Pastor's Points

Walking by faith is not a “private matter” as some would say.   My experience is that anyone claiming that exemption is not walking by faith in any possible way.   Christians are “overt” not “covert” followers of Christ.   As such we wear our faith publicly and proudly knowing we will not be ashamed because “In God we trust”.   Our faith is unfailingly founded on our unfailing Creator! “12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.”   2 Tim 1:12-13 (KJV)

Ever ponder the difference between “being in the way of God” and “being in God’s way”?   One involves making our need known to God and the waiting for Him to resolve it.   The other may or may not include making our need known to God but it always involves trying to resolve it without waiting on Him and doing things our way.   Getting in God’s way will only cause us to fail.   Stop agonizing, stop fidgeting, stop doubting and be still!   Trust God and prepare to be filled with faith and trust. 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.   Psalms 46:10 (KJV)

                                                                                                                            “26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God creat...

                                                            “5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”   2 Tim 1:5-6 (KJV) Paul calls upon Timothy to “stir up the gift of God” that is in him by reminding him of the lessons in faith Timothy learned from his mother and grandmother.   Their influence enabled Timothy to be the servant God called him to be. What an awesome gift these ladies gave Timothy! Mothers are so important in our...

“Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness” are the “inalienable rights” claimed in the U.S. Declaration of Independence.   That document notified the British government of our intent to wage war to secure and maintain those freedoms.   Those “rights” could also be described as “blessedness” and holy security. God’s plan for securing life, liberty and pursuit of happiness involves living under His direction and for His purposes.   True freedom comes not from unbridled living but from self-control and dedication to a just cause.   Your spiritual freedom in this world will result in eternal security and happiness.   Your salvation and fellowship with God are just causes.   Trust God and be blessed. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”   Gal 5:1 (KJV)

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.    1 Tim 6:6-8 (KJV) Contentment is a wonderful and effective barrier against temptation.   We can be no poorer than when we came into this world and we will exit with the same possessions; nothing.   God’s grace enables us to appreciate and utilize all we have without envy and covetousness.   Contentment nullifies greed, immorality and dishonesty.   The richness God promises His children is not in this life.   In this world He promises and delivers sufficiency and grace to overcome.  

13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.   2 Thess. 3:13 (KJV) Ever feel like you’re the only one doing anything in your church?   You feel overburdened and underappreciated?   May I ask “Who’re you doing this for?”   If you’re doing it for personal satisfaction; you only have you to blame.   If it’s for the church; it may or may not go unnoticed or appreciated.   Church members are only human.   If it’s for the Lord it is never unnoticed, unappreciated or unrewarded.   Doing the good and right things is a Godly quality.    Don’t let other’s lack of dedication and commitment affect or deteriorate your commitment causing you to “weary in well doing” or to stop.   You’re reward is pending but secure.