Posts

Image
I read this short devotion by Dr. Jeremiah, it’s so good that I wanted to share it. Monday, April 16 Documentation    Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Matthew 7:21    Documentation—it’s everywhere. Your workplace may require you to wear an I.D. tag. If you are traveling to a foreign country, you have to show a passport. If you’re entering a foreign country for an extended stay, you have to produce a visa. You can’t just tell a policeman, “I’m a licensed driver”—you have to show your license.    Recommended Reading: Luke 6:46 In other words, in much of life your word is insufficient. And neither will it be sufficient at the gates of heaven. In a discussion of false prophets and bad fruit, Jesus said that just saying “Lord, Lord” will not provide access to the kingdom of heaven. You must have documentation—evidence that you
PASTORS CORNER: Today we see many in our society living in a negative way. We see it on Facebook, on the daily news, in speech and actions of those around us. It seems as if there is no inner peace. In Matthew chapter 5 Jesus begins an important teaching about our attitudes and character. He begins by using the word "Blessed". This was a powerful word to those who were in attendance that day. To them it meant "divine joy and perfect happiness". It describes an inner satisfaction and sufficiency that does not depend on outer circumstances for happiness. This is what the Lord offers those who trust Him. The Beatitudes, verses 3-12, describe attitudes that Jesus desires for our lives today as well. The first is very important for us to learn as it unlocks all the others. It addresses the attitude of our own heart: "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3. To be poor in spirit means to be humble, recognizing the e
Leaders, lead in regular, fervent prayer for civil authority. Pray that the gospel will spread and God’s people will be protected. Leaders, open leadership roles to those who are qualified. Refuse leadership responsibility to anyone who is unqualified spiritually. Leaders, recognize and honor those who help in practical service to the church. Leaders, include in ministry the public reading of Scripture. Leaders, establish a benevolence fund for wid- ows and others who are in genuine need. Be faithful to help those who have no other means of legitimate family support. Leaders, do not involve others in roles of responsible leadership too quickly. Leaders, avoid the love of money. Reprove any covetousness among God’s people. Encourage contentment. Leaders, teach your congregation to honor the Lord with their wealth.
    TRUTH-IN-ACTION THROUGH MALACHI Letting the Life of the Holy Spirit Bring Faith’s Works Alive in You!                                                TRUTH MALACHI TEACHES   Growing in Godliness Sometimes believers tend to be spiritu- ally nearsighted. We face the same temptation today as did God’s people in Malachi’s day: the temptation to look at ungodly circumstances around us and question God’s integrity and character. We must not mistake God’s patience for apathy. We need God’s eternal vision and to set our eyes on His desired outcome. His ways are higher than our ways, so let us walk in godliness, honoring the Lord.   Cultivating Dynamic Devotion In Malachi, the last of the Old Testa- ment prophets, we see that Israel once again turned away from God and His ways. Yet, God, in His infinite mercy and compassion, continues to keep His eye on the faithful few who remain dedicated to Him. Stay fully devoted to the Lord. He promises to honor, heal, and bless you.   Pursuing
Growing in Godliness Godly living is characterized by a life lived to please God. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have already found favor in God’s sight; therefore, we are to live a life that reflects that favor. Like Jesus, our work is to flow from faith and love, honoring God in all that we do. We are to behave so that when unbelievers see our lives they will rec- ognize and honor God, who is our source of godliness. Love, honor, prayer, and the full expression of the Holy Spirit are but a few of the things that Thessalonians exhorts us to pursue.Understand that godly living includes: 1) work that flows from faith, 2) labor that flows from love, and 3) patient endurance that flows from living hope. Pray that these virtues would characterize your life. Remember always that you are loved and chosen in Christ. Be faithful and persevering in prayer for other believers and other congregations. Live your life to please God. Seek to grow in love for others. Strive to live quietly, not gossipi