Thursday, May 21, 2009
Something to think about.
A man who received a second chance at life said, “God shouldn’t have to give me something twice for me to be grateful for it once”. Don’t wait for something to be taken away before you appreciate its value.
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday 24th May
Freedom is never free!
On Monday, May 25, 2009 Americans across this nation and citizens located around the world will pause throughout the day to observe Memorial Day. Since its first official observation on 5 May, 1868, when it was called Declaration Day, it has been a day of remembrance for those who sacrificed and died in our nation’s service. And while it was originally dedicated to honor Civil War soldiers, we know it today as a celebration in memory of all who have fought for and defended our right to freedom. It is a day to honor and to respect those who fought to protect the liberties that our Founding Fathers proclaimed with certainty in the Declaration of Independence and that were thoughtfully and carefully framed in the Constitution of the United States. General Logan in his speech 1868, captures the attitude of this day with these words, “…cherish tenderly the memories of our heroic dead who made their breast a barricade between our country and its foes”. To those who died securing peace and freedom; to those who served in conflict to protect our land, and sacrificed their dreams of the day to preserve the hope of our nation keeping America the land of the free for over two centuries we owe our thanks and our honor. It is important to not only recognize their service but to respect their devotion to duty and to ensure that the purpose for which they fought will never be forgotten. Reflect on these words from the Star Spangled Banner:
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
Yes indeed, in God we trust.
Pastor Don.
Freedom is never free!
On Monday, May 25, 2009 Americans across this nation and citizens located around the world will pause throughout the day to observe Memorial Day. Since its first official observation on 5 May, 1868, when it was called Declaration Day, it has been a day of remembrance for those who sacrificed and died in our nation’s service. And while it was originally dedicated to honor Civil War soldiers, we know it today as a celebration in memory of all who have fought for and defended our right to freedom. It is a day to honor and to respect those who fought to protect the liberties that our Founding Fathers proclaimed with certainty in the Declaration of Independence and that were thoughtfully and carefully framed in the Constitution of the United States. General Logan in his speech 1868, captures the attitude of this day with these words, “…cherish tenderly the memories of our heroic dead who made their breast a barricade between our country and its foes”. To those who died securing peace and freedom; to those who served in conflict to protect our land, and sacrificed their dreams of the day to preserve the hope of our nation keeping America the land of the free for over two centuries we owe our thanks and our honor. It is important to not only recognize their service but to respect their devotion to duty and to ensure that the purpose for which they fought will never be forgotten. Reflect on these words from the Star Spangled Banner:
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
Yes indeed, in God we trust.
Pastor Don.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Something to think about.
“Don’t be led by your heart, rather, you must lead your heart” (Fireproof movie)
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday May 17th
Our best life is later not now!
Charles Spurgeon posted a sign on the door of his study that read: "Perhaps today." In this way Spurgeon reminded himself each time he entered his study that Jesus could return - even today! This then impacted the way he lived, prayed and preached - eagerly expecting the return of Jesus. Living with the certainty of Jesus’ return is a source of great encouragement to us when we are facing hard times. Consider these encouraging words, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2Cor 4:16-18) When was the last time someone encouraged you to “hang in there” by reminding you of heaven? And yet, this seems to be the typical way the early Christians encouraged one another. If you are washed in the blood of the lamb(Rev 7:14) then this is your future: “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Rev. 7:15-17) So, hang in there, Jesus IS coming and when He does our best life will begin.
Pastor Don.
Our best life is later not now!
Charles Spurgeon posted a sign on the door of his study that read: "Perhaps today." In this way Spurgeon reminded himself each time he entered his study that Jesus could return - even today! This then impacted the way he lived, prayed and preached - eagerly expecting the return of Jesus. Living with the certainty of Jesus’ return is a source of great encouragement to us when we are facing hard times. Consider these encouraging words, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2Cor 4:16-18) When was the last time someone encouraged you to “hang in there” by reminding you of heaven? And yet, this seems to be the typical way the early Christians encouraged one another. If you are washed in the blood of the lamb(Rev 7:14) then this is your future: “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Rev. 7:15-17) So, hang in there, Jesus IS coming and when He does our best life will begin.
Pastor Don.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Something to think about.
“Everything that annoys us about others can help us understand ourselves.”
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday May 10th
Mothers, we salute you!
I think it is becoming more and more important that we honor mothers. Why do I say this is important? Because, it used to be that being a mother was an honored position in our culture. Little girls used to grow up dreaming of the day when they would marry and have a family. However, in our day being a mother is no longer considered an honored estate. God created women to be mothers, not as punishment but as a blessing. Eve was called Eve because she would be the mother of all living not because she was the first woman or the wife of Adam, but because she was a mother! Being a mother is part of the redemptive process according to the apostle Paul (1Tim 2:15) Think of this, Mary, as the mother of God, would have a much closer bond with Jesus than Joseph would as the human father to Jesus. (Notice how I had to qualify Joseph’s fatherhood with the word “human”?) Mom, we still think you’re the best! Here are some tributes to moms:
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother." -- Abraham Lincoln
"The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness." -- Honore' de Balzac
"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." -- George Washington
"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." -- Abraham Lincoln
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Prov. 31:28-29
Pastor Don
Mothers, we salute you!
I think it is becoming more and more important that we honor mothers. Why do I say this is important? Because, it used to be that being a mother was an honored position in our culture. Little girls used to grow up dreaming of the day when they would marry and have a family. However, in our day being a mother is no longer considered an honored estate. God created women to be mothers, not as punishment but as a blessing. Eve was called Eve because she would be the mother of all living not because she was the first woman or the wife of Adam, but because she was a mother! Being a mother is part of the redemptive process according to the apostle Paul (1Tim 2:15) Think of this, Mary, as the mother of God, would have a much closer bond with Jesus than Joseph would as the human father to Jesus. (Notice how I had to qualify Joseph’s fatherhood with the word “human”?) Mom, we still think you’re the best! Here are some tributes to moms:
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother." -- Abraham Lincoln
"The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness." -- Honore' de Balzac
"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." -- George Washington
"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." -- Abraham Lincoln
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Prov. 31:28-29
Pastor Don
Friday, May 1, 2009
Something to think about.
“The measure of a truly great man is the courtesy with which he treats lesser men.”
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday May 3rd.
Are you in good hands?
“Do not be anxious about anything...”(Phil 4:6) Easier said than done, right? How do you remain calm when you wonder every day if today you will be laid off from work like thousands of others? How do you remain calm when you send your kids off to school with the swine flu going around? To be sure there are many things to cause us alarm. How does a Christian keep calm while everyone else is in a panic? Here’s how, we accept that ALL God’s dealings with us are good. We remember that God is sovereign over everything. Listen to these words from Deuteronomy, “There is none like God,... who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in his majesty. The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deut. 33:26-27) Whatever happens to you is from His hand, and since He is a good God everything that comes from His hand is good. When struggle and hard times come our way we know that He is not punishing us (those of us who are Christians) but He is using these events to purify His elect as gold is purified through fire. (1Peter 1:6-9) So be encouraged, you are upheld by the everlasting arms!
Pastor Don
Are you in good hands?
“Do not be anxious about anything...”(Phil 4:6) Easier said than done, right? How do you remain calm when you wonder every day if today you will be laid off from work like thousands of others? How do you remain calm when you send your kids off to school with the swine flu going around? To be sure there are many things to cause us alarm. How does a Christian keep calm while everyone else is in a panic? Here’s how, we accept that ALL God’s dealings with us are good. We remember that God is sovereign over everything. Listen to these words from Deuteronomy, “There is none like God,... who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in his majesty. The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deut. 33:26-27) Whatever happens to you is from His hand, and since He is a good God everything that comes from His hand is good. When struggle and hard times come our way we know that He is not punishing us (those of us who are Christians) but He is using these events to purify His elect as gold is purified through fire. (1Peter 1:6-9) So be encouraged, you are upheld by the everlasting arms!
Pastor Don
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