From the Pastor's Desk

Peace is not the absence of trouble in your life. It is not the absence of turmoil, challenges or things that are not harmonious in your physical environment. It is possible to be in the midst of the biggest crisis in your life and still experience peace. That’s the true kind of peace that you can experience with Jesus—peace that surpasses understanding. Naturally speaking, it does not make sense for you to feel completely at rest and at peace when you are in dire straits, but supernaturally, you can be filled with peace!

God delights to use the 'weak' things of the world to fulfill his purposes. Perhaps it was for this reason that He chose Evan Roberts, a former miner and blacksmith with little theological background, but with a heart to see souls saved. Roberts had a thirst for spiritual things from an early age. The story is often told of how he would take his Bible down the mine to read it during rest periods.

In Luke 19:1-10 we have the account of Zacchaeus. Jesus walked into Jericho and a crowd gathered to see Him. Then, as He passed by a sycamore tree, He looked up and saw Zacchaeus—short, little Zacchaeus who had climbed the tree hoping to catch a glimpse of Jesus as He walked by.

Zacchaeus was a corrupt tax collector, a sinner. But instead of giving him the Ten Commandments, Jesus showed him grace (undeserved favor) and invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ house. Of course, the people in the crowd were displeased and they said, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”

Rev. 12:10-11, “Then I heard a strong voice out of Heaven saying, Salvation and power are established! Kingdom of our God, authority of his Messiah! The accuser of our brothers and sisters thrown out, who accused them day and night before God. 11They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb and the bold word of their witness. They weren’t in love with themselves; they were willing to die for Christ.”

The devil is smarter than many psychiatrists and psychologists because he does not just deal with the superficial areas of our life. Read more

Matt. 28:1-8, “Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. 5But the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here; for He is risen,’ and He said, ‘Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.’ 8So they went out quickly form the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.”

Imagine what our world would be like if everyone really lived out the following passage: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Eph. 4:31-32). This is grace in action. These verses tell us what to do: Put away anger and forgive; respond to others with grace.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” John 16:23

We are cordially invited by the God of the universe to come “boldly to the throne of grace” (Heb. 4:16). To be bold is to be confident, courageous, forward, strong, and firm. Antonyms to bold include timid, hesitant, and bashful. God invites and instructs you to come to Him with confidence, strength, and firmness in order to receive your needs from Him. This is His desire!

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17 KJV

Our God came, died a cruel death on the cross, and paid the full debt of sin with His own life so that you and I can reign in life today. His sacrifice on the cross speaks of relationship. Jesus came to reconcile sinful man with a holy God. Read more

12“But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God...14For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” Hebrews 10:12,14

You may be surprised to find out that there are many believers today who do not believe that they have been perfected forever by the finished work of Jesus Christ. Read more

February 26

1 Peter 5:5-7 “All of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ 6Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”