A Post from my alter ego, Bro. Beauregard

     Let us harken back to a simpler time, a simpler Christmas Eve. A time when family gatherings during this blessed time of year were centered around the story of a Savior Child sent from a loving Father. The story read by a humble father or mother from the Book of Luke, as candles or oil lamps flickered shadows on the walls while a warm fire was popping cheerily in the hearth, or radiating from a stove. And the smell of fresh baked bread, cookies and treats hang in the air, having been prepared for the glorious tomorrow when the celebration begins.

     And let us harken to those Christmas Eve church services, when the preacher heartily gives his best sermon, calling for lost sinners to believe in the gift from God in Heaven. To accept the teachings of that child born so lowly, born in a manger and destined for a throne. And for the congregation to hear the angels words spoken to a girl named Mary, a betrothed man named Joseph, and to shepherds tending flocks during the night.

     And let us hear the songs once again, sung by choirs and congregations, with heartfelt thanks to the birth we are to celebrate, songs of Glory and Hallelujahs, songs of praise and of wise men bringing precious gifts of Gold, Incense and Myrrh. Voices lifted in unison towards Heaven, to the ears of our Most High God, joining with the angels and the ages in humble joy.

     Let us reflect on the boy or girl on Christmas morning, and the excitement of a few presents under the tree. Presents given in love by knowing parents, who could not afford much, but gave gifts that would teach and guide year round. First some fruit, an orange or two and an apple. Maybe there was some hard candy thrown in. Then the bigger present. Maybe the little girl got a new doll and some ribbons. Besides pretending to have tea parties, mother can help show her how to make new dresses with a little fabric, needle and thread. Those are times the little girl would remember with a warm heart into her old age.

     And the little boy receives a pocket knife, not the most expensive, but a good solid one. With that knife, he can carve a sling shot from a tree branch and bring a squirrel home for supper, or make a wooden gun to guard against savages in the night. His father can set with him on cool summer evenings, passing the twilight hours whittling and conversing together, passing knowledge from father to son. Such gifts seem trivial now, but they were gifts that lasted a lifetime.

     And let us harken to the sound of Church bells on Christmas morning, wringing throughout the city and the countryside, as once again Christians gathered on this day. This day is a day to give thanks. Thanks for Blessings the Lord has seen fit to bestow of his Children. Thanks for the love of a Creator who comes down to His creation to save them from themselves. Thanks for the promises of Heaven, and together with other believers we will cry Holy, Holy, Holy to our Lord God Almighty, who is and will forever be! And thanks to the Son of God, Jesus Christ Himself, who takes away the sin of the world to those who believe and trust in Him.

     Finally, lets us harken back and return to the holiness the celebration so richly deserves. That the reason for His coming was not for vast and expensive presents, for parties or Christmas bonuses. Nor did He come to make people depressed. He did not come to condemn but to speak the truth. Harkin back to the original reason why Jesus the Messiah came, He came out of LOVE.

Throwing You A Bone, by Toby

   This month my Poppy said I could put my paws to the keypad and take his place because this tine of year is a big job. So I thought I’d tell you about us and how we relate to God.

     My Poppy and Momma got me three years ago when I was just six weeks old. I fit in his hand and depended on him to take care of all my needs, even taking care of my accidents (oops). I slept in his lap because I felt secure there. I needed him to not get angry if I made a mistake or got into stuff, because I didn’t know better. But most of the time he kept his cool and tried to train me right. Sometimes Momma had to remind him I was just a baby, (mommas are good for that) and to have patience, Poppy kept saying he made a prayer about that one time, and God was giving him lots of practice.

   As I grew Poppy taught me how to do fun tricks, (and get tasty treats) and I try hard to please him. I love my Frisbee the most; it is the best toy in the world. Poppy lets me go bird hunting with him, and swimming and jeep rides because he said we are buddies.

   I’m not the bravest dog, so when I’m not sure about something or get scared, I run to him for protection. Sometimes he laughs because I peek around his legs from behind and he tells me he wouldn’t let anything get me. I trust him.

   My favorite place in the whole world is lying at his feet. To think about it, my favorite place is wherever he is. I’ve seen my Poppy get tears in his eyes, because he said that is how he feels about God and God gave me to Poppy to remind him how he should feel towards God. I don’t know about such things. But when Poppy gets on his knees to pray, I try to fold my paws too and be quiet, because I know he’s talking to his Master.

   I know my master loves me, and I know Poppy’s Master loves him. I get treats, he get’s blessings. Life is good. 

Thank You God...

                Thanksgiving comes at the end of harvest for a reason. We should be thankful for whatever the harvest reaps. But you don’t have to be a farmer to reap the harvest of seeds you've sown. Every one of us spreads seeds in some way. Some may be good; some may not be so good. Some may be seeds of Christianity and there may be seeds of strife. But Jesus said that whatever a man sows, that must he reap.

                I pray as I grow in Christ, the seeds of strife or selfishness will decrease and the seeds of salvation and God’s Word become more plentiful. The Bible says that by our fruits we will be known. An apple tree produces apples and a pear tree produces pears. In the same vein, an apple tree does not produce oranges, and so forth. How will we be known to others? Will we be known as a Godly person, one who doesn’t compromise on the Word of God, or will we be known as something else?

                Psalm 67:6 says “The land yields its harvest;    God, our God, blesses us.” You can look at this verse in this light; God said we are to sow the seeds, the seed being the word of God (Luke 8:1) but the harvest belongs to the Lord. How much more blessed can one be to know that someone he or she has led to Christ will be in God’s final harvest of the saints. If that doesn’t bless your soul, then you may need to reevaluate your walk with Jesus, for there is joy in heaven over a convert’s salvation through Christ.

                When God’s harvest is done, will you have bore good fruit? Will you have sown any seed? We will be giving thanks to God when we get to Heaven, Revelation gives us that picture, I pray there will be known and unknown recipients there beside me, just as a seed was sown in me years ago. I thank you God, for that seed that grew in me, planted by many of your workers. Bless them, one and all.

The World in upheaval, but hasn't it always been?

I hear inside and outside the church doors that the world has never been this bad. If we live in our own generational vacuum, then it can seem so. But looking at true history (not the revised one) shows us this fallen world has always endured genocide, wars, murders, immorality, weather and natural disasters. That is why Christ came, wasn't it, to save the lost and be a light in a dark and evil world?

Jesus told us the present ruler of this world is Satan. The job for us Christians is to be light and battle  evil through the spiritual weapons the Holy Spirit gives is. Ephesians 6:10-18 (KJV)
¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
¹⁸ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Remember, anything that is not of Christ is ANTICHRIST. Look for the spirit of antichrist around us today, not wait for some certain man or woman, for it is easy to be deceived. The spirit of antichrist has been at work since the garden of Eden. Do I have faith Jesus is returning soon? Yes I do. But although I pray for it, I know it will be when the time is right in God's eyes, not mine.

My friends in Christian faith, try to change the world for the better. You have the right to be politically active, missionary active, community active, church active or whatever way God puts it on your heart. You have the right to protect you family and your beliefs. Just remember Christians have always been hated, because the world hates Jesus. He said it himself. Just stand up for yourselves, as Christ stands up for you before the Father. Pray for those being martyred across the globe. And see the antichrist for what it is, and has been throughout the ages until our blessed Lord returns.

TO MY: Brothers and Sisters in China

     I have noticed I have many, many views from China. More than any other country besides the USA, Would you please put in the comments how Christ is moving there? I am very interested and pray the Lord continues to reveal himself to China, and the rest of the world. God Bless.

Bro. Terry

What are we to do with Jesus?

     There are many things that have crept into our church today. Wolves and tares warned of by John, Peter and Paul. These wolves and tares are working to destroy the true Church of God, the bride of Christ, just as they have since the beginning. The work of Christ has not stopped, but the work of the devil has also not stopped either. The trouble is, we have become complacent, lazy, easily fooled because everything is put in front of our bible reading and prayer life.
     It is impossible to keep Jesus first, when so many of the congregations are allowing sin and antichrist teachings to be spewed from the pulpits and sanctuaries. If the truth is not preached, then those seeking to destroy the Christian work have a good foothold to come in and take over, destroying those seeking the true Jesus and true salvation. So then, what are we to do with Jesus?
     If we throw out what the bible says about homosexuality in Romans 1 and 2, as well as Leviticus Chapter 18 and 20, then what are we to do with Jesus? Didn't Jesus say he came not abolish the law, but to fulfill it? (Matthew 5:17)
     If we throw out what the bible says about the love of money, as with the prosperity preachers, then what are we to do with Jesus? (1 Timothy 6:10)
     If we throw out what the bible says about idols, in our churches and in our home life, anything put before God, what are we to do with Jesus? (The bible is full of condemnation against this, but one verse is Exodus 20:4)
     If we throw out what the bible says about being uncompassionate about charity and our fellow man, looking after our widows and orphans, protecting the weak, then what are we to do with Jesus? (Matthew 22:36-40)
     Finally, but not last in a long list, if we do not witness to others when the Holy Spirit compels us, when we do not preach the Gospel to the lost, when we do not try to reach the sinner because of fear of political correctness or hate speech accusations, then what are we to do with Jesus? (Matthew 28:16-20)
     In each and every case, we have tossed Jesus aside in defeat to Satan and those who knowingly or unknowingly work for him. But, in the long run, Jesus is not defeated, He has already won the victory at the cross. It is each one of us, as a Christian, who have allowed ourselves to be defeated, and we will answer for that on the Judgment Day. Now is the time to repent of our weakness and lack of trust in Jesus and His strength. Now is the time to revive our congregations with truth and grace. It isn't too late, for the last trumpet hasn't sounded yet. But it may in the next day, or hour, or minute.
     What are we to do with Jesus? We are not to be ashamed or the message, or of Him. We are to proclaim His name and His Gospel on the mountain tops for all to see and hear. We are to reclaim Jesus as the true Savior and Son of God and the only true path to salvation. Let those who have an ear, hear.

Christ Above All

            Reread the title of this month’s article and form it into a question. Does it read, “Do I put Christ above all?” Do we live the Michael W. Smith song “Above All” or do we place Christ second, or third. Do we place Him in our life at all?

            I hear too many Christians today proclaiming what is important or first in their life. Many times it is the expression, “My Kids come first, or my family comes first”. I’ve been astonished to hear their job, mortgage or their security comes first. That is not biblical, nor can God bless that order. Christ makes it clear the order is to “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul and mind” and then “Love your neighbor as yourself”. (Matt. 22:36-40). Think about where are you in this order?

            There is a website that many Christians and non-Christians have made a video on that proclaim themselves second. It is iamsecond.com. Although I applaud the intent of those videos as good, I also caution Christians that intent does not trump biblical doctrine. The correct order would make the individual third in the scheme of things. I AM THIRD should be in every Christian’s mind.

            Here is the correct order for our lives, 1) God, 2) others (family, friends, neighbors, strangers), 3) you. Kind of puts one low on the totem pole doesn’t it.

            See, Christ didn’t put Himself first when he suffered horrible beatings for us. He didn’t put Himself first when they pounded nails into his hands. He put God first by obeying the Father’s will, that He (Christ) should become THE sacrifice for our sins. Then He put us second, because he was doing it for our salvation, to save us from the judgment of eternal damnation. That makes Him (at that moment in time) third in the order. He gave His life for us, by obeying God’s will. Reading it like that, it is still 3, 2, 1.

            If Christ now resides in us by the Person of the Holy Spirit, then we must, to be obedient, place Christ (God made flesh) first. The scriptures reveal Christ as the second person of the Trinity, one God in three persons. The scriptures also reveal all power in heaven and earth has been given to Him by the Father, and He now holds the keys to heaven and hell.

            Christ must be the center and head of our devotion. Anything else is idolatry. If you put Christ first in your life, then all else will fall into place. I have found myself free from doubt, and easier to make decisions when I keep the order correct. Decisions concerning family, jobs, finances and leisure time come easier when it is Christ centered.

            How could you ever go wrong with the One who loved you so much that he gave His only Son (John 3:16) leading your life. Even if it comes to the ultimate human sacrifice, giving one’s life for another’s, God has a great reward for you in heaven.

            How about trying to be third for once, I think you’ll see a difference in your life and your family’s life. Christ deserves the first and the best!

Season of Change

                As I noted last month, spring has finally arrived, now soon to become summer. As with all things, seasonal change is inevitable. Last Wednesday, Sis. Audrey gave a lesson on Ecclesiastes Chapter 3. If you are a child of the 70’s, then you know the first verses from a Simon and Garfunkel song “Turn, Turn. Turn”. You know, “a time to be born and a time to die, a time to sow and a time to reap,” etc. I encourage every one of you to get your bible and read this passage, it explains life in general.

                With this in mind, I strongly (and I mean strongly) feel the Lord telling me a time of change has once again entered my life. It is a time to step out of the boat of security and into the waters of faith, a time to “Peter-Up” so to speak.

                Remember the story of Peter and Christ walking on the water? Peter did pretty well until his faith began to waiver, then Christ took his hand and Peter was safe. I am at that point in life. Not so much wavering in my faith, but heeding the call to get out of the boat and trust Him with having shaky knees. Now is the time the Spirit is telling me to walk the walk in faith with my Lord Jesus, and I am compelled to follow, knocking knees and all.

                At the Pastor’s Fellowship the last two years, we have met and made friends with some very dear and faithful preachers and their spouses. From Illinois to Dry Ridge and beyond, I have found a Christian family that       offers love, support and advice, especially stories that show me I am not alone in uncertain decisions that require the faith in Christ to succeed.

               

                I also have a wonderful, supportive family here at the Custer Church of God. A family who believes in what the Lord has called me to do, preach the Gospel. My home church family is second to none in the love, guidance and support to Lisa and myself. Almost nine years since we entered the doors of our wonderful little church, and have felt at home every since. Words can never express the love and joy we share with you. We have also experienced the sense of loss as many members have passed on, each one still an influence in our hearts.

                But this Father’s Day Message has to do with my Heavenly Father, and my obedience to His call. Lisa and I will begin to back out of some of the things we do in our home congregation so we can travel and visit with other churches. I must begin my ministry; I must step out of the boat, my boat being the Custer Church of God. You, my beloved friends are the boat, and the unknown path God leads me are those raging waters I must walk upon, with the hand of Jesus. Pray that I do not sink, but remember to look to Him. You are our home church, a place of refuge and we will continue to attend when we are not away, but as John said, “I must decrease so He can increase” in my life.

                Seasons come and go, but the love of Christ is forever!

Hurrah! It’s Spring!

                It finally came, the season called Spring. Like many of you, I never thought it would get here. It officially came to me last week; I mowed my grass for the first time this year.

                It’s usually the same year after year, the days shorten, the leaves fall and right after Christmas, gloomy days and cabin fever sets in. Then the spring catalogs start coming in and we get antsy wanting it to hurry up. But it will come in its own good time. Patience is required to keep things in perspective.

                We may get fooled with one or two nice warm spring days. The stores will have plenty of customers buying plants and flowers and supplies. They rush home to plant and fertilize, then bad news! A storm front is reported to be approaching, freezing temperatures and a hard freeze is forecast. Unless you know your horticulture, your work was for naught and the plants will die.

                Even those who know the signs and seasons will get a curve ball thrown at them at one time or another. It’s the same with patiently waiting for the return of Christ. He has given us signs to be aware of, things that will signal His triumphant return, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” Matt 24:36.

                Many have called out the hour or the day of His return. They have all failed. Even many of us get concerned with all the signs we see today. Not concerned about His return per se, for that is a joyous occasion, but concern for our unbelieving loved ones. Our patience runs weak, the same as it does during the depths of winter.

 

    Just to keep us on our toes, sometimes a curve ball is pitched. Those curve balls are to get you deeper into the Word to check things out and see what God said about the subject. It’s when we think He is coming right now, when that warm sunny day comes out of nowhere, that we find that cold front returning. It was a glimpse of a promise of what is to come, if we practice patience. But just as spring will arrive, so will our Lord. Both are promises from God Himself.

 

Enjoying our Holidays

     We Christians can get hung up on so many things that we spend time judging others at the expense of experiencing the joy of Easter, or “Resurrection Sunday” to some. Once again, I hear Christians arguing over the “pagan rituals” that have become a big marketing part of the season. I hear factual history that has influenced what the secular world calls Easter today, and I hear false history touted as truth.

     I will not go into bunnies, eggs and baskets. I will touch on letting the devil and world take away your joy if you get so focused on the cons, that the day becomes a burden for you.

     First, why do we expect the world to act any different? Why do we get so upset we let the season go by grumbling about this and that? Don’t we go through the same thing at Christmas? Many of our brothers and sisters refuse to celebrate Christ’s Birth on December 25^th because of some pagan influence or another. Have we forgotten we are in this world to cast the light of truth? We can’t cast much light if we continually attack those who don’t even know better. Instead we should be lovingly showing the truth of the Death, Burial and Resurrection.

      We can turn so many people off to the message of Christ by beating them over the head about “fertility” rituals, colored eggs and stuff they won’t even understand. Remember, we are charged to go out into the world and proclaim the Gospel, not condemn everything the unknowing does. I read where Jesus won converts with a soft approach that was straight forward and truthful. He asked questions of the person, showed them what God wanted, and lovingly corrected them. He also left it up to them to follow Him or not.

     The point is the Gospel is enough to spark change, if change is forthcoming. It does us no good to fuss and complain about how WE think others should know what it’s all about. We only steal our own joy and give ourselves ulcers. Enjoy Easter as the Resurrection of our beloved Savior Jesus Christ. The season is pretty correct, for we count it from the Jewish Passover. If it is a few days off, it doesn’t matter. We mark this day to collectively celebrate our love for Him.

     And as far as eating a good dinner on that day, what Christian turns down a good meal and family fellowship. What better day to shine your little light to family and friends with joy. And if one of the kids hands you an “Easter Egg” just eat it and enjoy. Remember, God told Peter nothing He makes is unclean!

God Is Still In Control

     What a winter we have experienced. The news reporters proclaim calamity and doom with every snowflake. They cry about how the climate is changing because of man. Only man can save the planet, if only we buy carbon credits and not burn wood or coal or gas, etc. I have news for them, GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL!

     It has snowed before, the rivers and ponds have frozen many times, it has gone below zero degrees not so long ago. Nothing new here, God is still in control.
     The only difference now is the problem of man shaking their fist at God and saying they can change the way God created the climate. There have been droughts. (Remember the dust bowl? If you were not taught about it, look it up). There have been floods, I’ve lived through three on the Ohio River myself. High winds and forest fires have all happened before, and usually helps the environment by naturally causing fertilizer for the soil. Just remember God is still in control.
     Every generation thinks they are the only ones going through these things. For many of us, when the news speaks of a couple of decades since an event occurred, we remember it like it was yesterday. But to those born twenty-five years ago, it seems ancient history. We need to remind them the bible states in Ecclesiastes 1:9 “That which has been is what will be,
That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun.” That means God is still in control.
      History repeats itself, those who take the time to study the bible and a little history can identify specific crucibles and react or prepare accordingly. One thing is certain, until Christ returns, there will be Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. We should prepare yearly for rain, heat, dry, cold and so on. Our grandparents prepared for the worse, just in case, we seem to have lost that self-dependency and panic if the power goes out for a few hours.
     Psalm 155:3 says “But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.” So just prepare for the rough times and enjoy the good times, and can we say in unison “GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL!”      

 

               

Two Thousand and Fourteen Years

                It has been two thousand and fourteen years (give or take a couple) since our Lord has walked the earth, can we even fathom that? How many saints have lived and gone to Heaven? How many have lost the chance for salvation in that time? How many have seen the Lord’s face in their eternal life, and how many were turned away? Whose responsibility has it been to see that His word is told to those who were blinded by the world? The simple answer is “ours”.

                Although the Holy Spirit draws one to Christ, how can they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:14) That’s where Jesus put our responsibility as a believer and follower. There are even degrees of effectiveness we are given in that mission, for Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 3:6 “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”
                As far as Jesus is concerned we are all preachers in respect to spreading the gospel. Yes we all have different talents or gifts given by Him to accomplish this as a member of the Body of Christ. But we must concede we all have in us a way to present the Gospel. If we didn’t, why would Jesus give us the Great Commission? (Matthew 28:19, 20)             
                Look how long it has been since that commission was given, and look how much more work there is to do. We need to stop setting on our hands waiting for His return, and get to work witnessing to those that will listen. All we need to do is plant the seed, or maybe water the seed that was already planted, and pray for God to reap His harvest. If we take this seriously, then maybe another two thousand and fourteen years will not pass before He calls His Church home. Let us start today anew, what was started in the book of Acts, and strive towards the finish of Christ’s work on earth! Amen