Exam Time

Week of July 19, 2019

“He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”  And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”  Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. (John 21:17, NKJV)

For three years Peter had been taught by the greatest teacher ever.  Well, every now and then He had to take a test.  He failed seamanship because he sank beneath the waves of unbelief.  He failed agriculture because He could not distinguish between wheat and chaff.  He failed in human relations because he denied his best friend. 

The good news is that Christ does not call those who are able.  He enables those He calls.  Peter passed the final test that was given to him.  It was a one question exam, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”  He passed that test with flying colors.  He said “Lord you know I love you.”  So, the Lord answered and said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27, NKJV).  The Bible also says in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

I think it is wise from time to time to really get serious with ourselves and ask the question – Do we really love God?  With all our heart, soul, mind, and strength?  Where is our focus?  What are our priorities?  Jesus asks, “Lovest thou me more than these” Peter passed the exam.  I hope each of us does the same.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Focus On God

Week of July 12, 2019

   “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6, NKJV)

Life can suddenly become filled with problems.  Regardless of their source, they dominate your life until you have found a solution.

Discussing a problem with a trusted friend often puts it in the right perspective.  Now, there are some people who delight in talking about their problems.  If that is the case, you will probably never find a solution hanging around that crowd.

If you are experiencing a problem and sincerely seek a solution, direct your thoughts to God and don’t focus on the problem.  You will find solution if you allow God to assist you.  Tell God about your problems and acknowledge His might.  He can create order, eliminate chaos, and give you a solution.  When God is our focus rather than our problem, you will sense His presence, power, and work in your life.  You will find solutions to your problems, and by His grace, you will be able to live victoriou

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Laus Deo

Week of July 7, 2019

Happy 4th of July to all of you! I think you will agree that God has blessed this nation beyond our comprehension.  For all these blessings He deserves our praise! 

 “Praise the Lord!  Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord!  Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!  From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord’s name is to be praised.  The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens.”  Psalm 113:1-4 (NKJV)

On one side of the capstone of the Washington Monument, at a height of 555 feet, is a plaque that reads the following: Laus Deo.  No one from the monument grounds can see these two words and in fact most visitors to the Monument have no idea that this inscription is even there.  These two seemingly insignificant and unnoticed words were strategically placed at the highest point over the most powerful city in the world.  What might those two words mean?  Very simply…” Praise be to God”

The builders of the monument wanted to be sure that God received the credit for their work and their nation so they engraved these two Latin words permanently at the very top.  When we look at the history of our great nation it becomes clear that we are one of the few countries in the world established under the guidance and direction of Almighty God. Those who formed this nation’s foundations honored and praised His name.  The skeptics can deny it all they want but when one takes the time to look they will find inscriptions found in public places all over our nation’s capital pointing toward God. One will easily find the signature of God all over our nation’s capital. We are a nation under God!  Laus Deo!!!  Praise be to God!!

 God Bless, Pastor Rick