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"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
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
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
“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
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
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
"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
Monday, July 19, 2010
"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
“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
Sunday, July 18, 2010
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;
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;
Saturday, July 17, 2010
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
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
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