CHANGE

“CHANGE”

By Pastor Mark Taylor

There are only two that do not change.  This is comforting to know that both of these have a plan for the redemption of man and they will never change their minds about Their love for us.  God our Father and Jesus Christ our Savior.  "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19).  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

But God does want to change us because we need it.  “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”  (Isaiah 43:19).  When God does a new thing, that means that there are changes about to happen.  He's an agent of change.

Change is hard, yes. It brings loss, it brings sorrow, yes. It also brings opportunities for growth, for learning, for happiness. Change is neither good nor bad; it's what we make of it. Why not attempt to make meaning of it, to find a greater purpose through it? Why not meet it with the bravery that is inside us?  Remember you cannot step into the same river twice.  The water has changed.  Everything in lives changes.

People seem to be naturally resistant to change. There's a saying: If nothing needs changing, you don't need leaders  Leader’s look to see what God wants to change, and it's their responsibility to change it. Change is difficult, but it's what leaders do.  But remember: People find change difficult.  It's threatening, it's uncomfortable, and it provokes an internal reaction.  Change is all about yielding to the Holy Spirit.  Not yielding to the Holy Spirit is the most significant factor in preventing change.  It all comes down to attitude.

“No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse. Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” (Matthew 9:16-17)

In the days of Jesus they put wine and milk into skins. The problem with wineskins is that as they get older they become harder and more brittle. They aren't as flexible as they used to be. If you put new wine into an old skin, the new wine was still fermenting, which means it was releasing gases. The gases would cause the old skin to burst. If God is going to do a new thing in your life, He needs flexible skins that He can pour His new wine into.  What about you? Are you willing to let God do what He wants?

There are two kinds of change.  The first type is when things change around us and we just “learn to live with them”.  We feel that we have lost control but we try to “hang in there”.  This may happen when we lose a job, a loved one, or have major health problems.  We feel the loss and begin the grieving process.  Some people do not move into the second type of change.  If we do not move to the next level of change, our circumstances will control our happiness and limit our ability to be all that God wants us to be.

The second type of change occurs when we change with the circumstances.  This change is when our lives change. We look for a new job or we go back to school and learn a new skill.  It also happens when someone experiences a spiritual change and turns to God. The difference is we undergo a real change inside our hearts and minds.  In making any change you have to do some “soul work”.  God has planted within us a need to make meaning and purpose of our lives.  With the help of your relationship with Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit, you can deal with change in a positive and productive way.

One of the keys in changing things is to be open to the Lord’s leading  in new and different ways.  When problems are created and the things we are doing are not working, then we have to “Do Something Different”.  “If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always gotten”.  So if you want to see positive change, you need to look at change from God’s point of view.

In the process of change you cannot worry about what others think!!

You and I have to realize and remind ourselves that change is going to happen.  We are also going to experience loss with any change whether it is good or hurtful.  So we need to understand that something good can come out of change, even when it is hurtful:

Romans 8:28  does not mean that all things “are good”, but it does mean that if you will allow the Lord time, He will “work all things together” to help you with your change.  It will be for your good.  “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” 

Also in change, it is important that we realize that change occurs in small steps.  It will take time, and it will take a good support system like your church to help you.  The Bible tells us that it is important that we have fellowship with each other: “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son, cleanses us from all sin” (I John 1:7).

Will you allow the Lord to help you change into a better person, a healthier person, a person who will  learn how to pray, study God’s Word, and keep His commandment to “Love One Another.”   “A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34).

"I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW"

“I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW”  (Rev 21:5)

By Pastor Mark Taylor

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was present in Genesis 1 during the creation of the world.  “And God said let Us make man in Our image, and after Our likeness...So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him, male and female created He them.”  (Genesis 1: 26-27).  “And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:15-18).  Because Jesus  is part of the Trinity and part of God He has the ability to create new things in you and I.

When we bring Christ into our world, HE TURNS DARKNESS TO LIGHT.

“…and darkness was on the face of the deep … Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” (Genesis 1:2-3).  Without the light of God, without His truth, there is just darkness. People don’t know where life is taking them. They don’t know what the future holds. Everything is uncertainty and confusion.  There may be darkness all around – but wherever God commands the light, it shines.  When we bring God into our world, He turns the darkness to light. 

When we bring Christ into our world, HE TURNS CHAOS TO ORDER.

Genesis 1: 6-10. God speaks again, and this time separates earth and sky so there is an atmosphere. And then He speaks again, and the great continents of land form from the oceans. God brings everything together to become an ordered environment.

If He can organize everything from revolving solar systems, right down to microscopic organisms – and have it all working in perfect harmony together , He has the power and the wisdom to bring peace into your life, and to build the fragments into something that makes sense.

“Therefore if any person is in Christ, they are a new creation; old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

When we bring Christ into our world, HE TURNS BARRENNESS TO LIFE.

Genesis 1:11-13  God speaks with creative power again, and immediately grass and herbs and fruit trees appear, and begin to flourish.  Jesus said in John 15 that the way to have a fruitful life (a life that is productive, a life that blooms) is to be “connected” to Him.   To be in vital union with Him. God’s power can transform you from barrenness to life.

When we bring Christ into our world …HE TURNS EMPTY YEARS TO FULL SEASONS.

Genesis 1: 14-18. Before God hung the sun, moon and stars, there could be no fluctuation – no ebb and flow of the tides – no changing of the days. All there could be was the passing of time.  Only God can turn empty years into full seasons.

As a Christian we still experience difficult seasons – trials and hardships (there’s the winter as well as the spring). But God makes even those times have PURPOSE. You soon learn that “all things are working together for good for them that love God and are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

When we bring Christ into our world... HE TURNS LACK TO ABUNDANCE.

Genesis 1: 20-25.  God speaks again, and the waters teem with life – every kind of fish and sea creatures.  The air is filled with birds of all kinds. Then animals – so many exotic types – they fill the earth. From lack to abundance by the simple word of God’s mouth.

God can cause the waters, and the air, and the land in our world to teem with life.  Doors of opportunity in abundance. Joy in abundance. Revelation and truth in abundance. Abundant wisdom. All of God’s richest blessings.

When we bring Christ into our world … HE TURNS LONELINESS TO LOVE.

Genesis 1:27...Adam was a fine specimen. But it was “not good” that he was alone. So God created a woman, and brought her to Adam. He saw the need, and He created the answer by the word of His mouth.

When Christ is in our world, His creative power can turn loneliness into love. God can fill your longing for love with His own self.  Then He can bring the right people into your life to give it wonderful meaning and purpose.

“He will give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;  That they may be called trees of righteousness,  The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”  (Isaiah 61:3)

Don’t you want this Creator The Lord Jesus Christ creating in your world.  Just as God created all things out of nothing, He is able to create something beautiful even from calamity and chaos.

“And He that sat upon the throne said:  Behold I make all things new.

(Revelation 21:5) 

BE ANGRY AND SIN NOT

“BE ANGRY, AND SIN NOT”

by Pastor Mark Taylor

“Be angry and sin not...do not give the devil a foothold”

Ephesians 4:26,28

Our God has feelings just like we do.  He is an emotional creator that make us in His image.  He grieves, loves, and rejoices.  There are even things that make Him angry.  “You alone are to be feared.  Who can stand before you when you are angry?”  (Psalm 76:7).  God has anger and since we are created in His image, He has created us with the emotion of anger.  The difference is that God’s anger is justified and is a righteous anger.  He does not just “lose His temper” and lash out against us or the world.  He is angry at sin.  It is His way of telling us something is wrong, and we need to get it right.

Anger is common for all of us.  But it can destroy us and hurt those around us unless it is vented in a positive and Godly way.

It is also true that “God is Love”.  “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God, and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God.  He that does not love, does not know God: for God is love.”  (I John 4:7-8).  There is no contradiction in God being love and having anger.  God’s anger is consistent with His goodness and love.  Because God is righteous and holy too, He desires for you and I to live a holy life.  “He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy.” (I Peter 1:15-16).

When something is wrong with our bodies, the brain sends messages to our body in the form of pain.  When your anger is out of control, you are in pain.  Your uncontrolled temper makes others fear you, and makes you feel guilty and lonely.  Unhealthy anger destroys the ability to enjoy life.  It robs us of peace and causes regret, guilt, same, and fractured relationships.

Our anger comes from many sources.  The chances are that adult children of angry parents will themselves demonstrate anger in hurtful ways.  And even worse, it becomes a cycle in which the next generation of children will have an angry spirit deep within them.  There is no “quick fix” to bring us to the goal where we can “be angry and sin not”.  It is a process with our Lord Jesus helping us each step of the way.

The point of this message is to give us all some strategies to overcome explosive anger that hurts us and others.

The first thing we must all do is to take personal responsibility for our unhealthy anger.  If others have confronted you and told you that you have an anger problem, maybe they are right.   You may have been raised in an abusive environment and no doubt it has had an effect on you.  But now you must say that this is my problem, and I am going to have to deal with it.  There is a song that states:  “it is not my brother, not my sister, not my father, not my mother, but it is me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer.”

Secondly, be willing to do something about it.  Life is about choices.  Anger is a learned conscious choice that can become a bad habit.  Habits are formed by repetition over a long period of time.  Anger eruptions are learned habits too.  They have been formed and developed over many years.  

Make a choice to change and with the help of God’s redeeming grace, counseling, study, a support group, or even medical treatment if needed, you can “be angry and sin not”.  Explosive anger didn’t develop over night and it is going to take some time to replace it with better responses.  We either take control of anger or it will take control over us.  Fire under control is useful, but fire out of control destroys everything in its path. “He that is quickly made angry will act foolishly.”  (Proverbs 14:17).

Our Lord certainly controlled His anger when threatened and criticized again and again by the Pharisees.  Our Lord is a model for living.  When He could convince them of their sins, He calmly and assertively told them what He thought about their sinful lives.  When   He could not make them see God’s point of view, He knew when to walk away.  If someone is trying to attack your self-worth or something you dearly believe in, you can state your position in a calm, respectful manner like Jesus did, or simply make a statement that you do not wish to discuss the matter any longer.

Another strategy to help you overcome anger that is hurtful to you and others, is to avoid being around people who are angry people.  “Make no friendship with an angry person;  and do not go with a furious person; because you may learn his ways, and cause pain to your soul.” (Proverbs 22:24).

Probably the best strategy to use in controlling your anger is to replace it with God’s love.  I think this is part of what our Lord meant when He said:  “Bur I say unto you...whosoever shall hit you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:39).  As a child of God and as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, you do not always have to have the “last word”.  You do not always have to get your way.  And you do not have to get even.  All of these things will lead you to sin.  God’s Word also tells us: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21).  When you find yourself becoming angry with someone, try to change the conversation or move the situation in a different direction so the other person is not hurt by your anger.  Avoid talking about subjects that you know will anger the other person and in turn make you angry at their response to you.  Sometimes it is best not to talk about politics, religion, or social issues with people who have opposite views from what you have.

God wants you to be happy and healthy.  Anger can cause you to loose both.  Ask the Holy Spirit today to begin working in your heart to change the way you respond to things that make you angry.  God is full of mercy and we should be also.  “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

GOD WILL SHOW YOU THE WAY

“GOD WILL SHOW YOU THE WAY”

By Pastor Mark Taylor

June 30, 2013

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21).

The God we serve is not someone who has left us to guess about important decisions in our lives.  All through the Bible He has given us examples of how he led the children of Israel in specific directions. 

 “Truly I see that God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34).  When obstacles seem to prevent their movement, He moved the obstacles.  “For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt” (Joshua 2:10).  “For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you until you had passed over, even as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea which He dried up from before us until we had gone over” (Joshua 4:23).  He will remove those obstacles that will keep you from serving Him and being successful in your life.

In the New Testament Jesus reminded His disciples that He could make a way for them also: “Thomas said to Him, Lord, we do not know where You go, and how can we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me” (John 14:5-6).

You and I face many important decisions in our lives.  Sometimes we are not sure which way to turn.  Sometimes we face roadblocks to our dreams and goals.  

I would like to encourage you today to trust the Lord in helping you make a way to accomplish God’s will in your life.

I usually pray this prayer when I am trying to “find the way”:  “Lord if this (thing, goal, desire) is your will for me, open the door and allowed me to go through it.  Give me the wisdom and confidence from the Holy Spirit to know that my desires are in line with your will for my life.  Lord, if this desire is not your will, please lock the door so that I cannot go through it.  Keep me from making a wrong decision that will cause me problems.”  

Sometimes we find ourselves in difficulty because of making wrong decisions.

Then I pray as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did: “If you would be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42).  

Sometimes the Lord removes it from me, and sometimes He reminds me of what He told Paul when he prayed for healing: “For this thing I besought the Lord three times, that it might depart from me. And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may overshadow me” 

(2 Corinthians 12:8-9).

As one song put it: “Sometimes He calms the storm, and sometimes He calms me.”

One thing we can count on is that God is with us and wants to lead us, and make a way for us to become victorious even in difficult times.  Even if you are suffering from bad relationships, poor financial decisions, or health problems remember His words of encouragement to us: “No temptation has taken you but what is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but with the temptation also will make a way to escape, so that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).  Go to God in prayer.  Ask Him to give you the faith to endure your hardship until He shows you the way.

Jesus said this about our life on earth: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  And we are reminded by God’s Word that even when things are going bad for us God will make a way for it to become good: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

God has not only made a way for us to make it through this lifetime, but has made a way for us to go to Heaven. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  If you will give your life to Christ, He will make a way for you to go to a real place, with real people, and experience the real presence of God: “But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, "the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).

God also wants to use you to make a way for others.  You have been given gifts and abilities you can use in service for God.  “Give, and it shall be given to you, good measure pressed down and shaken together and running over, they shall give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you measure, it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).  Every time you do something for someone else they receive a blessing and so do you.  There are people today that need you today.  It may be something as simple as a kind word or an act of kindness. It may be something that requires your time, money, and talents.  If God lays something on your heart, He is expecting you to do it.  And in many cases, if you don’t do it, it want get done.  

God is going to show you the way and give you strength to go in the way He shows you.  “He gives power to the weary; and to him with no vigor; He increases strength. Even the young shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall; but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31).

AMAZING GRACE

“AMAZING GRACE”

By Pastor Mark Taylor

June 23, 2013

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32).

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36).

Grace is not easily defined but it is a beautiful word.  The Lord Jesus did not even use the word “Grace”, but He demonstrated grace everywhere He went.  Jesus stood by a woman caught in adultery and the law said stone her, but Jesus said: “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”  (John 8:7).  This was “Grace”.  He demonstrated it on the cross when he told the undeserving thief: “Truly I say to you, Today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43).  And to the people who had beaten Him and crucified Him: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). Our Lord told stories about “Grace”.  He told of the “Good Samaritan” who helped someone of another race and culture and then said “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37).  He told of a sinner who prayed and received forgiveness: “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:13).

We live in a world of “Un-grace”.  Some people do not think the sound of “Amazing Grace” is sweet.  There are many religious people and Christians who would vote for stoning the woman, ignoring the thief, getting even with those who hurt them, passing by the hurt man, and giving the sinner what he deserved.

Why does this world resist our Lord’s example of “Amazing Grace”? One of the reasons is that we have grown up in a society that emphasizes the idea of “what we do for God” instead of “what God does for us”.  Somehow we have added a new verse to the Bible that says: “God helps those, who help themselves”.  That may be true in getting an education, a job, and in relationships with others.  There is some truth to “pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps”.   But that is not how God operates with us in His “Grace”.  The Biblical principle that is repeated throughout the scriptures is that “God helps those who are helpless.  The first principle can become a Gospel of works.  The second one is the Gospel of Grace. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

“Grace” is not a license to sin, and our freedom is not without responsibility.  There are always consequences for sin, but “Grace” is amazing and sweet.

When we accept God’s “Grace” and choose to live a life of “Grace” toward others several things happen.

First, you become free from your own guilt and failures. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Corinthians 3:17).  We become free from the idea that to please God we have to live up to some type of “external performance”.  We no longer have to serve God out of fear, but out of love.  When we fail, we can follow the simple Biblical formula for forgiveness: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).  How can that be so simple?  Because we believe what the Bible says and we live by faith.  “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17).

Secondly, when you choose to live a life of “Grace”, you become free from the expectations and rules of others.  Groups and individuals are always trying to impose their standards and rules on others.  Sometimes these may be helpful to improving our relationship with God or making us a better person, but most of the time they put us in bondage.  We try to live up to the expectations of others and both they and us are disappointed in the results.  In our relationship with God we can apply this verse of Grace: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1). 

 God knows we are not going to live a perfect life, but his “Grace” is not based on performance, but on love for Him and others. Base your actions toward God out of love.  "If you love Me, keep My commandments. (John 14:15).  Love is the key word; not fear, obligation, pay back, or guilt.

Finally, when we choose a life of “Grace” we will become more tolerant of others and less judgmental of their faults.  Our Lord gave us a pattern to follow that will give us more “Grace”: "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (Luke 6:37)

God loves you and is offering you His “Amazing Grace”  Doesn’t it sound sweet?

MY BELOVED SON

“MY BELOVED SON”

By Pastor Mark Taylor

June 16, 2013

“And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17).

God our Father, was talking to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit when He said “Us”. “And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness.” (Genesis 1:26).

 God the Father understands what it means to be a father.  And the Lord Jesus Christ understands what it means to be a son.  Today, I would like to examine their relationship and some of the things they said to each other while the Lord Jesus was here on earth.  I realize that not all of you who read or hear this message are fathers or grandfathers.   But the principles below will help you to be a better friend, a better church member, and a better employee or supervisor.  Listen to the Holy Spirit speak to the “Father’s” today, and apply these lessons to your life to become a better person the Lord can be proud of, and your influence on others will be greater. Let us hear from Our Heavenly Father and His Son, 

Father’s use A Physical Touch to demonstrate your love for your children.  It is important for Father’s to show their children love by physically loving them.  When children are very small you can’t communicate love with words because they don’t understand words yet. But the best way to communicate love to a very small child is by touching them, & holding them close.  As they get older a hug or at the very least a handshake from a father communicates love.  Don’t look at small children as problems, but as special people who Jesus loves.  He thought is was important for them to be blessed and touched.

“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”  And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10: 13-16).

Father’s A spoken message of love and affection is very important to your children.  God the Father praised His Son, The Lord Jesus Christ.  “And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17).  Fathers and grandfathers, aunts and uncles, and parental figures,  need to verbally communicate our love to our children in public and in private.  Every child needs affirmation and encouragement.

Father’s communicate to your children their worth and value to you. Take time to listen to your children.  They need your undivided attention to feel like they are special and valued by you.   Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ knew He could always talk to His Father, and He would listen.  “And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. "And I know that You always hear Me." (John 11:41-42).  So when a child comes to talk to you, turn off the radio or TV set. Lay aside the newspaper, & listen to what they have to say!   That communicates value. "You’re worth something. You’re more important to me than the ballgame or newspaper. You’re a valuable part of our family. I’m glad God gave you to us. And whenever you have something you need to talk about, I’m here to listen."

There is one gift you can give year around, and that is your time.  Take individual time with each of your children and grandchildren to listen to them.  Ask them questions about what is going on in their lives and then give them time to answer you without interrupting them or be judgmental about what they are saying.  Often as parents we are too quick to give our opinions without being asked.  Just listen.  There may be a hidden message in their conversation that will come out if you give them time to finish their thoughts.

Fathers – praise your children.  Tell your children/grandchildren you love something good about them everyday.  Tell your children/grandchildren thank you for something they did for you recently.  Tell your children/grandchildren how good they did something you asked them to do for you.

Tell them how important they are to you in what they do. As your children/grand children try to improve, tell them how much they have improved on something you criticized them about.

Father’s assure your children of their future as they serve the Lord Jesus.  Remind them of scriptures that talk about the blessings God will give them if they love and follow Him.  “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father...”  (James 1:17).  Remind them that they have a “Heavenly Father” that is looking out for them and wants to help them.

BLESS THE LORD

VIDEO LINKS TO THIS SERMON

BLESS THE LORD - PART ONE

BLESS THE LORD - PART TWO

BLESS THE LORD - PART THREE

BLESS THE LORD

BY PASTOR MARK TAYLOR

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.”

Psalm 103: 1

We bless God by speaking well of Him, by calling attention to all the things God has done to enrich our lives.  The word “Bless” often carries the synonym of being happy.  David is telling himself to make God happy by thanking Him for His blessings and not forgetting the things He has done for him.  I could imagine when our Heavenly Father looks down on Earth and sees all the crime, corruption, moral depravity, and other sins it makes Him unhappy.  It certainly did in the days of Noah. “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  And the Lord regretted that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart.”  Genesis 6:5-6

David had to remind his heart and mind (soul) that God had been really good to him and that He needed to give thanks to Him.  We see that the opposite of praising God is forgetting God’s benefits, overlooking all the great things God has done to enrich our lives. Instead of neglecting God’s blessings, the psalmist stirs himself to remember, to praise God, to bless God.  He wanted to be a person on Earth that could let God know He was loved and appreciated.  He wanted to “Bless” God.

In our busy schedules, we often forget to “Bless The Lord”.  We forget that He appreciates being loved.  This would make Him happy just as a parent would be happy at receiving thanksgiving from their children.  David tells us that we can “Bless The Lord” by not forgetting all His blessings on our lives.  Psalms 103-2-5 gives us a list of things we should thank  and “bless” Him for:

“Who forgives all your sins....” (v.3a).  What a wonderful benefit to “Bless The Lord” for.  Even though others may not forgive you or forget your poor life choices, God is merciful to us.  “For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that respect and love Him.  As far as the east is from the west, he has removed our sins from us.  Like a father has pity on his children, so the Lord pities them that fear Him.”  (Psalm 103: 11-13).  How about a big “thank you Lord” for continuing to forgive my sins.

“Who heals all my diseases...” (v. 3b).  All healing is divine healing and all recovery from sickness, injury and surgery is the result of the healing properties that God has built into our bodies. Medicine, surgery and therapy are merely extensions of God’s healing ministry.

This verse doesn’t say that God heals everyone’s diseases, but that He heals all diseases. There is no disease or sickness that lies beyond His healing power—not even what we call “incurable.” He is the Great Physician.

“Who redeems your life from destruction..” (v. 4a).  The Lord not only saves our souls from hell, but He also redeems our lives from the clutches of the devil. Satan is bent on damning our souls and destroying our lives.  Many of us have been rescued from death’s door and life-threatening circumstances.  “Satan comes for no other reason, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy you:  I am come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly.”  (John 10:10 edited).  Can we say “Bless The Lord” for protecting me and my children, and grandchildren from that accident, that storm,  that home invasion, being at the wrong place at the wrong time, that financial disaster, and so many other situations that could have happened, but did not because of the mercy and grace of our Heavenly Father.

“Who crowns you with lovingkindness, and tender mercies..” (v. 4b) This is God’s favor on your life.  He is saying to you, that He is going to listen to your prayers and answer them and help you when you get into difficult situations.  Every time you look in the mirror, visualize a crown on your head that says “God loves me.”  By now your soul should really be shouting “BLESS THE LORD!!”.

“Who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (v. 5).  God is concerned with giving you your basic needs and then more.  He wants you to be satisfied  with the many good things you have now and the things He has planned for you in the future.  “Eye has not seen, nor ears heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.”  (I Corinthians 2:9).  Your youth shall be restored to you when you arrive in Heaven and you get your glorified body.  The last time the disciples saw Jesus, He was a young man about 33 years old.  “Beloved, now are we the children of God, and we cannot see what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. (I John 3:2).  “Bless the Lord, O My Soul” for your new resurrected body.

Your soul is your true person, it is your spirit and your mind.  I would encourage us all to memorize Psalm 103: 1-5 and say it to ourselves as a prayer.  The entire chapter should be read often to remind of us how much God loves us and cares for us.  These verses can lead you into a worshipful time with your Heavenly Father, and He will be blessed and so will you.

“BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL, 

AND ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME 

BLESS HIS HOLY NAME”

WALKING ON WATER

VIDEO LINKS TO THIS SERMON

WALKING ON WATER - PART ONE

WALKING ON WATER - PART TWO

WALKING ON WATER - PART THREE

Walking On Water
By Pastor Mark Taylor

“And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” (Matthew 14:28)

In Matthew 14:22-33 we read of one of our Lord’s miracles.  It was also a great lesson in the lives of the disciples and can be one for us.  The greatest lessons The Lord wants to teach us cannot be taught in a classroom sitting behind a desk or in your seat at church watching the preacher.  If your simply satisfied with being a spectator instead of a doer, you will never know the thrill of what God can do in your life.  There are times you have to ask the Lord to help you get out of the boat and get your feet wet.  “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:26).

The disciples learned some life lessons during this field trip outside the classroom.  Our Lord commanded the disciples to get in the boat and go over to the other side which was about 12 miles.

LESSON ONE:  JESUS IS ALWAYS WATCHING US.

His disciples were being completely obedient unto what Jesus had commanded them to do. Sometimes people think that IF they ARE doing what Jesus told them to do, then there will be no storms for them to sail through; everything will be mountain experiences. But such thinking is not always true and real. 

When we are going through the storm, we start looking around for Jesus and sometimes we cannot sense His presence even though He is watching us and His eyes are on us and He sees us in our storm.  “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry.”  (Psalms 34:15).  “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not because you are of more value than many sparrows and not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father knowing.” (Luke 12:7 and Matthew 10:29).

LESSON TWO:  GOD IS ALWAYS WALKING TOWARD US.

Our Lord walks toward us and brings us deliverance in ways we would never expect or think possible.  God has told us in His Word - The Bible over 365 times not to fear and to be of “good cheer” in our storms.  “The Lord is near unto them that have a broken heart; and saves those who are remorseful.” (Psalm 34:18).  The key to our victory and deliverance in the storm is to keep our eyes upon Jesus.  Think about Him, pray to Him, read His Words in the Bible, and start walking toward Him.

LESSON THREE: - FEAR NOT

Admit that you have fears and ask the Lord Jesus to help you.  Then take a risk. Risk taking does not come naturally.  Spiritual growth involves risk.  Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is doing the right thing even when you’re afraid. Courage is rejecting comfort & doing the very thing that you fear. And the problem gets worse with lack of action.  Expect the fear to return.  If you begin to sink like Peter, fear will come.

When Peter reached out and called for help, the Lord was there to help him.

Change your focus from thinking about your fears and start reading scriptures and listen to messages on faith.  When we focus on our fears, and we give it a lot of power by thinking about it all the time, we can lose sight of the presence of God.

The Bible says that when you and I go to God’s presence He meets us there. When we recognize His presence He’s there. Ephesians 3:12 says:  “Because of Christ and our faith in Him [not our fear in Him but our faith in Him] we can now come fearlessly into God’s presence assured of His glad welcome.” 

Overcoming fear is a joint venture.  You do your role and He does His role. If you’re serious about overcoming fear and you’re serious about being liberated from the choke hold that fear has on your life take a step, even just a little tiny baby step. 

Say, “Where do I need to start?” And then start there. 

Within every great fear is a great opportunity for God to do something in your life and to enhance your faith. 

Embrace the presence of God when He shows up. “I command you be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).

If you begin to sink like Peter did here’s the good news of the gospel. When you sink God doesn’t.  “Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him...” (Matthew 14:31).

LESSON FOUR - WORSHIP GOD

When you get through the storm, give praise to the Lord.  This event with the disciples started with a storm and ended in worship.  “I will boast only in the Lord. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness. Let us exalt His name together. I prayed to the Lord and He answered me freeing me from all my fears.” (Psalms 34:1-4).

You can walk above your storm when you are following the Lord Jesus.  He will deliver you and your boat and everyone in it will be saved.  Whether you have “little faith” or “great faith”, the Lord Jesus can calm the winds and the waves in your storm.  Start again today walking on the water.

Dwight L. Moody - “A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul.”

HEALING AND HEALTH

Good Health is the True Wealth - Sometimes Not Fully Appreciated Until Lost!

While a surprise to most people, even Biblical scholars, the most prevalent topic of Christ in the New Testament was health.  "...God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and ...he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him.   “ Acts 10:38

"You were bought at a price [Jesus death on the cross].  Therefore honor God with your body."         

 1 Corinthians 6:20

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear [respect] the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." Proverbs 3:7-8

“The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the Good News is preached to the poor."  Matthew 11:5

"...But I know this, I was blind, but now I see!"  John 9:25  "Your faith has healed you. Go in peace." Luke 8:48  "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Proverbs 14:30

How often is Jesus or the Lord described as "The Great Physician" in the Bible?  In fact not even once in the Old or New Testament is Jesus or the Lord referred to as "The Great Physician."  Then how did our Lord become known as the "Great Physician" in a description universally recognized and accepted as fact by those of faith?

In the Old Testament in Exodus 15:26, the Lord told Moses, "...for I am the Lord, who heals you" confirming the role of the Lord as the Great Physician in our health. Laws of hygiene and healthy eating were given in detail to the Israelites by the Lord that are as applicable and valid today as in the time of Moses! 

Did you know the four Gospels in the New Testament - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - record more instances of Christ healing than of His preaching and teaching?  The point is Christ's ministry was one of preaching, teaching and healing - both the spirit and the body.

“Surely He hath borne our sicknesses and carried our sorrows.” Isaiah 53:4   "sickness" also meaning infirmities; "sorrows", pains, diseases.

If you don't watch where you're going, you'll go where you're headed!"  Where are you going with your health today?  If you don't change your lifestyle, where are you headed? 

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will involve the patient in the proper use of food, fresh air and exercise."   Thomas Edison

To Gain Better Health, Relationships and Success, Know Your Life's Mission, Keep Your Focus on the Positive and let Your Life Shine reflecting His Glory!

Your life goals may need adjusting to focus on the positive instead of the negative!  Go to the light instead of the dark side of life and the Son! Take some quiet moments and assess how you are doing in telling others the message of the Savior, serving God each day, and maintaining or regaining your health in an emotional, spiritual and physical sense.  Happiness and fulfillment depend on your success in these areas:

If you want better health, focus on the lifestyle and knowledge to achieve better health instead of focusing on poor health and illness. 

If you want more loving, committed relationships - focus on being more loving to others and yourself while avoiding dwelling on loneliness, stress and strife. 

If you want more success in your career or work, focus on perfecting your talents, learning new skills, and improving your work habits to do your best in what you are doing, instead of on failures, shortcomings and envy. 
If you Pray, the Lord Jesus is listening.  He may or may not heal you immediately, but He is in the Healing Business.  "You Have Not, Because You Ask Not".  James 4:2.  The Lord Jesus wants you to be in good health, but we have some responsibility in taking care of own health by living a healthy life style. 

Let us try to put the "Care" back in healthcare from a spiritual perspective that today is all too often missing.  

Let us make our goal prevention - to not get sick - as we acknowledge a healthy lifestyle combined with faith, wisdom and hope yield success in attaining and maintaining a quality life. 

Let us pray for good health and be thankful for it when we have it.  "Do not be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God."  (Philippians 4:6).
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:18).