He even when on to tell me that if I am confident in those two area's I am free to do whatever it is that I want to do. God is not so much concerned with what you do in life, but how you be in life. My Spirit filled bible tells me that when the mind is renewed by the Holy Spirit , the whole mind-set changes from the fearful negativism of the carnal mind to the vibrant, positive thinking of the quickened spiritual mind. So today it's not about what you do to grow your bank account, making that career move, or raising your children. It's doing those things while you love God with all your mind, and with all your strength. In loving God with all your mind and strength it will move in loving others and activity that will be in line with God's will for your life. I believe life is really that simple. The sadducees were trying to conflict simple truth and steer people away from the intent of the scriptures. It's probably because they were sad you see. That was an added humor for the day. So today make it about loving God and loving people because that is God's will for your life.

In Him,

Pastor Joe

next reading: Deut 3,4; Mark 13

Numbers 34-36; Mark 11

"The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it." Mark 11:12-14

Poor fig tree. It will never produce fruit again. This seems like a strange story. Jesus curses the tree because it had no fruit but it wasn’t suppose to have fruit. It wasn’t the time of year to have fruit. Was Jesus unaware of the agricultural sickle, after all he was just a carpenter not a farmer. We’ll you know the answer to that one, of course he knew but then why such a harsh response to this poor old fig tree. Jesus wanted to make a point to those watching on and to those who would hear this story. A fig tree is made to bear figs and be eaten. If a fig tree doesn’t bear figs it isn’t really a fig tree it is just a fig tree look alike. The great tragedy of the fig tree is that it wouldn’t be able to do what it was created to do. God’s people are created to bear fruit. I think the great tragedy is see so often is people not fulfilling their God give call. An entire nation was about to be cursed, driven from their land and scattered all over the world when God had originally called them to His representatives to the world, and now He was laying his ax to the tree. Jesus said it another way in Matthew five, “you are the salt of the earth if the salt has lost it’s saltiness it is good for nothing but to be trampled under the feet of men.” Lord we want to bear fruit today because that’s who we are and that is who you made us to be. May someone taste and see the Lord is good today by getting a little sample from your branch.

Pastor Rick

Next Reading: Deut. 1-2; Mark 12

Numbers 32-33; Mark 10

20 Then Moses said to them: “If you do this thing, if you arm yourselves before the LORD for the war, 21 and all your armed men cross over the Jordan before the LORD until He has driven out His enemies from before Him, 22 and the land is subdued before the LORD, then afterward you may return and be blameless before the LORD and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD. 23 But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:20-23

The tribes of Ruben, Gad and half of Manasseh asked Moses to allow them to settle on the far side of the Jordan. Although it was within the region of land that God promised to Abraham but not in the land they were headed for beyond the Jordan. It was a good land but not the best. It looked like the easy land, there weren’t giants to defeat. Moses said they can settle over there but they must promise to help their brethren fight for their promise land or their sin will catch up with them. It isn’t just about us fulfilling our dreams but we are all expected to help others reach God’s promise land for them. We also learn that the easy way is not always the best way, because although these tribes were able to settle in their land without having to fight, they would often be the first attacked when enemy nations came to war. These tribes ended up fighting more than the other tribes. If the Lord says go over Jordan than go over Jordan even if it looks more difficult at first. Sometime God takes us the way of most resistance at first so we can live in the land of least resistance.

Pastor Rick
Next Reading: Numbers 34-36; Mark 11

Number 30-31; Mark 9

5 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— 6 because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. Mark 10:5-6

When you don’t know what to say well maybe it’s best to just do as the psalmist said “Be still and know that I am God.” Peter was seeing something he had never imagined seeing. He saw Moses and Elijah. They have been dead for a minimum of over 700 years and yet here they are right in front of them, having a board meeting with Jesus. This was kind of scary and Peter lost his head. Da!, how about we make three tabernacles so we can worship Moses, Elijah and you Jesus. A voice of the Father comes from heaven, “This is my Beloved Son, hear Him”, . In other words the one you are to listen to is not the Law (Moses) or the Prophets (Elijah) but my son, he is above the rest. Sometimes I think we miss some great things the Lord want to teach us but we don’t know how to wait or think we need to fill the silence with our voice. There are two sides to conversation and as I have been reminded more than once you have two ears and only one mouth for a reason. God was gracious to interrupt Peter, even if it was a little embarrassing for him. The Lord brought Peter, James and John to the mountain to teach them something that they would never forget and it wasn’t what they must have first thought it was. James as an observer of his friend Peter later writes “be quick to hear, slow to speak…” We still today and listen, he is speaking.

God Bless,

Pastor Rick

Next reading, Numbers 32-33; Mark 10

Numbers 28,29; Mark 8

“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Mark 8:34

The 8th chapter of Mark is power packed with miracles; healings, provisions both physical and spiritual and increased understanding of what Jesus future plans were. As we read through the Gospels we observe the disciples in the School of Christ, constantly observing, learning, doing and questioning. Jesus clearly outlines three requirements for discipleship: Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus. If ever our society was a far-cry from self-denial it is today. Take a look at the names of some of the magazines or the titles of the articles they tout: Self Magazine, Glamour, Money, Entertainment, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, and Fortune. Not quite a list of titles that might help you deny yourself, take up a cross or even follow Christ. In Philippians 2:5-7 Paul writes, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God and thought it not robbery to be equal with God, humbled Himself and took on the form of man.” Jesus denied Himself, so that He might be obedient to death, even the death of the cross. Jesus denied Himself that place with the Father so that He might come down as a servant and die on the cross. “So if you’re going to come after Me,” Jesus said, “you too will have to deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Me.” Can you hear Him church, calling your name? Follow me and I will make you fishers of men… “Lord we pray that we will walk worthy of the name that is above every name, the name of Jesus. Amen”

Have a great day!
Carol Danna

Next Reading: Leviticus 30,31; Mark 9