Henry John Heinz

'Her children rise up and call her blessed...' Proverbs 31:28 NKJV

Good Morning Everyone,
One more day here in the sun. It has been a nice vacation and time of rest but God has also given us opportunity to rise up and witness. As I read today's scripture it reminded me of all those women in my life who pushed me to Godly values. At age six, Henry John Heinz began helping his mother tend the small garden behind their family home. At twelve, he was working one and a half hectares of garden, using a horse and cart for his three-times-a-week deliveries to grocery stores throughout the city of Pittsburg. He went on to found his own company and named it 57 Varieties. The Henry John Heinz Company was incorporated in 1905, and today, over one hundred years later, it sells more than thirteen hundred products worldwide, ranging from tomato sauce to baby food. But there are other things you need to know: Henry John Heinz loved Jesus and was deeply involved in the promotion of Sunday school in Pittsburg and around the world. His company was noted for pioneering safe and sanitary food preparation and for being ahead of its time in employee relations. He provided free medical benefits, swimming and gymnasium facilities, and promoted women to positions of greater responsibility, making them supervisors. He earned a reputation for enhancing the working and living conditions of his workers. In his will, Henry John Heinz said: 'I desire to set forth at the very beginning of this will, as the most important item in it, a confession of my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I also desire to bear witness to the fact that throughout my life, in which there were unusual joys and sorrows, I have been wonderfully sustained by my faith in God through Jesus Christ. This legacy was left to me by my consecrated mother, a woman of strong faith, and to it I attribute any success I have attained.' Moms are you doing your part with your Kids? Amy and I been praying for all of you that God will rise up our moms at Calvary so you may be called Blessed! If you read the rest of this verse, it says and "there husbands praise them." Lets be a church that is raising up people who raise up others to love Jesus Christ like Henry John Heinz...

Why You Need Courage

'Be strong and of good courage...' Joshua 1:6 NKJV

Good Morning,
Some days you need courage as I did yesterday. I started to feel some discomfort in my leg thinking what's this? I'm on vacation. I looked down to find a redness on my leg. I thought not this again. So we headed to the doc in the box. Seems I have a infection in my leg vain. Its not like the time I was in the hospital so I was prescribed some antibiotics and told to check in with my doc when we get back home so I could use your prayers. Why do we need courage when things in life scare us? Or when we feel like failures? God said to Joshua, 'Be strong and of good courage'? Four reasons why we must trust God: (1) For Joshua's own sake. God had a lot invested in Joshua; the future of an entire nation rested on his shoulders. And since God has a lot invested in you too, you must believe that it's His will for you to succeed. If you grew up in a family or church where you felt unworthy of God's favor and unentitled to His blessing, you must reprogram your mind with the Scriptures. '...then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.' (Joshua 1:8 NKJV) (2) For the Lord's sake. God told Joshua, '...do not be afraid...for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.' (Joshua 1:9 NKJV) God's reputation was on the line. The nations in Canaan had heard how He delivered the Israelites from slavery, drowned the Egyptian army in the Red Sea and fed His people with food from Heaven every day. Had Joshua failed to conquer the Promised Land it would have brought reproach to God's name and made His people a laughing stock. The Lord had a bigger stake in Israel's success than anyone else. His plan to bring forth the Messiah depended on their success. His desire was to turn a bunch of slaves into the greatest nation on earth-one that served the true and living God. And Joshua had a big part to play in it. Where did Joshua's strength come from? This promise: '...the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.' (Joshua 1:9 NIV) Start believing...Your God is with you as well!

Stay Focused on What's Important

'...he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.' Hebrews 11:27 NIV

Good Morning,

Its 8:00am and I'm sitting here with Amy listening to worship music. It is nice to sit and stay focused on what is important; Our relationship with Jesus. When you have a relationship you can dream big things because God is showing you amazing things you never thought possible. That's were Amy and I find ourselves today; dreaming the impossible for ministry @Calvary. As we've pondered what is important there are certain things we must be willing to give up to make it happen. We can't keep all our options open; we have to narrow our focus to what's most important. John Maxwell says: 'Many people do the opposite. Rather than focus on their dream and let go of less important things, they want to keep every option open. But when they do, they actually face more problems because decision-making becomes overly complicated...at first it's fun to have so many possibilities...But as time goes by, you can't make progress because you spend all your time preserving options rather than moving forward...When you expend your time and energy on the few things that make a difference...tasks that aren't exciting or immediately rewarding take on added value. Each activity becomes an important piece in that bigger picture.' When God gives you a vision He doesn't show you the whole picture up front. He does it in stages so you won't get overwhelmed. For example, when He shared with Moses His vision for delivering Israel, Moses had to wait for each part to download. By faith he left Egypt. By faith he kept the Passover so the enemy wouldn't touch the firstborn of Israel. By faith the Israelites walked through the Red Sea and their enemies drowned trying to pursue them. By faith he kept the Israelites moving for forty years through the wilderness until he stood, an old man, overlooking the Promised Land. What kept Moses going even after God told him he'd never enter the Promised Land? Simply this: he stayed focused on doing the will of 'Him who is invisible.' As we enter the 8th year of ministry Amy and I are more excited about the possibilities then ever before. That's because we know that together as (team Calvary) there's nothing we can't do in Christ Jesus! Let's dream team, because we believe God has given us the best in you...

You are loved,

Get Going!

'Why are you crying out...Tell the Israelites to move on.' Exodus 14:15 NIV

Good Morning,
This is what I kept crying out to my favorite airline...Get Going! I know I don't have control of the weather but I kept looking out the airport window seeing clear runway and yet the planes weren't flying. People were blaming the airline for this and that, and yes I had my moments. Imagine yourself undertaking an important assignment. Things go well and God blesses your efforts. Maybe your in your job things go crazy good. Then circumstances change, you face difficulties, discouragement sets in, those you counted on start blaming you, and now you wish you'd never undertaken the project. Welcome to Moses' world! (vv10-20) God told him to lead Israel out of Egyptian slavery into the land He promised them four hundred years earlier. But faith gave way to fear when they were stuck between the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptian army. So they turned on Moses, blamed him for their dilemma and wanted to return to Egypt. What was Moses' reaction? Whatever he felt, he still believed what God had promised. So to calm the people he said to them, 'Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.' (v13 NKJV) That's good counsel. But God had more to say. 'Tell the Israelites to move on.' Instead of allowing them to rest, God redirected their energy by calling them to action. Anybody attempting an assignment for God encounters similar challenges. So what should you do? Ask God for directions, and don't consult anxiety-driven people. Have you been standing still, waiting for improved circumstances when God wants you to move on? Get going! While you are walking God will be working. He will neutralize the enemy without and the 'white-ants' within. Refuse to be depressed, deflected or derailed. The Red Sea will part, the enemy will be defeated, and you will sing the new song in the new land. Sometimes God has to get our attention. Sing the new song by faith and move on....
You are loved!

Conformed or Transformed? (1)

'Do not be conformed...but be transformed...' Romans 12:2
Good Morning, Well our flight is cancelled again. I'm Sitting here waiting to talk to someone about our flight out of here. The lines are jammed and I'm a little bummed. I've joked about how snow is of the devil, it sure feels like it today LOL. I know our little worries can't be compared to what others are going through especially since there are more terrible things than a canceled flight. So we must chose to be transformed even in times of stress or grief. Chuck Swindoll said, 'We like to imagine ourselves a race of rugged individuals - the Patrick Henrys, Davy Crockett's and Lone Rangers. The truth is, we hate to appear different lest we be ostracized, branded fanatics and rejected. So, we conform. You'll see it in the child eager to please; the adolescent aligning with peer pressure; the adult breaking their back to keep up with the Joneses.' Just being different for its own sake is likely to be worthless, even counterproductive. What God wants from us is our willingness to be radically transformed. 'Therefore, I urge you...to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind' (vv.1-2 NIV). Here are two important observations to help you reach that goal: First: Transformation belongs to believers. The unbeliever can't break the world's control over them without Christ, but believers are promised: '...the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world' (1 John 4:4 NLT). God's indwelling Spirit enables you to resist the world's pressure to conform you to its ways. Second: God's appeal is urgent. 'I urge you, brothers.' Words like beg, plead, beseech are used in some translations because the appeal isn't secondary or optional. It's vital, a divine imperative! God is seeking for surrendered vessels that are ready to be transformed for His use. Are you willing to say, 'Yes, Lord, use me'? Even when it seems we can't....

Grace

'...we have all received...one grace after another...' John 1:16 Good Morning, As I sit here 5:30am thanking God for all the things he has done in my life; (Our flights are on time for our vacation). I'm reminded that there is so much more to be thankful for. I had a rough day yesterday with my computer not being fixed right to the the thought that we might not get out of here. How is that it's been so nice until I want to leave to rest? Ever ask those questions? Well Gods grace is there for whatever we do.
His grace comes to us free and clear, with no strings attached. In fact, He's more tolerant and less judgmental than many of us are. We weren't worthy and didn't deserve it but because we belong to Christ, 'Out of His...(abundance) we have all received...one grace after another...spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing...favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift.' Richard J. Neuhaus said, 'The moralizing and legalizing of the Gospel of God's grace is a dull heresy peddled to disappointed people who are angry because they have not received what they had no good reason to expect.' When you truly grasp the concept of grace: 1) You will gain a fresh appreciation for God's gifts to you - things like salvation and forgiveness, the gift of life, health, laughter, music, beauty and friendship. 2) You will be less critical and less concerned with what other people do. Ever heard the saying, 'I'm okay with me. I don't need to make you wrong?' When you operate in the freedom that comes with grace, you're okay letting other people chart their own course and make decisions you may not make. 3) You will become more tolerant and less judgmental. Instead of focusing on appearance based on religious performance, you will look for authenticity and a genuine love for God. 4) You will grow spiritually. David said, 'He brought me out into a spacious place...' (Psalm 18:19 NIV). Grace expands your horizons so you can never go back to where you once were. So give Him thanks today for what He deserves!

Pray for Your Pastor

'Pray...that...words may be given me...' Ephesians 6:19
Good Morning, Amy and I are taking a some much needed vacation time and we would appreciate your prayers. We haven't taken a real vacation in several years so we are looking forward to getting some rest. Pastor Zach & Pastor Josh along with our team leaders have great services planned out just for you. Tim Armstrong and Jake Rochek will be speaking so be prepared for a mighty move of God. With the weather doing its best to keep us in the TriCities please pray for a safe trip out of here tomorrow and Seattle. Please pray for us that God will refreash us during this time. Paul always asked his churches to pray for him. Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus: 'Pray...that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me...that I will fearlessly make known...the gospel.' Can I ask you...Do you pray for your pastors? You should! After Wilbur Chapman's first sermon at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, a man said, 'You're pretty young to be pastor of this great church. We've always had older men. I'm afraid you won't succeed, but since you preach the gospel I'm going to help you all I can.' Chapman thought, 'What a crank.' But the man continued, 'I'm going to pray for you, and a few others have covenanted to join me.' Later, Chapman wrote, 'I didn't feel so bad when I learned that they were going to pray for me. Soon the three became fifty, and the fifty became two hundred who met before every service to pray for me. In another room eighteen elders knelt so closely around me that I could put out my hand and touch them. I always went into my pulpit confident that I would have God's anointing in answer to the prayers of those people. It was easy to preach, a real joy. And what was the result? Eleven hundred people were saved and joined the church in the next three years, and six hundred of them were men. It was the fruit of the Holy Spirit in answer to prayer. Church members have much more to do than go to church as curious, idle spectators to be amused and entertained. It is their business to pray mightily that the Holy Spirit will clothe the preacher with power and make his words like dynamite.' What would happen if you showed up every Sunday to pray for your Pastors? Not only would they become filled with power but so would you. Together we could make a lasting impact that would change our community forever!

What God Expects of You - Faith

'Without faith it is impossible to please Him...' Hebrews 11:6

 

Good Morning,

It was such an incredible day yesterday. The Holy Spirit touched many through healings and answered prayer. Amy and I appreciate all of you as you come with a heart of expectation in worship and the word. We believe together that our God is a big God who takes care of His kids. That's why we must live the word in our lives. The Bible says, 'But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.'

Do you know what God expects of you? Faith! He wants you to trust His Word, His character and His track record of faithfulness. It is impossible to please Him if you don't. The difficulty you're dealing with right now may have to do with where you are in your faith walk with God. That doesn't mean if you're going through trouble, you don't have faith. But while it may not be a lack of faith that got you into trouble, it's the strength of your faith that will bring you through it. You say, 'But shouldn't I be rational?' Yes, but don't be so rational that you fail to leave room for the supernatural. Narcissism is the worship of our own intellect. We say, 'If I don't understand it, I don't believe it.' Then, in essence, you are your own god! You don't really believe in God, you believe in you. What are you going to do when life hands you a problem you can't solve? Before Christ raised Lazarus from the dead He asked Mary and Martha to take Him back to the grave, the place where they stopped believing, the point at which they gave up because of human limitation. Why? Because only when you reach that point, do you discover that God '...is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that [you] ask or think...' (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV).

Don't Be Afraid (2)

'The word of the Lord came to Abram...saying, "Do not be afraid."' Genesis 15:1 NKJV

Good Morning,
Continuing with the thought on not being afraid...Researchers have found that about forty percent of the things we worry about never happen. Thirty percent are in the past and can't be helped. Twelve percent involve the affairs of others that are not even our business. Ten percent relate to sickness, real or imagined. That means only eight percent of the things we worry about are even likely to happen! Scientists at Yale University have actually identified a 'worry gene'. But they say that while you may have inherited it, you can overcome it. Somebody has said that 'worry is just interest paid on trouble before it comes due.' And in most cases it never comes due. Think; when you worry, there's a ninety-two percent chance you're paying interest on a debt that's not even yours! How foolish is that? Take the fear of flying, for example. You would have to fly every day for nineteen thousand years before the probability of being in a plane crash approaches 100%. Yet it is one of the six most feared causes of death. Someone has said that there are three hundred and sixty-five 'fear nots' in the Bible-one for every day of the year. When you worry, you doubt God and give the devil an entry point into your life. How long have you been doing this? When are you going to stop it? Knowing that Abraham was leaving his comfort zone and his security base, God said, 'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.' (Genesis 15:1 NIV) And today God's saying the same to you.

Don't Be Afraid (1)

'The word of the Lord came to Abram...saying, "Do not be afraid."' Genesis 15:1 NKJV

What a beautiful day today...Have you ever been afraid? Something new is happening in your life or changes you weren't sure of has brought some fear? God asked Abraham to do a very difficult thing: '..."Leave your country...and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing..." So Abram left, as the Lord had told him.' (Genesis 12:1-4 NIV) If you're afraid of changing jobs, houses or locations, stand on this Scripture because as a redeemed child of God you are entitled to the blessing of Abraham. All our fears basically come down to these two questions: First: 'Lord, will You protect me?' Secondly: 'Lord, will You provide for me?' With Abraham, God addresses both: 'Do not be afraid...I am your shield, your very great reward.' (Genesis 15:1 NIV) The words, 'very great reward,' literally mean, 'I am your unfailing, inexhaustible, ever increasing source of supply.' Awesome! You don't have to go to anybody else for protection or provision; God's got you covered! And notice what happened next. God entered into a covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:18); He said to him: 'I'll take care of you and your descendants as long as you live.' But there was a problem. 'Then birds of prey came down on the [sacrifice], but Abram drove them away.' (Genesis 15:11 NIV) There's a lesson here. Even though God has promised to take care of you, you must drive away the worries Satan sends to prey on your mind. How do you do that? By standing squarely on the promises God has made to you in His Word. If your worries are overwhelming; the place to start is by admitting that it is through Christ and Christ only do you get your strength!

What Paul Prayed For

'...we have not stopped praying for you...' Colossians 1:9 NIV

Good Morning,
Ever wonder about prayer? In life we move from season to season and so goes our prayer life if we don't stay connected. The word tells us to pray for one another. Paul tells the Colossians in Colossians 1:9 that he loved them so much he would "not stop praying for them". Sunday I shared a message on how to stay connected in love. Prayer is one way. For Paul when it came to those he loved he prayed: (1) That they would understand the will of God. 'Asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.' Rome was not an easy place to be a Christian, yet Paul wrote: 'Everyone has heard about your obedience...' (Romans 16:19 NIV) Obedience to God's will should be your number one priority. When your name is mentioned, no one should have any doubt as to the level of your commitment to Jesus. (2) That their lives would be pleasing to God. 'That you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way...' (Colossians 1:10 NIV) When you stand before God to be rewarded you won't hear the words 'well said' or 'well planned' but, 'Well done, good and faithful servant...' (Matthew 25:21 NKJV) (3) That they would prosper in the work God had given them. '...bearing fruit in every good work...' (Colossians 1:10 NIV) Nothing brings joy to the heart of a parent like seeing their child succeed. And God feels the same way about you. (4) That they would persevere by drawing on His strength. 'Being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance...' (Colossians 1:11 NIV) Like a light bulb, you depend on power from another source. So unless you stay connected to God you'll be spiritually weak. (5) That they would praise God. 'Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints...' (Colossians 1:12 NIV) In other words, live with an attitude of gratitude, a heart of praise, and one who always prays.

When You're Under Attack

'The name of the Lord is a strong tower...' Proverbs 18:10 NKJV

Good Morning,
Thanks to everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday yesterday. Had a wonderful day with family and friends topped off by a fine meal @Texas Roadhouse. I wanted to share how awesome service was Sunday! The exclamation point being how marvolus was the moving of God's Spirit in our midst. We saw God touch many lives that brought about Spiritual break through. Our God is incredible...

Today we look at what happens when we come under attack?
Martin Niemoller, a former U-boat captain, was among those in Germany who spoke out against Hitler. Predictably, he was arrested and imprisoned. En route to face his accusers in court he was walking through an underground tunnel when he heard these words: 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.' Niemoller was shocked. There was nobody around who could have said them. Had God spoken to him audibly? In the end it didn't matter because God used His Word to strengthen and encourage one of His own. Apparently a Christian guard, who knew the acoustics inside the tunnel would allow somebody to whisper into the wall and be heard up ahead, had quoted the verse. Niemoller was acquitted but he was still imprisoned for another seven years. When the prosecutor asked, 'How can we imprison a man who's been acquitted?' Hitler replied, 'Because he's my personal prisoner!' Jesus said, '...when people...persecute you and falsely say...evil against you because of Me, rejoice...great is your reward in Heaven...' (Matthew 5:11-12 NIV) Charles Swindoll writes: 'When you're punished for doing the right thing, you've a "great cloud of witnesses" surrounding you (Hebrews 12:1)...faithful men and women who extended the Kingdom and made the world a better place...at great personal cost...Take courage...you fight for the winning side.' The Bible says: '...everyone who wants to live a godly life...will suffer...' (2 Timothy 3:12 NLT) The second that prison-cell door slammed shut, Niemoller joined a distinguished league of saints willing to endure hardship in this life in order to reign with Christ in the next one. How about you? "The name of the Lord is a strong Tower"

Change Can Happen for You!

'And He...said, "Behold, I make all things new..."' Revelation 21:5 KJV

Good Morning,

Thanks to those who took part in the week of Prayer @CFW. We had some amazing times in the evenings praying with one another. Prayer is the catalyst for relationship with God and allows God to make changes in your life and give you the push we sometimes need in this life. Observe: (1) Change means accepting risk. Your anxiety will kick in and say, 'What if I don't get the job? What if the economy fails? What if I make the effort to change but they don't?' We like ironclad guarantees. The predictable feels less threatening than sticking our necks out. But the price of our security often means remaining stuck with the status quo. Sometimes your greatest risk is taking no risk at all! God often requires you to leave the path that feels and looks safe, for the one that feels and looks risky. 'Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for...the proof of things [we] do not see...' (Hebrews 11:1 AMP) Your faith is foolproof assurance, God's confirmation, the title deed guaranteeing that the change you want will take place if you act on it. (2) Change will happen if failure is not allowed to stop you. Fear of failing often stops us from trying, yet many of God's best people experienced failure on their way to success. Consider Abraham, Moses, Elijah, David etc. All of them succeeded only after dealing with personal failure. Indeed, the richest, most profound change often happens after we've tasted failure. Until then we tend to be cocky and of not much use to God. Peter failed the Lord miserably, and at the most crucial moment. (Matthew 26:72) But he grew, becoming Christ's choice to lead His newly empowered church on the Day of Pentecost, winning three thousand souls. (Acts 2) Don't let anything stop you with God, "behold I make all things new."

This year 'launch out'

'Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.' Luke 5:4 NKJV

Good Morning,
Tonight is the last night in our week of Prayer and Amy has setup a special prayer walk in the fellowship hall that is an amazing journey of self introspection with God. Please take the time tonight to come and pray for not only your needs but of those in the body. We start @7 and when you are done you can leave or worship with the worship team while they practice, it's up to you? Sometimes you just have to launch out into new areas of your life that God is challenging you in. Let's take the step together:

Someone has said that mediocrity is just the best of the worst and the worst of the best. Is that what you want this year? If not, you must be willing to leave the safety of where you are, and go where God wants to take you. After fishing all night and catching nothing Jesus told His disciples, 'Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.' In other words, leave the safety of the shoreline and be willing to face the fury of the storm, knowing that God is with you. Helen Keller, who overcame incredible challenges, reportedly said, 'Security is a myth. The reason we don't experience it is because it doesn't exist. Avoiding danger or failure is no safer in the long run than out-right risk. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.' Launching out means setting goals, establishing a plan to reach them, and becoming accountable. It requires staying in sync with God's will, confronting your fears and discovering the rewards that lie on the other side of them. It demands looking in the mirror, and respecting or correcting what you're becoming. It calls for devoting your life to something greater than yourself, even when others don't understand. It's having an 'I will fear no evil for You are with me' attitude, and attempting great things for God. As you enter this New Year, stop and recall God's goodness. Check the price tag on His will for your life against what you're already paying, and compare the rewards of both. Then, 'launch out' and don't look back!

Who Is Influencing You?

'...But who do you say I am?' Matthew 16:15 NLT

Good Morning,

Wonderful time of prayer last night as we prayed for needs of many and believe our God will move on our behalf. It's wonderful to have a confidence in prayer that leads to answers. I hope you will join us again tonight as we meet @7pm here @CFW. This morning let's look at who's influencing your life...Matthew writes: 'One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that He show them a miraculous sign from Heaven to prove His authority.' (Matthew 16:1 NLT) The Pharisees were bound by tradition, so they opposed anything new. The Sadducees were bound by reason, so they opposed anything supernatural. Since Christ brought a new revelation of God and a new dimension of His power, both the Pharisees and Sadducees opposed Him. So Jesus warned His disciples: 'Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.' (v6 NLT) In a culture where people used yeast to make bread, Christ's point came through loud and clear. Just as yeast works silently and spreads slowly, so doubt and unbelief work the same way in our hearts and minds. Then Christ asked His disciples two questions. First: 'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' (v13 NLT) He wanted them to know when their thinking was being negatively influenced by those around them so that they would be on guard against it. Secondly: 'Who do you say I am?' Immediately Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.' (v16 NLT) Jesus replied, 'You are blessed, Simon son of John, because My Father in Heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.' (v17 NLT) There are things that people can teach you and if you're wise you will listen. But there are things that only the Lord can reveal to you and if you're wise you'll listen and do what He says.

You are loved!

Pray Every Day

'Devote yourselves to prayer...' Colossians 4:2 NAS
Good Morning,
This week we begin our week of prayer. This focused prayer time is set aside once a year for our church body to come together and pray for the needs of our church, community, and nation. Many of you signed up to pray for an hour a day and I pray that you will keep that commitment. Each night this week the church will be open for corporate prayer @7pm. On Thursday we will have a special prayer walk set-up for personal interspection. I hope that you can take sometime from your busy schedules to be a part of this incredible time. The bible tells us "to devote ourselves to Prayer". How do we do that?

One little girl threw one of her shoes under the bed before going to sleep. When her mom asked why, she replied, 'My Sunday school teacher said if I have to get down by my bed in the morning and look for my shoe, it'll remind me to say my prayers while I'm there.' If it helps, throw your shoe's under the bed! Prayer is the life force that sustains us spiritually. David wrote and we sang this song Sunday: 'As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You...My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?' (Psalm 42:1-2 NIV) In his book, The Power and Blessing, Pastor Jack Hayford writes: 'I had gone on vacation, and I needed it! It was delightful to get to the beach. But about the fourth day...I found I was feeling empty inside. Then it occurred to me that for four days I hadn't read a word of Scripture, prayed a prayer or sung a song of praise. It was just kind of 'Let's get away from it all.' We were so involved with church that we didn't want to do anything 'godly' for a while. But suddenly I was called back by the inner hollowness I felt. Through that experience I learned that I can't recover at a physical or emotional level, if I neglect the spiritual level.' The Bible says: 'Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.' Only when you've spent time in God's presence and drawn strength from Him, will you be equal to the challenges you face on any given day.