Comfort for the Troubled Heart
2 Corinthians 1:3-7

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.”
Today is another blessed day for you and me! Blessed by our Heavenly Father to engage whatever today brings with His gifts of endurance, comfort and love. For many of you, today may be difficult and cause your heart to be troubled. You may have woke up this morning with little hope – clinging to the small amount of faith that today will bring the very thing you need to break the chains that are causing your troubled heart. Right now you are hoping and praying for a small measure of comfort in the midst of your trials. Your help comes from the Lord today! He promises that as His followers face life’s challenges and troubles, He will comfort all of our troubles and use them to comfort others who face similar troubles. God not only loves and cares for you and offers His comfort to you but He cares for others and gives you opportunities to share His comfort with others. Jesus also said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). As you come to Him today, remember Christ’s sufferings on your behalf… His agony and pain of love for you: Christ’s compassion for what you’re going through; His longing for you to recognize His care and Truth regarding your troubles; He is constantly praying for and in your presence; and He is longsuffering in His patient active waiting for your full reliance upon Him and His plan for your life today; Christ’ body was scourged and torn, nailed to a cross, was buried and rose from the dead. He did that for your salvation, comfort and endurance so that you can be freed from what troubles your heart today. What an amazing comfort is found in Christ! We truly have Good News to experience and proclaim to others today as we share in the suffering and victory in Christ’s sufferings. My prayer for you today is that you recognize God’s faithfulness in caring for you and can say like the Apostle Paul in 2 Cor. 4:8-9, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”

For others of you, today is full of hope, endurance, comfort and love even in the midst of your circumstances, trials and sufferings. We too have the same great gift to proclaim to others whom God brings into our life today. We recognize that God has brought us through our past troubles and has used them all to grow us up more into the image of Christ and for the furtherance of Kingdom of God.

Let me encourage each of you today with this, there is no trouble or person to whom God doesn’t care about. So, embrace your Heavenly Fathers’ compassion and comfort in whatever you are facing and help others by sharing your complete trust and assurance of God’s tender care for you and them. You are loved!

Pastor Dwayne

Influential Christian Women
2 Timothy 1:1-7

“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

Influence! We all have been influenced by someone in our lives; sometimes in positive ways and at times in negative ways. I am very fortunate in that I had a similar experience as Timothy in regards to the faith of a grandmother and mother having a tremendous influence upon my life too. In fact my grandparents and parents shared and demonstrated their faith in the Triune God to me throughout my life and that influence helped me understand the Gospel of God’s love, grace and forgiveness for me. I remember going to sleep with hymns, choruses and other songs and stories that proclaimed the Christian faith. From the crib until I left home, and even today, my mother and father made sure I knew the truths of God’s Word.

I believe that God uses Christian mothers and women to plant seeds of faith in the lives of their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews… that the Holy Spirit will use to bring many to a saving relationship with Christ. This is true for every woman, whether you are a mother or step-mother or you’re single or childless. Every Christian woman and mother has a significant influence upon their immediate and extended family’s children. And for all you men who are reading this… that is true for you too!

As a Christian woman and mother you are like Lois and Eunice from today’s scripture – you have a huge influence upon the children in your sphere of influence. So, I want to encourage you (and the men too) as you desire to capture the hearts of the children in your life for Christ, to train, equip and care for yourself in ways that benefit your family. A person of godly influence will work to keep themselves healthy, alert and well equipped for the work that God has laid before them. And by the way, it is never too late to share your faith. Whether your child is an infant, toddler, child, teenager or adult… all children need the Christian truth within you. They need to hear how God has changed and is leading your life through His love, grace and forgiveness which can be theirs too. It’s never too late to share Good News with your child or children of any age.

I want to encourage you today to be sensitive, supportive, sympathetic, straightforward with the children in your life, taking advantage of those spontaneous teachable moments, and at all times being led by the Holy Spirit. As a result God promises when they “...are old they will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6), and that He (God) “…will show His love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.” Exodus 20:6.

May we all grasp the spiritual heart of the children in our lives by sharing and demonstrating God’s saving message to them.

Pastor Dwayne

Follow U
Matthew 5:16

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

How’s your light shining today? A little dim or bright? Are the circumstances of your day or the Spirit within determining your brightness today? Are you reflecting the image of doubt, frustration, fear, worry, or are you reflecting the hope that you have in Christ… reflecting His image in the midst of your circumstance today? Did you know that when you reflect God’s love in everything, everywhere and with everyone that you honor God and give Him glory? So, how’s your light shining right now?

God’s plan, from the very beginning, is that through His Son we would get to know His love, grace and forgiveness. God made everything, and gave everything, so that we could know His love. So, today, right now, take a moment to recognize, acknowledge and experience God’s love. As you do, may the words of a song by Paul Baloche and Graham Kendrick, entitled, “What Can I do?” encourage you.

When I see the beauty of a sunset’s glory, amazing artistry across the evening sky, when I feel the mystery of a distant galaxy, it awes and humbles me to be loved by a God so high.
What can I do but thank You? What can I do but give my life to You? Hallelujah. Hallelujah. What can I do but praise You, every day make everything I do a hallelujah, a hallelujah, hallelujah?
When I hear the story of a God of mercy who shared humanity and suffered by our side, of the cross they nailed You to that could not hold You, now You’re making all things new by the power of Your risen life.
What can I do but thank You? What can I do but give my life to You? Hallelujah. Hallelujah. What can I do but praise You, every day make everything I do a hallelujah, a hallelujah, hallelujah?

God loves you and is with you! So, let your light shine and make today a Hallelujah!
Pastor Dwayne

Check out our Websites: www.bethelchurchbellflower.org and www.youtube.com/bethelchurch1

What Now?
Be His Witness & Cast the Seed
Luke 8:1-15

This week’s scripture a parable from Jesus about a Farmer who intentionally “went out” (to a field) to sow (broadcast indiscriminately) seed (the Word of God). The Word of God was cast (given) to everyone represented by: “path-people” who see the gift and refuse to believe God’s message and place their trust elsewhere; and “rock-people” who don’t reject God’s message but they just don’t get around to doing anything with it; and “thorn-people” who also don’t reject God’s message but become overwhelmed and chocked by worries and materialism and all the “what if’s”, that they just don’t have any room in their lives for God; and then there are the “good soil people” who in faith trust God for everything now and in the future – they are followers of Christ no matter what the cost or circumstance. The good-soil people are changed – their life, time, attitudes, behaviors, loving friends and enemies, seeking reconciliation, finances, control – in all things they are changing, being transformed. They have become farmers!!! The seed of God has taken root and is growing and bearing fruit. They have a testimony of God’s message which has to be sown – broadcast, scattered recklessly and indiscriminately!

Do you get the message? You are the “farmer” now and Christ is beckoning you to tell your story; how His message was sown in your heart and how it has made all the difference in your life. In fact Christ is giving you the freedom to scatter the seed everywhere. You don’t have to strategize, worry about when or where or how to scatter the seed because that’s all up to Him! All you have to do is intentionally go out into the fields you walk in everyday and begin sharing His seed of love, grace and forgiveness with everyone and let God take care of the rest.

So let me encourage you to receive God’s Word, go out into your fields and in faith recklessly scatter God’s Word, and then trust Him for the results! Watch the miracle of God’s Word grow and transform lives – including yours!

Make a difference in someone’s life today. Be God’s witness and cast the seed!
Pastor Dwayne

Receive God's Power
2 Peter 1:3-4

Do you ever feel like you just don't have the power to change anything about your life? You try and try and you keep coming up short. You want to change the things that seem to be control your thoughts, emotions and behaviors but you just don't have the power to do it yourself.

Well, you're not alone. I have the same difficulty and what I've learned is that I, and all humans, don't have the resources to make long term corrections on our own. You see our created image has been corrupted by evil and we cannot enhance, grow or change our image on our own. We just don't have the power naturally for that kind of change. However, according verse 3 of this week's passage there is power which can transform or to grow or change and it comes from God. God supplies everything you need for life and godliness; and it is God's power that is the only power that can change or transform anyone. God's power, not yours or my efforts, can transform character. And when your character is changed your behavior and attitudes follow. God's power has won the victory over your hurdles, temptations, attitudes, and behaviors.

I guess the question you need to answer today is: Do you believe God's Word? If you do believe God's promises, then verse 4 encourages us to join God by participating in the Divine Nature of God, so that you can escape the corruption in the world.

So let me encourage you to make a decision to trust God and join Him, knowing that the power of evil has been defeated by Christ's work. Trust in God's power to transform your fears into courage; to give you insight from a godly perspective for decisions you are facing. Receive God's power, step out in faith and act upon His Word. God will not bless in-action but He will bless all who will act upon His word and join Him in His work.

May God bless you today as you receive His power and act upon His word.

Pastor Dwayne

The Journey Home
At Home with God
Revelation 21:1-4; John 1:14

Are you ever awestruck with God? This past “passion week” I found myself awestruck once again by God’s love for me and His creation. As I was researching this week’s passages, I was drawn to the profound realization of John 1:14 & Revelation 21:3; that “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” and “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them.” That is extreme and amazing continual love! It is a love that cannot be contained or stopped; love that has you (and me) as its target – its purpose! I think that when you find yourself at home with God, you can become truly awestruck by God’s love for you through His grace, sacrifice and forgiveness. As a believer, you are no longer “of” the world - because something new has happened: you are a new creation and are on longer your own, but you belong, body and soul, to your faithful Savior Jesus Christ. You are at home with God, for Christ now dwells richly in your heart; it is no longer you who live but Christ who lives in you. You are also assured of life now and forever in a new heaven and new earth, where there is no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. The awesome work and power of God in the crucifixion and resurrection has changed your life forever!
THANK YOU GOD! You love me!
Now, what is my only comfort in life and in death? It is knowing that I am not my own but belong, body and soul, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. You, oh God have paid for my sin and set me free from the tyranny of the devil. I am no longer bound by my old nature but free from Satan’s power over me! You watch over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the your will. In fact, all things must work together for my salvation. I no longer need to fear the present nor the future because you Father are in charge and watch over me in all things; and you supply me with exactly what I stand in need of at just the right time. Because I belong to you, I am assured of my eternal salvation and life. That assurance makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for you. I trust you Lord! I am now and forever at Home with you God.
Let me encourage you today with… CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN… HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Make a difference in someone’s life today.

Pastor Dwayne

The Journey Home
The Provision of God
Acts 16:16-40

Today I want to encourage you with this good news: God is providing just what you stand in need of today! As you live your new life in this world with people who are lost and opposed to God, you will find that God supplies each believer and those who are lost, with just what each stands in need of, at just the right time. Like in this week’s passage God provides unexpected feasts, in unexpected places, with unexpected people, as divine appointments in which He reveals who He is to all persons involved. Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison and fastened to stocks but in the middle of the night, in a dark corner of an inner jail cell there is praying and singing – worship! Then God uses an earthquake (to free all the prisoners of their chains and locked doors) at just the right moment for His greater purpose. And then even more amazing is that the jailer throws a party for the prisoners! They were celebrating who God is and a shared fellowship in the bounty of God’s provision. God used the unexpected persecution, and dangers, in an unexpected place, with unexpected people, to change their lives forever.

Here’s the good news… what you may view as unforeseen setbacks of trials and/or persecution, God uses and supplies exactly what you need for each trial and persecution; and you too can confidently and joyfully pray and sing praises in worship, and experience an “earthquake” that frees you from whatever is binding you.

I want to encourage you to stop right now and quietly pray the Lord’s Prayer… and remember, God “gives us this day our daily bread” – that He is your source of everything that is good for today and He never stops providing. God is the only source of everything good and neither our work and worry nor our gifts can do us any good without God’s blessing. He is your provider, your source for everything and you can wholeheartedly, without reservation put your complete trust in Him alone. In fellowship with God you can share Him in fellowship with others… and your divine appointments will become the very thing they and you stand in need of at that moment.

During this Passion Week, may each of us remember, honor and celebrate God, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit for His profound provision of salvation, reconciliation and eternal life for each of us. You are loved now and forever!

Pastor Dwayne

The Journey Home
The Work of God… a place of New Birth
Acts 16:11-15

What’s on your “to do” list for today? There’s plenty of work to do and expectation to accomplish. Lydia, a gentile businesswoman in Philippi, and the apostle Paul both had their day’s plans changed as recounted in this week’s passage. Paul was looking for a place to pray and Lydia was hangin’ out with the girls. God was already at work and this divine appointment brought Paul’s and Lydia’s worlds together. As a result Lydia had her heart opened to gospel message and she responded in belief. Lydia’s life changed forever as she became the first in Philippi to be converted, baptized, and to open her house up for ministry. Her spheres of influence, as “a dealer in purple cloth”, would have reached the cultures passing through this trade route city, and the economic, social, business, political and gender strata’s in and around Philippi. She experienced a new birth; a new life in Christ and a partnership in God’s mission.

But whose work that day accomplished this new life? Lydia? Paul? Neither according to the Bible. It was all God… it is the work of God that brings regeneration (spiritual new birth) of the lost as a result of the expression of God’s love, grace, and forgiveness through the birth, life, death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. Conversion is God’s work, not theirs and not ours! The work of God, through Christ, reconciles and restores us into a personal and vital relationship Him.

God changes lives and He does it through revelation, atonement and transformation. According to His word, God constantly is revealing to creation that He IS, who He is, and what His purpose and plan is. In fact He is still revealing more of Himself to you throughout every day. His presence is constant and He is always with you. Both Lydia and Paul experienced God’s revelation in their divine appointment. God’s work of Atonement is accomplished through the work of Christ on the cross. Your sins are atoned for by Christ’s sacrificial death. He covered the cost – took on our penalty – paid the price so that you are reconciled to God. You stand before God – just, not because of your work but God’s in Christ Jesus. That is amazing love! God’s love, grace and forgiveness continues to be His work of Transformation… the dying-away of the old self and the coming-to-life of the new self. This new life in Christ brings a wholehearted JOY in God and a deep delight to do all God wants me to do. I can now focus on His will and no longer mine! Thus I am being transformed into the image of Christ, joyfully sharing and demonstrating this Good News with everyone.

My encouragement to you today is to ponder this amazing demonstration and offer of God’s love for you! You are loved and have a profoundly abundant life with God. Think about it!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5

Pastor Dwayne

The Journey Home
What is the Providence of God?… a place for Bonding
Acts 10:1-48

“My life is so full of interruptions and changes that I feel like everything is by chance!” Does that sound like something you experience? Does your life seem like it is out-of-control or constantly interrupted and controlled by others or circumstances? Nobody seems to have my best interest in mind and that no one cares about me!

In this week’s passage a story unfolds which gives another perspective on the interruptions of life and how our thinking about the reality of our life can be distorted. It describes the providence of God in action. This chapter in Acts tells the story of God’s activity, leading and divine appointments in the lives of the Apostle Peter, a Roman centurion by the name of Cornelius and their companions, family and friends. We see how God corrects the apostle’s misunderstanding about whom the gospel is intended for – the gospel is for all; for all sinners – everyone of all social classes, gender, “clean or unclean” – for everyone! In God’s providence, He interrupted every person in this story to bring them together at that time in space and He uses all things to work for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. In His providence this story didn’t happen by chance or coincidence. God used heavenly beings, the human minds and spirit, circumstances, visions, time and space and turned used these interruptions (divine appointments) as divine invitations to recognize His truth and love. The providence of God bonds us to God’s truth and communicates to us that the world and my life are not ruled by chance or fate, but by God!

The almighty and everlasting God preserves heaven, earth and my life; He upholds and rules over them, so that as believers we can have full confidence that God is caring for us in everything – in every circumstance or situation we find ourselves. God is present and providing the very we need, and is directing our past, present and future. So, whatever situation or worry or decision or celebration you find yourself in today, know that God is working. You can be patient in the midst of difficult times, thankful when things go well, and have good confidence in your faithful Heavenly Father that nothing will separate you from His love in Christ Jesus your Lord.

Let me encourage you this week with this: God, in His providence… loves and upholds your life – He intimately cares for you! Trust Him; walk with Him and join Him in what He is doing in you and through you to others.

Pastor Dwayne

The Journey Home
Who is this God?… a place of Faith and Belief
Acts 8:26-40

Have you ever had the opportunity to answer this question? Philip did when the Ethiopian eunuch asked him who Isaiah was writing about, himself or someone else. Philip took the very passage he was asking about and began to share the good news about Jesus Christ. He shared who God is and the eunuch, in faith, believed, was baptized and rejoiced. Oh the joy of being reborn and walking in the Lord for the rest of your life!

Each of us was or is like the Ethiopian, we are searching for something more in this life. The more we search in this world the more we are disappointed. But when we search in God’s Word, the Bible, and talk with believers, we begin to “see” and “hear” God revealing Himself to us. Like the Ethiopian our spiritual eyes and ears are opened and we recognize who God is and that He is calling us into a reconciled and personal relationship. We find ourselves at a place of faith and belief. That’s true for our initial faith and belief in God’s call upon us, and in the countless other points of faith and belief and trust throughout our journey with God. Today, you probably have already exercised your faith, shared your belief and trusted God more than once.

If you are struggling with any of these right now, then I’d ask that you stop and focus on who God is and place your faith in Him, believe He is so much more than who you understand Him to be, and place your trust in Him to supply you with exactly what you NEED at this very moment. The Ethiopian had a need and God supplied the answer with a divine appointment with a stranger named Philip. Philip shared the story of God’s love for him through Christ and encouraged him with the Truth. His life was changed forever and as a result the whole country of Ethiopia was opened up to the gospel.

God is the One and only Triune God who is and who willfully gave himself as a sacrifice for you and who is continually revealing Himself to you and through you. He is the Heavenly Father and our creation; He is the Son and our deliverance; He is the Holy Spirit and our sanctification. He is Love, which surpasses knowledge! May you be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God with His love.

This week remember who God is and place your faith and belief in Him. Now, to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Pastor Dwayne

The Journey Home
Discovering HOPE… seeing Hope
Acts 7:1-60

How has God revealed Himself to you today?

Take a moment to think over the day so far… can you recognize God’s activity in you or around you? Let me assure and encourage you… God has been active. His presence IS!

STOP what you’re doing and really consider these last few hours of God’s activity and yours. Have you connected God’s activity with yours? Did you recognize Him in the project you’re on or an acquaintance or friend or co-worker or student or circumstance, or a song or devotional or His Word in the Bible or in creation? God is revealing Himself every day and if we recognize Him, it is just what we needed to give us HOPE. Hope is there… can you see it in the midst of your day or circumstance?

In this week’s passage (Acts 7) Stephen is testifying to the religious leaders how God has revealed Himself throughout history in creation, the prophets, circumstances and Jesus Christ – but people refused to obey and follow God. As Stephen put it when he pointed to the Sanhedrin (and in application to you and me) and said, “…they were resisting the Holy Spirit.” My prayer is that we recognize the ministry of the Holy Spirit and support God’s work in and through us instead of resisting Him. May each of us recognize God’s activity, discover what He is doing, obey Him and join Him in His work.

Let me encourage you this week with this remember: God loves you and in His love and presence there you will discover HOPE! His love, compassion and faithfulness are new every morning of your life. Discover God’s activity and find HOPE!

Pastor Dwayne

The Journey Home
Where Strangers Meet… seeing Hope in others
Acts 6:1-7

Have you ever noticed how the Gospel of God care-fully reaches out and touches all people? God carefully reached out and touched you.

His Gospel of love, grace and forgiveness also carves out space where strangers can meet and safely interact together. Did you know that God brings strangers into your presence every day? Some are Believers and others are strangers to you and estranged from God. According to a study done by the “Natural Church Development” group, in the life of a Christian, the average contacts with non-Christians (those estranged from God) is 8.5. That means in your life God has already given you 8 relationships where you can share the good things that God is doing in your life. You can build an already existing relationship into a deeper friendship. Along the way the Holy Spirit will give you opportunities, as their friend, to answer their inquiries and concerns that immerge from their life’s experience. God will show them that there is HOPE for a life with love, forgiveness, and significance.

In this week’s passage we can see that God directed the apostles to share the Gospel of HOPE in practical ways by meeting the needs of the people in their local community of Jerusalem. Gender, politics, age, social status, ethnicity, financial position, strangers or believers, etc. did not matter; if they had a real need, God wanted His people to care for them unselfishly. In caring for their real needs a godly witness was being expressed, which also gave opportunities for personal conversations and testimonies of God’s care. We are told that this message infiltrated the entire city at every social, political and religious level. In caring for and having a relationship with the people God brought into their lives, the whole city was impacted, and eventually the world. You don’t have to change the entire world… it is enough just to touch those already in your spheres of influence! God will do the rest.

Let me encourage you with a challenge: This week… get to know an acquaintance a little better; look for a need someone has and reach out to help them; share with one of your friends something that God has done for you recently. Then let God do His work and join Him as He gives you opportunity.

Pastor Dwayne

The Journey Home
Cracks in the Facade… seeing myself as I am
Acts 4:32-5:16

Good morning! May today bring you love, peace, laughter and the Joy of the God!

Love is the deep unconditional affection for someone. We all long to be loved, accepted and cared for by someone who has our very best interest in their heart and expressions. Peace is the intellectual, emotional and spiritual sense of being secure that I’m safe in my life’s journey. It is the lack of war or a warring spirit between people, within a person and in the spiritual realm. Laughter is the expression that comes from seeing things and circumstances from a perspectives like contrast, irony or humor. Joy of the Lord is a delight in life that runs deeper than pain or pleasure. Joy is a gift of God, and like all of God’s other inner gifts it can be experienced even in the midst of extremely difficult circumstances.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of humanity had these four basis qualities and expressed them all the time to everyone? But alas there is evil in this world and it has infected all of us and as a result we find that we are corrupt and exist in the misery of the “emptiness of self-reliance.” We long for something that will fill and satisfy the emptiness we sense in our life. We even try to mask our misery in a façade of goodness and benevolence. We want to be seen as someone who is better than we are. Like Ananias and Sapphira who lied to God and try to deceive the Believers, their façade was hiding their self-reliance and expressing a persona of looking better than they really were. The truth is that we all struggle with putting on facades that mask our natural tendencies and temptations.

So, what is one to do in the face of this dilemma? According to scripture the first step is to Love… to have a deep unconditional passionate love for God and for our neighbor. In so doing we become obedient and God-reliant. Entwined in this love is the acknowledgment of seeing ourselves as we are from God’s perspective: we are wayward sinners whom He loves, and to whom He has been consistently revealing Himself, His purposes and His ways, and He has invited us into a love relationship with Him that is real and personal. God has made this possible because of Christ’s work on the cross, through the grave and in His resurrection… Christ’s work has ransomed and redeemed us, and has reconciled and restored us. God has and is offering this personal love relationship for all who will accept it. Many have accepted it and sadly many have not and they continue to wander in the misery of their emptiness as they sense that they are lost and long for the fulfillment of love, peace and joy.

The Good News is that God IS, and He loves! He loves you at this very moment whether you have accepted his love through Christ or not. His offer is real and His Love is unconditional and eternal, His Peace is now and forever, and His Joy permeates you completely which instills in you a Hope that will not disappoint.

Let me encourage you today to look for God’s activity around you and in you, and listen daily for His message of love for you. He has a purpose for you today… love Him and love others!

Pastor Dwayne

The Journey Home
Homeless in Bellflower… my journey seeking answers
Genesis 47:1-12 (Gen. 25-50)

What is your only comfort in this life and in death?, and… What must you know to experience (live and die in…) the joy of this comfort? (from the Heidelberg Catechism QA 1 & 2)

Last week we pondered the first question and said that the answer at Q1 is found by turning to God, and finding complete “comfort” in life and death, in being “home” in God.

This week’s passage describes part of the story of a biblical family’s experiences wandering “homeless” as foreigners. Jacob’s story and journey in seeking the answer to the above questions is found in chapters 25-50 of Genesis. I would encourage you to read this account of Jacob and his family’s search for “comfort in life and in death.” If you look, you’ll find that their search isn’t much different than yours. Each of us have experienced and also caused dissention with others in our search for significance and belonging.

Jacob, from his birth through his young adulthood was a manipulator, liar and thief. However, he did find that God was the answer to his search for comfort in life and death. He discovered that his relationship with God was essential to his life! It wasn’t easy, but he did find that he was HOME in God in the good times, in the tragedies, through family problems and in every circumstance. In this comfort he also experienced God’s blessing by witnessing his son Joseph demonstrating love, grace, forgiveness and care for Joseph’s brothers; to the very ones who meant to kill Joseph early in his life – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Gen. 50:20.

Each of us, as did Jacob and his sons, have experienced in our search for significance the dissention of lying, stealing, manipulation with siblings, parents, neighbors, or others. We have felt the wounds from others who betray, dissert, lie, manipulate, steal, abuse and commit so many more harmful acts upon us. But what we can come to realize is that God uses our experience to point us toward the answer to our search… to Him, through Jesus Christ. You and I can rejoice for God loves us, and is gracious, faithful and trustworthy to forgive us through the reconciling act of Jesus Christ our Savior.

So, what we must know to live and die in the joy of this comfort is to:
1. Recognize how great is my sin and misery… that without God I really am miserable.
2. Accept God’s gracious gift of deliverance from all my sin… He has set me free!
3. Respond in gratitude to God for such an act of love and deliverance… commit to His Lordship in being His ambassador of the Gospel.

I hope you are encouraged today and this week as you ponder who God is and what He has done for you in the past, in the present and for all the days ahead (eternity). You don’t have to be HOMELESS in Bellflower or where ever you live, because you can belong… belong to Christ and be assured by the Holy Spirit of life now and for eternity! Wow, that makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for Him! Does it you?

Pastor Dwayne

The Journey Home
Who Am I?… A Search for Significance
Acts 3:1-20

What is your only comfort in life and death? This question is the first question in the Heidelberg Catechism and I believe represents the fundamental question for all humans. Throughout human history every person has been on their own journey of discovery; a discovery to find out who I am, why I am and how do I survive. Have you ever searched for answers to questions similar to these? I believe this is a common fundamental search to find out if I am significant and if so, where do I belong? Each person recognizes in some fashion that they are spiritually wandering “homeless” and wondering what will fill the void they sense in their life. We search for “Home”, the place where we find significance, meaning, purpose and deliverance from the misery of being “Homeless.” In essence, in the life I am living and when I die, what will give me ultimate and complete comfort when all else fails? What we come to know, and many accept and experience, is that “Home” is realized only in a reconciled relationship God. That because of God’s love, grace, forgiveness and sacrifice, Believers are no longer their own, but belong body and soul, in life and in death to their faithful Savior Jesus Christ! That is their comfort… that is HOME in the presence of God and His indwelling Spirit.

Each of you reading this right now are in a circumstance unique to you. Some are in a very good place emotionally, physically, spiritually, socially, economically, etc., and others are in a very different place where life is extremely difficult - full of stress, anxiety and fear. You may find yourself, like the crippled beggar in today’s passage, wandering and wondering: “What is life all about anyway? Why me? Why here? Why now?” and thinking, “My life feels like it is crippled… full of tragedies, sorrow, and pain; well, maybe with a little happiness but with no real direction, fulfillment or purpose. I feel like my life is insignificant and everything I’ve tried has left me longing for more. I am barely surviving!” The handicapped beggar discovered that the answer to life’s questions in his circumstance wasn’t in worldly pursuits but received a spiritual miracle which changed his insignificance to significance and healed him completely, physically and spiritually. He was no longer “Homeless” and without “comfort” in his life.

So what made the difference in his search, his journey? Was it the physical healing; the changing of his circumstance? According to this passage the changing of our circumstance is not what makes the difference in a person’s life – it is “faith in the name of Jesus” that is the power to transform “Homelessness” and “misery” into being “Home” in the presence of God with complete significance as His child and full of joy. “In the name of Jesus” points to the One who has the power to make the difference. “Faith,” in today’s passage, is the confidence that Jesus Christ, not men or anything else had the power and authority to make such a difference in a life. This phrase is not a magic formula but it is an expression of one’s sincere faith and trust in Christ Himself as the One who gives our prayers their power!

My encouragement to you is that in whatever circumstance you find yourself in your search for significance, meaning and purpose, you place your faith in Jesus Christ. As His redeemed child, gratefully you belong body and soul, in life and in death to your faithful Savior Jesus Christ! That is your comfort… that is HOME - to be in the presence of God and His indwelling Spirit.

You too, in response to this Good News, can get up and walk and leap and praise God! Do it right now!

Pastor Dwayne

The Journey Home
There is an Answer to Life
John 3:16

In the weeks ahead, through Easter, we will be on a journey seeking answers to the basic universal question of life: what is (my) life all about… does it have a purpose… a meaning? Each of us have been or are still on this journey seeking significance of our life. Mankind encounters a realization that “something is missing” in my life. That there is a missing ingredient and each of us set off on a journey that leads down many roads as we seek to find the real answer to life.

Many go down a path of helping others which gives them a sense of satisfaction. However, when you think about it, whether they are aware of it or not they are “building up” a list of good deeds, hoping that list will outweigh the bad… therefore, being a good and productive person in society. But, like King Solomon, they find that this does not fill the inner vacuum in their life.

Then there are those, both young and old, and even those who “have it made” who are frustrated, confused and fearful. Many wander in life feeling misunderstood, lonely and lost. There are also those who desire to run away and escape from reality. Habits, hang-ups and addictions are used to mask the reality of their life. Drugs, as an example, erroneously lift them out of their circumstances and ultimately leave them with the same problems and return them to even greater problems as a consequence of this deceptive path to a false answer to their search.

Each of these people and many others exist in life, homeless and without a roadmap to guide them to HOME… a place of significance, love, grace, forgiveness, with meaning and purpose. Home is a place of belonging and fulfillment.

Everybody is involved in some way in this complicated, complex mystery called life and the only true answer that humanity has experienced is through a restored personal relationship with the one, only, true God. Though many would have us believe that there is no God, or that God is not relevant to our world and life, they believe that they are the master of their fate and captain of their soul. In essence, they place themselves as the supreme being of the universe and everything revolves around them as long as they live. However, what they discover is isolation, loneliness, hollowness, fear, despair, frustration, hopelessness as well as a void within their life.

This personal relationship with God though Jesus Christ’s work in life, death and resurrection is what we will be examining in the weeks to come as we take “The Journey Home” and discover that the answer to life’s question is God’s love, His grace and forgiveness. Your significance can truly and only be found through Jesus Christ who restored your relationship with the one, only, true Triune God.

Allow me to encourage you this week with the knowledge that God is the answer for your life, right now, whatever you are facing! He loves you, cares for you and is there for you… always there... even right now! Stop right now and take a long breath; listen with your spiritual ears; look around with your spiritual eyes; God is there in some way for you to recognize, acknowledge, thank Him and join Him in what is doing for you and in you. Rest in Him… He is the ingredient for your life today and all the days ahead.

Pastor Dwayne

New beginnings make new endings!
The Challenge
Romans 13:11-14

Paul encourages each of us in the verses just prior to today’s passage (8-10) to love; to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Sound simple? So how are you doing with that in these first three weeks of the New Year? Love is the foundational motivate and principle for all of the areas of our life. Love, in the power of the Holy Spirit, is what makes a difference in our lives. Love also allows us to see ourselves as we are and see what God sees: a sinner, forgiven by God’s Grace through the work of Jesus Christ. God sees the gifts that He has bestowed upon us blooming and being used for His kingdom. God sees His precious child being transformed into a living sacrifice by the renewing of our minds.

As you look over the past year(s) as a Christian think about the miraculous things that God has done in your life. What? You can’t think of one? How about the things as simple, yet profoundly miraculous, as waking up this morning; or taking a breath of the oxygen around you; or the recovery from an illness or surgery; or the miraculous completion of a task or challenge; or a change in a behavior or attitude; or the special support or encouragement you received from someone? Yes, I know that these are simple examples, and yet any time that God does something in your life… that’s a miracle! God has gifted you and has made a difference in you and through you for His kingdom!

There are also many areas in each of our lives that need a little work; work by the Holy Spirit. As you assess this past year can you identify areas where you have strayed away from God’s mission, or areas that you never followed through on, or where you’ve let someone down… areas that need an adjustment or even to let go of? Making adjustments are so hard, however if we don’t make adjustments or changes then we won’t grow or be effective in our life’s mission. And that’s the challenge for today… if we want to make this year more effective than our past, then you and I are going to have to do some things differently.

God encourages us through Paul’s instruction to the believers in the church at Rome when he writes that believers are to first “understand the present time” and continue to love (vv8-11). He calls us to assess the times, which includes every aspect of our life and circumstance. So, remember who you are: you are His restored child alive and in His care at this time and place. In that understanding, you are to “wake up” the passion of your salvation - right here, right now because time is short (vv11-12). In your awakening “put off” (abandon) your old self and “put on the armor of light” and make godly adjustments (vv12-13) in your life. And in everything then “clothe (adorn) yourselves in the Lord Jesus Christ” (14). In this commitment you will be constantly transforming and God will use you all along the way for the sake of His Kingdom. Now that’s miraculous!

God sees you… not only as you are today but as who you are becoming. As His child, in the coming year He sees you engaged in someone’s life; taking advantage of opportunities to listen and share with people; He sees you making a godly difference as you surrender to His leading and begin to do things differently in your spiritual life. Change is difficult at times. So keep this in mind as you determine your priorities for 2012 - changing what you do will not change who you are; but changing who you are will change what you do.

Let me encourage you this week to see what God sees… what He can do in your life. Don’t wait any longer; make the necessary adjustment in your life, in the leading and power of the Holy Spirit, so that your life will be different this year. You are a precious miracle happening!

Pastor Dwayne

New beginnings make new endings!
Still in the Race to Finish
Acts 20:17-32 (24); Hebrews 12:2

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s Grace." Acts 20:24
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross...” Hebrews 12:2

As you look back at your life, even as recently as this last year, are there any task left undone? Is there a major task that you still have to accomplish? As you remember all the accomplishments, do you attribute their success to the miraculous work of God in your life? I believe that God has given each of us a task which He is continually accomplishing throughout our life. It is a task that is the “Main Thing” for our life, and that is: “the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s Grace.”

Paul recognizes this and acknowledges God’s miraculous work in him and through him in accomplishing the main task he was given. In today’s passage of Acts 20:1-32, Paul shares with the Ephesian Elders that his God-given task was to, “testify to the gospel of God’s grace.” A task in which he had served the Lord faithfully and in which he was compelled by the Holy Spirit to finish in the face of hardships and his probable imprisonment. Not knowing from one day to the next what was going to happen to him, he faced his fears and he continued to serve the Lord publicly and from house to house. He shared in word and action that salvation comes through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. He realized that each day was a time for a fresh start because the main task that God gave him was still being worked out every day. So, he faced any fears he had, took courage from the Holy Spirit and walked with God throughout that day, one day at a time.

Today’s verse calls each of us to “complete the task the Lord has given me…” and Paul shares how we can do this. He instructs us, by our life, to continually share the gospel; to care for yourself and one another; and to be on guard of Satan’s activity and influence. And finally to commit yourself to God and to His word. When we do this, I am convinced that we will see what God sees for the future. We will recognize the God-given opportunities for accomplishing our main thing in life… to “testify to the gospel of God’s grace.” God is using you and me as His Ambassadors to bring the good news of His love and grace to others. All we have to do is share the good news of what He is doing in our life.

So, here’s my encouragement for you this week. See what God sees in you and what He can do! Yes, God has done miraculous things through you in the past and He isn’t finished with you yet. He is compelling you by the Holy Spirit to press on with Him and join Him each day to accomplish His work in and through you. JOIN HIM.

Pastor Dwayne

New beginnings make new endings!
HOPE for a New Start
Psalm 65:1-13 (5,11); Jeremiah 6:16

"You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth..." Ps. 65:5a
“You crown the year with your goodness, and your paths drip with abundance.” Ps. 65:11

Well, how has the first week of 2012 been for you?

I don’t know about you but when a new year begins I often hope that this year will turn out better than the last. As I review last year I remember all the blessings and celebrate God work in making them a blessing. There are also things that I regret; things that I wish I could have a “do over” on. Maybe you are like me as I stand before 2012 wondering just what is ahead.

Yes, we all have made mistakes and poor decisions that have wounded others or hindered our relationships with others and our Heavenly Father. But let me encourage you with this, I also know that you are loved… loved unconditionally by God who is full of grace. And if there is something that you need to ask forgiveness, then go to Him and know that He is faithful and just and will forgive you! So, don’t be afraid, for God will use those past experiences in some way in the future for His purpose and glory. God does answer prayers and provides all that you need just when you need it! He is your hope and the hope of all the ends of the earth! So, there is hope for a fresh start today as a new beginning for you in the areas of your life that are in need.

This year is yet to be experienced and it will be full of challenges and blessings as well as many opportunities. God’s counsel to us is that we walk with Him in His path which drips with the abundance of His care and provisions. When we walk with God in His path we discover that nothing, not even Satan or the evilness in this fallen world, can separate us from the love God in Christ Jesus and His goodness and abundance!

So, let me encourage you today… don’t be afraid of the future, trust in God. I don’t know what this New Year is going to bring in the way of problems or changes or blessings the Lord has in store. But this is what I do know: that whatever the New Year holds, you don’t have to be afraid, because God is there and Jesus Christ is with you and has gone ahead to prepare the way for you. The Holy Spirit will care for you each step, each challenge, and each decision all along the way. God will bless you this coming year no matter what it brings.

So today, be courageous, face your fears, stand before the paths, recognize God’s path and choose to walk in it (Jeremiah 6:16). May we all take that first step on God’s path and begin fresh with a new beginning for a new ending of 2012.

Pastor Dwayne

Blessed for a New Start
Job 42:10,12,16-17

“The Lord blessed the later part of Job's life more than the first.” Job 42:12

I trust you had a blessed and merry Christmas celebration and will have a happy New Year!

I recently saw this quote, "No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." As I pondered this I came to the conclusion that we really don't start over, but we can begin again, right now, right where we are and make things better in our life by deepening our relationship with God. That success and fulfillment in life is not about resolving to do this or not do that, but it has everything to do with asking the Lord to help me each day and to fall deeper and deeper in love with Him. It is then that my focus will be set on the things of His kingdom and not on my kingdom. It is then that I hear God's voice telling me, "I am more than enough. I am more than enough for every area of your life" and "I will supply you just what you stand in need of at just the right time, so trust me! Trust me in every aspect of your life. Get to know me in far deeper ways than you have to this point in your life." Have you heard this message, His voice? Job did.

God continued to tell Job that He was more than enough for every area of his life, and Job heard Him and persevered through the extreme difficulties that he faced in his life and then shared this good news into the fourth generation of his new family. Job found that God is truly more than enough in every area of his life; that when nothing else was left... he had God, and God was just what he needed and was completely enough! God blessed Job and Job started anew and made a new ending. Job found that the answer to his situation, to his dilemma was not to go back to start over, but instead, in the midst of his circumstance to start right then and there to begin again!

Like Job, whatever situation you find yourself, you have two decisions: 1) to make God your main focus and 2) to know that He is more than enough in every area of your life. So, I ask you at the beginning of this new year, do you want a new ending to this year? How do you want the ending to your earthly life to end? Before you stretches a new year, and today is the time to begin anew and make a new ending to this year's journey with our Lord and Savior.

Let me encourage you this week with the assurance that God is just what you need and that He is more than enough for every area of your life! Also, please know that you cannot go back in the past and start a new beginning, but you start today and make a new ending. May God bless you for a new start... starting today!

Pastor Dwayne

The Divine Hope of Christmas
John 1:1-5, 10-14

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” John 1:14

Have you ever wondered how you came to be or why you exist? Humanity has asked these basic questions throughout history, for inquiring minds want to know! Throughout history mankind has searched for the answers by examining science, reason and faith. We search the material, physical and spiritual, and the seen and the unseen for reasons for our existence, for our purpose and meaning. Is the answer in chaos/random or design, impersonal or personal? I believe the answers are revealed in reason for Christmas. So, why is Christmas so important? Is it because it's a time when the family gets together or there is a spirit of peace and goodwill that is demonstrated more often or because of the gifts you will get or give, or is it just a joyful season? How would you respond to this question?

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. This birth, according to the Bible, is important because it demonstrates that God is and that God became flesh! In so doing God gave us the answers to the basic questions of humanity: how I came to be and why I am here.

In this week’s passage we find that before anything there is God and God created everything. The Gospel writer also reveals Jesus as the Word of God, who at creation created you and me. Everything that Jesus taught and everything that He did are tied inseparably to who He is! He was fully human and fully God and although he took upon himself full humanity and lived as a man, He never ceased to be the Eternal God who has always existed as Creator, Sustainer of all, and the Source of Life now and eternally. This is the foundational truth about Christmas… about Jesus, the Divine Hope of Christmas.

Note too that in Jesus there is “life” and “light” and He is a gift in the midst of the darkness of ignorance. This darkness has not understood the TRUTH which is revealed in and through Him, the Word. However, this doesn’t satisfy those in darkness. In their search for answers there is a tendency to try and disprove the existence of God and thus extinguish God’s light. But know this: darkness has never nor will ever overcome or extinguish God’s light! Jesus is the creator of Life and His life brings light to mankind. In His light we see ourselves as we really are… sinners in need of a Savior. Jesus is the Savior and removes the darkness of sin from our lives and shines His light in our life to reveal purpose and meaning for our life. So, why are you here?

In the last verses of this passage we find the answer. You are here to be in a personal relationship with your Creator; to connect with God completely as He designed you to be: to be “born of God.” To be “born of God” makes you spiritually alive and places you into God’s family. To be born physically makes you physically alive and places you in your parents family. But God designed you to be firstly in a personal spiritual relationship with Him and to be a part of His family. Being “born of God” is being born anew… a new birth which changes us from within and renews us and rearranges our attitudes, desires and motives. You see, the Divine Hope of Christmas was given for you for the purpose of reconciling you to a personal relationship with your Creator. The Light of God looked down and the Word became flesh… for YOU! Jesus was born human to become your Savior.

So, let me encourage you that this Christmas you celebrate ‘how you came to be’ – created by God; and ‘why you are here’ to be in a personal relationship with God and His family! And don’t keep the joy to yourself – Share it! Shout it! “A Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Pastor Dwayne

The Great Christmas Giveaway
Isaiah 9:6-7

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…” Isaiah 9:6

“Shop till you drop!” is a familiar experience for many today. There are so many sales and enticements into stores that are open at times of the early morning and late night. So many gift ideas for this holiday season that at times the mind can become muddled with all the options. Our usual motive for shopping at Christmas is to buy something as a gift for others and perhaps this is because we have been taught that “It is better to give!” and that a gift expresses our love to those receiving our gifts. In our giving there is hope that the gift is appreciated and inspires them to pass this expression of gift-giving on, so that the motive of Love will be passed on and on.

There is one gift that stands out - “The Perfect Present” that God has given to each of us and the world. This gift is the reason for the celebration we call Christmas. It is more than the material gifts mentioned above or the “Gold, Incense and Myrrh” that was given at the first Christmas. God in essence was saying, “I Give You ME!” Really? God has given Himself to me? In the next moments, stop and think about the depth of that gift; the personal investment of the gift just for you. --- STOP --- Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, became human (Phil. 2:5-8) so that you and I could be reconciled and restored with a personal forgiven relationship with our Creator God. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, abides in us today because of God’s grace, forgiveness and acceptance, for the purpose of discipling us to the full likeness of Christ. So, think about it… today, right now and in the future God loves you so much that He gave you a gift that cost Him everything… He gave you Himself!

Maybe that is why people all over the earth line up to see the baby Jesus at Christmas and gaze at the Cross at Easter… they recognize this great gift of Love is for them and are drawn to the loving Gift-giver. They realize the reason for the gift and for whom God gave it… our sin, our broken relationship. From the Manger to the Cross and through the Grave the Triune God expressed His love, grace, forgiveness and acceptance for you. How amazing is that? So amazing, that it is really difficult to grasp a full understanding. But in faith, we trust and respond to His great gift by passing this Godly love, grace, forgiveness and acceptance on to those in our life. There is a “Gift of Joy” that you have as a result of God’s gift to you and I believe that it must be shared. Shared with those closest to you, and to those not so close, and to strangers, and to those estranged in your life; to everyone in your sphere of influence.

Let me encourage you this week to gift your loved ones with special attention; to take extra time with acquaintances and find out more about them; to reach out in love to someone who you have a strained relationship with and gift them with forgiveness this Christmas season; and if God unexpectedly brings someone into your day, take the time to find out why and follow His leading. The Light and Life to the world is in you today ready to constantly be given away by you! So decide to be His gift-giver to others this week and continue the Great Christmas Giveaway to those God brings you way!

Pastor Dwayne

The Feast of the Father
Luke 15:11-32

“But we had to celebrate and be glad…” Luke 15:32

Celebrate… celebrate and dance to the music! Do you feel like celebrating today? Do you know that God is inviting you to a celebration feast in your honor? If you listen closely above the shatter and worry of this moment, then you’ll hear the music, the laughter and dancing of all who is gathered to welcome you, accept you and encourage you. It is all because of God’s love, grace and forgiveness demonstrated through Jesus Christ just for you… and me… and everyone. The father in the parable expressed it like this, “But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” This invitation to come home and join the celebration is for all of us. Jesus has sought us and paid the total cost for our redemption, reconciliation and celebration. And we can enjoy it today and forever.

In fact, as we enter this Christmas season, we remember the great celebration gift from God to the world… Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Lord. The infant, who grew and gave up everything, sacrificed everything for you and me in order to reconcile our broken relationship with the One True Living God. Jesus left his true heavenly home (Phil. 2:6-11) and wandered on this earth without a home (Matt. 8:20), seeking the lost and bringing them home, and was finally crucified outside the gate of Jerusalem for all who are lost. Jesus did all this so that you and I can be brought home into Gods presence, protection and care. And to be loved and cared for in the greater family of God by sisters and brothers, who like you, are sinners forgiven and restored. So, no matter who you are, or what you have done, or what your race or class or family or background… as long as you are repentant, you are a part of the family and invited to the celebration feast. What joyful a life-giving gift! And yet I know as sure as this reconciliation and feast is free, it also cost Christ everything!

So, I have a choice in my journey today… to celebrate and be glad for the love that God has for me in the midst of my day, or to be selfishly in control of my life and ignore God completely as I go through this day distancing myself from Him, or to blame God for all that is wrong in my life. Hum? I wonder which will result in the very things I am always seeking like… joy, peace, and fulfillment in my life for today?

What will you choose?

Pastor Dwayne

Your True Elder Brother
Luke 15:1-32

“…you are always with me (Heavenly Father), and everything I have is yours.” Luke 15:31

How are you feeling this holiday season? What a loaded and personal question to ask you especially through this Monday Morning Jolt! My prayer is that you not take offense to the question, but be honest and search out your true feelings and identify what they are based upon.

Each of us, me as I write this and you as you read this, find ourselves in different circumstances and situations, and yet we have the same Triune God personally involved in our lives working His good according to His purpose in and through our lives! That is amazing! This same God is always and constantly with us in every circumstance and situation. Always providing us with just exactly what we need in order to face and move through this life, and to rejoice in His provisions, support and encouragement through all things. “…you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.”

I find this truth to be a central message from Jesus in the three parables of this week’s passage: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son(s). Each of the parables present different circumstance however the situation is similar in that something is lost. In the first two parables someone goes to seek out that which is lost and they find it and return rejoicing. In the third parable, no one goes to seek out the lost son. In that culture the oldest son, who receives the greater inheritance, would be the one to keep the family together and pay whatever necessary to seek out a wayward brother, bring him back and restore him into the family. But in this parable the elder son did not do this (he was acting as if he were a Pharisee – doing everything “right” but not with godly motives or actions) and even became angry when he learned that his father had restored his brother back into the family. Even to the point of deciding to not enter into the family feast because the brother was there. He was not a true elder brother. We see that each situation and circumstance is different for the two brothers and yet the father continues to love them both and His desire is to have reconciliation of each individual with him and each other and to restore each into the family. So, this parable ends with the elder brother alienated relationally from the family. Without a True Elder Brother in this parable, the family has to deal with a defiant, resistant, self-righteous elder brother. Do you think that Jesus wants us to wish that a True Elder Brother would have been in this parable so there could have been a happy ending? I want you to know that there is a True Elder Brother who knows exactly where you are and what you are feeling and what you are going through today! He may have not been in that parable but He is in your life!

So today, however you find yourself emotionally; know that your Heavenly Father, His Son and Holy Spirit are actively offering you just what you need. You may be excited and joyful or sad or depressed or lonely but know that God is with you. He is supporting you, carrying you, encouraging you, lifting you up, and dancing with you too! Jesus, your True Elder Brother has sought you, picked you up, reconciled your relationship and restored you into His family. Not only that, your Heavenly Father has blessed you as His honored child and clothed you with the family robe, the family ring, and has prepared a lavish feast for you as His honored family member. You are highly valued, cared for and loved!

Pastor Dwayne

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.” John 15:5

As we enter this week of Thanksgiving most of us stop to refocus on family connections and the family gathering around a thanksgiving feast. We celebrate the importance of personal relationships, of being loved and the giving of love. For most people this is an important and joyous occasion. But for some it is a difficult time as it reminds them of a relationship lost or one that is fractured or distant of time and space which hinders someone experiencing the connection with the family this year. In this human sense we experience the unity of family or the separation of relationships. I believe that we can draw comfort, peace and joy in either circumstance from the love, grace and forgiveness of our One Triune God as revealed in this week’s passage.

Christ comforts and encourages us by sharing a truth which is: that God the Father (the Gardener) has chosen each of us to be in a reconciled personal relationship with Him by grafting us into Jesus Christ (the Vine and source of all nourishment); we are now in a restored, vital and personal relationship with the One and only God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and united with His family in heaven and earth, and which derives its name. We are no longer alone! We not only have the indwelling Holy Spirit but a family where connections can be established as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Christ also encourages us to “remain in me, and I will remain in you… If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Christ is letting us know that this truly is a personal relationship and is two-way; it is not one-side in which God is the only one investing time, thought, energy, sacrifice, love, grace and forgiveness, etc. It is a relationship where we participate in connecting with Him too. To share our joys, troubles, praises, need, etc.; to listen to God through His Word (Bible), the Holy Spirit; and to obey his direction, counsel, and pruning of the ungodliness in our lives. Christ promises that as we do this we will “bear much fruit.” He specifically is revealing in this passage the fruit of 1) answered prayers, 2) the joy of Christ, 3) and the love (sacrificial) of Christ.

It is Christ’s desire that we know and experience the Unity in Christ with God and to Love one another with the Love of Christ. As we become One in Christ we will express one Purpose which is to Glorify God, and we will have one Mission which is to join the harvesting of people and to disciple them to maturity in Christ.

So, here’s my encouragement: this week as you share our thanksgivings let us also pray for those who are separated from our loving and caring God; for those who are also separated from someone or family, whom Christ died for and desires that those broken relationships be mended, reconciled and restored. And if there is someone whom your relationship is fractured may you seek the Gardener to reattach (graft) you relationship through Christ. May you reach out this Thanksgiving with the love of Christ as a gesture of reconciliation. That what Christ has done for you and each of us are called to “Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

May God bless your Thanksgiving whatever circumstance you find yourself this holiday season.

Pastor Dwayne

“You are the light of the world... In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Have you ever wanted to be just like someone that you admired? There was something about that person that demonstrated and highlighted qualities that inspired you. Do you think of yourself as a “light” to others? Jesus says that you are. Jesus said that, “While I am in the world, I and the light of the world.” (John 9:5) knowing full well that He was going to return to the Father and that every believer would be the light of the world, as a result of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus said in John 14:16-20, “…the Father… will give another Counselor to be with you forever… for he lives with you and will be in you. …Because I live, you also will live. …you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” Because of a miracle from God you are the light of the world because you have the light in you! Whether you know it or not you have a GLOW about you! Your life has a light that shines, that portrays the light within you. But have you noticed that sometimes the glow is dimmed by the walls we put up in our life? And yet when we take the bricks down our inner being seems better off, more joyful and I become more aware of a meaning and purpose for my life.

Jesus is careful to remind us that the life we portray is brings the focus onto God the Father and not ourselves only. When you and I portray these godly characteristics through our deeds we honor our Heavenly Father and we are actually following Christ who lives in us. We are honoring the counsel and power of the Holy Spirit who indwells as well. So, in the good deeds of your transformation into the image of Christ you are to bring attention and praise to your Heavenly Father. Your life which portrays love, grace and forgiveness brings glory, honor and praise to the Triune God! Amazing!

You are amazing as God’s special light of the world!

Here’s my encouragement: Let down your walls and GLOW! All this week make it your aim to portray the light within you – no matter what circumstance you find yourself in this week – shine the light of the world in it! GLOW BRIGHTLY that others may see and praise your Father in heaven.

Pastor Dwayne

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up...” Ephesians 4:11-12

Paul seems to be saying that the body of Christ, His Church, is to be built up, unified and mature through works of service. As I read the whole of God’s Word in relationship to this passage, I think God is revealing that we are to serve one primary source – the Triune God! In serving God we also serve one another in love. And we are to love our neighbors as Christ’s ambassadors. Sound too hard for you? Is God asking too much from you?

Really all He is asking is that we worship and serve Him only (Matthew 4:8-10). Amazingly, out of our service to Him we will find that we serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13-14) and love our neighbor (Matt. 22:39). However, if we allow life’s distractions and temptations to direct our focus away from God on to the ways of Satan or even on our own ways rather than God’s way, then we will find ourselves serving someone or something other than God. That’s a scary thought and yet I know that we have all experienced what I’ve just described. You may even be experiencing these distractions or temptations right now. Or the Holy Spirit may be in the process of revealing a “blind spot” or two in your life that is taking your focus off of your personal relationship with God and consequently your service for Him.

One of the ways we serve God is to serve one another in love. I believe the primary focus here is for each of us to get-to-know one another! Not just to be someone who is welcoming and rarely goes any deeper. How can we serve someone in love effectively over a period of time and not take the time or effort to get to know them and to include them in our lives!

This past Sunday I had our small congregation look around and take note of the people they did not know by name; then note those whom they knew by name but knew nothing about them; simple things like where they are from or what they do or if they have a family… their story! I then encouraged them and me to begin getting to know one another in deeper ways through the rest of the year and to look for ways that we can love one another in love that we have neglected.

So, let me encourage you today in your relationship with God. He is always ready to receive your worship and service! He also loves it when we express our service to Him through our service to one another in love. So, get to know someone you’ve seen for a long time or someone new but have never found out anything about them. Invite them to share a meal or include them in something that your family has planned… and begin getting to know them. You might find that it is the very thing they need and it becomes the best way of serving them in love!

Pastor Dwayne

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“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ? They came out of town and made their way toward him.” John 4:29-30

Does your life’s story have any secrets… things you are not proud of? I believe all of us have a story that includes thoughts, attitudes and behaviors that were or are ungodly. Have you built up walls of protection around you that keeps others out and keeps you inside? In our ungodliness and our self-protective fortress God pursues us and the Samaritan woman in love and offers His grace and forgiveness through Jesus the Christ; the very “living water” that “becomes in us a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (4:14). Your story includes your life changing encounter with Jesus; Christ who knows everything that you’ve ever thought, said or done.

Your story is relevant! Like the woman at the well, Jesus seeks you out and offers you the answer to your life struggles. He is and always is the answer for every part of your life. Relevant? Oh yes, at this point it is all about you. Your story and encounter with Jesus is completely relevant to you and everyone in your life like family, friends, neighbors and even strangers. God will make your story relevant for each one. You may not believe that your story has any relevance to others but that is a part of the Holy Spirit’s ministry. So let me encourage you to know that your story is relevant and needs to be shared with everyone!

Your story is personal! Just like the Samaritan woman you are pursued by God personally! He sought you out. He showed up at your well to offer you a personal reconciled relationship that continues day in and day out for eternity. Thank God for His personal and constant love for you!

Your story is revealing! Your life’s story and encounter with Jesus reveals God’s love, grace and forgiveness as a spring of living water. I believe that your story is full of examples of your demonstration of Gospel in others’ lives. As you live before others as Christ’s ambassador you reveal God’s story in your life and God’s desire for their life.

Your story is also inclusive! Your story, as was the Samaritan woman’s, is meant to be heard by everyone. “Then leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did.” Your story is not a secret or meant for only a select few within the walls of your church or small group or clans or friends. Jesus shows us that gender, clans, ethnicity, purity, or even sinners were included. All are welcome because each one is a special person with their own story. If you include them in your story, then God will use you to become a part of their story. So, let me encourage you to include others into your life and see how God will use you and them for His glory and the furthering of His kingdom.

Your story has an invitation too! “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did.”

Jesus encounters each of us and exposes the life we lead without the living water and then personally and privately offers us the Living Water of a reconciled personal relationship through Jesus Christ. The Samaritan woman was amazed and dropped everything to go and publicly tell everyone about her encounter/story with Jesus the Messiah.

I am amazed every day and share my story with those God brings into my journey with Him. I have a story! You have a story! Our stories are invitations for others to meet Jesus at the well of their life.

Tell your story with everyone. It is important!

Pastor Dwayne

“If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10 (1-38)

Happy Independence Day!

Today we celebrate freedom and remember the human cost for that freedom. As believers we are also reminded of our own spiritual freedom and the Divine cost to purchase our redemption. We freely submit to a complete dependence upon the Triune God, which is complete freedom.

This week’s passage from the Gospel of John shows how God wants to take down all of our human-made walls… those ungodly cultural taboos, boundaries and prejudices which keep us from seeing and responding to the spiritual needs around us and within us. We (each of us and the local and corporate church) often find ourselves hiding within self-made walls which keep people OUT and seems to “provide security for us” to lounge IN. I believe that this kind of person and church becomes irrelevant and spiritually lethargic in the midst of fields ripe for harvest. Christ came to the Samaritan women to demonstrate and teach us that He came to tear down those self-made walls, with the Gospel of love, grace and forgiveness for ALL who would believe.

Jesus saw the real NEED of the Samaritan woman which also applies to each of us. It was a spiritual need not a physical one. Christ’s solution to that spiritual need due to sin is the “Living Water” of God’s love, His grace and His forgiveness through Christ’s sacrifice, and His gift of the ever-present Holy Spirit in our lives. This Living Water is life, freedom, gives us meaning and purpose and is the real security and protection we sought within our self-made walls.

I see four essentials that Jesus demonstrated to this Samaritan woman and His disciples which I believe He wants us to apply to our own lives and the life of the church.

1. Jesus made himself OPEN to every opportunity. Jesus placed himself in Samaria, at Jacobs well, alone, at the time when this particular woman would come to draw water. Are you open to every opportunity to share the Gospel?
2. Jesus was INCULUSIVE and did not exclude cultures, sinners, gender, race or unbelievers. Are the walls that you’ve built excluding others? If so, then Jesus is showing you why your walls have to come down, so you can demonstrate God’s love and grace through you.
3. Jesus also takes the INITIATIVE to engage this Samaritan woman. He doesn’t wait for her; He intently and personally starts the conversation which led to “living water” and changed lives. No need to wait any longer… take the initiative and engage others in love.
4. Jesus also stayed FOCUSED. He didn’t let her take Him down another path of conversation about where to worship and how to worship (19-26). He brought her back to her spiritual need and her eyes were opened then she told everyone about Jesus. Is there something in your life that God is trying to change but you are constantly trying to change the topic away from that need? Do you see His point?

John leaves us with Jesus’ message to His disciples and ultimately to you and me; which is that His Kingdom has no walls and that we (the church and individuals) need to SEE our need, make the change and SEE the FIELDS RIPE FOR HARVEST. You and I are in the midst of the fields! Do you see them? Do you see a person who needs the Living Water? If not your view may be blocked by your self-made walls. Jesus has come to take your walls down and free you to be released into the fields and be energized by the Harvest.

For the Kingdom of God and your health, begin to follow Jesus’ model. Begin doing things differently… try God’s way.

Pastor Dwayne

“…Jerusalem will be a city without walls… ‘I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will be its glory within.’” Zechariah 2:1-5 (4-5)

     I want to publically thank all those of you who have been praying for me the last three weeks during my illness and for those who have stepped into leadership roles during my absence. You have been an encouragement and comfort for me and the church.
     This past Sunday kicked off a new series of messages which I hope will help us all better understand a major aspect of the body of Christ designated as the local church. As companions in the kingdom of God we are sisters and brothers in the Lord seeking to fulfill Christ’s great commandment and commission. In so doing we gather together in corporate worship, discipleship and fellowship for the purpose of preparing each one to go beyond the human-built church walls into our homes, neighborhoods, schools, workplace, communities and the world with the Gospel to those whom God is calling into a reconciled relationship with Him. Wow, what a privilege and honor! So, why is this so difficult for so many? And perhaps for you?
     There are many reasons for not sharing the Good News but I’d like to focus on one aspect in particular. It has to do with the protective walls that we humans build up around ourselves which become barriers that keep us from venturing beyond them. In today’s passage we heard the Lord declare that the human-built walls will not hold in His people for they will burst beyond their protective boundaries, and He will be the protective fire that surrounds His people and His spirit will be within His people to influence the world.
     Awesome! Not only do we no longer have to build walls of protection around ourselves, God becomes our protector too and His glory is within us! Here’s the rest of the Good News… God the Father sent Jesus Christ to tear down the harmful barriers in your life, and to replace your fear with the security of His protection and to fill you up with His indwelling Spirit. God sent Jesus to change your life and to make you a powerful influence in your world for His kingdom. God is replacing your walls with freedom to enter the fields ripe for harvest and as you go protecting you and indwelling you always.
Imagine the brothers and sisters at your church being so filled with the Spirit of God that their walls come down and they freely enter their home, neighborhoods, communities, workplace, school completely protected by God’s ring of fire and with His glory shining through each of them and impacting all those God is calling. That is a spirit-filled church without walls! Now, imagine that to be you too.
     I want to encourage you today… as a believer you are God’s Ambassador, you are protected and God lives within you! You are His temple and His spirit lives in you! Please don’t build up any more walls to hide your light behind. Please don’t keep on doing what you’ve been doing that has kept you from the fields of harvest. Let me encourage you to begin doing things differently. Let God tear down all your barriers and let His light shine where ever you go!

Pastor Dwayne