1 Corinthians 2:3 (NKJV) “I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.”
Sometimes, we think we have to be all polished up and completely, perfectly ready to share Jesus’ love with someone; so we decide not to share at all since really, when are we ever perfectly polished up? But the Bible is clear: God will use us as we are!
When Paul came to the Corinthians, he came with the sole purpose of preaching Jesus, and Him crucified. He didn’t come trying to impress them with his worldly wisdom. He didn’t reach out to them with some man-made philosophy. Paul wasn’t intimidated by the various ideas and beliefs that were swirling around during that time. Instead, he was weak, fearful, and trembling much. He was far from what we might think is the perfect vessel for delivery... or maybe he was the perfect vessel: completely surrendered to the Spirit!
It’s good to remember. It’s a great model for ministry through our lives. Jesus alone gets all the attention; all the glory; all the focus. The spotlight must remain on him.
Even though there is temptation to elevate a man or a ministry, it needs to be resisted. God does use humans in a wonderful way, but we can never be too attached to the instrument. Only Jesus is preached. Only Jesus is worshipped. Only Jesus is worthy of our lives!
In His Love,
Pastor Ed
Response:
A SALVATION STORY: I had been living in California and was as about as far away from Jesus as a person could get. My husband was abusive and I was desperately lonely. My boss, who was a believer, suggested that I might try one of the local churches - just as a way to "meet some people." Taking his advice, I went to a nearby Presbyterian church and found a seat in the back of the sanctuary. A young woman sat beside me, but I didn't give her much thought. When the pastor told everyone to greet each other, this woman spoke to me and even asked for my phone number. I never expected to actually hear from her, but sure enough she called me during the week just to see how I was. She continued to call and met me at church whenever I came. Over time, this woman gave me two special gifts: her friendship and she led me to Christ. You never know the influence you might have on that person who sits next to you in church...I'm certainly a testimony of that.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good Friday
Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Traditionally, today, we celebrate the darkest day in human history; the death of Jesus Christ. While many in that day thought it was the end of the ministry of Jesus, it was just the beginning.
Sometimes we look at situations in life and wonder how anyone, anywhere can refer to them as ever ending up good. I mean, it's so painful and so hurtful and someone wants to call it good? Surely they don't understand, we think.
Perhaps they understand it a little better than we do since we're in the midst of it. Even though it's true that not everything IS good, the Word encourages us that God works all things together FOR the good for those who love Him.
It took some time for the disciples of Jesus to see the good in their Friend's death. It was through His death that our sins were wiped away and the opportunity to be saved by faith was sealed.
I pray today is a good one for you. But if it's not, wait on the Lord and watch Him work it together with other things for your good, and most importantly for His good.
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response:
This is such a timely message. I have been going through some struggles with work and the first thing I want to do is run/retreat. But, because my Faith is in God, I move forward and God shows me how he's moving these mountains out of my way. I am so encouraged everyday because I can't wait to see what God is going to do in my life on that day. May He continue to Bless you, your family and your ministry. You are an inspiration and I am proud of you.
Traditionally, today, we celebrate the darkest day in human history; the death of Jesus Christ. While many in that day thought it was the end of the ministry of Jesus, it was just the beginning.
Sometimes we look at situations in life and wonder how anyone, anywhere can refer to them as ever ending up good. I mean, it's so painful and so hurtful and someone wants to call it good? Surely they don't understand, we think.
Perhaps they understand it a little better than we do since we're in the midst of it. Even though it's true that not everything IS good, the Word encourages us that God works all things together FOR the good for those who love Him.
It took some time for the disciples of Jesus to see the good in their Friend's death. It was through His death that our sins were wiped away and the opportunity to be saved by faith was sealed.
I pray today is a good one for you. But if it's not, wait on the Lord and watch Him work it together with other things for your good, and most importantly for His good.
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response:
This is such a timely message. I have been going through some struggles with work and the first thing I want to do is run/retreat. But, because my Faith is in God, I move forward and God shows me how he's moving these mountains out of my way. I am so encouraged everyday because I can't wait to see what God is going to do in my life on that day. May He continue to Bless you, your family and your ministry. You are an inspiration and I am proud of you.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Prayer & Fasting Afterward
Luke 4:14-15 (NKJV) "Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all."
Coming out of a week dedicated to prayer and fasting is always exciting. We're excited in anticipation of how God will answer our prayers, strengthen our bodies, and direct our steps.
If you've been praying and fasting with us, don't forget that it's also a time of great, intense spiritual warfare. You'll recall when Jesus went to the wilderness for 40 days, the devil was right there, trying to tempt Jesus in three specific areas. After the temptations were resisted, it's said that Jesus returned to the area of Galilee in the power of the Spirit. That's just an awesome encouragement.
Keep your guard up this week as you seek to live out the beauty of obeying Jesus. Return to your normal week in the power of the Spirit.
Maybe you weren't able to join us last week; it's not too late. Set aside a day or a few days this week and devote them to prayer and fasting. You'll not only obey Scripture, but also set your life toward denying the flesh and feeding your spirit.
Blessings,
Pastor Ed
Response:
Amen, Amen, Amen. I believe that if you think long and hard about the fate of the ungodly and where they will spend eternity that should give you a consumed heart to reach them with the gospel. As it says in the Bible: Ezekiel 3:18 When I say to the wicked man you will surely die and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life that wicked man will die for his sin and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways he will die for his sin but you will have saved your soul.
Coming out of a week dedicated to prayer and fasting is always exciting. We're excited in anticipation of how God will answer our prayers, strengthen our bodies, and direct our steps.
If you've been praying and fasting with us, don't forget that it's also a time of great, intense spiritual warfare. You'll recall when Jesus went to the wilderness for 40 days, the devil was right there, trying to tempt Jesus in three specific areas. After the temptations were resisted, it's said that Jesus returned to the area of Galilee in the power of the Spirit. That's just an awesome encouragement.
Keep your guard up this week as you seek to live out the beauty of obeying Jesus. Return to your normal week in the power of the Spirit.
Maybe you weren't able to join us last week; it's not too late. Set aside a day or a few days this week and devote them to prayer and fasting. You'll not only obey Scripture, but also set your life toward denying the flesh and feeding your spirit.
Blessings,
Pastor Ed
Response:
Amen, Amen, Amen. I believe that if you think long and hard about the fate of the ungodly and where they will spend eternity that should give you a consumed heart to reach them with the gospel. As it says in the Bible: Ezekiel 3:18 When I say to the wicked man you will surely die and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life that wicked man will die for his sin and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways he will die for his sin but you will have saved your soul.
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Quest for the Perfect Church
2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (NKJV) "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
Some people are on the quest for the perfect church. Are you? I hope not.
Wait a minute, Pastor Ed, what do you mean you "hope not"? Shouldn't we be seeking out the perfect church? Shouldn't we be striving toward being the perfect church? Shouldn't we long to get back to the perfect days of the early church? No, No, and No. (By the way, there were no 'perfect' days of the early church.)
We should be longing for Jesus. We should be seeking to abide in Him. We should find our strength, sufficiency, and hope not in His church but in Him!
The church is not, and has not been perfect any where at any time. Why? Because people are involved; weak, flawed people make up His church. There are flaws in every church everywhere even if folks don't want to admit it. If we put our hope in a church, then we can look forward to great disappointment. But if we put our hope in Jesus, then even what disappointments we face in this life pale in comparison to the glory of His love for us.
Please, set your heart toward Jesus today. If you happen to be part of an imperfect church (all of us), then please pray for your church, for your pastors, for your leadership, and for your fellow believers. Thanks.
In His Love,
Pastor Ed
Response:
I wanted to thank you and commend you on this past weekends message. Very appropriate in the shadow of the anniversary of R v. W. I can honestly say that while I have only been a believer for 10 years now and a regular (weekly) Church attendee (CCA only since Sept. 09) after becoming a follower of Christ, I have, to date, never heard a Pastor speak on the topic. Since arriving in Aurora in 9/09 I immediately sought out a new Church family and CCA was recommended to me by my Sister and Brother-in-law, who are also members of CCA. I attended my first service the Sunday following my arrival in Aurora and saw no reason to continue searching for a Church in which to worship and fellowship, grow and minister. I have admired your passion for the Word of God and more so the teaching of it. The courage it must have taken to teach on such a socially "hot topic" in such a bold, yet compassionate manner was extraordinarily commendable. I also wish to add that I was one of a number of those that heard the message this weekend that were spoken to directly by you. As I too was confronted with the decision as a teenager in high school. The difference being... we chose to proceed with terminating the pregnancy. Not a day has gone by that I have not thought about that decision and been burdened by it. My child now would have been 24 years old. And the overwhelming relief I received when you referenced 2 Sam. 12:23 was a blessing of the most unexpected sort. Thank you for your love, your passion for the teaching of God's word and service to Him.
Some people are on the quest for the perfect church. Are you? I hope not.
Wait a minute, Pastor Ed, what do you mean you "hope not"? Shouldn't we be seeking out the perfect church? Shouldn't we be striving toward being the perfect church? Shouldn't we long to get back to the perfect days of the early church? No, No, and No. (By the way, there were no 'perfect' days of the early church.)
We should be longing for Jesus. We should be seeking to abide in Him. We should find our strength, sufficiency, and hope not in His church but in Him!
The church is not, and has not been perfect any where at any time. Why? Because people are involved; weak, flawed people make up His church. There are flaws in every church everywhere even if folks don't want to admit it. If we put our hope in a church, then we can look forward to great disappointment. But if we put our hope in Jesus, then even what disappointments we face in this life pale in comparison to the glory of His love for us.
Please, set your heart toward Jesus today. If you happen to be part of an imperfect church (all of us), then please pray for your church, for your pastors, for your leadership, and for your fellow believers. Thanks.
In His Love,
Pastor Ed
Response:
I wanted to thank you and commend you on this past weekends message. Very appropriate in the shadow of the anniversary of R v. W. I can honestly say that while I have only been a believer for 10 years now and a regular (weekly) Church attendee (CCA only since Sept. 09) after becoming a follower of Christ, I have, to date, never heard a Pastor speak on the topic. Since arriving in Aurora in 9/09 I immediately sought out a new Church family and CCA was recommended to me by my Sister and Brother-in-law, who are also members of CCA. I attended my first service the Sunday following my arrival in Aurora and saw no reason to continue searching for a Church in which to worship and fellowship, grow and minister. I have admired your passion for the Word of God and more so the teaching of it. The courage it must have taken to teach on such a socially "hot topic" in such a bold, yet compassionate manner was extraordinarily commendable. I also wish to add that I was one of a number of those that heard the message this weekend that were spoken to directly by you. As I too was confronted with the decision as a teenager in high school. The difference being... we chose to proceed with terminating the pregnancy. Not a day has gone by that I have not thought about that decision and been burdened by it. My child now would have been 24 years old. And the overwhelming relief I received when you referenced 2 Sam. 12:23 was a blessing of the most unexpected sort. Thank you for your love, your passion for the teaching of God's word and service to Him.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Getting Tired of Ministry
Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV) Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
We really want to stay as close to Jesus as possible. Action, even spiritual action, unless it's bathed in prayer can very easily become 'self-action.' There are a lot of people who get involved in what they believe to be 'ministry' when they truly weren't given that direction by the Lord. You may hear from time to time folks share, "I'm so burned out," or "Why isn't anyone helping me"? Of course, we can get tired in the ministry but getting tired of the ministry is a danger sign. Getting mad at others is another serious danger sign.
In the ministry that God has called you, serving the way God has called you, in the power that God has given you, will yield wonderful spiritual results. Although you may get tired in the ministry, you won't find yourself despising serving Jesus. Instead, you'll enjoy the peace and joy of Jesus.
It's when I start to do things that I'm not supposed to do, that I start to get weary and bummed out. But when I am doing the things that God has called me to do, the way He's shown me to do them, it's wonderful.
If you're weary, bummed out, and on the verge of burn out: stop. Step back in prayer and ask God to reveal His will, His ways, and His power anew and afresh to you. That's a prayer He'll answer!
In Him,
Pastor Ed
Response:
Your e-mail was very informative to me. Thank you. On a different note, I want to sincerely thank you and your staff at Calvary for your prayers. I have submitted a number of prayer requests about my son's situation. Because of your prayers (after 3 years of homelessness) he has secured a warm, safe, permanent place to live and is on the way to getting his life in order. He continues to await determination for social security (mental and physical impairments) but at least the constant struggle for a place to live has been overcome. I cannot thank you and your staff enough for your continuing prayers and thoughts. God does work miracles!!!!!
We really want to stay as close to Jesus as possible. Action, even spiritual action, unless it's bathed in prayer can very easily become 'self-action.' There are a lot of people who get involved in what they believe to be 'ministry' when they truly weren't given that direction by the Lord. You may hear from time to time folks share, "I'm so burned out," or "Why isn't anyone helping me"? Of course, we can get tired in the ministry but getting tired of the ministry is a danger sign. Getting mad at others is another serious danger sign.
In the ministry that God has called you, serving the way God has called you, in the power that God has given you, will yield wonderful spiritual results. Although you may get tired in the ministry, you won't find yourself despising serving Jesus. Instead, you'll enjoy the peace and joy of Jesus.
It's when I start to do things that I'm not supposed to do, that I start to get weary and bummed out. But when I am doing the things that God has called me to do, the way He's shown me to do them, it's wonderful.
If you're weary, bummed out, and on the verge of burn out: stop. Step back in prayer and ask God to reveal His will, His ways, and His power anew and afresh to you. That's a prayer He'll answer!
In Him,
Pastor Ed
Response:
Your e-mail was very informative to me. Thank you. On a different note, I want to sincerely thank you and your staff at Calvary for your prayers. I have submitted a number of prayer requests about my son's situation. Because of your prayers (after 3 years of homelessness) he has secured a warm, safe, permanent place to live and is on the way to getting his life in order. He continues to await determination for social security (mental and physical impairments) but at least the constant struggle for a place to live has been overcome. I cannot thank you and your staff enough for your continuing prayers and thoughts. God does work miracles!!!!!
God Uses Our Disappointments
James 1:3 (NLT) For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
Many of us know Kay Arthur by the Inductive Bible Study ministry God has entrusted to her care and oversight. She has been used in mighty ways helping 1000s learn how to study the Bible for themselves.
Did you know that this powerful ministry was actually born out of great disappointment? Kay contracted a serious heart infection while serving on the mission field in Mexico. Her sickness was so severe; it forced her to return home. "I felt like a failure," she wrote. "Depression set in until I cried 'Father, whatever you want.'"
"It would be several years before I'd see how He'd use those formative years of study in Mexico to prepare me to write inductive Bible studies that would eventually reach fifty-two countries."
"My disappointments aren't over," Kay admits. "Pain and trials are almost constant companions, but never enemies. They drive me into His sovereign arms. There He takes my disappointments and works everything together for the good."
Trusting God,
Pastor Ed
Response:
Very good! Many years ago I can remember when I will call it the spirit of loneliness overwhelmed me and I asked the Lord to completely fill that empty place in my heart and ever since then I have not been lonely. He meets every need we have and I do love him so much for all that he has done for me and continues to do. Most of all for my salvation and peace of mind! Thanks for all you do for us in sharing the wisdom that the Lord has given you. I pray for the Lord to bless you and your family abundantly every day! Love, because He Lives!
Many of us know Kay Arthur by the Inductive Bible Study ministry God has entrusted to her care and oversight. She has been used in mighty ways helping 1000s learn how to study the Bible for themselves.
Did you know that this powerful ministry was actually born out of great disappointment? Kay contracted a serious heart infection while serving on the mission field in Mexico. Her sickness was so severe; it forced her to return home. "I felt like a failure," she wrote. "Depression set in until I cried 'Father, whatever you want.'"
"It would be several years before I'd see how He'd use those formative years of study in Mexico to prepare me to write inductive Bible studies that would eventually reach fifty-two countries."
"My disappointments aren't over," Kay admits. "Pain and trials are almost constant companions, but never enemies. They drive me into His sovereign arms. There He takes my disappointments and works everything together for the good."
Trusting God,
Pastor Ed
Response:
Very good! Many years ago I can remember when I will call it the spirit of loneliness overwhelmed me and I asked the Lord to completely fill that empty place in my heart and ever since then I have not been lonely. He meets every need we have and I do love him so much for all that he has done for me and continues to do. Most of all for my salvation and peace of mind! Thanks for all you do for us in sharing the wisdom that the Lord has given you. I pray for the Lord to bless you and your family abundantly every day! Love, because He Lives!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Ten Years of Ministry
Psalm 36:5 (NKJV) "Your mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds."
Every December God takes us down memory lane to show and remind us of His great faithfulness. Why December? Well, He definitely shows us His faithfulness throughout the year, but the birthday of Calvary Chapel Aurora falls on December 26th, and so around this time we're all thinking about what God has done over the years.
This past Wednesday night, we enjoyed a service together rejoicing over the faithfulness of God and all that Jesus has done and desires to do here at Calvary. My pastor, Jeff Johnson of Calvary Chapel Downey, was here to share in the Word and we debuted our 10-year anniversary video (click here to watch it:http://vimeo.com/8101054). The video chronicles the story of our fellowship and includes some great pictures along with some encouragements from a few of the pastors that have invested spiritually in us.
Use this time to remind yourself that God is at work in your life - big time. You have a spiritual birthday of sorts as God plucked you out the miry clay and set your feet on a solid Rock.
Take time to rejoice in His faithfulness today. You'll be glad you did!
In Him,
Pastor Ed
RESPONSE:
This is the first fast that I have ever done that is longer then "skipping a meal" or maybe one day. It has been a very tough year, there have been many blessings, but emotionally, physically, and spiritually in most aspects of my life this has been a very tough year. I purposed in my mind I would commit to a full fast, and believe that God's grace would be sufficient as I would go through this experience to see "how strong is my flesh" and also to take some time to mourn the loss one of the biggest spiritual influences and advocates in my life who passed away October 29th...my mom.
During my fast God revealed that He wants me to rely on Him for things that only through His spirit living in and through me, would I be able to reach some degree of peace, comfort, and joy. However, no sooner than I began to understand and experience some of this during the fast, when the fast ended. I mean that night and the next morning wouldn't you know it, I was tempted immediately with a barrage of all the items that God was revealing to me that He was working through me for His purpose. I continue to battle and rely on Him, but now with the understanding of the fast and a little taste of what our Lord and Savior went through I am more purposeful and more focused not to give up and to run a strong race.
Thanks for the challenge...I think. I was participating in the nightly events through the internet in hotel rooms. It was great that I could do the singing and participate in the virtual prayer groups, but one thing was missing...I was not able to participate in communion. Then it hit me, I could ask the concierge if I could get a little cracker and a small amount of juice and he brought out Carr's Entertainment Cracker Collection.
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