Preparation: It’s a concept that when followed will enhance every activity. In every situation from a barbeque to a war, preparation is not only good, but success is almost always dependant on it. As we look at our men and women in the battle fields right now, what if they had not prepared for the conditions that they would face? What if the infantry only brought enough supplies for a week? When I do a barbecue I take time to make sure that I have everything I need. All of the utensils, condiments, food, paper towels, foil, water spray can, an apron, extra fuel, etc. are all in place before the cooking begins. Not being prepared at a cookout can mean having to drive far to get more propane; not being prepared for war can mean death. In both cases preparation is essential.


Preparation is also necessary in worship. Many times we don’t think about this because in many situations worship is looked at as something that we come to and that is brought to us. It is quite the opposite however; worship is something that we bring, something that we are responsible for and something that we must prepare for. Paul even reminds us that we need to be prepared to take the Lord ’s Supper, an act of worship, in a way that is worthy before we come. (1 Cor. 11:28)

How do we prepare for worship? Since worship is a lifestyle it is a daily occupation. As we walk with the Lord during the week and talk with Him giving Him praise, adoration and thanksgiving our hearts are being prepared. As we meet with other believers to pray, be encouraged and bring encouragement, we become more prepared. As we spend time in God’s Word and make it’s truths a part of our daily walk we deepen our preparation. As we think and meditate on His goodness, faithfulness, mercy, love, grace and provision and take time to acknowledge our gratitude to Him for those things, we add to our preparation. All of those elements are the “utensils” of worship our “torches” and then when we meet together in our corporate gatherings we, having prepared all week long, come together and celebrate at the “worship party” the “bond-fire” of praise!

Are you prepared today? Do you have your tools, your torches lit ready to enter in? It makes a world of difference in how you’ll walk away from our gathering today. And for every gathering here you prepare for it adds to your lifestyle of worship which is preparation for our eternal worship gathering! So get your apron of praise on and let’s cook!

Pastor MJ

So Sarah laughed

“So Sarah laughed…”

Genesis 18:10-12 (NIV)

It continually makes me stand in awe as I think that the King of kings and the Lord of lords loves me, and not that he loves me alone, but that He also desires for me to be in a personal relationship with Him.

As I read through Scriptures, I notice several times when God is so grieved over man’s unfaithfulness, sin and rebellion, that He states that it is His desire to destroy them. However, as wicked as man has been, God has never destroyed all of mankind. And as a matter of fact, on many occasions, because of the prayers of faithful men, God changed his plan.

No matter how many times God proved his faithfulness, no matter how many times He proved that His promises are true, men and women throughout Scripture and still today cry, keep silent, walk the other way and or laugh in disbelief because of our lack of faith. Sarah was such a person. God had told Abraham and then Sarah that through them many nations would be born and blessed. Sarah had a hard time believing that especially since she was 90 and Abraham at this time was 100 years old. She had been barren that long, how could she possibly give birth for the first time now?

The Bible teaches that, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) God’s timing is not always in synch with ours. He is seldom early, but He is never late!

Now, I imagine that God was at least hurt by Sarah’s disbelief, but He was probably also angry. He had provided, led and guided them without fail up to this point and still she laughed with disbelief. Yet God kept all of His promises and delivered, right on time!

What a gracious, loving, forgiving God we serve that in spite of our doubt, He still blesses. In spite of our fear, He still delivers! In spite of our unfaithfulness, He remains faithful.

Take a moment and consider the alternative. Do you agree that we indeed have reason to praise Him for His faithfulness?

Take this week and so do.

Seeing Things From God's Perspective

Anger, frustration, hurt, fear, sorrow, confusion. Have you ever had a week that seemed to encompass each of those emotions? Sometimes life really stinks. Those are the times when I am so thankful for God’s Word. After crying, yelling and not knowing where the next word or thought will come from, having God’s Word by my side to place in my heart is the best “balm” one could ever ask for. As good as Paul Harvey’s comments are, the Word of God is the best “Rest of the story” available to mankind.

Some time ago as I was stuck in the midst of one of our family’s “medical opportunity” :), I went to God’s Word seeking a comforting Word from God that everything was going to be okay. The Spirit of God led me to read through Revelation chapters 4&5. This is an incredible scene in heaven where we see John getting a glimpse of the true, “now but not yet” for believers. He takes us on a journey of the heavenly throne room and lets us see what it looks like and what activities are taking place. I was glued to the pages as I read about the emerald rainbow around the throne, the elders in white garments and golden crowns. Then he tells of the flashes of lightning and sounds of thunder and the sea of glass that is like crystal along with the very interesting looking four living creatures whose full-time occupation is saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God, The Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.” Next I read about the LAMB...the only One worthy to open the book with the seven seals and as He came and took it the explosive worship response that takes place in response to who He is. A worship response that included hundreds of thousands of angels, living creatures, elders along with every created thing in heaven and earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them. In the midst of that section I read these words…

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, Be blessing and honor and glory and Dominion forever and ever.”

Right then and there, the Spirit of God spoke to my heart, “Mark, remember, it’s not about you.” Everything is about His glory! At that very moment I realized in a fresh way that I needed to look at everything I am ever faced with, with the perspective of who He is and His agenda. When I look at my trials and heartaches in that light, the depths don’t seem as deep. Aren’t you glad that this isn’t all there is? It will be so worth it all when we see Jesus! Let’s praise Him for the revealing the rest of the story to us early. Read it, make it a lifestyle and be encouraged! And make sure and share this golden truth with those who do not yet know the Lord.

With you on the journey, MJ

2012 Spiritual Check Engine Light

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

Psalm 119:105

Cars are wonderful, when they work! It seems like they break down or begin to have problems at the most importune times. Right after we returned from vacation, I went to run some errands and as I started the car I noticed that the “check engine” light remained on. I turned the car off and started it again, hoping it would click off. Unfortunately, it stayed on. Years ago, a friend showed me how to get certain “signal” lights to turn off if I wanted to ignore the problem. At this point, especially since I had just returned from vacation, I really didn’t want to face car repairs, so I was tempted to turn it off and ignore the problem.

Just then, the Spirit of the Lord spoke to my heart and said that the cost of getting my car checked out and repaired now, would be significantly less than if I were to let it go and have to face the possibility of repairing or replacing my engine. Auto maintenance is like our bodily health, it’s much easier to maintain good health than it is to regain good health.

So it is in life in general. God’s Word provides spiritual “check engine” lights. Are we listening? Or do we know certain tricks to “turn off the lights off”, and avoid the warnings? Are we fleeing temptation? (James 4:7) Are we loving our spouses? (Eph. 5:22, 25) Are we being honest? (Prov. 2:22) Are we caring for God’s temple? (I Cor. 6:19) Are we being good stewards of God’s blessings? (Matt. 25:14-30) Has the Spirit of God been convicting you of an area of your life that needs attention? Have you been listening or do you, do I use tricks such as busyness, drugs, play, television, books, etc. to avoid the warnings?

As we enter this next week, let’s pray as David did, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to come in and do a spiritual diagnostic test and make any repairs needed.

My friend, the pain and cost of doing that, is and will be far less than the alternative. Together, let’s keep on top of our spiritual health: for His glory and our good.

Blessings,
Pastor MJ

Purpose Driven Destruction

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”
(John 10:10a)

At the beginning of time we saw him working out his purpose with Adam and Eve. We are all created in the image of God. That image is best seen in the expressions from and in our hearts. Satan cannot take away our salvation but if he can destroy, break or in other ways nullify the heart of Almighty God’s image bearers then He will be happy. God’s glory is expressed best here on this earth through the lives of His children. As Saint Irenaeus wrote, “The glory of God is man fully alive”. Satan’s plan is to break your heart, especially in things towards God. If he can do that then the glory of God coming from your life is dimmed and less of an influence for God.

Satan tried to do this to Adam, the nation of Israel, Jarius, Joseph, Abraham, Daniel, Jesus and millions of others. Where was God when the Jews were commanded to make more bricks with less material? Were was God when Jarius held His almost lifeless daughter in his arms? Where was God as Joseph as being thrown into the dry well? Where was God when Jacob received news of his favorite son being killed by wild animals? Where was God when Daniel was being thrown into the lion’s den? Where was God while Job was getting the mess kicked out of him? Where was He when your husband/wife walked out? Where was he when your best friend died of AIDS? Where was he when you were betrayed by those you trusted the most? Where is He now? Why didn’t/doesn’t He step in?

Each one of those questions is fueled by Satan’s sole purpose to destroy your heart. He wants to steal your joy, your hope. He wants to kill your emotion towards your Creator, your Father and to kill your heart towards Him and in some cases not only your heart but your very life.

Without the well, Joseph would have never brought the Jews to Egypt. Without the cross, no resurrection. God won. He always does.

My friend, you may not see, feel, sense, or even believe that God is with you in the midst of your situation or that He even cares.

He is and He does… One day every question will be answered, every doubt will be erased, every fear quenched, every tear dried. Go ahead, cry, get mad. My prayer for you today is that you will be able to say, even in your brokenness, just as Job did, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him (Job 13:15 NIV) Today may be your “Friday”, but your “Sunday” is coming.

With you, desiring a heart fully alive……...MJ