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!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
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!
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!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
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
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
Saturday, July 24, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
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
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
Monday, July 19, 2010
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
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
Thursday, July 15, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
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
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
Saturday, July 10, 2010
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!
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!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
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
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
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