Yesterday I took on the task of getting the utilities for our new building tranferred to the church's name. The electric went well. Not long on hold and a small deposit. Things did not go as well with the gas company. First a little longer on hold, then some confusion on the address. When we finally got that straightened out they told me our deposit was $666! Not only a large number but an erie one. We know we have been fighting a lot of darkness in this transition but not only was that a lot of money it reminded me who is behind many of our problems and struggles. But hold on God is greater. So after putting out the call to prayer I also put out the call to our landlord. After being equally shocked he said he would work on it and get back with me. When we spoke later that evening I found out we would have to pay no deposit at all at this time. Without the details suffice it to say God did a miracle, and we didn't even have to leave home.
God still does miracles. He may not always be this fast but He still "working all things together for good" And you don't have to go anywhere special or have someone else pray for you either. Just exercise your faith and agree with 2 or three others.
Do you need a miricle today? Whatever it is begin to ask God and believe for it.
Praying with you for your miracle,
Pastor Paul ~ PS I'm still waiting for your comments
Friday, May 30, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Crunch Time
Try as I might I could not get more than one post out last week. Anyway, this week our church expects to move into our first building of our own. We are down to crunch time. Much of the flooring needs to be installed and the bathroom fixtures need to be put in. All this with only 4 days to go! On top of that a sign needs to be installed and other little details completed. I can't say I am not concerned but I do have a peace that somehow it will get done. To paraphrase scripture "With God all things are possible" Are you facing a crunch time today? Let go and let God.
I'm waiting for your feedback
Blessings,
Paul
I'm waiting for your feedback
Blessings,
Paul
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A Time for Everything
May 20, 2008
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) says "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven" Basically that verse is speaking about change. Over the last week and within the weeks to come I am seeing a lot of that going on all around me. Our district pastor moving on to serve in our national office, finishing his season in Ohio. Our associate pastor getting ordained after a long journey and entering into a new season of his ministry. My youngest son graduating high school entering a new season in his life. My nephew and some close friends getting married. And for our church soon to enter into it's first building of its own, a new season for this ministry. Most of us don't like change especially if it comes from out of our hands. It can make us uncomfortable or anxious. We like to work in the norm or the comfortable. We like the old pair of shoes, soft and comfortable. New shoes are stiff and hurt our feet until they are broken in. Yet change when it comes from God and is in His timing is always a good thing. There is no need for worry of fear. It's all good. When we embrace change we can experience and learn new things that can be so fulfilling. Let's not change just to change, but let's not run from change either. If you do you may wind up asking yourself later, "What if?"
Make it a great day,
Paul
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) says "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven" Basically that verse is speaking about change. Over the last week and within the weeks to come I am seeing a lot of that going on all around me. Our district pastor moving on to serve in our national office, finishing his season in Ohio. Our associate pastor getting ordained after a long journey and entering into a new season of his ministry. My youngest son graduating high school entering a new season in his life. My nephew and some close friends getting married. And for our church soon to enter into it's first building of its own, a new season for this ministry. Most of us don't like change especially if it comes from out of our hands. It can make us uncomfortable or anxious. We like to work in the norm or the comfortable. We like the old pair of shoes, soft and comfortable. New shoes are stiff and hurt our feet until they are broken in. Yet change when it comes from God and is in His timing is always a good thing. There is no need for worry of fear. It's all good. When we embrace change we can experience and learn new things that can be so fulfilling. Let's not change just to change, but let's not run from change either. If you do you may wind up asking yourself later, "What if?"
Make it a great day,
Paul
Friday, May 16, 2008
Here We Go!
May 16, 2008
I have finally taken the leap into blogging. (I'm still not sure what that word really means) Anyway I've entitled my blog "Thoughts from the Tractor" because many of my thoughts originate while cutting my rather large lawn on the tractor (Actually I just upgraded to a zero turn but that didn't sound as good). To start I will try to post about 3 times a week as my time is pretty tight. I look forward to your comments and feedback. I have also posted some old thoughts from the tractor that I sent via email to our church.
Talk to you next time
Blessings,
Paul
I have finally taken the leap into blogging. (I'm still not sure what that word really means) Anyway I've entitled my blog "Thoughts from the Tractor" because many of my thoughts originate while cutting my rather large lawn on the tractor (Actually I just upgraded to a zero turn but that didn't sound as good). To start I will try to post about 3 times a week as my time is pretty tight. I look forward to your comments and feedback. I have also posted some old thoughts from the tractor that I sent via email to our church.
Talk to you next time
Blessings,
Paul
An Old Thought
This thought originated on June 7, 2007
After another " marathon" session of grass cutting these thoughts came to mind
Matthew 22:36-39 (New International Version)
36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
Last night Pastor Bob and I had our usual weekly get together at Panera. This is where we share a cup of coffee, food and an occasional pastry. We talk about the things of the Lord and encourage one another (OK ,mostly I 'm the one receiving the encouragement) We've been doing this for over a year I think. We also wait to see if the Lord opens doors of conversation with others in the restaurant. Several times this has occurred. About 6 months ago we met a man I will call Stan. Stan is a Christian man who's been saved many years, but has not attended church regularly for the last several years. We chatted, invited him to church and to join us again anytime. We didn't see him again until last week when we sat and talked about the things of the Lord. Again we invited Stan to join us at church or Panera anytime. Last night Stan showed up. After a slow start to our conversation things got going. As we have gotten to know Stan a little better I asked him why it seems he cannot connect to a church anymore. His reply was he "scares pastors." Stan is a man who was radically saved over 27 years ago. God did a great transforming work in his life and he is very grateful to God. He is also a man of deep conviction. You could say a bit stubborn in his beliefs. After getting to know him a bit I believe he sees things through a very narrow scope. In our conversation last night we were talking about the change that needs to happen and be seen by others when we turn over our lives to Christ. Without a doubt this is true. This is called "Sanctification" Let me stop and ask a question. Is sanctification instantaneous at conversion, an on going process or both? (Look for the answer at the end of this post) For many like Stan when Jesus comes into their lives the change is evident almost immediately. For some it may take some time to be seen. Stan seems to have a little problem with those whose change is not evident quickly (especially young people) In his view they are compromising and he wants no part of them. In talking to Stan I know he loves the Lord. He is a living testimony to Matthew 22:37 But Stan has a problem with verse 38 In his deep convictions he has forgotten from where he came. He has (by his own admission) a difficult time with the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
He loves God but not necessarily all people. Only those that fit his mold.
So what's the lesson for us? Jesus said the two greatest commandments were love God AND love people. ALL PEOPLE. God is the judge, not us. Unfortunately there are a lot of Stans out there in the Christian world. They get saved and forget where they came from. They love God, but now look at people differently. We are to love everyone right where they are at, just as they are. With all their faults, baggage and hang-ups. We should be working on getting our own lives in order. God will clean up everyone who desires to be. We don't have to, nor can we.
Do you love God with all you've got? Are you loving people today unconditionally? If not I challenge you to ask God to help you. It is one of the first steps we must take if we want to see people get saved and God's kingdom grow. We need to understand that we may all be at different levels in our walk with God. God doesn't love one greater than the next. He doesn't look at anything but our heart. He wants to know we are sincere in our love and efforts to change and grow.
The answer to the question above on sanctification is both. God is always working with us to help us become more like Him. And He is very patient. Remember we may see improvement but we have not arrived until He returns or calls us home. If you think you've arrived, friend you really have a long way to go.
After another " marathon" session of grass cutting these thoughts came to mind
Matthew 22:36-39 (New International Version)
36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
Last night Pastor Bob and I had our usual weekly get together at Panera. This is where we share a cup of coffee, food and an occasional pastry. We talk about the things of the Lord and encourage one another (OK ,mostly I 'm the one receiving the encouragement) We've been doing this for over a year I think. We also wait to see if the Lord opens doors of conversation with others in the restaurant. Several times this has occurred. About 6 months ago we met a man I will call Stan. Stan is a Christian man who's been saved many years, but has not attended church regularly for the last several years. We chatted, invited him to church and to join us again anytime. We didn't see him again until last week when we sat and talked about the things of the Lord. Again we invited Stan to join us at church or Panera anytime. Last night Stan showed up. After a slow start to our conversation things got going. As we have gotten to know Stan a little better I asked him why it seems he cannot connect to a church anymore. His reply was he "scares pastors." Stan is a man who was radically saved over 27 years ago. God did a great transforming work in his life and he is very grateful to God. He is also a man of deep conviction. You could say a bit stubborn in his beliefs. After getting to know him a bit I believe he sees things through a very narrow scope. In our conversation last night we were talking about the change that needs to happen and be seen by others when we turn over our lives to Christ. Without a doubt this is true. This is called "Sanctification" Let me stop and ask a question. Is sanctification instantaneous at conversion, an on going process or both? (Look for the answer at the end of this post) For many like Stan when Jesus comes into their lives the change is evident almost immediately. For some it may take some time to be seen. Stan seems to have a little problem with those whose change is not evident quickly (especially young people) In his view they are compromising and he wants no part of them. In talking to Stan I know he loves the Lord. He is a living testimony to Matthew 22:37 But Stan has a problem with verse 38 In his deep convictions he has forgotten from where he came. He has (by his own admission) a difficult time with the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
He loves God but not necessarily all people. Only those that fit his mold.
So what's the lesson for us? Jesus said the two greatest commandments were love God AND love people. ALL PEOPLE. God is the judge, not us. Unfortunately there are a lot of Stans out there in the Christian world. They get saved and forget where they came from. They love God, but now look at people differently. We are to love everyone right where they are at, just as they are. With all their faults, baggage and hang-ups. We should be working on getting our own lives in order. God will clean up everyone who desires to be. We don't have to, nor can we.
Do you love God with all you've got? Are you loving people today unconditionally? If not I challenge you to ask God to help you. It is one of the first steps we must take if we want to see people get saved and God's kingdom grow. We need to understand that we may all be at different levels in our walk with God. God doesn't love one greater than the next. He doesn't look at anything but our heart. He wants to know we are sincere in our love and efforts to change and grow.
The answer to the question above on sanctification is both. God is always working with us to help us become more like Him. And He is very patient. Remember we may see improvement but we have not arrived until He returns or calls us home. If you think you've arrived, friend you really have a long way to go.
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