REGARDLESS

January 25, 2009 By Pastor David Stone

Regardless of where I am——-

I did not get to this place by myself, nor by accident. It is the providence of God that brought me here. And, regardless of my circumstances, the challenge I face is not bigger than the God I serve.

Although I am confused, He isn’t. He knows absolutely everything about me and my situation. I see no benefit in my trial, but I know God will use it for some good. He has promised.

Even though others have not responded to my need, I know God will. When I feel nobody cares, His Word and His Spirit assures me that He does. He knows and He cares.

Weak am I, unable to bear up under this heavy load, but it is no burden to God. He is all-powerful. My problem is no problem for God. I am His child and He always takes care of His children. I can always depend on Him. He knows–He cares–and He can help!

This day is a gift from God. This moment is the only moment I have for certain to serve and glorify Him. I will honor Him by trusting Him—knowing He doeth all things well. Regardless of what this day holds I know I can make it because my Father knows, cares, and helps. With His help you can make it too–regardless!

IS IT WORTH IT ?

January 24, 2009 By Pastor David Stone

“…and thy Father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”–Matthew 6:18

One day the great Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo happened to overhear a group of people admiring his Pietà, a statue of Christ on His mother’s knees after His death on the cross. One man attributed the work to another sculptor, much to the chagrin of Michelangelo, who took particular pride in the Pietà. Returning to the sculpture after dark that evening, Michelangelo carved his name on it so that no similar mistake would occur in the future.

Sometimes it’s hard not to want the recognition and admiration of those around us. Whether our gift is preaching or teaching, writing or singing, evangelism or leading, we must keep a Godly perspective and motivation in everything we do. During His earthly ministry, Jesus certainly knew how to keep himself from becoming entangled in the praises of men; He gave all the credit to His Father, for He knew His reward was waiting on the other side of the cross.

If we fall into the trap of working or performing for the rewards of men, we are bound to miss out on our rewards in heaven. Is it worth losing eternal praise from God himself to have but a moment of earthly glory? (From Turning Point)

He who merits praise he never receives is better off than he who receives praise he never merits.—-Unknown

SURROUNDED BY THE ENEMY

January 23, 2009 By Pastor David Stone

“–we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”-Romans 8:37

If we truly understood who we are in Christ it would change our views about everything. Sadly, some don’t. Fortunately a few do. Most certainly all should.It would make a big difference in how we look at the challenges in life.

During World War II General Creighton Abrams and his troops were surrounded by the enemy to the east, west, north, south. General Abrams said,”Gentlemen, for the first time in the history of this campaign, we are now in a position to attack the enemy in any direction.”

Wouldn’t it be great if we all had that attitude? Far too often we bemoan the fact that many things are against us without ever considering that God is “for us”( Romans 8:31). It’s true, we should not ignore reality–we do have enemies, but we need to see the big picture. As Christians we have every right, and even a responsibility, to maintain a positive attitude.

Forget about all that is against you and focus on the One who is for you. He is all powerful and He cares about you. He can defeat every foe, meet every need, and solve any problem–trust Him. as John said, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”(1 John 4:4).

HUMMINGBIRDS & BUZZARDS

January 22, 2009 By Pastor David Stone

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true–honest–just–pure–lovely–of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”( Philippians 4:8)

I read the other day that two kinds of birds fly over the California deserts: hummingbirds and vultures. All the vultures can see is rotting meat. But the hummingbird ignores the decaying carcasses. He looks for the tiny blossoms of the cactus flowers that are almost hidden from view by the rocks.

That reminds me of people. Some folks are always focused on that which is bad, while others are looking for the good.Both find what they are looking for. They find it because that’s what they crave. Their appetite determines what they search for.

So, how is it with you? Is your mind occupied with all the problems in this sin defiled world or are looking for those things that are true–honest–just–pure lovely etc.? Whatever the case, you will find what you seeking. Even in this sin cursed world we can find things that are pleasant and sweet. They exist because of the influence of Christ through His people. Would we all not be better off if we focused on those qualities rather than always pointing out what is wrong in the world? We got more than enough faultfinders in the world. We need more folks who are conscious of the good things God has provided. They are the ones who make life a delight. Anyone can find the stinking decaying carcasses of sin. It takes a hummingbird Christian to search out the hidden graces that God has provided. So, what are you looking for? Are you a hummingbird or a buzzard?

NOT BY BREAD ALONE

January 21, 2009 By Pastor David Stone

“–Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”(Matthew 4:4)

A foolish old farmer, so the story goes, concluded one day that the oats he had fed his mule for years were simply costing him too much. So he hatched a plan: he mixed a little sawdust in with the feed, and then a little more the next day, and even more the next, each time reducing the amount of oats in the mix.

The mule didn’t seem to notice the gradual change, so the farmer thought things were fine and kept decreasing the proportion of oats. But weeks later, on the day he finally fed the poor beast nothing but sawdust, the mule finished the meal and fell over dead.

A silly tale, perhaps, but it serves as a parable of the backslider–the Christian who slips further and further away from God through unrepented sin or neglect. Though we know our souls cannot survive on spiritual sawdust, we may well convince ourselves that a little won’t hurt too much, and a little less real spiritual food won’t be missed. Then, over time, the proportion of sawdust increases while the oats gradually disappear. Before long, the change is complete, and our starved, sawdust-stuffed spiritual life has collapsed.

To avoid this you need to get into a good church where you will hear the word of God and get into the Word everyday, so as to receive the spiritual nourishment you need. As Peter said,”As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”(1 Peter 2:2)

REGARDLESS

IS IT WORTH IT ?

SURROUNDED BY THE ENEMY

HUMMINGBIRDS & BUZZARDS

NOT BY BREAD ALONE

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