Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
When trouble comes, where do you go? Some of us go home. Some of us go to a secluded spot where trouble cannot find us. Some of us retreat into our own little worlds, thinking they will shield us. Those are all decent places to go, but where we really need to go is to God. God is, or should be, our refuge and strength. God wants to help us through times of trouble. He wants to be there for us when we suffer. We should not think we can do it alone, or that there is someone, or something, else that can help us. Only God can truly help us. We need to retreat to God when we come across trials ans tribulations. If we do we will find a strength unlike anything we've ever known. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Psalm 30: 1-12
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
We need God's mercy. It really is that simple. We are sinners, and we have all fallen short of God's glory. We do not need to punish ourselves for this fact. We do not need to beat ourselves up over the sins we have committed. However, we do need to confess our sins and confess our need for salvation. Sometimes we get in the habit of thinking we don't need Jesus' salvation. We either have not sinned, or we can find some other way to be saved. Jesus is the only source of salvation, there is no other. We need to confess our sins, and our need for salvation. The best news in all of that is we will have it. We ask God for mercy and he grants it, unconditionally. We are saved. It really is that simple. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
We need God's mercy. It really is that simple. We are sinners, and we have all fallen short of God's glory. We do not need to punish ourselves for this fact. We do not need to beat ourselves up over the sins we have committed. However, we do need to confess our sins and confess our need for salvation. Sometimes we get in the habit of thinking we don't need Jesus' salvation. We either have not sinned, or we can find some other way to be saved. Jesus is the only source of salvation, there is no other. We need to confess our sins, and our need for salvation. The best news in all of that is we will have it. We ask God for mercy and he grants it, unconditionally. We are saved. It really is that simple. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Psalm 29: 1-11
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
This is a psalm of worship. In this Psalm God is described, and worshiped in a very wonderful and beautiful way. Praising God means, in part, confessing who God is, what he is like. God is powerful, he is mighty. God created the heavens and the earth. He laid the foundation for the mountains. He makes the rivers flow. These are words of confession and praise. We are given the blessing of asking God for things, but we also need to be sure we spend time praising God, worshiping God for who he is and what he has done for us. Oh worship the King. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
This is a psalm of worship. In this Psalm God is described, and worshiped in a very wonderful and beautiful way. Praising God means, in part, confessing who God is, what he is like. God is powerful, he is mighty. God created the heavens and the earth. He laid the foundation for the mountains. He makes the rivers flow. These are words of confession and praise. We are given the blessing of asking God for things, but we also need to be sure we spend time praising God, worshiping God for who he is and what he has done for us. Oh worship the King. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Friday, May 28, 2010
Psalm 28: 1-9
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer is a real blessing for us. It is a time when we can lay before God everything that is on our heart and/or mind. This is a blessing of which we should be taking full advantage. God is there, we have unlimited access to him. We are allowed to pour our heart out to him. In this Psalm we find a prayer of praise, of protection, of supplication, a prayer of confession. When we come to the Lord in prayer we are allowed to say whatever want. God will hear these prayers, and he will answer them according to his perfect will. Do not be afraid to come to God in prayer, to lay your burdens, fears, thoughts, questions, etc. at his perfect feet. Take full advantage of the blessing of prayer each and every day. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Prayer is a real blessing for us. It is a time when we can lay before God everything that is on our heart and/or mind. This is a blessing of which we should be taking full advantage. God is there, we have unlimited access to him. We are allowed to pour our heart out to him. In this Psalm we find a prayer of praise, of protection, of supplication, a prayer of confession. When we come to the Lord in prayer we are allowed to say whatever want. God will hear these prayers, and he will answer them according to his perfect will. Do not be afraid to come to God in prayer, to lay your burdens, fears, thoughts, questions, etc. at his perfect feet. Take full advantage of the blessing of prayer each and every day. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Psalm 27: 1-14
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
The most important part of us has been saved. Our souls have been claimed by Jesus for God. When enemies surround us we can have no fear. Yes, they may be able to harm our bodies that God has given us, but they will not be able to harm our souls. Those have been forever protected by God. There is nothing anyone can do to harm them. Remember that truth when your enemies surround you, when you find yourself in the valley of the shadow of death. Our enemies may be able to hurt us physically, but they will never be able to touch our souls. Those belong to God. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
The most important part of us has been saved. Our souls have been claimed by Jesus for God. When enemies surround us we can have no fear. Yes, they may be able to harm our bodies that God has given us, but they will not be able to harm our souls. Those have been forever protected by God. There is nothing anyone can do to harm them. Remember that truth when your enemies surround you, when you find yourself in the valley of the shadow of death. Our enemies may be able to hurt us physically, but they will never be able to touch our souls. Those belong to God. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Psalm 26: 1-12
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
We have the opportunity to claim innocence now. We have the opportunity to stand before God and say we are holy. Jesus commands us to be perfect as God is perfect. Jesus would not tell us that if it were impossible for us to do it. In other words, through Jesus' reconciling death, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to be without sin. 'Go and sin no more,' are the words Jesus shares with the woman caught in adultery. Jesus says the same thing to us. These are not empty words. Jesus wants us to live a life without sin, and he gives the power, the ability to do that. We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory, but when we accept Jesus into our hearts as personal Lord and Savior we are equipped to live a life without sin from that moment on. We cannot do it by ourselves. We need to accept Jesus' help. But through Jesus, through the Spirit, we can live the life God wants us to live. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
We have the opportunity to claim innocence now. We have the opportunity to stand before God and say we are holy. Jesus commands us to be perfect as God is perfect. Jesus would not tell us that if it were impossible for us to do it. In other words, through Jesus' reconciling death, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to be without sin. 'Go and sin no more,' are the words Jesus shares with the woman caught in adultery. Jesus says the same thing to us. These are not empty words. Jesus wants us to live a life without sin, and he gives the power, the ability to do that. We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory, but when we accept Jesus into our hearts as personal Lord and Savior we are equipped to live a life without sin from that moment on. We cannot do it by ourselves. We need to accept Jesus' help. But through Jesus, through the Spirit, we can live the life God wants us to live. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Psalm 25: 1-22
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
We need God's guidance. We are not able, or supposed, to go through life alone, wandering aimlessly through life. God has a plan for us, and we need to allow him to guide us and direct us. This in some ways goes against what we are taught: to be self-sufficient, to not rely on others. We need to remember, though, that God wants to guide us and direct us because he loves us. God knows we need a hand, and he wants to give us one. God, in his love for us, wants to guide us as we go through life. We should open our hearts and allow God's guiding and loving hands to come into our lives. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
We need God's guidance. We are not able, or supposed, to go through life alone, wandering aimlessly through life. God has a plan for us, and we need to allow him to guide us and direct us. This in some ways goes against what we are taught: to be self-sufficient, to not rely on others. We need to remember, though, that God wants to guide us and direct us because he loves us. God knows we need a hand, and he wants to give us one. God, in his love for us, wants to guide us as we go through life. We should open our hearts and allow God's guiding and loving hands to come into our lives. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Monday, May 24, 2010
Psalm 24: 1-10
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." The earth belongs to God. We belong to God. The sooner we realize that the better our lives will be. God loves us and wants what is the absolute best for us. We need to turn our lives completely over to God so he can be king of our lives. If we do that our lives will be blessed. If we to fight God, the King of Glory, then our lives will be filled with turmoil and strife. God wants us to submit to him that our lives will be filled with joy and blessings. 'The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it.' That includes us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." The earth belongs to God. We belong to God. The sooner we realize that the better our lives will be. God loves us and wants what is the absolute best for us. We need to turn our lives completely over to God so he can be king of our lives. If we do that our lives will be blessed. If we to fight God, the King of Glory, then our lives will be filled with turmoil and strife. God wants us to submit to him that our lives will be filled with joy and blessings. 'The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it.' That includes us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Psalm 23: 1-6
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
What can be said about this Psalm that has not already been said? Jesus holds his hands out to us and asks us to take them. Jesus is our shepherd, and he wants to lead us to these wonderful places. He also wants to lead us through the difficult times we face in our lives. Our Lord stands before us with his arms outstretched. Will you accept his invitation? Will you allow Jesus, our shepherd, to lead you and guide you? God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
What can be said about this Psalm that has not already been said? Jesus holds his hands out to us and asks us to take them. Jesus is our shepherd, and he wants to lead us to these wonderful places. He also wants to lead us through the difficult times we face in our lives. Our Lord stands before us with his arms outstretched. Will you accept his invitation? Will you allow Jesus, our shepherd, to lead you and guide you? God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Sunday Evening of Food and Fellowship
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
This Sunday Evening, May 23, 2010, we will be having food and fellowship here at the church. We will be having a cookout starting at around 5:30. We invite you to join us as we break bread together.
The 'meat' portions will be provided, but if everyone could bring a side dish (pasta/potatoe salad, chips, etc) and/or a dessert. Following dinner we will have a worship service led by John McCarty and Charles Wilson. Please join us for this evening of food, fellowship, and worship. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
This Sunday Evening, May 23, 2010, we will be having food and fellowship here at the church. We will be having a cookout starting at around 5:30. We invite you to join us as we break bread together.
The 'meat' portions will be provided, but if everyone could bring a side dish (pasta/potatoe salad, chips, etc) and/or a dessert. Following dinner we will have a worship service led by John McCarty and Charles Wilson. Please join us for this evening of food, fellowship, and worship. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Psalm 22: 1-31
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Then there are times when it feels like God has abandoned us. The first verse of this Psalm takes us to the cross, where Jesus died. Jesus screams these words in agony for the pain he feels in his heart and body. Jesus felt abandoned on the cross, just as we sometimes feel abandoned through life. Though it is hard we need to remember that God is always with us. "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." Those words of promise and hope should stay with us at all times. No matter what happens, no matter where you are, always remember that God is with you always. Though we may feel abandoned, we never will be abandoned. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Then there are times when it feels like God has abandoned us. The first verse of this Psalm takes us to the cross, where Jesus died. Jesus screams these words in agony for the pain he feels in his heart and body. Jesus felt abandoned on the cross, just as we sometimes feel abandoned through life. Though it is hard we need to remember that God is always with us. "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." Those words of promise and hope should stay with us at all times. No matter what happens, no matter where you are, always remember that God is with you always. Though we may feel abandoned, we never will be abandoned. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Friday, May 21, 2010
Psalm 21: 1-13
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
And now the prayer is answered. This Psalm fits perfectly with the preceding Psalm. In Psalm 20 we are reminded to pray for others. In Psalm 21 we are reminded of the good news that God hears our prayers. Our petitions do not fall on deaf ears. God may not always answer our prayers in the way, or time, that we would like, but he always hears them. When we lift up our concerns God hears them. When we lift up others before God's throne God hears those prayers as well. Let this Psalm fill you with hope: God hears our prayers. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
And now the prayer is answered. This Psalm fits perfectly with the preceding Psalm. In Psalm 20 we are reminded to pray for others. In Psalm 21 we are reminded of the good news that God hears our prayers. Our petitions do not fall on deaf ears. God may not always answer our prayers in the way, or time, that we would like, but he always hears them. When we lift up our concerns God hears them. When we lift up others before God's throne God hears those prayers as well. Let this Psalm fill you with hope: God hears our prayers. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Sunday Scripture and Sermon for May 23, 2010
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Scripture passages for this Sunday are from John 14: 15-21, in which Jesus commands his disciples to be obedient, and from Acts 2: 1-13, in which the Holy Spirit is poured out on the believers. The sermon is titled, 'There's Something Different About You,' and will focus on the change that does, or should, come when we come to a life of faith. I hope to see you all on Sunday morning. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
The Scripture passages for this Sunday are from John 14: 15-21, in which Jesus commands his disciples to be obedient, and from Acts 2: 1-13, in which the Holy Spirit is poured out on the believers. The sermon is titled, 'There's Something Different About You,' and will focus on the change that does, or should, come when we come to a life of faith. I hope to see you all on Sunday morning. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Psalm 20: 1-9
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Do not forget to pray for others. That is essentially what this Psalm is, a prayer for someone else. Do you have a running personal prayer list? You should. Family, friends, co-workers, fellow church members, even some enemies should be on your prayer list. We are supposed to help each other through our journey of faith. Sometimes all we can do is pray for someone, which is no small thing. Bringing someone before the throne of grace is an awesome act we can perform for someone which may do more for them than anything else. When you pray remember those you love, and some of those you don't. Take time to lift them up before God's throne. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Do not forget to pray for others. That is essentially what this Psalm is, a prayer for someone else. Do you have a running personal prayer list? You should. Family, friends, co-workers, fellow church members, even some enemies should be on your prayer list. We are supposed to help each other through our journey of faith. Sometimes all we can do is pray for someone, which is no small thing. Bringing someone before the throne of grace is an awesome act we can perform for someone which may do more for them than anything else. When you pray remember those you love, and some of those you don't. Take time to lift them up before God's throne. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Psalm 19: 1-14
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
The heavens and the rest of the world declare the glory of God. As we look around us and see the wonderful trees, the majestic mountains, and the spectacular oceans we are being shown the glory of God. Our God, our creator, made all of these things around us. As such, all of these things around us declare the glory of God; they show us his power and his love for us. When you see a tree do not just think of it as a tree, but as a gift from God. When you see a mountain do not just think of it as a mountain, but as evidence of God's power and might. There are witnesses all around us. Some of them are verbal, but some of them are visual. Take time to see the ways in which God has revealed himself. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
The heavens and the rest of the world declare the glory of God. As we look around us and see the wonderful trees, the majestic mountains, and the spectacular oceans we are being shown the glory of God. Our God, our creator, made all of these things around us. As such, all of these things around us declare the glory of God; they show us his power and his love for us. When you see a tree do not just think of it as a tree, but as a gift from God. When you see a mountain do not just think of it as a mountain, but as evidence of God's power and might. There are witnesses all around us. Some of them are verbal, but some of them are visual. Take time to see the ways in which God has revealed himself. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Psalm 18: 1-50
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord rewards faithfulness. Jesus says as much when he talks about good trees bearing fruit. If we are faithful to God's call then God will bless us with all that we need. This is true of our individual lives, but also true of the church. God has a path laid out for us. On this path are many blessings. If we stay on the path God has prepared for us then we will encounter, or receive, those blessings. If we are faithful to God, God will be faithful to us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
The Lord rewards faithfulness. Jesus says as much when he talks about good trees bearing fruit. If we are faithful to God's call then God will bless us with all that we need. This is true of our individual lives, but also true of the church. God has a path laid out for us. On this path are many blessings. If we stay on the path God has prepared for us then we will encounter, or receive, those blessings. If we are faithful to God, God will be faithful to us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Monday, May 17, 2010
Psalm 17: 1-15
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
"When I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness." This is the final hope of the Psalmist in this particular Psalm. In the first few verses we find a statement of the Psalmist's innocence and righteousness. From there the Psalm turns into a plea for deliverance from enemies. Both prayers are summed up with this assurance of hope: "when I awake I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness." Our righteousness, our faith, will bless us with the opportunity to be with God all the time. When we enter God's kingdom we will be in God's presence for all eternity. During that time we will also be safe from our enemies. The ones who used to hunt us will not be able to reach us. We pray to God for help, we live according to God's will. As a result we will be satisfied with seeing God's likeness. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
"When I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness." This is the final hope of the Psalmist in this particular Psalm. In the first few verses we find a statement of the Psalmist's innocence and righteousness. From there the Psalm turns into a plea for deliverance from enemies. Both prayers are summed up with this assurance of hope: "when I awake I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness." Our righteousness, our faith, will bless us with the opportunity to be with God all the time. When we enter God's kingdom we will be in God's presence for all eternity. During that time we will also be safe from our enemies. The ones who used to hunt us will not be able to reach us. We pray to God for help, we live according to God's will. As a result we will be satisfied with seeing God's likeness. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Psalm 16: 1-11
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
'A mighty fortress is our God. A bulwark never failing.' We can take shelter in the Lord. I can imagine people, in the time of Jesus, rushing into their homes when the rains come. Who wants to stand out in the rain and get wet and sick? And I can imagine them running into their homes, or the nearst hiding spot, when the armies of their enemies came. Who is going to stand in front of a charging army and maybe get killed? At various times people needed shelter, and so they found some. God provides that service for us. When the rains come in our lives we can go to God and he will shelter us. When our enemies come we can retreat into God's presence and he will watch over us. God will always be there to watch over us. When the rains pour and the armies come, God will be there to shelter us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
'A mighty fortress is our God. A bulwark never failing.' We can take shelter in the Lord. I can imagine people, in the time of Jesus, rushing into their homes when the rains come. Who wants to stand out in the rain and get wet and sick? And I can imagine them running into their homes, or the nearst hiding spot, when the armies of their enemies came. Who is going to stand in front of a charging army and maybe get killed? At various times people needed shelter, and so they found some. God provides that service for us. When the rains come in our lives we can go to God and he will shelter us. When our enemies come we can retreat into God's presence and he will watch over us. God will always be there to watch over us. When the rains pour and the armies come, God will be there to shelter us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Psalm 15: 1-5
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
This should be how others describe us. This is the kind of life to which God calls us. Why? Because our lives should be an act of worship. Sometimes we use songs to praise God. Sometimes we use prayers to praise God. And sometimes we use our bodies. I present by body as a living sacrifice scripture says. These are not idle words. These are words we need to follow. Let us all present our bodies, our lives, as living sacrifices, doing all we can to worship the Lord not just through song an prayer, but through how we live our lives. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
This should be how others describe us. This is the kind of life to which God calls us. Why? Because our lives should be an act of worship. Sometimes we use songs to praise God. Sometimes we use prayers to praise God. And sometimes we use our bodies. I present by body as a living sacrifice scripture says. These are not idle words. These are words we need to follow. Let us all present our bodies, our lives, as living sacrifices, doing all we can to worship the Lord not just through song an prayer, but through how we live our lives. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Friday, May 14, 2010
Psalm 14: 1-7
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
There are enemies all around us. People who, as Jesus says, hate us because of him. Knowing this there are two courses of actions we can take. We can hate them right back. We can deride them, hurt them, and try our very best to get rid of them. Or we can love them and pray for them. Jesus commands us to do the latter, and if that is not reason enough, I think we can come up with a few more. Hatred begets hatred. Someone needs to stop the circle of hate, or it will continue forever. There is also the call that has been placed on all our lives: to make disciples of all nations. We are to bring people to faith, and hating them just will not get that done. It is far more easy to hate those who hate us. Loving our enemies is not an easy thing. But we need to. We need to share with them the love of Christ, no matter what they have done to us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
There are enemies all around us. People who, as Jesus says, hate us because of him. Knowing this there are two courses of actions we can take. We can hate them right back. We can deride them, hurt them, and try our very best to get rid of them. Or we can love them and pray for them. Jesus commands us to do the latter, and if that is not reason enough, I think we can come up with a few more. Hatred begets hatred. Someone needs to stop the circle of hate, or it will continue forever. There is also the call that has been placed on all our lives: to make disciples of all nations. We are to bring people to faith, and hating them just will not get that done. It is far more easy to hate those who hate us. Loving our enemies is not an easy thing. But we need to. We need to share with them the love of Christ, no matter what they have done to us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Sunday Scripture and Sermon for May 16, 2010
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Scripture passage for this Sunday is from Acts 16: 16-34 in which Paul and Silas cast a demon out of a slave-girl, and are then thrown into prison. The sermon is titled 'Not of this World,' and will focus on the freedom we have been given, but that this freedom is not of this world. I hope to see you all on Sunday morning. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
The Scripture passage for this Sunday is from Acts 16: 16-34 in which Paul and Silas cast a demon out of a slave-girl, and are then thrown into prison. The sermon is titled 'Not of this World,' and will focus on the freedom we have been given, but that this freedom is not of this world. I hope to see you all on Sunday morning. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Psalm 13: 1-6
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Praising God is not always an easy thing. In this Psalm we get the sense that the Psalmist feels abandoned by God. At the very least the Psalmist, I think it is safe to assume, is going through a difficult time. In the midst of that struggle, though, there is a song of worship: I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me. What faith it must take for the Psalmist to utter those words. Even in a time of suffering he still finds faith to worship God. This is a Psalm we need to imitate. Praising God in times of hardship is a very hard thing to do, but it is a necessary thing to do. Even when the chips are down we should still praise and thank God for all he has done for us. He is worthy of our praise, and we must not forget to give us, even when things are hard. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Praising God is not always an easy thing. In this Psalm we get the sense that the Psalmist feels abandoned by God. At the very least the Psalmist, I think it is safe to assume, is going through a difficult time. In the midst of that struggle, though, there is a song of worship: I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me. What faith it must take for the Psalmist to utter those words. Even in a time of suffering he still finds faith to worship God. This is a Psalm we need to imitate. Praising God in times of hardship is a very hard thing to do, but it is a necessary thing to do. Even when the chips are down we should still praise and thank God for all he has done for us. He is worthy of our praise, and we must not forget to give us, even when things are hard. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Psalm 12: 1-8
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
"The faithful have vanished from among men." When we look around the world sometimes we feel alone, for it sometimes seems there are not very many faithful people in the world. Let this be your hope: God still moves, and he still rules the world. We may lose people, evil may gain a foothold in the world. But at all times, and in all things, God is moving in the world. God has a plan for the world. It is not always easy for us to be a part, or witness, of that plan, but that is still our hope: that someday it will all come together. Someday God's plan will be revealed and fulfilled. And then, instead of feeling alone and forsaken, our hearts will rejoice with exceedingly great joy. It may not be easy to be in the world, being a part of God's plan, but hold fast. God is moving, and his plan will be fulfilled. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
"The faithful have vanished from among men." When we look around the world sometimes we feel alone, for it sometimes seems there are not very many faithful people in the world. Let this be your hope: God still moves, and he still rules the world. We may lose people, evil may gain a foothold in the world. But at all times, and in all things, God is moving in the world. God has a plan for the world. It is not always easy for us to be a part, or witness, of that plan, but that is still our hope: that someday it will all come together. Someday God's plan will be revealed and fulfilled. And then, instead of feeling alone and forsaken, our hearts will rejoice with exceedingly great joy. It may not be easy to be in the world, being a part of God's plan, but hold fast. God is moving, and his plan will be fulfilled. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Psalm 11: 1-7
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord knows all, and he sees all. This is not bad news, but good news. We are told in this Psalm that God sits in his throne, and from there he sees everything there is to see. Since God can see everything, it means, too, that he knows everything. Why is this good news? What about privacy and making our own decisions? Well, those things are good, and have their place. But the good news of God's omnipotence and omniscience is that they are based in his love for us. God sees all and knows all not because he wants to control us, but because he loves us and wants to help us. That is why he watches us; that is why he sent Jesus; that is why he is with us now: because he loves us and wants to offer assistance as we go through our journey of faith. God sees us and knows us because he loves us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
The Lord knows all, and he sees all. This is not bad news, but good news. We are told in this Psalm that God sits in his throne, and from there he sees everything there is to see. Since God can see everything, it means, too, that he knows everything. Why is this good news? What about privacy and making our own decisions? Well, those things are good, and have their place. But the good news of God's omnipotence and omniscience is that they are based in his love for us. God sees all and knows all not because he wants to control us, but because he loves us and wants to help us. That is why he watches us; that is why he sent Jesus; that is why he is with us now: because he loves us and wants to offer assistance as we go through our journey of faith. God sees us and knows us because he loves us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Monday, May 10, 2010
Psalm 10: 1-18
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sometimes God seems far away. When evil happens, and it does, sadly, happen, it seems like God is nowhere to be found. What are we to do in such times? Are we, like Job, to try and find God, to go to the ends of the earth to locate Him? That is an option, I suppose, but I think the best option is to simply open our eyes. It may feel like God is nowhere around, but God is always there. Even in the midst of trouble God is there lending us a hand, giving us strength, at times carrying us through trials and tribulations. When you find yourself in the valley of the shadow of death go to God and prayer. If you do that, I'm sure you will be made aware of God's presence in your life. God never leaves us. He is always there. Even in times of sorrow. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Sometimes God seems far away. When evil happens, and it does, sadly, happen, it seems like God is nowhere to be found. What are we to do in such times? Are we, like Job, to try and find God, to go to the ends of the earth to locate Him? That is an option, I suppose, but I think the best option is to simply open our eyes. It may feel like God is nowhere around, but God is always there. Even in the midst of trouble God is there lending us a hand, giving us strength, at times carrying us through trials and tribulations. When you find yourself in the valley of the shadow of death go to God and prayer. If you do that, I'm sure you will be made aware of God's presence in your life. God never leaves us. He is always there. Even in times of sorrow. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Psalm 9: 1-20
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Deliverance from enemies is a common theme throughout the Psalms. We are given promise after promise that God is going to deliver us from the enemies that surround us. That is a very definition of hope. There may be times in our lives when our enemies surround us, when life seems just too difficult to carry on. Then the hope of God comes in. The hope of God tells us that someday there will be deliverance. Someday God will rescue us from the suffering we face. In times of trouble it is hard to find hope, but we are given hope nonetheless: that God will deliver us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Deliverance from enemies is a common theme throughout the Psalms. We are given promise after promise that God is going to deliver us from the enemies that surround us. That is a very definition of hope. There may be times in our lives when our enemies surround us, when life seems just too difficult to carry on. Then the hope of God comes in. The hope of God tells us that someday there will be deliverance. Someday God will rescue us from the suffering we face. In times of trouble it is hard to find hope, but we are given hope nonetheless: that God will deliver us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Psalm 8: 1-9
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Praise God. When you pray make sure you spend a couple minutes praising God for all he has done for you. God is amazing and wonderful and kind and loving and perfect and awesome and merciful and compassionate and so much more. Take time to tell God how amazing he is, for he truly is amazing. Prayer for other things, and for other people, of course, But do not forget to offer God praise and thanksgiving for all he has done for you in your life. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Praise God. When you pray make sure you spend a couple minutes praising God for all he has done for you. God is amazing and wonderful and kind and loving and perfect and awesome and merciful and compassionate and so much more. Take time to tell God how amazing he is, for he truly is amazing. Prayer for other things, and for other people, of course, But do not forget to offer God praise and thanksgiving for all he has done for you in your life. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Friday, May 7, 2010
Psalm 7: 1-17
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord is our refuge and our strength. In one of our most beloved hymns we hear the words, 'A mighty fortress is our God.' Fortresses really are amazing things. They are a place to which soldiers come to find safety from their enemies. A fortress that is built properly will keep people from safe from anyone who may be chasing them. God is our fortress. He keeps us safe from our enemies, our enemy, namely Satan. In God's arms we are protected from the powers of sin and evil. Do not let those powers overtake you. Instead, find refuge in God. Go to him and allow him to protect you, so that the powers of evil cannot harm you. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
The Lord is our refuge and our strength. In one of our most beloved hymns we hear the words, 'A mighty fortress is our God.' Fortresses really are amazing things. They are a place to which soldiers come to find safety from their enemies. A fortress that is built properly will keep people from safe from anyone who may be chasing them. God is our fortress. He keeps us safe from our enemies, our enemy, namely Satan. In God's arms we are protected from the powers of sin and evil. Do not let those powers overtake you. Instead, find refuge in God. Go to him and allow him to protect you, so that the powers of evil cannot harm you. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Sunday Scripture and Sermon for May 9, 2010
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Scripture passage for this Sunday is Psalm 67, in which we are given an idea of the blessings God gives to us. The sermon is titled 'The Lord Blesses,' and will focus on the ways in which God continues to bless our lives. I hope to see you all on Sunday morning. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
The Scripture passage for this Sunday is Psalm 67, in which we are given an idea of the blessings God gives to us. The sermon is titled 'The Lord Blesses,' and will focus on the ways in which God continues to bless our lives. I hope to see you all on Sunday morning. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Psalm 6: 1-10
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
One of the greatest things about the new covenant established by Jesus is that we do not have to live in fear anymore. In the Old Testament God is presented, at times, as vindictive and wrathful. However, in the New Testament, when people began to know God a little better, God is presented as very loving and kind. And in his loving-kindness God has provided for us salvation. If we believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior then we are saved from sin, which means we do not have to be afraid of God's wrath or punishment anymore. We are free, we are saved. Be not afraid, but bask in the glory of God's love for you.
Pastor Josh
<><
One of the greatest things about the new covenant established by Jesus is that we do not have to live in fear anymore. In the Old Testament God is presented, at times, as vindictive and wrathful. However, in the New Testament, when people began to know God a little better, God is presented as very loving and kind. And in his loving-kindness God has provided for us salvation. If we believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior then we are saved from sin, which means we do not have to be afraid of God's wrath or punishment anymore. We are free, we are saved. Be not afraid, but bask in the glory of God's love for you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Psalm 5: 1-12
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Faith is a two-way street. We are called to life of holiness, and if we live that life God will bless us. Jesus tells us, in the Sermon on the Mount, to be perfect as God is perfect. But Jesus, as well as the rest of Scripture, also tells us that we will bear much fruit if we are faithful. In other words, God will take care of us. For some blessings are received in this life, but all of us will be given a reward in heaven. The Psalmist tells us here, 'but I, in your great mercy, will come into your house.' If we are faithful, if we believe in God and make our lives to reflect that belief, then we will enter God's kingdom and receive the blessings that have been promised to us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Faith is a two-way street. We are called to life of holiness, and if we live that life God will bless us. Jesus tells us, in the Sermon on the Mount, to be perfect as God is perfect. But Jesus, as well as the rest of Scripture, also tells us that we will bear much fruit if we are faithful. In other words, God will take care of us. For some blessings are received in this life, but all of us will be given a reward in heaven. The Psalmist tells us here, 'but I, in your great mercy, will come into your house.' If we are faithful, if we believe in God and make our lives to reflect that belief, then we will enter God's kingdom and receive the blessings that have been promised to us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Psalm 4: 1-8
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
"Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God." This is a statement we never have to make in prayer. God always hears our prayers. We may not always get an answer, and we may not get an answer we like, but we do have the comfort of knowing God hears our prayers. More than that, God hangs on our every word. He does not just listen to our words, he absorbs them into himself, carrying the burdens we lay before him. Again, we may not get answers to all of life's questions, but we do have the promise that God will always listen to us. The Lord hears our prayers. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
"Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God." This is a statement we never have to make in prayer. God always hears our prayers. We may not always get an answer, and we may not get an answer we like, but we do have the comfort of knowing God hears our prayers. More than that, God hangs on our every word. He does not just listen to our words, he absorbs them into himself, carrying the burdens we lay before him. Again, we may not get answers to all of life's questions, but we do have the promise that God will always listen to us. The Lord hears our prayers. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Monday, May 3, 2010
Psalm 3: 1-8
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
There will be times in our lives when we will face enemies. Jesus tells us 'people will hate you because of me.' There will always be people who do not like Christians. This is our prayer for those times. We can pray to God to ask for deliverance. There is another part of this prayer which comes from a different Psalm: "You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies." God will deliver us from our enemies. In those times when we our enemies surround us we can hold fast to our faith knowing God will deliver us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
There will be times in our lives when we will face enemies. Jesus tells us 'people will hate you because of me.' There will always be people who do not like Christians. This is our prayer for those times. We can pray to God to ask for deliverance. There is another part of this prayer which comes from a different Psalm: "You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies." God will deliver us from our enemies. In those times when we our enemies surround us we can hold fast to our faith knowing God will deliver us. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)