Words of Encouragement

ENCOURAGEMENT

10/11/2023

Hello Church,
   What a day and time to be living in. We can see everything in the world going on and know that Jesus’ return is soon. As the days get even closer, the temptation is to give up, slack off or have a mind set to just get by, but the truth is, it is these times that we must press in harder than ever before. Like the Apostle Paul said, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Press meaning to pursue and follow after.
   Many think that its impossible to live a godly life in today’s environment, surrounded every day by immorality, rebellion against authority and madness, but God can protect His own. If God can reach down and rescue Lot and his family, who had little strength and led him and his family to safety, God can do it today for you. Grab hold of the hand of God and do not let go. Hang on to God’s hand as if your life depended upon it, which it does, He take you and set your feet on the solid, unmovable Rock (Jesus Christ).
   We are continuing our series “The Five-Fold Ministry” this Sunday (15th), 10:00AM with the Office of the Pastor and Teacher. Invite someone, encourage someone to come. Remember Jesus is coming and the question we must ask is, “AM I READY?”

Blessings
P. Tom

WHAT MAKES THE CHURCH THE CHURCH

6/13/2017

WHAT MAKES THE CHURCH THE CHURCH – the Book of Titus gives us the qualities of a sound Church-in Timothy it tells us how to treat Church members and conduct ourselves in Church- in Ephesians it tells us that Jesus is the head of the Church. It tells us in Acts that the early Church turned the world upside down-WHAT DID THEY HAVE, WHAT DID THEY POSSESS? 1. Sense of Community (they stood together, stuck together, knitted together). 2. Passion for Prayer (every time the Church prayed, God moved). 3. Priority of the Word (continued in the Apostles doctrine). 4. Commitment to Worship (glorifying and worshipping God was an automatic response, it didn’t have to be worked up or pumped up). 5. Dependence on the Holy Spirit (the Holy Spirit guides into all truth, not half-truth, not three quarters truth). When you rea the Book of Acts-when it speaks about the Church, it says things like, “gathered together, assembled together, came together, went together.” Everything was together.

GOD’S WAKE-UP CALLS

6/9/2017

GOD’S WAKE-UP CALLS – Everyone has or will have wake-up calls from the Lord. The wake-up call will cause you and I to take inventory of where we’re at and realize that we are in a war, both spiritually and naturally. There’s a WAKE-UP CALL of SILENCE, which is the story of Samson-Samson wakes up and says that he will go out just like the other times and shake myself free, BUT this time there was no power, no strength, no anointing, no word from the Lord-IT WAS JUST SILENCE. There’s a WAKE-UP CALL of the SOUND OF HIS VOICE. Jesus said My sheep hear My voice and a stranger they will not follow. Jesus also said, My sheep hear My voice-and I know them-and they know Me. You and I should be like the young prophet Samuel who said, Speak Lord, I’m listening. God is speaking to people today- don’t hit the snooze button on God’s alarm clock. What is the Lord speaking to you today- what is He saying-what is he directing you to do?

State of the Union

7/11/2016

Hello Church,
   What a day that you and I are living in. Last week we celebrated America’s Independence Day – 240 years ago America became a nation. The same document that declared our independence from Great Britain also declared our dependence upon God.
   BUT Church, many American people have forgotten their foundation and even sadder to say is that many in the Church have forgotten their foundation, their inheritance and their responsibility – and because of that AMERICA IS IN A CRSIS. Over the last several months I’ve read and listen to many in the Body of Christ speaking what I believe is God’s heart. Let’s look at some things that show America is in a crisis:
    1. America’s Government Suffers From A Lack Of Leadership – It was George
      Washington who said, “It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.”
      When was the last time we heard anything like that coming out of Washington DC?
    2. America’s Government Is Reducing Its Military – The mindset in Washington is that if
      we make ourselves weak, then no one will attack us – this is wrong because if we are weak,
      they will attack us. It was also George Washington who said, “peace comes through
      strength.”
    3. America’s Government Won’t Protect Its Borders – Thousands of illegals are crossing
      our borders knowing that once they get here they won’t be deported. We even have cities in
      America that are known as “sanctuary cities” that will not even report illegals. Now I know
      that there are those who say, “We all immigrants coming from somewhere at one time,”
      BUT here’s the problem, times are different. We have to be more careful and alert.
    4. America’s Government Has Created A Welfare State –Our government has created a
      class of people who are totally depended upon the government – they are clothed, fed,
      housed, educated and given medical all at yours and mine expense. The real name for a
      welfare state is SOCIALISM. If you’re someone who thinks socialism works, you are fooled
      Hitler was a socialist, communism was socialist. They start off by getting power and when
      they get power you become a slave to that power.
    5. America’s Government Is Purging Christianity Out Of America – We have removed
      the Ten Commandments from our schools and public places. Saying “Merry Christmas” has
     now become offensive to some. Let me say this, “Nowhere in the Constitution of the United
     States of America does it say we cannot say anything that offends someone.”
    6. America Is Turning Its Back On Israel – What’s the promise that God has established for
     any nation? God says, “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you.”
      That’s pretty simple.
    7. America has A Counterfeit Christianity – There’s a so-called Christianity that looks real,
      looks genuine, BUT it is a fake. Counterfeit Christianity has a cross around their neck, BUT
      not Jesus in their heart. Counterfeit Christianity hears the Word, BUT don’t do the Word.
      True Christianity is not what you believe, BUT it is what you obey and that determines what
      you are.

   There are many people sitting in Houses of God thinking all is well – they think because they go to church, sing a song about heaven, that’s everything is OK, BUT the true Gospel message is all about Jesus, His blood, His righteousness, His cross, His saving power from sin – it’s about how great He is – it’s about that no matter where you are in life, Jesus can pick you up and give you a brand new start.
   II Chron. 7:14 "If My people who are called by My name will humble (bend the knee, vanquish their rights) 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 heal their land."

Blessings,
P. Tom

Let the Church Rise

7/7/2016

Hello Church,
   We started a series this month called, “State Of The Nation.” In this series we want to look at where America, as a nation is spiritually and naturally. In Proverbs, chapter 11, verse 3 it says, “If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?” If you and I could go back in time around 70 years ago we would see that there was always a difference between two main parties (Republicans & Democrats) on how to govern, but there were 6 things that they all rallied behind –
    1. America is a Christian nation
    2. America has the greatest military in the world
    3. America’s leaders must put a national crisis above the party preference
    4. America’s government must balance the budget and not go into excessive debt
    5. America must have a strong family and religious values to strengthen its moral fabric
    6. God must be the center of our lives and our faith

   It don’t take much to see how far we have drifted from these foundational truths. Almost eight years ago, when Barrak Obama became the 44th President of the United States of America, we were told by him that America is no longer a Christian nation. Our nation is divided today between the liberals (socialist) and conservatives – big government and small government – God lovers and God haters.
   The question that we should ask is, “Have we forgotten what it means to be an AMERICAN?” To be an American meant a specific thing – it’s what was unique about it – it’s why so many people from all over the world wanted to come here – they wanted to be Americans (not Italian-Americans, not Irish-Americans, not Japanese-Americans, not Mexican-Americans, BUT JUST AMERICANS) People came here not just to live in a region or geographical area – they wanted to become Americans – it meant specific things and those things were good. They were related to freedom, liberty and prosperity – also included was religious liberty to worship and honor God.
   So when a group of people and politicians say they want to “transform” America – what they’re really saying is that they want to erase and do away with the American culture that established this country as what it was because that culture to them is racist, bigoted, homophobic and all other criticisms.
   This is not a time for the Church to be fearful – it is time for the Church to arise, to arise up out of the ashes – we are the light, we are the salt – we are to go and proclaim who God is. The Word of the Lord says, “where sin abounds, so much more does grace abound.”
   We will continue this later.
Blessing,
P.Tom

We Are For His Purposes

6/30/2016

Hello Church,
   In Romans, chapter 8, verse 28 is a very familiar Scripture that says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
   God has a “purpose” for you and me. We were not created to take up space – you have a purpose – you are God’s workmanship, God’s product, God’s fabric – God created you as a benefit to others. So what is God’s purpose for you and I?
  1. Purpose to be people of worship – worship is reverence, it’s a kiss (like a dog licking his master’s
    hand). There are some people who are looking for God, BUT if you and I worship Him, He
    looks for us.
  2. Purpose to be people of the Word – there’s a caution to knowing the Word and it’s this – you and I are
      not to just know the Word, BUT know the God of the Word.
  3.Purpose to be people of evangelism – God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that none
     should perish, but have everlasting life. How can you and I show the love of God, the mercy of God, the
      forgiveness of God? We can’t tell anyone about a Jesus we don’t know.
  4. Purpose to be people of prayer & fasting – Jesus said that they are some things that only come out by
      prayer and fasting. You and I, let’s be people that don’t talk about our mountains (problems), BUT
      speak to our mountains.
  5. Purpose to be people of blessings – Jesus said to give and t shall be given unto you, good measure,
      pressed down, shaken together, and running over – for with the same measure you give out, that’s the
     measure that will be given back to you.

   Church – God spoke to Moses saying, “But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you and that My name declared in all the earth.” (Ex. 9:16) You and I are here for such a time as this. You’re the voice that needs to be heard – you have what others are looking for. Be blessed and be a blessing.

P. Tom

Christlike Compassion

6/14/2016

Hello Church,
   Matt. 14:13-14 “When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by
    Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities.
        And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick."

   We see here that when Jesus heard about the death of John the Baptist, He wanted to get alone and be by Himself, but when the people knew where he went, they followed Him. All of us know what has happen in Orlando Florida this past weekend with shooting deaths of 50 people and over 40 people injured. If you were like me, when you heard about it, you felt sicken and wanted some time alone to gather your thoughts. BUT we, as Christians don’t always have the luxury of doing that. There are people who are looking for answers to why did this happen and what should be done and what is the Church’s response.
   The response that you and I should have is that there were American citizens who were attacked by Islamic terrorism that resulted in the death of Americans. This is an opportunity for the Church of Jesus to rise to the front and show what it is to be like Jesus. Even a Chick-fil-a open up on a Sunday in Orlando to give food to those who were in line giving blood for the victims of the attack (and many thought that Chick-fil-a was a hate organization because of their stand on traditional marriage).
   We, as the Body of Christ can show and be moved with compassion just like Jesus was moved with compassion for those who are hurting. We can demonstrate Christlikeness without being judgmental, because it’s the god of this world that has blinded their minds from receiving the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we can present the real truth of how Jesus can still deliver from sin.
   Be strong and of a good courage, God will use you in this time.

P. Tom

FIGHT ON, KEEP PRESSING IN – BELIEVE IN THE WORD OF GOD

6/7/2016

Hello Church,
   In the Book of James, chapter 5, it tells of how “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours.” Elijah was a man with like passions like you and me, he wasn’t a super-hero, he was an ordinary man, BUT he was a man of FAITH.
   What are the qualities of a faithful man or woman of God? We can see from Elijah some of those qualities.
   1. A man and woman of FAITH HEARS AND SEES WHAT THE WORLD CANNOT HEAR AND SEE – In First Kings, chapter 18, Elijah says to Ahab, “there is a sound of abundance of rain.” When you look around there wasn’t any sign of rain in the sky, there wasn’t any clouds, no thunder, no lighting, BUT Elijah knew that God would keep His Word. The Word of God says, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says” – too many times we’re hearing what the world is saying and not what God is saying.
   2. Men and women of FAITH IS STRONG WHEN THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF THE ANSWER – When Elijah sent his servant up to the top of the hill, the servant came back with “there is nothing is the sky.” Men & women of faith keep going when everyone else has already given up. Men & women of faith have endurance, determination and steadfastness. Their motto is “IF GOD SAID IT, HE WILL DO IT.”
   3. Man and women of FAITH BELIEVES FOR THE BIG WHEN IT SEES THE LITTLE – Eventually there appeared a cloud in the sky as big as a hand and Elijah told Ahab to “prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.” Elijah knew that the cloud was the beginning of a rainstorm, a downpour.
   Church – at the first sign of victory, don’t start your victory dance just yet, don’t stop, don’t retreat and don’t back up – that first sign is a sign that the battle is turning and the devil is on the run – KEEP PRESSING IN.
   Elijah out ran Ahab’s chariot. Elijah never gave up. He started with nothing, and he kept praying and believing until he saw the hand size cloud. Elijah experienced the victory because he endured the test of faith – HE DIDN’T GIVE UP.
   Church – God sees you outrunning the chariots of the enemy – God’s hand is on you – you are walking in abundance – you are walking in victory, overcoming power – FIGHT ON, KEEP PRESSING IN – BELIEVE IN THE WORD OF GOD.

P. Tom

Mark

6/2/2016

Hello Church,
   In the Book of Ruth, chapter 3, verses 3 and 4 tells the story of Naomi telling Ruth what to do with Boaz.
     Ruth 3:3-4 “Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
            Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice (mark, be aware of) the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do.”

   Every one of us have places and events in our lives that are “marked.” These marked places stand out in time, they are moments that are etched in our memories. You and I have to prepare ourselves for all that God has for us. God is pouring out His Spirit in places where He is welcome, hungered and thirsted for. Let get ready and stay ready and help someone else to get ready.
   You and I are to “WASH OURSELVES.” (Ruth 3:3) How are we to wash ourselves? We wash ourselves by getting into the Word of God. It’s the Word that cleanses.
   You and I are to “ANOINT OURSELVES.” (v.3) You and I are to be filled with the Holy Spirit. When we’re full of the Holy Spirit, we are prepared to be spilled out on others. We can only give what we have. If we don’t have it, we can’t give it.
   You and I are to “PUT ON OUR BEST GARMENT.” (v.3) Isaiah said that God has given us the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. The garment of praise is joy – the joy of the Lord is our strength. When there is no joy in God’s House, people seek it from others places. Let’s get back our joy in the Holy Spirit.
   You and I are to “GET DOWN TO THE FLOOR.” (v.3) We are to humble ourselves. God resist the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Go down to the place where God is the one who lifts you up.
   You and I are to “MARK THE PLACE.” (v.4) Find the place where God has established His Throne, His presence. Get into the presence of God and soak it up until you can soak no more. It’s in that place that God will tell you and I what to do.
   God is still looking to mark some places. God is still looking to mark some people. God is saying, “This one is mine.”

P. Tom

IT’S ABOUT HIS GLORY

5/4/2016

Hello Church,
   As the days are getting closer and closer to the return and coming of Jesus, there are certain things that you and I can know that it is very close. This is the day that God is calling His people to awake – to shake off the dust – to press into the things of the Lord – to fight the good fight of faith – to be a people that are separated unto Him for His glory and His purposes. In Proverbs 24:10 it states, “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” The Prophet Jeremiah complained to the Lord and the Lord asked him a question, “If you can’t keep up with the footmen, how are you going to contend with horses?”
   We’re living in a day now where many churches and ministers are denying the existence of hell. Denying the existence of hell will always prepare the way for deception. Think about it – if there is no hell, then there is no sin – if there is no sin, there’s no need for redemption – no redemption, no need of a savior – no need of a Savior, then there’s no God.
   I know that there are those who would say that we need to make the Gospel more appealing, more accommodating, friendlier, that people need to be encouraged, be loved,BUT the Word of God says that we should consider the goodness of God and also the severity (sternness, harshness, strictness) of God. (Rom. 11:22)
   Church – too many Christians have lost their purpose – their purpose to represent Jesus here on this earth – it’s not all about your happiness – IT’S ABOUT HIS GLORY.
   Jesus is coming and the question is, “Are you ready?” If you’re ready, keep pressing in, keep fighting, keep standing, BUT if you’re not ready, now is the time to get ready and to stay ready.

P. Tom

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