Gen 32:1 As Jacob started on his way again, angels of God came to meet him.
Jacob was about to meet his brother Esau, whom he had not seen in 20 years. Continue reading
Morning Thought with Pastor Tim
New Better Year
Ps 90:10 – Even the best years are filled with pain and trouble;
It’s a New Year – at least for those of us that go by the Gregorian calendar. Continue reading
It’s New
I realize that the Bible says that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun (2 Cor 5:17) but sometimes it just doesn’t feel new. Continue reading
A Little Time Off
For over a week I’ve been missing in action from doing a devo. I had two people ask about it. I told both I was on vacation – a time of rest and reflection.
I enjoyed Christmas with family, gatherings with friends, and the birthdays of grandchildren. Continue reading
The Little Boy
All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isa 7:14
Today is my grandson, Barrett’s, 2nd birthday. Continue reading
The Reality is…
Well what is on the news this morning.
Reality!
It seems one of the top stories is about Phil Robertson. Continue reading
I think I’ll think about that!
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8
Have you just let your Bible fall open and start reading from wherever it landed?
I did that this morning. Continue reading
Hard to Tender
I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. Ezek 36:26-27 Continue reading
What do you want from Abba?
And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31
Everyone wants to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I know I really enjoy it.
But what is the reason that you want to be filled with God’s Spirit?
Many just enjoy how it makes them feel. I know I really enjoy it!
But the early church did not ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit. They asked for boldness in preaching the word!
They also asked for healing power and miracles.
Still, it all started with asking for boldness to speak God’s word.
God responded with the filling of the Holy Spirit.
It reminds me of King Solomon.
That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” 1 Kings 3:5
Solomon could have asked for anything!
His response – Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. 1 Kings 3:9
It pleased God so much that He gave Solomon wisdom. He also gave him great fame and wealth.
There are a few things you must remember.
First, seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matt 6:33
And humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:10
I am praying for brokenness and humility before God. I just want to serve Him. I want to be able to preach and teach God’s word with simplicity for everyone to understand. I want to lead more to Christ. It’s not about me. It’s about Christ.
As John the baptizer said, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:30
Pray for the pastor
I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Continue reading
Morning Thought with Pastor Tim 