COMMITTED TO THE TASK

OFFICIALLY ON VACATION

2011-07-11T22:30:00.002-04:00

It was a long day of driving . . . Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and finally South Carolina. We started our day in Caldwell, Ohio and we are ending our day by walking on the Boardwalk at Myrtle Beach. We are ready for a week of relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean and some fellowship with good friends. The new boardwalk is really nice and busy for a Sunday evening . . . the sounds of the boardwalk are interesting but the sound of the surf is relaxing and just awesome. As Marlene and I walk the boardwalk it finally hits me we are "Officially on Vacation!"

PICKED UP THE RENTAL CAR

2011-07-10T13:45:00.005-04:00

Marlene and I drove to New Philadelphia to pick up our rental car for our Vacation to Myrtle Beach. Enterprise only had one guy working the rental counter and of course they were really busy. I felt sorry for the guy but he was professional and good spirited. He showed us a few possibilities (Chevrolet Cobalt and KIA Forte') that were in the class we reserved. I asked if either of them had cruise control? He checked both Cobalts as well as the Forte' but we were out of luck. The only vehicle he knew he had on the lot with cruise control that he could upgrade us at no additional charge was a Chevrolet HHR but it needed an oil change and he couldn't send it out. I believe it was Marlene had noticed a red Nissan parked on the side edge of the parking lot and she asked if it was spoken for or was it a customers car. It was funny the rental agent said he didn't know were it came from but when he checked the computer it was in their inventory. We walked out to the car with him and he found the keys on the floor board and he said "someone must have dropped it off last night" and "yes, it had cruise control". He opened up and the car and let Marlene and I look at it - Marlene liked it immediately. He told us that if we wanted it we could have it but that it needed to be cleaned up and wanted to know if we were willing to wait a few minutes. We thanked him for working with us and that we didn't mind waiting. Marlene was sold on it because of it's size and of course it is her favorite color "RED" and she promised to help me drive this year. It looks like we will be driving a Red Nissan Versa to Myrtle Beach. God is Good even in the little things!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2010-12-25T00:01:00.001-05:00

Luke 2:8-20

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^[a] the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

When I think of Christmas . . . I can remember “The Living Christmas Tree” at Byesville Assembly of God filled with a mass choir and adults and children acting out the Christmas Story. But for now let us step out of the world of the cute and the dramatic for a second and into what happened with the shepherds.

Shepherds were hired hands from lower class families or maybe even newcomers to the land. We need to understand that they were not at the very bottom of the social order and they were not involved in an unholy job by any means (not like being a pig farmer), and don’t forget about King David – The Shepherd King! Each day they faced weather challenges, dirty and rough surroundings, long hours and little pay – a hard life! The lived out in the fields most of the time, leaving them with very few friends and the friends they do have our also shepherds. They just could not leave the flock because of the ever present dangers of predators or theft. These shepherds were just working that night doing what they always did keeping watch over their flock that night – yes, they had to work through “holiday” too!

Have you ever wondered, why the Angels brought these tidings of great joy to the shepherds? Luke is silent on the matter. Did it have something to do with their poverty? But there were other people in the area that had even less than this group of shepherds. The truth is we do not even know how many shepherds . . . was it two, three, four, five or more. My impression is that the Heavenly Multitude, well, they were making a lot of noise! Such big doings for such a little baby. All I know is that when the shepherds heard what the heavenly host had to say about the baby born in a manger, they booked it to find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes. Maybe they let the Angels watch the flocks for a while?

The infant Jesus had already come out before the shepherds were told, so he was laying there in his feedbox crib. When the shepherds arrived and saw that the choir wasn't joking, they understood that the rest of what they were told was true too: the child was a Savior. The Messiah, their rescuer, had come. God had taken action, and came into their presence. So now they started picking up on the angels' carol, praising God to all who were nearby along the way back.
God came to us as a Baby (Jesus), Died on a Cross as an Adult and lives as God with Us . . . Let’s spread the Good News!!

GOD IS ABLE TO SUCCOR YOU WHEN TEMPTED

2010-09-12T12:30:00.005-04:00

TEXT: Hebrews 2:16-18

INTRODUCTION

God the Son has suffered and been tempted. Therefore He can aid those who are sorely tempted and can make them stronger as a result.

STRESS IS NECESSARY PART OF GROWTH

Even Christ endured this process (Hebrews 2:10). As Captain of your salvation, He was perfected through sufferings. In the perfecting process He learned obedience (Hebrews 5:8-9).

You can expect some stress (1 Peter 4:12-13). Don’t be surprised if fiery trials come. They are to try you and prepare you for future glory.

Trials are to strengthen you (1 Peter 5:10). After you have suffered a while, you will be matured, established, strengthened, and settled.

THE STRESS IS NEVER INTOLERABLE

Temptations come to all (1 Corinthians 10:13). Whatever temptation you face, it is not unique but common to mankind.

God knows how much you can stand (1 Corinthians 10:13). He will not permit you to be tempted more than you can endure.

There is always a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). God will show you the way out, soon or late. Until He does, He can give you grace to bear the situation.

SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT IS NEEDED FOR GROWTH

Newborn Christians need milk (1 Peter 2:2). Desire the pure milk of God’s Word that you may grow thereby.

Working Christians need meat (Hebrews 5:12–14). Don’t be satisfied forever with baby food (“the first principles” of the Word). Practice eating “strong meat”; study the Word and

learn to teach it.

With maturity comes stability (Ephesians 4:13–15). When you become full-grown in the Lord, you will not be tossed about by temptation or false teachings.

DIVINE HELP IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE

There is grace to help you (2 Corinthians 9:8). God is able to pour His grace on you so you will have plenty for every circumstance.

There is power to keep you (Jude 24). God can keep you from falling until you stand before His throne at last.

There is armor to protect you (Ephesians 6:11). If you wear God’s armor, you can stand against every attack.

There is a high priest to hear you (Hebrews 5:1-6). Your high priest is not impervious to your pain. He understands your struggles, for He was tempted as you are. Therefore if you come boldly to His throne in prayer, you may obtain His help in every time of need.

CONCLUSION

If Christians are not supported when they are tempted, it is not because succor is unavailable but simply because they do not ask for it.

GOD IS ABLE TO SAVE YOU

2010-09-05T12:30:00.008-04:00

TEXT: Hebrews 7:23–28

INTRODUCTION

You must recognize, believe, and expect that which God is able to do for you before He actually can direct these blessings to you. One of the blessings He can bestow is salvation. I am so thankful that Jesus Saved Me! Where would you really be today if it were not for God's Love and the Sacrifice of His Son Jesus on the Cross for you.

GOD IS ABLE TO SAVE YOU BECAUSE HE IS FOREVER

Our Lord is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8). Jesus, being inseparable from the Godhead, is almighty. He is eternal, and He is our Savior.

Death could not stop Jesus (Revelation 1:18). He was dead, but now He is alive for evermore, and He has the keys of hell and of death.

He is all you need (1 Corinthians 1:30). Jesus will become to you wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. You are limited in understanding and holiness; you cannot save yourself; but He can. He is your all-sufficient Redeemer. GOD IS ABLE TO SAVE YOU BECAUSE

HE MADE A PERFECT WAY

Jesus is the way to God (John 14:6). No man can come to the Father except through Jesus.

He has a permanent priesthood (Hebrews 7:24). Jewish high priests came and went, but Jesus abides in the priestly office forever.

Therefore He can save all who come to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25). He saved Luke, the beloved physician; Paul, the religious bigot; Matthew, the tax collector; Mary Magdalene, the fallen woman.

He does not respect one sinner above another (Acts 10:34).

GOD IS ABLE TO SAVE YOU BECAUSE CHRIST'S PRIESTHOOD IS PERFECT

Jesus, your high priest, is the beloved Son in whom the Father is well pleased (Matthew 3:17). When He makes intercession for you, God will be attentive and favorable (Hebrews 7:25).

Unlike other high priests, Jesus is sinless (Hebrews 7:26) (Hebrews 4:15). Other high priests had to offer sacrifices each day for their own sins as well as for the sins of others, but not Jesus(Hebrews 7:27). He is holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners.

GOD IS ABLE TO SAVE YOU BECAUSE CHRIST IS CONSECRATED FOR EVERMORE

He “has been made perfect forever” (Hebrews 7:28). Other high priests (like all ministers of today) are frail and imperfect, but Christ was made perfect through His sufferings (Hebrews 2:10). You can safely depend on Him.

He can save you for evermore (Hebrews 7:25). The Amplified Version says He saves “completely, perfectly, finally and for all time and eternity.”

CONCLUSION

Looking again at Hebrews 7:25 we see Christ is able to save you if you will come to God through Him. But it depends on you. He is able — but are you willing?

GOD IS ABLE TO PERFORM ALL HE PROMISED

2010-08-29T12:30:00.008-04:00

TEXT: Romans 4:16–21

INTRODUCTION

Though all the natural circumstances indicated Abraham and Sarah would remain childless, but he believed God would miraculously give him a son. He was “fully persuaded, that what [God] had promised, he was able also to perform” (Romans 4:21). Abraham and Sarah were not spring chickens when God Performed His Promise but I believe in the end they were up for the challenge.

MEN MAKE PROMISES THEY DO NOT KEEP

Laban broke his promise to Jacob (Genesis 29:18-19). Laban promised that if Jacob served him 7 years, he could have Rachel. Jacob served 7 years, but Laban deceived him and gave him Leah instead of Rachel. If we look to man we will be disappointed.

Men break their promises to God (Ecclesiastes 5:5). It is better not to vow than to make a vow and then fail to keep it. I don't like it when someone pants you to promise the world and you know their is a good possibility you will not be able to fulfill it.

Keeping one’s promise may be difficult (Romans 7:18). Paul said, “I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). Life seems to happen and sometimes it makes it impossible to do all the things you wanted to do. When we came to First Assembly of God five years ago, I didn't promise to be here forever but as long as the Lord wanted me to be here. In some ways it is ironic, we had people promise they would support Marlene and I in our ministry here at Uhrichsville no matter what! The irony is none of them are still here. My friend and board member Ray went to his Reward and heaven and the others didn't keep their promise.

FAILURE TO KEEP A PROMISE MAY BE PUNISHED

Some Jews were hoarding corn (Nehemiah 5:2). There was a shortage of food in Jerusalem, so the leading Jews were keeping it for their own families.

Other Jews mortgaged all their possessions to survive (Nehemiah 5:3). They mortgaged lands, vineyards, and houses to buy the corn they needed.

Some even sold their children into slavery (Nehemiah 5:4-5). They complained to Nehemiah that since they had lost their lands and vineyards, they had no way to buy their children back from the nobles and rulers.

Nehemiah extracted a promise from the leading Jews (Nehemiah 5:12). The nobles and rulers promised him they would restore everything (without enough usury) and would let everyone have enough provisions.

Nehemiah threatened punishment if they broke their promise (Nehemiah 5:13). He shook his lap and said, “So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that performeth not this promise.”

GOD IS MORE DEPENDABLE THAN MEN

He always keeps His Word (Numbers 23:19). “God is not a man, that he should lie. … Hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”

He is always faithful (Hebrews 10:23) (Hebrews 11:11). You can count on God’s faithfulness. He will keep His promises to you as He did to Sarah.

He is always able (Jeremiah 32:27). He is Lord over everything; there is nothing too hard for Him.

YOU MAY DEPEND ON HIM TO PERFORM HIS PROMISES

You may be confident (Philippians 1:6). God will finish the work of grace He has begun in you. He will never cease until you see Him face to face. We are believing that God is going to finish the work he started here at First Assembly of God.

You may rest assured (Psalm 4:8). No need to lie awake and worry. God will keep you safe while you sleep. As Christians, we do not need to worry about tomorrow. It is time we put things in the the Lord's hands.

You may count on it (1 Kings 8:56). As Solomon said, not one word of all God’s good promise failed. God kept His promises to Moses, and He will do the same for you.

CONCLUSION

God is able, and He is faithful, but you must be fully persuaded of this. When you are, you will have a peace and a strength that only comes from this quiet confidence in God.

GOD IS ABLE TO MAKE YOU STAND

2010-08-22T12:30:00.069-04:00

TEXT: 1 Corinthians 16:13

INTRODUCTION

In the New American Standard Bible the text reads, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” A little over a year ago Marlene and I along with the Randy and Char, and many of you took a Stand. We need to continue to Stand and allow the Lord to use us to accomplish the work that God started here at First Assembly of God over 86 years ago. It is time we Win our Community for the Lord!!

TAKE YOU STAND BY FAITH

Your stand in divine grace is by faith (Romans 5:2). It is by faith you have access to this place of favor with God. You do not stand on your own merit. We can't stand alone . . . we need the Lord to Help us and that was one of the reasons the Lord sent the Holy Spirit to be our helper. It is essential for us to grow in faith daily through the Word and through Prayer.

To continue to stand you must grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18). The longer you are saved, the more your faith grows and the more firmly you can stand. Like a growing tree your roots go down into God and His Word, and you grow strong. But yet many Christians today lack the Spiritual Depth even after years of attending Church.

STAND IN GOD-GIVEN STRENGTH

Your own strength is insufficient (2 Corinthians 3:5). “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves,” Paul said. “Our sufficiency is of God.”

You face opposition (1 Peter 5:9). Your adversary the devil seeks to overcome you. You must resist him “steadfast in the faith.”

There are defensive weapons to help you stand (Ephesians 6:13). God provides the spiritual armor. You must put all of it on and never surrender.

YOU HAVE A STAKE IN THE VICTORY

If you stand true, there is a reward (Revelation 2:10). The crown of everlasting life is for those who remain faithful to the end. The soul you save will be your own.

By being true you encourage your elders (1 Thessalonians 3:8). The Thessalonians brought joy to Paul by standing fast in the Lord.

Your steadfastness can save others also (Jude 23). As a fireman braving the flames in a burning building, you may rescue souls from fiery judgment if you don’t retreat.

YOU ARE IN A PROTRACTED WAR

As long as you live, your enemy will oppose you (Ephesians 6:11). You never dare be found without the armor, or you will fall before the wiles of the devil.

The enemy is devious (2 Corinthians 11:14). Sometimes he comes as an angel of light. He has learned from long experience how to find each one’s weak points.

You can be victorious (1 John 4:4). God who dwells in you is greater than Satan, the prince of this world. By His a power you can stand firm and win the war against sin.

CONCLUSION

You can be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing your effort is not in vain in the Lord. You can have victory over sin, death, and the grave through our Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:57-58).

GOD IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU FROM FALLING

2010-08-15T12:30:00.113-04:00

TEXT: Jude 20-25

INTRODUCTION
It is possible for one who has been saved to fall back into sin; but it need not happen, for keeping power is available. We need to rely upon the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis. The Bible does not teach us that once we are saved we will always be saved.

GOD WANTS YOU NOT TO FALL
There is no doubt about His keeping power (Jude 24). He is able to keep you from falling if you ask His help. We have a hard time asking for help . . . a pride thing. My wife will tell you, when we travel and we some how get lost the last thing I will do is stop and get directions. But when all else fails and I am tired of my wife telling me to stop . . . I stop and ask, "can you Help me?"

There is no need to have any sin in your life (Jude 24). God can present you faultless before His throne of glory. “Without a single fault” (New Living Translation). “Without blemish” (American Standard Version).

Your victory over sin will cause Him to rejoice (Jude 24). It will give Him “exceeding joy” — so He desires very much that you should never fall.

BUT IT IS POSSIBLE TO FALL
Pride can be one’s downfall (Proverbs 16:18). Pride leads to destruction. The haughtier one’s spirit, the farther he will fall; but the one who is meek and lowly is safe, for he has no distance to fall.

Unbelief can cause one to fall (Hebrews 4:11). The Israelites did not believe God could bring them into the Promised Land, so God let them perish in the wilderness.

Love of money can make one fall (1 Timothy 6:9). Those who are rich fall into temptation and are snared. Their lusts can lure them to destruction.

Strong men have fallen (Acts 1:25; 1 Corinthians 10:8; Hebrews 3:17). One of Christ’s 12 closest friends fell, as did Achan, Saul, David, and many other servants of God.

THEREFORE YOU NEED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS
Walk circumspectly (Ephesians 5:15-16). “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (NASB). Keep on the move; be so busy serving God you have no time for questionable activities.

Keep your eyes open (Matthew 15:14). Don’t let Satan blind your mind with his lies, or you will fall in the ditch. Be alert.

Develop roots by reading the Word (Luke 8:13). Don’t be one who in time of temptation falls away because he has no root. Take God’s Word to heart; meditate upon it; let the Spirit soak your heart so you can grow strong with the Word.

Make your calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). If you partake of the divine nature and acquire faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love, “ye shall never fall.”

MUCH DEPENDS ON WHETHER YOU STUMBLE
If you stumble, your own eternal destiny is at stake (2 Peter 3:17). Be careful, or you may be led away with the error of the wicked and fall from your own steadfastness.

You may be a stumbling block to others (Romans 14:13). It is a serious thing to put an occasion to fall in your brother’s path. It is better to lean over backward and forfeit your personal liberty in some matters (verse 21) than to let your liberty become a stumbling block to others (1 Corinthians 8:9).

Always live in God’s clear light (John 11:9). A man who walks in daylight sees where he is going and does not stumble. Neither does he cause others to stumble (1 John 2:10).

CONCLUSION
The warning is clear: “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). But having heeded the warning you may assure yourself you need never fall, for the Lord is “able to keep you from falling” and to “bring you, sinless and perfect, into his glorious presence with mighty shouts of everlasting joy” (Living Bible).

GOD IS ABLE TO BUILD YOU UP

2010-08-08T12:30:00.112-04:00

TEXT: Acts 20:32

INTRODUCTION

Paul told the Ephesian elders that the gracious Word of God could build them His sanctified people.

THE FIRST STEP CONCERNS THE INNER MAN

God will strengthen you with power through His Spirit abiding in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16). The power of the Holy Spirit within will energize you for outward living of the Christian life. It will enable you to do what God wants you to do.

He will renew your inner man each day (2 Corinthians 4:16). Though your natural strength may seem depleted by the attrition of life’s daily grind, your spiritual strength will be replenished by the constant renewing of your inner man.

Your faith must be in God, not in yourself (2 Corinthians 1:8–10). You can be hopeful in trouble and joyful in adversity if you depend on the Lord, as Paul did. He was burdened beyond his strength, but the God who raises the dead changed his great despair into a great deliverance.

THE SECOND STEP IS YOUR ACT OF FAITH

You should count the cost (Luke 14:28). Determine that by God’s grace you will go through and never turn back.

Trust God to supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19). Believe He will give you strength and grace to persevere.

Take courage from the victories others have won (Hebrews 11:32–34). Noah, Abraham, Moses, and all God’s servants won His blessing by taking the step of faith.

THE THIRD STEP IS THE SPIRITUAL RESULT

You become a tabernacle in which God abides (Ephesians 2:22). God is able to dwell in your life when you have made yourself ready.

You are able to accomplish tasks for Him (2 Timothy 2:15). Training is not an end in itself but a means to an end. The athlete trains so he may race. The student trains so he may teach. God trains you for a life mission.

THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE IS TO DEVELOP LOVE

You learn to love God more fully (Luke 10:27). God’s love saves you and changes you so you may love Him with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.

You learn to love your fellowman (Luke 10:27). By loving your neighbor as yourself you prove you have been built up to the divine standard.

CONCLUSION

The Holy Spirit will build you into a strong, mature believer if you cooperate with Him. The world will know you are His servant if you love others (John 13:35) but if you don’t, your profession is meaningless (1 John 3:14-15). Learn to love.

GOD IS ABLE TO DO MUCH MORE THAN YOU EXPECT

2010-08-01T12:30:00.056-04:00

TEXT: Ephesians 3:20-21

INTRODUCTION
Reading these verses in the New International Version will surely quicken your heartbeat: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Perhaps you expect too little.
Abraham underestimated God’s mercy (Genesis 18:32). He might havepressed for Sodom to be spared if there were only 4 righteous, but he stopped at 10.

Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?" He answered, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it" (Genesis 18:32).

Sarah underestimated God’s promise (Genesis 18:12). She laughed in unbelief, forgetting that nothing is too hard for the Lord (verse 14).

10 Then the LORD said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son." Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. 1112 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?" Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. 13 Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?' 14 Is anything too hard for the LORD ? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son. (Genesis 18:10-14).

The 10 spies underestimated God’s power (Numbers 13:31). They saw the giants in Canaan and said the land would devour them. Joshua and Caleb saw One who was greater than the giants, and they said, “We are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30).

30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it" 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are" (Numbers 13:30-31).

God wants you to raise your expectations.
Have the faith of the three young Hebrews (Daniel 3:17). They said, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace.”

17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king (Daniel 3:17).

Believe the promise of God (Mark 9:23). If all things are possible to him who believes, why be content with small successes?

23" 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes" (Mark 9:23).

Call on God for greater things (Jeremiah 33:3). He will answer and show you greater, mightier things than you have ever known.

3 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know' (Jeremiah 33:3).

Volunteer for a bigger task (Joshua 14:12). Though he was 85, Caleb asked for a mountain that he might drive out the giants (the Anakim) and claim it for his family’s possession.

12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said" (Joshua 14:12).

Realize there is infinite power at work in you.
Infinite ability (John 14:12). Jesus said the works He did His servants may do — and greater works — through the Holy Spirit.

12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father (John 14:12).

Infinite love (Romans 8:32). If God loved you so much He gave His Son to die for you, will He not freely give you all things? If He has already given you the greatest Gift, will He withhold any lesser gift?

32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32).

Infinite grace (2 Corinthians 9:8). God is able to make all grace abound unto you that you in turn may abound to every good work; for His grace is always sufficient, whatever the circumstances.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Conclusion
You may expect too little from the Lord, but never too much. By His grace you can be and have and accomplish much more than you have ever imagined. The possibilities are as great as the faith you exercise. You can expect greater things from God when you attempt greater things for God.

TO MY WIFE MARLENE . . .

2010-06-11T09:00:00.003-04:00

THE MARCH OF THE ANTS . . . A LESSON IN UNITY

2010-05-16T10:30:00.002-04:00

32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
36Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), 37sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:32-37 - NIV).

I used the illustration on Sunday Morning of how an ant colony works. The colony sends out scout ants who search for food and when found he returns to the colony leaving a trail back to the food source. Then the colony of ants follow the trail to the food source and working together to bring It back to benefit the colony. They not only share the benefit but they share the work.

We need to be more like the ant colony and thereby be more like the early church. We often look at the above verse and concentrate on the fact they sold their possessions and get an image on commune living.

I think we miss the real point that they came together as One Body with many parts using every resource to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It is time that the Body of Christ come together and use everything we have to reach the Lost for Jesus!! We don’t have the time to “Become” the “Church” we Need to “Be the Church”.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2010-02-14T13:54:00.002-05:00

LET THE NEW JOURNEY BEGIN BY PUTTING ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD

2010-01-01T13:50:00.000-05:00

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints (Ephesians 6:10-18 ~ NIV).

Come join us at Uhrichsville First Assembly of God as we Journey Together with Jesus!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

DAD IS IN HEAVEN NOW

2009-12-14T18:00:00.002-05:00

My brother called me this afternoon to inform me that Dad had slipped into eternity. Marlene and I will miss Dad but we know that he is in a better place.

The Lord's Prayer will always bring me comfort as well as a tear because Dad would Pray as I would end my visit with him:

⁹"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹Give us today our daily bread.
¹²Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.' ¹⁴For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD - BELL CHOIR

2009-12-06T17:30:00.001-05:00

We are so proud of our children at First Assembly of God. Listen to our NEW Bell Choir Perform for the First Time on Sunday, December 6th, 2009. Some of the children were really nervous and unsure about performing in front of the congregation but I think they did a great job.

HISTORY OF GIVING THANKS

2009-11-26T00:01:00.001-05:00

In 1620, a ship filled with more than one hundred people sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to settle in the New World. This religious group had begun to question the beliefs of the Church of England and they wanted to separate from it. The Pilgrims settled in what is now the state of Massachusetts. Their first winter in the New World was difficult. They had arrived too late to grow many crops, and without fresh food, half the colony died from disease. The following spring the Wampanoag Indians taught them how to grow maize (corn), a new food for the colonists. They showed them other crops to grow in the unfamiliar soil and how to hunt and fish.

In the autumn of 1621, bountiful crops of corn, barley, beans and pumpkins were harvested. The colonists had much to be thankful for, so a feast was planned. They invited the local Indian chief and 90 Indians. The Indians brought deer to roast with the turkeys and other wild game offered by the colonists. The colonists had learned how to cook cranberries and different kinds of corn and squash dishes from the Indians . . . they even brought popcorn.

In following years, many of the original colonists celebrated the autumn harvest with a feast of thanks. After the United States became an independent country, Congress recommended one yearly day of thanksgiving for the whole nation to celebrate. George Washington suggested the date November 26 as Thanksgiving Day. Then in 1863, at the end of a long and bloody civil war, Abraham Lincoln asked all Americans to set aside the last Thursday in November as a day of thanksgiving.

The President must proclaim that date as the official celebration. In 1939 President Franklin D. Roosevelt set it one week earlier. He wanted to help business by lengthening the shopping period before Christmas. Congress ruled that after 1941 the 4th Thursday in November would be a federal holiday proclaimed by the President each year.

Thanksgiving Day is an annual federal holiday in the United States. It was historically a religious observation to give THANKS TO GOD, but it is now considered a just another secular holiday.

Colossians 3:15-17 reminds us to be Thankful and give Thanks:
¹⁵Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. ¹⁷And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Most of us celebrate by gathering at home with family or friends for a Holiday Feast but this year remember to be Thankful for the Blessings of the Past Year and for our Salvation. Thank You Jesus!!

TRUST IN THE LORD

2009-11-17T17:20:00.009-05:00

6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.

5 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
(Proverbs 3:5-6 - NIV).

We need to acknowledge our Trust in Him - Life brings us many challenges and disaster can strike our lives without warning. This life can be hard at times, and seem to be out of control. In these moments, life is beyond our understanding. It seems we are left with nothing but our emotions and questions.

But life is never beyond God - Nothing we are going through in this life is beyond Him! The Truth is we can and must rely on the Lord in every situation. Sometimes Life just doesn't make any sense in human terms - we need to just Trust in God.

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT - SELF-CONTROL

2009-10-04T10:00:00.005-04:00

But the Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Against such things there is no low (Galations 5:22-23 - NIV).

But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet (1 Thessalonians 6:8 - NIV).

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls (Proverbs 25:28 - NLT).

Suzanne Wesley, John Wesley's Mother wrote him a letter when he was a student at Oxford, which included these words: "Anything which increases the authority of the body over the mind is an evil thing."

When we allow the Holy Spirit to take complete control of our hearts, he will teach us self-control - discipline.

The moment we lose self-control, we are a city without any kind of protection. Anything uncontrolled can harm our personal relationships as well as our relationship with the Lord:

Anger (Proverbs 29:11)
Drinking (Proverbs 23:29-35)
Lust (Proverbs 6:26)
Ambition (Proverbs 23:4)
Spending (Proverbs 21:10)

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT - GENTLENESS

2009-09-27T10:00:00.005-04:00

But the Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Against such things there is no low (Galations 5:22-23 - NIV).

Fragile: Handle with Care – How often have these words been put on a shipment to protect the contents of a package. In an ideal perfect world such boxes would be gently moved from place to place and nothing would ever be damaged. However, in the real world “Fragile: Handle with Care” means nothing. These words are overlooked on packages. Boxes are thrown together and carelessly dropped. Packages are opened to reveal broken and damaged contents everyday.

I wonder if God were to have placed a “Handle with Care” label on people if it would likewise be ignored? How often is the heart of an individual crushed or the spirit of a child broken? Words and actions damage and wound everyday. Healing and restoration to the human heart can be a slow difficult process; sometimes only God can make the wounded new again.

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT - KINDNESS AND GOODNESS

2009-09-20T10:00:00.008-04:00

But the Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Against such things there is no low (Galations 5:22-23 - NIV).

“Goodness is easier to recognize than to define.”

GOODNESS IN OUR HEARTS BEGINS WITH OUR CONVICTION THAT GOD IS GOOD

The right response is to affirm the truth – God is good – and

Then accept that many times there are no answers to the “why” question this side of heaven.

We accept that somehow, God will work everything for good as promised in Romans 8:28.

28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (NIV).

8Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways (Psalm 25:8 - NIV).

16Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" 17"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." (Matthew 19:16-17 - NIV).

ONLY THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN CREATE GOODNESS WITHIN US

Man’s goodness only comes through God’s goodness.

God has called us to good works.

10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).

Goodness must come from a good heart.

43"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:43-45 - NIV).

GOODNESS IS A CHOICE (It is lived out in the things we choose to do)

Serving Others

20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:20-21 - NIV).

Uprightness of Heart and Life.

* What this means is that goodness includes abstaining from every appearance of evil.

22Avoid every kind of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22 - NIV).

* An upright life is an honest one, a life that can be admired.

* Spirit-created moral and spiritual excellence.

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT - PATIENCE

2009-09-13T10:00:00.021-04:00

SERMON THEME VERSE:

But the Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Against such things there is no low (Galations 5:22-23 - NIV).

TODAY'S VERSE:

In purity, understanding, Patience and Kindness in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love (2 Corinthians 6:6 - NIV).

The story is told of a man driving to work during rush hour. At a red light his car stalls. Calmly he tried to restart his car through the green light as the line of traffic behind him honks their horns. After the light turns red again, he gets out of his car and goes back to the man hanging his head out the window in the car behind him, who is still blowing his horn, and tells him, “Well, I can’t seem to get it started; maybe you could go give it a try and I’ll sit here and blow the horn for you.”

Now if you were caught in such a situation, which car would you be sitting in? Would you be laying on the horn and looking at the clock because you are late for work? Or would you remain calm in the midst of a long line of angry commuters?

The Picture of Patience (Matthew 18:21-35).
The Purpose of Patience (2 Peter 3:15).
The Practical Practice of Patience (Ephesians 4:2; James 1:19-20; Proverbs 29:11; Proverbs 29:22).
With patience, we are to restore and maintain relationships with one another . . .

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT - PEACE

2009-09-06T10:00:00.005-04:00

SERMON THEME VERSE:
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23).

TODAY'S VERSE:
6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace . . . (Romans 8:6 - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION).

Peace is surrendering and yielding ourselves to the Lord to be in His control, for He is our ultimate peace! Once we make real peace with God we will be able to make and maintain peace with others.

A DEFINITION OF PEACE:
(1) Greek Understanding of Peace - In their understanding of the word Peace the Greeks mainly saw it in a negative light, that is was merely an absence of war and hostilities. Much like today, they failed to see the deeper meaning for peace.

(2) Hebrew Understanding of Peace 0r Shalom - Shalom was the usual word of greeting or farewell. It is found at the beginning and end of all but two of the epistles in the New Testament. Shalom can be interpreted as "The Peace" - a peace personally felt, a deep calmness and mental balance, freedom from strife whether internal or external, security from outward enemies as well as calmness of the heart, all of which is said to come to those who know God.

PEACE IS NOT!!
-Peacemaking is not avoiding a problem - just because we don't deal with a problem not guarantee us of having Peace.
-Peacemaking is not appeasing another person.

Isiah 48:17-18:
17 This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.
18 If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

The only way we will fully experience PEACE is when we submit to God's Will - He is looking for Obedient Believers!! We need to remember Isaiah 48:22 "There is no peace," says the LORD, "for the wicked.”

May God's Peace be with you today as you reflect upon His Word!!

(Digging Deeper: John 16:33; Matthew 10:34; John 14:27; Philippians 4:9; and Acts 16:22-25)

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT - JOY

2009-08-30T10:00:00.007-04:00

But the Fruit of the Spirit is Love, JOY, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Against such things there is no low (Galations 5:22-23 - NIV).

My last post was on Love - the Key to the Fruit of the Spirit but today I want to talk about something that flows from the believer when he is demonstrating God's Love through the Spirit. God wants us to not only have Joy in our Hearts but He wants us to express it through our lives.

I would ask you today do you have that kind of Joy? It is very obvious that many people don't . . . just stand in line at the grocery store check out or better yet the department store check out at Christmas Time! We have either been around such people or we have been such a person. They are Grumps, They are Gripers, They are Negative about anything and everything. As a result they (sometimes us) are not much Fun to be around.

When preparing Today's Sunday Morning Message on the Fruit of the Spirit - Joy, I found this illustration which I plan to share today and would like to share with You!

My story begins with a man was going to the Doctor's Office. As he walked in, he was met by the receptionist. He told her that he had a sore on his chin that he wanted the doctor to examine. She said to him, "Down the hall, first door to the right, and take off your clothes." "But ma'am," he said, "it's just a sore on my chin. I don't think all that is necessary," She repeated, "Down the hall, first door to the right, and take off your clothes." "But Ma'am," he pleaded. "Down the hall, first door to the right, and take off your clothes." So he went down the hall, took the first door to the right, walked in and saw a man already sitting there in his boxer shorts, shivering. He said to him, "Boy, that receptionist is really something, isn't she? I just have a little sore on my chin and she told me to come down here, go through this door and take off my clothes." The man in the boxer shorts said, "You think that is Bad? I'm the UPS Delivery man!"

13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Remember:
- Joy is a Constant - "Be Joyful Always . . ." (1 Thessalonians 5:16 -NIV).
- Joy is a Sign of Your Relationship with the Lord

- Joy Can be Increased - "We write this to make our Joy complete" (1 John 1:4).
- Joy is Eternal

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT - LOVE

2009-08-23T10:00:00.003-04:00

5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us (Romans 5:5 - NIV).

I have always thought that the Spirit Filled Life will have an Outward Expression of what is on the Inside.

44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers (Luke 6:44 - NIV).

Fruit is something that comes about through a natural process. I can remember my Grandfather would give a Fruit Tree another growing cycle after it did not Produce Fruit before he would cut it down and throw it into the Fire. He would do everything he could from the one growing season to the next to help that tree produce fruit. He also understood that some trees took time before he would see their First Fruit. Grandpa would give his trees all kinds of Love and allow them to grow and produce naturally.

As a Pastor, I recognize that not everybody is at the same level Spiritually. My desire is for every believer to begin to Produce the Fruit of the Spirit. I believe that Love is the key to Galatians 5 and key to every believer. If we don't show Love than we won't have Joy, Peace . . .
Our Fruit Grows out a Spirit Filled Life! At the center of that life is Love!

30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31 - NIV).

20If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen (1 John 4:20 - NIV).

As we mature in the Lord, as we give ourselves over to the Spirit, our love will become more and more like the love of Christ. It will move toward “absolute love.” That means we will love people who may not love us in return. That means we will love those who misuse us. We will love people regardless of color; nationality; or economic status. The Spirit Filled Believer will demonstrate the same character of love as Jesus did when He died on the Cross!

THE OLD FORD STATION WAGON

2009-08-05T10:48:00.003-04:00

Growing up the son of a car salesman, I was always surrounded by different types of automobiles - sedans, coupes, trucks, station wagons and vans. Sometime between the horse and wagon and the mini-van, the American Station Wagon was the best way to travel as a family. I have six brothers and sisters and growing up we would cram into the old Ford Station Wagon (Country Squire - Paneling and all) and off to where ever we needed to go.

It was in that old station wagon with wood panels that I saw my first Motion Picture (Movie) on a Big Screen. My parents loaded the family into the station wagon and we drove to the Cruise In Drive-In Theater in Cambridge, Ohio to see . . . STAR WARS! Mom packed all kinds of goodies to eat and soda to drink during our adventure into outer space. The memory is so vivid in my mind even though it was thirty-two years ago. We did not get to do much as a family because it was expensive to do anything with such a large family but on this particular night they took advantage of "Car Load" Night at the Cruise In. If truth be told I was the only one really interested in the Movie . . .

I am sorry I just had to share that little memory from my childhood you can blame an article on Yahoo News but I am thankful for a God that reminds us to SMILE!!

CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY

2009-07-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

Independence Day is the National Holiday Commemorating the Signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A Grand Celebration of the United States of America becoming a Separate Independent Nation.

It was July 2nd, 1776 when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of Independence from Great Britain. They debated and revised "The Declaration for Independence" until it was agreed upon on July 4th, 1776. The actual date of signing from many of the delegates is believed to have been August 2nd, 1776. Because of the date the Congress decided to proceed with the Separation from Great Britain was on July 4th - became historically the date we celebrate.

It was not until 1791 that the term "Independence Day" was found in print describing July 4th. It was not until 1941 that it was declared a legal holiday.

By the early 1800's the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were established as the way to celebrate America's birthday. And although fireworks have been banned in most places because of their danger, most towns and cities usually have big firework displays for all to see and enjoy.

The chances are that you will be going to a BBQ on the Fourth of July. This is one of the most popular times for having a BBQ: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Potato Salad, Potato Chips, and baked Beans are the most popular food choices.

This Independence Day - I want to Remember that True Freedom comes from knowing Jesus!

Let us Celebrate our Freedom and please someone pass the BBQ Ribs!!

NEW BOOK - I AM READING . . .

2009-06-16T10:46:00.001-04:00

While on Vacation in South Carolina, I picked up a new book to read at the Tanger Outlets off of SC-501 for only $5.00. The book is called: "The Relationship Principles of Jesus" by Tom Holladay (Teaching Pastor, Saddleback Church) and it has been hard for me to put it down. It is set up to read over a 40 Day period but I am having hard time putting the book down. I think I am going to use it as my Mid-Week Bible Study in July or August.

The book is based on six Relationship Principles:

1. Place the Highest Value on Relationships

2. Love as Jesus Loves You

3. Communicate from the Heart

4. As You Judge, You Will Be Judged

5. The Greatest Are the Servants

6. Treat Others as You Want Them to Treat You

I hope to finish the book in the next few days and then start over from the beginning over a 40 day period of time . . . .

"God does not demand of me that I accomplish great things. He does demand of me that I strive for excellence in my relationships." (Tim Holladay)

THE EMPTY TOMB

2009-04-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

Before we get to the empty tomb we can't forget the Cross! Jesus died on Calvary for each everyone of us. Today we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!! He has Risen! The Tomb is Empty and we Celebrate our Savior - Because He Lives!!

PLACE YOUR LIFE BEFORE GOD

2009-03-13T07:31:00.001-04:00

The following passage has always helped to put Life into perspective . . .

Romans 12:1 - 21 (TMSG) ¹So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.
2Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
3I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
4In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around.
5The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body,
6let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.
If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else;
7if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching;
8if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.
9Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good.
10Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
11Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master,
12cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder.
13Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
14Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath.
15Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down.
16Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.
17Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone.
18If you've got it in you, get along with everybody.
19Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
20Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness.
21Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

If we would just place our Life before God and follow Him!!

TEARS

2009-03-12T15:49:00.002-04:00

It seems like it was just yesterday that I received a call that we had lost our brother in Christ - Ray Huff but in reality it has been one year today! He was a challenging character but it was hard not to like him. I miss our times of visitation . . . he was always willing to go with me and visit. If you couldn't think of someone to visit he had a list!

A year ago, I will admit that many tears flowed from my eyes and everywhere I looked I could see Ray's influence. I don't cry as many tears as I use to cry over the passing of brother Ray because I know he is with his Lord! But I can hear his voice even as I pen these words - "What are we doing to win the lost? What more can we do?"

Once again as I started my day and thought about Ray's Homecoming a year ago - a tear began to roll down my face. The only difference today from a year ago is that along with that tear is a smile. We still miss him and I know that his precious wife does too.

These tears are but for a moment in the eyes of our Lord . . . but in Christ we can Rejoice in His Everlasting Life! Brother Ray we miss you and someday we will do some more Visiting . . .

LOOKING FORWARD TO SOME REAL TIME OFF

2009-03-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

Marlene and I do our best to take every Friday off but like many of us in Ministry it just doesn't happen. Some weeks like this week because of schedule or in this case sickness Marlene is working today until Noon. She is trying to make up for time she lost over the last week being sick – she does not like to take a lot of time of her time bank at work. Marlene likes to save them for District Council, Summer Vacation, and those just in case days. It has been around nine years ago that Marlene had a bad TI (mini-stroke) and was hospitalized for over a week and bedfast for several weeks afterwards. Ever since then she has always managed her vacation time well. We are rejoicing because the last time Marlene had Pneumonia she was down for almost a month. The last two years overall have been good years - health wise and with that we are very thankful.

We have learned that we have to find those times when we get away – and relax! She is already talking about our annual pilgrimage to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. My favorite thing to do is to sit on the balcony and watch the ocean from our hotel room – I find it calming and relaxing. Marlene loves to sit by the ocean or the pool and read or just relax. I am looking forward to some real time off . . . . but for today I am working a little bit in the office before our 1:30 p.m. Christian Education Meeting and tomorrow a Sectional Training at Byesville Assembly of God. Blessings and don't forget to find some time to Relax!!

GOOD LUNCH . . . I THINK?

2009-03-05T22:00:00.002-05:00

Today, I meet with Pastor Larry and Pastor Ray at the Mall for Lunch and we had a good time of fellowship. I really appreciate these fellow brothers in Christ. We need to surround ourselves with people that will help lift us up when we are down and rejoice with us when we need to rejoice. Likewise, although we don’t always want to hear it – we also need them to be honest with us and give us directions in things that we need to work on or things we need to do.

For example - I don’t like to go to the doctor!! I will take my wife and even push her to see a doctor but I just don’t like going myself. Since leaving Valley Forge Christian College, I have only been to the doctor (Emergency Room) maybe four times in seventeen years. If you would add up the total times throughout my life time it might add up to a dozen. They reminded me that I am getting older and I need to take care of myself if I am going to be around for others. I would like to say that I came directly back to the office and found a doctor and made an appointment – but I didn’t. I guess I need to put that on the Top of my “To Do List” for the next week!! If we are going to be effective in ministry we need to take care of ourselves. I am sure they will keep me accountable so I better make that appointment as soon as possible!!

THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT FOR SALE!

2009-03-02T10:00:00.001-05:00

During the last 28 years of my life I have been very active my in local church. Growing up in Byesville it was Byesville Assembly of God, in college it was Park Avenue Assembly of God in Trooper, Pennsylvania, and then several places of ministry as a Youth Pastor and then as a Lead Pastor. The one thing that I have learned over these many years of serving the Lord is that doing the right thing and being popular often result in conflict. God has not called this preacher to be popular but has called me to speak the truth. As believers we have to do what is right, even though that makes us the outcast or unpopular.

Jesus was not always popular. The masses followed him but the religious leaders despised Him and in the end even the masses cried out for Him to be crucified. Judas betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver, His disciples scattered and even Peter (The Rock) denied Him. The awesome thing is that Jesus stayed True to His WORD and went to the Cross for us.

The message I preached on Sunday was Called "The WORD of God is NOT for Sale!" and was based on Numbers 23:10-14. We find that Balak, the king of Moab, tried to purchase the Word of Balaam against the Israelites. But instead God commanded Balaam to Bless the Israelites, and not to curse them. In this verse we find that when Balaam obeyed God, Balak became very angry with him. But Balaam replied: "Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the Lord – and I must say only what the Lord says" (Numbers 24:13).

We need more of us preachers to repeat the last portion of the scripture as we stand behind the pulpit every week – "and I must say only what the Lord says!" Balaam's honesty made him extremely unpopular with Balak. But speaking well of Israel was the right thing to do – because it was what God commanded him to do. We can speak the WORD in Love to our congregations without compromising the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I strongly believe that the we could very well be living in the last days and it is time we Proclaim the Truth!

Each and every one of us needs to remember that God's WORD is not for sale to the highest bidder. When we face those times of doing what is right and being popular, we need to ask God for the courage to do the right thing!

CELEBRATE THE GOOD DAYS!

2009-02-28T21:33:00.004-05:00

I started the day with a Men's Meeting at the Church (HonorBound). We had a good meeting even though numerically we were lacking. It is great to see our men fellowship again.

Marlene and I had lunch together before I traveled to Byesville to see Dad. Marlene had planned to go to a Stamping Party but she is still feeling under the weather. Dad was having a good day today. He was awake and alert - he talked a little too.

Stopped in Cambridge - picked up a Large Mushroom Pizza from Plus 1 Pizza (per Marlene's Request).

Sometimes we need to Celebrate the Good Days!

TIRED OF THE SNOW

2009-01-28T18:52:00.001-05:00

I don't know about many of you but I am tired of the "White Stuff"! So far this month we have only been able to have one Sunday Night Service (first Sunday of the Month) and one Wednesday Night Service (last week).

I am thankful that we were able to have Sunday Morning Services every Sunday in January. We have had really good attendance the last few Sundays in spite of the weather.

The more it snows the more I am looking forward to Spring and Summer. I have lived most of my life in Ohio (five years in Pennsylvania during college). Yes, I should be use to it but the truth is I am Tired of the Snow or better yet I am sick of it!

Looking back I can remember loving snow as a kid! My cousin Tracy and I built an elaborate snow fort (tunnels) in front of my grand-parents house in the country. Brenda (my sister) reminded me of going sled riding down "dead man's hill" with our cousins at the farm.

Maybe I should go Sled Riding or build a Snow Fort in the morning . . . .

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

2008 - A FINAL GOODBYE

2008-12-31T21:45:00.003-05:00

Can you believe it? 2008 will be over in just a few hours! I have to admit I was more optimistic coming into 2008 than I am going into the New Year.

We ended our year here at First Assembly of God with a time of Food and Felloship at the Church. If you were not able to come out tonight you missed some "Great!" Food. It was good to see the congregation coming together and having a great time in the Lord. When dinner was over we watched a movie together - A Christmas Blessing. We learned tonight that our actions impact other people . . . hopefully for the good.

I believe that God wants the body of Christ to come together and be His Church!! It is time we IMPACT our communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ . . . in a Positive way! My Prayer is that the coming year inspite of the current outlook . . . will be filled with Blessings that come with serving Jesus. I Guess in the beginning of this post you could say I was looking through the Wold's Eyes and Circumstances but as I close this post I want to be looking throught the Eyes of Christ and see what God can do when we begin to Live Like Jesus!!

Happy New Year and God Bless!!!!!!

Pastor Greg & Marlene Emerick (and Peanut)

CHRISTMAS EVE 2008

2008-12-24T14:09:00.004-05:00

Marlne and I will be traveling to Nobel County tonight as we celebrate Christmas Eve with her family . . . or I should say her other family. Almost every Christmas Eve since we’ve been married, we have spent it as honorary members of the Doudna Family. During a period in Marlene’s Life they welcomed her into their lives and they will always be special to both of us.

We will gather at Dudley Church just outside of Caldwell, Ohio for a Traditional Christmas Program. They have been doing this same Christmas Program for over 50 years and it is still relevant today. The Real Story of Christmas is portrayed by everyday people with such beauty and padgentry. Many of the same players each year become Angels, Wise Men, or Shepherds to portray the Birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The little one room building, yes with an outhouse out back, reminds me of the meeting place - schoool building on the Television show of the 70’s (Little House on the Prairie), will be decorated with decorations of yester year. The Praises of the Christ Child will fill the place before the evening is over.

When the Program is over everybody heads to the usual place for the family Christmas Gathering. FOOD! FOOD! And More FOOD! They always have a great time of fellowship . . . people come and go all evening long!

All I can say, “is make your Christmas a Good Memory and Celebrate Jesus!”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2008-12-21T23:21:00.006-05:00

It is late Sunday Evening, as I reflect upon another Birthday!

I arrived at the church this morning at 6:30 am to pray and do some last minute preparation for our Christmas Program. Brother Jim arrived at the church about 7:45 am to start Breakfast for the children. I picked up Marlene and we went out to pick up the children for Church. During the Sunday School Hour we had breakfast with the children and prepared them for the Christmas Program. The Christmas Program seemed to be well received. We had Drama, Christmas Choir (Adults, Teens, and Children), and our Bell Choir.

Marlene and I celebrated my birthday by going out to eat after Church. While we were waiting for our table, they began to sing "Happy Birthday" to a little boy just a few feet from where I was standing. His face lit up as he blew out the candle on top of his Ice Cream Sundae. I guess when you are younger you get excited about birthdays but as we get older they just don't have the same meaning.

Having your birthday four days before Christmas can be a real pain! I have grown to dislike birthdays and just can't wait to get through the day.

Tonight my little brother called me on the phone to wish me a Happy Birthday. He admitted that he had forgotten it was my birthday until his oldest boy Wesley (5 1/2 years) came into the living room and asked if the "21st was Uncle Greg's Birthday?" My brother then realized that Wesley was correct. This is a big deal because Wesley has Autism - Before my brother hung up both Wesley and Noah (3 years) wished me a "Happy Birthday!"

Today, was a Great Day and a Really Great Birthday after all! God is a Great and Awesome God and All Things Are Possible with HIM!!!!!

The Gold Calf - Part II

2008-11-06T07:35:00.007-05:00

(15) Moses turned around and came down from the mountain, carrying the two tablets of The Testimony. The tablets were written on both sides, front and back. (16) God made the tablets and God wrote the tablets—engraved them. (17) When Joshua heard the sound of the people shouting noisily, he said to Moses, “That’s the sound of war in the camp!” (18) But Moses said, Those aren’t songs of victory, And those aren’t songs of defeat, I hear songs of people throwing a party. (19) And that’s what it was. When Moses came near to the camp and saw the calf and the people dancing, his anger flared. He threw down the tablets and smashed them to pieces at the foot of the mountain. (20) He took the calf that they had made, melted it down with fire, pulverized it to powder, then scattered it on the water and made the Israelites drink it. 21Moses said to Aaron, “What on Earth did these people ever do to you that you involved them in this huge sin?” (22) Aaron said, “Master, don’t be angry. You know this people and how set on evil they are. (23) They said to me, ‘Make us gods who will lead us. This Moses, the man who brought us out of Egypt, we don’t know what’s happened to him.’ (24) “So I said, ‘Who has gold?’ And they took off their jewelry and gave it to me. I threw it in the fire and out came this calf.” (25) Moses saw that the people were simply running wild—Aaron had let them run wild, disgracing themselves before their enemies. (26) He took up a position at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is on GOD’s side, join me!” All the Levites stepped up. (27) He then told them, “GOD’s orders, the God of Israel: ‘Strap on your swords and go to work. Crisscross the camp from one end to the other: Kill brother, friend, neighbor.’” (28) The Levites carried out Moses’ orders. Three thousand of the people were killed that day. (29) Moses said, “You confirmed your ordination today—and at great cost, even killing your sons and brothers! And God has blessed you.” (30) The next day Moses addressed the people: “You have sinned an enormous sin! But I am going to go up to GOD; maybe I’ll be able to clear you of your sin.” (31) Moses went back to GOD and said, “This is terrible. This people has sinned—it’s an enormous sin! They made gods of gold for themselves. (32) And now, if you will only forgive their sin. … But if not, erase me out of the book you’ve written.” (33) GOD said to Moses, “I’ll only erase from my book those who sin against me. (34) For right now, you go and lead the people to where I told you. Look, my Angel is going ahead of you. On the day, though, when I settle accounts, their sins will certainly be part of the settlement.” (35) GOD sent a plague on the people because of the calf they and Aaron had made (Exodus 32:15-35 – TMSG).

Moses, having been warned by God, knew what was going on in the camp. Joshua, who was a military man, feared their was a noise of war in the camp, and maybe he might me missed! Moses, pointed out that the sounds coming from the camp were not of war (victory nor defeat) but God's People out of Control.

When Moses reached the foot of the mountain he could see the "Party" that was going on in the camp. Likewise, he saw the Golden Calf. Brother Moses in humanness, found himself full of anger over the Israelites Behavior. His anger takes control and he smashes the "Ten Commandments" to ground. Yesterday, we read about God's Anger towards his people and how he wanted to wipe them off the planet. "GOD said to Moses, “I look at this people—oh! what a stubborn, hard-headed people! Let me alone now, give my anger free reign to burst into flames and incinerate them. But I’ll make a great nation out of you"” (vss 9-10). Moses loved the Israelites and went to bat for them but when he saw what was going on it was more than he can handle!

The first thing he began to do do was to clean house (Camp):
(1) He Melted down the Calf ;
(2) and Pulverized it to Powder;
(3) scattering the powder on the water and made them drink it.
(4) He confronts Aaron

Moses says to Aaron "What were you thinking?" (my words). What did the people do to you that you directed them into sin. You see Aaron should have rejected their suggestion in the first place! His response was to tell Moses how Evil they are (the Israelites). Growing up with 3 brothers and 3 sisters, dad use to call that passing the buck and the buck stops here! We usually knew what that meant . . . some old fashion discipline!

People in the "Church" react very much so like the Israelites did. As Christian Leaders and Believers, God has Called us to Stand Up and Proclaim God's Word. Which means that we say, "No to Sin and Yes to Christ!" We must exemplify Christ in every decision, action, reaction, word spoken or not spoken and deed.

In ministry, I have learned very quickly that not everyone will like me (just like I don't really like everybody) but we do need to Love them in Christ. When we Stand Up for God's Word and try to Live for Him, we will not always be the Popular or Favorite Pastor (in my case) any longer . . . and God is showing me that that is OK.

Moses understood this truth. Their were consequences for their actions (just like us) and for some their were more severe consequences for their continued disobedience. The WORD of God says, he (Moses) took up a position at the entrance of the Camp (see vss 26 -29) and said the the Israelites, "Whoever is on God's Side, Join Me!" We find the Levites join Moses and they are instructed to: "‘Strap on your swords and go to work. Crisscross the camp from one end to the other: Kill brother, friend, neighbor.’”The Levites carried out Moses’ orders. Three thousand of the people were killed that day."

We find at the end of the verses above that God tells Moses to continue the journey and that all accounts would be settled latter. The last verse tells us that God did send a plague upon the people because of the calf that Aaron made. Just like the Israelites we can find forgiveness through our Savior Jesus Christ but we must still face the punishment.

As young boy, I can remember asking my dad (parents) to forgive me for some misbehavior but I always knew I would still be punished. Jesus has paid the price for my sin on the Cross and today he wants his people to come back to Him!

THE GOLDEN CALF

2008-11-05T07:35:00.006-05:00

(1) When the people realized that Moses was taking forever in coming down off the mountain, they rallied around Aaron and said, “Do something. Make gods for us who will lead us. That Moses, the man who got us out of Egypt—who knows what’s happened to him?” (2) So Aaron told them, “Take off the gold rings from the ears of your wives and sons and daughters and bring them to me.” (3) They all did it; they removed the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron. (4) He took the gold from their hands and cast it in the form of a calf, shaping it with an engraving tool. The people responded with enthusiasm: “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up from Egypt!” (5) Aaron, taking in the situation, built an altar before the calf. Aaron then announced, “Tomorrow is a feast day to God!” (6)Early the next morning, the people got up and offered Whole-Burnt-Offerings and brought Peace-Offerings. The people sat down to eat and drink and then began to party. It turned into a wild party! (7) GOD spoke to Moses, “Go! Get down there! Your people whom you brought up from the land of Egypt have fallen to pieces. (8) In no time at all they’ve turned away from the way I commanded them: They made a molten calf and worshiped it. They’ve sacrificed to it and said, ‘These are the gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt!’” (9) GOD said to Moses, “I look at this people—oh! what a stubborn, hard-headed people! (10) Let me alone now, give my anger free reign to burst into flames and incinerate them. But I’ll make a great nation out of you.” (11) Moses tried to calm his GOD down. He said, “Why, GOD, would you lose your temper with your people? Why, you brought them out of Egypt in a tremendous demonstration of power and strength. (12) Why let the Egyptians say, ‘He had it in for them—he brought them out so he could kill them in the mountains, wipe them right off the face of the Earth.’ Stop your anger. Think twice about bringing evil against your people! (13) Think of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants to whom you gave your word, telling them ‘I will give you many children, as many as the stars in the sky, and I’ll give this land to your children as their land forever.’” (14) And GOD did think twice. He decided not to do the evil he had threatened against his people (Exodus 32:1-14 – TMSG).

When God's Voice of Provision (Moses) was late coming down from the Mountain they found themselves in a state of panic. They were lost without a Physical Leader to guide them.

The people came to Aaron and told him to provide for them New Leadership! "Make gods for us who will lead us." Aaron's first opportunity to Show Godly Leadership falls short to say the least. He leads them down the wrong path . . . .

Instead of standing up and using Godly Wisdom, Aaron gives them what they are asking for - The Golden Calf. He had an opportunity to make a difference by challenging the Israelites to do the right thing.

Just like the Israelites we think "Change" is what is needed but sometimes God just wants us to wait for Him. We are quick to ask for change when things are not working out they way we think they should. We need to remember that God has His Plan and we need to allow God to Reveal it to us in His timing.

I have learned from Moses' example that even when the sheep stray it is still our responsibility to love them and help bring them back to a place of repentance. They sinned and God was not happy, but Moses reminded God of His Provision and Plan for His People (vss 11-14).

I Believe that God is Calling His People to Repent! How can we Lead others to Christ if we are Lost too? The Church (Believer) will not find the "Change" we (he or she)in the election of this week but rather in Christ Jesus. My prayer is this, Lord, Change My Heart and Forgive Me of my Sin as I do my best to follow YOU!!

ELECTION DAY 2008

2008-11-04T08:18:00.005-05:00

Today, is Election Day! I arrived early (4:30 a.m.) to the church to prepare for the Election Board’s arrival. I spent the morning Praying as I went about putting extra tables and chairs away for the big event. At this point, all we can do is pray that God’s Will shall be done!! The fact is neither candidate for President will be able to solve our problems . . . this country needs JESUS!!!

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” John 10:10 (NIV).

God has ordained and established three great institutions:
(1). The Home – “Fill the Earth and subdue it” Genesis 1:28 (NIV).
(2). The Church – “I will build my church” Matthew 16:18 (NIV).
(3). The Government – “Authorities are God’s servants” Romans 13:6 (NIV).

On this Election Day, as Christians we have a responsibility to do two things:
(1). Prayer
(2). Vote

We do not have to worry about tomorrow because Jesus has already paid it all! “For we walk by faith, not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV).

I always Vote with these Moral Issues in mind:
(1). Pro-Life
(2). Pro-Family
(3). Anti-Gambling

Brother Ray Would Be Excited!

2008-08-10T23:23:00.006-04:00

The week we lost Brother Ray Huff, I set up this blog but just didn't have the inspiration to continue! Ray loved Driving the Children on the Church Bus every week. When Ray became sick and was unable to drive the bus every week, Marlene and I began driving the Bus and picking up the children for Sunday School. We hoped that Ray would get better and return to Driving the Bus but instead God Called him Home!!

Tonight, we joined First Assembly of God in New Philadelphia with their Children's Crusade. We had 13 Children and 5 Adults ride the bus . . . and all I could think of was that Ray would be so Happy. In my spirit, I can here Ray saying, "Praise the Lord for all the little people!" Due to Brother Ray's Faithfulness, Dedication, and Vision for the Future we are beginning to see the Fruit of his Labor and to that I say, "Praise God!"