COME LORD JESUS

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10 ). Metaphorically speaking, the church made up of all believers is the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27). We await the return of our bridegroom, the Lord Jesus. What a wonderful and glorious day it will be when we see Jesus, who will rule and reign upon this earth as King of Kings. This is the hope of all those who know Jesus as Savior. Even so, come Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20). 

God bless, Pastor Tom.

SHOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST TO OTHERS

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:9-11). The love of Jesus for a world of sinners is a love that cannot be equaled. It was an amazing, matchless, wondrous love. As ambassadors of Christ in this world, the Christian has been commanded by Jesus to let His love shine through them.This is never easy because we are still very sinful, and selfish people. However, by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, we can do it. The fruit of the Spirit is love (Galatians 5:22). This time of upheaval, fear, and uncertainty in our country is the perfect time to show that we are Christians by our love. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others (Philippians 2:4).

God bless you all, 

Pastor Tom.

ARE YOU LIVING FOR JESUS?

The prolific hymn writer, Fanny Crosby wrote, "One life to live will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last." I can hardly believe how fast my life is passing, and you probably feel the same way about yours. In the end what really matters? How many of our achievements will be remembered? The fact is that 100 years from now, every single person you personally know will be dead, and not one of them will be remembered. That's the sad reality of life. How many people can you name who lived in 1920? Who was the President of the United States in 1920?  Who was the last King of England? “Go to now, you that say, today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas you know not what will be tomorrow. For what is your life? It is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:13,14). Consider these words as you consider the brevity of life: “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). The apostle Paul was willing to die for Christ; are we willing to live for Him? It’s only by living for Christ that we find a purpose in life that transcends this world. May God receive glory from the short duration of our earthly existence!

Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

THE GLORY OF GOD IN CHRIST

The first miracle Jesus performed was at a wedding celebration in Cana of Galilee where he turned water into wine.The Scripture says, “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him (John 2:11). All the miraculous works of Christ were the revelation of the glory/majesty of His being, as God in human form (incarnate).The Bible speaks frequently about the glory of God. “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens” (Psalm 8:1). God’s glory has been revealed in the past in unique ways and will be in the future. “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen”! (Psalm 72:18-19). This Scripture speaks of the realization of the prophetic day when the whole earth will be filled with the radiant glory of Jesus Christ?  Psalm 24:7 reads, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.” What a day of rejoicing that will be when Christ’s Kingdom comes to earth. If Jesus is your Lord & Savior, you will be among those who inherit the Kingdom of God. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). If you reject Christ as your Savior you will be among those who inherit a kingdom of everlasting torment (Matthew 25:41). Turn to Jesus, the King of glory while there is still time.

Pastor Tom

GOD IS OUR ALL IN ALL

The apostle Paul encouraged the Christians in the church at Philippi with these words, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Over the course of my Christian life I have found those words to be true. I have not received everything I asked for, but I have received everything I needed. Meditate on this Scripture from Psalm 68:19-20, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah Our God is a God of salvation, and to God, the Lord, belong deliverances from death”. What a mighty and gracious God we serve. We are down and He lifts us up. We need strength for the day and He provides it. We needed salvation and God sent Jesus. We need deliverance from death and God will deliver us and we will be in heaven with Him forever (Psalm 23). The Lord is our all in all. Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

THE CONSOLATION FOR TROUBLING THOUGHTS

Every Christian knows what it is to face “the battle of their thought life” There are many Scriptures which admonish us concerning our thoughts, whether they be good or evil. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:4, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.” “You are what you think” upon has a great deal of truth to it because thoughts lead to actions. James 1:14 makes this clear” every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finishes, bringeth forth death.’ This is certainly true as it applies to sinful thoughts, but our thoughts can affect our physical health, even when they are not overtly sinful. Especially when our minds are receiving a steady stream of bad news. Maybe you find yourself doing that today, as our country, and much of the world are facing something new and threatening to us, a global pandemic. We need to remind ourselves that God has not lost a grip on His plan for this world, and He always bids us to come to Him for comfort and rest. “In the multitude of my thoughts within me, Thy comforts delight my soul” (Psalm 94:19). The ESV translation puts it this way, ”When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul”. While many hearts are troubled these days, the solution is the consolation God’s Word brings. Now more than ever, is the time to hide that Word in your hearts.

Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

PRESCRIPTION FOR PEACE

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). These words that Jesus spoke to his disciples in anticipation of the time he would no longer be with them are his words to us today. At a time when life is not normal and people are anxious about many things, the Christian has an inner peace that translates into hope. Don’t let circumstances trouble and overwhelm your mind. Be at peace by trusting in the Prince of Peace and walking in fellowship with him. Trust and obey, for there is no other way to overcome your fears.

God bless, Pastor Tom

CALM IN THE STORM

The Sea of Galilee lies 680 feet below sea level, the lowest freshwater lake on earth. It is susceptible to sudden storms resulting from differences in temperatures between the seacoast and the mountains beyond. The storms are accompanied by strong winds dropping to the sea, funneling through the hills. One such storm is mentioned in Matthew 8 and verses 23-27. Another we find in Matthew 14:24-27 which reads: “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." Everyone has unexpected storms. Our nation and many other nations are going through the COVID -19 storm. I pray that during this trying time we all remember that there is no storm that Jesus cannot calm! He is our peace and He never ceases to amaze those who put their faith in Him. Be of good cheer friends, Jesus is with us always.

God bless, Pastor Tom.

OUR GOD REIGNS!

What are you thinking upon in this difficult time? The daily Coronavirus Task Force briefings from the White House are not very comforting. A vaccine may not be available until the next winter flu season, if then. Nobody really knows when this will end and how it will end. But may I remind you that COVID-19 did not take God by surprise. Psalm 47:8 reminds us, “God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne. In spite of the bad news we hear these days, the Christian can confidently say: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). Never forget that Jesus is the light of the world, the Savior of the world, and the Almighty God who created the world. Don’t let your heart be troubled. The Good Shepherd will always look after His sheep.

Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

A SPIRITUAL COMPASS

When I lived in Pennsylvania many years ago,I was out in the woods as snow began to fall and quickly covered the ground, It was getting dark and I was about one mile from where my car was parked on a dirt road. Although I was young and in good health I began to fear that I might have to spend the night in temperatures belo mal as I became disoriented and nothing looked familiar. I could hardly see anything and didn't know how to proceed Eastward which was the way to safety. If only I had a compass, but I didn't! In uncertain times people need a spiritual compass. We look around us and see trouble everywhere. Presently there is a threat from COVID-19. One can easily get weighed down by some of the more dire predictions. Or, one can look up to God.  Psalm 127:1 says, "I will look up unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth." Consider the words of Psalm 43 where we read: "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance and my God “ (verse 5). Sometimes the best therapy when you are downcast is to “talk your way up” by praising the Lord. 

Stay safe and keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

THE RAINLESS WEEK

“Then the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation. For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.” And Noah did all that the Lord had commanded him” (Genesis 7:1,4-5.). For seven days Noah and his family were in the ark waiting for the rain to come. Perhaps you have had a rainless week in your life, or a much longer waiting period praying and waiting upon the Lord for Him to act in your behalf. Keep your heart fixed on the Lord’s love for you during your rainless week. God always keeps His words Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

WHO ARE YOU TRUSTING IN?

During the uncertainty of the time in which we live it is all too easy to takes our eyes off the Lord and look to men for help. While God has provided people to watch out for us, let us always remember that our only real security is in God. “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). Jesus is the Almighty Savior. 

Keep trusting in Him and press on, Pastor Tom.