Pastor’s Thoughts July 22-Aug 2
THE ARMOR OF PRAISE: “…to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:3
Praise, as a garment, is more than a piece of clothing casually thrown over our shoulders. Praise wraps and covers us, leaving no openings through which hostile elements can penetrate. This garment of praise repels and replaces a heavy spirit. The message that Isaiah preached offers instruction and hope for those oppressed by fear or doubt. In the New Testament, Paul describes another garment that gives this same kind of protective covering (Eph. 6:10–18); he calls it armor. Yet the armor Paul advises us to wear offers us the same advantages…a covering, a protection, and a weapon. He exhorts us to “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (v. 11). Let us do that today! Allow praise to become your armor. “Put on” this garment. A warm coat from our closet only resists the cold wind when it is “put on.” When distressed…be dressed—with praise! Act according to God’s Word! ❤️ –Jack Hayford
This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5.
This powerful declaration reveals the very nature of God — pure, holy, and utterly free from any form of darkness or sin. God’s light represents His truth, righteousness, and perfect goodness. In a world where darkness often seems pervasive…this assurance of God’s unblemished light…offers profound hope and clarity!
The imagery of light and darkness in this verse serves as a metaphor for the spiritual realities we encounter. Darkness symbolizes sin, evil, and ignorance…while light represents holiness, purity, and truth. By affirming that “God is light,” John emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of all that is good and true. There is no deceit, corruption, or evil in Him.
This understanding challenges us to walk in the light…to live in a manner that reflects God’s character…and to reject the darkness of sin. It calls us to a life of integrity, transparency, and moral clarity, grounded in our relationship with God.
As we start this new day, let us commit to living in the light of God’s presence. This involves not only avoiding sin…but actively seeking to embody the virtues and truths that reflect God’s nature. By walking in the light, we experience fellowship with Him and with one another…as the truth of His light guides our steps. Let us pray for the strength and courage to remain in His light, allowing it to illuminate our paths and drive away any shadows of doubt or fear. May our lives today be a testament to the transformative power of God’s light…bringing hope and clarity to a world in need of His truth. ❤️ —Cathy C. Charles
We all have a weakness for certain things…and it seems as if we just can’t resist these things. But, if we stop confessing our weakness and our inability to resist a thing…and start declaring God’s strength and the Power of the Holy Spirit working in us to help us to resist and to overcome that thing…we will get the victory over ALL these things.
God promises that HIS STRENGTH is made perfect in our weakness! God said, let the weak say I AM STRONG! God said, we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS!
We have to stop speaking according to how we feel…and start SAYING WHAT GOD SAYS. What we say today, are the seeds being planted and preparing what we will harvest in the days to come! ❤️”You shall also decree a thing, and it shall be established for you: and the light shall shine upon your ways.” Job 22:28
“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” Romans 8:37–Seed of Encouragement
NO OTHER NAME: Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
In his book, Jesus: The Only Way to God, John Piper wrote, “It seems to me that the very people who have historically been the most joyfully and sacrificially aggressive in world evangelism are losing their nerve. In our shrinking, pluralistic world, the belief that Jesus is the only way of salvation is increasingly called arrogant and even hateful. In the face of this criticism, many shrink back from affirming the global necessity of knowing and believing in Jesus.”
The apostle Peter didn’t hesitate to proclaim to his critics that there was no salvation in anyone other than Jesus. Jesus said that no one could come to God except through Him (John 14:6). He alone is both God and human…born of a virgin…resurrected from the dead…ascended to heaven…and coming again. He alone is Savior! Keep John 14:6 and Acts 4:12 at the forefront of your mind…and don’t be intimidated in sharing this Good News with the world. Through Jesus Christ we can know God…experience peace…and enjoy eternal life! ❤️
–David Jeremiah “Jesus alone can offer eternal life because He is the only one who lived a sinless life and provided the perfect sacrifice for our sins by His death on the cross.”–Billy Graham
Time for a Thursday-afternoon Tune Up!! ❤️ “We must live our lives with a sense of urgency…in how we love…give to…and serve others. Our time here on earth is limited!” Will you make the most out of the time that is given to you? —Tim Tebow
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
Jesus Knows You Through and Through: Though most of the world has no clue what your call has cost you…Jesus does.
Though few know how valiantly you’ve marched onward, even with a broken heart…Jesus knows.
Though others may wrongly assess your struggles…Jesus sees you clearly, loves you dearly, and defends you fiercely.
One day God will vindicate you.
One day, He’ll fully restore you.
One day, He’ll claim you…bless you…and honor you before a watching world.
Though you have troubles in this world…you will overcome them all.
One day, Jesus will wipe away every tear.
One day, with a smile on His face…He’ll look you in the eye and make all things right. Though trials mark this journey, don’t give up hope…a bright future awaits you! ❤️
Malachi 4:2 NLT ~ “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.—Susie Larson
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THE BEST IS YET TO COME!! ❤️
THE TRUE VINE: “For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are His pleasant plant.” Isaiah 5:7
Jesus used images from the Old Testament to demonstrate how He fulfilled God’s expectations for Israel. In Isaiah 5, Israel is pictured as a vineyard which God planted in expectation of bearing the fruit of “justice” and “righteousness”: “For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel.” Sadly, the vineyard bore the fruit of “oppression” and “a cry for help” (verse 7). So God allowed His vineyard, Israel, to be uprooted and destroyed (verses 5-6).
But when Jesus came, He said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1). Jesus came to bear good fruit…by being the True Vine of God…that Israel failed to bear. And not just good fruit in Himself…but for all who would believe in Him—the branches of the True Vine (John 15:1-8).
Jesus intends to bear His good fruit in and through us as we remain “attached” to Him. If we remain (abide) in Him and His words remain in us, we will bear the fruit that Jesus bore in His life and ministry (John 15:7). Abide in Jesus and His Word every day. By His Spirit, His life-giving fruit will manifest in your life! ❤️
(Galatians 5:22-23). –David Jeremiah “Fruit is evidence of the root.”–John Blanchard
“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22 This verse encapsulates the heart of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Through the prophet Isaiah, God speaks to His people…reminding them of His gracious act of sweeping away their sins. Just as clouds and morning mist vanish with the rising sun, so God promises to remove our transgressions when we turn to Him in repentance and faith.
The imagery of clouds and mist is significant because it illustrates how temporary and insubstantial our sins become in the face of God’s redeeming love. Our offenses, no matter how great, cannot withstand the power of God’s forgiveness. This verse assures us that God’s desire is not to condemn…but to cleanse and restore. His redemption is complete and final, made possible through the work of Christ on the cross. By accepting this gift, we are invited into a renewed relationship with God…free from the burden of sin and guilt.
As we start this new day, let’s embrace the invitation to return to God…confident in His promise of redemption. No matter our past mistakes or the weight of our sins…we can come to Him and experience His cleansing grace. This assurance should fill us with hope and gratitude, motivating us to live in the freedom that comes from being forgiven and redeemed.
Let’s also be channels of this grace to others…extending the same forgiveness and love that we have received. Today, may we walk in the light of God’s forgiveness…rejoicing in the new life we have through His redemption!! ❤️
—Cathy C. Charles
ALWAYS REJOICE “Rejoice in the Lord always – and again I say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 Paul had been arrested and sent to Rome to await trial. He spent his days and nights under house arrest, chained to a Roman soldier, but was still able to say, rejoice…always! When we begin to understand the life changing gift of forgiveness through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus – when we truly grasp the concept of eternity and, through faith, believe we will spend all eternity in the presence of God – we have more than enough reason to rejoice…regardless of our present circumstances. We have more than enough reason…but do we rejoice? If we are unable to rejoice…we have allowed our eyes to become too fixed on the present. Our attention has become focused on our earthly desires, goals, and ambitions, and we have lost sight of the blessings of a life in Christ. Either that, or we don’t really believe! The verses which immediately follow Paul’s call to rejoice list some real benefits of a life of rejoicing. Philippians 4:5-7 “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Gentleness and a lack of anxiety result from rejoicing in a risen Savior. If Jesus Christ can be raised from the dead and sit down “at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12), then our Heavenly Father can certainly take care of problems with our job, health, kids, finances, or relationships – so rejoice! When we rejoice and focus on an eternity in Heaven and a Savior who walks by our side, our anxiety fades – our present trials become “light and momentary” (2 Corinthians 4:17). When we live a life filled with rejoicing, we are able to focus on the solutions we know God can provide. We develop a heart of thanksgiving – a heart which naturally presents everything to God in prayer and waits with grateful expectation for His reply. We begin to trust in God’s plan for our life and His desire for us to be with Him forever. The result, which admittedly takes time and patience, is “the peace of God which transcends all understanding.” These words written by Paul are not the deluded ramblings of an old man in Roman confinement…they are the true promises of God! They represent a promised life we all can live. Our Father offers us a life of gentleness, contentment, and peace; a life free of anxiety and worry. But this life can only happen if we love and trust Him with all our heart…and if we are determined to always rejoice! ❤️ –Steve Troxel
BE STRONG IN FAITH: Is it possible to experience healing and wholeness in a time of crisis and chaos? Yes.
Is it possible to gain ground in your walk of faith when the ground beneath you is shaking? Without a doubt.
Is it possible to better discern lies from truth in a day where truth seems to be up for grabs? Absolutely, it is.
When you are in Christ, Christ is in you! He’s given you His Holy Spirit that you might discern the things He’s freely made available to you (1 Cor.2.12). May we begin today to walk in, embrace, and participate in the divine nature imparted to us by God (2 Peter1:4). May we believe…with all our heart…that after we have suffered a while…God Himself will restore, strengthen, and establish us…because He will (1 Pet.5:10). Let’s take our gaze off of our immediate problem, step back, and see through the storm. Picture Jesus walking our way, arms outstretched, inviting us to walk on the water with Him. Leave the wind and the waves to Him.
Entrust your troubles to Him…and grab hold of His hand. His strength will become your strength. His insights, your insights. Christ in you…your hope of glory!! ❤️
–Susie Larson
THE ABIDING PRESENCE: Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. 1 Peter 1:8 In His Upper Room sermon in John 13–17, Jesus prepared His disciples for His departure. They had enjoyed His physical, visual presence for three years, but now He was leaving them—by His death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven. He explained He was leaving in order to send His Spirit who would be with them and in them (John 14:17). Years later, Peter told his readers that we can still love, trust, and rejoice in Christ even if we don’t presently see Him. We have His Spirit…making Him real to us…and the Holy Spirit can be with every believer across the world at once.That’s why we must abide in Christ. We can enjoy His abiding presence by the indwelling Holy Spirit until that day when we see our Lord face to face. Today, ask the Lord to fill you with the Holy Spirit…and rejoice in His presence! ❤️ –David Jeremiah “The branch of the vine does not worry, toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine.” –J. Hudson Taylor