Bread Today

Failed Schemes

2010-06-08T22:33:00.000-06:00

29 Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes.”
Ecclesiastes 7:29 (NKJV)

So much conviction in this verse. God made us/me to be upright but we/I seek out machinations of our/my own. I find this to be true of us all. It is certainly true of me at times. I desire my own way over God’s prescription for abundant life. I deceive myself to believe that things will be better if I can arrange things so it will be “easier” for me. It is impossible to argue that I know better than God what will be best for me; something I would never consciously do. However on a practical it happens too often. I seek out a plan that will cost me little.

Jesus, You are LORD. My deepest inward desire is to obey You without reservation. I know this is the best thing for all involved, including me. Send Your Spirit to soften and bend me to your will and character. Thanks for Your promise to make me like You and to finish what You have started in me. Make my obedience a sacrifice that blesses all I meet.

Blessed By You,

Pastor Jason

Threefold

2010-06-07T10:56:00.000-06:00

9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NKJV)

As I approach 30 years of marriage with a wonderful wife this passage speaks more and more deeply. Shanin and I have done many things together that neither of us could have accomplished without the other. We have both had struggles with all the issues of life: health, finance, issues we received from our first family. When either of us has been down the other has always carried on and carried the one who is struggling. Having a life companion is a great blessing. Together we are hard to overcome.

The phrase that stands out to me though is the last line in this passage. “And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Though a friend can be a great comfort and support more friends are better. It is just so hard to get three plus people to cooperate in a way that they fold together. This means that the third cord I want woven into my partnership with my wife is Jesus. With Him as the center we twine our lives around we have nothing fear. Whatever comes our way, we can handle it. Like the old song says, “Nobody knows but Jesus.”

Lord, help me keep my whole life focused on You. From the center of my soul outward I submit to You. Let my live be woven into an unbreakable cord with those who are close to me with you as the pattern we all follow.

Tangled With Him,

Pastor Jason

A Good Trade -- April 9, 2010

2010-04-09T07:34:00.000-06:00

6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-9 (NKJV)

This whole giving thing is based on being like our heavenly Father. Our giving is based on His established ways. He has already dispersed goods to the poor. He has done it according to His righteousness. When we give, the potential for our righteousness to grow towards His is always available. We must do this giving without feeling it is a requirement because this kind of giving is like His giving and it pleases Him. Paul is not talking about the size of our offering when he discusses the sparing nature of that offering. He is speaking to our heart condition. If we sow with a small heart we will receive a small return. If we give with all that our heart has we open the doors to God’s grace. We allow His provision to flow into our lives when we give with an open heart.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we have been blessed so much by our Savior that it is only natural for us to bless others with our material goods as an expression of our full hearts. I want to be like Christ in nature and I know you do too. One way we can become like our Elder Brother is to be glad givers. He gave everything with and for the joy of bringing us into His Family. Jim Elliot had it so right when he told those who questioned his wisdom of bringing the Gospel to the Aucas Indians by telling them, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” We are wise to give up the temporary for the eternal.

Looking forward to the eternal treasure of being like Him,

Pastor Jason

More Than We Appear -- April 5, 2010

2010-04-05T06:27:00.000-06:00

12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
2 Corinthians 5:12-15 (NKJV)

Like Paul, I do not commend myself to those around me but want them to know that I am serving God with my heart not for show. When I don’t look the way I am supposed to in Christ and seem a little crazy or when I am clear minded and teaching others the way I am supposed to I am counting on the love of Christ to compel me forward in my spiritual growth. He died for all of us and in effect I died with Him so that now by His Spirit I live for him, even when it doesn’t seem that way. None of us who has placed our trust in Him are what we seem to be. Paul goes on to say in the following text that even Jesus can’t be thought of in human terms any more. In Christ everything about us is new; everything is of God because He has reconciled us to Himself.

Don’t be discouraged by the slow growth of others or even your own. You who believe in Him are the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21) by His sacrifice for us. Allow the Love of Christ to be the driving force in your life. He died for us and now we ALL live for Him. Don’t look at things through merely human eyes. Judge by the Spirit and you will know that everything in our new lives is about Him. Don’t let others use the appearance of weakness in your life discourage you. Answer that you are trusting in Christ to finish what He started. Since you know this to be true, live it out. Let the compulsions of His love lead you forward into His person so that you can truly live for Him.

Lord, give me patience with myself and others. I will look at things in Your way. The new way. As I commit to this way of thinking about those in Your kingdom let me see myself and others as we are in that kingdom. Help me not judge according to appearance and meager human observation anymore. Let me see the love of Christ working in all of us to bring us to righteousness that is Yours alone.

Compelled By Christ’s Love,

Pastor Jason

Rejected To Be Chosen -- April 3, 2010

2010-04-03T14:10:00.001-06:00

4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” 7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” 8 and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
1 Peter 2:4-10 (NKJV)

What could be better than a Savior that knows rejection? All of us have experienced it in life. We have all stood on the outside looking in. Even though we are rejected by men god has chosen us to be His people. He did it by putting Christ in our place to experience all the injuries this life has to offer. Yet Christ, His Son did not fail to remain holy and perfect. Christ even experienced a criminal death to be like us. This quote from Psalm 118:22 was used by Peter early in ministry, soon after died. We are told the story in Acts 4 where Peter on trial for healing a lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. Peter tells them that Jesus is the Stone rejected by them but chosen by God not only as a healer but as the Savior of the world; the only source of Salvation – the only authorized Name to seal us to God. Now Peter is still pointing out Jesus as our single connection to God.

I believe this is because as a rough fisherman trying to run a business, Peter had been rejected from many groups in the place he lived. He had been pigeon-holed as an ignorant, blue-collar worker. Now Jesus had included him the world changing ministry of the inner staff of God’s own Son. Peter who had been shut out of so many things was no brought into intimate proximity with Jesus. Like Peter we can trade our outsider status for an integral part of the work of God. We can move from darkness to light. We can join with not only God but we are incorporated into His people. Best of all we are included in His mercy.

As we celebrate His resurrection tomorrow let’s remember that no matter how we feel in the moment or how others treat us (even His people), we are His and we are joined with our fellow believers in serving, ministering to, and worshipping Him. This is the truth that Peter held onto as he led the fledgling Church into its fullness. It was a base to build an eclectic group into a solid spiritual house. We are part of that same house. There is a place for all of us rejects to belong. We only need to align with the original Rejected Stone to find our place.

Proclaiming The Praises Of Him,

Pastor Jason

Refuge -- March 24, 2010

2010-03-24T23:52:00.001-06:00

1 The LORD also spoke to Joshua, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Appoint for yourselves cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, 3 that the slayer who kills a person accidentally or unintentionally may flee there; and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.
Joshua 20:1-3

We are the new cities of refuge. We are a city set on a hill that cannot be missed in the dark. We are the place people can run to when they find their sin overwhelms them. When the guilt of the sin they are born to finally becomes more than they can bear they can run to God’s people to find safety and rescue. Here they can be save from the avenger. We must be the safe haven for sinners who are desperately seeking to get away from the pain of their past.

Like the children of Israel we need a refuge to run to when we find ourselves trapped in sin. Even God’s people find themselves pursued by the avenger of guilt who drives us into the wilderness and separates us from Him and His people. He has provided the ultimate refuge in Christ and we are to be the connection between Him and the lost. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation!

In His Shelter,

Pastor Jason

Blessed & Blessing Others -- March 23, 2010

2010-03-23T22:39:00.002-06:00

18 Now it was so, when she came to him, that she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. So she dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you wish?” 19 She answered, “Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South, give me also springs of water.” So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
Joshua 15:18-19 (NKJV)

This is a great passage because to teaches to pursue all the blessings of the Father because of His love for us. Caleb had offered his daughter in marriage to the man who would help him conquer his allotment. He had followed God with his whole heart and was looking for a husband for his daughter who would boldly pursue the blessings in even the most difficult situations. Caleb’s integral pursuit of the Lord brought blessings to his family after him. After Othniel had aided him in conquering the mountain and the marriage was set Caleb gave Achsah a piece of land as a gift. She followed her father’s lead and asked him for a blessing. She asked him to give her a set of springs that watered the land. There was an upper spring and a lower one. Of course Caleb gave his daughter the blessing. After all his heart was pursuing God’s. This father and daughter can teach us about our relationship with the Father we have. We should joyfully pursue blessings for the inheritance we have been given in Christ. We should ask for heavenly and earthly blessings. Ephesians says that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing. We can look forward to eternity and the blessings that come with heaven and we can receive our daily bread now. Both blessings have been provided in Christ.

Lord, help me serve You with my whole heart. Let the blessings I have gained in that service, pour out onto my children and disciples. Let me in my pursuit of Your heart channel blessing to them so that I can be like You in action as well as heart.

Taking Mountains And Giving Springs,

Pastor Jason

Climbing Mountains - Fighting Giants -- March 22, 2010

2010-03-22T07:12:00.001-06:00

12 Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.” 13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance.
Joshua 14:12-13 (NKJV)

Caleb was 85 years old and the children of Israel were in the midst of conquering the land when he asked Joshua to give him the allotment that Moses had promised him when he was in his 40’s. He had waited over 40 years for this moment and he wasn’t waiting anymore. Caleb had been one of the scouts sent into the land to reconnoiter the place God had brought them. He had seen the giants (the Anakim) and still believed God would give them the land. He had stood firm when the others had been shaken from the Lord’s commandments. Now at 85 he is still pressing forward to obey God’s command. Here he asks for not only the toughest terrain (a mountain) but the toughest foe (the Anakim). After all the delays he hopes God will still be with.

We can’t let delay, difficult situations, or difficult people to lesson our passion for serving the Lord. Caleb was ready to follow the call of the Lord for his entire life. He was ready to follow the Lord the first time He brought the Israelites to Canaan. He was still following at 85. The mountainous terrain didn’t put him off and neither did the giants. He was following with his whole heart. (Joshua 14:8) Caleb wanted to receive all that the Lord had promised him.

Lord, help me not confuse contentment in Christ with satisfaction with what you have accomplished in my life. I want to press into all the areas of my life even in the most difficult ones and lay hold of the promises You have set before me. I know you will be with me to bless me and that with You I will drive the enemy from my life.

Pressing Into The Promises,

Pastor Jason

Experiencing His Victory -- March 21, 2010

2010-03-21T23:46:00.002-06:00

22 Then Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings to me from the cave.” 23 And they did so, and brought out those five kings to him from the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon. 24 So it was, when they brought out those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the captains of the men of war who went with him, “Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings.” And they drew near and put their feet on their necks. 25 Then Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” 26 And afterward Joshua struck them and killed them, and hanged them on five trees; and they were hanging on the trees until evening. 27 So it was at the time of the going down of the sun that Joshua commanded, and they took them down from the trees, cast them into the cave where they had been hidden, and laid large stones against the cave’s mouth, which remain until this very day. Joshua 10:22-27 (NKJV)

Joshua took the five kings from the cave so that the new captains of the generation to follow his could experience victory over the enemy. He taught them by experience as well as with his words. Joshua’s teaching is clear to his young captains: Don’t be afraid or distressed, instead be confident (literally become strong) this is how the Lord will give you victory over all your enemies.

Joshua is recognized as a type of Christ and here he pictures how Christ has defeated the enemy and placed our feet on their necks. 19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. (Romans 16:19-20 (NKJV)) After a short time of testing Satan himself will be crushed by God with our feet. As Joshua has demonstrated for us we need to demonstrate the Lord’s authority in a manner that involves the captains of the next generation. We the current leaders of our generation need to make sure that those who will follow us understand that they are part of the partnership between us and our God that defeats the enemy in our lives.

Lord Jesus, I pray for myself and the body I serve that we follow Your example set before us by Joshua. Let us not only defeat the enemy by Your power, let us involve those who will come after us. May they experience and understand their partnership with You that brings the triumph that You have promised to lead us in. I pray for my brothers and sisters throughout the world that leaders will emerge who will include the next generation in today’s success.

Soon To Stand On The Enemies’ Necks Next To You,

Pastor Jason

Tell The Children -- January 25, 2010

2010-01-25T06:37:00.001-07:00

25 It will come to pass when you come to the land which the LORD will give you, just as He promised, that you shall keep this service. 26 And it shall be, when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ 27 that you shall say, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice of the LORD, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and delivered our households.’ ” So the people bowed their heads and worshiped.
Exodus 12:25-27

The children of Israel had been through a difficult deliverance from Pharaoh and the Egyptians. Their slave lives had been made even more miserable as Moses lobbied for their release. Pharaoh had vacillated between letting them go (temporarily) and increasing the harshness of their situation. Finally the Lord struck Egypt in such a horrific way that the people themselves helped them on their way. Even in this great deliverance the Lord knew they could forget their history once the difficulty of their past was behind them in the Promised Land. So the Lord established a ceremony to commemorate it. He wanted to make sure they remembered to share their experiences with their children.

Do you have any personal deliverances that you have commemorated in your life? Are there any special traditions in your family because of the Lord’s victory in your life? Have we told our children about the interventions the Lord has used to rescue us from the slavery of the sin we were once trapped in? It is tempting to put the difficult times of our lives behind us. Those who follow us need to know what the Lord has done for us. Let’s tell the how great the Lord has been in our lives. Let’s make sure they know they can count on Him in tough times. Psalm 145:4 tells us that when things are working right that one generation will tell the next about the work of God in their lives. Our Father has been so good to me that I want to make sure my children know all that He has done for me.

My God Is Awesome To Deliver,

Pastor Jason

Salvation On Your House -- January 19, 2010

2010-01-19T07:21:00.001-07:00

And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham;
Luke 19:9

It just seemed to me that the requirement to have salvation come to your house is to be a son of Abraham. Which means that those who believe are sons of that same faith that saved Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob before there was a nation called Israel? I know Jesus used an idiom of the day to refer to Jewish people and that His mission was to the Jewish nation first. I am glad that He chose metaphor that Paul could apply to us all later. We really are the sons of the freewoman and not the sons of the bondwoman. (Galatians 4:21-31) After all his sin against God and betrayal of his people Jesus went to Zacchaeus’ house because of his faith. Jesus brought salvation to establish on Zacchaeus’ faith-based good works of repentance.

Salvation can come to our houses today if we will match Zacchaeus’ sincere faith. We also can be sons of Abraham. Even when others complain about it we can receive the blessings of God when we truly repent in a life-changing way. Jesus is still looking for faith as He walks our world.

Father, send the Savior my way. As repentance grows in my heart let Your salvation be deeply rooted in my house.

Pastor Jason

Religious Offense -- January 13, 2010

2010-01-13T22:43:00.001-07:00

14 But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” 15 The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? 16 So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” 17 And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.
Luke 13:14-17

The religious leader was offended by healing on the Sabbath because it didn’t fit into his interpretation of God’s character. Jesus corrected his misjudgment by pointing out that even men would circumvent the rules for the sake of being humane, even when it was comfort to a domestic animal. God’s character is greater that man’s so it shouldn’t surprise the heart of the law was not violated by releasing a human from bondage placed upon her by our enemy. This adjustment to their views silenced them and the people rejoiced.

It is very important for us to guard against religious offenses when the Lord is freeing people today. Maybe He will use a place, time, or method that doesn’t fit our view. When this happens we will be tempted to be indignant. I need to remember that our God is more interested in setting people free than in meeting my limited expectations.

Jesus, help me.

Pastor Jason

On The Housetops -- January 12, 2010

2010-01-12T06:21:00.001-07:00

1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.
Luke 12:1-3

Jesus warned the multitude starting with His own disciples that hypocrisy would be uncovered in a person’s life. All those secret things which reveal our true character will be paraded in the day for everyone to see. Our “behind the scenes” behavior will eventually ruin the playacting we use to smooth over our flaws. Everyone will eventually know the real you.

Jesus spoke this to the multitude so it applies to everyone, but He started with His disciples. It is easy for anyone who desires to live a clean life to get caught up in appearances. Especially when we start performing for the other’s who are trying to live the same life we are. Be warned by Jesus Himself that you will eventually be exposed for who you truly are. Hypocrite or sincere student of Christ will eventually be proven out.

Lord, help me live one life. Let my actual self be on display so that no one is surprised when the find out what I do when they are not around. Help me live in integrity.

Leaving The Leaven,

Pastor Jason

Glad In Heart -- January 11, 2010

2010-01-11T23:09:00.000-07:00

7 You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. 8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:7-8

It is true. Jesus has put gladness in my heart that is greater than the happiness that comes from successful living. Whether it is the harvest of my labor or the joys of life, the gladness that He provides is surer and more satisfying. I can let the stress of life be put aside because of His peace inside of me. I don’t have to watch my back and be on guard all the time because He is my safety.

Lord, thank you for the reminder from King David. You are my security and joy. Thank you for safe rest. You are the success of my life.

Glad In Heart,

Pastor Jason

Saved! -- January 10, 2010

2010-01-10T21:27:00.001-07:00

17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:17-20

The disciples were excited that their ministry had been successful. When they reported into Jesus they declared their dominion over the demonic forces they had encountered. Jesus acknowledged their triumph, declaring, “I saw Satan fall like lightning…” However Jesus also explained to them that their real rejoicing should be reserved to celebrate their salvation.

It is important to keep in mind that we did nothing for our salvation. We are most excited about the Work Jesus has done for us. Along with the angelic hosts of heaven we will rejoice with every salvation at the end of time! It will be a great triumphant party. It is easy to get caught up in the success or failure of our ministry. Jesus redirects us back to our salvation as our source of value.

Lord, keep my heart focused on the way that You save me. I know my name is written in heaven and that is my greatest joy and security. You are my great reward!

Trampling Serpents On My Way To Heaven,

Pastor Jason

Legitimate Partners -- January 9, 2010

2010-01-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.
Luke 9:23-26

Jesus was talking to the twelve when He made these statements. He had taken them aside and questioned them about His Deity. Peter declared His Godhood by revelation from the Father. (Matthew 16:17) He then began to outline the process that would allow Him to be sacrificed for our sin. He explained that He would suffer greatly, be rejected by the Jewish leaders, die, and be raised on the third day. While they stood there Jesus shared the process for becoming a disciple:

1.) Volunteer daily to give up your own agenda for Christ’s.
2.) Take upon yourself His best interests at your own expense.
3.) Believe that He will recompense you His life for yours.
4.) Do not be ashamed of what you are doing.

Remember that Jesus was talking to believers. He was talking to us; those who have trusted in Him for salvation. Jesus was telling us there was more to this life than faithfully waiting for His return so we could live happily ever after. He wants us be full participants in our family. We are part of what God is doing. Our joint-heir status allows us to operate the family business. We are graciously given the dignity of real duties, costs and rewards. We are not given made-up work so we can feel good. We actually can effect outcomes in God’s Kingdom!

Praise You, Jesus! You have treated us with grace and truth! We are legitimate brothers and sisters. We matter because of Your might victory over sin and death!

Proud Of My Big Brother,

Pastor Jason

Hometown Herald -- January 8, 2010

2010-01-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. 40 So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.
Luke 8:38-40

The man whom Jesus had just delivered wanted to go on an “important” mission with Jesus. He was so grateful for his release that he was ready to go to the ends of the earth. Jesus had something else in mind for his witness. He sent the man home to tell them of God’s great deliverance. The man followed Jesus’ instruction by telling his whole home town what Jesus had done for him. When Jesus came back instead of asking Him to leave they welcomed Him.

For many of us the assignment is the same. We don’t need to go to some far away, exotic place to serve Jesus. We just need to walk across town, across the street, or maybe just across the room and let them know something Jesus has done for you. Then when He shows up they will want to meet Him.

Lord, let my heart be excited like the freed demoniac’s so that I can share You wherever I find myself. Let me build a welcoming committee for You in my area of influence.

Telling Others About Him,

Pastor Jason

Dancing To His Tune -- January 7, 2010

2010-01-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

31 And the Lord said, “To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is justified by all her children.”
Luke 7:31-35

Jesus addressed the people of His time by comparing them to children in the marketplace. He told them they were the kind of children who were never satisfied with what was going on. Whatever message or messenger that God sent them they disregarded because it wasn’t to their liking. They used the style of the messenger to determine their response. No matter how extreme the messenger’s lifestyle (John was very severe in his diet and social life), no matter how balanced the life (Jesus lived as a common man) they didn’t want to hear from God so they dismissed it based on their dislike for the messenger.

I am concerned that our society has many of the same attributes. We don’t like to be bored. We want entertainment. I don’t think the things of God should be made intentionally boring, but they don’t need to be put into a show either. I don’t think the things of God have to be presented with Hollywood’s “glam”, but that doesn’t make them less true. We do the same thing those long ago did. We check the style over the substance. We allow ourselves to ignore God’s message because we don’t like the medium it comes through.

Let me get past the messenger and hear Your Voice in every circumstance. Even the enemy can bring Your message Father. Give me discernment to see what is from You and a heart that is willing to listen.

Dancing To His Tune,

Pastor Jason

Prayer Powered -- January 6, 2010

2010-01-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Luke 6:12

I am struck again by Jesus prayer-life. He prayed all night. I am very impressed by the kind of day He had after a nightlong prayer. First He came part way down the mountain and assigned the twelve to be His staff from among His hundreds of disciples. Then He brought all of His disciples the rest of the way down the mountain to a level place to minister healing to a huge crowd that had gathered. Following the healing time He preached a great (maybe the greatest) instructional sermon to the disciples. Finally He went into the local town and healed a Roman officer’s son. What a productive day of ministry!

In all my scrambling to serve Jesus I forget to connect with the Father. Jesus was often at prayer for long periods of time. He was never disconnected from the Father. When things got stressed He went away to hear from God. Good stress or bad, Jesus stepped out of the pressures of ministry to make sure He was moving with the Father. Jesus was confident in His direction. He did not let Himself move off the course set by His Father by being pressed into the expectations of those He served, nor by allowing His adversaries set His agenda did He get caught up in the struggle against them.

Lord, help me build my prayer-life. Often I am blown off course by the winds of pressure. Father, I long to know Your heart the way Jesus did/does. Let me live in Your presence minute by minute. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

Desiring The Father’s Heart,

Pastor Jason

Often With Him -- January 5, 2010

2010-01-05T00:24:00.001-07:00

15 However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. 16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.
Luke 5:15-16

As Jesus grew in notoriety He took time away for prayer. When He was at the crest of His popularity prayer was His priority. His time with the Father was what allowed Him to know what to do next. He always said and did what He saw the Father saying and doing. (John 5:19) He knew what the Father was doing by pulling away frequently.

If Jesus needed time away from the business of life to find His way then certainly we do. Even when things are going great we need to leave the fray so that our edges don’t get worn. It is this solitude that allows us to stay integral. Without it we get worn away. (Exodus 18:18) This is true even when we are ministering. Perhaps it is even more wearing on us to be in ministry than ordinary life. Even the great law-giver and prophet Moses needed time alone on the mountain to hear from God. Elijah, the prince of prophets, found himself alone in a cave waiting for the still small voice of God in the face of enemy threats even though he had just won a great victory. It is clear that we need frequent quiet times to maintain our connection to our Source.

Lord, please forgive me for being so busy working for You that I neglect my relationship with You. Keep drawing me back to You. Protect me from deceit. Meet my needs in a way that is balanced. Don’t let me be so needy that I violate Your laws. Don’t let me be so overwhelmed with things that I forget how much I need You.

Spending Time With The Father,

Pastor Jason

In The Family -- January 4, 2010

2010-01-04T07:18:00.002-07:00

And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”
Luke 4:3

The devil had the audacity to say “if You are the Son of God” to Jesus! He was questioning Jesus’ relationship with God. He knew Jesus was the Son of God. He was trying to prey on Jesus’ human insecurities. If he could plant feelings of inadequacies he could leverage them into sinful behavior.

The enemy is still hitting us from this angle today. He questions our relationship with God. He has altered the dart for us today. It sounds more like, “If you were really a Christian” or, “If you really loved God” then --- you fill in the blank. It seems to me that God never speaks in this manipulative, guilt inflicting manner. He is direct. He tells Cain to watch out for the sin that is trying to get him. He tells Job to tighten his belt and get ready for a face to face. He tells Paul “For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” (Acts 9:16) He knows our hearts. He loves us and will not manipulate us.

Jesus, I ask for ears to hear the difference between Your guiding voice and the enemy’s goading. Keep me from falling prey to doubts about our relationship. You have brought me into Your family. You have made it possible for me to be a son to the Father. Let that relationship be my motivation not some desire to quench false guilt feelings.

In The Family,

Pastor Jason

The Flexible Life -- October 29, 2009

2009-12-09T06:57:00.001-07:00

31 Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. 32 And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.” 33 But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” 34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”
Mark 3:31-35

It seems to me that Mary must have felt Jesus slip away her whole life. She wasn’t yet pregnant when she found that her Son would be different. He started slipping away from her so that He could be the Savior almost immediately. The shepherds came. The magi came. Simeon and Anna prophesied over Him when they had His ceremonial cleansing. Herod tried to kill Him as a baby and the angles came again to warn Joseph so they could escape to Egypt. All of these experiences made Mary know that her Son was different. Then when He was twelve, Jesus stayed at the temple when the family went home. He was teaching the teachers! At this point Scripture tells us that Mary pondered all these things in her heart. I know she felt His life moving away from hers. We don’t hear much about Jesus personally again until He is thirty and begins His public ministry. The day described in this passage must have been hurtful to the family. They were made to be like all the others in Jesus’ life. This trend continued until one day Jesus named John her son while He was hanging on the cross. Later that day He died. Mary lost her Son but she received Him back as Savior and Lord.

It makes me wonder what I have to release to have it become what God want in my life. The people in my life don’t belong to me. They have to be allowed to follow God on the terms He has put in their lives. The material possessions I have will have to be released to let them work for God’s kingdom. My plans will have to be reconfigured to match His. I marvel at Mary’s flexible attitude concerning Jesus. I know I am not so supple in my person in some areas.

OK Jesus, I want to line up with your plans. I want to live with the people in my life the way you would have me and I want to use the things in my life for eternal purposes. I ask for Your Spirit to soften me and make my attitude more pliable for Your use. Help me Jesus when it hurts.

Pastor Jason

Tear The Sky -- October 28, 2009

2009-12-03T06:25:00.001-07:00

9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Mark 1:9-11 (NKJV)

What had transpired in Jesus’ life that had caused the Father to tear heaven open so the Spirit could get to Him and the Father could acknowledge Him by announcing that the His Son had brought pleasure Him? It was a simple act of obedience. In the other Gospels John tries to get Jesus to switch places that Jesus might baptize him. Jesus instructed that it must be done to fulfill all righteousness. (Matthew 3:15) Jesus we are told in Hebrews 1:8-9 that His throne will be established for ever because the Father will establish it on Christ’s personal righteousness. Because Christ has loved righteous more than any other His gladness will be greater than all others in the kingdom. Yes, obedience/righteousness brings us happiness; the kind of happiness that satisfies because we are approved by the Father.

This morning I am returning to the basics of obeying Him. As I spend our appointed time together, I sense His Presence and His approval. I know if I need it today He will tear the sky asunder (RASV) and pour His Holy Spirit into my person so that I may face whatever circumstance I find myself in by simple obedience to Him. As I reach for that attitude that was in Christ when He found himself in the form of a servant I will be able to obey Him no matter what the cost. Then my joy will be full because the Father will anoint me with the oil of gladness to the degree of my love of righteous obedience to Him. (Philippians 2:5-17)

Praise Jesus for His excellent example. Servant status didn’t stop Him from obey the Father to achieve the mission He was given. As I find myself today let me obey Him, loving righteousness, working out my salvation in reverent fear, and hearing His voice saying, “You are one of mine and you please me.” Find me here serving You today, Jesus. No matter what form I find myself in.

Pastor Jason

Leading From The Bottom -- October 27, 2009

2009-11-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off.
Acts 27:30-32

Paul was leading form the bottom of the authority chain. He was a prisoner yet his life and the way that he had spoken during his imprisonment had given him enough credibility to be heard among those who were in power over him. It is important for us to realize that our leadership is not based on our position but rather on our character. Prisoners do not usually direct the soldiers who have them captive, but Paul was able to because of the character he had displayed. Paul was also willing to forego man’s plan for escape in favor of God’s way of escape. The sailors would have saved some but God had a plan to save them all. God wants to save us all – we just have to go his way.

As believers we need to see ourselves as leaders whether we are in the front or in the rear. Our ability to influence comes from our character not our position. As Christ works His character into us we have the potential to become more and more influential for the kingdom of God so we should lead. Others need us to see them succeed too. We have to believe that God loves unbelievers just as much as He loves the believers. He saved the whole ship’s compliment not just the believers. God only save us His way though. We have to be willing to cut our own life boats so that He can save us.

Well, Jesus I need You to save me daily. I refuse to fall back on my own plan to save myself. Help me influence others so that they can be saved too. Pour Your Spirit of Love into my person. Stretch me and make me like You. I desire to be a bigger person than I am today. I trust You to shape me after Your image.

Counting On Him,

Pastor Jason

Simple Truth, Plainly Seen -- October 26, 2009

2009-11-09T06:21:00.001-07:00

26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner.
Acts 26:26

Here Paul openly discusses his faith in the Roman court system. He has appealed to Caesar because he has been stuck in the legal system for years with Jewish leaders trying to convict him or assassinate him, whichever is most expedient. Paul defends his position before Festus and Agrippa by declaring that he is not the member of a secret sect that plots in the corner. Rather he is joined to the Christian faith which has no secrets and is based on public happenings. He is sure that King Agrippa has heard all about Christianity since it is not secret and since King Agrippa is intelligent and pays attention to the region he rules. Paul answers Festus’ accusation of madness with the idiom “done in a corner” to turn away the derision against philosophers who had such esoteric knowledge it didn’t apply to real life. Not only does Paul claim Christianity isn’t hard to find he tells them it isn’t hard to understand. The result is that Agrippa is impressed enough to consider Christianity and declares that if Paul hadn’t appealed to Caesar he would have released him that day.

Our faith is not tricky, nor does it require any special knowledge to follow. We don’t need to make sharing it so difficult. We are on trial for believing in the prophets just like Paul was. Our convictions are based on the facts of Christ’s birth, life, death, and His resurrection. Our faith is anchored in historical events not fables. Jesus really came. He lived a perfect life and lay in down for our sakes. He rose from the dead so that all would know that His sacrifice was acceptable to the Father. He did it all according to the prophets who foretold His coming to suffer for our sakes. Now we who believe share with others the simple, open truth of His life.

Lord, give me the strength to stand like Paul and plainly state what I am being judged for. I want others to know the truth about who You are. Since You started in the light out in the open teach me how to chare Your life and the power of the Faith with everyone.

Out In The Open,

Pastor Jason

Words Of Comfort -- October 25, 2009

2009-11-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

1 Then Job answered and said: 2 “I have heard many such things; Miserable comforters are you all! 3 Shall words of wind have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer? 4 I also could speak as you do, If your soul were in my soul’s place. I could heap up words against you, And shake my head at you; 5 But I would strengthen you with my mouth, And the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief.
Job 16:1-5

I all his distress Job found the “comfort” of his friends to be a miserable wind blowing against his wounds. It is easy to criticize others when they are down. It is too easy to find faults and blame them for their trouble. Yet Job says that if their places were reversed his lips would have comforted them to relieve their grief. His words would have strengthened them and lifted them up instead of taking shots at them while they were down.

If you see one who is struggling today don’t put a greater burden on them. Instead lift them up with your words. Strengthen them by sharing encouragement. If they are down offer a hand up not a foot to the face.

Jesus, it is easy to criticize when others are down. Keep this picture of Job suffering double because his friends rubbed it in. Let my heart have compassion on those who are suffering. Help me not assume it is because they deserve it. Move my heart to lift not lord it over them.

Trusting In Him,

Pastor Jason

October 24, 2009 -- The Prevailing Word

2009-11-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
Acts 19:20

Paul stayed in Ephesus for three years preaching the word. The word (logos) in the Greek language is the concepts or understanding of God. Paul taught these revealed concepts, clarifying God’s character to the Ephesians who had believed. They were able to share this clarification with their friends and family. For two years Paul taught daily in a rented hall. The concepts grew mightily. Everyone began to understand who God was. And many became believers.

The word (logos) also prevailed. It actually changed lifestyles. People began to stop buying idols. Some tried to incorporate the power of God without a relationship with Him and found out that God was not the next occult fad to come around and seven of them were chased wounded and naked by one demonic man. This caused the believers to burn their occult books and devices. The whole region was permeated with the understanding of who God was and what He expected as the church moved out into their community changing it permanently.

We have the same opportunity today. As God’s army we can move into our community with the mighty LOGOS as it prevails in our life we can share it with them and see our region changed. All we have to do is identify the idols we worship and the false religions we practice and dispose of them. Then others will listen to what we say and find out who God really is and His Word can prevail in their lives first.

Mightily Prevailing,

Jason

Groping In The Dark -- October 23, 2009

2009-11-02T06:32:00.001-07:00

26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’
Acts 17:26-28

Paul was at the Areopagus waiting for Silas and Timothy to join him in Athens. When he noticed all the idols it galled his Judeo-Christian heart. He knew there was only one God from his Jewish raising. He knew from the revelation of the prophets that “…The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) He knew that Jesus was that God from his new encounter with Christ. It troubled Paul to see this very spiritually orientated people were being led astray by the enemy’s phony substitutes. Paul believed therefore he spoke out to them so that he could clarify their inclination towards God and spirituality.

He enlightens us is a few issues in this teaching. His first point is that God is the Director of human history. The Deity has separated us into nations, appointed our beginning times, and geography so that we would have the best chance to find Him even if we were only groping in the dark to look for Him. Then Paul teaches that God has not set Himself far away so that it is difficult to come to Him due to any barriers He has placed between us. No, He is the very substance of our existence. Then it is revealed that God’s relationship with us as Father is so clear that their own poets have come close to the mark by saying that we are His offspring. It is the enemy who divides us from our Creator. It is our own poor understanding that separates us from His eminent presence. It is the flow of the broken world system that carries us away from Him. For His part he has put us in the optimum time and place for each of us to find Him!

Thank You, Lord, for giving me the best situation for me to find you! When I question my circumstance bring me back to this place of knowing that You are orchestrating my environment to give me the ultimate relationship with You. Help me remember that You are never far away. All I need to do is grope in the darkness I am caught in and I will find You there! I am grateful for the way You made me and my place fit together for Your glory and my benefit.

Groping To Find Him,

Pastor Jason

The Prisoners Are Listening -- October 22, 2009

2009-10-28T09:49:00.000-06:00

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.
Acts 16:25-26

As I meditated on this passage I was struck with the way scripture connected prayer and worship with destroying the prison, opening doors and loosing the captives. These men had been imprisoned for setting a demonized woman free from her spiritual bondage that was being used to profit her masters’ wallet. They had been seized by the crowd and drug before the magistrates only to be beaten by the crowd, beaten with rods by the magistrates’ order and then locked in stocks by the jailer without any of their rights being observed.

As Paul and Silas lay in the prison on their wounded backs, they prayed and sang and their fellow prisoners were listening to them. When we worship in Spirit and in truth others are opened to the presence of the Lord. The prisoners wanted to know about a God who inspired singing and praying after being unfairly treated.

Then the foundation of the prison was shaken. As we praise and worship God we too are shaking the prison we and those around us are trapped in. We are God’s ambassadors to the captives around us. They ministered to God and the other prisoners were effected too. Worship is foundational. It changes things at root level.

Immediately the doors were opened because God is interested in getting us out of bondage and not just improving our jail. He intends to set us free not make our prison comfortable. He wants us to move beyond even the comfort zones that limit who we are in Him.

And everyone’s chains were loosed! Whom the Son sets free is free indeed. Jesus desires our complete freedom. His plan isn’t just to make our lives tolerable or better than they were. Jesus told us His plan was for abundant life now.

Freed By Worship,

Pastor Jason

Only Jesus -- October 21, 2009

2009-10-28T09:25:00.003-06:00

38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Acts 13:38-39

Here is the bottom line of the gospel. Only Jesus can provide complete justification to those who believe in Him. Only He could declare, “It is finished!” Faith in Jesus cleanses us from all the inner guilt and condemnation that the Law of Moses couldn’t touch. Moses’ legal revelation kept humanity from slipping totally away from God while He brought His final cure for us in His Son. Legalism can only touch the surface of our sin issues. Living a disciplined life can help us be healthier in the natural, but it can never heal our hearts.

I surrender my heart to You again. Forgive me for trying to resolve my problems on my terms without consulting You. I am totally dependent on You for the holiness in my person. Guide me in understanding that I need to let the holiness You have provided work out in my life and not try to earn my own righteousness. Let it be known in my heart that You alone justify me by faith.

Believing In Him,

Pastor Jason

Right On Time -- October 20, 2009

2009-10-27T07:01:00.002-06:00

5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. 7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands.

Acts 12:5-7

James had been martyred and the political/religious Jewish leaders had been happy to see it. This gave Herod a way to keep the off his back with Rome. He took advantage of the situation and had Peter arrested. Meanwhile back at the church God’s people were praying. Their prayers were continuous and earnest. I imagine Peter in the prison wondering what was going on. Jesus had been killed, Stephen had been killed and now James, his lifelong friend, had been executed too. He was waiting for his turn when the Lord sent an angel to rescue him – the night before his “trial” was scheduled.

I have noticed that God often waits until the last minute to rescue us. It seems He is never early. That is probably because I don’t notice when He saves me before the crisis. I also noticed that the angel had to strike Peter to wake him up. Peter was sleeping soundly the night before his execution. He seemed to be at peace with whatever God had in mind for him. I hope I can remember these two points when I am under pressure. God is coming and things will be OK whichever way works out.

Keep my steady Lord. Don’t let me fall apart when the heat is on. I desire for my heart to be fully resting in You.

Waiting on His deliverance,

Pastor Jason

He Died For All -- October 19, 2009

2009-10-23T09:56:00.000-06:00

...But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Acts 10:28

Imagine Peter's surprise. All those unclean animals before him and the voice of the Lord saying, "Go ahead Peter, you're hungry, eat something." Peter keeps insisting he's not hungry enough to break the rules. God tells Peter the rules are changing. The time of the Gentiles is opening up. God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.

Jesus died for all people. That means every person is worthy of our respect. Even those people we find the least acceptable. Everyone ever born has significance built into their person by the death of Jesus. The very God of heaven stepped out of eternity to take their place at death's door. The value of each individual is measured in the spread arms of Jesus hanging between heaven and earth. We must honor and respect people because Jesus did and He is our example. Don't forget to apply this to those at home. Sometimes we are the most careless with those we love the most.

As we infiltrate our community this week let us shock them with genuine honor as we address them. Let's build our family members up by giving them the respect due them. Finally, let's especially honor those in God's house who we will spend eternity with.

You are GREAT in Him,

Pastor Jason

The Desert Road? -- October 18, 2009

2009-10-23T09:54:00.000-06:00

Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert.
Acts 8:26

Philip was in the middle of a successful evangelic effort. Many people were being saved. The Apostles had come down to help because so much was happening. Now an angel tells him to leave and go out into the desert!? To Philip’s credit he obeys. As he heads south he sees a man in a chariot who, is of all things reading the book of Isaiah. The Spirit tells him this is the man I sent you to talk to catch up to him. Philip joins the man and explains the prophecy to him in the light of Christ’s life. The man receives Christ and is baptized. Oh yeah, he just happened to be a very powerful official from another country on his way home. Not only did God bring salvation to the man He sent it to the man’s country with him.

God’s directions in our lives aren’t always so easily understood. He doesn’t always give us a neat explanation that clears things up for us. So we need our faith to help us follow His instructions when we don’t have all the details. We have enough narratives like this as well as life experience to allow us to trust Him for the times we don’t know how events will work out.

Jesus, You are my Master. Help me obey You with a pure, unswerving heart!

On The Road He Sent Me To Travel,

Pastor Jason

Cut To The Heart -- October 17, 2009

2009-10-23T09:12:00.002-06:00

54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. Acts 7:54-58

The truth shared with those who do not want to hear it often turns them against us. It often unites them to do something about us. Stephen had shared his faith with the council because they were examining his teachings. He had been falsely accused of blasphemy against the Pharisaical system. When the members of synagogue from outside of the Jewish community couldn’t refute his wisdom they involve the Jewish council and the high priest. They brought in the first string to take on this upstart. Stephen wasn’t intimidated; as a matter of fact his face looked like the face of an angel. (Acts 6:10-15) Stephen used their well-known history to prove what He was saying about Christ. Starting with Abraham (their genetic boast), moving on to Joseph, then Moses (their religious authority boast), and ending with David and Solomon he explained how God had Christ in mind all along. With his face aglow with glory, he accused them of joining with the rebels of their history and described the vision of Christ standing at the right of God. That was the final indignity they could stand. Since they couldn’t refute his message because of its truth and his obvious anointing they killed him.

The phrase that catches me in all of this is that he saw, “the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” It was amazing to him as well as extremely offensive to the Pharisees. For them it was blasphemy that anyone would be next to God. Especially the man they had crucified. For Stephen and us it is a sign that Jesus still moves on our behalf. Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 1:13, 8:1, 10:12, & 12:2 all tell us that when Jesus raised from the dead He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. Yet Stephen sees Him standing. Jesus has risen to support Stephen in his witness. He is standing to receive Stephen into His kingdom. I am so thankful that Jesus is still active in our lives, even though He has finished the mission the Father gave Him.

Jesus thank You for standing with me when I tell Your story! Help me stand for You wherever people need to hear about what You have done for them.

Focused On Him,

Pastor Jason

Sun Of Righteousness -- October 16, 2009

2009-10-23T08:28:00.001-06:00

But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; And you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.

Malachi 4:2

God’s miracles always deal with more than the immediate need. We are short-sighted and want the answer we are desperate for but He is dealing with more than that. He is dealing with our character and our eternal destiny. When we get the healing, provision or miracle in our life it has the potential to go deep into our being and connect us to God in a new and powerful way. We don’t just get the healing; we also get the Healer! We don’t just get the provision; we get the Provider!

If we don’t receive Him then we reject the miracle along with Him. It isn’t right for us to think that we can have God’s blessing without His way in our lives. That is a very childish view. We want Grandma’s cookies but we don’t want to hang out with her. People in general love to believe they are God’s blessed one. Many times they want the church blessing on their wedding but they don’t want church life to interfere with their marriage. This promise of the Healer rising in our lives is based on our reverence for “His Name”. That means they respect His character and participate in His call to having a healthy, holy lifestyle.

We NEED this miracle power rising in our lives to not only be healthy but to help others. Desperate, irrational people don’t respond to reason, but they do respond to God’s provision in our lives. When they see us “fattening” up they want to find out how we did it. That is our big chance to share our testimony with them. Then they can believe and fear Him so that He can rise up in their lives with healing in His wings.

Blessed in His Ways,

Pastor Jason

Telling His Story -- October 15, 2009

2009-10-23T08:25:00.002-06:00

But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge."

Acts 4:19

This is a tough verse for those of us who have difficulty with confrontation. It can be difficult to stand in the midst of pressure from those around us. Peter had difficulty with confrontation. He often overreacted. He rebuked Jesus, he promised not to fail even if the others did, he cut off an ear, and he denied Christ when things didn't go the way he thought they should. We can be tempted to cave in on our convictions even when we are in miraculous situations. Peter and John had seen and worked miracles before yet Peter had denied Jesus. Peter and John had just seen a great miracle happen through them. This is the first miracle recorded after Jesus ascended. The disciples had worked miracles while Jesus was physically present with them but this was their first attempt on their own. They were excited--the man was excited--the crowd was excited and then Peter sees them all gathered there and says, "What's the big deal? You don't think this man is healed by our power do you? Why are you surprised that God still does miracles? He did them for our ancestors didn't He? No it is by the power of Jesus Name, the One you killed, that this man is healed as a witness that Jesus is the One God promised. Now I know you didn't understand what you were doing so repent and God will send salvation and refreshing to you. He will send Jesus who I preach like the prophets did." Scripture says that many who heard believed. It was amazing! Peter was on his second sermon and there were around five thousand men in the church!

On the heels of this great event they were arrested and put in jail for the night to wait for court the next day. When court came Peter was not inspired by the miracle he had been part of. Scripture says when he was questioned he was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave and eloquent response. This same man who denied Christ before a servant girl now stands bravely confronting the leaders of his nation. He tells them it is Jesus' Name alone that saves. They warn the disciples not to use Jesus' Name anymore but Peter and John won't even give a safe answer. "What is your advice to us, should we obey you or God?" is the question they asked.

Without God's Spirit filling us even a little servant girl can intimidate us. With His Spirit we can face whatever we have to. Jesus taught His disciples not to plan what they would do in crisis but to look to His Holy Spirit for direction. When things come suddenly we don't have to rely on our planning or our own courage. We can be filled with His Spirit and give the right answer under pressure.

Trusting Him,

Pastor Jason

The Blessed Man -- October 14, 2009

2009-10-23T08:15:00.000-06:00

1Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalm 1

Beautiful poetry and beautiful theology. The psalmist zeros in on the Godly. They are happy because they do not participate in the progression of sin. People get caught up in sin. They don’t usually sit right down and make themselves comfortable. First they just walk by and say “hi”. Then they stop for a visit. Finally they have seated themselves and are comfortable. With the scornful they see themselves as too good for the rest of us. The godly man avoids all of this by staying away from ungodliness. He focuses on God’s word. He loves it! It is all he thinks about. That word is like a river of water. He draws on it to maintain his prosperity. When his time comes he is ready to act. He doesn’t miss opportunities to produce.

The writer also differentiates between those who pursue God and those who pursue their own agenda. Those who meditate on and live out God’s word have weight and substance like a tree that is well watered. Those who are ungodly have no weight in their lives like the chaff that is blown away in the breeze. They can’t stand up to the pressures of normal life much less God’s final judgment. They aren’t even comfortable around God’s people because of the substance issue. God knows where the righteous are but the ungodly are on a path to nowhere.

Thanks for Your word Lord. We need it to stay fresh is a dry world. We need it to be fruitful so that we have produce to give others to demonstrate Your love.

Thinking About His Word,

Pastor Jason

The Last Days -- October 13, 2009

2009-10-16T11:28:00.000-06:00

‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.

Acts 2:17-18

Peter, by the Holy Spirit, opens up ministry for everyone -- young and old, male and female. By quoting from the ancient prophet Joel, Peter shows that it was always God’s plan to include everyone in ministry. Once we position ourselves in Christ under the outpouring of His Spirit any of us can bring forth the needed gift by faith. In the midst of the river that flows from His temple we can expect signs and wonders to help us demonstrate Jesus to the world.

In the upper room there were one hundred twenty persons that day. There were men and women of various ages and ALL were filled with the Spirit that day. The fiery tongues marked them all and each of them began to speak with other tongues and glorified God. Peter stood in the midst of this display of God’s gracious power and preached to see three thousand souls saved in the streets.

We can’t afford to discount any honestly seeking believer from being the next person God will use to deliver a gift to the world or us. The Pharisees couldn’t accept Jesus, some couldn’t accept Paul, and still some can’t accept that God could speak through a woman or a child. Esther, Ruth, Deborah and even the high priest Caiaphas were used by God to speak to the nation. Once, God even used donkey to get His message across to a prophet. It would be foolish of us to limit God’s communication to our pre-approved methods.

Listening for Him Everywhere,

Pastor Jason

Waiting On Him -- October 12, 2009

2009-10-16T11:27:00.000-06:00

And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:7-8

When asked about the end-times His teaching is that we aren’t in charge of the end, God is. We are to focus on witnessing for Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are to wait upon Him until the power comes and then we are to begin ministering locally. As we witness in our home towns Jesus will expand our ministry until we, the Church, minister to the ends of the earth and eventually to the end of time.

Share what Jesus is doing now in your life. We are confident that He is coming back for us. He told us He would and His word is good. He also left us the Holy Spirit for our assurance that he will return. Our job is to witness to the end. He will take care of the end on our behalf.

Sharing My Faith With My Friends,

Pastor Jason

Burning Hearts, Open Eyes -- October 11, 2009

2009-10-15T06:44:00.000-06:00

Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”

Luke 24:30-32

As these two disciples travelled to Emmaus on some errand or another they were very sad because Jesus had died. They weren’t sure what to do because of the reports of Mary Magdalene and others. They were perplexed with their circumstances. Like the other disciples they were giving up their hope that Jesus had been the Messiah because He hadn’t overthrown the Roman government and established a Jewish kingdom. As they walked along, the risen Jesus drew near to them and asked what they were talking about. When they told Him of their experience He began using the scriptures to explain what had happened to them. They had been using their own cultural referenced along with their previous life experience to interpret what had happened to them instead of using God’s word to determine its meaning. When He had done these things and had sat down for a meal, He blessed the bread which caused them to recognize Him. He vanished immediately after their eyes were opened by His prayer. They began to discuss how their hearts had burned while He had opened Scripture to them. They went back to Jerusalem as soon as dinner was over to tell the eleven what had happened.

Our hearts and minds are often closed because we interpret the events of our lives through the lens of preconceived views of how things will work out. Like the two disciples on their way to Emmaus we have our own cultural prejudices and life experiences we use to evaluate our current status. It is a mistake to try to discern our position in Christ without the Scriptures being the reference point we use to define life. We use our experience to define Scripture instead. Our perceptions are distorted when we do this. It is part of the reason we see through a glass darkly instead of understanding what is going on. We need Jesus to open the Scripture to us. We need Jesus to explain the events of our life to us. We need Him to minister to us. Then our hearts will burn with understanding. Our eyes will be opened and we will recognize Him. We will see what He has been doing instead of blindly pursuing an agenda that has been planted by life’s experience with the world, the flesh, and the enemy.

Meet with me today I pray Lord Jesus. Teach me to see things through the lens of Scripture. Open my heart, burn the false views I have away. Open my eyes so that I see You ministering to me and send me on my way to tell others what You have taught me.

Looking For Him On The Road,

Pastor Jason

In His Hand -- October 10, 2009

2009-10-14T06:41:00.002-06:00

So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!”
Luke 23:47

He glorified God because of the way Jesus died! Like Christ, we have many opportunities to witness to our neighbors in the way we respond when we are under pressure. Whether through the normal difficulties of life or the intense persecution of the enemy. Jesus was hanging on the cross dying for everyone and He mangaed to do it in a manner that brought that Roman centurion to a realization about what had happened. A righteous man had ben condemned. He didn't know all the correct doctrines but he still recognized that a significant event had occurred.
How was Jesus able to convey this? He turned it over to God. "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." Jesus was able to glorify the Father because He trusted God completely. Even when death was comming He committed Himself to the Father's care.

Let me switch tracks just a little. Do we glorify God in our lives when we are under pressure. Do we commit ourselves to His care. Are we sure He is Father and not just God way out there. Can we say with confidence, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!"

I pray this week we will cast our cares on Him because we know Jesus cares for us. I pray that we will commit our very selves to Him. Whatever the circumstance we find ourselves in we will remember we are in His family. Whether good our bad; easy or hard; or beautyiful or ugly circumstances we will bring glory to Jesus when our neighbors see how we live through things. They won't say what a good job he did. They won't say he followd the rules well. They will glorify God and say there is a righteous man among us. Then we will be able to share our faith with them in their difficult times of life.

In His Hands,

Pastor Jason

Brothers In Unity -- October 9, 2009

2009-10-13T07:03:00.000-06:00

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard,
The beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.
It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.

Psalm 133

David has keyed in on an important principle of our Christian authority and wellbeing. It is good and pleasant when God’s people live together in harmony. When we come together in an agreeable way we release the anointing of God so that it overflows us and drips onto the community around us. It is in this community of unity that God commands His blessing to reside. The blessing of Life is given a permanent place to dwell when that unity is centered around God’s kingdom.

The Church of God could learn a lot from the ancients in this area. If we could avoid petty disagreements and work through the important difference to a place of agreement (at least to let each other live in peace in non-essential areas of our faith), we would find a great increase in our anointing to minister to those outside the Church. If we could rally around kingdom principles, we would find God’s gift of Life more readily available to us in our times of need.

Father, send Your Holy Spirit to bind our hearts together around Your Son so that we can effectively reach our communities wherever you have stationed us.

Moving To Zion With You,

Pastor Jason

Diversions & Duties -- October 8, 2009

2009-10-12T05:54:00.001-06:00

But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.

Luke 21:34

When His disciples asked Him about the fall of Jerusalem and the end of time Jesus answered with some specifics for them to watch for so they could escape the ruin of their capitol city. But for the end time he told them to pay attention to their own person. His disciples were not to get trapped by the pleasures or responsibilities of life so that Day would find them unprepared to receive Him. They weren’t supposed to be caught in a compromising situation when He returned.

We are His disciples too. It is easy for us to be focused on the diversions and duties this world has for us. We can be drawn away by the false promises of satisfaction that both claim to provide. We need to follow Jesus’ recommendation to pay attention to ourselves so that our hearts are not burdened with this world and that we are prepared for Him to return to us for the grand home-going He has planned for us.

Keep me focused on my condition before You, Lord. Let my evaluation of my life be based on how ready I am for that Day.

Looking Up,

Pastor Jason

A Prepared Heart -- October 7, 2009

2009-10-12T05:34:00.001-06:00

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.
Ezra 7:10

Here is the key to Ezra’s success. Earlier in the chapter Ezra is described as a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses that the Lord had given his people. Ezra knew the Law, but he wasn’t just studying it like a text book so he could pass an exam or be knowledgeable in front of people. Ezra was studying the Law from his heart. He had primed himself from deep inside to not only find out what the Law said but to obey it and teach it to God’s people.

I am not a skilled scribe like Ezra. I study the word for the same purpose – to have it change my heart, my behaviors as well as how I share them with others. Ezra changed the face of his nation by teaching them how to live God’s blessed Law. He did by living it out and teaching them. He did not neglect his own accountability, nor did he neglect to express his faith with those around him.

Jesus, lead me in Your Ways. Let my life be lived in Your Law of the Spirit. Let my words share Your Word with them. I position my heart to be under Your direction. Let me be a light to Your people.

Preparing My Heart,

Pastor Jason

Blessed Is The King! -- October 6, 2009

2009-10-10T07:36:00.003-06:00

Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: “ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”

Luke 19:37-40

The crowd was into it! They had seen Jesus heal a blind man, Zacchaeus converted (even giving back the money he had cheated them out of), and they had heard Jesus preaching for days. Now He was riding a donkey into their city to show them that He was not condemning them but saving them. They began to cheer and praise Him. Their praise recognized that He was the King who was coming in the name of Lord! The Pharisees were offended and told Him to get His people under control. They were probably more afraid of the Roman response than the judgment of God. Jesus let them know that it was the right time to praise Him. The appropriateness of praise was so strong that Jesus told them that no amount of silencing the people would matter. Even the stones in the street would praise at that time.

Let’s be aware of those times when we just have to praise Jesus. When we are at work, in the store, at home, and especially in church, there are those moments that require worship. Jesus is our Savior so we should praise Him with gusto at the appropriate time. I notice here that they didn’t have to work things up. Their praise was spontaneous yet it was a match for the circumstances they were in.

Lord, let my praise be well timed, appropriate to the situation, and especially and always let it be genuine.

Pastor Jason

Blind Vision -- October 5, 2009

2009-10-10T07:16:00.000-06:00

Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Luke 18:35-43

This blind beggar recognized his chance to get healed when he realized that Jesus was leading the crowd that was passing by. As he cried out for Jesus to help him the crowd tried to quiet him but he just got louder. Jesus however, called him from the crowd to see what he wanted. When the man asked for his sight Jesus gave it to him and commended him for his faith. The man followed Jesus in gratitude to worship God and then all those who saw it praised God too.

Several things occurred to me as I read this passage. First, we must take advantage of Jesus’ presence. Whenever He passes by we need to call to Him for mercy. Second, the crowd will steal your vision. This man was blind but he had enough vision to see the possibility that Jesus could heal him. Don’t let the naysayers stop you from getting to Jesus – cry out all the more when they try to silence you. Third, be specific about what it is you want Jesus to do. I like the fact that Jesus didn’t assume that the blind man would ask for sight. This applies to us when we minister and when we receive ministry. When we minister we should ask the person what they want us to do for them and respond accordingly. When we are receiving ministry we should be open about our needs. Fourth, Jesus will answer our request when we ask in faith. Finally, Jesus commends those who “force” their way to Him. Don’t be shy with Jesus. Be bold with Him. He is looking for faith, not necessarily good manners. Fifth, the man praised God and inspired others to worship God too. Go public with the things Jesus has done to help you. Testify of His greatness and you will be a worship leader because those who see it will worship with you.

There is so much packed into this short passage, Lord. Help me to press into You when Your Presence arrives. I will not let obstacles get in my way. This morning I pray for You to restore my health and help me regain my balance in life. Praise God for sending You to us. You are a mighty God!

Maranatha,

Pastor Jason

Praise Him! -- October 4, 2009

2009-10-09T13:13:00.002-06:00

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!

Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;

Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the
Lord. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150

I have always enjoyed this psalm. It really frees us for worship. It tells us to praise God indoors and out. Formally and informally. It lets us know the worship of our Father is based on who He is and what He has done! We aren't limited in our worship by our abilities! We can worship Him like He deserves! We can worship Him with the style and format He has given us. With trumpet, lute, harp, timbrel, dance, stringed instruments, flutes, cymbals and even our very breath.

Like King David of old we are even allowed to get a little carried away sometimes. Isn't Jesus worth getting excited over. I am not condoning some kind of weird emotional experience seeking attitude but it should be OK for us to celebrate Jesus. After all, our worship isn't based on us but on Him.

Let me invite you to worship Him freely. Just remember not to be disruptive to anyone else's worship or try to draw attention to your self. The point of community worship is to glorify Jesus not our style or self.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!

Pastor Jason

Obedience vs. Faith -- October 3, 2009

2009-10-09T13:05:00.002-06:00

Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ”

Luke 17:3-10

When Jesus commanded His disciples to forgive completely in an unending way they asked Him to increase their faith. His response was to tell them that this was not an issue of faith but of obedience. He told them they needed only the tiniest amount of faith for that. He told them a parable that put them in the master role. Even though the servants had been working hard all day they as masters would not have cu them any slack at supper time. They would have still required the servants to serve the master first. The master would not have considered it above their duty to feed him before they ate. Even after all of that they would have recognized that the master had paid more for them than what they were worth and their service would not have been a matter of pride – it was only what was expected of them.

Forgiveness is like that. It is only another service to the Master in the Kingdom. It is simply serving Him first and then us. Forgiveness requires no great act of faith. It requires us to realize that the price the Master paid for us means we have no excuses for disobedience. Whatever service we give Him, including forgiving those who owe us, pales next to the cost our lives required of Him. We need to forgive with the same attitude as setting the table for the Master. On the scale of cost He has laid out with His unending life they are both the same.

I am a slave that will never be able to buy my freedom because of the great debt I incurred through sin. Help me to serve You well, Jesus, my magnificent Savior. I set my heart to obey you even in the difficult area of forgiveness. Thank You for Your sacrifice!

Your Servant,

Pastor Jason

Praising My Friend -- October 2, 2009

2009-10-09T09:42:00.001-06:00

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
Sing praises on the harp to our God,
Who covers the heavens with clouds,
Who prepares rain for the earth,
Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.
He gives to the beast its food,
And to the young ravens that cry.
He does not delight in the strength of the horse;
He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him,
In those who hope in His mercy.

Psalm 147:7-11

This is the second round of praise in this psalm. The first round praises God as Almighty and the Deliverer. The round that follows this one praises Him for the ongoing security that He gives to His people. He guards them from enemies and the devastation of natural disasters. He has given them children to carry on after they are gone. He has given them His word so that they will know what to do.

In this second round, we are taught to praise God on a personal level. We are to make music for Him because He is providing for us personally. Even the animals in the wild are His personal concern. The best part is that His personal connection with us is based on our attitude towards Him and not in our ability to use the strength of the world or on our ability to stand on our own two feet. His delight in us is based on our faith and respect for Him. He has close relationship with those who love Him. He is not looking for mighty soldiers to be on His side. He is looking for those who recognize that He is the power of the universe and who follow Him in obedience.

Lord Jesus, may all the praise of my life be for You. Forgive me for the times I have tried to stand on my own two feet instead of relying on You. Thank You for all Your Hand has provided in my life. I know that everything I have has been added to me by You.

Hoping In Your Mercy,

Pastor Jason

Dreams Of Deliverance -- October 1, 2009

2009-10-08T23:37:00.000-06:00

A Song of Ascents.
When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion,
We were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”

Psalm 126:1-2

When Israel went into captivity they hung their harps on the trees even though their captors demanded them to play. Now as they return they can’t believe their deliverance has arrived. They remind me of Peter who thought he was dreaming when the angel came to release him. They laughed and they sang again. Even the other countries recognized how God had saved them.

When the Lord delivers you -- believe it! Shake of the dream state and rejoice with laughter. Sing praises to the Lord! Listen while your neighbors acknowledge how God is working on your behalf. When the Lord sets you free return to Him with thanksgiving in your heart.

Wake me up to Your deliverance Lord!

Pastor Jason

He Came In Peace -- September 30, 2009

2009-10-08T23:00:00.001-06:00

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!

Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!

Behold, your King is coming to you;

He is just and having salvation,

Lowly and riding on a donkey,

A colt, the foal of a donkey.

Zechariah 9:9

Don’t be afraid! Jesus is coming! And He is coming in peace. He tells us Jesus did this to fulfill prophesy. In the center of all the pageantry and fanfare, Jesus made an important distinction by riding a donkey’s colt into Jerusalem. The conquering kings of the day could either ride a horse or a donkey’s colt on the day they were inaugurated. If the rode a horse they were declaring they were coming as a conqueror and with oppression in mind. It was a declaration that they were holding the entire population responsible for the conflict the two regions had just been in. They were letting everyone know they were the boss and things were going to be their way from now on. If they chose the colt they were declaring their peaceful intentions. This was saying they understood it was bad leadership that had caused them to be in conflict with the new King. They were establishing themselves as a benevolent leader; one who would look out for the people’s interest. Jesus’ message to us is that He knows it is the god of this world who is His enemy. He is telling us that He has come with our liberation in mind. This is how Jesus announced Himself to Jerusalem. He came on a humble donkey not a war horse.

Let’s thank God for coming in peace. On the day His people yelled for a conquering Savior Jesus established Himself as the King of Peace. He came to reconcile us to Him not to judge us. (See John 3:16-17 and 2 Corinthians 5:19) We can be glad that He is patient with us. We can let our gratitude spill onto those around us. Let’s represent the peace that Jesus came in. Let’s proclaim the Good News: He came in PEACE!

Thankful for His Peace,

Pastor Jason

The Father's Pleasure -- September 29, 2009

2009-10-08T22:47:00.001-06:00

But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:31-32

What an awesome privilege! We have been assigned the pivotal role of determining where God's kingdom power shall invade this world. What a terrifying responsibility! You may think, Who am I to lay claim to such power? Jesus knew we would be reluctant. Jesus knew we would struggle with feelings of unworthiness. He says, Don't be afraid it is the Father's will to give you the kingdom.

In case you are wondering if it is God's will for you to establish His kingdom in your heart and where you live this is Jesus telling us not to be afraid because His Father, our Father, wants to overcome this world through you. Jesus is the Faithful Witness. We can trust His testimony. He is worthy of our trust and honor.

There is a tender significance in the Greek verb form used here. The text carries the idea. It is the Father's delight to press the kingdom into your childlike hands. It's a beautiful picture our Savior paints for us. The Father's desire to make the gift ensures He will get it to us despite our own weaknesses. Jesus says, “Don't be afraid to receive the powerful potential to change your world. It's the Father's loving gift through you!”

Pleased with His Pleasure,

Pastor Jason

Outside Of The Walls -- September 28, 2009

2009-10-06T11:16:00.002-06:00

1 Then I raised my eyes and looked, and behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand. 2 So I said, “Where are you going?” And he said to me, “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length.” 3 And there was the angel who talked with me, going out; and another angel was coming out to meet him, 4 who said to him, “Run, speak to this young man, saying: ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it. 5 For I,’ says the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’ ”
Zechariah 2:1-5

In 539 B.C. Darius the Great declared that the Jewish people could go home and that Jerusalem could be rebuilt so Ezra and then Nehemiah went to rebuild. 19 years later things aren’t getting done so God sent Haggai and Zechariah to prompt things along. In this vision God shows Zechariah His heavenly plans for Jerusalem. The Lord then sends an angel to measure the city and another angel came to tell that angel that there really wouldn’t be any clear boundaries because Jerusalem would be overflowing with people and wealth. God would protect her and be the glory that lit her up from the inside out.

I believe today that we can align ourselves with that picture of the kingdom to come and echo it here now in this place. The Church of God can be that habitation with God in her midst. That is the definition of the Church: God’s people with Him in their midst. The new city of God is defined by the inhabitants not geography. We can no longer be measured by our ability to hold a certain number of people but by our ability to allow the blessing of God to flow out of us without boundaries.

What is our glory? It is our skill, ability, or even our wealth? No. Our Glory is that God Himself is in our midst. His glory is on our services, ministries, and on every word we speak, especially our prayers. Let’s begin to affect our community wherever we find ourselves by bringing the glory of God with us. Let His Presence be the distinguishing feature in our lives. Rise up Church! Flow over the boundaries of our culture and bless them with the Glory. We don’t need to be afraid because He will protect us like a wall of fire.

Without Walls,

Pastor Jason

Unbeaten -- September 27, 2009

2009-10-03T11:48:00.000-06:00

A Song of Ascents.

“Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth,”
Let Israel now say—
“Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth;
Yet they have not prevailed against me.
The plowers plowed on my back; They made their furrows long.”
The Lord is righteous; He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked.

Psalm 129:1-4

I know how David felt. The enemy of my soul plowed me under many times as a child. My parents’ divorce, an episode of physical abuse, violent struggles for control of my home, and drug use in my home. I felt like a failure while trying to keep everyone from knowing what was really going on at home. Yet he has not prevailed against me. The Lord has carried me through every attack even when I responded wrongly to those around me because I didn’t recognize my enemy. Jesus has cut the cords of the wicked from my life.

If you are in a tough time let me assure that Jesus is there with you. He will cut the enemy from your life. There will be a day when you can say that you have the victory. You will declare, “Yet they have not prevailed against me.” Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. (Romans 8:31-39) Jesus gave everything for you while you were His enemy. What will He do for you now that you are in the family of God? Hold on my friend Jesus will plow the plowers.

Unbeaten,

Pastor Jason

Build Your House -- September 26, 2009

2009-10-03T11:02:00.000-06:00

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127:1-5

I was raised in a very dysfunctional home. What we used to call a broken home. As I grew to adulthood I resolved to have a better family than the one I grew up in. I worked very hard to learn what a good husband does. I worked even harder to be a good father. The problem was I didn’t know what to do in the crisis moments. You can’t always refer to a book when parenting is at the mall or a neighbor’s house. I learned to trust Jesus to lead me. I learned that He wanted my family to be healthy and happy even more than I did. I found out He knew what to do in every situation. The mistakes I made I apologized for so that my kids knew I was trying to do my best by them. I did all the things this passage talks about. I worked hard. I guarded my family. I got up early to go to work and I stayed up late with them when they were sick. But I did these things with Jesus. He gave me rest and a great family!!! My wife and children are the greatest accomplishments of my life. I know they will wreak damage on the enemy of our souls and they will stand against him at every place of authority in their lives. I am satisfied with the accomplishment Jesus has brought to my life through them. All I do now will be beyond what I had hoped.

Thank You Jesus For Building My House,

Jason

Dear Followers!

2009-10-03T10:40:00.002-06:00

I have been struggling with some health issues and have returned to daily blogging. I will soon be back on track with my schedule. Thank you for your patience and your prayers.

Pastor Jason

Reaching For Him -- September 25, 2009

2009-10-03T10:27:00.000-06:00

Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Luke 8:43-48

Luke who is usually more detailed slips this beautiful vignette into this information packed section. Jesus had freed the demoniac at the Gadarenes. He was on His way to heal Jairus’ daughter when this interruption to His ministry stopped His momentum. Jesus almost seems annoyed when He asked who had touched Him but He is looking for the faithful woman who touched Him. Everyone in the crowd was denying they had touched Him when in fact many had touched Him in the throng. Peter noted that the crowd had been jostling Him along and asked if He was seriously trying to figure who had touched Him. Jesus clarified that He was looking for the one who had touched Him in faith. The women came forth afraid; she fell to the ground and told Him what she had done. Jesus encouraged her faith, then He sent her on her way in peace.

What I especially appreciate about Jesus in this passage is that even though He is being hustled about and is on a crisis mission for Jairus, He still takes time for a woman of faith. The woman who was unclean (not supposed to touch anyone), had no money because she had spent it all on doctors, and she had no social standing as a woman was not unimportant to Jesus. He took the time to hear her story and to acknowledge her faith. When I am outcast, poor, and sick I know I can count on Him to take time out with me.

Thanks for Your deep compassion on me Jesus. I am blessed by Your personal care for me. Help me to remember to reach for You in my distress.

In His Peace,

Pastor Jason

Happy In Jesus -- September 24, 2009

2009-10-02T22:37:00.001-06:00

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion.

Psalm 84:5-7

True happiness in a person comes from drawing strength from the Lord. True happiness is for those who are on the journey to become like Him. As they pass through the Valley of Weeping (yes that is the translation for Baca) they make it a place of resource. God also adds to their resource through the natural processes of life. They develop strength they never even knew existed. They live in the kingdom and stand in God’s Presence in the end.

Scripture tells us that kingdom rewards are often gained in what seem to be counterintuitive ways. The happiness that we desire comes from difficult times. We think if we could get everything our way then we will enjoy life. We gain true happiness by overcoming challenges in our lives not by having everything go smoothly.

Lord, I turn to You for strength in the daily challenges of my life. I set my heart on following You. Cover me in your resources as I travel from strength to strength through Your kingdom. Bless me with Your Presence in this life and in the one to come. Stand beside me as I appear before the Father in the end.

Happy In Jesus,

Pastor Jason

Great Exploits -- September 23, 2009

2009-10-02T21:48:00.002-06:00

Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time.

Daniel 11:32-35

The enemy can easily turn those who refuse God’s covenant to his purpose by flattering them into believing they are the elite who know what to do. It is harder to twist those who have a relationship with God that makes them strong and capable. Those who know Him and His ways can even teach others to follow Him even in the midst of enemy’s attack. When those who know Him do fall, they still receive the help of being in relationship with Him while those who know about Him will be fooled. Even those who understand what is going on are occasionally allowed to fall to purge them for the end-times.

We applaud when we hear of those who are strong and carry our great exploits. We hope we are one of those. At least I know I do. Yet what of those who fall for the purpose of purification. How do we respond to the scrubbing the hard times of life bring us. Can we see the refining God has in store for us or do we only feel the pain? Once I had to have a minor surgery that was very painful. I was conscience for the entire event. The doctor kept checking in with me to see if the pain was too much. He had a syringe of Novocain at hand to alleviate any overwhelming pain but I was expected to tolerate some pain and trauma during the procedure. The doctor asked me how I was staying so calm during the surgery when it was obvious that it was hurting. I told him that I was focused on the goal not the process. He was hurting me on purpose. I knew the pain was for the short-term and that the long-term results would be less pain over all as well as an improvement in the quality of life. Are we willing to “fall” for refinement, or must our life roll out easily before to prove His love for us?

Refine Me, O Lord,

Pastor Jason

Prayer Works -- September 22, 2009

2009-09-28T07:02:00.000-06:00

Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.

Daniel 10:12

Daniel was studying Jeremiah’s prophecies when he realized that God had set a time frame for his people to return to their country. Daniel also realized that the people had not in large numbers repented and the prophecy wasn’t being fulfilled because of the people’s unrepentant heart. Daniel began to fast and pray. He confessed the sins of his people in intercession. While he was praying Gabriel came to him and explained the time frame for the Messiah’s first coming as well as the restoration of Israel. This understanding along with the vision that Daniel received overwhelmed Daniel. Still now release for his people. Daniel started another fast. He prayed for his people. Then an angel showed up to let him know that his prayers had been heard. The angel explained the local events that were to happen in Persia and Greece that would bring their release. Daniel fell and told him that the first vision had been too much for him. He asked how he could stand another. The angel strengthened him for the job.

We can take encouragement from Daniel’s prayer life. Even though it seemed as nothing was happening God’s angelic beings were fighting for His people and Daniel’s prayer were somehow affecting the battle positively for his people! Our prayers count. God hears us from the beginning of humble prayers. He will answer. Maybe not with an angel but He will answer.

Lord Jesus, grow Your people in numbers, maturity, and gifting. Send your heavenly warriors to strengthen Your people that your kingdom may grow.

Praying For His People’s Release,

Pastor Jason

His Authority -- September 21, 2009

2009-09-22T06:19:00.000-06:00

Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority.

Luke 4:31-32

Jesus went to Capernaum and began a weekly teaching series on life. He followed it with an exorcism. So the people knew He wasn’t just talk. Then He healed Peter’s mother-in-law and all the city’s sick that were brought to Him. Jesus, who had left Nazareth because of His inability to minister due to their unbelief, delivered all that were in bondage here. They were amazed by His authority instead of offended by familiarity.

They had heard many sermons before from the rabbis in the synagogues. We have specimens of these discourses preserved. They are some of the dullest, disjointed comments upon every conceivable subject in the history of mankind. The scribes quoted the rabbis before them and were afraid to express an idea without bolstering it up by some predecessor. Jesus spoke with the authority of truth, the reality and freshness of the morning light, and the power of God’s Spirit. They delivered their sermons like school boys giving a report while Jesus spoke like a judge giving the verdict. This “style” change astonished them.

His teachings were life-changing for the citizens of this region because they acknowledged His authority. Unlike those in Nazareth who wanted to stone Him, they accepted His power into their lives and allowed it to heal them. The same is true for us today. With the indwelling of the Spirit and the curriculum of Scripture we can experience His authority. We can bring the captive areas of our lives to Him for deliverance or we can reject Him. He will set us free if we bring our brokenness before Him in faith.

Under His Authority,

Pastor Jason

Keeping No Records -- September 20, 2009

2009-09-21T18:33:00.000-06:00

If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
Psalm 130:3-4 (NIV)

Isn't this passage a great comfort? If God required us to be perfect to come to Him we would never make it. Imagine if one traffic violation would forever revoke your driver's license. That's the way it is with sin. Just one minor infraction separates us from God. This portion of scripture tells us that God doesn't keep a record of our sins or we wouldn't be able to stand up to his scrutiny. As a matter of fact, 2 Corinthians 5:19 tells us, "...God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself...", and because He was reconciling the world to Himself, He did not count our sins against us. It is for that reason we can be in relationship with Him.

If we couldn't get into God's kingdom, we would have no incentive to pursue God or even fear His judgment. Since we couldn't avoid judgment, we would do whatever we wanted. Hebrews 11 says it is enough to just believe in Him, but that we must believe He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Since Jesus has given us a second chance we need to seek Him with all our heart, soul, mind and body.

Looking for my Reward,

Pastor Jason

The Cost Of Revealing Hearts -- September 19, 2009

2009-09-20T21:47:00.000-06:00

Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
Luke 2:34-35

Why do we think we won't suffer? Why do we think we shouldn't suffer? Simeon told Mary that not only would her son suffer but she would too. A sword would pierce her soul. She would agonize while being highly favored. It would hurt to be blessed among women. Terror would be the companion of the comfort He would bring. Yes, He would raise many to greatness and cause the fall of some who were in power. He would split time in two, dividing the age but what would be the cost? To expose the truth about where people were in their He would be lifted up on a Cross as a sign to be spoken against.

If Jesus who never did anything wrong suffered in this life, what will it be like for those of us who have done evil? If Jesus was hated, mocked and killed, what should those of us who claim Him as Lord expect from this world? In 1 Peter 4 the apostle tells us not to think of trials as strange for us. He tells us we shouldn't be surprised. We should rejoice in our suffering because of the glory of God that can be worked into us at those times.

Understanding the Opportunity,

Pastor Jason

Certainty -- September 18, 2009

2009-09-18T23:13:00.001-06:00

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

Luke 1:1-4

Luke was a doctor. He was a very logical person. He investigated all the narratives of the Lord’s life as well as take interviews with many who had been eyewitnesses from the beginning. Having made a detailed study of Christ’s life, death and resurrection Luke wants to make sure that his disciple can be confident in his faith.

Like Theophilus ( friend of God) we can be certain about the scripture that we indoctrinate ourselves with. We can gain confidence from His Presence. We need more: He has included us in His plan. If we study the scripture we will see that it is an orderly account of God’s dealings with His people throughout history. We can trust the things of God have been put together in an orderly account.

Keep me in Your word so that my faith may grow increasingly stronger. Help me serve You in meaningful ways. I will instruct others in the way You have led me.

Reading The Word,

Pastor Jason

See That You Do Not Do That -- September 17, 2009

2009-09-17T19:23:00.000-06:00

Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

Revelation 22:8-9

John had seen the Lamb take the scroll and the unfolding of God’s plan for the future and tried to worship the angel who showed him the vision. The angel of course refused the worship and explained that he was a fellow servant. He was on the same level as the prophets and John the apostle. This angel refused to take any extra credit for being the one who delivered the message.

We need to learn a lesson from this angel. We are sent as servants to bring messages to others. Sometimes those we serve think we are the one they should be grateful to. Like our angelic role model we must see that they do not see us as the source instead of Jesus as the One who provides. Probably we will not actually be worshipped but we can be given too much credit for the role we have played in ministering to them. We can find ourselves with those who think we are something when what we really want is for them to connect to Jesus.

Lord, never let me “lord” any gift You give over those You have sent me to serve. I reject any glory from my life. To You belongs all glory and honor forever.

Your Fellow Servant,

Pastor Jason

A Walk In His Ways - September 16, 2009

2009-09-16T22:58:00.000-06:00

Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the Lord.

Psalm 128:1-4

Following the Lord is good for those around you as well as for you. When you fear/respect the Lord’s ways enough to actually live them out it will afford you the labor of your hand. Following Him will make you happy and your life will be good. It will also affect those who live with you.
Who doesn’t want to live with a productive wife whose focus is centered on their home? This kind of woman is wonderful. It doesn’t necessarily mean she doesn’t have a job or community interests. It means these things are based in building her own home. Proverbs 31 describes a woman like this. She is involved in the commerce of the home but it is for the sake of the home. She is a highly competent person. Her abilities are varied; she can operate in many venues. Some of the responsibility for having a good spouse rests on each of us. We husbands should support and encourage our wives to develop all their skill. Wives should support their husbands too of course. Following the Lord means we are not putting each other down; no we lift the other person up to be the best they can be.

Who doesn’t want to have children who want to be home? This psalm tells us that not only will they be around our table but they will be like olive plants. They will have the potential to be trees in their own right one day. Our children are what we leave behind in the world. They are a major way that we strike the darkness in the world.

The last line is great. See, this is how those who respect the Lord are blessed. I know not everything goes our way but by choosing God’s way we choose life and that affects the people we are connected with! When we follow Him we will not labor in vain but be nourished by our own labor because our labor is His labor.

Blessed In My Family,

Pastor Jason

Generational Commendations -- September 15, 2009

2009-09-15T23:03:00.001-06:00

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.

Psalm 145:3-6

I really like the generational connection from one to the other. I am blessed to have all my children following the Lord and serving Him in some form of ministry. That would be enough but they do it with sincere hearts. They are authentic worshippers. They worship God with their hearts.

Lord, Your blessing to me was a great family. I have told my children of Your deeds and they have declared Your power. I have meditated on Your wonderful works and they have told many of your splendid majesty. I love this passage because I have lived it.

Great is the Lord,

Pastor Jason

Prophesy Of Christ -- September 14, 2009

2009-09-14T09:06:00.001-06:00

Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Revelation 19:9-10

As John receives the revelation and the directions to write down its interpretation he is overwhelmed by the angel’s presence. He falls down to worship the angel who stops him to declare himself a fellow servant. He commands worship of God and explains that worship testifies of Jesus. He tells John that the core of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.

We need to see from this that our genuine worship is what testifies to others of who Jesus is. When we give heartfelt worship to Christ our lifestyle, as well as our words, become prophetic. Worship is evangelism. It testifies of Jesus and speaks His love into their lives. When others see that the Lord is good they will taste and see for themselves. He is like honey to their lives. Moses wished for all of God’s people to prophesy. (Numbers 11:29) Paul wrote that he wished we would all prophesy. (1 Corinthians 14:5) We can prophesy through a life of worship that will testify to the world of Jesus’ greatness.

Lord, release your Spirit upon me as I worship You. Let my life be a prophetic beacon to those around me. Let my worship tell others about You whether they know you are not. You are great and have saved me. You are high and lifted up yet meet us in the throne room of grace to provide the grace and mercy we need. Let Your name be upon my lips. Jesus, You are Lord of all!!

I Worship You, Lord,

Pastor Jason

Sudden Judgment -- September 13, 2009

2009-09-13T23:54:00.000-06:00

“The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’
Revelation 18:9-10

The judgment of God is sudden. Just because we aren’t immediately punished for our sins doesn’t meant that we got away with it. Those who were involved with Babylon were fearful because of the suddenness of the judgment that came upon her. They grieved for her but none went to save her when the judgment came. None of them wanted to get too close.

Stay on guard so that we can at least repent before we revert to comforting ourselves. Stay away from those who serve themselves. We never know when God’s judgment will come. It is up to us to be sober-minded. Then we will be far away, working on what the Lord has pointed out as sin in our lives.

Shanin and I love you and only wish to see you prosper as the Lord prospers your souls. With great love,

Pastor Jason

In The Fire -- September 12, 2009

2009-09-12T23:09:00.000-06:00

Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”

Daniel 3:24-25

Nebuchadnezzar became enraged when Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah would not bow to the image he had set up for his kingdom’s subjects to worship. He was reasonable and gave them a chance to correct their mistake. Their reply was so elegant that Britain used it as a request for help from the United States during World War II. Because they would not comply with his ungodly command Nebuchadnezzar turned the heat up seven times on his furnace. It was so hot that the men who threw them in died. Then the Son of God showed up and walked through the fire with them.

Jesus did not plan for us to be without conflict in this world. He did not save us from the world. He has saved us in the world. He came to be with us and walk with us through this life to heaven. He prayed for us before He died for us. He asked the Father to keep us from the evil one, not to remove us from this broken world. (John 17:15) When the heat is on in this world Jesus is right there with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. He has planned for our victory over this world not for our retreat from it.

Thank You, Jesus, because You always bring us triumphantly through when we follow God’s way. This is the way You advanced Your kingdom. Thank You, for letting us (me) be part of Your kingdom victory. Thank You for walking me through the fire to pass every challenge in my life.

His Is With Me,

Pastor Jason

The Chief Magician -- September 11, 2009

2009-09-11T09:43:00.000-06:00

Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.

Daniel 1:19-21

The enemies of God try to imitate His gifts. They try to exalt themselves and make sure that everyone thinks they are important. But God’s gifts are “ten time better” than all the others. Daniel continued as the undisputed leader of the “magicians” during the seventy years of exile Israel experienced as judgment for worshipping false gods. He never compromised his faith even though he was young when taken captive. He made up his mind to serve God alone. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah stood with him as the leaders of the godly remnant of God’s people.

We need to set our hearts like these four young men did. Our hearts need to be set to follow Jesus alone. Our faith has to know that His gifts surpass any magic the demonic forces of this world can offer. These young men stood tall among their peers, becoming leaders of the nation that led the world. Time and time again they refused to bow to any but the One True God. In every way He showed Himself able to save and promote them. They continued until Cyrus proclaimed the rebuilding of God’s temple and released the Jews to begin returning home. Daniel looked like the greatest magician in the kingdom and was even put in charge of them. But he was far from what they were. He was trying to promote God’s kingdom not his own notoriety. Since he humbled himself to do God’s will, God promoted him over those demonic forces and their human hosts.

Lord, thank You for the favor You have given me among those I am in contact with. Let me use my influence to promote Your ways. Bless those around me by my ministry in Your Spirit. Reveal needs like You did for Daniel so that he could witness to the king he served. Let my witness to those around me be clear and personal like Daniel’s. Pour Your gifts into me so that I can demonstrate Your greatness to all those around me.

Ten Times Better With You,

Pastor Jason

Affliction From God -- September 10, 2009

2009-09-10T22:21:00.002-06:00

For the Lord will not cast off forever. Though He causes grief, Yet He will show compassion According to the multitude of His mercies. For He does not afflict willingly, Nor grieve the children of men.

Lamentations 3:31-33

Jeremiah has been through the ringer by this time in his ministry. The prophet feels as though the Lord Himself has made it harder on the prophet than necessary. He feels like collateral damage after he has stood and ministered where the Lord had called him. It feels like the Lord has set him up by putting him in the line of fire. Yet the man of God can’t forget God’s mercy nor can he put away his hope. He knows the Lord to well. He knows that God will give his people another chance. He knows that God does not take joy in disciplining His people.

I am thankful that God is so merciful that in the midst of terrible suffering Jeremiah recognizes that God’s mercy has kept Him from utterly destroying them. Jeremiah declares “… His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) He recommits his hope in the Lord and then reminds himself of the benefits of being God’s man. He will bless those who wait on Him. He has brought Jeremiah’s trouble in his youth so he will live to see God restore Israel. Jeremiah calls for the people to examine themselves and repent so that the Lord can restore them sooner.

Thank you, Jesus, that you are a God who is compassionate. Thanks too, that you afflict us unwillingly out of necessity to bring us to repentance so that we can be restored to You. Help me to always see things like Jeremiah in the end. Your mercies never fail – I can receive them every day. Let me draw near to You in repentance quickly when I sin. Let me be quick to examine my life before You. Help me love You because You first loved me.

Looking Forward To Each Day’s Mercies,

Pastor Jason

Pride Makes A Long Fall

2009-09-09T15:01:00.001-06:00

The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the cleft of the rock, whose habitation is high; you who say in your heart, "Who will bring me down to the ground?" " Though you ascend as high as the eagle, and and though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down," says the Lord.
Obadiah 1:3-4

The Edomites had taken advantage of the Israel when the Chaldeans had ransacked the city. They went into Jerusalem afterward and took what they wanted. They thought since they had such an advantageous position in their high, rocky kingdom, they would be able to avoid the consequences of this wanton attack. God had other plans and declared His judgment by Obadiah.

Pride is very dangerous. Especially when it is based on the position the Lord has given us. Pride deceives us into thinking that what we have is deserved based on our person. Just because we are first today doesn't mean we will be first tomorrow. Humility keeps us grounded so that the Lord does not have to ground us.

Lord, thank you for all the blessings (advantages) You have put in my life. Never let me think they come from my own resources. Remind me that all I have belongs to You -- came from You.

Under His Blessings,

Pastor Jason
Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Looking For His City -- September 8, 2009

2009-09-08T05:50:00.000-06:00

As we have heard, So we have seen In the city of the Lord of hosts, In the city of our God: God will establish it forever. Selah We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness, In the midst of Your temple. According to Your name, O God, So is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness.

Psalm 48:8-10

By faith we see the things of God that we have heard about. It was by faith that the ancients along with us understood the universe was a created thing. It was by faith that Noah built the ark and saved all who came through him. It was by faith that Abraham looked out across time and saw the Lamb the Lord provided and in his faith he saw the city whose builder and maker was God. (Hebrews 11) Paul taught us that faith comes by hearing the word of God. (Romans 10:17)

Have you heard? Have you seen? God’s kingdom is established forever. His love will minister to those who are in His kingdom forever. Let us hear that God has promised to build us a city that will stand forever. A place where His lovingkindness is always present. We will praise Him like it has already happened since He never goes back on His word. His word is as good as His name. We can count on Him because He is full of righteousness.

Lord, open my spiritual eyes. Show me what I am waiting for. Help me live like Your kingdom has come in its fullness. Fill my heart with praise by revealing Your love as I worship you. I worship You because of Your demonstration of righteous love. You are great throughout the earth. Let the Name of Jesus be raised everywhere so that all might hear and see.

I See His City,

Pastor Jason

Neighborhood Watch -- September 7, 2009

2009-09-07T22:49:00.001-06:00

So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

Revelation 12:9-12

Here we have the results of the crucifixion and the resurrection. Satan was cast to earth so that he could never go to heaven again to accuse us like he did Job. The accuser has been cast down so that he can only accuse us to each other not before God. We are able to overcome him by the testimony we have in the blood of the Lamb and by not loving our lives more than the Lamb. Now heaven is rejoicing to be rid of the trouble-maker. Here on earth it is a different story. We are the ghetto of the universe where Satan and his angels are quarantined. We are under his intense attack because he knows that his time is limited.

The result of God’s limiting Satan is that we are left to overcome him until the end of his time. This is good news for the universe in general but bad news for those of us who have to live in his neighborhood. God has not thrown a bully that we cannot stop into our lives. No, He has given us tools to build a great life that doesn’t end here. He has given us weapons to defeat the enemy of our soul so that we do not need to live in fear. We have only to stand in the strength that He has given us.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the abilities and implements we need to build and defend our lives. Help me to be aware of you will and movement so that I can lead Your people effectively. Provide the skills, focus, materials we need to build Your kingdom in our region. Bless Your church with the knowing that You have blessed us with every spiritual blessing.

Keeping The Neighborhood Clean,

Pastor Jason

His Kingdom On The Rise -- September 6, 2009

2009-09-06T22:34:00.001-06:00

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.

Revelation 11:15-17

When the trumpet sounds and God’s kingdom is announced those who God has given place to in heaven will initiate worship. Thanks will be given to the eternal God who has been ruling behind the scenes from beginning. God will be worshipped because He has used His power to take control of our entire universe and begun His direct rule.

I need to be ready to worship God whenever He interacts in my life. Recently I asked for a schedule change from my employer. I expected to lose benefits because of the reduction of hours. However my boss who the Lord has given me favor with arranged for me to keep all of my benefits! I couldn’t believe it. I have been telling everyone this week and I have been praying for the Lord to help me be wisely productive on the job so that I can honor Him there.

Thanks to You, Jesus. You were, You are, and You always will be! I worship You for acting in my life. Let me be and initiator of praise and worship. I worship You because You set my world in order.

On My Face,

Pastor Jason

Indigestion -- September 5, 2009

2009-09-05T07:01:00.001-06:00

Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, “Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth.” So I went to the angel and said to him, “Give me the little book.” And he said to me, “Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.” Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter. And he said to me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.”

Revelation 10:8-11

In his vision John saw an angel with a scroll and now he is being told to eat the scroll. The angel warns him that it will be delicious but it will also be hard to digest. John ate the scroll and found that it was sweet. Afterward it did become bitter in his stomach, then he found out he was charged with delivering the word in many situations.

It seems to me that the scroll is the word of God that brings a spirit of revelation/prophecy on those who take it in. John finds the initial experience to be delightful. He relishes the position the understanding God’s word has given him. Then he finds that digesting the word in a way that gives clear understanding to the burden of living right and expressing what you have found to others is uncomfortable. James 1:22-25 says that if we only hear the word and don’t put it into effect in our lives we are only teasing ourselves into thinking we are OK. We are required to live out God’s word not just be happy we heard it. Neither John nor James complains about the discomfort of serving instead of hearing only they are just frank about the cost of obeying God’s word.

Jesus, Your word is sweet to me. Help me live it out in real life ways even when it is uncomfortable. Forgive me for the times I have complained about the responsibilities that come with it. Like Jeremiah, I sometimes feel like You deceived me (Jeremiah 20:7-9) and my position is too tough to handle but I cry with Jeremiah for You to heal me so I can move on and shepherd the people you have given to my care. With Jeremiah I won’t hurry away from being a shepherd who follows You. (Jeremiah 17:14-17) I know You are with me to protect me so I stay where you have called me.

Digesting The Word,

Pastor Jason

Re-Repenting -- September 4, 2009

2009-09-04T07:26:00.001-06:00

But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

Revelation 9:20-21

Throughout scripture, from the beginning to the end, the failure of mankind to repent in the face of the consequences of our sins as been highlighted numerous times. Here at the end of time with the very world coming apart and people dying in droves, mankind refuses to give up the false gods and immoral behaviors that mark their service to the demonic forces that drive them. Like Pharaoh who hardened his heart against God until God hardened his heart so that he could not stop chasing the children of Israel into the Red Sea, mankind cannot turn away from the habits they have lived by. Their idols are powerless and only used as a way to justify their sinful behavior.

This is a warning to us all to live a lifestyle of repentance. Our hearts are too easily hardened so we need to guard against letting our anger or lusts cause us to hang on to sins in spite of the burden that comes with them. Soft hearts before the Lord is what we who believe in Jesus must cultivate in themselves. We don’t to find ourselves trapped in bondage to sin. We certainly don’t want to find ourselves fighting against God’s justice.

Lord, forgive me for the hard places in my heart. Soften me by Your Holy Spirit’s ministry. I turn from those things that are higher than You in my life. Thank You for Your grace and mercy for all who reach to You in hope and willingness to let You change their lives. Change my life again and again as I learn to keep turning my heart to You and Your ways. You are the one true God who lives, hears us, sees us, and walks with us.

To You Alone Be The Glory,

Pastor Jason

Valuable In Christ -- September 3, 2009

2009-09-03T06:35:00.000-06:00

He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name.

Psalm 111:9

I am thankful for the redemption that Jesus has sent to us as His people. Our salvation through Christ is the greatest gift anyone has given us. Our Father sent our deliverance by special delivery through Jesus! He brought worth with Him from heaven and invested it back into us. Now we have incomparable value because we are joint heirs with Christ. We have access to the blessings of God.

Our redemption is secure by the command that the covenant is forever. Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever. His salvation will carry us through eternity. We can count on Him to love and care for us forever. His love will be with us without end. It truly is amazing that it will never wane. He is an awesome God.

Thanks again Jesus! Help me to live in the security of the redemption You have sent to me. Let me live in the worthiness You have imparted to me in Christ. You are Holy and Awesome. Thank You for your unending love.

Redeemed,

Pastor Jason

Sinners Die -- September 2, 2009

2009-09-02T06:12:00.000-06:00

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!”

Ezekiel 18:30-32

God is falsely accused of going overboard in His judgment against Israel. His people are saying that He enjoys punishing the wicked so much that He punishes close relatives for the sins of others. They had made their own proverb: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children’s teeth are set on edge’? (Ezekiel 18:2) God told them to stop using it because all the souls they were talking about belonged to Him and that He took no pleasure in their destruction but that sin brings death to them. Every soul who sins will die. (Ezekiel 18:20) Don’t let your iniquity be your ruin.

God also reveals here it isn’t about our behavior but about the heart that commits the behavior. If a sinner turns his heart around and changes his ways then his iniquity is put away and he lives. If a righteous man grows hard in his heart and turns to sin he is a sinner and will die. God urges us to cast away our sins by getting a new heart and a new attitude. His grace is not a New Testament upgrade. It is an integral part of His character. He cannot abide sin because He is holy, and He cannot abide our deaths because He loves us so He sent Jesus to make a new and living way for us to find our way back to Him.

If you are sinning as a lifestyle turn around. Set your heart on following Him. I do not advocate a specific church or denomination as the means for salvation, not even the one I lead. I say turn from the sinful folly in your life to Jesus and go where He takes you. Let Him lead you in everything in your life, including your place of worship. Jesus is the only name men must believe in to be saved. God is not enjoying the destruction of the sinners live, He is hoping for the changing of the sinner’s heart. He is looking forward to their repentance and life with Him!

Cleanse Me, Oh Lord,

Pastor Jason

Save Me Now -- September 1 , 2009

2009-09-01T06:16:00.000-06:00

To the Chief Musician.
A Psalm Of David.
To Bring to Remembrance.

Make haste, O God, to deliver me!
Make haste to help me,
O Lord! Let them be ashamed and confounded
Who seek my life;
Let them be turned back and confused
Who desire my hurt.
Let them be turned back because of their shame,
Who say, “Aha, aha!”
Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
And let those who love Your salvation say continually,
“Let God be magnified!”
But I am poor and needy;
Make haste to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O Lord, do not delay.
Psalm 70

I always want the Lord to hurry up and save me. I want Him to come and get me out of struggles. I want Him to settle the conflicts I am in and I want Him to settle them in my favor. David wanted the same thing and he asked God for them. He asked based on his salvation and for God’s glory. He asked God to do it in recognition of his dependence on God. David wanted his deliverance to be a rally point for believers.

Why are we asking God to save us from the difficulties of life? Is it because we want Him glorified or because we want our lives to be easy? James says God doesn’t always grant us our petitions in prayer because we ask for things we are lusting after to use for our own selfish, immature purposes. Our prayers are powerful tools/weapons God has given us so we can advance the kingdom. We can’t use them like a little child who wants their way.

Lord Save Me! Save me from the things that will take me away from Your kingdom purposes. Save me from the people that are truly your enemies. Hurry God, don’t let Your glory be diminished. When my brothers and sisters in Christ see your salvation let them worship You. When unbelievers see you work in my life let it lift Your reputation up in their lives so they may be saved if possible.

Do Not Delay,

Pastor Jason

The Lion & The Lamb -- August 31, 2009

2009-08-31T21:05:00.000-06:00

…one of the elders said…, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” And I looked… and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain... Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

Revelation 5:5-7

Jesus is designated as the most important person from Israel and that makes Him the most important person on the earth because Israel is God’s chosen people. He is designated as the leader of the tribe of Judah who became the tribe of promise because Rueben, Simeon and Levi forfeited their opportunities through gross sin. He is also presented as the foundation and source of their authority on earth as the “root of David”.

The elder announces the “Lion” prevailing but when John looks the “Lamb” stands in their midst to take the scroll. Even though Jesus is depicted as positioned in all power it is His sacrifice that makes Him worthy to take the scroll from the One on the throne. The next section of this passage basis all its praise and worship for the Lamb on His being slain as a sacrifice. All the greatness that is ascribed to Jesus is because of the redemption He bought with His sacrifice!

We need to apply this to every aspect of our Christian walk. Do you want to share your faith with someone? Serve them, sacrifice for them and you will have the credibility you need. Do you desire for your family to mature in Christ? Minister to them in quiet sacrifice and watch God move them. Do you wish to minister in the church? Serve sacrificially and you will find yourself rising to a position of responsibility. The basis for our credibility in the lives of others is the same as Jesus’. Our credibility is based on our sacrifice not the position Jesus has placed us in. When all the denial, delusion and distraction are put away the key to reaching people is the same one Christ used to reach us-sacrificial love.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,

Pastor Jason

Holy, Holy, Holy -- August 30, 2009

2009-08-31T01:06:00.001-06:00

The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”

Revelation 4:8

The angels cry three holies because they are announcing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These creatures are full of eyes so that they can see all that God is revealing moment. As He reveals the next new thing about Himself the angels cry out to Him again in worship, “Holy, holy, holy…”

They don’t rest day or night because new revelation keeps coming at them so they are in a continuous state of fresh worship. As they look upon the Lord full of eyes they see the Lord in His glory increasing and they have to worship Him again. He is the God they used to worship, the God they are worshipping and the God who they will worship in heaven. Jesus is HOLY. He is beyond reproach. They will continue to worship Him until throughout eternity.

We too can continue to look into who Christ is with our spiritual eyes and we can continually worship Him as He keeps revealing His majestic person to us every day through our time alone with Him. Some of that time needs to be worshipping His holiness and the beauty of that attribute in our private time before Him. We will never stop being amazed new character qualities that He will show us in our personal times with Him.

Holy, Holy, Holy,

Pastor Jason

Receiving Love

2009-08-29T23:23:00.001-06:00

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:19-20

Along with this passage I read Ezekiel 4-7. That section of scripture is all about how God is going to diminish Israel for their sins. It seems pretty dismal. A long siege where a third of the population are scattered to the wind as they flee, a third are to die by the sword in the actual war, and a third to die from the pestilence and starvation brought on by the siege. Yet when we read here in Revelation it tells us that God rebukes and corrects those He loves. Since we know that the things that strike us are in love we need to honor him whatever the situation we find ourselves.

If we will repent earnestly and open the door to Him, Jesus will come in and share our lives. Jesus will be our close friend. He will be as close to us as we will allow Him to be. We will share our meals with Him and He will share His resources with us. And when we overcome our tepid, mediocre commitment to Him, He will seat us with Himself on the throne in Heaven.

Throw off the shackles of average sinner and put on the new man that Jesus has provided for us. Accept the correction and even chastening. Move the way God is insisting so that we are not spewed out of His mouth and so that we can have a place minister His love in.

Receiving His Love,

Pastor Jason

Going First -- August 28, 2009

2009-08-28T08:36:00.000-06:00

Moreover He said to me: “Son of man, receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears. And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ whether they hear, or whether they refuse.” Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a great thunderous voice: “Blessed is the glory of the Lord from His place!”

Ezekiel 3:10-12

Ezekiel was one of the captives during the exile into Babylon. He was Jeremiah’s counterpart. Jeremiah was in Jerusalem prophesying to those who were resisting the Chaldeans while Ezekiel was with the captives far from home relocated along the river so they could support the war effort against their own country. The Babylonians placed them along the river so that the crops they grew and the goods they manufactured could be easily transported.

Chapter one tells us plainly that Ezekiel was with the captive when he received his prophetic calling. It was a significant calling and left him bewildered for seven days. Here subjected to God’s judgment against his people God tells him to receive all the words that God will speak to him into his heart. God isn’t asking for obedience only. He wants Ezekiel to let the word into his heart. He wants Ezekiel to digest the words of the prophecies not just repeat them to the others. There are a few things that I really noticed about his circumstances.

First, God was still ministering to His people even though they were being disciplined. He sent them a prophet to serve them by explaining the huge events that were occurring in their lives. God did not silently punish them. I am thankful that God is not a distant Father but a present help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1) He is still available to help us today. (Hebrews 4:16) I also noticed that even though he was called to be the watchman to cry out the warnings and explanations of God’s judgment to his people he was not separate form them. He was not excluded from God’s judgments. He lived through the captivity with them. As a pastor I know this will be true for me to. I will share in struggles of life that those I serve. God has sent me to lay down my life so I will right in the midst of life’s struggles.

It seems to me that Christians in general believe they will be exempted from difficult times because they know Jesus. Christian leaders are often shocked to find themselves in the same straights as those they lead. I believe it is His plan for us to go through it with the people, leading by example how to face the challenges that will come before us. We should be willing to go through it before they do and openly before them so they can have a model to follow. Leaders should face tough times first and they should do it in front of the others. Then the others will know that God has not forsaken them in the struggle. Isn’t that what leading is?

Going First,

Pastor Jason

Focus On Him -- August 27, 2009

2009-08-27T07:10:00.000-06:00

Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is distressed. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah Answer me speedily, O Lord; My spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, Lest I be like those who go down into the pit.

Psalm 143:4-7

When David was in trouble and his life was too much for him he thought back to the ‘good old days’ when God had miraculously intervened in the nation’s affairs to save them. He thought of all the mighty things God had done in the past. He remembered God as creator and sustainer of the universe. He thought about how God had rescued him from the bear and the lion while he guarded his father’s sheep. He recalled how the Lord had anointed him and made him king. David didn’t let his overwhelming circumstance shape his frame of mind.

It was with this focus on God’s greatness and His compassionate involvement in David’s life that he called out to the Lord to save him. He spread out his hands to show they were empty and he depended on God. He describes his longing for the Lord as thirst to show his need is great and calls for a speedy answer so that he will not fail the Lord. He does not want to be seen as the same as those who don’t know the Lord.

What about us? When I am in trouble I often try to make my own way out. When I am under pressure and feel overwhelmed I often examine the problem and how big it is instead of thinking of Jesus and all He has done. I want to have a heart like David’s. I want my heart to turn to Him instead to my own resources. Lord let me see Your face today. Hurry to help me so that I don’t forget who I count on. As I remember to focus on You, mark me as different from those who don’t know you so they will see they need you too. Lord, I long for you today! Fill me today as I thirst for you.

Thinking Of Him,

Pastor Jason

True Prosperity -- August 26, 2009

2009-08-26T09:46:00.002-06:00

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 John 2

What a great prayer for Gaius. John is praying for the salvation he has received in his spirit to be released into his soul and that it will begin to affect his life beneficially in practical, physical ways. As Gaius appropriates more and more of his salvation in his soul presently John asks that he prosper in all those areas as well as health. Like Gaius we can attain real prosperity by living in the truth. We live in the truth by putting scriptural doctrines and principal into practice, not just reading about them.

I pray this same prayer for myself, spouse, children, friends, church, and co-workers. Following Jesus in word and action is what is desirable for our lives. It not only produces eternal character qualities, it benefits us here in our immediate future with godly prosperity. We can't afford to pass on these blessings.

Today let's add one teaching or behavior from Christ to our lives. That way we will begin to prosper our souls in a way that will spill over into the rest of our lives. Then we will have blessed resources to share with those who need salvation and those who have yet learned to prosper in the same area of blessing we have achieved.

Praying For Your Prosperity,

Pastor Jason

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Prophetic Advice -- August 25, 2009

2009-08-25T21:12:00.001-06:00

But Jeremiah said, “They shall not deliver you. Please, obey the voice of the Lord which I speak to you. So it shall be well with you, and your soul shall live.

Jeremiah 38:20

Jeremiah had told King Zedekiah the Lord wanted him to surrender to the Chaldeans if he wanted to survive. He had assured him that the Babylonian army would sack the city if they didn’t surrender. Zedekiah was afraid of the people who had already defected. He feared the Chaldeans would turn him over to the previous defectors for them to torture. Jeremiah gives the king advice that we can use.

The advice: Obey the voice of the Lord… so things will be easier on you and so that you will live. We face the same choice as we walk with Jesus today. We can obey His voice or walk in fear of those around us. When we obey His voice we find that even the circumstances that God has sent to turn us from choosing the wrong things in our lives can work out well for us bringing life with the choice. When we fear others it costs us more than obeying the Lord.

Zedekiah was afraid of the captives. When he tried to escape his whole royal court was destroyed, his sons were killed before him, and then the Chaldean’s blinded him so that the death of his sons was his last sight before chaining him for transport to Babylon for their king. Zedekiah could have been another exile in Babylon for 70 years. His sons could have survived to give him more descendants. Instead he lost everything and was imprisoned until he died.

This is a very clear principal for us to learn. Obey the Lord to be living, free, and blessed. Obey the fear of others to be grieved, blind and imprisoned. Walk in obedience to Jesus today. Hear His voice inside of you resonate as you read His word, listen to good teaching, or when a good friend speaks His word to you. Then obey that voice! Lord, help me hear and obey.

Prophetic Advice,

Pastor Jason

Calling God -- August 24, 2009

2009-08-24T18:36:00.000-06:00

'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'
Jeremiah 33:3

In this verse call means to recognize the position of person and who you are calling -- the call is based on who is being called. We need to base our prayers on Who we are calling not what we need. Jesus promises us that He will answer with resources we don't know about. We think we know how we want Him to answer our prayers, but we don't know all the possibilities. I love David's declaration in 2 Sam 22:4 David-- I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies. I will call on the God of the universe because of His worth and because He is able to save!

In I Kings 18, Elijah that prince of prophets asked the Jewish people to choose which God they were serving. Which God they would pray to? His plan was simple. Call upon Yahweh and Baal and see who would answer. Then they could choose once and for all who they would cry out to. Elijah gave them every advantage. He let them go first. He let them choose the sacrifice and they outnumbered him 850 to one. The crowd was unsupportive, he had to rebuild the altar, and he even poured water on the altar, drenching it. Of course we know looking back that the prophets of Baal were unable to rouse their false god to answer and they wore themselves out. Yahweh answered with fire in adverse conditions and all the people fell down and said Yahweh, He is God. Who do we trust? Who do we call to? As we approach Jesus each day, I challenge us to search our hearts and make sure that we trust Him alone.

Yahweh, You are my God!

Pastor Jason

Perfected Love -- August 23, 2009

2009-08-23T10:28:00.000-06:00

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.

1 John 4:17-19

Here is the key to our confidence whenever we stand before the Lord, but especially in the Day of Judgment. We are like Jesus in this world; we are not part of this world. We are aliens and strangers passing through to our home. Since we are like Him we are caught in His love which drives fear from us because we know that he will not torment Jesus or us because we are like Him.

When we are fearful we are not mature in our understanding or practice of love. If we think we love others but have torment saved for them we know it is not genuine love for them but control for ourselves. If we understand true love we know that it always acts in our best interest as much as is practically possible. Otherwise love allows us to run on in our course and accepts that there will consequences for our behaviors. Jesus doesn’t bully us into behaving; He allows the results of our sins to punish us.

On the other hand I have seen Christians try to force each other into what they thought were proper behaviors. Husbands and wives nagging each other to try and bring change to the other person. Parents hounding their kids. Instead we should allow them to face the consequences of their choices. We should even give some consequences as long as they are righteous and naturally fit the sin displayed against us. If a family member lies to us it is natural and right for us to lessen our trust in them. It someone destroys our property (whether they are related or not) it is natural to restrict their access. In families these common-sense responses sometimes go by the wayside in the name of love. It is a love that is imperfect and immature. We allow our “loved” ones to forego the pain of their behavior and teach them that it is OK to sin against family. We should teach them that love doesn’t go anywhere while the limits are being maintained.

When I stand before Jesus I fully expect to give an accounting for my behavior. I am not looking forward to parts of that accounting. I am looking forward to seeing Him with my eyes and moving past our issues into a perfected relationship through love.

Fearful No More,

Pastor Jason

Showing Who We Are -- August 22, 2009

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In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest:

Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

1 John 3:10

The Holy Spirit is letting us know how to tell believers from non-believers. Righteousness. Brotherly Love. These two characteristics mark God’s people. God’s people will practice righteousness and they will love their fellow believers with more than words. It is not surprising that the system built by unbelievers flows against us. As we stand against flow of the world system we need to love and support each other.

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8) Those who have been born of God will stop sinning and the seed of God grows in Him. Surely John is thinking back to the parable Jesus told about the four kinds of soil. (Matthew 13:1-8, Mark 4:1-8, & Luke 8:4-8) If the seed remains it produces fruit. If it is taken away, burned out, or choked out then the soil is unproductive.

Our love for each other is the proof that we have received salvation. It shows that we understand that Christ died for us before He asked anything of us. We understand that He has laid His life down for ours, so our life belongs to Him. We like Him are ready to lay down our life for our brothers. We love with more than words. We are able to share our time, talent, and treasures when God’s family (our family?) is in need. Obeying the commandment to love one another is what keeps our conscience clean. This clear conscience gives us confidence with Jesus. With this confidence we are able to ask for God’s blessings because we know we have been helping others. We know that God will honor us when we obey Him by imitating His character. God is a giver and He honors those who give freely like Him.

Let’s distinguish ourselves from the world by letting the seed of God grow in us until it pushes out the unrighteousness in us. Let’s prove our salvation by love for the family of God. Scripture commands us to love each other like Jesus did. Let’s obey that command to honor our Lord and proclaim His message with authority.

Tending The Soil Of My Heart,

Pastor Jason

He Is Good! -- August 21, 2009

2009-08-21T15:08:00.000-06:00

You pushed me violently, that I might fall, But the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.

Psalm 118:13-14

Has this ever happened to you? Has someone tried to cause you to fail? Did they give you a nudge over the cliff? How did it turn out? Did the Lord help you? Did He become your strength and song (joy) when yours was gone?

I have had this happen to me. As a matter of fact the very people who I was submitted to and counting have been the ones who gave me the push. I know that often they thought they were doing the right thing, while from my perspective it was devastating. It is in these times that we have a choice. Psalm is a prophecy of the first coming of Christ. The Stone that the leaders rejected God lifted up to become the key to life eternal. Like Christ when we are pushed violently we can save ourselves or we can put our confidence in God’s goodness and everlasting mercy. It is in these times that He really becomes our Salvation.

The writer, speaking for Christ, says, “I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.” In a shaky world Jesus can help us keep our footing by giving us some room to maneuver. We need to only obey Him inside of the lines He has placed in our lives so that the broad place will be opened before us. When we come through the temptation or trial by obeying His will we will be freed in open spaces that are safe for us to live in.

Counting On His Goodness,

Pastor Jason

Our Merciful God! -- August 20, 2009

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God be merciful to us and bless us,
And cause His face to shine upon us, Selah
That Your way may be known on earth,
Your salvation among all nations.
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.
Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy!
For You shall judge the people righteously,
And govern the nations on earth. Selah
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.
Then the earth shall yield her increase;
God, our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us,
And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.

Psalm 67

God’s mercy and favor upon us as His children is one of the things that proclaim His ways to everyone. His way is displayed to the saved and unsaved. God’s blessing on our lives is one way He gains the respect of all people groups. His merciful blessings allow all to see His salvation. God’s judgments and governance bring praise of His ways. Following His way brings increase into our lives. Obedience and praise are gateways to His blessings. His blessings are confirmation of His loving salvation.

Part of our witness is to praise and obey God as He blesses so that others can SEE and respect His ways. When we live out this kind of lifestyle we send forth the gospel to the ends of the earth. Our happy obedience testifies to the goodness of His blessing in our lives. Let’s commit to this gospel lifestyle so that many others can know our God. Not only will they receive our Lord we will experience increase.

Our God Is Great,

Pastor Jason

What About Him? -- August 19, 2009

2009-08-19T23:05:00.001-06:00

Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”

John 21:21

Why are we so preoccupied with what Jesus is having others do? I think it is because we think Jesus is going to give them an easier job, better reward or some other possible perceived inequity. Do we really think Jesus is going to cheat us? At some level we must be afraid of just that to ask, “What about him, Lord?”

Jesus isn’t like that. He does what is best for each of His disciples/friends. It is our own insecurities preyed upon by Satan that brings these fears to action. When these thoughts rise up against Jesus in our minds we need to fight them with the mighty weapons God has given us. We need to use the sound mind that God has given us to tear down these towers that exalt themselves above Christ in our minds. We need to take out the shield of faith and quench the darts that tell us Jesus is somehow shorting us.

We need to remember the promises and the logic of scripture. Paul gives us this formula. If God sent His Son to die for us when we were outside of His family fighting against Him what will He Hold back now that He has adopted us into the family and given us His Spirit? This rhetorical question’s answer: Nothing!!

The Father will hold no good gift back from His children. He has only pleasures planned for us forever more as we are with Him in Heaven for eternity. He has promised that from heaven on His gracious blessing will only increase eternally. The world without end He has promised will be better and better. That way we can be assured that Jesus has our best in mind. We know He will not short us. We don’t have to make sure our brother isn’t getting more than us.

Safe in Him,

Pastor Jason

Sent -- August 18, 2009

2009-08-18T07:47:00.003-06:00

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
John 20:21

The words Jesus spoke to his first disciples in their representative capacity still apply to us today. The universal church, and therefore every local congregation and every Christian in it, is sent into the world to fulfill a definite, defined task. Jesus, the church’s Lord, has issued marching orders. Individually and corporately, all God’s people are now in the world on the King’s business.

The appointed task is twofold. First and fundamentally, it is the work of worldwide witness, disciple-making, and church-planting (Matt. 24:14, Luke 24:47-48). Jesus Christ is to be proclaimed everywhere as God incarnate, Lord, and Savior; and God’s authoritative invitation to find life through turning to Christ in repentance and faith (Matt. 22:1-10; Luke 14:16-24) is to be delivered to all mankind. The ministry of church-planter Paul, the evangelist (so far as strength and circumstances allowed) to the whole world (Rom. 1:14, Col. 1:28-29), models this primary commitment.

Second, all Christians, and therefore every congregation of the church on earth, are called to practice deeds of mercy and compassion, a neighbor-love that responds graciously to all forms of human need as they present themselves (Luke 10:25-27; Rom. 12:20-21). Compassion was the inward aspect of the neighbor-love that led Jesus to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and teach the ignorant (Matt. 9:36), and those who are new creatures in Christ must be similarly compassionate. They keep the second great commandment and also give credibility to their proclamation of a Savior who makes sinners into lovers of God and of their fellow human beings. If the bringers of this message do not display its power in their own lives, credibility is destroyed. If they do, credibility is enhanced. This was Jesus’ point when he demonstrated examples of the good works of his witnesses leading people to glorify the Father (Matt. 5:16). Good works should be visible to back up good words.

Sent,

Pastor Jason

Priorities -- August 17, 2009

2009-08-17T22:31:00.000-06:00

Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

John 19:27

The balance Jesus achieved in His life here as the Son of Man speaks to me of our responsibilities as God’s children in this life. Jesus was dying for the sin of the world. He was drinking the cup of wrath for all of our sins. He was in the very act of providing Salvation for the world when He took care of His family responsibilities.

I think it is a mistake when we try to put our priorities in a purely hierarchical system. We can’t stop being a father, mother, employee, etc. to be a Christian. We can’t give up our Christian values to advance our position either. As Christians we are called by God to be responsible to all of the relationships He has given us. When we are good parents, or employees we are good Christians. And being a good Christian only makes us better in our relationships. Being responsible to Jesus is loving our neighbors. Walking in the fear of God is reaching out to meet the social needs around us. (See James 1:27)

Jesus is our example in this. He lost none of the disciples that were truly following Him. He always had them on His mind. When He fed the 5,000 He made 12 baskets of leftovers. One basket for each one to carry home to their family. Whenever He confronted the Pharisees He was teaching the 12. Before He went to the cross He spent His last hours preparing them. And in the garden when He was arrested He arranged for their escape. This is also our Mission: Love God & Love People.

Behold Your Brothers and Sisters,

Pastor Jason

He's The One -- August 16, 2009

2009-08-16T23:06:00.000-06:00

Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,”

John 18:8 NKJV

I have always been fascinated by how in control Jesus was of His own arrest. When they came seeking Him Jesus announced Himself and those who came to arrest Him fell back! When they had recovered Jesus asked them again who they were seeking and then set the terms of the arrest.

This group of Pharisee-authorized guards led by Judas accepted the terms as the disciples fled into the dark and followed in the distance. There was no attempt to round up His disciples. They didn’t even try to bring them in as witnesses!

I am reminded that Jesus claimed to be in control of His own life and death long before this happened. John 10:17-18 record Jesus' statement that He is the One & Only who is giving His life for our Salvation. No one has corned Him and taken His life. He has laid it down for us. He has regenerated Himself so that He has conquered death.

Jesus waited for “His time” to finish the mission the Father sent Him to do. He was in control of the sacrifice for our sins. He was the Sacrifice for our offenses. Jesus waited for the third day to raise Himself so there could be no doubt that He had been dead and was alive again. He was in control of the validation of His sacrifice. He is the living proof that we can trust in the promise of our own glorified body when He comes back for His Church.

He’s The One,

Pastor Jason

2009-08-15T06:13:00.001-06:00

Blogging from the phone - multiple entries for August 15

2009-08-15T05:58:00.003-06:00

The Cleansing Word -- August 15, 2009

2009-08-15T05:58:00.001-06:00

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
John 17:17