2021Scripture and Sermon Notes

December 12th, 2021

John 1:1-18: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

Pastor Rex: We have access to the infinite grace, power and mind of God. To the love and grace of God. We are, actually, vessels to be filled. And we have the choice of letting God fill us with all of His love and the gifts that love entails. In vs. 14, we see that God made what is called the “Great Condescension” when He lowered Himself to become flesh and walk among us in the form of Jesus Christ. His divine grace and love for us caused Him to choose to be lowered to our level, with flesh like ours. He suffered loneliness, disappointment, sorrow, pain…hunger, thirst…and every emotion that we carry. His humanity was fully integrated with His divinity.

Hebrews 4:15: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

Pastor Rex: He was incarnated with all the complexities (and weaknesses) that gave Him a human nature, but He never sinned. He used His power only as He needed it; and if we walk with the Holy Spirit, we will have what we need as well. He accepted and endured; think of His cry at Gethsemane, “Take this cup from me! Father…but Thy will be done.” He drank of the cup of our sins and bore that burden. He empathizes with our experiences because He accepted. There is nothing we go through that He doesn’t understand. Because of the love. He didn’t come to serve, but to be served. As should we do. Again, in John 1:14: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. We have seen His glory. He brought that glory to us through His word, grace and love. It isn’t an earthly glory-==that isn’t for us to pursue.

Matthew 6:1-4: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

His is the glory we seek, His is the light we carry. His glory is our blessing, not just seeing it, but extending it to others. His glory is in each of us; He gives us grace for people, love and joy for others. If you believe that the Holy Spirit dwells in you, you have an untapped, bottomless reservoir of His power and grace for yourself and others. Jesus showed that glory through His life, His suffering and obedience. Remember that He said, “If you’ve seen Me, you’ve seen the Father.” Our best qualities usually shine through our children, and our parents’ shine through us. So are His.

Mark 15:39: And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

December 5th, 2021 “Does Sin cause us to lose our salvation?”

Mark 4:27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.

Pastor Rex: We sin every day, missing His mark. After all, none of us walks on water. “If I am willful, He will reject me.” But God forgives us and washes us when we are born again and accept His salvation. He wants us to grow in Him with an unburdened heart. But we cry out, “I am guilty. Am I still saved?” All Christians struggle with sin. From an unhealthy attitude to selfishness to actions that serve to separate us, all of us struggle.

Romans 7: 15 (Paul): I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

Paul is struggling with the thorn in his flesh. We all have them; we fall back into old sin and then question ourselves, “How can I still be saved?” We fall into the trap that trips us into feeling unworthy, as we did when first we yearned for His salvation. “I am not good enough.” The process of His refinement is just that-a process. It takes time and it’s on us to guard our hearts to be vigilant and ready for His touch. The Holy Spirit reveals those things to us that need correction and then will guide us to come to terms. Understand! He must stand as our #1 priority in our lives, and we must be prepared to put in our time with Him.

Galatians 5:16: So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

He is our new wineskin! We are called on to stretch our mindset to recognize His guidance. Sanctification is a moment by moment process that will not be entirely completed until He calls us home.

Romans 7:18: For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

Pastor Rex: Sin is a choice. When we know that what we are doing is wrong and we fail to correct ourselves (or make amends), we will continue to struggle. But we improve as we humbly seek His will. We have to be vigilant against temptation and hold not just His hand…but His Spirit. Willful sin is planned and considered. Walking with Him will increase the speed by which we recognize our errors. We all sin and fall short of His glory. Learning to hear His voice is part of our process.

1st John 1:7-9: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Pastor Rex: Day by day, moment by moment…our spiritual walk is not one and done.

Hebrews 10:26-31: If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Pastor Rex: This scripture is referring to those whose hardened hearts keep them from a repentant spirit. The rejection of the leading of the Holy Spirit bars redemption. A deliberate turning away from God causes a loss of the ability to be sincerely sorrowful and repentant over our actions. Guilt and shame over those actions , however, is a healthy response for a sincere Christian. It serves to help us recognize that we need to stop and turn around. Repentance requires humility.

James 5:16: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Pastor Rex: Confess to God and to each other. It will lift the weight that left untended will increase over time. Continue His work! Don’t fall into doubt and disheartenment; sharing our mistakes in fellowship starts the healing. Feeling unworthy is a trap, and focusing on your failures will erode and corrode your walk if you don’t address it. Remember, the process is not one and done. Wrestling with doubts and fears means that you are still seeking, still striving to walk with Him. Don’t let discouragement creep in. Remember that there is no work we can do, no price we can pay that will match the one Christ paid for us. Our faith reflects God applying that cost for us. When you stumble, turn around and seek His voice. He will always welcome you home.

November 28th, 2021

James 5:13-20: Is anyone among you suffering? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Pastor Rex: We all want to grow stronger in our prayer life. Today’s key verse gives us the prescription. This “checklist” gives us guidance to grow in that area that we all strive to become ‘more’. Whether our challenge is physical, chronic, financial or emotional—practical, spiritual or professional-there is no exception. All of our life’s issues will be in front of us at some point and His call is for us to first reach out to him. Not just for ourselves should we pray, but for each other. James tells us to pray unceasingly…not just when we suffer, but when we are in a good place, for each other, for all sinners, our families, communities and nation.

Psalm 34:1: From David: I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.

Pastor Rex: Not just good times or bad—we are learning the higher path. Our perspective needs to be grounded in trusting Him regardless of outward appearances. Don’t second guess the Lord, trust Him. Seek solace from those your trust to be true to His way. Don’t rely on your own understanding. Everyone has difficult times or experiences. Christians, though, know where to turn. After all, we accept and believe…

Romans 8:28: All things work together for the good of those who love God who are called according to His purpose.

Pastor Rex: Pain is a teacher-we must be ready to reach out to each other. Yes, we suffer, but we can rest in the knowledge that we can use all things to turn and learn more about how He wants us to handle our challenges. Sing? Yes, praise Him in all things, too!

Isaiah 43:21: …the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.

Psalms 115:18: it is we who extol the LORD, both now and forevermore. Praise the LORD.

Psalms 145:1, 2: I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.

Revelations 5:13: Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

Pastor Rex: Prayer is presented in the name of the Lord to recognize His power and authority-not our own. Pray for each other, confessing and relying on Him and each other for His grace and light. It will heal you and He will be honored; He will welcome you and heal your wounds. He will reveal even more of His love in you and for you. Because of what Jesus did on the cross, we are all righteous in His eyes. Our prayers for all these things become our petitions, presented with humility but faith of their being welcomed. He will act, in His will, on them all.

November 21st, 2021 Be an Encourager!

Hebrews 10:25: “… not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Pastor Rex: Be aware that there is more to fellowship than simply staying in touch with other Christians. Be proactive! Reach out to each other and take every opportunity to connect and be together with each other. Feed each other with encouragement and care. People don’t need a piece of your mind, they need your encouraging love. How many times do we hear, “It won’t work!” “You can’t do that!” “We’ve never done it that way before…” Instead, look for a positive, supporting way to be present with each other.

Acts 4:36-37: Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Pastor Rex: This Joseph-Barnabas- isn’t listed with the Apostles, but he supported Christ’s ministry generously, and later travelled with Paul. He had a generous heart and followed through with dedication and love of others. He strove to share not only his heart, but his hands and his service.

Acts 20:35: (Paul, speaking) In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Pastor Rex: In our labors for Christ, we recognize that we have a responsibility to help each other, lifting each other and encouraging not only each other in our walk but also those in the community around us. In addition to our responsibility, we have a legacy that calls us to strive to emulate what we ourselves have received. His grace and love shelters and saves us-it is part of our calling to pass it on.

Romans 12:13: Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Proverbs 11:24-25: One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Romans 12:10: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Pastor Rex: A recent display showed what was found in the pockets of President Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination. They found a handkerchief, $5.00, and eyeglass case and news clippings. The clippings he carried were of stories that showed things he had done that were admired; he was harshly criticized at times, and these clippings provided him with encouragement. He carried them with him on ordinary days. Leadership can be lonely, as people don’t always understand what is involved in making choices for your community. But leader or not, we always need that reassurance that we matter and that we are thought of with affection and care. The Lord will place people on your heart for reasons we don’t always understand. Act on those feelings with care and regard as well as prayer. These moments will also pull us out of our own self-interest and into His love. That love is the most powerful force in the world. It will help you turn away from yourself and pour that energy into others. We can pass along His grace, gentleness and encouragement. His business is not just inside the church, but outside as well. We may never see the results of our efforts on His behalf…that isn’t the point. Our efforts, each one, may be the key for that person. Don’t take your efforts for granted. Be a Barnabas.

November 14th, 2021 Spiritual Authority

Pastor Rex: We must be vigilant and careful to keep Him first, feeding our faith, hearing the Word and being ready to do His work. Standing for Him as He stood for us…died for us…and opened the door of Heaven to give us eternal life. When we speak out with His authority, His work continues through each of us.

Ephesians 6:12: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Luke 10:17-19: The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

Pastor Rex: Jesus sent out the group and when they returned they were surprised and amazed; He reiterated to them that they could act and do amazing things in His name; and also that Satan was already defeated. But we stumble and lose our focus on what is ours already. Remember the homeless man, found dead of starvation. He had plenty of money, but didn’t spend it to survive. We lose our direction and fail to use the gifts He has provided. Children of God are destroyed for lack of knowledge and for not using His wisdom. We lose our salt and light. But we are restored in a moment of clarity when we seek Him in all things and act on His power.

Isaiah 54:17: …no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.

2nd Corinthians 10:3-8: For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.

4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.

7 You are judging by appearances. If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do. 8 So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it.

Pastor Rex: What is authority? It is delegated power. Consider a police officer directing traffic; people recognize that the officer’s job is to represent the authority of our laws to control traffic so that we can be as safe as possible.

Ephesians 6:10: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Pastor Rex: Satan is here, but he has no power over us. He flees when we hold up the flag of Christ against him.

John 14:12: Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Pastor Rex: It is easier to grasp these simple truths of faith than it is to figure out science. Science is only partially able to explain some things. He explains everything. After all, they can’t figure out how a bumble bee flies, can they? But he does. Our faith opens us to the gifts of His power. We can appreciate His wonders even when we don’t understand them.

John 14: 13-14: And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Ephesians 1:20-23: he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Pastor Rex: We are given all authority given to Jesus—in order to do His work.

Matthew 28:18: Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

Mark 16:15-18: He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Pastor Rex: Our faith is our bulwark against the troubles of the world. It will strengthen us, drive us and keep us safe within His guard. We can stand, knowing the certainty that He has shown us to continue to reach out and give His love to those around us. So let us do what He has told us we can, in His name and with His authority, to continue to tend His people.

November 7th, 2021 A Proper Relationship with the World & Each Other

Psalm 118:8: It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans.

Pastor Rex: In this world, we must thoughtfully place our trust. He speaks to us when we listen, but He will also reach out to us when we least expect it. We know that our defenses are lowest when we sleep and in the middle of the night. In those dark hours before dawn, our metabolism drops and our body restores itself. He spoke to me recently in this way, and I was left to wonder how to reconcile this scripture with Jesus’ overriding message of love? We are in this world, but not of it…we must live our lives and seek to navigate both our physical and our spiritual lives with balance.

He advocates for unity with each other. We trust authorities, banks, the legal and medical community, mechanicals (like our cars) and appliances. Frequently without a thought, we climb into our cars and travel to our destinations, assuming it will carry us there safely. Our task however, requires us to FIRST trust Him, and then live here while we are here.

Jeremiah 17: 5:8: This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. 7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. 8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Pastor Rex: The world is fallen and lost—if our trust is first placed there, we will struggle harder and be always disappointed. We will trip on our intentions and fail. When we first trust Him, we have His security as shelter. This is a temporal plane; we are destined for His eternal home. Love your neighbor, yes! But trust the Lord first.

Psalm 118: 5-9: When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place. 6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. 8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. 9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Pastor Rex: When we are in distress, whether emotional, physical, loss, the unknown or our own safety, we have a sanctuary that is everlasting and ever present.

Romans 8:31-32: What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Pastor Rex: We are designed for His purposes-not to just stumble through this life, but to strive to follow Him. Lean into His ways, trust Him first and He will never fail you.

October 24th, 2021 “Being A Blessing”

Pastor Rex: The Lord loves us, and spills His blessings over us. We are loved and we love others. Being a blessing is translating that love into His actions.

Matthew 5:3-4: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. And continuing, Matthew 5:10-11: Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 11 “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. “

Luke 11:28: He said, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”

Ephesians 4:1-6: Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope at your calling — 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Pastor Rex: There is one spirit that runs through all believers…one church, one hope, one faith, one God.

The promise given to Abraham (the first Jew, and was called by God) serves us all-because we come to the Father through the Spirit and are grafted into the line of David. The Gospel is an equalizing forces-whether Jew or Gentile, male or female, no matter the race or ancestry. The blessing and grace of God isn’t to be used to pound or press down others, but to display that we are equal in His eyes, and must therefore show each other the same love. We all have the same place in His kingdom, even when our roles (or gifts) may be different. We are all blessed with His power through the Holy Spirit. We must get ourselves out of the way and let it flow through and out of us to bless others. We are chosen, in His family and forgiven. We’ve received that forgiveness and must further it by using it to forgive and bless others.

James 1:22: But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Pastor Rex: Doctrine is important but must be built on a spirit of love. In that, we become salt and light. Right thinking and right belief leads to right behavior, and to our becoming a blessing to others. Examine your motives and be certain that your aim is to give, share and help for the Kingdom, not for personal recognition. Keep your steps ordered and walk worthy. We aren’t to chase blessings, but we are to focus on God, His service and His love. Jesus paid the price for all of our sins…past, present and future; He has lavished us with His grace and loved us even when we were dead in our sin. He demolished the gap between Jews and Gentiles so that we all inherit that grace. Check your walk…What is the grace we show? Are you to be in prayer? Healing? Other gifts? We don’t choose our own, we act on His plan for us and the gifts will manifest when we leave ourselves open to His hand. His focus is on our relationship with Him and with others. We’ve all been blessed by others who made the difference when we needed Him. Be that person to others. We are all unruly, weak, wounded—committed, timid, lukewarm, fearful, faithful. Mature, immature. He will use us anyway. He saved us anyway.

Ephesians 1:17: I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.

We have redemption through His blessing. Instead of death we have life. Consider Paul’s message to the church in Ephesus.

Ephesians 4:32: And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

Ephesians 5:2: and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.

Ephesians 4:2: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love…

Pastor Rex: Church isn’t a place of judgment or condemnation, but a haven of love and welcome. It is in loving Him and each other that we see Him the brightest.

1st John 4:7: Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

And, 1st John 4:16-21: And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. 17 In this, love is made complete with us so that we may have confidence in the Day of Judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen 21 and we have this command from him: The one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.

Pastor Rex: We are loved and forgiven. We need to be ready to forgive on our part, regardless…as we have been. We have grace—we need to give it and show it in our love of others.

October 10th, 2021 “A Feisty Prophet”

Habakkuk 2:1-4: I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the lookout tower. I will watch to see what he will say to me and what I should reply about my complaint. 2 The Lord answered me: Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it. 3 For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it testifies about the end and will not lie. Though it delays, wait for it, since it will certainly come and not be late. 4 Look, his ego is inflated; he is without integrity. But the righteous one will live by his faith.

Pastor Rex: Habakkuk was an Old Testament prophet who, in today’s scriptures, is frustrated with God. Their dialogue is worth considering during our times. We are in a hard time; people’s behavior is meaner, world tensions are high and we struggle to see His hand in our circumstances. We ask Him, “How much do we have to take? When will You act?” This type of questioning is not new.

Habakkuk 1:2: How long, Lord, must I call for help and you do not listen or cry out to you about violence and you do not save?

Pastor Rex: When things fall apart, they often fall together. We are trying to walk right, but our situation crumbles around us and we can’t see His hand. He doesn’t create hard circumstances, but He will certainly use them to refine us. It takes time, His time, however, and we are impatient. We continue to whine…and complain. So did Habakkuk.

Habakkuk 1:4: This is why the law is ineffective and justice never emerges. For the wicked restrict the righteous; therefore, justice comes out perverted.

Pastor Rex: in Verses 5-11, God responds to Habakkuk’s attempt at rebuke. We need reminding that God’s understanding is beyond us—and is perfect. His justice is perfect. He is always close to His people and He is faithful. His grace is given to Habakkuk as it was to Abraham and Job. But, sometimes, He also rebukes us. His answer? “Trust Me in trying times.” We need to strive to be faithful to Him. His ultimate answer reveals that He has an appointed time for resolution of all things. We are stymied and blinded by our frustration, our needs and our vision. But His timing is perfect and will shelter our reliance. No matter what besets us, we can trust Him and His timing to preserve His righteous in all things. Habakkuk, like us, has to choose…to live by faith. Consider this: It is not that those already righteous have faith but that those with faith become righteous.

Romans 4:5: But to the one who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness.

Pastor Rex: We all walk in error when what we should be doing is turning to God in faith. There are two choices—those who are angry with God for perceived wrongs or poor circumstances…and those who fall to their knees and humbly see to trust Him in faith for guidance to get through those hard times.

Habakkuk 3:2: (To the Lord): Revive your work in these years; make it known in these years. In your wrath remember mercy.

Habakkuk 3:17-18: Lord, I have heard the report about you; Lord, I stand in awe of your deeds. Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the flocks disappear from the pen and there are no herds in the stalls, 18 yet I will celebrate in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!

October 3, 2021 “Life is Hard” (but God Delivers us)

Pastor Rex: People seem to be fine, but we all have problems. Some, however, have better perspectives. For some, the glass is half full…but for others, it is half empty. As Kenneth Holder said, “We must operate from a position of victory.” We know that things are difficult everywhere and persecution of Christians seems to be worse than ever. The virus is horrible and we are tired. But, there is always tension and conflict, and it exists for everyone in every season of life. We can rest, however, in the knowledge that God is good.

We will always seek to find an explanation for those random events that don’t make sense. This is part of our need to understand the nature of God, in whose image we are created. But sometimes our answers or conclusions are wrong. And it’s been this way since the beginning.

Genesis 1:1: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Pastor Rex: He placed Adam and Eve in His garden. And the bitter truth is that the creation rejected their Creator. They had everything they needed and still they rejected Him—they were persuaded by the serpent that they didn’t have to accept how things were. They believed the lie. Their mistake brought about the fracture of the reality and established the duality of good and evil. And so the world fell.

Romans 5:12: Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned.

Pastor Rex: We are all affected by sin—every person and each family is damaged by it. Heaven itself saw a battle between good and evil. We fail to see that we are often in open rebellion against God; even saved, we have those secret seeds of rebellion that need to be exposed and considered as we seek to repent. He will restore us, heal us, unite us and give us His peace.

Colossians 1:18-20: He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning,

the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.

19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile

everything to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace

through his blood, shed on the cross.

Pastor Rex: Life can be scary, but we can know that He will reconcile us and restore us to Him.

Revelations 21:4: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.

Pastor Rex: But things do and will get worse. Life is hard because of our sin. We need not be afraid. Life is hard because of the world but also because all of us are sinners. There are no innocent bystanders. We can’t just step aside by using ‘relative’ terms, i.e., “Well, at least my (sin) isn’t as bad as that (sin).”

Romans 3:23: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…

Pastor Rex: Working at keeping our thoughts captive is more important than ever. We will make bad decisions, either thoughtlessly or willfully.

Proverbs 19:3: A person’s own foolishness leads him astray, yet his heart rages against the Lord.

Being recognizing those decisions is followed by being aware of the power of repentance that is vital to every Christian. We will need to turn around many, many times in our lifetimes—but He is faithful and will walk with us in that journey.

Mark 1:4, 1:14-15: John came baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: 15“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14-15)

Pastor Rex: Both Jesus and John told them to repent. We have a responsibility to strive to get right with God. He is faithful. We must be as well. Life is also hard because of other people’s sins.

Job 2:7-10: So Satan left the Lord’s presence and infected Job with terrible boils from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. 8 Then Job took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself while he sat among the ashes. 9 His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” 10 “You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” Throughout all this Job did not sin in what he said.

Pastor Rex: Job’s struggle was made worse by his wife and his friends, not through his own actions. Another example of this is in Luke 10:25 with the tale of the Good Samaritan, and also consider the life of Jesus. He did nothing to incur God’s wrath, and only sought to do what He had been sent to do, regardless of the hardship.

Luke 23:34: Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided his clothes and cast lots.

Pastor Rex: We will see people come against us. But remember, Jesus allowed Himself to be a victim in order to save us on the cross. His persecution was underserved—but He did the will of the Father for us all, in order that we would be saved.

Isaiah 53:3: He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.

He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him.

Pastor Rex: That was then, but it hasn’t changed. We need to open up and trust Him…then speak the truth. Life is hard because God is good.

Proverbs 14:33: Wisdom resides in the heart of the discerning, she is known even among fools.

Pastor Rex: We are not to be seeking a soft place where we can simply rest. We need to focus and discern what it is that He has for us to do. There is never wasted toil in God’s Kingdom, all that is done for Him to to His glory. Do more than talking—our actions bear fruit, but simply talking about the work accomplishes nothing in and of itself.

2nd Thessalonians 3:12-13: Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and provide for themselves. 13 But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good.

Pastor Rex: Be ready and willing to work. Of course, we all need help now and then but we all also need to earn our way. We are in the service business, and some need to be shown this instead of told. We are ready and prepared for this challenge.

Genesis 2:15: The Lord God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to work it and watch over it.

Pastor Rex: Adam was placed in the garden—he was given the work and the watch of it. If we aren’t doing His work and taking care of ourselves, we need to get started. Working for Him will help us to be smarter, stronger, more skilled and more collaborative. It is our JOY to do this work! Life is hard but God is greater! He blesses us with responsibility, with ministry, with children. All of those things are hard…but the reward and the blessing is fulfilling in ways we won’t understand until we are accepting of them and pursue them with energy.

2nd Corinthians 4:8-10: We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; 9 we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. 10 We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body.

Pastor Rex: Life is hard and people give up because they seek an easier path. Their easier path usually has a ‘hard’ effect on those who care about them. We have to deny ourselves the easier path and accept that our lives will contain trauma. It is universal but He can use ALL of it to bless us and show us the way home. He is trying to get our attention; He will step between us and life to show us Himself. As the scripture says, we are perplexed but not despairing, persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed. The death of Jesus is always manifesting in us. Let each trial pull you closer to Him. Never forget, “Seek ye first His kingdom, and all of these things will be added unto you.”

September 26, 2021

“Loving your neighbor, v.2”

Key Verse: Mark 12:30-31: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 31 The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”

Pastor Rex: When we are growing in Christ, we need to recognize that our attitude can be a challenge to address. We work toward a place of acceptance and a spirit of love. God is misrepresented as a weapon or a cudgel when He is neither. God is love incarnate, from beginning to end, and His actions reflect that if we only remember to look. People have used His name for judgment and scorn of those in places of pain and want. 1st John states that ‘God is love’. The story of the Good Samaritan, told by Jesus, demonstrates that love is like a sprinkle of spice that will enhance all of our actions and thoughts. As we grow, we realize that we need to let Him shine through us, reflecting Him in our relationships and our deeds.

What does it mean to love our neighbors as ourselves? It isn’t easy—life presents lots of distractions and we certainly don’t always understand what He is telling and teaching us. We tend to blame Him for things that He is not the root of-when we are tempted or plagued by circumstance, we need to place the blame where it belongs. Perhaps the core of loving others is to realize that we fail to love ourselves first. We need to know we are the creation of God even when we fall. He has restored us to ‘brand new’; He loves us where we are, not where we think we should be. The phrase ‘Love each other as He loves you, in various ways, is in the Bible eight times. One of those times is when Jesus says it. He made it a command at that point.

When we love our neighbors,( and ourselves) it tends to be conditional without having that higher purpose in mind. Loving means loving all, even those who are marginalized, those who aren’t easy to love. We are to do this without framing it in our own judgment.

1st John 4:2: This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God…

Pastor Rex: We are the object of God’s love. When we fail to love ourselves, we are rebelling against Him. He loved us first, sent His son for our sakes. He wants to lavish us with love. God the Father is the sources of love and He gives it unstintingly for us. We know ourselves, so this is hard to accept, as we ourselves don’t accept that we are worth the gift. We also need to love the vessel, caring for our selves, eating well and caring for our health. Try to avoid allowing things around you that will corrode that atmosphere of His protection. Open the spiritual and actual windows and let the ‘Son’shine in! Don’t let the worldly sinfulness dominate your narrative.

How do we measure this quality? You can’t love others more than you love yourself because one pours out of the other. Sin will circumvent His place. We are not talking about doing things that ‘make you feel good’ by artificial means…indulging your physical self is not the road to further loving yourself. Plant good seeds in yourself by volunteering, working, giving and sharing yourself and your skills for others’ benefits. Jesus cared enough to give Himself; we need to love what He himself loves. And, don’t disqualify yourself from receiving His love. Loving yourself isn’t vanity; it is opening the door to more of Him flourishing within you.

John 17:23: I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.

Loving yourself and others means showing grace. That may be harder than it sounds, but it’s so worth it.

Matthew 5:44: But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…

We are called upon to reflect Him and His love, not vengeance or arrogance. The Kingdom is not won through force, but one person at a time. God is love so growing in that love means we give more love and more grace. To do His will and pleasure is to glorify Him and getting closer to our best selves. Grace should be the foundation of our conversations. We must also act with compassion. Remember Jesus’ response to the question “Who is my neighbor?” He presented the story of the Good Samaritan, painting the picture of the wounded man who was passed by…by those who should have known better—and who was ultimately cared for by one who didn’t seem to be the one who would. The Samaritan responded, as we should, to a need in front of Him, without waiting for someone else to step up.

Philippians 2:4: Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.

We must seek to be available to those who need our help. At the front of our understanding of Christ, we must remember that He came first as a servant, not as a King. Our greatest hope should be to serve, not be served.

1st Corinthians 13:3: And if I give away all my possessions, and if I give over my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Matthew 20:28: “…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”.

2nd Corinthians 5:21: He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Pastor Rex: He is the way, the signpost, the Word, the Truth. He is the I AM, showing us perfect love. He took all of our sin, our lack, our grief and paid the cost.

Lastly, loving our neighbors means forgiving. We don’t know what path they are on, what is going on in their lives. We mustn’t take their outward response personally. He is in us—now we can give to them without judging them. Accept that you might never know what they are or why they do as they do. Meet them, as He met us, where they are and be His words and His love. Forgiving them also helps us recognize that we are forgiven as well.

Matthew 18: 21-35: Then Peter approached him and asked, “Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? As many as seven times?” 22 “I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven. 23“For this reason, the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle accounts, one who owed ten thousand talents was brought before him. 25 Since he did not have the money to pay it back, his master commanded that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt. 26“At this, the servant fell facedown before him and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 Then the master of that servant had compassion, released him, and forgave him the loan. 28 “That servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him, started choking him, and said, ‘Pay what you owe!’ 29 “At this, his fellow servant fell down and began begging him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 But he wasn’t willing. Instead, he went and threw him into prison until he could pay what was owed. 31 When the other servants saw what had taken place, they were deeply distressed and went and reported to their master everything that had happened. 32 Then, after he had summoned him, his master said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And because he was angry, his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured until he could pay everything that was owed. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to you unless every one of you forgives his brother or sister from your heart.”

Pastor Rex: Love yourselves, forgive yourselves. Love others, showing them grace, compassion and forgiveness as you give yourself.

September 19, 2021 Revelation Thoughts True Love Vs. Worldly Tolerance

Pastor Rex: We are in a time when the world reflects a growing push for ‘tolerance’. Let’s look at some of Christ’s true love as we seek to understand the difference. As we navigate these questions, it is important to know that while we are seeing indications of the end times, we can rely on His teaching to remain constant.

Revelations 2:18-29: “Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira: Thus says the Son of God, the one whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze: 19 I know your works — your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. I know that your last works are greater than the first. 20 But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives my servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 Look, I will throw her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great affliction. Unless they repent of her works, 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am the one who examines minds and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works. 24 I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who haven’t known “the so-called secrets of Satan” — as they say — I am not putting any other burden on you. 25 Only hold on to what you have until I come. 26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works to the end: I will give him authority over the nations— 27 and he will rule them with an iron scepter; he will shatter them like pottery 28 just as I have received this from my Father. I will also give him the morning star. 29 “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Pastor Rex: There are those that think that the United States is similar to the church in Laodicea—wealthy and at ease with it-but neither cold nor hot. Be that as it may, our scripture today is from the fourth letter of seven that John wrote to the churches from his exile on the island of Patmos. That letter was addressed to the church in Thyatira, which was surrounded on all sides with worldly circumstances; a loving church that strives, but still has sin to overcome. As Christians, we all have to seek to walk in pure righteousness. We all stumble. Be alert to putting Him first by watching your attitude. We are to get our minds correct, focusing on those things that sharpen our focus.

Philippians 4:8: Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things.

Pastor Rex: We heal our brains by following this advice. What we feed our minds and spirits always matters. Enjoy scary movies? How about the nightmares those follow? Be careful not to allow those images to take root—protect yourselves and each other by being aware of this danger. It can be movies, cartoons, art, literature that influences us. We are called to be in the world but not of it. Part of that calling means that we don’t seek the approval of the world through our actions. We are not to force Christianity on people, but by our example to demonstrate what it means to us. We are to be manifestly loving, not judgmental.

Our journey is a constant striving. Especially in the 19th verse of this chapter, He says that He knows that their later works are greater than their first works. As we grow in Christ’s work, may that be said of us. We seek to become more loving, more earnest and more settled in His truth. He also refers to those who are uncompromising in the midst of compromise, encouraging them to hold on, for they are doing the right things.

We seek to know what to embrace and what to reject—that question will be in front of us as long as we live. One key is to seek to love more, which is to want the highest good for whoever it is that you are loving. Be vigilant to recognize the pervasive world view that calls for ‘tolerance.’ Verse 20-23 asks that the church recognize that their tolerance of sin in their midst does leave a stain that He will clean. Tolerance must be tempered with discernment—in the right place it is correct; in the wrong, it isn’t. We are told in the Word to act out of love and be careful of acceptance of a world view. We are to strive to adhere to His standard.

Ephesians 5:27: He did this to present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless.

Pastor Rex: One standard to apply when you are questioning your own actions is to picture Him asking you, “Did you do these things?” Actions taken in life all will be compared to His standard for us as Christians.

1st Corinthians 5:12: For what business is it of mine to judge outsiders? Don’t you judge those who are inside?

Pastor Rex: So, how do we ask, what do I embrace or reject? Not everything is a sin for everyone. We will know by a check in the Spirit, given by the Spirit, that as we mature we find easier to hear or sense. As we journey further with Him, He refines and guides us to weed out those things we need to address in ourselves. Another measure is Philippians 4:8, which is listed previously. If it pulls you down or smears the truth of Jesus, be careful. We will stumble. Encourage each other, help each other, guide and listen and pray for each other. Ideas, habits and attitudes matter more than we might realize. Remember that we are signposts to the world==people are watching and wondering and listening.

Revelations is full of what appears to be judgment but it is a treatise, not a condemnation. It shows us that we always have the hope of more forgiveness in the midst of our salvation as we seek to learn more, love more and show more of Him. He is, after all, the finisher of our faith. Be encouraged and keep seeking His knowledge.

September 12, 2021

Topic Verse: Hebrews 12:2: “Jesus is the Author and the Finisher of our faith”

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Pastor Rex: Jesus was sent to the world to offer us a way out, a way back to a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father. He became as we are, physically flawed and of finite lifetimes, to fully know us and show us the way home. He suffered but He stood, depending on His Father to guard Him. He relied on God’s will for His life, even when He knew the ending.

Hebrew 2:1-18: For this reason, we must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away. 2 For if the message spoken through angels was legally binding and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment, 3 how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation had its beginning when it was spoken of by the Lord, and it was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 At the same time, God also testified by signs and wonders, various miracles, and distributions of gifts from the Holy Spirit according to his will. 5 For he has not subjected to angels the world to come that we are talking about. 6 But someone somewhere has testified: What is man that you remember him, or the son of man that you care for him? 7 You made him lower than the angels for a short time; you crowned him with glory and honor 8 and subjected everything under his feet. For in subjecting everything to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. As it is, we do not yet see everything subjected to him. 9 But we do see Jesus — made lower than the angels for a short time so that by God’s grace he might taste death for everyone — crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death. 10 For in bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was entirely appropriate that God — for whom and through whom all things exist — should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father.[5] That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12 saying: I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters; I will sing hymns to you in the congregation. 13 Again, I will trust in him. And again, Here I am with the children God gave me. 14 Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death — that is, the devil — 15 and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. 16 For it is clear that he does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring. 17 Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Pastor Rex: Jesus was and is the great Aspostle. We are apostles as well-we are sent to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ; the Gospel that presents His work and death to give us life eternal. He is our great high priest and is the author and finisher, the captain of our faith. Jesus Christ is the greatest example and the pattern of our faith. In his boyhood, in the temple He said, “I must be at my Father’s business.” At the Jordan River, the voice of God was heard, “This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased.” During His temptation, his reply—“It is written.” shows paramount that His faith in the Father was the foundation of His being. He proclaimed over and over that He could do nothing of Himself, but only through the Father (as we should know for ourselves). If and when we do things on our own the only guarantee is that at some point, we won’t get it right. We, too, need to be dependent.

When He abides in us, we can say what He said—that the words we speak of those of the Father who sent Him. The Holy Spirit in us enables us to tap into His will and wisdom…and abide in Him.

Hebrews 2:13: Again, I will trust in him. And again, Here I am with the children God gave me.

Pastor Rex: We all have times when we feel lost and lonely. That pain is human, but we have a God who understands and will never leave us. We are the ones who turn away—remember to turn back.

Psalm 22:1-3: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Why are you so far from my deliveranceand from my words of groaning?

2 My God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, by night, yet I have no rest.

3 But you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.

Pastor Rex: He shows us that He is the Author of our faith through and by the words He says. “ He who comes to me, I will not cast out”. “Let not your heart be troubled; let your heart believe in God and in Me. He showed us by His final work (during His time here) on Calvary. He promised, with His death, a way of forgiveness and advocacy. He gives us His righteousness and cloaks us with His reassurance. He shows us His authorship by His Spirit. When it abides within us, He is in our hearts and we are truly not alone. His comfort and foundation is constant. We cannot, with Him, be condemned nor plagued by past grief. His Spirit will guard our steps , direct our prayers and show us our direction.

He is the finisher of our faith. Peter, the faithful apostle, failed—he denied, as Jesus prophesied, Jesus three times. He turned and became the cornerstone (again, as prophesied) of the church. He knows we will falter and fail, but His faithfulness will receive us back when we repent and turn around.

Philippians 1:6: I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

September 5, 2021 Who He said He was….

Rex Sr.: (Ps 34:1-6): I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.

2 I will boast in the Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. 3 Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed.

6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him from all his troubles.

Pastor Rex: Last week we talked about being unified. We are unified in our love of Jesus Christ. But how did He describe Himself? There are no real descriptions of His physical appearance, but He gave us many statements throughout the gospel of John that sum up who He said He was. We know that God is a multilayered entity with all portions intertwined. The Holy Trinity is made up of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Like water, the same in all three, with differences between—water can be solid (ice), it can be liquid (water) and it can be gas (steam). We are baptized in the name of all three, remember?

Anyway, who is Jesus? It is hard to quantify or define sometimes, because He is, ultimately, a mystery.

The statements in John are in chapters 6, 8, 10 (twice), 11, 14 and 15.

John 6:35: “I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them.

The Jews in Jesus’ time didn’t recognize Him so He challenged them, using hints and clues in His presentations. He spoke in parables and metaphors, using common knowledge to explain His point of view. Bread was (and is) a staple of life, easily understood as basic nutrition and both important and vital to everyone. He also spoke of planting, harvesting, seeds that thrive and die to emphasize His path and purpose to His people. By calling Himself bread, He not only shows his value, but that we continue to grow by consuming His word on a daily basis.

John 8:12: Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”

Pastor Rex: Light is a physical, emotional and spiritual necessity. He is constantly available to us. We are to follow where He walked, and remember that He was who He said He was. The context of this verse is the stoning of the woman when Jesus told the crowd that included the accusers, “Let you who is without sin cast the first stone.” The crowd disbursed without throwing a single stone. He told the scribes and the Pharisees who He was—and the effect of who He was on those who believe in Him.

John 10:9: I am the gate (of the sheep). If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.

Pastor Rex: The shepherd’s primary purpose is to guide and protect his sheep, even if the cost is his life. Jesus knew the risk and the task before Him, and that He specifically is the only way by which we can gain our eternal salvation. There is no back door, no side door and no trap door. The only door is the one with His name on it. He calls us His sheep because we need a shepherd…We are lowly—beautiful, but lowly and humble. Don’t lean on your own (limited) understanding.

John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

John 11:25: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.”

Pastor Rex: The context for this statement is the death and rising of Lazarus. He had died and Mary cried out to Jesus that if He had arrived sooner, Lazarus would not have passed. Our behavior is based on our belief system. We strike out or reach out, depending on how we receive what Jesus offers…or the world.

John 14:6: Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Pastor Rex: Be diligent and don’t neglect His place in your heart. His light will light you and your life in Him will lighten up your thoughts as well as your countenance. People will see it, displaying His power and helping to banish the dark not only in your world, but in theirs. His life in your life will push away doubt, fear, grief and the lies of this world.

John 15:1: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.”

Pastor Rex: Our place is as the branches of the vine itself. The Father will protect it, prune it, water and feed it, but we must do our part by staying true to the word, fight the battle before us as He wins the war. An we are called to reach out to others to share what we have learned through His love.

It is a matter of the heart. Our minds are a tool, but our hearts lead the way. Let your heart lead the way. Amen.

August 29, 2021 Be Unified

Pastor Rex: We join in fellowship, in support, in love and care. On Sundays, and throughout our days, we need to seek one another and try to recognize when one of us is quaking. When the world is in chaos, we rest in His grace, ready to stand together and take care of each other. Paul, from captivity, wrote letters to the church in Philippi.

Philippians 4:1-4: 1 So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Pastor Rex: Joy is a choice. We are commanded by this entreaty to be joyful. After all, “The Joy of the Lord is my strength.” Think of the sacrifice of Jesus and the saints and use it to get out of our own space. When we feel alone, we need to reach even harder for the Spirit and the fellowship of each other to open ourselves back up. Keep yourself from a hard heart—your own or others’. We protect our fellowship when we are ready to bend and reach out. We share each other’s burdens and are yoked together for His purpose. Paul calls us to ‘Rejoice always in the Lord.” We must deliberately rejoice, not just for those things and events that are easy, but for those that aren’t. When we find that joy, we are rejoicing in Him, not in circumstances. He is faithful and steadfast. He doesn’t change. Everything else does.

John 17:20-23: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. 21 May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. 22 I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.

Jesus spoke on the eve of His surrender, urging them to stand together, unified in their love of one another, without division. We need to reach out to each other, with comfort, care and gentleness, to assure each other and help each other stand.

Be humble. We think we are, but the truth is that we can try harder and pull out those wedges of division between us. Being humble is dying to self, even when we don’t want to—Jesus came to us as a servant, with humility first.

Romans 12:16: Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

Putting others first in everyday things isn’t self- serving, it is serving Him. It helps us prioritize Him, seeking unity with all. Getting ourselves, our “ME” out of the way of His work is critical to doing the work. Be flexible and open to other points of view and other hands. We all serve the same Lord.

Romans 14:19: So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.

Have peace, and do what leads to it-=-again, putting others first will help peace come to pass. We are all equal in His Kingdom. Our pride and stubbornness must be set aside so that we can reach for each other. Don’t lean on your own understanding, and we don’t know what others are dealing with in their lives. Again, set yourself aside. Avoid controversies, dealing carefully and thoughtfully with the circumstances and with each other.

Titus 3:9: But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless.

Our unity breaks the power of the enemy—not just unity, but unity in Him. Lay aside the division, the hindrance and the barriers.

August 15, 2021 “Praise & Thanksgiving”

Psalm 100:4-5: Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.

5 For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever; his faithfulness, through all generations.

Pastor Rex: He doesn’t need our prayers and thanksgiving but he values them and knows that the act of gratitude will soothe our concerns—not minimize them, but bring us to the throne of grace.

Colossians 2:7: …being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.

Colossians 3:15: And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.

Pastor Rex: We not only stand on His peace, first and over all, but we rest in it. A grateful attitude is a soft pallet.

1st Samuel 17:34-37: David answered Saul, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep. Whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, 35I went after it, struck it down, and rescued the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. 36 Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 Then David said, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”

Psalm 92:1: It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to your name, Most High…

1st Thessalonians 5:18: …give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

We are commanded to give Him our praise, and to praise all things.

James 1:17: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Romans 8:28: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

We are to be anxious for nothing.

Philippians 4:6-7: Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Pastor Rex: We are told to praise all things at all times. And although there will always be times when things slide sideways…He won’t.

August 8, 2021 “Spiritual Routines”

Pastor Rex: What is routine? A schedule, a list, a set of required tasks done on a regular basis? Jesus has a routine—He holds the pattern for our daily life (when we let Him). John Maxwell said “The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” Some routines are good and increase efficiency or help things get done in a timely manner.

Creation is designed to operate on a schedule.

Psalm 5:3: In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you and watch expectantly.

But be careful, lest you become prisoners of a routine and simply repeat without thought. Don’t change routines that benefit you but change your perspective and ask Him to use the routine. Our responsibilities can dictate some of our duties, such as to our work or family. Be reassured.

2 Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

Pastor Rex: It takes discipline to maintain a successful, healthy routine. Ritual in and of itself is a hindrance, but used with care, Jesus’ routines will benefit us in ways we can’t imagine.

Ephesians 5:15-16: Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk — not as unwise people but as wise — 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil.

Take care of your necessary possessions—your home and your car, for example. Don’t avoid that care, for to live in chaos with no routine can be a block to a fruitful life. Routine can anchor or stifle. Jesus wants to amplify our routines. Some may wait for the drama “the burning bush” syndrome, but remember that His voice can be a quiet whisper. Your call may be to do ordinary things in His extraordinary way. Feed the hungry, clothe those in need, comfort the grieving.

Luke 4:16: He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. As usual, he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read.

1st Kings 17:9-16: “Get up, go to Zarephath that belongs to Sidon and stay there. Look, I have commanded a woman who is a widow to provide for you there.” 10 So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering wood. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup and let me drink.” 11 As she went to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread in your hand.”

12 But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I don’t have anything baked — only a handful of flour in the jar and a bit of oil in the jug. Just now, I am gathering a couple of sticks in order to go prepare it for myself and my son so we can eat it and die.”

13 Then Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid; go and do as you have said. But first make me a small loaf from it and bring it out to me. Afterward, you may make some for yourself and your son, 14 for this is what the Lord God of Israel says, ‘The flour jar will not become empty and the oil jug will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the surface of the land.’ ”

15 So she proceeded to do according to the word of Elijah. Then the woman, Elijah, and her household ate for many days. 16 The flour jar did not become empty, and the oil jug did not run dry, according to the word of the Lord he had spoken through Elijah.

Pastor Rex: He is waiting for us to let go and let Him use us within the frame of what He is teaching us. But be cautious, we also have negative routines as well.

Hebrews 10:25: …not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.

Luke 16:10: Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.

Colossians 3:9-10: Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator .

Pastor Rex: Jesus came to redeem us and save us from our folly. All God and all man to be the bridge and the healing. He opened the cell door of our bad routines…do we keep going back in?

Hebrews 4:14-16: Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens — Jesus the Son of God — let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

August 1, 2021 “Appreciation of God—Benevolence toward people”

Pastor Rex: Letting our light shine isn’t just about music. It is recognizing that if we love God, we love His creation. We are His creation, as is the world. Do we know how to do this?

There are four criteria to measure our ability.

The degree to which the person we are to love doesn’t deserve it.

Romans 5:6-8: For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For rarely will someone die for a just person — though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. 8 But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The greatness of the price paid to love the person

John 15:13: No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.

John 3:16: For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son,

so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

The greatness of the good done for the person
The level of love God used to love.

Zephaniah 3:17: The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves.

He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love.

He will delight in you with singing.” (Zeph 3:17)

Pastor Rex: What is the highest level we can use to love? We are to act in a way to bring His highest love to others, for others. We are to be humble as well—after all, we don’t deserve His love and can’t earn it. When all we seek is in the world ‘we drink from a cup we can never fill.’

How can we make love our domineering characteristic? Make love a priority. Spend time in the word, seeking understanding the real importance of love.

1st John 3:11: For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another, 12 unlike Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.

Matthew 22:37: He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.

Pastor Rex: What do we have that we can’t let go? Higher love requires being willing to truly open your heart to each other, showing ourselves going to that higher level. Even to the point of loving our enemies.

July 25, 2021 “The Parable of the Seeds”

Matthew 13:1-30: On that day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, while the whole crowd stood on the shore.

3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying, “Consider the sower who went out to sow. 4 As he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it grew up quickly since the soil wasn’t deep. 6 But when the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it. 8 Still other seed fell on good ground and produced fruit: some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty times what was sown. 9 Let anyone who has ears listen.”

10 Then the disciples came up and asked him, “Why are you speaking to them in parables?”

11 He answered, “Because the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given for you to know,but it has not been given to them. 12 For whoever has, more will be given to him, and he will have more than enough; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 That is why I speak to them in parables, because looking they do not see, and hearing they do not listen or understand. 14 Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says:

You will listen and listen, but never understand; you will look and look, but never perceive. 15 For this people’s heart has grown callous; their ears are hard of hearing,and they have shut their eyes; otherwise they might see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn back— and I would heal them.

16“Blessed are your eyes because they do see, and your ears because they do hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see the things you see but didn’t see them, to hear the things you hear but didn’t hear them.

The Parable of the Sower Explained

18 “So listen to the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word about the kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the one sown along the path. 20 And the one sown on rocky ground — this is one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. 21 But he has no root and is short-lived. When distress or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 Now the one sown among the thorns — this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23 But the one sown on the good ground — this is one who hears and understands the word, who does produce fruit and yields: some a hundred, some sixty, some thirty times what was sown.”

The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds

24 He presented another parable to them: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while people were sleeping, his enemy came, sowed weeds among the wheat, and left. 26 When the plants sprouted and produced grain, then the weeds also appeared. 27 The landowner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Master, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Then where did the weeds come from?’ 28“ ‘An enemy did this,’ he told them.

“ ‘So, do you want us to go and pull them up?’ the servants asked him.

29“ ‘No,’ he said. ‘When you pull up the weeds, you might also uproot the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest. At harvest time I’ll tell the reapers: Gather the weeds first and tie them in bundles to burn them, but collect the wheat in my barn.’ ”

Pastor Rex: Jesus used examples in His teaching that the people could understand based on their circumstances. His use of agricultural examples is to frame the lesson to be more relatable. Also, trees and plants are a part of our lives (and were a part of their lives) from the beginning. Adam and Eve, after all, were at home in a garden. Plants lend themselves well to show what we need to know.

Galatians 6:7: Let the one who is taught the word share[†] all his good things with the teacher. 7Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap.

Pastor Rex: We are to speak life and realize that the power is in our very tongue. We are repeatedly reminded of that power and to guard it well. Perhaps another way to consider this is that we ourselves are the seeds and what is produced will have an effect.

John 12:24: Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.

We spent time and resources on our body, on our flesh when the essence of us, our spirit, needs enhancement. Our core is more important than our shell.

Ephesians 2:10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.

By loving this life we may lose our life; we must die to self and focus on eternity. Have a servant’s heart.

July 11, 2021 “A Desire for Spreading the Message”

The real work of sharing the Gospel is done at the local, personal level…one on one. There is, of course, a role for the larger churches but… We must be thoughtful when administration garners greater energy than the evangelism in reaching out to our community.

Ephesians 3:9-10: …and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. 10 This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.

The heart of the unity of the church is the Spirit. How many times have we heard, “I love Jesus but don’t o to church…just don’t like people.”

Ephesians 4:4-6: There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope at your calling — 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Pastor Rex: The world is in chaos, but we have a reprieve from our worry. It isn’t His plan for us to feel like orphans. God will use the local church as His hand of love to conquer the world. It isn’t easy to have God be the Lord of our lives; belonging in the local church asks us to be all in. Invest your time, support, social lives and care for children, the ill and the widows.

Matthew 23:37: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem,[†] who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks[15] under her wings, but you were not willing!

Worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, development of spiritual gifts we all grow together. Iron versus iron will sharpen both and conform each to the other. Those issues that arise and cause discomfort need to be addressed so that they don’t fester. When His children strive together, He is faithful. The church in Antioch sent Barnabas out; his task was to plant the church; that church became a lynchpin to the eventual spread of the Kingdom. How will He use Olivet? How will He use each of us?

Acts 13:1-3: Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch,and Saul. 2 As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.

Titus 1:5: The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town.

But, be cautious of false doctrine.

Jeremiah 14:14: But the Lord said to me, “These prophets are prophesying a lie in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, worthless divination, the deceit of their own minds.

2nd Timothy 4:3-4: For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. 4 They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths.

Acts 28:23-27-30: After arranging a day with him, many came to him at his lodging. From dawn to dusk he expounded and testified about the kingdom of God. He tried to persuade them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets. 24 Some were persuaded by what he said, but others did not believe. 25 Disagreeing among themselves, they began to leave after Paul made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah 26 when he said, Go to these people and say:

You will always be listening, but never understanding; and you will always be looking, but never perceiving. 27 For the hearts of these people have grown callous, their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.

He is coming for His church. Hallelujah!

Matthew 16:18: And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

Revelations 19:6: Then I heard something like the voice of a vast multitude, like the sound of cascading waters, and like the rumbling of loud thunder, saying,

Hallelujah, because our Lord God, the Almighty, reigns!

Sermon Notes 07 18 2021 “The Mundane Everyday”

Our feet on the ground, lifting our lives to God…

Matthew 6:9-13: “Therefore, you should pray like this:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.

10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And do not bring us into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Pastor Rex: How breathtaking. From the awesome to the ordinary; from the spiritual to the mundane. We want to spend more on spiritual than the physical; but…each affects the other. In His prayer, there are petitions—“Hallowed be Thy name, “Your Kingdom come”, and “Your will be done.”

Verses 11-13 address our physical needs…feeding us, forgiving our debts as we need to forgive. And then, our spiritual needs—spare us from temptation. The burden of the world battles against our seeking of our spiritual health.

Ecclesiastes 3:11: He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end.

Pastor Rex: We have treasures of spirit in jars of clay. The jar diminishes—the Spirit is alive. The jar is mundane, but the Spirit is iridescent.

Romans 8:10: Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.

Pastor Rex: In verse 10, we honor the Father. In verse 11, we plead for our basic needs. He will provide enough. In verse 12, ‘forgive me and help me forgive others.’ We can’t live and flourish with sin in our hearts; the conflict will eventually tarnish both. We have to recognize that we cannot get anything from sin that is only available from our Father. We are not to worry, either.

Matthew 6:25-34: “Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? 27 Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying? 28 And why do you worry about clothes? Observe how the wildflowers of the field grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. 30 If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t he do much more for you — you of little faith? 31 So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. 34 Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Pastor Rex: I urge you to recognize that God is God. We are not. Have reverence above all. All of creation echoes His majesty, and although life is overwhelming at times, He is constant—our Servant King, who washed the feet of His apostles. King of all, humble and loving. Amen.

July 4, 2021 “The Greatest Commandment”

Key Verse:

Matthew 22:34-38: When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they came together. 35 And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test him: 36“Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and most important command.

Pastor Rex: In the scriptures before these, the Saducees were trying to cause Jesus to stumble; they didn’t believe in the resurrection after death. But our God is the God of the living, not the dead; when we rise to be with Him, we will no longer have the legal bindings found here, but will instead shelter in our eternal bodies and lives. The worldly needs, griefs and concerns will no longer apply.

But the dead (those living but of the world) are cut off from His grace. They run on empty because they are not filled with the Holy Spirit; they are not dead to sin. And although the greatest commandment is no secret to any, it is the one we struggle with the most.

Holding Him above all, with all our hearts, minds and as ourselves, dates back to Adam and Eve. As new creatures in Christ, we must forgive ourselves as we are now the creation He has made. And self-forgiveness is the hardest one to gain.

Start by giving Jesus your soul, your heart and your mind. Love Him with all your soul, your heart and your mind.

James 4:10: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

This also translates as, “come near to God and He will come near to you.”

Go back to your “Adam” state to renew yourself and the Spirit within you. You will finish by being clear minded, with no doubts, in fellowship. We are designed to be spirit filled. But be careful; the enemy will offer you a tempting lie:

Genesis 3:4: “No! You will certainly not die,” the serpent said to the woman.

Lean not on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight.

1st Corinthians 2:4 : My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not be based on human wisdom but on God’s power.

Rely on the gift of discernment. Be aware of the constant whispers of Satan; your thought life must be protected. We obey out of obedience, not fear. We desire to praise His name, open our minds to Him and be in His presence. Work to love Him with all your heart. Ask yourself…what idols take your attention? What things do you unthinkingly give time ? How about your daydreams?

Colossians 3:5: Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.

Exodus 20:4-5: Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. 5 Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me…

Love for the Father is our first priority. Loving God correctly will teach us to love each other the same way.

Matthew 7:22: On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’

John 13:34: “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.”

June 27, 2021

The weapon of Joy “Joy is the Postmark of your Forwarding Address”

Psalm 118: 24: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

In a conversation with a friend recently, I remarked that Joy doesn’t last, so make sure and savor it when it comes to you. In context, I was referring to some of those moments in our daily lives that are shining with joy but are essentially transitory—your son’s home run in little league, your sibling getting married, a comedy on TV that hits your funny bone. A loving glance from a friend. Those things that make us laugh in the moment but we can’t explain them later…for instance, will someone explain why, if I eat four pieces of fudge I gain 1 ½#? Or, why is it that if you are driving and looking for an address, you turn down the radio? Oh well that joy is here now, gone in a short time…even if it lives in your memory. Like ice chips on a hot day, it quenches us, but only briefly. The joy I want to talk about today is that which we receive from our heavenly Father—a tall cool glass of water that sustains and comforts us. It can’t be destroyed. We can always tap into it-must -in fact -learn to seize onto it and hold it firmly. It can become one of our strongest weapons against those aspects of life that pummel us. /// Anxiety, fear, loneliness, and disconnection are all arrows in the quiver of life that beat at us, trying to steal our joy. And what about those thoughtless mistakes that not only injure us, but others…(Oh, and did you realize that only some of us can learn by other people’s mistakes…the rest of us have to be the other people. )

That joy can be eroded, shoved aside in the moment, ignored or dismissed by our lapses. It pauses for us to turn around, stands quietly until we realize that, like His salvation and grace, it is resolute and waits for us to grab it with both hands, gripping it with intent. Until we find that it too, lends us shelter. Make the grab and weave its’ power into your spirit. As with any of His gifts, it may take some time to lean into it. But you called to the Kingdom and the gifts are freely given. Why wouldn’t you grab it and hold on?? We are, over and over, told to turn away from fear… and hold to His peace and joy.

o not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.

Philippians 4:6-7: Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 55:10-12: For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return there without saturating the earth and making it germinate and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, 11 so my word that comes from my mouth will not return to me empty, (His word shall not return void) but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.” 12 You will indeed go out with joy and be peacefully guided…

Throughout the Old & New Testament, the Lord speaks directly to His people, telling Abram, Mary, the daughter of Sion to “Fear not!” Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, writes, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” (2 Tim 1:7).

We are human. We stumble, fall and forget. I want to encourage each of you consider His joy as your personal key to unlock some of those chains of fear and anxiety dragging on you. Worries, what ifs, struggles. Grief, anger and undefined feelings. Being alone and lonely, overwhelmed. All of these things have weight. They are all sticky and once they land on us are hard to remove. Knowing we can fight against that occurrence doesn’t eliminate the deliberate step we have to take first to see those things for what they are and then to step up against them.

It isn’t always easy. I speak this as my truth. Life has pushed me into chasms so deep they seemed bottomless and then laughed as I worked to climb out . The loving hand reaching down to me has been, faithfully, my God’s. My father died when I was sixteen and our dynamic was complicated. Later in my life, as a young married woman, I was told that I would more than likely never have children… then became pregnant three times, but the thrill and JOY of conception and delivery were darkened by difficulty, early loss and great challenges of recovery. The later loss of my twenty year old son was, (and if I’m not vigilant still can be) a pit of despair. I worked in a career that called for every ounce of insight, backbone and compassion that I could call on. Anyone who doesn’t think that prayer is strong in the judge’s chamber isn’t paying attention…My last term contained the loss of my husband of almost 41 years after a five year battle with cancer. I conducted pretrial status conferences in my car while driving to treatment, did telephonic hearings in the hallway of a hospital and juggled my schedule like a maniac (with the help of God given staff …as well as others who stood by, lending shoulders and anything else they could get me to accept). Holding my own was imperative, because if you let down, you might crumble. But in those horrible dark holes, His joy would poke at me and keep me moving—the kindness of other patients and caregivers, a momentary connection of spirits, my church, my friends, family and my beloved music—He led me, steadied me and gave me a certainty that while things would not be the same, He would never leave me or abandon me. You’ve heard me say that my favorite scripture is Romans 8:28:

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

The book of Romans, written by Paul, is directed to people who believed the Good News, but who he had never met. So it concisely and systematically sets out the Good News—it is sometimes called the Gospel according to Paul. Remember also that Paul never knew Christ. Throughout the book, Paul addressed merited and unmerited grace. Do you remember a time as a child when your actions set you up for correction? After bracing yourself, you were unexpectedly gently forgiven instead of the firmer manner of discipline. This type of action is unmerited grace. An undeserved gift of immeasurable value to us, because that grace is at the root of our eternal salvation. But I am digressing.

The scripture helped me, because of its’ promise, to stand and believe that no matter what happened to me during my darkness, He would make a light for me to walk within and help me sustain His joy inside me. He is never to blame for our calamities, but He will use them to guide us, teach us and protect us. Yes, bad things still happen. We are not immune from tragedy. And I continue to struggle with other situations. Can we say fire & pestilence?? But His loving hand of encouragement refreshes our wounded spirit so that we can cling to the joy of His mercy.

In an active voice, (not submissive!) He tells us:

Let the whole earth shout joyfully to God! (Ps 66:1)

Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials,3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. (James 1:2-3)

Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. (Ps 126:5)

The world beat at me, shattered me and tried to tell me I could not get through some of these situations but would flounder and fail. But not my God. He held on—he took all my calls, understood my whining, accepted my flaws and poured out an unbelievable amount of grace over me. His fountain of forgiveness and boundless love is bottomless and everlasting. His timing is perfect. We are always questioning that grace and His timing, but that doesn’t make its existence less true.

A man said to God,” God, how long is a million years?” God replied, “In my frame of reference, it’s about a minute.” The man then asked, “God, how much is a million dollars?” God told him, “To me, it’s a penny.” “God, can I have a penny?” “Sure…in about a minute.”

We also question His timing and prompting as it relates to our situation. “Why now?” “Why me?” “I don’t want to”. Or, ultimately, “Here we go, another scared to death moment that God has prepared for me.” We all struggle with acceptance; we don’t blindly or easily accept His will especially when we can’t see the end game. And understanding and wanting His will over all doesn’t shorten the learning curve of our obedience. Courage is required but it will be given. Hindsight allows us to see His planning, but we can’t get to hindsight without going through the struggle, can we?

That’s OK. Having those conflicts doesn’t mean we can’t return, over and over, to His well. In fact, I would argue that the process is completely necessary and shortcuts won’t help. Seizing His joy in one area doesn’t guarantee that we’ll get it right more quickly next time, does it? Ever look up over your shoulder and say, “Really?” or “Well, this won’t work.” And then we come around, see the light, as it were, and continue on. Psalm 40:16: Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You.

This church family is a bulwark, a shelter for each of us. Our church is a gathering of people who will cling to each other, providing support and understanding. Here, you can think to yourself, I can find a place. A safe place. I can learn and Lean, laugh and love. You aren’t here by coincidence. I don’t believe in coincidence. Each of us was brought here at the right time to be part of this family on the branch, of the tree that is the love of God. We may not always understand each other. That’s OK. You shouldn’t assume that you will be understood. I read somewhere that you should put a cup of liquid in the cavity of a turkey when roasting it. But then someone responded that the turkey tasted great, but the plastic cup melted…so, no, understanding is sought, but communication is hard.

The effort matters and the thread that weaves everything together is the grace, mercy and joy of and from the Lord. We come to Him broken and confused but with His time, we heal, grow and learn. And love. We strive to listen, be still & know.

I told you a few weeks ago about my “Be Still testimony”==I will finish with this. The first chapter, I was in prayer, moaning and kvetching as I struggled with my Uncle’s final days; the spirit told me, “Be still & know…” . Returning to my housework, I stopped by my eagle ornament that holds scripture cards and at random pulled out, “Be still & know that I am God.” (Chap.2) Chapter 3: The morning after Uncle died, I used his cup and discovered it said, “Be still and know…” Well, in preparing for this morning, I wanted to dig out the joyful texts, (because that’s where I was led. I have shared only some of them.) One I especially wanted to use Psalms 40:16. Psalm 40:16: Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You.

In reading that verse, I looked to the opposite page. The preface to the next section of the Psalms (Ps. 42-47) read, in part, “Every tomorrow has two handles: the handle of anxiety and the handle of faith. Which will you use to get a handle on your day? In Ps. 46, the sons of Korah portray the worst calamities imaginable upon earth: earthquake, mudslide, turmoil on land and sea. And when everything seems to be breaking loose, they proclaim that there remains an immovable refuge: the God of Jacob. Before you close your Bible today, follow the instructions in verse 10.” So, I turned to verse 10…..”Be still and know that I am God”.

Be still. Be joyful. Cling to that joy in all things. Amen

May 23, 2021 “Pentacostal Power”

Acts 2:1-4: When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.

Pastor Rex: Pentecost was the unleashing of the power of the Holy Spirit over the church. It happened fifty days after the first Easter. It gives us power to be a witness, to be renewed and transformed and have life in the presence of the author of life.

1st Corinthians 14:1: Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy.

Pastor Rex: These gifts still exist today. We need to always be seeking the fullness of the Holy Spirit and the gifts it bestows.

Acts 1:4-8: While He was with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Pastor Rex: The Holy Spirit does the heavy lifting for us. We don’t rely on our own abilities, but on His. We are called—therefore He will equip us with words, tools and access to His guidance.

1st Corinthians 2:4-5: My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not be based on human wisdom but on God’s power.

Pastor Rex: Baptism of the Holy Spirit is part of the New Testament church. Jesus would and did show His power by being a conduit for miracles before He preached. We need the spirit in order to be transformed. Why was the spirit manifested through tongues of fire? Fire is a sign of Holy Spirit transformation. It unified the people as it had the disciples before them. Fire is often used throughout the scriptures to reflect cleansing, reaffirmation and transformation.

Matthew 3:11: (John the Baptist, to the gathered) “I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to remove his sandals. He himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ”

Acts 2:3: They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them.

2nd Chronicles 7: 1: When Solomon finished praying, fire descended from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.

1st Corinthians 6:19: Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.

John 14:17: He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.

Pastor Rex: A relationship with Him takes time and effort. To reach the fullest connection with Him will take diligence and resolve to withstand the world’s complacent neglect. Don’t let go of what you have been given—don’t let the fire go out.

1st Thessalonians 5:19: Don’t stifle the Spirit.

Pastor Rex: Keep the pilot light on. Walk in the Spirit and keep Him close.

May 16, 2021 “Salt & Light (of the World)”

Luke 14:34: “Now, salt is good, but if salt should lose its taste, how will it be made salty? 35 It isn’t fit for the soil or for the manure pile; they throw it out. Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.”

Pastor Rex: Salt and light affect their world simply be being. Just by being, we are to affect the area around us and our environment. People who found themselves near Jesus were changed by His presence.

Matthew 5:13: (A parallel verse): “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “

Pastor Rex: If we lose our salt, we are fit neither for the soil or the garbage pile. Can’t be used in the garden and aren’t good enough to be garbage. Lukewarm, anyone? Salt in the Old Testament was drawn from the Dead Sea, which has a 25% salt content. (Compare that to 3.5% in the ocean.)

Salt and light both act as disinfectants—they inhibit disease and act as growth enhancers for soil. WE are the salt. Our presence activates and changes our surroundings. A decrease in our “sale” is reflected in the erosion of our society. We have seen more divorce (erosion of the family), more suicide (loss of life), more substance abuse (erosion of people’s health). We need to bloom where we are planted. Remember- for salt to be efficient, there has to be 5%. Just the presence of salt will make a change.

The second step is distribution. You have to get out of the salt shaker. When we have simple contact with others, behavior is affected—even speech patterns shift. One Christian in a work environment can affect those around them in subtle but definite ways. Our witness without words is still a witness. A disturbing trend is for Christians to seek isolation from the world—from the soil, as it were. We can’t pull away from the soil, but must instead be vigilant to be where He places us. Bloom where He plants you.

The third step is to keep the quality of the salt. Referring again to Matthew 5:13 (see above) salt will lose its’ ‘saltiness’ by corruption of the world or dilution. “The life boat (Christians) need to be in the sea, but not the sea in the boat”. Be careful of conformity; don’t lose your effectiveness by being afraid to be different. In their effort to be “credible”, others are losing their flavor.

Salt is unique. We can’t save by being what already is, but by being different-being SALTY-, lending ourselves to showing what He gave us. Take care, because once we lose our saltiness, it can’t be regained. Once our credibility as Christians is gone, we can’t go back. Be salty. Be light. The world needs both to battle back the dark and give HIS flavor to their lives.

May 9, 2021 “A Godly Woman”

Proverbs 31:1-9 The words of King Lemuel, a pronouncement that his mother taught him:

2 What should I say, my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my vows? 3 Don’t spend your energy on women or your efforts on those who destroy kings. 4 It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire beer. 5 Otherwise, he will drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed. 6 Give beer to one who is dying and wine to one whose life is bitter. 7 Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more. 8 Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. 9 Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.

Pastor Rex: We don’t know a lot about King Lemuel. But we see, in this scripture, a message to him from his mother that he should exercise caution in his personal behavior and compassion in his treatment of others. Both warning and wisdom. We take from this warning and wisdom. We need to be careful how we teach our children—not only with our words, but with our witness. In verse 9, we are admonished not to argue for argument’s sake, but the cause of others. The proverb reflects the mother’s love of character and honor and reflecting God’s cautions as well. Her skills are many and she uses them all for God and her family. The misconception of a “simple housewife” is NOT who she is—but a wonder of talent and hard work.

Jesus’ view on women was revolutionary and He saw blowback from others. He valued men and women equally, with each having a different role in the Kingdom. Different, but equally important.

Ladies, be bold and use your talents, gifts and strengths. In partnership with your husband, should you have one, stand side by side. But remember also to take care for yourself with your health, physically, spiritually and emotionally.

In verses 12-31 of Proverbs 31, the description of a Godly woman continues:

12 She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away. 15 She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her female servants. 16 She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings. 17 She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong. 18 She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night. 19 She extends her hands to the spinning staff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20 Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed. 22 She makes her own bed coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants.

25 Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. 26 Her mouth speaks wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her: 29 “Many women have done noble deeds, but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised. 31 Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.

Pastor Rex: In verse 23, we see that when she does well, her husband also does well. When they do well, the family does well…when the family does well, the church does well…when the church does well, the community, the area and the country does well. It’s all of a piece and it all starts with a Godly woman who thrives and does His work.

Verses 26-27, reflects that we are to be in the now. Be present for your family, one on one. Be cautious about outside distractions, be it the phone or the internet. Be now, not later. As the Lord corrects us, loves us, we need to be ready to do the same. Godly women raise all who are fortunate enough to be around them, for they lift us all.

April 18, 2021

Finding Your Joyful Heart

Proverbs 17:22: A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Pastor Rex: Attitude is defined as a manner of acting, healing or thinking. The world accepts it as reasonable that your attitude can be affected by your circumstances, but it is actually a choice that need not be affected by our circumstances. Attitudes are habit forming and can be contagious. If we are downcast, worried, spend time murmuring…if we feel defensive or defeated…happy, contented or positive-=-all these feelings will affect our countenance, our reactions and our body. Our circumstances can be enhanced or eroded depending on our outlook. Our very quality of life is shaded by our approach. When we don’t rely on God for guidance in growing or controlling our attitude, the results show it. Our words are not always indicative of our true selves as they can mask our feelings, but our attitude is a window into our hearts and our true relationship with God.

Romans 15:5-6 Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Pastor Rex: We need to seek the mind of Christ. Prayer will help us learn to hear His voice and know HIs mind, as will being in His word. Press in, and love the bride of Christ in your local church. Fellowship contains an unquantifiable richness that isn’t available in alternative manners of worship. A “Victim’s” attitude can drive a person away from church fellowship; don’t always look for just the “right” church”. Be prepared to go where you are called to be—and then to bloom where you are planted. Remember, you can’t change other people or your past or the inevitable. You can change your attitude.

Ephesians 4:23: (Be ready…) to be renewed in the spirit of your minds.

Pastor Rex: Our reactions to events and challenges reflect what may be going on in other parts of our lives. If we find ourselves reacting in the moment in a strong manner to what is essentially an irritation, we need to consider why that issue acted as a trigger.

Numbers 12:1-11: Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he married (for he had married a Cushite woman). 2 They said, “Does the Lord speak only through Moses? Does He not also speak through us?” And the Lord heard it. 3 Moses was a very humble man, more so than anyone on the face of the earth. 4 Suddenly the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “You three come out to the tent of meeting.” So the three of them went out. 5 Then the Lord descended in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them came forward, 6 He said: “Listen to what I say:

If there is a prophet among you from the Lord, I make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. 7 Not so with my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my household. 8 I speak with him directly, openly, and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord. So why were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” 9 The Lord’s anger burned against them, and he left. 10 As the cloud moved away from the tent, Miriam’s skin suddenly became diseased, resembling snow. When Aaron turned toward her, he saw that she was diseased 11 and said to Moses, “My lord, please don’t hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed.

Pastor Rex: Mirium and Aaron were jealous of Moses and the jealousy displayed in criticism of his choices and his wife. So their strong attitude manifested in other areas and the Lord corrected them. Attitudes can be changed. They can make us or break us, causing harm, ruining friendships. We can also, with good attitudes, gain success or failure.

Nehemiah 8:10: Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Pastor Rex: Don’t fix your mind on the irritation—the one thing that seeks to pull us from our God given serenity. We have the choice to worry or fixate but why not choose His respite?

Psalm 37:17-18: For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord supports the righteous. 18 The Lord watches over the blameless all their days, and their inheritance will last forever.

Ephesians 4:23: (We can come to Christ…) to be renewed in the spirit of your minds..

Psalm 118:24: This is the day the Lord has made; let’s rejoice and be glad in it.

Pastor Rex: Identify and repent of bad attitudes so that you can put them in check. We should daily submit our attitudes to God for correction, and pray that He will help us take all thoughts captive to His will. Submit your attitude to God for His loving guidance.

2nd Corinthians 10:4-5: …since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments 5 and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.

Pastor Rex: Sometimes we feel strongly enough to have a conversation degrade into an argument. An argument is simply a conversation with hostile reasoning and accomplishes nothing positive. But changing our attitude has a ripple effect—the conversation is an exchange and the result can trigger a chain reaction. What changes us will change others. Never stop reaching for understanding or extending forgiveness and grace. Peter learned this when he asked Jesus, “How many times must I forgive? Seven times?” Jesus replied, “Seventy times seven.” If He can constantly and generously forgive us, how can we deny that to our family, friends, church and community? Cast out imaginations that feed the negative, and feed the attitude that reflects humility and grace.

Pastor Rex: Don’t embrace regret. You will experience it but you need not replay it. Leave things in His hands once you put them there. Choose to be content.

Philippians 4:11-13: I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12 I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Pastor Rex: He will turn disappointment to hope, complaints to gratitude, and bitterness to forgiveness. Trust Him to give you acceptances over judgment and to take your self-pity and change it to compassion for others. Choose to trust in Him.

April 4, 2021

He is Risen

Matthew 28:1-15: After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men.

5 The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here. For He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.” 8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”

11 As they were on their way, some of the guards came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 They took the money and did as they were instructed, and this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.

Pastor Rex: Last week, on Palm Sunday, we read the story of Jesus’ triumphant arrival in Jerusalem. Seven short days later, we have the story of His being scorned, tried, crucified, buried and today, we celebrate His resurrection. It isn’t His death that is important-it is the precursor to His resurrection. And the resurrection is the point of our faith.

1 Corinthians 15:12-19: Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, “There is no resurrection of the dead”? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is in vain, and so is your faith. 15 Moreover, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified wrongly about God that he raised up Christ — whom he did not raise up, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Those, then, who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. 19 If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.

Pastor Rex: He lived on earth, He knew worldly experiences, and He suffered. He deeply understands our struggles.

Hebrews 2:18: For since He himself has suffered when he was tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted.

Matthew 26:36-39: Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me.” 39 Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

John 11:25: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.

Pastor Rex: There is so much we don’t know of the world; and more we don’t understand in the spiritual realm. Know this; we live on the Sunday side of the cross. Before the cross, Hope as we know it wasn’t part of their spiritual walk. But He finished it and as He died and arose, He saves us all from eternal death. How has the sacrifice of Jesus Christ changed us, changed our lives? We now have the choice of eternal life and we now have a choice to have a personal relationship with him. We can carry the very spirit of Him in our hearts.

Colossians 1:27: God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Galatians 3:28: There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Rex: His resurrection not only saves us, it breaks the barriers we ourselves set in place. All have an equal portion of opportunity to gain eternal life from Christ’s sacrifice. The church has brought about wonders of freedom, hope and care of all. The essence of the mission of Jesus Christ is the promise of being born again into His kingdom, but also that we can live with Him in our hearts while we seek to become more Godly during our earthly lives. Some can never accept that His gift of life for us doesn’t require us to sacrifice ourselves, but it frees us to embrace His will for our lives. They are so concerned with “steering their own ship” that they fail to see the gift of that freedom. We aren’t suppressed by Him but are empowered and delivered-not constrained but freed.

1 Corinthians 1:18: For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved.

Acts 4:12: There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”

Luke 24:1-12: On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.

“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. 6 “He is not here, but He has risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed[†] into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise] on the third day’?” 8 And they remembered his words. 9 Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. 10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. 11 But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went away, amazed at what had happened.

Pastor Rex: He was born among us, lived with us and died…this sequence happens to all of us. But the grave could not hold Him. That is the key to our eternal life. Salvation for our souls has importance to us as a people and to us individually. To us…it means no more earthly demonstrations of sacrifice outside ourselves, as they observed in the early days. It recognizes that a perfect God who cannot overlook sin, has now sacrificed His son so that we, as sinners, are able to be saved from that sin and have eternal life based on His forgiveness. The cross contains our hope. And, for us as individuals, we have a future and a destination beyond this world due to His grace.

Romans 8:28: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 5:8: But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans: 8:11: And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you.

Pastor Rex: The same power whose hand lifted Jesus from the dead lives on in us. There is nothing beyond Him-no limits to His grace or His power. Jesus arose from the dead and saved us all. The power in the empty tomb is the strongest example of His power. His body was not stolen nor did the women visit the wrong tomb. It wasn’t in anyone’s interest for Christ’ body to vanish—quite the contrary; it was part of the unfolding events that secured our salvation. What was left—the wrappings—were folded distinctly and deliberately to show He had been there and was now risen. The Gospel stands on its’ own as the foundation of witness. No matter what we do or say-or how we hurt each other, the Word stand and the Spirit speaks. He calls us to go deeper and cling closer. So stand…and speak. We are all part of the great commission.

Matthew 28:16-20: The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

March 21, 2021

Are you ready?

Pastor Rex: What are the End Times? The Rapture? The rapture is a time of ‘snatching away’, of ‘here one minute, gone the next’. Those in Christ will be lifted away from the world before the Lord reveals all of the pieces of the ending of this world as we know it.

Matthew 24:40-41: Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding grain with a hand mill; one will be taken and one left.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

Revelations 3:10: Because you have kept my command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

He lifts His children out of chaos, sparing them from what is called the tribulation. There are conversations that discuss pre-tribulation rapture, mid tribulation rapture and post tribulation rapture, but we know that there will be a seven year period that will mark the end of the world.

Daniel 9:27: He will make a firm covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and offering. And the abomination of desolation will be on a wing of the temple until the decreed destruction is poured out on the desolator.”

The anti-Christ (‘desolator’) will come upon the world stage, and will draw people in, creating a temporary sense of peace. He may be called a peace maker; someone people trust and find comfort in. But he will then demand, after three and one half years, worship from the world. Christians will be even more persecuted that they have been, more even than now, when Christians are the most persecuted religious body in the world. We, who are created to worship the Lord, are reviled by the world.

The apostle John was exiled to Patmos. While there, he wrote the book of Revelations. We learn in the book of Revelation that his vision revealed a scroll in Heaven. The scroll is closed with seven seals that will be opened one by one.

Revelations 6:1-17: Then I saw the Lamb open one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked, and there was a white horse. Its rider held a bow; a crown was given to him, and he went out as a conqueror in order to conquer. (Pastor Rex: The white horse (peace) is ridden by the anti-Christ; his crown represents the authority he garners and the bow his desire for war.)

3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4 Then another horse went out, a fiery red one, and its rider was allowed to take peace from the earth, so that people would slaughter one another. And a large sword was given to him. (Pastor Rex: The red horse is war, the large sword represents the rider’s weapon-the rider who would steal the peace.)

5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and there was a black horse. Its rider held a set of scales in his hand. 6 Then I heard something like a voice among the four living creatures say, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, but do not harm the oil and the wine.” (Pastor Res: The black horse and rider represent famine.)

7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 And I looked, and there was a pale green horse. Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following after him. They were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by the sword, by famine, by plague, and by the wild animals of the earth. (Pastor Rex: One fourth will die, the horse ridden by death brought through famine, plagues and the sword.)

9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of the word of God and the testimony they had given. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, the one who is holy and true, how long until you judge those who live on the earth and avenge our blood?” 11 So they were each given a white robe, and they were told to rest a little while longer until the number would be completed of their fellow servants and their brothers and sisters, who were going to be killed just as they had been. (Pastor Rex: Joh saw those who had been martyred for their faith)

12 Then I saw him open the sixth seal. A violent earthquake occurred; the sun turned black like sackcloth made of hair; the entire moon became like blood; 13 the stars of heaven fell to the earth as a fig tree drops its unripe figs when shaken by a high wind; 14 the sky was split apart like a scroll being rolled up; and every mountain and island was moved from its place.

15 Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the generals, the rich, the powerful, and every slave and free person hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 And they said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17 because the great day of their wrath has come! And who is able to stand?” (Pastor Rex: A great earthquake is loosed upon the earth, with unusual astrological events. People flee to the mountains.)

Revelations 8:1-5: When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 Then I saw the seven angels who stand in the presence of God; seven trumpets were given to them. 3 Another angel, with a golden incense burner, came and stood at the altar. He was given a large amount of incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar in front of the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up in the presence of God from the angel’s hand. 5 The angel took the incense burner, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. (Pastor Rex: The heavens fall silent. Then seven trumpets and seven bowls continue to be revealed, detailing the continuation of the tribulation and its’ conclusion.)

We will see things never seen, creatures will be seen that have never been seen. With current DNA engineering and manipulation, a new direction is being exposed. Science is providing the roadmap, but Revelations discloses the signs.

How do we relate to these things? We need to pay attention. Knowing He is in control doesn’t allow us to be complacent about our place in the Kingdom. “No one knows the day or the hour.”

Matthew 25:1-13: “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them; 4 but the wise ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5 When the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “In the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 “Then all the virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’9 “The wise ones answered, ‘No, there won’t be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell oil, and buy some for yourselves.’10 “When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. 11 Later the rest of the virgins also came and said, ‘Master, master, open up for us!’12 “He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you!’13 “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.

Matthew 24:22: Unless those days were cut short, no one would be saved. But those days will be cut short because of the elect.

Pastor Rex: Which bride are you? Love will win…are you ready? Why are you waiting?

March 14, 2021

Making God more real in Our Lives

Key Verse: John 14:1-21 “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 You know the way to where I am going.” 5 “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

8 “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time and you do not know me, Philip? The one who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who lives in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Otherwise, believe because of the works themselves.

12 “Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. 17 He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.

18“I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live too. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you. 21 The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.”

Pastor Rex: It is said that all of life is rooted in vibrations. Paul said that we have the power of life and death in our tongues. We fall into the ways of the world…if we can see it or hear it, we wonder if ‘it’ exists. We want signs to show us with certainty that something exists. Jesus understood this nature and frequently used healing to display a ‘sign’ and lead people to understanding. When Jesus explained his path of suffering and death, His apostles were shocked and dismayed.

John 13:31-35: When He had left, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so now I tell you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

34 “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

We struggle for understanding of our experience in the ‘real world’ and struggle more to understand the spiritual aspect of what we perceive. In Eden, the spirit and the world melded seamlessly; even then, they wanted more. We seek that the Lord make himself real to us. It isn’t our minds but our hearts that struggle first. We seek heart knowledge over head knowledge.

There are four levels of knowledge. The first is a knowledge of facts (primary head knowledge). We know Christ through witness accounts, through archaeology, through historical records. The recognition of a single person is another example. “He is almighty” is an example.

The second level of head knowledge is deeper—an understanding of the facts themselves. A more detailed knowledge is comprehended. We seek Him, not knowing where it will lead, only that we want to seek.

The third level is heart knowledge—knowing the person on a closer, friendlier level. But the fourth level involves an intimate knowledge, emotional, trusting and vulnerable. Spiritual intimacy is a relationship that will deepen and enrich us. With Jesus, that growth leads us to recognize His leading as well as that of the Holy Spirit. We know more, are touched more deeply, called more strongly. Some come, needing mercy or forgiveness or healing. Other gifts we don’t expect are the peace, the guidance and the joy. God wants to be our source of needs; our provider.

1st John 4:7-8: Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

What is reality? He is our Father, our friend. His love is real. Darkness is the absence of light and fades in its’ presence. His light has overcome the world. When we are led by the Holy Spirit, we are able to love. Surrounded by love and His encouragement, we thrive. We are family because we are in His love and Spirit. Without it, we stumble. Remember “The wages of sin is death”. Intimacy with Him is the next step. But still we want our signs…

Matthew 16:1-4: The Pharisees and Sadducees approached, and tested him, asking him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He replied, “When evening comes you say, ‘It will be good weather because the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘Today will be stormy because the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to read the appearance of the sky, but you can’t read the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” Then he left them and went away.

Needing an image is contrary to the Spirit. He wants us to worship Him in the Spirit.

Romans 1:2-4: …which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures —

3 concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh

4 and was appointed to be the powerful Son of God according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection of the dead.

God isn’t looking for religion, He wants love. We don’t want to be conformed to His image; we want Him to conform to ours.

2nd Timothy 4:3: For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear.

We need sound doctrine—not falsehoods that may suit us more comfortably. We need to accept those things that may not be easy. Go about the hard work of walking with Christ and subjecting ourselves to His will is the right path. Some don’t want that responsibility. They don’t want to be humble, but instead, to seek worldly recognition.

John 14:9: Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time and you do not know me, Philip? The one who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

We look at creation and don’t see God. Jesus words were self-evident, but some didn’t want to accept them. They refused His reality because it didn’t fit their expectations or their reality.

Luke 19:10: For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”

An atheist said, “Evolution has designed the river otter to be an excellent swimmer.” If it was designed, it had a designer. A creator. The otter’s design (creation) wan not an accident. God is real, His plans are perfect. Our plans are flawed; they consistently go awry.

Isaiah 53:5: But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds.

He heals. His reality. He gave His final measure of devotion at the cross. And with that devotion, He secured our salvation in His reality.

March 07, 2021

The Gift of Healing… a Larger Lens

1st Corinthians 12:8-11:…to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, 9 to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits,[†] to another, different kinds of tongues, to another, interpretation of tongues. 11 One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills.

Pastor Rex: It is always good to be here on Sundays. But the footprint of the church is more than Sundays. All manner of outreach events and projects, prayer times, and bible studies all reflect a different side of the church. All of us have a ministry. We are to receive and to reach out as well, in whatever and of whatever gifts He has provided to us.

Blessings and fruit of the Spirit call upon us to return what we receive=and everything we give returns a hundred fold. Not only that, but we receive by giving. The nature of the spirit makes this so. We will be blessed in all our giving, so we should always be willing to run ‘thin’, or close to the line in giving our money, our time and our resources---because we will receive back more than we ever give. We see this over and over in that the more we give, the more blessings we receive… so we need not hold back in our giving.

Part of our walk, as outlined in the key verse, is to receive healing. This act brings a gift to us, but it also glorifies the church as well as glorifying the Lord. And we are charged with the work for the kingdom and that work isn’t done. Remember that seeing these gifts as an individual will garner a corporate return—when we are blessed, all are blessed. The common good that we serve is served.

1st Corinthians 14:1: Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy.

Pastor Rex: As mentioned in the verse, we seek all gifts. Today we look at healing. We need to ask for and receive healing. Stepping forward, we must also be aware that we seek His will in all things.

Hebrews 2:4: At the same time, God also testified by signs and wonders, various miracles, and distributions of gifts from the Holy Spirit according to his will.

We won’t always have “instant” healing. And it may not manifest at all quickly. We will still be blessed, and Jesus Christ will be glorified, as will be the church.

Acts 3:12-13: When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Fellow Israelites, why are you amazed at this? Why do you stare at us, as though we had made him walk by our own power or godliness?

Pastor Rex: The healing comes through Jesus Christ-- not through us. We pray in His name, seeking His power, not our own. Therefore He is glorified, not us as individuals. We have to persevere always; seeking his edification and being willing to be His vessel.

1st Corinthians 12:7: A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good

Pastor Rex: Again, we seek to lift the common good in our work for Him. But while we work, it isn’t realistic to expect all prayers to be answered on our personal timeline. We all have unresolved prayers but we persevere in His name. A harvest will be realized on His time frame and in His will. As we experience our lives, our hearts will be and are broken all the time. That’s okay. An individual achieving the common good is also happening all the time. When we each are helped, so is the common good. When one person is helped, healed, finds their own ministry, and reaches out to someone with love, compassion and understanding, common good is achieved. Our mission pours over all==not just us. It also spills over more than we know…or see…or hear.

Matthew 4:23: Now Jesus began to go all over Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

Pastor Rex: “Don’t grow weary of doing good” no matter how long you are striving to work for His kingdom. His timing isn’t ours, nor is it up to us. We continue to lift our prayers no matter how long we carry them. Continuing to ask for His touch doesn’t indicate weakness, but our patience shows a growing of our faith.

Luke 9:1-2: Summoning the Twelve, He gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. 2 Then he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

When faced with persecution, the Hebrews sought more opportunities to speak boldly, to help each other in His name, to claim His healing.

Acts 14:3: So they stayed there a long time and spoke boldly for the Lord, who testified to the message of His grace by enabling them to do signs and wonders.

His power may be in the asking…as much as in the answer.

2nd Corinthians 9:7: Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.

Pastor Rex: We ask ourselves, “Why would He allow sickness? Afflictions? Trials? We don’t know all of the answers, but consider this: through all of these an amazing fruit may be revealed, our faith is cultivated and our patience grown even before the answer is revealed. The kingdom isn’t only being built here, but also in our hearts as well as in Heaven. Not getting a quick answer doesn’t mean we haven’t enough faith. It means we can’t see it YET or see it HERE or see it THAT way. Yes, we are given a measure of faith, but we can also ask God to help us grow it. Renew your pledge to ask for healing in your lives not only for ourselves but also for the common goods. Personal defects, failings, living situations…all can be prayed about and lifted up. Sometimes your faith needs a boost—that’s okay! Lift it and ASK!

James 4:2: You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and wage war. You do not have because you do not ask.

Pastor Rex: We try not to ask for ourselves. But His desire is to heal us. But in your asking, be also vigilant, for the enemy will whisper to us and try to trip us and pull our attention away from our attempt to grow our faith and heal. Lift it all…our families, our finances, our shame and sorrows. Lift the forgotten, the lonely the neglected and the hurting. The world needs all of His healing and grace that He can provide. Ask.

February 28, 2021

“Broken Hearted Boldness”

Ephesians 6:19-20: Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.

Pastor Rex: We are called to recognize His message, and to present it with boldness. But we too often are willing to lend our voice with boldness to those things that don’t need it, and we are then too timid to support our faith with that boldness. At the same time, we don’t see that the world, in its brokenness, needs our broken hearts to lighten it with His message. The balance between our broken hearts for ourselves (and our sins) and our compassion for the world’s struggles with our hesitance to speak out boldly with His words is hard to find. When we sin, our heart breaks and drives us to repentance. When our heart breaks for the world, He can use us to reach out to others with our hands and His words to shine His light in the dark.

Psalm 51:10-17: God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach the rebellious your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God—God of my salvation—and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not want a sacrifice, or I would give it; you are not pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God.

Pastor Rex: We are called to be bold in those ways that glorify the kingdom, but today we seem to see more boldness in ways that DON’T serve the Kingdom. We justify gossip in the illusion that we care, we speak of politics in a way that is demeaning to other people. We ride roughshod over the feelings of others, hurting them in our thoughtlessness. And mean spiritedness toward others gets stronger and harder in the course of these events. What’s worse is that we start seeing it as normal when it shouldn’t be and acceptable when it is unacceptable.

Romans 7:17: So now I am no longer the one doing it, but it is sin living in me.

Pastor Rex: We become harsher, more severe, angrier, coarser, cruder and ruder, snide, garish and ill tempered; we are quicker to judge others as less than ourselves. We must recognize the danger of getting too quick and bold in speaking out those words and opinions that serve no Heavenly purpose. Being “broken hearted” is designed to recognize and follow through the reflection of His love for each other. The Lord is ready to act as soon as we ask.

Psalm 34:18: The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.

Psalm 51:17: The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God.

Isaiah 57:15: For the High and Exalted One, who lives forever, whose name is holy, says this: “I live in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and lowly of spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the oppressed.

Isaiah 66:2: My hand made all these things, and so they all came into being. This is the Lord’s declaration. I will look favorably on this kind of person: one who is humble, submissive in spirit, and trembles at my word.

Matthew 5:3-5: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.

Pastor Rex: The key to the power source is humility. Be in a humble place and be willing to put others first in all you do. Your attitude should reflect that you will do what needs to be done in that moment—to support and reflect the Kingdom of God.

Luke 18:13-14: “But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes to heaven but kept striking his chest and saying, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other, because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 17:10: In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we’ve only done our duty.’

1st Corinthians 12: …we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone’s garbage.

Pastor Rex: In all things, we remember that re ourselves are never beyond repentance and confession for our own sakes; we must be vigilant and thoughtful about our walk as we strive to reveal Him to the world.

Romans 8:23: Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the first fruits— we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

Romans 7:24-25: What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with my mind I myself am serving the law of God, but with my flesh, the law of sin.

1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2nd Corinthians 2:15: For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

Pastor Rex: Boldness is a highly prized biblical precept. Consider these scriptures:

Hebrews 4:16: Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

Hebrews 13:6: Therefore, we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Proverbs 28:1: The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Pastor Rex: Sometimes we are brokenhearted, other times we are bold. We need to take time to find the balance of those two factors in order to combine them for His purposes. The world needs us to put in that time—it is burning on so many levels. Remember Proverbs 28:1, (see above)—the righteous are bold! Sometimes people can’t bring themselves to meet our eyes when we speak. They are hurt, lost and so much in the dark of their troubles. When we are truly in His hands, they see Him in our eyes. We need to let Him show.

Deuteronomy 31:7-8: Moses then summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land the Lord swore to give to their ancestors. You will enable them to take possession of it. 8 The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

2nd Chronicles 32:7: “Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria or before the large army that is with him, for there are more with us than with him.

1st Chronicles 28:20: Then David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He won’t leave you or abandon you until all the work for the service of the Lord’s house is finished.

Acts 20:24: But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.

Pastor Rex: If we are being bold in our ministry, we are not being bold for its own sake, but for His. Our own sense of self-consciousness will recede in the light of His glory.

Acts 4:29: And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that your servants may speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand for healing, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly. For the principle of God, we stand and are prepared to be bold in His name. The beauty of the work of God is that it makes possible that worthless sinners are able to stand up and speak for Him. We balance that with humbleness by letting His grace speak. That grace will squelch our own tendency to be judgmental as well.

Romans 8:3: For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering.

Ephesians 1:7: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace…

Philippians 3:9: Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

1st John 3:1: See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children — and we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know him.

John 3:36: The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who rejects the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.

1st Corinthians 3:21: So let no one boast in human leaders, for everything is yours —

1st Peter 2:6: For it stands in Scripture: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and honored cornerstone, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.

Pastor Rex: Don’t be afraid to be bold in this work; our time is given from God, from nowhere else and by his measure alone.

Revelations 2:10: Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Be faithful all of your days. How can you not be bold when all these things are true? When the broken heart meets His boldness, His will is fulfilled and the workers are stronger, the people encouraged and the Kingdom enriched.

Acts 5:21: Hearing this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.

Pastor Rex: Blend your heart and passion cautiously with humility. Never forget that it is His message that counts—not our own. But also, don’t be shaky about those things of which we should be confident. He is our constant, His is the power. We are His messengers. Be not afraid to step out but push your self-consciousness aside and He will speak through you in amazing ways.

February 21, 2021

“God Does the Growing”

Mark 4:26-27: “The kingdom of God is like this,” he said. “A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day; the seed sprouts and grows, although he doesn’t know how. “

Pastor Rex: These words, directly from the parables of the Messiah, refer to planting, growing and sowing. He frequently used agricultural terms as they relate to nature because we can relate to them. The handiwork of God is all rooted in these things….our growth is not rooted in our own efforts grow or improve but in His . In His process of sanctification, He brings things to our attention that need improvement and then He shows us what to do. Our efforts, also, are not for ourselves, but to ultimately glorify Him. Growing in Christ is important—we should strive to be more His every day. But it isn’t our timetable that makes the difference, but God’s. If we can embrace that, we are less likely to be frustrated by our efforts on our journey to become more like Him. Our vision of our own growth won’t match His vision, so we sometimes feel as though we are not progressing, or at least not at a quick enough pace to suit us.

2 Thessalonians 1:3: We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, since your faith is flourishing and the love each one of you has for one another is increasing.

Hebrews 12:14: Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness — without it no one will see the Lord.

2nd Peter 3:18: But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.

Pastor Rex: We taste His goodness and we want to grow faster, closer, better. But it isn’t up to us. He gives us the steps and the growth-He is the supplier of our growth. He is, after all the “author and finisher of our faith.”

1st Corinthians 3:6-7: I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So, then, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

Galatians 5:25: If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

We can develop habits of mind, habits of the heart, and habits of life.

Pastor Rex: A habit of the mind- we can “take every thought captive”. Habits take time to develop and it takes work, but it can be done. And in doing this, we can begin to focus our minds in order to find our place and our peace. It also means we thoughtfully think about good things and reject those thoughts that are negative or self-defeating.

Habits of the heart means that we try to not accept that first swell of fruitless emotion, but deliberately reach for the emotion that supports us and helps us find control. We seek those thoughts that help us cope instead of harming us. Habits of life involve choosing those things that help us be healthy, peaceful and strong like exercise, diet. Seeking those gifts that reflect spiritual maturity—patience, wisdom and humility are examples of those gifts. We must also seek His vision for our actions. We can be dedicated to growth, but we don’t cause the growth. When this all works, we marvel at the realization that He made us stronger, better, and more than we ever thought we could be. And sometimes it happens when we least expect the jolt. Even suffering can bring us closer to Him and lends itself to His helping us in ways we don’t expect.

God made nature with His hand, and the spirit realm has fundamental truths that will be affected by our own actions here. Realize that while our systems can be manipulated and changes, God’s systems are immoveable and unchangeable. The seed grows at His pace, not ours. And remember how He used the parables to show that nature reflects His ways, not ours. The seed is His word, and the ground in which the seed is sowed is our hearts. The word, abiding in our hearts, produces His fruit.

John 15:7: If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.

Pastor Rex: But, don’t forget! You can’t dig up the see to check it-you have to wait for it to sprout. Learn to be happy in the moment and fulfilled in His presence, knowing that He is working His perfect way on you. He is trying to draw our hearts closer—it isn’t about us. It’s about drawing closer to Him. His grace should be and is sufficient. Being impatient to see His work is like digging up the seed-- it won’t grow and thrive in OUR hands, only in His.

Mark 4:28: The soil produces a crop by itself — first the blade, then the head, and then the full grain on the head.

Pastor Rex: You do have to be diligent and devote your time to learning His way. The growth isn’t our focus but the source of it is. Focus on the Lord and on His glory. But what about repentance? If we spend time planting seeds that accomplish nothing for Him or result in negative action, we will reap that negative result.

1st Peter 2:2-3: Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, 3 if you have tasted that the Lord is good.

How does the body of Christ grow? It grows with growth that comes from God.

Colossians 2:19: He doesn’t hold on to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and tendons, grows with growth from God.

Ephesians 4:15-16: But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head— Christ. 16 From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part .

Colossians 1:18: He is also the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.

As Paul said, “The final joy is the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ, my Lord!”

Jeremiah 9:24: But the one who boasts should boast in this: that he understands and knows me—

that I am the Lord, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things. This is the Lord’s declaration.

Hosea 6:3: Let’s strive to know the Lord. His appearance is as sure as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the land.

Pastor Rex: When you are…

Upset, read John 14:1: “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

Fearful, read Psalm 18:1-50

Lonely, Psalm 23 in its’ entirety

Worried? Go to Matthew 18

Anxious? Philippians 4:9: Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Pastor Rex: This takes time. But when you plant the Word, it won’t return void. Tend it, don’t dig it up. Plant it with your loved ones. With time, the word will bear fruit and you will gain peace. The seed is planted, grows and then is reaped. God’s way. Grow with the growth that is from God and you will reap His peace, His wisdom… and a deeper love than you’ve ever experienced.

February 14, 2021

Matt 22:34-37: When the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they came together. 35 And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test him: 36 “Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.

Pastor Rex: Love is the currency in which we operate. We have fear, anger, and bitterness. But love never fails and will cast out the rest. Jesus said, in today’s scripture--All your heart, with all your soul, all your mind. Not part of it, but all. We love our spouses with all your heart—but be careful! We love Him first and He is the one who has shown us what love is. It is also alright to love yourself, without recrimination—He makes no mistakes and He loves us, so we need not second guess Him. He desires that we give Him our best first love. He also said “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

But sometimes people get under our skin or do things we can’t understand. It is easier to love those who love us as well. Those who reciprocate that affection are easy to connect with in that moment. It is harder to love others who aren’t reciprocal, who make us crazy!

Jesus said, however, that these two laws are the most important—love Him, and love your neighbor as yourself. It doesn’t sound that hard does it? But when confronted with trouble, some blame God first, instead of the enemy, whose primary goal is to steal our peace…or anything else we are willing to give him. He will take the power from us. We must reach out to God, not blame Him!

The Old Testament is full of special rules and laws that had to be followed without exception. Jesus simplified things for us by bringing it down to these two laws. He is constantly trying to bring us into a better place, and we kick back at Him in response. Symbolic gestures are meaningless when all that God desired is our love as He first showed us. Our practice of religious tenets is not the point when what He really wants is our heart’s true center, not our gestures or the outward demonstration of worship. Sometimes we fail to trust Him, or say that we don’t understand what He has done (or hasn’t). Jesus’ command that we love shows that He knew that we needed a mandate to guide us, a clear statement that by its’ very simplicity causes us to look at it askance. We didn’t know what love really was or is—from the start, we rebelled against His command for love. We fail to understand that He gave us first what He is asking we give Him.

All of us have made mistakes, have stumbled or fallen short in our life’s journey. But He isn’t here to heap condemnation on us. Don’t focus on the past (it is, after all, in the past) and it’s mistakes, but strive in worship to be closer in humility and follow His direction—simply to love Him. And there are times we feel foolish in reaching out, in stepping out to Him, failing to recognize that for every step we take, He is taking one toward us as well. Our false sense of ego deceives us and keeps us from humility. Loving Him with every step, with a full heart is the point; our actions will reveal to us that this love is the fulfillment of our purpose. We can trust Him to fill us with more of Himself revealing more to us as we give more to Him.

When we turn to Him, those other things of the world that can take our attention fade away. We no longer fail to recognize those negative thoughts for what they are and we learn to discern His touch in our lives. Loving others will obliterate our selfishness. Part of the peace of our salvation is developing the willingness to fall head and heart first into His love. We find it easier to show it to others (and to ourselves). Some get stuck in their self-love and cannot fold themselves into His love. His word says He will not be mocked, and we will reap what we sow. Show that love even more to those who seem unlovable, without counting the cost. He will cover you and give you what you need to give to them. Don’t give them a piece of your mind, but give them a piece of your heart. Regardless of their response, it will make a difference to them that someone showed them a little grace.

We are to be people of love, not being hypocrites or judgmental. We are the ones who need to repent and accept the challenge to be the best version of ourselves. Quit focusing on what is driving you crazy or what irritates you and reflect His blessings out into the world. It will heal you and fill you when you are able to be a fountain of His love. We have received freely and freely we need to give it out—and back.

February 7, 2021

Key verse: John 18:33: Then Pilate went back into the headquarters, summoned Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

Pastor Rex: Truth is more than just facts. More than we act on, it acts on us—sanctifies and sets us apart from our sinful self. Truth was in the Garden; Adam and Eve communed with God, knew God and were filled with power. But the truth was corrupted and deception became a blanket that was thrown over us. But remember, Heaven is here, the Kingdom is here. We can only rely on the truth of God, which shall never pass away. Remember too that the way things seem and how they are ARE different. Consider:

Romans 2:15-16: They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts. Their consciences confirm this. Their competing thoughts either accuse or even excuse them 16 on the day when God judges what people have kept secret, according to my gospel through Christ Jesus.

3rd John 1:3: For I was very glad when fellow believers came and testified to your fidelity to the truth — how you are walking in truth.

2nd Thessalonians 2:10-12: …and with every wicked deception among those who are perishing. They perish because they did not accept the love of the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a strong delusion so that they will believe the lie, 12 so that all will be condemned— those who did not believe the truth but delighted in unrighteousness.

Ephesians 4:32: And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

Pastor Rex: Worse than death is the death of the soul. How does that happen? “The wages of sin are death.” A soul that is dying is a cry for freedom and truth. What is truth? God’s word…what goes up must come down…water is wet. (The first response is eternal, but the other two are of nature.)

Lots of things we believe will be proven wrong in the future when more is learned on the issue that we now believe. Some trust science, but it shifts. Opinions we speak can change. Reshape a question and a different answer will emerge. Your reliance on a fact can shift. Molecules make up everything in our world, but they are changing and shifting constantly. Our own perspective causes us to look at the same thing in different ways. We must find a truth to stand upon. One truth is nature—a waterfall flows, clouds move, trees stand. Moses, after all, heard God through the burning bush. Nature is God’s handiwork after all. We must align ourselves with truth.

Truth is sometimes shadowed in this world. We are in a temporal place. In our key scripture today, Pilate looks at Jesus-who is truth in human form-and Pilate doesn’t even see that. Many people are looking for truth. Bible stories are filled with trouble, disasters and wars. It tells of flawed people with real problems. The Bible is unrelenting in revealing truth in displaying those imperfections. Also on display are the demonic forces who are working as well. Satan’s is the father of deception, in the world to shake it and framing the lies that appeal to our fallen natures. That way certainly seems easier to follow than the right way. Isn’t that what we sometimes tell ourselves? That in itself is a lie. God’s truth is that sin is the spiritual disease that infects all the world and result in truth being forfeit. Some love the lie…it feels good, it’s convenient and allows us to rationalize our own desires as being okay. “After all, I’m not hurting anybody, am I?”

2nd Thessalonians 2:9: The coming of the lawless one is based on Satan’s working, with every kind of miracle, both signs and wonders serving the lie…

Pastor Rex: Truth isn’t found in religion but in the heart. After all, there are many different religions in the world.

John 8: 32: You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:24: Therefore I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

Pastor Rex: It isn’t about you. It’s about Him and His love for us. His anger is with sin. His desire is that all would be saved and salvation would be desired by all.

Matthew 15:19: For from the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, slander.

Pastor Rex: These are not statements of condemnation, but of admonition. His desire is that we would be with Him in glory.

Matthew 12:36: I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Pastor Rex: Unless you are in Christ, every idle word will be counted against you. Without repentance we perish. It is up to us to rise up and become one in the Spirit and one together, united in Him. The enemy’s use of ‘divide and conquer’ is a tried tool of dominion. But we walk free from the spirit of sin and instead stand on His foundation of truth and His firm ground.

John 3:16: For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Pastor Rex: It isn’t a matter of the mind but of the heart. Don’t buy the lies—seek His truth and be free.

January 24, 2021

What & Why we Fear

Rex Sr.’s Opening: Psalm 91:1-2: The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say concerning the Lord, who is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 10:5:”…and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ” (emphasis added)

Pastor Rex: What do we fear? Terrorists, crime, lack of money, government, loss of a loved one, a poor economy, public speaking? We have phobias, fears, dismay and unspoken terrors. We learn that 85% of what we fear during our lives never happens. There are two opposing forces battling over this world—the King of Love and the one of fear. The word tells us that a little bit of love covers a multitude of fears. Fear is debilitating, paralyzing and destructive; it keeps us from stepping out with confidence and boldness into the life God has planned for us.

Is fear okay as a teaching tool? Do we teach our children not to run into the street to teach them fear? NO-we teach them this to help them to be safe, not afraid. Fear will stop the flow of God’s power—it will interfere with our relationship with God. Walking with Him will offset fear and strengthen us against the lie.

Gen 3:8-10: Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 So the Lord God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.”

Pastor Rex: It is commonplace to blame Eve for the fall, but Adam was right there with her. They were afraid of missing out on something, so they accepted the lie. Their fear and lack of trust in God led to the downfall.

Being afraid at times is not the problem. Noises in the night are scary…the unknown can be (if we let it be). But that is different than the spirit of fear. A spirit of fear will keep us from seeking help, from reaching out, keeps us hemmed in , and from being who we can be. Its purpose and point is to keep us from fulfilling the plan God has written for us.

Ephesians 6:12: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.

Our battle is spiritual-and the lie wants to fight for that space in our head. The chaos of sound that is confusion and lack of certainty opens us to be vulnerable. Hear God’s voice instead.

Matt 8:18-19: When Jesus saw a large crowd around Him, he gave the order to go to the other side of the sea. 19 A scribe approached him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

Don’t let the enemy consume your resolve with fear-face it. For in facing it and replacing it with the Word and comfort of God’s plan, we are enabled to banish and rebuke it.

Proverbs 1:33: But whoever listens to me will live securely and be undisturbed by the dread of danger.

Psalm 34:4: I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears.

The accuser of the brethren, the father of lies uses deception as his game. But in the Word, we know that there is no fear in love. Sheltering in His spirit frees us from the torment and from the paralyzing aspects of fear.

Joshua 1:9: Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

We overcome fear with positive faith. Fear is not from God. He gives us the power of love and a sound mind. Fear is the taker-His love is the giver.

Isaiah 35:3-4: Strengthen the weak hands, steady the shaking knees! 4 Say to the cowardly: “Be strong; do not fear!

Psalm 27:1: The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—whom should I dread?

Pastor Rex: In a story of two brothers, they suffered due to an abusive father who raised them in fear of every kind. That was his legacy to them. One became a success and the other a recluse. The result was different but the cause was the same. Their fear drove them and neither was content in their circumstance. But we who know the power of His love and His peace must be vigilant and aware that even with that knowledge, fear can work its way into our focus, paralyzing us and fostering destruction. Keep Him front and center!

Psalm 91:4: He will cover you with his feathers; you will take refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield.

Isaiah 41:10: Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.

Pastor Rex: The magic bullet is to abide in the Holy Spirit. The Apostles, when on the boat with Jesus, were fearful about their safety during the storm-while Jesus slept peacefully nearby. They had been with Him, they had witnessed His ministry and His miracles. They knew what He proclaimed. Even they didn’t rest on Him but were fearful. We lose sight of who we are in Him. He has promised us a full measure of life. We mustn’t let the fear cripple us and hide us from His power. We stand on the Word , not on fear. Rebuke and bind the fear, following Paul’s lesson. “…take every thought captive to obey Christ…” Trust He who saves you and don’t let fear erode your destiny in Him.

January 17, 2021

The Church Today

Revelations 19:7: Let us be glad, rejoice, and give him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has prepared herself.

Pastor Rex: The church is described in many ways throughout the Old and New Testament. It is the “Holy, radiant spotless bride”, it is the body, the flock, the family, the building, the place. Consider these scriptures. And, remember to consider that the church is very much the bride of Christ and we are called to be prepared for Him…and for His coming.

1st Corinthians 12:27: Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it.

1st Peter 5:2: (to the Elders): Shepherd God’s flock …AND

4:17: For the time has come for judgment to begin with God’s household, and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?

2nd Timothy 2:3: Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

1st Corinthians 3:9: For we are God’s coworkers. You are God’s field, God’s building.

Isaiah 61:3: …to provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the Lord to glorify him.

Pastor Rex: The parable from Jesus of the ten virgins is rich in provision for our understanding. The virgins equate to the calling of the bride. As referenced in Old Testament verses, in Isaiah 54:5 and 62:3, “Indeed, your husband is your Maker—his name is the Lord of Armies—and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of the whole earth.”) AND You will be a glorious crown in the Lord’s hand, and a royal diadem in the palm of your God’s hand.” (Isa 62:3)

And, in the New Testament, Mark 2:18-20: Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. People came and asked him, “Why do John’s disciples and the Pharisees’ disciples fast, but your disciples do not fast?”

19 Jesus said to them, “The wedding guests cannot fast while the groom is with them, can they? As long as they have the groom with them, they cannot fast. 20 But the time will come when the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.

John spoke to the people, explaining that as Christ became ‘more’, he chose to become less. So also are we as we draw closer and more in tune with Jesus in our own journey:

John 3:28-30: You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine is complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Paul also, spoke to this:

2nd Corinthians 11:2: For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, because I have promised you in marriage to one husband — to present a pure virgin to Christ.

Also: Revelations 19:6-8: Then I heard something like the voice of a vast multitude, like the sound of cascading waters,[†] and like the rumbling of loud thunder, saying,

Hallelujah, because our Lord God, the Almighty,reigns! 7 Let us be glad, rejoice, and give him glory,

because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has prepared herself. 8 She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure. For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.

Revelations 21:2: I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

Pastor Rex: We are the bride and we will be presented to Jesus. But not all will be ready.

Ephesians 5:25-27: Husbands, love your wives,[†] just as Christ loved[†] the church and gave himself[†] for her 26to make her holy, cleansing[6] her with the washing of water by the word. 27He did this to present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless. And 5:32: This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church.

Pastor Rex: The church is called to rise up, spotless and righteous, striving to walk, talk, act and be-as HE, and be beautiful for the groom.

Romans 8:9: Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

And, all have a role to take in the church. All have a place chosen for them. Seek that place where He has your place set for your gifts to be shared, your talents and heart to be in service.

Ephesians 4:11-13: And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.

Even in Eden, God prepared for Adam a helpmate and a companion.

Genesis 2:18: Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper corresponding to him.

Pastor Rex: A marriage is designed to be the most intimate of relationships from which to live with each other and for Him. And also, we must remember, Adam was the first living man (described as such), and spiritually, Jesus was the last Adam.

1st Corinthians 15:45: So it is written, The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

We remember also, all are betrothed to Him, but not all will be ready.

2nd Corinthians 11:2-3: For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, because I have promised you in marriage to one husband — to present a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Pastor Rex: It is for lus to be sure that He is our first love and our faithfulness to the church must have the same devotion.

James 4:4: You adulterous people! Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the friend of the world becomes the enemy of God.

Be diligent, watchful for problems and be in prayer.

Luke21:36: But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Ephesians 4:13: …” until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.”

2nd Corinthians 13:9-11: We rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray that you become fully mature. 10 This is why I am writing these things while absent, so that when I am there I may not have to deal harshly with you, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down. 11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

But, as we know, sometimes there is a separation within God’s people. Consider again, then, Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins as recited in…

Matthew 25:1-13: At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them; 4 but the wise ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5When the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “In the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him.’

7 “Then all the virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 9 “The wise ones answered, ‘No, there won’t be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell oil, and buy some for yourselves.’

10 “When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. 11 Later the rest of the virgins also came and said, ‘Master, master, open up for us!’

12 “He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you!’ 13 “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour '.

Pastor Rex: We are all waiting for His return, and we are sometimes asleep; but when He arrives, we must be ready. Check your motive for going to church. Is the music…teaching… fellowship that attracts you? Be aware that the word of the Lord is described in Psalm 119: “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” The lamp contains oil, which represents our anointing and blessing with the Spirit of God.

1st Samuel 10:1: Samuel took the flask of oil,[†] poured it out on Saul’s head,[†] kissed him, and said, “Hasn’t the Lord anointed you[†] ruler over his inheritance?

1st Samuel 16:12-13: So Jesse sent for him. He had beautiful eyes and a healthy,[5] handsome appearance.[†] Then the Lord said, “Anoint him, for he is the one.”[†] 13So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him[†] in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully on David from that day forward. (1 Sam 16:12-13)

Acts 10:38: (John preached)… 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how he went about doing good and healing all who were under the tyranny of the devil, because God was with him.

Acts 1:5: for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”

1 John 2:20: But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.

Pastor Rex: Seek the gifts of your anointing and do the work to be ready. Anticipate His coming so that you won’t be one of the unprepared.

Luke 12:35-37: “Be ready for service and have your lamps lit. 36 You are to be like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. 37 Blessed will be those servants the master finds alert when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will get ready, have them recline at the table, then come and serve them.

Acts 1:8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Pastor Rex: Be ready and burning brightly! Don’t let the door shut on you. Seek Him in all your ways and don’t be distracted. He said “Pick up my cross and follow me daily”…not now and then, or once in a while. Half were ready…but half were not. Be ready.

January 10, 2021

“A Good Repentance”

Pastor Rex: It isn’t enough to seek salvation. We must also be ready for His corrections, and to turn around in repentance as He reveals to us how and when to grow away from our old selves.

Luke 13:1-5: At that time, some people came and reported to him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 And he responded to them, “Do you think that these Galileans were more sinful than all the other Galileans because they suffered these things? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well. 4 Or those eighteen that the tower in Siloam fell on and killed — do you think they were more sinful than all the other people who live in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well.”

Jesus wasn’t the only one, or the first one to teach on repentance. Also, John preached repentance:

Luke 3:3: He (John) went into all the vicinity of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,

And, Luke 3:8: Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. And don’t start saying to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones.

Pastor Rex: We often judge others as deserving punishment because of perceived sin. But while God can use our sins to show us truth, He will not ever use sin as a basis for our punishment. Suffering is not the result of His direction for doing us harm. Remember, everything He does is for our good.

In the Old Testament, Jewish belief was that suffering was brought on us by our actions. The question however is from where the suffering evolves. (“We reap what we sow”). While in this world, we will have troubles. We are not immune from them—that doesn’t mean we aren’t saved.

(And) Romans 3:10: …as it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one.

We are blessed, however-and that DOES come from God.

Repentance is defined as “an action to turn away from acts (or behavior) in order to follow God”, it is also “to be sorry for one’s misdeeds”. Repentance is the crux of salvation. Works are not necessary for our salvation, but when we are saved, we WANT to do things (‘works’) to the glory of God.

Matthew 4:17: From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

When we repent and accept salvation, one way in which we are transformed is to become beings who want to serve others. But the force of old behaviors is strong, and those bonds must be broken in order to embrace the changes He wants us to make. We are then able to be not only born again, but spiritually and mentally we are transformed in His image. It is important that we recognize that those old traits and habits must be changed. We are all equally important in and to the Kingdom of Heaven, we are changed! He has no room for our old ways and prejudices.

Mark 1:14-15: After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: 15 “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Change your direction:

Luke 24: 46-47: He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

We need to consider our thoughts, our actions, our behaviors and our beliefs to recognize those things we need to change. This isn’t easy to and isn’t for the faint of heart. It is hard to turn the other cheek. Look with clear eyes and search yourselves to find what needs to be brought into line with His teaching and our salvation. Make sure that you’re searching both your hearts and your head so that you release those things that are keeping you from embracing His nature for you.

Recognition of the issue isn’t enough-- we must be willing to face those things in conflict with His will for us. It isn’t enough to regret being ‘caught’, or to regret the actions…or the consequences that follow those choices; we must follow through and also change the actions themselves.

In the aftermath of repentance, we see what sin has done to us, but we must also see what it does to God. It grieves Him—in the garden, He was wounded. He took our sins and accepted the wounds, the contempt, the actions because He wanted to offer us eternal life. He was on that cross, persecuted, scorned and beaten. No one likes being corrected. Without correction, there is no salvation. But the Lord will touch our repentant heart and sooth our brokenness. The correction of the Lord indicates how much He loves us—bringing us always closer to being His true servant. David was amazing, but consider Psalm 51:3-4:

Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God—God of my salvation—and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

He was a King, a warrior and a leader. But he recognized his shortcomings in that moment. Jesus convicts us in our hearts but He doesn’t condemn us. We need His correction and instruction. We will feel better when we release the ‘security blankets’ of our habits and shortcomings. He will lift us out of ourselves to give us the strength and will to follow Him more closely and recognize those corrections as further indication of His eternal love for us. Seek His revelation for your life, let him correct you and He will help you. His loving correction will lift you beyond your expectations. Draw closer to Him and let Him love you more…and more…and more.

Sunday, January 3, 2021

The Revelation of Job

Pastor Rex: God is consistently revealing Himself to us in many ways. We know that God is infinite, omnipresent and omniscient. He has always been in existence, He is immutable (He doesn’t change) and He is unchanging in His kindness.

A revelation is a revealing or uncovering of knowledge. It is said that “anyone who has eyes can see God” in nature, in life, in others. But He also reveals Himself in our very hearts. We surrender our hearts when we accept the gift of His salvation and from then on, we constantly strive to do what is right. He will constantly guide and speak to us.

Jesus reveals Himself through His word and His person. But He also speaks to us through special circumstances. We see miracles and angelic visions and we dream dreams. Angels bring us messages of guidance and instruction. We must be vigilant, however, to recognize when the enemy attacks for they can also speak to us. Our use of discernment is an important gift to recognize the difference between a message from God (which will always be for our good) and one which isn’t (because it won’t be).

Job’s revelation story begins when God offers him up to Satan as an example of a Godly man. Job is stripped of his family, his wealth, his health—and left in ruins. He suffers all manner of calamities. Upon hearing of the loss of the family and his livestock, the scripture reads,

Job 1:20-22: Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, 21 saying: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life.

The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. 22 Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything.

Pastor Rex: Job didn’t blame God, as the scripture says, but in trying to make sense of everything, based on his limited understanding, he fails to recognize that God didn’t ‘take away’ anything. It was allowed, but God didn’t cause the losses. Sometimes, our own choices have an effect, sometimes things just happen and sometimes, as in Job’s case, the enemy attacks. When we have a proper understanding of Jesus’ revelation, we achieve His grace no matter the circumstance.

Much later in Job’s struggle, (Chapter 13:23) Job challenges God.

Job 13:23-24: How many iniquities and sins have I committed? Reveal to me my transgression and sin.

24 Why do you hide your face and consider me your enemy?

He had decided that it was all about him. While he had a role in the events, it wasn’t about him. Ultimately offering comfort, the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind. He said:

Job 38:2-5: Who is this who obscures my counsel with ignorant words? 3 Get ready to answer me like a man; when I question you, you will inform me. 4 Where were you when I established the earth?

Tell me, if you have understanding. 5 Who fixed its dimensions? Certainly you know!

Pastor Rex: Job’s suffering is temporary and his situation is eventually resolved. The point here is that the mystery of God is over our heads. We must remain in His grace and trust Him always, perhaps even more so when we don’t understand what is occurring. He always has our best interests as His goal. We can seize the long view, looking away from the circumstances, because in knowing Him, we know He will resolve things for His purpose and our good.

Job was in trouble and his perspective was skewed. His attitude changed after God revealed Himself to him. And, after this incredible journey, Job is freed. He was fundamentally changed.

We dwell in the secret place of the most high. If we hold Him as our enemy (“God brought this upon me”) we can no longer see His ultimate goodness. We need to stop blaming God and keep our eyes upon Him, for where we keep our eyes and our hearts, there will He be, and His grace.

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