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EMERGENCY NUMBERS more effective than calling 911
When sad or sorrowful, call John 14
When tired or upset, call Psalm 4
When people fail you and life needs a boost, call Psalm 27
If you want to be fruitful, call John 15
When you have sinned, call Psalm 51
When you worry, call Psalm 34
When in need of confidence and courage call Psalms 27,31,56,62
Who am I? Why am I here? call (Psalm 8)
Is my life valuable? call (Psalm 139)
Why do good things happen to bad people? call (Psalm 73)
How can I be happy? call (Psalm 1)
When fearful call Psalm 23:4
When in need of help call Psalms 121,130, 146
When in need of health call Psalms 6,27,39, 41
When anguished in life call Psalm 31,34
When you are in danger, call Psalm 91.
When God seems far away, call Psalm 139.
When your faith needs stirring, call Hebrews 11.
When you are lonely and fearful, call Psalm 23.
When you grow bitter and critical, call 1 Cor. 13.
For Paul's secret to happiness, call Col. 3:12-17.
For idea of Christianity, call 1 Cor. 5:15-19.
When you feel down and out, call Romans 8:31-39.
When you want peace and rest, call Matt. 11:25-30.
When in need of refuge: call Psalm 46,91
When the world seems bigger than God, call Psalm 90.
When you want Christian assurance (Christ life insurance), call Romans 8:1-30.
When you leave home for labor or travel, call Psalm 121.
When your prayers grow narrow or selfish, call Psalm 67.
When filled with great happiness Psalm 97,99,100
When alone or disillusioned by a friend call Psalm 40
For a great invention/opportunity, call Isaiah 55.
When you want courage for a task, call Joshua 1.
How to get along with others, call Romans 12.
When you think of investments/returns, call Mark 10.
If you are depressed, call Psalm 27.
If your pocketbook is empty, call Psalm 37.
If your losing confidence in people, call 1 Cor. 13.
If people seem unkind, call John 15.
If discouraged, call Psalm 23, 42
If discouraged about your work, call Psalm 126.
If you find the world small, and yourself great, call Psalm 19.
Emergency numbers may be dialed direct.
No operator assistance is necessary.
All lines are open to Heaven 24 hours a day!
Feed your faith, and doubt will starve to death!
On This Page:
(updated July 12, 2005)
5 Articles
New article riddle: bottom of page
New article -Instructions
1. DEEP CHANGE
1a. Change is necessary for Survival
1b, God's shopping list
1c. Making the connection
2. Fresh Faith
3. Faith without Works is Dead
4. The House of God
Click this link to go to the Jennfier article:
http://www.olivehillchurch.com/page21.html
Pastors’ message: "God’s Instruction" Grayson/Olive Hill Journal – March 16 Wednesday The Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount contain my religion. - John Adams
I remember a time when people had no problem with the Bible in school and in public. I remember hearing my 8th grade teacher read a Bible passage and praying. No one complained.
God gave laws to Moses so he could give the world a solid foundation for a nation. Just as they were for Israel, the Ten Commandments are foundational for any godly society. They are moral and spiritual absolutes we should follow, without question and without compromise. We as parents spell out rules for our children to obey. Our Heavenly Father does the same to help us live better lives. They inspire morality, honor, integrity and a healthy fear of God. (2 Corin. 7:1)
The first four commandments are man’s relationship with God and the last six are man’s relationship with man. All are needed to maintain righteousness, a requirement for eternal life in heaven. (John 3:16; Hebrews 12:14). We need the first four to consistently do the last six.
Jesus taught that we are to keep the commandments both internally and externally. (Matthew 5-7; 19:16-19; Romans 13:9-10) Jesus explains the standard which the Ten Commandments must hang, Matthew 22:37 "Love the lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. What has changed in the past forty years? For one thing, a small group of people has decided to try to eradicate God from our public lives. They do it in the name of personal rights. This will only be changed by prayer and a public outcry.
When I was in seminary, in Tennessee, I had the opportunity to meet people from many countries. One of my professors was a former China communist. Dr. Hong Yang told us about China. He told of a place where it is illegal to possess a Bible. He told of his life as an atheist communist party leader. He got permission to research Lenin, Stalin, Marx and Mao, quotes from the Bible, for thirty minutes a day. He found an old Bible in the basement of the communist library, under lock. As he quickly read and wrote, his faith grew. He began to believe in God and was born again. (Romans 10:8-17) He saw his inability to measure up to the standards God had set. He found a need for Christ as his Lord and Savior. (Romans 3:23; 6:23; James 4:8)
Let us measure our lives with the Golden Rules given by the Creator in Exodus 20:1-17,
(1) You shall have no other gods before me,
(2) You shall not make for yourself an idol,
(3) You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God,
(4) Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy,
(5) Honor your father and mother,
(6) You shall not murder,
(7) You shall not commit adultery,
(8) You shall not steal,
(9) You shall not give false testimony,
and (10)You shall not covet (enviously desire or take for self pleasure) your neighbor, his family, and things.
By Rudy Reed, M.A.
"Deep Change" 
We change throughout our lives. Like a tree, we all experience change. Trees bend in wind storms, making them stronger through stress. Trees experience seasons of drought, making their root systems strengthen, going deeper to find moisture, providing stability. Like trees, some people, for varied reasons, have to go through times of intense stress and trouble, while others seem to skate through life without many difficulties.
Humans are internally geared for change to cope with pressures, even though we resist change. Our attitudes, preferences and behaviors resist change. Change can hurt.
Change is not always bad. A change from a job that does not offer challenges or adequate pay, to a better job is a welcomed change. The change people face when a baby comes is usually an embraced event for most people. Change can be good!
On the contrary, can you imagine the change a person encounters when they are faced with loses due to a disability or accident? The death of a loved one is another uncomfortable road that makes us change. Life is full of new roads we must traverse, but when we walk with God, the trip is endurable. (Matthew 11:28-30; Galatians 5:16) Moses decided to change and overcame his fear. (Hebrews 11:23-29) He left his comfort zone to obey God.
In our inner spirit (heart) "Deep Change" is needed at times in our lives to escape abnormal (unhealthy) behaviors and circumstances. Anger, aggression, anxiety, depression, suicide, grief, fear, addictions of many kinds, and a plethora of other mental health challenges, along with marriage and family problems, are some of the areas where we need deep change.
We will be starting a Narcotics Anonymous meeting at our church this month. The reason I wanted this was because this group encourage deep change in behavior and thinking. The support group encourages those addicted, or those recovering, to continue a process of change from old behaviors to a renewed attitude. They emphasize the need for God in this process of deep change. Change can mean the difference between life and death..
One of the cool things about turning your life over to the Lord Jesus Christ is He will change that "old nature" into a "new life" (Romans 6:6) of joy and hope, even in the middle of dark, and dangerous storms.(Romans 5:2-7; James 1:2-27)
"Deep Change" comes from:
Yielding ourselves to God. (Romans 6:12-16, 19; James 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:5-7)
Becoming a person of righteousness/holiness of life. (Romans 6:17-23; Hebrews 12:14)
The Holy Spirit as Change Agent: (2 Corinthians 3:18) "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (Zechariah 4:6; Romans 8:6-11; Jude 20; 1 Corinthians 14:14)
A relationship with Christ: (2 Corinthians 5: 17) "….if any person is born again through a personal relationship with Christ, he or she is a new creation: old things (patterns) are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Conformed to the image of Christ: (Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 11:7;
Renewed mind: (Ephesians 4:23; Romans 12:2)
Living/studying the Bible: (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:15; Ephesians 6:17)
Embrace change today by asking the Lord Jesus to save you (a wonderful change) (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:9-13; John 3:3-7, 16; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 1:5-9; Colossians 3:1-9)
Pastor’s message: Change is necessary for survival
People that face problems in life are caught in a quagmire of negativity. Stress, addictions and habits plague America. We need change. Change is a choice. Change is necessary for everyone that wants to survive, but it must be the right change in the right direction. Some famous quotes,
George Eliot said, "It is never too late to become what you might have been."
Charles Dickens asserts, "Change begets(births) change."
Les Brown noted, "Change is difficult but often essential to survival."
Winston Churchill asserts, "There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.... To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often."
In the 1998 movie Pleasantville, two modern day twins find themselves transported back into the fifties sitcom town of Pleasantville. There everything is simpler, perfect and still black and white. The anachronistic twins David and Jennifer are in conflict with the old way (though morally good). Promiscuous Jennifer starts to interact with others and causes things to change to color. The town people were frantic, fearful and angry with change and wanted the old way back. Change is like Pleasantville with some people. They want things to stay the same, internally and externally. Some people have chosen a life without modern conveniences because of fear of being corrupted by modernity. True, not all change is good. In the movie, family values, such as fidelity, honestly, and purity, are compromised for the loose modern ways.
Change can happen slowly or quickly. It comes from learning to adapt and finding better ways. Do we continue on the same road we are traveling, or do we chose a different path? The new road may have risk. Change can be risky. You can lose friends that refuse to leave the old frayed path to walk with you as you find real purpose. You can lose some old destructive habits and gain new and greater perspectives and insights. Change is the key to reaching our purpose.
Becoming a Christian starts a process of change. (Ephesians 4:22-24) Change from an old life into a life of newness and joy. (2 Corinthians 5:17) The change Agent is the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Change is normal for believers, and expected, for developing maturity.
Changing direction is God’s desire for us.. (Ecc. 12:13; Matthew 6:33; 1 John 4:4; 2:15-17) Start a new life of depending on God by standing firm. (Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Corin. 10:13; Psalm 37:5; Philippians 4:13), and guard your heart. (Prov. 4:23) Change is God’s design for us, but evil forces (sin) try to distract us from what is most important-living for God. (Rom. 6:23)
The best way to defeat mental struggles is to keep our minds fixed upon God and the things of God. (Isaiah 26:1-4; Philippians 4:6-13) Pastors and Pastoral Counselors are the backup line of defense to help in times of need. God is the first line in the battles. (Hebrews 4:12-14)
Prayer is the direct line to change. Talking to God (prayer) is a two way process. It is spending time in the present of a holy God. Not hurried, rather, time in adoration and communion like you would, speaking from your heart, to a perfect daddy. (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6) Prayer is what makes us desire to please God. Prayer is a change energizer.
Church is God’s place where we can join the spiritual army of God and learn how to fight the good fight of faith. (1 Timothy 6:12) It is a community were we can find a plan, and leaders to help you find the best direction for your life. It is a place of encouragement and joy. (Hebrews 10:24,25; 3:12,13; Eph. 4:15,16). Church is the best place to get close to Christ because he is the head of the church. (Ephesians 5:23) Seek God and change your eternal destiny. (Rom. 10:9-17)
By Rudy Reed, M.A.
Pastor’s message: Making out your shopping list
The 1970's Waltons television series was a picture of hard times during the Great Depression. It was about a community in Schuyler, Virginia. It was a show about a family pulling together through tough times. Family and community was the center of their lives.
I recently started watching some of these old episodes. Though somewhat dated, they still have the same feeling of real family values. Shows like the Andy Griffith Show, Little House on the Prairie have moral lessons we all can benefit from watching. They are positive glimpses into the way family can and should work. In a media sea of waste and depravity. there are few things we can view with integrity.
The Waltons emphasized values like honesty, sacrifice, respect, kindness, trust, believing in God and church, togetherness, hard work, and treating everyone fairly regardless of what they had, but rather on their character and integrity. It showed us a time of innocence. We need these values in our families today. It was a simpler time, where families actually sit at the dinner table, daily, together and talked about growing up, family, school, work, friends, church, etc..
Another central place was the general store. These rural stores have just about vanished now. You could buy, or order just about anything, if you had the credit or money. Ike and Corabeth Godsey were the local general store keepers on Waltons Mountain.
It takes me back to when I was a kid. I remember Keeton’s Store at rural Elsie, KY. It was a treat to ride my bicycle down the road to the store and buy a ice cold pop and candy bar for a nickle each. I would then kick back and sit on the store’s front porch or play a game of marbles with the store owners’ boys or go swimming and fishing in the winding Licking River. Time went by slow then. I wonder why it seems like the older we get the faster time goes by.
Let’s make a list of things we need from God’s Store. Just like Ike’s store everything you might need is found there. We should start with an overflowing basket of LOVE (1 Corinthians 13:1-8), then go down the aisle and pick up a full container of WISDOM (Proverbs 3:13; 4:7).
We must not forget the fruit row where we can find bunches of PATIENCE (Romans 5:3-4), a sack of FAITH (Hebrews 11:6), a running over carton of PEACE (Hebrews 12:14) and a tub of JOY (1 Peter 1:8; Nehemiah 8:10). On a low shelf a giant box of HUMILITY (James 4:6, 9; 1 Peter 5:5-6), and a large bottle of SELF-CONTROL (Gal. 5:22-23) wait, to mention a few.
In the center of the store we can pick up a crate of UNDERSTANDING (Proverbs 2:6) and we always need the HOLY SPIRIT (Acts 1:5), Who was everywhere. Available near the checkout is a vast supply of STRENGTH (Philippians 4:13), A PLAN of SALVATION (John 3), PRAYER (James 5:16), a complete selection of PERFECTION (Matthew 5:43-48), many packets of SONGS (Ephesians 5:18-19) and bundles of PRAISES (Psalm 22:3), with a large dose of the WORD of GOD. (Hebrews 4:12)
God’s general store is always full. He wants to give us our godly desires. (Psalm 145:16). The great thing is when we want to pay, it has already been paid for by the Lord Jesus Christ at the cross of Calvary. (1 Corinthians 6:20) All we are required to do is believe to receive (Mark 11:22-25).
You can be born again. Repent of sin.(Romans 3:23) If you have broken one of the ten commandments then you are guilty before God (Romans 6:23). The blood of Christ makes up the breach. (Ephesians 1:7) Call on God and he will save you. (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13).
By Rudy Reed, M.A.
Pastor’s Message: Making the connection
Over the years people have asked me about prayer. Some want to know how they can talk to God, and have the assurance He is listening. I remember before I received Christ as Lord and Savior, I did not comprehend the importance of prayer. It seemed a frivolous waste of time.
I had a normal life, a job, health, family, cars, home, etc., but I was missing something inside (peace). I did not have a promised future beyond death. Personally talking to God (prayer) changed my dismal zero future into a promise of inner joy on earth (Philippians 4:7), and in heaven. (John 14; Rom. 14:17) We all have an opportunity to make that same choice today. It only requires a desire to please God (Hebrews 11:6) and a U-turn from a life of unbelief and sin. (Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-10; Col. 1:14; Hebrews 9) 2000 years ago Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price, once and for all time, giving His life a ransom so we can be saved. (1 Timothy 2:6)
The best way to know someone is to talk with them often and to spend lots of time with them. Prayer is exactly that, spending time in the presence of God. People sometimes say to me they are afraid if they come to the altar to pray, they will not receive anything. If you come with humility (Luke 18:10-14; 2 Chronicles 7:14; James 4:6-10; 1 Peter 5:5-7), sincerity, a desire to know God, then He will meet you with His wonderful, loving presence. (Matthew 11:28-30; John 7:37-39) It’s a 100% guarantee, because He is faithful. God will meet you with opened arms.
Prayer is the way we make direct contact with God. God hears everyone when they ask to be saved. (John 3:1-19; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13) God does not hear unbelievers (sinners) (John 9:31) except for the prayer of salvation (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; 10:9-10; 1 John 1:7-9). This is because sin (unbelief)(1 John 3:8) block our prayers to a holy God. (Psalm 66:18; James 1:6-7) This may sound cold, but God’s will is that we all can be saved today. (1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9)
Prayer is the way to receive things from God. (Matthew 7:7; James 4:2)
Prayer seeks God. (1 Chron. 28:9; James 4:8) Praise opens the door. (Matt. 6:9; Ps. 150)
We should pray as much as possible. (1 Thess. 5:17)
Praying is pouring out our hearts to the Lord. (Psalm 62:8)
Prayer produces results. (James 5:16)
Prayer does not change God, it changes us. (2 Corinthians 3:18; James 1:17)
Some common sense, reasonable conditions for effective prayer are to fear God. (Acts 10:2), obey God (1 John 3:21-23), stay in Christ (saved), and learn His Word by heart (Psalm 119:11; John 15:7). Also, we should produce good fruits (John 15:16; Galatians 5:22-23), be thankful (Philippians 4:6), control anger (1 Timothy 2:8), treat others with respect (Romans 12; Luke 6:38), forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25). Prayer should always be in line with God’s will. (1 John 5:14-15) The Bible is God’s will.
The story of the widow woman in Luke 18:1-8 is an example of persistent answered prayer. She would not give up even against what she heard from the judge. Even though the judge did not even fear God, she pressed on. When we have a need (salvation, healing, help) God wants us to come to Him. He won’t send us away empty. (John 6:37; Luke 11:5-13)
By Rudy Reed, M.A.
The following (ACTS) is an acrostic that will help you develop your prayer life.
Adoration-Confession-Thanksgiving-Supplication
Adoration - Psalm 145:3 - "Great is the Lord and most worthy to be praised; His greatness no one can fathom". Also Ps. 147:1,7, Ps. 100, Ps. 150, Heb. 13:15.
Confession - Ps.66:18 Ps. 38:17-18.
Thanksgiving - 1 Thess. 5:18, Eph. 5:20.
Supplication - Philippians 4:6; Ephesians 6:18
5) Benefits of prayer
He will bless you more than you ask. Eph. 3:20.
Bring healing and guard your emotions and mind. Ps. 34:4, Phil. 4:6,7.
Fresh faith
The religious leaders of Jesus’ time omitted the more important matters of the religious life, like faith. (Matthew 23:23) They were consumed with traditions, customs and the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:1-9) The traditions of men made void the word of faith. (Mark 7:1-13) In 2005 let us, with zeal, break traditions and commandments of men that bind our worship of God. (Titus 1:14) Let the Word of faith be proclaimed (Romans 10:8)
The year 2005 is an opportunity to make some needed changes in our spiritual walk. Change takes motivation to help us follow through. Let’s review a few of the many benefits of faith (reading the Bible) (Romans 10:17) :
1. Victory over the world (1 John 5:4)
2. Ability to resist the devil (evil seducing spirit and doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 5:6)
3. Walk right (2 Corinthians 5:7)4. Protection against attacks (Ephesians 5:16)
5. Physical healing (Acts 14:8-10; James 5:14-16; Matthew 8:17)
6. Winning battles (2 Chronicles 29-33)
7. Possess the promises found in God’s Word (Numbers 13-14)
8. Ability to see God’s deliverance (2 Kings 6:16-17)
9. Be a friend of God (James 2:23)
10. Access to God (Romans 5:2)
11. Heart purity (Acts 15:9)
12. Righteousness (Romans 3:22; Romans 9:30)
13. Sanctification (Acts 26:18)
14. Salvation (Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8-9)
15. Experience Miracles (Acts 6:8; Gelatins 3:5)
16. Nothing will be impossible (Matthew 17:20)
17. Promises fulfilled (Hebrews 6:12)
18. Renewed patience (James 1:3; 1 Peter 1:7)
19. Forgiveness (Luke 7:50; Romans 3:25)
20. Christ living in our hearts (Ephesians 3:17)
Faith requires spiritual warfare. (1 Timothy 6:12) Faith is not wimpy, it is strong. (Romans 4:20) Great faith comes by seeking God (Hebrews 11:6) and studying (2 Timothy 2:15) and obeying His Word. It means standing on unseen promises (Hebrews 11:1) without doubting (James 1:6-8). The wise choice is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved (John 3:3-16; Romans 10:1-13)(attend church, pray, read Bible, witness, live godly), or do nothing and automatically make the choice of destruction (Matthew 7:13-14) and eternal separation from God. It is a freewill choice for you today. God bless!
By Rudy Reed
Pastor’s message: Faith without works is dead
(Ephesians 2:10) "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before prepared that we should walk in them."
In Ephesians 2:8-9 Paul tells us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, it is a gift of God. Salvation is a free gift. (Titus 3:5) It only takes faith (Romans 10:9-10), confession with your mouth that Jesus is your Lord, repenting of past sins (Acts 2:38), and water baptism (Mark 16:16). When a person becomes a Christian (through a personal relationship with Jesus) then works (doing things that bring glory to God) is a reasonable duty.
Paul again explains that the Word of God is for equipping for good works. (2 Timothy 3:17) Jesus taught that our good works should be seen so God can get praise. (Matthew 5:16)
In the 2002 computer-animated comedy, "Ice Age," we see a humorous story of faith in others and in a mission of hope. Three characters, a mastodon named Manfred, an irritating sloth named Sid, and Diego, a saber-toothed very hungry tiger are attempting to come together and return a little baby to it’s relatives. It’s mommy had died. They all come together doing a good work of compassion protecting the baby. Even against strong temptations to go with the natural order and eat or leave each other, they look ahead at the unseen and with love press forward.
We can take a lesson from Ice Age and keep pressing toward the goal of pleasing God. It is a high calling. It is what makes a Christian real. James encourages the believers to be doers of the Word and not just hearers only, being in deception. (James 2:22) The Bible is filled with works we can do that please God, study the book of James for a start. James makes a bold statement regarding faith and works. He asserts that faith without works is dead (James 2:17, 24, 26), and faith is made perfect (complete) by works. (James 2:22) He gives the illustration of one work as providing clothing and food for others. (James 2:14-18) James makes the point that believing in God is something that even devils do and shudder. (James 2:19) It is a motivational statement for Christians to do good works beyond their belief in God.
Abraham was a man of faith. He believed, not yet seeing the promise that would be fulfilled. (Romans 4:17-18; Hebrews 11:8) Abraham believed God even against natural circumstances, his wife Sarah in her old age gave birth. (Romans 4:19-25; Hebrews 11:11)
God tried Abraham’s faith by asking him to offer his son of promise, Isaac, upon an altar at Mount Moriah. (Genesis 22; Hebrews 11:17-19; James 2:21) It was a test of faith and of his fear of God. (Gen. 22:12) Instead God provided a ram for the sacrifice and Abraham called the place Jehovahjireh (God will provide) (Gen. 22:13-14) God always makes a way. (1 Corin. 10:13)
Abraham received blessings for his obedience. (Gen. 22:18) The same applies to Christians today. If we will obey and go through trials of faith (1 Peter 1:6-9; 4:12), we will inherit the blessings and promises of God and be called friends of God. (Galatians 3; James 2:23)
Works of righteousness are evidence of a real Christian experience. (Ephesians 5:9-33; 1 John 2:29; 3:7-10) It is a command to be filled with these works. (Philippians 1:11; 1 Timothy 6:11-12) They are sown in peace. (James 3:18)
Sometimes it can be challenging doing good, but rewards are deposited in heaven. (Matthew 6:22-34) We can have a testimony of doing good & leaving things better than when we arrived. This week find good things to do for others to show them you love them. Lift up Jesus!
By Rudy Reed
The House of God"
(1 Timothy 3:15b)..... the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
The church is the present day house of God. It is where we come to experience the presence of God. It is a place of growth through ministry offices, such as, teachers and pastors (1 Corin. 12:28). Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22; 5:23; Col. 1:18). The church must have the Word of God to remain clean and fit for the future kingdom. (Eph. 5:26-27) Christians are to be one with their local church (Eph. 5:30-32) Christians are warned to stay in church (Heb. 10:25)
If these facts are true, and they are, then doesn’t it make sense that for a Christian to be in the will of God, he or she must be in church regularly. If we have had a true born again experience with Christ then we will want to be in the House of God. It is a fruit of the spirit - faith {pistis} meaning faithfulness (Galatians 5:22). Too sleepy, too busy, offended, mad, bored, pride, tired, depressed, sports, shopping and a host of other things, are not legitimate excuses.
Let us look at some facts found in the Bible.
Get Planted in church so you can flourish: To be a spiritual person you must weekly attend and support a local church, unless it is impossible, and then the church will come to encourage the sick (James 1:27). It is unbiblical to send money to TV ministers and exempt the local church. (Psalm 92:13-14) "Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God."
Satisfaction is for stable church goers: (Psalm 36:8) ‘They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.’
Deliverance is at the true House of God: (2 Chronicles 20:9) "If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help."
Strength and Joy are found in the House of God: (Ps 96:1-13) (6) "Honor and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary."
Instruction for godly living is in the House of God: (Ps 73:17) Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
Worship is the norm for church: (Psalm 66:13) "I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,"
Wanting to be in the House of the Lord: (Psalm 23:6) "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
Enter His gates with thankfulness. (Psalm 100)
Attending church services is NOT an option. It honors Jesus Christ. It is a reasonable expectation for the Christian. It is your light to unbelievers showing them you have a respect and fear for God.(Matt 5:13-15) Besides this, it is the most happy, exciting place to be in town.
You can be saved reading this article. First, admit to God you are a sinner, next ask Him to forgive your sins, believe and tell other people Jesus died and rose from the dead and He is you Lord and Savior. Ask the Lord to save you now. (Romans 1:16-17; 3:23; 6:23; 10:9-17)
Pastors Message The Bible Riddle
Who Am I?
God made Adam out of dust,
But thought it best to make me first;
So I was made before the man
According to the Lord's Holy Plan.
My whole body God made complete,
Without arms or hands or feet.
My ways and acts did the Lord control,
But in my body He placed no soul.
A living being I became,
And Adam gave to me a name.
Then from his presence I withdrew,
For this man Adam I never knew.
All my maker's laws I do obey,
And from these laws I never stray.
Thousand's of me go in fear,
But seldom on the earth appear.
Later, for a purpose the Lord did see,
He placed a living soul in me.
But that soul of mine the Lord had to claim,
And from me took it back again.
And when this soul from me had fled,
I was the same as when first made;
Without arms,legs, feet, or soul,
I travel on from pole to pole.
My labors are from day to night,
And to men I once furnished light.
Thousands of people, both young and old,
Did by my death bright lights behold.
No right nor wrong can I conceive,
The bible and it's teachings I can't believe.
The fear of death does not trouble me,
Pure happiness I will never see.
Up in Heaven I can never go,
Nor in the grave or Hell below.
So get your Bible and read with care,
You'll find my name recorded there.
The answer is one word, five letters long, and appears only four times in the King James Version of the Bible.
What is the answer??
Whale
Submitted by Rudy Reed,
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