God builds back what storms blow down.

What a week. What a last couple of days as it pertains to our wild weather. Did you feel the aftershock at 1am last night. The forecast of hurricane Irene is moving west as of this moment. Wow! I can say in the past 5 plus years I have lived here that this is pretty eventful.

The potential for damage and cause for concern is genuine. However, I am reminded that as I seek God; He is in control. That doesn't mean that things don't happen they do. Yet God knows how to redeem, how to restore. I love what He does in our midst, in spite of ourselves.

I have a lot of new music in my Ipod. One of the new albums is Newsboys - Miracles. The sixth song is called "You build us back" It has really ministered to me. Because when the storms of life come, when our earth shakes, when our joy fails, He builds us back.

Be praying for God's protection over our community and pray for a great Sunday in ministry.

Blessings

Pastor Jay

Persistent Prayer

I'm sure most of us would feel pretty good about our prayer life if the evaluation was based upon the short, quick prayers that we are accustomed to. However, Jesus and the Bible introduce us to another type of prayer that is describes by such words as persistent, enduring, even birthing. If that becomes the basis by which our prayers are evaluated; I wonder how many of us would feel so accomplished.

Join us on Sunday as I will be preaching about persistent prayer - we begin our new series At The Movies and we will use the movie Rudy as a backdrop to the type of prayer that is enduring. Don't forget, there will be popcorn in both services.

See you Sunday.

Pastor Rich

spirit controlled

What if we tuned into all that the Spirit of God was saying to us? Right here, right now, what is he saying? Are we tuned in enough to notice. I am convinced after reading the bible that the Holy Spirit is nudging us, giving us feeling, an unction and we are ignoring it amidst all the noise and busyness of the day. The best self control is saying "here God have control." The bible says to us that if we live by the Spirit we will not gratify the desires of our sinful nature. (Gal 5:16) Jesus told his disciples to abide in His vine, and we would bear much fruit. (John 15:5-8)

Wouldn't that be awesome, to be sin free and bearing much fruit? I encourage you all to grow in Christ, read your bibles, pray, and watch how that changes who we think, what we do, and what we talk about. We show Christs character.

Blessings - More on this Sunday,

Pastor Jay

Its our kindness

As I prepare to speak on the virtue of kindness, I am reminded of the song...Its Your Kindness. It says, "Its Your Kindness that leads us to repentance." We respond to the Kindness, mercy, love and compassion bestowed upon us by Jesus Christ.

So with this given to us, what should we be giving to our world? The truth is that one kind act could change someones life. One act that we do, could change someones day, week, or even life. When we think about doing kind acts, we usually gain opportunities. Kindness, being kind and loving in action toward others.

This is the skill that is encouraged for us to use in scripture. Look the easy way out is the main way, the hard way and the right way is to give kindness to those that don't deserve it. See you Sunday for more as we dig up the lost virtue of kindness.

Pastor Jay

In The Flow

There are times in our life where we hit a rhythm - where things are flowing nicely. It has been that kind of week for me in my work life; but what I hunger for is for that same flow spiritually.

Don't get me wrong - I sense God's presence in a strong way in my life and for our church; but I'm/we're not there yet. And by there - I mean in the Divine flow of His Spirit - but it's coming.

As with all things relating to God - there is a sense of grasping, but there is also the mystery. My words can't do justice to describe this concept. It's one of those - you know it when you see it(or when you experience it) kind of things and I can't wait for it to get here.

So for now - waiting on the Divine flow...

See you Sunday

Pastor Rich

Had to Make a Sudden Change

Have you ever been involved in something - a project, an activity, maybe driving somewhere and had to make a sudden change. It happened to me this week - I had to change the sermon for Sunday.

Let me give you a bit of insight - normally we plan/pray about our sermon series months in advance; and then spend effort and energy researching, putting together creative elements,and finally a sermon. The final sermon for each Sunday is put together the week prior - well, this week, I had to change the sermon because I felt the unction to preach about a different topic.

A primary question we must all deal with in life is - are we willing to go where God leads us? So see you Sunday for a sudden change in direction.

Pastor Rich

Faithful to the End

James 1:12 "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crownof life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

Perserverance, ,faithfulness, commitment. These words should not be taken lightly. Nor should we allow them to lose their vigor. Commitment in the year 2011 is all about convenience. Commitment if it works for me, isn't too demanding and brings me everything I need.

Reading the Bible we begin to see these words and they are associated with Christians. They are encouragements and exhortations, commands to be faithful. Jesus was faithful. He didn't veer from course. He was fully committed to go to the Cross.

The challenge before us is to be committed. Never quit, keep moving forward. Commitment like that is powerful and moves mountains. We can't allow weariness to consume us. Rise up with the power of a faithful heart and keep moving forward.

Be there Sunday morning to get the rest of the story...

Pastor Jay