May 31, 2011 ~ He Knows What’s in You

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart"

Psalm 37:4

TODAY'S WORD:

Are you believing God for something that seems like it's taking a long time? In the natural, you may have every reason to give up on what God has placed in your heart. At times, you may be tempted to get discouraged, but remember, God knows exactly where you are. He knows the desires He's placed within you. He knows even the hidden dreams — what the scripture calls the secret petitions of your heart. Those are the things that you haven't told anyone about. Maybe you thought they would never work out, or you've buried them because they didn't happen on your timetable. But God still has a way to bring them to pass. I have reflected much lately with people close to me having some heart scares with their health. It has helped me to look into my own heart not just in the physical sense but the spiritual and eternal as well. God knows the petitions of our heart!

Selah people' and friends be encouraged today because God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Delight yourself in Him — find joy in serving Him and make your heart mold-able in His hands. Don't settle for mediocrity because God knows what's in you, and His plan is to finish the work He began in you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father God, I humbly come to You today giving You all that I am. Thank You for fulfilling every desire in my heart. Mold me and shape me into Your image. Remove anything from my life that is displeasing to You so that everything I am brings glory to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Link to Selah Christian Church Worship service from May 22, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiMzc0NGIwZjItZjc5OS00MzU2LWI5ZmEtYmJmMDE0ZWU0Y2My&sort=name&layout=list&num=50

 

May 28, 2011 ~ Experience His Love

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord"

Romans 8:38–39

TODAY'S WORD:

God loves you so much today! He wants you to know and experience His love. When you experience something, it becomes real to you. You "own" it, so to speak. For example, let's say you've never eaten chocolate before. Someone else can describe it to you. They can tell you all about the taste and texture, but until you take a bite of it, it won't really mean anything personal to you.

In the same way, you can hear all about God's love and how wonderful He is, but it's not until you experience it first hand and allow His love to sink down into your heart that something happens on the inside of you. His love changes you. It builds confidence and strength in you. Have you experienced this love? Are you open to allow Him to move in your life today?

Selah people' and friends God's love empowers you to overcome temptation and to stand strong no matter what difficulty you may be facing today or in the future. I can remember in sports when I laid it all on the line and still came up short I would feel the weight of my team, friends, family and school all on my shoulders as if I let them down. Coaches would encourage, reassure and persuade you to understand when you give your all it truly is enough. Be it in victory or defeat. It is all about your heart being in what you do and knowing that you are 100% committed.I remind each of you today that when you open your heart and receive God's love, you will be fully persuaded that nothing can separate you from Him! Won't you join me and open yourself 100% to him today.

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in heaven, I open my heart to You today. Fill me with Your love so that I can know You more. I desire to experience You in every part of my being. I surrender every area of my life to You. Have Your way in me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Link to Selah Christian Church Worship service from May 22, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiMzc0NGIwZjItZjc5OS00MzU2LWI5ZmEtYmJmMDE0ZWU0Y2My&sort=name&layout=list&num=50

May 25, 2011 ~ Fulfilling the Law of Christ...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ"

Galatians 6:2

TODAY'S WORD:

When we live in peace and unity, it pleases God. When we love and serve others, putting their needs above our own, we are honoring Him. When we carry each other's burdens, we are fulfilling the law of Christ, which is to love others.

What does it mean to carry each other's burdens? There are many ways to reach out to people and help shoulder their load of life. Just by giving an encouraging word or smile, you can help lighten the load for someone. When you pray and intercede for others in their day of difficulty, you are helping to carry their burdens. Maybe there are other ways to help the people around you. Maybe you can pay for someone's groceries or give someone cash at the gas pump. Maybe you stop what you are doing and just listen to someone's burdens or share handshake or hug with another who needs it. I can see it in people's eyes and now that I am so much closer to God I can't resist yielding to His way.  Anytime you help others and reach out to those in need, scripture says you are directly lending a hand to God Himself.

Selah people' and friends today, look for ways to lighten the load for the people around you. Be a burden lifter. Remember, in God's kingdom what you sow, you shall reap. When you help others, God promises to repay you. He'll pour out His victory and blessing upon you all the days of your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Heavenly Father, I want to fulfill Your law of love by serving and helping others. Show me how to be a blessing to the people around me so that I can help carry their burdens. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Link to special Matthew West Worship music Video from May 15, 2011 at Selah:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiNDM3NmUyNDEtMDM1ZS00NmY3LWE0YzEtZTJlMDQ5NGIyNTk4&sort=name&layout=list&num=50

May 24, 2011 ~ Grow Your Faith...

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God”

Romans 10:17

TODAY’S WORD:

Scripture tells us that every person has been given a measure of faith. That faith can grow and increase; or it can be diminished. Notice today’s scripture doesn’t say, “Faith comes by having heard the Word of God one time.” It’s by hearing — present tense. Sure, God’s Word can transform us in an instant, but most of the time, we need to hear God’s truth over and over again in order for it to become active in our lives. The more we hear the Word, the more His truth chisels away at the doubt and unbelief that’s been built up over the years. His truth sets us free and causes our faith to grow!

Just as a seed needs water daily to grow, your spirit needs the Word of God daily. Your faith needs to be watered by His Word. It can be as simple as selecting a few scriptures to meditate on daily.

Selah people’ and friends join me today and write them down and carry them in your purse or wallet. Read them out loud over and over. Let His truth sink down into your heart and move you forward into the freedom and victory He has prepared for you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

“Father in heaven, thank You for Your Word that is living and active and growing in my life. I submit myself to You today and ask You to teach me Your ways. Give me insight into Your Word so that I may know You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Link to special Matthew West Worship music Video from May 15, 2011 at Selah:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiNDM3NmUyNDEtMDM1ZS00NmY3LWE0YzEtZTJlMDQ5NGIyNTk4&sort=name&layout=list&num=50

 

May 20, 2011 ~ As You Wait

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

“Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.”

James 5:7

TODAY’S WORD:

God has put dreams and desires in every person’s heart. But most times, there’s a season of waiting involved. Maybe you’re waiting for a relationship to improve; waiting to get married; waiting for a promotion; or waiting to overcome an illness. Waiting to die or waiting to start living. Much of life is spent waiting. But there’s a right way to wait and there’s a wrong way to wait. Too often, when things don’t happen on our timetable, we get down and discouraged or anxious and fretful.

That’s because my friends, not trying to be stepping on your toes but we’re not waiting the right way.

Notice that today’s verse doesn’t say if you wait, it says as you wait. The fact is we’re all going to wait. It goes on to say that we should consider how the farmer waits — patiently and eagerly.

We’re not supposed to sit around discouraged; we’re supposed to be hopeful, positive and full of expectancy!

I got word today of one of my friends and a mentor Harry Pugliese who went to be with our Lord. He used to pull me over as both a sheriff and later chief of my home town. Yes, before I was a preacher I too was a teenager that needed someone older and wiser to give me good advice and warning about what I needed to be doing and not doing. I was caught by surprise by this as “Pug” was just commenting the other day on how much he enjoyed reading my blog posts of Facebook. He too was waiting to go and I did not even anticipate his time here coming to an end. I know had I known I would have rushed to be by his side one more time, as would so many others. I do know by God’s word and reminder today that the harvest will come and those few of us who know Him will be gathered up together and separated from the chaff. Today we can be assured Pug has received the ultimate healing and God makes no mistakes. I lift special prayer for his family, friends and the town of Swansboro and so many he touched in his time waiting to move on to eternity.

Selah people’ and friends today, no matter what you are praying for, expect things to change in your favor. Today could be the day that God turns it all around. As you wait with patience and expectancy, you’ll open the door for God to move. He’ll fight your battles, and you’ll see that abundant harvest He’s promised in every area of your life.

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

“Father God, today I choose to wait expectantly for You. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I put my trust and hope in You knowing that You have good things in store for my future. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Link to special Matthew West Worship music Video from May 15, 2011 at Selah:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiNDM3NmUyNDEtMDM1ZS00NmY3LWE0YzEtZTJlMDQ5NGIyNTk4&sort=name&layout=list&num=50

 

May 19, 2011 ~ The Fullness of the blessing

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

“But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.”

Romans 15:29

TODAY’S WORD:

Are you living in the fullness of His blessing? God’s blessing is His supernatural empowerment. It is His favor. And we’ve all seen a measure of His blessing, but I believe He wants to take you to a whole new level. God has promises and opportunities in store for you that you haven’t even thought of yet! What you’ve seen in the past is only a fraction of what God wants to do in your future.

Understand that God likes to outdo Himself. He wants to open doors for you and bring out talents and abilities that you didn’t even know you had. We serve a God of abundance! He is the God of more than enough. Not only does He want to meet your needs, He wants to give you enough to bless other people. That’s living in the fullness of the blessing.

Selah people’ and friends, today don’t settle where you are. Your destiny is not determined by the economy, your past or what anyone else thinks or says. Your destiny is determined by Almighty God. He wants you to tap into a greater measure of His power so you can live the abundant life He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

“Father in heaven, we come before You today with an open and humble heart, ready to receive all You have for us. Teach each of us to live a life that is pleasing to You so that we can be an example of Your love in the world around us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

In Christ humble service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Link to special Matthew West Worship music Video from May 15, 2011 at Selah:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiNDM3NmUyNDEtMDM1ZS00NmY3LWE0YzEtZTJlMDQ5NGIyNTk4&sort=name&layout=list&num=50

 

May 18th, 2011 ~ Remain in Him!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing."

John 15:5

TODAY'S WORD:

My friends I ask you toady…have you ever really thought about the relationship between a branch and the vine? We don't use these kinds of word pictures very much anymore, but think about it — if the branch is not attached to the vine, it withers and dies. The very life of the branch depends on being attached to the vine. The same thing happens if we try to operate in this life without Jesus. Without Him, we can do nothing.

We are cut from our life source. But when you remain in Him by daily connecting with Him through prayer, worship and study of the Word, then your life will be fruitful. You'll walk in joy and blessing. Notice that this verse says "much fruit." It's saying to you and to me that we will have an abundant harvest in our lives.

Selah people' and friends remember, God doesn't want you to just barely get by. He wants to overwhelm you with His goodness! Choose to remain in Him today; choose to make Him your top priority, and you'll see His hand of blessing operating in every area of your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Heavenly Father, thank You for being my source of life. Thank You for Your hand of blessing that is leading and guiding me. I choose to make You the number one priority in my life. Let my heart hunger only for You today. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Link to special Matthew West Worship music Video from May 15, 2011 at Selah:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiNDM3NmUyNDEtMDM1ZS00NmY3LWE0YzEtZTJlMDQ5NGIyNTk4&sort=name&layout=list&num=50

May 16, 2011 ~ Are You In?

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

2 Corinthians 5:17

TODAY’S WORD:

The very moment we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we instantly become a new creation! Our spirits are made alive in Him and the old passes away. His peace fills our hearts. Now, everything in your life doesn’t change instantly. Some things do, but God will do some things in your life over time as you grow in your relationship with Him. The key is to keep moving forward in your spiritual journey one step at a time. We all must be striving for spiritual growth be us young or old. As you abide in Him by spending time with Him in prayer and worship, and as you study His Word and connect with other believers in a Bible-based church, He will continue to transform you and renew you from the inside out!

Selah people’ and friends today, remember, God is at work in your life. You may not be where you want to be. You may have made some mistakes or had some setbacks. Know that in Him, you are the righteousness of God. In Him, you are new. In Him is everything you need to have victory in every area of your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

“Father God, thank You for making me new! Thank You for ordering and directing my steps. I trust that You are at work in my life transforming me into Your image. Keep me close to You as I put You first in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Link to special Matthew West Worship music Video from May 15, 2011 at Selah:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiNDM3NmUyNDEtMDM1ZS00NmY3LWE0YzEtZTJlMDQ5NGIyNTk4&sort=name&layout=list&num=50

 

May 14, 2011 ~ Sowing Good Seeds...

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life”

Galatians 6:7–8

TODAY’S WORD:

Whether you realize it or not, everything you are experiencing in your life today is a direct result of the seeds you’ve sown in your past. Today, you are planting seeds for the harvest in your future. Just as the farmer expects a crop from the seeds he sows, we can expect a harvest from the seeds we’ve sown, good or bad. That’s why we have to be deliberate about the seeds we are sowing. We have to wake up every day and set our minds on God’s Word and choose to speak His truth over our lives. We have to constantly evaluate our actions to make sure we are depositing good seeds so we can reap a good harvest in the future.

Our churches, families and all our friends and numerous folks from our Grantham community have come together with Abby’s family and are sowing seeds by sponsoring and having a Lunch, supper and auction today at Eureka Christian Church to help raise money for a liver transplant for one of our youth we love dearly ~ Abby Keen. All of us have affectionately taken on the name of “Team Abby”! You can find out more about Abby and what we are working to accomplish at this website set up for her: http://www.cotaforabigailk.com/ If you are not in our immediate area I ask can you take just one minute to pray for this teenager and her family? We have choices and some can really make a difference in people’s lives. Take time today to think about what type of seeds you are sowing in your life and those around you.

Selah people’ and friends why don’t you take some time right now to ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and mind? See if there are any negative seeds that you’ve sown in the past that need to be uprooted. Be deliberate about planting the Word of God in the soil of your heart. Sow good seeds into your future so you can reap the harvest of blessing God has designed for you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

“Father God, thank You for the system of sowing and reaping. Thank You for giving me good seed to sow! I ask that You search my heart and mind and show me where to sow my seed so I can reap the abundant harvest You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

In Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Video link of Selah Mother’s Day Worship service at Selah from May 8th, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiNWQ5YWI0OTAtZjY0Zi00OTkyLWIzOTEtOTE3NzEyMmM4MzJi&hl=en

 

May 13, 2011 ~ You Have What it Takes

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

“For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you”

2 Corinthians 9:10

TODAY’S WORD:

When Jesus sent His disciples out to heal the sick, meet their needs, and share the Gospel, He told them, “Give as freely as you have received” (Matthew 10:8). In other’s words, God has given you everything you need to do what He’s called you to do in this life. He has equipped you to be successful and has empowered you to overcome in this life. He’s given you seed to sow in order to have an abundant harvest in your future. He will show us the way like a rainbow leading to a pot of gold at the end. You have what it takes! It was put in you when God created you in your mother’s womb.

God has placed seed in your hand today, but in order for that seed to produce, it has to be planted. It has to be watered. It has to be fertilized. Today, ask God to show you where to plant your seed.

Selah people’ and friends make sure you are sowing in the right ground and tending to the seed He has given you. Remember, God has a good plan for your future. He has plans to bless you and increase you. Today, you have what it takes to move forward and receive the blessing He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY:

“Father in heaven, thank You for equipping me for every good work. Thank You for giving me good seed to sow!

I invite You to guide my every step by Your precious Holy Spirit. Thank You for choosing me to be a part of Your plan.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

You’re Brother In Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Video link of Worship service at Selah from May 1, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiMGU4ZGRhZTQtODczNi00MmZiLTgxYjktZGZjNGNjYmI2ZTk2&hl=en

 

May 11, 2011 ~ Give More, Have More...?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty"

Proverbs 11:24

TODAY'S WORD:

In the natural, it doesn't make sense that you will have more if you give more. But God's kingdom operates on the principle of sowing and reaping. This is one of the first things He established with Adam and Eve in the book of Genesis. He said, "As long as the earth remains, there will be seedtime and harvest."

We have to realize that everything we need in this life has been given to us in seed form. We set the blessing of God into motion in our lives when we plant those seeds and give what we have. Galatians tells us that whatever we sow, we will reap. Seeds produce after their own kind. If you sow apple seeds, you reap apple trees. If you sow kindness and blessing, you reap kindness and blessing in the future. If you sow financial seeds, you'll reap a financial harvest.

Selah' people' and friends today, no matter what you need, you have it in seed form. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to plant and water that seed. Trust Him because He is faithful to His Word. Know that when you give, it will come back to you in greater measure. When you give more, you have more. So join me today as we sow a seed and watch what God will do!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father God, thank You for Your Word which is truth that sets me free! Today, I choose to sow good seeds so I can reap a good harvest. Guide my thoughts today. Direct my path. Use me for Your glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Video link of Worship service at Selah from May 1, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiMGU4ZGRhZTQtODczNi00MmZiLTgxYjktZGZjNGNjYmI2ZTk2&hl=en

May 10th, 2011 ~ Walking Through the Storm

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

“Even 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

TODAY’S WORD:

Everyone faces the storms of life. Sometimes we have the faith to be delivered from the storms instantly; sometimes we have the faith to walk through the storms. But no matter which route you take, you can be sure that God is right there with you. He will equip you and sustain you. He will give you the grace, the supernatural empowerment, to make it through.

Selah people’ and friends today, maybe you are facing a storm and can’t quite see a way out. Maybe you’re not sure what the answer is. All you have to do is take it one step at a time by saying, “God, I know You have a good plan for my future.” “God, I am doing better today than I was yesterday.” “God, I know You are leading and guiding me.”

My brothers and sisters I remind each of you today that with every step you take, every move you make know that God is doing a good work in your life. Know that He is with you, and He will comfort you. Keep moving forward. Keep taking those steps of faith and keep walking through the storm into the place of victory He has prepared for you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

“Heavenly Father, thank You for walking with me through every season of life. I thank You for being a shield of protection around me, for going before me and preparing the way. Keep me close to You and give me strength as I move forward into the victory You have for me! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Your Brother In Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Video link of Worship service at Selah from May 1, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiMGU4ZGRhZTQtODczNi00MmZiLTgxYjktZGZjNGNjYmI2ZTk2&hl=en

May 9th, 2011 ~ Further, Faster

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

“Your threshing season will overlap with the grape harvest, and your grape harvest will overlap with the season of planting grain. You will eat your fill and live securely in your own land”

Leviticus 26:5

TODAY’S WORD:

I believe we are living in a day and age when God is accelerating His work in our lives! I believe that what used to take days, weeks and even years in times past, God will do in an instant in this day and age. In an instant, you can receive your breakthrough. In an instant, you can be promoted on your job. In an instant, you can receive your healing. In an instant, your relationship can be restored. In an instant, that child can change their ways.

Selah people’ and friends today, believe that God will take you further than you ever thought possible, faster than you ever thought possible. Trust that your times are in His hands. Know that He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Just like in the days of old, God will accelerate your seasons, and He will thrust you into the blessing and victory He has prepared for you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

“Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. I trust that my times are in Your hands. I know that You have a good plan for my future, so I open my heart and put my faith and trust totally in You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Your Brother In Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Video link of Worship service at Selah from May 1, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiMGU4ZGRhZTQtODczNi00MmZiLTgxYjktZGZjNGNjYmI2ZTk2&hl=en

 

May 5, 2011 ~ Our National Day of Prayer

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…"

2^nd Chronicles 7:14

TODAY'S WORD:

We have had a multitude of presidents through the years have declared this date our National Day of Prayer. And I tell you my friends our country needs prayer! In fact, I think our country needs our prayers now more than ever before, except perhaps during the War for Independence and the Civil War where brother was pit against brother. We desperately need a national revival.

Unless we have one very soon, I believe that America, as we know it, may not exist much longer. And if America falls, virtually the entire missionary enterprise of the Church could come to a screeching halt. But if America turns back to God, He could prevent our country's demise.

If we need to be convinced of the importance of national revival, we need look no further than the Israelites. In ancient Israel prophets arose and proclaimed the destruction of Israel unless that nation turned back to God. But the people mocked the prophets just as many may read my words today and say Pastor Muston we will choose to ignore these words. They may even share as the people did then telling them to go tell their doleful tales elsewhere. Yet true to the prophets' words, the Assyrians came down like wolves in a pack, fiercely and savagely defeating Israel, and ancient Israel (not to be confused with ancient Judah) never recovered. Had the Israelites turned back to God when He spoke His intentions through the prophets, they perhaps wouldn't have met with such a devastating fate.

If our nation The United States of America, like Israel, needs national revival, then what is it and how can we bring it about in our homes, our church and our community? William Sprague defines national revival like this:

"Wherever you see religion rising up from a state of comparative depression to a tone of increased vigor and strength, wherever you see professing Christians becoming more faithful to their obligations and behold the strength of the Church increased by fresh accessions of piety from the world, there is a state of things increased by fresh accessions of piety from the world, there is a state of things which you need not hesitate to denominate a revival of religion."

Selah people' and friends how can we bring this about? By doing what our government has set this day aside for us to do – PRAY! Today will you join me and millions of other patriotic God fearing Americans in praying for the spiritual revival and God's will be done for this great nation?

I close today's blog with these words from John Wesley:

"Give me one hundred men who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I will shake the world."

Will join me in being one of the hundred that will shake our world?

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Lord, today our nation which you have blessed and supported throughout our short history takes time out to honor you in prayer for our country and it's peoples. We pray for your continued guidance and direction in the way that we ought to go and in the revival we so desperately need.  In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Your Brother In Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Video link of Worship service at Selah from May 1, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiMGU4ZGRhZTQtODczNi00MmZiLTgxYjktZGZjNGNjYmI2ZTk2&hl=en