Category: Pastor Weiser Blog

Pastor’s Thoughts Feb 8 ,2024 through Feb. 16-2024 from God Squad post

LOVE THE HURTING:  
“And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14 
We have a world full of hurting people who need love. I am one. So are you. To some degree, we have all been hurt. Maybe it is by selfish parents…or uncaring institutions…or cutting relationships…or an isolating and alienating society…but we have all been hurt. Jesus shows a love for hurting people: “and He was moved with compassion for them.” The Greek word used here for that loving compassion means literally “to have the inward parts moved with great feeling.” The deepest part of Jesus’ emotional capacity was, and still is, turned in sincere feeling for the hurting of our world—you and me included. Today, let us each ask the Lord to make us a reflection of His life…to make us sensitive to the hurts of those around us. Are you willing to care like that? Is it your prayer to be made that way? ❤️–Jack Hayford

NOTHING TOO HARD: Jeremiah 32:27: “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?”
We often have a difficult time seeing how all the pieces of God’s plan fit together. He leads us down a path and we fail to see the purpose…especially when the enemy begins to attack. We want to fight back…but God says to patiently trust Him and pray. We want to determine a solution and solve the problem…but God says to love Him with all our heart and share His love with others.
The times in which we are most tested and pressed down ought to be the times of greatest growth and closeness with our Heavenly Father. When it seems we have nowhere else to turn…we ought to rejoice and trust Him even more! Let’s put our life firmly in His Hands and submit to His guidance — even when we may not see where we are going or how we will get there. Let’s trust His ways and always remember…for God, there is NOTHING too hard! ❤️ — Steve Troxel  

EXPECT GOD’S GOODNESS: The enemy amplifies our fears. He makes a big deal out of our weaknesses. He exaggerates our troubles. He lies about our worth. Enough with him, already!
Oh, magnify the Lord with me! Let us exalt His Name together!
He is greater than our fears and stronger than our enemy.
He is mighty to save and brilliant in power.
He’s a chain breaker and a dream maker!
Turn a deaf ear to the enemy. Refuse to rehearse his threats. Lift up your eyes to Jesus this day. He’s a miracle-working God…and He has no rival. We are secure in Him!! ❤️
Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV) ~ I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together! –Susie Larson 

GO FOR JESUS HIMSELF: So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. Luke 24:15
I love the fact that of all the words God could have chosen to call this beautiful meal, He chose the word Communion. It speaks of the relationship God wants to have with us, the closeness and intimacy He desires to have with us.
I know it can be easy to lose sight of that and even see the Communion as a means to an end, especially when you are battling symptoms in your body. But as you continue to come to the Lord’s Table, don’t just go after the healing and miss the One who prepared the table for you.
Pursue the Healer and not just the healing.
Pursue the Blesser and not just the blessing.
When you have Him, you have everything.
The journey to Emmaus took place the same day our Lord Jesus rose bodily from the grave. What was so important to the Lord that He would do it on the day of His resurrection?
The resurrected Christ did this: “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”—Luke 24:27Later the two disciples said to each other, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32).
I pray that by the grace of God…you will see in the Scriptures…not a list of rules and regulations…not knowledge that puffs up the intellect…but things concerning Himself. I pray that your heart burns within you as you see Jesus in the Scriptures and you experience His deep, personal love for you as never before. I pray that you will feel Jesus Himself drawing near to you, lavishing His love on you, and imparting to you all you need. And beyond what He can do for you or your loved one…beyond healing for that condition you might have been battling with…I pray that you have an encounter with the Lord Jesus Himself. ❤️—Joseph Prince  

CHOOSE JOY: Choose joy today…because in Christ Jesus, you’re stronger than you know!
Engage your faith today…because God moves when you pray in faith.
Walk confidently today…because Jesus paid a high price for your soul. You matter deeply to Him.
Show compassion today…because you’ve received such compassion from God Himself.
You’re wrapped up in God’s promises…strengthened by His care…and called by His divine will. Everything you need you already have in Him.
Have a holy-confident, humbly joyful day today! The joy of the Lord is your strength! ❤️
Romans 15:13 (ESV) ~ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. –Susie Larson 

FINDING TRUE REST: God is faithful to deliver those who trust Him for help.
Psalm 62:1-2: ”My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.“
Have you ever carried a heavy object for so long that your arms start to burn from its weight? You count the steps until you can finally set it down, and when you do, relief floods your body as the pain subsides. We can feel something similar in our spirit when we surrender our burdens to the Lord.
David understood this kind of relief well. With his enemies in relentless pursuit, he was forced to hide to save his life. The weight he carried was evident as he cried out in distress, “How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1). Yet, through his extended season of challenges, David experienced God’s faithfulness as well as His consolation in the anguish.
Remembering that God is faithful will bring release from the weight of our worries. So let’s hold to the perspective that God is at work…and keep our eyes fixed on the solution rather than the problems. Then, like David, we will be able to say, “I will not be greatly shaken” (62:2).
While we are learning to release our burdens, let’s be sure to talk to God in prayer (Psalm 62:8)…wait in hope for Him (Psalm 62:5)…and never forget that He is our rock and salvation (Psalm 62:2). That is true relief! ❤️—Charles Stanley

 YOU GOT THE JOY:  May the wonder of Christ’s love and the miracle of His redemption sweep you off your feet and ignite your faith once again!

Dare to look away from your discouragements…and look toward your Deliverer who truly makes all things new.

May your heart of faith beat once again for the promises God has made to you.

Pick up the cause of faith and march forward…knowing God has your back…He’s gone before you…and He’s placed His hand of blessing upon your head (Psalm 139:5).

Awaken to joy today! Embrace faith today! Pray like you have a God in heaven who hears you and moves when you pray…because you do! ❤️

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV) ~ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

OFF THE THRONE: Many of us today recognize Jesus and clearly see our need…but we fear losing the ability to direct our own path. The thought of releasing control seems unbearable. Somehow, we’ve been taught that submission equates to failure. But the reality is that true “success” is only found in Christ…and true comfort is only obtained by being set free from the power of sin and the entanglement of this world.
Jesus was, and always will be, very threatening to those who insist on sitting on a throne. It’s foolishness to think Jesus will accept the position of Co-King. Those who attempt to enter a relationship with Jesus while trying to maintain their “right to rule” will never really know Him…and certainly never experience His peace.
Jesus will give Himself to “whoever believes in Him” (John 3:13). But in return, He asks for our total devotion: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). We give Him proper worship – the worship He deserves – only as we submit and exalt Him above all else; “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).

Let’s ensure our relationship with Jesus is aligned with God’s plan. He is the rightful Ruler and King – the Savior and Lord! Let’s trust and worship Him with all our heart and refuse to be threatened by His right to lead. Let’s decide once and for all to relinquish control…and get our pride-filled self off the throne. ❤️
—Steve Troxel
surrender=freedom
freedom=peace 

Receive It!: Someone once said that God gives His best to those who leave the choice up to Him. Yet, God always entrusts us with the power to choose.
We can choose to be grateful or grumpy…hopeful…or hopeless. We can choose instant gratification today or God’s best for us tomorrow. We decide whether to walk by faith or by sight…to embrace an eternal perspective or an earthbound one.
Look up to the night sky and consider the One who put the stars in their place…and remember how much God is for you.
May His love, His power, and His good intentions toward you seep down into your bones, so much so, that you’re willing to offer your whole self to Him…to trust Him with your life, your heart, your hurts, and your dreams.
He works for those who wait for Him. He’s up to something good…and He’s eternally kind to those who choose to trust Him. ❤️Psalm 33:18 NLT ~ But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. 

Open your hands today and entrust your cares to God…right this minute.
Know this: Jesus knows your name…has your address…and loves you deeply!
He will get you where you need to go. He will reach out to the ones you love. He will validate and vindicate you at the proper time.
In the meantime, deal with the things that surface in your heart. Don’t stuff them down deeper, and don’t deny that they’re there.
LOOK TO JESUS…who is right now looking at you…with no hint of condemnation. Give Him your heartbreak…your betraying thoughts…and your hurt around the injustices you’ve endured. He sees it all…and He will redeem it all!
But right now, He wants to tend to your heart. He wants to reveal a deeper measure of His love. He wants to replace the lies with the truth. And He will do it. May you see and believe that you’re safest when you’re at His feet…trusting Him to do what you cannot do for yourself.
May your soul find rest in Him today. ❤️
Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT) ~ I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” –Susie Larson 

 GOD LOVES YOU PERFECTLY: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

Romans 5:8–9

God is a God of forgiveness. He knows you perfectly and still loves you perfectly. We are slaves to the idea that if someone sees our flaws, they won’t love us anymore. While that may be true in human relationships, God is not like that.

God sees all our imperfections, failings, and flaws on Jesus at the cross. Our sins and ugliness do not turn Him off. In fact, to Him they are occasions to demonstrate His grace and forgiveness through the blood of His Son, who has removed all our sins efficaciously at Calvary.

So don’t be embarrassed about your flaws, mistakes, and imperfections. God knows your weaknesses better than you do…and He loves you just the same. His Word reminds us that Jesus is not someone “who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses.” Instead, Jesus was tempted in all points, yet He was without sin (Heb. 4:15). He understands every temptation and every trial that you are going through. He is not disappointed with you, and He is not waiting for you to live up to a set of dos and don’ts before He forgives and loves you.

The Bible says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Rom. 5:8–9).

When did God love you? That’s right, when you were still a sinner. Before you even knew Him…when you were still in sin…He already loved you. How much more today, when you have been cleansed by Jesus’ blood and made righteous! Having received Jesus’ righteousness, you are righteous forever. Even when you fall into sin, your sins don’t make you a sinner again.

As a born again believer…when you fall short today…you are still the righteousness of God. This is because your righteousness comes from Jesus.

Knowing your righteous identity in Him then gives you the power to overcome every sin, every addiction, and every bad habit! ❤️

—100 Days of Right Believing—Daily Readings from The Power of Right Believing.

LETTING GO OF ANXIETY: Will you trust God with everything that burdens your heart? 1 Peter 5:6-7” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.“                                                                                                            Amidst life’s hardships, God lovingly tells us to cast our anxieties on Him (1 Pet. 5:7). He knows our heart and cares deeply about every aspect of our life. As we surrender our fears and worries to Him, we experience the peace that surpasses all understanding and find comfort in His unfailing love.

In a world marked by stress and anxiety, God offers an anchor for our restless souls. Many of us are beset by storms and feel as if we must navigate life’s challenges on our own. But the truth is…we have a heavenly Father who is ever-present and eager to handle our anxieties.

As believers, we’re not exempt from worry…but we are called to approach our fears with a different perspective. That is, we’re invited to shift our focus from the problems surrounding us…to the One who holds the universe in His hands. God’s care for His children is not limited to the grandiose; it extends to the tiniest details of daily life.

Casting our anxieties upon the Lord is an act of surrender…which requires acknowledging our limitations and embracing His sovereignty. Though submitting in this way may not eliminate life’s challenges…doing so helps us face them with courage and trust!! ❤️—Charles Stanley

Give it all over to Him…RIGHT NOW…and walk in His perfect peace!! ❤️

Fire and Hammer: “Is not my word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” – Jeremiah 23:29

God’s Word as fire signifies its ability to purify and refine us. Just as fire burns away impurities, the truth found in the Scriptures challenges and removes the impurities within our hearts—sin, doubt, fear—refining us to reflect more of God’s character. It warms our hearts with His love and lights our path with His wisdom.

As a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces, God’s Word also speaks to its capacity to shatter hardness. Our hearts, often hardened by sin, pain, or skepticism, can become responsive and tender under the persistent work of God’s Word. It breaks down barriers, opens up wellsprings of understanding, and plants seeds of transformation.

Engaging with God’s Word is not a passive activity; it’s an encounter with a force that has the power to change us fundamentally. As you look into the Scriptures, allow them to work deeply within you. Let the fire of God’s Word purify your heart and the hammer of His truth break down any resistance, transforming you into the likeness of Christ.

May we approach God’s Word with openness and expectation, ready to be changed by its powerful impact on our lives.

NO CONDEMNATION: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned.” John 3:17–18 If you’ve been living in the abyss of fear for as long as you can remember…it is time for your liberty! You can begin on this journey of freedom today by believing that God’s heart is full of love, grace, and mercy toward you. Listen to your Father’s heartbeat in today’s scripture. Do you believe in Jesus? There is no condemnation for anyone who calls upon the name of Jesus and is saved! All who call on Him and believe in Him are not condemned but saved. That is the good news of the gospel. Many believers are still living under the heavy yoke of condemnation and fear because they hear the Mosaic covenant being proclaimed and put themselves under the Ten Commandments. The apostle Paul describes the Ten Commandments in 2 Corinthians 3:7–9: “But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious . . . how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.” The Ten Commandments minister death and condemnation because no man was able to keep God’s perfect law. Failure to keep the law at any point brings you under its curse, condemns you, and hangs a death sentence over your head. However, the covenant of grace “exceeds much more in glory” because it ministers the spirit of liberty and the gift of God’s righteousness. The problem has never been the Ten Commandments or God’s perfect law. The problem has always been imperfect man’s ability to keep God’s perfect law. That is why our Lord Jesus came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it on our behalf (Matt. 5:17). The law was perfectly fulfilled at the cross when He cried out, “It is finished!” (John 19:30). The cross of Jesus has made all the difference! We no longer have to live in condemnation and fear under the old covenant of the law. We are now under the new covenant of grace, where we are fully forgiven, justified, and made righteous by Jesus’ blood to reign in life. When you realize you are justified by faith and not by your works…you become free from the ministry of condemnation and the death it ministers—guilt, insecurity, dread, anxieties, and all sorts of debilitating fears. Condemnation robs you of peace in your heart and of joy in your relationship with your Father. It robs you of faith and confidence in His love and ability to save you. Perhaps you know what it’s like to battle fear every day. Perhaps you’ve been plagued by fears of being unable to cope with certain changes in your circumstances. Maybe fearful thoughts of losing your health, your job, your children, or your very life keep you awake at night. Perhaps you suffer from severe anxiety attacks and the very thought of going anywhere outside of your home fills you with suffocating fear. This is not the life God wants us to live. Through the sacrifice of His Son and the perfection of Christ’s finished work, He has made a way for us to live free from the captivity of fear! ❤️

BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE: Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 The road to personal peace is a multi-lane highway in today’s world. There is a lane for peace through prosperity…peace through prestige…peace through possessions…peace through personal achievements…and more. But all those lanes to peace omit the one lane that is necessary before all others — peace with God! Once we have peace with God, it doesn’t matter what things happen in our life. In God, we can have a clear conscience and true contentment knowing that we are secure and protected in Him. That raises the question: How do we find peace with God? In his letter to the Romans (chapter 4), after Paul explained how Abraham gained a relationship with God (by believing God—Genesis 15:6), he said that we find peace with God the same way — by being “justified by faith…through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Abraham was declared righteous by God, not by his deeds or works but by simply believing in Him. And we are declared righteous the same way (2 Corinthians 5:21). Before, you look for peace anywhere else…make sure you have peace with God through faith in Christ. ❤️–David Jeremiah God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.-C. S. Lewis 

GUARD THE GOOD DEPOSIT: When God brings us to the point of greater commitment and surrender, we have a wonderful reason to rejoice; but we also have an obligation to protect and nurture what He has planted in our heart. He has called us to draw closer and spend more time in His presence…to join Him in a more intimate and loving relationship. But the enemy is hard at work trying to destroy the change which has begun. 2 Timothy 1:13-14 “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” Every so often on our Christian walk, there comes a time of special closeness with God. This closeness may come as the result of a new understanding of His Word where we see His character like never before. It may come during a solitary time of prayer or while worshiping with many other believers…through a powerful speaker…or inspirational writing. Each time this occurs, God is depositing a little truth into our life which says: I am the way; draw nearer and follow Me more. We know when God calls us in this manner. We know His truth! We know He is lighting the only true way, and we honestly desire to follow. But then we are back at work with deadlines to meet, people to see, or kids to feed. Soon, the busyness of our everyday “normal” life has consumed our thoughts, and God’s deposit has begun to fade. This should not be!                                                                                                             We must establish disciplines which enable us to hear God’s message and then help us keep His message at the forefront of our thoughts all through the day. These disciplines will vary for different people. Some may need to wake up earlier to have a time which is quiet…others may need to change their work habits or the condition of their work environment…most need to simply turn off the television or put down our phone! But regardless of our hectic pace, we ALL need to talk with God more and worship more at His feet. This must become our highest priority. His call to draw near is a precious deposit — a gift which we must not allow to be destroyed or forgotten. We should never allow the frustrations of the past…the pulls of the present…or the desires of the future, to steal the gift entrusted to us today. Let’s make the necessary changes and boldly draw near without hesitation. Let’s praise Him for His gift, and “with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us,” guard the good deposit!! ❤️—Steve Troxel 

WORKS IN PROGRESS: God patiently guides drifting believers back into His will.
Isaiah 64:8-9 ”But now, O Lord, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand. Do not be angry beyond measure, O Lord, Nor remember iniquity forever; Behold, look now, all of us are Your people. In a studio, the potter has complete power over the clay. The same is true of God…as our Creator, He can do with us whatever He chooses. That might sound scary, but remember that God’s sovereignty cannot be separated from His other attributes. While the Lord is sovereign…He is also loving…gracious…and thorough—and that influences how He shapes us.
Just as a potter works the clay with patience, God forms our Christlike character slowly—one experience at a time. He knows that spiritual maturity can’t be rushed. And just as clay can slip from the middle of the wheel, we too might find ourselves off-center from time to time—whether due to an old wound…a new hardship…a recurring habit…or something else. However, we don’t have to worry. In His grace, God always maneuvers the drifting believer back into position and begins remolding. He never discards His vessels…but patiently works to mold them. Our Father is a personal Potter. His creations reflect Him, and His Spirit is poured into each believing vessel so He can be an intimate part of our life. The result is a work of true beauty—a saint dearly loved by the Lord!! ❤️–Charles Stanley Personal Note: I have drifted from the wheel more times than I care to remember…but He is always faithful to bring me back…and continue the molding process. ❤️

YOURS IS THE VICTORY: The enemy seduces, confuses, and accuses. God redeems, clarifies, and affirms. The enemy knows where you’re weak…knows what to condemn…and knows how to distort your perspective in a way that ties you up in knots. Jesus loves you with an everlasting love…covers your sins with His blood…and brings clarity to your heart in a way that fills you with peace. Though the devil plays dirty, this is not a fair fight. Overwhelming victory belongs to YOU because you belong to Jesus. Shut down the enemy’s taunts…refuse to listen to his voice…and turn away from his berating accusations. Turn your eyes toward the One who knows you best and loves you most!! Have a victorious, peace-filled, and joyful day! ❤️ Romans 8:35-37 (NLT) ~ Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”  No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 

STRONG IN HIS GRACE: When we are brought to the point of belief – the point where we see our sin, desire to change, and acknowledge God’s Son as our only way to eternal life – we ask, in faith, for Jesus to forgive our sins and be our Savior. At that very moment, the grace of God abounds, His Spirit transforms our heart and He picks us up as His child: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The moment of true Salvation is without question the most significant event in our Christian life. In that moment, we are “born again” (John 3:7) and become a “new creation” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) through the power of the Holy Spirit; “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:6). In fact, the moment of Salvation is so significant that even if we seem to stumble through every step past that point, we still have reason to rejoice with every breath – we are children of the King and will spend all eternity in His glorious Kingdom.                                                                                                                    Our journey with God can indeed be rocky. As we continue down His path, we are to strive for holiness and purposeful worship in our life. We are to diligently seek Him and “learn the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:12). We must learn to “trust in the Lord with all our heart” (Proverbs 3:5), but we must also remember that “apart from Me {Jesus}, you can do NOTHING” (John 15:5). The reality of this journey is that if we strive for anything in our own strength, we are certainly destined to stumble and fall.  2 Timothy 2:1 “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
This verse means we must continue to trust in His grace and in His grace alone. We did nothing to earn our Salvation, and we can do nothing to maintain our right standing before God – nothing besides belief in His Son; “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” (Galatians 3:3). Our goal of a life which is honoring to God cannot be accomplished through our own effort! We are saved by the grace of God and we must continue to live by this same grace: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught” (Colossians 2:6). Our Heavenly Father will determine our path to holiness, purpose, contentment, and trust – and His grace will equip us with all we need for the journey. Let’s completely trust in the saving grace of Jesus! Let’s apply the strength of His grace today in every trial and temptation. Let’s live a life of pure and holy devotion by always remaining strong in His grace. ❤️–Steve Troxel 

DEATH TO LIFE: So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Ezekiel 37:7 All of us face times when our lives seem as scorched and lifeless as Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones. But as Ezekiel lifted his voice in speaking the Word of God, it became a mighty, life-giving force! Centuries later, Jesus instructed His disciples: “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Later, following the birth of the church, these same disciples spent much of their time in the temple speaking “the words of this life” (Acts 5:20). They recognized the power of the life-giving Word of God!  

Just ten chapters following the vision of the dry bones, Ezekiel is brought to the river of healing waters that bring God’s life, health, and abundance wherever they go. God has the same blessing in store for each one of us…but it requires that we “hold fast the word of life, so that [we] may rejoice in the day of Christ” (Philippians 2:16). ❤️-Jack Hayford” My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them And health to all their body.“ (Proverbs 4:20-22)  ”For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.“ (Hebrews 4:12).

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