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

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

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