Be Bold

In Today’s reading form the Book of Acts, Chapter 4, Peter and John are jailed and confronted by some influential religious leaders.  The Bible says the leaders were ‘greatly disturbed’ because after healing a crippled man (Chapter 3), Peter and John were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.  After Peter and John spend the night in jail the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem and questioned Peter and John asking , “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Peter responded, filled with the Holy Spirit, that the crippled man was healed by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  He also said, “Salvation is found in no one else (but Jesus), for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”  And that leads us to a thought for today.  In verse 13 the Bible says, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ”  Acts 4:13 (NIV)

Those opposed to Peter and John were astonished by their courage and boldness.  They recognized this strength as coming from spending time with Jesus.  Have you spent time with Jesus lately?  Are others astonished by your boldness and courage to speak the truth?  We all face those opposed to the message of Jesus but it doesn’t change our responsibility to spread the gospel.  Spend time with Jesus and be bold in your testimony to others- To God be the glory!

Blessings,

Pastor Jim

For those Reading Along

Reading through the Bible together provides many benefits.  We can ask questions, share insights and have meaningful discussions as we meet together whenever and wherever we happen to meet.  We’ll also be using portions of this reading plan as the focus of our Sunday morning messages.  Jesus has commissioned us to, “therefore go and make disciples…”  Getting into the Word of God is essential to our discipleship.  Responding with a comment to this post would be a good way to share what God is doing in or speaking into your life and encourage others.

God Bless,  Pastor Jim

My Wife is Good

In today’s reading of Proverbs 18 it says, “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” (verse 22).  I found Pam some 27 years ago and she became my wife on August 6th, 1983.  God’s Word is true!  Pam is very good and together we’ve found great favor from the Lord.  I love my wife more today than ever before and I expect to love her even more tomorrow.

Thank You Lord for my wonderful wife Pam,

Pastor Jim

Brian’s Story

I know this is not a short blog post, but it certainly touched my heart and if you’ll take the time it can impact yours as well.  A friend of mine sent this to me in an email and I want to share it with you.God bless, Pastor Jim“THE ROOM” as written by a 17 Year Old Boy.

This is excellent and really gets you thinking about what will happen in Heaven.

17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was What Heaven Was Like. “I wowed ‘em,” he later told his father, Bruce. It’s a killer. It’s the bomb It’s the best thing I ever wrote.” It also was the last.

Brian’s parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager’s locker at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County .

Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, and his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen’s life. But it was only after Brian’s death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven.

It makes such an impact that people want to share it. “You feel like you are there,” Mr. Moore said. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend’s house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.

The Moore ‘s framed a copy of Brian’s essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. “I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it,” Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son’s vision of life after death. “I’m happy for Brian. I know he’s in heaven. I know I’ll see him.

 

 

Here is Brian’s essay entitled:

“THE ROOM”

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.

As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read “Girls I Have Liked.” I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn’t match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named “Friends” was next to one marked “Friends I Have Betrayed.” The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. “Books I Have Read,” “Lies I Have Told,” “Comfort I have Given,” “Jokes I Have Laughed At.”

Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I’ve Yelled at My Brothers.” Others I couldn’t laugh at: “Things I Have Done in My Anger”, “Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.” I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.

Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

 

 

When I pulled out the file marked “TV Shows I Have Watched,” I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked “Lustful Thoughts,” I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.

 

One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!” In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn’t matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards.

But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

 

And then I saw it. The title bore “People I Have Shared the Gospel With.” The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room.. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

 

No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.

Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room.. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn’t anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn’t say a word. He just cried with me.

 

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files.. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. “No!” I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was “No, no,” as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn’t be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive.

The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, “It is finished.”

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

 

 

 

Wisdom

The wisdom of God is found in the Word of God.

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”  Psalm 119:9-11 (NIV)

This is a new blog and I would like to see how many of you are interested in it.  With that, here’s a question, from Proverbs 4:1-27 what are some of the benefits of getting wisdom and understanding?

In order for you to be able to post comments you need to register and log in.

I hope to hear from you soon.  God bless

Baptism of the Holy Spirit

From Today’s Reading:  “On one occasion, while he(Jesus) was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4-5 (NIV)

Have you ever stopped to consider what the baptism of the Holy Spirit is?  Water baptism is something we can witness.  On January 9th Kelsey, a new believer, is scheduled to be baptized here at Peaceful Valley Church.  As a new believer she wants to identify with Christ, his death, burial and resurrection and say to the world that she is a Christian and that it is her intention to live the rest of her life to the best of her ability in a way that pleases God.  We can all watch as she makes this public statement of faith.  Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision made by an individual to follow Jesus.  Kelsey will be baptized on the 9th but she was baptized by the Holy Spirit on the day she prayed to receive Jesus as her Lord and Savior.  God’s Spirit came on her and although we don’t see that physically, Christ’s presence in her life is revealed by her changed behavior as she is carried along by the Holy Spirit.  I praise God for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life and I pray His work in yours too.

2011 Reading Plan – Introduction and Tips to Help You Get Started

Download The 2011 Reading Plan Now.

Happy New Year,
We believe it’s important to spend time daily reading, meditating on and
studying the Bible.
For the first quarter of this year we are incorporating our Sunday messages
with this reading plan. Our hope is that as we read through and
study the Bible together we will grow even more unified in our understanding
of just how great our Heavenly Father is and how He might use
us this year to do great things for His glory. We’re family and we’re better
together! Here are some reminders and helpful hints for you as you
begin this plan:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting
and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The most useful habit we can develop to grow in our understanding of
God and His purpose for our lives is Bible reading and study. We express
our love for God by our obedience to His commands.

Jesus said, “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one
who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too
will love him and show myself to him.” John 14:21

There are many benefits to a regular intake of God’s Word. Many
never experience these benefits because they haven’t developed the
habit of Bible reading. If you desire 2011 to be a year of great spiritual
growth, and we hope you do, then a daily intake of God’s Word is critical
to achieving this goal.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

Knowing God’s Word will:
• Help me to resist temptation – Psalm 119:9-11
• Guide me to make wise decisions- Psalm 119:105
• Strengthen me when I’m weak- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
• Comfort me when I’m sad- Jeremiah 15:16
• Help me to witness to unbelievers- 1 Peter 3:15

Before you begin reading make the decision to follow God’s Word in
your life. Be prepared to obey God’s instruction when He speaks to you
through His Word. God is a loving Father who knows what’s best for you
- Trust Him! (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Make it your habit to have a daily quiet time, a time set aside to be
alone with God to get to know Him better. Jesus often went to lonely
places and prayed. (Mark 1:35; Luke 22:39) If Jesus found His strength
through personal time alone with God, how much more do we need to do
the same?

Have a plan. Two keys to starting a quiet time are to select a time that
can be regular and a special place. Consistency and location are both
very important to having a quiet time.

Gather your resources. Grab your Bible and a notebook (to write down
what God speaks to you about and to keep a prayer list), and begin with
the right attitude. We should have an attitude of reverence, expectancy
and obedience.

But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,
and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–
he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:25

What if you miss a day? If you miss a day don’t feel guilty, don’t become
legalistic, and don’t give up. It’s been said that it takes 3 weeks for
most people to become familiar with a new task and another 3 weeks
before it will become a comfortable habit. Let us not become weary in
doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give
up. Galatians 6:9

We were created to have fellowship with God. He made this possible
through Jesus’ death on the cross. We each need to have daily time
alone with God. Make a commitment to spend at least some time every
day with God in a quiet time of Bible reading and prayer. Ask God for
the strength you need to be consistent, and remember, Don’t give up!

Download the 2011 Reading Plan