Saturday, February 28, 2009

A Father's Favor

What gift are you expecting...don't anticipate God will take care of you.
Today's Scripture:
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

James 1:17

A gift is a tangible expression of love. That's why the best gifts you receive are usually given by those who know you well. These people know your likes and dislikes, your needs and your wants. They know your favorite color, perfect size, and what makes your heart sing. God is the ultimate giver of good gifts. His knowledge of who you really are is as limitless as his love for you.

The way God gives is as perfect as each gift he chooses to send your way. Coming down literally means "God's gifts keep on coming."

There is no end God's generosity. In the same way that the sun keeps on shining even when the earth obstructs its light at night, God keeps on giving even when you don't notice what he's sending your way.

And since God's character never wavers, you know his gift-giving habits will never change. You can trust he will continue to deliver wonderful surprises throughout eternity.

One of the devil's most effective lies is that God is not totally good, that he is holding out on you. It was this lie that Eve fell for in the Garden of Eden. Remembering the true nature of God and his gifts - will keep your heart filled with hope and gratitude, and your eyes open to blessings big and small that God chooses to send your way.

Selah people' and friends not all of God's gifts seem perfect and gift wrapped at first glance. Some are tough to accept wholeheartedly, like those that teach patience or humility. Trusting God's goodness will help you embrace every gift he sends.

"Let us be thankful of the gifts God sends today even if we are not sure what good they are."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston (via mobile at the Manor house Glade Springs)


Friday, February 27, 2009

Lessons from a child

Do you value the children in your life...?
Today's Scripture:
Jesus said, "Be careful. Don't think these little children are worth nothing. I tell you that they have angels in heaven who are always with my Father in heaven."

Matthew 18: 10-11

As Jesus gained notoriety, so did his disciples. All the attention could have become a source of pride, which may be why the disciples asked Jesus who would be the greatest in his kingdom. Jesus's response was to call over a small child as object lesson humility. But Jesus didn't end this message with his admonition to become as open, unassuming, and teachable as a child. He also shared how important children were to God.

In the culture of the time, both women and children were viewed more as possessions than people. In contrast, Jesus treated every human being, regardless of sex, race, or age, as valuable. Through today children are generally treated with much higher regard than they were back then, they are still weak, helpless, and often unable to speak up for themselves. They depend on the adults for them for protection, provision and love.

Throughout Scripture, God has revealed his tender heart toward those who are dependent on others, such as widows and orphans.

Some believe that Jesus's lesson to his disciples means that every child has a guardian angel who watches out for his or her welfare. Whether that is true or not, one thing is certain. Children matter deeply to God. In turn, the way in which they are treated should matter deeply to you.

Selah people' and friends whether you're a parent or not, daily life provides plenty of opportunities to share your love with a child. Being patient, approachable, and attentive when you're with kids is one way of sharing God's love.

"Peace be yours as we love Christ like a child and with our children."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick) via mobile Orange County, NC with van load of Selah youth!


Thursday, February 26, 2009

Set Apart for a Purpose...

God's Spirit has set us apart for a reason...
Today's Scripture:
Christ's anointing teaches you the truth on everything you need to know about yourself and him, uncontaminated by a single lie. Live deeply in what you were taught.

1 John 2:27

In Old Testament times, pouring olive oil on something or someone was a sign that what was being anointed was being set apart for God's special use. High priests, rulers, and objects used in God's temple were all anointed and viewed as sacred. Jesus himself was often referred to as the "Anointed One," which is the meaning of Messiah in Hebrew and Jesus in Greek.

Through Jesus's sacrifice, you, too, have become an anointed one. Instead of being anointed with oil, you have been anointed with God's own Spirit. You've been set apart for God's use in this world. In the Old Testament, God occasionally anointed people like David and Saul with the gift of his Spirit. But before Jesus came to earth, this kind of anointing wasn't permanent. God's Spirit could be taken away, as it was from the ruler Saul when Saul became lax in how he followed God.

Thanks to Jesus, the anointing of God's Spirit will never be taken away from you.

God's Spirit sets you apart and becomes your personal teacher and trainer.

He helps you understand Scripture, see things more clearly from God's perspective, and discern between God's truth and others' religious-sounding lies. However, you can experience only a part of God's Spirit while you're here on earth. That means your understanding of God, the Bible, and his ways is still imperfect. But God's Spirit will help lead you where you need to go in this life.

Selah people' and friends although God's Spirit is your primary teacher, you can still learn a lot about God from other people, as long as they have his Spirit working in their lives so they can recognize truth.

"Peace be yours and mine as we recognize the anointing of God."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)


Wednesday, February 25, 2009

First Things First

When we glorify God and give Him the glory the prizes will come...
Today's Scripture:
Jesus said, "The thing you should want most is God's kingdom and doing what God wants. Then all these other things you need will be given to you. So don't worry about tomorrow."

Matthew 6:33-34

During the height of Jesus's popularity in Israel, crowds followed him everywhere, hungry for a word of insight or a touch of compassion. At that time, Jesus spoke at length (probably over several days) the words of what has come to be known as the Sermon on the Mount. Seated on a hill, Jesus shared practical lessons based on spiritual principles relating to everyday concerns. Jesus spoke about anger, revenge, and greed, the importance of building strong relationships, and God's provision for everyday needs, such as food and clothing.

Just like people today, the people of Jesus's time must have struggled to put all this into perspective. They must have longed to "get their priorities straight." Jesus's answer was simple:

Put God first, and everything else will fall into place. This life principle is as powerful today as it was back then.

Relationships, goals, responsibilities, and desires are constantly competing for your attention. Only by looking at them from God's perspective can you make wise decisions on how to use your time and energy in the way that makes the most positive and effective difference.

By continually choosing to live out your life in a way that reflects the priorities of God's kingdom in heaven, your concerns about things that are out of your control lose their grip on your heart. Your dependence on material provisions is transformed into a deep dependence on God. That's when you discover that whatever God provides is enough.

Selah people' and friends throughout the Bible, dependence on God is always balanced by personal responsibility. As you do what God wants, he works through you to provide what you need.

"Peace and Joy will be ours when we remember to put first things first."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)


Church Leaders Intelligence 2-25-2009



Hello friends of Christ!

Hope this report finds each of you having a blessed week. This is a very insightful tool especially with the overwhelming amount of instant information we are bombarded with daily via mainstream media from TV, Radio and the Internet. Just a simple newsletter format of Christian topics and current events.

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston ~ pastor
Selah Christian Church Disciples of Christ
Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Church: 919-689-3782

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Walking in God's Footsteps...

Are you fulfilling God's expectations for you?

Today's Scripture:

He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness and honor.

Proverbs 21:21


Righteousness is more than just doing the right thing. It is being the right person, which begins by being in a right relationship with God. To get a clear picture of what righteousness looks like - to be able to follow after it - involves taking a close look at God's character as revealed throughout Scripture. What you'll find is pure integrity.

When a building has integrity, it means that its foundation and construction are sound. Its walls and door frames are straight and executed accurately according to a solid architectural plan. Because of its integrity, a building is able to stand strong through almost any kind of weather. God's integrity is the same way. He remains true to his plans and promises.

God's goodness, mercy, and faithfulness are unshakable, no matter what the circumstance.

The absolute integrity of God's character results in the righteousness of his actions toward you and others.

As you allow God to become more involved in your life, his righteousness begins to take hold in your own character. As your integrity grows in your relationship with God, it overflows into your relationships with others. The result is that even when relational storms begin to brew - when you face rejection, deceit, or betrayal - you have the strength and desire to stay true to God's plan. You can remain righteous in unrighteous surroundings. You can honor God with your life from the inside out.

Selah people' and friends being righteous is fulfilling God's expectations for you. It is living up to who he created you to be. It's impossible to achieve this through self-effort; rather, you achieve this through God's Spirit and your will working together in harmony.


"Peace be with you as you begin to walk in the steps that God intended for you, with God as he has "Big plans" for you."


Your pastor,


Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick) via mobile at Goldsboro Elite... ; )


Monday, February 23, 2009

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered

Jesus has paid the full price to purchase your life...
Today's Scripture:
You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance.

Ephesians 1:13-14

God's Spirit is his active presence working in you, through you, and around you in this world. He is also an irrevocable seal and guarantee of your spiritual heritage and eternal destiny. The seal of God's Spirit in your life is like a brand, identifying you as a genuine child of God. In the same way that an official seal can signify that an important transition is complete, God's Spirit is proof that Jesus has paid the full price to purchase your life.

God's Spirit is more than a just a sign to you and the world that God will keep his promises to you. God's Spirit is your personal guarantee of wonderful things ahead.

The Greek word that is translated "guarantee" is still used today in Greece to refer to engagement ring. When you get engaged, you make a mutual promise to commit to spend the future together with someone you love. Through an engaged couple are already in love, the intimacy of their current relationship cannot come close to what it will be after they are united in marriage.

The same is true with your relationship with God. You may love him now and draw close to him in prayer through the presence of his Spirit. However, your future union in heaven will be much more intimate than anything you can experience here on earth. Right now, think of God's Spirit as your engagement ring, a powerful reminder of God's commitment to share forever with you.

Selah people' and friends consider what kind of inheritance awaits you in heaven: life and love that never end, a new body, a new heaven and earth. Thank God for what the presence of his Spirit means in your life.

"Just as Christ has delivered us from sin and death by his love for us may we too share this same love with all whom we come in contact with each day."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)



Sunday, February 22, 2009

A Thank-You Note to God

Have you been given a "Thank-you" gift?

Today's Scripture:
Since God has shown us great mercy, I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him. Your offering must be only for God and pleasing him, which is the spiritual way for you to worship.

Romans 12:1

When it comes to worship, who you are matters more than what you do. If you are someone who deeply loves God and wants to live a life that gives him joy, everything you do can be a form of worship.

From singing songs of praise to washing dishes or helping out a friend, every moment of your life becomes a thank-you gift to God.

Giving these simple gifts or offerings comes naturally when you give God one big gift each day - the gift of your life. In the Old Testament, people gave God their first fruits.

This was a thank-you gift given to God in return for all he'd given them. They'd give the first and best portion of produce they'd harvested, riches they'd received, or the best animals from their flocks. After Jesus sacrificed his life for others, God asked people to follow his Son's example by presenting him with the gift of themselves. You don't have to die to give this gift. All you have to do is ask God to help you devote your body, mind, and heart to becoming who he wants you to be. That's how you turn an ordinary life into a dynamic living sacrifice.

To worship God simply means to declare him worthy of the honor you are giving him. When you give God your life, you are honoring him with the very best of what he has given you, your ultimate first fruits.

Selah people' and friends worship is not just a gift to God, but it is also a gift to yourself. It helps you see things more clearly from his point of view while enjoying a deeper sense of his presence in your life.

"Praise and thanks goes to God whom gives us life and breath to serve Him and others."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherParick)


Saturday, February 21, 2009

Choosing God's Way

Jesus went to the garden to pray...


Today's Scripture:

Jesus went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."

Matthew 26:39

Jesus knew what his heavenly Father wanted him to do. The primary purpose of his time on earth was to sacrifice his life to save others. The time was drawing near when that purpose would be fulfilled. Jesus did what he always did when faced with a stressful situation. He prayed.

Jesus's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane reveals the internal struggle he was facing. Throughout the Bible, the phrase God's cup figuratively holds either blessing or punishment. The cup before Jesus held the punishment the entire world deserved - separation from God. When Jesus asked God to remove "this cup." he was not wrestling with what God wanted him to accomplish. If Jesus wanted to avoid arrest, all he had to do was go into hiding. During the Passover season, Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims. Jesus could have easily avoided his familiar routines and blended in with the crowd. Instead, he went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, as he was known to do.

In that garden, Jesus asked God to revise his plans. Jesus felt free to ask for what he wanted, but willingly accepted God's answer, whatever it would be. When you want to know what God wants you to do, follow Jesus's example.

Be honest about your hopes and desires. Then act on God's answer, even if it takes you in a different direction from where you want to go. God sees the big picture. You can trust him to lead you where you need to go.

Selah people' and friends God may ask you to do difficult things. Feel free to ask him to provide another way. Just remember that his answer may be to provide the strength you need to move ahead as planned. I look forward to moving ahead as we grow together in Christ.

"Peace and joy be ours as we choose God's way and set our way aside."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston (PreacherPatrick)



Friday, February 20, 2009

The Real Thing

Are we authentic in the way we relate to people?

Today's Scripture:

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Roman 12:9-10

In the Middle East during biblical times, clay pots were a valuable resource. They were also fragile. It wasn't uncommon for pots to receive a crack or two on the way to the marketplace, which meant they were no longer watertight. Sometimes merchants would fill in the cracks with wax and try to pass the pots off as unblemished. Because of that unscrupulous practice, pots that were whole and complete were referred to as sincere, meaning "without wax."

Hypocrites are cracked pots, riddled with wax. They try to pass themselves off as something they're not.

Being authentic means being sincere in the way you relate to others.

This means letting people see you for who you really are. It also means treating others in a way that reflects who they really are - unique individuals dearly loved by God.

Love has to be sincere. If it isn't, it isn't love at all. The versus that follow this passage paint a picture of what a sincere person looks like: patient, prayerful, hospitable, generous, empathic, a true servant. But the key to all these characteristics lies in a person's sincerity. Being an authentically sincere person doesn't mean you're perfect. It simply means that people who are real before God allow more of God's character to shine through them. God's Spirit gives you the combination of courage and humility it takes to be open and honest with others and to keep your character wax-free.

Selah people' and friends Jesus was totally authentic in the way he related to people. His sincerity helped make him an approachable and reliable teacher and friend. Consider how authenticity affects your own relationships.

"Peace be with you as you remember with me what is truly the "Real Thing."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston (PreacherPatrick)


Thursday, February 19, 2009

Love is impossible?

We cannot manufacture unconditional love...We need God!


Today's Scripture:

Let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows

God. - 1 John 4:7

One key secret to true unconditional or agape love is this: you cannot manufacture unconditional love out of your own heart. It's impossible. It's beyond your capabilities. It's beyond all our capabilities. You may have demonstrated kindness and unselfishness in some form, and may have learned to be more thoughtful and considerate of your Friends family and spouse if you have taken the challenge either of the Love dare or just the simple challenges we have been following in our sermon series over the last three weeks. But sincerely loving someone unconditionally is another matter altogether.


So how can we do it? Like it or not, agape love isn't something you and I can do. It's something only God can do. But because of His great love for you and for me - and His love for our spouses and significant others - He chooses to express His love through you. You may not agree with that. You may be convinced that you can work hard enough and be committed enough that you can create it. You want to believe that it is in you. But if we are honest how many times has your love failed to keep you from lying, from lusting, from overreacting, from thinking evil of this person whom you love so much and one whom we may have stood before God and vowed to love the rest of our life?


We have all fallen short of God's commands (Romans 3:23). We've all at some point demonstrated selfishness, hatred, and pride. Unless something is done now to cleanse us of these ungodly attributes, we will stand before God guilty as charged (Romans 6:23).

That's why as the movie Fireproof shows us that we can't truly love our spouse or others if we are not right with God. He is the Source of that love. You can't give what you don't have.

Selah people' and friends this may be an unsettling secret - and as defeating as it may feel - has a happy ending for those who will stop resisting and will receive the love God has for us. This means that the love He has "poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has given to us" (Romans 5:5) is always available, every time Then and only then you can share it with the one you've been called most specifically to love. Remember you can't live without Him and you can't love without Him.

"Peace be yours as you put your trust in His love that makes all things possible."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)









Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Body Building

Take care of your body...don't get beat down!


Today's Scripture:

No one ever hates his own body, but feeds and takes care of it. And that is what Christ does for the church, because we are parts of his body.

Ephesians 5:29-30

The church is not a building with steeples and stained glass. The church is a group of people who are so closely joined to Jesus and to another that they work together as if they are one single body. The people may meet in a building complete with steeples, every Sunday, or they may meet in private homes, public schools, outdoors or even online as we are on this blog. It doesn't matter where they meet. What matters is what happens when they do.

The care of both the local church and the international church as a whole is of primary concern to Jesus. If you are a part of that church body, you will feel about it as Jesus does. You'll want to give the same attention to taking care of those you're intimately connected with as you do to taking care of yourself.

The Greek word for feed means more than just supplying nutrition. It means nourishing every internal need. This includes spiritual and emotional needs, as well as the food you digest internally. Take care of means "to cherish." It is a very rare ancient Greek word that is found only once outside Scripture on a marriage contract written on papyrus. In its most literal sense, cherish means "to take care of every external need someone else has."

By nourishing and cherishing others in the church, you help maintain the health of the whole body.

Selah people and friends in the Old Testament, the people of Israel were referred to by a Hebrew word that translates as the "congregation." It means the complete assembly of God's people. Your local congregation is not complete without you.

"Peace be yours as we nurture each other as the true body of Christ."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)



Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Everlasting Liberty

Have you thanked God for the liberty he has given us today?


Today's Scripture:


Jesus read, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

Luke 4:18-19

Jesus was back in his hometown of Nazareth, after recently being baptized by John the Baptist. It was Saturday, the sabbath, so Jesus went to the synagogue, as was the Jewish custom. There men read from the Scriptures and commented on what they'd read. Jesus was handed the scroll of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, and he chose to read the words from Isaiah 61:1 to the crowd. Afterward he said,"Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing," This was the beginning of Jesus's public outreach to the people of Israel and to the world.

About seven hundred years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah recorded the future Messiah's purpose statement. Messiah means "Anointed One," or someone God has set apart for a very special purpose.

Jesus's special purpose was to extend God's freedom to those who were in captivity. In Isaiah's time, the prophet's words comforted those who had experienced literal captivity.

They had been exiled from their home and forced to live under the harsh rule of the Babylonians.

In Jesus's time, Jesus did set some people free from the bondage of physical and mental ailments. However, the liberty Jesus was destined to deliver goes much deeper than that. He fulfilled Isaiah's words by providing freedom from spiritual blindness and the power of sin and death. The freedom Jesus offers is permanent. Once he breaks the invisible chains that are holding you back, you have the freedom to become who God created you to be.

Selah people' and friends think back over your life, calling to mind what spiritual, physical, or emotional chains God has freed you from. Thank him for the liberty he's given you in each of those areas.

"Peace be yours as you allow God to break the chains in your life."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)




Monday, February 16, 2009

Giving That Grows

Remember who handed you the seed...
Everything we own is God's gift !

Today's Scripture:
The person who plants a little will have a small harvest, but the person who plants a lot will have a big harvest...You should not be sad when you give, and you should not give because you feel forced to give...God can give you more blessings than you need. Then you will always have plenty of everything - enough to give to every good work.

2 Corinthians 9: 6-8

There are three types of givers in this world: sad, mad, and glad. God delights in those who give happily, which literally translates "hilariously." Hilarious giving is not determined by the size of a gift, but by the motive of the giver. A farmer like my Grandpa Muston plant a their field or garden because he is motivated by the harvest it will yield. He knows that the more seeds he plants, the better chance there will be of an abundant harvest. In the same way, those who give generously plant their financial seeds with a purpose. They know God will use their gifts to bring about spiritual growth in themselves and others, so they give happily and regularly.

It's is true that God promises to give back to those who give. That doesn't mean that everyone who gives financially will receive more more material wealth in return, however.

Blessings come in many forms, from opportunities and abilities to contentment and delight. God expects that his generosity to you will inspire you to be generous to others.

Remember who handed you the seed in the first place. Everything you own is God's gift to you. As you hold on loosely, and gratefully, to what he's given, he will guide you toward when, where, and how you can best share what you have with others. As you follow his lead, you will be worshiping God through your actions, giving a priceless gift back to him.

Selah people' and friends ask God to help you clearly see if you are a sad, mad, or glad giver. Then ask him to guide you in how to give more hilariously.

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)

Sunday, February 15, 2009

One Way

He is "the way"...what way are you going?


Today's Scripture:

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

John 14:6

It was the night of the Last Supper. The apostle Judas had just left to betray Jesus to the religious authorities. Jesus had just predicted his own death and Peter's upcoming denial of knowing him. Undoubtedly, the remaining apostles were overwhelmed with what they heard, even though they didn't understand it fully. Jesus wanted to calm their fears, so he spoke to them about heaven, assuring his friends that he was preparing a special place for each of them. But Thomas was still apprehensive. He asked Jesus how they would know how to get to where Jesus was. Those words were Jesus's powerful reply.

The only way to heaven, eternal life, and God himself, is through Jesus. After Jesus' death, the message his followers shared with others was often referred to as "the Way." The focus of this message was that Jesus fulfilled what the Scriptures promised. His death opened the way for people's rebellion against God to be forgiven so they could spend eternity together with him.

Jesus is the living truth of this message. He is the way God has communicated most clearly with the world. No other person, religious belief, tradition, or philosophy contains the whole story, the complete truth about God and the meaning of life.

Everything in the Bible points to Jesus. He is the truth that explains it all.

Only by responding to that truth can an authentic, purpose-filled life be yours - in this world and the next.

Selah people' and friends some people believe Jesus was just a good man. If you speak to anyone who believes this, ask what he or she feels about Jesus in light of what John 14:6.

"Peace be yours as you and I go the right way and share the light of Christ with others as we begin a new day and a new week."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston (PreacherPatrick)




Saturday, February 14, 2009

Looking for Love in All the Right Places

Does your actions reflect your heartfelt love?
Today's Scripture:
Come near to God, and God will come near to you. You sinners, clean sin out of your lives. You who are trying to follow God and the world at the same time, make your thinking pure.

James 4:8

Drawing closer to someone you can't see, touch, or hear in a physical sense is naturally going to be a bit different from any other relationship you've ever experienced. That's why God has given you guidelines on how you can know him better. What makes simple instructions even more important is the fact they come with a promise: if you embrace God more closely, he'll do the same with you.

The two rules the apostle James offered are applicable whether you've allowed God's Spirit to work in your life for years or have only just begun to have an interest in knowing God more intimately. At their core, these rules are not all that different from how you build a relationship with anyone you love. First, you choose to do the right thing. When you love others, you honor them by treating them the way they deserve. You make sure your actions reflect the sincerity of your love.

Second, you also need to maintain a right a right attitude along with right actions. When you choose to follow God, you make a U-turn from following the way much of the rest of the world lives. Returning to a mind-set of greed, lust, and pride, instead of one based on generosity, love, and humility, is like focusing on a old, abusive relationship when you are involved in a new, healthy one. It is a barrier toward moving forward.

Draw closer to God today by allowing your actions and your attitudes to reflect your heartfelt love.

Selah people' and friends consider what you have done to draw closer to God over the past year. Then think about what tangible way you feel God has drawn closer to you.

"Love and happiness be with you and I as we grow closer to Him and His love."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston (PreacherPatrick)


Friday, February 13, 2009

Master Plan

How will you put God's love into action?
Today's Scripture:
We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

You are God's poem. The Greek word for workmanship is poiema, from which the English word poem is derived. This term does not refer to your original creation in the womb, rather, it refers to a spiritual birth, a rewriting of your life by the hand of God' Spirit as you allow him to guide you each day. Just as every literal poem differs in meter, tone, and message, you, too, have a unique purpose and place in this world.

Before a poet put pen to paper, he decides what the overall purpose of his poem will be. Then he considers which format and style would work best to convey his message. In the same way, God considers how your unique life and gifts can best make a positive impact on the world.

Then God prepares opportunities for you, practical ways you can put his love into action.

However, unlike a literary masterpiece, a living-breathing poem can choose to edit itself. You have the freedom to use these God-given opportunities or to ignore them. What you do, or choose not to do, does not affect your eternal destiny. The more consistently you choose to obey the way God leads you, the deeper your own faith and sense of purpose in this life will be ~and the more beautiful and effectual a poem you will become.
Selah people' and friends your own effort and creativity play a part in determining the exact nature of the good things you'll do. God's Spirit working through you as you act is what makes your good works great.
"Peace be with us as we continue to share the good works of Christ."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston (PreacherPatrick)


Thursday, February 12, 2009

A Taste of Home...

Do you long for the taste of home?

Today's Scripture:

We've been given a glimpse of the real thing, our true home, our appetite by giving us a taste of what's ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less.

2 Corinthians 5:4-5

Think of the best meal you've ever eaten. Recall its appearance, its flavor, its aroma. Chances are you can't remember exactly how it tasted. All you know is that you loved it. Although you can't totally recapture the experience of this gastronomic delight, simply thinking about it certainly gets those salivary glands going. Just the thought can make you long for more.

That is what God's Spirit makes you feel about heaven. You've been given a taste of paradise through brief descriptions in the Bible. Furthermore, God's Spirit has awakened a hunger in your heart that your mind can't fully comprehend. Your heart longs for the home you were created to inhabit, a place where death, pain, and sorrow have no hold, where your body is healthy and whole, where peace and praise replace struggle and strife, where you meet God face-to-face and never have to say good-bye.

Heaven is as real as those God-given longings. But God didn't give you a taste of what's ahead to leave you discontented with where you are now. He uses those longings as a homing device to keep you headed in the right direction.

By keeping heaven in your heart and on your mind, you'll gain strength to handle life here and now, as you rest in the fact that God's best is yet to come.

Selah people' and friends think about what difference it makes to your life here on earth to know that heaven is real. Thank God for each reason that comes to mind.

"I challenge each of us to grab someone today and either offer the a handshake of fellowship or a big hug saying welcome home and that God loves them. We are called to be his disciples and lead others to the ultimate home...Heaven."

Be sure to stop by our church website to keep up with ministries taking place at http://selahchurch.com/ Also if you missed or are out of our area listen to our message online at our Audio sermon online skydrive-link...

http://cid-af7ecca57d126f50.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Selah%20Christian%20Church%20Sermons%202008%20-%202009?authkey=8dGnZHaIdzk%24

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston (PreacherPatrick) via mobile @Wayne Memorial Hospital... keep Manfred Hood and family in your prayers.


Church Leaders Intelligence 2-12-2009


Click here to view or print this report...



Selah Church Audio sermon online skydrive-link...
http://cid-af7ecca57d126f50.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Selah%20Christian%20Church%20Sermons%202008%20-%202009?authkey=8dGnZHaIdzk%24

In Christ Love, Patrick

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

In the Shepherd's Care

Where does your valley of darkness call home?

Today's Scripture:

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

The Twenty-third Psalm is familiar to many people because they've heard its comforting words recited at the funeral of a loved one. Through the rest of the psalm carriers peaceful images of the Lord as a shepherd, green pastures, quiet streams, and an overflowing banquet table, verse 4 is the heart of the psalm and is one of the Bible's most powerful truths to combat fear.

In the original Hebrew language, the valley of the shadow of death literally translates into "the valley of deep darkness." Death is only one kind of "deep darkness." There are many other dark times people fear to pass through, such valleys as illness, unemployment, or rejection. The landscape of some valleys is not carved out of actual circumstances but out of fear itself. Being afraid of what misfortune the future may hold can keep you stuck in the darkness of depression or anxiety. It prevents you from walking through the valley to the other side.

The secret to alleviating fear is remembering that you never have to face your fears a alone. Your Good Shepherd, the all-powerful God, is right there with you, rod and staff in hand. A shepherd uses a rod to protect his flock from predators. He uses a staff to guide stray sheep back onto the proper path. God figuratively uses these shepherding tools as he keeps you safe and headed in the right direction. By staying close to him, you'll discover comfort and courage close to him, you'll discover comfort and courage close at hand when you find the struggles of life, and death, directly in your path.

Selah people' and friends at the first hint of fear, picture God as your loving Shepherd, fighting off whatever you fear with his rod and nudging you closer to him with his staff.


"Peace and joy be with us as we face any fear or darkness with our protector the Good Shepherd by our side."

Please stop by our church website at http://selahchurch.com also come out and watch the free showing of the movie "Fireproof" on February 15th at 6pm at Selah Church. Also listen to our audio sermons online each week at the following link...

http://cid-af7ecca57d126f50.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Selah%20Christian%20Church%20Sermons%202008%20-%202009?authkey=8dGnZHaIdzk%24

Your pastor,


Rev Patrick Muston (PreacherPatrick)








Tuesday, February 10, 2009

The Gift of Obedience

Are you willing to obey the good shepherd no matter the cost?

Today's Scripture:

Samuel answered, "What pleases the Lord more: burnt offerings and sacrifices or obedience to his voice? It is better to obey than to sacrifice. It is better to listen to God than to offer the fat of sheep."

1 Samuel 15:22

Samuel was a prophet in Old Testament times who boldly challenged Israel's king with God's truth as voiced in this verse. King Saul and Israel's armies had just defeated the Amalekites, old enemies who continually threatened the Israelites' way of life. God had told Saul to conquer the Amalekites and to totally destroy their flocks and possessions. Saul and his men obeyed God to a point. They destroyed sick animals and worthless goods, but they kept what was valuable for themselves. When Samuel confronted Saul's disobedience, the king defended his actions, saying he didn't intend to keep the animals but was going to sacrifice them to God.

Samuel's reply to Saul's unconvincing excuse clearly illustrates what matters most to God.

When you choose to disobey God, your worship cannot be wholehearted or sincere.

When you actively listen to God by doing what he asks, you give God a gift he treasures even more than your sacrifice and praise-your heart.

Saul responded to Samuel's words by admitting to God how wrong he had been. God forgave him, but he allowed Saul to suffer the consequences of his disobedience. Saul's greed and deceit cost him the throne. God can use you only to the degree that you obey him. The more deeply you love him the more you'll want to do what he asks and the more you'll end up pleasing him.

Selah people' and friends think of a time in your life when someone was a "Samuel" to you, helping you turn from disobedience to obedience. Take a moment today and thank God for that person and them caring enough to help steer you in the right direction.

"Peace be yours and mine as we celebrate the gift of obedience."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)


Monday, February 9, 2009

Satisfaction Guaranteed

What is your secret to being happy?
Today's Scripture:
I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens...I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.

Philippians 4: 11-13

The apostle Paul was born into wealth and privilege. As an adult, he was a Jewish religious leader who wielded power that demanded respect. When Paul chose to follow Jesus, he experienced a new set of circumstances, hunger, poverty, persecution, and imprisonment. When Paul wrote to the church at Philippi about learning how to find contentment, his firsthand experience made him reliable.

One reason Paul shared this life lesson was to dispute Stoic philosophy, which was very popular at the time. When Paul spoke about learning the secret, he was using the same term the Stoics used when initiating members into their cult.

Their secret to successful living was based on total self-sufficiency and a dispassionate acceptance of what life brought their way. Their "whatever" philosophy offered self-centered resignation. Paul's alternative was God-centered contentment.

Experiencing genuine joy and contentment when life is difficult is possible only when you lean God's strength instead of your own.

As you get closer to God, you see things more from his point of view. Your gratitude grows as you become more aware of the blessings he brings your way everyday. And when things are going well, you don't worry about what would happen if you lost it all. You know that no matter what happens, you've found the secret to living a contented life. Being afraid of what misfortune the future may hold can keep you stuck in the darkness of depression or anxiety.

Selah people' and friends deepen your own sense of contentment by spending a few moments right now thanking God for the material, emotional, physical, and spiritual blessings he has brought your way over the last week.

"Peace be with you as you find satisfaction in knowing that you can do all things through Christ."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston (PreacherPatrick)

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Telltale Tears

Who do you cry out for help?
Today's Scripture"
Jesus wept.

John 11:35

Out of all the creatures in God's creation, only people cry. Tears often say what words cannot. When Jesus cried outside the tomb of his friend Lazarus. Jesus's humanity cried out as loudly as his divinity would moments later when Jesus raised his friend form the dead.

Jesus's tears were different form those many of the mourners surrounding him. Those people were wailing in accordance with Jewish custom. This tradition allowed the community to fulfill a duty to publicly and loudly lament personal tragedy more so than it allowed those who were grieving a personal release of emotion. The Greek word used here for wept is found nowhere else in Scripture. It means "to cry silently."

Jesus didn't cry for the benefit of others. He didn't cry to make a point or teach a lesson. He cried because his heart was broken.

God's heart breaks because he has compassion for those he has created. That means he does not take your pain, sorrow, grief, disappointment, or even physical death lightly. God knows he can bring good out of tragedy and enjoy eternal life with you after your days on earth are through, just as Jesus knew he could raise Lazarus from the dead. That doesn't stop God from entering into your preset sorrow with you, from reaching out in compassion to bring comfort when you need it most. When you cry, cry out to him.

Selah people' and friends Jesus was not ashamed to express his emotions and let others see him cry. Follow his example of honest emotional vulnerability, while inviting him to help dry your tears from the inside out. I'm not sure what exactly what your going through today but it is my prayer as your pastor and your brother in Christ that you will allow Him to comfort you.

"Peace be yours each day as you allow Christ to dry your tears and comfort you more than words can say."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)


Saturday, February 7, 2009

Without Reservation


Do you have a favorite uncle or family member that everyone may not get...?

Today's Scripture:

Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other, which will bring glory to God.

Romans 15:7

The church in Rome was divided. People were accepting certain religious customs and truths about God but rejecting others. They were doing the same to the people who followed them. Their condescending attitudes were out of line with God's purpose and perspective. That truth is as valid today as it was almost two thousand years ago.

For me one of my favorite uncles is Uncle Ed, when I first started dating my wife would almost break my hand with his firm handshakes, wild cowboys and some of his crazy comments made him tough to swallow. Today he has a special place in our family and I can see him in such a different light as I have grown to accept him just the way God made him.

Jesus accepted everyone without reservation. He knew everyone inside and out - he knew the good, the bad and everything in between. He accepted you long before you noticed him even if you rejected him, and solely because he loves you unconditionally.

As you grow more intimate with the on One who has fully accepted you, it becomes easier to accept those around you, even those whose actions, attitudes, and beliefs do not line up with your own. You may not condone what they believe, but you can still receive them with open arms, which is what the Greek word accept really means.

Being honest, authentic, accepting in your love, even of people who misunderstand or reject you, helps them see what God's love is like.

It gives them a real-life picture of how Jesus related to others - and ultimately relates to them. When you accept others, it pleases God, as well as reveals him.

Selah people' and friends pray for anyone you have difficulty accepting. Ask God to reveal any fear, anger, or jealousy on your part. Then ask God to help you understand how he feels about the one you're praying for.


"Peace be with each of us as we remember that God receives us just as we are."

Your pastor,


Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)




Friday, February 6, 2009

Extreme Makeover...


Have you too been transformed and changed?

Today's Scripture:

We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.

2 Corinthians 3:18

In the Old Testament, when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, Moses was allowed to catch a glimpse of the unique splendor of God's actual presence. This experience was so profound that Moses's face literally glowed as a result. The Israelites who followed Moses were frightened by the change in his appearance and by a God who could transform someone in that way. But Moses's transformation was temporary. At first Moses veiled his face so that the people would no longer be afraid. Later he wore the veil to conceal the fact that his personal evidence of God's glory was fading away.

God's glory refers both to God's unfathomable beauty and to his incomparable expression of power.

As you look into God's mirror, which is a biblical synonym that stand for the Bible, you glimpse what Moses did. You see God. Unlike Moses, the reflection of God's glory in you will never fade. In fact it will continue to shine brighter as time goes by. You are not being transformed into God; you are being transformed into a sharper reflection of his image.

This means you don't need to hide behind a veil when you're with others. Be honest and authentic, freely by sharing how God is working in your life. In this way, you become a spiritual mirror for those around you as you grow to look more like your heavenly Father.

Selah people' and friends as God becomes more visible in you, you'll find that people are naturally attracted to you - not simply because of the wonderful way God created you, but because of how glorious God is.
"Peace be with you as we veil ourselves with the light of Christ."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)


Thursday, February 5, 2009

The Power of Faith

Are you willing to take the blind leap of faith?

Today's Scripture:

Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. Faith is the reason we remember great people who lived in the past.


Hebrews 11: 1-2



Faith and belief are two different things. Lots of people believe in God, but that belief makes no difference in their lives. Faith, however, acts on what it believes. Faith may look like a "leap" to those who don't want to risk putting their trust in something unseen. But through faith, what is unseen is far from unknown. As you actively respond to the Bible and God's Spirit, your faith continues to grow stronger. Your personal experience confirms that God is everything he says he is.


Hebrews 11: 1-2 is the introduction to a section of Scripture know as the Hall of Faith. The list of ancients that follows includes people like Moses, Noah, and Abraham, people who are remembered for putting their beliefs to the test. The Jewish Christians this letter was written for complained that the following God was too difficult for ordinary people. The truth found in these verses refutes that claim.

Faith in God is what sets ordinary people apart - like Moses, Noah, and Abraham - so they can do extraordinary things.

Through simple trust and active obedience, faith makes unseen realities more visible.
Faith is what makes them certain, which in Greek is a legal term similar to a title deed that guarantees a possession will be yours in the future. You have God's guarantee that what is what makes the foundation of your faith sturdy enough to step forward in confidence.

Selah people' and friends...Faith follows four steps: (1) Gods speaks! (2) you hear, (3) you trust, (4) you act. As you repeat these steps day by day, you'll be writing your own unique chapter in the Hall of Faith.

"Peace be ours as we place all Faith in Christ."


Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Wrestling with Evil

What issues are you wrestling with today?
Today's Scripture:
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age.

Ephesians 6: 11-12

When wrestlers compete, they rely on both strength and strategy to overcome their opponent. Even before the match begins, a wrestler takes a moment to size up his opponent, looking for his opponent's potential vulnerabilities, while remaining fully aware of his own. The passage in Ephesians uses the image of a wrestling match to convey the ongoing struggle and preparation that standing strong against evil entails - and it reminds you to be sure that you are fighting the right opponent.

People may do evil things, but your battle is not with individuals. Your battle is with evil itself.

The Ephesians were well-acquainted with principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness - different kinds of evil spirits. The society was heavily involved in sorcery and magic. Even those who chose not to follow God were aware there was some kind of spiritual battle going on behind the scenes of their everyday lives. Ephesians 6 provides readers with God's guidelines on how to effectively fight that battle.

Mixing metaphors between wrestling and fighting a battle, Ephesians 6 instructs you to cover yourself with God given armor. This protective gear is described in more detail in subsequent verses, but it includes things such as truth, righteousness, God's Spirit, God's Word, and prayer. As you choose to don God's armor each day and remind yourself who your opponent really is, you'll find yourself well prepared to hold your ground against evil.

Selah people' and friends being prepared to encounter evil and focusing on it are two different things. Stay focused on God. His Spirit will make you aware of any battles you need to face.

"Peace can be yours when you gird up you loins with the whole armor of God."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston (PreacherPatrick) Via mobile...Mount Olive

Please visit our church website and check out upcoming events like our showing of "Fireproof" on February 15th, 2009 in our Fellowship hall. http://selahchurch.com/ also you can listen to our weekly sermons at: http://cid-af7ecca57d126f50.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Selah%20Christian%20Church%20Sermons%202008%20-%202009?authkey=8dGnZHaIdzk$

As always thanks for sharing this devotion time with us.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Sancti-Fried...

Have you felt burned out or "fried" from the pressure of your walk?



Today's Scripture:

On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why did you make me like this," will it?

Romans 9:20

We’ve all been there. Slowly climbing the narrow road of the Christian life, we suddenly take a bad step and end up blowing it . . . again. The progress we had made along that precarious path becomes pointless as we slide down that craggy ledge and find ourselves once again brushing the dirt off our white robes and bandaging bruises that mark us as defeated saints. As we ponder whether it’s even worth pressing on, Satan taunts us from the nearby outcroppings, urging us to just give up. Even worse, our more “saintly” brothers and sisters in Christ shake their heads and cluck their tongues as they peer at us accusingly from farther up the slope.

The life of spiritual growth, impressively called “sanctification,” can often feel like an exercise in absolute and utter futility. Frustration, exasperation, exhaustion, disillusionment, depression—sadly, these are some of the feelings that accompany the failures of struggling saints as they desperately try to live the Christian life, putting to death the desires of the flesh and living out the fruit of the Spirit. The seemingly endless cycle of sin, repentance, sin, repentance, sin, repentance can nauseate us, making us wonder whether real sanctification is even possible in this life . . . convincing many that it’s not.

Let’s face it; in many of our approaches to the Christian life, it’s easy to get burned out, wiped out, worn out . . . or perhaps "sancti-fried."


Broken Promises or False Hopes?

One cause of our frustration with sanctification is our unrealistic expectation. We’ve heard so many stories about people being “delivered” from alcoholism, drug addiction, or sexual immorality. Testimonies shine brilliantly with flashy conversions in which a person’s life alters dramatically, in which a new birth seems to have completely killed the old man. The struggling Christian who endures the painfully slow process of sanctification might be able to handle hearing about these miraculous transformations if it wasn’t for those few who try to force their amazing experiences on everybody else.

“God saved me and delivered me instantly from such-and-such . . . and He’ll do the same for you!” But when my instant deliverance doesn’t come, whose fault is it? God’s? Surely not! It must, of course, be my fault because I’m just too weak, too faithless, too immature, too carnal. Or maybe I’m just not really saved. If the Spirit of God did it for her, why won’t He do it for me?

It is true that God promised to work in us “both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13); that we were “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10); and that it is His mighty Spirit, not our weak flesh, who yields through us the fruit of good works against which “there is no law” (Galatians 5:23).

However, it is also true that God produces in some 30, 60, or 100 times what was sown (Matthew 13:8, 23). We forget that God displays His glory in us and through us according to His own timing and for His own purposes. It is not for the clay in the Potter’s hands to say that God would get greater glory if He would fire us in His kiln today rather than constantly form us in His hands through a painful process of molding, making, casting, and recasting. As Paul said, “The thing molded will not say to the molder, ‘Why did you make me like this,’ will it?” (Romans 9:20). Trusting God for sanctification means trusting that He will work in different ways and at different times with different saints.


As Good as It Gets?

In the movie As Good As It Gets, Jack Nicholson plays an author with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder struggling to cope with the real world. In one scene, Nicholson’s character, after trying to barge in on his psychiatrist for an emergency meeting, stares into the waiting room filled with nervous clients and blurts out, “What if this is as good as it gets?”
After many years of struggling with temptation and sin, growing sometimes in great leaps and other times in almost imperceptible steps, I have learned that a common experience among most Christians is struggle. Just when our struggle brings victory, it opens up to us a whole new (or even old) conflict with sin. And in the midst of the conflict, with no end in sight, we can easily grow disillusioned, wondering, “Is this even real? Does God even want me to be righteous? Why doesn’t He help?”

I’ll never forget the words of an older professor I read of who while teaching at seminary answered a question about struggling with sin. “Young Christians are always coming to me saying, ‘I’m struggling with this sin, or I keep struggling with that sin,’ as if there’s something wrong with struggling with sin. That’s good! Struggle! It’s when you give up struggling that something’s wrong.”

Those words are golden. And they have helped lead me to a very important conclusion about sanctification—the struggle is normal. Absolute victory and absolute defeat should not be the common experience of the Christian life. The frustrating, unending, wearisome struggle between the flesh and the Spirit and the resulting ups and downs of the Christian life is, in most cases, are as good as it gets.

Are you struggling with sin today my friend? Wondering if God is hearing your desperate pleas for strength to break the unending cycle of temptation and transgression? Ready to just give up, surrender to the flesh? Are you sancti-fried?

Join the club. We’re all there. And if you’re not there with us—if you’re a super-saint who thinks you have sanctification down to a science—back off! I want to hang out with fellow dirty, ragged, beaten-up pilgrims struggling with daily sin, putting up a brutal fight who are in full guard and grappling against temptation, and hoping for deliverance with an irrational faith. Oh, and if you’re one of those who has given up, who thinks the promise of sanctification is a sham, come back. The promises you believed about the nature and process (and even the means) of spiritual growth were probably not the promises of God but of men.

Selah people' and friends listen, saints, until we’ve struggled with sin to the very end (Hebrews 12:4), our journey on the rocky road of sanctification isn’t over. The good news—and the one we so quickly forget—is that none of us is on this journey alone.

"Peace be with you as you are molded and revived by Christ and his promise."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)


~ "sancti-fried" devotion idea shared from Michael Svigel

Monday, February 2, 2009

Willing Surrender

Semper Fidelis ~ Always Faithful!
Today's Scripture:
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21

For many people, the idea of submitting themselves to someone else carries negative connotations. Submitting implies inferiority, subservience, or blind obedience. Nothing could be farther from God's truth. Submission as described in the Bible is a mutual commitment between two equals whose goal is to foster unity and cooperation. The ancient Greek word used in the Bible to describe submission is a military command telling troops to get in order according to their rank. By following this structure of authority to their rank. By following this structure of authority, soldiers can work together more efficiently to accomplish their own individual duties. A company with too many generals and not enough privates has little chance of winning a war.

In the Bible, several verses ask wives to submit to their husbands, servants to submit to their masters, and citizens to submit to the government. Ephesians 5:21 lays the groundwork for them all. It makes absolutely clear that submission is expected of every follower of Jesus, not just a few specific groups of people. One way that Jesus showed his love was by willingly setting his rights aside to better serve others. Every time you follow his example, you honor him.

In daily life, submitting to one another looks a lot like respect, humility, and love.

It means that demanding your own way, flaunting your authority, or nurturing a superiority complex are things of the past. It means that your life is beginning to look more like Jesus's.

Selah people' and friends before mutual submission is evident in your actions, it needs to take root in your attitude. That process begins the moment you submit your own personal agenda for life to God's.

"Peace and Love are ours as we salute our authority, our leader and our friend JESUS CHRIST!"

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Free at Last...




If we seek freedom we must put God's words to the test.

Today's Scripture:

Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

John 8:31-32

In today's postmodern society, talking about truth can be tricky. If you want to discuss a truth, feel free. However, talking about the truth is a whole other matter. Talking about the truth would imply that what you're sharing is an absolute truth, something that is true for everyone - whether everyone personally believes it to be true or not.

That's the kind of truth Jesus was talking about to his Jewish audience in the temple treasury as recorded in the Gospel of John.


The term Jesus used for truth was the same one used to describe a legal standard, a fact that would stand up in court.

This fact was broader than just the truth about who Jesus was. The Jews who were listening already believed. The truth Jesus spoke of is the kind revealed over the course of a lifetime, as those who believe in him choose to obey his words.

In ancient Greek, know means more than "to make a mental note of." It means that you have tested your belief experientially. By putting Jesus's teaching into practice, you can come to know the truth about God, life, and yourself. This knowledge frees you from chains you may not even be aware are holding you back, such chains as pride, selfishness, and the temptation to do what is contrary to Jesus's words. Let God's truth lead you to true freedom today.

Selah people' and friends God's promise of freedom is linked to putting his words to the test. Get to know his words better by reading, meditating on, and praying about at least one verse of Scripture each day. That was the inspiration of our church blog which continues each day.

"Peace be ours guided by God's words and His promise."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)