Filled with satan or filled with God?

I see many articles stating that God has not fixed the problems between the different religions. Why do people think like this? God has provided the answer to this problem and the solution two thousand years ago.....in a manger, at the grave of Lazarus and between two thieves on a cross. The primary message of Jesus was a message of love. Active, alive, all embracing love is what we need. These terror attacks are the work of satan, not directly but through poor, deceived sin filled people. God gave man the power of "free will". This one attribute make man "like God" more than any other attribute. It is the misuse of this will that kills, steals and destroys and that attribute belongs to satan. The bottom line.....Love and be like God........Kill and be like satan. CHOOSE THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE!

12-4-2015      Luke 22:7-13

S.       7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the Passover must be killed. 8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the Passover, that we may eat. 9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he enters in.11 And ye shall say unto the good man of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the Passover with my disciples?12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.13 And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the Passover.

O.      Finding a place for the Passover.

A.      Jesus gave very specific instructions for the disciples to follow, they did as instructed and the last Passover is shared by all. God gave me specific instructions in his Bible. If I follow, I will be blessed. If not, I will be cursed. All this is my decision and the results are up to me.

    P.       Father; I choose to follow you with all my heart, mind and         soul. Fill me with courage, endurance and the wisdom so I               won’t stray. Amen. 

Heaven on earth.

Even with all this rain and flooding we were blessed to have all our family together yesterday. The house was bursting with singing, games, picture taking and fun fun fun. My family is filled with bright, happy people who love each other. There was not a cross word spoken, no hurt feelings, no put-downs. I got the feeling that heaven would be similar to this blessed day.....many times greater. I am asking God to help me prepare as many people to spend eternity in heaven as I can. I don't want anyone to miss what I felt yesterday. God Bless.

11-27-2015    Luke 21:5-6

S.       5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, 6 As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

O.      Jesus tells of the Temple’s destruction.

A.      The things built by man will all crumble and fall. I will build a relationship with God and live by his statutes. This relationship will last for eternity.

P.       Father; Thank you for adopting me into your family. Guide me by your Word and Spirit. Amen.

Jesus "In Me" Appreciation Day!

Today I will be honored in a "Pastor Appreciation". There will be cards, gifts, special words and dinner. We will also be Baptizing some new converts. These special days are in October of each year and I am in many ways conflicted. My calling is to Shepard people into the kingdom of God, keeping the focus on Jesus and their relationship with him. Like most people I do appreciate being appreciated and this special "thank you". I am conflicted because of my pride. I have been the Pastor of this congregation for more than thirty years, built many additions to the facility, seen countless numbers of converts, weddings, baptisms, baby dedications and funerals and I still battle with the idea that "I" have done this. Truth is, I have accomplished nothing. All these things came from the hand of God and Bill was only the delivery boy on duty. Yes, I have been faithful and consistent. Yes I have worked sick, tired, and weary from the load of being bi-vocational. Yes I have confessed my failures and my victories. All this and more. I still know that none of my deeds were accomplish in and of my own strength. Jesus has washed me with his Grace, filled me with his Spirit, and lead me through each day. I am calling this day. Jesus in me Appreciation Day!

10-25-2015    Luke 16:19-31

S.       19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and sees Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime received thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

O.      The eternal end of a rich man and a beggar.

A.      I must share my blessings with those in need. My actions will decide my eternity. Above all, I must be righteous and holy.

  
   P.       Father; cleans me of sin and lead me by your Holy Spirit as         to how to share my blessings. Amen. 

Soul Repair

Doctors can replace your knee, kidney, heart and many other body parts but not your soul. Our soul is from God and is eternal and can not be replaced.......but it can be repaired. Sin damages our soul. God sent Jesus to live a sinless life and allowed him to be sacrificed on the Cross to repair the soul of fallen man. How about coming to bible study tonight and let's see how God can restore your soul to new condition.

9-23-2015      Luke 12:11-12

S.       11 and when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

O.      Holy direction when on trial.

A.      I can depend on the Holy Spirit to direct my defense when I stand accused. I must keep my life as: a proper environment for the Holy Spirit.

P.       Father in Heaven; give me direction, give me courage and give me Grace as I depend on you as my life source. Amen.

ANGRY

I am angry today, woke up that way, and I know why! So many of my friends are fighting pain, sorrow, rejection and fear that I am unable to spread myself and the healing ministry of Jesus in an adequate manner. My sermon today will be about how God wants to meet our needs. My friends that need to hear this message the most will not be able to attend. I am asking for everyone to pray for a special touch from the Holy Spirit too spread this message into the hearts of all my hurting friends. Lift them up, into God's Holy presence, and may God bless you for praying with a double portion of joy. 

9-20-2015      Luke 12:4-7

S.       4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

O.      God knows everything about man, down to the smallest detail.

A.      God knows me, loves me and helps me to be what I should be. I will seek his will and live my life accordingly.

P.       Father; I commit my life to you, lead me into your perfection and purposes. Amen.

BUSY FOR GOD

Another busy week comes to a close, traveled over one thousand miles to visit the sick and afflicted, directed five disciplining 101 classes,  preached two sermons, facilitated adult bible study, fourteen phone visits and over five hundred e-mails. What a joy to be used in the work of the Lord!
Elm Grove has launched a new web site: ELMGROVE.CHURCH
Please visit and let us know what you think.

9-19-2015      Luke 12:1-3

S.       1 In the meantime, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trod one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

O.      All things will be revealed.

A.      I have set myself to be consistent in all areas of speech and conduct. I will be true to God, even when no one is listening or watching.

P.       Father; help me reflect Jesus in all I do and say. Amen.

Forgive me America.

The debate last night brought many terrible conditions in America to light. Most of us know about these problems but having them kicked around from so many different angles seemed to escalate each problem to new heights. I feel for the Americans that are not well grounded in the Christian faith. These people are being pounded with catastrophic worries and monumental disasters with no real remedy to slow the inevitable doom and destruction. In the clear light of this new day I have discovered the solution to this whole mess. I am the remedy. If I will pray more, eat less, stop borrowing, grow my own food, pray according to God's revealed will, care for my neighbor, listen to my wife, share my faith, pray until I conquer my ego, drive less & walk more, vote the moral (bible moral) vote, and sing songs of praise and worship unto God, all this mess will level out. Forgive me America......I will get started......now!

9-17-2015      Luke 11:41-48

S.       41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold; all things are clean unto you.42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! For ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! For ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

       45 Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproaches us also .46 And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! For ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.47 Woe unto you! For ye build the sepulchers of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.48 truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchers.

O.      Jesus rebukes hypocrisy. 

A.      I will strive to avoid hypocrisy. I will not demand anything of others that I myself would avoid. I will repent quickly should someone uncover hypocrisy in me.

P.       Father in Heaven; reveal my weakness, open my eyes and keep me from walking in any form of hypocrisy. Amen. 

Used up

I am ready to be "used up" for Jesus. At my age I know that my time is short on this earth so I am determined to give more, do more and care more than ever before. I want my fuel gauge to show that I emptied myself in the "living" of this life. 

9-16-2015      Luke 11:37-40

S.       37 And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that he had not first washed before dinner. 39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?

O.      Jesus teaches about traditions.

A.      Jesus did not condemn the traditions of the Pharisees; he revealed the values that they were missing. Often our traditions are not completely Christ centered. I will examine all my traditions to be sure that they are.

P.       Father; give me the wisdom to evaluate all my traditions. Help me to improve or remove each one to keep Christ in the center of all I do. Amen.

Marriage Supper

Everything is ready. Invitations sent, R.S.V.P.s received. Place mats printed and on the table. What a beautiful table it is. now it's time to open the door and call the guests inside to the grandest gathering in human history........The Marriage Supper of the Lamb! See you there?

9-13-2015      Luke 11:27-28

S.       27 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the pap’s which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

O.      Obeying the word is as important as hearing it.

A.      I will read, sing, listen and consume God’s word as my daily portion. I will, with the help of the Holy Spirit, live within the Grace I find from it!

    P.       Father; thank you for supplying me all I need within the pages of my Bible. Thank you for                calling me out of the darkness of sin into your wonderful light. Lead me each day on my                      journey home. Amen. 

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2,....

I am ready and I am watching the Eastern sky. Jesus will come in an hour that you think not. I want Jesus to come and remove his children from this wicked, evil world. Please set aside all your sin. Confess to God, invite the saving Grace from Jesus into your heart, mind and soul, turn completely away from sin and live each moment as if it were your last........it might be just that!

9-12-2015      Luke 11:24-26

S.       24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. 25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

O.      Spiritual danger when one would backslide.

A.      I must never go back to the sin that I have been freed of. Jesus must be the center of my thought and actions. The cost of failure is too great.

P.       Father; I surrender my life and my will to you today. Not my will but thine, be done, Amen.

I am Loved!

I am in awe of my Lord Jesus Christ. He went to the cross to die in my place. He never told a lie, broke his word, stole a meal, hurt his friends.......he never sinned. I stand amazed at his love for me, unmerited, undeserved and unlovable man I was, Jesus choose to be my salvation. He paid a price that I could never pay.......just because he loves me.

9-11-2015      Luke 11:23

S.       23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

O.      Jesus sets strict lines of division.

A.      I want to be with Jesus in every matter. I choose to make him my Lord, Saviour and King. I will resist the devil and all his army of evil.

P.       Father; anoint me with your Grace for power to overcome my enemies. Teach me how to love the sinner and hate the sin. Amen.

Father-hood

The last three days have been filled with family. A wedding on Saturday, a baby dedication on Sunday and my baby girl's birthday party on Labor day. Someone said to me, "these are all your fault" as we were leaving the restaurant. I am proud to be the Father, grandfather and great grandfather to my children. This started me to thinking of all the children in this world that are without a father, children whose fathers were killed in battle, children that lost their father to terrorism, divorce or even worse those that were never introduced to their father at all. I would not want to face life without my father. I wish more people would accept my father into their lives.

9-8-2015         Luke 11:11-13

S.       11 if a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?  Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

O.      Examples of asking and what to expect.

A.      I am invited to ask God for my needs……so I will ask!

     P.       Father; I am asking for more of you in my life, more of your love, more of your Grace and                more of your Spirit. Amen. 

Family

My great niece was married yesterday, we will be dedicating my second great grandchild in the service today and tomorrow all my Oklahoma children will be here. My cup is full and overflowing. I have the most amazing family in the world. I am tempted to brag, and brag, and brag.
God has a "family", he calls it "the church", The little group of this family that attends Elm Grove is an amazing group as well. If I could fix any one problem in this old evil world it would be to fix families, fill them with love, fill them with joy and fill them with peace. My family fills my life with all these and more. Won't you come and join my Family. Glad to have you.

9-6-2015         Luke 11:1-4

S.       1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.2And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.3 Give us day by day our daily bread.4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

O.      The Lord teaches his disciples how to pray.

A.      All the elements of prayer are contained in these short few lines: respect God and his name, seek his kingdom, his will, ask for needs, forgive, overcome sin and depend on God for deliverance.

P.       Father; my eyes are open, my heart is open, my mind is open…..fill me with your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Rapture

This is the month of an open window. The 13th to the 15th of September 2015. Are you prepared to be "caught away"? Are you watching? This may be the the day and hour Christians have been waiting and longing for..........BE READY!

9-4-2015         Luke 10:25-37

S.       25And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26He said unto him, what is written in the law? how readest thou?27And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.28And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.29But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?30And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?37And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

O.      The Good Samaritan.

A.      I must be a good neighbor to all I meet in order to represent Jesus as an ambassador.

P.       Father; touch my heart and mind with mercy and grace and open my eyes to the ones that I can help. Amen.

Sing with me?

America is a great melting pot. This is what I was taught in elementary school. Never paid too much attention to it. My classroom was filled with every race one could imagine and we lived in peace. I was thinking about the violence and hate on the evening news, the political name-calling and bashing and all the world-wide wars and I just want to go back to my elementary school and enjoy some peace and harmony. The only melting I see anymore is the melting away of trust, friendship, love and dedication. I guess I will just "try harder"and raise a song of hope and love above the sounds of fear and frustration. Won't you join me in this song?

9-1-2015         Luke 10:18-20

S.       18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

O.      Having a name in Heaven is most important.

A.      When my sin is washed away, my name is written down in God’s book. I then also have power over evil. I must guard against imbalance and backsliding to maintain my joy.

    P.       Father; open the eyes of my understanding as I hide your word in my heart that I sin not.                  Amen. 

HATE

Look around and see all the hate and pain. Blacks killing whites, whites killing blacks, Democrats hating Republicans, Republicans hating Democrats, gays hating strait, strait hating gays, murder, looting, rape, hate, hate, hate. WHY? In the last days the LOVE of many will wax COLD!

8-31-2015      Luke 10:17

S.       17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

O.      The report is given.

A.      There is power, from God, to overcome evil in every disciple. I must never fear satan or his devils. I must learn my authority and exercise that authority under the Holy Ghost direction.

P.       Father; fill me with the Holy Ghost as I surrender my will completely. Use me to set the captive free. Amen.

Learn.....Apply

Learning is of no advantage until it is applied. I will keep on learning for learning must never stop. I will keep applying what I learn......applying always leads to more learning. Quite a beautiful cycle, don't you think. So many people "learn"about Jesus but never apply their learning.....and the learning is wasted. Come to church tomorrow and let's learn together AND apply what we learn.......we can practice on each other before we take it to the world.

8-29-2015      Luke 10:7

S.       7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

O.      Simple instructions for day to day living for the disciples while laboring in the field.

A.      A simple straight forward life is the best for the Christian. Our supply may come as a gift or by our labor. Our goal is to learn to be satisfied.

P.       Father; help me to keep my eyes on you instead of the “things” of this world. Teach me how to be satisfied with what I have. Amen.

JESUS.....The only true HERO

As we honor our heroes and show them their do respect let's not forget the greatest Hero of them all...........JESUS!

8-28-2015      Luke 10:1-6

S.       1After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 2Therefore said he unto them, the harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. 5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. 6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

O.      Jesus sends out the seventy to minister.

A.      Being sent by God to minister is an honor. I must represent the Lord in all I do.

P.       Father; remind me that I represent you as I surrender my flesh and my soul to your service. Amen.

The Law

There is a LAW of God called "sowing and reaping". This law is very simple: plant wheat and wheat will grow, plant corn and corn will grow, plant hate and hate will grow, plant love and love will grow. This law is the same for every person and every household and every nation. Evil and wickedness have been planted far too long in America and these are the days of harvest. God offers a comfort to endure the harvest but we can't avoid our consequences of folly. We need a "year of Jubilee"to start over. This must start in our heart, my heart and yours, one person at a time, then we can stand together and become the Americans our forefathers envisioned. Plant the crop you desire to harvest..........because you will harvest!

8-27-2015      Luke 9:57-62

S.       57And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

O.      Following Jesus requires a total commitment.

A.      I am glad that God has patience with me as I unhook from my worldly ways. My attitudes and attachments are my battle field. There is hope and faith to win in these most difficult areas.

P.       Father; give me divine guidance as I move closer and closer into your desired will for my 

        life. Increase my wisdom as I renew my commitment to you. Amen.

Personility

I am told that my personality is pre-wired into my brain. If this is true then why have their been so many changes in my personality? I think that your personality changes because of maturity and education. As I mature in the Lord and learn about him I am changing into the person I want to be. One that pleases the Lord, and me. Not a scholar here.....just one that believes the Bible.......Behold, ALL things become new!

8-24-2015      Luke 9:46-48

S.       46 Then there arose reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

O.      The least shall be the great.

A.      A child is used as an example so I must serve God with the heart, trust and faith of a child. I do not desire to be known for greatness but I do desire to be a faithful, trusting man of God.

    P.       Father; may others see you instead of me. Guide me into the center of your plan for my life.              Amen.