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.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
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
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
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
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
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
Monday, June 9, 2014
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!
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.
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
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.”
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
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
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.’
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
Monday, June 2, 2014
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
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
Sunday, June 1, 2014
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
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
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