Is Jesus The Lord of Your Life?
by Pastor John Jester
Is Jesus truly "Lord" of all areas of your life, including your time, talents, and treasures (your money and possessions), and all the time?
If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all!
Our Watsonville Christian Church mission is "To teach everyone to live unconditionally surrendered to Jesus Christ".
For many Jesus may have been accepted as their Savior, they being thankful He died for them on the cross, but they may not have ever fully surrendered their wills and lives to Him, accepting Him as Lord. According to scripture, He is both; 2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (Also 2 Peter 1:11, 2:20, and 3:2).
The fact that we are not only to accept Jesus as Savior, but also as Lord, is made clear in Romans 10:9 "...if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Although many may have a hard time accepting we are saved by grace and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9), we humans may have an even harder time surrendering our lives to Jesus, and truly accepting Him as Lord over all areas of our lives, and at all times. Only by Jesus help can we ever accomplish this, but as Paul said in Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
This point is further made by reviewing Matthew 7:21-23:
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
This passage shows that obeying Christ proves whether He is truly the Lord of our lives, rather than merely saying He is.
We encourage you, if you have not already done so, to make Jesus the Lord of your life. Give Him complete control and look to Him to direct you in every area of your life, and at all times! Then you will have the very best for your life! You must repent, and become Christ-centered, rather than self-centered; doing what He wants for you, rather than what you would like or think is best.
After repenting, be baptized, burying the old self, and then come up out of the watery grave as a new person. He will give you His Holy Spirit to help you in following Him! Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
This will be the best decision you can ever make! God bless you, as you follow Him in every area of your life, and at all times!
Want to Become a Real Christian?
Here's how...
1) ACCEPT JESUS AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR. PUT HIM FIRST, NOT YOURSELF, OR ANYONE ELSE. A "DISCIPLE" IS A
"CHRISTIAN". HERE ARE HELPFUL SCRIPTURES:
Acts 11:26b The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Matthew 10:37-38 "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or
daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross
and follow me.
Mark 8:34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny
himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily
and follow me.
Luke 14:26-27 "Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his own father, mother, wife,
children, brothers, or sisters-- yes, more than his own life-- otherwise he cannot be my disciple. And no one can be my
disciple who does not carry his own cross and follow me. (TLB)
2) REPENT, WHICH MEANS "CHANGE". CHANGE FROM PUTTING YOURSELF OR ANYONE ELSE FIRST AND PUT JESUS FIRST.
OBEY HIM. BEFORE WE BAPTIZE ANYONE WE'RE TO LOOK FOR EVIDENCE THAT JESUS IS FIRST AND THAT THEY ARE FOLLOWING
AND DESIRING TO OBEY HIM. HERE ARE HELPFUL SCRIPTURES ABOUT REPENTANCE--CHANGING FROM LIVING YOUR OWN WAY TO
WANTING TO LIVE HIS WAY:
Matthew 3:8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
Luke 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Luke 24:46-47 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,
and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Acts 20:21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord
Jesus.
Acts 26:20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached
that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.
Romans 2:4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's
kindness leads you toward repentance?
2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings
death.
2 Timothy 2:25-26 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading
them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has
taken them captive to do his will.
Hebrews 6:1-2 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the
foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on
of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgement.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting
anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Revelation 3:14-19 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and
true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either
one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-- neither hot nor cold-- I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched,
pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and
white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.
3) AFTER COUNSELING, IF IT IS AGREED YOU ARE READY, BE BAPTIZED. HERE IS INFORMATION ABOUT BAPTISM:
BAPTISM OVERVIEW
Here are some of the instructions I'm given as Pastor:
Baptism is a ritual that symbolizes for Christians the death and burial of the former, unbelieving self and its rising up
out of the watery grave to new life in Christ. Peter preached, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you,
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit"
(Acts 2:38).
When a person has received the gift of faith in Jesus, that person usually will seek to be baptized. When a pastor
is approached by a believer seeking baptism, he should review the meaning of baptism with the individual and help the
believer prepare for the ceremony. Pastors should ensure that 1) the person is repentant, acknowledging that he or
she is a sinner in need of God's mercy and 2) accepts Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior and Lord.
After the believer is baptized, the pastor should offer him or her continuing discipleship training so that the new
Christian may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior.
MINIMUM AGE FOR BAPTISM
Scripture does not set forth adult maturity as a criterion for baptism. Apparently, Daniel, David and Samuel were
among those God called into his service while they were still in their teen years. Polycarp, the disciple of John,
was apparently baptized before he was a teen.
Therefore, the church sets no minimum age for baptism, leaving the decision to the discretion of the child, parents and
minister.
Baptism of a young person is a decision that needs to be made with the involvement of the minister, the parents and the
young person. A young person requesting baptism should not be baptized if the parents object to it. However, if
the parents are approving of the baptism and the minister feels the child has come to faith in Christ, the baptism may be
performed.
BAPTISM GUIDELINES
Advise the individual(s) to wear appropriate clothing which they do not mind getting wet. Men and women usually
find shirts and some sort of pants or swimsuit convenient. Dresses or skirts are sometimes difficult to keep
submerged. Remind the person that some kinds of clothing become transparent when wet and should therefore be
avoided.
BAPTISM CEREMONY
The ceremony should begin with prayer, asking God's blessing on this joyous occasion.
Conclude the ceremony with laying on of hands and prayer for the Holy Spirit to walk with and lead the person.
During our Sunday services we studied the book of Joshua from the Holy Bible. Of the many lessons within this wonderful book is one lesson which stands out to me. It is found in Joshua 9. The heading of this chapter is captioned "The Gibeonite Deception".
This chapter answers the question as to whether a follower of God can be deceived. And the answer is yes, we can! What we find here is Joshua and the Israelites relying on what they were being told, what they saw, and even by what they tasted, to determine what decision to make. What Joshua, and the Israelites, failed to do, however, is found in the latter part of verse fourteen. We find that they made a bad decision and were deceived because they "did not inquire of the LORD."!
They didn't ASK God!
This is a major lesson for each of us! We need to always ask our Lord for guidance, and talk to Him, before making decisions! Of course, we then need to listen to His answer(s)! And then, obey, and follow Him!
He might guide us to read literature or seek out someone or others for direction, or He might simply provide the answer directly to us. If we are led by Him to gather information we then need to go back to Him with it and ask for His direction and guidance before making a final decision.
Our great and wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ wants the very best for us, the full and abundant life, as He states in John 10:10b: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
To have the full and abundant life we must remember to always "inquire of the LORD" before making decisions! He always has the very best answers! We can then avoid being deceived, and making the wrong decisions! - Pastor John
I heard of an individual that came to a pastor for counseling. The pastor asked, "Have you prayed about this?", and the person replied, "No". There's a saying, "First to the throne, and then to the phone". Sometimes we might not even need to go "to the phone" if we have asked our Lord about a particular issue, and then listened for His answer, and obeyed what He said.
I know of a couple of church meetings that never opened in prayer to ask for His guidance. Of course, then too, we need to listen, and, obey what He tells us.
A church leader once gathered people together to discuss an issue and one participant exclaimed "We don't need to pray about this!". How sad! He reflected often on this person's life and wondered how many things in their life they had not prayed about, or perhaps not prayed enough about. Sad indeed! Should there be any area of our life we leave our Lord out of? None!
A beautiful scripture is Matthew 11:28-30, in which Jesus tells us to "learn from me". If we spend enough time with our Lord and intently surrender and listen He might directly lay upon our heart and mind the answer to what we are dealing with. If He does, it will never conflict with scripture; an excellent reason to know God's Word, the Holy Bible.
Matthew 7:7-8 tells us to ask, seek, and knock, progressively aggressive terms, with seeking being more aggressive than asking, and knocking more aggressive than seeking. We need to be aggressive and diligent in wanting to know our Lord's will!
John 10:27 tells us our Lord's sheep listen to His voice, and follow Him. We need to ask, take time to listen intently to what our Lord tells us, and then, with His help, obey.
Jesus modeled for each of us that prayer must be a priority in our lives. It is a must, not an option. We must also learn to listen to Him, discerning His "voice"/His impression upon our hearts and minds. Mark 1:35-37 states: Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" Today cell phones, television, books, radio, CDs, the garden, work, etc., are "looking for you!" There can be distractions galore!
Jesus also modeled spending extra time in prayer, praying in detail, and listening, before making big decisions. Jesus "spent the night praying to God" before choosing the apostles. Luke 6:12-13: One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.
Proverbs 3:7a tells us "Do not be wise in your own eyes." Don't assume; ask! Listen! And, obey!
We each have 168 hours per week. We need to make praying, listening, and obeying our great Lord our priority! And if anyone should ask you "Is Anyone Talking to God?" you can truthfully say, "Yes! I am!". - Pastor John
Ever think that not praying for someone or something could be a sin? It can be. It would be what we call a sin of “omission,” something we're omitting that we should be doing. There are also of course sins of “commission,” doing something we shouldn't be doing.
In 1 Samuel 12:23, God's servant Samuel speaks about failing to pray and calls it a sin. “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you.”
We can't pray about everything or everyone. God knows we have limits and He is never unreasonable. God does however prompt our hearts and lays things on them when we're surrendered to Him that He wants us to pray about. We need to listen to our Lord and pray to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and respond accordingly.
Sometimes we fail to pray because we assume we already have the correct answer to something. We become “self wise.” The Bible cautions us not to be “wise in our own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7)
God tells us in 2 Corinthians 3:16 that “…whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” When we come to God, seek the correct answers, and listen to Him, He will remove the veil from our hearts and understanding.
There can be many times in our lives that spontaneously we will agree or disagree with something or someone. It could be a doctrinal issue, administrative, or something entirely different. The wisest thing we can do is to ask our great God (Matthew 7:7-8), then listen for His answer (John 10:27), and follow in obedience.
So, don't commit the sin of failing to pray. Our great Lord will be pleased and we will be rewarded for our obedience. - Pastor John
Ever have a bright idea? If so, you've got company. King David had a bright idea. His bright idea though came from the devil. Perhaps yours has too. We read about David's in 1 Chronicles 21 verse 1: Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.
The devil put the thought in David's head to take a census of Israel. David, however, did not ask God if this is what He wanted. David should have asked God, listened to His answer, and then obeyed. Even Joab his pagan commander in chief encouraged David not to take a census (verse 3). This should have been a warning sign, and David again should have prayed and asked God if this is what He wanted.
David sinned. He committed the sin of "omission"; not praying, and asking God (1 Samuel 12:23 "...far be it from me that I should sin by failing to pray..."). First, David didn't ask God before proceeding, and then he didn't ask God when it was suggested that it wasn't a good idea.
David then committed another sin by proceeding to take the census. He then states in verse 8: "I have sinned greatly by doing this...I have done a very foolish thing." What was the result of David's sins? Pain. A lot of pain. Pain inflicted to the extent that 70,000 men died (verse 14). His sins made many widows and orphans.
Whenever an idea from the devil is carried out there are always bad results, and many people can be hurt.
Any time we have a "bright" idea, we need to make certain to spend plenty of time asking our Lord if it's from Him. Ideally, pray over periods of time, continually asking, seeking, and knocking (Matthew 7:7-8), desiring His will above our own, or anyone else's. We need to learn to listen for His answer (John 10:27). We then need to obey.
The lesson? Some "bright" ideas are from a being who can disguise himself as a "light bringer", the devil (2 Corinthians 11:14). Ask God if the idea is from Him. Then listen for His answer, and obey. Our Lord's ideas are better than "bright". They're perfect! - Pastor John
Here are lessons from Jesus prayer life that if applied will help us have an exciting, and effective prayer life!
Remember: To be like Jesus, pray like Jesus!
Mark 1:35-37 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" Lessons: Put prayer first! It is a necessity! Have one-on-one time with God. Even with a busy schedule and people wanting a piece of Him and His time, Jesus put praying first on His list of priorities. We must do the same if we want to be all we can be, fulfill our spiritual potential, and God's plan for our lives!
Mark 6:45-47 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. Lessons: Sometimes we may need to get away from people to be able to pray, and be alone with God. Away time can be pray time. Walk time can be talk to God time. Being out of doors and seeing His creation might also help us in our prayer lives.
Luke 5:15-16 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Lessons: We must find time and a place to pray to God alone. Praying to God is a necessity, and the source of the power and guidance we all need!
Luke 6:12-16 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. Lessons: When major decisions need to be made, spend more time in prayer. Start praying early in the decision making process. Be thorough. Ask God questions. Be quiet at other times and learn to listen to Him! Then, with His help, obey!
Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Lessons: If we have a bad habit or addiction to put out of our lives, a good habit or character quality to put in, or something we rightly desire, unless our Lord tells us otherwise, never stop praying for it!
Matthew 26:42-44 He {Jesus} went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Lessons: We must always pray for the will of God rather than our own! We must be alert and not fall asleep spiritually. We can pray about the same thing many times, with heartfelt prayers, pouring our hearts out to our great God!
Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Lessons: Put our hearts into our prayers! He hears, and will answer in His way, and time! Realize we will always be heard if we have a heart and mind that is surrendered to God's will!
If we apply these lessons, and Pray Like Jesus!, we will have a wonderful prayer life, an enjoyable time with our Maker, and will make the very best decisions! So remember: To be like Jesus, pray like Jesus! - Pastor John
"The Center of God's Will"
The following six points were part of a sermon given at Watsonville Christian Church. The scriptures below them will help each of us get, and stay, in the Center of God's Will, when they are applied!
Prayerful Steps to be in the Center of God's Will
1) Come to God with your will surrendered
2) Ask God for guidance
3) Ask God if He has a preference
4) Ask God to open and close doors
5) Ask God to make things 100% clear
6) Wait on the Lord
Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
Matthew 7:7-8
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
John 10:27
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.Return to top
Don't Be a LAZYdicean!
Okay, you might ask, "What is a LAZYdicean?" It's a slight change from the wording you find in Revelation 3:14-22 about the Laodiceans. You see, these people were not on fire for the Lord. They were downright L-A-Z-Y! Spiritually lazy! In the scripture they're called lukewarm, a temperature our Lord does not like! The New King James Version states being lukewarm will cause our Lord to "vomit" them out of His mouth! Doesn't sound too pleasant does it? Let's read it:
Revelation 3:15-16 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."
Sadly, sometimes the term "laid back" really might mean "lazy".
Rather, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and be a FILLadelphian! Yes, this too is a variation, from Philadelphian. We can read about these people in Revelation 3:7-13. Our Lord only says good things about them. We need to strive to so please our Lord that He would only say good things about us. How can we be a FILLadephian?
Here are some ways to help:
On our weekly Spiritual Growth Bulletin which we give to everyone each Sunday we have the following write-ups (you can see a sample by clicking here: Spiritual Growth Bulletin):
Grow to be Christ-like! Correctly apply Spiritual Disciplines and become all we can be! 1) Pray 2) Listen 3) Study 4) Fast 5) Meditate
6) Fellowship 7) Serve 8) Give 9) Solitude 10) Worship 11) Balance 12) Simplify 13) Sacrifice 14) Obey.
Crucify the Seven Deadly Sins! 1) Ego 2) Envy 3) Anger 4) Laziness 5) Greed 6) Gluttony 7) Lust.
Feed Ourselves Spiritually Each Day!
Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17), listen to our Lord, and follow Him (John 10:27). Pray for discernment and the Lord's guidance before you study. Get informed so you can be transformed into Christ-likeness (Romans 12:1-2). We need to be renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). Knowledge alone puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1); it must be applied (Matthew 4:4). Get into God's Word and get God's Word into you! The main things are the plain things and the plain things are the main things. Major in the majors; minor in the minors. Keep the main thing (Jesus as our Lord and Savior) the main thing. Dallas Willard: "It's easier to debate the Bible than it is to submit to it".
So, don't be a LAZYdicean, be a FILLadephian! - Pastor John
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Depressed?
If you are, you have plenty of company! The Word of God has great examples of His servants that had bouts of depression. The good news? HE got each of them out of the pit! He can get you out too!
Let's look at these servants:
Moses:
Numbers 11:11-15
11 He asked the LORD, "Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me?
12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers?
13 Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, 'Give us meat to eat!'
14 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.
15 If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now-- if I have found favor in your eyes-- and do not let me face my own ruin."
Elijah:
I Kings 19:3-4
3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,
4 while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."
Job:
Job 3:1-4, 11, 16
1 After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth.
2 He said:
3 "May the day of my birth perish, and the night it was said, 'A boy is born!'
4 That day-- may it turn to darkness; may God above not care about it; may no light shine upon it.
11 "Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?
16 Or why was I not hidden in the ground like a stillborn child, like an infant who never saw the light of day?
Jeremiah:
Jeremiah 20:14-18
14 Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me not be blessed!
15 Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, who made him very glad, saying, "A child is born to you-- a son!"
16 May that man be like the towns the LORD overthrew without pity. May he hear wailing in the morning, a battle cry at noon.
17 For he did not kill me in the womb, with my mother as my grave, her womb enlarged forever.
18 Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?
Lessons we can learn:
Talk to God! Respectfully, of course, but express how you feel. Ask for His help. Learn to listen, then follow.
He can not only get you out of the pit of depression but help you become a great servant for Him.
Each of these servants of God went on to live a productive life for our Lord. God does not show favoritism (Romans 2:11). What He did for them in picking them up He can do for you.
Ask (Matthew 7:7-8) our Great God to 1) strengthen, 2) inspire, and 3) encourage you, and He will! - Pastor John
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On Empty?
Get G.A.S.ed-Up at The Holy Pump!
Ever run out of gas? And yes, we do mean from your car! Even more importantly, have you ever run out of gas spiritually? Have you ever felt you were on empty, or close to it? This is far worse than having your car run out of gas!
God's faithful prophet Elijah ran out of gas, went to empty, but got a mighty re-fill! Here's how you can do the same:
First, let's read his story:
1 Kings 19:4b-8, 11-13a
He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, "Get up and eat." He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Examining these verses we can learn things we can do to get re-filled with G.A.S. (God's Almighty Spirit) at The Holy Pump:
1) Talk to God: let Him know how you feel ("I have had enough, Lord": "Take my life")
2) Catch-up on lost sleep ("he lay down under the tree and fell asleep")
3) Don't over-sleep ("Get up...")
4) Eat and drink healthy, nourishing food and drink in the right amounts ("He ate and drank")
5) Spend time with God (Elijah fasted 40 days; he spent time with God)
6) Exercise (Elijah "traveled" from where he was to "the mountain of God"; we too need to go to God)
7) Get outside and be inspired by His creation (from where he was to Mt. Horeb was out-of-doors)
When we do these things, as Elijah did, we can be re-filled with G.A.S. (God's Almighty Spirit), and even recognize the Lord's "voice" as Elijah did! It only took "a gentle whisper".
So, if you're on empty, or close to it, apply these points, and get G.A.S.ed-Up at The Holy Pump! - Pastor John
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Need Money?
These are difficult financial times for many people. By the time you read this you may be wondering where to get the money to pay your taxes, everyday expenses like food and shelter, and other bills.
One of the Bible stories I find very helpful and encouraging when it comes to having sufficient money to pay our bills is found in Matthew 17:24-27:
After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?" "Yes, he does," he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes--from their own sons or from others?" "From others," Peter answered. "Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."
Let's look at these verses a bit more closely and see how they apply to you and me today.
One, it tells us that Jesus paid the temple tax. We're also told in Romans 13:7 that we should pay our taxes to the authorities we live under.
We also see an example of doing something so others are not offended.
We further see that very possibly Peter, and perhaps Jesus too, did not have the money to pay the tax. But Jesus, our Lord and Savior, is also our Provider. He isn't broke! He can direct each of us to the solution to every problem, including not having enough money to pay a tax, or any bill!
We learn from these verses that we can always go to our great Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for any need (Philippians 4:19). Jesus has all the answers.
We additionally learn that we must listen to Him. And then, obey Him (John 10:27)! Jesus is still there for each of us! He is still working miracles. He has not, nor will He, run out of miracles (Ephesians 3:20).
I also find it interesting what Jesus did not tell Peter: He didn't tell him specifically what part of the lake to go to, nor what exact time of day or night to do so. Merely, go fishing, and the first fish you catch open it's mouth, and you'll find the coin!
We also notice the coin was the exact amount needed; no more, no less. Jesus can still provide for all of our needs, not necessarily our greeds (Philippians 4:19).
So take heart! We can, and should, always look to our great and wonderful Lord, Savior, and Provider, Jesus, for our every need. We need to then listen, obey, and follow where He leads (John 10:27). - Pastor JohnReturn to top
Do Animals Go To Heaven?
"Pastor, do animals go to heaven?" I've been asked that question a number of times. It has been asked by those who have animals they have truly loved, and considered part of their family.
I've been asked by one of our members if I would anoint their dog for healing, and I said "Yes!", and did. In fact, I anointed their beloved Wanda a couple of times. She too was a beloved animal of their household, and of others, like myself, who knew her.
We went through the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible over a period of weeks during our Sunday worship services. Solomon, who was inspired by God to write the book, may have also wondered about the future of animals. Here is what he wrote:
Ecclesiastes 3:21 Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?
Solomon realized though that the spirit of man returns to God as he later writes in Ecclesiastes 12:7b: the spirit returns to God who gave it.
What happens though to "the spirit of the animal" he refers to in Ecclesiastes 3:21 above?
One of the most humorous and amazing stories about animals we'll read in the Bible is of God opening the mouth of a donkey so she could speak. Besides the serpent in the Garden of Eden, did animals at one time talk in our own languages? Here is the scripture about Balaam's donkey:
Numbers 22:28a & b: Then the LORD opened the donkey's mouth, and she said to Balaam...
Although we don't know for certain if animals will be in heaven, one thing we do know: there's plenty of room for them. And why wouldn't we be able to again enjoy our beloved animals, and they enjoy us? I expect them to be there, anxiously waiting and looking for us. Perhaps we'll speak with them as well, and our relationship with them then will be even greater than it was here on earth. Maybe they'll tell us how much they appreciated us taking care of them when they were on earth, and being part of our families. I expect it to be an awesome time. We have a lot to look forward to. After all, the place is called Heaven! - Pastor John
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
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God Has a Positive Answer (click on a verse) YOU SAY GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES You say: "It's impossible" God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27) You say: "I'm too tired" God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30) You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: I love you (John 3:16) (John 3:34) You say: "I can't go on" God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9) (Psalm 91:15) You say: "I can't figure things out" God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6) You say: "I can't do it" God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13) You say: "I'm not able" God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8) You say: "It's not worth it" God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28) You say: "I can't forgive myself" God says: I forgive you (I John 1:9) & (Romans 8:1) You say: "I can't manage" God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19) You say: "I'm afraid" God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7) You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7) You say: "I'm not smart enough" God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30) You say: "I feel all alone" God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
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Helpful Words From God
(Click on the verse)
You are sad John 14
You have sinned Psalm 51
You are facing danger Psalm 91
People have failed you Psalm 27
It feels as though God is far from you Psalm 139
You need examples of faith Hebrews 11
You are alone and scared Psalm 23
You are worried Matthew 8:19-34
You are hurt or critical 1 Corinthians 13
You wonder about Christianity 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
You feel like an outcast Romans 8:31-39
You are seeking peace Matthew 11:25-30
It feels as if the world is bigger than God Psalm 90
You want a victorious life Romans 8:1-30
You are leaving home for a trip Psalm 121
You are praying for yourself Psalm 87
You require courage for a task Joshua 1
Inflation and investments are hogging your thoughts Mark 10:17-31
You are depressed Psalm 27
Your bank account is empty Psalm 37
You lose faith in mankind 1 Corinthians 13
It looks like people are unfriendly John 15
You are losing hope Psalm 126
You feel the world is small compared to you Psalm 19
You want to bear fruit John 15
Paul's secret for happiness Colossians 3:12-17
You have a big opportunity/discovery Isaiah 55
To get along with other people Romans 12
For dealing with fear Psalm 47
For security Psalm 121:3
For assurance Mark 8:35
For reassurance Psalm 145:18
FEED Your Faith, and Starve Your Doubt!Return to top
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