So what do we do when Jesus calls? I guess we have to decide why Jesus is calling also. Maybe we’ve strayed or He thinks we need a boost of Power or Faith. I don’t think He just knocks to be saying hello. He always has a message for us, but no matter what we do (like Saul) He never leaves us. He goes after the unbelievers; even the worst of the worst (Saul), But look what happens. Saul nor Paul wrote over 2/3 of the New Testament.
Author: Mike Bitter
Post Briefcase Actions
We met the person who took my briefcase. He thinks the church was his house and therefore that was his briefcase. Scary thought. Isn’t this his house too? Isn’t the Lord’s house all of us? He may just have a bit more or even better faith than I do. So what do we do from here?
We met with Shawn and shared God’s love. We let him know we love him and remind him God loves him too. Shawn needs a bible, so we’re going to get one for him. That will give us another opportunity to meet with Shawn. I think that is the plan, but it’s up to God.
The Martinwood mission is to: Love God-Build Relationships-Change Lives. It is sometimes easier said than done, but then again, it can also take some burdens off your list. You are there for a defined reason, you already Love God and that shines through to others so you are clear about where you’re coming from. Loving God is a great start to a wonderful relationship. The relationship gives us the opportunity to change lives. GB
The Road to Emmaus aka Jesus is Always With Us
Even then they did not realize who he was. Isn’t that kind of like what we do? We think Jesus is not with us? We think he’s gone somewhere, but he’s really closer than we think or realize. I believe there are times He reveals himself to us, but our filters keep us from seeing Him and his glory. Even if you don’t see him, He’s there. Even if you wish he weren’t or you think he’s left you, He’s there.
THE PASTOR’S BRIEFCASE HAS BEEN RETURNED, and ALL THE CONTENTS HAVE BEEN RECOVERED!!
God is good and the following is incredible, so I felt I needed to share my thoughts with you. Times are a-trying and we need to stand on our principles. Sometimes that’s tough. Let me know what you think of the following:
THE PASTOR’S BRIEFCASE HAS BEEN RETURNED, and ALL THE CONTENTS HAVE BEEN RECOVERED!! God is good ALL the time! We want to thank John and Jan McCallan (who returned my briefcase) and EVERYONE who tirelessly went out of their way to look for my briefcase. The list is endless. These are times when you can feel the love we share between us.
It is a trying time for a ministry when faced with something like this; we want to get angry, cry, point fingers, etc. But that is not what God wants us to do. I started down a path and realized there is more light on the other path. Fast forward…we met with the person who took my briefcase, we talked about God and we know in our hearts, they know who God is and that gives us room for a good start. God is good and He brought this person into our midst for a reason, a season or just to hear about God. This is a win for the home team! Love God, Build Relationships, Change Lives. That’s our mission statement, but it’s not always easy to live it. Once again, from the bottom of my heart…thank you. GB.
Jerusalem, Jesus Last Stand
Have you ever felt afraid or knew things weren’t going to go right? Jesus did, yet he knew and was comfortable with his destiny. Are you comfortable with your destiny? Have you made your peace with God? For Jesus, it was pretty obvious six days before Passover when Mary poured pure nard, an expensive perfume, on Jesus’ feet at Bethany. Jesus knew this was preparation for his burial, yet he went forward, right into Jerusalem, without fear, knowing what awaited him.
Standing in the Gap
You’re probably wondering what the heck I’m talking about and where I’m headed with this, but as Christians, we too should be standing in the gap for others. It’s not humiliating to do that and all it takes is a few minutes of our time to “fill in the gap,” to be there for someone else and to protect them. You don’t have to know them, to stand in the gap for them.
We live in deeds, not years
The poet Philip James Bailey first released his magnum opus “Festus” in 1839. Later Bailey started to expand his poem. In 1853 a version was published in the United States that included the following passage.
“We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; In feelings, not in figures on a dial. We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives Who thinks most—feels the noblest—acts the best.“
You Deserve God’s Blessings, but…….
Sometimes people convict themselves through self judgement and they don’t find heaven on earth or take advantage of the blessings God has already given them. We can be self-judgmental to the point we feel we don’t deserve God’s blessing so we don’t pick up and claim the blessings bestowed upon them by our Lord and Savior.
Don’t Miss God’s Blessings
If we do not make celebrations part of our life, we miss blessings from God. Unimaginable blessings. Because you did His work, He wants to look upon you with peace and bless the accomplishments you did in His name.
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
FHoE
Intercessory Prayer
Pastor Jim Pearson talks about intercessory prayer and its importance in our lives and the lives of others.