"His Words Before Gethsemane"
John17:26 "I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love which You loved me may be in them, and I in them.
I am reminded again and again that God is love. Not only because the Scripture states that emphatically, but because l have experienced it firsthand. That is, His love for me. Also His love from within me, flowing from me.
So Jesus after praying for Himself, then praying for His disciples, also prays for us, future believers. This verse about declaring His Name and His Father's love for Him being the love in us... are His last words before Gethsemane. What love.
His wonderful, perfect love has been the compelling factor throughout His obedient mission. I must remember this love. His love from His Father for Him that is in me. For me and for all. Just like Him. The love of Gethsemane.
With His love,
Pastor Fred
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
"My God, My God"
Psalm 22:1-2,14 "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are you so far from helping Me, and from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear Me; and in the night season, and am not silent. I am poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; it has melted within Me."
These words are prophetic about Jesus on the cross. Yet we have at times felt this way. Hard to admit that we could share even a drop of our Lord's anguish, but we sometimes feel like we are abandoned, unsure forsaken and removed.
Jesus does know our trouble and pain, our distraught and distance. He cares deeply and passionately for each of us. When we think we are at the end of anything or everything, He is there. Our Rock and Shield. Our Savior and Shepherd.
A dear friend of mine wrote her reflections on these verses and that inspired me to share something similar with you today. She was a college-aged girl in my first youth ministry and is a prolific writer and dear heart. Hope you are encouraged to be reminded of His love and grace this week, especially from the perspective of the cross. Good to know Jesus understands.
In Him,
Pastor Fred
Psalm 22:1-2,14 "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are you so far from helping Me, and from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear Me; and in the night season, and am not silent. I am poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; it has melted within Me."
These words are prophetic about Jesus on the cross. Yet we have at times felt this way. Hard to admit that we could share even a drop of our Lord's anguish, but we sometimes feel like we are abandoned, unsure forsaken and removed.
Jesus does know our trouble and pain, our distraught and distance. He cares deeply and passionately for each of us. When we think we are at the end of anything or everything, He is there. Our Rock and Shield. Our Savior and Shepherd.
A dear friend of mine wrote her reflections on these verses and that inspired me to share something similar with you today. She was a college-aged girl in my first youth ministry and is a prolific writer and dear heart. Hope you are encouraged to be reminded of His love and grace this week, especially from the perspective of the cross. Good to know Jesus understands.
In Him,
Pastor Fred
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
"David Said"
1 Chronicles 29:10-13 "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 on 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; ln 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."
I think David has a way with words. I think God spoke truth through David. I do not think l can improve at all on David's praise. So l will encourage you to read the Scripture again. I am going to do that again myself now.
Enjoy... Pastor Fred
1 Chronicles 29:10-13 "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 on 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; ln 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."
I think David has a way with words. I think God spoke truth through David. I do not think l can improve at all on David's praise. So l will encourage you to read the Scripture again. I am going to do that again myself now.
Enjoy... Pastor Fred
Friday, March 23, 2018
Are You Glad to See Jesus?
A Palm Sunday Devotion By Kirk Cameron
When our loved ones return home we are always glad to see them. However, the extent of our joy is usually in direct correlation to how long they have been away — a few hours, a day, many days, a year ... or longer. The longer we wait for someone to arrive, typically the more excited we are to see them and the greater our joy in their return.
The Triumphal Entry
There was a jubilant atmosphere among the people of Israel on the day in which Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people had waited a long time for the promised Messiah. Since the time of Abraham, they had longed to see their promised King, the Seed promised in the Garden and confirmed to Abraham–the Seed who would conquer their enemies and bless the nations (Genesis 22:17-18).
For centuries Israel had awaited the coming of their King, but this King did not look as they would have expected.
A Palm Sunday Devotion By Kirk Cameron
When our loved ones return home we are always glad to see them. However, the extent of our joy is usually in direct correlation to how long they have been away — a few hours, a day, many days, a year ... or longer. The longer we wait for someone to arrive, typically the more excited we are to see them and the greater our joy in their return.
The Triumphal Entry
There was a jubilant atmosphere among the people of Israel on the day in which Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people had waited a long time for the promised Messiah. Since the time of Abraham, they had longed to see their promised King, the Seed promised in the Garden and confirmed to Abraham–the Seed who would conquer their enemies and bless the nations (Genesis 22:17-18).
For centuries Israel had awaited the coming of their King, but this King did not look as they would have expected.
- Kings rode on horses. This King rode on a donkey.
- Kings were adorned in royal apparel. This King wore the clothes of a humble peasant.
- Kings were accompanied by an entourage of fighting men. This King rode in alone, followed only by a few friends.
- Kings had many servants. This King served many.
- Kings wore crowns of gold and precious gems. This King would wear a crown of thorns.
- Kings were protected at all costs. This King would give His life paying the cost of sin.
- Kings made loud proclamations and the people were silent. This King was silent when the people were loud.
This King was unlike any other king, and yet this King’s entry into town was hailed by the people.
"And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." (Mark 11:9)
"Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest." (Mark 11:10)
The people expected a King and they hailed Him as King. They expected the Kingdom of David to be re-established, but that's not what they got. It was what they wanted, but it was not what they needed. Jesus had not come to be King of the land. He came to be the King of their hearts. God's plan was very different than what the people had hoped for.
God bless,
Ron Hodge
"And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." (Mark 11:9)
"Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest." (Mark 11:10)
The people expected a King and they hailed Him as King. They expected the Kingdom of David to be re-established, but that's not what they got. It was what they wanted, but it was not what they needed. Jesus had not come to be King of the land. He came to be the King of their hearts. God's plan was very different than what the people had hoped for.
God bless,
Ron Hodge
Thursday, March 22, 2018
“Who Is This?”
Matthew 21:10 "When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, "Who is this?"
Oh how we should hope that this would be the burning question in response to this season. Not about church, not about issues, nor about hypocrisy, or about programs, buildings, or anything or anyone other than Jesus. We want to do what we do and say what we say so that people will ask about Jesus. After all, He is the main thing. He is what will really stir things up. If you don't think so, try dropping His Name in a conversation. He is what it is all about. The reason the people asked the question was because His followers were treating Him like a King. When Jesus is the main thing, when He is King, people will ask questions. The right questions. Let's do what puts the focus on Him, He will do the rest. Who is this, anyway? This is Jesus, our Lord and King.
In Him,
Pastor Fred
Matthew 21:10 "When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, "Who is this?"
Oh how we should hope that this would be the burning question in response to this season. Not about church, not about issues, nor about hypocrisy, or about programs, buildings, or anything or anyone other than Jesus. We want to do what we do and say what we say so that people will ask about Jesus. After all, He is the main thing. He is what will really stir things up. If you don't think so, try dropping His Name in a conversation. He is what it is all about. The reason the people asked the question was because His followers were treating Him like a King. When Jesus is the main thing, when He is King, people will ask questions. The right questions. Let's do what puts the focus on Him, He will do the rest. Who is this, anyway? This is Jesus, our Lord and King.
In Him,
Pastor Fred
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
"Launching Out"
Luke 5:4 "Jesus said to Peter, 'Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."
Simon Peter and the other disciples are in a boat with Jesus. Excuse me while I digress. I would just love that. Best possible scenario for me all around. In a boat, on the water, going fishing... with my Lord? Sign me up.
The crowds were pressing in close to hear Jesus teach on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, so to accommodate them he got in Peter's boat and pushed away a little, so people could see and hear better. After teaching he tells Peter to launch out into the deep and let down the nets for a catch.
If you read the story, Peter is reluctant, but agrees and of course they haul in nets so full of fish they are breaking and need to call out to another boat and both are about to sink there are so many fish. Peter repents of his lack of faith and unwillingness Jesus responds by telling him not to be afraid, because from now on they will be catching men.
Wow. Question. Why won't you launch out or go deeper? I am dealing with that question right now, in my heart. Makes me want to repent. What would the Lord do if we would but trust Him, launch out a little further and let down a little deeper? Hopefully we will find out, individually and together.
Fishing for a bigger catch with you,
Pastor Fred
Simon Peter and the other disciples are in a boat with Jesus. Excuse me while I digress. I would just love that. Best possible scenario for me all around. In a boat, on the water, going fishing... with my Lord? Sign me up.
The crowds were pressing in close to hear Jesus teach on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, so to accommodate them he got in Peter's boat and pushed away a little, so people could see and hear better. After teaching he tells Peter to launch out into the deep and let down the nets for a catch.
If you read the story, Peter is reluctant, but agrees and of course they haul in nets so full of fish they are breaking and need to call out to another boat and both are about to sink there are so many fish. Peter repents of his lack of faith and unwillingness Jesus responds by telling him not to be afraid, because from now on they will be catching men.
Wow. Question. Why won't you launch out or go deeper? I am dealing with that question right now, in my heart. Makes me want to repent. What would the Lord do if we would but trust Him, launch out a little further and let down a little deeper? Hopefully we will find out, individually and together.
Fishing for a bigger catch with you,
Pastor Fred
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Daily Devotional
“Bold Requests”
Psalm 118:25 "LORD, do save, we beseech You. LORD we beseech You, do send prosperity." (nasb)
Must admit, this declaration of David's has somehow slipped by me over the years. Perhaps because it is preceded by prophetic words about Christ the Cornerstone, that I know I have referenced. But, after all, there are over 31,100 verses in Scripture. Sometimes you can gloss over a few, right? Interesting request combination. Salvation and prosperity. Obviously, the first request is paramount. Just think, as the Word says, "to gain the whole world and lose one's soul" would be foolish. Maybe the prosperity is not about stuff or wealth. Can we prosper in non-material blessings or in intangible benefits? How about prospering in His wisdom or in the joy of serving Him. I guess it is all about your perspective. How about being saved from consumerism and prospered in generosity. Funny huh? Just not how we tend to first think about it. LORD, give us what we really need before we are destroyed by what we want. Prosper us for your purposes.
Beseeching God to give us what would glorify Him,
Pastor Fred
Psalm 118:25 "LORD, do save, we beseech You. LORD we beseech You, do send prosperity." (nasb)
Must admit, this declaration of David's has somehow slipped by me over the years. Perhaps because it is preceded by prophetic words about Christ the Cornerstone, that I know I have referenced. But, after all, there are over 31,100 verses in Scripture. Sometimes you can gloss over a few, right? Interesting request combination. Salvation and prosperity. Obviously, the first request is paramount. Just think, as the Word says, "to gain the whole world and lose one's soul" would be foolish. Maybe the prosperity is not about stuff or wealth. Can we prosper in non-material blessings or in intangible benefits? How about prospering in His wisdom or in the joy of serving Him. I guess it is all about your perspective. How about being saved from consumerism and prospered in generosity. Funny huh? Just not how we tend to first think about it. LORD, give us what we really need before we are destroyed by what we want. Prosper us for your purposes.
Beseeching God to give us what would glorify Him,
Pastor Fred
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