Pastor’s Thoughts Feb. 17 through Feb. 26, 2024
From my High School Classmates. This is 20 of us that are Christian and the classmate who set this up named the group The God Squad.
God loves us. He does not forget us. There is no one who sits in the dark, alone…that He doesn’t see. In His omniscience, God’s vision surpasses our own…and He partners with us to bring that light and glory to earth…so His name can be known. The impact you make will be worth every ounce of effort…every minute of work…and every question and challenge you are likely going to face!
TAKE HEART…GOD IS IN IT WITH YOU!! THE ONE WHO LIFTS YOUR HEAD
God will provide all you need for the challenges you face—trust Him and be brave!
(Joshua 1:1-9) When God charged Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua was fully aware of just how daunting the task before him was. Yet he was determined to obey God…no matter what.
Whatever doubts and fears the young man faced in his heart and mind…he ultimately took up the mantle of leadership with courage. He placed his faith in God, who had never let the people down…and Joshua fully expected the Lord to be true to His word again.
Whatever challenge you’re up against…God says the same words to you that He lovingly spoke over His servant in today’s passage: “Be strong and very courageous” (v. 7).
Joshua’s bravery was based upon years of seeing God’s faithfulness. Whether you’ve been a Christian for five minutes or 50 years, you can have the same confidence! The Lord is sufficient to meet your needs. He is your “refuge and strength, a very ready help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1).
Rely upon Him in all things…and like David…you can boldly say, “You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head … The Lord sustains me. I will not be afraid” (Ps. 3:3; Ps. 3:5-6). ❤️❤️
Brought me to tears when I first heard it…and again this morning, thinking about how He made a way for me …and drew me…and saved me!!
“You Changed My Name” by Matthew West
My name was Lost ’til Your love reached down
You rescued me, now my name is Found
I was a slave to my sin and shame
But those chains fell off when You changed my name
You changed my name, You changed my name
From Too Far Gone to Saved By Grace
And now I am forever changed
All because You changed my name
You called me out from the grave I knew
The old is gone, now my name is New
I once was guilty, but not anymore
You paid my price, now my name is Yours
Yes, You paid my price, now my name is Yours
You changed my name, You changed my name
From Too Far Gone to Saved By Grace
And now I am forever changed
All because You changed my name
And I don’t have to answer to any name
That the enemy tries to call me
I don’t have to answer to any name
But Chosen Child of God
No, I don’t have to answer to any name
That the enemy tries to call me
I don’t have to answer to any name
But Chosen Child of God
It’s all because You changed my name ❤️
BE CONSECRATED: Every soul needs healing of some kind…and every one of us has baggage that needs to go. Baggage like fear…despair,…discouragement…jealousy…and insecurity.
Humble yourself under God’s mighty hand and ask Him to show you your heart…the things you cannot see.
Surrender your plan and trust Him with your desires…and see if He doesn’t meet you…minister to you…and establish you more fully in His purposes for you.
God wants to revive His Church. He’s purifying hearts, healing hearts, and disciplining those who need it. He misses nothing!
May revival start within each of us…as we sort through the stuff that pushes us down or holds us back. God always has more for us. Whatever promises we have memorized…know there are more of His promises to appropriate. In whatever ways we have experienced God…these are just tastes of things to come.
Nothing on earth compares to knowing God in a way that changes you. The world needs your influence. Jesus loves you more than you love yourself. Trust Him as He changes you from the inside out. ❤️
Psalm 85:8-9 NLT I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for He speaks peace to His faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, so our land will be filled with His glory.
—Susie Larson
THE NAME OF JESUS: Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
God exalted (lifted up) Jesus to the highest place in Heaven. Have we exalted Him to the highest place in our own life?
Before we have any chance of communicating a message of truth with the world, we must have a message of truth residing in our own heart. Have we truly accepted His forgiveness which only comes through faith…or are we still trying to earn our way…chasing after false messengers…and traveling down the broad road of destruction?
Do we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30)…or are we still just getting acquainted from a distance?
What about our place of worship? God has an important role for the local church and desires each of us to be in fellowship with other believers. But if our church does not lift up the name of Jesus Christ, it becomes little more than a social club leading an entire flock of lost sheep down the broad road away from the gate. God forbid!
Let’s exalt Jesus to the highest place in our life…in our home…and in our church. Let’s love Him with all our heart and take active steps to draw closer to His presence.
Let’s show the world that eternal life is only through faith in the name which is above all other names – the name of Jesus! ❤️—Steve Troxel
SHINING LIGHT IN OUR CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE: Is there someone you can serve and encourage today?
John 12:35-36: So Jesus said to them, “For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.” These things Jesus spoke, and He went away and hid Himself from them.
Jesus, the Light of the World, told us—His followers—to be light as well. We are to shine so that people will be drawn to the One who dwells within us.
Light shines most effectively when it’s not hidden. As Christians, we should be transparent about our faith and dependence on the Lord. Who we are in private must match who we are in public. Eliminating sinful habits and practices will brighten our testimony for Jesus. Light reveals what’s in the darkness as well as what is missing. The Holy Spirit will use our actions to shine truth into others’ lives and reveal their need for the Savior.
Light also serves to guide and to warn. As we obey the Lord’s leading, we will be able to help others understand who God is and how much He loves them. We also can function as lanterns to warn people of the dangers along their path.
Finally, our interactions are to bring warmth through an encouraging attitude and servant-like actions. In order to have a strong impact, we must reflect the light of God’s Son. Growing in Christlikeness is the key.
Let’s be intentional about shining our light wherever we are…especially in our home, workplace, and community! ❤️—Charles Stanley
THE GREATEST POWER: And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.
Ephesians 1:19
We hear the phrase “halls of power” mentioned in political discussions, referring to the domains of government authorities. Within those walls, deals and decisions are made which gives the impression of power—the ability to direct the destinies of people and nations.
But true power resides with God not men. As Daniel expressed in Babylon, ”Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, For wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding.“ Daniel 2:20-21
When the apostle Paul prayed for the Ephesians, he prayed God would let them see “the exceeding greatness of His power”—the same power “He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power” (Ephesians 1:19-21).
Yes, there are halls of power in this world…but none that could have raised Christ from the grave. God’s power is the greatest power of all.
Pray Paul’s prayer for yourself so you may see that God’s power is sufficient for your every need. ❤️—David Jeremiah
“Christianity is the power of God in the soul of man.”
—Robert B. Munger
WHAT A SAVIOR! “He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 91:15
We have a God who wants us to run to Him…and the moment we do…He has promised that He WILL answer us. Not “might,” or “perhaps,” but a definite “will.”
He does not stop at merely assuring us that He will answer us. He goes on record for all eternity, saying, “I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.”
We can have the assurance that when we call on Him, He will answer us…because of the divine exchange that took place at the cross, where our Lord Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46). He was forsaken—left helpless, totally abandoned, and deserted—so that today, we can have the confidence that our heavenly Father will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). What a Savior!
He made it so easy for us to receive His promises—our part is to simply call upon Him and let Him be our God. Whatever you may be going through today…call upon Him right now and He will deliver and honor you!
Whenever I am troubled, I tell the Lord, “Lord, I am worried about this situation, but I place it in Your nail-pierced hands right now. I surrender into Your hands all my worries, concerns, and cares in this area.” Then, I receive His peace, and when the enemy tries to fire new arrows of fear into my heart and mind, I remind myself that the situation is already in the Lord’s hands. I remind myself of His promise that He will deliver me!
Are you living with panic attacks, fear, and chronic anxiety? Don’t allow the devil to cripple you with all kinds of negative mental pictures or by replaying all the worst-case scenarios in your head. Call out to your Savior, Jesus Christ! He wants you to cast “all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7).
You are not a sheep without a Shepherd, so stop trying to carry all your cares upon your own shoulders. Whether it is a physical symptom…a financial challenge…or a family situation that you are anxious about…call upon Him and allow His peace to supernaturally guard your heart in every area that you are troubled (Phil. 4:6–7). Let’s walk in that victory today!! ❤️
Feb. 8, 2024 through Feb. 16, 2024 from God Squad post
LOVE THE HURTING: “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14 We have a world full of hurting people who need love. I am one. So are you. To some degree, we have all been hurt. Maybe it is by selfish parents…or uncaring institutions…or cutting relationships…or an isolating and alienating society…but we have all been hurt. Jesus shows a love for hurting people: “and He was moved with compassion for them.” The Greek word used here for that loving compassion means literally “to have the inward parts moved with great feeling.” The deepest part of Jesus’ emotional capacity was, and still is, turned in sincere feeling for the hurting of our world—you and me included. Today, let us each ask the Lord to make us a reflection of His life…to make us sensitive to the hurts of those around us. Are you willing to care like that? Is it your prayer to be made that way? ❤️–Jack Hayford
NOTHING TOO HARD: Jeremiah 32:27: “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?” We often have a difficult time seeing how all the pieces of God’s plan fit together. He leads us down a path and we fail to see the purpose…especially when the enemy begins to attack. We want to fight back…but God says to patiently trust Him and pray. We want to determine a solution and solve the problem…but God says to love Him with all our heart and share His love with others. The times in which we are most tested and pressed down ought to be the times of greatest growth and closeness with our Heavenly Father. When it seems we have nowhere else to turn…we ought to rejoice and trust Him even more! Let’s put our life firmly in His Hands and submit to His guidance — even when we may not see where we are going or how we will get there. Let’s trust His ways and always remember…for God, there is NOTHING too hard! ❤️ — Steve Troxel
EXPECT GOD’S GOODNESS: The enemy amplifies our fears. He makes a big deal out of our weaknesses. He exaggerates our troubles. He lies about our worth. Enough with him, already! Oh, magnify the Lord with me! Let us exalt His Name together! He is greater than our fears and stronger than our enemy. He is mighty to save and brilliant in power. He’s a chain breaker and a dream maker! Turn a deaf ear to the enemy. Refuse to rehearse his threats. Lift up your eyes to Jesus this day. He’s a miracle-working God…and He has no rival. We are secure in Him!! ❤️ Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV) ~ I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together! –Susie Larson
GO FOR JESUS HIMSELF: So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. Luke 24:15 I love the fact that of all the words God could have chosen to call this beautiful meal, He chose the word Communion. It speaks of the relationship God wants to have with us, the closeness and intimacy He desires to have with us. I know it can be easy to lose sight of that and even see the Communion as a means to an end, especially when you are battling symptoms in your body. But as you continue to come to the Lord’s Table, don’t just go after the healing and miss the One who prepared the table for you. Pursue the Healer and not just the healing. Pursue the Blesser and not just the blessing. When you have Him, you have everything. The journey to Emmaus took place the same day our Lord Jesus rose bodily from the grave. What was so important to the Lord that He would do it on the day of His resurrection? The resurrected Christ did this: “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”—Luke 24:27Later the two disciples said to each other, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32).
I pray that by the grace of God…you will see in the Scriptures…not a list of rules and regulations…not knowledge that puffs up the intellect…but things concerning Himself. I pray that your heart burns within you as you see Jesus in the Scriptures and you experience His deep, personal love for you as never before. I pray that you will feel Jesus Himself drawing near to you, lavishing His love on you, and imparting to you all you need. And beyond what He can do for you or your loved one…beyond healing for that condition you might have been battling with…I pray that you have an encounter with the Lord Jesus Himself. ❤️—Joseph Prince
CHOOSE JOY: Choose joy today…because in Christ Jesus, you’re stronger than you know! Engage your faith today…because God moves when you pray in faith. Walk confidently today…because Jesus paid a high price for your soul. You matter deeply to Him. Show compassion today…because you’ve received such compassion from God Himself. You’re wrapped up in God’s promises…strengthened by His care…and called by His divine will. Everything you need you already have in Him. Have a holy-confident, humbly joyful day today! The joy of the Lord is your strength! ❤️ Romans 15:13 (ESV) ~ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. –Susie Larson
FINDING TRUE REST: God is faithful to deliver those who trust Him for help. Psalm 62:1-2: ”My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.“ Have you ever carried a heavy object for so long that your arms start to burn from its weight? You count the steps until you can finally set it down, and when you do, relief floods your body as the pain subsides. We can feel something similar in our spirit when we surrender our burdens to the Lord. David understood this kind of relief well. With his enemies in relentless pursuit, he was forced to hide to save his life. The weight he carried was evident as he cried out in distress, “How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1). Yet, through his extended season of challenges, David experienced God’s faithfulness as well as His consolation in the anguish. Remembering that God is faithful will bring release from the weight of our worries. So let’s hold to the perspective that God is at work…and keep our eyes fixed on the solution rather than the problems. Then, like David, we will be able to say, “I will not be greatly shaken” (62:2). While we are learning to release our burdens, let’s be sure to talk to God in prayer (Psalm 62:8)…wait in hope for Him (Psalm 62:5)…and never forget that He is our rock and salvation (Psalm 62:2). That is true relief! ❤️—Charles Stanley
YOU GOT THE JOY: May the wonder of Christ’s love and the miracle of His redemption sweep you off your feet and ignite your faith once again!
Dare to look away from your discouragements…and look toward your Deliverer who truly makes all things new.
May your heart of faith beat once again for the promises God has made to you.
Pick up the cause of faith and march forward…knowing God has your back…He’s gone before you…and He’s placed His hand of blessing upon your head (Psalm 139:5).
Awaken to joy today! Embrace faith today! Pray like you have a God in heaven who hears you and moves when you pray…because you do! ❤️
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV) ~ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
OFF THE THRONE: Many of us today recognize Jesus and clearly see our need…but we fear losing the ability to direct our own path. The thought of releasing control seems unbearable. Somehow, we’ve been taught that submission equates to failure. But the reality is that true “success” is only found in Christ…and true comfort is only obtained by being set free from the power of sin and the entanglement of this world. Jesus was, and always will be, very threatening to those who insist on sitting on a throne. It’s foolishness to think Jesus will accept the position of Co-King. Those who attempt to enter a relationship with Jesus while trying to maintain their “right to rule” will never really know Him…and certainly never experience His peace. Jesus will give Himself to “whoever believes in Him” (John 3:13). But in return, He asks for our total
devotion: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). We give Him proper worship – the worship He deserves – only as we submit and exalt Him above all else; “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).
Let’s ensure our relationship with Jesus is aligned with God’s plan. He is the rightful Ruler and King – the Savior and Lord! Let’s trust and worship Him with all our heart and refuse to be threatened by His right to lead. Let’s decide once and for all to relinquish control…and get our pride-filled self off the throne. ❤️ —Steve Troxel surrender=freedom freedom=peace
February 11, 2024
From God Squad post
Receive It!: Someone once said that God gives His best to those who leave the choice up to Him. Yet, God always entrusts us with the power to choose.
We can choose to be grateful or grumpy…hopeful…or hopeless. We can choose instant gratification today or God’s best for us tomorrow. We decide whether to walk by faith or by sight…to embrace an eternal perspective or an earthbound one.
Look up to the night sky and consider the One who put the stars in their place…and remember how much God is for you.
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February 4, 2024
NO CONDEMNATION: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned.” John 3:17–18 If you’ve been living in the abyss of fear for as long as you can remember…it is time for your liberty! You can begin on this journey of freedom today by believing that God’s heart is full of love, grace, and mercy toward you. Listen to your Father’s heartbeat in today’s scripture.
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January 28, 2024
NO SMELL OF SMOKE ON YOU: So, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke! Daniel 3:26–27 NLT.
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January 21, 2024
ANTICIPATE GOD’S GOODNESS: There are some things we strive and strain for which we already possess. May Jesus open our eyes and show us just how rich we are. Right here, right now, as Christ-followers…we are heirs to the heavenly Kingdom. We possess more divine love than we could ever contain in our mortal body.
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January 10, 2024
Stand Firm in the Gap
Ezekiel 22:30-31″I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.
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New Year Prayer from Billy Graham ❤️ Our Father and our God, as we stand at the beginning of this new year we confess our need of Your presence and Your guidance as we face the future. We each have our hopes and expectations for the year that is ahead of us—but You alone know what it holds for us, and only You can give us the strength and the wisdom we will need to meet its challenges.
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