Guard Your Tongue

Greetings my brothers and sisters in Christ. Have any of you ever been in a situation where you said something with good intentions but after you said it you were left wishing you had a redo button??

This recently happened to me when I unfortunately did not walk in the wisdom of the word. I had a friend that I was concerned about and instead of heeding the advice in Mathew 18:15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”

 Now my friend had not sinned against me, however there were things I was concerned about. Unfortunately, like I said I did not follow the wisdom of the word and go to him in confidence where my words may have been understood out of the love and concern, I intended. No like a Fool I failed to practice restraint as stated in proverbs 17:27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. I went to someone else with my concerns in a not so private setting. Because of my foolishness, instead of bringing healing my words became like a sword.

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 12:18 NIV

I did not present myself as wise brothers and sisters no my words were perceived as gossip and slander and the price was heavy. Not only did I possibly damage both our reputations, I damaged my witness. I misrepresented the kingdom and I hurt someone very close to me. Praise be to God! My friend did follow the word “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.

Matthew 18:15 NIV

He showed me grace and confronted me the right way. However, now I am at the mercy of our Lord and open to the further consequences that may follow.

Brothers and sisters, it is my prayer that you can learn from my story and not find yourself in the snares of your own making. Be people who guard their tongues for “Those who guard their mouths, and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”

Proverbs 21:23 NIV

I would also ask Brothers and Sisters in Christ that you would pray for my friend and I. That wounds would be mended and peace that knows no bounds flow over us May the Lord’s favor be upon you and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.

Blessings

Dakota Swinton

What does my future hold?

 As I continue throughout my senior year of High School knowing I have some big choices to make within my life, I realize now I need to keep my foundation and faith solid in the Lord Jesus Christ and he will show me the path. Even though I have to figure out what I want to do with my life and grow up, it can seem overwhelming and stressful but I know that God is in control. I often need to remind myself that even though I don’t know what my future holds, if I keep the faith and keep God at the center of all my thoughts, actions, and intentions, my life will work out the way he has intended for my best benefit.

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

I really feel this verse is important to all Chrsitians because it goes to prove that even though we may not at all times see or feel God, we still know that he is there and his favor is upon our lives. When I go through hardships in my life I sometimes think “Why God, why is this happening to me”? But, I realize that I shouldn’t get frustrated because everything happens for a reason, it’s God’s timing not mine. Now as I mature and look at life through a different perspective, I pray not for easy times but for strength to endure whatever life throws at me, good or bad. I change my ways and think “What is this trying to teach me” and “What can I learn from this experience” instead of “Why is this happening to me Lord”? I believe just like the verse says, If I submit myself to his authority and ruling, he will guide me through the storm of life and I shall not perish, but will stand tall and become stronger from it. If the Lord our God will show me the path and guide me through it every step of the way which I know he will, why worry? Why be nervous or scared when we can have comfort and peace knowing that God has everything under control.

Thank you everyone for the encouragement and support as I continue on my journey into becoming an adult.

Thank you & as always, God Bless

Isaac J Sturgeon

How will you respond?

Seventeen years ago before I excepted Jesus in my heart and became a Christian, I used to just work temp jobs and sell marijuana for a living. I worked temp jobs because I liked the freedom of not having to stay at a job I didn’t like and I sold marijuana for the fast money.

But when I became a Christian, I gave that up and “went legit”,as some would say.

So I was trying to get a job that I had experience in and just couldn’t get one.

Now about this time, I had gotten my brother to except Christ in his heart and I know he truly did because the Lord had begun to bless him. My brother got a job at this place I applied three times for.

Now the Lord had also blessed me and my wife, with a big house and a good job for my wife. But with a big house comes big bills and not to mention eight kids to feed and clothe. We just couldn’t keep up with the bills on just my wife’s income. So I was trying my hardest to get a job, but nothing was panning out,and I was getting very frustrated and angry. One day I was to the point of giving up trying to find a job and go back to drug dealing to make the “fast buck” so I could get the bills paid. I’ll just sell drugs until the bills are paid, then I’ll stop, I was thinking. As I was thinking this, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and reminded me of the scripture, proverbs 3:5-6” trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do,and he will show you which path to take.” And Matthew 11:28”then Jesus said, come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Upon being reminded of these scriptures, I raised my hands and prayed and told the Lord that I’m gonna trust him and I lay my burdens at his feet.

The next day, my brother calls me up and tells me there’s job openings at the place where he works,and that I should apply.

I told him I tried there three times and nothing. He told me to apply and give them his name. He talked to the boss already and he’s keeping an eye out for my application. So I applied and got the job! The Lord opened a door for me!

Then it wasn’t long after that I received an unexpected land payment for $5000!

So I able to pay all of my bills off and I had a good paying job to continue to keep paying my bills. God Is Good!!

That’s when I learned that trust is big with the lord and he wants you to trust him. So trust him with all your heart,soul and strength, and you will find peace in your heart and life. Knowing that the Lord is in control and he will take care of you.

May the Lord bless you always!

Pastor Perry Stands

Only God is Permanent

Psalm 105:4

Life is full of distractions.  Stuff like work, family, and friends are always fighting for our attention.  Then you add in stuff like smartphones giving us constant updates on our social media accounts and current events, more tv shows and movies then we can ever watch (not that we will stop trying) and all sorts of other things that are constantly shouting "Look at me!"
 

Not too surprising, it can be hard focus on God, but that is what we are supposed to do!  Several times through out the Bible it says that we are to focus on Him above everything else.

That can be tough, especially in our modern world, but remember this.  All those things are temporary.  Our social media posts will not always get a bunch of likes, current events today will be old news tomorrow.  TV shows and movies can be spoiled very easily through fan sites and wiki articles.  All of this seemed important at the time, but it won't be long before it fades away. 

Only God is permanent.  Only God will always be there for you.  And that is why we should seek His face always.

Pastor Ryan

Jesus is the Bread

           Greetings, my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I wanted to share a reminder and revelation I received while studying the New Testament through the faith and action series. On page 73 in chapter 5, the author shares a native American story about two wolves: the white wolf and the black wolf. In the proverb, whatever wolf you feed is the wolf that grows stronger and eventually wins over the other one. The author linked this to feeding the spirit or feeding the flesh.

After reading this chapter, a sense of clarity came over me part of the reason why I have been struggling so much is in the midst of going through trials in my life and being places I did not want to be. I started to indulge in my old coping mechanisms, which included food, entertainment and withdrawing into myself. I was feeding my flesh and allowing my circumstances to distract and overwhelm me. I did indulge in my fleshly desires instead of consuming the Holy Living Word of God and spending time with our Heavenly Father in the secret place, edifying myself with tongues and disciplining my flesh with fasting. No, instead of doing what I know to be right and walking in the wisdom of Our LORD, I was like a dog who returned to its own vomit and then wondered why I felt so weak and tired. Praise be to God that he is merciful, pateint and kind, that we may repent!

Brothers and sisters, allow me to share with you the scriptures I was led to after being rebuked. Do you remember when our Lord and Savior was tested in the wilderness? When he was hungry, and the enemy tempted him to use his power to make stones into bread? His response to this temptation: “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Then in John 1:1-14:

“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. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.

“6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

“9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

“14 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.

In these 14 verses, John tells us who the Word is and how he became flesh. Then in John 6:35-40:

35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

What a wonderful hope we have in Christ our King. He is the bread of life; He is the living word of God and He is within us. Do not starve your spirit, but, instead, nourish it with the living and breathing Word, that you may be able to deny your flesh and bear the fruits of the spirit like He has called us to do.

Dakota Swinton

Who controls your life? - September 20

                            We have so many choices we can make. I remember years ago when I watched a couple movies with George Burns in them called “Oh God”. I still remember the Angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other shoulder. One telling him to do good the other trying to convince him to do bad things. Some things are obviously wrong, bad, evil. Some things are obviously right, good and Godly.  There are so many examples in the word of God. Take for instance the ten commandments.

                        KJV, Exodus 20:3-17

“3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. 12 Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 13 Thou shalt not kill. 14 Thou shalt not commit adultery. 15 Thou shalt not steal. 16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. 17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s.”

                                                   So, this is the example from Gods word how we should do most things or not do. How many times have you heard the phrase the Devil made me do it? Many times, I am sure. Well, that’s bologna. We have our own free will. The devil is out to kill, steal, and destroy.

    DARBY, John 10:10

“10 The thief comes not but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I am come that they might have life and might have [it] abundantly.”  

                                So, I am not saying that the devil does not influence that bad decision that is made he is constantly trying to tell us the wrong way. But the Lord will always give us the way out.

DARBY, 1Cor 10:13

“13 There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 

                        So, with that we are constantly tempted to do the wrong things, but God gives us the way out. Being the devil tempts us and God gives us the way out we are left with the decision to choose free will. The devil gives you an idea God gives you an idea the choice (control) is yours. We are always ultimately in the driver’s seat so when we slip over to the passenger’s seat who do you let drive? Do we let God take the wheel or do we let the devil behind the wheel to steal? Something to think about next time you are about to make a bad decision is this; the chain of events of what happens after a ball is thrown. The devil said you have thrown this many times and struck out many people just throw it. God says don’t do it do not throw it I can see what is going to happen just wait 30 seconds then throw the ball. You decide to give it everything you have let it go and it goes foul way right a little one is running in the aisle and does not pay any attention now you see what the consequences are but its too late the ball is going to hit them. We have the control to let God be in control or the enemy. Let’s give control back to where it belongs the Lord God Almighty.

  The hardest thing is to get back on track once we give control to the devil turn from God, we cannot see him we have our back turned on him we can only see our sinful ideas and the devil’s destruction. Turn to God the more you look to him and the more you have your back turned to the devil the better. In the end God is in control He wins!

         The real question is whose side do you want to be on in the end?

                                    Love yall take care God bless 

                                    Worship Arts Pastor Kent Furch

Hebrews 12:2

In Matthew 14, we read about a time when Jesus sent His disciples on ahead of Him while He prayed.  When He was done, the boat that the disciples were in was quite a ways from shore.  Jesus walked out to them and as He got close Peter saw Him.. After Jesus called out to him, Peter climbed out of the boat and started walking across the water towards Jesus.  Then, when he stopped looking at Jesus and started looking around, Peter got scared and started sinking in the water.

When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we treat people differently.  We think differently.  We react to situations differently.  We want to be more like God.  Sure we will still face situations where we react like the rest of the world reacts,  but we are less likely to do so, because no matter how bad the situation is, we have God on our side, and that gives us hope.

When we stop focusing on God that changes us too.  We create a hole in our lives and try to fill it in various ways.  We start to let the world tell us what is important and how we should act instead of letting God guide us.  Just like Peter, we start sinking.

Lord, help us to keep our focus on You.

Pastor Ryan Canaday

God is not our personal genie.

A long time ago, when I was in elementary school, Once in a while I would come home from school and my parents would be gone. Now I wouldn’t think anything of it, they’re just out doing what they have to do. So I would go outside to play(that’s what I did back then cause I didn’t have video games or cable), I had to use my imagination, so anyways, I would be out playing until around dusk. Then I would start wondering about my parents. Why aren’t they home yet? We lived out in the country, on the side of a hill. So I would go up on that hill and wait for my parents to get home. From that hill I could see the road in both directions for about a mile or so. Now both my parents were alcoholics, so by that time, I had a good feeling that they were out drinking. So I would sit on top of that hill (with some toys),and wait for my parents. As it started to get dark, I would pray to God to bring them home safely, that they wouldn’t get into a car wreck. In my childish way, I would pray that the third car I saw would be theirs, and when that didn’t happen, I would pray that the next few other cars would be theirs. It would be getting near dark, so I would have to go back down to the house and still no parents. I remember being mad at God for not bringing my parents home, after I prayed to him for them.

And now that I think about it, I think that was probably the beginning of my walking away from God. Because it wouldn’t be until 25 years later that I would except Jesus in my heart.

But back then I didn’t know what I know now. That God is a sovereign God. It has been said that “God is not our personal genie”.

“He is not here to grant our every wish”.

“Our wish is not his command”.

God does things in his own way and in his own timing. Because back then, I didn’t see it, but later on that night, God did bring my parents home safe(drunk as a skunk) but they still made it home safe.

So there may be times when we get angry with God for not answering our prayers, or the answer may be no. But I learned to trust in God, because the answer is no for a reason. “Father knows best”. Even if that means not receiving a healing or losing a loved one you were close to. Because praising God through the pain and/or suffering may strengthen a weakened believer. Or create a new one.

In Deuteronomy 3:24 it is written “O’ sovereign Lord, you have only begun to show your greatness and the strength of your hand to me, your servant. Is there any god in heaven or on earth who can perform such great and mighty deeds as you do?”

In my walk with God, he has taught me to trust him. Because trust is big with the Lord, he wants us to trust in him. Then he will show us his greatness and mighty deeds on a personal level. Because he has opened doors for me, given me favor with man, healed me, highly blessed me, and provided for me. God has shown me that he is real, even in times when he didn’t have to. God is good.

May the Lord your God put his mighty hand upon you and keep you under his wing. And may you trust in the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind and with all your strength. Amen

Pastor Perry Stands

Knowledge and Wisdom

Matthew 26:41

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

As I start to mature and start my Senior year of High School, I realize multiple truths. Temptation is always around me but so is the Spirit of the Lord. Sometimes I feel like I am a one in a million Christian man at my school surrounded by the world and all its tempting offers hitting me at each corner. I always have to remind myself that the Lord will never leave nor forsaken me as for you. The spirit will never abandon me and leave me in the dust alone. I have recently started to better myself in all areas such as physically, mentally, and spiritually. I have been working out daily at the gym as well as Journalling my thoughts and emotions as well as reading my Bible before bed each night. I find it very important to focus on myself and be strong in all aspects to become as Christ-like as I can.

Matthew 6:1

“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

I am a big fan of the book of Matthew, it touches on multiple subjects such as marriage, hypocrisy, adultery, charitable deeds and many more. I like this scripture because it implies your moral side and true intent when doing an action. I find it very important to be genuine and try not to boast. I must be careful when I am on the Worship team and not let it get to my head. I do play a big role as a drummer up on stage and when I am there, I try to not make it all about “Look at me look at me.” Because that’s not what matters, you’re not up there to impress everyone and look cool, you’re up there to use your God given talent to worship and give thanks to the Lord and his never-ending Goodness and faithfulness.

Matthew 9:4-6

“And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, “and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

One thing I see in my family life and as well as my friends is their parents divorcing. It’s honestly quite sad when some kids can only see their mom or dad on the Weekends. Even though I am still in High School I have had the topic of marriage roaming in the back of my head for quite some time. I believe that when some marriages go south it’s because the ones involved don’t consider God into the factor. They marry each other based on looks and lustful intent and once they get sick of each other it’s on to the next one. That can lead to multiple kids with multiple families and soon it’s like a snowball effect. What today’s standards and society seem to forget is that marriage is sacred and precious. When considering marriage, you must take into consideration that it theoretically should be a one and done deal. It’s very important not to marry someone who is not equally yoked as yourself, (Reference: 2 Corinthians 6:14) meaning as a Born-Again Christian you shall not marry someone who is not a Born-Again Christian like yourself. Some marriages today fail because there is no God in the matter, there is no sacredness and respect, it's just lust of the flesh.

Even though I am just a 17-year-old young man, I believe that I have seen and learned some things in my life that I could pass on as knowledge and wisdom to people of all ages. I believe that it’s important to talk less and learn more from other people and books such as the Bible and many other books. Money comes and goes but knowledge and power will stay with you as you take on life's trials. Leave your ego and pride at the door of the Church, workplace, and home, and really think before you press a button, take a step, or open your mouth.

Thank You & God Bless

Isaac J Sturgeon

The Trials of Life... “Pure Joy”?

Most of this year so far has been really tough for me and my family. From having financial troubles to discipline issues with kids, having car troubles to a death in the family. From getting six kids to their doctors appointments and practices and other extra curricular activities to trying to stay above water with the bills and work, then trying to go back to school. It really puts a lot of stress on a person. So when spending time with the Lord I was reminded of the scripture James 1:2-4 ”Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, 4 let perseverance finish it’s work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I know (from experience) that as some of you are going through the trials of your life, it is hard to trust in this scripture. It’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. How do you consider it “pure” joy, when you’re going through these trials?

Now from the time I first excepted Jesus in my heart 17 years ago, until this year, I have been greatly blessed by the lord, even to the point of being spoiled “God is Good!” To having all of these trials in my life is a big eye opening experience and tough lesson to learn. But one of the very important lessons I’ve learned in my race, is to “always trust God.” 

Isaiah 43:2 say” when you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” 

When I had first became a baby Christian, I was having a tough time in my life and I had resolved to trust in the lord, no matter what happened, and he blessed me financially and with favor with man, he opened doors for me that were once closed. And had blessed me ever since. 

Jeremiah 29:11-13 says “for I know the plans I have for you,” says the lord. ”they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” 

Although my life is tough and stressful right now, I know it is but a season and that although I may be in a dark tunnel, I know the lord is with me and that with him, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I know he will bring me to the light at the end of the tunnel. And I know I will trust and love the lord with all my heart, all my mind and all my strength. And I leave you with this scripture, 1 Peter 1:6-7 “so be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold -though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”

To God be all the honor, all the glory and all the praise!!! Forever and ever amen!

Pastor Perry Stands

Love. What is Love?

Love.    What is Love?    Dictionary says: Love is to hold dear, Cherish ,unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another, devoted ,admiration, strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties.  Other words describing Love are, attachment ,fondness,  passion, appreciate, prize, treasure, value. My favorite of all is Charity! giving gifts, giving your time giving your all towards someone or something.  So now that I think everyone gets the idea of what Love is lets see what the Bible says.  Here we are most known verses John 3:16 For God so Loved the world that he gave his only begotten SON  that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

KJV, 1Cor 13:1-7

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

KJV, 1Cor 13:8-13

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

  So this is King James Version and charity is used for Love.

KJV, 1John 4:11-16

11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

The greatest Love of all The Father sent the son to be the Savior of the world. Jesus gave us 2 commandments KJV, Matt 22:36-40

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

So after looking at this Our Father in heaven showed us the greatest Love by sending his son as a sacrifice for us and Jesus gave us 2 commandments telling us that if we  Love God first and Love our neighbor as our self I truly believe that if we get these things right everything would fall where it should be in our lives. I hope this was a good read - God bless you all! 

Pastor Kent Furch

To please God...

Galatians 1:10

10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

We all like it when people like us.  We like hearing a mentor or parent say we did a good job.  We like people liking and sharing our social media posts to the point of addiction in some cases.

 But those are all temporary.  The person who seems to like you might secretly hold a grudge.  The person who said good job today might be disappointed in the job you do tomorrow.  And the person who liked your post probably won't remember it in five minutes.

 That is why the Bible says that we should seek God's approval and not man's.  People's opinions can be easily swayed.  God's love for us is eternal.  It never changes.  Our goal shouldn't be to please people.  It should be to please God.

Pastor Ryan Canaday

God Chose You

Focus Verses (1st Corinthians 1:26-31)

Brothers and sisters in Christ, are you struggling with questions and feelings of doubt? Are there voices in the back of your mind telling you that you are not smart enough, strong enough, established enough to do the work you know deep down you have been called by the Holy Spirit to do?

I believe many, if not all of us, wrestle with these doubts from time to time if not daily, but take heart, the LORD, in His infinite wisdom, gave us His Word to reassure us that we indeed are called and chosen. 26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”[a] When my eyes were first opened to these words, I was in a deep depression. I was drowning in debt and in chronic pain from my Cerebral Palsy. I was just about bed bound and lost everything I defined as success with my health, wealth, strength, and intellect. I felt like a complete and absolute failure. The night prior to my encounter with the Holy spirit, a team of prayer warriors had prayed over me that the strong hold and lies of the enemy would be broken. The next night, I continued business as usual, distracting myself with entertainment and medical marijuana, trying to just get to the point where I could go back to sleep and not feel the pain I was in. After wallowing for an hour or so, I decided to try and put a smile on my face and spend time with my family when I heard a voice gently say, “Why don't you spend some time with me instead?” Before I knew it, I was led to 1st Corinthians 1:26-31 and as I read the words, tears filled my eyes. 26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. I was definitely not any of those I thought as I continued, 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. My eyes continued to stream with tears. As I read these words, it felt as if He was describing me: chosen by the God of the universe. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are. At this point I was weeping as I finished the rest of the verses 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”[a] I heard the same gentle voice that led me to this verse say with authority and love: I CHOSE YOU.

My brothers and sisters, if you are not important by the standards of this world God chose you. If you are foolish, weak, lowly, and despised by the world, God chose you. I urge you to remember this: whenever the enemy attacks you, remember that God chose you to nullify and shame the standards the enemy has set and to rejoice that Christ is everything that you are not and has become that for us.

Dakota Swinton

Tithing; what's it all about?

Your Tithe is it just the money you put in the plate as it passes by?

      We think of our tithe as the tenth of our income and putting that in the plate and that is part of our tithe. What else is part of the tithe? What could there be besides the tenth we put in the offering plate? What else should we be doing? You mean we need to do more than just put our check in the offering plate as it passes by?                                                                               

So lets take a look at what the word of God says about our needs being met. Philippians 4:19 says My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Matthew 28-33 talks about what shall we eat what shall we drink what shall we wear Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you. Luke 6:38 Give and it will be given to you, a good measure, pressed down shaken together ,and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured to you!!!

   Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse that there may be food in my house ,test me in this says the Lord God Almighty “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it!!! All the Silver and Gold is his Haggai 2:8. Psalm 50:10 says this Every animal of the forest is mine and the cattle on a thousand hills!!

  Proverbs 19:17 says He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done. 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 says this sow sparingly= reap sparingly. Sow generously = reap generously.  Please read the rest of this scripture. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 God will always take care of our needs!!! We cannot out give God and the good things we plant has a good harvest. Our lives are directly impacted by how we share our wealth with others. God gives back pressed down shaken and poured over we cannot hold onto all of what God can give us what we do with it is how it comes back to us. 

  Now back to that earlier question I had. We have seen in these scriptures how our lives get impacted on what we do we get in return.  So the question just the Money in the plate?

1 Peter 4:10 God has given each of us a gift use it to serve one another. This verse is saying time tithe time. Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifice is pleasing to God! Wow pleasing to God what we have share if you grow a garden all the surplus you can spare give. If you give your time God will give it back to you and then some. If you tithe on your garden produce God will give you a better crop. If you visit the fatherless and give your time he will give it back.

Anything you can think of is what God is bringing to your attention to tithe off of. Thanks for your time reading this may you be blessed from Gods Word he has given me. Tithing is for every aspect of our life help everyone out you can God bless you all have a great week!

Pastor Kent Furch

Worship IS More Than Music

What do you think of when you think of the word worship?  If you are like most people, the answer is something about singing songs in church and maybe praying during the service.  But is that all there is to worship?

According to Paul, the answer is no.  In Colossians 3:23 he wrote "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."  (New King James version)  That means whatever you do can be an act of worship! 

Obviously this doesn't apply to everything.  Anything that goes against the Bible can't be an act of worship toward God.  But going about your normal day bagging groceries, driving a bus, or working in an office can be an act of worship.  The key is to 1.) dedicate your time and what you are doing to God, 2.) do it in a way that glorifies Him, and 3.) remember that no matter what you do for a job or for fun, you are God's Ambassador, His representative to the world.

God At The Center

In our busy world, we are constantly on the go.  Even when we are sitting down at home and relaxing,  there is still stuff that pulls us in different directions.  Kids, making supper, chores, ect.  Even if none of that applies, there is still tv, sports, and our phones to demand our attention.

In our busy world, we need to remember to keep God at the center of everything we do.  Our lives, our relationships, our jobs, our marriages, all need to be centered around God.  According to Jesus, this is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37)

By centering our lives on God, it will help us to follow Him more closely.  It will help us to see others as He sees them, It will help us to share His love with others.  Most importantly, when we make God the center of our lives, it helps us to make everything we do an act of worship.

So how do we put God at the center?  Jesus said it best.  “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’"  Ask God to help you put Him first in your life.  Ask Him to show you anything that is getting between you and God.  Ask Him to help you focus our life, your family, and everything you do around Him.

Idols Are Temporary

Everyone has things in their lives that demand a lot of their attention.  Some of them are bad, like drugs and alcohol.  Some are good, like family, school, and your favorite sports team.  Others can go either way, like Politics.  All of these are things that we tend to focus on, but some times we focus too much on them.

When that happens, they become an idol to us.  Often we may not even realize it.  What started out as talking about politics with a friend become the main thing you talk about, read about, and think about.  You want to get good grades so you study hard and then next thing you know you are spending most of your time studying.  You start working a few more hours a week to make a bit more money and before you know it you're at work more then you are at home.  When we start focusing on things more then God, they become an idol.

Again, some of the stuff mentioned aren't bad by themselves.  They only become idols when we focus on them more then God.  He is the one we should be focusing on the most.  When we do, it is a way we can worship God.  If we are focusing on other things more then Him, then we are worshiping those instead.

Next time you are praying, ask God to show you things in your life that are idols, or are becoming idols, and then ask Him to help you focus on Him more.  Idols are temporary, but God is forever.

Under Grace--Romans 6:14

In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites several laws to follow and rituals to perform in order to be forgiven of their sins.  These practices are the basis for the different rules and practices that modern day Jews practice, with the most important day of the year, Yom Kippur,  being a day of prayer and fasting in the hope that God forgives your sins and grants you salvation for the next year.

 In Islam, it is required that you practice the five pillars of Islam.  Not doing so if you are able to could result in being denied entrance into the afterlife.

 There are branches of Christianity that teach that, unless you perform certain actions, you will not go to Heaven.  These range from simply being baptized to going door to door witnessing to others.  Some are easy enough to do, such as being baptized as a baby, while others may take years to complete.

 All three of these are based on things found in the Old Testament and view salvation as something you have to earn, but it isn't!  The Bible says multiple times that there is nothing you can do to earn it!  The work has already been done!  Jesus' death on the cross cleared the path for us to enter into Heaven.  The only thing we have to do is ask God to forgive our sins and follow Jesus.

 There is nothing you can do to earn salvation.  Jesus already did all the work for you.  All you have to do is accept it. 

Compassion and Forgiveness--Ephesians 4:32

Every day we have opportunities to decide how we want to treat others.  We can choose to be compassionate or to be cruel.  We can choose kindness or indifference.  We can choose to forgive others or not to forgive them.

 What we choose in those situations depends on several things.  Upbringing, circumstance, and mood can all affect our choice, as can other factors.  But for followers of Christ, the Bible says how we should act.

 First, Ephesians 4:32 says we are to be kind and compassionate to others.  This can be tough sometimes but, if we ask, God can help us to do so.

 It also says that we are to forgive others.  Also something that can be easier said then done.  But it goes on to say that we are to forgive as Christ forgave us!  Jesus forgives no matter what we have done.  While we are unlikely to forgive everyone unconditionally,  we can at least try.

Seek God's Approval--Galatians 1:10

Most people tend to like it when others like them or the things they do.  Whether it is a spouse commenting on the good job you did cooking dinner, your boss mentioning the hard work you did at a board meeting, or a stranger walking by and commenting on how nice your garden looks, we usually hope others will like what we do and like us.

 But how often do we wonder about whether God approves of us and the things we do?  Sure there are some things that He clearly would approve.  Things such as loving others, helping people in need.  But what about things like how you interact with your friends?  What about the music or shows you watch? 

 This is especially true for pastors.  It can be tough to preach a sermon that may offend someone, but sometimes you have to.  Pastors especially need to remember Paul's words in Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?"

 Seek God's approval first.  Please Him before worrying about pleasing others.    Make Him the focus of your life.  The approval of mortal man is temporary, but God's approval is forever.