Which Heart Is Yours?
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Throughout much of Jesus' ministry, He used parables to teach a truth. In the parable of the Seed and the Sower, we learn about our "heart" condition.
Our goal is to have the kind of heart that accepts the Word of God and begin to reproduce our hearts in the lives of other people.
So let's get started...
1. The Hard Heart - (vv.4,19)
Jesus is talking about the person who has been exposed to the Gospel but doesn't
fully comprehend what is being said. It has had some level of impact upon him,
but not enough to really sink in. This is a person who is not saved.
This kind of heart is influenced by Satan.
2. The Shallow Heart - (vv.5,6,20,21)
This person hears the gospel and about God's grace and says "Sign me up!" but
when they find out that the Christian life is not all roses they say, "Count me
out!" Their commitment is on the surface, and when trouble comes their way they
are quick to renege on the commitment they have made.
This heart is influenced by the flesh.
3. The Crowded Heart - (vv.7,22)
This person has so much going on in his life that he has very little time for
God. His concern is on the "cares of this life" and the "lure of material
things" that in time Christ is left out of the picture.
This heart is influenced by the world.
In these three types of hearts we find three influences - the world, the flesh,
and the devil. These are the same influences that we are warned against
(1 John 2:15-17).
4. The Fertile Heart - (vv.8,9,23)
How do we have a fertile heart? First, we have to hear the Word of God before
we can accept it. Sit down and study the Bible daily. Second, accept God's
Word into your heart (ask the Holy Spirit to commune with your innermost man)
and mind.
The result of this kind of heart is a harvest.
Have a blessed week,
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
A New Life Begins
I'm sitting in the waiting room at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI waiting for a baby girl to be born (it's 8:10 PM). Her name is Emma and she is almost here. Her mom, Andrea, is working hard to bring her into this world. She's going through a lot of pain but I'm sure when Emma gets here she will say it was worth it all.
When Jesus went to the cross he was abused, ridiculed, made ashamed, and killed for our sins. But when someone is born anew (accepts Christ as their Savior), I'm sure Christ says it was worth all He had to go through.
He made you, loved you (and still does), and died for you. Are you worth all that He went through? Christ thinks you are.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
When Jesus went to the cross he was abused, ridiculed, made ashamed, and killed for our sins. But when someone is born anew (accepts Christ as their Savior), I'm sure Christ says it was worth all He had to go through.
He made you, loved you (and still does), and died for you. Are you worth all that He went through? Christ thinks you are.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Thursday, February 15, 2007
T.D. Jakes Speaks To Men
Greetings,
I have made a commitment to read a minimum of five books in 2007. My first one is T.D. Jakes Speaks To Men. Now, you may not be a T.D. Jake's fan but he does have some good stuff to say. During the next few blogs I will share some insight from his book.
Chapter One talks about the Apostle Paul's statement to the Corinthian church: "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11)
o I spoke as a child. We all need to be able to communicate our thoughts and express how we feel. Many young men have lost the ability to communicate, depending on how they were brought up. Some were raised in good, sound homes and taught how to respond to criticizm, treat women, respect elders, etc. But others were raised in broken homes or homes where parents did not take the time to "train up a child in the way they should go." As a result, they are influenced by what they see today.
o I understood as a child. Our understanding is the stage in which we come to a resolve and draw conclusions. Paul said that when he was a child he understood as a child. If as adults our understanding is still childish and elementary, we may
come to immature conclusions. Childish wisdom can be the most dangerous of all -- especially in the mind of a wounded adult.
o I thought as a child. Never in history have we been so afraid of our own children. Grown men are afraid to walk through crowds of pre-teen and young teenage boys in the city. Young men have become so angry that adult men are intimidated by them. And the story goes on and on and on.
The mind of a child should not be stressed with harsh issues like molestation, abuse, or domestic violence. Many young men have followed their fathers' footsteps into promiscuity, thinking it natural to define their masculinity by extreme sexuality. "Isn't that what dad did?"
The above thoughts are from T.D. Jakes Speaks To Men. Get the book. It will open your eyes to some pretty obvious reasons why young boys and young men are living the lives they are.
Next blog we will share more from T.D. Jakes' book.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
I have made a commitment to read a minimum of five books in 2007. My first one is T.D. Jakes Speaks To Men. Now, you may not be a T.D. Jake's fan but he does have some good stuff to say. During the next few blogs I will share some insight from his book.
Chapter One talks about the Apostle Paul's statement to the Corinthian church: "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11)
o I spoke as a child. We all need to be able to communicate our thoughts and express how we feel. Many young men have lost the ability to communicate, depending on how they were brought up. Some were raised in good, sound homes and taught how to respond to criticizm, treat women, respect elders, etc. But others were raised in broken homes or homes where parents did not take the time to "train up a child in the way they should go." As a result, they are influenced by what they see today.
o I understood as a child. Our understanding is the stage in which we come to a resolve and draw conclusions. Paul said that when he was a child he understood as a child. If as adults our understanding is still childish and elementary, we may
come to immature conclusions. Childish wisdom can be the most dangerous of all -- especially in the mind of a wounded adult.
o I thought as a child. Never in history have we been so afraid of our own children. Grown men are afraid to walk through crowds of pre-teen and young teenage boys in the city. Young men have become so angry that adult men are intimidated by them. And the story goes on and on and on.
The mind of a child should not be stressed with harsh issues like molestation, abuse, or domestic violence. Many young men have followed their fathers' footsteps into promiscuity, thinking it natural to define their masculinity by extreme sexuality. "Isn't that what dad did?"
The above thoughts are from T.D. Jakes Speaks To Men. Get the book. It will open your eyes to some pretty obvious reasons why young boys and young men are living the lives they are.
Next blog we will share more from T.D. Jakes' book.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Friday, December 29, 2006
It's Almost A New Year
Hi everyone,
I hope you have had a good Christmas and will have a blessed New Year. Can you believe it? 2007 is just around the corner. And it seems like just a short time ago we were worrying that all the computers would stop working when 2000 got here.
A lot of changes will take place next year. New technology, new medicines, other discoveries, perhaps a new country will go to war. Only God knows what will take place. As you get ready to enter 2007, what are your thoughts concerning eternity? Everyone of us is going to spend eternity somewhere. The Bible teaches that Jesus will return to the earth soon and take all the Christians to heaven ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ). But what about those who are not Christians (those who have not asked Christ into their heart)? What will happen to them? The Bible says they will be left behind and go through the great tribulation. A time when the antichrist will rule the world and people will get a taste of hell.
What are your plans for eternity? Are you ready to die? If this was your last day on earth, would you be ready to die? Some tough questions to consider.
I am not into religion. Religion will not do much for you. It's knowing Christ as your personal Savior that I am into. It's not Buddah, Mohammad, or anyone else that will take you to heaven. It's Jesus and Him only. Read Romans 10:9-10 for directions on how to ask Christ into your life.
God's blessings on you.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
I hope you have had a good Christmas and will have a blessed New Year. Can you believe it? 2007 is just around the corner. And it seems like just a short time ago we were worrying that all the computers would stop working when 2000 got here.
A lot of changes will take place next year. New technology, new medicines, other discoveries, perhaps a new country will go to war. Only God knows what will take place. As you get ready to enter 2007, what are your thoughts concerning eternity? Everyone of us is going to spend eternity somewhere. The Bible teaches that Jesus will return to the earth soon and take all the Christians to heaven ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ). But what about those who are not Christians (those who have not asked Christ into their heart)? What will happen to them? The Bible says they will be left behind and go through the great tribulation. A time when the antichrist will rule the world and people will get a taste of hell.
What are your plans for eternity? Are you ready to die? If this was your last day on earth, would you be ready to die? Some tough questions to consider.
I am not into religion. Religion will not do much for you. It's knowing Christ as your personal Savior that I am into. It's not Buddah, Mohammad, or anyone else that will take you to heaven. It's Jesus and Him only. Read Romans 10:9-10 for directions on how to ask Christ into your life.
God's blessings on you.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Don't Let Your Imaginations Run Away
Thousands of people have made plans to escape from the realities of life. A word that is fairly common is "escapism." The dictionary defines it as "a retreat from reality into an imaginary world." For me, my imagination takes me to Mayberry. If every problem and stressful situation was as simple as Andy's, Barney's and Opie's. There's nothing wrong with using your imagination. But Solomon spoke of the unregenerate heart as one which is inclined to excessive fantasy. The dream world Satan promotes always ends with disillusionment. Thousands of people live in an unreal dream world, while shirking their responsibilities toward their families and toward God. The Bible teaches that with Christ in your heart, you can face the realities of life. Even though they are hard, the grace of God will give you greater joy and pleasure than any dream world to which you try to escape.
"Casting down imaginations...and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."
2 Corinthians 10:5
Much of the information contained in the above blog is from Rev. Billy Graham's book, "Day by Day."
"Casting down imaginations...and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."
2 Corinthians 10:5
Much of the information contained in the above blog is from Rev. Billy Graham's book, "Day by Day."
Friday, August 11, 2006
There's A Lot Going On
Hi everyone,
The world is sitting on a powder keg not knowing what's going to happen next. Israel and Lebanon, the near disaster in the United Kingdom, Iraq & Afghanistan and the United States. What is North Korea and Iran going to do? And how about the sleeping giant China? You know, if my confidence was in these countries and others working out the world's problems I'd be very concerned. But, my hope is not there, it's in God and Him alone.
We are going into the weekend not knowing what is going to happen. However, God does and if you put your trust in Him (and if you are not saved, get your heart right with Him), your concerns become His and your hope becomes His certainty. He can handle anything the world throws at Him.
Have a blessed weekend and Go Tigers!
Pastor Gary
The world is sitting on a powder keg not knowing what's going to happen next. Israel and Lebanon, the near disaster in the United Kingdom, Iraq & Afghanistan and the United States. What is North Korea and Iran going to do? And how about the sleeping giant China? You know, if my confidence was in these countries and others working out the world's problems I'd be very concerned. But, my hope is not there, it's in God and Him alone.
We are going into the weekend not knowing what is going to happen. However, God does and if you put your trust in Him (and if you are not saved, get your heart right with Him), your concerns become His and your hope becomes His certainty. He can handle anything the world throws at Him.
Have a blessed weekend and Go Tigers!
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
How To Stay Alert In Church
From the book, "The Christian Handbook", Augsburg Books, comes suggestions on how to stay alert (awake?) in church.
1. Get enough sleep. Try your best to turn in early on Saturday nights.
2. Drink plenty of water, though not too much. It is easier to remain alert when you are well hydrated.
3. Eat a high protein breakfast. If your diet allows it, eat foods high in protein. Eating a breakfast with high sugar intake can make you drowsy.
4. Focus on your posture. Sit up straight. Avoid slouching as this encourges sleepiness.
5. If all else fails, consider pinching yourself. Dig your nails into the fleshy part of your arm or leg and pinch yourself.
If these steps don't work or they cause problems, you didn't hear it from me.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
1. Get enough sleep. Try your best to turn in early on Saturday nights.
2. Drink plenty of water, though not too much. It is easier to remain alert when you are well hydrated.
3. Eat a high protein breakfast. If your diet allows it, eat foods high in protein. Eating a breakfast with high sugar intake can make you drowsy.
4. Focus on your posture. Sit up straight. Avoid slouching as this encourges sleepiness.
5. If all else fails, consider pinching yourself. Dig your nails into the fleshy part of your arm or leg and pinch yourself.
If these steps don't work or they cause problems, you didn't hear it from me.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Monday, July 31, 2006
How Precious the Word
I recently read in the August issue of Pulpit Helps, published by AMG Publishers, Chattanooga, TN 37422, the following from John Meador, Senior Pastor of Woodland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN ...
"Believers cannot handle the serious stuff of life, because they aren't hearing the serious stuff of the Scripture." He further states, "His (God) Word does what only the Word can do. The Word builds faith, it increases one's knowledge of God, it builds endurance in times of temptation, it gives direction and guidance for everyday living. It convicts of sin and corrects into the right way of living. In a word, it transforms."
2 Timothy 2: 15 re-enforces the need to live by God's Word. How are we going to win our families and friends to Jesus if we live by worldly standards? It's God's Word that changes our lives and will give lasting change to others.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
"Believers cannot handle the serious stuff of life, because they aren't hearing the serious stuff of the Scripture." He further states, "His (God) Word does what only the Word can do. The Word builds faith, it increases one's knowledge of God, it builds endurance in times of temptation, it gives direction and guidance for everyday living. It convicts of sin and corrects into the right way of living. In a word, it transforms."
2 Timothy 2: 15 re-enforces the need to live by God's Word. How are we going to win our families and friends to Jesus if we live by worldly standards? It's God's Word that changes our lives and will give lasting change to others.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Who Do You Stand For?
Relationships are wonderful if they are the right kind. In my message today I preached about the friendship that Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego had. There relationship was tested different times but maybe none so much as the firery furnace incident. They, along with the rest of the city, were told to bow and worship the false god that the king had made. They refused and were thrown in the furnace.
If you and I were close friends and were faced with a similar situation, I wonder what our stance would be? Would we say as the Hebrew children did that they would not bow and worship the false god or would we maybe compromise a little bit and pretend to worship the false god just to keep from having problems? It's something to consider. Chances are that we will not be threatened by a fiery furnace but we will face some big tests that will force us to make a decision. Do we stand firm in our devotion to God or do we compromise (no one will ever know) and keep on worshiping God to the best of our ability?
That that held Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego's relationship as friends together was not fear of the king but their love for God. He was the twine that kept them strong. Let me ask you a question. Is there anything in this life worth breaking your devotion to God? Isn't it time we stood firm in our godly convictions? Isn't it time we let people know by how we live who is the Lord and Master of our life?
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
If you and I were close friends and were faced with a similar situation, I wonder what our stance would be? Would we say as the Hebrew children did that they would not bow and worship the false god or would we maybe compromise a little bit and pretend to worship the false god just to keep from having problems? It's something to consider. Chances are that we will not be threatened by a fiery furnace but we will face some big tests that will force us to make a decision. Do we stand firm in our devotion to God or do we compromise (no one will ever know) and keep on worshiping God to the best of our ability?
That that held Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego's relationship as friends together was not fear of the king but their love for God. He was the twine that kept them strong. Let me ask you a question. Is there anything in this life worth breaking your devotion to God? Isn't it time we stood firm in our godly convictions? Isn't it time we let people know by how we live who is the Lord and Master of our life?
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Where Is Your Faith?
Everyone has a measure of faith. We have faith that we we sit down the chair will hold us, etc. That's one kind of faith. But where is your faith when it comes to God? Do you believe His Word? Do you believe He gave His Son to die on the cross for you? Do you believe that Jesus was raised from the dead?
You may believe that God is good but is He so good that He would give His Son to die for me? The answer is yes, and it's not that God is just good, it's that He loves you more than you can comprehend. Now comes the part of acting on your faith. You must believe more than that God loves you. You need to believe the rest (His Word, that He gave Jesus to die and that He raised Him from the dead). Impossible stuff? Yes, for mankind, but not for God.
Exercise your faith today if you have not already done so and believe what I have just shared with you. It's in the Bible (Romans 10: 1-10). Ask Jesus to come into your life and forgive you of all your sins (Romans 3: 23). Then, start reading the Bible (an easy to read version is the New Living Translation (NLT) and watch your faith take off.
With faith in God and His Word, you've got an eternal world to learn about.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
You may believe that God is good but is He so good that He would give His Son to die for me? The answer is yes, and it's not that God is just good, it's that He loves you more than you can comprehend. Now comes the part of acting on your faith. You must believe more than that God loves you. You need to believe the rest (His Word, that He gave Jesus to die and that He raised Him from the dead). Impossible stuff? Yes, for mankind, but not for God.
Exercise your faith today if you have not already done so and believe what I have just shared with you. It's in the Bible (Romans 10: 1-10). Ask Jesus to come into your life and forgive you of all your sins (Romans 3: 23). Then, start reading the Bible (an easy to read version is the New Living Translation (NLT) and watch your faith take off.
With faith in God and His Word, you've got an eternal world to learn about.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Friday, July 28, 2006
The Truth or Not the Truth
I recently read about a pastor who had a friend who was an actor. The actor was drawing large crowds while the pastor was preaching to just a few. The pastor asked his friend why his crowds were so much larger. His friend replied, "I present my fiction as though it were truth; you present your truth as though it were fiction."
Often we Christians give the impression that the truth is fiction by the way we live and by the lack of commitment to the teachings of our Lord.
Psalm 145: 12 "They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign."
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Often we Christians give the impression that the truth is fiction by the way we live and by the lack of commitment to the teachings of our Lord.
Psalm 145: 12 "They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign."
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
What Do You Think Is Going On?
Hi everyone,
Years ago I heard someone say that the Middle East was a powder keg ready to blow. Well, it might be blowing as we speak. Israel is blasting away at a terriost group in Lebanon as the world watches. But someone out of this world is watching as well.
I don't know about you but it gets my heart jumping a little bit more when I think that Christ could be ready to come and get us. I've always wanted to leave this life in the rapture. Do you think we are close to the rapture of the church? Let me know what you think and I will share it with others.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Years ago I heard someone say that the Middle East was a powder keg ready to blow. Well, it might be blowing as we speak. Israel is blasting away at a terriost group in Lebanon as the world watches. But someone out of this world is watching as well.
I don't know about you but it gets my heart jumping a little bit more when I think that Christ could be ready to come and get us. I've always wanted to leave this life in the rapture. Do you think we are close to the rapture of the church? Let me know what you think and I will share it with others.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Monday, July 17, 2006
What A Week!
This is Monday, July 17 and what a week this past week was. Kathy and I were priviliged to have 12 ladies from Urban Harvest Ministries in the South Bronx in NYC in our home. They were here to minister in downtown Detroit and South Dearborn. Several souls were saved in Detroit and seed planted in South Dearborn in the Muslim community.
I admire these faithful ladies who took 8 days out of their lives and came to Detroit to show the love of Christ. While in our home I saw them pray, study the Word, and show Christ through their everyday lives. Kathy and I are proud to know them.
Please pray for UHM as they continue to work for the Lord in Urban areas of America. And, pray for those they won to the Lord and witnessed too this past week.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
I admire these faithful ladies who took 8 days out of their lives and came to Detroit to show the love of Christ. While in our home I saw them pray, study the Word, and show Christ through their everyday lives. Kathy and I are proud to know them.
Please pray for UHM as they continue to work for the Lord in Urban areas of America. And, pray for those they won to the Lord and witnessed too this past week.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Going Home
A dear saint went home to be with the Lord this morning. She was looking forward to it for some time. I'm sure we will refer to it as a "Homegoing Celebration" (she would like that). This woman had such faith that she would praise the Lord through song while in the hospital even though she knew that she probably would be leaving this life soon. The grace of God will do that for a person.
Jesus had gone away to prepare a place for her and now it is finished. One of my most special memories of her is her shouting. She'd get happy in the Lord at church and would shout. Some would look at this strangely but I look at it as precious. You see, she had something to shout about.
It truly is a "Homegoing Celebration."
Way to go Sis. Stanley!
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Jesus had gone away to prepare a place for her and now it is finished. One of my most special memories of her is her shouting. She'd get happy in the Lord at church and would shout. Some would look at this strangely but I look at it as precious. You see, she had something to shout about.
It truly is a "Homegoing Celebration."
Way to go Sis. Stanley!
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Youth Group
Hi everyone,
I am very sorry I haven't kept my blog up to date (no excuse). I want to invite you to check out our new youth website. Youth Pastor Roger Gurganus is doing a great job with our youth and if you don't have a church to go to we would love for you to bring your youth to be a part of our youth group (7th grade through 12th).
Have a blessed day.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
I am very sorry I haven't kept my blog up to date (no excuse). I want to invite you to check out our new youth website. Youth Pastor Roger Gurganus is doing a great job with our youth and if you don't have a church to go to we would love for you to bring your youth to be a part of our youth group (7th grade through 12th).
Have a blessed day.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Monday, May 15, 2006
Be The Man You Were Created To Be
Let me share with you a portion of an article from Kenny Luck, Men's Pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. Kenny talks about our need as men for accountability. He says in New Man Magazine, May/June 2006 issue,: The more accountable we are as God's men, the healthier we are as individuals and, consequently, the healthier our body of believers becomes. That's why more of God's men need to have a Jonathan and David moment. One God's man simple commits the following to the other: "The Lord is witness between you and me" (1 Samuel 20: 42, NIV). In other words, we are each other's spiritual space invaders, and we won't let each other fail spiritually.
Not only are we accountable to God, in Christ we are accountable to each other.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Not only are we accountable to God, in Christ we are accountable to each other.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Friday, April 21, 2006
Healing Broken Hearts
Many people experience broken hearts. I will confess that mine has been broken different times. And a broken heart hurts awfully bad.
Healing takes a long time and even after the healing, we still remember the hurt. God is an expert in healing broken hearts and other hurts. The secret is to give the hurt to Him. Sometimes it's hard to let go. In the movie "Father of the Bride," Steve Martin got it right when he said to the dogs that were chasing him, "Release." Release and let the hurt sail up to God.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Healing takes a long time and even after the healing, we still remember the hurt. God is an expert in healing broken hearts and other hurts. The secret is to give the hurt to Him. Sometimes it's hard to let go. In the movie "Father of the Bride," Steve Martin got it right when he said to the dogs that were chasing him, "Release." Release and let the hurt sail up to God.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Taking Time
One of the things I have recently changed is taking time for myself. That includes alone time, Kathy and me time, me and the family time. The point is, I am rejuvenated by spending time with my family and also being alone.
This is a type of "weekly" healing. Six days of work, one day of repair. If we don't apply some of the advice we give to others, they well be repaired and we will remain broken.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
This is a type of "weekly" healing. Six days of work, one day of repair. If we don't apply some of the advice we give to others, they well be repaired and we will remain broken.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Thursday, April 06, 2006
This Too Shall Pass
Many times I have been in situations that I did not want to be in. Some were my own doing and some were not. Depending on my spiritual "condition" at the time, I learned some valuable things:
1. Bad things are going to happen.
2. It's frightening.
3. It hurts.
4. It tests me.
5. It grows me.
6. It strengthens me.
7. It helps me appreciate my life more.
8. It's "normal."
We all face trying times, but they shall pass, even if it means "passing" us into eternity. For the Christian, that is everlasting life with God. A place of joy, peace, perfect health, etc. But for the non-Christian, eternity means a very real place called hell. A place of torment, total sorrow, loneliness, separation from God.
Have you made your choice? (Romans 10: 9,10)
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
1. Bad things are going to happen.
2. It's frightening.
3. It hurts.
4. It tests me.
5. It grows me.
6. It strengthens me.
7. It helps me appreciate my life more.
8. It's "normal."
We all face trying times, but they shall pass, even if it means "passing" us into eternity. For the Christian, that is everlasting life with God. A place of joy, peace, perfect health, etc. But for the non-Christian, eternity means a very real place called hell. A place of torment, total sorrow, loneliness, separation from God.
Have you made your choice? (Romans 10: 9,10)
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Monday, April 03, 2006
Ten Guidelines From God
My son recently me a list of Ten Guidelines from God. I thought they were worth sharing...
1. Quit Worrying. I am here to take all our burdens and carry them for you.
2. Put It On the List. Tell me and I'll put it on my to-do list. I can handle it. After all, I'm God.
3. Trust Me. Once you've shared with me, trust me to get involved.
4. Leave It Alone. Don't wake up one moring and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think i can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple, kyou gave me your burdens and I'm taking care of them.
5. Talk to Me. You may forget about a lot of things, but don't forget to talk with Me. I want to hear from you every day, maybe even several times a day.
6. Have Faith. Have faith in me that I know what I am doing.
7. Share. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy, laughter, tears for those who have forgotten how to cry, your possessions, your faith.
8. Be Patient.
9. Be Kind.
10.Love others as you love yourself.
'Til the storm passes.
Pastor Gary
1. Quit Worrying. I am here to take all our burdens and carry them for you.
2. Put It On the List. Tell me and I'll put it on my to-do list. I can handle it. After all, I'm God.
3. Trust Me. Once you've shared with me, trust me to get involved.
4. Leave It Alone. Don't wake up one moring and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think i can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple, kyou gave me your burdens and I'm taking care of them.
5. Talk to Me. You may forget about a lot of things, but don't forget to talk with Me. I want to hear from you every day, maybe even several times a day.
6. Have Faith. Have faith in me that I know what I am doing.
7. Share. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy, laughter, tears for those who have forgotten how to cry, your possessions, your faith.
8. Be Patient.
9. Be Kind.
10.Love others as you love yourself.
'Til the storm passes.
Pastor Gary
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