Is. 63,64; Ps. 107; John 2

Isaiah 64:1-2


1 Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your presence— 2 As fire burns brushwood, As fire causes water to boil— To make Your name known to Your adversaries, That the nations may tremble at Your presence!

Have you ever felt like Isaiah? You know there’s some arrogant non-believer who proudly mocks God and you think “God if you would only do something that shakes his false confidence. That is what is going on with Isaiah. He is praying, Oh God “that You would come down! Make your name known to your Adversaries, That the nations may tremble at Your presence!” In other words scare the snot out of them God. I am tired of your name being dishonored. Show them how powerful you are and scare them into repentance. I have wanted God to do that more than once. But God doesn’t respond to Isaiah’s prayer and he doesn’t respond to our prayer that way. Instead he sends His love in the form of His son and today he send His love in the form of follower of Christ. God can always use his power, but that only goes against His ultimate object and that is to give people the free will to choose Him. Besides if God just got converts because they were scared of him, they wouldn’t be true converts, the scripture says “it is the love of God that leads to repentance”. And the most powerful thing in the world is God’s love. The God of Islam is a God of fear but the Almighty God is a God of love. Will the arrogant sinner ever face the reality of God? Yes, they will face God after they have continued to reject his love they will eventually face His wrath. In the mean time we persuade people to turn from God’s wrath unto God’s Love.

Pastor Rick

Isaiah 60-62; John 1

"The spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor..." Isaiah 61:1-2

Jesus speaks these words about himself in Luke 4 after over four hundred years of biblical silence.  The teachers and rabbis felt like God had abandoned them and didn't quite understand the prophecy from Isaiah.  Jesus comes along and filled with the Spirit and announces He is the messiah that they had been waiting for.  In this statement we see the heart of God.  He's attentive to the poor, those who are held as slaves.  It's hard to beleive that we still in this day have many who are sold into slavery whether it be human traffiking, sex trade industry, or child soldiers, God has come to set them free.  He has come to set people free from all darkness whether it be an abusive relationship or addicttion to any substance.  By God's grace I have seen broken lives put back together and families restored.  After Jesus read this verse he put down the scroll and said "today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."  He said all the scripture and prophecy is about me.  I am the fulfillment and I am the Christ, I am your treasure, I am your Lord, I am your Savior,  I am the one who has come to give you life.  I have come to set you free from all sin and pain.  It's all about me, It's all about Jesus.  Today in your hearing this verse is true for you.  He came for you.  Be liberated from all bondage brokenness, be set free and proclaim the Lord's favor....

Pastor Joe

Isaiah 57-59; Psalm 103; 2 Peter 3

 
The hero of all heroes….

I never read comics as a kid but if I did I’m sure none of the super heroes in them could have compared to Jesus. For example look at the imagery we see here.

He put on righteousness as his breastplate,
and the helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on the garments of vengeance
and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.

According to what they have done,
so will he repay
wrath to his enemies
and retribution to his foes;
he will repay the islands their due.

From the west, men will fear the name of the LORD,
and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory…” (Isaiah 59:17-19)

It is like the best action hero movie Hollywood could ever plan to make. Jesus has already done so much for us and He will continue to stand in the gap for us right up until the day He comes back. I love what the end of Isaiah says, “…this is my covenant with them," says the LORD. "My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on and forever," says the LORD. (Isaiah 59:21) While Jesus has come to us to be our Redeemer, He has also given us a great gift for daily living. The Spirit of God has come to be our Sanctifier: thus the Comforter shall abide with the church for ever, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever” (John 14:16.) Remember the cause of the Redeemer shall gain complete victory on earth, and the believer will be more than conqueror when the Lord receives him to His glory in heaven.


Be Blessed,
Pastor Jason



NEXT READING: Isaiah 60-62; John 1

Isaiah 53-56; 2 Peter 2

“Sing O’Barren” Isaiah 54:1
In this passage Israel’s captivity is compared to a barren woman, which was an object of scorn in that culture. However the command to sing in the face of such a state, was to put God in His rightful place in order to see His miraculous provision. Today, let us examine our perspective and be willing proclaim His greatness. Truly the Lord has a master plan for each one of us even in the middle of difficult times. Often during tough times, there can be a tendency to be more conservative with our resources. Yet, the following scripture encourages us to get out of our comfort zone and make room.

“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.” Isaiah 54:2
This amplifies this truth, as an act of faith, even yet barren, to make room for God’s expansion. Let us determine to be ready for God’s expansion in our circle of influence. Let’s allow our faith grow and place our total trust on Him who is faithful in keeping His promises.
Be encouraged by this quote from Corrie Ten Boom, a Dutch Christian Holocaust survivor who helped many Jews escape the Nazis during WW II.
"Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible."

God Bless,
Pastor Kim

Is. 57-59; Ps. 103; 2 Pet. 3

Isaiah 50-52; Psalm 92; 2 Peter 1

"For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these after my decease." 2 Peter 1:12-15

Within the writings of Peter I find sobering words, which I have made bold in the quotation above. The Lord Jesus Christ had showed him and he was fully aware of the limited time he had left on this planet. Because of this knowledge, Peter lived a certain way and made sure to emphasize certain words. How would we live if our time left in our 'tent' was short? Are we being negligent?

Peter dedicated his time to 'ensure' that there was a living reminder after his departure. He made sure that what was entrusted to him was passed on to the next generation. He made sure that the Truth was foremost and that there would be a faithful group of people to carry on that Truth. Jesus said: "I am the way the truth and the life..." Are we doing everything possible to make sure the next generation lives for the Truth? Do you have people 5 years younger, 10 years younger, 15 years younger, 20 years younger, etc., without a gap, following you as you follow Christ? or is there a great disparity between you and those you impact?

I suggest we prayerfully seek those in whom we can entrust the faith, so that every generation is actively involved and maturing in the faith. Doing so will guarantee us a living reminder of what Jesus has said and done until His return.

Following Jesus Christ,

Pastor Juan


Next Reading: Isaiah 53-56; 2 Peter 2

Isaiah 46-49; I Peter 5

“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’.” I Peter 5:5


Although this portion gives instruction to elders and to the young, it’s overall message is to ‘all of you’.  All of us are called to humility; in fact, humility is a quality that pleases God’s heart in such a way that  it is through humility God’s grace is able to flow freely in our lives and ministry.    In Micah 6:8 it says, “He has shown you oh man what is good and what the Lord requires of you; but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly before your God.”  Humility is a beautiful thing and it is often this very quality that brings people to Christ when they see Christians acting in this manner.  My brother pastored a church in Barstow, probably one of the hottest and most desolate places to live.  Robert decided to find out who the people were that were shut ins that were or had once been a part of the congregation.  He found that there was a woman in a convalescent home, who had faithfully attended the church for many years.  Robert visited her and ministered to her and she so wanted to go back to church.  He arranged to pick her up and bring her the next Sunday.  When he arrived that morning to pick her up the home hadn’t properly dressed her but he was determined because she longed  so  much to be in church again.  He carefully carried her to his car and drove her to the church.  When he pulled up in front of the building he again picked her up and began carrying her in to the building.  There was a woman from his church who had an unsaved husband and that morning she had talked her husband in to coming with her.  As they were walking in to the building his wife said , “Oh look that’s Pastor Robert now, the one carrying the woman.” This man was so touched by this act of humble service that he gave his life to Christ that morning and became one of the most outstanding servants in that ministry.  He personally told me his testimony and said that when he saw my brother carrying that woman it melted his heart.  I am reminded of the story of the Good Samaritan--many people passed by the injured man but only one stopped .  This act was one of justice, mercy and humility as Micah 6:8 says.  Notice that Peter says to ‘clothe’ yourselves, all of you…this takes action, we must put on humility, this is a decision.  So today, let’s not pass by any opportunities to be clothed in humility and let’s experience the grace God gives to the humble. Let’s be God’s hands, feet and heart of love to touch the world.

Walking in Him,
Carol

Tomorrow's Reading: Isaiah 50-52; Psalm 92; 2 Peter 1

Isa 43-45; 1 peter 4;

Isa 44: 16-17

Half of the wood he burns in the fire; over it he prepares his meal; he roasts his meat and eats his fill. He also warms himself and says, "Ah! I am warm; I see the fire." From the rest he makes a god, his idol; he bows down to it and worships. He prays to it and says, "Save me; you are my god."

I thought this was an interesting scripture. It seams ridicules to us that a man would take simple wood, something God gave us to build houses or burn as fire to warm ourselves or cook food. Then a man would take this same wood and create a Idol that he would think has the power to save him. What a foolish thought until I take a moment to examine those things God has given me that I will worship instead of Him. Modern things we worship a car, a job, or maybe a relationship. What might be even more foolish the worship of drugs or alcohol or even a television. I wonder if that man that made that idol of wood might think how a person could ever worship drugs, alcohol, or a woman. Yet man will always find a way to make Romans 1 true “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.” There is a constant battle in me to worship the creator rather than the created, with my time, my finances and my attention. Today thanks to the grace of God I am winning the battle and will join with you this morning in the worship of the one and only living God.

May God bless you and keep you in His love as we dedicate our lives to the worship of Him. So we will continue to recognize His love and His grace as we bow to worship Him.

Pastor Jack

Next reading Isa. 46-49; 1 Pet. 5;

Is. 19-21; Heb. 11

“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” Heb. 11:7

Noah saved his family and the perpetuation of humanity because he was moved or motivated by godly fear. It wasn’t the warning that moved Noah to action it was fear. Divine warnings are common. The scripture says that the reality of judgment is common revelation to all. God has warned us through creation and through revelation of His word, but most who have received the warnings don’t do anything about it. Noah warned people for 100 years and there were no converts. Most of us that know what we aught to do and how we aught to live don’t do it and it’s not because we don’t have enough knowledge. While witness a young man who was going down the path of self destruction, responded to the gospel with, “if God came and told me directly I would do it”. I don’t think he would, he has already received divine warning from a bunch of different sources but still he waits for more. Jesus told the Pharisees when they asked for another sign, he said know sign will be given to them except the sign of Noah (the resurrection). What made the difference in Noah’s life was “godly fear”. Noah had a big God and he respected the awesomeness of God and it kept him from treading water and saved his family. How big is your God? What moves you when you have been warned or challenged or encouraged?



Pastor Rick

2 Kings 20; Isaiah 38-39;Psalm 75; 1 Peter 2

"Go and tell Hezekiah, "Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years."  Isaiah 38:5

Hezekiah has been told by the prophet Isaiah that he will die of his illness.  Instead of accepting his fate he turns to prayer.  I am so grateful for Hezekiah's response to his illness and even more grateful for the Lord who hears his cry.  On a daily basis I hear reports that are similar if not much like the one Hezekiah recieved from the prophet.  Today I was informed of a child who was having wisdom teeth pulled and went into a comma and may have brain damage.  Weekly I'm told of families that are in danger of losing there homes or jobs.  It is never inappropriate to turn to the Lord in any circumstance.  God alone can provide healing, and any other type of provision.  He does so by miracle means, by natural means, and by human means.  In two of our readings today we read that Hezekiah's deliverance from death, came from God.  Let your response today be like Hezekiah, cry out to the Lord, He is your deliverer and healer.

Praying and believing with you,
Pastor Joe

Isaiah 36,37; Psalm. 76; 1 Peter 1

So often we wander around this world being shaped by our surroundings. If we look carefully at what sort of things develop in us based on the surroundings we grow up in, one of the things so many of us see is “FEAR”, more specifically the fear of man. It is easy to be shaped by our hurts and even to see a world with so much injustice and to speculate how God can let it happen or to question if it will ever stop. Sometimes when we see things happen for an extended period of time we might ask, “Will God make things just and right? Will He step in?” These thoughts are some of the seeds that allow fear to grow in us. Thankfully, He is always faithful…..

“At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
Both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep.
You, Yourself, are to be feared;
And who may stand in Your presence
When once You are angry?”
(Psalm 76:6-7)

When we read through Psalms 76 we see a God who fears nothing and who looks out for us. Sometimes it is just a matter of time before God steps in. Just as a father might stand by for just a moment to see how his child is going to react in the face of opposition. Our Father in Heaven is slow to anger but is still watching with a sharp eye. He will always step in and when he does everyone will know it. When we look at the “BIG PICTURE” it brings an understanding that we must trust God and recognize He has everything under control and He will deal with the good, bad, and everything in-between in His time.

I encourage us all to look to Him who is just and true while we thank Him for the grace we have been given in our lives.


Be Blessed,
Pastor Jason



NEXT READING: 2 King 20; Isaiah 38,39; Psalm 75; 1 Peter 2

2 Kings 18,19; 2 Chr 32; James 5

It Works! James 5
In this book, James recognizes the lordship of Jesus, referring to himself as a ‘bondservant” of God and urges all believers to exercise their faith in both personal and social arenas. It is so wonderful to know that having accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are in “right standing” with God. We know this is only because of what He has done on the cross and not by our own works. (Eph 2:8). It is with this understanding that we can grab hold and act on this powerful statement concerning prayer! “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16b

Do you ever feel you have absolutely nothing to give? According to James, as believers we have the great opportunity to plant a seed of ‘faith believing,’ ‘love motivated,’ prayer in another person’s life! I was raised seeing the powerful results of effective prayer and I have grown to appreciate the influence of a praying parent. What does prayer do? The prayer of faith works! Working for what is right. It is this fervent prayer of a righteous man that characterizes energy to see things happen.
George Muller, who founded five orphan homes in the 1800’s and received a million and a half in money by prayer and faith alone states; “God is still the living God, and now, as well as thousands of years ago, He listens to the prayers of His children, and helps those who trust in Him.” About prayer Mr. Muller had very definite views. ‘In order to be successful, prayer, he said, must originate with the Holy Spirit, and not be the product or impulse of a human mind.’ One incident was a gift of jewelry sent to be sold for the orphans included a costly diamond ring. Before it was sent to the sale rooms Mr. Muller used it to write upon the window of his room “Jehovah Jireh” to encourage him in the coming dark days he anticipated without fear.”

God has made a way for those who believe to boldly go before the throne room of grace. We have a great opportunity to pray and then trust His provision. Let us not take this privilege of prayer too lightly but let us believe for and trust in His good work to be done.
Let us pray!


God Bless,
Pastor Kim


Next Reading: Is 22-24; Heb 12

2 Chronicles 29-31; James 4

Let's be friends!

"Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God"(4:4)

Imagine people singing 'I am a friend of God' in church on sunday but with their actions, throughout the week, actually demonstrating that they want to be a friend of the world. James uses the word 'adulterers' as a metaphor to describe those kind of people. Those people are breaking their vows to God by trying to "fit in" with a world that has a lifestyle that is diametrically opposed to God. If we follow our flesh, which wars against the Spirit, and desire to become friends of the world we will fail and end up alienating ourselves from God. But if we 'submit to God' we will have the power to 'resist the devil', and 'he will flee from us'.(4:7) We will then have the victory over our flesh and the devil! So let's focus our energies on "drawing near to God,". He already made a way for us to approach Him. If we do this, "he will draw near to us."(4:8)

God says: Lets be friends! What do you say?

Following Jesus Christ,

Pastor Juan

Next Reading: 2 Kings 18-19; 2 Chronicles 32; James 5

"Be still, and know that I am God"

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 17, 2 Chronicles 28, Psalm 46, James 3

“Be still, and know that I [am] God…” Psalm 46:10

Oh that sweet, sweet place of ‘knowing’ that God is God. The Hebrew word for know is ‘yada’ meaning to know, to know by experience, to get to know to be skilled at knowing. It is a very intense word of relationship and communion. You can know ‘about’ someone but to ‘know’ a person, to ‘yada’ a person is a deep relationship—ongoing and vibrant. The Psalmist is confident in God, he writes of God’s saving power and the beauty of His presence in the holy place where the Most High Dwells. In verses 4-5 it says, “[There is] a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy [place] of the tabernacle of the Most High. God [is] in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.” In both Ezekiel and in Revelation, we are told about the river in the city of God. In Revelation, we are told that on either side of the river there are trees that bear twelve manners of fruit. Tell me that heaven is not going to be an incredible place? The leaves of the trees are for the healings of the nations. This is what those in the Old Testament were looking for. It says that these died in faith not having received the promises, but having seen it a far off they claimed it and they said, “I am just a stranger and a pilgrim here, I am looking for a city which hath foundation, whose maker and builder is God.” I enjoy traveling, but you know when it is time to go home, it is such a great feeling. You walk in your house and go, ‘Ahhh…”. However, really, we should not hold on too tightly to what we have here on earth, because this is not our home—our home is a city where our maker and builder is God! There is a stream in that city, and the steams make glad the city of God, the holy place of ‘his dwelling’ the dwelling of the Most High. In closing this morning, one phrase really caught my eye, “God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.” (v. 5) Maybe you are facing rough circumstances or frustrations today or in this season of your life. Be encouraged because God is your help and even when it seems the darkest…just at the break of dawn your deliverance will come.

Be blessed today,
Carol

Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 29-31, James 4

Isa 32-35; Jas 2;

James 2:26
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

It is my spirit that makes me Jack, not my mind. If my spirit was dead my body would still function I would still eat, drink, act as a natural person but I would not have a conscience. I would not realize the difference between right and wrong. I would not care or want to be cared about. There would be no real purpose to living I would not be Jack I would just exist. The same is true about faith. I can exist without faith. I can function and even do Christian things. I could go to church; I could give to the poor. I could even speak words of Christian love. James says if the purpose for doing those things is not because I believe in the living God and that the reason for my behavior (Deeds) is not my faith in Jesus then my deeds are worthless and my faith is dead. James says faith and deeds go together hand in hand in other words a person will really do what they really believe. James says “I will show you my faith by what I do.” The truth is I can tell my real belief (not just what I say) by what I do. So it is a good time today to evaluate my real beliefs by my real actions.

May God bless you and keep you in our growing faith as we believe Him for the miracles in our life that keeps us in real touch with His kingdom every day.

Pastor Jack
Next reading 2 Kings 17; 2 Chr. 28; Ps. 46 Jas 3;

Isaiah 25-28; Heb. 13

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You,

Peace is such a wonderful gift. Most people would trade everything they have to get peace. I remember a man who had received Christ on a Sunday and on Monday he hunted be down to tell me that he had experienced the first peaceful night sleep in his memory. But God doesn’t just promise peace, He promises perfect peace. That’s a kind of peace that can only be understood by experience and cannot be described. Paul calls it a peace that passes understanding. But wait a minute, who is offered this peace? How do we get this peace. Well it is those whose mind remain on God. Have you ever been asked, hey where’s your head at? That’s not a bad question to ask yourself once in awhile. Our mind tends to wonder. What do you think about when your not thinking about anything. Well if you can retrain your mind to think about God, to stay in prayerful connection with God then perfect peace will be yours. Gird up your mind and rest in God.

Shalom,

Pastor Rick

Is 25-28; Hebrews 13

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever"  Hebrews 13:8

If you've been to any Foursquare church you will see this verse declared somewhere.  I have seen it in many countries and languages and it's a constant reminder of who God is and what He is doing.  At any moment of time you may ask the question what is God doing?  The answer is always the same he is accomplishing His plan.   Sometimes we forget that the bible is a narrative.  A story of redemption.  It's a story of how God sent his son Jesus into the world to save people to himself.  People who are rebellious and sinful towards Him.  This story is much bigger than just our daily struggle with sin.  Our biggest problem is we seek our identity outside the story of redemption.  From the call to Abraham, victories in the promise land, the lives of David, Solomon, Isaiah, John the Baptist, and in your life, God has been at work accomplishing His plan.  "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."( 2 Cor 5:14-15)   Only one thing is strong enough to overpower a stormy life.  It's what God has promised to do through Jesus Christ.  This life is here is a slight, momentary affliction preparing for us, an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison (2 Cor 4:17)

Stand firm today that God is at work calling you and others to himself.  His plan and love for you never changes, He is the same yesterday today and forever.  Pray for the young adults as we head up to Lake Mead today for a retreat.

In Him,
Pastor Joe

Is. 22-24; Heb. 12;

Heb 12:2

2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

When I read this I always am reminded of the fact that the thing that took Jesus to the cross was the love of me. I can barely get my children to bring me a drink of water for the love of me. But the King of the universe, “the author and perfecter of our faith” was willing to go to the cross for me, and He calls it “the joy set before him” Me, you and I are the joy set before Him. Just think of that. We can’t even get our dog to listen and yet we are the joy set before the king of the universe. That means two things to me, first it means I do not fully realize the power and position God puts me in, if I did life would be a whole lot simpler and holy. My daily walk would look a lot more like Jesus. Second it says I do not fully except how much I mean to Him and just how much He loves me. Sometimes I get glimpses of that love by how much my grandchildren bring me joy by just being with them. Other times I fall so short of understanding that kind of love. So today I chose to just except it and claim as the writer of Hebrews does in the last verse of this chapter Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

May God bless you and keep you in His love, as His joy, as we declare together “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe”,

Pastor Jack


Next reading Is.25-28; Heb13;

Isaiah 19-21; Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11
Temporary Housing
This portion of scripture is one of the most impressive declarations of those who have walked ‘by faith’ under circumstances that are beyond our compression. These were everyday people who have shown us again the truth about God’s love and provision. These ‘heroes of faith’ only received a partial fulfillment of what God had promised and these elders maintained their faith that God would do what He said. Because of their close relationship with God, they would not feel at home in earthly surroundings. They looked for something better.
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. They admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.” Hebrews 11:13
You may have heard the statement that some Christians are “so heavenly minded, they are no earthly good.” Although meant to be a rebuke or accusation against the believer, I am not so sure if it is a huge compliment. Oh, to be even more heavenly minded and prayerfully determined!
Consider the words of this hymn with me; “This world is not my home I'm just passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.”
What a gentle reminder that we are foreigners in this world and not to hold on so tightly those things that are so very temporary. Let us pour our energy into areas that have eternal purposes and grab hold of the legacy shared by others to “walk by faith and not by sight.” Let us believe and pray for those wayward children to return to the Lord and that deliverance will happen to those who have been in bondage! Let us hold fast to the truth, that salvation is for all who call on His name.
God is not done and we are His people who walk by faith!

“And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

Be Blessed,
Pastor Kim

Next Reading: Isaiah 22-24; Hebrews 12

Isaiah 15-18; Hebrews 10

"For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul." Hebrews 10:37-39

Today we are comforted by the promise that someone is coming for us. Not just anyone, but the Lord of Lords is coming for us. We haven't been abandoned to our own luck or fate as some might believe. We are in process under the watchful eye of our Creator and Savior who loves us and will arrive at the perfect time, not one second to soon nor one second too late. The amount of time that still needs to pass before His return is not 'lateness', as others might perceive, but rather the completion of an excellent timeframe designed by the Master designer who will carry out His perfect plan, regardless of who would like to stop Him.

What should we do in the meantime, especially those of us who have been declared just, by the rightesousness imparted to us by God? LIVE by FAITH! That is the answer we see in todays reading. We must LIVE, not just survive, but LIVE. Take advantage of every moment you have left, making sure your priorities are correct and Live for the glory of God. Don't waste time, invest your time in that which is valuable. If you lack wisdom in this, ask your Lord and Savior and He will direct your paths.

The life we live must be lived in FAITH. In other words we should live our life knowing that GOD is who He says He is and is more than capable of doing what He said He will do. We don't walk blindly, no not at all. We walk with complete assurance, confidence, and trust, not in oursleves but in the Lord and what He has promised. He has never let us down nor will He ever betray His word. Learn His word, Love His word, and Live His word!

Once you've encountered the true and living God in such a personal way as the one required for a life of Faith, why would you ever turn back? I believe you won't, because we are not of those who draw back, NO not us, we will never draw back. We are of THOSE, yes THOSE who should be feared by the enemy of our souls, feared by the ungodly who have rejected salvation and choose to fight against righteousness, because WE are part of the armies of God, WE belong to the Lord and are guaranteed VICTORY in every sense of the Word.

Hear todays battle cry... Learn His Word, Love His Word, Live His Word!

Following Jesus Christ,

Pastor Juan

Next Reading: Isaiah 19-21; Hebrews 11

Praise the Lord

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 11-14; Hebrews 9
“And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD…” Isaiah 12:4I

There is coming a day when we will truly see Jesus coming again. This portion of scripture, Isaiah is prophesying of the time when the children of Israel will as well see this day and they will understand and know Jesus as the Messiah. Every eye will recognize the Lord as He reigns finally over the earth. His Kingdom will come and His will is going to be done on earth as it is in heaven. When Jesus returns and sets Himself as the King over the earth it will be a glorious, glorious day…and we will all proclaim “Praise the Lord”. We will enter in to this glorious new age, when we see the world as God wants it to be. All things will be in order and we will dwell together in love and peace with complete unity. The prophet wrote, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He is also become my salvation.” (Isa. 12:2) Do you remember the day you received Jesus as your Savior? Do you remember the day that you put your trust in Him and He became your strength and your song? Take some time to reflect on the day that you were born again…thank God for the gift of His Son Jesus, our salvation. And if you have never asked Jesus to be your Savior, today you can receive the gift of salvation, just simply pray, "Jesus, forgive me of my sins and make me one of your children.  I invite you in to my life and ask you to be my Savior and Lord." Amen “Thank you Lord for Your Kingdom rule and reign in our lives here on earth and thank you Lord, for the day that You will come and we will see You in all of Your glory and we will all say…”Praise the Lord!” Amen

Blessings in Christ Jesus, Carol
Next Reading: Isaiah 15-18; Hebrews 10

Isa 8-10; Heb 8;

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.


I always found it interesting that God promised this in the middle of His anger at a people that had turned against Him so many times even they could not remember how many times it was. With this scripture I am reminded it is because He is God. Because, He is love. Because He is faithful that H
e fulfills His promises no matter what. I Am on vacation and I just had a conversation with my granddaughter (she is 4) on the phone. She said “Papa why are you not at church”. I said “I am on vacation so I am not going to church tonight”. She said “Why, God is not on vacation”. Even when I am on vacation I am Glad God is never on vacation from me or you. Our God is always faithful and ready to take care of me and you. Well the truth is tonight my granddaughter is at church and I am on vacation and God is still watching over both of us and you too. So tonight I just praise God for His faithfulness. I am thankful He is watching over her and you (me to) while I am on vacation.

May God bless you and Keep you in the knowledge of His son the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. That He was faithful enough to give us, even in the midst of His anger, because of His great love.

Pastor Jack

Next reading Isa. 11-14; Heb. 9;

Micah 1-2; Hebrews 6

"For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister."  Hebrews 6:10

Chapter 6 of Hebrews is really a an encouragement for the new believers to press on and to continue to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises God has for them. (Heb 6:12) What strikes me in this passage is not only are these early believers encouraged to not to become sluggish but, they had already had a reputation of being a people who have shown love by ministering to the saints and known for being a people who honor the Lord.  Let that be said of us, and people of The Cornerstone.  Today is a great day to evaluate my reputation.  When people think of us to do they see a people who minister to the Lord by ministering to others?  What are you known for?  Are you the person with the quick temper or is critical of everyone else; or are you the one who seems to show Christ love.  Scriptures are clear that they will know we are Christians by our love.  I have a Cornerstone Church sticker on my car and it constantly reminds me that as I drive around people are watching.  I am thoughtful of what people may think about me being a Christian as I cut them off.  Now, that is a simple illustration but, in all honesty the church has suffered because of the reputation and actions of people who call themselves Christian.  I know of other religious leaders who have said, if Christians acted like a Christian according to the scriptures everyone would be a Christian or at least want to be one.  There some truth to that.  So today realize your actions and reputation is critical in the advancing of the Kingdom of God. 

Let's love on people today,

Pastor Joe

Hos. 13-14; Ps 100,102; Heb. 5

Jesus – Rabbi – Priest – “Teacher”,

We see here in Hebrews 5 that it was His destiny and calling, given directly from the Father. “So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him:

“ You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.”

As He also says in another place:

“ You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek”;

who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, 10 called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” (Hebrews 5:5-10)

While we realize Jesus had to freely except what was coming to Him at great cost, perhaps we often forget that cost when we go about our lives with no drive or zeal for the Word. We can tend to go through our lives always expecting others to feed us and push us when in reality the Word clearly calls us to step it up and dig and learn for ourselves. “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:12-14) Perhaps in a day and age where maturity is loosely assumed by society with landmarks like 18 years old or 21 years of age, we ought to instead gauge our maturity by a different scale. Let’s seek the Lord in prayer and ask Him to show us how to move from milk to STEAK (solid food) in our maturity with Him, and with that will come maturity and wisdom in life as well.



Blessings,
Pastor Jason

Next Reading: Mic. 1-4; Heb. 6

Hosea 10-12; Psalms 73; Hebrews 4

Many Benefits
Hebrews 4
This epistle was written to wavering Jewish believers, encouraging them to stand fast in their faith. Hebrews chapter 4 carries on the declaration of the superiority of Christ Jesus’ ministry. The writer states that entering into the Sabbath rest means to accept God’s plan for us to cease from our own efforts for salvation. Man wants to add to the plan of salvation and thereby go against God’s provision, sometimes in willful disobedience. The author of Hebrews encourages us to not make the same mistake by rejecting God’s Sabbath rest in Jesus Christ.
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience” Hebrews 4:10-11
Just as God rested from His work of creation, the one who trusts in Christ rests in what God has done for him. Here are just a few of the many benefits we have as believers in Christ and every one of these statements is true:
• I am loved. 1 John 3:3
• I am a child of God. John 1:12
• I am redeemed and forgiven. Colossians 1:14
• I am a new creation because I am in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
• I do not have a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
• I have direct access to God. Ephesians 2:18
• I am chosen to bear fruit. John 15:16
• I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises by God by which I share His nature. 2 Peter 1:4
• I can always know the presence of God because He never leaves me. Hebrews 13:5
• God works in me to help me do the things He wants me to do. Philippians 2:13
• I can ask God for wisdom and He will give me what I need. James 1:5

Let us enter into God’s rest, and in our daily life begin to learn a dependence upon the Holy Spirit’s help. We are confident as believers of two great provisions in our faith:
1. The Word of God, which reveals whether a person is living a spiritual life.
2. The ministry of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, is able to bring us into immediate fellowship with God.

Praise His Name, for He is ever interceding on our behalf.
Pastor Kim

Next Reading: Hos. 13-14; Ps 100,102; Heb 5

Hosea 6-9; Hebrews 3

Hebrews 3:15 " Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."

What an amazing blessing it is to know that we have the opportunity to HEAR the VOICE of GOD. Throughout my walk with Jesus I've had the amazing opportunity of hearing His voice on multiple occasions. How... you may ask,... have you heard the voice of God? Well, I'm glad you asked. ;) Once I heard Him speak to me with an audible voice. Most of the time I hear Him speak to me through His written word. Other times there is an inner voice and I even hear Him speak to me through others who are speaking on His behalf. There are so many ways that the Lord communicates with us. He is an excellent communicator, but sometimes we aren't very good listeners. We are not positioned to hear him.

I believe the greatest hindrance to listening to His voice is sin, especially the sin of unbelief. Some people don't believe there is a God, let alone one who is speaking today. Sin hardens their hearts, blinds their eyes and plugs their ears. Fortunately the Holy Spirit continues to convict of sin and soften hearts. If you turn from your sin and turn towards God you will hear Him, loud and clear. When you hear His voice, don't rebel, and don't let anything drown out what you've heard. Hold on tight to what you've heard and follow His instructions. He will lead you places you've only dreamed of.

Are you positioned to hear His voice? If not, I encourage you to position yourself, because He is speaking today!

Following Jesus Christ,

Pastor Juan

Next Reading: Hosea 10-12; Psalm 73; Hebrews 4

Today's Reading: Hosea 2-5; Hebrews 2

Today’s Reading: Hosea 2-5; Hebrews 2
“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” Hebrews 2:1

Hebrews was written for the Jews who had received Jesus as their Messiah. They had not been solid enough in their faith so they were in danger of slipping back in to the traditions of Judaism. The book of Hebrews also appeals to the Greek mind since they saw everything on earth as the shadows cast by what was real. They were always searching for reality. The Jews, on the other hand, were searching for a way to approach God because historically there was a sense of being so unholy as not to be able to approach Him. The book of Hebrews presents Jesus as that approach to God. Chapter 2 deals with the ‘humanity of Christ’. Do not go back to your old life, to the law, that’s no way to live. Isn’t it amazing how often people will go back to their ‘comfort zone’ even after being delivered from bondages and sin? Even the Israelites complained about manna and reminisced about Egypt, the place of bondage. Galatians 5:1 says, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” And in 2 Peter 2:20 “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.” How much harder it is to come back out of bondage once we have tasted of the liberty we have in Christ? “Lest we drift away…” We must give heed to the things we read in the Word and the things taught from godly teachers so that we do not lose heart and seek the common life. “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36

Next Reading: Hosea 6-9; Hebrews 3

2 kings 15’16; Hos 1; Heb 1;

Heb 1:1-2

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

The writer of Hebrew declares that in times past God spoke to us through profits such as Moses or Isaiah, Elijah, Hosa prophets who spoke at various times in various ways. But, now God speaks to us through His Son Jesus. God will still at times speak to us directly or by the Holy Spirit. The nice part is we have the very words of His Son to check out those times when we believe we hear Him directly or through a prophet. We have the very words of the Son of the living God to read and inspect and learn from every day. So we can in fact know His will, His direction, His desire for us. We even know the end of the world and what will happen in the last days. It is always interesting to me that we will sometimes desire more the personal prophecy than the word of God that is clear and we know for sure where it came from. We have the very words of “his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe”. Yet we seek the words of others and do not have time to read Gods word. I am so glad we can do this reading through the word of God together and I even get to write this blog and share my thoughts. Just think we read THE WORD OF THE LIVING GOD TOGEATHER. What greater privilege could we have but maybe having fellowship with that living God every day. “O” I forgot we have that to.

May God richly bless you and keep you in His word and in His fellowship as you seek Him daily.

Pastor Jack

Next reading Hos 2-5; Heb 2;

1 Chron. 7:14

2 Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”


God’s remedy for a broken world is not complicated, has always worked in the past and can be counted on to work in the future. The prerequisite is a sick land. I think America qualifies for that. We are broken economically with nearly 10% unemployment, people losing their homes by the millions and life time savings disappearing. We are broken socially with families falling apart at record rates, kids raising themselves, marriages having less than 50% chance of success,. We are broken morally with teenage pregnancy through the roof the acceptance of homosexuality as an alternative to one man and one woman, and web pages that will connect you with another married person so you can commit adultery anonymously for a fee and the murder of unborn babies still hovering around a million and a half a year. Is our land sick? Without an infusion of the blood of Jesus Christ we are terminal.

The prescription starts with his people. The people of the world have no chance of healing the bleeding. Certainly the politicians are powerless to make the change because the change that’s needed is the change of the individual heart. So it starts with His people humbling themselves to pray. Why humility is so important is because pride keeps us from praying. As long as we think we can pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps we will never really get on our knees. Notice that forgiveness is so connected to the healing of our land. In a world that doesn’t even see sin as sin how is that going to happen? The answer is the Holy Spirit convicting the world of sin as a response to the repentance of God’s people repenting. It must start with us and when most of us take the remedy God will heal the land.

Pastor Rick

Isaiah 4-5; Psalm 115;Jude

"But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases," 
Psalm 115:3

I have been meditating on this verse for over a week.  I was super excited when I noticed it was part of our reading today.  I shared this verse last week with the kids at kids camp.  This verse tells us that God does what pleases Him.  That means that when he created you just the way you are, it brought him pleasure.  Have you ever asked God, why did you make me with this body?  Or, why would God create planets with nothing on them?  Well the answer is found in Psalm 115, it brings God pleasure.  The black dot in the center of my nose that really irritates me brings the Lord pleasure.  All you people who feel like you have to much hair or, not enough.  Your hairiness or lack of hair brings God pleasure.  Everything about you God loves.  Your personality, gifts, talents, or even lack of gifts and talents brings pleasure to the Lord.  You can't  pick up a magazine or watch television about hearing how something about you needs to change.  Today the Lord is reminding you that when he created you it was good and it brought him pleasure.  Be confident in the body and mind the Lord created you with.  He created you for a purpose and when you function as he designed you I am confident you will find pleasure as well.  Don't beleive the lies that you need to do this or do that, and then you'll be confident in who are.  Be confident that the Lord doesn't create mistakes and that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.  You have been created by the creator of the universe and you bring pleasure to Him.  Instead of complaining about how you look or what you lack, rejoice that you reflect the glory of the Lord.  You're a creation of a master crafstman, a one of a kind, priceless and worth the sacrifice of God's only Son

Bringing him pleasure,

Pastor Joe

Isaiah 1-3; Titus 3

As we read through Titus 3 we recognize there is definitely a calling on our lives that becomes very evident once we invite Jesus into our hearts and truly decide to live for Him. “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” (Titus 3, 1-3)

At one time we too were foolish, defiant, deceived and confined by our flesh. But when the compassion and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we have done, but because of His grace and mercy. So, now as Christians we need to recognize our inheritance is no longer here. We need to learn to walk submissive and ready to do good, even when others are violent and unjust towards us. While it is a difficult lesson for us because violence and injustice stir up the heart, try to remember that the injustice others are doing is sin, and that we also were formerly its slaves. Remember, grace alone has saved us, and according to that grace we should also show that towards others.

I once heard a great quote that reminds me of the difference of our lives BC (before Christ) and now WC (With Christ)…
“If the Lord awakens the conscience, we shall feel even the smallest sin heavy upon our souls.”
                                                          Author – Unknown


Be blessed and have a great day my friends,
Pastor Jason



Next Reading: Isaiah 4-5; Psalms 115; Jude