Healthy Christianity

I will give my time to God today. I will go to his house and worship. I will join with my family and study the word of God. I will sing. I will pray. I will give........and I will receive much more than I deserve in return. Be Blessed at Elm Grove!

8-9-2015         Luke 9:1

S.       1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

O.      This is the “mission” of God’s disciples.

A.      This is our mission today……for every disciple.

    P.       Father; I need strength, courage and faith to execute your              mission to my generation. Please grant these for today.                     Amen. 

Covenant People

Good Sunday morning. Ready for a glorious day of worship, fellowship and the miraculous hand of God at work in my life. The older I get the more I appreciate the time gathered together with the Saints at church services. This past week was full sickness, pain and confusion, but, as soon as I step through the door of the meeting hall I will forget the difficulties, join in the worship and allow God to renew my soul, mind and heart. I am excited about Sunday!

S.O.A.P.

3-15-2015      Romans 10: 20-21

S.       20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. 21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

O.      God claims other nations because of Israel’s disobedience.

A.      I must be obedient to God’s Word. Obedient, obedient, obedient!

P.       Father; Show me myself as you see me. Reveal anything that is displeasing to you. Amen.

Awake, Sleeping Church!

I am hungry for REVIVAL. God, please wake up your church!

11-24-2014    Mark 10:35-45

S.       35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. 36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? 37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. 38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? 39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: 40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

O.      Jesus reveals how to be “great” in the kingdom of heaven; be servant of all, like Jesus was a servant.

A.      I want to serve my fellow man. I will pray, teach, preach, council and share the word of God to as many as I can.

P.       Father; I surrender my will, my life and my service to you. Teach me how, when and where to serve! Amen.

SONDAY

Happy SON-day yáll. See you in church. I know that I spelled it different......it is his day.....you know....Jesus, the SON of God. :)

10-26-2014    Mark 6:53-56

S.       53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. 54 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, 55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. 56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

O.      Great numbers of people are healed by touching the garments of Jesus. Faith was growing in the hearts of people and actions were showing results.

A.      Spreading the truth about Jesus, his love, compassion, healing, hope and salvation will still show results. I will spread the truth.

P.       Father; fill me with courage as I spread your word. Touch my mind and heart and give me strength to endure. Amen.

God IS!

I will believe. I will not doubt. I will not quit. I will not fear. I will believe. AMEN.

10-25-2014    Mark 6:45-52

S.       45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

O.      After Jesus spent time praying on the mountain he came to his disciples walking upon the sea. This caused much trouble to the minds of the disciples as they knew that this is impossible. Their hearts were not full of faith…….the facts were in the way.

A.      My faith is small and weak. I must resist doubt, fear, worry and man’s explanations as what is possible and what is not. With God; all things are possible. I rebuke doubt, worry, fear that lives in my heart and mind. I surrender myself; body, mind, spirit and soul to the will of God under the blood of Christ.

P.       Father; I believe, but help all unbelief to be erased. I surrender all that I am unto you. Wash me in the blood of Jesus; fill me with your Holy Spirit as I go forth and minister. Amen. 

What do you want Jesus to Do?

They that worship God must worship him "In Spirit and In Truth".  Much of the current noise about worship leaves this scripture completely out of the conversation. To worship in the spirit you must be filled with the Spirit....not sin. 

10-14-2014    Mark 5:15-17

S.       15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.

O.      After Jesus cast out the demons all the people were afraid and ask Jesus to leave.

A.      I must not become afraid of supernatural events. God is always the same and his ways are not always understandable. I will embrace and believe each miracle in the Bible. I will seek to draw closer to my Lord and conquer fear.

P.       Father; I seek to overcome all my fears and worries. Heal my mind and touch my spirit. I praise you and invite you to use me in this dark hour. Amen.

How are you Growing?

I spent half of my life trying to push, pull, scare, scream, prod, shame people into living right. It never worked. The harder I was the more difficult "my" life was. People will only change when they want to change. It (change) starts from inside a person and radiates to the live others see. Lots of folks under my ministry acted as I wanted them to act. The problem was; they were just acting, no real change had occurred, no inner renewal, just paint and powder for my sake. God called me to plant seed, gospel seed. How you grow is up to you.

10-7-2014      Mark 4:26-29

S.       26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

O.      Spiritual seed is like natural seed, it must be planted before it will grow and produce fruit.

A.      I will plant and I will harvest. I will leave the growth patterns and development to the course of nature.

P.       Father; as the farmer does not tell the seed how to grow I must do the same. Help me to trust your work in the lives that I have planted seed in and just stay ready to harvest. Help me to be a farmer instead of a policeman. Amen.

Family

9-30-2014      Mark 3:31-35

S.       31There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

O.      Jesus declares the source of family; doing the will of God!

A.      I will learn the will of God from his word and keep it before my face daily. I will submit my will and obey the voice of the Lord.

P.       Father; I want to be a part of your family, show me how to accomplish your will. Amen.

Jesus is calling

9-26-2014      Mark 3:13-19

S.       13 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:16 And Simon he surnamed Peter;17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,19 And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.

O.      Jesus calls twelve men into his ministry.

A.      Jesus still calls people to follow him and serve in ministry. I have been called, I will follow.

P.       Father; renew my calling, lift my spirit and give me strength to obey. Heal my body of this pain and use me to heal others. Amen.

Calling Sinners

9-19-2014      Mark 2:15-17

S.       15 And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

O.      Jesus explains his reason for coming.

A.      I must share the message of Jesus. Inside and outside the church this message must be spread. Jesus ate and drank with the sinners. He did not sin their sins to be with them, he just did not avoid their presence. We must live a pure life as an example to others.

P.       Father; Wash away all my sin, set my feet on the right path and shine through me……today. Amen. 

Give to the poor.

7-19-2014      Acts 20:35

S.       35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

O.      Honest words about meeting the needs of others and the ultimate word on giving.

A.      Supporting the weak is more than money. Weakness comes to us when we are afraid, lonely and hurt. Supporting people in these times is just as important as filling their bellies. I will attempt to be there for the ones that are in these difficult times.

P.       Father; I see hurting people in every direction I look. I see hungry people in every direction I look. Guide me by your Holy Spirit in all my efforts to help and support. I am overwhelmed and inadequate for the task. I need you Father to fill me up and then pour me out. Amen.

Staying Put

7-3-2014         Acts 18:9-11

S.       9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

O.      In this time of difficulty Paul received a vision that encouraged him to keep going. He remained in this difficult place for 18 months.

A.      God will encourage us in times of difficulty. We should not run from adversity. We should seek God for a fresh “vision” and courage to stay put and win souls.

P.       Father; give me a fresh vision for Tolar, Texas, Hood County, North Texas, America and the whole world. Let me see “beyond the four walls” of my church. Amen.

Friends

7-1-2014         Acts 18:1-4

S.       1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

O.      In Corinth Paul joins together with Aquila and his wife Priscilla……and the work goes on.

A.      It is a great blessing to have help and fellowship with others. I am grateful for all the people that I have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside.  I learn, I grow and I even rest because of these wonderful men and women of God. I am blessed.

P.       Father: Thank you for all my friends. Please send special blessings to each of them today. Send them a double portion of joy, a double portion of peace and remind them of how much they are loved. Amen.

Worship re-directed.

6-29-2014      Acts 17: 22-23

S.       22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

O.      Paul declares the “unknown God” to the people of Athens.

A.      People are very superstitious and will worship or follow after some form of belief. We can use their curiosity to introduce them to God.

P.       Father; I will reveal you to as many people as I can to bring as many as possible into your kingdom. Fill me with the joy of my salvation that I may be a living example to everyone I meet. Amen.

Erasing the Lines

6-20-2014      Acts 16:11-15

S.       11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

O.     Paul travels to Philippi where his ministry began with an all women group at the river and ends up in the home of Lydia.

A.      God has never set women as “second class” believers. Our ministry should be motivated by the Holy Spirit and never by societal banes. This is a “whosoever” message so I must be a “whosoever” minister.

P.       Father; set me free from the chains of social class, racism and all man-made mores. Open my eyes to see others as you see them and fill my heart to love them as you do. Amen.  

New Places

6-19-2014      Acts 16:5-10

S.       5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

O.      Proper doctrine and unity lead to church growth. Paul keeps spreading the message of Jesus in the places he is directed to go by the Holy Spirit. God gives Paul a vision concerning Macedonia.

A.      The leadership of the Holy Spirit is essential to the effective spreading of the gospel message. None of the disciples of Jesus in the early church attempted to minister without the Holy Spirit. Today the need for the gospel is greater than ever, more people equals more need. So the need to be Spirit Filled is greater than ever.

P.       Father; fill me to the overflowing with your Holy Spirit. I surrender my all to you and seek to do your will perfectly throughout this day. Amen. 

Take a stand

6-15-2014      Acts 15: 24-29   (Father’s Day 2014)

S.       24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

O.      This is the letter sent out from the Jerusalem Council.

A.      We do well when we come to a place of understanding and unity. Unity is a central theme of Heaven. We can therefore have “heaven on earth” when we establish and foster unity. (Pride must die for unity to be complete)

P.       Father; Make me into a man of peace and a builder of unity. Amen.

Trouble

6-13-2014      Acts 15:4-12

S.       4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

O.      The leaders of the church gather together to decide the doctrine that will be followed. This was a long hard debate and it took a while but it was settled and they all remained together on the matter.

A.      A growing church will need doctrine and a method to keep that doctrine pure. Man will often try to adapt doctrine to fit into contemporary situations and address the problems of his day. Doctrine formed by a single person must be declared and debated by many to test that doctrine and establish its validity.

P.       Father; lead me to the doctrines that I must declare and live by. Keep me from empty self-justifying prideful arrogance that builds barriers between me and others. Help me draw people to you. Amen.    

Three days

6-4-2014         Acts 14:1

S.       1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

O.      Everywhere the disciples traveled they keep telling the message of Jesus.

A.      The message of Jesus is needed today. I will speak about Jesus everywhere I go. I will speak what I know….his life, his death, his resurrection, his love for me, his forgiveness and his peace.

P.       Father; renew me today in the joy of my salvation. As I speak may my words bring life and peace! Amen.

6-5-2014         Acts 14:2-3

S.       2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

O.      People with conflicting views will struggle and act as enemies. When resistance arises Christians must maintain their efforts and depend on God to confirm their words with signs and wonders.

A.      The work of the Lord is often heavy and difficult but I must be steadfast and loyal. God will not forget me in my time of need. I will, I will, I will keep on marching.

P.       Father; I lift my voice to you in praise and adoration. I am weak and afraid because of my enemies. They have attacked from every direction….the battle is long. Touch my enemies with your love today. Amen.

6-6-2014         Acts 14:4-7

S.       4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:7 And there they preached the gospel.

O.     Strife will lead to division and division can lead to evil actions. When the plans were set to kill the disciples they fled to safety and spread the gospel in new places.

A.      When life’s troubles bring us to flight we should keep up our efforts to spread the gospel. We lose our job and have difficult times. Our family and friends let us down. Our health and strength fail. All these bring change into our life (unwanted) but “change” can be an open door to tell the message in a different place to different people.

P.       Father in Heaven; use me in every situation, every trial and every difficulty to share your love and the message of salvation. Amen.

Don't Miss Your Chance!

6-3-2014         Acts 13:44-52

S.       44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

O.      This is where Paul turns his attentions to Gentile populations.

A.      When people continue to turn away from the message I must refocus on another group. All must hear the story of Jesus.

P.       Father; lead me to the people that I can help. Give me discernment to know when it is time to move on. Amen.