"Commas and Exclamation Points" 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything..."

Indeed there is. I get that. Things change! I get that. But sometimes things do not change for the better. For example, I know I use too many commas. I actually use three periods sometimes... as a pause, when I am not sure about commas. But Alas! Something has changed on my phone keyboard, which I use to type these devotionals. Typing with one finger is about the speed I speak very slowly and can think as I compose sentences. So it works for me. On a typical typing keyboard, I type too fast and the pauses can cause me to lose my train of thought. Soooo... I compose with my index finger on the phone. If this confession troubles you, forgive me. Back to the Alas! My keyboard has somehow replaced my comma with an exclamation point. This is causing typing frustrations. I will adapt. But, not happily. A deeper thought. I believe we should pause more often than we exclaim. If I exclaim, it should most often be about Jesus. I am reminded now during this learning curve period that I must slow down so I don't accidentally exclaim when I need to pause. Every comma has added a need to switch to the symbol keyboard, which reminds me of how many commas I use! So I shall pause until I learn to not exclaim too much inadvertently. Frustrating! Frustrating, but not an altogether bad reminder.

A time for everything... 
Pastor Fred

"Hate Murders"  1John 3:15 "Whoever hates his brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in them." A quote from Beth Moore. Hate Murders..... It murders love. It murders relationship. It murders family. It murders friendship.  It murders peace. It murders compassion. It murders joy. It murders PEOPLE. OUR NEIGHBORS. It is rabidly contagious. The hunt for hate starts in our own heart. Do not hate. Abide in Christ. Love your neighbor. With His love, Pastor Fred

"Love Covers All Sins" 

Proverbs 10:12 "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins."

We see much trouble and strife in the world today. Trouble that is stirred by hate. We are told that in this world we will have trouble. No escaping that. But the stirring we can control. The only cure for hate is love. We must pour love into every situation. Hate stems from sin, from self-hate and a lack of compassion, forgiveness, grace, and mercy. God, by definition, is love. More God, more love, that is the solution to strife. Less reaction and more pro-action. Most often it is the tongue that stirs. More loving words would certainly help. Love is the key. In order for keys to work, they must be turned. Let us turn our hearts towards God and let Him redirect us towards love. May our hearts be stirred with love.

With His love,
Pastor Fred

"Peace" 

Want to see a miracle? Try this. Take a seed the size of a freckle. Put it under several inches of dirt. Give it enough water, light and fertilizer. And get ready. A mountain will be moved. It doesn’t matter that the ground is a zillion times the weight of the seed. The seed will push it back. Every spring, dreamers around the world plant tiny hopes in overturned soil. And every spring, their hopes press against impossible odds, and blossom. Never underestimate the power of a seed. As far as I know, James, the epistle writer, wasn’t a farmer but he knew the power of a seed sown in fertile soil. “People who work for peace in a peaceful way plan a good crop of right living.” The principle of peace is the same as the principle of crops: Never underestimate the power of a seed.

How good are you at sowing seeds of peace?

Pause for a moment and think about the people who make up your world. Take a stroll through the gallery of faces that are significant to you. Want to see a miracle? Plant a word of love deep in a person’s life. Nurture it with a smile and a prayer, and watch what happens… Never underestimate the power of a seed.
 
-Max Lucado

"The Sufficiency Of Grace" 

At Men's Bible Study we recently viewed the movie, "Paul, The Apostle". A rich and moving depiction of Paul's final days in a Roman prison, where Luke visits him to treat his wounds, share faith together and begin to draft parts of The Acts of the Apostles, before Paul's execution. The following verses are key to understanding the characterizations in the film. After reading this passage, consider watching the movie. Well worth your time, considering how much drivel we can consume through the TV. 

2Corinthians 12:7-10 "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, and reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, and distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (Read it again, it is clearer the second time.)

May the Lord add His blessing to your reading of His Word.
For His grace is sufficient for you too.
Pastor Fred 

 "Anxiety" 

Need a quick fix for anxiety?  The answer is prayer. Worrying will accomplish nothing, but prayer mixed with praise will result in a secure sense of peace. Try it. Try praise God mixed with your petitions for help with whatever situation you are having trouble with. Keep reading and repeating the following passage of Scripture and stay focused on the truth and power of what you are saying. Believe and receive relief. 

Philippians 4:6-7 " Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

The Word is powerful. Use it's truth to help you with your faith.

In His Grip Today,
Pastor Fred 

"Being Silent More Often" 

I am going to be working on being silent more often. These principles of from Proverbs are so convicting to me. How about you?

1. Be silent in the heat of anger. (14:17)
2. Be silent when you don't have all the facts. (18:13)
3. Be silent when it is time to listen. (13:1)
4. Be silent when you are tempted to joke about sin. (14:9)
5. Be silent if you would be ashamed about your words later. (8:8)
6. Be silent  If your words would convey the wrong impression. (17:27)
7. Be silent if the issue is none of your business. (14:10)
8. Be silent when you are tempted to tell an outright lie. (4:24)
9. Be silent  If your words would damage someone else's reputation.(16:27)
10.Be silent if your words were damage our friendship. (16:28)
11.Be silent if you can't say it without screaming it. (25:28)
12.Be silent if you may have to eat your words later. (18:21)
13.Be silent if you have said it more than once. (19:13)
14.Be silent  When you are tempted to flatter a wicked person. (24:24)
15.Be silent when you are supposed to be working instead. (14:23)

So convicting, each of them. One more Proverb for today.

"Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles. (Pro.21:23)

Time to be silent.... Pastor Fred 

Luke 22:39-53

DOING THE WILL OF GOD
The presence of Jesus on the Mount of Olives is a crucial step, even decisive in the fulfillment of his mission of salvation on earth.

First, Jesus measures the full weight of the sins of the humanity he is to carry (42a, 44a). Then, he is betrayed by Judas one of his closest collaborators (48).
And then, the chief priests, the chiefs of the temple guards, and the leaders of the people (52b) despise him.

Finally, he will be abandoned by all his disciples (Mt 26. 56b).
Faced with these overwhelming, confusing but unavoidable realities, Jesus has only one desire: to do the will of his Father (42b, 53b). For this, he admits no interference, no act that comes to thwart this will (50-51). And he does not succumb. On the contrary, he succeeds in overcoming these trials by means of prayer (41, 44-45).

The world in which we live is bad, the hostility to the Christian faith is more and more visible, the times are difficult. The Christian faces a fierce adversity: corruption, compromise, threats, mistreatment, death ... The challenge is to do, whatever the price to pay, the will of God (in family, at work, in society…).   Are we ready?

Let us not be careless and lazy in the image of the disciples (46). But let us rather commit to living, as our Master, a life of constant prayer (1 Thes 5. 17), if we want to win victories.

In Him, 
Donald Lowe

"Last Words from David" 

1Chronicles 29:10-13
David, who was a shepherd and a king has some compelling words to say to his Chief Shepherd and Eternal King. These are some of his last words and are heartfelt and definitive.

"Therefore David blessed the Lord before all the assembly, and David said, "Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty, for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the Kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as Head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might, in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God we thank You and praise Your glorious name."

How do you add to that? You don't.           

In His Word, Pastor Fred 

"Remember?"  2Thess. 2:5 "Do you not remember that when I was with you told you these things?" Paul says something like this in almost every letter he writes. Why? Not because we are that forgetful of truths we have heard, but because we forget to apply truths we know to situations we face every day. Oh, I remember the vast majority of what I have been told about God and about His Word. But, I regularly choose not to remember and apply those truths when I need them most. So today I will share 5 things I have been told to "BE" and you can choose to apply or selectively forget them. Hopefully one or more of them will stick and you will remember to apply them. There are many more. These 5 I remembered first. 1. BE Saved. Today. Now. Ask Christ to be your Savior. Now. Most important decision of your life. You must BE saved. 2. BE Baptized. We are either neglecting this decision, or we are not reaching anyone new. Not for proof of salvation, but as a witness and public commitment to Christ. All believers should be baptized. 3. BE Discipled. Our Great Commission is to make disciples. Not church goers or members. We must replicate spiritually. You were saved in order to be discipled and then to disciple others. 4. BE Still. Best way to know God is to get in His Presence and listen. Pray, Study His Word, Serve. Start by being still before Him, regularly. 5. BE Kind. To one another, to yourself, to strangers especially. Kindness is an amazing witness. We must show kindness. The world will know we are Christians by our lovingkindness. So many more. Choose to remember what you have been taught. I am not ignorant of what to do. I am stubborn and prideful and choose not to do as I have been told. God knows and understands us and will help us. The power of His Holy Spirit is in you. Let it work. One last reminder. BE filled with His Holy Spirit. In Him, Pastor Fred

"Double Honor" 

1 Timothy 5:17  Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 

October is Pastor's Appreciation Month. We, at Grace Harbor Church, are truly blessed by God to have an outstanding, God-anointed, servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. His name is Pastor Fred Snider, and I consider him to be extremely worthy of double honor. He is my dear friend and brother, a mentor in the faith, and a co-laborer in the ministry God has called us to at Grace Harbor. Is he perfect? Certainly not, and he would be the first to admit that. But I don't know of anyone who pours more of himself into the lives of those he ministers to on behalf of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has a sincere heart and a love for the flock that has been entrusted to his care which is clearly evident in all that he does. And that, by the way, is an extremely extensive list.

Pastor Fred makes numerous hospital visits at all hours; he counsels those in need of extra spiritual guidance; he preaches and teaches faithfully through the Word of God; he writes a devotional almost every day all year long; he shows up, sets up, cleans up, and participates in most all church activities; he officiates weddings, funerals, baptisms, and baby dedications; he serves in the local community and makes sure food is always available to anyone who needs it; he attends birthday parties, wedding and baby showers, and many other such social gatherings; he opens his home to those in need of fellowship and hospitality; and the list goes on and on.  I'm sure I've left out many more things that he does so selflessly, never seeking attention or appreciation for himself, but rather, seeking always to give glory to God. And somehow, amid all of this, he finds time for his family, and along with his precious wife, helps to raise their grandchildren. I stand in awe of this amazing man of God that I am blessed with the privilege of knowing. 

My challenge to you, not only during Pastor's Appreciation Month, but all throughout the year, is to not only "say" that you appreciate him (which is important for him to hear), but to also "show" that you do. The best way to do that, and the way that I'm sure would bless him most, is if you would come alongside him and join him in ministry. Not only would that help to lighten the load of his responsibility, but it would also exponentially expand his ability to spread the gospel. There is no better way to show "double honor" to a man who is so deserving of it. 

Love in Jesus, 
Hank 

"Good Advice" 

Proverbs 15:31 "Listen to good advice if you want to live well."

Who doesn't want to live well? Following wise counsel is not easy. Finding it can be even more difficult. We must differentiate between feedback, input, static, opinion and good advice. Good advice should be Biblical and trustworthy. Opinions are like noses, everybody's got one. We should be slow to speak wise counsel when asked, prayerfully considering what we advise.

So, seeking counsel comes first, the listening to that counsel and then applying that counsel. Often the best advice is not exactly what we want to hear. We can seek as many advisors as it takes to hear what we want to hear too. I should probably seek counsel more often. Then listen more often and apply it more often too. Many times I have acted too hastily without seeking good advice. I recommend us to pray about seeking more and wiser counsel.

In His Service,
Pastor Fred 

"What To Do" 

Micah 6:8 " He has shown thee, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of thee, to do justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief.

Do justly NOW.
Love mercy NOW.
Walk humbly NOW.

You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.

Deep and wise words,
Pastor Fred 

"No Worries"  by Tony Evans

There are struggles in life that can become emotional strongholds—things that hold you hostage and keep you from wholeheartedly serving and trusting God and experiencing the abundant life He has promised. One of the most damaging strongholds is worry. It is available for every age and is an obstacle to moving forward. When it is a stronghold in your life, it is a way of life. We worry about so many things—what do people think about us, do we look fit, are we healthy, and do we have enough money. If you are prone to worry, there is no limit to the possibilities to worry about.

People cope with worrying in a number of ways—some drink to dismiss it, others shop for a distraction, some take naps or go to bed early to avoid it. None of these remedies work because the panic still sets in. In Matthew 6:25, 31-34, Jesus stated three times, “Do not worry!” The Greek word used for “worry” is the concept of being strangled or choked. It leaves you frustrated when you ought to be free and if you are His disciple, then you should stop it.

Worrying is a sin because it is doubt in the power and goodness of God. Some people don’t like to call worrying a sin—they are just “concerned” about something. How do you distinguish concern from worry?

Legitimate concern is when you are in control of your thoughts and feelings and illegitimate worry is when the matter controls your thoughts, actions, and emotions.

Jesus said, “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26) The reason we worry is that we are focusing on the wrong authority. If our Father feeds birds that have no soul, how much more will He take care of us since we are worth even more to Him? Remember His promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you as the first antidote to worry.

"Keep Praying"  

Luke 18:7-8 "And will not God give justice to His elect, will He delay long over them? I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son Of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?"

Take some time to read and meditate on the first 8 verses of Luke 18. How much of the difficulty and injustice we suffer in life is because we do not continue to cry out to God day-and-night? Too often we may pray about something a few times, and then give up. Sometimes we don't even pray at all.

Jesus tells us not to give up praying. He says God will give us justice speedily, if we continue to pray. Speedily obviously does not mean instantly, or we wouldn't need to keep on praying. But He does say God will act speedily, if we do not give up. When it is the right time, He indeed will answer speedily. If we have faith, we will continue to cry out to God day-and-night, believing that He will answer. But Jesus then asks, "Nevertheless, when the Son Of Man comes, will He find faith on earth? What answer will we provide to that question?

Faithfully for the Kingdom,
Pastor Fred

"Free Will"
1 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT)

12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.
 
In the church today, I hear a lot of people say, “Who are we to judge others? What is right for one person in the body, may not be right for another.” I also hear, “It’s not hurting anyone else so why should you care about it?” (I hear this mainly in the Church in general, not specifically in Grace Harbor).  Although Paul does say that some things are acceptable for some and not for others, we must be careful so that we don’t cause others to stumble into sin.  What might not tempt you, may destroy some else. Paul is writing here specifically to the Corinthian church about sexual sin, and how they are by “law” allowed to indulge without punishment. Paul responds by saying, yes you have free will to do whatever you want, but just because you can do it doesn’t mean that you should. The biblical laws were written to protect us from the pain and suffering caused by sin and not keep us from fun. This passage applies to all things, not just sins that we typically list off. Here is an example of what I mean, loving cars is not a sin, enjoying a car show is not a sin, fixing up cars is not a sin. The sin is committed when we choose cars (or anything else) over God. Just because something is enjoyable does not mean that is inherently good for you. We can not become slaves to money, work, hobbies, or whatever else because Jesus says in Matthew 6:24  “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
What do you serve?

What is holding you back from serving God with your whole heart?

Pastor Devin

"Knowing God Through Love"  

1John 4:7-11
"Beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love, does not know God, for God is love. In this, the love of God was manifested toward us, that God sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Every so often I share a passage of scripture that I cannot add to in any way, shape or form. In essence, the passage speaks so clearly of itself that commentary seems unnecessary. Please reread this and may the Spirit plant it deep in your heart. Asbtgw old song says "They will know we are Christians by our love." 

With His love,
Pastor Fred 

 

“My Confidence” Psalm 27:13 "l will remain confident in this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." The only confidence I have is in Him. I have either lost or never had confidence in anything else. He is the sole source of all confidence I have. When I say this it reminds me Who I really can trust. When we sing these words in worship, I love repeating them. It is like I need to keep saying it over and over, which makes me even more confident. I trust the Lord, implicitly. Nothing and nobody can compare. He alone is trustworthy. Everything and everyone else is corrupted and corruptible. So I remain in Him. He alone gives sight and gives life. Why am I so confident? It is His goodness that keeps me confident. You see only God is good.  He really is good all the time. I hope people can see just a glimpse of His goodness in me. Oh, that I would reflect Him. So I press on, confident in this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Confidently, Pastor Fred