Monday, Hot Afternoon Thoughts

Personally I find great peace in knowing that God is in control of every good and bad thing that ever happens. I know now without a doubt that there is no such thing as a coincidence. Even in the smallest and what appears to be the most mundane things in our daily life, God has ultimate control.

What this means to me is that even when things appear to be the bleakest, the impossible, the worst, God knows exactly what He is doing and is allowing whatever it is that is happening to happen for a greater purpose.  Many times I think it is His way to slap us up the side of the head to get our attention.
Write this on your heart, God always has your best eternal interest in mind with everything that happens in your life.

Take a look at these scriptures:

Psalm 33:10-11 "The Lord foils the plans of the nations, He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations."
Psalm 115:3 "Our God in Heaven does whatever pleases Him!"
Psalm 135:5-7 "I know the the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. The Lord does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on earth, in the seas and all their depths. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth, He sends lightening with the rain, and brings out the from His storehouses."
Amos 3:6 " When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble? When disaster comes to a city, has not the Lord caused it?
Acts 2:23 "This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you with the help of wicked men, by nailing Him to death to a cross."
Acts 4:27-28 "Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.
Isaiah 46:9-10 "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God and there is no other; I am God and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times what is still to come. I say, "My Purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please!" 
Matthew 10:29 "Not one sparrow will fall to the ground without your fathers will!"

I am small, God is big!  I am weak He is strong!  Yes Jesus love you!

See you soon. Love, pastor Kent

"Delight Yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the Desires of your Heart!"

TONIGHT:  I am praying that God will lead us by the power of  His  Holy Spirit as we look at Psalm 37:4.

PCF family, God is doing so many things right now in our midst I can't even talk about all of them yet. But if you are in for the journey, hang on because it is going to be a magnificent adventure with God.  That is what church should be, a magnificent adventure, not a routine, nor an obligation out of duty.

NO way, when you get into the presence of God, when you learn to "DELIGHT Yourself in the Lord, hang on to your hats because life is going to get real interesting. And that is exactly what i am seeing happen right before my eyes with PCF.

Come join us tonight for worship and let the fun, love, and adventure of God begin in your life.

See you tonight at 6:30pm at the Crystal Garden 1230 University Drive, Edwardsville, Il 62025
One of the most unique places to worship in Edwardsville.

See you tonight. Love, Pastor Kent

Sometimes you have to experience "it" to believe it!

What is  the "it" in the title of this post?  The "it" can be many things. Take marriage for example. You cannot really put into words what marriage really is until you experience "it".  I mean you could try and explain marriage to someone who has never been married but there is no possible way you could cover all the feelings, connections, responsibilities, joys, sorrows, communication, and on and on to really understand marriage. Sometimes you have to experience it to believe it.

And that little Adam is the only way I can tell people about  developing a loving close relationship with God. There are not enough words or sermons, or books to ever let you fully understand it. "Sometimes you have to experience "it" to believe "it!"

I want everyone who reads this blog to "experience God!"  Because when that happens, you are not going to believe it!  

So just how crazy can life get when you tune in to God? Of course you are not fully going to understand this until you experience "it!"  But let me give you a real life example:

I have a college friend who came into town. I don't get to see John, my friend very often, but when he comes to town we try and get together. We spend time reminiscing and one of the ways we do that is by going to some of the places we used to hang out when we were in college.  Thus enters the Stagger Inn!  Have I captured your attention yet?

Now here is where God enters the picture… So we are going to go into the Stagger and continue our conversation of days long past over a brew and we come across a guy sitting outside with a goat!  Yes a real goat. Well what are you supposed to say to a guy who looks like he has been on a long journey with a goat?  Now before I continue this story you have click on the link below and check this out.

God, a Goat, and PCF

Ok can you start to get the God connection?  Anyway to make a very long crazy story short…for now… Steve and his goat, LeeRoy" will be coming to our July 6th service in the park at 7:30 AM!  He will be giving the message. He is being followed all over the internet and has been on TV and radio shows across the country! This could be a very large turn out because he is going to be posting where he is speaking including Praise Community Fellowship.

And one more thing, Steve and Leeroy will be staying with Bonni and I Sunday so let the fun begin. Yes God can even use goats!  Hey no one can ever say that we are a boring church!    Make plans and tell your friends to come out to Glik park Sunday July 6th at 7:30AM for music, a goat, a story, and Gods blessing. 

See you there!  Love, pastor Kent

REMINDER: Jerry Godins memorial service is tomorrow at the Crystal Garden at 11:00 am lunch to follow. 

Up coming Service Announcements

This Saturday there will be a memorial service for Jerry Godin at 11:00am. at the Crystal Garden. There will be a lunch following the memorial.

This Sunday we will worship at our regular time at 6:30 Pm. Come join us in one of the most unique places of worship in Edwardsville. Come find all that God has for you. He loves you and has a plan for your life.

On July 6th we will have a morning service only at Glik Park at 7:30 AM. 

Mark your calendars!

Please lift up Chuck Weiss in prayer. He has been admitted to the hospital with pneumonia.

Our mission team is serving lunches to children as part of the twigs program. And we are gearing up for more fellowship dinners and starting a new choir. Let the Lord lead every one of us in all that we do.

See you soon. Love, pastor Kent

Deep Thinking

I've had some people ask why I sometimes stop posting for a while. When I go several days without posting it is usually because I am praying and thinking. I don't want to post just to be posting. Just like i don't want to preach just to be preaching. If I am not getting something from God I would rather be silent. There is way too much "talk" hitting us from every angle everyday so sometimes silence is golden!

In the mean time, keep loving and seeking God in all that you think, say, and do.

See you soon.  Love, pastor Kent

Is Your God The God?

Your life is a direct reflection of how powerful and real God is in your life! Jesus said it like this, If you know me and love me you will keep my commandments.

This Sunday we have a special guest, Pastor Andrew Phiri from Zambia will be presenting the word from God to us. Come and hear.

Hope to see you there. 6:30!

Love, pastor Kent

Just One Question

Here is a way to simplify your Christian Walk. Just ask your self this one question through out your day.

"Is what I am Thinking, Saying, or Doing, or about to say or do, Glorifying God?"

Pretty straight forward. Have a great Wednesday!

Love, pastor Kent

Monday Morning Thoughts, Let's Go Fishing!

Do you realize where you are on your journey with God determines your role as a member of the church?  The further along you are on your Christian journey, the more will be required of you!

Praise Community Fellowship is still a new, growing church with the mission of fulfilling our three primary goals.

1.)  Our Message:  Letting people know God has a plan for their life.
2.)  Our Mission: Opening a conversation about the reality and power of Jesus with as many people as possible.
3.) Our Method: To live our lives as a demonstration of the Hope, Love, Forgiveness, Compassion, and Healing with everyone who crosses our paths and in all circumstances.

Now for those of you who have accepted Jesus and realize His power and Grace, let me shock with you with some very important news, "Our Church is not all about you!" Now before you get mad at me and jump ship let me explain what I am talking about.

There have been times when I have gone fishing out in a boat with several people. Depending on the size of the boat, having several people trying to fish all at the same time can be very challenging especially if you have some newbies, (people who have never fished before). Now, as an experienced fisherman, and as someone who loves to share the joy of catching fish with others, who do you think should get most of my attention in that boat of people?  The ones who already know how to fish or the ones who do not even know how to tie a lure onto their line?   I guess the answer depends on what I want to accomplish on my fishing trip doesn't it?  Is the trip all about me and my pleasure catching as many fish as possible?  Or, am I willing to sacrifice my trip and help those who do not know how to fish so they can experience a successful and rewarding fishing experience and learn how to catch fish?

Now imagine a very large boat that has 30 experienced fisherman and 30 inexperienced newbies all wanting to experience catching fish.  There will be some experienced fisherman on the boat who will totally ignore the newbies and try to fulfill their own passion and goals by catching as many fish as possible. Some of these experienced fisherman will complain and get very aggravated at the newbies because the newbies don't know the "rules" and the methods of fishing in groups. Some of the experienced fisherman will get down right rude and angry at the inexperienced newbies who accidentally get their line tangled in with the experienced fisherman. Luckily, there will always be a couple of experienced fisherman who will do their very best to try and help both the experienced fisherman and the newbies try to have a great fishing trip. But no matter how hard the one or two experienced fisherman try to keep everyone happy, they will probably fail because there just isn't enough help to allow everyone a great experience. 30 experienced fisherman, 30 inexperienced fisherman. Look at the potential!  Imagine the solution!

It takes time, patience, and love to help new Christians grow and understand the love and power of Jesus. Can you grasp what I am trying to say?

Praise Community Fellowship is going fishing. I will need help so everyone can enjoy the journey. And by the way, I think we are doing an amazing job of laying down our own poles and helping others. This story is about our future and what it is going to take as we reach out and invite new "inexperienced fisherman" into our boat. Amen!   As I tell my friend "P".  THINK!    Hope to see you all soon!  Love, Pastor Kent

ANNOUNCEMENT: Jerry Godin's memorial service will be held Saturday June 28th at 11:00 AM at the Crystal Garden where we now meet.  Lunch will follow the service. Betty has invited all of you to attend.

Fellowship Tonight

Please plan on joining us tonight after the service for coffee, refreshments and fellowship. It will commence immediately after the service in the same room.

Sincerely, Fellowship Committee

Tonight

It's a complicated, complex life. Sorrows, Joys, Successes, Failures, Life, and Death. Tonight I will take a look at this crazy life and tie it into the fact that today is "Father's Day".

I hope you will join us at our new location, at 1230 University Drive, Edwardsville, also known as GC Cuisine/ The Crystal Garden.

Gods word, fellowship, friends, and love. Praise Community Fellowship, come join us tonight at 6:30.

Hope to see you there, love pastor Kent

In this World

This morning Allen Cassens went to be with the Lord. Linda has asked that no one call or visit at this time so she can have a day to gather her thoughts and make arrangements.

John 16:33

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

This past week we have had several people leave this world and begin a new journey. Jerry Godin, Allen Cassens, Joe Meyer, and there are others who I am not aware of. Death is part of the journey that we will all face in this life. The closer your relationship with the living God, the easier it is to understand and accept death. 

Jeremiah 29:13

13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

 My prayer for those grieving the loss of a loved one. 

"Let the fullness of God be with all the friends and family of those who have gone on to be with God. Father I ask that you take the hurting hearts, the broken hearts and plant your seed of truth and hope in each of them so that your love and your reality will become established in their lives from this moment on. I Jesus name, Amen!

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

Come this Sunday at 6:30PM at the crystal Garden located at 1230 University Drive, Edwardsville. Come and find the love ad truth of Jesus. Come for healing, come for prayer, come for love and fellowship. See you then, pastor Kent

Prayers Requested - Godin Family

Dear Church Family,

It is with a heavy heart that Gerry Godin passed away today.  As most of you know, Gerry was a wonderful man and supporter of Praise Community Fellowship.  Please keep Betty, and the entire Godin Family, in your prayers.  We will update you on arrangements once they have been finalized.

Know the Whole Story So You Avoid Disappointment

Yesterday I gave a way to "tune in" to God. It is not a formula by the way. It is a suggestion that will help you focus your attention on God so you can develop your relationship, hear His voice, and begin a new way to live.

Now, as you begin this Christian journey let me make you very aware of something else. Did anyone ever tell you that going to the dentist will not hurt? When children are little sometimes parent tell little white lies about things so children will not be afraid or be more compliant when it comes to things such as going to the dentist. But sometimes the little white lies can backfire.

"Honey it will be ok. The dentist is only going to look at your teeth. He isn't going to do anything that is going to hurt."  Then your child gets to the dentist and you are told a tooth must come out. Oh Oh, now what are you going to tell your child? Or "Honey there is nothing going to hurt you while playing in the ocean. Look there are lots of kids playing in the waves." Then your child gets stung by a jelly fish!  Now what are you going to say?

So let me give you a scripture or two from the bible about your Christian journey.

John 16:33
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

James 1:2
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

1 Peter 4:12-13
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Psalm 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

It sure seems to me from these Scriptures that God is pretty much telling us that we are not going to be exempt from problems and aches and pains in this world. Now I don't know about you, but I can surely attest and say AMEN to that fact. But I can also tell you that my interpretation and my reaction to my problems has radically changed since forming a relationship with God. And it comes down to what I said in yesterdays blog. I know that God is in charge of everything in my life and I trust Him completely. And I trust Him completely because I know that no matter what it is I am facing or going through, He always has my best interest in mind. That when it is all said and done, I'll be able to declare like Joseph said in Genesis, "God meant all this "Stuff" (problems, trials, heartaches…) for good!"

Hope to see all of you this Sunday. 
"This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be very glad in it!"  Love, pastor Kent

Tuning In

How do we "tune in" to God?  I think the biggest thing that leads us to becoming "God Aware" or "Tuning In" has to do with your heart. And there a couple of questions I think will help you as you move toward God consciousness.

1.) Do you feel love toward everyone who enters your life?  If not, what is it that is keeping you from loving everyone? Prejudices? Opinions? Anger? Jealousy? Something you have not been able to forgive?

2.) Do you think about God most of the day during your daily routines or is He out of sight and out of mind? The more you think about God during your day, the easier it is to "hear" His promptings. By that I mean you will hear that inner voice guiding you in "all" your activities throughout the day.

3.) Are you starting your day with prayer and reading His word? This is important. Everyone can start their day with God.  Everyone! The important thing to remember about this very important daily connection is, it's not about the amount of time spent but the quality of time spent.  Have you ever been on the phone with someone who was obviously not listening or participating in the conversation because they were doing something else?  It's annoying isn't it? Welcome to Gods world!

God wants to be first in your life. FIRST. I think we forget what first means. First means He wants us to put Him and His teachings as the way we live our lives. A great example of that is when He set up the tithe in the old testament. Besides offering a blessing to those who tithed, God was giving man a way to think about God in all that he did. 

God seeks a relationship. A loving, caring relationship. And that cannot happen without constant communication.  The reason so many people miss God or do not experience His power is because they do not have a close relationship with Him. 

Let me give you a way to experience God like you never have before. If for everyday for 1 month, you will do what I am going to tell you, I guarantee you your relationship with the living, loving God will become so powerful you will wonder how you did without Him for so long.

1.) Start everyday with these words and say them with enthusiasm. "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be very glad in it!"

2.) Read at least two paragraphs from one of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke or John.

3.) Spend at least 5 minutes in conversation with God.  What your questions are, what your concerns are. Then spend at least 3 minutes thanking Him for all the blessing in your life.

4.) Set an alarm on your phone to remind you every hour to think about God and thank Him for being with you. This only takes 10 to 15 seconds. Do this all day every hour until its time to go to bed and then review your day with God again thanking Him for helping you to tune in to Him!

Ok after 30 days you let me know how your relationship with God is.  Actually, if you do this, exercise, you won't have to tell anyone that you did it because it will become obvious that God is working in and through you. Now there is something else that is going to happen as you complete this exercise. You will begin hearing God speak to you about many things in your life.  Follow His instructions!   This is vital. Your life will become an amazing blessing to you and those around you.

OK that's it, let the fun begin!
Love, pastor Kent

God is Always Teaching Us Something

Why is life so hard?
Why am I going through this?
Where is God in this?

I guess the third question really sums up peoples frustration when things in this life are not going well.
Where is God in this? Well the answer is quite simple, He is smack dab right in the middle of "it!"  It being whatever it is you are going through.

So I guess the next logical question to that comment would be why?  Why would God be in the middle of this suffering or this problem? And the answer to that is because He is in control of absolutely everything that happens in this universe which means that there is purpose in EVERYTHING!

Oh there was a time when I was taught and believed that "some things just happen!" That God is not in control of the bad things that happen on this earth. But then I came to my senses and realized through much bible reading and study that God very well be in charge of everything, otherwise we are not only worshipping an impotent God but we would all be in big trouble. Anyway it just doesn't make sense that we would on one hand say that God created the heavens and the earth and everything in them but He isn't in control of cancer or an auto accident. "What?" He can create the oceans and the sun and the moon but when it comes to a disease or an accident He was on vacation, or sleeping or has lost His power?  That doesn't make any sense.  Yes we live in a fallen world and Satan is always seeking ways to wreak havoc but only if God lets Him!

Job 1:8-12

8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”
12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on hisperson.”

God is in control!   But there is something we all need to grasp about Gods purpose and plan, God's plan has everything to do with our eternity. So what we experience here in this short life is always about moving us toward the truth. His truth, which is embodied in His son Jesus. This training ground, that we call life, will not all be pleasant. You all already know that. But the final outcome will be beyond amazing, spectacular, and glorious.

When you become God conscious, (trusting and acknowledging God in all circumstances) you are well on your way to knowing the truth, and the truth will set you free!

There is no such thing as an accident when you become God conscious. You will realize that God always has a greater purpose which is always to bring you and others closer to the truth.

Genesis 50:19-20

19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me,but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

So where is God?  He is speaking loud and clear through all the experiences of your life. Learn to tune in!  More on that coming soon.

God has a plan for your life and you want to hear something crazy?  "You are in it right now! You, just like millions of others, may not realize it yet.    

One more thought for the day: Stop thinking of church as a place or a routine! It is neither!

See you soon.  Love, pastor Kent

Interesting Study: Jesus comes with a sword!

Matthew 10:34-38

34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn

“‘a man against his father,
    a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36     a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

So what is this sword that has the power to turn family members against one another?  It is the sword of TRUTH. Gods truth. "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free!"  Yet when you read the above scripture it looks as if freedom comes at a great price. The possibility of turning friends and relatives against you. 

How could that be? Jesus was bringing in a whole new way of relating to God. What He was teaching was a slap in the face to the religion of the day and to those who practiced it. People are very protective of "their" beliefs. Today the sword is just as sharp. Today the sword of truth goes against the world's way of living. God's truth does exactly what it is supposed to do. It lights up our sin. Sin does not like to be put into the light. Because when it is lit up and shown for what it is it produces guilt, and no one wants to feel guilty. We love to be right.  We love to be in control. We want to believe what we believe! We hate being told we are wrong.

 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

Yes, but the sword of truth has the ability to not only inflict a wound but also heal it all within one stroke. The sword can cut through all the chains that bind us. Use the word of God to move closer to the truth. The closer we get to the truth the closer we are to the Kingdom of God where peace, joy, love, and contentment can become your normal. Jesus was a radical. Do you want to follow Him? There will be a price but the reward is great!

Have a great day!   Love pastor Kent

Maybe you should just, "Let It Go!"

Two Holy men, Mike and Pete, both trained in a very strict religious monastery, were to take an all day journey to a shrine.  The day before they left, it had rained most of the night and the road they were to walk on became very muddy. Still, in the morning, they set out to the shrine. After walking about two hours they approached a village and came upon a young woman wearing a beautiful white silk kimono wishing to cross the muddy road. Without any words, Mike picked up the young woman and carried her to the other side of the road where she could continue to her destination.  The two men then continued walking on in silence. Five hours later as they were approaching their destination, Pete could not restrain himself any longer. He looked at Mike and asked, "Why did you pick up that young woman and carry her across the road? You know it is improper. We holy men are not allowed to do things like that!" Mike looked at Pete and replied, "I put the girl down hours ago, why are you still carrying her?"

Jesus gave us all the keys we need to unlock the chains that bind us. "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free!"

Todays lesson to ponder, "Maybe you just need to let it go!"

Love, pastor Kent

Tired of Religion?

Tonight would be an awesome night to bring your most skeptical friends and family members, those who have had it with religion.

God is real, Jesus is real, Religion is often messed up. God has a plan for anyone willing to meet Him and believe in Him and follow Him.

The Crystal Garden. A place where Praise Community Fellowship will gather this evening. It's about love.  It's about change. It's about relationship. It's about letting go of the old and bringing in the new. It's about moving toward the truth. It's about you and the living God.

Tonight: "You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free!"

See you at 6:30.  1230 University Drive, Edwardsville.  A place to meet new friends and Jesus!
Love, pastor Kent