What is Love? Baby Don't Hurt Me!

1 John 3:16-19

16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.19 This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence

I had a hard week. I was overwhelmed with life, trying to be a good husband, a good father, a good employee, and a good Youth Pastor. And I have a very counterproductive coping mechanism. I shut down and on this particular day it was bad. I fell asleep on my couch even though my home was in much need of attention. Then I got woken up by someone at my door. It was my good friend Pastor Dakota, and my heart dropped. I wanted to just tell him to leave. I was in my pajama pants. My house was a wreck. My youngest kid Gideon was running around naked. It was just absolute chaos. I felt like a complete failure. I was embarrassed. Then Dakota did something I've never experienced before. He asked if he could help me. Of course I was reluctant, like I just wanted to deal with it all myself. But He is way too good of a person to even let me do that. He came in and not only did he help me get things done but he really reassured me that I'm not a failure and that I wasn't alone. He loved me how Christ loves me. In my struggle he pulled me out of the pit and inspired me to be better.

We as Christians need to be like Christ for people. We need to be willing to love each other by our actions. And when we are in need of help ourselves, we need to stop putting up walls and keeping people out. We need to stop putting up walls to Jesus. When we try and power through our struggles ourselves, it is prideful. If we don’t humble ourselves, we will fail. Dakota gave his whole day up for me. Dakota showed how we lay our lives down for each other. It’s not just being willing to take a bullet for others, it's being unselfish for each other. Laying down what we want for the needs of others. As the church we tell others how much we love them, but when it comes time to help, we hesitate. Let’s fall more in love with Jesus so that his love overflows and we pour it out on our brothers and sisters in need. Let our love for others be genuine and unwavering because that's how Jesus loves us. If we love others in this way our hearts can truly be at rest knowing that we belong to God and are set apart for his purpose. What is love? It's God’s spirit calling us to action for others, for their benefit and not our own.

God Bless, Pastor Brenan

Bright and Shiny

What do you do when someone disrupts your traditions? Maybe something you’ve been doing for years or it's a family ritual that has been passed down to you. Most of us would get upset and start thinking of all the reasons why we need to keep this tradition. But what if we asked ourselves how does this glorify Jesus? What does this do to my worship with Him? Does it hinder my walk or does it help it? I think too many times we get caught up in this world and try to do all the shiny things that catch our eyes. We must start making our world revolve around Him, Jesus.

When we think of “going into the season” what are some of the first things we think about?

-       Christmas decorations?

-       Special Christmas foods?

-       What are we cooking, how many people are we feeding?

-       How many gifts are we buying for this year?

-       Who are we buying for?

I think we can get very overwhelmed with the Holiday Seasons. Some people go right from Halloween into thinking about Christmas. We need to make sure we don’t forget Thanksgiving and being thankful for God has done for us. We can get holiday stress because we spend so much time planning everything for everyone. We try and make sure you have the right candy, food, gifts and budget for the season. We end up buying endless amounts of stuff and spend so much time planning and preparing for the season. I think that if we should look through the biblical sense of what God intended for us to spend our time on. I think we will see we have spent too much time on things that aren't going to matter for our end goal. What should our end goal be?

The great commission in Matthew 28:16-20 says, “To go and make disciplines and teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you”

Many times, we pass over the part about “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” and it's a very important part of what we as Christians should be doing in every season of our lives. Are we teaching and doing this part? I mean really doing it. Teaching to observe all things that God has commanded us to do. All things, even if they don’t look like what others view as right or the way things are done.

So, what does this mean for the Holiday Seasons? I’m not saying we can't participate in some of it but we must be so careful that we are presenting what Jesus is wanting and not presenting what the world makes look all shiny and pretty. Some of the things of the world make our eyes go ooh and aww because of its beauty. We can all get caught up in the sparkling, dazzling Christmas products that suck your pocketbook dry all because we have to deck the halls. We need to make sure the house is lit up outside and buy too many presents to count. How many of us have bought our children gifts for Christmas just for them to put them aside 2 days later and hardly touch them again. Or get those filler gifts so the kids have more to open. I have certainly done it more times than I can count. And God has been really working on me that this is not what He is asking from us, the ones who are walking with Him.

We as Christ followers, are the ones who are waking every day and asking God how I can be used by You today. We are the people He is asking to step outside our comfort zone and be obedient and follow Him, even when it looks different. As Christians we are supposed to look different than the rest. We must remember that Satan is having a field day during the holidays because people are not focused on Jesus and making spreading the Gospel our first priority. Focusing on Jesus is a second thought or third depending on your faith walk. We are so distracted by all the stuff that the devil keeps filling our plates with and we allow it. We allow filling our houses with stuff that doesn’t say I’m a believer in Jesus. Instead, our houses are a reflection of whatever holiday we are in at the moment. Once again, I don’t think God is saying you can't decorate, but we have to be careful that it hasn’t gone too far or become something that we have made an Idol in our lives.

We need to make sure we are not becoming like the world, so we blend in. We are supposed to stick out. We are supposed to teach the things that God holds dear. Most holidays have hardly anything if at all to do with Christ. While Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, many worldly things have been added. Many times, Christ is the last item talked about. I am not trying to be a scrooge but the older I get and the deeper I go with God, the more He is showing me all the ways the world has infiltrated our Chistian ideas and traditions. The world is taking over almost to the point where we no longer look like Christ but a joyful reflection of the world.

It's like being in a big city. The lights are so bright you can't see the stars in the sky. To see the stars, you need to take yourself away from the city and into the country to where there are less distractions. It's the same way for us when we are following Jesus. We must be careful not to let ourselves get caught up in the worldly things, the fast paced, bright shiny lights, and the things that sparkle. We need to pull ourselves away and see what God really wants us to speak into our lives. What does he want us to do with the seasons we are in? How do we share the word of God in the bright lights, so we don’t get lost in them too.

Let's turn to Romans 12:1-2, where is says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

If we are accepting of the worldly practices that aren’t of God, then how can the world know it's wrong. God has set the bar or boundaries, and we are to walk them out for the world to see. There are too many things we have let infiltrate our lives so that now people can’t see who's a Christian and who’s not. We look too much like the rest of the world and then we wonder why churches are becoming empty. The youth are walking away wondering why they even need the church. We have too many things we have allowed and accepted. And somehow, we need to bridge the gap. We need to discard the things that God is asking us to get rid of, even when our flesh is crying because it's always been the tradition. So, ask yourselves this holiday where do my traditions come from? Who am I really following?

God Bless, Pastor Rae Lynn Stands

Having Joy in a World that is Falling Apart

The circumstances of life have a way of robbing us of joy. Disappointment, frustration, and loss can suck the very life from us; however, Jesus’s birth reminds us that, no matter how hard life is, we don’t have to go through it alone. God has come to us full of grace and truth, and that should bring us joy. We can trust that Jesus’s presence with us will reveal the truth about our lives and at the same time offer us the grace to see things change. 

Let our joy be contagious to those around us. 

John 1:4-5 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. 

Do you take Jesus with you everywhere? If you do, you have the Joy of the Lord with you! 

Psalms 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.  

I want Joy all the time so I must always be in his presence! 

Let Joy lead you this month as there are so many that need Jesus and need to experience that Joy you have. 

Let Jesus and the Holy Spirit give you an overwhelming amount of Joy. Let him be your Joyful song! 

Luke 1 Mary Visits Elizabeth 

39 A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town 40 where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. 43 Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? 44 When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” 

When we go to someone’s house do they feel the presence of the Lord upon us? 

Do they leap for Joy? Do they get filled with the Holy Spirit upon our greeting them? 

This whole world is falling apart. There are hurts and pain and suffering that happen all the time. There are injustices and evil allowed into our public schools. There are people wanting to be the opposite sex and claiming they are. There are schoolteachers who push for children to get sex changes and try and hide it from their parents. There are men claiming to be a woman to gain records in women’s sports. 

Lots of people feel they are all alone in this world. There are kids whose parents abandon them. There are fathers that walk out on their families because it's too hard. There are lives filled with drugs, alcohol, and pornography.  

The one we all need to look for is God. God's word is the truth and the answer to every situation we have in life. God is always available to listen. 

He said he will never leave you or forsake you. If God is for us who can be against us? 

Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit and Joy comes from him. The fruits of the Spirit are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and self-control. 

We are in charge of having self-control and showing and sharing the fruits he has given. Are you being the Joyful light God has called you to be?  

Are you giving everything you can to help each other be that light and that influence you can be to others? 

To help someone you don’t have to be perfect. To help someone you just have to be ready and willing and able to help. If you only have one good thing to give, then give it. If you only have one scripture or loving word to say, then share it. It’s the little acts of loving kindness that most are missing out on in their life. Go forth this Christmas season and spread Joy around and share the Love of God with everyone you encounter. 

Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. 

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. 

Psalm 19:8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 

Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. 

Joy is something we should be overflowing in daily as Christians. Show others what the presence of God is like and bring Joy to all this Christmas. Let God’s word, his guidebook to our life, direct our thoughts and actions.  

With a Joyful Heart I will sing! God Bless you all and keep searching in God's word and let him fill you with JOY! 

Springfield Campus Pastor Kent Furch 

My Redeemer Lives

Job 19:25-27 (NIV)

            I was in prayer this morning and did most of the talking, maybe all of the talking… I am working on being still before God, meaning no talking on my part. I asked Him if he had anything to say to me. I had the Holy Bible there beside me and I opened it randomly. I don't randomly open the Bible to read from often, I am usually in a particular book that I am reading and open it to that book to continue reading. But, with this random time, I opened it and was in the book of Job. I read some of it on the page I opened to. But, then, the thought came to me that I wanted to read the verses that begin with I know my Redeemer lives, as, that verse is one of my most favorite verses. So, I wanted to share the three verses below.

            Job 19:25-27 (NIV): "25 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see Him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!"

            I look forward to the day that I can see Jesus, my Lord and Savior, face-to-face! I will tell Him, "Thank You for dying for me and cleansing me of my sins, and raising me up to be with Him." What a day that will be, to be with my Savior that day and forever! Wow!

            This is one great thing to look forward to in this fallen world. We can always count on Jesus. He is with us always even until the end of the age as it reads in Matthew 28:20b (NIV): "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

            The Bible also reads in Matthew 18:20 (NIV), "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." What a comfort that is! Not only is He with us there, but He is seated at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us. Romans 8:34 (NIV): "Who then is the one who condemns? (Also mentioned in Romans 8:1-2 below) No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Romans 8:1-2 (NIV): "1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." And that is where grace comes in. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV): "8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast."

            God wants us all to be with Him in the end. He doesn't want anyone to go to hell. 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV): "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." And, 1 Timothy 2:4-6 (NIV): "4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time."

            I want to give you opportunity now to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, if you haven't already. Read this scripture as written in Romans 10:8-13 (NIV): 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
            Genuinely pray this prayer to receive Jesus: "Father God, I am a sinner and I am sorry for sinning against You.  Forgive me of my sins. I receive Jesus Christ Your Son as my Lord and Savior.  I give You my life.  In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen." Then, begin reading the Holy Bible to learn more about God and how to live life. Get plugged into a Bible preaching church where you will hear truth and fellowship with other believers. You won't regret this decision to follow Jesus! Let us know through this website's "contact us" page, that you have made this decision.

Thank you for reading. God bless you!

Pastor Vicky Conklin-Johnson

Prayer Ministries Pastor

Are You Thankful?

Brothers and sisters, do you remember when you were children and you would ask your parents for something that you really wanted for your birthday or Christmas? I do, reminding them more and more as the date became closer. I would leave little reminders all over the place, reprioritizing my Christmas list. I was willing to go without everything else to get what I really wanted. I remember the joy I felt opening the gift and jumping for joy and hugging them. I would say thank you! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I loved seeing the smile on my parents faces as they laughed enjoying my joy and gratitude. My joy was further amplified when I realized that I also got all the items that I crossed out on my list.  I remember how loved I felt, how heard, seen, validated and cared for I felt. Now as a father I want to experience the joy of my children jumping up and down and saying, thank you! thank you! thank you! Brothers and sisters, our Heavenly Father wants that appreciation from us too.

However, we as a people tend to have a different attitude… Instead of having a heart of gratitude we have a grumbling heart.  This is dangerous and if left unchecked. Grumbling can cause great harm. I remember an experience that I had with a fellow brother in Christ. As we were traveling to our MNSOM class, we were discussing grumbling and the consequences it has on our walk and on others, especially the effect grumbling has on leadership. We were led by the Holy Spirit to the exodus of the Israelites and the effects that the grumbling of the Israelites had on Moses. 

1. Firstly, having a grumbling heart can prolong us from receiving what God has for us.

The grumbling of the Israelites caused the journey to the promised land to be extended to 40 years when it was only meant to be around 11 days. 

2.  Secondly, a grumbling heart can blind us from what is right in front of us.

The grumbling of the Israelites led to a portion of them dying from eating the quail when the Lord had provided them manna. A grumbling heart can blind us from what is right in front of us.

3. Thirdly, a grumbling heart can lead to dissension and cause divisions.

The grumbling of the Israelites led to Aaron and Miriam doubting Moses and his ability to lead which caused Moses much grief and led to Aaron and Miriam being disciplined. 

4.  Grumbling takes our focus off God and put our focus on ourselves.

As it is written: Romans 12:3-8

[3] For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. [4] For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, [5] so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. [6] We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; [7] if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; [8] if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 

5. Finally, a grumbling heart saps the strength of those around us and can discourage our loved ones, leading them to operate in the flesh, the sinful nature and ultimately spiritual death.

The grumbling of the Israelites led to Moses striking the rock in frustration and taking credit for the water for which God provided this action. Moses could not enter the promised land due to this action and lack of credit to God.

Brothers and sisters, I would encourage you, if you are struggling with grumbling, examine yourselves with the guidance of the Holy Spirit that you may address your heart and repent.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 addresses how we are to conduct ourselves from day to day in regard to grumbling:

“[12] Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. [13] Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. [14] And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. [15] Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. [16] Rejoice always, [17] pray continually, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Thanksgiving needs to be practiced as it is a stance of worship to our Lord.

Brothers and sisters, James wrote, through the power of the Holy Spirit, about taming the tongue: 

“[3] When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. [4] Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. [5] Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. [6] The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. [7] All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, [8] but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. [10] Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. [11] Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? [12] My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olive, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

James 3:3-12

It is also written in James 4:11-12:

“[11] Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. [12] There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”

It is also written:

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”

James 1:26

It is also written: 

"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

Philippians 2:14-15

Brothers and sisters, remember the God we serve. We are to love one another as HE loves us. This is a command from the most high God. If you have a problem with someone, go to God in prayer first. Humble yourself before the Father. Give your grievances to Him. Our words to each other are meant to be seasoned with salt so that it may benefit those who hear. We are meant to encourage and build up one another, bearing in love with those who are weak in the faith.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” 

Ephesians 4:29-30

I know that there is plenty that could be improved upon in our churches, but simply complaining about it, pointing it out or stating what needs to be done does nothing but exhaust and dishearten those who hear you. If you see something that needs to be changed, do not be someone who sits in a chair drinking lemonade, critiquing those who are working. Rather, grab some gloves and ease the burden or be silent. 

To put it another way:

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

James 2:14-17

Brothers and sisters, I am not without fault in this. I am guilty of being this way. Join me in coming before our Heavenly Father in humility to ask him to circumcise our heart and to obey what it is written: 

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:31-32

Before I conclude, brothers and sisters, I want to go back to the story of Moses not being allowed to enter the promised land. Many of us view that as a punishment, right? However, thanks to the Holy Spirit, I gained a deeper understanding of our Lord. God knows the motivation of our hearts. HE knows our heart condition, where we are and what we are facing. Moses was old; he was tired, frustrated and spent. There was so much more work that needed to be done. What was revealed to me is that as much as not entering the promise land was a punishment, it was more of an act of love and mercy to Moses. He would enter the Lord's rest and be delivered from a grumbling, disobedient and stiffnecked people.

Let us not be what we were before we were called a grumbling, disobedient and stiffnecked people. But let us do as the Lord commands and encourage one spurring one another along in love. Let us not lean in our own understanding and continue to complain. Let us trust in our loving,providing, merciful Heavenly Father. Showing the world what it is to be his children and how wonderful He is.

Brothers and sisters, words cannot express the joy I experienced in the revelation I received from the Holy Spirit. How thankful am I that we have a loving Heavenly Father. My words cannot fully express this love. I am grateful that He has placed me in a position in which I am able to share my joy in Him with you and the insight HE has blessed me with. Our God is so good! GLORY BE TO GOD ALMIGHTY!

Pastor Dakota Swinton

Husbands, Love Your Wives

Greetings my Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus. I pray that all is well with you and that the peace of Christ Jesus is with you all. I wanted to share with you what the Lord Has been teaching me lately in this season of my walk with Him in the hopes that it may be an encouragement to you all.

As some of you know, my beautiful wife, the crown of favor the Lord has placed upon my head, has been blessed by our Lord with the gift of a fourth child. As much joy as this brings us, it is not without its challenges. It makes me think of this scripture in:

 1 Timothy 2:8-15

[8] Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. [9] I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, [10] but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. [11] A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. [12] I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. [13] For Adam was formed first, then Eve. [14] And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. [15] But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

This has led me to reflect on each of my wife’s pregnancies and the trials both her and I have endured through them. The morning sickness, the pain, the weird specific cravings, the hormones, the mood swings (guys we fall prone to these too), the self-doubt, the fear, the planning and the nesting. We have also experienced the chaos of extended family adding their very costly, very unneeded and unwelcomed two cents that if were actual currency, Amanda I could have retired in Bora Bora. With this most recent pregnancy, unnatural fatigue has been the biggest challenge. 

However, with each new child, I have witnessed how my beautiful bride has been more and more transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. That by His power she has developed a more gentle and quiet Spirit. As it is written in:

 1 Peter 3:1-6:

[1] Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, [2] when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. [3] Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. [4] Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. [5] For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, [6] like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

I will testify that the Lord has blessed me in seeing my wife become more and more like Sarah as Peter describes. I have been blessed to watch her grow with the Holy Spirit into the woman of God He made her to be as it is written in:

 Proverbs 31:10-31

[10]  A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. [11] Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. [12] She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. [13] She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. [14] She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. [15] She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. [16] She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. [17] She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. [18] She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. [19] In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. [20] She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. [21] When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. [22] She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. [23] Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. [24] She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. [25] She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. [26] She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. [27] She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. [28] Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: [29] “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” [30] Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. [31] Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Yes, the Lord has truly blessed me with a crown of favor upon my head without whom I would not be where I am today. Yet, my brothers and sisters, I ask that you would pray for me for as much as women face in child rearing, as I stated above, to my understanding, we brothers, men of God, have our own set of trials we must face.  The Lord brought me to reflect on how I have fallen short in the past and the mercy and opportunity He brings me each day to honor Him by the way I love and serve His daughter. You see, my dear brothers, for everything our Lord asks of His daughters, He asks of His Sons all the more.

As it is written:

Ephesians 5:25-33

[25] Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her [26] to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, [27] and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. [28] In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. [29] After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— [30] for we are members of his body. [31] “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” [32] This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. [33] However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

It is also written:

 Colossians 3:19

[19] Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

It is also written:

1 Peter 3:7

[7] Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 

As I said, I have failed in the past to love my wife the way the Lord has instructed and commanded me. I have been harsh and domineering. I have been all too often quick to speak, quick to anger and slow to listen. I have too many times held a record envied and boasted wounded with my words being easily offended, self-serving, and self-worshiping. Too many times have I asked the question “what about me?” not only to myself, but to my wife and my God. Oh, what an arrogant man I am to misuse the authority given to me by the one true King! How I have used my freedom to indulge my flesh and propping my feet up to be served, only making a mockery of the example Christ set for us. As it is written:

 Philippians 2:5-8

[5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; [7] rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. [8] And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

But my dear brothers and sisters rejoice for it is written:

 Lamentations 3:18, 21-28

[18] So I say, “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.”

[21] Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: [22] Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. [23] They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. [24] I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” [25] The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; [26] it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. [27] It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. [28] Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him.

Again, I say rejoice my brothers.  Rejoice for if the Lord has blessed you with another morning He has blessed you with another chance to seek first the kingdom of God. He has blessed you with another chance to humble yourself and Fear the Lord and seek wisdom. He has blessed you with another chance to lay your crown at His feet. He has blessed you with another chance to do as it is written:

 Luke 9:23-24

[23] Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 

Rejoice my dear brothers for with each new morning He has blessed you with another chance to love your wives as He loves as it is written:

 1 Corinthians 13:4-13

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. [8] Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. [9] For we know in part and we prophesy in part, [10] but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. [11] When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. [12] For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. [13] And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Rejoice my brothers for each new morning, our Lord blesses us with the opportunity to bear the fruits of His Holy Spirit that our wives may partake and be truly nourished as it is written:

 Galatians 5:22-26 NIV

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

My Brothers Men of God, our wives will eat of the fruit we bear, so let us ask our Heavenly Father to bear the fruits of His Holy Spirit so our wives may speak of us in such a way as this as it is written:

 Song of Songs 2:3-5

[3] Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. [4] Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love. [5] Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love. 

Let us Rejoice dear brothers in the mercy of a new day from our Lord to die to ourselves to serve our wives. To put them higher than ourselves, to speak life over them, and into them to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Let us take every opportunity to overlook offenses and be quick to forgive. Let us Rejoice in carrying their burdens and providing them the fruits of the Spirit. Let us be their peace, safety and rest through our Lord Jesus Christ by his power. Let us be courageous and stand between our wives and the enemy with prayer and encouragement. Let us be gentle and bear with them and let us show them the love of Christ. Let us love our wives in such a way that Christ Is glorified, and our wives thank the Lord for us rather than having to ask for strength to endure us. Let us love our wives in such a way that our sons know how to love a daughter of God, and our daughters have a standard and life example of how they are to be loved so that they would not be tricked and deceived by the words and schemes of Godless men. My brothers in Christ, dear men of God, conduct yourself in such a way that if the wives of your sons say to them you are just like your father, they may wear it as a badge of honor. Conduct yourself in such a way that when your daughter searches for you in someone else (because they will like it or not) it will not fill you with fear and worry. But rather rejoicing and praising the Lord that she found a man who knows what it is to fear the Lord and obey and abide in him. 

Finally, my dear brothers if you are struggling to love your wives just as I have, I implore you humble yourselves and repent to your father in heaven that you may be forgiven and corrected. I pray that your prayers may not be hindered as it is written:

1 Peter 3:7

[7] Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 

I pray that this message finds you well and remember it is written:  Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23

It is also written: I can do all this by the power of Christ. He gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

May the grace shown by the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. May the love that God has given us be with you. And may the sharing of life brought about by the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Blessings,

Pastor Dakota Swinton

Making Time for Prayer

Making time for prayer is hard and it takes the mindset like this: No matter who shows up to the hour of prayer at our church, I am going to keep doing it, even if it’s only me. Time with God is so very productive in our lifelong relationship with our creator. Prayer makes a huge difference in our life. Everything from making time a priority with God, to helping others, to being built up, and building others up. Prayer also helps us in hearing from the Holy Spirit, to sharing our thoughts, and also in sharing our highs and lows with other like-minded believers. When we share, others can help us, and we can help them.

             I am so thankful that our Church has an hour of prayer scheduled each week so we can help each other out. It has become common, in the culture of today’s world, that everything is a “for me” attitude. It’s hard to spend time on anyone else but self. It’s a sacrifice to self that has to be made to help build God’s kingdom. Are you willing to step out and into a life where God can change everything about you? Are you willing to sacrifice a little of your time?

                       Are you tithing your time the way you should be? God gives us 24 hours each day and we should tithe back to him 2 hours and 24 minutes. Though we should spend every moment of each day with God, specifically we should be praying, reading the word, and doing the things we can do for God with that tithe of 2 hours and 24 minutes.

               God revealed to me a long time ago he wanted and desired more of me than just 10% of my money for a tithe he wants your heart. That means he wants to spend time with you! He desires to know your thoughts and just sit with you.

James 4:7-8

Humility Cures Worldliness

7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

 If we go to God and spend more time with him, he will purify your Heart! Do you want to see people’s lives change? Do you want to see your life change? Go to God in prayer. Spend more time with him.

Luke 10:38-42 Mary and Martha Worship and Serve

38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

God is not saying that doing things that are good should not be done. But he is saying that spending time with him is even more important!

1 Chronicles 16:8-11 8 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

9 Sing to him, sing praises to him;

    tell of all his wondrous works!

10 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

11 Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually!

His word says to seek his presence continually! He wants us continually!

1Thessalonians 5:16-1816 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Isaiah 40:31

31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Colossians 4:2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

Do you want God to do a new work in you? Do you desire things to change? Do you Love the Lord? Do you Love the brothers and sisters in your church? Then let us pray in our alone time with God and also gather and pray with and for each other as often as we can!

I can’t wait for the next time to get together and pray for each other! Until then God Bless yall have a great week!

Your Campus Pastor,

 Kent Furch

You see that if we seek first God, the rest of our life falls into place where it ought to be. Matt.6:33 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Never Alone

During the morning service for the last few weeks, we have been looking at depression, anxiety, and grief.  All of these are things we will experience at some point in our lives, to varying degrees.  You might have anxiety over going to the doctor or dentist.  Grief after the loss of a loved one is normal. People often become depressed for a time after a relationship ends. All of these are normal reactions to circumstances in life. 

God wants us to know that He loves us throughout all of life’s circumstances, the good and the bad! In several places the Bible says that God is with us always.  No matter what we are going through, He is there for us.  He knows how we are feeling and what we are thinking, and He wants us to turn towards Him so He can give us the comfort, strength and wisdom to face that tough situation we are going through.

During times of grief and/or depression, there is nothing wrong with seeking professional help.  In fact, it can be the one of the ways that God leads you to begin the healing process. A Christian counselor or psychologist can help not only help you mentally, but also spiritually as well.

The most important thing though is to turn to God.  Even if you aren’t feeling up to doing anything else, sit in a quiet, comfortable place and pray. Tell God how you are feeling, tell Him about your worries, your sadness and disappointment. Remember He cares for you!  Any time that you can spend in prayer and reading the Bible can help immensely. 

And remember “…He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT)

Pastor Ryan Canaday

Northwood Church

Associate and Family Ministries Pastor

Are You a Robber?

Greetings, My brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. I pray all is well and that the Lord's peace is with you. I want to share with you what the Lord has been teaching me in my walk with Him. The past couple weeks have been a little rough dealing with my little ones.  They are definitely testing their limits and enjoying their newfound freedom in exploring the house and helping themselves to whatever they would like…. whenever they like. So, this last time I was alerted to their actions by the alarm of my refrigerator. I did my best to get down on their level and explain to them that if you need something, all you have to do is ask. Don't just go and do it yourselves because you do not know what you are doing. In that moment I heard the Lord repeat my words to myself as the Words of our Lord flooded my mind. 

Luke 11:5-11, 13 NIV

[5] Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; [6] a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ [7] And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ [8] I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. [9]  “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. [11]  “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 

[13] If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” 

Brothers and sisters, I was humbled and convicted but also I felt loved, reassured, and full of joy that I am Loved by our Heavenly Father.  As it is written,

 Proverbs 3:11-12 NIV

[11] My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, [12] because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

I was then reminded of this word 

James 4:1-3 NIV

[1] What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? [2] You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have it because you do not ask God. [3] When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

The weight of the Holy Spirit’s conviction was heavy on me as I reflected on how much I meant to God. Just as much as my children mean to me. I too was abusing my freedom and leaning on my own strength. I have been taking things for myself rather than just having childlike faith and trusting my Heavenly Father and the fact that He is who He says He is.

1 John 5:14-15 NIV

[14] This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. [15] And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Brothers and sisters, I was soon tested in this. As some of you know, my van totaled itself out and Amanda, the kids and I had been all cramped into our small 4 door sedan (not a fun experience). However, we were grateful that we still had a running vehicle. Grateful we were still able to go to work. Grateful that so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus came around us and blessed us and prayed for us.  In fact, there are a few people in particular I would ask that you would encourage and ask for blessings over. Tommy Lee, a brother of ours in the faith, has gone above and beyond in helping us keep our vehicles running, advising us on where to go, what to fix, and helping us get a new car, as well as selling our totaled vehicle. His wife Meranda Lee, a sister in the faith, has blessed us with extreme kindness as our General Manager at our place of employment. She has gone out of her way to work with Amanda and I with our schedules at work and more. Also please lift up Pastor Tony, Pastor Kent, and our brother in the way Alex Harmon for providing counsel and support in this time. They all have truly blessed me. As it is written,   

Matthew 10:40-42 NIV

[40]  “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. [41] Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. [42] And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

(May this be an encouragement that the Lord rewards those who abide in Him and do His will) 

Back to the test.  Amanda and I were painfully aware that we needed a new vehicle, and we were also painfully aware that we did not have the means to get a new one. Praise be to God the Holy Spirit, who reminded me of the situation with my children (stated above).  Before I could give in to the worry, the anxiety, and the grumbling, the Lord struck down the enemies’ fiery darts and encouraged me with, 

Psalms 55:22 NIV

[22] Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

As well as Luke 12:22-32 NIV

[22] Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. [23] For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. [24] Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap; they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! [25] Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? [26] Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? [27]  “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [28] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! [29] And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. [30] For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. [31] But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. [32]  “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 

And..

Philippians 4:4-7 NIV

[4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

It was here where I humbled myself and went to Our Heavenly Father for help. Lord, you know all things! You know my situation. You know what I need. You know that I do not have the means to get it. If it be your will, please help me get a new car. Brothers and Sisters, the next day we got approved for a loan and were able to find a vehicle for a good price. However, the loans terms were not favorable. Praise be to God that instead of murmuring, I prayed and petitioned the Lord again asking the Lord if it be your will for us to have this vehicle, that our bank will come through tomorrow with much more favorable terms. Long story short, by our Heavenly Father's great love we now have a new reliable vehicle!

Brothers and Sisters, I realized something after this.  I had been robbing myself of the joy in trusting the Lord in all things. By not coming to Him in my time of need, by not humbling myself and petitioning for my requests, I had robbed myself of experiencing Him fully and the opportunity for my faith to grow in Him. As it is written,

John 16:23-24 NIV

[23] In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. [24] Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

I pray this word finds you well and may the grace and joyous favor of our Lord Jesus Christ, the unambiguous love of God, and the precious communion that we share in the Holy Spirit be yours continually! 

Pastor Dakota Swinton 

Lying and Deception

Some of this devotional is taken from an article by Steve Gallager.  

Lying has become so common in the American culture that people lie to each other as a normal part of life. 

You ask what about Christians? It has become common place in the Church as well. The reason for this is we as a Church are far more dialed into the culture than we should be. We are more into worldly entertainment and it’s delusions than we are the love of the Truth, God’s Word. 

The side effect of this deception is we are losing our trust in other people. When people are so unsure of who they can trust, they also start to question the truth of God’s Word. Christian values must be based on the Word of God alone, which is our pure truth.  

Paul says that the ones who won’t be swept away in the great apostasy are those that have a love for the Truth. Deception will only increase in the days ahead. America desperately needs a revival of truth. May we be a Church that focuses on the truth of God May we fight for God’s truth for our own lives and the lives of those we lead.  

How we spend our time as leaders and how we build our own life will determine how the people we lead are affected. Sharing the truth with others should take up more of our time so we don’t have time for worldly activities. Read the word or listen to the word for an hour each day. Pray for at least an hour a day. Sing praises for an hour a day. Help someone for an hour a day. That’s 4 hours less you will spend on worldly things. We need to take advantage of the truth as much as we can so the enemy can’t tell us lies and we will have nothing but the truth to offer.  

Spread the truth and that will kill all the lies! 

Everyone have a blessed week Love ya’ll God Bless 

Sincerely,

Your Springfield Campus Pastor, Kent R. Furch   

Persecution

Jews and Christians

            No one has experienced more persecution than the Jewish people. The Jewish people are God's chosen people.

            Probably the largest known persecution of Jews was when Hitler was on the scene during World War II. Just because they were Jewish, 6 million Jews were killed in concentration camps. Probably the worst camp was Aushwitz-Birkenau, known as an extermination camp in Poland, where it was reported that 2.1-2.5 million people were killed mostly, European Jews. However, it is said the more true number is 4 million.

(Per https://www.jewishgen.org/forgottencamps/Camps/AuschwitzEng.html.)

It seems most deaths occurred in Poland at the many camps.

            Several times, I have read the book "Angels in the Camp," written by Anita Dittman and Jan Markell. Currently, the book has been renamed "Trapped in Hitler's Hell." The book is about a young girl (Anita Dittman) taken by the Germans, but her mother was taken before her. The Germans began taking Jews away and sending them to camps spread out throughout Europe. Those considered to be 100% Jewish were taken first. The least amount of Jewish in your pedigree meant you were some of the last to go. That is how it happened in the book. These two women survived the holocaust and lived to tell about it. Then the daughter (Anita Dittman) decided to write her story of what happened to her and her mother. Within the book, the daughter writes about Jesus and the many miracles He performed to keep her safe and bring her through things. After the book was published, she went around to many venues, like churches and schools, telling her story.

            Today, the Jewish people are still being persecuted. Many countries in the middle east surround them and several of them hate the Jews. The Bible says in the last days, every nation will be against Israel. No nation on earth will come to their aid, not England, not the United States of America, who have been long-time allies and friends to Israel. Many nations want to eliminate the nation of Israel.

            Zechariah 14:1-2a (ESV): "Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle."

            But God stands with Israel. When the day comes when no nation will stand with Israel, the Lord Jesus Christ will come to her aid.

            Zechariah 14:3-4(ESV): "3 Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. 4 On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward."

            Christians have been and also will be persecuted.

            I want to share some Scripture on persecution that Jesus Christ told us would come.

Because of Me - Jesus Speaking Here

            Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV): 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

            Matthew 24:8-10 (NIV): 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,

            Luke 21:16-18 (NIV): 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish.

Persecution

            Mark 10:29-31 (NIV): 29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

            2 Corinthians 12:9-11 (NIV): 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 11 I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.

            2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 (NIV): 3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. 5 All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
            Revelation 2:9-11 (NIV): 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. 11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.

            Thank you for reading. Keep the faith. Keep your ears open and listen for God to speak to you. Trust and obey Him.

Pastor Vicky Conklin-Johnson

Prayer Ministries Pastor

I Will Give You Rest

Greetings my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. I pray that all is well and the peace of our Lord is with you. If you have not heard this in a while I hope that you may receive this: You are loved with the genuine affection of Christ Jesus. And it is from this love that I am writing to you.

Brothers and sisters, I have had quite a week with struggles from car issues, home repairs, the tolls of maintaining relationships, demands from work and parenthood as well as the weight of my affliction and the difficulties it presents me at any given moment. Not to mention everything else that comes with the monotony of this life… to put it simply, I was exhausted, running on fumes. The weight of this exhaustion came to my head when I went to wake up my children from their naps one afternoon to be greeted by the smell of number 2 and my children proudly showing me the abstract paintings they had adorned the walls with. Between the smell and the weight of the reality of what was required to not only clean my children but their freshly painted rooms, I broke. I wanted so badly to just throw my hands up in the air and be done. At that moment, I felt like a little kid. I was so overwhelmed and overstimulated. I just wanted my mom to show up and handle it so I could just nap and dream of pleasant-smelling places like a candle shop, bakery, or a meadow of lilac and lavender flowers. But that was not an option. I had to push through and take care of the issue. Thanks be to God, my beautiful wife, my crown of favor from the Lord showed up. Soon after we cleaned up the kids. She took them downstairs and she gave me time to rest. As my head hit the pillow, I heard the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit say, “Come to me you who are weary and heavy burden and I will give you rest”. Brothers and sisters, I did not have the strength to read the Word or pray, but the Lord provides a way weekly. I said, “Google play bible scriptures for sleep and soon I heard the sounds of the ocean crashing into the shore as a woman with a soothing voice began reading God's Word. Brothers and sisters, there are no words to express the love that washed over me as I laid on my bed and was still with the Lord.

Refreshed and renewed, I was ready for whatever came next, right? No, what came next as the next few days passed broke me again as the pain of my affliction returned with a vengeance in the early hours of the morning. I began to beg and pleaded, “not again Lord, please, I am not strong enough. Please take this cup from me,” as the pain continued to ravage my body. I started to weep bitterly as I lamented my grief, my anger, my pain, my fears, my anxiety, broken dreams and dashed hopes, my sacrifices and so on. I was laid bare. And when I had cast all my cares on Him because He cares for me I heard “Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest”  I struggled to make my way upstairs, got into a hot bath and again listened to the Word of our Lord. It did not take long before the pain started to fade, and my eyes became heavy as I sluggishly made my way to my pillow. I heard the Lord again, gently, as I drifted off

 Psalm 127:2-4

2In vain you rise early

and stay up late,

toiling for food to eat—

for he grants sleep to those he loves.

3Children are a heritage from the Lord,

offspring a reward from him.

4Like arrows in the hands of a warrior

are children born in one’s youth.

Matthew 11: 28

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Brothers and sisters, it is though God's love and mercy that I can write to you. For the rest that He blessed me with, by His abounding love, was the most restorative sleep I have had since I was a child. Believe it or not, I woke up ready to face the day with joy in my heart and a smile on my face. Brothers and sisters, why? Why do we go against the word of God, why do we forsake our time with Him? Why do we neglect the sabbath? It is written:

 Exodus 16:23-30

 He said to them, 23“This is what the Lord commanded: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of sabbath rest, a holy sabbath to the Lord. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.’ ” 24 So they saved it until morning, as Moses commanded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it. 25“Eat it today,” Moses said, “because today is a sabbath to the Lord. You will not find any of it on the ground today. 26 Six days you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will not be any.”27 Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none. 28 Then the Lord said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? 29 Bear in mind that the Lord has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where they are on the seventh day; no one is to go out.” 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

 It is also written in Exodus 20:8-10

 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.

It is also written in Exodus 23:12

Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed.  

Brothers and sisters. Let us trust in the Lord. Let us obey His commands, let us go to Him so that we may cast off our exhaustion, burdens, anxieties, hurts and fears. May we be His children and allow ourselves to just be held for I promise oh child of God, our father does not lie He is faithful so again.

It is written: Matthew 11:28-30

 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I pray this message finds you well, May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Blessings,

Pastor Dakota Swinton

Friend of Christ or Friend of Job

Greetings my dear brothers in Christ I pray that all is well with you and that the love, peace and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ abounds with you and through you. 

I am writing this to you to share a loving correction from the Lord. Without going into too much detail I have a friend who I love dearly in the Lord and lately they have been going through a rough time. Being that I care so deeply for this friend I have been praying for my friend and how I may be of help to them. This kicked my mind into overdrive. But instead of leaning more into prayer my mind began to venture into speculation. What did they do to be going through such troubles? What are they thinking? What are the motives of their heart? Don't they realize how…. It was at this point the Lord told me to be silent. “My son, do you not realize what you are doing? You are being just as foolish as Job's friends! Do you not remember the lesson from Job? That even if you do everything right sometimes things will go wrong? Do you not remember the pain and grief Job's friends caused him by doing what you just now were doing? Do you not remember how it was Job's friends who had to repent! Do you not remember how Peter had to be corrected after being worried about John's calling?

As it is written John 21:20-23 NIV

[20] Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) [21] When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” [22] Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” [23] Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.21.20-23.NIV

My son, I know the plans I have for all of you keep your eyes on me and be obedient.  Do not concern yourself with such questions, because it is not wise nor is it for you to do. Only I know the motivation of anyone's heart. Only I know what is really going on. You only need to concern yourself with me and do as I have asked you to love them.

As it is written Ephesians 4:2-4, 6 NIV

[2] Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. [3] Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.4.2-6.NIV

Now go forth and be my son as it is written John 13:34-35 NIV

[34]  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.13.34-35.NIV

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ I pray that by me sharing how I was corrected it may be of encouragement to you. As we fight the good fight, we will come across painful moments and may be hurt by the actions of others. But I caution you not to be like Job's friends and bring accusations as a prosecuting detective looking to in an act of self-righteous judgment, but to emulate Christ. We don't know the depths of the battles people face. We don't know the severity of the wounds that have been inflicted nor the weight of their burdens and even if the person was able to explain everything to the best of their ability that still would not even scratch the surface of the complexity of the situation.

Only God truly sees as it is written Ephesians 6:11-20 NIV

[11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. [19] Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.6.11-20.NIV

May we stand together in unity brothers and sisters in Christ so that we may not lose sight of our mission.  Let us spur one another in love and be of a vigilant sober mind fixed on Christ so that we may not fall to the schemes of the evil one but that we would resist him together and glorify our Father in Heaven.

Let us be Christ to each other rather than accusers and speculators. Let us be friends like Christ not friends of Job.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Pastor Dakota Swinton

Heaven and Hell

Before I explain heaven and hell, let me explain God. Who is He? He is a Spirit being who exists, has always existed, and always will exist. He exists in the Holy Trinity: The Father, the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. Genesis 1:1 (NIV): “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” John 1:1-4 (NIV): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” John 1:1-4 refers to the Son, who is Jesus Christ. John 1:14 (NIV): “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” So, Jesus created everything as it says in verse 3 above. The Holy Spirit was also involved in creation. Genesis 1:2 (NIV): “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

What is heaven? It is the place where God dwells. There are three levels of heaven that we know of and God the Father lives in the third heaven. People who have sincerely received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior have their names written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Hebrews 10:22a (NIV): “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings,” 1 Timothy 1:5 (NIV): “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV): “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” Hebrews 10:22a (NIV): “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings,” Revelation 21:27 (NIV): “Nothing impure will ever enter it (the New Jerusalem, which will be on the new earth - Revelation 21:1a), nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” 1 Kings 8:27-30 (NIV): “27 But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 28 Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. 29 May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 30 Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.” The Lord says in Isaiah 55:9-10 (NIV): “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,”

What is hell? It is a place for Satan and his angels. Matthew 25:41b (NIV): “into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” This is a place where people, who have not sincerely received Christ and what He has done for them on the cross and through the resurrection, will go to the Lake of Fire. Revelation 20:10-15 (NIV): “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. 11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

We human beings are all born to live forever. The question is where? Heaven or Hell? The choice is yours. Contrary to popular opinion, God is not the one who sends people to hell. By refusing what Jesus has done for every human being, they send themselves to hell.

As you can tell, this is a very serious topic. Non-believers of Christ should seriously seek Jesus and allow Him into their lives to be their Lord and Savior. Hell is not a place for a party, and it truly exists, no matter what anyone else has told you. There are countless testimonies out there by Christians who received Christ and He changed their lives. Let Him change yours.

Thanks for reading!

Pastor Vicky Conklin-Johnson

Prayer Ministries Pastor

The Way of the Fist

2 Timothy 2:24 says “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.” What!!? Paul doesn’t know what he’s talking about! That was my first reaction to this verse. 

I reacted this way because I had met some very difficult people in my time.  I used to handle that situation with “the way of the fist”. Upon becoming a Christian, I learned that I had to be “slow to anger” and to “have self-control” and so I changed. Then I came across a “difficult” person, and that was my real test to see if I had changed. And I passed!  I was able to look at that person as someone who needed Jesus, and not an enemy. See them as a lost child and not an adversary. Like the saying goes “hurting people, hurt people”.  We must remember to have compassion for them. Because they don’t have the “Joy” or the “Peace” of the Lord. Through our “Joy” and “Peace” from the Lord, we can be an example to them and show them the Love of the Lord. Hopefully, we just might win them over for the Lord! Jesus said, “Pray for your enemies” and maybe we should also pray with them. I find that asking to pray with somebody changes their demeanor. Remember that there is a spiritual battle we’re fighting. 

Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”. And Mark 12:31 says “… you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”

So do not quarrel with difficult people, pray for and with them, teach them the love of God through your example. And may the Peace and Joy of God bless you always. Amen!

Pastor Perry Stands

Raising Your Children Up According to the Word

Some parents get things a little off when it comes to raising their children up in the Lord. A lot of parents think that it’s the churches job or even the school’s job to take care of their children (babysit them). How much time does the church or school have in order to influence or teach them and who in the church or school would you fully trust? While we as a church are supposed to help teach them the word of God through Sunday School, Youth Group, and Children’s Church, the ultimate responsibility lies with the parents to give them discipline and keep them under control.

Parents that feel someone else should take the responsibility for disciplining their children or keeping them in check are missing out on a lot of scripture that specifically says they are the ones that are responsible for their children. Scripture addresses these following questions. If you cannot take care of your own house, why would someone trust you to do things for them? Why would someone want you to discipline someone else’s children? Would they discipline them the same way the parents want them to be handled?

Proverbs 13: 24

Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

 Proverbs 29:17

 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.

When parents do not discipline their children, they will not get good results. Wanting someone else to do that for them is not biblical unless they are orphans.

Ephesians 6:1-4

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

The Word of God has so much to say about parenting, being a father and mother and how children are to treat their parents.

We as humans want to and tend to take the easy way out and expect someone else to go the extra mile. As for raising your children we should seek the Lord and train our children the best we can according to the Word of God.

If you are wanting alone time or want to do things that require you to be away from your children, no matter what the reason, it’s not someone else’s responsibility.  It’s the parents’ responsibility to hire a babysitter. That’s what many teens rely on for some money.

Being a parent takes all your time and effort. Children deserve to have their parents’ attention and devotion. Time will pass and your days will be numbered with your children. God has entrusted you to bring them up.  Your children were born to you, not someone else. Never stop praying for them and giving them your attention.

Your number one priority is your children because they are precious and are looking to spend time with you. Activities can wait. Leading certain things can wait. Your children shouldn’t have to wait.

Psalms 127:3

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.

They are a gift and reward! Love your children enough to take care of them and do your very best to lead them.

1 Timothy 5: 3-8  

3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Proverbs 22:6,15

6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.

Proverbs 23:13-14

13 Do not withhold discipline from a child;  if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.

14 Punish them with the rod and save them from death.

It’s very important we understand what the rod means. It Is that gentle guidance, discipline to teach or guide gently. It does not say to hurt or beat your children. When Scripture is talking about the rod it is talking about the shepherd’s staff which was used to guide the sheep where they needed to be.

Psalm 23:4

4 Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

When the rod is used in scripture it is talking about being led, guided and being taught, gently taught. It should be comfort and reassurance that we give our children. Seek the Lord and his word and he will shed light on being a parent.

We all have mentors and Christian brothers and sisters who have paved the way for us. Sometimes we need them to guide and teach us. Reach out and talk to others.  Read and communicate with God in prayer! He wants to hear from you because you are his child!

Love Ya’ll and Have A Blessed Week!

 Springfield Campus Pastor,

 Kent Furch

Focus on God

"We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne."

Hebrews 12:2

It is really easy to get distracted and take your focus off God sometimes. You get busy at work, the kids have lots going on or you are spending time with family and friends. Sometimes even normal everyday things can distract us and cause us to take our eyes off God.  

As believers, we need to be intentional about keeping our focus on God.  It can be very easy to skip reading the Bible because you must do something else.  It can be very easy to not spend time in prayer because something comes up that requires your attention. However, when we make it a point focus on God, a few things happen.

First, as we spend more time with God, it becomes easier to focus on Him.  Second, we start to think and act differently.  It becomes easier to see people as God sees them and to act in a way that can glorify God. Lastly, we grow closer to Him, which is the best reason of all to focus on God.

With that in mind, start making time for God today.  Plan a certain time every day, even if it’s only 20 minutes, and make Him your main focus for that time. Read the word, meditate on a particular passage of scripture, spend time in prayer. Then, find times throughout the day where you can add more of Him or His Word to your day. Perhaps you could listen to worship music on your way to work, pray while you are in the shower, or listen to a Christian podcast while doing dishes. When we love someone, we will make time for them. If you’re struggling to find ways to spend more time focusing on God, ask Him to help you find ways to spend more time with Him and help you grow closer to Him. 

Pastor Ryan Canaday

Gen Z - An Opportunity

Gen Z are people born between 2000 and 2012 and are an incredibly diverse group. Almost half are non-Caucasian at 48% compared to baby-boomers at about 18%. 1 in 3 teens identify themselves as LGBTQ. Studies have shown that today's teens are twice as likely to identify as atheist than previous generations with nearly half (45%) having never attended a church service. Even as discouraging as that sounds, the same study noted that teens who do identify as Christian are very engaged with their church. And better yet they are engaged with the word of God on the daily. To me this shows opportunity.

Gen Z is very devoted in everything they do, they are a generation seeking authenticity, and I believe it is our job as the Church to show them the authenticity of our Lord Jesus. The word tells us we need to tell them the wonders of God. 

Psalm 78: O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. 

With Gen Z it must be more than just telling them the truth. We must be authentic in our love for them. It's hard to not see someone who is living in sin or who is against God as a person who is against us as Christians. But this is truly a trap from Satan. We have all sinned and are all in need of the Savior and we can't forget that.

Gen Z is a generation that is afraid to offend anyone, so they often don’t engage in conversations about religious matters. But if we have authentic love for them and for who they are, they will listen. I believe we have a lot to learn from Gen Z as the church. They remind us that Love is the most important thing we have as Christians. We must show them the love of God, because the love of God is so much Greater than the love the world offers. We must show them that their identity is so much more than sexual feelings. We must show them that they have an identity rooted in their creator and they were made for a purpose. They are not here by accident and God didn’t make a mistake in making them.

As the Church let's stop trying to drag them to God but rather let’s come beside them where they are and seek the Lord with them. I pray that long attending church members look at Gen Z and that they feel convicted about their own quality of love. We should never get so caught up with our hate of sin that we make sinners feel hated. Rather we should be so caught up with our love of Christ that we can’t help but to make sinners feel loved. Jesus loved first and told people they don't have to be defined by their sin.

So, if you have the opportunity to interact with Gen Z, see it as an opportunity to love deeper, to listen and sympathize with them. Remember the fact that they are growing up in an incredibly confusing time. But that God made them for a time like this. 

God Bless, Pastor Brenan 

Riding the Fence

Are you riding the fence? There are three places in the bible that come to mind when we talk about fence riding.

 The first scripture in Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and riches.”

And the second is 1 John 2:15 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

And last but definitely not least is Luke 11:28 But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

All these scriptures are what we need to study and dwell on when we want to dive deeper into who we are serving. I think sometimes one of the hardest things about being lukewarm is the deciding factor of where the fence is. What does the fence look like, how high is it, and what determines “Am I a fence rider?”

 Many different times in our life we go through periods where we are gung-ho for Jesus doing everything right. Reading your bible daily, prayer time spent and checking all the boxes we think make us a good christian. But what determines when we stop doing everything we are supposed to? What the fence could start to look like? What are the signs that maybe we are getting close to riding the fence?

I know just because someone reads the bible and does devotionals doesn’t always mean their actions show through to others more than face value. Are we reading our bibles to check off our lists, to make ourselves feel like we are following Christ. Because if we are just going through the motions and not seeing any fruit from what you are doing, you could be a fence rider. I’m not saying you are but if you aren’t seeing outward fruit in your life then you need to examine why.

Why isn’t what I’m reading showing through in my daily life? Why isn’t my language changing? How come no one really knows I believe in Jesus because it shows without me having to say it. Every fence will look a little different, but it is still a fence. You cannot have one foot with Jesus and one foot in the worldly things. It's either all for Jesus or you are of the world. Even the demons and devil believe that God is who He says He is. They know what the bible says. That's why the devil is so good at tricking humans into asking the same question he asked Eve. Did God really say that? He makes us question our ability to know Christ's words.

So, if you want to be off the fence, your daily living, speaking, and actions needs to be showing fruit from God. You need to be actively making decisions that will benefit your relationship with Jesus. This means today you aren't going to go with friends that gossip and make fun of other people. Today you are going to start saving money instead of going shopping for unnecessary things. Today you are going to start listening to uplifting music that fills you up and does not infect your thoughts. When you do this, you can truly live for God the way He wants you too.

It's about making daily and minute by minute decisions that are going to make you grow closer with God. You are going to start desiring the things He wants. You are going to start wanting healthy fruit of the Spirit instead of taking whatever you can from someone who isn’t good for you. It’s about making the right decision even on bad days because you're being obedient to Christ. You are not forming relationships built on feelings or emotions.

But instead, asking are these people going to inspire me in my relationship with Jesus. Who are your people, your friend group, your close counsel. Who feeds your spirit on a human level. Are they serving Christ? Are they speaking into your life with respect? Are they caring for you and helping you make right decisions? Are they being honest with you about what they see from you? Can you count on them? These are all questions we need to ask ourselves when choosing those close relationships because that is what will help you stay off the fence. That will either inspire you to follow God or draw you away from the presence of God. You will be either lukewarm, hot or cold.

 So, which one do you want to be, because only you can make the choice to stop riding the fence. God will help you get off it. But you must ask, seek and draw near to him because we are in a season where people need to get off the fence and serve God. We need to understand that a time is coming when we all must stand before God and answer for what we have done. If you die to your flesh daily through the blood of Christ, He has already covered you and cleansed you.

Everyone has a choice. God is a gentleman and will not barge in and make you do anything. You will have to make the choice for yourself and if you choose Jesus He will fill that empty spot that no one else will ever be able to fill. His Love surpasses all of our human understanding. He only asks for us to come to Him and He will make us new.

Blessings,

Pastor Rae Lynn

Is it OK to not be OK??

Greetings my Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Today I bring you a subject that has weighed heavily on my heart for some time now. You see, I have had the honor and privilege of leading adult bible study for people of our congregation. Through these discussions on leading bible study, I have noticed a particular discrepancy among those of us who gather together. There seems to be a disagreement on whether a believer who has the joy of the Lord should be depressed or not. There are some who say that if you have the joy of the Lord you shouldn't be able to be depressed. To those of you who read this that agree with that, I caution you from making such statements. I understand that it may be difficult to empathize with believers who may be battling depression, especially if you have not experienced depression or have been delivered from it and are currently in a season of joy. And if you are, praise God! However, to say believers should not have depression because we have the joy of the Lord is very discouraging to someone who is in the midst of a battle and may cause them to doubt their faith and standing in Christ.

This is not how it should be my brothers and sisters. We are to bear with one another, to encourage one another in the faith, and rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. There are so many examples of people battling depression in the Bible in fact I cannot think of a biblical hero who did not have a bout with depression. It just wasn't called that then. Yes, brothers and sisters, even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ dealt with the heaviness of depression.

For it is written in Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT:

[14] So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. [15] This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. [16] So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

 https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.4.14-16.NLT

I do not know why it is that some of us have this battle. And I cannot give you a definitive reason on what causes it. I know from my own life, there are days where I am numb and empty, void of feeling and motivation. And I will sit and count my blessings and logically it makes no sense for where I am at for I am loved by the most High God. I am blessed beyond measure. All I can logically be is grateful to God and yet I am down cast. The last time I felt this way, I cried out to our Father in Heaven: “Lord, my God, I have you. I know that I am loved by you. I am richly blessed and my hope is in you. I know I am yours. I know I am saved. I know nothing can separate me from you so why? Why am I so downcast?” It was then the Holy Spirit led me to Psalms 42.

Psalms 42:1-11 NLT:

[1] As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. [2] I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? [3] Day and night I have only tears for food, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, “Where is this God of yours?” [4] My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration! [5] Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and 

[6] My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. [7] Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. [8] By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life. [9] I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” [10] My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” [11] Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

 https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.42.1-11.NLT

My brothers and sisters, we live in a fallen world. We will be subjected to suffering and pain that is not fair and does not make sense. Just as Job was and just as Christ was. I know at times this doesn't make sense, but we as believers are to rejoice in our suffering, in the means that we suffer, for the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So my dear ones in the faith, take heart and do not be discouraged. You are not lesser for your struggles or your weakness.

For it is written in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV:

 [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. [10] That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.12.9-10.NIV

Brothers and sisters, may you be encouraged. It is OK to not be OK and find our comfort in the Lord as it is written in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 NIV:

 [3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, [4] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. [5] For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. [6] If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. [7] And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.1.3-7.NIV

May those of you who are battling unseen battles know you can in fact be downcast while having your joy in the Lord.

Know you are well loved and may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always. 

Blessings, 

 PDS