With The Same Fervor

Week of May 5, 2023

“Truly I tell, among those born of women, there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”  (Matthew 11:11, NKJV)

John the Baptist’s role was to decrease in importance, and Jesus’ ministry was to increase. John 3:30 John allowed his disciples to leave him in order to follow Jesus. His ministry lasted about six months before he was wrongfully imprisoned and executed. Yet Jesus said that no one who had come before John was any greater in the kingdom of heaven. Moses had parted the Red Sea, Elijah had raised the dead and brought down fire from heaven. Isaiah had written a book of scripture, yet in the brief time of service granted to John, he had matched them all for greatness in their kingdom work! Incredibly Jesus said that we have the opportunity to be even greater in the kingdom of heaven than John the Baptist.

To serve God in the smallest way is an honor far greater than we deserve. John was given less than a year to complete his assignment, and he did so with all that he had. We have the opportunity to allow Jesus to do His work through our lives. Our mandate is the same as John’s, to lift up Jesus and deny ourselves. Service to God is a great privilege. May we do ours with the same fervor that John the Baptist did his. 

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Gods Instruction

Week of April 28, 2023

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.  Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, Else they will not come near you.  Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.” Psalm 32:8-10 (NKJV)

Our lives are very complicated.  Many people feel like they are lost in a maze and cannot find their way out.  They make hasty decisions that influence them and their loved ones in a negative way.  So often, people’s lives are controlled by the storms and winds of life. 

The good news is that God will accompany you along the path He has ordained for you if you follow Him obediently.  Often it may seem as if the things that happen to us are not in our best interest but never forget God has a way of turning what happens as evil and bad around for our good.  He watches over us for our good.  He knows the road from beginning to end. 

So lay every decision that you have to make big or small before Him in prayer.  An omniscient God will guide you and watch over you. 

God Bless, Pastor Rick

The Lord Precedes You

Week of April 7, 2023

“But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”  Mark 14:28

God never sends you into a situation alone.  He always goes before His children, as He did with the children of Israel when He led them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.  He always precedes you in any situation you encounter; God is never caught by surprise by your experiences, He has already been there.  He is prepared to meet every need because He has gone before you and knows exactly what you will need for your journey.  “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you.  He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”  Deuteronomy 31:8

If you are going through a difficult or confusing time, know that your Lord has gone before you, and He is present with you.  He is fully aware of what you are facing.  There is nowhere you can go that you will not find Christ waiting for you to join Him.  As a child of God; rest in the knowledge that your Savior preceded you, and He will walk with you through each experience of your life.  Ask for his guidance at this time.  He is more than ready to direct your path.

God Bless, Pastor Rick