TO THOSE WHO ARE WAITING ON THE LORD

VIDEO LINKS TO THIS MESSAGE

WAITING ON THE LORD - PART ONE

WAITING ON THE LORD - PART TWO

WAITING ON THE LORD - PART THREE

WAITING ON THE LORD - PART FOUR

TO THOSE WHO ARE WAITING ON THE LORD

by Pastor Mark Taylor

 “He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths 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 like eagles,  They shall run and not be weary,  They shall walk and not faint. 

Isaiah 40: 29-31

Chapter 40 is the beginning of a new section in the book of Isaiah. It is the first chapter which looks beyond the captivity of Israel and on to the brightness of the future God has in store. 

There are always those times when it seems that Satan is getting the best of us. Sometimes it’s a little hard to maintain your faith and trust in God when everything is going against us and we are in the middle of one of the greatest battles of our life. It is in those times that we need the Lord more than ever. It is in those times that our faith and trust in God is really put to the test.

We must not forget that God has promised us that we would “never be tempted above what we are able to bear, but with every temptation, every trial, every test, every trouble, He will make a way for us to escape and win the victory.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

God never promised that we wouldn’t have hard times. He never promised that we would sail through life without troubles. What He did promise is that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He promised that He would supply our every need. He promised in Psalms 55:22, "Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain you: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

There is no shortage of God’s power, might, and strength. Our way is not hidden from Him. He has not forgotten about you and I. He will make His strength available to us, if we but trust Him.

Faith says that everything will work out when it seems that everything is crumbling around me.  Faith says that my bills will be paid when I can’t see how they will in the natural sense. Faith says that God will take care of me and that I must force myself to stop being overly concerned with the future. Faith says that I know, that I know, that I know, that somehow, God will work it all out and that when He does, I will be so greatly blessed for having faced all that is happening right now.

Waiting upon the Lord requires true faith. Waiting upon the Lord requires going through the fire sometimes and still trusting God to bring us through.

Waiting upon the Lord requires that we believe in the impossible, look for the unseen answers, hope in the times of hopelessness and know, without knowing why or how, that God will take care of us. , "Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:” (Isaiah 59:1)

What does it mean to "wait"? The waiting spoken of here requires faith, trust, patience, hope.  The word “wait" in this instance has to do with faith, not service. It bears the concepts of trust, hope and longing. It is to wait with expectant hope.

What does it mean to "renew"? Don’t we put gas in our tanks only after we have used most of it?  That’s how it is with spiritual strength. Those who have exhausted their strength will have it renewed.  The Lord is not promising an extension of our own natural strength. This strength is supernaturally supplied.  Our batteries are recharged. Our tanks are refueled. Depleted energy is restored. Our power returns when we ask God to send His power.

What does it mean to "mount up”?  This is a simile. It is figurative language intended to paint a picture in our minds. More than our minds, it is designed to inspire our spirits. To soar on wings like eagles is to rise effortlessly.  Great lifting power causes the eagle to fly higher greater lift power in the updrafts of turbulent winds.

Where do we get strength to be patient and encourage?  The child of God gets strength from God’s Word, Prayer, and being around other children of God.  When you don’t feel like going to church is the very time you should go to God’s House to hear a message of hope from Him.

Again and again in the scriptures, God has recorded how He use the weak to become strong.  You have a shepherd boy named David going into battle against a hardened giant of a man with nothing more than a sling and a stone and he is victorious.  You have an inexperienced leader named Gideon facing off against thousands of ruthless warriors with an army of only 300 men and defeated them.

God views those who are waiting as objects of His special love and care and expects other Christians to extend love and concern towards them, as well.  God, Himself, is there to give strength to those who are waiting. God is there to strengthen those who are spiritually waiting on a blessing from Heaven. Be confident when going through a dry season. "God is going to supply all of your needs according to His Riches in Glory". 

(Philippians 4:19).

Today, I hope you will read  God’s Word and believe that He wants to be directly involved in your life today.  He has a plan for you that will take you through this life time of struggles into Heaven.  He will provide you with the strength to keep going if you will begin speaking to yourself words of faith such as “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.”  (Philippians 4:13)

"IF MY PEOPLE"

“IF MY PEOPLE”

by Pastor Mark Taylor

“If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

This was a message directly from God to the Children of Israel in the Old Testament.  But It is also a message to you and I today.  In that time, God was dealing with a nation.  Today, God deals with individuals.   In the the verse above, God is talking to Israel.  But today, He is speaking to you personally.  You can insert your name in the verse  and quote it as “If _____ who is called by My Name shall….”   If we have been “born again”, “believe on the name of Jesus”, and have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, then you are one of God’s “My People”.

Today, if you are not sure you are one of “My People”, receive Christ as your personal Savior. If you been waiting for the right time to start serving the Lord, or have wasted time, listen to God’s Word: “This also, knowing the time, that it is already time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand; therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

You may be missing many blessings that God wants to give you by failing to understand some spiritual principles by which our Heavenly Father operates.  You may know you  are a child of God but wondering why you are not being blessed, you are not happy, or your life is in constant drama and chaos.

One of God’s “If My People” principles is that we must understand is that of reaping and sowing.  “Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a person sows, that shall they also reap.”  Everything bad thing in life that happens to us not a result of this law.  There are natural disasters that hit that affects the Just and the unjust.  There are physical illnesses and financial  and personal losses that happen to those serving the Lord and to those who do not.  There are persecutions and injustices that happen to the righteous and to the unrighteous.  

God is good enough and loving enough to let it “rain on the just and the unjust”.   I do not believe bad things happen to God’s children because we disappoint Him with our lives.  Evil comes from Satan and good comes from God (John 10:10).  On the other hand, the promises of special blessings and answered prayer from Heaven happen to  “My People”.  God has promised that “If My People…” will do certain things He will help them get through the difficulties of life with His presence and His power.  One of the greatest things about God is that He continues to work with men and women despite their own limitations and failings.

What should God’s people do to continue to receive God’s blessings?

We must begin by putting aside our pride to help others, and humble ourselves in the sight of our God.  “God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).  Our Lord said: “Whoever exalts themselves shall be humbled, and those that humbles themselves shall be exalted.” (Luke 14:11).  How do you humble yourself?  Our Lord said: “Whoever shall humble themselves as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of God.”  (Matthew 18:4).  This is one of those “If My People.” conditions to please God and receive His favor and blessings.  The Lord's Prayer is repeated daily by millions who have not the slightest intention of letting anyone's will be done but their own.

The next condition is to “Pray and seek My Face”.  Someone has said “Wishing will never be a substitute for prayer.”  Prayer makes a difference in what we can receive from God.  “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:2).  Prayer makes a difference in our relationship with our Heavenly Father.  “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer”. (I Peter 3:12).  If you are right with God, people are depending upon your prayers.  It is the most effective thing you can do for others and for yourself.  We do not pray to tell God what he does not know, nor to remind Him of things He has forgotten.  Prayer is a cooperation with God, a consent that opens the way for grace to work.

The third condition for “My People” is to “turn from their wicked ways”.  If you are one of “God’s People”, you know what the Holy Spirit speaks to your hearts about.  If it seems you are not getting answers to your prayers, then maybe God is speaking to you about issues and attitudes in your life that need to change.  “If I regard sin in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (Psalm 66:18).

The Lord lets you know that there are many incentives for being “called by His Name.”.  He will give you joy and peace now, and a home in Heaven later.  He will hear your prayers and meet your needs now, and reward you with eternal life later.  He will give you power to overcome when you do get behind now, and will present you to the Father later. “Then everyone who shall confess Me before men, I will confess him before My Father who is in Heaven” (Matthew 10:32).

Today our Lord “is willing” to help those who are willing to come to Him.  Spread the good news that our Savior is ready to help those who cannot help themselves and when others have no desire to help them.  "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." (Mark 2:17).

JESUS IS MY BFF (BEST FRIEND FOREVER)

VIDEO LINKS TO THIS SERMON

JESUS IS MY BFF - BEST FRIEND FOREVER - PART ONE

JESUS IS MY BFF - BEST FRIEND FOREVER - PART TWO

JESUS IS MY BFF - BEST FRIEND FOREVER - PART THREE

JESUS IS MY BFF (BEST FRIEND FOREVER)

By Pastor Mark Taylor

“And the Lord had replied to Moses, “Yes, I will do what you have asked, for you have certainly found favor with me, and you are my friend.” (Exodus 33:17- Living Bible)

You would think everyone would want to get to know the one their going to spend forever with, before it's time to go there, wouldn't you?  There is a big difference from knowing about Him, to actually knowing Him.  He wants to be your best friend and give you His friendship and bless your life.

It is only when we know God personally that we can expect to be called His own and receive what He has in store for us.  “Let me live in your favor” was a request from Moses to God.  Once we know God’s ways and know God personally, than the favor of God can and will rest, in and on our lives.  Gods goodness and mercy will follow you, Psalms 23 says "surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life!”

While Moses was spending time with God getting the Ten Commandments and getting instructions on how to worship God. the children of Israel were at the bottom of the mountain worshiping idols.  God told Moses that He would destroy all of them because of their rebellion and sin and give him a new group of people to lead into the promised land.  But Moses asked God to have mercy and He did.  Our Lord Jesus has asked our Heavenly Father to have mercy on us and continue to lead us into our promised land called Heaven.  “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (I John 2:1 - NKJV).

In Exodus 33 verses 1 to 6 we learn that God will send the Israelites off to the Promised Land with an angel instead of going with them. We find that the Lord says that He wouldn’t be with them because of the hardness of their heart.  But again Moses prays to God and asks Him to go with them.  “For Moses had said, “If you aren’t going with us, don’t let us move a step from this place. If you don’t go with us, who will ever know that I and my people have found favor with you, and that we are different from any other people upon the face of the earth?”  And the Lord had replied to Moses, “Yes, I will do what you have asked, for you have certainly found favor with me, and you are my friend.” (v. 15-17 - Living Bible).

God’s presence is connected to our seriousness in our relationship with Him. If we want anything less than a “Friendship” with Him, He will not be present in our lives.  God makes a distinction between His people and the rest of the world by showing His pleasure through His divine presence.

What does it takes to be a BFF with our Heavenly Father?

We are created for relationship. God reaches down to us and looks for us. He came eventually, revealing Himself in Jesus. He moves in our direction, and speaks our language. Before we even took a step towards Him, God takes a giant step and moves towards us. He took our form and became a man, so that He can relate to us.

God wants us to be His friend. Not just an acquaintance. Not just one of our fans. Not just part of the crowd, but our friend. If you want to be a friend of God, you need to be a friend to God and get to know Him, up close and personnel.

Friends talk with each other and spend time with each other.  “My sheep (Friends) hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28).  We must both speak to God in prayer and listen to Him through His precious Word - The Bible.

Friends do things for each other and with each other.  We must open up to Him, learn to tell him everything, be willing to do what He asks, be concerned about the things He is concerned about, and make friendship with Him our top priority.  "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”  (John 15:14-15).  Obedience is not normally equated with friendship, but with God it is a requirement.  Jesus made it clear that obedience is a condition of intimacy. We obey because we love Him and know He has our best interests at heart. The closer we follow Him the stronger our friendship becomes.  Non-Christians think we obey because we have to, or because we are overcome with guilt if we don’t, or because we are afraid of some celestial punishment. We know, however, we obey because of love.

We are asked to love others, help the needy, live a Godly life, forgive when we don’t want to or feel like it, and lead others to Him.  The closer we get to God, the more we will Care about what He cares about; Grieve over what he grieves over; Rejoice over what brings Him pleasure.  To be a friend of God, we must care about all the people around us God cares about.  “Great opportunities may come once in a lifetime, but small opportunities surround us every day.”

Friends are proud of each other and their friendship. Friends of God tell their friends about God.  “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38).  Let us share with each other and with others “What a Friend We Have In Jesus”.

Jesus is my BFF - Best Friend Forever.  He is inviting you to share that same relationship with Him.  Jesus is a Friend who “ sticks closer than a brother."

WORKING OUT WITH GOD

VIDEO LINKS TO THIS SERMON

WORK OUT WITH GOD - PART ONE

WORK OUT WITH GOD - PART TWO

WORK OUT WITH GOD - PART THREE

Working Out With God                                                                                                                    By Pastor Mark Taylor

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13).

This sermon is not about physical exercise even though some of us might need it. It is about the relationship between you and God.

  Paul tells us to “work out our salvation.” Notice that he doesn’t tell us to “work for our salvation.” In other words, he is telling us that we need to allow the salvation that is ours to be lived out in our daily lives.  The Lord desires His people to live out what God has already worked within that life when that person trusted Christ. To put it another way: God loves us the way we are. He loves us too much to leave us the way we are. He wants us to be Just Like Jesus.

We are called to work out what God has already worked in. Salvation, you see, is a process. Sometimes we forget that because of the way we use the word. When we ask someone whether they are saved, what we are really asking is whether they have made a commitment to Christ. Salvation, on the other hand, refers to the fullness of God’s redemption. Salvation begins with regeneration–– we call it being born again. It continues with sanctification–– the process of spiritual maturity whereby we are progressively conformed to the image of Christ. It culminates in glorification–– when we receive our spiritual bodies and are brought into the actual presence of God. If you are Christian, you are now in this second stage of salvation–– sanctification. God desires that, over time, every area of our lives becomes transformed. 

God carries out this work through the indwelling Holy Spirit, and His main tool is the Word of God. This verse assures us that God will help us. At other times we cannot even seem to want to do right. Here we learn that God can also provide the desire to do His will when we do not have it.   This verse gives us confidence that God desires both to motivate and to enable us. 

You and I should come to God “with fear and trembling” that He would entrust the desire and ability in us to do something for Him.  That is, we should come to Him with the utmost respect and seriousness in the work we have been called to do.  The work that God “works in you” implies that God is working both in you and outside of you to bring about holiness.   He does this by breathing into us every good desire to bring about good results for Him.  All the energy and desires that we have to serve God comes from power from on high.  This is the power from the Holy Spirit.  

Salvation begins with the saving grace that comes from God.  The work of salvation is totally a gift from God.  “For by Grace are you saved, through faith, it is a gift of God, not of works that anyone of us can brag about.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 - Paraphrased).It is not something we work for to get.  It is something we develop after God has given it to us

When we receive that grace, along with it comes a desire to work.  It is unlikely you have received true salvation, if you have no desire to please God with good works.  “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the devils believe--and tremble!  But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? … For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”  (James 2:19,20, 26).  

The reason God is interested in guiding what you are doing is that He is interested in what you are becoming.  When God speaks, He speaks with a purpose. Part of that purpose relates to what He wants to accomplish through you, and part of it relates to what He wants to accomplish in you!  

I am not talking about a bunch of rules, rituals, and regulations, I am talking about a relationship with Jesus who loves you very much.  ”We love Him, because He first loved us.  (I John 4:19)

Our Lord is saying to us “Work with Me” and  “Be my partner on Earth”.  “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”  (Hebrews 13:20-21 ).

Your salvation is something you have to “work out”, or the work will be left undone.  You cannot “piggy back” on someone else’s experience or faith.  “For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.”  (Romans 14:11-12).

What are the two most important works you can do?  “Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. 'And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. "And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:29-31).

The list of other works you can do depends on the generous gifts the Father has given you to do His work.  Don’t waste your life on sinful and useless things.  Invest your time and energy into the Kingdom of God.  

 If you have been serving the Lord for many years, don’t get discouraged because other people are not doing what they should do.  “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”  (Galatians 6:8-10).  

The Lord Jesus appreciates your works of love for Him and His Church.

ENCOURAGING NEWS FROM YOURSELF

VIDEO LINKS FOR THIS SERMON

ENCOURAGING NEWS FROM YOURSELF - PART ONE

ENCOURAGING NEWS FROM YOURSELF - PART TWO

ENCOURAGING NEWS FROM YOURSELF - PART THREE

ENCOURAGING NEWS FROM YOURSELF                                                                                            by Pastor Mark Taylor 

“But David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” 

(1 Samuel 30:6)

Discouragement is a feeling that comes upon many people at different times in their lives. discouragement is not a sin. It is not even a sign that you are in a place of sin. How we handle discouragement can affect us spiritually and physically.

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” (Psalms 42:11).  

John Wesley in his famous sermon called "Satan’s Devices" states that Satan has three main methods of discouraging the believer. He tries to Take away our joy;  Attack our peace; Targets us especially in times of sickness and pain.

From studying the book of Psalms, we can discover a method David used to overcome discouragement.  These principles can help us to encourage ourselves in our relationship with the Lord.

Understand that affliction or difficulty will come upon all people.  Instead of asking God “Why?”, ask Him how can I use this problem to become a better person.  The question should be “What is the meaning of this suffering?”

"But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions." 

(2 Timothy 4:5).  

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

First of all, be honest with the Lord.  When you feel discouraged, share your true feelings with God.  “The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.” (Psalms 145:18).  Talk to him about your struggles which will become your first step to healing your discouragement .  

"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

Secondly, change your focus from the negative to the positive.  One of the best ways to start moving into the positive is to start thanking God for what He has already done for you.  We sing the song: “Count your many blessings, name them one by one.  Count your many blessings and you will see what the Lord has done”.   Use encouraging words to yourself and read and quote verses such as: “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." (Psalms 107:).  You must not allow messages such as “I can’t do anything right” and “I’m a worthless nobody” to  torment you.  Open His Word, and let Him teach you the truth about your life.  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).  “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalms 139:14).

Thirdly, focus on encouraging spiritual truths that speak to your situation.  As children of God and believers in Christ, we have incredible spiritual blessings that cannot be taken away or destroyed.  When life gets you down, remember to thank God for the benefits you enjoy because of your relationship with Christ.  The Holy Spirit can guide you to encouraging promises that take on special meaning for your situation.  “Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” (Psalms 103:1-5).

Finally, put your hope in God – not in a particular outcome, another person, or even your own abilities.  Although our families and friends can be wonderful resources in adversity, we must be careful not to place all our hope in them.  People will disappoint us at times.  However, our heavenly Father is always available to counsel us, provide strength, and work on our behalf.  “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” (Psalms 34:18-19).  Our Lord Jesus told us that even as Christians we would face discouragement and trouble, but not to give up. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33).

In addition to these scriptural principles, I would like to give you some additional strategies that I use to encourage myself.  

I find someone who has a need and I concentrate on helping them.  This may be a visit to a nursing home, sending a letter to a shut-in or friend, or giving a love offering to a missionary or Pastor who is in another country and has great needs.  When I need encouragement, I give encouragement.  "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38).

I take time to walk or do some other physical activity to improve my health and get my mind off of myself. You can work in your yard or garden, wash and wax your car, or work on some hobby you enjoy.  During these times, I will pray and let the Lord speak to me about His love for me and how much He cares for me.  “I love the LORD, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.” (Psalms 116:1-2).

I find a quite place away from the TV and other distractions and rest and relax.  We often spend too much time listening to discouraging news and negative messages from the media. Find a time to quit worrying about things you have no control over.  “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.” (Psalms 37:7).

I make plans for the future instead of worrying about today.  I set daily goals and long term goals to accomplish.  This includes reading books, taking courses in things I enjoy, planning visits to friends and family.  I use this scripture as a personal challenge: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead”. (Philippians 3:13).  Most of all, just speak with the Lord about how much you love Him and how much you need Him and His power to make it from day to day and you will have a “Happy Holiday” and happiness following the holidays.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10

CHASING THE WIND

CHASING THE WIND

By Pastor Mark Taylor

“Better is a handful of peace than two hands full of toil and chasing after wind.”  Ecclesiastes 4:6 (paraphrased).

Are we are constantly measuring ourself with others to determine if we are "OK"?  Are we unhappy with who we are or what we have as we look at others?  God wants to give us freedom from comparison.

There is no win in comparison.    “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12

We have a tendency to compare what we have with what others have. We want our children and spouses to be better than others.  We want our houses and cars to be better than others.  It is not really about us wanting something better. It is about us, so we can feel better about who we are.  We all know that there is something wrong in our lives, personality, behavior, thoughts.  We try to fix this by comparing ourselves to others.  We say “Well at least I am not as bad as (fill in the blank).”

The problem with this is that as we look to the left and to the right, we will always find someone better, smarter, richer, prettier, and so on.  So we are putting undue pressure on others and on ourselves to be like someone else. Just be the best you can be.

There is no win in comparison.  What are we using for a reference point to determine if we are ok or if we are alright?  Solomon is saying that if you always are looking to the left are right for approval, you will have both hands chasing after the wind.  Are you looking at your father, your mother, your husband or wife to tell you you are ok? it is important to “love yourself” regardless if others withhold words of approval from you.

If we are comparing ourselves with others to please them or win their approval, affirmation, or friendship you will live your life by the opinions and demands of others instead of seeking to please our Lord.  When we starting comparing ourselves to others we will find difficulty in knowing our own feelings and wishes.  "Am I now trying to win the approval of others or of God?  Or am I trying to please others?  If I were doing either of these things, I would not  be serving Christ like I should." (Galatians 1:10 paraphrased).

In Ecclesiastes 4:5. Solomon says “The fool folds his hand and does nothing.”   He is not saying we are not to be ambitious and have goals in life.  He is not saying that we do not encourage our children and each other to become better.  What he is saying, is that life is meaningless if you can't enjoy what you have in one hand. Take time to smell the roses as you go through life.

Competitive is different than Comparison.   Competitive is when you put your energy into becoming better instead of doing things in seeking someone else's approval.  You do it for you and the team.  You use your gifts and abilities to help others climb up the ladder of success or overcome problems.  You have one hand climbing up and another hand reaching down to help others.  Then you can find the approval from within.   Being competitive is helping you and others.  This is called being a friend or being a family.

What is your mirror that you are looking at to tell you that you are ok? Are you exhausted from trying to keep up with- (fill in the blank)?  Are you broke from trying to keep up with - (fill in the blank)? Are you allowing what others have keep you from enjoying what you have?

Do you enjoy your kids or are you driving them crazy by comparing them to how much other kids have achieved?  Your love and approval should not be based on performance.  Are you comparing your wife or husband to someone else's?   You need to be thankful for the wife or husband God has given you.  Don’t compare them to others.

Who does your Heavenly Father compare you to?  Nobody.  He went to the cross so He could have a personal, one on one, relationship with you.  He does not compare you with His other children. “He demonstrated His love toward you when you were still nobody - someone who didn’t love Him, He died for you.”  Romans 5:8 (paraphrased).

Who’s estimation of you should you use when you evaluate yourself as whether or not you are ok or not?  You should use God's estimation of you above your own estimation of you.  He is going to say "Your fine, because your mine."

He is not done working on you to make you better.  Look to Him for your affirmation and for His approval of you.  He already sees you as His child.  Quite focusing on your weaknesses and focus on your relationship.

Proverbs 14:30 "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."  If you are always looking at others to receive their approval, you will never have peace, but will be "chasing the wind”.  Envy is wanting what others have and not being satisfied with who you are and what God has given you.

Take your cue about you from how God views you. Psalms 139:14. "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”  “For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope. When you call out to me and come to me in prayer, I will hear your prayers.” Jeremiah 29:11-12

What you have is less important than what you do with what you have.  The parable of the talents:  Matthew 25:14-30

What are you going to do with what God has entrusted to you?  Celebrate what God has done for others and use what God has given you.  Use what you have in one hand and don’t waste it trying to chase something you will never have.  Live a life of peace enjoying what God has given you and then He will give you more of what you need.

THINGS CHANGE - BUT GOD DOESN'T

THINGS CHANGE - BUT GOD DOESN’T

By Pastor Mark Taylor

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2).

Today, we live in a world of rapid change. The evidence of change is all around us: Spring becomes summer. Summer becomes fall. Fall becomes winter. Winter becomes spring. The young become aged and the new becomes old and so on and so forth.  Because everything has a season, nothing (at least on earth) lasts forever. God has appointed a "season" for everything. Seasons have beginnings and endings. They last, but not too long. In the life cycle there is a season for conception and growth, a season for childhood and youth, a season for middle age and a season for old age, followed by death. It's all quite natural; it's all ordained by God.

Our lives will be a lot less stressful if we recognize that the omniscient hand of God has appointed a time when things are to be done, and He has a predetermined duration for those things to last. God has appointed the times and seasons, the events of our lives, the happy and the sad, the easy and the difficult.

"He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).  The word translated "beautiful" doesn't mean "lovely" or "pretty." It means “mature” "fitting," "appropriate" or "proper." There is a fitting point in time that God has determined something should happen. Accordingly, God will never be late and He'll never be early.

Furthermore, He knows the proper duration for that event. He never holds it over too long or cuts it off too short. He knows exactly the number of days He's given to you, and nobody can shorten those days; nobody can lengthen them either. Our times and seasons are in God's hand. And what we entrust to God's hand, God makes "proper" in its time.  The day of our death is, in His hands, every bit as wonderful as the day of our birth. When you live and die in the knowledge of God's eternal plan, you live and die with this confidence--God makes all things beautiful in its time.

“I am going to do something new. It is already happening. Don't you recognize it? I will clear a way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land.” Isaiah 43:19  For God to fulfill that promise in Isaiah, He has to bring about change. When God does a new thing that means that there are changes about to happen. “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift from God” That's why we call it the "present" Bible says “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it”.  (Psalm 118:24)

The Lord did not grant us another day on earth to worry and be anxious about what was going to happen next. He gave it to us to rejoice and be glad in Him and be productive in whatever way we could because each day is a gift from God. 

His promise is that He would never forsake us. God’s grace pours out to all who will trust Him. You don’t have to earn it. You just have to be in relationship with Him to receive His grace.

God Is an Agent of Change - However, God Does not Change

Malachi 3:6 says “For I, the Lord, do not change...” God is the same God as He has always been and always will be. One of the attributes of God is that He is Immutable... meaning that He never changes. God is the only person or thing that is not subject to change. His nature never changes. 

Hebrews 13:8, says “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” by yesterday is meant all time past; by today, the time present; and by forever all that is future, from the present time to eternity. 

Becoming a Christian requires change. We must remove old habits and develop new ones. God's word is the best source of guidance for self-help and motivation for self-improvement.  True repentance is necessary for salvation; not merely sorrow that one's sins are known, but total transformation and knowledge that all sin is detested by a pure and holy God; a knowledge that our sins are against God, as well as others.

In Matt. 16:24, Jesus said “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Deny himself... not indulge all his earthly desires. Putting aside one's own thoughts, wants, and even needs, to follow Jesus.

Jesus said, "Unless you 'repent' [change your mind and turn around], you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:2) Repent means that you must "change your thinking" and "turn away from your old ways”. "Jesus said, "...blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and do it.” (Luke 11:27, 28). You will be blessed by following the words of Jesus Christ the Lord; to do them.

We come to the Lord in our weakness, in our inability, in our sin and in our failure. We choose to believe His love and ability to change us, as we rest in His grace. The result is that we grow.  “We grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

Today — He is the same; if we are walking humbly with Him. He will be our God — and we shall be His people! So Let us cultivate . . . intimacy with Him, dependence upon Him, concern to please Him, fear to offend Him, zeal to glorify Him; then it must be well with us in health and sickness, in plenty and poverty, in life and death! For He is the same, and will never turn away from doing us good .

A NEW YEAR - A NEW OPPORTUNITY

A NEW YEAR - A NEW OPPORTUNITY

by Pastor Mark Taylor

 “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5)

We are going into a New Year.  The Lord is a creator of new and wonderful things.   We should recommit ourselves to allowing our Lord to lead us in becoming new and better this year.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). “Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." (Revelation 21:5).

As we enter this new year of 2014 we should expect God to lead us into new areas of growth and ministry.  He wants us to know that “you have not passed this way before now” (Joshua 3:4), and it may be somewhat different and even frightening.  But He also wants us to know and have the confidence that He is with us.  “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ... (Philippians 1:5-6)

I would encourage our Church as well as all Churches to pray that God would do more with them this year than He did last year.  The Lord has given us a ministry to reach out to other people.  He has given us the great commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20).

Grace is about new beginnings and the mercy of God starting over in our lives.  “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy” (Psalms 145:8).  “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon you” 

(Psalms 86:5).

As we look into 2014 we look at a block of time. We see 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes, 31,536,000 seconds. And all is a gift from God. We have done nothing to deserve it, earn it, or purchased it. Like the air we breathe, time comes to us as a part of life.  Like receiving a brand new calendar, the slate is clean and ready for us to post our appointments, meetings, dates, anniversaries and celebrations. So let us pencil this in, more time for loving our families, more time to take care of ourselves, more time to do what we really want to do, more time to follow our dreams and more time with the Author of time and the Author of all things, our Lord Jesus Christ.  “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: And He is before all things, and by him all things consist."  (Colossians 1:16-17)

2014 is a new year with new opportunities.  You and I can start over.  Remember that our past sins can be forgiven by God: "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more" (Hebrews 8:12).

As we begin to think about this New Year, I would like for us to start our lives like the new calendar.  We are encouraged by the Bible to leave last year behind us. “But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before”   (Philippians 3:13). 

I realize we cannot completely forget, but we can purposely dwell on positive things that will help us this year.  “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Another thing we are encouraged to do to start our lives off with a clear slate is forgiveness. We should ask forgiveness from our Heavenly Father for the sins we have committed this past year and make an effort to live better lives.  Grace is not only a matter of our receiving a “new beginning”, but it is our allowing others to do the same.   Forgiveness is difficult and the actions which have been done to us does not easily fade away.  Despite a hundred sermons on forgiveness, we do not forgive easily nor do we accept forgiveness easily.  Forgiveness is an unnatural act.  It requires divine assistance.  But regardless of how difficult it is, our forgiveness from the Lord is tied to our forgiveness of others.  "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15).  Forgiveness is not about others deserving it, but it is about you.   When you forgive, you are doing something wonderful for yourself, and allow God to bless you with good things.

In starting your “new beginning” in 2014, set reasonable, realistic, and measurable goals.  It is God’s will that you be successful and happy.  “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. (Psalm 1) .

God wants to bless you, but his blessings are directly related to your love and obedience to Him.  He has a lot of grace to give to you this year.  He wants your life to can be Great in 2014.  It begins today.  “This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it”  (Psalms 118:24).  

Today is the day to begin.  “Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1).