February 28, 2010 ~ Eternal Will and Testament

Jesus is our true source of encouragement...

Today's Scripture:

Christ is the mediator of the New Covenant. That those who are called may receive the promised Eternal Inheritance - Now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

Hebrews 9:15

Words like mediator, covenant, and inheritance in the book of Hebrews give the impression of a legal document. Actually, the entire book of Hebrews differs in writing style from the rest of the letters in the New Testament. Its unknown author presents a thesis-like case, methodically stating why faith in Jesus is logical and God-designed spiritual progression from Judaism.

The verse at the heart of what the author wanted his readers to understand proclaims that Jesus is both a mediator, "someone who makes peace between two parties," and a testator, "someone who determines the conditions and benefits of the inheritance he leaves behind." The words testament and covenant are interchangeable. The Old Testament and the New Testament could just as easily be called the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, since the two parts of the Bible really focus on covenant.

Under the Old Covenant, or Old Testament, God accepted the sacrifice of animals as a way to cover up the wrongs people had done. Under the New Covenant, the wrongs were permanently erased by a different kind of sacrifice - Jesus' gift of his own life.

Selah people' and friends a will and testament is only valid after someone dies, and then it is irrevocable. That means Jesus' death guaranteed your inheritance.

Jesus saved your life by substituting his own in payment for every wrong you've ever done and ever will do.

Because of this, you will receive what you never could have earned on your own - the ultimate freedom of living a life that never ends.

"Jesus' testament to you is not only a guarantee, but it is also a true source of encouragement. When God makes a promise, it's like a legal document. He will fulfill every word."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Selah Christian Church Four Oaks, NC
http://selahchurch.com/

Listen to our music special and sermon message each week via our Selah media website:
http://selahmedia.tripod.com/

Share a daily scripture and devotion at our church blog:
http://selahchurch.blogspot.com/

February 25, 2010 ~ Are You AMAZED?

http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/Mini-Movies/26/Are-You-Amazed

Are you ready for Easter? Are you aware of all that has been done for you? Christ gave it all for each of us even though we deserve nothing. Are You AMAZED?

Take time during this second week of lent to really think about the Amazing love of Christ for the world.

Your Pastor,
Rev Patrick Muston

Selah Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

February 24, 2010 ~ Battle Plan

Do you know your adversary...? Once we identify our

opponent then and only then can we achieve victory.

Today's Scripture:

Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

James 4:7

The devil is referred to by many names throughout the Bible- accuser, tempter, deceiver, slanderer, enemy, Satan. One thing the Bible never calls him is a mythical creature. He is as real as God himself. There's no point in resisting someone who isn't there.

You need to know more, however, than that Satan exists. You need to know exactly what to do to defeat Satan. On the same day you aligned yourself with God, you gained this adversary, which is what the word Satan literally means. Satan has no personal interest in you. His only aim is to hurt God. One way he tries to do that is by trying to hurt the ones whom God loves.

Satan is only a prideful fallen angel.

He isn't all-knowing or all-powerful. Yet he can still wreak havoc, causing you to doubt God's love or tempting you to go down the wrong road. I can empathize with each of you who are travelling that road at this time or who have been down that wrong road as I too as your pastor have travelled it several times in my 40 years on this earth.

Remember Selah people' and friends you can stop Satan in his tracks. First, submit to God. In the original language, submit is a military command that means "to get into proper rank." My wife and I have been working with our son Luke to accept his rank in Martial arts...they too are required to line up by rank and for him like others it is difficult to take the lesser position. For each of us this submission to God can be accomplished by humbly putting every aspect of our lives under God's loving authority. Only then are you prepared to defeat the devil. Resist is also a military command that means "to stand bravely against." I guess it shows that my father was a Marine Corp drill instructor at Paris Island...You and I must stand against our adversary by recalling biblical truths. Strengthen your resolve through prayer. Turn your back on anything that entices you to turn away from God. Satan will flee from the battle before it has even begun.

"Satan has no future. Jesus assured Satan's ultimate defeat by dying on the cross. The potential skirmishes that James alludes to are nothing more than diversionary tactics from an opponent who is destined to lose."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Selah Christian ChurchFour Oaks, NC
http://selahchurch.com/

Listen to our music special and sermon message each week via our Selah media website:
http://selahmedia.tripod.com/

Share a daily scripture and devotion at our church blog:
http://selahchurch.blogspot.com/

February 23, 2010 - Drew Brees ~ "Few Good Men"

Link to Video: http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=7dde44d1a0c8c69ccdec

Actions speak louder than words...what are you and I doing to help others move closer to God?

It is my prayer today that we give back some of what God has given for us.

May God continue to use you and bless you this week.

In Christ service,
Rev Patrick Muston

February 22, 2010 ~ (Video) Tim Hawkins ~ Free Gospel Report

Link to video: http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=ae1ac9f9cd9e37203565

Have you checked where you stand with God today?

May God continue to move in your life.

In Christ service,
Rev Patrick Muston

February 21, 2010 ~All In The Family

Do you care for your family?

Today's Scripture:

Whoever does not care for his own relatives, especially his own family members, has turned against the faith and is worse than someone who does not believe in God.

1 Timothy 5:8

Paul gave advice to the young pastor Timothy on how to help organize and maintain a vital, God-honoring church. One area Paul discussed was meeting the needs of others. It seems that some members of the congregation were giving their time, energy, and resources to the church but neglecting the needs of their own families. Paul addressed this problem to help the people at Ephesus set their priorities straight. I share them with us today.

The truth behind his words can help do the same for you and for me as your pastor. Paul's warning is clear-cut and to the point: anyone who turns his back on his own family turns his back on God. It's true that in biblical times, there were no government-run social programs to help widows, orphans, and women who had been left impoverished after their husbands divorced them. Today, people in similar situations have places to turn for help. But that doesn't alleviate the responsibility God gives each person in providing for those in his or her own family.

Selah people' and friends providing entails more than financial responsibility. Supporting your parents, spouse, and children emotionally is equally important. When God previously commanded his children to love one another, he obviously meant that to include their own family circle. Use Paul's words as a reminder to regularly ask for God's guidance in knowing how to care for the people whom he has placed closest to you. Use Paul's words to better meet both apparent needs as well as needs that aren't so apparent.

"Even people who don't believe in God have an innate drive to care for their family. Certainly God's children should love at least that well."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Selah Christian Church Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com/

Listen to our music special and sermon message each week via our Selah media website:

http://selahmedia.tripod.com/

Share a daily scripture and devotion at our church blog:

http://selahchurch.blogspot.com/

February 13, 2010 ~ Consolation Prize

God's comfort is at hand in every type of trouble.

Today's Scripture:

Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

The apostle Paul began his second letter to the church in Corinth just as he did his other letters, with a brief introduction that leads straight into thanksgiving. Paul's cause for thanks, however, sets this letter apart. You can only be thankful for comfort if you've known the pain of suffering. Paul certainly did, and so did his Corinthian audience. So does every individual who reads these words today.

Though levels of personal suffering differ, pain and heartache are universal. Yet amid that sobering truth, Paul gave reason for praise. God's comfort is at hand in every type of trouble. The original meaning of the old fashioned sounding word tribulation covers a lot of ground. It can mean "distress," "affliction," "persecution," or simply "great misery." God's comfort fits any and every situation perfectly.

Selah people' and friends through Paul, God providedd even more good news: there is a positive, productive side to suffering. As God comforts you, you learn how to better comfort others. This is different from simply being sympathetic toward people and their problems. The Greek word for comfort implies action. It means "to come alongside and help." God actively comes alongside you with strength, encouragement, hope, and healing, and you gain the ability to do the same for others. When you are struggling with difficulty in your life, remember to reach out to God and then to others. God provides comfort to help you become a comforter like him.

"When you're facing tough times, follow Paul's example. Praise God for the comfort he's already promised, and then ask him to help you use your own experience to bring comfort to someone else."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Selah Christian Church Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com/

Listen to our music special and sermon message each week via our Selah media website:

http://selahmedia.tripod.com/

Share a daily scripture and devotion at our church blog:

http://selahchurch.blogspot.com/

February 12, 2010 ~ Time To Change Your Mind

Take off your mask and stop living the charade...

be the true awesome self God created you to be.

Today's Scripture:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2

Your mind is like the control center of your body. It helps direct your thoughts, your actions, and your emotions. Before God's Spirit made his home inside you, you ran that control center the way that you thought was best. Chances are, the culture and practices of those around you helped shape your thoughts and consequently your actions. But once you invited God's Spirit into your life, there was a change in influence, leadership, and direction.

Choosing to renew your mind is the key to making that change complete. God guides and directs your mind, but he does not control it. God provides you with the power to transform your mind, to change the way you think so that your mind is more in line with his heart - to allow your mind to become all he originally designed it to be.

Selah people' and friends the Greek word for conform actually translates as "masquerade." Without God in your life, you live a charade and are not your authentic self. God's transformation of who you once pretended to be into whol he created you to be is an ongoing process. Part of this process is testing what you believe by putting your faith into practive. Experiments help prove scientific truths. Living what you believe helps prove spiritual truths. As you practice what you have learned about changing the way you think, you will better understand who you are and what God's desire for you life. This week I have been helping one of our brothers in the community who is fighting a personal battle. Just as the scripture instructs us you have change your environment to enable you to grow spiritually into the mature christian God wants us to be.

" You can help your mind as well by providing an environment that's favorable to the process we call "spiritual growth". Carefully choose what you watch, take part in, and listen to, making sure that your choices line up with what pleases God."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Selah Christian ChurchFour Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com/

Listen to our music special and sermon message each week via our Selah media website:

http://selahmedia.tripod.com/

Share a daily scripture and devotion at our church blog:

http://selahchurch.blogspot.com/

February 11, 2010 ~ Love is...

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=5c16cdabb6159c8dec2e

Selah people' and friends remember how much our Lord loves each of us. May you share that love for all you care about and for those in need across our community, state, country and world.

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Selah Christian ChurchFour Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com/

Listen to our music special and sermon message each week via our Selah media website:

http://selahmedia.tripod.com/

Share a daily scripture and devotion at our church blog:

http://selahchurch.blogspot.com/

February 10, 2010 ~ Sharing The Load

Jesus offers us a strength & companionship...

to help us carry our load.

Today's Scripture:

Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:28-29

When Jesus spoke to people, he often used parables and word pictures that incorporated familiar everyday situations so his listeners could better identify with the spiritual principles he wanted to share. Jesus spoke about finding rest through being "yoked" to him.

In Jesus' day, a yoke had two distinct meanings. The first was the wooden harness used to link oxen together to plow a field. The second was a slang term referring to Jewish laws and traditions. It was said that Jews were "yoked" to the Torah. In other words, they were burdened by carrying around the Old Testament commands as well as the numerous additional laws dictated by the Pharisees. Trying to follow that many rules would be exhausting for anyone. Jesus let it be know that relationship - not rule - following - is the key to obedience. Walking closely with God through prayer, and allowing his Spirit and his word to guide you, take you from burden of legalism to the freedom of a righteous life.

Selah people' and friends the rest Jesus offers isn't an escape from work, struggle and problems.

The rest Jesus offers is a quiet strength and companionship that helps you continue moving forward with burning out physically, mentally, or emotionally.

All you need to do is "come", "take", and "learn." Learning how to rest in God when times are hard is a process, much like the Gracie jiu jitsu and lifestyle my brother Matthew and I train in: it teaches to not exhaust yourself while in the middle of battle but to learn how to be actively at rest in the middle of battle. Walking side by side with the world's greatest teacher Jesus sharing your load and being actively at rest is a journey that leads my friends to true joy. Are you looking for that kind of joy today?

"When times are difficult, picture Jesus walking alongside you as a reminder that you're not alone. Speak to him honestly about the help you need and your thankfulness for the help he has already provided."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Selah Christian ChurchFour Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com/

Listen to our music special and sermon message each week via our Selah media website:

http://selahmedia.tripod.com/

Share a daily scripture and devotion at our church blog:

http://selahchurch.blogspot.com/

February 9, 2010 ~ Jeremy Camp Devotional - I Know Who I Am

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=c26f0361292dc670c9f4


As we here in God's word John 15:5...


I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.


Please know that you and I can do all things through Christ and that without Him we will fail.


May you and I continue to grow in our Christian faith and grow closer to Christ!

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com/

Listen to our music special and sermon message each week via our Selah media website:

http://selahmedia.tripod.com/

Share a daily scripture and devotion at our church blog:

http://selahchurch.blogspot.com/

February 8, 2010 ~ Escape Route

Do you have a way out when temptation starts to run wild?

Today's Scripture:

The only temptation that has come to you is that which everyone has, but you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, he will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Many verses in the Bible ask you to do things that sound impossible. Love your enemies. Deal with your anger before the day ends. Give generously, even to strangers. Don't regard the opposite sex with lust in your heart. Forgive those who've hurt you. A common response may be, "Nice sentiment, but this is the real world. You don't know what I'm up against." It is true the world is filled with temptations, enticements to take a self-centered approach toward pleasure and personal gain. But appearances are deceiving.

Any choice that leads you away from God leads you away from the life your heart truly longs for.

Trusting God is the antidote for making bad choices in life. You are not alone in your struggle. Everyone faces pressure, both internal and external, to make choices that dishonor God. Even Jesus was tempted in the same ways you and I are. Yet Jesus put into practice the truth promised here. God faithfully provided an escape route from temptation, and Jesus took it.

Selah people' and friends you have the same opportunity for victory. Bee on the lookout for God's escape route when temptations come your way. Your escape may come through the power of prayer, accountability with others, or simply avoiding situations that lead you away from God instead of toward him. Whatever the escape route , God has promised that you will have the ability to make the right choice. All you have to do is use it.

"Memorizing this verse in 1 Corinthians is a great way to become more aware of the temptations you face and of the God-given options you have to avoid surrendering to them."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com/

Listen to our music special and sermon message each week via our Selah media website:

http://selahmedia.tripod.com/

Share a daily scripture and devotion at our church blog:

http://selahchurch.blogspot.com/

February 6, 2010 ~ Gift of Life

No matter how high we climb

or how low we fall God's grace is enough!

Today's Scripture:

By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Ephesian 2: 8-9

Grace sets Christianity apart for every other religion in the world. Charis, the Greek word for grace, literally means "free gift." That's what God promises, a gift of eternal life with no strings attached, one that you can't receive any other way than through the unmerited generosity of the Giver.

You can't gain eternal life through good works or lose it through bad.

Faith in Jesus is the only channel through which you can receive this priceless gift.

Yet God was extending grace long before Jesus came to earth. It began in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve chose to turn away from God, he allowed them to suffer the consequences of their actions, but the depth of his love for those he had created would not let that be the final word. He extended the free gift of grace by promising to send someone who could redeem, or pay for, what had been done. He fulfilled that promise through Jesus.

Selah people' and friends good works are evidence of a growing faith in God, and demonstrate the power of God's grace to transform a life. Good works bring honor to God, blessings to others, and joy to the one who performs them. But they have no power to open the doors of heaven. Remembering this truth will turn any urge to brag into an occasion for praise.

"When comparing Christianity with other religions, focus on God's grace. Explaining God's free gift to you will help others understand you don't put yourself "above" them. Everyone is imperfect that means you and me and we are all in need of God's grace."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com/

Listen to our music special and sermon message each week via our Selah media website:

http://selahmedia.tripod.com/

Share a daily scripture and devotion at our church blog:

http://selahchurch.blogspot.com/

February 5, 2010 ~ Glory to God Forever ~ KLOVE.com

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=7c9f0cf862d5bd9aecd6

This live performance where they were introducing this song reminds us who to give the glory to. Our God is so good to each of us and it is my prayer today that we will share just great He is with others.

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston


Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com/

Listen to our music special and sermon message each week via our Selah media website:

http://selahmedia.tripod.com/

Share a daily scripture and devotion at our church blog:

http://selahchurch.blogspot.com/

February 3, 2010 ~ Temporary Home ~ Carrie Underwood

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=308d764d524e37bd9ae4


Selah people' and friends,


I see more and more each day that this life we share is so fragile and temporary. Are you making the most of each day that God has giving you? Join me in living it to the fullest and preparing to see God's face. May you and I enjoy this short time we have to share with one another.


In Christ service...your pastor,


Rev Patrick Muston

Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com/

Listen to our music special and sermon message each week via our Selah media website:

http://selahmedia.tripod.com/

Share a daily scripture and devotion at our church blog:

http://selahchurch.blogspot.com/

February 2, 2010 - Life or Death Decisions‏

Are we coming closer to God or farther away from Him?

Today's Scripture:

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.

Deuteronomy 30:19

After forty years of wandering through the desert, the Jordan River was all that stood between the people of Israel and the Promised Land. Most of the generation Moses called together to speak to on that day had never known the Egyptian captivity of their parents. Their home had been the desert, and their hope had been the land across the Jordan. From where the Israelites stood, it looked like the hard times were finally over. Stability and prosperity lay ahead.

Yet Moses knew that even in a land of promise and plenty, every individual had a choice. The choice Moses shared with the people of Israel is the same choice God gives every individual had a choice. The choice Moses shared with the people of Israel is the same choice to follow God and receive the benefits of an obedient life. Or you can make a choice that dishonors God and reap the natural negative consequences of your actions.

Selah people' and friends although crucial to determining your eternal destiny, accepting or rejecting God's gift of salvation is only one choice you make in this life.

Every minute is filled with choices - choices that draw you closer to God or farther away from him.

Choosing life means choosing God. When you choose life, you prevent curses (which are simply the opposite of blessings) from taking hold. Moses' words are a reminder that your choices, both big and small, matter. Choose wisely. Choose life.

"God's grace gives you the freedom to choose between good and evil. God's love allows consequences to act as a guide, helping you make decisions that honor God while improving the quality of your life."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com/

Listen to our music special and sermon message each week via our Selah media website:

http://selahmedia.tripod.com/

Share a daily scripture and devotion at our church blog:

http://selahchurch.blogspot.com/

February 1, 2010 ~ Panic Attack !!!

When worry hits tell God what you're anxious about!

Today's Scripture:

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4: 6-7

Worry is a stealthy, yet formidable, enemy. Worry can creep into your life quietly, masquerading as an acceptable human response to living in an imperfect world. But worry is neither acceptable nor harmless. Worry is a dangerous diversion that leads you to focus on your problems instead of on God, who loves you and is in control. There is an easy, effective way to eliminate worry - pray! As a pastor, husband, daddy and manager of people I fall into trying to be fixer and leader of what needs to happen and it is in these times I have to refocus and remember who really is in control...knowing that it is not me, regardless of titles or position.

Praying my friends about both the big and the small things in your life is a way of constantly realigning your point of view with God's perspective. Prayer is more than simply asking God for help. It is also a time of worship and thanks. Thanking God for his past help and blessings is a gift to yourself, as well as to God. Every thank-you serves as a personal reminder of God's love and faithfulness in your life, and it provides you with a source of comfort, strength, encouragement, and peace.

Selah people' and friends peace and worry cannot coexist. Where worry is the potential enemy, peace is the faithful sentinel guarding your mind and heart.

There is nothing passive about the word guard. It's a Greek military term that paints a picture of a stronghold being protected by a vigilant garrison of watchmen. In Gracie jiu jitsu the guard is a position thou on your back is a position of safety and not only defensive but can be offensive as well and has various levels of dominance be it half-guard or the stronger full-guard. When you and I allow prayer to defeat worry in our life, God's peace will be your watchman and guard in any and every situation no matter how big or how small.

"At the first sign of worry or attack, practice the life-changing principle found in Philippians 4:6-7. Tell God what you're anxious about. Thank him for who he is, for what he has done, and for the peace he provides."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC
http://selahchurch.com/

Listen to our music special and sermon message each week via our Selah media website:
http://selahmedia.tripod.com/

Share a daily scripture and devotion at our church blog:

http://selahchurch.blogspot.com/