The Gift, Part 4
Shared by Margie Johnson

To love the Lord with all your mind,
With all your heart and soul;
To live for Him, is great reward,
And to serve Him…your pleasure and goal.
 
Please know that His love is so real and so great;
It is yours, if you want it…or not.
But only the one who follows His Son,
Is forgiven of every blot.
 
My prayer is that this Christmas you’ll see…
Far greater than all you can gain for a fee,
Is the gift that’s not under the tree!
 
John 1:14
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Daily Devotional  The Gift, Part 3 Shared by Margie Johnson It’s the gift of life God offers to man Through His Only Begotten Son; It’s not mine to give ~ only mine to share, And it’s offered to everyone. In order to receive and call it your own, You must first think, once or twice… The gift is free; it’s through Jesus given, Because He paid the price. So before I go, I must let you know Though you can’t earn God’s gift of life; It will still cost you dearly; giving up your own will, To deny self…is your sacrifice. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Daily Devotional 
The Gift, Part 2
Shared by Margie Johnson

If only once-a-year, or two,
Or maybe once-a-week,
We acknowledge that Jesus Christ the Lord
Is real, but for whom we’ve no need…
 
Then we’ll not understand God’s salvation plan,
To bring us under His wings.
We’ll still be a slave, to sin and the grave…
And death will still have its sting.
 
God never intended we simply agree
That Jesus is kind and good.
It’s flowers God seeks and call to Himself;
Those whose heart find His Word to be true.
 
Isaiah 9:6-7
6 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. 
7 Of the greatness 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.

The Gift, Part 1

Shared by Margie Johnson

Is there room in your heart for the gift from above?

For the gift that’s not under the tree;

The only one that won’t wear out;

The only gift precious…yet free!

The child born of a virgin 2,000 years ago,

Was not created by God above,

But was sent down to earth to save all mankind;

He was sent from the Father, with love.

It was for us He came; his enemies…

Due to our disobedient ways.

It was for us He came to pay the price

To bring us to His heavenly place.

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Daily Devotional -  by Faith Peay
 
    One of the bible stories that has always intrigued me was the story of Enoch walking with God in Genesis 5:22-24.  “Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years……and he was not, for God took him.”  Hebrews 11:5 tells us that Enoch had “obtained the witness, he was pleasing to God.”

     I mean seriously, Enoch walked with God 300 years.  Every day, Enoch arose and sought the Lord, walking faithfully with the Almighty.  Eventually, Enoch became so pleasing to God that, without passing through death, he was taken home to be with the Lord.  I try to wrap my head around that.  I wonder what they talked about for three hundred years.  I would like to have one day like that, let alone three hundred years.  Sometimes we forget, or I do, to just walk with God, and carry on a conversation without asking for things or to just to be in His presence being enough.  The trouble is, the troubles of the world crowd around us and we get nervous and frightened about what lies ahead. 

     Whatever may happen in the future, the God of the future is walking with us today.  And while we may not be able to see into tomorrow, our faithfulness to Christ today is our best security for whatever lies ahead.

     As the first person raptured by Christ, Enoch sets the standard for all whom Jesus will one day gather to Himself.  Simply and passionately walk with God.
 
Your friend in Christ
Faith

"Iniquities" 
 
Psalm 130:3 "If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O LORD, who could stand?"

I am often grateful for Grace. (Getting what l don't deserve.) An acronym for G.R.A.C.E. is "God's Riches At Christ's Expense". If God responded without grace and mercy to our iniquities, there would only be scorch marks left where we were once standing or sitting. Definition of iniquity: guilt worthy of punishment, sin at its worst, premeditated, continuing and escalating sin. Awful definition huh? I am capable and culpable of such sin. Whether in word, thought or deed, l am aware of where l have been and where l can go. I am so grateful that His forgiveness washes me clean. I am so glad that Christ's sacrifice on the cross settles my debt. Wipes my slate clean and evens out my score. His victory overcomes my defeat. Otherwise, l could not stand before Him, nobody could. I am free of guilt and shame today. His grace is sufficient. Because of Him, l am snatching victory from the jaws of certain defeat.

Praise God!
Pastor Fred 

"According to Scripture" 
By Greg Metcalf

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (Acts 1:13-14)

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (Acts 2:1)

Accord-homothymadon (G3661) 

Vines Expository-with one mind, with one accord, with one passion
A unique Greek word, used 10 of its 12 New Testament occurrences in the Book of Acts, helps us understand the uniqueness of the Christian community. Homothumadon is a compound of two words meaning to "rush along" and "in unison". The image is almost musical; a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonize in pitch and tone. As the instruments of a great concert under the direction of a concert master, so the Holy Spirit blends together the lives of members of Christ's church.
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Phil 2:1-2)

Accord-sympsychos (G4861)

Vines Expository-of one mind, of one accord
This word is made up of two words syn (together with) and psychos (soul, self, inner life, or the seat of the feelings, desires, affections). So the word refers to being 'united in spirit' or harmonious (BDAG). Paul desired the Philippians to be united in their affections—one in Christ in all desires! Phil 2:2 is the only occurrence of this word in the NT.

"Comfort, Comforts, Comforted" 

2 Cor.1:3-4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Indeed, what a blessing it is to be comforted by God, who is the ultimate source of every true act of comfort. The Greek word for "comfort" is related to the familiar word Paraclete, "one who comes alongside to help", another name for the Holy Spirit. Comfort often connotes softness and ease, but that is not the meaning here. Paul is saying that God came to him in the middle of his sufferings and troubles to strengthen him and give him courage and boldness. We are not only blessed to be a blessing. We are comforted to be comforter. I hope this comforts you, to know He is emboldening you to comfort others.

With His grace,
Pastor Fred 

 "Too Important?" 

"If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important."
Galatians 6:3 

Sometimes the Word of God is very clear. The context of this is Paul exhorting believers when they see other believers straying or getting into bad habits to "gently and humbly" help them back into His will. He warns them not to dwell on sin or get caught up in it. The focus is on the move back not on the straying. And he reminds us to keep on the ministry we are called to, help others but not dwell in their business or compare ourselves to others. Our standard is Christ, not others in the church.

And remember we are not too important or above sharing each other's burdens and lending a helping hand.

Feeling humbled,
Angie Wahl

"Persuaded"  Acts 16:13-15 "On the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made, and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us saying, "lf you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." So she persuaded us." Let me list a few insights to give some deeper understanding to this passage and to better illustrate lessons from it. 1. The Sabbath is Saturday 2. We is Paul, Timothy, and Silas 3. The city is Philippi 4. Women's prayer meeting 5. Lydia is a prominent businesswoman. 6. Lydia desired the truth. 7. Paul shares the gospel truth. 8. Lydia believed, received and was baptized along with her household. 9. Lydia passionately desires to be hospitable and have more fellowship. 10. Paul, Timothy, and Silas accept her hospitality. Lessons today...Be hospitable and accept hospitality. Desire more truth. Share the truth wherever you go. Allow yourself to be persuaded when the Spirit is leading. God makes good stuff happen when we go with His flow. Don't miss that. What opportunities will God give you today?      In His Service with you, Pastor Fred

"Psalm 146" 

The Word of God is just good to read without commentary. After all, it is The Word of God. Here is an example.

Psalm 146 "Praise the LORD O my soul. While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.  Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth, and that very day his plans perish. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them, Who keeps truth forever, Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow;  But the way of the wicked he turns upside down. The LORD shall reign forever, Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!

In His Word, 
Pastor Fred 

"Generations" 

Lamentations 5:19 "You O LORD remain forever; Your throne from generation to generation."

Nothing else remains. Only God has no beginning or end. Everything else is transitory. Can you imagine though? He, eternal God, has invited us to join Him in eternity. Amazing. What a gift! He has been on His throne from eternity past. He will remain on His throne forever. No one or anything will replace or supplant Him.

We must pass this truth from generation to generation. Only The LORD is on His throne, Only He will remain. Tell someone. Particularly someone in the next generation. The LORD and His throne have always been and are forever. That should affect your choices today. Make an eternal difference with your choices. The next generation needs to know this truth. The consequences of knowing and not knowing are eternal. Share today.

With His blessings,
Pastor Fred 

"Great, Greatly, Greatness" 

Psalm 145:3 "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable."

Great is one of those words that is greatly overused. The greatness of the word great is greatly overstated. We use it to describe anything and everything that is above average. We use the word sometimes when we roll our eyes and say it facetiously. But, when using it to describe the LORD it is a great word. God is greater than our poor usage of words.

When praising the Lord, calling Him great is great, but move on from there... say more. Describe His greatness. How is He great to you? Try amazing, awesome, phenomenal, glorious, perfect.. Just to name a few great words that also mean great. Read this verse again and mean it, as overused as the word is, of God it is so true.

Great is our God!
Pastor Fred 

"My Identity In Christ" 

You are God’s masterpiece. (Ephesians 2:10)
The dictionary defines a masterpiece as “a person’s greatest work of art,” or a “consummate example of skill or excellence.” Now, when God’s Word describes you as His masterpiece, what comes into your mind? Do you accept His assessment, or do you think, Well, He must be talking about someone else…if He really knew me, He wouldn’t think that! (From Joyce Meyers)

I have always struggled with the idea of not being enough, not being good enough, not being worthy or not being the person I should be, not trying my hardest or just not doing my best and I have come to realize in the last couple months these thoughts are not of the Lord. I have come to desire a more personal relationship with My Lord. I have begun (slowly) to understand He has a great plan for me, that He whats me to live for Him.

So now what do I do with this new information, these new feelings, and desires? I’ll tell you, I read his Word, His Truth and I let go of the internal Judgement, I let go of the doubts and I have faith, I believe and I cry out. I seek counsel and the support of friends and family. I talk and listen to Him... Now I know I've been on this journey before and I know I can sound like a “broken record” but for the first time I'm ok with that because I know, without a doubt He’s not done with me yet!!! My Lord will find me in the darkest shadows He will pull me (drag me) from the deepest ocean and He will continue His great works in me and through me... As long as I do my Part in Him The Lord My God, My Jesus will lead the way...

I Just wanted to share and maybe reach just one person to say “You Are Enough, You do Matter and You are His Masterpiece” You just have to stop Listening to the lies and have Faith that He is and will Forever be The Truth, The Way, and The Light...

Thank you, 
Regina Eggen

"Friends In Christ" 

Romans 16:12-15 "Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philogus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints that are with them." 

Between the calls, emails, cards, texts, social media and personal contact over this weekend, I have been in touch and been touched by hundreds of people. Real folks with real names and real lives who share real memories with me. Some current, some from decades ago, some for all my life. Almost all are brothers and sisters in Christ. Many with whom l have shared ministry and mission with for years.

Like this passage of Scripture, real people with real names. Almost all of these names in Romans, we know nothing more about. They are noted once or at most twice in the Bible. They too are our brothers and sisters in the Lord.  This connection is amazing to me. Billions of believers through the years, connected by Christ. Wow! What a thing to consider.

Blessed, grateful and awed.
Pastor Fred 

"My Prayer Today" 

Psalm 67:20 "Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, nor His lovingkindness toward me."

I prayed fervently regarding a number of matters early today. The content of my prayer is not as important as the fact that I know He heard me. He also did not turn my prayer away, He received it. He heard me. It was not a pretty prayer. But, His response was beautiful. He filled my heart with His lovingkindess toward me. Me, personally. By name. He has given me a peace that passes understanding. Even though l was upset in my prayer, He heard my cry, turned toward me and loved me kindly. For this l am grateful and praise Him. I am humbled, glad and blessed. Bless the Lord, praise His Name. He knows us, hears us and cares. May His grace abound in you today.

Pastor Fred 

"Follow Me" by Sarah Young

"Does God Change His Mind?"

Jonah 3:10 "Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way, and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it."

From our perspective, it certainly appears that God changed, but when we see God's response from His perspective, we find the consistency that we expect of Him in His Word. Here's how we can understand these seeming contradictions.

God's "change" is an accommodation. When God uses language such as, "I am sorry I have made man", He is doing it as an accommodation to us, stopping to communicate in the only terms we understand: the language of humans. 

God's change is an affirmation. God's repentance is not a change of His will, it is His willingness to allow us to change. While it is true that God knows everything in advance, it is a mistake to infer from this that He is incapable of emotion or reaction to his creatures. The scriptures show that He is a God who cares deeply for those made in His image, and He acts according to that love. 

God's change is an application. God's immutability does not mean He is immobile. He is consistently pursuing a righteous course, and thus He adapts His response to people's moral changes. God's unchanging holiness requires that His treatment of the wicked will differ from that of the righteous. When the righteous turn wicked or the wicked turn righteous the way He treats them must change. God must deal with each of us according to the way we are currently living and particularly according to the ways we change.

These notes from my study Bible gave me a lot of reasons to think deeper about God's immutability.

Hope it challenged you.
Pastor Fred 
 

HONOR GOD AND OUR VETS BY BEING “GOOD SOLDIERS” OF CHRIST The Word of God urges, as Christians, to follow the example set by our military veterans - to be “good soldiers”, fully dedicated to Christ and His Kingdom (2 Timothy 2:1-4) as they are to defending our country and our freedom. This Sunday, we will be honoring our U.S. military veterans - those, from among us, who became “soldiers”; taking a solemn oath to give up their personal freedom and pursuits for a season to fully dedicate themselves to defending our country (and their fellow citizens) from all enemies “foreign and domestic” - and, if necessary, even at the cost of their own bodies and lives. We often forget that when a “soldier” takes his/her oath of enlistment, they become (legally) the “property” of the U.S. Armed Forces - no longer free to pursue their own lives, liberties and freedom, but duty-bound to obey all lawful orders of their superior officers regardless of the costs or the risks, under (literally) penalty of imprisonment or death. In a very real sense, they subjugate their own safety, freedoms and lives to the higher calling of defending their country, homes, families and our constitutional democracy which is the bedrock foundation of all of our laws, liberties and fundamental rights and beliefs. Likewise, when we submit ourselves, and our eternal souls, to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we should recognize an even more sacred oath (commitment) to seek to devote our entire hearts, souls and lives to Him and to His commands, His purposes, His Word, His Kingdom, and His eternal plan for all of our lives for eternity. Paul made this simple analogy: “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”  2 Timothy 2:1-4 We are admonished as believers to “be strong in the Lord” [not in our own strength] and to put on “the whole armor of God” [see: Ephesians 6:14-18] for our battle is not one of flesh and blood but “...against the rulers, against the authorities, against the supernatural powers over this present darkness [the world], against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”  [Ephesians 6:11-13] - to present our very [earthly] bodies “...as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is just our reasonable service [worship]” to our Lord who paid for us with His body and His blood.  (Romans 12:1-2) While God gives each of us differing gifts, strengths, and purposes, the ultimate the goal never changes.  Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength and love each other [all other human beings] as Christ loved us and gave himself for us! [Mark 12:30-31] If we strive to live as “good soldiers” of Christ, He promises that He will never leave us or forsake us and will empower us with His mighty right hand to accomplish His purposes for our lives. [Isaiah 41:9-16] And if we actually try our best, we will then be able to say with the apostle Paul (on that last day): “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!” [2 Timothy 4:6-8].   I was a “good soldier” for Christ. We then will receive indescribable eternal rewards, as Jesus welcomes us back to our true home (in Heaven in His presence) saying, “Well done, my good and faith servant!”   God’s best blessings and our most sincere thanks and appreciation to all of our veterans (and their families) for your service to our country. John Adams

"Beyond Lip Service"
 

Hebrews 13:15-16 "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

There are two sacrifices mentioned here. The sacrifice of praise, our continuous thankfulness for His provision and blessings, glorifying Him for Who He is. Also mentioned is the sacrifice of service. That is, doing good and sharing, for that pleases Him.

Used to be that we called Sunday morning church events Worship Services. Nothing wrong about that in particular. Although, it seems to me that we worship Him and that the service part is more like a verb and not a noun, and it is what we do after we worship. Granted, many people serve on Sunday morning too. I get that, but we should worship Him and serve Him between Sundays too.

So, praise Him and serve Him. Mixing those two things together works too. Do not neglect either. Praise and service. Powerful combination.

In His Service and praising Him,
Pastor Fred 

"Saved"
 

Joel 2:32  "And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."

The Old Testament is full of some very colorful language about the depravity of humans and God's righteous judgment. It also contains lots of prophetic promises about our opportunity for deliverance from our disastrous choices. This verse follows promises of wonders being shown in the heavens and God's awesome power being manifested.

Salvation is available to all who call on the Name of the LORD. The Name that is above all names. There is no other Name by which humans can be saved. Everyone will bow to this Name. The Name is Jesus Christ our only LORD and Savior. Has this come to pass for you? Today is a good day to be saved. If you are not, call upon His Name. Repent, confess, be forgiven, choose salvation, put your trust in Him. Jesus, remember the name. Share it.

In Him,
Pastor Fred 

"Hearts and Treasures"
 

Matthew 6:21 "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"

What do you treasure? Your family, your time, your secrets, your aspirations, your faith, your memories? As I write these things down l am noticing which ones my heart is attracted to most. Kind of revealing. This is obviously not a comprehensive list. We treasure trivial things and precious things. Maybe we should think harder and longer about the question.

I must admit that l treasure my memories more than l would at first think. Now, ask me what my priorities or commitments or most important things are, l will give you right answers. And, they are true. But, l may treasure my memories too much. Even the ones that break my heart or bring me tears. Let the Word speak to you today. It may tell you something about yourself you need to know. I think l may need to focus more on making new memories. My heart says this is true. And... l do treasure the truth.

Lord, speak to my heart today. Father, l want to treasure you most. In my heart and with my life, after all you are at the core of my best memories.

In His Service,
Pastor Fred 

"How To Stop Contention"
 

Proverbs 17:14-15 "The beginning of strife is like releasing water, therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts. He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord."

It is always easiest or at least most prudent to stop before you start anything. Like water, once anything is set in motion, it is difficult to stop it or even to slow it down. If you mix water with dirt you get mud. Like gossip or mudslinging, a real mess. Both calling wrong right and right wrong are equally foolish. God is not mocked either way. Let us get control of our words, actions, and choices much sooner. Avoid quarrels, contention and thereby their consequences. If you look for trouble, it will find you. Do not feed a fire, do not start a flood. God is listening and hearing. He is watching and must bed consulted in everything.

In Him,
Pastor Fred 

Daily Devotional "Leaven" 

Matthew  "Another parable he spoke to them: The Kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal so it was all leavened."

The notes from one of my study bibles says, "Yeast or leaven describes the process of the Kingdom's growth. Yeast accomplishes its work over time, although it does not produce results immediately, eventually its presence affects everything around it."

I remember waiting for bread or cakes to rise. Takes time. So does Kingdom growth.  Worth the wait. But, growth is essential or inevitable, or maybe you forgot the yeast. I believe every believer, every church, every work and ministry that has His Spirit, will grow. Even if it ebbs, it will flow again, but it will not die. I hope you, we and His work are growing by His Spirit. We see evidence of this right now in many lives, MINISTRIES, and Grace Harbor. Let us make sure we are all leavened and keep growing.

In His Kingdom work
Pastor Fred 

 "Light"
 

Today, Some verses about light.

Genesis 1:3-5 "Then God said, 'Let there be light', and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good, and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. So the evening and the morning were the first day."

John 8:12 "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.'" 

Jesus our LORD also said this of us.
Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

May you see the light, know the light, shine the light and follow His light this day. "This is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

In His Light,
Pastor Fred

"Other Loves"
 

Ezekiel 23:4 "Their names: Ohola the elder, and Oholibah her sister, they were mine, and they bore sons and daughters. As for their names: Samaria is a Ohola, and Jerusalem is Oholibah."

These names in verse 4 illustrate lsrael and Judah's propensity to look for security and political alliances with pagan nations, a sin that deeply repulsed the LORD. Ohola is used of Samaria, the capital of Israel, and means "my tent" Oholibah, signifies Jerusalem, the capital of Judah and means "my tent is in her", perhaps referring to God's own temple in Jerusalem. Perhaps this refers also to the weakness of tending to consort with whoever or whatever for gain or entertainment. Ezekiel portrays the northern and southern Kingdoms as two women, two sexually promiscuous sisters whose outrageously lewd behavior offended even their pagan neighbors. Seems to me that these stark images are becoming increasingly pertinent given our propensity for looking for security, meaning, purpose and satisfaction in political and pagan answers in lieu of the LORD.

As we try to "make the best" out of Halloween, maybe we should minimize our involvement in the lewdness of it or at least try to be a light in an otherwise shady if not dark event that has become the premier fall holiday. I am not suggesting boycotting, l am suggesting making a real effort to redeem the time. May we be witnesses in the midst of both paganism and politicization. Two stark realities that are on the rise. Please be safe and wise.

In Him,
Pastor Fred 

Life’s Proper Focus Read Luke 12:16-21, Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” This parable really helps us bring life into the right perspective. The rich man in this story failed to do three things.   He failed to realize that he was only a steward and not the owner of his goods. He failed to have an eternal perspective.. He failed to consider how brief this earthly life can be. How did he fail in these three areas? By not understanding just how short life is and where to place his focus. He talked about building barns but instead he had a burial. He said he had many years but God said “this night.” He thought he was wise, but God said he was a fool. Let’s learn from his mistakes and bring our life into proper focus.

Daily Devotional - By Faith Peay
 

     I was reading a little book by one of my favorite authors, Francis Frangipane.  He has probably deceased since the writing of his book, “The Days of His Presence.”  But his words still ring so true to me.  I was feeling so overwhelmed last week with all of the darkness surrounding us.  Floods, fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, scandals, and shootings to name a few, were weighing on my mind.  And then I read this little excerpt, The Dawn, where he talks about the day of the Lord, “like the dawning of any calendar day, does not burst forth abruptly.  It is not pitch black at 5:59 am and then, suddenly, bright morning the next minute.  The night sky gradually recedes, retreating from the approaching rays of light. Even before the sun breaks, the morning star faithfully heralds the coming dawn, announcing to the world still in darkness that light is at hand.”

     Rev. 22:16 “All the glory belongs to Jesus!  He Himself is the bright morning star” When will the glory rise?  Just as the morning star rises while it is still night, so the glory of God shall rise within us when “darkness will cover the earth, and a deep darkness the peoples. Isa. 60:2.  Even as you read these words, the glory of the age to come, “which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27) already resides in your spirit.  Ours is an inheritance of glory, given to us by Jesus the night before He died.  He said, “And the glory which Thou hast given Me I have given to them; that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity.” (John 17:22-23)

   The gift of God’s glory is the source and essence of true spiritual harmony.  Our unity is not the offspring of compromise; it is the consequence of Christ’s Presence.  It is His glory, which produces our unity, in turn causing the world to believe. (see John 17:21)  He is not only preparing us for His glory.  He is the One who has been invisibly, yet powerfully, bringing the church together.  He is preparing us for the harvest.  As a herald of the day of the Lord, the Morning Star of His Presence is, even now, rising in our hearts!” Amen

    Hope I didn’t ramble on too much, but I felt so lifted up and excited at the same time to know that the Lord is with us in the midst of all of the chaos.

Your friend in Christ,
Faith

Daily Devotional - "The Love of God"   I John 5:3 "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." This verse took me in a different direction as l read it today. When l hear the phrase "the love of God", l almost immediately think of me as the recipient. In this verse, He is to be the recipient. This is about us loving Him. How? By being obedient. Specifically, by obeying His commandments. Those commandments are summed up in Mark 12:30-31 "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength... and your neighbor as yourself." Of course, that should not be burdensome. But, I let my guilt or attitude or something get in the way. Maybe that is why loving myself can become burdensome, hence making the love of others more difficult. So l love God who loves me, so l obey His commands so He can love others through me. This is doable because I do love Him, and me, and therefore others. In Him, Pastor Fred

"Your Work"
 

Habakkuk 3:2b "O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years."

After Habakkuk writes many verses focused on questions and complaints, he turns his heart to prayer. I received in my heart today some insight about my prayers. I do my fair share of complaining and questioning, but l need to be more forthright about my petition. In trying not to be self-focused in my prayers, l can end up doing exactly that while trying too hard not to do that. So Habakkuk models here for me how to pray. Pray about His work, not mine, His church, not mine, His ministry not mine. After all, it is His, not mine. Everything is His, not mine. I can drop a lot of me and my and mine out of my prayers. I will feel less self-focused, be more accurate and actually be more Him-focused. So LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years.

Praise Your Name,
Pastor Fred 

"Rights and Wrongs!"
 

Jonah 4:9 "Then God said to Jonah, 'ls it right for you to be angry about the plant?' And he said, 'lt is right for me to be angry, even to death!'"

l have always rather enjoyed Jonah's frustration, which may not sound kind, but it is because I can feel what he feels. In a funny way, l can hear myself answering God this way, without thinking it through.

Let me make a simple point only. When God asks Jonah about whether it is right for him to be angry, l think he is asking about right and wrong. Jonah answers like he "has a right" to be angry. Like he is exercising his entitlement, privilege or opinion. In essence, Jonah has a right to be wrong.

In his consternation, he cannot see it. I understand that very well. My right to be wrong does not make it right either. Yet, I can defend it to death. Blind pride can do that to me and you and Jonah.

Humbly,
Pastor Fred 

"God Said No"
 

I asked God to take away my habit. 
God said, No. 
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up. 

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. 
God said, No. 
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary. 

I asked God to grant me patience. 
God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; 
It isn't granted, it is learned. 

I asked God to give me happiness. 
God said, No. 
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you. 

I asked God to spare me pain. 
God said, No. 
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me. 

I asked God to make my spirit grow. 
God said, No. 
You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful. 

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. 
God said, No. 
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things. 

I asked God to help me to love others, as much as He loves me. 
God said Ahhhh, finally you have the idea. 

Author Unkown
Devotion provided by Francine Spatafora