S.B.: Psalm 33: 1 – 12
S.B. II Chronicles 7: 13 – 15
A while ago, a very dear old friend of mine, a veteran pastor who has been serving the Lord by serving his people for over 35 years re-introduced me to a word that has fallen into disuse, but which has a wonderful meaning. The word is Lagniappe. (“lanny – yap”) It is a Cajun word (although some might argue that it is Creole in origin), but, by definition, it means an unexpected extra blessing.
The whole idea of an unexpected extra blessing is one that God wants his children to take hold of, and share with one another, especially in today’s culture, and in today’s economic climate. God has given us so many blessings, not so we can horde them, but that we can use each of them to be a blessing to others, and not count the cost. That is why he sent us his son… he gave of his best… he held nothing back from us… he gave us above and beyond anything… he gave us the unexpected extra blessing of paying for all the dumb things we have ever done so we can spend eternity with him!
We are often guilty of under-praying… and of underestimating the power of praying. We cannot survive without praying, but praying together we can join together on a fantastic journey… on an incomprehensible adventure in Jesus!
I remember the story of a little church in a community in Kentucky where no alcohol was served. A businessman came into the town, bought the property across from the church, and began to build a tavern. The people of the church gathered to pray that God’s hand would move in such a way that the tavern would never open. Then one night during a thunderstorm, the tavern was struck by lightning, and burned to the ground.
The people of the church were very surprised when they sere served with a lawsuit brought by the tavern owner. The lawsuit alleged that the prayers were responsible for the lightning striking his building… and the people of the church countersued.
The judge hearing the case offered the opinion that it seemed as if the Tavern Owner believed in the power of prayer more than the people of that church did!
If you think “we’re just a handful of people… what can we possibly do for the Kingdom?” Consider this example. Nestled in the mountains of Southwestern New Hampshire is a little red building which used to be a power station for the local electric company. One day a man purchased that building with the intention of opening an Adult Bookstore. Once word got out to the people of that mountainside community that an Adult Bookstore was coming into town, they held a town meeting… and then they got on their knees and began to pray… not that the business would close, but rather that God would touch and ignite that man’s heart for Jesus. Then, one day, people driving along route 12 into Keene noticed that there was something different about that building. There was now a red and blue banner hanging on the tower of that power station declaring “Jesus Is Lord” for the whole world to see! Today that building is once again a Power Station… for Jesus. That little building has been used by God to spark a revival in that area that is reaching the world for Jesus. People gather at that little building several times a week for fellowship, for prayer, for praise and worship. The man who bought that building, a dear friend and brother in the Lord named Tom Travers gives all the Glory to God for changing HIS life, and for allowing HIM to reach people throughout New England with this ministry. He keeps pointing to one of his favorite verses in the Bible: Romans 1:16… “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”
The Lagniappe… the unexpected extra added blessing of this is that I personally had the privilege of attending the launch of this ministry four years ago. There were only four people there at that first Saturday night… Tom and Carol Travers, a young philosophy student from Keene State College, and myself. Today, Tom and Carol are two of our dearest friends, and every time they gather with the Power Station crew, they lift up “Pastor Ken, His family, and our brothers and sisters at First Congregational Church in New Bedford.” The unexpected extra added blessing is that you have brothers and sisters whom you have never met who are praying for you right now!
If you would like to find out more about what that particular ministry is doing to further the Gospel, please log onto www.stationpower.com , and you will learn more about what God is doing through The Power Station in Troy, New Hampshire to set the nation ablaze for Jesus.
Today, it is time for the sleeping giant called the church to wake up and reclaim its rightful place as reflecting the light of Jesus to a dark and lost world. We not only need something to hold onto… we need to share with those around us that when we think that there is no hope, that the horizon looks bleak, that all the evidence points to a dry spell on the way… that God’s word says there is hope, and there is safety in Jesus. The Word of the Lord is a strong tower… the righteous… those who have a right-standing relationship with God the Father… run into God’s word… and are saved!
We can no longer shirk away from the Gospel. God is calling the church today to take a stand and declare boldly to the people around us that we are not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes!” We cannot keep quiet about the Gospel any longer.
Last weekend our Sunday School and Youth Department went on a camping trip to Myles Standish State Forest, The theme for that campout was “Mission: Possible” They learned that it was possible to have a relationship with Jesus, and that it is possible for him to forgive us of our sins. They learned that it was also possible for him to transform us from being lukewarm Christians to people who are red-hot, on-fire, ready to set the world ablaze for Jesus! I believe that is what God is calling us to do as a church… as a nation… God’s word has a lot to say about revival in our nation.
If you wanted a Patriotic Message this morning… since this is the Sunday closest to the Fourth of July… then hear the word of the Lord…”
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12)
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14)
“For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live” (Amos 5:4)
And we have the words of the Messiah… Jesus… to his disciples… to the church… to the church at New Bedford… and to you and me… “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
We had a wonderful time at Bristol’s Fourth of July celebration this past week. It was a time of celebrating our American Saints who have served our country. We celebrated our God-given freedoms, and the men and women who put themselves in harms’ way… who went willingly into the heat of battle so that we might be here today, gathered to worship God in spirit and in truth
Amid the fanfare and the bangs and the booms of the celebration came the message of revival for our land…
All Gave Some… Some Gave All… And One gave his life that we might be free…
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.
I Bid You Peace...
Dr. K.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Standing In The Gap
Ezekiel 22: 23- 30
As you may well know, ancient cities were walled for defense. The walls, of course, had to be kept in good repair, but sometimes a part of the wall would deteriorate and fall, leaving a gap or breach. When this happened the city would need to immediately begin restoration. In the meantime armed men would be posted in the gap to protect the city from enemies and invaders.
In this passage, God is essentially telling His prophet, Ezekiel, that the spiritual and moral wall surrounding Israel is deteriorating and crumbling. The land is awash in sin and corruption. There is strife, violence, extortion and oppression, sexual perversion and religious deception. And every level of society is indicted ~ government officials, religious leaders, merchants, and ordinary people.And what does the Lord say? He tells Ezekiel, “I’ve been waiting for at least a few good men to begin the repair work and stand in the gap… Where are they?” God could not find even one man who would stand up to be counted, who would put his shoulder to the plow to begin the work of restoration, no one to begin the repairs, no man who would stand in the gap.
History repeats itself. God is searching for men who will begin the work of restoration and stand in the gap for this nation .The Lord is calling young men, husbands and fathers to care enough, believe enough and be brave enough to make the necessary sacrifices for home, community and country.But what does it mean to stand in the gap and rebuild the wall?
If you are inclined to make a commitment to take a stand and do what needs to be done to advance the Kingdom, what exactly do you need to do?Standing in the gap involves several different things, prayer certainly being one of the most important. Moses interceded for the Hebrew people when they sinned as we read in the Psalms: “Therefore He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen one stood in the breach before Him, to turn away His wrath from destroying them.” We are specifically called upon in Scripture “to pray, lifting up holy hands,” making petitions and offering thanksgivings “for all people; for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct.”
And, of course, proper conduct is fundamentally important. In the Proverbs we read that “The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” And also the Book of James tells us that the “heartfelt prayer of a good man works very powerfully.” The Lord Jesus teaches us that our outward conduct provides a witness, a testimony to our faith and can draw people to God.Jesus said, “In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Francis of Assisi echoed these words: “Preach the Gospel every day and if you must, use words.” The way in which we live out our lives speaks volumes. Actions speak louder than words. This message is especially important for fathers. Who hasn’t heard the old adage, “Like father, like son.” The conduct of the father ~ that is, his character and integrity or lack thereof ~ makes a unique and indelible imprint on the lives of his children.
It almost goes without saying, then, that it is absolutely imperative the man of the house ~ the husband and father ~ be a good role model. And this is a necessary part of rebuilding the wall, you see: raising up a new generation of men and women of character and integrity. And though this is possible without the presence or cooperation of the man of the house, it is exceedingly more difficult.
Gentlemen, God calls on us to put our shoulder to the plow and work to be the kind of husband and father we ought to be, the kind of Godly husband and father that God calls us to be to our wives, our children, our families. This is a great responsibility when we realize that lives have been placed in our hands, and God calls us to watch over the lives of our families and be good stewards.
Part of rebuilding the wall around our church, our country and community and standing in the gap entails bold witness and courageous testimony. It calls for men to stand up with boldness, finding their voice, taking a stand for what is right, and “speaking the truth in love.” It calls for laying aside the old self, as Paul instructs, and putting “on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness.”
It calls for men to be actively involved in the Church, to take hold of the reigns of responsible leadership and, under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, “contending earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.” It calls for men becoming salt and light in this dark and dying world. God is calling for men to be raised up to reflect the light of Jesus into the darkness.
Rise Up!
It means calling that which is right to be right, and calling that which is wrong to be wrong.
Rise Up!
It means fearlessly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ without shame, embarrassment, reservation or hesitation.
Rise Up!
It means standing up and boldly declaring that I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ… for it is the Power of God for Salvation!
Rise Up!
To stand in the gap means to put your faith on the line and this takes divine courage and strength, Godly conviction and steadfast commitment.
Rise Up!
It is not a duty for the faint-of-heart.
Rise Up!
Rise Up, O Men of God!
Have done with lesser things!
Give heart, and mind, and soul, and strength
To Serve the King of Kings!
Rise Up!
I Bid You Peace,
Pastor Ken+
As you may well know, ancient cities were walled for defense. The walls, of course, had to be kept in good repair, but sometimes a part of the wall would deteriorate and fall, leaving a gap or breach. When this happened the city would need to immediately begin restoration. In the meantime armed men would be posted in the gap to protect the city from enemies and invaders.
In this passage, God is essentially telling His prophet, Ezekiel, that the spiritual and moral wall surrounding Israel is deteriorating and crumbling. The land is awash in sin and corruption. There is strife, violence, extortion and oppression, sexual perversion and religious deception. And every level of society is indicted ~ government officials, religious leaders, merchants, and ordinary people.And what does the Lord say? He tells Ezekiel, “I’ve been waiting for at least a few good men to begin the repair work and stand in the gap… Where are they?” God could not find even one man who would stand up to be counted, who would put his shoulder to the plow to begin the work of restoration, no one to begin the repairs, no man who would stand in the gap.
History repeats itself. God is searching for men who will begin the work of restoration and stand in the gap for this nation .The Lord is calling young men, husbands and fathers to care enough, believe enough and be brave enough to make the necessary sacrifices for home, community and country.But what does it mean to stand in the gap and rebuild the wall?
If you are inclined to make a commitment to take a stand and do what needs to be done to advance the Kingdom, what exactly do you need to do?Standing in the gap involves several different things, prayer certainly being one of the most important. Moses interceded for the Hebrew people when they sinned as we read in the Psalms: “Therefore He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen one stood in the breach before Him, to turn away His wrath from destroying them.” We are specifically called upon in Scripture “to pray, lifting up holy hands,” making petitions and offering thanksgivings “for all people; for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct.”
And, of course, proper conduct is fundamentally important. In the Proverbs we read that “The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” And also the Book of James tells us that the “heartfelt prayer of a good man works very powerfully.” The Lord Jesus teaches us that our outward conduct provides a witness, a testimony to our faith and can draw people to God.Jesus said, “In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Francis of Assisi echoed these words: “Preach the Gospel every day and if you must, use words.” The way in which we live out our lives speaks volumes. Actions speak louder than words. This message is especially important for fathers. Who hasn’t heard the old adage, “Like father, like son.” The conduct of the father ~ that is, his character and integrity or lack thereof ~ makes a unique and indelible imprint on the lives of his children.
It almost goes without saying, then, that it is absolutely imperative the man of the house ~ the husband and father ~ be a good role model. And this is a necessary part of rebuilding the wall, you see: raising up a new generation of men and women of character and integrity. And though this is possible without the presence or cooperation of the man of the house, it is exceedingly more difficult.
Gentlemen, God calls on us to put our shoulder to the plow and work to be the kind of husband and father we ought to be, the kind of Godly husband and father that God calls us to be to our wives, our children, our families. This is a great responsibility when we realize that lives have been placed in our hands, and God calls us to watch over the lives of our families and be good stewards.
Part of rebuilding the wall around our church, our country and community and standing in the gap entails bold witness and courageous testimony. It calls for men to stand up with boldness, finding their voice, taking a stand for what is right, and “speaking the truth in love.” It calls for laying aside the old self, as Paul instructs, and putting “on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness.”
It calls for men to be actively involved in the Church, to take hold of the reigns of responsible leadership and, under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, “contending earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.” It calls for men becoming salt and light in this dark and dying world. God is calling for men to be raised up to reflect the light of Jesus into the darkness.
Rise Up!
It means calling that which is right to be right, and calling that which is wrong to be wrong.
Rise Up!
It means fearlessly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ without shame, embarrassment, reservation or hesitation.
Rise Up!
It means standing up and boldly declaring that I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ… for it is the Power of God for Salvation!
Rise Up!
To stand in the gap means to put your faith on the line and this takes divine courage and strength, Godly conviction and steadfast commitment.
Rise Up!
It is not a duty for the faint-of-heart.
Rise Up!
Rise Up, O Men of God!
Have done with lesser things!
Give heart, and mind, and soul, and strength
To Serve the King of Kings!
Rise Up!
I Bid You Peace,
Pastor Ken+
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Show and Tell
Mark 4: 21 – 32
Have you ever wondered what the Kingdom of God is really like? I’m not referring to what we will experience after we have been called home to be with the Lord. We have several different words about this in the Bible, and we often sing hymns about “When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be…”
No… today I would like to focus on the subject of what the Kingdom of God is really like. We have examples of what the Kingdom of God is really like. People have been asking what the Kingdom of God will be like, and we have Jesus’ own words to reflect on from Luke 17: 20 – 21… Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”
So Jesus has given us the basic idea that we are a part of the Kingdom of God… and that the Kingdom of God is active among each of us. It has nothing to do with the flesh, but is evident when we gather together to worship HIM in spirit and in truth. Paul writes these words to the church at Rome… “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.”
I could go on and on about different writings that make an attempt to describe what the Kingdom Of God is like, but I would like to focus on two parables… two analogies… Jesus showed us each day and in many different ways what the Kingdom of God is like… in the ways in which he taught his disciples, and in the ways in which he touched and healed the people around him… and then he told us what it was like through different parables and stories… Show… and Tell…
First he talks about what happens when someone experiences a relationship with Jesus… you do not hide a lamp under a basket or under a bed, but you put it in such a position that it’s light can be seen throughout the whole house. He was laying down some groundwork for this particular teaching when he told us that “There is nothing hidden which will not be revealed… and that with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you…
Then he launches into the first analogy… Notice the words from verse 26… “The Kingdom of God is as if…” and he talks about a man scattering seed on the ground. Soon enough that seed sprouts and grows… how it grows is a mystery, but Jesus pointed out three distinctive phases of that seed’s growth… it germinates and sends up a blade… then soon enough the blade grows and produces an ear… and then the corn develops in the ear. So there is a growth process involved with the Kingdom of God… just as there is a growth process involved with every facet of life.
Then Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed… Again, notice his words from verse 30… “To what shall we liken the Kingdom of God?” And then he talks about a mustard seed… the smallest of the smallest seeds… so small that it would look like a tiny dot on a piece of white paper… but when it is sown into the ground and allowed to germinate produces one of the largest herbs known to mankind… so large, in fact, that it shoots out large branches that the birds can nest under its shade…
Jesus’ whole point in these two parables was to tell his followers that Kingdom Living is a process, and that it often takes patience… especially when he knows that his people often hate to wait for results, but our faith walk is just like the kernel of corn, and the mustard seed… a little bit of patience, and a whole lot of cultivation will yield a bumper crop of results for the Kingdom of God.
There is another point to these two parables that needs to be brought to your attention this morning. Jesus not only points to the vast potential that is contained, not only in those two insignificant little seeds, but also in our faith, but he also points out in another passage the value of sacrificial living… preferring others above self… In John 12: 20 – 25 we read this story… Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. “ The Greeks at the Feast wanted to see Jesus… perhaps to talk with him, and to learn of him… and Jesus gave the message that if somebody wants to see Jesus, that person needs to die to self… or as he put it elsewhere in the Gospels… Take up your cross and follow him… and you will bear much fruit.
Theologian and Author Karl Barth once said that when Jesus calls us and draws us to HIM, He calls us to “Come and Die…” If you feel that God is calling you into a closer relationship with HIM… with Jesus… with the local branch of the Body of Christ, he tells us to come, not with our own agendas, but with hearts open to listen to HIS word, hands ready to do his bidding, mouths ready to sing his praises, and feet ready to follow where he leads.
I Bid You Peace,
Pastor Ken+
Have you ever wondered what the Kingdom of God is really like? I’m not referring to what we will experience after we have been called home to be with the Lord. We have several different words about this in the Bible, and we often sing hymns about “When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be…”
No… today I would like to focus on the subject of what the Kingdom of God is really like. We have examples of what the Kingdom of God is really like. People have been asking what the Kingdom of God will be like, and we have Jesus’ own words to reflect on from Luke 17: 20 – 21… Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”
So Jesus has given us the basic idea that we are a part of the Kingdom of God… and that the Kingdom of God is active among each of us. It has nothing to do with the flesh, but is evident when we gather together to worship HIM in spirit and in truth. Paul writes these words to the church at Rome… “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.”
I could go on and on about different writings that make an attempt to describe what the Kingdom Of God is like, but I would like to focus on two parables… two analogies… Jesus showed us each day and in many different ways what the Kingdom of God is like… in the ways in which he taught his disciples, and in the ways in which he touched and healed the people around him… and then he told us what it was like through different parables and stories… Show… and Tell…
First he talks about what happens when someone experiences a relationship with Jesus… you do not hide a lamp under a basket or under a bed, but you put it in such a position that it’s light can be seen throughout the whole house. He was laying down some groundwork for this particular teaching when he told us that “There is nothing hidden which will not be revealed… and that with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you…
Then he launches into the first analogy… Notice the words from verse 26… “The Kingdom of God is as if…” and he talks about a man scattering seed on the ground. Soon enough that seed sprouts and grows… how it grows is a mystery, but Jesus pointed out three distinctive phases of that seed’s growth… it germinates and sends up a blade… then soon enough the blade grows and produces an ear… and then the corn develops in the ear. So there is a growth process involved with the Kingdom of God… just as there is a growth process involved with every facet of life.
Then Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed… Again, notice his words from verse 30… “To what shall we liken the Kingdom of God?” And then he talks about a mustard seed… the smallest of the smallest seeds… so small that it would look like a tiny dot on a piece of white paper… but when it is sown into the ground and allowed to germinate produces one of the largest herbs known to mankind… so large, in fact, that it shoots out large branches that the birds can nest under its shade…
Jesus’ whole point in these two parables was to tell his followers that Kingdom Living is a process, and that it often takes patience… especially when he knows that his people often hate to wait for results, but our faith walk is just like the kernel of corn, and the mustard seed… a little bit of patience, and a whole lot of cultivation will yield a bumper crop of results for the Kingdom of God.
There is another point to these two parables that needs to be brought to your attention this morning. Jesus not only points to the vast potential that is contained, not only in those two insignificant little seeds, but also in our faith, but he also points out in another passage the value of sacrificial living… preferring others above self… In John 12: 20 – 25 we read this story… Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. “ The Greeks at the Feast wanted to see Jesus… perhaps to talk with him, and to learn of him… and Jesus gave the message that if somebody wants to see Jesus, that person needs to die to self… or as he put it elsewhere in the Gospels… Take up your cross and follow him… and you will bear much fruit.
Theologian and Author Karl Barth once said that when Jesus calls us and draws us to HIM, He calls us to “Come and Die…” If you feel that God is calling you into a closer relationship with HIM… with Jesus… with the local branch of the Body of Christ, he tells us to come, not with our own agendas, but with hearts open to listen to HIS word, hands ready to do his bidding, mouths ready to sing his praises, and feet ready to follow where he leads.
I Bid You Peace,
Pastor Ken+
Monday, May 5, 2008
More Than Words
Joshua 1: 1 – 8
What a wonderful promise we have from God on the subject of HIS word. This verse is filled with the promise and the connotation that Life and Death are in the power of the tongue. Hear what the Lord says to Joshua… (v.8)
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
God's Word never changes. The problem with most of us is that we are just too busy to put God's Word first like we should. But we are not too busy to work trying to get ahead.
It’s all a question of priorities. Before your work week begins… before you go out there and clock in… make sure that you clock in for your quality time with God. Make sure that you not only meditate on HIS word, but that you actually take it to heart in such a way that HIS words are foremost in your mind and the first things that come out of your mouth.
Notice that Joshua 1:8 does not just say to think about God's Word. The Word must be continually in your mouth!
An old song from my Sunday School days says “Be careful little mouth what you say… Be careful little mouth what you say… for the father up above is looking down with love… so be careful little mouth what you say.”
What comes out of our mouths is of vital importance to our walk with Christ Jesus…
In Matthew 15: 11, Jesus tells the people gathered around him that “What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.
Then watch what Paul says about the mouth…
In Romans 10: 9 – 11, Paul writes “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Declaring the Word of God is also covered within the pages of the Bible... Again, Paul writes in Romans 10:17 that “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
Life and death, the Bible says, are in the power of the tongue… With your words you confess that Jesus Christ is Lord… With your words you have the power to either bless someone or curse that person. Words have the power to give life… and words have the power to crush.
Three old clichés come to mind here…
“Some things are better left unsaid…” (True…)
“If you can’t say anything good… don’t say anything at all…” (Also true…)
“Sticks and stones may break my bones… but names can never hurt me…” (False…)
Yiayia’s favorite saying… “You can drive a nail into a piece of wood, but if you draw the nail back out, it still leaves a hole…”
Look into the eyes of a child who has been exposed to nothing but abusive words and insults. The sad reality is that there are children who hear such harmful words like “why can’t you be more like your brother… you are nothing but a disappointment.” Certainly these are not words of encouragement.
Then look into the eyes of a child who not only knows that he or she is loved, but hears it from his or her parents… who hears words like “I am so proud of you… I love you so much… you are a precious gift from God…”
1 Peter 3:10 has these words of wisdom for us… "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile; speaking and thinking in line with God's Word will cause you to prosper and succeed.” If you would like to see good days, the Bible admonishes you to watch your words!
Never speak defeat. Never confess defeat. Confessing Jesus as Lord of every situation brings glory to God. Confessing Jesus as Lord over your life brings HIS power and HIS presence into your life. Speaking a blessing over those around you may very well mean the difference between life and death for them.
Closing Thought:
James 3: 9 – 12 says “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
So let the words of our mouths, and the meditations of our hearts always be acceptable to our Lord, Our Rock, Our Redeemer.
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
What a wonderful promise we have from God on the subject of HIS word. This verse is filled with the promise and the connotation that Life and Death are in the power of the tongue. Hear what the Lord says to Joshua… (v.8)
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
God's Word never changes. The problem with most of us is that we are just too busy to put God's Word first like we should. But we are not too busy to work trying to get ahead.
It’s all a question of priorities. Before your work week begins… before you go out there and clock in… make sure that you clock in for your quality time with God. Make sure that you not only meditate on HIS word, but that you actually take it to heart in such a way that HIS words are foremost in your mind and the first things that come out of your mouth.
Notice that Joshua 1:8 does not just say to think about God's Word. The Word must be continually in your mouth!
An old song from my Sunday School days says “Be careful little mouth what you say… Be careful little mouth what you say… for the father up above is looking down with love… so be careful little mouth what you say.”
What comes out of our mouths is of vital importance to our walk with Christ Jesus…
In Matthew 15: 11, Jesus tells the people gathered around him that “What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.
Then watch what Paul says about the mouth…
In Romans 10: 9 – 11, Paul writes “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Declaring the Word of God is also covered within the pages of the Bible... Again, Paul writes in Romans 10:17 that “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
Life and death, the Bible says, are in the power of the tongue… With your words you confess that Jesus Christ is Lord… With your words you have the power to either bless someone or curse that person. Words have the power to give life… and words have the power to crush.
Three old clichés come to mind here…
“Some things are better left unsaid…” (True…)
“If you can’t say anything good… don’t say anything at all…” (Also true…)
“Sticks and stones may break my bones… but names can never hurt me…” (False…)
Yiayia’s favorite saying… “You can drive a nail into a piece of wood, but if you draw the nail back out, it still leaves a hole…”
Look into the eyes of a child who has been exposed to nothing but abusive words and insults. The sad reality is that there are children who hear such harmful words like “why can’t you be more like your brother… you are nothing but a disappointment.” Certainly these are not words of encouragement.
Then look into the eyes of a child who not only knows that he or she is loved, but hears it from his or her parents… who hears words like “I am so proud of you… I love you so much… you are a precious gift from God…”
1 Peter 3:10 has these words of wisdom for us… "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile; speaking and thinking in line with God's Word will cause you to prosper and succeed.” If you would like to see good days, the Bible admonishes you to watch your words!
Never speak defeat. Never confess defeat. Confessing Jesus as Lord of every situation brings glory to God. Confessing Jesus as Lord over your life brings HIS power and HIS presence into your life. Speaking a blessing over those around you may very well mean the difference between life and death for them.
Closing Thought:
James 3: 9 – 12 says “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
So let the words of our mouths, and the meditations of our hearts always be acceptable to our Lord, Our Rock, Our Redeemer.
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
Monday, April 28, 2008
Restoring and Renewing
S.B.: Psalm 23: 1 – 6
Are you carrying a burden? Does it seem like you are going absolutely nowhere… fast? Don’t despair, there is good news for you.
We lead very hectic lives, and we have very little time scheduled (if any) for the purpose of being restored. The necessity of restoration and renewal is something that God has planned for us, and is an integral part of our walk with HIM. We have a source of regeneration directly from God’s word… HE LEADS ME BESIDE QUIET WATERS… HE RESTORES MY SOUL!
A month ago, I had the privilege of going away on a retreat for Pastors. This retreat was not to be like any other that I have ever been on, because I had quite an eye-opener on what restoration and renewal really means.
Verses 2 and 3 from the 23rd Psalm came alive for me in a new and unexpected manner… “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters… He restores my soul.” Did you see the word “He” in these two verses? HE has to make me take some time to rest… My life is a beehive of activity and HE has to lead me to a place where I can have solace. He restores my soul.
Restoration comes from many sources… a balanced, healthy diet… spending time with family and friends… even recreation is a contributing factor to the restorative process, and God encourages us to partake freely of this gift.
The first part of this retreat was dedicated to rediscovering a personal Sabbath time. (a time dedicated solely to rest and restoration.) After we were welcomed to the retreat center, and the theme for the retreat was announced, we were told that from 4 to 6 o’clock was to be a Sabbath Time… meaning no “Pastoral Work” During the next two hours I prayed, I painted, I went out for coffee with another pastor, but found it difficult not to make a call, or check email, or write a sermon. It was difficult just to rest… I don’t mean sleeping… I mean resting my mind, and my soul. The words “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters…” took on a new meaning for me. God’s word does tell us “It’s okay… you’ve done enough… it’s time to take a rest.”
After dinner that evening, we went on an adventure in restoration and renewal. We were invited to a nearby church, and were brought into a large, state-of-the-art Game room.
What happened next was an interesting study into the need for restoration. Several of the men seemed to have no problem and started using the equipment and games available. The rest of us, however, stood around awkwardly for a few minutes until we gathered up the courage to give ourselves permission to have some fun! It was quite a learning experience that evening… and a very humbling experience, in that it took me a while to warm up to the idea that it was okay to have fun.
I share this experience with you today so that we can all know, myself included, that when God says in Psalm 23 that He restores my soul, those words are for today… right now… they are not just for funerals as we tend to apply this psalm.
God doesn’t want his children to be uptight and deadly serious all the time. God’s word to us is for us to cast our cares on HIM for HE cares for us! One of my favorite pictures, and maybe some of you have seen it as well at the Lighthouse Christian Bookstore, is of Jesus kicking a soccer ball with a bunch of kids.
Now, the question is “What is so significant about that experience?” The answer is that restoration is a two-step process. The Psalmist’s words “He restores my soul” carry the implication that I have to allow HIM to restore my soul. I have to yield myself to his will and his direction. Often He gives us things He wants us to do for the Kingdom… but he also gives us time to “relax, unwind, and have some fun.”
My prayer for all of us today is that we will take time to practice a Sabbath time during our week, remembering the words from our scripture passage today… He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. Allow God to give you the rest that you need.
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
Are you carrying a burden? Does it seem like you are going absolutely nowhere… fast? Don’t despair, there is good news for you.
We lead very hectic lives, and we have very little time scheduled (if any) for the purpose of being restored. The necessity of restoration and renewal is something that God has planned for us, and is an integral part of our walk with HIM. We have a source of regeneration directly from God’s word… HE LEADS ME BESIDE QUIET WATERS… HE RESTORES MY SOUL!
A month ago, I had the privilege of going away on a retreat for Pastors. This retreat was not to be like any other that I have ever been on, because I had quite an eye-opener on what restoration and renewal really means.
Verses 2 and 3 from the 23rd Psalm came alive for me in a new and unexpected manner… “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters… He restores my soul.” Did you see the word “He” in these two verses? HE has to make me take some time to rest… My life is a beehive of activity and HE has to lead me to a place where I can have solace. He restores my soul.
Restoration comes from many sources… a balanced, healthy diet… spending time with family and friends… even recreation is a contributing factor to the restorative process, and God encourages us to partake freely of this gift.
The first part of this retreat was dedicated to rediscovering a personal Sabbath time. (a time dedicated solely to rest and restoration.) After we were welcomed to the retreat center, and the theme for the retreat was announced, we were told that from 4 to 6 o’clock was to be a Sabbath Time… meaning no “Pastoral Work” During the next two hours I prayed, I painted, I went out for coffee with another pastor, but found it difficult not to make a call, or check email, or write a sermon. It was difficult just to rest… I don’t mean sleeping… I mean resting my mind, and my soul. The words “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters…” took on a new meaning for me. God’s word does tell us “It’s okay… you’ve done enough… it’s time to take a rest.”
After dinner that evening, we went on an adventure in restoration and renewal. We were invited to a nearby church, and were brought into a large, state-of-the-art Game room.
What happened next was an interesting study into the need for restoration. Several of the men seemed to have no problem and started using the equipment and games available. The rest of us, however, stood around awkwardly for a few minutes until we gathered up the courage to give ourselves permission to have some fun! It was quite a learning experience that evening… and a very humbling experience, in that it took me a while to warm up to the idea that it was okay to have fun.
I share this experience with you today so that we can all know, myself included, that when God says in Psalm 23 that He restores my soul, those words are for today… right now… they are not just for funerals as we tend to apply this psalm.
God doesn’t want his children to be uptight and deadly serious all the time. God’s word to us is for us to cast our cares on HIM for HE cares for us! One of my favorite pictures, and maybe some of you have seen it as well at the Lighthouse Christian Bookstore, is of Jesus kicking a soccer ball with a bunch of kids.
Now, the question is “What is so significant about that experience?” The answer is that restoration is a two-step process. The Psalmist’s words “He restores my soul” carry the implication that I have to allow HIM to restore my soul. I have to yield myself to his will and his direction. Often He gives us things He wants us to do for the Kingdom… but he also gives us time to “relax, unwind, and have some fun.”
My prayer for all of us today is that we will take time to practice a Sabbath time during our week, remembering the words from our scripture passage today… He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. Allow God to give you the rest that you need.
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Love Never Fails
S.B. I Corinthians 13: 1 – 13
Last Sunday’s sermon was on attitude. This morning’s sermon is about our attitude of love, and the blessings we receive from it… and give with it.
One of my favorite memories of growing up in a Christian household centers around this morning’s text. Every time I would face a challenge… or every time I would get into trouble… my mom and my dad would always say the same thing… “Before anything else, let’s get back to square one… No matter what the situation… no matter what you’ve done… I Love You, Son.”
In our text this morning, we see God telling us the very same thing… One verse from our passage this morning leaps off the page. It contains the three most powerful words in the whole New Testament… “Love… Never… Fails…” We are not necessarily talking about the love that we have for one another, although that love is very important… after all, someone once said that love makes the world go ‘round… I would like to focus on the most uplifting and inspiring love of all… the Love that God has for his children… the Love that HE shared with us when HE sent HIS son to pay for our sins on the cross… HIS Love… and HIS LOVE ONLY… never fails. He is perfect, and HIS love is unconditional.
There is nothing that we can do to earn his love, but he gives it freely and deeply. HIS Love never fails. He does tell us in this passage this morning that while we may possess riches and knowledge and power and wisdom, that without love all these things are meaningless.
We know that God loves unconditionally, yet in this scripture he does not ask us to love as he loves. Rather, in this scripture he is giving us a lesson in what love really is, and what love really looks like.
Every time I read this passage, I have to ask myself how I personally measure up to this list. There are some tough questions that this list asks of us, but one answer keeps coming up. None of what we have means anything unless we have love in our hearts. In other passages in the Bible God tells us to love one another as He has loved us… here he is giving us more of a detailed list of some of the characteristics of that love.
In verses 4 through 6, Paul tells us that Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He tells us what love is… and what it is not.
I feel as if I can safely suggest that most of us here today have experienced this kind of love… be it from a friends, parents, spouse or family or your church family… where we’ve been loved, and have loved the way Paul talks about in verses 4 thru 6, and how blessed we are by such love. The true blessing comes when we reciprocate, or even better, initiate such Christian love. When we go to church every Sunday, one of the things that I’ve noticed that we do, is we greet each other… whether it is with a handshake, or a hug, or a smile… and the thought occurs to me that for some, that handshake or hug or smile may be the only human contact that some people have in their week. That is called fellowship. This is a part of God’s design for his children, and he tells us to bless each other with that fellowship. “This is my commandment, that you love one another THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL.”
We sing a hymn every so often that says “Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love… the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.”
Here’s a challenge for you today. This morning, earlier in the service, we had an opportunity to go and greet people… perhaps even people we have not met before. Take the time, perhaps even after the service today, to connect with someone whom you may not know very well… yet. Perhaps go to lunch or coffee today. Or perhaps connect with someone from our congregation during this week, reach out to that person… share God’s love with that person… And watch what happens.
The Body of Christ is a congregation filled with love for each other. This week, as we go about our lives, take the time to give someone a handshake or a hug or a smile. The blessings that you bestow will be great… the blessings that you receive will be immeasurable.
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
Last Sunday’s sermon was on attitude. This morning’s sermon is about our attitude of love, and the blessings we receive from it… and give with it.
One of my favorite memories of growing up in a Christian household centers around this morning’s text. Every time I would face a challenge… or every time I would get into trouble… my mom and my dad would always say the same thing… “Before anything else, let’s get back to square one… No matter what the situation… no matter what you’ve done… I Love You, Son.”
In our text this morning, we see God telling us the very same thing… One verse from our passage this morning leaps off the page. It contains the three most powerful words in the whole New Testament… “Love… Never… Fails…” We are not necessarily talking about the love that we have for one another, although that love is very important… after all, someone once said that love makes the world go ‘round… I would like to focus on the most uplifting and inspiring love of all… the Love that God has for his children… the Love that HE shared with us when HE sent HIS son to pay for our sins on the cross… HIS Love… and HIS LOVE ONLY… never fails. He is perfect, and HIS love is unconditional.
There is nothing that we can do to earn his love, but he gives it freely and deeply. HIS Love never fails. He does tell us in this passage this morning that while we may possess riches and knowledge and power and wisdom, that without love all these things are meaningless.
We know that God loves unconditionally, yet in this scripture he does not ask us to love as he loves. Rather, in this scripture he is giving us a lesson in what love really is, and what love really looks like.
Every time I read this passage, I have to ask myself how I personally measure up to this list. There are some tough questions that this list asks of us, but one answer keeps coming up. None of what we have means anything unless we have love in our hearts. In other passages in the Bible God tells us to love one another as He has loved us… here he is giving us more of a detailed list of some of the characteristics of that love.
In verses 4 through 6, Paul tells us that Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He tells us what love is… and what it is not.
I feel as if I can safely suggest that most of us here today have experienced this kind of love… be it from a friends, parents, spouse or family or your church family… where we’ve been loved, and have loved the way Paul talks about in verses 4 thru 6, and how blessed we are by such love. The true blessing comes when we reciprocate, or even better, initiate such Christian love. When we go to church every Sunday, one of the things that I’ve noticed that we do, is we greet each other… whether it is with a handshake, or a hug, or a smile… and the thought occurs to me that for some, that handshake or hug or smile may be the only human contact that some people have in their week. That is called fellowship. This is a part of God’s design for his children, and he tells us to bless each other with that fellowship. “This is my commandment, that you love one another THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL.”
We sing a hymn every so often that says “Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love… the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.”
Here’s a challenge for you today. This morning, earlier in the service, we had an opportunity to go and greet people… perhaps even people we have not met before. Take the time, perhaps even after the service today, to connect with someone whom you may not know very well… yet. Perhaps go to lunch or coffee today. Or perhaps connect with someone from our congregation during this week, reach out to that person… share God’s love with that person… And watch what happens.
The Body of Christ is a congregation filled with love for each other. This week, as we go about our lives, take the time to give someone a handshake or a hug or a smile. The blessings that you bestow will be great… the blessings that you receive will be immeasurable.
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Contagious Christianity
John 15: 5 – 17
In this passage, Jesus is re-establishing his relationship with his disciples… and with us as well…
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
The promise that Jesus is telling us in the word “abide”…is to remain… to have Jesus and his word so deeply engrained into the very fiber of your being that you cannot help but live for Jesus.
He tells his disciples, and he tells us as well, that the key to our walk with him is to stay connected to him. I say that he tells us as well because the Bible says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that heaven and earth will pass away, but his never-ending word remains the same in an ever-changing world.
Being a Contagious Christian means more than just sharing your faith in Christ Jesus with the next person. It means being the branches, reaching out to those around you, and stretching beyond your comfort zone. It means that if someone grabs on to the branch that you’ve extended, they should feel God’s presence – remember that HE is the vine…He is the root… and he will help you and guide you to extend his love through you.
Remember verse 17 says “This is my command… love each other.”
Jesus goes on to say “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” How awesome it is of God that HE wants HIS joy to be in us… and that He gives us the steps we need to make our joy complete. We don’t even have to wonder or question what we have to do… he tells us, and shows us what to do… now the question is… will we do it… and do we always do it?
His command to us in verse 12 is “love one another as I have loved you…” This is one of those scriptures in the Bible where reading and understanding its meaning is sometimes easier than putting it into practice. Jesus, we know, loves unconditionally, and he is asking us to do the same, as he says “Love one another AS I HAVE LOVED YOU…”
But his promise is very clear… do this so that my joy may be in you… and that your joy may be complete.
He goes on to say in verse 16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” Remember one thing… God does not make mistakes. When HE chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, he expects that you will do it… he expects that you will be a contagious Christian by your actions, your words, and your faith.
“Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” Then in verse 17 he states again… “This is my command: Love each other.”
These words from scripture that I have shared today are to help remind each and every one of us of just one of God’s many promises.
We have many opportunities daily, weekly to put into practice God’s words from today. While God provides these opportunities, it is up to us to answer them, and apply them to our lives. Remember that He chose you… and appointed you… to go and bear fruit.
Paul’s attitude was that he wanted to know nothing except Christ and him Crucified. That showed through in everything he did, and as a result of that attitude, his ministry was felt through the known world of his day, and he wrote more books in the Bible than any other author. Paul was a Contagious Christian…
Someone recently shared with me this quote… which I will leave you with today…
“Attitude is truly contagious… So ask yourself one question… is yours worth catching?”
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
In this passage, Jesus is re-establishing his relationship with his disciples… and with us as well…
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
The promise that Jesus is telling us in the word “abide”…is to remain… to have Jesus and his word so deeply engrained into the very fiber of your being that you cannot help but live for Jesus.
He tells his disciples, and he tells us as well, that the key to our walk with him is to stay connected to him. I say that he tells us as well because the Bible says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that heaven and earth will pass away, but his never-ending word remains the same in an ever-changing world.
Being a Contagious Christian means more than just sharing your faith in Christ Jesus with the next person. It means being the branches, reaching out to those around you, and stretching beyond your comfort zone. It means that if someone grabs on to the branch that you’ve extended, they should feel God’s presence – remember that HE is the vine…He is the root… and he will help you and guide you to extend his love through you.
Remember verse 17 says “This is my command… love each other.”
Jesus goes on to say “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” How awesome it is of God that HE wants HIS joy to be in us… and that He gives us the steps we need to make our joy complete. We don’t even have to wonder or question what we have to do… he tells us, and shows us what to do… now the question is… will we do it… and do we always do it?
His command to us in verse 12 is “love one another as I have loved you…” This is one of those scriptures in the Bible where reading and understanding its meaning is sometimes easier than putting it into practice. Jesus, we know, loves unconditionally, and he is asking us to do the same, as he says “Love one another AS I HAVE LOVED YOU…”
But his promise is very clear… do this so that my joy may be in you… and that your joy may be complete.
He goes on to say in verse 16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” Remember one thing… God does not make mistakes. When HE chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, he expects that you will do it… he expects that you will be a contagious Christian by your actions, your words, and your faith.
“Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” Then in verse 17 he states again… “This is my command: Love each other.”
These words from scripture that I have shared today are to help remind each and every one of us of just one of God’s many promises.
We have many opportunities daily, weekly to put into practice God’s words from today. While God provides these opportunities, it is up to us to answer them, and apply them to our lives. Remember that He chose you… and appointed you… to go and bear fruit.
Paul’s attitude was that he wanted to know nothing except Christ and him Crucified. That showed through in everything he did, and as a result of that attitude, his ministry was felt through the known world of his day, and he wrote more books in the Bible than any other author. Paul was a Contagious Christian…
Someone recently shared with me this quote… which I will leave you with today…
“Attitude is truly contagious… So ask yourself one question… is yours worth catching?”
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
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