Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The enemy had ripped David off and he was in anguish! The pain over losing his family was more than he, and the people with him, could bear. Yet, he didn't stay in that place but found himself stepping back, and encouraging himself in the Lord.
The very next thing we see David do is inquire of the Lord (1 Samuel 30:8). What do you want me to do Lord? That's a great question to ask in tough times. As you read on in 1 Samuel 30 (which I highly encourage you to do today), you'll find that God answered David quickly and directly!
It's the same for you and me. God's answers come to us whether we've prayed for 30 minutes or 30 seconds. He will reveal His will to you and me in wonderful ways, even when we find ourselves battling discouragement and even depression.
David strengthened himself in His God... then He inquired to His God... next week, we'll see the third thing David did to leave discouragement behind.
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
P.S. As you get a free moment, would you please email me times when you have sought the Lord and He answered you in a wonderful way! You can just respond to this note and I'll get it. I'd love to read and share!
Response
Just wanted you to know that we really enjoyed Resurrection Day service. It was so peaceful and sweet. Thanks to all who planned it that way. We are kind of new to the church, but are really enjoying church for the first time in a long time. The church is friendly and welcoming. It's a blessing!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Fitting In
John 10:10 (NLT) The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
What I see in the church at large today concerns me as a pastor, as a follower of Jesus. There are subtle shifts that happen with every generation, but the shifting of the church in our generation isn’t so subtle. The culture and all its pressures seem to have made itself home within the church today.
The church and its leaders seem to be so afraid today of fitting in and relating; being hip and cool; relevant to our culture. It’s actually a complement today to say that the church is the coolest one in town! Really? Instead of the church turning the world upside down, I’m concerned that the world is turning the church upside down!
I’m not saying that we become stale, boring, and irrelevant to the culture; of course not. To make the Bible boring should be a crime. It’s not boring or stale to study the life-giving truths God has handed down to every generation. Introducing someone to Jesus is exciting, exhilarating and relevant! I am saying that human efforts can never replace the reality of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit keeps things real and relevant.
Be careful, friend, that you’re not preoccupied with being relevant. Watch out that you’re not so busy trying to be relevant that you distort the reality of Jesus and His forgiveness of sins. I assure you, Jesus is relevant to every generation! The Bible is living and powerful. All you need to do is open it. You don’t have to fit in; all you have to do is abide in Jesus. He’ll do the fitting in for you.
Loving Jesus,
Pastor Ed
Response:
One time when it was rainy outside nothing was looking good...my old friends were trying to get me to go back to the old ways. It wasn’t looking good but I sat down and I started to pray and ask God what you want to do today and what you want me to say and who should I be with today stuff like that. Not too long after I was done praying, the sun came out and my old friend whom I haven’t heard from in like years calls me and was, “Hey you want to skate, and go to church with me?” I heard you gave your life to Christ and I wanted to know if you can show me what you have. I tell you what the Lord is amazing and blesses people in the smallest ways. I love Him with all my heart because it’s the only way to live and the only thing to seek. After that day, my friend gave his life and it was amazing and all the glory goes to God! Well, be blessed and love the Lord...for there is nothing on this earth I desire but He who lay in heaven. Love ya, in Christ.
What I see in the church at large today concerns me as a pastor, as a follower of Jesus. There are subtle shifts that happen with every generation, but the shifting of the church in our generation isn’t so subtle. The culture and all its pressures seem to have made itself home within the church today.
The church and its leaders seem to be so afraid today of fitting in and relating; being hip and cool; relevant to our culture. It’s actually a complement today to say that the church is the coolest one in town! Really? Instead of the church turning the world upside down, I’m concerned that the world is turning the church upside down!
I’m not saying that we become stale, boring, and irrelevant to the culture; of course not. To make the Bible boring should be a crime. It’s not boring or stale to study the life-giving truths God has handed down to every generation. Introducing someone to Jesus is exciting, exhilarating and relevant! I am saying that human efforts can never replace the reality of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit keeps things real and relevant.
Be careful, friend, that you’re not preoccupied with being relevant. Watch out that you’re not so busy trying to be relevant that you distort the reality of Jesus and His forgiveness of sins. I assure you, Jesus is relevant to every generation! The Bible is living and powerful. All you need to do is open it. You don’t have to fit in; all you have to do is abide in Jesus. He’ll do the fitting in for you.
Loving Jesus,
Pastor Ed
Response:
One time when it was rainy outside nothing was looking good...my old friends were trying to get me to go back to the old ways. It wasn’t looking good but I sat down and I started to pray and ask God what you want to do today and what you want me to say and who should I be with today stuff like that. Not too long after I was done praying, the sun came out and my old friend whom I haven’t heard from in like years calls me and was, “Hey you want to skate, and go to church with me?” I heard you gave your life to Christ and I wanted to know if you can show me what you have. I tell you what the Lord is amazing and blesses people in the smallest ways. I love Him with all my heart because it’s the only way to live and the only thing to seek. After that day, my friend gave his life and it was amazing and all the glory goes to God! Well, be blessed and love the Lord...for there is nothing on this earth I desire but He who lay in heaven. Love ya, in Christ.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Rescued From Discouragement (1)
Psalm 121:1 (NKJV) I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help?
David had just returned home to find that the Philistines had taken the whole city captive, including his family. He was devastated. The enemy had ripped him off. The Bible records it this way, “Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep” (1 Samuel 30:4).
Ever been there? The enemy has either ripped you off or is trying really hard to make it happen?
Weeping over the loss of a loved one? Weeping over a rebellious child? Weeping over the pain of a layoff? Weeping over rejection?
It's not good to stay in that place and we find that David, in just a few verses, moved to action.
The first thing he did was ‘strengthened (encouraged – KJV) himself in the Lord.’ He didn’t wait for someone to come alongside of him. He didn’t look to his friends for help. He started where we must all start: looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
This one little step began to lift the burden and weight of the situation. So quickly, God began to bring clarity and focus back into David’s life.
Stop today, right where you’re at, and strengthen yourself in the Lord. He will do the same work in you.
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
Just wanted you to know that we really enjoyed Resurrection Day service. It was so peaceful and sweet. Thanks to all who planned it that way. We are kind of new to the church, but are really enjoying church for the first time in a long time. The church is friendly and welcoming. It's a blessing!
David had just returned home to find that the Philistines had taken the whole city captive, including his family. He was devastated. The enemy had ripped him off. The Bible records it this way, “Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep” (1 Samuel 30:4).
Ever been there? The enemy has either ripped you off or is trying really hard to make it happen?
Weeping over the loss of a loved one? Weeping over a rebellious child? Weeping over the pain of a layoff? Weeping over rejection?
It's not good to stay in that place and we find that David, in just a few verses, moved to action.
The first thing he did was ‘strengthened (encouraged – KJV) himself in the Lord.’ He didn’t wait for someone to come alongside of him. He didn’t look to his friends for help. He started where we must all start: looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
This one little step began to lift the burden and weight of the situation. So quickly, God began to bring clarity and focus back into David’s life.
Stop today, right where you’re at, and strengthen yourself in the Lord. He will do the same work in you.
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
Just wanted you to know that we really enjoyed Resurrection Day service. It was so peaceful and sweet. Thanks to all who planned it that way. We are kind of new to the church, but are really enjoying church for the first time in a long time. The church is friendly and welcoming. It's a blessing!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Jesus Is Real
1 John 5:20 (NLT) And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we are in God because we are in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.
As an unbeliever, I was looking for something in my life that was real, authentic, and powerful. I was as lost spiritually as a person could be lost, hopelessly reaching out to anyone and anything to bring me comfort and hope. Eventually I found myself settling for a life lived under the influence of some substance which, of course, left me empty, sad, and alone.
Not much has changed today for those living apart from Jesus. Deep down inside, people are still looking for that real, authentic, and powerful connection with God even though they’re not really sure what or who they are looking for. I know what they aren’t looking for. They don’t want syrupy imitation hypocrisies. They want the truth. People truly want something worth living for, worth dying for.
That’s where an introduction to Jesus is so critical. Jesus is authentic. Jesus is real. Jesus is powerful. I’ll never forget the love of my friend who invited me to hear a message about this Jesus, to be introduced to this Jesus.
Introduce someone this week to Jesus. Introduce a bunch of people to the real, authentic, and powerful Jesus who came to save sinners, of whom I am chief!
Abiding in Jesus,
Pastor Ed
Response
I am still processing yesterday's message-what confirmation from what the Lord has been showing me/reminding me to come to Him first (crucifying the flesh is daily for me, lol)! Great stuff & so freeing; love it!
As an unbeliever, I was looking for something in my life that was real, authentic, and powerful. I was as lost spiritually as a person could be lost, hopelessly reaching out to anyone and anything to bring me comfort and hope. Eventually I found myself settling for a life lived under the influence of some substance which, of course, left me empty, sad, and alone.
Not much has changed today for those living apart from Jesus. Deep down inside, people are still looking for that real, authentic, and powerful connection with God even though they’re not really sure what or who they are looking for. I know what they aren’t looking for. They don’t want syrupy imitation hypocrisies. They want the truth. People truly want something worth living for, worth dying for.
That’s where an introduction to Jesus is so critical. Jesus is authentic. Jesus is real. Jesus is powerful. I’ll never forget the love of my friend who invited me to hear a message about this Jesus, to be introduced to this Jesus.
Introduce someone this week to Jesus. Introduce a bunch of people to the real, authentic, and powerful Jesus who came to save sinners, of whom I am chief!
Abiding in Jesus,
Pastor Ed
Response
I am still processing yesterday's message-what confirmation from what the Lord has been showing me/reminding me to come to Him first (crucifying the flesh is daily for me, lol)! Great stuff & so freeing; love it!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Venture Of Faith
2 Samuel 22:31 (NKJV) As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
NOTE: We have a big announcement on a step of faith that will be shared at this weekend’s services. You won’t want to miss it!
The steady, living, excellent example of Pastor Chuck Smith continues to be a great encouragement in my life. Although I’ve never had the opportunity to sit down and talk with him, through his teachings and books, he’s been a great pastor and discipler to me and countless other thousands.
In the last chapter of his book Calvary Chapel Distinctives he writes, “It’s always an exciting thing to give God a chance to work. God wants you to be a part of what He is doing. God doesn’t want to stop working, so it’s important for us to discover what He wants to do. I have found that the way we discover how God wants to work is to venture out in faith. We need to step out and see what the Lord might do. But, as we step out in faith, there has to be a guard against presumption. A lot of people who test the waters to see what God might want to do make a serious mistake by falling back on human effort when God’s hand obviously is not in it. Sometimes we can get so committed to something that our reputation seems to be on the line. Then we start pumping extra energy and effort into a program that wasn’t of God to begin with.”
Just reading this paragraph builds my faith in the God who has led us to take yet even more gigantic steps of faith as a ministry. I hope it encourages you too in stepping out in obedience to His clear direction. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your support. Thank you for continuing to take the steps of faith that God is laying before you, obeying Him in the Spirit not in your own wisdom.
Do you have a step of faith you are presently in, or just completed, or just up ahead? Reply to this eNote and share it with me! I would love to hear what God is doing in your life!
In Love,
Pastor Ed
NOTE: We have a big announcement on a step of faith that will be shared at this weekend’s services. You won’t want to miss it!
The steady, living, excellent example of Pastor Chuck Smith continues to be a great encouragement in my life. Although I’ve never had the opportunity to sit down and talk with him, through his teachings and books, he’s been a great pastor and discipler to me and countless other thousands.
In the last chapter of his book Calvary Chapel Distinctives he writes, “It’s always an exciting thing to give God a chance to work. God wants you to be a part of what He is doing. God doesn’t want to stop working, so it’s important for us to discover what He wants to do. I have found that the way we discover how God wants to work is to venture out in faith. We need to step out and see what the Lord might do. But, as we step out in faith, there has to be a guard against presumption. A lot of people who test the waters to see what God might want to do make a serious mistake by falling back on human effort when God’s hand obviously is not in it. Sometimes we can get so committed to something that our reputation seems to be on the line. Then we start pumping extra energy and effort into a program that wasn’t of God to begin with.”
Just reading this paragraph builds my faith in the God who has led us to take yet even more gigantic steps of faith as a ministry. I hope it encourages you too in stepping out in obedience to His clear direction. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your support. Thank you for continuing to take the steps of faith that God is laying before you, obeying Him in the Spirit not in your own wisdom.
Do you have a step of faith you are presently in, or just completed, or just up ahead? Reply to this eNote and share it with me! I would love to hear what God is doing in your life!
In Love,
Pastor Ed
Friday, July 9, 2010
Disciplined to Win
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (NKJV) Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
As an example to us, Paul said that he disciplined his body so that he might win more to Jesus. That means he said "YES" to those things that would build him up spiritually, strengthen his relationship with Jesus, and make him an overall better prepared servant. It also means he said "NO" to those things that would tear him down spiritually, pollute his mind, ruin his witness, and make him less effective in winning people to Jesus.
The picture Paul drew for us was one of an athlete. An athlete must be disciplined if he or she is going to win the prize. You don't see Olympic Gold Medalists sitting around the pool eating chocolate-dipped, deep-fried Twinkies and chugging down a two-liter bottle of Pepsi, right? Just picturing that scene is pretty funny! No, they are training daily; saying "YES" to the right things and "NO" to the wrong things. Spiritual discipline requires giving up the good and even the better, for only the best! It requires a single-minded focus.
Let's think on that this weekend as the Spirit shows us a few things to add, and a few things to subtract.
In Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
Just want you thank you for your website, and radio broadcasts. The word of God. It is so nice to be able to know there are brothers and sisters of Christ in Colorado who have committed themselves to God, who are saved. I live in Australia, and have been blessed by your ministry.
As an example to us, Paul said that he disciplined his body so that he might win more to Jesus. That means he said "YES" to those things that would build him up spiritually, strengthen his relationship with Jesus, and make him an overall better prepared servant. It also means he said "NO" to those things that would tear him down spiritually, pollute his mind, ruin his witness, and make him less effective in winning people to Jesus.
The picture Paul drew for us was one of an athlete. An athlete must be disciplined if he or she is going to win the prize. You don't see Olympic Gold Medalists sitting around the pool eating chocolate-dipped, deep-fried Twinkies and chugging down a two-liter bottle of Pepsi, right? Just picturing that scene is pretty funny! No, they are training daily; saying "YES" to the right things and "NO" to the wrong things. Spiritual discipline requires giving up the good and even the better, for only the best! It requires a single-minded focus.
Let's think on that this weekend as the Spirit shows us a few things to add, and a few things to subtract.
In Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
Just want you thank you for your website, and radio broadcasts. The word of God. It is so nice to be able to know there are brothers and sisters of Christ in Colorado who have committed themselves to God, who are saved. I live in Australia, and have been blessed by your ministry.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Take What Is Yours
Galatians 5:24-25 (NKJV) And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Like the children of Israel, I see many believers choose not to take all that God has promised to them in their victory over the flesh. They settle down after a few small victories, content with having just a portion of their lives controlled by the Spirit. Remember, with the children of Israel, they were promised some 300,000 square miles of land. How much did they possess? It's estimated that about 30,000 square miles, or 10% of what was promised, was actually occupied. What a picture to consider!
God wants to give us total and complete victory over the life of our flesh; over the dominating self-life; over the weaknesses in our lives. He doesn't want us to be satisfied with just 10%, or 20%, or even 99%. God's desire is for us to fully receive all that He's promised.
With the children of Israel, as they conquered the land they left these little pockets filled with their enemies. Sometimes, they even disobediently made alliances with their enemies.
Listen friend, leaving pockets of the flesh, making compromising treaties with the enemy, choosing to live for this world instead of for Jesus, will bring consequences. It's dangerous. It's harmful. It's destructive.
Choose today to live in the Spirit and take what is yours in Jesus: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Abiding in Jesus,
Pastor Ed
Friday, July 2, 2010
Accusations Are Never Fun
Isaiah 52:12 (NKJV) For you shall not go out with haste, Nor go by flight; For the LORD will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
To be on the other side of accusations is rarely, if ever, fun. Have you noticed that it doesn’t help if the accusations are false? Isn’t there a unique sting to them when they come from ‘so-called’ friends? What is being said is so untrue. The rumor flying around is so unfounded. Ouch.
Accusations come to those who trust in Jesus. I know this. You know this. Paul knows it. Jesus knows it. Truly, every believer needs to know it.
Yes, accusations come to those following closely, abiding in Jesus. They shouldn’t surprise us. There even seems to be a specific attack on those in spiritual leadership that is headed up by the accuser of the brethren himself (Revelation 12:10).
Our pastor has always encouraged us to be careful when accusations come. Because each time they come, we are faced with a choice. Option one is to jump in and defend ourselves. The real problem is that when we jump into the mud, all that really happens is we get muddy and so does the situation. Option two is to step back and allow God to be our Defender. Choose option number two, my friend. If we choose to defend ourselves, God will let us. But if we abide in Jesus, allowing Him to be our guard, oh, what peace and help await us!
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:44-45 (NKJV)
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
Dear Pastor Ed, I wanted to let you know that the video that was shown on Wednesday night, during the last song that Terry was singing, was so incredibly amazing. I was touched so deeply by that. I have never seen Jesus in that light, as a laughing, playing, joyful person. He was always depicted, at least in my mind, as a very sober person. Just touching and healing people with a stoic attitude and frustrated with the disciples. I don't think I ever pictured Him smiling, let alone laughing! Ever since Wednesday, I have been carrying the pictures of Jesus in my mind from that video. I cried tears of joy the whole way home Wednesday night, thinking that He loves me like that too; that He laughs and is loving, and that He would actually smile if I leaned up against Him! And despite the wretched sinner I am, He would look at me in LOVE!! And with joy in His eyes and in His expression. It made me want to be like Him towards others. I really do not enjoy being a serious, sober Christian. Oh how I so want to be like Jesus!
To be on the other side of accusations is rarely, if ever, fun. Have you noticed that it doesn’t help if the accusations are false? Isn’t there a unique sting to them when they come from ‘so-called’ friends? What is being said is so untrue. The rumor flying around is so unfounded. Ouch.
Accusations come to those who trust in Jesus. I know this. You know this. Paul knows it. Jesus knows it. Truly, every believer needs to know it.
Yes, accusations come to those following closely, abiding in Jesus. They shouldn’t surprise us. There even seems to be a specific attack on those in spiritual leadership that is headed up by the accuser of the brethren himself (Revelation 12:10).
Our pastor has always encouraged us to be careful when accusations come. Because each time they come, we are faced with a choice. Option one is to jump in and defend ourselves. The real problem is that when we jump into the mud, all that really happens is we get muddy and so does the situation. Option two is to step back and allow God to be our Defender. Choose option number two, my friend. If we choose to defend ourselves, God will let us. But if we abide in Jesus, allowing Him to be our guard, oh, what peace and help await us!
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:44-45 (NKJV)
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
Dear Pastor Ed, I wanted to let you know that the video that was shown on Wednesday night, during the last song that Terry was singing, was so incredibly amazing. I was touched so deeply by that. I have never seen Jesus in that light, as a laughing, playing, joyful person. He was always depicted, at least in my mind, as a very sober person. Just touching and healing people with a stoic attitude and frustrated with the disciples. I don't think I ever pictured Him smiling, let alone laughing! Ever since Wednesday, I have been carrying the pictures of Jesus in my mind from that video. I cried tears of joy the whole way home Wednesday night, thinking that He loves me like that too; that He laughs and is loving, and that He would actually smile if I leaned up against Him! And despite the wretched sinner I am, He would look at me in LOVE!! And with joy in His eyes and in His expression. It made me want to be like Him towards others. I really do not enjoy being a serious, sober Christian. Oh how I so want to be like Jesus!
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