DAILY  DEVOTIONAL
"Tea For Two " - Happy Father's Day

“With God as our Father, brothers and sisters all are we”…One of my favorite traditions is hosting or attending a tea party.  I love to curl up in my “comfort zone” with a nice cup of tea in a china teacup and spend time with my Father.  Coffee in a mug works, too!  As a little girl, I would watch for my Daddy to get home from work. No matter how tired he was, he would always join me for a cup of tea at my little table and chairs for two, while Mother put supper on the table.  He always wanted to hear every little detail of my day.   Daddy went home to our Father in Heaven in December 1981.  Now I have tea with my Father and reflect on those precious memories with Daddy.

As a Mother of two sons and Grandmother of three grandsons, tea parties were put on hold!!!  My precious husband, Ron, enjoys having tea, too.  When we moved to Orange there were several lovely tea parlors and we had tea at each one of them.  Regrettably, there is only one left.  So, we share tea and/or coffee on our patio and study God’s word, read devotionals from our Upper Room and pray.  Sometimes, we just listen to the birds as if they are in a choir singing our favorite hymns.

I know not everyone reading this has happy memories of times with their Daddy throughout the years; but, we all (every man, woman and child) can have a wonderful time in the presence of our Father  Our Father longs to hear from us every day, every little detail, every joy, every pain,  EVERYTHING! “With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you; it is no secret what God can do”.

I would like to share with you a devotion from Woman of God Moments of Grace entitled “Heredi-Tea” which is the sum of qualities and potentialities genetically derived from one’s ancestors.

“Scientists and psychologists have debated the question of heredity versus environment for years.  Which is more powerful in determining how an individual turns out?  The issue has never been resolved.  Like father, like son?  My family history is full of stories about feuds and shootings, murderers, moonshiners, and outlaws.

I’m glad I’m not bound by my genes.  I am not limited by my DNA.  How do I know?  Because God promises that in Christ, I am free to become all that He wants me to be and to achieve my full potential.  Adopted into God’s family, we have a new ancestry, a divine and royal legacy, as heirs and children of the King. ”I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty”  
(2 Corinthians 6:18).

As God’s children, we embody His love for our world.  We see people as though through His eyes.  We help, as though with His hands.  We love, as though with His heart.  All so that others will see Him in us and trust in Him.

Have you ever thought about our legacy to those who come behind us, to generations not yet born?  I pray each of us will leave behind a heritage of grace, of assurance, and of thankfulness that reflects the love of God in all that we do.”

Our sons and grandsons do show things we saw in their great grandparents, in Ron and me and for our grandchildren, we also see things we saw in our sons. “All these inherited qualities and more have been passed down to them, but these are not their most important inheritances.  Just like me, they have inherited a place in the family of God.  Each day they are learning to be more like Him.  I praise Him for it!  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come”    
(2 Corinthians 5:17).

God Bless Us Everyone,
Linda Hodge

"The Benediction Of Hebrews" 

Sometimes not a whole lot needs to be said on certain days in our lives. Today is such a day. So I give you the Benediction of Hebrews which I believe to be written by Paul. Wonderful words that should bless, encourage and convict us all. Helped me today.


Hebrews 13:20-21   "Now the God of

peace, which brought up from the dead

the great Shepherd of the sheep through

the blood of the eternal covenant, even

Jesus our Lord, equip you for every

good thing to do His will, working in us

that which is pleasing in His sight

through Jesus Christ, to whom be the

glory forever and ever. Amen."

Enough said today.

Amen,
Pastor Fred

"Bless Us To Be A Blessing" 

Psalm 67:1-2 "God be gracious to us and bless us and cause Your face to shine upon us. That your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations."

We want God to bless us. Bless us with favor and success and good fortune. Bless us with health and happiness and easy times. Maybe with should ask God to bless us for His purposes.... "That His way may be known on the earth and His salvation among all nations."

Isn't the main purpose of our being blessed so that we will be happy and satisfied? So others will see how God favors us? Maybe a little to show His glory and purposes I think we would be even more blessed if we were blessed to be a blessing. Even when we don't think so or don't feel like it.

Blessings are wonderful, but that is not all the verse speaks of. It also asks for His graciousness and for His face to shine on us. I have an idea. Know His Grace, see His face, then be blessed to be a blessing. I think He would be glorified and we'd be even more blessed.

His Blessings to you,
Pastor Fred

"Safe Haven" 

Psalm 107 29-30 "He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they were quiet, so He guided them to their desired haven "

The motto of Grace Harbor is "Come in from the storms of life, and see what God is doing." I am contemplative about Grace Harbor these days. I believe God is with us. Through the storms of the grief of loss of those who have gone to heaven, through the storms of sadness over missing those who have moved away and moved on, through the storms of conflict, disagreement and misunderstanding about what His future plans for us might be. Also through the storms the enemy has fostered and festered between us. We remain a lighthouse of hope, healing and restoration.

We are a safe haven, part of the family God with a vision and a mission to be here, reach out and praise Him through it all. God knows His plan for us and we should pursue it and surrender to it as He reveals it. Whatever storms come and go, He remains. He is our Rock. So today I am glad because He once again has calmed the storm in my mind. He is now guiding me again to my desired haven. Which is only to be His servant, to lift Him up in Grace Harbor so that anyone can come in from the storms of life and see what God is doing.

With hope,
Pastor Fred

DAILY  DEVOTIONAL
"Your Confidence" 

Hebrews 10:35-36 "Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised."

Our confidence must be based on Him and not us. At best, it should be based on Him in us. The previous verses speak of former days and how God gave the ability to endure in the midst of conflict and suffering. Under great persecution and reproach the people of God were joyful to be kind to others being persecuted and faithful even during tremendous unfairness.

This character trait should serve as a reminder of Christ in us, for us and with us. Therefore our confidence should rise because we live righteously through Him. We should endure under whatever circumstances, because He who is in us is greater than anything that comes against us. The promises and rewards will come, but for now we are confident because God is good and we know He is with us.

In Him,
Pastor Fred

Devotional - "How are you today?"

What would be your response if you were asked the question “How are you today?” I’m sure everyone would have a very simple or unique expression on how they are feeling physically and emotionally.  The most common response I’ve heard is “I’m ok.”

Life is filled with all sorts of trials and tribulations…a death of a loved one, a debilitating illness, loss of employment, addictions, unresolved marital issues, and the list goes on.  Yet no matter what your education level, social or economic status, physical or mental ability, we are all subject to life’s trials and tribulations.  For some the season is short, for others the seasons go on to where there seems to be no end in sight, or it may be an entire lifetime.  There are indeed circumstances that are beyond our control, yet there are others that we have weaved a pattern of habit that has lead us to where we are today. 

Rest assure, no matter the situation our God is in control, and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8: 28) no matter how distressing it may be. As we all know, choices are part of our everyday, which is our free will to do as we deem according to our beliefs, needs, wants and desires.  Please know that if your burdens are heavy today, you are not alone. And if the sense of loneliness fills your mind and emotions, know that God is with you right now, and He will always be with you.  Our Heavenly Father desires for each of us to seek His face, so allow yourself the opportunity through this time to draw closer to our Lord, our Savior, and our Redeemer.  Seek Him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and also continually seek Him through your good times, too. And if you are in a joy filled season, continue to encourage, support and pray for our brothers and sisters in need.  Through all your earthly trials and tribulations, and even through your joy filled times…lift up your hands in worship to God, give Him all your praise, give Him all honor and glory, and above all, be full of gratitude toward Him for all things, especially the precious gift of life.

Again, I ask “How are you today?”   May you be encouraged today to draw closer to God and be filled with His peace, joy and love.  Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

God’s abundant blessings upon our Grace Harbor Church family and have a very blessed day.

Written by my friend and Sister in Christ - Terrilynn K. Monzon

Made In HIS Image <><  David L. Cunningham     

"Generations To Come" 

Psalm 102:17-18 "He has regarded the prayer of the destitute and has not despised their prayer. This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD."

I praise the LORD today for who He is. He is a compassionate God. How does David come up with this stuff 3,000 years ago, 1,000 years before Christ is even born? Generations come and go and more will come and go, yet the steadfastness of the LORD endures forever. Here we are thousands of years after David acclaims the LORD regarding the prayers of the destitute.

Indeed, it has been written and we read it again today and it will be read for generations to come, the LORD should be praised for His unfailing love and care. Even those yet to be born someday will praise Him, because we will keep telling of His compassion. He has no end. The Truth has no end. Who He is will be forever, deserving of our praise.

By the way, to answer my own question. David writes this under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, it is the Word of God. We will share it from generation to generation and keep praising the LORD, for He is greatly to he praised.

Praise the LORD!!
Pastor Fred

“Waaawaaawaaa”

I Corinthians 13:1 "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal."

A familiar verse. This chapter of Corinthians is called The Love Chapter, for a good reason, as it is all about love. But today I want to talk about the never-ending barrage of stuff that comes our way. On second thought, we hear plenty of that, so I will speak of love.

Love, what the world needs now as the old song says. Love, not that romantic thing, but love between my brothers and my sisters. Love in the Body of Christ, His church. Love that welcomes, love that forgives, love that does not react, love that responds, love that helps, love that goes the extra mile. Love that encourages and hugs the lonely. Love that writes the prisoner and cares for the orphan and the widow. Love that volunteers, love that lets somebody else do it. Love motivated by the love that Christ has for us. Love that is pure and sweet and patient and kind.

Let us interrupt the Waaawaaawaaa of this world and our own clanging noise and our gonging rhetoric with some niceness and politeness and graciousness that comes from His love. Lord help me be the first to put up and shut up.

In the grip of His Love,

Pastor Fred

Psalm 17:15 "As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness, I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake."

There are a number of "As for me.." verses in His Word. They always remind me that we believers can see and do things differently. We have a choice. When I think of beholding His face, I think of being humbled and wanting to reflect His Righteousness. When I get up each day my prayer is that my Lord will help me to think of Him first, to be satisfied with keeping my eyes on Him. There is tremendous satisfaction in being focused on the LORD. It is so empowering and relieving. I pray that today you will see Him, consider Him and serve Him. Also to be more like Him. Me too.

Amen? Amen!

Pastor Fred

Psalm 115:13 "He will bless those who fear the LORD, The small together with the great."

David is sharing the blessing of the LORD with a lot of different people in this Psalm. He is glorifying God for who He is and that He blesses us so much. He equivocates our trust of the LORD with His blessings. Then this verse that tells us that the small and great are both blessed.

True, but the small sometimes think the great have been blessed more. And... the great feel burdened by the temptation or responsibility of their greatness. Why is it that we always think of stuff or money when we think of blessings? Certainly we know that most of our blessings have more value than a number can measure. Just remember, God blesses us all. We should count more often and never compare. Whether great or small. Would you receive a small blessing today?

God loves you!

Pastor Fred

Daily Devotional - by Gabby Botts 

Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.

(Romans 12:12)

I believe we have been given the gift of prayer. It’s a blessing for us, when we actually choose to partake in it. I mean think about it--why would an omniscient God need us to pray to him if he already knows our every thought? What does God require of us? Micah 6:8 says we’re required to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. These aren’t easy by any means, especially for us creatures with an evil nature that we’re consistently trying to keep in check. I think prayer is a tool, a gift, given to humans that allow us to be more just, merciful, humble, and loving.

I see it almost akin to when the brain processes events in our life and prepares us for the future via simulations in our dreams during deep REM sleep. During prayer we are participating in communication. A time for talking and a time for listening, meditating, being open to hear and understand. Scientists agree that even if we can’t directly prove God or a higher being is hearing us, that prayer has biological and psychological benefits. Prayer increases one’s sense of self and your place in the world (humble), makes you able to be a more forgiving person (just/merciful), increases feelings of unity and cohesion in groups who pray together, and even offsets effects of stress on the body. Like I said--what a gift we’ve been given.   

We are social creatures, created for communication. We can tap into so much hope, joy, peace, and more when we communion with the supernatural. Why don’t we do it more often? Maybe we don’t see the point (just like with sleep...our nation, and the world, is becoming more and more sleep deprived, to our detriment). Maybe it brings up too many thoughts to be alone with ourselves and not plugged in, not watching a screen, not listening to any music, not being with another human being. It can be a little scary for some of us. I know personally I can get too lost in my own thoughts and my mind can become a trap of sorts. I can’t get out unless I slow down, pray, and really try to let go of the thoughts that bind me. In attempting to become more humble I am able to increasingly let go more easily. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray without ceasing. Hopefully we’ll move closer to this goal this week :)

See you soon!

Gabby

Psalm 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his godly ones."

As I am preparing in advance a message from Hebrews about the verses after Hebrews 11 which talk about the faith of all the saints in Bible History, I am reminded of this verse that a dear brother shared with me upon the death of his father. He sent it to me in a text and it ministered to me so strongly that I must share it with you.

Can you imagine? God our Heavenly Father experiences our death as precious. No one dies out of His sight and He sees our passing as precious. Let us never forget what a great cloud of witnesses has gone before us.

As I prepare this upcoming message I have been remembering all the ones who are in heaven now. How precious their memories are to us. Since I have been pastor of Tustin First Baptist Church/Grace Harbor, more than 60 brothers and sisters who worshipped with us have now gone home. My heart was so blessed and touched as I remembered each one. I cannot adequately express how this verse ministered to me during the remembering of our dear saints. Just now I am moved to tears by the fact that He will see my death as precious. And yours too.

Glory to God,

Pastor Fred