LET’S CELEBRATE

The Christian life that is joyless is a discredit to God and a disgrace to itself. -Babcock

Psalm 30:5, For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

This afternoon, we will be celebrating a milestone at Calvary. We recently paid the mortgage off and we are having a “Burn the Note Service.” I have no idea how it’s going to go because I have never been in one before. What I intend to make sure happens is that God will get all of the glory of what has transpired over the past 5 years and 11 months I have been at Calvary. He has done some wonderful things and most especially I have seen Him save some souls.

So, around 2pm today, we will be singing, shouting, preaching, and absolutely we will be doing some eating! You see, it’s time to celebrate what God has done in and through His people! Will you rejoice with us! Will you praise His name for what He has done, is doing, and will continue to do as Calvary seeks to honor and glorify Him? To God be the Glory!

FINISH LINE IN VIEW

Setting our eyes toward Heaven gives us a renewed perspective that keeps our lives in focus to what matters most.

2 Timothy 4:7, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Paul was at the end of his life. Looking back, he reflected on how he lived his life. He fought the good fight until the end by keeping the faith. His faith was not in the thing of this world but Heavenly things; those things that mattered most. All of that was centered around his faith.

As you and I approach our finish line of this life, let us keep our eyes toward Heaven; reflecting on our past long enough to express what matters most—our faith in the finished work of our Saviour Jesus Christ.  

EVER AVAILABLE

God may not always answer prayers, but he always answers people. -Anonymous

Luke 11:9, And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

I am glad we have access to our Heavenly Father! We can go before Him at any time or any place. We can come to Him with sincere questions about life. We can plead our case before Him. We can praise His name. We can just say thank you. No matter what, we have complete and total access to the Lord! What a joy it is to know we can call out to Him in our midnight hours and He is there!

What’s on your heart this morning? Have you gone to the Lord in prayer? Hey friend, He is ever available for you and I to call out to Him with what’s on our mind! Don’t hesitate!

FIRST ON THE SCENE

As I see First Responders running toward catastrophe after catastrophe, I am reminded that my Saviour, before the foundations of the world, had the means of man’s salvation already in place.

Galatians 4:4-5, But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Recently, a portion of a high-rise building collapsed in Florida. Over one hundred people are feared to be dead. As I have been watching the news, I see First Responder after first responder working to see if they can find just one person alive. They are moving concrete from the pile of rubble, piece by piece, so that if someone is alive; they will not be injured or even killed during the excavation process. What an amazing thought that someone would go to these lengths to recue even just one soul is amazing! Man, what sacrifice!

Friend, there is One that gave His life so that you and I might live eternally! He gave His life so that you and I could be redeemed from impending peril; an eternity in hell. Talking about a First Responder! Jesus gave His life for us before the foundations of the earth is phenomenal to me!

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE IT

The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it. -Bryce

Hebrews 10:7, Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

There are many references in the New Testament referencing the Old. They are there to give clarity on what was once a mystery. They are there to reinforce what God has already said. They are there to give you and I something we can chew on as we read, study, and meditate.

Do you have a heart to learn the Bible? The things we take away from it are unmeasurable and there’s nothing like it!

MONDAY, OH IT’S MONDAY

We have to live but one day at a time, but we are living for eternity in that one day. -Anonymous

Psalm 90:12, So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Oh, the dreaded Monday is upon us again. The first day of the work week. This first day, for some, a week of sweat, blood, and tears. Why do we dread the Monday so much? I believe we aren’t looking at Mondays the way God desires us to look at it.

I believe the Lord would have us to look at Monday as another day to serve Him. Another day to serve others. Another day to exalt His name among the lost, dying and hurting world.

How are you going to face today; with the dread of the first day of the week or with the hope of seeing someone come to Christ?

DON’T GIVE UP

Don’t quit now, there is victory just around the corner.

2 Timothy 4:7-8, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

            It was a stormy night in Birmingham, England, and Hudson Taylor was to speak at a meeting at the Severn Street schoolroom. His hostess assured him that nobody would attend on such a stormy night, but Taylor insisted on going. "I must go even if there is no one but the doorkeeper." Less than a dozen people showed up, but the meeting was marked with unusual spiritual power. Half of those present either became missionaries or gave their children as missionaries; and the rest were faithful supporters of the China Inland Mission for years to come.- W. Wiersbe

            You want to see victory in your family; on your job; with your children? Friend, remain faithful! Don’t give up, give in, or quit! Look at what Paul was gaining even in his death; crowns to lay at Christ Jesus Feet! Victory is just around the corner; PRESS ON!

ANGER NOT

            A lady once came to Billy Sunday and tried to rationalize her angry outbursts. "There's nothing wrong with losing my temper," she said. "I blow up, and then it's all over."

            "So does a shotgun," Sunday replied, "and look at the damage it leaves behind!"        

Proverbs 16:32, He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Three major causes of anger are: Fear, Frustration, Hurt/Pain

            Fear coming from unknown lab results, job applications, unsettled relationships, etc. Frustration coming from- more month than money, co-workers, bosses, broken down vehicles, etc. Hurt or pain coming from former friends, family, etc.

How do we deal with anger?

1.         Trust- Proverbs 3:5-7, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

2.         Confess- Talk things over with those who you are frustrated with.

            James 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

3.         Forgive- Ephesians 4:30-32, And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

            Hey friend, either you will be lords over your anger or your anger will rule your life! So, Anger Not!

JUST FORGIVE

"I can forgive, but I cannot forget," is only another way of saying, "I cannot forgive." -Beecher

Ephesians 4:32, And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

There are many people that are harboring anger against former friends and family members. Harboring that anger only prevents those people from walking in the joy of the Lord. They would rather be miserable and make life a living torment for others rather than to forgive those who have done them wrong.

I was once asked, “How can you forgive that person.” I said, “If my Heavenly Father can forgive me for all the things I’ve done to Him, why should I not forgive that one that has hurt me?”

Friend, just forgive! Quit living a life of regret and rejoice in the life God has given you!

WHAT’S THAT MEAN

It shouldn’t be Greek to the Christian.

Psalm 1:1-3, Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Many Christians do the bare minimum to get by. They show up for Sunday morning service and the rest of the week they are MIA. They’re not reading their Bible, studying a Biblical topic, coming to Sunday Evening or heaven forbid they show up on a Wednesday. Then they wonder why they are so anemic when it comes to the things of the Lord. They wonder why their kids have gone the way of the world.

Hey friend, you don’t have to learn Greek to understand the Bible! All you have to be is a student of the Word! Get in it! Dig deep! Learn about Who Jesus is, what He has done for you, and what Heaven going to be like! It’s worth it when you see the victories in your life! Then you won’t be wondering when the pastor is preaching on Sunday morning, “What’s that mean???”

SOMETHING GREAT

The greatest of all miracles is the salvation of a soul. –Spurgeon

Psalm 96:3, “Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.”

“But the greatest of all miracles was when my Jesus saved me…” That’s how the song goes and it is so true! When I think of what I was and where I could be right know, I wonder, “Lord why would you save a wretched soul like me?” And then I am reminded it has nothing to do with me but all to do about Him. His love, His mercy, His grace, and on and on!

Let’s be reminded of His love toward us this morning. Let’s praise His name for it, because it’s something great! Psalm 118:21, “I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.”

HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL

The Church lives on!

Matthew 16:18, And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Though he may ravage this body of death; though he may cause havoc inside the walls, though he may have some of his henchmen slay my body; we, the church of the living God, we will never be defeated by Satan and his cohorts.

Child of God, don’t loose hope! Don’t worry about this life! Don’t quit serving God! Keep on, keeping on because Hell shall not prevail!

A LISTENING LORD

He hears your prayers if you have a clean heart!

Psalm 66:15-20, Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

Who does God hear? He hears the prayers of those with righteous heart.

What make a righteous heart? Confession of sin. An individual who has been washed in the Blood of the Lamb. The one who has repented and trusted Jesus Christ as Saviour and is walking in His will.

Do you want God to hear your prayers; keep slate clean!

            James 5:16, The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Do you want God to answer your prayers; stay in His will!

            John 9:31, Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.       

            Child of God, The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

            When you pray, do you want a listening Lord to hear your prayers? If you do, then keep a clean slate and stay in His will!

LIVE FOREVER

Those in Christ will live forever.

John 3:36, He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

I was talking to someone today and he said, “When we get to Heaven; folk are going to realize how good we had it down here.” I responded, “Not everyone is going to Heaven. So, some folk will no ever know how good Heaven is going be.”

It’s sad to know that some people believe everyone is going to Heaven. The Bible is very clear; those who repent and trust Jesus Christ as Saviour will be in Heaven forever. They will be living forever! Those who don’t will be in hell, dying forever!

If you were to die today, would you live forever or would you be dying forever? The choice is yours today!

BELIEVE AND REPENT

Jesus Christ is light to the eye, honey to the taste, music to the ear, joy to the heart. -Spurgeon

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Many add to Romans 10:13 and other verses making salvation something it isn’t. They explain away the simplicity of the Gospel. They refuse to believe that it can be as easy as taking God at His Word.

Friend, if you want to be saved, then repent of your sin and trust Jesus Christ as your Saviour. Let Jesus be the ruler of your life or your life will be in ruin.

AVOID HELL

“The safest road to hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”- C.S Lewis

Luke 16:23, And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

The rich man had everything he needed in life; fine clothes, fancy diners, and servants to do his dirty work. Lazarus didn’t have anything. He just wanted the crumbs from the rich man’s table. Instead of heeding to God’s Word while he was alive, the rich man rejected the Truth, ending up in hell. Lazarus heeded the Word, ending up in Heaven.

Friend, you can avoid Hell by trusting Jesus Christ to be your Saviour! Will you believe today?

            Acts 16:31, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

There is no greater day every week than a Sunday in church, worshipping our Saviour!

Psalm 86:9, All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

Sure, we can worship the Lord anywhere and at any time but God has commanded us to join together to worship the Lord. It’s not man’s plan. It is by God’s design that He desires us to come together to worship Him in Spirit and Truth.

It’s Sunday friend! GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH! Don’t sleep in! Don’t mow the yard! Don’t go to the lake! Don’t do anything but go to Sunday Worship!

CONTINUAL PRAISE

Why should we go reeling and staggering under the burdens and cares of life when we have such prospects before us?  If there is nothing but glory beyond, our faces ought to shine brightly all the time. - D.L. Moody

Psalm 33:1, Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

Our Saviour has provided a lot to keep us praising Him for the rest of our lives. I’m not going to take the time to name any reasons this morning. I want you to listen to this link: https://youtu.be/FIsaDvbPgXw

Then reflect and begin to praise Him for all He’s done!

WHAT DO YOU FEAR?

It is shocking to reflect that a change in the weather has more effect on some men's lives than the dread alternative of heaven or hell. -Spurgeon

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

The thought of Hell to some people doesn’t even make them flinch. They have no concern or even care. They do not have a Biblical understanding that Hell is real and that one day, if they have not repented and trusted Jesus as Saviour, they will be eternally cast into Hell. The dreaded place that Paul described as a place of “… everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power.”

Do you fear the Lord enough that you fear Hell? Death is coming friend. You might want to consider your life in light of the Gospel.

WORDS MATTER

You cannot stop people's tongues, and therefore the best thing to do is to stop your own ears and never mind what is spoken. -Spurgeon

Proverbs 25:11 - A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

With the average person speaking over 100 words per minute, it is needless to say that words are important and we need to use them wisely. As we look to Christ Jesus as our example, we should always use our words to exalt, exhort, and exemplify His grace! As we do that we will be exhorting, praying, loving, greeting, forgiving, forbearing, teaching, admonishing, edifying, considering, and comforting one another in order to see them come to Christ or continue in Him.

This morning, ask the Lord to give you an opportunity to share the right words with the right people at the right time because words matter!