TIME OUT

There are times in a game when a coach calls a time out for the benefit of the team and to get them to refocus and to get rest, so they can go back in and give it all they have to winning the game. I am calling a time out with my blogging and some other activities so that I can regroup, refocus and get some rest so that we can give it all that we have in this spiritual battle.

For the time being I will be taking a time out from my blogging, and want to encourage you to read the devotional "God's Word for Today." If you did not get a copy, pick one up at church, as long as they are available!

I encourage you with the words of Psalm 34: 6-7 = "This poor man called, and the Lord heard him, he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them."

May the Lord bless you with His peace and presence during this Christmas season!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

THANKFUL LIVING

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it is a great day to pause and give thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness to us. Even when life is hard and difficult, we need to cultivate a grateful spirit. Thanksgiving is a matter of choice, and not just our emotions and feelings.

We read in God's Word:

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
"Be satisfied (content) with what you have." (Hebrews 13:5)
"Do all things without complaining, grumbling, or murmuring." (Philippians 2:14)

Why should we live a thankful life, all through the year and not just on Thanksgiving?

- A thankful person is content with what they have, and not always focusing on what they do not have.
- A thankful person is looking to bless, give and minister to others. They are not selfish.
- A thankful person realizes that God is faithful to His promises when we walk in obedience to Him.

This thanksgiving stop and begin to thank the Lord for all of our blessings! (Psalm 103: 1-5)

I am thankful for you and pray that God will bless you with His favor!

Pastor Ron

HOW CLOSE ARE WE TO THE LORD?

I was at a meeting recently and I heard the statement that "We make Jesus our Savior once, but we must make Him Lord of our lives, daily!" Think about that statement. Do we make Jesus the Lord of our lives daily?

Paul wrote in Philippians 3:10 - "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings." We like knowing the Lord and His power of the resurrection. What problem are you facing that the resurrection cannot handle? What is dead in your life, marriage, ministry that the resurrection cannot fix?

Many times we stop right here, but Paul also said - "And the fellowship of His sufferings." That word suffering means more than enduring a bad cold, or have a bad hair day. For Paul, it meant being beaten, rejected, thrown into prison and a long list of other things that we cannot understand. But this is when Paul found out the love and intimacy of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am thankful that the Lord is not only close to me in the good times of life, but that He is also there in the lousy times of life. As Paul prayed - "That I may know HIM."

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

WHAT'S ON YOUR FACE?

How many people are a little out of sorts this week, especially because of how early it is getting dark. We can allow the situations around us to make us discouraged. Charles Spurgeon once said - "When you speak of heaven, let your face light up. When you speak of hell, then your everyday face will do." How many Christians need to show the joy of the Lord to others. We should be expressing the joy of the Lord to people that are in need of the Savior. That is the heart of missions.

How can we maintain the joy of the Lord, no matter what is going on around us?

1. Maintain a right relationship with the Lord. - If we are not right with the Lord, then we first need to confess our sins, and He will forgive us and make us right with Him.

2. Let go of anything that pulls you down. We need to loosen up and begin to enjoy life. Many things we have no control over, and I need to let God be in charge. Don't worry - Pray! (Philippians 4:6) Do not judge others, let God deal with them. (Matthew 7:1)

3. Begin to praise the Lord. "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." God is worthy of our praise!

4. Begin to view your circumstances as God would. This is a hard one. But God's Word tells us - "Count it all joy when you fall into many kinds of trials."

Today - what is on your face????

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

GOD'S WORD

Last night, our missionary was talking about the power of the Word of God! I think about how many times we forget the power of the Word of God in our own personal lives. God's word says in James 1:21 - "Receive...the engrafted word."

We need to allow the Word into our daily lives, as much as we need to get into the Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 - "All Scripture is...profitable." This means that the Word of God should be making a profit in our lives. In the business world, if a company does not make a profit, it will not be in business very long. If you want to succeed in your spiritual life, then we must have God's Word in our lives. We must allow the Word of God to saturate our minds, thoughts, hearts, and our actions. There is no substitute for God's Word!

The Word of God is powerful and I encourage you to receive it into your life on a daily basis!

Are you being spiritually profitable?

SEASONS

This coming Saturday night, we will turn the clocks back one hour. I really do appreciate the extra hour of sleep that night, but it signals a change in the season. It is dark when you get up in the morning, and it is dark before you leave work. It makes for a long night and a short day. Seasons come and go!

We live our lives in seasons, seasons have a beginning and an ending. We need to understand that every season will come and go. Some seasons are cold and dark like late fall or early winter. But we look forward to the coming of another season of Spring.

In 2 Timothy 4:25 - Paul tells Timothy - "Be ready in season and out of season." No matter what season you are in spiritually in your life. That God is concerned about our roots going deep in Him and in His Word! Allow God to work His work in your life and be ready for what God is desiring to do in your life!" Keep walking with the Lord because He will never leave you!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

PRAYER

We have been looking at the book of Isaiah for the last few weeks on Sunday mornings, and one of my favorite verses is in Isaiah 40:31 - "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles." If you have come into my office you will notice that I have a lot of eagles. We can learn some very practical issues from the eagle.

Did you know:
- Every morning, eagles will take about an hour to do what is known as "preening".
- Every morning, the eagle will sit on a rock, branch or ledge and pull every feather through its mouth.
- On each wing there is 1200 feathers.
- "Preening" is like steam-cleaning.

Why do the eagles do this?
- To clean their wings from the past day. To clean off the dirt, and restore their wings.
- An oil will be secreted from their mouth that will glaze their feathers. This oil will keep their feathers from getting soaked in the rain, mist, dew, fog, or snow so that they will be able to soar no matter what weather they are facing.

Why should we Pray (Preen)?
1. To cleanse us and restore us from the dirt and debris that is all around us on a daily basis.
2. To fill us with the oil of the Holy Spirit that will help us from getting overwhelmed by the situations of life.

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength..."

Remember to vote this coming Sunday!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

LET JESUS INTO OUR CHURCH!

I am so thankful for the presence of the Lord that was in church this past Sunday. We are awesome services all day! There was a freedom in the services this past Sunday, that I pray will continue this coming Sunday. Let us welcome His presence into our church and lives!

I believe God moves when we pray!

What should we pray? I found this in my files:

1. Prayer is the communion of my soul with God!
2. To fail to pray, is to miss what prayer was meant to do!
3. All success in spiritual work is dependent on prayer!
4. God has chosen to limit His activity to those who chose to pray!
5. Prayer is my need connected with God's spiritual storehouse in heaven!
6. If we learn to wrestle with God in secret, we will never have to lower ourselves to wrestle with men in public.
7. The only thing that lies outside the power of prayer, is that which lies outside the will of God!
8. Prayer is the only road to tranquility, the only path to peace in the inner man!

Let us pray for God to move in our lives and church!

This coming Sunday, I will be preaching on Isaiah 61 - "What Does Jesus Want To Do In Our Church?"

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

URGNECY!

After 11 years the gym that I have belonged too, is closing for good. Many people are saddened over the closing, because of the friendships that have been established. I may not see some of these people that I have had the opportunity to build relationship with people that need the Lord!

I will have to join a new gym, and begin new relationships. I am praying that I will have a sense of urgency when it comes to reaching people for Christ. I pray that our church will have a sense of urgency of reaching people who need the Lord.

The reality is people need the Lord! We are talking about eternity! There really is a heaven....and there really is a hell, and people will spend eternity one place or the other. We cannot play church and make excuses about reaching people....we much be willing to do whatever it takes to reach them.

If you are a member of regular attender of South Attleboro A/G, I am asking that you do three things:

1. Read Luke 14: 15-23 and Luke 15 - and sense what Jesus feels about people who are lost and far from Him.

2. Ask God WHO you need to BRING to church with you this MONTH! Seriously..ask God to place someone or more than one on your heart and start investing in their lives. You seriously need to get people to come to church with you!!!

3. SEIZE every opportunity that God gives to you! Read Matthew 28: 18-20 and read the Command that God gives to every believer to reach the world for Him. The world is not just over seas somewhere, but it right across the street and all around us.

Let us connect with our world!

Pastor Ron

TRYING GOD'S WAY

How many people including myself, trying things our way! We feel that we know the best thing to do, and then we mess it up! Why do not we not try God's Way first?

Proverbs 3:5 - "Trust in the Lord.....lean not to your own understanding." We have such a hard time leaning on anyone including the Lord. When I think of the word leaning, I am reminded of the time I was on crutches. When you have to lean on the crutches for any length of time it is very hard, takes a lot of stamina and strength. Your hands get tired, your arms get sore because of leaning on the crutches.

If you want life to be harder then it has to be, exclude God from your life. Try leaning on your own understanding. Try worrying about things in your and see what that does.

God shows us His way in the Bible - Philippians 4: 6-7 shows us God's Way
1. Do not worry about anything.
2. Pray and ask god for everything you need.
3. Always give thanks for the things God has given to you.
4. God will give you His peace that will keep your hearts and minds.

If you are tired of trying your way - why not try God's way!

Just a thought!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

PERFECT LOVE!

How many people are looking to be loved, valued, and appreciated in this world today. When you know that you are loved, valued and appreciated you feel that you can accomplish everything that God has for you in your life.

1 John 4:18 NKJV - "Perfect love casts out all fear..." God is the only One who can love us with a perfect love. His love removes all of our fears. What are you afraid of today??????? (That is a good question) Is it that you will not get something that you need, or that you might lose something that you do have right now?

If we are afraid it shows that we are not really convinced that God loves us!

In the natural world, we are drawn to people who love us and shy away from people who do not really love us. Is that the same way in our relationship with the Lord. If we know that He loves us, we are more willing to draw near to Him.

How much does God really love you today? Just look to the Cross and that will reveal that we are loved, valued, and appreciated. That is what perfect love is all about.

Today remember - "His perfect love casts out all fear."

EXCUSES

In one of my devotionals this morning, I read in Psalm 122:1 - "Let us go into the house of the Lord."
The writer was comparing why people do not go to church with "Reasons Why I Never Wash."
1. I was forced to wash as a child.
2. People who wash are all hypocrites, they think they are cleaner than everyone else.
3. There are so many different kinds of soap; I just can't decide which one is best for me.
4. I used to wash, but I got bored and stopped doing it.
5. I only wash on special occasions, like Christmas and Easter.
6. None of my friends wash.
7. I will start washing when I get older and dirtier.
8. I just do not have the time to wash.
9. The bathroom is never warm enough in winter, and cool enough in the summer.
10. The people who make the soap are only after my money."

Do any of them sound familiar to the excuses that we make for not going to church?

Watchman Nee says - "Alone I cannot serve the Lord effectively, and he will spare no pains to teach me this. He will bring things to an end, allowing doors to close and leaving me effectively knocking my head against a wall until I realize that I need the help of the body (church), as well as of the Lord."

I hope to see you this coming Sunday!!!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

AMAZING GRACE

I have been thinking so much about God's Amazing Grace! How thankful we should be because of His grace in our lives!

Ephesians 1:7 - "We have...forgiveness...according to the riches of His grace."

How many have heard the story of John Newton. When John was 11 years old, his father, a seaman groomed John for the British Navy. But John had no discipline. He was arrested for desertion, demoted and flogged, he rejected all authority in his life, and mocked Christians. One night he awoke and found his cabin filling with water, the ship was sinking, but because of the cargo the ship had a little time before it would sink totally. One of the sailors, shouted out - "We are all goners." John's life flashed before him. In that moment he repented and asked Christ into his life. John made it and he turned his life around and became a minister of the Gospel.

John wrote his story to music and perhaps is one of the most sung songs in the church world still today: "Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; tis grace hath brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home."

Tomorrow night we are going to have an AMAZING GRACE service. Where we will focus on Praise, Testimony, Communion and praying for needs! Begin to think about the Amazing Grace of God in your life!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD....IN HIS HANDS...

What a beautiful day with a smack of fall in the air. Cool mornings and warm afternoons, it does not get much nicer than this.

I want to encourage you to start reading the Book of Isaiah over the next few weeks as we begin a new series tomorrow called - "Gripped By A Great God." I know that when we go through difficult seasons of life that we forget about how great God really is." The old song says it - "He's got the whole world in His hands..." That is true but when we get into trouble we forget how great God really is."

No matter what you are facing today - "God has the whole world and you in His hands."

That is good news, and why not invite someone to come with you tomorrow who might need to realize that God is Great!!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

ENCOUNTER CONTINUES

Good morning, what a beautiful day with the sun shining. Whatever happened to Earl??? We sure did need the rain for water the lawns.

I just want to remind you about tomorrow, our last service for this year with Greg and Robyn Hubbard. Please pray, invite and bring unsaved people with you tomorrow. That is the heartbeat of God. God is not willing that any should perish, and you can be a vital link in helping people to spend eternity with Christ. I want to encourage you to get out of our comfort zone and let's be the church!

Looking forward to what God is going to do tomorrow.

Pastor Ron

REJOICING!

God is so faithful and is still saving people from sin, and from self. The Bible tells us - "That the angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner that comes to Christ." I am rejoicing over the 15 people that accepted Christ yesterday in our Revival services. Please keep these special services in prayer that we will have a "Real Encounter" with the Lord.

I want to invite you to our services tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday night as Greg and Robyn Hubbard will be leading these services. Also for all children we have a great VBS going on as well!

Keep rejoicing, because God is still on the Throne!

GETTING PAST YOUR PAST!

How many people have a hard time getting over their past? Isaiah 43: 18-19 - "Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing." I am praying for God to do a new thing in my life, and in the life of our church.

When God determines your future, He does not consult your past. We see this throughout the Word of God:

Look at Mary Magdalene - a prostitute. But after she came to Christ, she was one of the last people to leave the Cross. (Matthew 27: 55-61)
Look at Peter - a fisherman with and anger problem. But when he was filled with the Holy Spirit, he preached and thousands came to Christ. (Acts 2: 40-41)
Look at Jacob - his name means deceiver. But God gave him an extreme makeover and changed his name to Israel which means, A prince with God."
Look at Paul - before Christ throwing Christians into jail and even killing followers of Christ. When Paul came to Christ he was mightily used by God to see people come to Christ!

This morning stop dwelling on your past, and let God change your future! "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

CONTENTMENT

This past Sunday, I shared a message on "The Joy of Contentment." Here are a few additional thoughts from Philippians 4:12 - "I have learned the secret of being content."

Sometimes contentment means:

1. Learning to be content with less. We all desire more, but we need to learn to be content with less. I read a story this morning, about a missionary who was ministering in a leper colony and they were singing the hymn - "Count Your Blessings." As he was leading this song, a lady came to the front and her face was almost beyond recognition, and she lifted up her hands in worship and had only 1 finger left. He had to leave the service, and when others came to him. They said - you will probably not be able to sing that song again. He replied, I will sing it again, but will be sung differently.

2. Reminding yourself that things could be worse. Remind yourself that the next time, when maybe you have very little to eat, but at least you have something to eat.
Compared to a vast majority of people in the world, we are still blessed!

3. Understanding that true contentment comes from the spiritual and not the material. We look for the things of this world to satisfy us, when they cannot. Augustine said - "Our souls will never rest, until they rest in God."

Let us never stop learning to be content!!

ARE WE CONTENT?

Tomorrow morning, we will be continuing the series "Top Ten Verses". I will be speaking from Philippians 4 - "I have learned to be content...." This is a very hard thing in the world we live in today! I want to encourage you to read this chapter and come and ask the Lord to help us to learn to be content.

You may say, I can not be content. Paul went on to say "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Just a reminder when you come tomorrow, please be careful with all the construction going on. But we will have AC in the sanctuary!

Praise the Lord - the Lord is good!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

Tomorrow, Tomorrow....

How many remember that song from the show "Annie" - Tomorrow, Tomorrow.... How many of us are always looking out for tomorrow. Tomorrow things will be better....Tomorrow my ship will come in....Tomorrow my mate will change....Tomorrow I will be better...

We all desire that tomorrow will be better, but there is no guarantee that tomorrow will be better. Proverbs 27:1 - "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." How many people are looking for something tomorrow to change what is happening today!

This morning, I was called to go visit someone that was in a terrible motorcycle accident and it is a very difficult situation. When I got back to the office, I heard of another one of our families had a relative that died in his early 20's.

What am I saying this morning - "Today is the day of salvation." This morning if you are reading this and you have never asked Jesus Christ to be the Lord and Savior of your life, do not wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow may never come!!!

If you are reading this blog and you are right with the Lord, but you have unsaved loved ones. I ask you to pause right now and pray for their salvation. We must become urgent in reaching people because tomorrow may never come!

RECAPTURING OUR PASSION

What are you really passionate about? What makes life worth living for you? What are the things that we think, dwell and focus on our in our lives? Do we really have passion for the Lord? Last night, I was talking about the need for recapturing our passion for the Lord!

In Revelation 2 - 3, we find the letters written to the 7 churches. In one church we see that they left their first love, and Jesus tells them that they need to repent and do the things they did at first. In another church, they were told that you are neither hot nor cold, you are lukewarm. If you are lukewarm, you have lost your passion!

This week I want to challenge you to consecrate yourself to God and ask Him to restore the passion in your life.

This week consecrate - which means to set apart as specially devoted to God. "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

How do we do this:
1. Prayer - devote some special time to prayer this week, worship, fast, study God's Word, and just begin to ask God to restore your passion for Him!

2. Purity - this week devote your mind, your heart, your soul, your emotions, your body to God. Get rid of anything and everything, that hinders us spiritually! See what will happen in your life when you purify yourself.

3. Purpose - this week start ministering to someone else. Serve and obey God, tithe, give to missions, reach out to someone who needs an encouraging word, Get involved in a small group, witness to someone. Be about God's Kingdom and watch the passion come back into your life!

My prayer is God help us as individuals and as a church to recapture the passion for the Lord!

TAKING YOUR MEDICINE!

I am so thankful for God's Word that helps us in life! As I said this morning, when a doctor gives us medicine, we need to take it or it will do us no good. Same way with God and His Word, we need to take it and not just hear it but do it!

As a reminder in Philippians 4:6-7 - "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Here is the outline that I used this morning and hopefully it reminds us throughout the week:

THE PROBLEM - is WORRY - "Do not be anxious or worried...."
This is something that we will all face and struggle with on a daily basis.

THE PRESCRIPTION - is PRAYER "But in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God." That is the choice we have, when we are full of worry. We can worry or we can pray! What will you do?

THE PROGRAM - is RIGHT THINKING. Read Philippians 4:8 and it tells you how we should be thinking and living. A PROGRAM is something that we must live out, do on a daily basis. For example - You can not diet on on Monday and Thursday and the rest of the week eat any way that you want. It is a life style and that is the same way it is with God's Word!

THE PROMISE - is PEACE - The God of peace will be with you! No only does He give us peace externally, but the God of peace lives and dwells in us! What great news!

Take your medicine,

Pastor Ron

TRANQUILITY TODAY!

How many people are in need of some peace of mind, tranquility in daily living. I saw on the news this week about a couple out in their boat, and they are just watching a whale and before long they have a guest on their boat - the whale! How quickly something so peaceful can turn to cause so much unrest in our lives!

I want to invite you to church tomorrow as I will speak on another one of the Top Ten verses that deal with peace and tranquility. Begin to focus on this verse today from Philippians:

"Be anxious for NOTHING, but in everything by prayer, and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding, shall guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus."

This a great prescription for Tranquility! Hope to see you tomorrow!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

KEEPING SCORE

Keeping score is an important thing in competitive sports. This past week our church softball team played a great game, but the score was what mattered when the game was over, and we won the game with a score of 7 to 6. Keeping score matters in a game.

But keeping score in relationships is disastrous. There is such a need for healing and forgiveness in all of our relationships. The reality is until we make the decision to forgive, the process of healing cannot even begin.

Colossians 3:13 in the The Message says - "Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you." Those are powerful words that will change our relationships. How can we do this? Paul says in Colossians 3: 12-13 NLT - "Clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."

We need to learn to focus on the other person's worth and not their weaknesses.

The million dollar question is: Why should I forgive and forget????
1. Because God's Word tells me to.
2. Because you yourself will always need forgiveness.
3. Because we were not created to carry the stress that unforgiveness brings.

I encourage you stop keeping score!

Pastor Ron

THUNDER STORMS

I realize that many people do not like this heat wave that we are going through, but I am not one of them. I really like the heat and it helps me to feel better. I heard the weather report and they are calling for rain this afternoon, which should cool it off a little bit.

In Mark 6: 47-51; the disciples are out in the boat and a storm came up and they are straining at rowing the boat. (How many of us are straining at life?) The wind was against them and they were having a hard time. Jesus comes walking on the water and they were afraid and cried out... But Jesus said to them - "It is I; do not be afraid." Jesus climbed into the boat and the storm stopped.

Here are a couple of lessons that we can learn from our storms:

1. When we are in the storm and feel separated from God, that is when God is teaching us the most. When we feel that God is not with us, that should drive us to our knees and call out to God.

2. God does not show up early, but He never shows up late! God always shows up right on time!!! (I want God to show up early!!!) God shows up when you think you cannot take anymore!!!

3. We need God's presence in the storms of life. When did the storm stop? When Jesus got into the boat, it says the wind stopped. Let Jesus into your life, boat, situation and see what happens to the storms of life!

This morning - Jesus says - Do not be afraid!!!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

OUR AWESOME GOD

Good evening, I am getting ready for a meeting, after a nice run. I really love getting outside for a run, and to be able to pray and see all of God's creation. It re-energizes me.

I was reading in Isaiah 40 today - about how awesome our God is. In that chapter is says in verse 12 - "Who has measured the waters in the hallow of His hand?..." I looked that up and the hallow of the hand, is when you cup your hand, and the middle of your palm is the hallow of the hand. When God says he holds the water in His hand that is pretty awesome. That refers to all the water on the earth, every ocean, every lake, and every river. It is estimated that there is 913,500 cubic miles of water on this planet. That is a mile by a mile by a mile, and our awesome God holds that in his hands.

I want to encourage to remember that our God is awesome God!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

GETTING YOUR SECOND WIND...

This is great weather for people who like it nice and hot. I love this weather, however, I have had a hard time running with the heat and humidity. I have noticed that I am not able to run as fast or as far, as I am use too. It is hard to catch my second wind.

The challenge for a runner is not at the beginning. It is in maintaining your pace even when you are totally exhausted. As the race progresses, you need to catch your second wind - which is an unexplainable boost of energy. This is where you are able to continue on.

Hebrews 12: 1-2 tells us - "...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..."

Jesus was a man who ran His own race facing the same temptations, and struggles that we face in our lives. At His point of exhaustion, He prayed and found His "Second Wind" (Matthew 26:36-46). His race was not over, and He continued to run the race the Father had planned for Him.

No matter what you are facing today...there is still a race to run! If you are in need of a "second wind" you can find it in prayer. Keep running with the Lord and catch your "second wind."

Running the race,
Pastor Ron

FEELINGS VS. FAITH???

How many have heard the words - "You shouldn't feel that way." Or "if you only trusted God more you would not feel that way and want to give up." Those words sound good, but when you are going through a struggle a test of your faith, they can make you feel worse.

How should we respond when we have these anxious and trouble feelings?

First of all, realize that FEELINGS are neither right or wrong. Because you have feelings does not make you spiritual or not spiritual. Feelings mean that we are human. Jesus experienced feelings just like we feel. Mark 14:34 - "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." He felt like He was going to die. Life was so hard that he was overwhelmed. Jesus teaches us here that you do not deny your feelings, or condemn yourself because of these feelings. Jesus acknowledged his feelings and emotions. In fact, Jesus prayed twice, "Father...please take this suffering away." His Father did not rebuke him, or scold him for these feelings.
God will not rebuke us because of the feelings that we have in our lives.

Secondly, We need to understand that our feelings do not have to control the choices that we make! Just because we have feelings does not mean that we have to make ungodly choices! Many times we want to blame our feelings for the choices that we make and that is not true. Jesus had feelings, but what did He do? Mark 14:36 - "Yet I want Your will, not mine."

This morning you may have feelings that are difficult but we can make the right choices by faith! When you make right choices then watch what God will do as we walk by faith and not be our feelings!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

NEEDING STRENGTH FOR TODAY!

Strength is something that many people seem to be in need of today! So many people are overwhelmed by situations in life. We gathered together last night for an extended time of prayer and God was faithful to give strength to those that were there.

Isaiah 40:31 - "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength."

We do not like that word "WAIT". Wait in Scripture is the word used in the making of rope. Every rope starts off as a thread, and every strand added just increases its strength. So each time you wait on the Lord, pray, spend time in His Word and His presence you are adding another thread to your rope.

This morning you may be at the end of your rope, if so grab on to these promises:

Psalm 27:14 - "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord."

Psalm 62:5 - "Wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him."

Psalm 123:2 - "As the eyes of the servants look to the hand of the masters....so our eyes look to the Lord our God."

If you are in need of strength today - wait on God!

WONDER AND WORSHIP

Emma and I were away in TN, visiting with her parents who are failing physically, and we went down to spend some time with them and to help around their home. We drove to TN and the trip was over 3000 miles, and we enjoyed our time away and to see the beauty of our nation.

I was reading in our devotion this morning in Psalm 99:5 - "Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool." I think when we focus so much on ourselves, our problems, and situations going on around, we lose the wonder of God! The writer said this - "Unless you believe God is all-powerful, ever-present and approachable, you will live in a state of anxiety believing that everything depends on you." If we do not have a right view of God (that is what Worship is all about). Getting a right view of God! When we lose sight of the God of the Bible, we will fit God into our rationale, we will pray without faith, work without passion and serve without joy."

I want to encourage you over these hot summer days - "Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool."

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

STICK TO GOD'S PLAN!

Good morning, what a beautiful day! I enjoyed my run early this morning and was able to enjoy the beauty of the day and the beauty of the Lord! I am thankful for His faithfulness!

Matthew 14: 29 = "Then Peter got...out of the boat, walked on water....toward Jesus."

I see that Peter teaches us that as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus and stick to God's plan we will not fail!

Here are some principles we can learn from this story:

1. Before you get into something or out of something, make sure it is God's plan, will for your life. Peter said, Lord if it is your will for me to come, tell me. Jesus said, Come! Find God's plan for your life and stick with it.

2. Do not expect everyone else in the boat to come with you. Peter was the only one who got out of the boat. Obeying God is a lonely thing at times. When you obey God you will face criticism and rejection by those who still sit in the boat.

3. If you wait for the right time, you will never get out of the boat. Peter could of said, when the storm is over then I will get out of the boat. Jesus said, come in the middle of a storm. How many times we are waiting for the right time, right season, when I get a little older. When Jesus tells you to come! COME!

4. Do not expect perfection. Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and failed. Life is not a matter of failure, because we will all do that. What do we do when we fail, we need to get up and begin obeying again! God is not looking for perfection, but for progress! Peter called out to the Lord, and the Lord picked him up again.

I want to encourage you to stick to God's plan for your life. "The steps of a righteous man are ordered of the Lord.!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

IS GOD IN CONTROL OF ALL THINGS?

In Romans 11:36 - "For from Him and through Him, and to Him are all things." When we realize that God is in control of everything that touches our lives it causes me to think about these things:

#1. It takes away ANXIETY. When we are able to rest in the fact that God is in control of everything, that does not mean that we are not responsible or helpless pawns. It does cause us to realize that we can rest in the fact that God will be there to help us. Psalm 23:6 - "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." God gives us this certainty in our lives.

#2. It frees us from EXPLANATION. I am so glad that I do not have to have all the answers! There are a lot of things that I cannot figure out, explain or to solve. In fact, many times I do not even know the questions to ask. But when I realize that God is in control I can live with the fact: I do not know, but I know and trust the One who does. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not to your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths."

#3. It keeps us from A SPIRIT OF PRIDE. What right do I have to be arrogant and proud when God is the one who is in control. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in ALL things God works together for the good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." The reality is we can either trust God or play God! Which choice is the best one?????

I pray that this encourages you as it does me today! Our God is in control!

LIFTING YOUR SPIRIT

If you have been in my office, you will notice that there are a lot of eagles. This collection started a number of years ago, when Emma gave me a painting of a soaring eagle. The eagle is just soaring over the rocks and mountain. The eagle is not flapping its wings, but just soaring.

How many feel that they are not soaring, but just flapping their wings and not getting any where? How many of us need to have our spirits lifted up again? Have we been beaten down by circumstances, and situations that are in our lives?

Here are some principles from God's Word to lift your Spirits today:

1. Have a right relationship with the Lord. 1 John 1:9 says - "Confess your sins to the Lord." If you have done this, then maintain that intimate walk with the Lord.

2. Let go of the things that keep you grounded. How many of us hold on to things that keep us from soaring. We need to loosen up, and begin to enjoy life. Life is too short to worry, and fret. Remember God is in charge!

3. Praise - We need to praise the Lord continually. Read the Book of Psalms and it talks about lifting our praise to the Lord.

4. View our circumstances from God's perspective, not ours. We all will face difficult problems in life, but remember Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works together for the good, to those who love him and have been called according to His purpose.

5. Begin to count your blessings today, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

I pray that you will begin to soar like the eagle!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

HELP IN TIGHT PLACES!

How do you feel when you are in a tight place? How do you feel when you are in an elevator that is crowded with people? Do you hate that closed in feeling when you are in a tight place? In real life, we go through many tight places and we really do not like that feeling. I know that I would rather be in a place of comfort, and ease.

The reality is we live in a world that is hard and difficult. Counselors tells people that they live with hopelessness, stress, vulnerability and depression. We live in those tight places and we wonder if there is any way out.

Psalm 46:1 - "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble."

In the margin of the New American Standard Bible it says - "God is abundantly available for help in tight places." How many of us need to realize that today!

Psalm 46:2 - "Therefore we will not fear." We do not need to be fearful, panic, talk defeat, or give into despair." How many remember that old song - "He's as close as the mention of His name." God is with us in the tight places.

Psalm 46:3 - "Let the oceans roar...let the mountains tremble." When everything you once thought was stable and dependable, and are beginning to shake, rattle and roll. Realize that you will be in the strong and loving arms of the Lord.

Remember - God is abundantly available to help in tight places!!!!

Amen!

GOD'S WATCHING OUT FOR YOU!

What a promise - God is watching out for you and me! Many times we feel all alone in this world, and that I must live this life in my own strength and power.

Moses prayed in Numbers 6:26 - "The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." I am thankful that God is watching over us, guiding us, and protecting us every moment of the day. In fact, the most common promise in Scripture is - "I will be with you." I am so thankful that God is with me today, and tomorrow and the next day. God was always assuring His people that He was with them. God wants to assure us today, that He is with us and watching out for us.

David said in Psalm 23 - "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me."

Joshua 1:9 NLT - "Do not be afraid or discouraged...the Lord...is with you."

This morning I encourage us all to realize - Be at peace today - God is looking out for you and me!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

DON'T LOSE IT!!!

I have not been blogging for a couple of weeks, due to circumstances beyond my control. However I wanted to share something today, that has encouraged me and I pray encourages you as well.

Isaiah 26:3 says - "You will keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you." Why because HE TRUSTS IN YOU! (God) I have been asking myself, who are you trusting to solve the problems in my life? Someone said - "Do your best, then let God do the rest." How many times when we are going through problems, trials, difficulties we believe that if we cannot do anything else, the least we can do is get upset, worried, anxious and be miserable. Philippians 1:28 AMP says - "Do not (for a moment) be frightened...for such (constancy and fearlessness) will be a clear sign...from God." When we face trials, we need to stay in peace! (I know how hard this is when your world is falling apart.) Keeping your peace does not mean you will not have troubles, but it allows God to have the last word. When we trust the Lord completely, we are no longer at the mercy of circumstances, people, or even our own emotions and limitations!

If you are facing difficult times, then rest in the Lord and allow Him to work on your behalf! "I will give you peace...." Don't lose your PEACE IN THE LORD!

HELP ME!

How many have felt that they needed help in a situation in your life? Help that no person or object can give to you? Help spiritually, physically, financially, emotionally? I think every human will at times realize that they can not fix or change the situations in life that they find themselves in on a daily basis.

Where do you turn for your help? Where do I turn for my help? I was reminded of Psalm 121 that clearly says - "I lift up my eyes to the hills - and then he asks the question: Where does my help come from? (That is a good question that we need to ask ourselves as well. Where are looking for help?

And then the Psalmist says - "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." My help comes from the Lord - the mighty God, the Omnipotent God, the all knowing God. "He is my refuge and strength a very present help in the time of trouble."

When you read the rest of Psalm 121 - we see some great truths to hold onto when you are in need of help:
God will not let my feet slip.
God is not going to sleep on the job. He is watching over us.
The Lord is watching over us!
The Lord will keep us from all harm.
The Lord will watch our lives.

The next time you are in need of help remember Psalm 121!!

INVITATION

This coming Thursday is the National Day of Prayer! We need to take advantage that we can gather and pray for our nation and our community. I want to personally invite you to gather at City Hall in Attleboro at noon, to pray for our nation. We will unite with other believers and pray for revival in our nation and community!

Let us show our community the True Light of Jesus Christ! Invite others to come with you!

Hope to see you this coming Thursday!

Pastor Ron

TOP TEN

David Letterman does the top 10 reasons for something each night on his late night show. Over the summer I want to do the Top Ten Verses from God's Word. I know that this is very subjective, and is hard to narrow it down to ten.

Please reply by giving me some of your top ten verses and why! Over the summer we will grow in God's Word!

Thanks for your help!

Pastor Ron

DEPENDENCY!

I am coming to realize the older I get the more I am dependent on God for every area of my life! I realize that without Him I can do nothing of lasting value! Being away for the last 12 days was a great break to just allow God to speak to me to get some much needed rest.

I have a plague in my office known as the prayer of Jabez, which comes from 1 Chronicles 4:10 - This was his prayer, and I am making it mine again today. He simply prayed: "Oh, that You would bless me and indeed enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain. So God granted him what he requested."

How many of us need the blessing of God in our lives? I know that I need His blessing, and I pray that my unsaved loved ones and others would experience the blessing of God's presence in their lives.

Enlarge my territory, my influence as I am the light of my world. I want to be effective and make a difference in my remaining years. Emma and I went away to celebrate our 50th birthdays. Thinking about that makes me realize that I want my life to count for Jesus the remaining years that I have left on this planet.

That Your hand will be with me. I need His hand, power, guidance, to lead and help me through my life.

That You would keep me from evil. Lord please put a hedge around me, so that I do not sin, and turn from You! Put a guardrail around me so that I do not crash and burn from the things of this world.

That I may not cause pain - Lord I do not want to do anything that would cause pain to my Lord. I want to live a life that is pleasing to God!

How many of us need to make this our prayer today as well???

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

PRAISE THE LORD!

This morning, I was reading Psalm 119 in my devotions, and it talks about the need for the Word of God in our lives! It is a great chapter that challenges us about the power of the Word of God. How many people will just jump over this vital chapter because of the length of it. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible.

I would like to challenge you to take some time over the next few days and read through this chapter and notice what it says about the Word of God! We must become people who hear the Word, read the Word, Study the Word and we cannot forget to obey the Word of God!

Here is just one verse - Psalm 119:105 - "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." In these dark and difficult days we need God's Word to lead us and guide us!"

Connect with God's Word this week!

MAKING ROOM FOR GOD'S PRESENCE!

I appreciate all those that came out last night, as we started 50 days of a Sacred Assembly, as we make a decision to MAKE ROOM FOR GOD'S PRESENCE IN OUR LIVES AND CHURCH. I want to encourage you to get rid of the clutter in our lives, and make room for God's presence.

Over the next few weeks I want to encourage you to read the Book of Acts and see how the early disciples made room for God's presence in their lives.

I want to encourage you to prepare for God's presence. Here are some highlights from Acts 1: To make room for God's presence we need EXPECTATION, OBEDIENCE, WAITING, PRAYER, UNITY, BALANCE AND DESPERATION!

Lord we need your presence!

HEADING TO PA

I will be out of the office for a few days, to attend a board meeting for Valley Forge Christian College. I look forward to this change for a couple of days and to recharge my batteries!

It is a good time to get together with friends from around the country and catch up with what God is doing in their lives!

Look forward to what God is going to do over the next 50 days! Let us make room for God's presence!

NEW SERIES AND FOCUS FOR OUR CHURCH

Good afternoon! What a great Resurrection Sunday we had yesterday. What a beautiful day, outside in the tent and fellowshipping with people, and the presence of God in our services. It never gets old when people come to a relationship with Jesus Christ.

I look forward to this coming weekend. I will begin a New Series called "Meet Your Partner." I will be focusing on the Holy Spirit between now and the end of May.

On Sunday nights, I am calling for April and May - us to a Sacred Assembly we are going to have a special focus for Revival and A fresh move of the Holy Spirit. On Sunday nights, we are going to have worship for 20 minutes, teaching for 20 minutes and then time welcoming God's presence into our lives and church.

This Sunday night - I will be sharing - HOW TO WELCOME GOD'S PRESENCE INTO OUR LIVES AND CHURCH!

Let us believe that over the next 7 weeks that God will send a Revival of His Spirit to our individual lives as well as our church!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

GOOD FRIDAY

Today we remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us when He went to the Cross to bear my sin. What a horrible death, but Jesus died for me. That is the greatest demonstration of love, that God would love me that much. We now must tell others about that love.

Good Friday reminds me that the VICTIM OF GOOD FRIDAY, BECAME THE VICTOR ON EASTER!
I want to encourage you to invite people to come to our Resurrection services on Sunday! You will have a key in helping people to come to find God's great love for them.

Look forward to seeing you this weekend in God's House!

HOW DO WE SEE OTHERS?

How do we look at other people? Do we see them as God desires for us to see them? In the Book of Acts we see a division that arose between Paul and John Mark over a minor issue that blew up into a large issue.

After time, Paul had a change in heart as you can read in 2 Timothy 4: 10-11. "For Demas has forsake me, having loved this present world...so take John Mark, and bring him with you; for he is profitable to me for the ministry."

What can we learn from this:
1. We need to give people a second chance.
2. We cannot measure other people by our standards and goals in life. Not everyone is going to do things that same way that we.
3. We need to look for the best in others, and that is what we will find!

How are we looking at others today?

HOW ARE WE LIVING?

In Colossians 4: 5-6: we read these words - "Live wisely among those are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone."

My prayer for myself is that I will be able to live this scripture out in my daily life.
- Live wisely among people who do not know Jesus. My life does count for something, and as a Christian people in the world are watching me. They are watching for what I do and what I do not do! I need to live wisely, smart, effective among them. I am not better than anyone in the world. Jesus has stepped into my life!

- Make most of every opportunity. I pray that I will see the opportunities that God gives to me to share and minister to people who are not right with the Lord. How many of us miss opportunities in our daily lives.

- Let your conversation be gracious. How do we communicate with the people of the world. Let us be kind, loving, and gracious to all people. That is what will make us effective with the world.

- Let us have the right answer for people. The right answer is Jesus and the Word. Let us point people to the answer - Jesus Christ!

How are we living???

Devotional Thought

I was journaling this morning from Colossians 3:13-14 and the Lord ministered to me from this passage of Scripture and I wanted to pass it on to others. "You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember the Lord forgives you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us together in perfect harmony."

Lord I need to learn this by applying it and doing it in my daily life. Help me to make allowances for other people and the way that they do things, that may not be the way that I would do them. I am sure that I have offended people and I would want allowances as well. Help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me of all my sins. And on top of everything, help me to live a life of genuine love, because love is what will connect us to God (really), love is what connects us to one another, and love is what will connect us to a world that desperately needs Jesus.

Lord help me to live this out today!

CONNECTING WITH ONE ANOTHER!

I am so thankful for my LIFE Group on Wednesday nights, and how it is growing not only in numbers but in spiritual vitality. I am thankful for the great testimonies last night, a great sense of God's presence in our prayer time, and great discussion.
I am hearing great reports of what is going on in the LIFE Groups. If you have not yet connected with a LIFE (HOME) Group, I want to encourage you to get connected. It is hard to believe that we will be completing the first session in a couple of weeks.

We are already planning on the second session and the book that we will be using. This is not a program, but a process of Connecting with God, Connecting with One Another, so that we can connect with our world!

Last night we looked at this Scripture and I want to encourage you with it today:

Hebrews 10: 23-25
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another...and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

SUNSHINE

It is great to see the sun finally out after a number of days of rain. I almost thought we would have to start building an ark. It is amazing what rain and water can do to business, homes, and roadways. The destruction that can take place because of nature.

I am thankful that the sun is out to warm us, dry us, to brighten our lives. That is the same way it is with the Lord. When the Lord's presence is in our lives - He is the One that warms our lives, brightens our lives, and give us a hope and a reason for living!

I encourage you to get into the presence of the Lord today, and remember - "In His presence there is fullness of joy.

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

WHY DID JESUS SUFFER AND DIE FOR ME?

I want to encourage you to be with us tomorrow as we start a new series that will lead us up to Easter. I am going to share Biblical Reasons Why Jesus Suffered And Died for ME! If we will allow these promises from God's Word to speak to us and impact our lives it will free us to live overcoming lives.

I would like to encourage you to invite someone to come to these next four Sunday's and see the power of the Cross.

PS - Do not forget to set your clocks ahead one hour tonight!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

What Are We Willing To Do For The Lost?

How many people need to know Jesus personally and intimately! I was blessed at our LIFE Group last night, in hearing the stories of the impact that our church has had on leading people to Jesus Christ. I want to encourage you to keep up the good work and continue to reach lost people with the Good News of Jesus Christ!

If you are not a part of a home group (Life Group) I want to encourage you to become a part of one for your spiritual growth and development! God's Word encourages us to "Love one another and He loves us."

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

BACK HOME

I have been out of town for awhile. I was on a great Missions trip to the Dominican with a great team of men and women who served the Lord and the people of the DR. It is great to see the building become a real school for the precious children.

The last two days I was in Dallas for the A/G Cabinet meeting, where we discussed for two days, how are we going to reach this generation! I will be sharing more about that in the days ahead!

But there is no place like home. I encourage you with the words from Philippians 4 - "Do not worry about anything, but in everything pray." Prayer is not a religious duty, but a relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. I encourage you to pray to a real God that loves and cares about you!

REAL CHRISTIANITY!

I am thankful for our church family, and how we are expressing real Christianity to people. We had a young person who died this past week of cancer. Chris was only 39 years old, and battled cancer for the last two years. I had the privilege of praying with Chris to accept Christ into his heart. Chris was a great young man who never lost faith even with his sickness.

Chris was a part of the Men's Monday night Bible Study, with his dad. Last night at the viewing, I am so thankful that a bus load of the men from the Bible study walked in together to minister to the family! The family was so impressed and overwhelmed by the love of the men. That is real Christianity!

I am proud of these examples of real Christianity by the people of our church! Job well Done!

I love and appreciate you for living the Gospel out in the real world!

Missions 101

I am looking forward to our trip this week to the Dominican Republic. It is a great week that has so many blessings that you can only realize when you go on a trip like this.

I am thankful for the relationships that are built over 7 days of being with other believers! Real friendships develop over one week, and that is a blessing from the Lord.

I am thankful that we will be investing in God's kingdom for the next 7 days, and that we are building not only a building but investing in the next generation!

I am thankful that we will be able to encourage the missionaries and leaders of the church, and to minister to the people of San Fransico de Marcoris.

I am thankful for a week of warm weather!

I am thankful for a week of totally giving ourselves to His Kingdom!

I want to encourage you to get involved in missions and think about going on an upcoming trip!

Missions is the Heartbeat of God!

WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND!

During the month of February I have been preaching on one verse that really boils down what Christianity is basically all about. Jesus gave us one command - "To Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength." We will be looking at Loving God with all of our minds tomorrow."

Someone has said - "The mind is a wonderful thing to waste." I am thankful that I can love God with my mind. I never want to stop growing in my knowledge and understanding of our great God.

I want to encourage you to be with us tomorrow, and invite someone to come with you to God's House. I am amazed at what God is doing in our church! See you tomorrow!

LIFE GROUPS

This week we kicked off the Home (LIFE) Groups and we are having great feedback from those who are connecting in this way. I am thankful for all of the group leaders and those who have opened their homes. God is going to use this to help people connect with one another.

I deeply appreciate the leadership that Ruthann DeLong as given to this ministry and people will be discipled in this ministry.

I want to encourage you if you are not a part of a home group, to get connected and see how your spiritual life will grow in this small group setting!

GOD WILL BRING YOU THROUGH!

I am thankful for God's Promises! One of them is that God will bring you through situations in life that you think you will not survive, or that you feel like you are stuck in something that will not change. But in those situations, God can make us comfortable in uncomfortable situations, and give us a peace in the midst of crisis times in our lives. That we can live not knowing what tomorrow holds in store for us, but be confident that God has our tomorrows all planned for us. I am thankful that our tomorrows are in God's hands, not in All States!

Just because things may not look clear today, does not mean that God is not leading you. Read this verse when you feel you cannot make it through another day!

Isaiah 42:16 NKJV
"I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them."

Times and seasons may change, but not God! God will bring you through! I pray that these words will encourage you today!

What Do You Do When You Do Not Know What To Do?

Today is one of those days for me, when I am asking the Lord what do you do when you do not know what to do? Have you ever had those kind of days? I know what the Word of God says, but at times in life you have some real questions, doubts and even fears.
I had to deal with a difficult issue and the outcome was not what I expected or could even imagine. So what do I do when I do not know what to do!

I am reminded of these verses: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not to your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

I am glad God knows what to do even when I do not. So Lord I am going to trust in You and Your Word!

LEARNING TO LIVE LIKE JESUS!

Learning to live like Jesus, is a life long process and not always easy to do. When I look at the life of Jesus, He has a real man with real issues. He had to deal with everyday issues that we have to deal with. Jesus lived a simple life, but he still had to take care of people, support his disciples. He had people who were upset and angry with Him. No matter what was going on in Jesus life, He never became stressed out, fearful or worried.

Jesus was always in tune with His Heavenly Father. That is a secret that we need to learn as well if we want to live like Jesus in our daily lives. Someone said it this way - "Stress is brought on by our need to know everything ahead of time - and to be in control." That is why Jesus teaches us this simple principle in Matthew 6:33 - "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."

Let's make it our goal to live like Jesus today!!!

LEARNING TO LIVE LIKE JESUS!

LIFE IN THE TIGHT PLACES!

How many have difficulty when they are in tight places? Like going for an MRI, or fitting into a crowded elevator, or being in a tight cave, or even in tight clothes that no longer fit. How do you feel when things are tight?

Life is like this at many times, but I am thankful for the help that the Lord gives in tight times. Psalm 46:1 tells us - "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble."

We never know what is going to happen from moment to moment. In the last 24 hours, my wife went to the doctor and will most likely need surgery. On top of that her car is in the garage and needs extensive work on it, and other issues that happen because we live in this world.

But God's Word says that "He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the times of trouble."

In the NAV - "God is abundantly available for help in the tight places." When we are in a tight spot, God is available to help us!" I want to encourage you today, that God is the God of the tight places! Keep looking and trusting in Him."

GETTING YOUR HEART IN SHAPE!

For the month of February I will be focusing on Getting our Heart in Shape. If you want to get into shape, you cannot just lift weights, but you have to do cardio. In the spiritual sense if we want to get in total shape - I think it begins with one verse, that I am going to look at - "Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, soul, mind and strength."

I am looking forward to our services tomorrow, and very thankful that we are missing out on the monster snow storm in the Mid Atlantic states!

Please pray for our services tomorrow, that God will visit us in a very special way as we open our hearts to Him!

HEALTHY SELF-CARE

I am coming to learn as I get older, that I need to take care of myself. As a pastor who loves people, and wants to help people, I have a tendency to forget about taking care of myself. I am really working on that this coming year. Because I will not be good to anyone else, if I do not take care of myself.

I want to encourage you to take care of yourself this year, so that you can be healthy in every area of your life.

What are some ways that you can get healthy this year?

#1. DO YOU REALLY ENJOY GOD AND YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM, OR IS IT MORE OF A ROUTINE?
God wants to be enjoyed by His people, not endured by His people! We were created for His pleasure. Our relationship should be one that blesses both sides. We read in Revelation 4:11 - "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and power; for thou hast created all things (you and me), and for thy pleasure they are created."

#2. AM I FULFILLING GOD'S PURPOSE AND PLAN FOR MY LIFE?
When I stop to realize that God has a good plan for my life, I will not worry and fret but will be able to trust in His will for my life. His Word tells us - "I know the plans that I have for you declares the Lord, plans to give you hope and not to harm you."

#3. REFUSE TO LIVE WITH DREAD, DESPAIR AND DISTRACTIONS THIS COMING YEAR!
Matthew 6:33 - "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."

I want to encourage you to get spiritually healthy, and start that process today!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

MONDAY MORNING HIGHLIGHTS

Another Monday, a time to reflect and review about the past weekend. Here are just some random thoughts.

1. It is always amazing to lead people to the Lord, and I am so thankful for the 6 people that asked the Lord into their hearts yesterday.

2. I am so thankful for the many people that are involved in ministry in our church. I appreciate Ruthann DeLong and the leadership that she is giving to our Home Life Groups, that are starting the week of February 15th. If you have not signed up for a group, you can still do it this coming Sunday.

3. We are still looking for some home group leaders, and we are looking for someone in the Cranston, Warwick area. As well as in the Providence area. If you are interested, please let us know this week.

4. I am looking forward to our upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic, and seeing our friends and ministering to the people. It is also a great time to develop relationships and friendships in a small group. I am also looking forward to the nice warm weather.

5. I am also thankful for Pastor Mike and the great job he did last night sharing the Word of God. Even if he is a Colts fan!

Lastly, I am just thankful for the Cross, and the love that God gives to us through His Son Jesus Christ!

Connecting with you,
Pastor Ron

DO YOU NOT LIKE BIG CROWDS?

A lot of people do not like a big church, big crowd on Sundays. As a church grows bigger, it also needs to grow smaller. That is why we are focusing on Connecting To One Another in 2010. Over the next two weeks, we will be starting our small group ministry (LIFE Groups. The reality is you can worship with a crowd, but you cannot fellowship with a crowd. We all need to connect with other believers and develop spiritual friendships.

Why should you join a LIFE Group?

1. People can build strong friendships in small groups.
2. People can study God's Word and ask questions in a small group.
3. People can get practical answers in small groups.
4. People can learn to care for one another in small groups.
5. People can pray and be prayed for in small groups.
6. People can hold one another accountable in small groups.
7. People can be there when people go through difficult times when you are a part
of a small group.
8. People can have fun together in small groups.
9. People can do ministry together in small groups.
10. People can learn to apply Scripture to every day life.

MONDAY

I am thankful for God's mercy and grace today! Some reflections from this weekend.

#1. I am thankful for the presence of God in our services yesterday. Thankful for God saving people! Which is the most exciting thing in the world!

#2. I am thankful that we are Pentecostal and believe that the Holy Spirit still is using the Gifts of the Spirit today!

#3. I am thankful for the multitude of workers who serve and minister on a weekly basis to help make an eternal difference in the lives of people!

#4. I pray that we will be a Church that really connects to one another in 2010.

#5. I am thankful for all those who stepped up and will host and lead a home group, and for the many that have signed up to connect in the Life Groups!

I am just thankful today for God's presence in our lives!

GETTING OUR RELATIONSHIPS IN SHAPE!

I am excited about our new LIFE Groups (Home Groups) that we will be starting in many different communities in the next two weeks. I want to encourage every single person connected to SAAG, to get involved in one of these home groups. It is in these groups that you will be able to CONNECT with other believers.

I am thankful for the services on Sunday, and how we come together for worship and to hear a message from the Word of God. But we need to connect with one another in a deeper way. I will be preaching on this tomorrow.

Ruthann DeLong will be heading up this ministry, and we have a number of groups. If you were unable to attend our last meeting, there will be a class at 9:30 tomorrow morning, to either lead or host a group.

Following both services tomorrow and next Sunday, you will have an opportunity to sign up for a group and to start getting your relationships in Shape!

CHANGING OUR ATTITUDES

I was deeply impressed as I watch the news last night of the earthquake in Haiti, and seeing people that have lost everything, singing and praising the Lord. What a testimony of an attitude of faith in a living God!

In Philippians 4 we read - "Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have LEARNED the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need."

How is our attitude when things in life seem lousy: Here is a little exercise to see where we are with our attitude: What song best describes your attitude towards life?
1. Make the World go away?
2. Raindrops Keep Falling on my head?
3. I did it my way?
4. Oh, what a beautiful morning?

We can learn to change our attitude when we know our Heavenly Father in a real and personal way! Lord, please help me to see things in a new perspective today!

MISSIONS

I just got back from a Missions Summit for the Assemblies of God, and discussing all that is going on in our world. There was a lot of discussion concerning Haiti, and then this morning another 6.1 aftershock. There are a lot of good organizations that are helping people in Haiti. But I am proud of what Convoy of Hope is doing and will continue to do. Prior to the earthquake they were feeding 7000 children a day in Haiti.

As a church we are donating to Convoy of Hope because they not only give food, water, tents, blankets, but they are giving the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus is truly the only answer for Haiti, (and for America).

If you would like to give to Haiti you can either go to our webpage - www.saaog.net and press the online giving or you can go to www.ag.org and you can give online to Convoy of Hope!

Let us be a people who give to help people physically and spiritually!

WHAT A DAY!

I am thankful for yesterday, and the presence of the Lord in both morning services. Prayer really does make a difference in what happens in our services. I want to encourage us to continue to pray for God's manifest presence in our services.

Last night, we had a great service with Karen Nichols. I am so proud of this young lady that God is using and will continue to use on the mission field! Keep praying and supporting Karen as she endeavors to become a full-time missionary to El Salvador. We love you Karen!

What can I say about the Pats yesterday!!! That was a terrible game! Only 7 weeks and Spring training will begin! That sounds hopeful!

PRAYER SHAPE!

As we continue in our week of prayer as we start 2010. I am thankful that prayer is something that not only benefits me, but my prayer benefits God! Think about that statement. My prayer benefits God! How does my prayer bless or benefit God - because God desires to have relationship with me (and you). What a privilege we have to spend time in His presence!

This Sunday as we continue to share on "Getting Into Shape." I am going to minister on "Getting into Prayer Shape." This is a vital need in our spiritual growth and discipleship this year. So I want to encourage you to come and prepare to start getting in shape spiritually!

IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON

The Country is in a season of cold that reaches across the country and down as far south as the Gulf Coast. It is a season that not many enjoy when it is this cold, but this season will also past.

In the spiritual sense, we will all go through seasons as well. Some seasons are difficult and hard, and others are easy and delightful. We never know when a spiritual season is coming our way. We need to be ready in season and out of season to pray and to seek the Lord. God's Word tells us - "Draw near to me and I will draw near to you."

What comfort that verse brings to our lives, that we do not have to face the hard seasons all by ourselves! I am thankful that "He will never leave me nor forsake me."

What season are you in? It is always a season for more of Him!

Week of Prayer

There is something happens when God's people set aside time to pray together as a church body! God still answers the prayer of people that are hungry and desperate for Him.

Each night this week as we gather in prayer, I believe that as we ask God to create hunger in our lives for Him, we will begin to see the Lord change us! Many times we pray to God and ask Him to change others. Prayer is not as much about God changing other people, situations, but prayer changes us, because we become more like Him!

I want to encourage you to join us in prayer this week, and see what God will do in each of our lives!

James 5:16 - "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." I want to be effective spiritually in 2010!

THOUGHTS FOR 2010

In Galatians 6:9 - we read: "We will reap a harvest if we do not give up." In 2010 we need to hold on to this principle of perseverance.

I was reading this in one of my devotions. "Perseverance is needed to win the prize in life." The simple truth is "Winners never quit, and quitters never win."

Here is a story about perseverance: "At a sales conference of 2000 salesman. The manager said to the crowd: "Did the Wright brothers quit? No! they responded. Did Charles Lindberg quit? No! they responded. Did Lance Armstrong quit? No! they shouted. Did Thorndike McKester quit? There was a long, confused silence in the room. Then someone shouted from the back - "Who in the world is Thorndike McKester? Nobody knows who he is. The sales manager said - "Of course you haven't - that's because he quit."

I want to encourage you in 2010 to Keep following the Lord and His will for your life. God's Word tells us - "He that began a good work in you will bring it to the day of completion."

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

A New Year, a new decade started yesterday. What will the future hold in store for us? What is God going to do in and through our lives this year and this decade. I get excited thinking about all that God is going to do in and through my life, as I walk in His perfect will for my life.

I was watching some football last night,I like the Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow. He is a Christian and his parents are in ministry. Every game he will have a different verse written under his eyes. Last night he had Ephesians 2: 8-10.

In verse 10 it says "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, to do good works prepared for us in advance." That verse brings excitement and hope into my life knowing that IN ADVANCE. As we start a New Year - God is already at work in our future. He is preparing the way for you and me. He is going before us.

Be encouraged as we start 2010 that God is leading you all the way!

Blessings in 2010!