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.
Monday, September 27, 2010
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.
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