Psalm 90:12 (NKJV) So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
I love it when a new year is just up ahead. They are so open with possibilities, positive changes, and open doors from the Lord.
It's incredible too, to think that yet another year has passed! They seem to just fly by us. Every time another new year rolls around, I'm reminded of the saying, "Only one life will soon be passed and only what's done for Jesus Christ will last."
With a year behind us, we now look forward. What's the best way to redeem the time God will give us in 2011? I believe one of the best ways is to follow the instruction of our psalmist. He asks God to teach him to number his days. Truly that request is one designed to help us live out daily, our lives for Jesus Christ. There is great wisdom in not allowing the enormity of a year, or a month, or even a week to weigh heavily upon our hearts, but to trust in our precious Lord daily.
I desire so much to live out what Jesus said, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:34).
With the blank slate of a new year ahead of us, it's my prayer we're ready for all that God has planned! See you next year!
In His Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
Thank you so much. I have to tell you I've really been blessed since coming back to the Lord and beimg led to Calvary Aurora. It is so refreshing and the fellowship has been missing from my life for 35 years.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Do You Love?
Ephesians 5.1-2 (NIV) "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Love is at the heart of Jesus' message. It's key. It's central. The gospel is love; it's very core! There are a lot of thoughts and theories passed off as Christianity today, including some that have become so very popular. There is the message of health and wealth. There is the message of control and power. There is the message of give to get more. The list continues on and on with poor and unbiblical substitutes for the love of Christ. The key question is, "Do you love?"
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13:34 What a great way to wind down the year, meditating on the love of Jesus in our lives and through our lives.
In Him,
Pastor Ed
Response
Thank you, Pastor Ed, for this encouraging message. My husband, Sean, died a little over two months ago, and I was having a very hard time today. It usually is "well with my soul," but I needed the reminder today that God is in control and He will take care of me until the day that I can be with Him and Sean in Heaven. I have not been able to make it back to church since my husband's passing because it's just too hard. However, I always watch the service on the Internet each week ~ just like Sean and I used to do while he was bed-ridden. Thank you for your ministry and faithfulness to the Lord.
Love is at the heart of Jesus' message. It's key. It's central. The gospel is love; it's very core! There are a lot of thoughts and theories passed off as Christianity today, including some that have become so very popular. There is the message of health and wealth. There is the message of control and power. There is the message of give to get more. The list continues on and on with poor and unbiblical substitutes for the love of Christ. The key question is, "Do you love?"
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13:34 What a great way to wind down the year, meditating on the love of Jesus in our lives and through our lives.
In Him,
Pastor Ed
Response
Thank you, Pastor Ed, for this encouraging message. My husband, Sean, died a little over two months ago, and I was having a very hard time today. It usually is "well with my soul," but I needed the reminder today that God is in control and He will take care of me until the day that I can be with Him and Sean in Heaven. I have not been able to make it back to church since my husband's passing because it's just too hard. However, I always watch the service on the Internet each week ~ just like Sean and I used to do while he was bed-ridden. Thank you for your ministry and faithfulness to the Lord.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas
Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
I pray that you have a wonderful day celebrating the one of the most magnificent days on earth, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Bring someone to church this weekend!
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
Thank you for this encouragement. Just the other day I was singing another song titled "Overwhelmed."
I am overwhelmed by Your mercy.
I am overwhelmed by Your grace.
For the faith You give even when I doubt You.
I am overwhelmed by Your love.
You are so right! We need to turn it around. So when I get overwhelmed, I will purpose in my heart and mind to recall these songs, and be overwhelmed in singing His praises.
Thanks for helping to start the day on the right foot! God Bless.
I pray that you have a wonderful day celebrating the one of the most magnificent days on earth, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Bring someone to church this weekend!
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
Thank you for this encouragement. Just the other day I was singing another song titled "Overwhelmed."
I am overwhelmed by Your mercy.
I am overwhelmed by Your grace.
For the faith You give even when I doubt You.
I am overwhelmed by Your love.
You are so right! We need to turn it around. So when I get overwhelmed, I will purpose in my heart and mind to recall these songs, and be overwhelmed in singing His praises.
Thanks for helping to start the day on the right foot! God Bless.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Habits
Acts 2:42 (NKJV) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
A habit, good or bad, is a powerful force in our lives. Webster defines a habit as, "a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up." It's important that we develop good spiritual habits that will crowd out the bad ones we've picked up along the road of life.
Consider this little description:
You may know me. I'm your constant companion. I'm your greatest helper; I'm your heaviest burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am at your command. Half the tasks you do might as well be turned over to me. I'm able to do them quickly, and I'm able to do them the same every time if that's what you want. I'm easily managed, all you've got to do is be firm with me. Show me exactly how you want it done; after a few lessons I'll do it automatically. I am the servant of all great men and women; of course, servant of the failures as well as the successes. I've made all the great individuals who have ever been great.
And I've made all the failures, too. But I work with all the precision of a marvelous computer with the intelligence of a human being. Take me. Be easy with me and I will destroy you. Be firm with me and I'll put the world at your feet.
Who am I? I'm a Habit!
We need to develop and cultivate good, solid, spiritual habits. They are essential for your spiritual growth. Habits like daily prayer, Bible reading, fellowship, and service all help to grow us in the things of Jesus.
Pray about your habits today. Watch and see what God will do!
In Hope,
Pastor Ed
Response
For me, my favorite verse is John 3:16. It was (I think) the first one I learned, and I remember someone telling me once to replace the words "the world" with "you." For God so loved YOU, he gave his only begotten son.... Thanks for the encouragement.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Pathway of Blessing
Psalm 1:1 (NKJV) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.
The wonderful song book of the Psalms opens with this powerful instruction. If you want blessing, be careful where you walk; where you stand; and where you sit.
Be careful that you're not walking in the counsel of those who don't love God. This world is full of that type of counsel: the counsel that is totally devoid of spiritual depth and instruction. Don't walk that way, David says. Instead, the Bible says in Psalm 119:1, "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord!"
Be careful that you're not standing in the pathway of sinners. This includes the places that sin is committed. Why would we be standing in places that are set apart for the fulfillment of sinful pleasures in this world? Instead, the Bible says in Psalm 134:1, "Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who by night stand in the house of the Lord!"
Be careful that you're not sitting in the seat of those that are scornful. We don't use the word scornful much, but the idea is those who mock God; those that express utter contempt for the things of God. Paul tells us that evil company can corrupt good habits (1 Corinthians 15:33).
So the pathway to blessing begins with a careful life that watches out for where we choose to walk, where we choose to stand, and where we choose to sit!
Blessings,
Pastor Ed
Response
I haven't written you in a long time. It's actually been a year. One year ago, I, as an exchange student from Russia, left America, my host dad and friends. I spent the very last night with my friends at Calvary Chapel Aurora on Wednesday. I was brought to the church by my dear friend in May and I had a wonderful time there. And when I left I felt a little bit lonely. I missed Calvary, people who were there. I asked myself: What am I going to do next? Since there's no Calvary Church in my city and my American friends are gone. I thought I was alone which was not entirely true. My family was there, my friends were there. You knows who else was there? Jesus. I travelled many times leaving some important to me people behind, but Jesus was always there. He was there from the beginning and He always will be. I attend church at my city where I live and I faithfully miss Calvary Aurora Chapel. As I feel I've grown in the Lord. I came to realization that it's not about attending a particular church. It's about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is everywhere no matter where we are.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Authenticity
Mark 12:37 (NKJV) And the common people heard Him gladly.
One of the greatest tools in evangelism, in sharing the gospel with those we love and care for, is authenticity. They need to not only hear the message from us, but see it lived through us in a real, true, and authentic way. Hypocrisy is simply unattractive, and not at all like Jesus.
As an unbeliever, lost - so desperately lost - I know that I was looking for something powerful, real, and authentic. What I had seen in the 'Christian World,' especially on TV, just wasn't real. Scandal after scandal rocked the popular preachers and it put a real sour taste in my rebellious mouth. It didn't help present Jesus to me at all.
So many today are still looking for that real, authentic, powerful connection with God. They aren't looking for some syrupy imitation. They don't want some Christian experience or some religious nonsense. What people are looking for is something worth living for; worth dying for.
Jesus is authentic. Jesus is real. Jesus is powerful.
Live out your life in Him and watch the people around you hunger for that authentic Savior you're so in love with!
In Mercy,
Pastor Ed
Response
Thanks for this, Pastor Ed. I was one of the 'strays' and have come back to the Lord. I know there must have been people praying for me for a long time, and I certainly felt the Shepherd calling me back to the fold. It is so good to be back in fellowship with the Lord and feeling again that best-friendship I missed so acutely in my life! It is a special blessing that my husband accepted Christ as his Savior the night I re-dedicated my life. We also have 2 little boys who now are being raised in a Christian home and will never remember a time when Mommy and Daddy didn't know Jesus. I am especially grateful for this timing because I want so much for my children to know the peace of God in a tangible way in their lives. God is SO GOOD! Just when you think you have gone too far and that God will never condescend to the place you find yourself, He reaches into the pit to pull you out. It is just too much for words.
One of the greatest tools in evangelism, in sharing the gospel with those we love and care for, is authenticity. They need to not only hear the message from us, but see it lived through us in a real, true, and authentic way. Hypocrisy is simply unattractive, and not at all like Jesus.
As an unbeliever, lost - so desperately lost - I know that I was looking for something powerful, real, and authentic. What I had seen in the 'Christian World,' especially on TV, just wasn't real. Scandal after scandal rocked the popular preachers and it put a real sour taste in my rebellious mouth. It didn't help present Jesus to me at all.
So many today are still looking for that real, authentic, powerful connection with God. They aren't looking for some syrupy imitation. They don't want some Christian experience or some religious nonsense. What people are looking for is something worth living for; worth dying for.
Jesus is authentic. Jesus is real. Jesus is powerful.
Live out your life in Him and watch the people around you hunger for that authentic Savior you're so in love with!
In Mercy,
Pastor Ed
Response
Thanks for this, Pastor Ed. I was one of the 'strays' and have come back to the Lord. I know there must have been people praying for me for a long time, and I certainly felt the Shepherd calling me back to the fold. It is so good to be back in fellowship with the Lord and feeling again that best-friendship I missed so acutely in my life! It is a special blessing that my husband accepted Christ as his Savior the night I re-dedicated my life. We also have 2 little boys who now are being raised in a Christian home and will never remember a time when Mommy and Daddy didn't know Jesus. I am especially grateful for this timing because I want so much for my children to know the peace of God in a tangible way in their lives. God is SO GOOD! Just when you think you have gone too far and that God will never condescend to the place you find yourself, He reaches into the pit to pull you out. It is just too much for words.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Pray for 89.7 GRACEfm
1 Peter 2:9-10 (NKJV) But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
In just 20 days, our plans are to be on the air with 89.7 GRACEfm, reaching the entire Denver Metro area with solid Bible teaching and inspiring worship music every day, all day, all year! We will be Denver's station of Worship and the Word!
As many of you know, it continues to be a huge step of faith for us as a congregation. Yet, we know it's from the Lord. It's so exciting, it's hard to contain it. We believe God has prepared our precious fellowship family for such a time as this!
Today, would you please pray for the station... for the city... for the lost... and for the amazing church family of Calvary Aurora both here locally, around the country, and around the world!
Your prayer coverage and financial support is so greatly appreciated!
Be sure to join the conversation at:
897GRACEfm
FaceBookTwitter
What a ride,
Pastor Ed
Response
Great morning Pastor Ed!! Just a quick note to let you know that I appreciate the Abounding Grace emails, specifically this morning's. Last night my 10-year-old daughter was having trouble sleeping. When I asked her why, she said she just didn't "feel" saved. I had the opportunity to share with her that salvation is not a feeling but a fact! Having witnessed her confession of sins and her request for forgiveness from our loving Lord, I assured her that her name was written permanently in the book of life. We prayed together asking for peace and she settled down to a good nights sleep. God is so GOOD! Thanks for sharing this morning and being used to confirm God's truth!
In just 20 days, our plans are to be on the air with 89.7 GRACEfm, reaching the entire Denver Metro area with solid Bible teaching and inspiring worship music every day, all day, all year! We will be Denver's station of Worship and the Word!
As many of you know, it continues to be a huge step of faith for us as a congregation. Yet, we know it's from the Lord. It's so exciting, it's hard to contain it. We believe God has prepared our precious fellowship family for such a time as this!
Today, would you please pray for the station... for the city... for the lost... and for the amazing church family of Calvary Aurora both here locally, around the country, and around the world!
Your prayer coverage and financial support is so greatly appreciated!
Be sure to join the conversation at:
897GRACEfm
FaceBookTwitter
What a ride,
Pastor Ed
Response
Great morning Pastor Ed!! Just a quick note to let you know that I appreciate the Abounding Grace emails, specifically this morning's. Last night my 10-year-old daughter was having trouble sleeping. When I asked her why, she said she just didn't "feel" saved. I had the opportunity to share with her that salvation is not a feeling but a fact! Having witnessed her confession of sins and her request for forgiveness from our loving Lord, I assured her that her name was written permanently in the book of life. We prayed together asking for peace and she settled down to a good nights sleep. God is so GOOD! Thanks for sharing this morning and being used to confirm God's truth!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Second Generation Christians
Revelation 2:4 (NKJV) Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
It was to the once vibrant church in the city of Ephesus that Jesus had to send a note exhorting them to return to their first love. They had left it.
What happened in that church can happen in any church, any family, any life, and really at any time. Their love had grown cold. Their hearts had become hardened. They had become preoccupied with everything else but Jesus. It didn't happen right away. For the church in Ephesus, it took about sixty years for them to stroll away from that vibrant love relationship with Jesus. They started out so strong, so vibrant, so useful, so powerful in the hands of God.
The loveless church Jesus addressed were 'second-generation' Christians. They were very much following the example set by the early nation of Israel.
With Israel:
The FIRST generation KNEW God and SAW His power first hand.
The SECOND generation KNEW God but had only HEARD about His power.
The THIRD generation neither KNEW God or His power. They were lost.
Be that generation that gets back to your first love, friend. The days in which we live are crying out for a generation to stand strong for Jesus!
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
I love these things. On this one, every time I get to that point of thinking "how can I forgive him or her for that" the Holy Spirit reminds me of the wicked servant being forgiven so much but refusing to forgive his fellow servant of so little. I remember how much has been forgiven me and whatever someone has done to me seems so insignificant. God bless you and your willingness to follow God's lead in your life.
It was to the once vibrant church in the city of Ephesus that Jesus had to send a note exhorting them to return to their first love. They had left it.
What happened in that church can happen in any church, any family, any life, and really at any time. Their love had grown cold. Their hearts had become hardened. They had become preoccupied with everything else but Jesus. It didn't happen right away. For the church in Ephesus, it took about sixty years for them to stroll away from that vibrant love relationship with Jesus. They started out so strong, so vibrant, so useful, so powerful in the hands of God.
The loveless church Jesus addressed were 'second-generation' Christians. They were very much following the example set by the early nation of Israel.
With Israel:
The FIRST generation KNEW God and SAW His power first hand.
The SECOND generation KNEW God but had only HEARD about His power.
The THIRD generation neither KNEW God or His power. They were lost.
Be that generation that gets back to your first love, friend. The days in which we live are crying out for a generation to stand strong for Jesus!
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
I love these things. On this one, every time I get to that point of thinking "how can I forgive him or her for that" the Holy Spirit reminds me of the wicked servant being forgiven so much but refusing to forgive his fellow servant of so little. I remember how much has been forgiven me and whatever someone has done to me seems so insignificant. God bless you and your willingness to follow God's lead in your life.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Read Your Bible Everyday
Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
There are hundreds of books, thousands of Bible studies, and infinite opinions on the topic of spiritual growth, all filled with wonderful insight and help on how to grow in your relationship with Jesus. I've read and listened to dozens and dozens over the years and they've helped me a lot.
I'd like to share one with you that trumps them all. Ready?
READ YOUR BIBLE EVERY SINGLE DAY.
We all know we should read the Bible regularly -- everyday -- but for some reason we don't. When we don't, we short-change ourselves from yet another opportunity to grow in our relationship with Jesus.
Even if you have to put that other book down, turn off the radio, set aside that Bible study, it's worth it. Make reading your Bible every day a priority.
On our web site is a "Through the Year" Bible reading guide. There are many out there, so if this one doesn't work for you, find another and follow it; so that daily, you're in the Word and growing in grace.
Blessings,
Pastor Ed
Response
Amen, amen, and amen once again... You have hit a very sore spot with me. I have been the person talked about; the person they all pointed their wee li'l fingers at. I was the one that left the church for that very reason and have encountered this at several churches that I have gone to, and now, as I sit at my computer desk, I can watch all the people that pointed their fingers go by and know that I still have a great church to go to. Its on the Internet -- its Calvary Chapel Aurora :). Thank you, Pastor Ed. You have helped me alot and your devotionals are great. I'm getting ready to watch some of the testimonies that you all have. God bless you and your church. Tell 'em thank you for allowing me to be a part of your church. God's love and peace to all of you.
Friday, November 19, 2010
It's Too Easy To Complain
Philippians 2:14-16 (NKJV) Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
It's just too easy to complain. I do it. You may find yourself doing it. It's too easy. When things don't go the way we like; when things aren't arranged to our satisfaction; when people aren't moving fast enough, nice enough, happy enough; complaining is the all too common response.
Poor Moses lived with it for forty years!
May it not be so among us as believers. As a pastor, I've complained and heard my fair share of complaints. Instead of jumping in to help solve the situation, I've witnessed countless people stand on the sidelines, sending out their opinions on things that they aren't even a part of, and are unwilling to help solve. In fact, there are a few who love to complain about our church that don't even attend here!
When we complain, we disobey. When we complain, we express our opinions in a way that tears down instead of building up.
I'm reminded of the statement Roosevelt made on the topic. I pray it encourages you today to jump in and help with some of the things you see that need improvement...instead of complaining.
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." - Roosevelt
Trusting Him,
Pastor Ed
Response
Funny (well, not funny), how we can forget that we need God for EVERYTHING in our lives! I learned that day, back in 1985, that my personal decisions got me in the condition I was in. I learned later I could not trust my decisions & that I needed to depend on His alone! He is the One who has kept me sober all these years & also removed many more sins from my life, one by one by one by one & so on. And, He still is doing that, only the number has come way down so it is not as often.....He is so patient with us! I have much more Jesus-confidence than self-confidence now. Amen!
It's just too easy to complain. I do it. You may find yourself doing it. It's too easy. When things don't go the way we like; when things aren't arranged to our satisfaction; when people aren't moving fast enough, nice enough, happy enough; complaining is the all too common response.
Poor Moses lived with it for forty years!
May it not be so among us as believers. As a pastor, I've complained and heard my fair share of complaints. Instead of jumping in to help solve the situation, I've witnessed countless people stand on the sidelines, sending out their opinions on things that they aren't even a part of, and are unwilling to help solve. In fact, there are a few who love to complain about our church that don't even attend here!
When we complain, we disobey. When we complain, we express our opinions in a way that tears down instead of building up.
I'm reminded of the statement Roosevelt made on the topic. I pray it encourages you today to jump in and help with some of the things you see that need improvement...instead of complaining.
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." - Roosevelt
Trusting Him,
Pastor Ed
Response
Funny (well, not funny), how we can forget that we need God for EVERYTHING in our lives! I learned that day, back in 1985, that my personal decisions got me in the condition I was in. I learned later I could not trust my decisions & that I needed to depend on His alone! He is the One who has kept me sober all these years & also removed many more sins from my life, one by one by one by one & so on. And, He still is doing that, only the number has come way down so it is not as often.....He is so patient with us! I have much more Jesus-confidence than self-confidence now. Amen!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Yielding to the Spirit
Psalm 31:3 (NKJV) "For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name's sake, lead me and guide me."
It's very important for us to learn how to consistently yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit. I love how the Psalmist cries out, "for Your name's sake, lead me and guide me." That's where it begins: the desire for God to lead and guide, no matter what awaits us on the journey. Too often when tough times come, there is a natural tendency to jump in and take control. After all, the more control we have, the safer we feel. Yet, it's possible for us to try and do our own thing and go our own way, only to find out we've been battling with the very God that loves and cares for us! Ultimately, God's will prevails.
Proverbs 16:9 "A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps."
Proverbs 16:33 "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD."
Proverbs 19:21 "There are many plans in a man's heart. Nevertheless the LORD's counsel--that will stand." Take some time today and lift your cares and concerns to God in prayer. Ask Him for a yieldable spirit that will be in tune with His Spirit.
In His Great Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
Thank you, brother, this has been of great encouragement for me. I'm thankful and blessed that God has put me in the right place during this time of testing. This could have been the point when I give up, walk away and take things into my own hands, but I'm a rock and this too shall pass and the Lord will strengthen me. Just wanted to say thank you for being an obedient servant, sold out for the things of God.
It's very important for us to learn how to consistently yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit. I love how the Psalmist cries out, "for Your name's sake, lead me and guide me." That's where it begins: the desire for God to lead and guide, no matter what awaits us on the journey. Too often when tough times come, there is a natural tendency to jump in and take control. After all, the more control we have, the safer we feel. Yet, it's possible for us to try and do our own thing and go our own way, only to find out we've been battling with the very God that loves and cares for us! Ultimately, God's will prevails.
Proverbs 16:9 "A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps."
Proverbs 16:33 "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD."
Proverbs 19:21 "There are many plans in a man's heart. Nevertheless the LORD's counsel--that will stand." Take some time today and lift your cares and concerns to God in prayer. Ask Him for a yieldable spirit that will be in tune with His Spirit.
In His Great Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
Thank you, brother, this has been of great encouragement for me. I'm thankful and blessed that God has put me in the right place during this time of testing. This could have been the point when I give up, walk away and take things into my own hands, but I'm a rock and this too shall pass and the Lord will strengthen me. Just wanted to say thank you for being an obedient servant, sold out for the things of God.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Elephants Love To Eat Trees
James 1:14-15 (NKJV) But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
I read an interesting article entitled "Elephants Love to Eat Trees" a few weeks ago. In it, I learned that elephants love to eat trees and can quickly take out a small forest if they are hungry enough. Those that study such things have often wondered why that doesn't happen more often. Why don't elephants take out forests at whim? The answer is simple: ants. Elephants hate ants. When elephants start to yank on the limbs of the whistling-thorn tree, the ants swarm into their tender trunks and begin to sting and bite. Studies have shown that elephants tend to avoid these trees at all costs while learning to be careful in approaching other types of treEs. Thus, forests remain and elephants don't' have to deal with the consequences of disturbing the ants!
Trees so appealing and swarming with painful ants reminds me a lot of sin. Sin appears so appealing. Sin looks so satisfying. Sin looks so nourishing. Yet when you begin to yank on the limbs of sin, you get bit and stung by its hidden consequences.
Friends, stay away from sin, please. There is no need to learn the hard way.
In Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
Hello Pastor Ed! God's words today have taught me that my excuses for not being good enough or competent enough to perform the functions of my job are really about me just not wanting to do what God has asked of me. I don't want to have to deal with learning the job and knowing all that I have to know, because it hurts my pride and because I'm just lazy sometimes. God has humbled me in a way I needed.
I read an interesting article entitled "Elephants Love to Eat Trees" a few weeks ago. In it, I learned that elephants love to eat trees and can quickly take out a small forest if they are hungry enough. Those that study such things have often wondered why that doesn't happen more often. Why don't elephants take out forests at whim? The answer is simple: ants. Elephants hate ants. When elephants start to yank on the limbs of the whistling-thorn tree, the ants swarm into their tender trunks and begin to sting and bite. Studies have shown that elephants tend to avoid these trees at all costs while learning to be careful in approaching other types of treEs. Thus, forests remain and elephants don't' have to deal with the consequences of disturbing the ants!
Trees so appealing and swarming with painful ants reminds me a lot of sin. Sin appears so appealing. Sin looks so satisfying. Sin looks so nourishing. Yet when you begin to yank on the limbs of sin, you get bit and stung by its hidden consequences.
Friends, stay away from sin, please. There is no need to learn the hard way.
In Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
Hello Pastor Ed! God's words today have taught me that my excuses for not being good enough or competent enough to perform the functions of my job are really about me just not wanting to do what God has asked of me. I don't want to have to deal with learning the job and knowing all that I have to know, because it hurts my pride and because I'm just lazy sometimes. God has humbled me in a way I needed.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Can God Use Me?
2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV) "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."
I love it when someone asks me the question, "Can God use me?" I'll so quickly answer, "Yes." Absolutely! Not only can God use you, He wants to! Yet, it's often that my answers are met with reason after reason why a person has written themselves off. I'll hear things like, "But Pastor, you don't know my past;" or "I'm so unsure;" or "I don't know the Bible that well;" or a whole host of other reasons and excuses.
For sure, some reasons are real and there are heavy burdens being carried. They become an open door for biblical discipleship and ministry help. Yet, sometimes the reasons are merely excuses for not stepping up and stepping into the will of God for your life.
God only uses IMPERFECT people. Why? Because that's all He has to work with! There isn't anyone serving Jesus right now that is perfect. Far from it! Only people that have been touched and tainted by the reality of failure and faults are used by God, because all of us fall into that category in one degree or another.
If you're hesitant in stepping into the will of God for your life because you see in your past a string of unfortunate failures, then here's a section of Scripture for you to read, memorize, and hold on to:
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NLT) Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
By the way, if you call Calvary Aurora your spiritual home, then print out our ministry application and turn it in. You can download it here: Ministry Application.
In His Great Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
I just want to let you know that the additional comments you have been including, with these devotionals, have really been a blessing to me and have made me rejoice and praise God right along with the people who wrote them. It's good that the "body" minister to each other, and although these folks may not have intended to do that, the Lord certainly intended that it be done. Thank you for following the lead of God's Holy Spirit and for sharing my brothers' and sisters' voices. I hope they will know how they have been used to bless others - just as God has blessed them.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Learning From Jesus
Matt 11:28 (NKJV) "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
As the book of Joshua opens up, we see God speaking directly to His young, new leader. We see it so many times in the Bible - God speaking to His servants - that if we're not careful, we may miss the importance of Joshua being able to hear God.
How did Joshua learn to hear from God? I believe it was Moses that taught him; that discipled him in the things of the Lord. Joshua was a faithful servant to Moses. As you read through the early pages of the Old Testament, you'll often find Joshua very close in proximity to Moses. Not only was Joshua a servant, he was also a spiritual student.
I'm reminded of my own life. It's so important for me, for you, to be close to Jesus. We're not just to be good servants to Jesus, but also good students of Jesus. We have much to learn, and as we faithfully serve Him, He is faithful to teach us!
By Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
There are many but I keep coming back to Romans 8:28. I particularly like the NASB translation of it... And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Since this prodigal came home a little over three years ago, the Lord has shown me that indeed He does cause all things to work together for good. During my time away from Him, many [things] happened in my life which made absolutely no sense to me. Many things that at the time made me feel as if He wasn't in control. For if He was, surely he wouldn't allow these things to happen to me! But, now looking back I can see His hands all over those situations. I like to think that a believer's life is sort of like a jigsaw puzzle. You see the individual pieces as moments in time and you can't often seem to see how they fit into anything. But as God puts the pieces together, then out of disorder comes order and you begin to see that there is a design and that it is taking shape. It simply takes trust in Him to be able to have peace and to know that while the circumstances that you may be going through now make no sense to you, in the end it will all come together like a puzzle. The end result being a clear and beautiful picture, of your life.
Monday, November 1, 2010
You're a Saint
Colossians 1:2 (NKJV) To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Each time the word 'saint' is used, immediately the idea of someone who is super-spiritual comes to my mind. Over the years there has been a lot of confusion over the word 'saints.' Who is a saint? Who says that a person is saint? We all know that there are some famous saints like 'St. Teresa' and 'St. Thomas,' but is the world's common understanding of saints really biblical? I suggest to you that it is not.
According to the largest Christian Religion in the world, the following steps are necessary to become a saint:
"All Christians aspire to become saints, that is, persons in heaven (officially canonized or not), who lived lives of great charity and heroic virtues. In official (ROMAN CATHOLIC) Church procedures there are three steps to sainthood: one becomes Venerable, Blessed and then a Saint. Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized as having lived heroic virtues. To be recognized as a blessed, and therefore beatified, in addition to personal attributes of charity and heroic virtue, one miracle, acquired through the individual's intercession, is required. Canonization requires two, though a Pope may waive these requirements. Martyrdom does not usually require a miracle."
Friend, it's all not true, unnecessary, and man-made! According to the Bible, if you're a believer in Jesus, then you're automatically a saint. Saints in the New Testament, and today, are alive. You're a saint not because of what you do, but because of you are in Jesus. He has made you a saint. The word in the Greek is the word, "hagios," and literally means to be 'set apart for a special work.' As a Christian, you are set apart by God for His use. You're not perfect, but in His hands you're a saint on the move!
Please test all things by the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 5:1)! It will help clear up 100% of any confusion that has arisen through man-made religions.
Loving Jesus,
Saint Edward
Response
I truly appreciate your enotes. I use these enotes and some links to the Bible studies for my devotions and do receive much comfort and encouragement from them. Even if I heard them before, there is always something in them that grabs me. I have been a Christian all my life. We all need encouragement. Also, I love to read the replies that you get from your enotes, especially from the new believers. They are so excited about their news lives that it give me a good shot in the arm! Sometimes I just need one. Thank you for all you do.
Each time the word 'saint' is used, immediately the idea of someone who is super-spiritual comes to my mind. Over the years there has been a lot of confusion over the word 'saints.' Who is a saint? Who says that a person is saint? We all know that there are some famous saints like 'St. Teresa' and 'St. Thomas,' but is the world's common understanding of saints really biblical? I suggest to you that it is not.
According to the largest Christian Religion in the world, the following steps are necessary to become a saint:
"All Christians aspire to become saints, that is, persons in heaven (officially canonized or not), who lived lives of great charity and heroic virtues. In official (ROMAN CATHOLIC) Church procedures there are three steps to sainthood: one becomes Venerable, Blessed and then a Saint. Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized as having lived heroic virtues. To be recognized as a blessed, and therefore beatified, in addition to personal attributes of charity and heroic virtue, one miracle, acquired through the individual's intercession, is required. Canonization requires two, though a Pope may waive these requirements. Martyrdom does not usually require a miracle."
Friend, it's all not true, unnecessary, and man-made! According to the Bible, if you're a believer in Jesus, then you're automatically a saint. Saints in the New Testament, and today, are alive. You're a saint not because of what you do, but because of you are in Jesus. He has made you a saint. The word in the Greek is the word, "hagios," and literally means to be 'set apart for a special work.' As a Christian, you are set apart by God for His use. You're not perfect, but in His hands you're a saint on the move!
Please test all things by the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 5:1)! It will help clear up 100% of any confusion that has arisen through man-made religions.
Loving Jesus,
Saint Edward
Response
I truly appreciate your enotes. I use these enotes and some links to the Bible studies for my devotions and do receive much comfort and encouragement from them. Even if I heard them before, there is always something in them that grabs me. I have been a Christian all my life. We all need encouragement. Also, I love to read the replies that you get from your enotes, especially from the new believers. They are so excited about their news lives that it give me a good shot in the arm! Sometimes I just need one. Thank you for all you do.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Conquering Strongholds
Romans 13:13-14 (NKJV) Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Self-confidence is what makes us think we can battle and struggle with the spiritual strongholds in our lives, and prevail. We take on the, "I can do it" attitude and find defeat at ever turn. Why? Defeat is so common because we are not strong enough or sufficient in ourselves to gain the victory. Although that might be offensive to our flesh, it's true.
It's only in the Spirit life that we find strength to conquer those strongholds that the flesh has set up in our lives. Our flesh, our old sinful habit patterns, loves to be coddled and fed. But the Bible tells us that the flesh doesn't please God ever: never, ever. It needs to die! We need new habits, habits of dependence upon Jesus and habits of yielding to the Spirit in all things.
It's in the Spirit life that we see the walled cities of sin come tumbling down. We begin to see the giants fall like flies. We begin to possess the wonderful and glorious experiences that God has promised to every believer. It's in the Spirit that we thrive in the spiritual victory that is already ours in Christ.
Choose to walk in the Spirit today, not fulfilling the lusts of your flesh. It's one of the quickest and most effective ways to lose your self-confidence, replacing it with Jesus-confidence!
In Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
My favorite verse would have to be Isaiah 41:10. The Lord spoke to me through this verse when I was trying to get up the courage to call for help for my drinking. I was not yet a Christian but believed and had a Bible. I was sobbing every time I picked up the phone for about an hour. I just could not make the call. I cried out to the Lord to show me a scripture that would help me to make the call. I opened the Bible to Isaiah 41:10, Do not fear for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. NAS. Still have that Bible and have that page marked. I was able to make the call, although still crying so hard that the people thought I was suicidal, but the Lord got me through it! He had to help me again later to stop the drinking but through Him I was finally able to stop. Reading that scripture was the first step on my road to recovery and to making a commitment to Him!
Self-confidence is what makes us think we can battle and struggle with the spiritual strongholds in our lives, and prevail. We take on the, "I can do it" attitude and find defeat at ever turn. Why? Defeat is so common because we are not strong enough or sufficient in ourselves to gain the victory. Although that might be offensive to our flesh, it's true.
It's only in the Spirit life that we find strength to conquer those strongholds that the flesh has set up in our lives. Our flesh, our old sinful habit patterns, loves to be coddled and fed. But the Bible tells us that the flesh doesn't please God ever: never, ever. It needs to die! We need new habits, habits of dependence upon Jesus and habits of yielding to the Spirit in all things.
It's in the Spirit life that we see the walled cities of sin come tumbling down. We begin to see the giants fall like flies. We begin to possess the wonderful and glorious experiences that God has promised to every believer. It's in the Spirit that we thrive in the spiritual victory that is already ours in Christ.
Choose to walk in the Spirit today, not fulfilling the lusts of your flesh. It's one of the quickest and most effective ways to lose your self-confidence, replacing it with Jesus-confidence!
In Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
My favorite verse would have to be Isaiah 41:10. The Lord spoke to me through this verse when I was trying to get up the courage to call for help for my drinking. I was not yet a Christian but believed and had a Bible. I was sobbing every time I picked up the phone for about an hour. I just could not make the call. I cried out to the Lord to show me a scripture that would help me to make the call. I opened the Bible to Isaiah 41:10, Do not fear for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. NAS. Still have that Bible and have that page marked. I was able to make the call, although still crying so hard that the people thought I was suicidal, but the Lord got me through it! He had to help me again later to stop the drinking but through Him I was finally able to stop. Reading that scripture was the first step on my road to recovery and to making a commitment to Him!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Finally, Be Strong
Psalms 138:3 (NKJV) In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul.
Spiritual warfare and spiritual growth go hand in hand. Please don't forget that. With any growing church, with any growing marriage, with any growing single, with any growing believer, there will be spiritual resistance and attacks. That's the methodology of the devil. That's just the way he works.
Jesus told Peter that He Himself would build His church upon the powerful confession Peter just made, that Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. Every true believer becomes one more living stone on the foundation of Jesus. Look at Matthew 16:18 again:
Matthew 16:18 "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Wow! Jesus is building His church and even the gates of hell won't prevail against it! Even though the gates of hell will try, they won't triumph. They can't! Jesus is in charge!
It's true; Satan is going to come full force against us, trying to take us down, and ultimately take us out! If he can't get the church, he'll pick off the leaders. If he can't get the leaders, he'll pick off the members. If he can't get the members, he'll pick off their kids. If he can't get the kids, he'll pick off the visitors. If he can't get the visitors, he'll hit the leaders again. WELL... you get the picture.
Ephesians 6.10-11 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Stand strong in Jesus today, friend. He's your strength. He's your sufficiency!
Standing in Him,
Pastor Ed
Response
My mom went to church two Sundays ago and when she got to church she realized that she forgot her bible. When she got home, she couldn't find her bible anywhere and called me in tears to tell me. She had had this bible since 1979 and it was so precious to her. But she also knew that if someone else needed her bible that God would bless them. So we said that we would pray everyday that God would some how bring her bible back to her. The next day she took her overweight Chihuahua on her daily walk and started to find little notes and things that were in her bible, so she realized that she must have left her bible on her car when she put something in the trunk before she got in the car. Well a week went by and yesterday a lady came to her door with her bible, she had found it on the street and saw her name on it and knew my mom, so she brought it to her. My mom called me last night with tears of joy! She said isn't God just like that? All day she had been so broken about her two grandsons and that it was just like God to remind her that He hears her prayers and He is in control!
Spiritual warfare and spiritual growth go hand in hand. Please don't forget that. With any growing church, with any growing marriage, with any growing single, with any growing believer, there will be spiritual resistance and attacks. That's the methodology of the devil. That's just the way he works.
Jesus told Peter that He Himself would build His church upon the powerful confession Peter just made, that Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. Every true believer becomes one more living stone on the foundation of Jesus. Look at Matthew 16:18 again:
Matthew 16:18 "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Wow! Jesus is building His church and even the gates of hell won't prevail against it! Even though the gates of hell will try, they won't triumph. They can't! Jesus is in charge!
It's true; Satan is going to come full force against us, trying to take us down, and ultimately take us out! If he can't get the church, he'll pick off the leaders. If he can't get the leaders, he'll pick off the members. If he can't get the members, he'll pick off their kids. If he can't get the kids, he'll pick off the visitors. If he can't get the visitors, he'll hit the leaders again. WELL... you get the picture.
Ephesians 6.10-11 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Stand strong in Jesus today, friend. He's your strength. He's your sufficiency!
Standing in Him,
Pastor Ed
Response
My mom went to church two Sundays ago and when she got to church she realized that she forgot her bible. When she got home, she couldn't find her bible anywhere and called me in tears to tell me. She had had this bible since 1979 and it was so precious to her. But she also knew that if someone else needed her bible that God would bless them. So we said that we would pray everyday that God would some how bring her bible back to her. The next day she took her overweight Chihuahua on her daily walk and started to find little notes and things that were in her bible, so she realized that she must have left her bible on her car when she put something in the trunk before she got in the car. Well a week went by and yesterday a lady came to her door with her bible, she had found it on the street and saw her name on it and knew my mom, so she brought it to her. My mom called me last night with tears of joy! She said isn't God just like that? All day she had been so broken about her two grandsons and that it was just like God to remind her that He hears her prayers and He is in control!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Get Out Of the Mud of Legalism
Romans 5:2 (NKJV) ...through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Ever step into some serious mud? It's a bummer, isn't it? I remember a work day on our property some years back, when I stepped into a pile of mud that completely covered my shoes. I thought for sure they were ruined.
Standing in grace, completely covered by it, doesn't ruin you, but helps you. Once at war with God, now by faith you have peace, access, grace, and hope in Him! As you stand in His grace, it gives you a firm footing in living a life that pleases Him. Oh, it's not a life that requires your performance, but rather a life that is lived through the power of His Spirit dwelling in you.
Remember today that you are standing in God's grace. I love it, don't you, that Paul didn't write that we're standing in God's judgment, or standing in God's expectations, or standing in God's religion?
No, we stand in God's grace - His unmerited, unearned, undeserved agape love and favor. Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so!
What's you're favorite verse in the Bible and why? REPLY to this note and share it with me.
In Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
One verse I really, really love is 1 Timothy 1:12-17. It is just amazing to me to think that God would choose me of all people, even those who once persecuted God and didn't care about Him, to be used to speak His name to others. This past Sunday I was having a rough time when the parents on a soccer sideline were yelling at me and saying the Lord's name in vain in a U14 game (I was the linesman). There was one man who just kept saying His name in vain and it made me so sad. Afterwards I was just amazed that God still loves that man, no more and no less. It just shows that we say so many bad things against God, and yet he still loves us and sent His Son to die for us so that we could have a relationship with Him. Yeah God!
Ever step into some serious mud? It's a bummer, isn't it? I remember a work day on our property some years back, when I stepped into a pile of mud that completely covered my shoes. I thought for sure they were ruined.
Standing in grace, completely covered by it, doesn't ruin you, but helps you. Once at war with God, now by faith you have peace, access, grace, and hope in Him! As you stand in His grace, it gives you a firm footing in living a life that pleases Him. Oh, it's not a life that requires your performance, but rather a life that is lived through the power of His Spirit dwelling in you.
Remember today that you are standing in God's grace. I love it, don't you, that Paul didn't write that we're standing in God's judgment, or standing in God's expectations, or standing in God's religion?
No, we stand in God's grace - His unmerited, unearned, undeserved agape love and favor. Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so!
What's you're favorite verse in the Bible and why? REPLY to this note and share it with me.
In Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
One verse I really, really love is 1 Timothy 1:12-17. It is just amazing to me to think that God would choose me of all people, even those who once persecuted God and didn't care about Him, to be used to speak His name to others. This past Sunday I was having a rough time when the parents on a soccer sideline were yelling at me and saying the Lord's name in vain in a U14 game (I was the linesman). There was one man who just kept saying His name in vain and it made me so sad. Afterwards I was just amazed that God still loves that man, no more and no less. It just shows that we say so many bad things against God, and yet he still loves us and sent His Son to die for us so that we could have a relationship with Him. Yeah God!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Two Lines of Attack
Romans 8:37-39 (NKJV) Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jesus taught us about the motives of the devil and the demonic realm. He told us that the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I'm so glad He didn't stop there, but ended by saying that we can be of good cheer, encouraged in the battle in Him, because He's overcome the world. By our faith in Him, we too are overcomers.
Yet, the devil is relentless in trying to destroy believers, marriages, families, and even churches. First, he tries to come at you outwardly, with persecution and attacks. Weird arguments and pressures that seem almost too much to bear are normal and common. We run to Him and find help in our time of need, and the wave of persecution eases, or even disappears altogether.
But remember this, don't forget it, when the devil can't take a family or church down outwardly, he'll come and try to destroy it from the inside. It's been known that Satan will join the church, become an active member, and try to destroy through compromise and corruption. He'll use false teachers and false believers, and anything he can counterfeit.
But know this: you are strong and secure in Him. Peter reminds us that we are kept in Him not by our own good works, or our own efforts, but by His sure and steadfast power.
Perhaps you've been getting hit on the outside lately? Maybe it's been an inside attack? You could be getting attacked on all fronts! Run to Jesus, my friend, and find your strength and protection in Him. He alone is victorious!
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
I have lost almost everything that this worldly place was about. Ah, but I have gained the most important person that ever lived! Oh Jesus you are Holy, Holy, Holy and this truth of salvation is worth every bit of pain that brought me to that place of surrender. What a blessing to have the creator of all the universe pick me to save and all I had to do was say yes Lord. His work in my life and to know that you know He is alive and we are His sons and daughters. Wow, words cannot express my gratitude for how the Lord uses Calvary Chapel and your teaching to bring the lost and hurting like me to a saving knowledge. I am blown away as I watch week after week new believers come to Christ. It allows me opportunity to love them and to help them as I have been helped because I still remember that day in 2003 when I was overtaken by the Spirit and was born again. Jesus blesses me more than any--too much of this world or my sin--could ever take away. Sorry for the rambling long winded message but I close with a very special thank you, sir, for being my teacher of the word and my brother in Christ.
Jesus taught us about the motives of the devil and the demonic realm. He told us that the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I'm so glad He didn't stop there, but ended by saying that we can be of good cheer, encouraged in the battle in Him, because He's overcome the world. By our faith in Him, we too are overcomers.
Yet, the devil is relentless in trying to destroy believers, marriages, families, and even churches. First, he tries to come at you outwardly, with persecution and attacks. Weird arguments and pressures that seem almost too much to bear are normal and common. We run to Him and find help in our time of need, and the wave of persecution eases, or even disappears altogether.
But remember this, don't forget it, when the devil can't take a family or church down outwardly, he'll come and try to destroy it from the inside. It's been known that Satan will join the church, become an active member, and try to destroy through compromise and corruption. He'll use false teachers and false believers, and anything he can counterfeit.
But know this: you are strong and secure in Him. Peter reminds us that we are kept in Him not by our own good works, or our own efforts, but by His sure and steadfast power.
Perhaps you've been getting hit on the outside lately? Maybe it's been an inside attack? You could be getting attacked on all fronts! Run to Jesus, my friend, and find your strength and protection in Him. He alone is victorious!
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
I have lost almost everything that this worldly place was about. Ah, but I have gained the most important person that ever lived! Oh Jesus you are Holy, Holy, Holy and this truth of salvation is worth every bit of pain that brought me to that place of surrender. What a blessing to have the creator of all the universe pick me to save and all I had to do was say yes Lord. His work in my life and to know that you know He is alive and we are His sons and daughters. Wow, words cannot express my gratitude for how the Lord uses Calvary Chapel and your teaching to bring the lost and hurting like me to a saving knowledge. I am blown away as I watch week after week new believers come to Christ. It allows me opportunity to love them and to help them as I have been helped because I still remember that day in 2003 when I was overtaken by the Spirit and was born again. Jesus blesses me more than any--too much of this world or my sin--could ever take away. Sorry for the rambling long winded message but I close with a very special thank you, sir, for being my teacher of the word and my brother in Christ.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Through The Bible
Psalms 138:2 (NKJV) I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
One of the commitments I've made to our precious congregation is that we will study the entirety of the Bible, from beginning to end. That means we will be going through every book of the Bible, verse by verse and chapter by chapter. One day I hope to say to you, as Paul was able to, that I haven't shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).
We've always sought to be a place here at Calvary that the sheep love to eat; where they are loved and cared for regularly. Think of it in terms of a good restaurant. If you have one, it's probably because you like the food there, especially that one dish. Well, the feeding of God's Word is vital and important. More than just your favorite restaurant, your church family should be one where the atmosphere, the ambience, is of the Spirit, and the teaching is feeding and nourishing your spiritual growth. Unfortunately, there are a lot of churches that simply refuse to feed the flock of God. That is the grand tragedy of our generation! People aren't being encouraged to get into and stay in God's Word. There are even some within the new 'emergent' church that downplay and undermine the sufficiency of Scriptures. That's a travesty!
While other churches and spiritual leaders go this way and that way, we will steady on teaching the Word of God simply and in His power. We are a church where the Word of God is seen for what it is: life-giving and necessary. May God use His Word powerfully in and through us!
Loving His Word,
Pastor Ed
Response
Hey, Pastor Ed, Just wanted to tell you that your message really gave me a lot of encouragement. I was just telling Arty that sometimes I feel like I'm not even a Christian 'cause my faith is sometimes so weak. Your words and God's Word really lifted me up Sunday. I needed that!
One of the commitments I've made to our precious congregation is that we will study the entirety of the Bible, from beginning to end. That means we will be going through every book of the Bible, verse by verse and chapter by chapter. One day I hope to say to you, as Paul was able to, that I haven't shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).
We've always sought to be a place here at Calvary that the sheep love to eat; where they are loved and cared for regularly. Think of it in terms of a good restaurant. If you have one, it's probably because you like the food there, especially that one dish. Well, the feeding of God's Word is vital and important. More than just your favorite restaurant, your church family should be one where the atmosphere, the ambience, is of the Spirit, and the teaching is feeding and nourishing your spiritual growth. Unfortunately, there are a lot of churches that simply refuse to feed the flock of God. That is the grand tragedy of our generation! People aren't being encouraged to get into and stay in God's Word. There are even some within the new 'emergent' church that downplay and undermine the sufficiency of Scriptures. That's a travesty!
While other churches and spiritual leaders go this way and that way, we will steady on teaching the Word of God simply and in His power. We are a church where the Word of God is seen for what it is: life-giving and necessary. May God use His Word powerfully in and through us!
Loving His Word,
Pastor Ed
Response
Hey, Pastor Ed, Just wanted to tell you that your message really gave me a lot of encouragement. I was just telling Arty that sometimes I feel like I'm not even a Christian 'cause my faith is sometimes so weak. Your words and God's Word really lifted me up Sunday. I needed that!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Men and Women of the Word
Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Even though there is almost a wholesale abandonment of God's Word among so many churches today, you don't have to fall into that trap. We need God's Word. We need to be reading it. We need to be studying it. We need to be memorizing it. We need to be using it. We need to be relying upon it. We need to be trusting it. We need to be sharing it.
God's Word is living and powerful; alive and active. Make the Word of God your source for every decision. Search out the Scriptures like you were up in the Yukon, mining for gold! There are treasures and juicy spiritual nuggets to be found, every time you turn the page.
I hope you know by now that your spiritual strength and vitality is directly related to the time you spend in God's Word. It's been said that a 'week' without the Word will make a Christian 'weak.' It's so true.
Agree with Job, in loving God's Word, who said, "I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. Job 23:12 (NKJV)"
Dive into His Word today, friend. You'll be glad you did!
In Him,
Pastor Ed
Response
Pastor Ed, you brought back a wonderful memory for me. My family very recently has gone through three years of darkness and trials, one thing right after another. A friend told me she had never gone through trials like we were going through and she actually said she envied us because she just knew that God would bless us if we stayed faithful through it all. She was right. God is just blessing our socks off right now! I just hope that through the next trial, I can always remember to bless Him and praise Him in the bad times just as I am through the good times now. And I hope we can always remember that there is a light at the end of that tunnel for us, shining bright, if we can just hold on long enough to get a glimpse of it! Thank you for your faithfulness, also. You are a very good substitute shepherd! Until His return!
Even though there is almost a wholesale abandonment of God's Word among so many churches today, you don't have to fall into that trap. We need God's Word. We need to be reading it. We need to be studying it. We need to be memorizing it. We need to be using it. We need to be relying upon it. We need to be trusting it. We need to be sharing it.
God's Word is living and powerful; alive and active. Make the Word of God your source for every decision. Search out the Scriptures like you were up in the Yukon, mining for gold! There are treasures and juicy spiritual nuggets to be found, every time you turn the page.
I hope you know by now that your spiritual strength and vitality is directly related to the time you spend in God's Word. It's been said that a 'week' without the Word will make a Christian 'weak.' It's so true.
Agree with Job, in loving God's Word, who said, "I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. Job 23:12 (NKJV)"
Dive into His Word today, friend. You'll be glad you did!
In Him,
Pastor Ed
Response
Pastor Ed, you brought back a wonderful memory for me. My family very recently has gone through three years of darkness and trials, one thing right after another. A friend told me she had never gone through trials like we were going through and she actually said she envied us because she just knew that God would bless us if we stayed faithful through it all. She was right. God is just blessing our socks off right now! I just hope that through the next trial, I can always remember to bless Him and praise Him in the bad times just as I am through the good times now. And I hope we can always remember that there is a light at the end of that tunnel for us, shining bright, if we can just hold on long enough to get a glimpse of it! Thank you for your faithfulness, also. You are a very good substitute shepherd! Until His return!
Friday, October 8, 2010
11 Days
1 Peter 1:17-19 (NKJV) And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
If you were to take out a map and a calculator, and begin charting the shortest route from Egypt into the Promised Land, you'd come to the conclusion that the trip would take about eleven days. That's all it would have been, roughly just eleven days; 264 hours; or 15,840 minutes.
Instead, that short eleven days stretched out into over 14,000 days. Why? Disobedience. The children of Israel were miraculously delivered from the bondage and slavery in Egypt, miraculously delivered from the pursuing Egyptian armies only to cower at the words of ten men, who saw the land not as the promise of God, but as filled with giants and giant problems. Their bad report demoralized the people and a whole generation died in the wilderness, never entering in. That's sad.
Those are a lot of days filled with aimless wandering. I know that when I recall the children of Israel, my heart is that I don't wander around myself. It's too easy to point the finger at them, while there are three coming back at me. We've already spent enough of our life wandering around in this brutal world; I don't want to spend one more aimless day on the earth. I want to live with His purpose in mind. I want to be led by His Spirit. I want my life to matter for His Kingdom.
Be careful to stick to close to Jesus. Build yourself up in Him in your most holy faith. Don't turn to the left or to the right. Your life matters to God and to this world. Take the quickest, most efficient route of obedience.
Led by His Spirit,
Pastor Ed
Response
This past weekend my sister, who is visiting Colorado for two weeks, came across someone from your church at a fast food place. They paid for her meal - she was down to her last $20 - an answer to prayer. She is visiting Colorado for two weeks and is leaving her children with her mother-in-law for three months. Please pray for her and her children. Thank you so much!
If you were to take out a map and a calculator, and begin charting the shortest route from Egypt into the Promised Land, you'd come to the conclusion that the trip would take about eleven days. That's all it would have been, roughly just eleven days; 264 hours; or 15,840 minutes.
Instead, that short eleven days stretched out into over 14,000 days. Why? Disobedience. The children of Israel were miraculously delivered from the bondage and slavery in Egypt, miraculously delivered from the pursuing Egyptian armies only to cower at the words of ten men, who saw the land not as the promise of God, but as filled with giants and giant problems. Their bad report demoralized the people and a whole generation died in the wilderness, never entering in. That's sad.
Those are a lot of days filled with aimless wandering. I know that when I recall the children of Israel, my heart is that I don't wander around myself. It's too easy to point the finger at them, while there are three coming back at me. We've already spent enough of our life wandering around in this brutal world; I don't want to spend one more aimless day on the earth. I want to live with His purpose in mind. I want to be led by His Spirit. I want my life to matter for His Kingdom.
Be careful to stick to close to Jesus. Build yourself up in Him in your most holy faith. Don't turn to the left or to the right. Your life matters to God and to this world. Take the quickest, most efficient route of obedience.
Led by His Spirit,
Pastor Ed
Response
This past weekend my sister, who is visiting Colorado for two weeks, came across someone from your church at a fast food place. They paid for her meal - she was down to her last $20 - an answer to prayer. She is visiting Colorado for two weeks and is leaving her children with her mother-in-law for three months. Please pray for her and her children. Thank you so much!
Monday, October 4, 2010
89.7 GRACEfm is coming to Denver in December 2010!
Luke 8:39 NKJV "Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you." And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.
God has done great things among us. God's history through Calvary Aurora is filled with the His faithfulness at every turn.
We start a new chapter in the life of our congregation with a powerful tool of outreach to our city!
We are blessed with the privilege of owning a radio station that will cover the Denver Metro area with solid and consistent Bible teaching, along with the latest music that edifies the soul! Over the past three months, we have aggressively pursued this purchase and by God's grace, it will close by the end of this year.
What does that mean for us? It means that we now have the honor, and the means, to serve the Metro area 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It means we have the potential to touch the city in amazing ways brining the teachings of pastors like Chuck Smith, Greg Laurie, Skip Heitzig, Bob Coy, and others to the Denver Metro area.
You are a very important part of GRACEfm. What needs can you fulfill?
The need to PRAY (Luke 18:1) The foundation of our station is prayer.
The need to GIVE (2 Corinthians 9:7-8) As a part of our 'Building the Future' goals, we are asking that you give over and above your tithes to help support the outreach.
The need to TELL (Luke 8:39) it's very important that our city know the station is here. We'll have fliers, cards, bumper stickers, and all sorts of 'get the word out tool' coming in the near future.
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
God has done great things among us. God's history through Calvary Aurora is filled with the His faithfulness at every turn.
We start a new chapter in the life of our congregation with a powerful tool of outreach to our city!
We are blessed with the privilege of owning a radio station that will cover the Denver Metro area with solid and consistent Bible teaching, along with the latest music that edifies the soul! Over the past three months, we have aggressively pursued this purchase and by God's grace, it will close by the end of this year.
What does that mean for us? It means that we now have the honor, and the means, to serve the Metro area 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It means we have the potential to touch the city in amazing ways brining the teachings of pastors like Chuck Smith, Greg Laurie, Skip Heitzig, Bob Coy, and others to the Denver Metro area.
You are a very important part of GRACEfm. What needs can you fulfill?
The need to PRAY (Luke 18:1) The foundation of our station is prayer.
The need to GIVE (2 Corinthians 9:7-8) As a part of our 'Building the Future' goals, we are asking that you give over and above your tithes to help support the outreach.
The need to TELL (Luke 8:39) it's very important that our city know the station is here. We'll have fliers, cards, bumper stickers, and all sorts of 'get the word out tool' coming in the near future.
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Friday, October 1, 2010
Waiting On Him
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Have you ever had to wait for something for a long time? Doesn't it just get to you sometimes? Don't you begin to well up with anxiety and worry? Thoughts begin to take over like, "Why haven't I heard anything yet? Did they forget about me? Maybe it's not going to happen. That's it! Forget it, not going to get it." Its times like these when minutes seem like hours, hours seem like days, and days just seem like forever!
The waiting is only harder when we're in 'wait mode' because of our own failure. Things could have happened a lot earlier and easier, but because I blew it, now I have to wait.
I want you to know that God wastes nothing. While you're waiting on Him, God's doing great things in your heart and life. He's developing your trust and faith in Him. He's helping you slow down. He's giving you perspective. He's strengthening you. He's encouraging you to look to Him. God is never late. He's always perfectly on time!
Soon the waiting will be over. Don't be so quick to give up. Steady on strong in the love of God!
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Waiting on Him,
Pastor Ed
Response
It's God that the enote was about ministry when I opened it, ready to email you about ministry. I filled out a ministry application, I want to live out these scriptures. I know my life is only as valuable as I die to myself and allow Him to work in me. I want Him to take over my life and do what He wills, but I know also in His timing, not mine, so I was placed in the children's ministry. I love it because that's where He wants me, but I have a HUGE desire to pray with people and counsel them in the Word and with my experience and example. I am young, and not very experienced but I've experienced His grace and want to share it with others as much as I am able. So you said you were going to give my application to Rita based on what you and I talked about Sunday. I will wait to hear from Him and her and serve according to the scriptures in the enote. I want Jesus to be a light through my life SO badly. Thanks for directing us ONLY to Him, it's a new church experience for me and I've been in church since I was born. So, I really appreciate your heart toward Him.
Have you ever had to wait for something for a long time? Doesn't it just get to you sometimes? Don't you begin to well up with anxiety and worry? Thoughts begin to take over like, "Why haven't I heard anything yet? Did they forget about me? Maybe it's not going to happen. That's it! Forget it, not going to get it." Its times like these when minutes seem like hours, hours seem like days, and days just seem like forever!
The waiting is only harder when we're in 'wait mode' because of our own failure. Things could have happened a lot earlier and easier, but because I blew it, now I have to wait.
I want you to know that God wastes nothing. While you're waiting on Him, God's doing great things in your heart and life. He's developing your trust and faith in Him. He's helping you slow down. He's giving you perspective. He's strengthening you. He's encouraging you to look to Him. God is never late. He's always perfectly on time!
Soon the waiting will be over. Don't be so quick to give up. Steady on strong in the love of God!
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Waiting on Him,
Pastor Ed
Response
It's God that the enote was about ministry when I opened it, ready to email you about ministry. I filled out a ministry application, I want to live out these scriptures. I know my life is only as valuable as I die to myself and allow Him to work in me. I want Him to take over my life and do what He wills, but I know also in His timing, not mine, so I was placed in the children's ministry. I love it because that's where He wants me, but I have a HUGE desire to pray with people and counsel them in the Word and with my experience and example. I am young, and not very experienced but I've experienced His grace and want to share it with others as much as I am able. So you said you were going to give my application to Rita based on what you and I talked about Sunday. I will wait to hear from Him and her and serve according to the scriptures in the enote. I want Jesus to be a light through my life SO badly. Thanks for directing us ONLY to Him, it's a new church experience for me and I've been in church since I was born. So, I really appreciate your heart toward Him.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Scheduling the Spirit
James 4:13-15 (NKJV) Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."
We like things to be predictable. It helps to ease the anxiety that can pop up as things happen around us that we have no control over. How do we handle that? Usually, we grasp at making things predictable and planned as much as possible. In some realms of life, like vacations and weekly schedules, that's not such a bad idea.
Yet when that attitude spills over into the realm of the Spirit, we can so easily schedule the Spirit of God right out of our lives! What a trap to fall into; the trap of the routine. We get so used to our routines that when God wants to break us out of them and fall upon us in a new, fresh way, we so quickly resist, choosing our routines instead.
Friend, be careful to remain open to His Spirit. Pray for that sensitivity to His Spirit, that flexibility to go anywhere, and do anything, at anytime for Jesus!
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
I can't tell you how much I appreciate the free downloads and the webcasts. I understand some ministries feel they need to cover costs and I don't begrudge them for charging a couple of dollars for downloading messages, but it is such a great tool to be able to refer people to our web site when they need to hear something from the Bible and to be able to tell them they can hear God's word at no charge. It was also great to be in another state and be able to listen in live and not have to miss the message. We have family in town that we need to be with this Wednesday and it will be nice to be able to view the service later and not have to miss it. We don't like missing the fellowship of being there, but seeing the service is the next best thing.
We like things to be predictable. It helps to ease the anxiety that can pop up as things happen around us that we have no control over. How do we handle that? Usually, we grasp at making things predictable and planned as much as possible. In some realms of life, like vacations and weekly schedules, that's not such a bad idea.
Yet when that attitude spills over into the realm of the Spirit, we can so easily schedule the Spirit of God right out of our lives! What a trap to fall into; the trap of the routine. We get so used to our routines that when God wants to break us out of them and fall upon us in a new, fresh way, we so quickly resist, choosing our routines instead.
Friend, be careful to remain open to His Spirit. Pray for that sensitivity to His Spirit, that flexibility to go anywhere, and do anything, at anytime for Jesus!
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
I can't tell you how much I appreciate the free downloads and the webcasts. I understand some ministries feel they need to cover costs and I don't begrudge them for charging a couple of dollars for downloading messages, but it is such a great tool to be able to refer people to our web site when they need to hear something from the Bible and to be able to tell them they can hear God's word at no charge. It was also great to be in another state and be able to listen in live and not have to miss the message. We have family in town that we need to be with this Wednesday and it will be nice to be able to view the service later and not have to miss it. We don't like missing the fellowship of being there, but seeing the service is the next best thing.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Limiting God
Psalms 20:6 (NKJV) Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand.
Have you ever limited God in your prayers? For example, when a problem arises, you run to Jesus for help, casting all your cares upon Him because He cares for you. Then, as your prayers progress on the issue, you begin to 'figure out' a few solutions: two to be exact. Before you're done, if you're not careful, the prayer becomes something like this:
"Dear God. I know I'm in a tough spot right now. I ask you to take care of it this way or that way. In Jesus name, amen."
Be careful not to limit God to just two choices as the infinite resources of the universe are at His disposal. Although in our prayers we may box ourselves into a corner expecting the answer to either A or B, God will not be boxed in. We need to remain open and flexible to any answer that God decides to give us. He knows best!
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
Dear Pastor Ed, here is our story as "Waiting On the Lord" was our theme for the past year. God gave us the green light to move back "home" to Wyoming. The CO house sold. Things packed. We saw God move in some Mighty ways... Adventure awaited. ...And so did "the wait." We were to live in the basement of my in-laws for the next 6 months and in a town that God had not planned for us. As my husband's new job took root, he was no longer able to come home and join us for dinner or play due to the three hats he wore at work and the road construction that blocked the once easy route home. Now the search for a plot of land or a house out there became the goal as relationships with the in-laws were being stretched to the limits. Many times did I want to create an "Ishmael." Many times did I try to convince my husband that the house we just did a walk-through in was the one for us. But still, we waited. We never felt God's peace. We waited another 6 months of squeezing into a rental. We were now in the town God moved us to. We were led to a church. We were led to some land. A neighbor offered to pray with us upon it. And after enduring the stresses of two unexpected back surgeries on me (the mommy), where I really did have to do more "waiting," God blessed us richly with new friendships. ...We closed on our newly built home one year exactly after we sold and closed on our home in Colorado. And had we not waited, we might have missed it! This little chunk of land is more than what we had prayed for. We feel so blessed with the beauty of farm fields and mountains around us! And had my husband or me strayed and "just bought a house" to do it, well, I'm just thankful God helped us remain patient, as I sometimes compared "the unknown" of the past year to the wilderness that Moses brought his people through. It is my hope God will continue to use this house and land for His purposes. Hard to wait, but thankful for it.
Have you ever limited God in your prayers? For example, when a problem arises, you run to Jesus for help, casting all your cares upon Him because He cares for you. Then, as your prayers progress on the issue, you begin to 'figure out' a few solutions: two to be exact. Before you're done, if you're not careful, the prayer becomes something like this:
"Dear God. I know I'm in a tough spot right now. I ask you to take care of it this way or that way. In Jesus name, amen."
Be careful not to limit God to just two choices as the infinite resources of the universe are at His disposal. Although in our prayers we may box ourselves into a corner expecting the answer to either A or B, God will not be boxed in. We need to remain open and flexible to any answer that God decides to give us. He knows best!
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
Dear Pastor Ed, here is our story as "Waiting On the Lord" was our theme for the past year. God gave us the green light to move back "home" to Wyoming. The CO house sold. Things packed. We saw God move in some Mighty ways... Adventure awaited. ...And so did "the wait." We were to live in the basement of my in-laws for the next 6 months and in a town that God had not planned for us. As my husband's new job took root, he was no longer able to come home and join us for dinner or play due to the three hats he wore at work and the road construction that blocked the once easy route home. Now the search for a plot of land or a house out there became the goal as relationships with the in-laws were being stretched to the limits. Many times did I want to create an "Ishmael." Many times did I try to convince my husband that the house we just did a walk-through in was the one for us. But still, we waited. We never felt God's peace. We waited another 6 months of squeezing into a rental. We were now in the town God moved us to. We were led to a church. We were led to some land. A neighbor offered to pray with us upon it. And after enduring the stresses of two unexpected back surgeries on me (the mommy), where I really did have to do more "waiting," God blessed us richly with new friendships. ...We closed on our newly built home one year exactly after we sold and closed on our home in Colorado. And had we not waited, we might have missed it! This little chunk of land is more than what we had prayed for. We feel so blessed with the beauty of farm fields and mountains around us! And had my husband or me strayed and "just bought a house" to do it, well, I'm just thankful God helped us remain patient, as I sometimes compared "the unknown" of the past year to the wilderness that Moses brought his people through. It is my hope God will continue to use this house and land for His purposes. Hard to wait, but thankful for it.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Using Your Time
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
As we study the Bible, we may forget from time to time that God uses people to accomplish His will on earth. Even more than that, God uses ordinary, normal people like you and me.
Paul was one such man. He wasn't a superhero. He didn't possess super human strength or wisdom. He was a man sold out to God and filled with His Spirit.
One thing that blesses me about Paul (among many) is how he chose to use his time. He didn't subscribe to any time management principles because, I believe, he understood that it's impossible to 'manage time.' The clock keeps ticking no matter what. Even though we can't manage time, we can manage what we 'do' with the time God has given us!
At every turn, Paul was actively looking for ways to use His time to honor God and bless the saints.
That's our aim this week. Look for ways to use your time to honor God and bless others. Email at the end of the week if you remember, and share with us how God used your week with this little change in thinking.
In Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
I wanted to share some good news. I have been going through some difficult times lately and have had help from you and Matt. I wanted to share with you that I had been praying for God to help me find the right job now -- not 2 weeks from now, but now -- because I needed it very bad. Well yesterday I found a job on a job web site sent my resume and received a interview today; this never happens. I went to the interview and it was exactly the job I had been looking for. I was amazed they offered me the job on the spot; this also never happens. This is proof that God does answer prayers and in a mighty way. I am very thankful to the Lord. I also wanted to share that I was on the Internet and a blog caught my attention: it was someone comparing praying to God, to praying to a carton of milk it said you will get the same results it said praying to God was an illusion; if it was answered it was only coincidence. I am proof this is not true and that God does hear us and listens; and sometimes in desperation, He helps right away.
As we study the Bible, we may forget from time to time that God uses people to accomplish His will on earth. Even more than that, God uses ordinary, normal people like you and me.
Paul was one such man. He wasn't a superhero. He didn't possess super human strength or wisdom. He was a man sold out to God and filled with His Spirit.
One thing that blesses me about Paul (among many) is how he chose to use his time. He didn't subscribe to any time management principles because, I believe, he understood that it's impossible to 'manage time.' The clock keeps ticking no matter what. Even though we can't manage time, we can manage what we 'do' with the time God has given us!
At every turn, Paul was actively looking for ways to use His time to honor God and bless the saints.
That's our aim this week. Look for ways to use your time to honor God and bless others. Email at the end of the week if you remember, and share with us how God used your week with this little change in thinking.
In Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
I wanted to share some good news. I have been going through some difficult times lately and have had help from you and Matt. I wanted to share with you that I had been praying for God to help me find the right job now -- not 2 weeks from now, but now -- because I needed it very bad. Well yesterday I found a job on a job web site sent my resume and received a interview today; this never happens. I went to the interview and it was exactly the job I had been looking for. I was amazed they offered me the job on the spot; this also never happens. This is proof that God does answer prayers and in a mighty way. I am very thankful to the Lord. I also wanted to share that I was on the Internet and a blog caught my attention: it was someone comparing praying to God, to praying to a carton of milk it said you will get the same results it said praying to God was an illusion; if it was answered it was only coincidence. I am proof this is not true and that God does hear us and listens; and sometimes in desperation, He helps right away.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Rough Edges on Living Stones
1 Peter 2:4-5 (NKJV) Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
We all have rough edges in our lives. Attitudes, actions, or thoughts that need to be smoothed out by the Holy Spirit. The Bible reminds us that it is God that is working in and through us, smoothing out those spiritual rough edges for His glory and fame. Together as His church, we become the very Holy of Holies where God's Spirit resides; in us! The glory of God can both be seen and enjoyed through our lives!
When Paul writes to the church in Ephesus he tells them, "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." Ephesians 2:19-22 (NKJV)
What a picture! We are living stones growing up together in Jesus! The beautiful work of God in our lives smoothes out the edges so that we can grow together in depth and width. Dead stones fit together nicely with very little problems. But living, squirming, and vibrant stones can sometimes rub each other the wrong way. Yet even in that, we can rejoice because God knows the rough edges of our lives that will soon be smoothed out.
That's why, my friend, the mature believer sticks it out when times get tough. It's so important not to run away. A person who has a habit of running away when times get difficult, only adds to the layers of heartache as each place she runs to, the same problems are there. Why? Because she brought them with her!
Instead begin to pray for the attitude that sounds like, "I'm not going to try to change the location or situation. Instead, I'm going to stay right here and allow You, God, to do Your work through other people that might irritate me in order that I might grow up in You."
In His Great Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
Pastor Ed, The comment about "just hanging on" made me think of a walk that Calvin and I were on recently. We came across a man sitting on a park bench. I greeted him and asked how he was doing. His response? "Almost perfect." I loved it. It reminds me that things are not perfect here on earth, but in God's economy, our place is in heaven and there, everything IS perfect. I think I will use that response from now on when asked how I am...
We all have rough edges in our lives. Attitudes, actions, or thoughts that need to be smoothed out by the Holy Spirit. The Bible reminds us that it is God that is working in and through us, smoothing out those spiritual rough edges for His glory and fame. Together as His church, we become the very Holy of Holies where God's Spirit resides; in us! The glory of God can both be seen and enjoyed through our lives!
When Paul writes to the church in Ephesus he tells them, "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." Ephesians 2:19-22 (NKJV)
What a picture! We are living stones growing up together in Jesus! The beautiful work of God in our lives smoothes out the edges so that we can grow together in depth and width. Dead stones fit together nicely with very little problems. But living, squirming, and vibrant stones can sometimes rub each other the wrong way. Yet even in that, we can rejoice because God knows the rough edges of our lives that will soon be smoothed out.
That's why, my friend, the mature believer sticks it out when times get tough. It's so important not to run away. A person who has a habit of running away when times get difficult, only adds to the layers of heartache as each place she runs to, the same problems are there. Why? Because she brought them with her!
Instead begin to pray for the attitude that sounds like, "I'm not going to try to change the location or situation. Instead, I'm going to stay right here and allow You, God, to do Your work through other people that might irritate me in order that I might grow up in You."
In His Great Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
Pastor Ed, The comment about "just hanging on" made me think of a walk that Calvin and I were on recently. We came across a man sitting on a park bench. I greeted him and asked how he was doing. His response? "Almost perfect." I loved it. It reminds me that things are not perfect here on earth, but in God's economy, our place is in heaven and there, everything IS perfect. I think I will use that response from now on when asked how I am...
Monday, September 13, 2010
No Other Foundation
1 Corinthians 3:10-11 (NKJV)According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
We don't spend much time thinking about the foundation of our homes, mainly because it's hidden and unseen. But we know, if the foundation isn't solid, everything that was built on it will crumble and come crashing to the ground.
I'm asking you to spend some time this week thinking about the foundation of your life. What are you building your life on? What is holding up the walls of your life?
There is only ONE foundation for the believer. It's not a tradition or some man-made philosophy. It's not a church movement or a man. The foundation of every true believer is Jesus Himself. The gospel message that has been given to us once and for all that your sins can be forgiven through faith in Him.
As you build your life on the foundation of God's love and grace, no doubt there will be trials and difficulties. The winds will blow and the waves will come crashing down. Yet, on the solid foundation of Jesus, you're going to make it!
Luke 6:46-49 (NKJV) "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say? "Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. "But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great."
In Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
First of all, let me say that I am new to your church, and I really enjoy the messages and the "atmosphere." I love your emphasis on just teaching God's Word, pure and simple. I really needed this e-note today, about the father praying for the son's salvation. It almost made me cry...I have unsaved loved ones I have been praying for, for nearly 30 years. At times I get so discouraged. My siblings and I were raised in an abusive family with alcoholic parents. My parents and one brother have died, primarily from drug and alcohol abuse. But, by God's marvelous and matchless grace, I was saved as a young woman in my 20s. I know people prayed for me! Thank God for his unspeakable gift of salvation and renewal.
We don't spend much time thinking about the foundation of our homes, mainly because it's hidden and unseen. But we know, if the foundation isn't solid, everything that was built on it will crumble and come crashing to the ground.
I'm asking you to spend some time this week thinking about the foundation of your life. What are you building your life on? What is holding up the walls of your life?
There is only ONE foundation for the believer. It's not a tradition or some man-made philosophy. It's not a church movement or a man. The foundation of every true believer is Jesus Himself. The gospel message that has been given to us once and for all that your sins can be forgiven through faith in Him.
As you build your life on the foundation of God's love and grace, no doubt there will be trials and difficulties. The winds will blow and the waves will come crashing down. Yet, on the solid foundation of Jesus, you're going to make it!
Luke 6:46-49 (NKJV) "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say? "Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. "But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great."
In Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
First of all, let me say that I am new to your church, and I really enjoy the messages and the "atmosphere." I love your emphasis on just teaching God's Word, pure and simple. I really needed this e-note today, about the father praying for the son's salvation. It almost made me cry...I have unsaved loved ones I have been praying for, for nearly 30 years. At times I get so discouraged. My siblings and I were raised in an abusive family with alcoholic parents. My parents and one brother have died, primarily from drug and alcohol abuse. But, by God's marvelous and matchless grace, I was saved as a young woman in my 20s. I know people prayed for me! Thank God for his unspeakable gift of salvation and renewal.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Real Lives - Real People
Ephesians 2:8-10 (NKJV) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them
One of the popular comebacks you'll hear from folks as you share the love of Jesus with them is that the church is full of hypocrites. I've heard it. I'm sure you've heard it, and sometimes there is some truth to it. Of course, it's no reason to avoid the gathering of the saints. There are hypocrites at the mall and on the roads, but that doesn't stop folks from shopping or driving, does it? People are people; saved and unsaved. Sometimes those that are unsaved do great things, while sometimes folks that are saved do really dumb things.
As we read the Bible, never once does God ever sugar coat the men and women He has chosen to use. He tells us through the pen of Paul that He has chosen the 'foolish things of the world.' That's us, gang, foolish things! Why has God chosen the foolish things, to 'confound' this world? It just doesn't make sense that God would use me! I agree! But He has and He does. The same is true for you.
Always on display is the wonderful glory of God's grace in and through our lives; God's precious Spirit working mightily in ordinary, frail people like you and me. It's nothing we can boast in (Ephesians 2:8-10), and it's nothing that others really can explain. That's why sometimes you'll hear the old 'hypocrite' excuse. I always remember that if there are hypocrites in the 'church,' then I just don't want to be one of them!
In Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
My husband and I finally made it to your church this weekend. After listening to your messages via the website and Podcasts for over a year...we finally made it to a service and I know the Spirit took us there, during the worship I was overcome with tears. I don't know if it was excitement or just Jesus touching my life at that moment. I've written to you a couple of times with questions, etc., my husband is the son of a pastor and we've just been having a spiritual hard time, I feel like I've been waiting for help forever....I pointed out some men's prayer groups to him and I hope Jesus leads him to them. I just wanted to say thank you and update you on my story after so long it was a big deal for me to have been able to attend a service.Thanks for your faithfulness to the Lord and please add us to your prayers.
One of the popular comebacks you'll hear from folks as you share the love of Jesus with them is that the church is full of hypocrites. I've heard it. I'm sure you've heard it, and sometimes there is some truth to it. Of course, it's no reason to avoid the gathering of the saints. There are hypocrites at the mall and on the roads, but that doesn't stop folks from shopping or driving, does it? People are people; saved and unsaved. Sometimes those that are unsaved do great things, while sometimes folks that are saved do really dumb things.
As we read the Bible, never once does God ever sugar coat the men and women He has chosen to use. He tells us through the pen of Paul that He has chosen the 'foolish things of the world.' That's us, gang, foolish things! Why has God chosen the foolish things, to 'confound' this world? It just doesn't make sense that God would use me! I agree! But He has and He does. The same is true for you.
Always on display is the wonderful glory of God's grace in and through our lives; God's precious Spirit working mightily in ordinary, frail people like you and me. It's nothing we can boast in (Ephesians 2:8-10), and it's nothing that others really can explain. That's why sometimes you'll hear the old 'hypocrite' excuse. I always remember that if there are hypocrites in the 'church,' then I just don't want to be one of them!
In Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
My husband and I finally made it to your church this weekend. After listening to your messages via the website and Podcasts for over a year...we finally made it to a service and I know the Spirit took us there, during the worship I was overcome with tears. I don't know if it was excitement or just Jesus touching my life at that moment. I've written to you a couple of times with questions, etc., my husband is the son of a pastor and we've just been having a spiritual hard time, I feel like I've been waiting for help forever....I pointed out some men's prayer groups to him and I hope Jesus leads him to them. I just wanted to say thank you and update you on my story after so long it was a big deal for me to have been able to attend a service.Thanks for your faithfulness to the Lord and please add us to your prayers.
Friday, September 3, 2010
A Little Bit More
Proverbs 30:7-9 (NKJV) “Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches -- Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, And say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.”
They asked the famous John D. Rockefeller just how much money was enough. He sat back for a brief, but quick moment, and replied, “Just a little bit more.”
What a tremendously successful snare the ‘just little bit more’ trap is! If I just had this. If I could just get that. Oh, if I was in that position, I know I would be happy. If I could drive that; if I could wear this. Just a little bit more.
As the children of Israel are preparing to leave Egypt just as God had promised, they are told to go through the land and ask the Egyptians to give them their gold jewelry, and their possessions. Really, what God was doing was giving the nation their ‘back wages’ for the years of slavery building Egypt on their backs. Yet, all that they took wouldn’t begin to reimburse them for their labors and toil. Four hundred years is a long time. But it would be just enough and that is often the way God operates with His children. He often provides just enough.
Just enough. That can be a hard place to be. It seems as if we never have enough. We can always find room for more. At one point in the history of our nation there were no storage facilities, but now you find them on virtually every corner, storing our stuff, making room for more.
The place of peace is truly finding contentment in the Lord, and being pleased with just enough. Not too much and not too little. Just enough.
1 Timothy 6:8 - And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
Hebrews 13:5 - Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
In His Love
Pastor Ed
Response
I just wanted to say that I listen to your show "Abounding Grace" every chance that I get, though the chances that I get recently are fewer. I've been kept busy a little more than I like. I love hearing the word of God given in context and with a bit of history of the languages.
They asked the famous John D. Rockefeller just how much money was enough. He sat back for a brief, but quick moment, and replied, “Just a little bit more.”
What a tremendously successful snare the ‘just little bit more’ trap is! If I just had this. If I could just get that. Oh, if I was in that position, I know I would be happy. If I could drive that; if I could wear this. Just a little bit more.
As the children of Israel are preparing to leave Egypt just as God had promised, they are told to go through the land and ask the Egyptians to give them their gold jewelry, and their possessions. Really, what God was doing was giving the nation their ‘back wages’ for the years of slavery building Egypt on their backs. Yet, all that they took wouldn’t begin to reimburse them for their labors and toil. Four hundred years is a long time. But it would be just enough and that is often the way God operates with His children. He often provides just enough.
Just enough. That can be a hard place to be. It seems as if we never have enough. We can always find room for more. At one point in the history of our nation there were no storage facilities, but now you find them on virtually every corner, storing our stuff, making room for more.
The place of peace is truly finding contentment in the Lord, and being pleased with just enough. Not too much and not too little. Just enough.
1 Timothy 6:8 - And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
Hebrews 13:5 - Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
In His Love
Pastor Ed
Response
I just wanted to say that I listen to your show "Abounding Grace" every chance that I get, though the chances that I get recently are fewer. I've been kept busy a little more than I like. I love hearing the word of God given in context and with a bit of history of the languages.
Monday, August 30, 2010
I’m Waiting Now What? (Part 2)
Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
'What do we do while we're waiting on the Lord' is where we've been the last few weeks on this Monday note. I count it a privilege to be with you on Monday mornings, helping you grow in your relationship with Jesus. We looked at a couple of important keys last week.
#1 - While you're waiting on the Lord, keep your eyes on Jesus.
#2 - While you're waiting on the Lord, live your life expecting Jesus.
Here are three more.
#3 - While you're waiting on the Lord, continue living your life in Jesus.
I find that often while folks are waiting on the Lord, they think that life just stops until Jesus answers one specific request. That's not His heart for you. God's desire is that you continue living for Him while you're waiting. God has you waiting in one area, but not in ALL areas of your life. So be careful that your life doesn't come to a screeching halt while you're waiting.
#4 - While you're waiting on the Lord, continue in the unity of fellowship.
The early church is known for their coming together in 'one accord.' It's the model they set for us and we too follow them. We love to come together as a church, in the larger gathering, and the smaller fellowships. While we wait on the Lord, it's not natural to want to pull away from other believers. They will be a source of great encouragement and hope in this time in your life.
#5 - While you're waiting on the Lord, pray, pray, pray!
It makes sense to us, doesn't it? While we're waiting, we're also talking and listening to God through prayer. Pray alone. Pray with friends. Pray out loud. Pray silently. Pray, seeking strength, hope, and help in this wonderful time of waiting on the Lord!
Don't forget:
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NLT) He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Waiting In Him,
Pastor Ed
P.S. Have a story to share or a response to these eNotes? Send it our way. We'd love to read and share it!
Response
As you know I'm not a very "discouraged" person, I tend to look at the positive or praiseworthy side of things. Now, this housing thing, about moving, has been the longest going thing I've had thus far, and it was interesting in my devotions yesterday, that I had gotten a scripture about the Lord settling you. It had to do with Dan (tribe) relocating. It's nice that the word always gives us something to stand upon, to ease our minds. In the process of waiting, we can become discouraged when our answer is deferred, but when desire is accomplished, Oh, what a sweet thing. I've had momentary lapses, but not for a while, for some people, this housing distraction would really pull them down, it takes up a lot of mental energy, but, how nice to see the Lord at work in our trials, and our recognizing His hand here and there. There is so much to be thankful for, and so little time to be distracted by this world, whether marriage, or work, or whatever, Christ can help us to be content. If anything, just pray that I remain undistracted for the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the midst of life's blasts.
'What do we do while we're waiting on the Lord' is where we've been the last few weeks on this Monday note. I count it a privilege to be with you on Monday mornings, helping you grow in your relationship with Jesus. We looked at a couple of important keys last week.
#1 - While you're waiting on the Lord, keep your eyes on Jesus.
#2 - While you're waiting on the Lord, live your life expecting Jesus.
Here are three more.
#3 - While you're waiting on the Lord, continue living your life in Jesus.
I find that often while folks are waiting on the Lord, they think that life just stops until Jesus answers one specific request. That's not His heart for you. God's desire is that you continue living for Him while you're waiting. God has you waiting in one area, but not in ALL areas of your life. So be careful that your life doesn't come to a screeching halt while you're waiting.
#4 - While you're waiting on the Lord, continue in the unity of fellowship.
The early church is known for their coming together in 'one accord.' It's the model they set for us and we too follow them. We love to come together as a church, in the larger gathering, and the smaller fellowships. While we wait on the Lord, it's not natural to want to pull away from other believers. They will be a source of great encouragement and hope in this time in your life.
#5 - While you're waiting on the Lord, pray, pray, pray!
It makes sense to us, doesn't it? While we're waiting, we're also talking and listening to God through prayer. Pray alone. Pray with friends. Pray out loud. Pray silently. Pray, seeking strength, hope, and help in this wonderful time of waiting on the Lord!
Don't forget:
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NLT) He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Waiting In Him,
Pastor Ed
P.S. Have a story to share or a response to these eNotes? Send it our way. We'd love to read and share it!
Response
As you know I'm not a very "discouraged" person, I tend to look at the positive or praiseworthy side of things. Now, this housing thing, about moving, has been the longest going thing I've had thus far, and it was interesting in my devotions yesterday, that I had gotten a scripture about the Lord settling you. It had to do with Dan (tribe) relocating. It's nice that the word always gives us something to stand upon, to ease our minds. In the process of waiting, we can become discouraged when our answer is deferred, but when desire is accomplished, Oh, what a sweet thing. I've had momentary lapses, but not for a while, for some people, this housing distraction would really pull them down, it takes up a lot of mental energy, but, how nice to see the Lord at work in our trials, and our recognizing His hand here and there. There is so much to be thankful for, and so little time to be distracted by this world, whether marriage, or work, or whatever, Christ can help us to be content. If anything, just pray that I remain undistracted for the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the midst of life's blasts.
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Burning Sting of Criticism
Proverbs 10:21 (NKJV) The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.
Criticism always burns. Whether it’s veiled under ‘constructive’ or not, the sting of criticism can often last long beyond the life of the words.
Theodore Roosevelt, often the target of stinging criticisms once spoke, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually try to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
The good news is that Jesus can bandage and heal those wounds! So if you’re in that place today where criticism has breached your spiritual armor, turn to Jesus for that comfort and confirmation of your relationship in Him.
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
I would really like to thank Calvary Chapel for going out over the air waves because it brought me to you. It showed me the word of God so that I could fall madly in love with it once again. But when I heard you on the radio it just hit me, I want someone to speak to me directly out of God's word not just some eloquent speech they prepared. I want to see what I am learning and know that it is from the word of God. It really helps me to rightly divide what I am hearing by the word of God. I am so thankful that God has brought Calvary Chapel in to my life to help me grow in the word of God. I have been going through a lot lately but every time I tune in to listen to a sermon or show up on Sunday or Wednesday or listen online it just serves to encourage me in God's word and show me something new. I am not saying it is all good because God has been using this time to really grow me, it has hurt but in the long run shown me that God is the true God in my life and no matter what happens he is still on the thrown watching over us all.
I thank you so much for listening to God and sharing on what he tells you, and showing me where to find the principles and steps in the word of God to change my life forever, I pray that I never loose that. Thank you.
Criticism always burns. Whether it’s veiled under ‘constructive’ or not, the sting of criticism can often last long beyond the life of the words.
Theodore Roosevelt, often the target of stinging criticisms once spoke, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually try to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
The good news is that Jesus can bandage and heal those wounds! So if you’re in that place today where criticism has breached your spiritual armor, turn to Jesus for that comfort and confirmation of your relationship in Him.
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
I would really like to thank Calvary Chapel for going out over the air waves because it brought me to you. It showed me the word of God so that I could fall madly in love with it once again. But when I heard you on the radio it just hit me, I want someone to speak to me directly out of God's word not just some eloquent speech they prepared. I want to see what I am learning and know that it is from the word of God. It really helps me to rightly divide what I am hearing by the word of God. I am so thankful that God has brought Calvary Chapel in to my life to help me grow in the word of God. I have been going through a lot lately but every time I tune in to listen to a sermon or show up on Sunday or Wednesday or listen online it just serves to encourage me in God's word and show me something new. I am not saying it is all good because God has been using this time to really grow me, it has hurt but in the long run shown me that God is the true God in my life and no matter what happens he is still on the thrown watching over us all.
I thank you so much for listening to God and sharing on what he tells you, and showing me where to find the principles and steps in the word of God to change my life forever, I pray that I never loose that. Thank you.
Monday, August 23, 2010
I’m Waiting Now What? (Part 1)
Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
In our last note, we were encouraged by Isaiah to wait on the Lord. We learned it’s not a good thing to jump in with our impatience, trying to help God out a little. Those of us who have made that mistake know exactly how horrible that can be. It’s always best to receive God’s best in our lives, obeying Him no matter what it might cost us.
Now that you’ve decided to wait on Him, what do you do while you’re waiting? Let’s look at few together.
#1 - While you’re waiting on the Lord, keep your eyes on Jesus.
How easy it is to fall into a deep pit of discouragement while waiting on the Lord. For some reason, we equate action with blessing. Yet sometimes God speaks not in the loud boisterous storms, but rather in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11-12). In the lives of the disciples, they had their time seeing Jesus in the flesh, but after His ascension into heaven, they would need to rely on the Spirit of God to keep their eyes firmly fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). While you’re waiting on the Lord, don’t lose sight of Jesus and His faithfulness in your life.
#2 - While you’re waiting on the Lord, live your life expecting Jesus.
Every generation of believers have lived their lives with the expectation of the anytime, any moment, return of Jesus. You may have heard this expressed as a belief in the ‘imminent return’ of Jesus. While you’re waiting, it’s important to remember that everything hasn’t stopped. Jesus is still at work in many different areas of your life. There is an expectancy that we can’t lose. Sure, we’re waiting on this area right now, but what we’re really waiting for is the return of the Lord! Amen? Maranatha!
Next time, we’ll look at a few more things to remember while we’re waiting on the Lord. Have a blessed week!
Waiting In Him,
Pastor Ed
P.S. Have a story to share or a response to these eNotes? Send it our way. We’d love to read and share it!
Response
This message came to me exactly when I needed it. Thank you, pastor Ed. The strength you have to allow God to do his work through you is tremendous. I am encouraged and will be in prayer as I work through my day.
In our last note, we were encouraged by Isaiah to wait on the Lord. We learned it’s not a good thing to jump in with our impatience, trying to help God out a little. Those of us who have made that mistake know exactly how horrible that can be. It’s always best to receive God’s best in our lives, obeying Him no matter what it might cost us.
Now that you’ve decided to wait on Him, what do you do while you’re waiting? Let’s look at few together.
#1 - While you’re waiting on the Lord, keep your eyes on Jesus.
How easy it is to fall into a deep pit of discouragement while waiting on the Lord. For some reason, we equate action with blessing. Yet sometimes God speaks not in the loud boisterous storms, but rather in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11-12). In the lives of the disciples, they had their time seeing Jesus in the flesh, but after His ascension into heaven, they would need to rely on the Spirit of God to keep their eyes firmly fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). While you’re waiting on the Lord, don’t lose sight of Jesus and His faithfulness in your life.
#2 - While you’re waiting on the Lord, live your life expecting Jesus.
Every generation of believers have lived their lives with the expectation of the anytime, any moment, return of Jesus. You may have heard this expressed as a belief in the ‘imminent return’ of Jesus. While you’re waiting, it’s important to remember that everything hasn’t stopped. Jesus is still at work in many different areas of your life. There is an expectancy that we can’t lose. Sure, we’re waiting on this area right now, but what we’re really waiting for is the return of the Lord! Amen? Maranatha!
Next time, we’ll look at a few more things to remember while we’re waiting on the Lord. Have a blessed week!
Waiting In Him,
Pastor Ed
P.S. Have a story to share or a response to these eNotes? Send it our way. We’d love to read and share it!
Response
This message came to me exactly when I needed it. Thank you, pastor Ed. The strength you have to allow God to do his work through you is tremendous. I am encouraged and will be in prayer as I work through my day.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Going After
Acts 1:11 (NLT) They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring at the sky? Jesus has been taken away from you into heaven. And someday, just as you saw him go, he will return!"
Straying happens within the family of God for a lot of reasons. It's a bummer to see folks who were so strong in the faith, so useful in the ministry, such a blessing in the Lord, fall away, fade away, stray away. But not all is lost. It is clearly the heart of Jesus to go after the strays. When one sheep wanders from the fold, the shepherd goes after it. When one coin is lost, all is dropped until it's found. When a son wanders away from Dad, the dad prayerfully and patiently awaits his return and rejoices when he does.
Because it's Jesus' heart to go after the strays, it's our heart as well. So, how can we help those who have strayed?
#1 - Pray for Them. Ask God to move upon their hearts to repent & return.
#2 - Watch Yourself. Don't look down on anyone else just because they have been trapped by the enemy, but rather watch your own life so it doesn't happen to you.
#3 - Lovingly Confront the Erring Person. As the door of opportunity opens, go and lovingly speak with the hopes of bringing them back.
#4 - Forgive the Repentant. This is so important. We don't shoot our wounded; we forgive. We don't kick them when they're down; we forgive. As Jesus Christ has forgiven you, forgive those that repent and return.
#5 - Speak words of kindness and love. They need this so badly. The enemy does such a complete and thorough job of accusing the brethren. May we just love them and encourage them and bless them in Jesus.
I love the heart of Jesus and pray that more and more of it flows from our lives. Now go out and minister to the strays.
In His Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
As you know I'm not a very "discouraged" person, I tend to look at the positive or praiseworthy side of things. Now, this housing thing, about moving, has been the longest going thing I've had thus far, and it was interesting in my devotions yesterday, that I had gotten a scripture about the Lord settling you. It had to do with Dan (tribe) relocating. It's nice that the word always gives us something to stand upon, to ease our minds. In the process of waiting, we can become discouraged when our answer is deferred, but when desire is accomplished, Oh, what a sweet thing. I've had momentary lapses, but not for a while, for some people, this housing distraction would really pull them down, it takes up a lot of mental energy, but, how nice to see the Lord at work in our trials, and our recognizing His hand here and there. There is so much to be thankful for, and so little time to be distracted by this world, whether marriage, or work, or whatever, Christ can help us to be content. If anything, just pray that I remain undistracted for the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the midst of life's blasts.
Straying happens within the family of God for a lot of reasons. It's a bummer to see folks who were so strong in the faith, so useful in the ministry, such a blessing in the Lord, fall away, fade away, stray away. But not all is lost. It is clearly the heart of Jesus to go after the strays. When one sheep wanders from the fold, the shepherd goes after it. When one coin is lost, all is dropped until it's found. When a son wanders away from Dad, the dad prayerfully and patiently awaits his return and rejoices when he does.
Because it's Jesus' heart to go after the strays, it's our heart as well. So, how can we help those who have strayed?
#1 - Pray for Them. Ask God to move upon their hearts to repent & return.
#2 - Watch Yourself. Don't look down on anyone else just because they have been trapped by the enemy, but rather watch your own life so it doesn't happen to you.
#3 - Lovingly Confront the Erring Person. As the door of opportunity opens, go and lovingly speak with the hopes of bringing them back.
#4 - Forgive the Repentant. This is so important. We don't shoot our wounded; we forgive. We don't kick them when they're down; we forgive. As Jesus Christ has forgiven you, forgive those that repent and return.
#5 - Speak words of kindness and love. They need this so badly. The enemy does such a complete and thorough job of accusing the brethren. May we just love them and encourage them and bless them in Jesus.
I love the heart of Jesus and pray that more and more of it flows from our lives. Now go out and minister to the strays.
In His Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
As you know I'm not a very "discouraged" person, I tend to look at the positive or praiseworthy side of things. Now, this housing thing, about moving, has been the longest going thing I've had thus far, and it was interesting in my devotions yesterday, that I had gotten a scripture about the Lord settling you. It had to do with Dan (tribe) relocating. It's nice that the word always gives us something to stand upon, to ease our minds. In the process of waiting, we can become discouraged when our answer is deferred, but when desire is accomplished, Oh, what a sweet thing. I've had momentary lapses, but not for a while, for some people, this housing distraction would really pull them down, it takes up a lot of mental energy, but, how nice to see the Lord at work in our trials, and our recognizing His hand here and there. There is so much to be thankful for, and so little time to be distracted by this world, whether marriage, or work, or whatever, Christ can help us to be content. If anything, just pray that I remain undistracted for the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the midst of life's blasts.
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