I have learned that there are two types of churches;

The Church where’s the Pastor is honest; he believes he has the responsibility to lead the church

And the Church where the Pastor believes the same,
but uses politics to make others believe that they are in charge; as he secretly leads the church

The abusive church that grows through manipulation and domination

And the nurturing church that may or may not grow,
but people are genuinely loved

The church with lots of programs and planned activities called ministry

And the church that ministers as the needs are known

The Church where people all wear smiles
and “never” have problems and suffer alone

And the Church where real people face real problems of real life with the
support of their brothers and sisters in Christ and are never alone

The church where Saints never sin and are taught to pretend

And the Church that is aware that all have sinned and come short
of the glory of God; where rather than pretend, they are perfected

The church that says all are welcome,
but they only expect their own kind

And the church where all are welcome
and “ALL” are their own kind

The church that uses people to acquire things and build buildings

And the church that uses things to reach and build people

The first type of church is built upon services that feel good

The second is a church of service that does good

Perhaps your experience has been different,
but after half a century this is what I’ve seen.

Tamarena

Have I told you “I love you” nearly enough?
No more than I have taken the time to appreciate all that you do with meNo more than I have taken the time to consider all that you mean to me
No more than I have taken a pledge to share all that I am with you
Have I told you that “I love you” nearly enough
Not nearly enough at all, but I do.

DO NOT BE DECEIVED

“SUCH PEOPLE ARE NOT SERVING CHRIST OUR LORD; THEY ARE SERVING THEIR OWN PERSONAL INTERESTS. BY SMOOTH TALK AND GLOWING WORDS THEY DECEIVE INNOCENT PEOPLE.”
ROMANS 16:18

Do not be deceived by smooth talk and good speech; right is right and wrong is wrong, no amount of flowery oratory can change the absolutes of God’s Creation. There is certainly something within all human nature which does not want to acknowledge the absolutes of this world for absolutes demand that we surrender our will and bow to the will of God. Such surrender is tantamount to our realization that is One who is greater than you and I and like it or not; His ways are higher than our own.

The Apostle warns; we are easily deceived by good rhetoric; men don’t care so much about the truth of what is being said, as long as it is said well. Many an errant preacher files pews weekly, not because he cares about anything more than his own personal security or that he strives to present the truth of God’s Word, but because as errant as he is in saying it, he says it pleasingly.

What people are the subjects of Paul’s address here? “PEOPLE WHO CAUSE DIVISIONS AND UPSET PEOPLE’S FAITH BY TEACHING THINGS THAT ARE CONTRARY TO WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT”, for whatever reason, doctrine or ploy, whether in the work place or in the church, whether in your home or in the market, The Apostle warns; “AND NOW I MAKE ONE MORE APPEAL, MY DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS. WATCH OUT FOR PEOPLE WHO CAUSE DIVISIONS AND UPSET PEOPLE’S FAITH BY TEACHING THINGS THAT ARE CONTRARY TO WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT. STAY AWAY FROM THEM.” What “thing” taught was Paul referencing? He was talking about our understanding that Jesus is the Son of God and is God.

Something within man says if a man speaks well and looks good; he must be right. If he can clearly articulate what he believes; what he believes must be correct. There is however, a difference between a good leader and a politician; a man may be an excellent politician, but not have the interest of his country at heart. A man maybe a great preacher and care one iota whether or not what he is preaching is the Gospel truth, as long as it fills his pews and his pockets.

Paul says, “WATCH OUT FOR PEOPLE WHO CAUSE DIVISIONS AND UPSET PEOPLE’S FAITH BY UNSCRIPTURAL TEACHING.” They may sound good, but as the old story goes, just because fly-paper has a lot of other flies on it, doesn’t mean you ought to join them; perhaps they’re all there because there is no escape. AMEN!

NO PASSING

DARKNESS SURROUNDS ME
THERE’S NO MOON ABOVE
NO SUN EXPECTED
NO PROSPECT
NO LOVE
NO PLANS FOR TOMMORRW
NO JOY IN TODAY
JUST COLDNESS AND DARKNESS
IT WON’T PASS AWAY
JUST COLDNESS AND DARKNESS
IT WON’T PASS AWAY

THAT SELF-RIGHTEOUS PREACHER
SO CONFURRED
SO PROUD
HE SHOUTS TO SAY NOTHING
HE’S EMPTY AND LOUD
GOT THE SOUL OF A DEMON
THE SMILE OF A SAINT
HE CLAIMS HE IS PERFECT
HIS LACK OF LOVE SAYS, “HE AIN’T!”
HE’S JUST BUILDING HIS KINGDOM
IT’S ALL JUST A PLAY
LIKE SODOM BEFORE HIM
IT SHOULD ALL PASS AWAY
JUST COLDNESS AND DARKNESS
IT WON’T PASS AWAY

KISSES ARE AS HOLLOW
AS THE PRAISES OF MEN THEY SAY THAT THEY LOVE YOU
THEY SAY THEY’LL DEFEND
NONE OF THEM MATRYS
NONE OF THEM STAY
JUST COLDNESS AND DARKNESS
THEY ALL PASS AWAY
JUST COLDNESS AND DARKNESS
THEY WON’T PASS AWAY

‘CEPT FOR SADNESS AND SORROWI’D BE ALONE
LIKE THE CORPSE IN THE CASKET
JUST TISSUE AND BONE
THERE’S NO BUST ON THE MATLE
THERE’S NO STONE IN THE SQUARE
YOU CAN’T FIND A HERO
IF THERE ISN’T ONE THERE
DENS OF THEIVES ALL AROUND US
NO MORALITY PLAY
THE CHURCH IS AMORALSHE NO LONGER HOLDS SWAY
JUST COLDNESS AND DARKNESS
THEY SHOULD ALL PASS AWAY
JUST COLDNESS AND DARKNESS
THEY WON’T PASS AWAY

WHO IS JESUS?

“WHEN JESUS CAME TO THE REGION OF CAESAREA PHILIPPI, HE ASKED THE DISCIPLES, “WHO DO PEOPLE SAY THAT THE SON OF MAN IS? 15 THEN HE ASKED THEM, ‘WHO DO YOU SAY I AM? MATTHEW 16:13, 15

Who is Jesus? Time magazine recently ran a cover story asking this very question. The question is still valid and necessary. We see here a conflict between fiction and the truth. For the world had their opinion of who Jesus was and then there was the truth.

Brothers and Sisters, we should never be surprised that the world’s opinions differ from the truth in spiritual matters or in the personage of Christ.

This conflict is best expressed in the lyrics of perhaps my favorite Larry Norman song;

The Outlaw:
Some say he was an outlaw, that he roamed across the land,With a band of unschooled ruffians and few old fishermen,No one knew just where he came from, or exactly what he'd done,
But they said it must be something bad that kept him on the run.

Some say he was a poet, that he'd stand upon the hillThat his voice could calm an angry crowd and make the waves stand still,That he spoke in many parables that few could understand,
But the people sat for hours just to listen to this man.

Some say a politician who spoke of being free,He was followed by the masses on the shores of Galilee,He spoke out against corruption and he bowed to no decree,
And they feared his strength and power so they nailed him to a tree.

Some say he was a sorcerer, a man of mystery,He could walk upon the water, he could make a blind man see,That he conjured wine at weddings and did tricks with fish and bread,
That he talked of being born again and raised people from the dead.

Some say he was the Son of God, a man above all men,That he came to be a servant and to set us free from sin,And that's who I believe he is cause that's what I believe,
And I think we should get ready cause it's time for us to leave.

Do you know Him? He desires a relationship with you and He has already made the way, but don’t look to Time magazine or Psychology today for the answer; they don’t have it. Don’t rely upon a Church to tell you; they may or may not know themselves; read the Bible. The New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; they will show you who He was when He lived as a man. Study the book of Acts and you will see what His Church is supposed to look like; who Jesus desires us to be. Pray and ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you through the Scripture and He will.

Whatever you do, take the time to consider Him; your life and eternity depend upon it. Amen!

A Request

Good Friday Morning to you all (not that this is Good Friday),

Rather than send Devotion this morning I feel I ought to send a Thank You to all of you who receive the Devotions Daily, as well as a special invitation.

I have been writing these devotions for over 10 years now. For 8 years they were indeed daily for the past two or more, I write as consistently as my schedule allows. I hope that you still find them encouraging and helpful. You are a select group of friends from around the world who receive them.

I want to invite all of you friends who do not attend our church, to attend corporate worship this Weekend, wherever it is you worship. Go with an expectancy to receive from God and with a determination to be used by Him as well in the service. I want to invite all who are or have been apart of our church to attend this Sunday to see what God is doing. Please pray for New Hope Community Fellowship, as we pray for all of you.

Several months ago, our entire Sunday structure changed. I believe we are spiritually healthier now than we have ever been as a church. I invite you to come to see what God is doing. Do not expect a Sunday Worship Service as usual; rather expect a participatory study of the Word and a time of sharing and ministry. The whole paradigm of what church is has changed, as has the hierarchy and our understanding of the definition of the meaning of "church". Pastor Jim will be sharing and I will be ministering to the children.

Just a reminder; our new location is 112 Eastwind Drive, Westerville, Ohio. We are VERY EASY to find. There are directions and a map on our website.

Have a blessed weekend and celebrate His faithfulness always.

Pastor Gary

WHAT DAY IS THIS?

Do you ever lose track of time? Ever lose a day? Today I am reminded of the old CHICAGO song; "DOES ANYBODY REALLY KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS?"

I got up this morning and like a dutiful husband pulled the trash to the curb because Friday is Trash day. I asked the girl at Starbucks if she was having a good Friday and she just looked at me oddly and said, "No." Wow, "must be bad", I thought. At work I was called to say I would need to meet with a family tomorrow at 4pm and I said, "Well, I was planning on going to our company day at the Zoo". My comrade kindly said, "Gary tomorrow is Friday, not Saturday". Suddenly, I am still one day away from the weekend. I would have really been upset to be waiting at the movies to meet my wife this evening, if only to find out it was only Thursday.

Have you ever realized that time is just the manner by which we measure life events? Time is our measurement; not God’s. We think we have a schedule, we think we have plans, we make out plans, but God directs our steps.

I find people never really know where they are on God's time-table, some maybe thinking it's Friday, they've lived a long-life and they are wondering why God hasn't called them home yet; when in reality it's only Thursday or far too often; we think it's only Tuesday and it is in fact, late Sunday night and our time on earth has all but gone.

You are only a vapor; life is as brief as the flicker of your eye lash. Most of us live our lives as though we have forever to find God. He is always closer than we realize and our time to accomplish His will here below is often much less than we might want to know.

This morning as I was coming south on 71, a woman in a white Mazda cut me off in the fast lane; cutting over, she missed my right front bumper by inches. I was doing 70 and she felt the need to get in front of me.

It happened so fast, I couldn't react and she missed me pulling left before cutting through three lanes of traffic the other direction, leaving the freeway via the very next exit. I don’t know why she was in such a hurry, but she almost outran time.

Less than a second of traveling time was the difference of her clipping me and sliding in. Had I hit my horn (my first thought) she may have hesitated enough to cause us to collide. The ironic part of the story is that I am certain she is totally unaware of how close she came to causing a multi-car pile-up at 70 plus mile an hour. A moment's difference and lives could have been cast into eternity forever.

I am sure she is at her desk somewhere in the city - going through life as usual with no idea how differently this day could have been for all of us on 71 south.

You and I have this moment; nothing more, we plan for later today, tomorrow, next week, next year; we may think we know what time it is, when indeed only God knows what the next hour holds. Live now for the Kingdom of God, it may be all you really have. Amen!

PRESS ON!

“I PRESS ON TO TAKE HOLD OF THAT FOR WHICH CHRIST JESUS TOOK HOLD OF ME.” Philippians 3:12

Many of my “encouragers” have passed on to their reward and some days I wonder if I can press on without them. Evil men prevail and fraudulent men thrive, while so many sincere disciples hunger and thirst for righteousness in an unrighteous world.

Men pin their hopes on false Gods in politician clothes; their promises are but a vapor, which has vanished before it escapes their lips.

The confidant I miss the most and especially today left this ugly world after 97 years, but far too soon. About a month before she died she left me with two charges; she said, “I may go on, but don’t you quit! Don’t you dare quit; God has brought you too far for you to quit now!” Like you say, "there are too many preachers and not enough pastors; you’re a pastor and people need to be loved. You have good little people who can do plenty for God if you’ll just turn ‘em loose.”

Her second concern struck me as the words of Christ must of struck ol Peter so many times; “We need to pray for the preacher; you know who I mean, we need to pray that he gets saved, while he has time!” “Don’t you think he’s saved,” I asked, “You can’t love God and mistreat people and be right with God; he needs saved before it’s too late.” This dear old saint wouldn’t slander anyone, but she never mixed words either. Together we agreed that we would continue to pray for the preacher’s salvation as long as she was alive and I would continue, once she was gone.

What wonderful, joyous times we had together, even at the end when she was almost too weak to speak, she would pray until her whisper became almost a shout. “Oh God” she would weep, “Have mercy, have mercy on us little people with our little faith!” Many times she would interrupt herself and say, “Oh how I wish I could come to church and walk the aisle and shout! My how I miss church!”

Of course she didn’t miss church at all, we had church whenever we met, but she missed the fellowship of other believers many of whom she felt forgotten by.


On days like today; I press on knowing that there is a cloud of witnesses who are cheering from the hidden side of Glory, they continue to say, “Don’t you dare quit – there are people, even pastors who need saved!” AMEN!

sorrow / anger

“A MERRY HEART MAKES A CHEERFUL COUNTENANCE: BUT BY THE SORROW OF THE HEART THE SPIRIT IS BROKEN.” PROVERBS 15:13

I read this week that doctors have discovered that our blood vessels actually harden with unexpressed anger; in our polite society, it is no wonder so many men are outlived by their wives.

Before you think me completely brutish, follow me. Our society gives women the permission to “feel”; to cry, shout, scream, pout and it can even be forgiving if a man should “push his wife” to the point of doing something physically violent. (Anyone remember a woman name Bobbit?) However, if a man raises his voice during a confrontation he is immediately and forever more considered a tyrant.

While there has been a destructive feminization of men in our society over the last several decades and while no one wants to see a male counterpart to Oprah leading an all male audience in a chorus of sobs over a neglected puppy; emotions are real and men and women both need the opportunity to feel and express those emotions.

Still our society is much more forgiving of a woman’s display of anger than they are of a man’s display of sorrow. It is well known that anger is a secondary emotion, so while we deny men in general, the right to express sorrow, we are outraged when that sorrow erupts as anger; better they hold it all in and die an early death I suppose.

Seriously, I would love a dollar every time I hear a male (young or old) told to “get it together” at the funeral home. I recently watched a man chastise his brother for “over-grieving” the loss of his wife. How do you over-grieve losing your wife by quietly crying? This man was joined by other embarrassed family members who told the widower to toughen-up for “the kid’s sake”. I wanted to skip from sorrow to anger myself and beat a few knots on the heads of that ignorant family!

Sorry, that sounded brutish didn’t it? Seriously, my point is men do feel sorrow, sadness and despair, just as women feel anger. However when men express sorrow it is often seen as weakness or unmanly. Therefore, many men bury their deep hurts and fears until they erupt much uglier as anger or God forbid; violence.

I wonder if “The Jesus Ministry” could have continue today after that FIT He had in the temple? He was yelling and turning over tables and flogging men, any Pastor doing that today would become the subject of the morning headline; ‘EVANGELICAL GOES CRAZY IN THE CHURCH HOUSE!”

“A MERRY HEART MAKES A CHEERFUL COUNTENANCE: BUT BY THE SORROW OF THE HEART THE SPIRIT IS BROKEN.” A broken heart does much more than make a person look sad; it breaks the spirit. The spirit of a man is who he actually is; under the skin and bones; his spirit is who he is; sorrow breaks who you are.

I am not advocating uncontrolled anger or violence, However, The Bible does say, “BE ANGRY AND SIN NOT” EPHESIANS 4:6 I am proposing that women do what men are told to do all the time; consider what your mate is feeling; give him space and permission to feel sorrow before it escalates into anger. And unless it sounds like I am blaming the women for our bad actions; men, you need to be honest with yourself and allow yourself to be vulnerable enough to express your sorrow. The deeper you stuff your emotions, the more volatile they become if they explode as anger. As men, we need to be aware of the emotions we are feeling and we need to be rational in how we express those emotions.

Both men and women should strive to think of others as well as themselves; in fact, before themselves. Both men and women need to feel validated. We must be aware that all have humans experience emotion. That emotion needs to be expressed if we are to be happy and healthy. Ideally our world would allow everyone to express sorrow as to diffuse the extremes of anger, express anger without sin and express forgiveness, as we all fall short of God’s glory.Amen!

HOW FRAIL I AM

“LORD, MAKE ME TO KNOW MINE END, AND THE MEASURE OF MY DAYS, WHAT IT IS THAT I MAY KNOW HOW FRAIL I AM.” PSALM 39:4

Maturity comes as the result of humility; humility is the result of honesty. Neither are often reached without transparency and accountability.

Before we can grow; we must know. Before I can be a better anything, I must be willing to recognize that there is a need for improvement. I can blame my wife that I am not a better husband or I can admit that I need to be a better husband and become one for my wife.

You’ve heard it said that the trails of life will either make you bitter or better and it is I that makes the difference. Here David’s cry; “LORD, MAKE ME TO KNOW - HOW FRAIL I AM.” Of course David was speaking of being physically weak, however without an honest assessment of ourselves; a willingness to learn from others and a hunger to hear from God, we will never be prepared to grow stronger, physically, emotionally or spiritually. As long as you are content with “good enough” you will never be better. “KNOW IT ALLS” never do.

I have listened in amazement to those individuals who can tell everyone else how to live while their own lives are in shambles. “I have two sons in prison, but let me tell you how to be a good parent! I have a lousy relationship with my step-children, but let me tell you what you’re doing wrong”. It is neither common sense nor humility that is missing, it is both!

Let you and I begin with the man in the mirror. Let us ask God to show us our short-comings, however do not bother to ask to see your failures until you are ready to admit your imperfection and you are ready to do the hard work of changing. Pray, “God show me how to be a better man, mate, friend, disciple; show me how frail I am! Help me to grow and change.”

The natural response to the ugliness of sin in our lives is to blame someone else. In one fell-swoop Adam blamed God, disrespected his wife and shirked responsibility for his sin when confronted in the garden; “THE MAN SAID, ‘THE WOMAN YOU PUT HERE WITH ME – SHE GAVE ME SOME FRUIT FROM THE TREE AND I ATE IT.” Adam does admit that he ate the fruit only after he blames God and his Wife. Eve was deceived, but Adam chose to disobey. The better answer, the honest answer should have been; “God, I messed-up. I should have been the spiritual leader; I should have set the example.”

Blame will take you no where good. Honesty and humility will bring you the opportunity for maturity. AMEN!

Lament

“IF YOU FORSAKE THE LORD AND SERVE OTHER GODS, HE WILL TURN AND BRING DISASTER ON YOU AND MAKE AN END OF YOU, AFTER HE HAS BEEN GOOD TO YOU.” JOSHUA 24:20

With broken heart I hear the stories of fallen comrades; brothers and sister; once in Christ; loved ones who once worshipped God with me; who once danced in His presence, who often bragged of His Mercy and Grace and Blessings; who have now, after time, deception and loss of heart or disappointments, have fallen away from their love for Him.

Choosing to abandon the glory of His goodness they have wandered into the darkness and have lost their way.

With broken heart I hear the stories of children raised in the church, who once sang His praises, read His Word and talked to Him nightly, who have been swept away by the pleasures of the flesh; tempted by the allure of a big and shining empty world. They have yet to experience its emptiness, but too soon they will. Their lives and their eternal souls hang as delicate spider webs before the oncoming tide of destruction, but they cannot be afraid for they are anesthetized by the fun of their “freedom”. How far the tender feet of the naive are bound to slide!

Whether naïve or deceived or intentionally rebellious, the outcome is the same, and that outcome is destined to last eternally. “FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.” ROMANS 6:23

Let us each pray for the souls of our loved ones, for the souls of others as well as for our very own souls. Hear the Word of God; “BE NOT DECEIVED; GOD IS NOT MOCKED: FOR WHATEVER A MAN SOWETH, THAT SHALL HE ALSO REAP.” AMEN!

FULFILL THE LAW

“OWE NO MAN ANYTHING, BUT TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER: FOR HE THAT LOVES ANOTHER HAS FULFILLED THE LAW.” ROMANS 13:8

We always emphasize the first of this passage, which is indeed wisdom, however the meat of this verse is in the second portion; “FOR HE THAT LOVES ANOTHER HAS FULFILLED THE LAW.”
Are the words here of the Apostle Paul directly referring to Christ? They certainly could be for Jesus Himself said, “THINK NOT THAT I AM COME TO DESTROY THE LAW, OR THE PROPHETS: I AM NOT COME TO DESTROY, BUT TO FULFIL.” MATTHEW 5:17 Jesus most definitely accomplished that fulfilling through His unconditional love for all mankind. However in thus fulfilling the law, Jesus has also provided the way for us to fulfill the laws of God as well.

Nothing is greater, purer Christianity than loving God with all we are and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Every act of love is an acknowledgement of the existence of our mighty God. Every unselfish act is worship to Him. Does the Word not instruct us that, “LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS”?

Yes; 1 PETER 4:8 “ABOVE ALL, LET YOUR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER BE INENSE, BECAUSE LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS.”

Church, if we could forget all our programs, all our studies, all our buildings, all our structure and just merely learn to honestly love, we could turn this old sin-stained world right-side up. If we could learn to love with the intense love that is slow to anger and quick to forgive; the kind of love that so welds our relationships together that we never let go of one another, always believe in one another, always support one another, the Words of Christ would come true; “BY THIS SHALL ALL MEN KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YOU HAVE LOVE ONE FOR ANOTHER.” JOHN 13:35

When I was first saved during the Jesus Movement we used to sing a song, more importantly we strived to embody this song with our lives

We will work with each other, we will work side by side. And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride. And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. They will know we are Christians by our love. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand. And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land. And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. They will know we are Christians by our love" AMEN!

"AS WE ARE ONE"

“MY PRAYER FOR THEM IS THAT THEY WILL BE ONE, JUST AS YOU AND I ARE ONE, FATHER- THAT JUST AS YOU ARE IN ME AND I AM IN YOU, SO THEY WILL BE IN US, AND THE WORLD WILL BELIEVE YOU SENT ME.” JOHN 17:21

What was the prayer Jesus prayed for the “Church” as He was preparing to return to His’ Father? His prayer was for the unity of the Church. Not for the Baptists or the Presbyterians or the Pentecostals or for the Methodists or for the Vineyard; No!

His prayer was that His “Church”; that ALL His children would be in unity even as He and His Father are in Unity. What did He say? “WHERE (JUST) TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED TOGETHER IN MY NAME; THERE I WILL BE IN THE MIDST OF THEM”. Bob Munford’s translation of this verse is, “IF JUST A COUPLE OF MY KIDS CAN COME TOGETHER AND GET ALONG; I WANT TO BE THERE JUST TO SEE IT!”

Perhaps you heard the story about the lone man who had been stranded alone on a desert Island for four years; at last he was discovered and the rescue ship sent the first mate out in the row boat to get the survivor. As the First Mate reached the shore he saw three little huts, curious, he asked about them. “Well, said the survivor, the first hut is where I live and the third hut is where I go to Church.” “What about the second hut?” asked the First Mate? “Oh, replied the man, "that is where I used to go to church!”

God’s people (the church), is highly ineffective because we cannot work together in unity. Consider this; how much could a 1000 member Lion’s Club impact your city? What about a 10,000 member Kawana’s Club? Suppose 50, 000 Boy Scouts set out to change a town; what could they accomplish? Yet we have churches of 1000 and 10, 000 and easily at least 50,000 Christians in most cities, but how effectively have we changed our communities for Christ?

Jesus prayed that we would have unity for He knew that we would only be as effective as we were able to remove our egos and titles and work together for a unified purpose, which leads us to the second reason that we are highly ineffective; we do NOT have single purpose.

When the first church gathered in the Upper Room they were of one heart and one mind and one spirit and the Holy Ghost came and they went out and changed the world. The problem is 1st Methodist Church is so busy working to build 1st Methodist Church and Vineyard is so busy making certain that Vineyard is getting credit for their work and the Baptist are so busy enlarging the Baptist Church and New Hope is striving that people know we’re still alive that none of us are working nearly as hard to build the Kingdom of God as we are our own reputation and “our ministries”. Until we reach the point where we do the work of God and we don’t want to be noticed; we will continue to have our worship services while the lost continue to go to Hell all around us.

Even when we get them saved; our first mission is to get them to join OUR church. If we worked as hard as making certain they belong to Him as we want them to belong to us, the whole world could be shaken!

Brethren; we are playing with the souls of men. For the sake of building our own kingdoms we are ignoring the Kingdom of God. If the Lord is returning for a unified church; we may have a long time to wait. Chances are the signs of the earth will be fulfilled long before the Bride is ready for her Bridegroom.

“MY PRAYER FOR THEM IS THAT THEY WILL BE ONE, JUST AS YOU AND I ARE ONE, FATHER- THAT JUST AS YOU ARE IN ME AND I AM IN YOU, SO THEY WILL BE IN US, AND THE WORLD WILL BELIEVE YOU SENT ME.” JOHN 17:21 AMEN!

IF YOU REFUSE TO FORGIVE

“BUT IF YOU REFUSE TO FORGIVE OTHERS, YOUR FATHER WILL NOT FORGIVE YOUR SINS. MATTHEW 6:15

Is there a greater testament to love than forgiveness? Has there ever been a greater challenge to one’s “rights”? Don’t we all feel justified in our own unforgiveness toward others? Can’t we all say, “But I was wronged”?

Of course you were wronged; otherwise forgiveness would be unnecessary. If no one has hurt you or taken advantage of you or abused you or violated your trust you have no need to forgive.

Whatever the offense toward us, such an offense can never measure the offense natural man is to Our Holy God, “BUT GOD SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVWE FOR US BY SENDING CHRIST TO DIE FOR US WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS.” ROMANS 5:8 While we still cursed Him and mocked Him or ignored Him or before we even knew Him; He forgave us and loved us and chose to die for you and me. Can you hear Jesus say, “LOVE EACH OTHER, JUST AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, YOU SHOULD LOVE EACH OTHER.” JOHN 13:34 While you are still being hated, while you are still being cursed, while you are still being taken advantage of; here’s what you must do – “LOVE ONE ANOTHER”!

To what degree must you be willing to love? Until you are willing to die for the person who is hates you; for the person who abusing you; for the person who is lying about you; for the person who is taking advantage of you. But you cannot love them until you are willing to forgive them.Forgiveness is NOT saying the wrong done is ok. Forgiveness though is saying that the wrong done is ok with you; it was wrong, but I will not allow the hurt of the wrong done prevent me from loving you.

Is it any wonder the 12 complained to Jesus; “THIS IS A HARD SAYING!” It is easy to hate, difficult to love, but essential to forgive if we are going to be forgiven by our Father in Heaven. Amen!

WHAT FAITH LOOKS LIKE

How Faith Works

Three years ago the Holy Spirit began troubling my spirit; the church I pastor was doing well, finances seemed secure enough, attendance was good, but having, at that point been in full-time ministry nearly twenty years, I found myself feeling distant from “real people”.

My relationships with the unsaved were minimal; the previously unsaved friends that I had known had all gotten saved and passed on to glory. I found myself not only surrounded by Christians, but more troubling; by religious people. I felt like a fish in dirty water, I needed the fresh air of honesty that only unchurched people live in consistently. I decided that I would look for a part time job to renew my connections with the people of the world.

Within a week of asking God for direction, two suitable jobs became available. Money wasn’t an issue, so I was choosing on the basis of being able to interact with people who didn’t know Jesus. The first and most attractive job to me was working as a “coffee-boy” at a local gas station. I would service the coffee shop area of the Speedway. I had a church member who already worked there and I could start immediately. I saw this as a wonderful opportunity to meet lost people and since many are “regulars” who come in daily, I would have the opportunity to build relationship with them. I had decided to take this position and was driving home when I felt an urging to stop in at the local funeral home to see a friend.

As I arrived unannounced I interrupted my friend as he was emptying his desk. “Where are you going?” Well, he had decided to move from the Cleveland Avenue Chapel to one in Newark, Ohio. As we made small talk Craig interrupted me asking, “You wouldn’t know anyone looking for a small part-time job would you?” “What would the job require?” “Perhaps 20 hours a week, mostly helping the Manager with computer work and Greeting families at the services.” To make this as brief as possible, before I could really consider all the ramifications I blurted out, “I’ll take the job!” and after an interview with the HR of the company and a couple more days to pray, I changed my mind about being a Coffee Boy at the gas station and became office help at Schoedinger Funeral Home on Cleveland Avenue in Columbus. I knew nothing of the funeral business, except what I had learned as a Pastor doing funeral services.

Before long a position was created for me that the company had never had before and I was promoted to “Administrative Assistant”. For nearly two years I worked that position and did whatever was necessary on any given day at the funeral home. I have conducted many, many services – assisted a lot of families and have learned more about this business that I ever asked to know, but I love it.

Two weeks ago Sunday, I stepped out in faith and announced that my Wife and I would no longer accept salary from the church. Making such a decision was difficult for me, because I knew that Tammy and I could not support ourselves with each of us only working part-time. But as a church, we have been trying to pay-off church debt and our numbers are now down to where the church can’t realistic support us as they once did. I have no sorrow about where we are as a church for though we are a small congregation the community that we have been striving for as a church is finally being seen and we are spiritually growing as a church family closer and closer. Each Sunday is a roundtable discussion of God’s Word together and God is changing our lives!

The Tuesday after I made the announcement about not receiving salary from the church I was called before the powers that be and asked if I would consider being full-time as the Manager of this Chapel. Besides full-time pay, the best benefits in the business, plus retirement savings. God is good.

We make our plans, but God directs our steps. That’s how faith works. In three years, without any design from me, I have gone from “Greeter” to Manager of the Chapel. I am the only Manager of a Chapel who is not also a licensed Funeral Director. God has advanced me, even in spite of my lack of formal education.

Money has never been the issue; I took the job without even asking what it paid and if you asked me today what I make I would need to look it up; after all I am not the provider for my family; God is. He takes whatever my best efforts produce and meets our needs accordingly and we give Him the glory. And at the very moment of need, God provides, He always has and He always will as long as we lean into Him.

At one time in my life I believed that there was a difference between those in the full-time ministry, i.e. “Pastors” and lay people of the church; I was wrong – we are all ministers and full-time for God as long as whatever we do, we do for the glory of God!

My challenges for you today; walk in faith, not by sight or feelings or even goals; step out trust God and where God guides, He’ll provide! Amen!