June 17 2024
From Turning Point Ministries
A Fascinating Few: Mordecai
For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen. Esther 10:3
One of the most familiar verses from the Old Testament is Esther 4:14—the words of Mordecai to his young cousin, Esther: “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” The older Mordecai had served as mentor and counselor to Esther, guiding her into the queenship in Persia where the Jews had been taken into captivity. Esther’s influence on the king saved the Jews from destruction. While Mordecai’s words applied to Esther, they could easily apply to Mordecai as well. Without his guidance and counsel to Esther, the plan to save the Jews would not have happened.
The story of Esther and Mordecai is an example of trusting in the providence and protection of God—a story of doing the next right thing and trusting God for the results. Mordecai’s courage and counsel resulted in the deliverance of the Jews in Persia.
We make plans, but the Lord determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9). Like Mordecai, we are called to be wise and brave—and faithful.
God does not give us everything we want. But He does fulfill His promises, leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
June 1st 2024
Excitement
Luke was a physician during New Testament times who basically gave up his career to be a follower of Jesus. He is credited for writing both Luke and Acts. Luke records the birth and life of Jesus and Acts records the emergence of the early church.
That was an exciting time for followers of Christ and the excitement was infectious. Acts 2 records the events of the Day of Pentecost (the indwelling of the promised Holy Spirit) and an explosion of the preaching of the gospel began. The Bible records that on that day, about 3,000 souls received Christ and they too were indwelled with the Holy Spirit. What A Day!
However, do we sometimes forget that when we trust Jesus as our Savior, that same promised Holy Spirit enters our hearts as well? In addition, we have the privilege of the written word at our fingertips. I’ve often heard it said, “wouldn’t it be nice if babies came with an instructional manual?” Actually, they do; it’s the Bible.
God gave those early believers power, strength and peace to spread the gospel. They had walked with Jesus, personally, and could testify to what they believed was indeed true. If the Holy Spirit lives within us, how do we draw from that power? We make time to study the Bible, pray, worship with other believers, and do our best to live a life in obedience to Him. We don’t have to fear the “what ifs.” Philippians 4:6-7 says “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus.”
If you are not a Believer of Jesus Christ, you can be. The Holy Spirit can indwell in your heart too. Romans 10: 9-10 says, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Have you given your heart to Him?
May 15 2024
From the Wisdom of Turning Point Ministries
God Knows
Therefore do not be like (the unbelievers). For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. Matthew 6:8
You observe your child working diligently to put together a wooden puzzle—with growing frustration. But you don’t say anything. Finally, she turns to you and asks for help. You take the opportunity to remind her of your love for her and your willingness to help her with anything she might need. Then, together, you both complete her puzzle.
People often ask, “if God already knows what we need, why do we have to pray and ask Him?” First, Jesus revealed the truth about God’s knowledge of our needs to warn His followers about going on and on in prayer—thinking we have to impress God with our many words (Matthew 6:7). Instead, he gave them a short prayer to pray as an illustration (Matthew 6:9-13). As that prayer indicates, Jesus wants us to come to God as “Our Father” –like a child who asks her father for help. God knows our needs but wants to enjoy our relationship of trust in Him, trust that is built through the conversation we call prayer.
Right now, God knows your every need. He is waiting for you to come and talk to Him.
May 3 2024
Sharing The Gospel
Christian author James Kennedy conducted research surveys to determine why Christians don’t share their faith. He hypothesized that the primary reasons would be that they were afraid of rejection and they felt ill equipped to share. To his astonishment those were not even in the top ten. The overwhelming #1 reason was because of their lifestyles. Is that not a sobering thought? They shared that they were afraid that others would see more of the world in their lifestyles than Jesus.
If we ask ourselves that question, how would we answer? If our answer is the same, how can we turn that around?
1) II Timothy 2:15 tells us to study to show ourselves approved. We need to remember that our eyes and ears are tuned to whatever holds our hearts and minds. We have God’s Instructional Book at our fingertips. We must prioritize time to read and learn what is in His Word. If you don’t know where to look, topics in a concordance can direct you to a wealth of scriptures. Our world is full of self-help books, but anything in opposition to the Word of God will lead us down the wrong path.
2) Ephesians 1:13 tells us when we trust Jesus as our personal Savior, we become sealed with the Holy Spirit. We’ve Got the Power! The Word leads us to a knowledge of the power that we, as Believers, already possess.
3) Philippians 4:6-7 assures us that we can take anything to our Lord. When we seek His will, with a clean heart, He will hear and give us peace. When we go before His throne, in prayer, the counsel is far beyond any human wisdom.
What do you see when you look at our world today? I see a people who need the saving power of Jesus. We are human and none of us are perfect, but let’s strive to live a life where others see and desire what we have; the redemptive salvation that can only come from Jesus.
If you would like to speak to someone about how to be saved, please call our church office at 575-356-4501.
April 15 2024
From the Wisdom of InTouch Ministries
Deuteronomy 31:1-30
Isaiah 43:1
Judges 16:1-311
Judges 17:1-13
How are you helping others know the Lord you love?
What a life Moses lived! By Pharaoh’s decree, he should have been killed at birth. Instead, thanks to God’s intervention and the faithful disobedience of the midwives and Moses’ mother and sister, the future leader didn’t just survive, he was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised as a prince. Then his story took another turn: Moses himself chose faithful disobedience, siding with his countrymen and fighting against Pharaoh for their liberation from slavery. Later, after decades of wandering in the wilderness, Israel’s sojourn was nearly at an end-and so were Moses’ days on earth. His life story, though spectacular, was never simply about him, it was about intergenerational faith in God.
Before Joshua was commissioned as the new leader, Moses recorded the book of the Law so it could regularly be read to the people; he also wrote down a song that would echo in their hearts and minds for generations. As a result, Israelites who never met Moses would know the God who went before them and to whom they belonged.
Wherever you are in your life or ministry-starting out, midway, or wrapping up your work-do you remember the God who says, “I have called you by name; you are Mine!”
Are you both receiving and passing down His blessings?
April 3 2024
Are You Walking in Favor of God?
In Genesis 6:5-8 we read that Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord in the midst of wickedness in the hearts of man. What does favor of God look like? We have His approval, support, provision, acceptance, energy, joy, and the list could go on and on. Do you see evidence of that grace in your life? Does your daily lifestyle reflect the favor of God? Think of the three C’s. . . . . .does your conversation, your character, your conduct reflect a godly lifestyle?
Listening to God takes a walk of faith and continual practice. Psalm 32: 8, 9 tells us that He will instruct and teach us the way that we should go. So, how do we learn to identify His voice? The following principles can help you identify and act upon His will:
1) God’s voice will always be consistent with the scripture – if something is in conflict with God’s word, you can rest assured that it is not of God.
2) God’s voice may conflict with human reasoning – Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us that His ways are not our ways.
3) God’s voice will conflict with any fleshly sinful desires – James 1:14-15 warns of the dangers of our sinful desires.
4) God’s voice may at times challenge our faith – James 1:3 teaches that the testing of our faith produces patience.
5) God’s voice may call for courage - Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us to be strong and courageous because our God will go with us and not leave or forsake us.
Getting in the Word and Prayer are two key elements to show us His will in our lives. How’s your prayer life? How much time do you spend reading His word?
If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Savior, you can. Please contact our church and we can help guide you to that lifechanging decision.
March 15 2024
From the Wisdom of Dr. Charles Stanley
Is It Possible to Have Unshakable Peace?
We live in a world with so many causes for anxiety all about us but the answer is, yes. The key to experiencing that unshakable peace is found in this passage.
Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7
Two Kinds of Peace
When we think about peace, you and I receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, and that decision ends the opposition between God and ourselves. He forgives us of our sins and saves us. He places us into his family. The war is over and we have become His children, no longer His enemies.
But after you and I become children of God. We still have to live in this world full of anxieties, fears, and frustrations. The Bible talks about the peace of God that surpasses all human understanding. The peace that God gives is a peace that is not determined by circumstances.
The peace of God isn’t something that you and I are brought into through some change of circumstance. Neither is it a matter of chance or of luck. It is a matter of choice.
The peace of God dwelling and ruling in our heart and mind in an unshakable fashion is a choice we make. Unshakable peace means that it is sturdy and strong. It is unflinching and unwavering. No matter what happens that peace remains and we are confident and steadfast. We are not thrown off balance no matter what we face in life.
If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Savior, we would be happy to visit with you and show you how you too can become a child of God.
March 2024
The Source of Your Strength
What is the source of your strength? Do you exercise daily? Do you have healthy eating habits? Those things are great habits to practice, but when life throws you a curve ball, where do you turn? Do you ever feel like you are having a “power outage?” If you’ve given your heart to Jesus, you have a 24/7 power source. Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:3,4 that God has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. 2 Corinthians 1:20 tells us God’s promises are true. . . . .He NEVER out-promises Himself.
How do we download this power? According to Dr. David Jeremiah, incorporating the following strategies allows a believer to draw from His strength.
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Analyze – take an honest inventory of where you struggle the most? Write them down. This is between you and God. Don’t go crazy, just list 3-5 primary struggles.
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Personalize – build a customized treasure of verses that speak to each of the issues you’re facing. As you read the Bible more deeply and frequently, your list will grow. Write them down.
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Memorize – this makes the Bible completely portable at any time. Once we get it in our hard drive, the Holy Spirit can draw from it.
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Verbalize, Speak, and Share – Share the promises you claim. Let your problems know that your problems are no match for God.
Have you ever heard that married couples who live together long enough start looking alike. This isn’t just a myth. Scientists say the emotional interactions within a marriage can create similar complexions. Also, couples tend to imitate each other’s habits and body language. Romans 8:29 tells us that through His grace, we become conformed to the image of His Son. How would our world look different if we were so immersed in the Word and our relationship with Christ that we begin to look like Him?
February 2024
Seven Habits to a Godly Life
Steven Covey authored a popular book for an effective life in the workplace entitled 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It is based on timeless principles involving fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity.
As Believers, what habits can we practice that lead to a Godly life?
Life of Prayer – Hebrews 4:16 says “Let us therefore come boldy to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Trust or Faith - Build an intimate relationship with God. If we place our trust in Him, He will guide our paths. Proverbs 3:5
Meditation on the Word of God – Our guide book is the inspired Word of God. Joshua 1:8
Obey God – John 15: 10-11 tells us that if we keep His commandments, we will abide in His love and His joy will remain in us.
Dependance Upon the Holy Spirit – As Believers, when we sin, we choose to sin against the indwelling of God. The Holy Spirit lives within us. 2 Timothy 1:14
Giving to God and Others – Our time, our talents, our possessions all belong to God. We honor him by our willingness to use them and give back what He has equipped us to do. James 1:17
Forgiving Other People – This often becomes difficult because we live in a fallen world. Ephesians 4:30-32 Tells us that we are to forgive others even as God in Christ forgave us.
Continuous practice can help us develop Godly habits that will lead us on the paths of righteousness.
