WATCH OUT

"But watch out! Be very careful never to forget what you have seen the LORD do for you. Do not let these things escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren." Deut. 4:9

That's a snake just in case it's too small.  Watch out!

Be careful.  Watch out.  Never forget.  All phrases that are a challenge on any given day.  In this text ALL of those are included to remind us of the incredible things that God has done and that since He has done them we are to pass them on to our children and grandchildren.  We don't have too but we do GET TOO.  Have fun today sharing this incredible gift with those around us.  Remind them of the snakes that attack and the God who protects.  Enjoy!  LGLO,  Pastor Peter

God Fighting for Us

I think that I've mentioned to you that I am reading in the Old Testament right now and I just started in Deuteronomy where Moses reflects on all the ways God has blessed and delivered the people over the years.  There is one line that is repeated several times throughout the early chapters that goes like this:

"Do not be afraid of the nations there, for the LORD your God will fight for you.' Deut. 3:22  This is talking about the people of Israel and taking the promised land but does it apply to us today as well?

What do you think? Do we believe God is fighting for us as well? Are we afraid of offering the hope of the Gospel because we are looking at ourselves rather than His provision in the fight for us?

Just thought I'd lob a couple more questions your way to start the day. Have a great time. LGLO, Pastor Peter

Several Good Questions

Sorry to be taking the easy way the last couple of posts but I actually have been enjoying these and thought that you would as well. Great questions to ask. Enjoy! LGLO, Pastor Peter

"But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." 1 Cor. 12:7

"Do you know what a rhetorical question is? It is not asked for the sake of getting information, because the answer is obvious. The asker already knows the answer. More than likely it is “yes” and very often it is “well, duh!” We each are part of the body of Christ, right? Of course. We are connected to Jesus, made holy through the resurrection of his body. Would it be right to drag Jesus down through situations that are immoral, course and degrading? Would it be right to crucify Jesus again? Of course not. Likewise, when our individual actions are not helpful to the greater Body of Christ, we are tearing that body down. God wants the opposite of that from us. We are called to live as believers, building each other up, contributing to the common good. Our relationship with God makes the church, this body of ours, the place where the world can see just how close God is. But you already knew that, right?" Chip Reeves

Take Time

"Everyone wants to be known, deeply understood and accepted. Sometimes we do a beautiful job of doing this for one another.  But our Creator knows us totally and accepts us completely — every day and in every moment. Take time to be in the presence of this One who loves you and receives you now."

O Lord, thank you for loving and cherishing all of me. You reach out to me “just as I am” because you are the God of redeeming love. Teach me more about how I am made for you and you for me. Amen. Online Devotional

Take time to focus on Him; it's worth it! Take time to remember that He loves you; it will refresh your soul. You have 168 hours this week...spend them wisely!

Praying with and for you! LGLO, Pastor Peter

When Change Comes...

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2. He makes me lie down in green pastures ; He leads me beside quiet waters.  3. He restores my soul ; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies ; You have anointed my head with oil ; My cup overflows. 6. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."  Psalm 23

 

Today is a day in our nation that is pretty impressive.  The peaceful exchange of power from one administration to the next.  There always seems to be a lot of promise during these days as we all hope for the best in a country that has declared since its' inception that it is "one nation under God".  

This is a particularly historic day in the inauguration of the first black president.  It was interesting to note that President Obamas' daughter said that 'you better be good' to Dad as they stood at the Lincoln Memorial this week.  There's a lot of truth in that because even in the logo above there has been a lot of promises made for the 'change we need'.  

I am not afraid of change at all but when change comes I want to be assured that what we are changing too is a better choice.  That's why I like to go back to simple truths from the Word when things are changing around me.  Psalm 23 is one of those places I love to land.  A lot has been said about this Psalm and I will not add any originally thoughts but I wanted to share one as this day progresses to have on your mind.... 'THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD...'  what difference does who the President is make?  I know that is an oversimplification but it sure sounds like the right place to focus to me!  Have fun today.  Don't forget to pray when the free or freedom comes up in the speeches.  God is and always will be on the throne!  LGLO,  Pastor Peter

ANYBODY Can Be Great...Martin Luther King Jr.

I thought this was a worthwhile reminder on this day of celebrating Dr. King's birthday. Praying for you! LGLO, Pastor Peter

"The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” John 1:43-46

Nathaniel dismissed that Jesus might be the Messiah. Shouldn’t he have come from a prominent family? Shouldn’t he have been from a significant hometown? Could anything good come from Nazereth? Philip responded, “Come and see.”

In 1929, a boy was born on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a pastor’s son from an inner-city neighborhood. “Can anything good come from there?” Come and see. Auburn Avenue gave us Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the great leader of the Civil Rights Movement. He hoped for the “beloved community,” a renewed world celebrating human worth and dignity. His dream of a new way influenced life in the United States and around the world.

What about us? Can anything good come from our lives? Yes, because Jesus still shows up in our humble surroundings, calling us to follow him. “Everybody can be great,” King said, “because everybody can serve.” Chip Reeves

Men or God

"Am I still seeking the favor of men or of God?  Am I still striving to please men?  If I were still striving to please men I would not be a bond-servant of Christ."  Galatians 1:10

These are so hard but they are a couple of great questions to ask along with WWJD?!  Have fun!  LGLO,  Pastor Peter