Category: Pastor Weiser Blog

PASTOR’S THOUGHTS

NO SMELL OF SMOKE ON YOU: So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke! Daniel 3:26–27 NLT There is truly no other god who can rescue like our God! atever circumstances you might be thrown into…our Lord Jesus is the fourth man with you in the midst of the fire. Notice how He didn’t stand outside of the fire…but was in the fire together with the three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, when they were thrown inside for defying King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This brings a whole new meaning for us when we read the verse, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6). Our Lord doesn’t deliver you from afar…He is WITH YOU in the midst of your adversity. Call upon Him and He will answer you. When Jesus is with you, nothing can harm you! I love how the Word of God describes the three friends when they came out of the furnace. They were in the fire, but it had absolutely no power over them. It did not even leave a trace of smoke on them! Now, that’s a beautiful picture of God’s divine protection! As you call upon the Lord in your day of trouble, my prayer for you is that the trial you are going through will have no power over you; it will not even leave a smell on you. Instead, I declare in Jesus’ name that you will walk out of that challenge in your life and the only smell on you will be the fragrance of the Lord Jesus (2 Cor. 2:14)! And as the people around you witness how the Lord delivers you, may they come to know His wonderful name and give Him praise. Instead of being negatively affected by whatever trial you might face, I pray that you will receive honor and promotion just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Amen!

TRUE STORY ABOUT A HUG FROM A COLLEAGUE: It’s 2005, I’m 25 years old, and my life is about to get turned upside down. Just one year prior, my wife and I adopted a little girl from Moldova (a country that borders Ukraine and has been featured lately for the number of refugees they have taken in). We spent our life savings and went into credit card debt for the adoption not knowing my wife was pregnant. Now we have a 3 year-old adopted daughter, a 1 year-old son, and we’ve recently found out we have another son on the way. But something’s not adding up. Our daughter hasn’t “caught up” the way that most other adopted kids have. We thought it was just a language and development delay but it seems more serious than that. We walk into the doctor’s office and he delivers a crushing blow.

Doctor: “Your daughter appears to have severe autism. It’s unlikely she’ll ever be able to take care of herself.” Me (in shock, asking the wrong question): “Will she be able to go to college?” Doctor (thankfully not pulling any punches): “She will probably never do math.” ______ Still in shock and completely numb, I tried to power through the day and went back into the office to meet with clients that afternoon. Rookie mistake. The first colleague I came across was Chad Burch. He must have seen my blank stare or some other sign I was messed up… Chad: “Tommy, are you okay?” Me: “We just found out Grace has auti…” (I burst into tears – seriously, just typing these words now and feeling those feels is bringing those same tears back to my eyes 16 years later) I have no clue what he said but I know it was comforting. HERE’S WHAT I DO REMEMBER. CHAD GAVE ME A BIG HUG. You have to understand the context to understand the power of this hug. Just a week prior to this, I’d been put on a performance improvement plan by Chad and his partners. I was a brash 25 year-old know it all who hadn’t been kicked in the teeth enough by life yet to know what a complete idiot I was. Prior to this moment, Chad and I had definitely never hugged. We really didn’t see each other all that often because our offices were on different floors in the building. At the moment I needed it most, Chad didn’t care about the performance improvement plan…he didn’t care about HR…he didn’t care that we didn’t know each other all that well. He simply stepped up and had compassion for a deeply hurting human.

I often move so fast through business and life I miss seeing the needs that are all around me with our wonderful team members day in and day out. Sometimes people just need to know you care. From that day forward, I never had another performance improvement issue with Chad’s firm. They got a whole new level of performance and respect out of me.

Sometimes people need a kick in the pants, but more often than not, they might just need to know we actually care. We give our best when we feel valued most.—Tommy Martin, CEO of The Tebow Group

Compassion is a powerful thing. We need to challenge ourselves more often and let people know we care/understand/love them. Make a difference in someone’s life!

PASTOR’S THOUGHTS

ANTICIPATE GOD’S GOODNESS: There are some things we strive and strain for which we already possess. May Jesus open our eyes and show us just how rich we are. Right here, right now, as Christ-followers…we are heirs to the heavenly Kingdom. We possess more divine love than we could ever contain in our mortal body.  God pours out compassion and mercy and grace on us daily, in abundance. Our Heavenly Father is far kinder to us than we could ever be to ourselves. He’s patient with our weaknesses…and fierce in our defense. We possess more of the promises of God than we would ever know what to do with. We have access to the very presence of God…and He’s always glad to see us. We are filled with the Spirit of the Living God—a treasured, priceless gift for so many reasons. We are blessed beyond measure. Earthly trials come and go. The earth itself will soon pass away. But we will overcome…because Jesus overcame! ❤️ Ephesians 1:3-4 (NLT) All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

NURTURING OUR FAITH: Almighty God—who protects, provides, refreshes, and renews us—is worthy of our trust. Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Trees grow from tiny seeds, extending their branches toward the sky. In a way, believers are like trees. Our faith in the Lord is like a seed planted in fertile soil. It takes root and begins to sprout, stretching toward the heavens. Then, as we draw strength and nutrients from the Creator, our hope in Him matures…bearing good fruit that nourishes and satisfies our heart. As we abide in the Lord, He protects us during life’s trials and becomes our refuge. He alone sustains us with the fruit of joy…peace…and fulfillment…refreshing our spirit while renewing our strength. In order for our hope in God to grow strong, it needs to be watered with prayer, worship, and trust. Then we will become like rooted and established trees…radiating God’s glory and bearing the fruit of His Spirit. As Isaiah 61:3 says, “So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” ❤️ —Charles Stanley 

FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS:  “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. 2 Chronicles 20:12                                          Here’s a powerful truth that will help us see how we can effectively drive fear out of our life…and keep it out. It is a precious truth that will garrison our heart and mind from the enemy’s lies. Take time to worship the Lord…especially when it feels like overwhelming odds are against you. Do what King Jehoshaphat did when his enemies joined forces and amassed a formidable army to destroy Israel. In the natural, Jehoshaphat knew Israel had no chance of winning the battle. But he chose to do something you and I need to learn to do whenever we are besieged by our enemies. He cried out to the Lord, saying, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chron. 20:12 NIV). Jehoshaphat then placed not commandos but worshipers at the head of his army, and this is what they sang: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever” (2 Chron. 20:21 NIV).                                       Instead of despairing because of their enemies…they chose to fix their eyes on the Lord, giving thanks to Him and singing of His love. This happened long before the cross of Jesus. How much more can you and I sing of His love…which never fails…which endures forever! And do you know what happened? The Lord defeated Israel’s enemies by turning them against each other, and Jehoshaphat’s troops did not even have to lift a finger to fight. Instead, when they came to the place that was supposed to be their battleground, their enemies were already dead, and all they ended up doing was collecting so much plunder that it took them three days to collect it all. In Jesus’ name, may this happen to you, too. When you are overwhelmed by challenges…and you don’t know what to do or even how to feel…just cry out to the Lord and tell Him, “Lord, I don’t know what to do, but my eyes are on You.” That’s the most powerful posture we can take…with our eyes fixed not on our enemies…but on our Savior! As we focus on His love that endures forever, the Lord Himself will fight our battle for us (2 Chron. 20:15). May we be so conscious of His perfect love that every fear is driven from our life…and may we walk away so much stronger than before our enemies tried to come against us! HALLELUJAH!! ❤️❤️

Rest In His Love: May God reset your perspective. You’re not called to do everything…be everything…or even see everything. You are called to keep your gaze fixed on God alone! Don’t look at all of your problems all at once…instead, look at ONE of His promises all of the time until you’ve made it your own. God’s Word is living and breathing, active and powerful. God’s Word holds life, wisdom, and revelation for you. Search until you find them. It’s time to reset your perspective. God has peace for you here. God has joy for you here. God has provision for you in this place. Look to Him and you’ll find life again. Spend the rest of your life getting to know the love of God and the promises of God. Spend every moment seeking the face of God. He deserves your trust. He’s a good God…and it is impossible for Him to fail you!! ❤️ 2 Corinthians 4:18-19  AMP ~ For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]! So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.

STOP. JUST LISTEN: When plans change, hopes are dashed, and answers are delayed, remember this: God will keep every one of His promises! He cares deeply about every nuance of our story. He has not abandoned us or forgotten about us. Hard seasons have their end dates. Setbacks—for the Believer—are always setups. Detours always have a hidden and divine purpose for the greater good of our story. We are only passing through…this world is not our home. Exhale today…and consider the incredible blessings you enjoy…and offer up a sacrifice of praise to God for His faithfulness to you. Embrace this place. Look for Him here. He’s waiting to speak to you!! ❤️ Jeremiah 6:16 (NLT) This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’

FINISH THE RACE: Acts 20:24 “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” We were all created for the same purpose as Paul — we were created to bring glory and honor to God! Our specific tasks may differ and change from time to time, but we each have the same unchanging purpose. Everything we do, say, and think should bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father! God’s race is run in the deepest part of our heart…not in the flurry of activity. Running well is not defined by doing more; rather, we run a “successful” race as we do every little task we are given…with the complete and absolute devotion of our heart. His race is long and often difficult. There are many distractions which seek to slow us down and even pull us from the track…and at times we may even wonder why we are running. But being a participant in God’s eternal race is infinitely more rewarding than standing on the sidelines and simply watching! He has called us to run – and to run well!! We must run the path God places before us with all the strength He provides, and within the sure and calming protection of His grace. Let’s run with the motivation of bringing Him glory and honor by loving Him with ALL our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Let’s continue to run well…and with a burning desire to finish the race! ❤️—Steve Troxel 

POWER TO LIVE: His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:3

Perhaps it happened to someone you know…a radical transformation after (getting to know)  Jesus Christ. Every life changes, but sometimes the change is so dramatic that it’s like the person was, well, born again—like the apostle Paul who went from murderous persecutor to missionary apostle. Nowhere was that change more evident than in the band of Christ’s disciples. Before Pentecost they were fearful; after Pentecost they were fearless! What happened at Pentecost? The fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to them: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me…to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit filled the disciples and empowered them to live as bold witnesses for Christ. One of those disciples, Peter, later wrote that God’s “divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” through Christ. If you are Christ’s today, you have power by the Spirit. You can do all things through Him!! ❤️ (Philippians 4:13)–David Jeremiah  “Christianity is not merely a program of conduct; it is the power of a new life. (Benjamin B. Warfield)

How can so many Americans be so wrong on abortion?: The Daily Article for Jan. 18, 2024 by Dr. Jim Denison: Since Roe v. Wade legalized abortion in America, more than sixty-three million babies have been aborted in our country. This is a population four times the size of New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston—combined. And yet, more Americans than ever before think abortion should be legal under any circumstances. More than two-thirds also believe it should be legal in the first three months of pregnancy. If you believe as I do that life begins at conception, you might be asking yourself: How can so many people be so wrong on this crucial issue? “The real question today” It’s not because pro-life supporters are not vocal and visible. The National March for Life is tomorrow in Washington, DC. It will be followed by Sanctity of Life Sunday, both of which are timed to coincide with January 22, 1973, when the Supreme Court issued its ruling that discovered a “right” to abortion in the US Constitution. It’s no longer because of Roe v. Wade. After the Supreme Court overturned this horrendous ruling in 2022, returning the issue to the states, abortions increased nationwide. It’s not because the science is unclear. The Supreme Court claimed in its 1973 ruling: We need not resolve the difficult question of when life begins. When those trained in the respective disciplines of medicine, philosophy, and theology are unable to arrive at any consensus, the judiciary, at this point in the development of man’s knowledge, is not in a position to speculate as to the answer. But resolving “the difficult question of when life begins” is precisely the issue. If life begins at conception, our founding declaration that “all men are created equal” and endowed with the “unalienable” right to “life” should clearly apply to preborn babies. As should every legal protection that currently applies to babies from the moment they are born. The science is clearer than ever. As Jan Langman writes in Medical Embryology, “The development of a human being begins with fertilization.” On the tenth anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Ronald Reagan wrote the only book ever published by a sitting US president. In Abortion and the Conscience of a Nation, he states: The real question today is not when human life begins, but, What is the value of human life? The abortionist who reassembles the arms and legs of a tiny baby to make sure all its parts have been torn from its mother’s body can hardly doubt whether it is a human being. The real question for him and for all of us is whether the tiny human life has a God-given right to be protected by the law—the same right we have (his emphasis). The foundational issue Why, then, do so many Americans support the abortion of preborn children? Some claim that abortion must be legal as an alternative for women who are victims of rape or incest. However, while such crimes are unspeakably horrific, only 1 percent of women who choose abortion do so for this reason. Others cite the need to protect the health of the mother. However, only 3 percent of abortions are chosen for this reason. In fact, the most popular motives for abortion are: Unready for responsibility (21 percent) Can’t afford baby now (21 percent) Concerned about how having baby would change her life (16 percent)Is too immature or young to have child (11 percent) Has all the children she wanted or all children are grown (8 percent). Here’s the foundational issue: most Americans want the right to determine what is right for themselves. This is a major reason the majority of men in America want abortion to be legal under any circumstances: they want the state to have no authority over their personal decisions as well. And they want a woman who becomes pregnant with their unwanted child to be able to abort it. This quest for personal autonomy extends to other moral issues. It helps explain LGBTQ advocacy by those who are not LGBTQ, for example. They not only see this as a civil right for others—they also want the right to live their lives however they wish. How does God see America? My purpose today is not to inflict guilt on those who have chosen abortion in the past. Nor is it to offer simple answers to such a divisive and complex issue. Rather, it is to make this point: Our democracy can function effectively only if it is practiced within the consensual morality its founders embraced. As Benjamin Franklin noted, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.” When American culture decided that all truth is personal and all morality is subjective, our collective future became imperiled.  If we will not extend justice to the most innocent and vulnerable among us—our preborn babies—how can we claim to be a just society? How does the God who cherishes children (Matthew 19:14), who fashioned us in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13–16; Jeremiah 1:5) and forbids the taking of innocent life (Proverbs 6:17), see our nation? How is he calling you to love life as he does? REFUSE REGRET: May the reality of heaven mean more to you than your temporary circumstances on earth. May the promise of God’s provision compel you to live generously and with expectancy. May you see the blessing in your battles, fierce as they are. Are you sturdier because of them? Do you have more compassion for those who suffer because of what you have experienced? In our hardship, Jesus meets us…refines us…and empowers us to change the world. He loves to reward our faith! May you refuse to get tangled up in your regrets from yesterday…your frustrations today…and your fears about tomorrow. Lift your eyes and look to Jesus…and live with eternity in mind!! ❤️ Colossians 3:1-4 (NLT) Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory –Susie Larson

PASTOR’S THOUGHTS

Happy New Year!! 🎉 New Year Prayer from Billy Graham ❤️ Our Father and our God, as we stand at the beginning of this new year we confess our need of Your presence and Your guidance as we face the future. We each have our hopes and expectations for the year that is ahead of us—but You alone know what it holds for us, and only You can give us the strength and the wisdom we will need to meet its challenges. So help us to humbly put our hands into Your hand, and to trust You and to seek Your will for our lives during this coming year.In the midst of life’s uncertainties in the days ahead, assure us of the certainty of Your unchanging love. In the midst of life’s inevitable disappointments and heartaches, help us to turn to You for the stability and comfort we will need. In the midst of life’s temptations and the pull of our stubborn self-will, help us not to lose our way but to have the courage to do what is right in Your sight, regardless of the cost.And in the midst of our daily preoccupations and pursuits, open our eyes to the sorrows and injustices of our hurting world, and help us to respond with compassion and sacrifice to those who are friendless and in need. May our constant prayer be that of the ancient Psalmist: “Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end” (Psalm 119:33). We pray for our nation and its leaders during these difficult times, and for all those who are seeking to bring peace and justice to our dangerous and troubled world. We pray especially for Your protection on all those who serve in our armed forces, and we thank You for their commitment to defend our freedoms, even at the cost of their own lives. Be with their families also, and assure them of Your love and concern for them. Bring our divided nation together, and give us a greater vision of what You would have us to be. Your Word reminds us that “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12). As we look back over this past year we thank You for Your goodness to us—far beyond what we have deserved. May we never presume on Your past goodness or forget all Your mercies to us, but may they instead lead us to repentance, and to a new commitment to make You the foundation and center of our lives this year. And so, our Father, we thank You for the promise and hope of this new year, and we look forward to it with expectancy and faith. This I ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, who by His death and resurrection has given us hope both for this world and the world to come. Amen.

A PEOPLE OF HOPE Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
 
Just as certainly as we are people of the Word…we are also a people of Hope. One sure sign of a Holy Spirit-filled person is that he or she not only believes Jesus is coming, but they live in hope and with expectation of His coming. Such faith does not see His second coming as the entirety of their hope. Of course, Jesus’ return is our highest hope…but faith-filled people believe that the King is ready to come today…to enter your life’s circumstances with His grace, love, and power! We have hope in Jesus coming to us today! Zechariah, one of the greatest prophets of the Messiah’s return, said, “Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope” (Zech. 9:12). He spoke literally of a people who were imprisoned, that is, “shut up unto” hope. What a concept…to be inescapably bound to the confidence that our Redeemer is coming today to meet us with His fully sufficient grace…and that He is coming soon to take us to eternal glory! ❤️—Jack Hayford
But I have this hope In the depth of my soul In the flood or the fire, You’re with me and You won’t let go So, whatever happens I will not be afraid Cause You are closer than this breath that I take you calm the storm when I hear You call my name I still believe that one day I’ll see Your face –lyrics from, I Have This Hope, by Tenth Avenue North 

THE PRINCE OF PEACE LEADS YOU: When the enemy comes in like a flood…the Lord WILL raise up a standard again. Though injustice seems like it’s winning the day…God is still on His throne and will have the last say. Hide under the shadow of His wing and let your heart rest until it beats in rhythm with His. Cast off fear and grab a firmer hold of faith. Ask Jesus what your assignment looks like in this season… Who are you supposed to help?  Who are you supposed to pray for? Who do you need to forgive? Who do you need to support? A healthy heart condition is critical to accomplishing God’s mission… God is with you in this place. Your best days are NOT behind you…in fact, they’re right in front of you. Though the enemy knows how to wound us…God knows how to heal us. Though the enemy is a crafty liar…Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life…and He is for you. Don’t panic. Don’t grab for quick solutions. Seek peace and pursue it. Your Prince of Peace will faithfully lead you onward and upward. His plans for you are good! ❤️

RETURN TO GIVE THANKS: One day ten men with leprosy approached Jesus and called out; “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” (Luke 17:13). Jesus didn’t immediately heal the lepers. Instead, He gave them a simple instruction; “Go, show yourselves to the priests” (Luke 17:14). The lepers demonstrated great faith when they followed Jesus’ command; “And as they went, they were cleansed” (Luke 17:14). Notice that the lepers had to take action before they were healed; their action was a demonstration of their faith.
Though all ten lepers had been cleansed of their terrible disease, only one returned to give thanks; “He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him” (Luke 17:16). Jesus responded with a very convicting question. Luke 17:17
“Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?'”
I wonder if we really understand the degree to which we have been healed and made clean; “God made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgression” (Ephesians 2:5). We were DEAD, and He made us alive with Christ – that’s serious healing!! Our Heavenly Father reached down in love and provided a way for complete restoration when we did not even have the ability to cry out for help; “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8) – that’s serious love!! His Hand guided us toward healing through His Son…and His Hand continues to heal in countless ways on our daily walk. Every time relationships are restored…His hand has healed; When conflicts are resolved…His hand has healed; When He lovingly welcomes us back after we have wandered from His presence…His hand has healed. But do we return to thank Him? Or are we as the other nine lepers who go on our way and forget the One to whom we owe our very lives. The one leper who returned threw himself at Jesus’ feet. If we knew how deathly sick we are without Christ and how completely He has healed our soul, we would not only throw ourselves at His feet, but we would remain and refuse to ever leave. Let’s live each day in the presence of God and continually come before Him with hearts overflowing with thanksgiving and praise. Let’s remember our divine healing and ALWAYS be the one who will return to give thanks! ❤️—Steve Troxel

FIX YOUR EYES ON THE UNSEEN: Every hour of our life is a sacred gift from a God who loves us. Every moment is packed with eternal possibilities. As  God’s precious children, we live under the light of God’s smile, and we’re flanked by guardian angels. As born again believers, we have a reserved and secure place at the Table of Grace and home in heaven that will take our breath away. May we have the wisdom to number our days…that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Let’s lift our gaze from what we can see…so we can envision what we cannot see: face-to-face fellowship with Jesus…life eternal…holy habitation…and joy abundant. We will lack nothing…possess all things…and never have another insecure day as long as we live. That’s our inheritance in Christ Jesus. Let’s live like it’s true today!! ❤️ Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.  2 Corinthians 4:18  while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.  Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV) ~ So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.As we focus on God’s faithfulness throughout history…we can rest in His unquestionable promise of securing our present… and our future, too!

GOD IS ON OUR SIDE TODAY! ❤️What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? Romans 8:31 The Word of God does NOT say “maybe God is for us” or “hopefully, God is for us.” It simply says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Indeed, when God is for you, what opposition can succeed against you? When God Himself fights for you…defends you…and vindicates you…what adversity or adversary can stand against you? There are none! Hallelujah! Why is God is on our side? The answer is found at the cross. The blood that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, shed on the cross put God on our side. Today, God can be for us even when we fail…because Jesus’ blood has washed us whiter than snow! Remember what happened on the night of the Passover…the children of Israel put the blood of the lamb on their doorposts. The blood put God on their side! None of the families who had applied blood on their doorposts had to fear the death of their firstborn children. Were the firstborn children of Israel spared that night because of their perfect behavior and conduct…or were they spared because of the blood of the lamb? It was because of the blood of the lamb! In the same way, God does not bless us, as a believer, based on our perfect behavior and conduct. He is for us today because of the blood of the perfect Lamb—Jesus Christ. That is why…as believers today…we don’t have to fight for ourselves. God is on our side today because of Jesus’ blood. His holiness and righteousness that men are afraid of…are now on our side because of Jesus’ blood. His unmerited favor is on our side and all of heaven’s resources are ours because of Jesus’ blood! Now, who or what can come successfully against us? no sickness… no disease… no creditor… no evil accusation… no gossip… no failure… Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their vindication is from Me,” declares the Lord.

FRUITFULNESS: ”So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” Isaiah 55:11.                                                  Evangelism (the spreading of the Good News) and expansion (the enlarging of life’s potential under God) both multiply by the “seed” of God’s Word. Jesus also described the Word as “seed”—the source of all saving life and growth possibilities coming from the Father to mankind.  

Whether we come to Him with a spiritual need…physical need…or emotional need…all increase of life within God’s love comes by His Word, as human response gives room for His blessing to happen. When received, God’s word of promise will never be barren. The POWER in His Word…will always fulfill the PROMISE of His Word. We never need wonder how faith is developed or how fruitfulness is realized. Fruitfulness is the guaranteed by-product of God’s Word…whether for the salvation of a lost soul…or the provision of a disciple’s need. God’s Word cannot be barren or fruitless. His own life-power is within it! ❤️—Jack Hayford

INTENDED FOR GOOD: Joseph’s life was filled with one difficult situation after another. By the time he was a teenager, his brothers had developed an intense hatred toward him which led to an attempt to take his life. But rather than kill him, they sold young Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37). And then, as a slave, Joseph was falsely accused of rape and thrown into jail (Genesis 39). It’s never really explained how Joseph learned to trust God…but he did! He could have become very discouraged when he became a slave, but somehow Joseph adjusted to his circumstances and thrived; “The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered” (Genesis 39:2). When tempted with sexual sin by Potiphar’s wife, he kept himself pure because he did not want to “sin against God” (Genesis 39:9). But false accusations still sent him into prison. Even after spending several years in jail, Joseph continued to place his complete trust in God. When asked to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph risked his freedom and rightly gave all the glory and praise to God rather than take credit for himself; “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires” (Genesis 41:16). When Joseph was sold into slavery, he had no idea of God’s awesome plan. All he could do was continue to trust and draw nearer to God. Joseph would spend many years in jail before receiving even a hint of God’s purpose. But God is ALWAYS at work in the lives of those who love Him. Joseph’s life encourages us to draw ever closer to God during times of hardship…to continue trusting and honoring Him in all we do…no matter what our circumstances! We all go through “dungeon” seasons when life seems to take unplanned and seemingly “unfair” turns. We all, at times, feel abandoned and alone: “Has God forgotten me? Does He no longer care?” We may not understand why things happen the way they do…but if we will continue to love Him with all our heart…and consistently trust Him in and through all our trials…we can be certain (and one day we will truly see) that God’s work in every situation is truly intended for good! ❤️—Steve Troxel 

KING OF THE EARTH: God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne. Psalm 47:8 Our God is the ultimate conqueror of all kingdoms. He will be exalted among the nations. Though awesome in power, He is no tyrant. Therefore, all nations are summoned to welcome His reign with the clapping of hands and the shouting of victory…and are invited to “sing praises with understanding” (Ps. 47:7) to the king of all the earth. Our God conquers to liberate. He captures to release. He subdues to free. Personally or nationally, God is the only king who can truly set free. Because sin enslaves…its power must be broken by a greater power…which is the power of a righteous and holy God. Therefore, we “sing praises with understanding.” We recognize that “God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.” Only our God…whose throne is holy…is able to free individuals and nations from the tyranny of sin. So let’s sing His praises with understanding. With the nations, let us clap our hands and shout to God with the voice of triumph! He is our King! He is the King of all kings! ❤️—Jack Hayford 

TURN YOUR FACE HEAVENWARD: There are things in your soul that God wants to remove far from you. Things like shame, rejection, self-contempt, and fear. There are places in your soul that God wants to heal…truly heal…so you’ll know a kind of freedom you’ve not known before. Some burdens weigh heavy that aren’t yours to carry. Jesus wants to hold those for you. Some of the dreams in your heart were actually put there by God Himself. Don’t be so quick to dismiss them. Give God time and space to show you what He wants to do in and through you. Slow your pace and turn your face towards the One who holds the universe in His hand…and who holds you very close to His heart. Follow His lead. You can trust Him. May His deep, restorative work surprise and bless you beyond your wildest dreams. You are priceless to Him. Believe it! ❤️ Psalm 23:1-3 NLT The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows, he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. —Susie Larson

PASTOR’S THOUGHTS

STAND FIRM IN THE GAP  Ezekiel 22:30-31″I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger.” As in the days of Ezekiel, spiritual walls are crumbling all around us. We have whitewashed sin in the name of tolerance…and we have lost our passion for holiness and worship in the busyness of materialism and worldly advancement. And tragically, many of our churches are filled with compromise and fail to point the way to truth. The result is many lives filled with spiritual gaps…areas vulnerable to grave attack by the enemy.

We must repair our own walls through repentance, forgiveness, and daily drawing nearer to the presence of God. But we must also look for “gaps” in the walls of those around us and commit to standing firm with prayer, encouragement, and time…until strength returns and walls are repaired. We must be ones who live without compromise and faithfully point the way to true worship and a life which glorifies God in all we do. Let’s continue to stand in the gap for as long as it takes the relationship of a friend to be restored…the strength of a pastor to be renewed…the heart of a loved one to be transformed…or the life of a prodigal child to return home. God’s words through Ezekiel are harsh, but God didn’t give up on the people until the people gave up on each other. It’s not too late if we continue to point the way; there is still hope if we will stand firm in the gap. ❤️ —Steve Troxel

“Stay Alert And Do The Work: Speak life over your life, starting today. Speak to your mountains and tell them to move in Jesus’ Name!  Speak to your fears and tell them that Jesus’ perfect love is greater still. Speak to your soul and remind yourself that God is always good. Deal with discouragement the moment it hits you. Catch your negative emotions the moment they surface. Turn your heart toward heaven and sing a song of praise to your Maker…He will minister to your heart and strengthen your frame. Breathe in His grace and breath out His peace. His presence surrounds you. His promises are for you. Though this season may have taken you by surprise, you have what you need to thrive and grow in this place. Open your eyes and see evidence of God’s movement all around you. ❤️

Mark 11:23 ”Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him.“”

From my good friend and brother in the Lord, BJ Ibach ❤️ Psalm 25:1-2, 20 1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 2  O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. 20  Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. Physical safety is important, for sure. As I read Psalm 25, there is a different safety that I think is more important – the safety of the SOUL.  “Let me not be put to shame” – that is a soul issue, not a physical issue. And the devil is sneaky – he comes at us through external words of condemnation and hurt and shame, but he also comes through internal shame and condemnation. Those words of shame are lies from the enemy. So how do we confront the devil and his lies of shame? Turn to scripture to remind yourself of the character of God: Verse 2 – trust in God, Verse 5 – lead me in your truth and teach me Verse 6 – Lord’s mercy and steadfast love Verse 8 – God is good and upright Verse 10 – all the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness Verse 21 – May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. Guarding the soul is important. As the arrows come at us, whether external arrows or internal arrows, God invites us to trust in Him and press into Him. Matthew 11:28-30 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your SOULS.  30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Revelation 3:20 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me. What a beautiful invitation… Lord, Thank you for your truth, your mercy, your goodness, steadfast love, your faithfulness, your friendship, your grace, your protection of my soul, your rest for my soul, your knock.  Amen.

THE LAMB IS FIGHTING FOR YOU: We can face the future with hope because Jesus will overcome every enemy we face. Toward the end of the book of Revelation, the conflict intensifies between those who have aligned themselves with Jesus and those who oppose Him. Waves of God’s judgment unfold on earth and further harden His opponents’ hearts. But the overall message of Revelation isn’t doom and gloom…it’s HOPE. The book is meant to bring comfort to God’s people as they face tribulation. Today’s message is one of encouragement that relates to both the first and second coming of Christ. The prophet Isaiah said the Messiah would be known as “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us” (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:22-23). Jesus, the Lamb of God, gave His life for us, overcoming death…and He promised to be with us always. So, when we find ourselves in the midst of fiery trials and spiritual battles…we can rest in the assurance of today’s passage: “The Lamb will overcome them because He is the Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” (Rev 17:14)  Jesus will be with us to the end of time (Matt. 28:20) …and Revelation reminds us that He will not only be near…but will overcome His foes (and ours) because He is Ruler of all. He will have the final word. Our Savior wants us to know who He says we are…the called, chosen, and faithful…and since He is “Immanuel”…we can forever be with Him. ❤️–Charles Stanley

Pastor Weiser comes from a family of 13.  6 brothers and 6 sisters. His wife Kathy, and he have been married for 42 years as of July 3^rd,2023. The LORD has blessed them with three wonderful grown sons; Chris, Brian and Adam. We have two daughters-in-law: Jenny and Renee. 3 grandsons; Griffin, Nolan and Canyon, a stepson; Sydney, and a granddaughter; Gracie.  Pastor is a second career Pastor, before feeling the call to ministry as a parish Pastor and volunteer Chaplain He spent 22 years as a Chemist in the Environmental Field and as a Blood Services Quarantine Technician and product distribution technician. His institutional Module at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis was in Prison Ministry. His first call in 2007 included being a volunteer Chaplain at Big Muddy Correctional Center which he continued to do until 2019. In 2009 he was asked to volunteer at Centralia Correctional Center performing those duties until 2013 when he accepted another call in Anna, IL. Pastor Weiser performed volunteer duties at Choate Mental Health Center in the Forensics and the Psych side, USP Marion, Pulaski County Jail and Detention Center which involves Immigrations and Customs detainees.  He also filled in at Shawnee and Vienna Correctional Center. In December of 2019 Pastor received a called to serve as the pastor for Immanuel Lutheran Church and school which he was installed as, February 23, 2020. Then 2 weeks later COVID hit and we were ordered to close down the church and school, but instead we did a work around and held service in vehicles with a loud speaker and the school continued with wearing mask and monitoring for COVID, All prison ministry was shut down completely and only full time Chaplains were able to minister to the inmates. I served at Immanuel Rosebud until my retirement on November 1^st. 2023.  My plans upon retirement were to begin my ministry as a Professional life coach and certified mental Health Coach specializing in Coaching adults that deal with specifically Youth Mental Health. All these courses Pastor Weiser has completed as of December 31,2023. Pastor has been trained in Clinical Pastoral Education, is a Stephen Minister, and is a Certified youth and adult Mental Health trainer, in addition Pastor is endorsed in Specialized Pastoral Ministry with LCMS. Pastor has completed many continuing education classes with Light University and Ambassadors of Reconciliation.

Pastor has completed courses as a Congregational Care Connector with Southern Illinois Healthcare and he was given the privilege by the nurses to take a continuing education course on Faith Community Nursing, serving as their Chaplain and teaching some of the modules.

As God sometimes does He changes our plans to do His will. God led me to serve as your vacancy Pastor for a time. I look forward to getting to know all of you and I thank you for giving me the privilege and responsibility of serving in this capacity, as always God brings certain people in to our lives, for a certain time, and I am so thankful that He has seen fit that we get to spend this time together in ministry.

As I always say, Any questions? Any Answers? If you need to know the answers to any questions it can always be found in the Word. Written with Christian Love from Pastor Weiser and Kathy.