Trust

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. our lives are going to be filled with moments that can effect your life totally. It's in these times we see who we really trust. God? or Man? I am afraid we prefer man with all our science, technology, and intellegence. But let us never forget the direction of our Heavenly Father who controls all situations and events and can even change them in a moment. It makes sense that whichever part of us; flesh or spirit is in control of our soul, then that part that is in control will reach out to the person it has trust in because of it's relationship. So if my flesh is in control I will reach out to things of the flesh to put my trust in, but as we know this has devastating consequences because people will always let us down. We get hurt, we get injured and sometimes by well meaning good intentioned people. However if we trust in God because of our Spirit is in control then we know God will not fail as His word declares. We will still have the troubles of life, but we have a Supernatural friend that is exceedingly able to do above we can ask or think. where is your trust?

no scardy cats

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them(anyone): for the Lord thy God, for He will go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake the. Deuteronomy 31:6 For God hath not given us the spirit of Fear, but of power, and love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 So fear of anything in or of this world comes from some other spirit. If we truly believe His words that He is with us, and will not fail, and will not leave us. Then we know He will work out everything according to His good and perfect will. If we have His Holy Spirit in us then we possess His attributes of power, love, and a mind confident on God. God wants no scardy cats, or chicken littles with the sky falling in. We are to have faith He will work all things for good, and even overcome evil with good. Do we believe because according to the word "anythng outside faith is sin" Romans 14:23

Wednesday Worship and Word 8-29-12

Many have asked why are we changing our normal format? What is going on? Has something happened? Why not announce this Sunday? All great questions. The short answer is come and see tonight and you will not be dissappointed. God spoke to change the order of things and we are going to follow the Lord's word. I will give more details tonight. All is more than well! God wants a night this week to meet with His people in Worship and give us a Word very important for us to recieve. I did not get message to do this until early Monday morning. Don't want to give too much away.. but hint... its partly about obedience to His word to do something out of the ordinary. SEE YOU TONIGHT at 7pm Oak Grove

Faith

2 Cor 5:7 For we walk by faith not by sight. Faith has a two fold sense in the Bible. On one hand it means "trust" , "reliance", and on the other hand it means "fidelity", "trustworthiness". In the Old Testement in means to "believe" and in the New Testement it is the basis for all doctrine. In all Christ did in His miracles, make no mistake it was to create a true trust in Him. Jesus is the only object of faith and made it plain, He alone was the only way by having faith in Him to get to Heaven. Refusal to believe in who He is and What He has done is to reject Christianity completely. As a matter of fact Christians first called themselves "believers". I like that. I think we should go back to being believers that are Christians. after all these signs shall follow them that believe. So if we are not seeing the signs... Then we don't believe. Paul said without faith it is impossible to please God. If we don't have complete trust in God and rely on Him totally, then God is not please with us. It also says anything we do outside of Faith is Sin. So when we are not living by faith, but rather we are living by; fear, intellect, reason, passion, or anything other than faith is sin. Sin meaning we miss the mark and don't please God.

Steps

Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in His way. Are your steps ordered by God? Are you trusting in God to show you which way to go and to show you which path is the strait path for you? For scripture also says there is a way that seemeth right to a man, but the end there of is death. So could be the things we think look right and are harmful are not. We need to pray for God to order or to tell us which way to go. scripture also says he will be the voice behind your ear saying go this way, no don't go that way. Then the more we do that the more we get in His will and the more joy, peace, and trust builds and that brings delight in being obedient to His will and His ways.

Discipline

Job 5:17 Behold happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth He chaseneth, and scourgeth every son whom He recieveth. Love this about God the fact that because He loves us He disciplines us. He corrects us or He chaseneths us because He loves us too much to see us go the wrong way. He shows that discipline is not a bad word or not a bad thing, but a sign of love. In todays society and culture discipline is seen as something harmful and because men want to do whatever they desire and we have the mindset of " don't tell me what to do". We have lost the value of discipline and now fail to see the love behind correction that it is for our own good. God has a perfect plan for our lives, but we must be sculpted and molded to fit in it. Sometimes that means we need cut on to make the shape we must become. So consider it love the next time you recieve discipline because it mean" He's still working on me, to make me what I ought to be"

When we have Anger

James 1:19 (KJV) Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. The importance of listening. Beware of those that talk and want to be heard for they are those that you should not trust. Having to explain themselves never proving themselves through actions. They must justify what they have done wrong or not done right by words. It's better to be a listener to hear the needs and heart of someone. When we are quick to answer it often means we are in the wrong. Especially when we have anger behind our answer. Anger comes from our flesh and usually comes from hidden insecurities with in us; jelousy, envy, selfishness, pride, guilt, and lies will bring forth yelling with hurtful words coming forth. And these things are not in right standing with God for this is your flesh nature.

A good prayer for today

Keep me safe. O God for I have come to your for refuge. I say to the Lord you are my Master! All good things I have are from you. The saints in the earth are my heroes! Those who chase after other gods will be filled with sorrow. I will not take part in their sacrifices or even speak the name of their gods. Lord you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The places you have given me are pleasant places. I will bless the Lord that guides me even at night He instructs me. I will not be shaken for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy and my mouth shouts praises. My body rests in safety. Psalm 16 NLT what a wonderful reminder of the God we serve and how to approach Him in prayer. We can put our complete trust in Him, for he is our safe place and if He is our God there is no sorrow, but joy because He is our reward. It is God alone that we should seek instruction from not from any other source even our own thinking. For that we should praise Him.( and many other reasons too)

which list are you on? Flesh or Spirit

Galations 5:17-23 We are at war within our body, our flesh and God's Spirit are contrary or at war with each other. There is this great wrestling within our soul, thoughts, and actions between the two. It is always happening in every you and I do. Here is a list to tell you who is winning. Which list do your characteristics fall under. Adultery(intercourse with someone you or them not married to) Fornication( intercourse when your not married to each other) Uncleaness( impure thoughts and desires), Lasciviousness( acting on impure thoughts or daydreaming impure thoughts or desires)Idolatry( worshipping anything above God), Witchcraft(involvement in things of demonic or magic..ex Harry Potter) Hatred( Bitterness that you have kept) variances( Giving into fighting either verbal or physical) Emulations( outbursts of anger) Heresies( false doctrines) Drunkeness( Alcohol or drugs to change your mental state) Revellings( partying with people that participate in Alcohol or drugs) Or are you in the Spirit where this is your list: Love( Love for God and for others) Joy(happiness about you, because you are Christs) Peace( Know no matter what going to be Ok, because you trust God)Patience(perserverance to get through trials and tempatations of the flesh) Kindness( wanting to help people) goodness( don't participate or think on unclean stuff) Faithfullness( devoted to God and steadfast to Him, not double minded) gentleness( calmnes, not brought to an wrath or strife) temperance( Not stuck on things of this world that are temporary, but always mindful and working for eternal.

sermon notes from sunday morn service

Matt 25:1-13 A)All 10 are of the church not lost people B) Lamp=Word of God C)Oil= Holy Spirit Scripture( Psalm 119:105, and Exodus 30:32 D) Door was shut like days of Noah. 1) Day like any other then all of a sudden 2) Must watch and be ready. we never know when signs from scripture how we know it's close A)Society: Lawless,Immoral,and Corrupt(Romans 1:18-32), Breakdown in Families(Romans 1:26-29, 1Tim3:2), Betrayal of loved ones(John 16:2) Homosexuality(2Tim 3:1-4)Violence abounds(Matt 24:7) Pleasure seekers(2Tim3:1-4), 2Peter 2-3)Food shortages(Rev6:6-8)Computerized numbering system(Rev13:16-18) B) Religion: Hypocrisy and Apostasy( 2 Thess2:3-8, 2Tim 3:1,5) False Doctrine/Perverting Scripture(1Tim 4:1, 1John 4:1-3) Spiritual Deception( 2Tim 3:13, Matt 24:4,5,11) Persecution/Martyred Christians(2 Tim 3:3, Rev6:9-11, 11:7)Gospel Preached around the World( Matt24:14, Rev14:6) False Church/Harlot(Rev17,18) C)Education: Increased knowledge and travel(Dan12:4,2Tim3:7) D)Governement: Wars(Matt24:6) Distress of Nations(Luke21:25) Failure of Peace Conferences( Dan8:25, 1Thess5:3)World Governement with World Leader/man of lawlessness( 2 thess2:34, Rev13:5) E) Israel: Return of Jews as a Nation(Isaiah66:8) F) Earth: Earthquakes(Matt24:7) Pestilences/Plagues( Luke21:11, Rev15;1,6,8,16) Changes in Season(Zech14:68, Joel2:10, Matt24:29)

Hotels exchanging Bible for explicit books

Hotel owner Denby removes the Bible and replaces it with an explicit romance novel here is why? Denby writes on his blog, Slow Life: "Tonight millions of women will be curling up in bed with a good book and you can bet your life it won't be the Bible. More likely than not it will be 'Fifty Shades of Grey.' I haven't read the book yet -- I'm not in the target audience -- but I'm told it's a ripping good yarn and everyone who's in the target audience loves it. This made me wonder about the sense of providing a book, the Gideon Bible which no-one reads, and many dislike, in the bedside cabinet of our hotel bedrooms, instead of a book which everyone wants to read, such as 'Fifty Shades of Grey.' "In this secular age it seems distinctly odd that anyone would expect to find a religious book in a hotel bedroom." The Bible he states "no one reads and many dislike". I would like to argue with him, but I can't many christians and non-christians alike don't read it and many from either spectrum don't like it. Hate to admit it, but its true. I've read stories of homosexual actors that when they stay in hotel rooms rip pages out that are agains homosexuality so others won't read them. I believe the reason for this is because the Bible is God's word that tells us how to live our lives and what is acceptable( obedient to the Lord) and what is not( difining Sin) and people want to do what they want to do and ignore thus sayeth the Lord. It's easier to do this when it is not in a place of constant reminder. What people would rather have is something or someone telling them their behavior is acceptable, even when it is not. Popular opinion so to speak.... This does not work for the God of the Bible. I think this verse sums it up. 1Cor 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God! I believe this applies to not only preaching the cross, but reading about the cross. The Word of God is foolish to those that are perishing and for those that are saved it is the power of God (because it is His Words)

Flesh or Spirit

Romans 8:5 For they that mind the things of the flesh are flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. What is your mind constantly on? Is it on items of the flesh? Things that are temporal, things that are of this world. Is your thoughts always on those things that will pass away. Remember all things of this world are but a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow. We get so bent out of shape over stuff, having stuff, wanting stuff, and keeping stuff. We also get so worried about events, people, sports, work, and other things that take up so much of our time effort and money. What if we put just a fraction of that on things of the Spirit, what if we took some of that time and put it in motion to see soul's saved or into prayer, or into reading and hearing God's word. I think this is partly what is behind the fasting we are doing on Thursdays. To draw us closer and to take us to the next level of devotion. Also to show us how much time we spend on fleshly things. Time that could be spent on building the eternal Kingdom. Kingdom that moth and rust won't corrupt. That will never pass away.

spoken by Don Cathy of Chick-fil-A In response to a question pertaining to the franchise’s support of the traditional family, Cathy replied “guilty as charged.” The president and chief operating officer continued, “We are very much supportive of the family – the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our wives. We give God thanks for that... we know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles." He reiterated his stance on the Ken Coleman radio show the next day. “As it relates to society in general, I think we’re inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at Him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage. I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think we can try to define what marriage is all about,” he explained. Thankful for People and business like these that support Biblical Values. I don't know about you, but I fell like eating Chick-fil-A for supper! there is a national observance of Chick-Fil-A day on Wednesday July 25th and Wednesday Aug 1

Government

Hard to look anywhere without getting someones opinion on our governement. I recognize we in a bad situation with in this country, but I don't let that consume me. I go to the Word of the Lord and find examples when Israel was in bondage by Babylon, Assyria, and Rome. When Jesus.. God himself comes on to the scene Israel and most of the know world is under the authority of Rome. The Roman Empire, the most awful, wicked, pagan, tryrant ran governments that ever bore the name World Power. When Jesus comes on the scene it looks as though He couldn't care less abut it. He seems totally uninterested in whom was is Political Power. He stands before Pilate, before the governement official and says you got no power unless given to you from above.. Meaning God put the Roman government in power to fullfill God's will. Same throughout the Old Testament. God would raise up a Babylon to conquer God's people because they were operating in Sin and lawlessness. God says I set up kingdoms and take down kingdoms.. And here is Jesus smack dab in the middle of a horrible government system ruling over His chosen people. Israel had been crying out for the Messiah to come so He came, but not to fullfill the military or political purpose they wanted. He came and never said one negative word about Rome. But instead had much to say about the current religious system bearing God's name. Didn't endorse one candidate, but spoke openly about getting out of Sin. Wouldn't condemn the paying taxes to Ceasar, but ripped the Pharisees apart over the tithe. Wouldn't raise a voice to Pilate when He had the chance, but spoke about praying to your Father God. I am fascinated how uninterested He was in what was going on in politics, but on fire and raged about what was going on in His Father's house with the money changers. Maybe the answer to our political woes is not in a party or a candidate, but in a Holy God.. If my people which are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and turn from their wicked ways. Then I will heal their land. What if we like Jesus got more concerned with Kingdom of All Mighty God's business. Just like the Old Testament it was the people's sin condition that put them into bondage and it was the people's repentance and devotion to all mighty God got them out. I believe that if we get serious about the Kingdom, He will take care of our current political system. I belive we are in this because He is looking for someone to cry out to Him instead of the government or politics. Start looking to Heaven instead of Washington. Maybe all this is to issue in the Messiah again.. The 2nd coming of Christ! Are you ready? We like the Jews are crying out to God for something He already gave. The Jews had the Messiah, but refused to see it because the political situation didn't change. We are crying our for a better political situation and He already gave one called the Kingdom of God.. Where God is King. No Sickness, no death, all are subject to the King who is Perfect. Love your neighbor as yourself. Praise God

Great services today at church, both morning and night..
this morning the Lord definately moved and had a tremendous presence from Him! I sure love the Lord and what He is doing at Oak Grove! it's amazing to think of how involved God is with our beginning and nothing is random. Before we were ever formed He knew us... Wow. Knew us before we were....

Tonight was very good as well Love youth nights, we have amazing kids that love being in the Lord's House and love being together. thankful for that.

We were missing some that are sick or hurt today. Let us pray for their health this week.

Had a great time at Men's breakfast this morning! Great food and fellowship. bro. Matt Standridge brought a very good devotion over Matt 5:14-16
vs 16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.
He asked the question of how does your light shine for God... bright, dim, flickering, or is it out? Encouraging us to make sure no matter if on the mountain top or down in the valley Jesus our light within us must shine bright for all to see HIM!       Amen

Reminders
Ladies of the church are having there "Night Out" tonight 5:00pm at Italian Gardens

Youth night tomorrow night! having hot dogs and chips afterwards.

See you tomorrow at church in the Morning be prayed up for God to do something Amazing!!!!!!

1st of Many... I hope!

We have been working on this blog for awhile now. The goal is on most days to put scripture and devotion as well as events and announcements on this blog to better keep us informed and connected. We live in a internet age and my hope is to use it for the Lord. I hope I can keep up and that you will take advantage of this site.. Please give me feed back on how it works for us. thanks!
                                                    Bro. Mark Simmons


James 3:4
You ask and recieve not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume your lusts.

If you were at Bible study Wednesday we touched on this.
  James is telling us why we don't recieve from God what we ask in prayer. Jesus said ask anything in my name and it shall be given. But James is telling us something different or is he? He is saying that why you and I don't recieve is because we ask amiss (or we ask wrongly or out of place). He goes on to say we ask not to fulfill God's Will and plan for us, but to consume our own lusts (or to fill our own desires)
  Praying to get our desires gets us in trouble, why? Because  when we pray from our lusts, we pray from our flesh or our sinful nature. James 1:15 Lust has concieved brings forth sin, and sin when it is done brings forth death. So God being soverein and because He loves us refuses to give us the things we ask out of our flesh due to the end result would bring our destruction. This is the necessity of not living in the flesh, but in the Spirit because the spirit will not only be about our asking, but also about having an understanding of God from prayer.
  Of course you could add in John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.  For God to hear us we must be worshippers understanding.. Who God is and putting Him in proper place in our lives and if He is in proper place other things will be in there place. If we be sinners God does not hear our prayers... except of course of repentance....

Kind puts new meaning on Garth Brooks song " I thank God for unanswered prayers"