Pastor Rick's Corner

This Amazing Freedom We Have Been Given!

2010-07-05T16:56:00.000-07:00

"Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you." (Galations 5:1, The Message).

Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." Why then is it that so many who preach and teach the truth seem so bound up with religious shackles? Not only that, they seem equally intent on seeing to it that other are as bound up as they are. What's that all about? It's about control.

There is something dreadful lurking in the hearts of men and women, which almost compels them to dominate and subjugate other to their will and whims. Be it political or religious, academic or economic, cultural or personal - there is an evil at work in the affairs of men that causes some to advance themselves by putting other down....and keeping them that way.

Their name comes from two Greek words; the first, nike, which means to conquer; and the second, laos, which means the people. Literally, it means to conquer the people. It means to dominate, intimidate, or manipulate; for the sake of holding control over them - and Jesus hates it. The word means to detest; to regard as abhorrent.

My dear friends, be done once and for all with any group of any kind that tries to put a yoke of slavery on you; for Jesus has set us free! Take your stand in freedom - even if you have to lay down your life to do it!

CAMPMEETING

2010-06-13T16:15:00.001-07:00

Well, campmeeting and conference is over for 2010. It was a time of refreshing and rejoicing. The power of God was felt in every meeting, and He not only showed UP, He showed OUT! In addition, we were able to renew old friendships and make new ones!

We tend to forget that we NEED to come apart and be renewed in our spirit. Jesus did it quite often. He understood the need of the body and mind to slow down, and allow the cleansing power of God to repair what we have neglected.

NOW we must get back to the hectic pace of everyday life, but we do NOT have to place the spirit of campmeeting on the shelf. We CAN allow the Spirit of God to so permeate us that it becomes campmeeting in our soul, EVERYDAY. Not only praising and rejoicing with total abandon, but sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.

Find some UNSAVED people that your know, and tell THEM of the love that Jesus has for THEM. Tell THEM that the Father really does have a plan for their life, and that through Christ they can know AND experience joy, peace and love. Then invite them and BRING them to church WITH you.

What, you couldn't go to Franklin Springs?? Well, you will have another chance to be refreshed! Mark June 20th through June 27th on your calendar! MOUNTAIN GAP CAMPMEETING! We will be taking the van AT LEAST one night. If you go, I GUARANTEE that you will BE BLESSED!!!

Enriched By Memory

2010-06-07T14:30:00.001-07:00

"You shall remember all the way the Lord thy God has led thee." (Deuteronomy 8:2)

Our lives come, from time to time, to crossroads of defining importance; those critical intersections along the way, which face us with choices for new directions in our thinking, and in our living. At such moments we need briefly pause, for we have not passed this way before.

Before we move onward we must first reflect back upon where we have been; remembering all the way that the Lord our God has led us. For in His leading are the lessons that will hold true all the days of our lives. As we think upon what He has taught us, shown us, done for us and with us - our lives become enriched by memory, and mindful of a love that never fails.

With this, we then step across the boundary into another season, filled with faith and courage. And we are also renewed in spirit and adventure, discovering afresh that the way in is also the way on. As He has led us, so He will still lead us. As He has loved us, so He will still love us. And as He has been faithful, so faithful shall He ever be.

Such is the happy lot of those whose lives are enriched by the memory of God's handiwork thought their days. Why not pause right now and recall to mind the many undeniable moments throughout your life when the Lord blessed you, loved you, healed you, helped you, saved you, used you - and the list goes on, and on, and on, and on, and on..... Just remember that we live and move and breathe by EVERY word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord!

Adapted from James Ryles

Run For God's Resounding Applause!

2010-05-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

"This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting - God's applause!" (2 Timothy 4:7-8, The Message).

There comes a moment in every life when a corner is turned and the finish line comes into view. This was Paul's moment, and in his closing letter to his young friend Timothy he calls him out as a champion, and gets him ready for the run of his life. "Anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble," he said to him, "there's no way getting around it." (ch. 3:12)

He then encouraged him to remain steadfast in the teachings of the Bible, and to keep the Message alive with his life and works. "Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another," he said, "Showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." (ch. 3:16-17).

He reminded Timothy that God would always be there backing him up, looking over his shoulder; thereby empowering him to stay focused and complete the work that God gave him to do.

Finally, Paul turns his gaze to the finish line and says, "This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting - God's applause!"

These times in which we live are filled with transition. There are many who have labored long and hard, faithful to the Lord, and are now headed for the finish line as they pass the baton off to you and me. Grab hold of it firmly, and run with fire to the finish.

"Who's Your Caddy?"

2010-05-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

"Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, "This is the way you should go,' -whether to the right or to the left." (Isaiah 30:21, New Living Translation).

Tommy Bolt, winner of the 1958 US Open, tells the story of an incident he had with a cady during one of his tournaments. This was before professional golfers had their own caddies as they do today. Bolt arrived at the venue for the tournament and was approached by a youngster, "Mr. Bolt, you need a caddy, sir?"

The lad seemed unseasoned, so Bolt replied, "I'll let you know, kid." He then went to the caddy master and asked about the youngster. "He's a real good caddy," the man said, "knows the course, the greens, and the rules of the game. But he talks a lot."

So Bolt went back to the youngster and said, "You can caddy for me on one condition: Don't say a word."

The kid accepted and carried the bag for the Open champion, The first round went well, as did the second, and the third. Bolt was in contention in the fourth round, when an errant tee shot landed in the woods. The ball was sitting down in the rough, with a risky shot to the green, which was guarded by water on the right.

Bolt asked the kid, "You think a five iron will do the trick?" The kid shook his head no, but never said a word. "What, you want me to hit a six iron?" Again, the kid shook his head no, but did not speak. Bolt grabbed a six iron and lashed the ball out of the rough and landed on the green, rolling to about three feet for a birdie. As they walked to the green, Bolt said, "Aren't you going to say something now, after seeing a shot like that?"

The kid then replied, "Mr. Bolt, that wasn't your ball."

Many of us go through life with a caddy we never let speak. He is the Holy Spirit, and we should listen to Him, engaged in an ongoing conversation, He would save us many penalty strokes on the Links of Life.

Is that a six iron in your hand, and is that your ball?

The Un-trodden Way

2010-05-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

As you read about "The Heroes Of The Faith" 1 Hebrews 11, you notice that there are women listed as well as men. Some were leaders, but some were just... "MOTHERS." Mothers play a distinct role in the family of God. They are special in His sight. What unseen difficulties line the long, dark mile of the un-trodden way? And, oh, how our heart hesitates to venture on into the uncertainty of the unproven. But, Mother will help guide us through. Allow me to share a poem with you that was written about Mothers.

M-O-T-H-E-R (A WORD THAT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME)

I've been around the world, you bet, but never went to school.
Hard knocks are all I seem to get, perhaps I've been a fool;
But still, some educated folks, supposed to be so swell,
Would fail if they were called upon a simple word to spell.
Now if you'd like to put me to the test,
There's one dear name that I can spell the best!

"M" is for million things she gave me.
"O" means only that she's growing old.
"T" is for the tears she shed for me.
"H" is for her heart of purest gold.
"E" is for her eyes with love-light shining.
"R" means right and right she'll always be.

Put them all together they spell MOTHER,
a word that means the world to me.

When I was but a baby, long before I learned to walk,
While laying in my cradle, I would try my best to talk;
It wasn't long before I spoke and all the neighbors heard,
My folks were very proud of me for "MOTHER" was the word
Although I'll never lay a claim to fame,
I'm satisfied that I can spell the name:

"M" is for the mercy she possesses.
"O" means that I owe her all I own.
"T" is for her tender, sweet caresses.
"H" is for her hands that made a home.
"E" means everything she's done to help me.
"R" means real and regular, you see.

Put them all together they spell MOTHER,
a word that means the world to me.

Yes, where would we be without our mothers? they love us even when we are bad, they "kiss" the hurts away, and comfort us when we are scared. They discipline us so we will grow to be wise, and do it with no thought of reward.

That is why MOTHERS are special to God. Before you leave today, bless one of the church mother's. give them a hug, and tell them thanks for being there.

The Crumbling Gates of Hell

2010-05-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

The gates of Hell shall not prevail" (Matthew 16:18)

We have seen various images of huge iron gates framed in flames and topped with evil demons. The Gates of Hell as Hollywood imagines them to be. While it makes for good theater, it is poor theology.

First of all, there is no fence around Hell, so there can be no Gate. In fact, Jesus is not talking about a physical gate at all. Rather, he is talking about the counsels, judgments, plans, purposes, schemes, tricks, and wiles of the kingdom of darkness. That is the actual meaning of the term, gates of Hell.

In ancient times the gates of the city were the place where public concourse and matters of court would be decided upon. Also, it was customary for the elders of the city to sit in the gates, signifying that wisdom and understanding were available for all the people of the city. On some occasions, even kings would place their thrones in the Gates, signifying their rule over all who came in and out of the city.

Those listening to Jesus talk about the gates of Hell would understand all this; after all, they didn't have movies in those days. When Jesus said that the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church, He meant that none of the attacks which the devil unleashes from his seat of authority will in any manner gain dominion over the people of God. Even if the full arsenal of Satan's dark empire was launched in a single, massive, all-out frontal assault against the Church, the cumulative effect would be like a fly smacking into the Rock of Gibraltar!

Friend, no scheme the devil devises will succeed, no counsel he offers will prosper, no plan he comes up with will work, because, "Greater is He who is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4), and, "no weapon formed against you shall prosper" (Isaiah 54:17).

Of course, this doesn't mean that he won't try. In fact, it all but guarantees that the one thing the devil will do is attack the Church with relentless intensity. And why? Because the Church is the only thing on the planet that holds the unique distinction of being the Bride of Christ. And the devil so hates the Lord Jesus that he will try to trash whatever is dear to the Lord's heart. And that's us.

What else can you expect from a sulking bum sitting DEFEATED in the crumbling gates of hell?

A Burning and Shining Light

2010-04-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

"He was a burning and a shining light" (John 5:35)

This lasting tribute was said of John the Baptist, by Jesus Himself. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater that John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." (Matthew 11:11)

This means that each one of us may, like John, be a burning and shining light. But there is a price to be paid. Years ago the great revival preacher, Leonard Ravenhill, said, "The cost of shining is burning. Many want to glow without the heat, but there can be no sparkle where there are not sparks; and there can be no sparks where the hammer of God's word does not strike the anvil of our souls."

The cost of shining is burning. The disciples said, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us along the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?" (Luke 24:32). In yet another place the Bible asks, "does not My word burn like fire?" says the Lord. "Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:29)

As we open ourselves to the igniting power of God's word, all within us that is wood, hay or stubble is consumed by its tireless flame. And then, whatever yet remains that is hardened and unresponsive deep in our hearts is busted loose by the mighty blow of God's hammer - His living word unleashed in our yielded lives.

Will you let the truth of God's unchanging Word have its way in our life? In your thoughts, your hopes, and your aspirations? In your opinions, your attitudes, and your behavior? In your family, your friendships, and your associations?

If you say yes, you will become a burning and shining light; and you will be counted great in the Kingdom of God. On the other hand, you can light you own fire and burn out in no time - with nothing to show for the one life you have lived. Surely, you can see the better choice is to yield your heart to Christ and let Him be honored by the light of your ignited life.

And He will say of YOU on that day, "This one was a burning and shining light." (James Ryles, Adapted)

PALM SUNDAY; A DAY OF VICTORY?

2010-04-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

I firmly believe that Jesus knew EXACTLY what would happen to him as he entered Jerusalem one last time, to celebrate the Passover. He was NOT taken by surprise at the events. He knew about the ass's colt, and he knew that the people on the road would see Him and realize that He was, in fact, The Messiah and He was NOT disappointed. Imagine what he must have felt, knowing that God the Father had ALL things in and under control, yet also knowing that in less than a week He would die a horrible and extremely painful death.

Yes, in just a few days He would pray; "The hour is come; glorify They Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee." But, for now, He is coming into Jerusalem, as the victorious King. The people placed palm branches and cloaks on the road for His colt to walk on. The people thought they understood just exactly what was going on, yet, in truth, they had absolutely no comprehension as to what would take place.

In fact, even the disciples did not really comprehend what they would hear and see over the next several days. Isaiah tells us that He would be beaten and wounded and whipped with 39 stripes because of each of us. That is what victory is all about. Giving ALL so that those that cannot win will be declared victors.

We hear some say "God though enough of me that He sent His Son to die in my place. I am Worthy." However, the converse is true. We were NOT worthy, and never could have been worthy of God's Love. AND, it was because of that very reason that Christ had to suffer and die. He did it all so He could make US WORTHY. His unworthiness became our worthiness.

So, as we celebrate this Palm Sunday of 2010, let us think upon and be reconciled to the fact that even though we were NOT worthy, God sent His only begotten Son so that the unworthy, ungrateful, unrepentant citizens of this planet called Earth could celebrate eternally with Jesus in the Kingdom called HEAVEN, and have VICTORY here and now!

Concerning Matters of Politics and Presidents

2010-02-07T18:58:00.000-08:00

"Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save." (Psalm 146:3)

We have a tendency to place our hope in those who are elected, and always end up being disappointed - because politics by its very nature requires compromises. Ultimately, whoever is elected will always make decisions that prove difficult for the greater silent majority; seeing they are swayed mostly by those who are vocal and vindictive - which things we are not.

Our consolation comes in knowing this great truth - "The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord: (Proverbs 16:33). The message says, "Make you motions and cast your votes, but GOD has the final say."

Elsewhere the Bible say, "...promotion comes neither from the east, not from the west, not from the south, But God is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another." (Psalm 75:6-7). The bottom line is this - the vote is cast by man; but the decision is made by God.

The question then is simple - do we trust God, or not? Does He know what He is doing, or not? Is He good, or not?

"But what if evil advances?" we ask, "What if darkness prevails? What then?"

There is a great old poem that answers it best:

"Though the cause of evil proper, yet the Truth alone is strong;
Though her portion be the scaffold, and upon the Throne be wrong.
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown,
stand God within the shadow keeping watch above His Own."

Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." This covers a wide variety of problems, for He went on to say, "In the world you shall have trouble; but in Me you will have peace - for I have overcome the world." Our peace comes when we stay focused upon the Lord.

God has also commissioned the CHURCH to PRAY for ALL those in authority. If we are not doing this, we cannot stop the devil from doing what he does best, messing up the world! As we PRAY for America, God will assure our hearts, and take care of us.

The future then, depends on US!

The Secret of the Un-anxious Life

2010-02-01T06:58:00.000-08:00

"Casting all your care upon Him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

Anxiety can tear you apart, because it pulls you in many directions at the same time. Once anxiety seizes your mind, you're not good for anything else until you break free from its grip. So, here's how you do it.

Cast your cares upon the Lord.

The word cares means anxiety. The word cast means "to hurl." In other words, the moment anxiety starts putting its squeeze on your mind, grab a hold of it and HURL it onto the Lord. Don't pitch it; don't toss it; don't lob it - HURL IT. Remove it as far as possible away from you.

In other words, you have to let go of it. By holding onto anxiety you form a partnership that trumps your friendship with God. and you empower anxiety to be even stronger than it actually is. Let it go - hurl it upon the Lord.

And here's the secret of why you can do this - HE CARES FOR YOU!

How odd that we would think our care for ourselves exceeds the care which the Lord has for us. And how absurd when we conclude that our ability to take care of things is greater then God's power to do so. Yet that is exactly what anxiety cause us to do, over and over again.

So cast your anxieties upon the Lord BY CHANGING YOUR FOCUS from caring about yourself to realizing HE CARES FOR YOU. And he can do a much better job of it than you can.

Say it out loud to yourself and watch the cords begin to break away from your mind - "HE CARE FOR ME!" Say it over and over, in any anxious moment, and God will bless you with a care free mind and a liberated life.

So, What's in a Name?

2010-01-25T07:14:00.000-08:00

"And the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah." (Ezra 10:26 KJV)

This verse is buried twenty-six lines deep in the midst of a long list of hard-to-pronounce names. Very few people would bother reading it. You can see that seven names are listed; a father and his six sons. However, nothing is said about them - who they were, what they did, how their lives mattered. Nothing, just their names. But names are important. Your name defines you, and "a good name is to be desired above great riches." (Proverbs 22:1)

So lets examine this verse of Scripture more closely. Here are the meanings of each of these names according to Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, the Easton Bibles Dictionary, and the Hitchcock Bible Names Dictionary, I think that the meaning of each of these names is worthy of our consideration.

Elam - a secret hidden by distance in the highlands
Mattaniah - the gift of hope from the Lord; the hope laid up in heaven
Zechariah - The renowned Lord has remembered
Jehiel - God's life will be seen in me
Abdi - serviceable, servant of the Lord
Jeremoth - elevations; uplifted beyond the fear of death
Eliah - The Mighty God, the Lord who works in wonder and power

Putting the meaning of these several names together in one continuous thought produces the following treasure:

"There was a secret hidden in the heavens, far away from the sight of man. It was a gift of hope, laid up in heaven for us by the Lord. At the perfect moment, in the fullness of time, the Lord remembered the gift and brought it forth for us to have and to behold. Because of this His name is now renowned throughout the whole earth. His life has now been made manifest in and through us, making us useful unto every good word and work, and lifting us far above the power of sin and death, He is the mighty God, who works wonders of love by His great power."

So, the next time your whizzing through your devotions and speed reading the Bible on your way to a place called "I've Got To Finish My Devotions So I Can Hurry Up and Get There", take a break. Spend some "Selah" time. Slow down and read God's Word with an inquisitive mind, a curious mind, a curious soul and an investigative hunger. You might just stumble upon a buried treasure or two.

(Adapted from a devotion by James Ryle)

WHAT DOES GOD HAVE TO SAY ABOUT US?

2010-01-03T16:02:00.000-08:00

I AM WHO GOD SAYS I AM!

I am a NEW creature in Christ! - 2 Corinthians 5:17

I am DELIVERED from the powers of darkness! - Colossians 1:13

I am MORE than a conqueror! - Romans 8:87

I am BLESSED with ALL spiritual blessings in Christ! - Ephesians 1:3

I am a ROYAL priesthood, a CHOSEN generation, a HOLY nation! - 1 Peter 2:9

I HAVE WHAT GOD SAYS I HAVE!

I have a NEW NAME! - Isaiah 62:2

I have LIFE! - 1 John 5:12

I have LIGHT! - John 8:12

I have LIBERTY! - 2 Corinthians 3:17

I have JOY! - John 15:11

I have HEALING! - 1 Peter 2:24

I have PARDON from my sins!- 1 John 1:7

I have PEACE! - Romans 5:1

I have POWER! - Luke 10:19

I have PROVISION! - Philippians 4:19

I CAN DO WHAT GOD SAYS I CAN DO!

I can do ALL things! - Philippians 4:13

I can DO the works of Jesus Christ! - John 14:12

I can OVERCOME the world! - 1 John 5:4-5

I can SEE my family saved! - Acts 16:31

I can be in HEALTH and I can PROSPER! - 3 John 2

ADVENT

2009-12-06T15:33:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday was the first Sunday of "ADVENT." The word Advent refers to the birth of the Christ child. The focus of the entire season of Advent is the celebration of His coming to earth, as a baby, and our waiting for the return of Christ the King in his second Advent. So, Advent is far more than simply marking an event in history. It is celebrating the truth of God; the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to the Father. That is a process in which we participate when we accept Christ as our Savior. When you read Scriptures for Advent, they should reflect not only about His birth, but also on His Second coming, and should include Scriptures that deal with forgiveness for sin, accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on unforgiven sin, and the hope of eternal life.

In this dual focus on past and future, Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey that individuals and congregations take, as they affirm that Christ has come to them, that He is present in the world today, and that He will one day return in power to set up His kingdom. That understanding and acknowledgment provides a basis for Kingdom ethics, ie., for holy living arising from a profound sense that we live "between the times" and are called to be faithful stewards of what is entrusted to us as God's people. So, as we in the church celebrate what we call the Incarnation, and anticipate a future consummation to that history for which "all creation is groaning awaiting its redemption," it also confesses its own responsibility as a people commissioned to not only "love the Lord your God with all your heart" but, also to "love your neighbor as yourself", by sharing about the saving Grace that Jesus Christ has given so freely to everyone that will accept it.

May GOD truly bless YOU this Advent Season!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! AGAIN!!!

2009-12-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

Well, what did you do for THANKSGIVING this year? Did you TRULY give thanks for ALL the blessings you enjoy? I can hear some now as they say "BAH, HUMBUG! I don't have ANYTHING to be thankful for." There are those that like to sing those old favorites: Gloom, despair, and agony on me...." And let's not forget: "The bills are all due and the baby needs shoes, and I'm busted....."

We forget what the Apostle Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:18; "In everything give THANKS: for this IS the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." As we DO what the Word of God teaches us, it allows the Holy Spirit to work the Word of God in our lives.

Now, God did not say that we should give thanks FOR everything, but that it should be given IN everything. There IS a difference. We heard a testimony last week of how, even though a man had lost his job, as he and his wife put God first in their lives, and trusted Him as their SOURCE, they had more money in the bank than ever before.

That is how God works. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus said: "Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and ALL these things shall be added unto you." David writes in the Psalms that we are to give thanks in the congregation. As we all God to bless us, we can build other people's faith by "the word of our testimony."

Dee and I went to Palatka, Florida to spend Thanksgiving with her oldest sister. We didn't really have the extra money for the trip, as she is out of work for a month, but we felt that it was God's will for us to go. On Thanksgiving Day, we were able to introduce our nephew's wife to Christ. She told us that she was lost, and headed for hell. We shared some simple Scriptures with her, and led her to Christ. See, as we did what we believed God wanted us to do, we got blessed. Oh, by the way, God supplied what was spent on the trip!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

2009-11-22T11:53:00.000-08:00

One of Andre' Crouch's songs, "TO GOD BE THE GLORY" starts, "How can I say Thanks for the things you have done for me, things so undeserved, yet you gave to prove your love for me..."

Well, we are going to give THANKS to God for ALL He has done for us. We sing, look at the Word, and have a time of GIVING OF THANKS.

I would like to challenge you to think of something God has done for you THIS YEAR, and proclaim it during the service.

We are told by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1 that "....Supplications, prayers, intercessions AND GIVING OF THANKS, be made for all men." Over and over, God asks, no COMMANDS us to GIVE THANKS with a GRATEFUL HEART. King David tells us to give thanks in the congregation.

So, we MUST thank God for His goodness, and not only with THANKSGIVING, but with PRAISE as well. So, as we worship today, and prepare our hearts for this special day called THANKSGIVING, let us make the giving of thanks a part of our DAILY lives, and NOT just once per year!

My prayer for you this Thanksgiving in 2009 is that you be BLESSED, and that you be able to share your blessings with another brother or sister.

Worship God

2009-11-20T06:28:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING??, well, what about it?

I want to talk about the GIVING of THANKS.

Why do we celebrate THANKSGIVING? For most, it is just a time where they can get together with family or friends, and gorge themselves on turkey, dressing, etc., and sit around and watch football and/or sleep.

But, why do WE celebrate THANKSGIVING? Are we like all the rest of America? Are we part of the problem? Or are we willing to be part of the solution?

What do I mean by these questions? I'll tell you. We in America are STILL among the most blessed on the earth. Oh, sure, we have serious problems here, unemployment, high prices, etc, and we have had devastating weather problems, but, all in all, we have been, and are BLESSED!

People literally give their lives trying to get to America, because no matter how bad it is here, it is better than most of the world. The apostle Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 2:1, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and GIVING OF THANKS, be made for all men."

Today is the designated day for Veteran's Day Sunday in America. We have men and women giving their lives around the world so we can remain a free people. this past week, 13 men and women lost their lives in a place called Fort Hood Texas. They were preparing to go to Iraq and Afghanistan, for us.

We need to PRAY for these brothers and sisters, WITH THANKSGIVING. They were put to death by a man that was taught that IF he killed these people, he would be assured of a place in his heaven.

We MUST set about to DO what the Word tells us to do . That includes praying for ALL the church, and also doing what we can for others here. Let's get in the spirit of THANKSGIVING, and allow God to use us this year to bless others!