God’s Word Convicts The Heart

Week of October 4, 2024

 “When the King heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes.” (2 Kings 22.11, NKJV )

After David and Solomon, some of the Kings of Israel turned from God. Some of the kings married foreign women, which was forbidden. They served foreign gods, and when the Almighty God had enough he allowed the northern Kingdom, Israel to be attacked and overcome by the Assyrians. Josiah became king of the other half of the kingdom called Judah.

Years of spiritual neglect had eroded the people's faith in God, they even misplaced the scroll of scriptures. But one day the scroll was found and taken to Josiah. The king listened as the scripture was read, words he had never heard before. God’s law gripped at his heart. He realized that all the problems they had was the result of their forefathers along with themselves not following the words written in the scrolls. He was convicted and even tore his clothes.

Josiah was more than sorry, he took action. He pulled down altars of false gods, he kicked out their false teachers.

When God convicts us of disobedience do we follow Josiah’s example? Hopefully we feel genuine conviction and we take action to once again walk with God in truth.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

God’s Word Stands Forever

Week of September 27, 2024

 “The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8, NKJV

Not too many like change.  It threatens the little sense of security we have.  We have enough stress as it is. Don’t make me change the one restaurant I love, or give up my vacation spot where I can truly relax.  Don’t take the one friend away that understands me.

Those things do change but there’s another source that never will change and that God’s Word.  The Bible tells us that even Heaven and Earth may pass away but God’s Word remains rock solid.

The Bible doesn’t give me a clear-cut answer for every problem of life or issue that arises.  But we learn about the nature of God and we read the principles of God, from the Word of God.  From our understanding of those things God points us in the right direction.  We come to realize that we can trust God through any situation of life.  Commit to reading a portion of God’s Word this week.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Say No To Mediocrity

Week of September 20, 2024

 “So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16, NKJV

If we are not careful, we might find ourselves just going through the motions. Have you possibly found that you have lost your passion for God, work, and family? We drive home, collapse on the sofa, and tune out in front of the television. We once thought about changing the world. Now, we’re just thinking, "I need to change the TV channel." Understandably, our minds and bodies wear down eventually, but our zeal for God and His Kingdom doesn't have to. 

In the letters to the seven churches of Revelation, John writes under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He says our Lord was dissatisfied with the churches' lack of passion. The church at Laodicea was located by some hot springs. Maybe he was associating these words with those springs. You are not hot and passionate for God, and neither are you cold. You’re just lukewarm.

If your heart is lukewarm, it’s time to take a step back and determine what has brought that on. Negative habits that need to be deleted out of your life today. Because mediocrity will ruin you and everyone you touch. Ask yourself to what extent has your life become mediocre?

What activities, purposes or people could you implement or reinstate to bring your passion of purpose back to your life? This was a very big deal with our Lord regarding this group of people. Lets not quickly overlook mediocrity in our life.  Let's deal with it quickly and decisively. 

God Bless, Pastor Rick