June 27, 2011 ~ Draw Closer to God

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Come close to God, and God will come close to you..."

James 4:8

TODAY'S WORD:

God promises that He will draw close to you when you draw close to Him. How do we draw close to Him? First of all, this verse goes on to say that we must turn away from sin because sin separates us from God. When we turn away from the things that displease Him, we are turning toward Him. That's the first step. Then, the Bible tells us to come into His presence with thanksgiving in our hearts and give Him praise. When you have a thankful heart, you are drawing closer to Him. Thirdly, scripture tells us that God opposes the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. When you live with an attitude of humility, you are drawing closer to Him. Just as in our earthly relationships we must be 100% committed and available to those we love and be present to share our lives each and every day, not just when it is convenient.

Selah people' and friends, there's nothing more important in life than drawing close to God the Father. Seek Him with your whole heart, and you will find Him. Let Him speak to your heart by reading your Bible, praying and meditating on His promises every single day. Worship Him with a humble and open heart because when you seek Him, you will find Him, and He will fill you with His peace, comfort and joy all the days of your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in heaven, I choose to draw near to You. I open my heart and turn from anything that displeases You. Fill me with Your power to live the good life You have planned for me as I draw close to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Selah people' and friends, click link below to view or download our worship hour from Pentecost Sunday June 12, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiOTdlMjMzMTEtOGMxMy00YzMyLWI0MWUtMGY3ZDViZjQxMDc2&hl=en_US

June 25, 2011 ~ N.Y. Becomes Sixth and Largest State to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

Selah prayer warriors and friends,

I just read this prayer alert on my cellphone as I work my secular job. I ask that you join me in prayer for both sides of this issue and law. I feel we as Christians must love and care for all God's children both homosexual and straight. I too feel the foundation of marriage and family has taken yet another turn for a less stable and sound foundation as God intended. However God speaks to you on this I ask you to be in prayer for His will be done.

In Christ humble service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, pastor
Selah Christian Church

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• Established in September 2001 • 1.54 Million Households Served • Largest Prayer Movement For Our Nation N.Y. Becomes Sixth and Largest State to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage After days of contentious negotiations and last-minute reversals by two Republican senators, New York became the sixth and largest state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage. Pending any court challenges, legal gay marriages can begin in New York by late July after Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed his bill into law just before midnight Friday. At New York City's Stonewall Inn, the Greenwich Village pub that spawned the homosexual rights movement in June 1969, Scott Redstone watched New York sign the historic same-sex marriage law with his partner of 29 years, and popped the question. "I said, 'Will you marry me?' And he said, 'Of course!'" Redstone said he and Steven Knittweis walked home to pop open a bottle of champagne. New York becomes the sixth state where homosexual couples can wed, doubling the number of Americans living in a state with legal same-sex marriage. "That's certainly going to have a ripple effect across the nation," said Ross Levi, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda. "It's truly a historic night for love, our families, and democracy won." The leading opponent, Democratic Sen. Ruben Diaz, was given only a few minutes to state his case during the Senate debate. "God, not Albany, settled the issue of marriage a long time ago," said Diaz, a Bronx minister. "I'm sorry you are trying to take away my right to speak," he said. "Why are you ashamed of what I have to say?" The Catholic Bishops of New York said the law alters "radically and forever humanity's historic understanding of marriage." "We always treat our homosexual brothers and sisters with respect, dignity and love," the bishops stated Friday, "We worry that both marriage and the family will be undermined by this tragic presumption of government in passing this legislation that attempts to redefine these cornerstones of civilization." (Source: Associated Press) As the Lord leads, please pray: About any challenges to this law that may arise in the coming days. For Christians and others who wish to maintain a strong voice of opposition to the legalization of same-sex marriage in America. For those who can champion the biblical definition of marriage on a national scale. Keep updated by visiting PRAYER WATCH - a 24/7 prayer resource tool. Your Prayer Team       GOD - COUNTRY - FAMILY Since 2001, The Presidential Prayer Team has been the source millions of Americans have turned to for encouragement and inspiration to pray for America, our President, our national leaders and our Armed Forces. Contact Us •  Give a Gift - Help Support This Prayer Alert System •  Join The Prayer Team

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June 24, 2011 ~ Put it into Action!!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ"

Philemon 1:6

TODAY'S WORD:

Brothers and Sisters often kids today here us older folks tell them what we used to do or perhaps even what we can do without ever demonstrating or acting on it. The Bible tells us that faith without works is dead. If we don't put our faith into action, it's not really faith; it's just nice ideas. While celebrating yesterday the closing program at Providence United Methodist's VBS BIG APPLE ADVENTURE: the message was the same…"Say & Do!"

You see, when God truly does a work in our lives, it affects everything about us and everything we "Say" and "Do". It affects our words, our thoughts and our actions. How do you know someone is generous? By their generous actions. How do you know someone is kind? By their kind actions. How do you know someone is gentle? By their gentle actions. How do you know someone is a follower of Christ? By their Christ-like actions.

Selah people' and friends I ask us the question as a church, as a community of believers and Christ followers can people tell by your actions that you belong to God? We all have areas where we can come up higher, but as believers in Jesus, we can be confident that God is at work in us. He is faithful and will complete what He started. As we invite Him to search our hearts and minds, as we surrender every area of our heart to Him and put our faith into action, He will finish His perfect work in us!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in heaven, thank You for changing me, for making me more like You. I invite Your love to do a work in my heart so that You are reflected in everything I say and do. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Selah people' and friends, click link below to view or download our worship hour from Pentecost Sunday June 12, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiOTdlMjMzMTEtOGMxMy00YzMyLWI0MWUtMGY3ZDViZjQxMDc2&hl=en_US

June 23, 2011 ~ Esteem One Another

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us..."

Ephesians 5:2

TODAY'S WORD:

In today's culture, we don't often hear the word esteem used very much, yet, scripture tells us to esteem and delight in one another. One definition of esteem is to hold in high regard. That means we are to honor and value one another. Even if we don't always agree with one another, even if they don't necessarily act honorably, we are to honor and esteem others because they are valuable in the eyes of God. Just like my son climbing in my shoes and saying "Daddy I want to be like you." This is a child's way of honoring and showing affection for us giving a priceless gift to his earthly father.

Think of it this way: if you had a costly and valuable piece of jewelry, you wouldn't just wear it to the gym or leave it on the kitchen sink. No, you would treat it carefully. You would put it in a safe place and protect it. Well, when we see others as valuable the way God sees them, we will treat them carefully as well.

We should be careful in the way we talk to others. We should look for the good in them and honor them for who God made them to be.

Selah people' and friends the Bible tells us that the way we treat others is like sowing seed, and it will come back to you. Choose to esteem and delight in one another. Sow good seeds, and you will see a harvest of blessing in your own life in return!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Heavenly Father, today I choose love. I choose to honor the people around me. Help me to see the value in others the way You see the value in me. Help me to esteem and delight in others with my actions and words so that I can be an example of Your love and light. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Selah people' and friends, click link below to view or download our worship hour from Pentecost Sunday June 12, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiOTdlMjMzMTEtOGMxMy00YzMyLWI0MWUtMGY3ZDViZjQxMDc2&hl=en_US

June 22, 2011 ~ What Pleases God?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him"

Hebrews 11:6

TODAY'S WORD:

My brothers and sisters in Christ do you know what pleases God? He's not impressed by how much knowledge we have biblical or otherwise. He isn't influenced by how many possessions we have accumulated or not acquired in our time on this earth. He's not moved by our accomplishments, He is moved simply by our faith in Him.

What's interesting is that faith is a gift. It's not something we have to contrive or work up or build up to as many have been mislead or miss-taught. The scripture tells us that everyone has been given a measure of faith and that faith grows as we hear the Word of God.

That's why it's so important to stay connected to a Bible-based church where you can hear the Word of God taught. That's why we have to make time every day to read and study His Word because you're feeding your faith. Even through a resource as simple as this blog that I share with you daily you can study and grow spiritually. The more you feed your faith, the more you know Him and understand His goodness.

Selah people' and friends today, take time to feed your faith. Meditate on His Word and ask Him to illuminate your heart with His truth. Trust that He is good and has good things in store for your future because that is faith that pleases God.

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in heaven, thank You for giving me faith so that I can be pleasing to You. Fill my heart and mind with Your truth. Transform me into Your image and let everything I do bring 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

Selah people' and friends, click link below to view or download our worship hour from Pentecost Sunday June 12, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiOTdlMjMzMTEtOGMxMy00YzMyLWI0MWUtMGY3ZDViZjQxMDc2&hl=en_US

June 21, 2011 ~ Look for Opportunity

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about His mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains"

Colossians 4:3

TODAY'S WORD:

When Paul wrote today's verse, he was in chains in prison. He had been arrested for preaching the gospel. Everything in his surroundings shouted "limitations," but instead of looking at his surroundings, Paul kept his eyes on the limitless God.

He kept looking for the open door of opportunity that God would have for him next.

No matter what "chains" you may feel like you are in today, remember, we serve a God who's in the business of setting people free. When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He fills you with His power. He promises to walk with you all the days of your life.

When doors look closed all around you, when your surroundings look limited, when you feel like you're in chains, remember, God is still at work in your life. Like Paul, keep your hopes up. Keep expecting. Keep believing. Pray for those opportunities to be opened to you.

Selah people' and friends If you fall, get back up and press forward with even greater determination to accomplish the dream that God has planted in your heart. The prayer of the righteous avails much, so keep praying because He promises to break the chains and open doors of opportunity in your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in heaven, I choose to take my eyes off my surroundings and focus on You. I choose to focus on the passion and dream You've planted in my heart. I trust that You are working behind the scenes, opening doors of opportunity. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Selah people' and friends, click link below to view or download our worship hour from Pentecost Sunday June 12, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiOTdlMjMzMTEtOGMxMy00YzMyLWI0MWUtMGY3ZDViZjQxMDc2&hl=en_US

June 20, 2011 ~ Let His Love Show...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people"

1 Thessalonians 1:4

TODAY'S WORD:

When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, he began his letter with a compliment about how well they were living. He could see God's love in them and he could see God's love shining through them. Because they were faithful to honor God, He was pleased with them and it showed. I spoke yesterday to our Men for Father's day on Psalm 112 and challenged each of us to step up begin to behave Godly and not to wait another day.

The question we need to ask ourselves today is: When others look at us, do they see God's love? Can they see the change He's made in us? Do they know that we are followers of His? The evidence shows up in our words and actions and where we spend our time. When we receive God's love, it changes us. It empowers us. His love takes us to new levels and becomes clear to the people around us. They want what we have…they are inspired by how God is working in our lives and in our families and our communities.

Best of all Selah people' and friends, when His love shows through us, it draws others to God, too! Today, open your heart fully to receive His love. Let His love show through you by following His commands and showing love to others.

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in Heaven, thank You for loving me. Thank you for empowering me and changing me to be more like You. Have Your way in my heart so that Your love will shine through me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

 In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Selah people' and friends, click link below to view or download our worship hour from Pentecost Sunday June 12, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiOTdlMjMzMTEtOGMxMy00YzMyLWI0MWUtMGY3ZDViZjQxMDc2&hl=en_US

June 17, 2011 ~ At All Times...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises"

Psalm 34:1

TODAY'S WORD:

When you woke up this morning, what was the first thing that you thought of? Did you start the day expecting God's goodness, or is there a circumstance that is overwhelming you and consuming your thoughts?

Today, I want to encourage you that no matter what you are facing, choose to praise to the Lord. Choose to declare His goodness. Your words have tremendous power, and they open the door for either God to work in your life or the enemy to work in your life. Don't magnify your problems today, magnify your God! Stir clear of the long black train that Josh Turner sings of and instead get on the glory train.

Scripture says that God inhabits the praises of His people. When you praise Him, He shows up and all the forces of the enemy have to flee! There's no foe that can stand against you in the presence of Almighty God!

Selah people' and friends why don't you take a few moments right now and set the tone for the rest of your day by praising God and speaking words of faith over your future. Thank Him for His goodness, faithfulness and love. Praise Him at all times because He is good and worthy, and watch how He transforms every area of your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in heaven, I choose to bless You at all times. I choose to set the tone to receive Your favor, grace and mercy. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me at all times! In Jesus' Name. Amen!"

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Selah people' and friends, click link below to view or download our worship hour from Graduate Sunday June 5, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiODdmZWYwNTMtMWE5NC00NDU0LThmZWUtZjg5OTE0N2MxNjFj&hl=en_US

June 16, 2011 ~ Far and Beyond

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever"

Ephesians 3:20–21

TODAY'S WORD:

As we have shared the last several days God wants to do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all you can imagine! He wants to pour out His favor on you and open up opportunities that will boggle your mind!

Notice this verse says that He will do it "according to the power that works in us." How does His power work in us? When we yield ourselves to Him, when we obey His Word and do what pleases Him, more of His power is activated in our lives. When we put Him first in everything that we do, when we choose love, we are allowing more of Him to work in and through us. When we choose God's way, we get God's results: peace, favor, blessing and increase.

Selah people' and friends today, no matter what you are facing, know that when you invite God into your circumstances, He will transform them! He will do more than you could ever imagine. Line yourself up with His Word in your thoughts, words and actions, and watch Him do exceedingly abundantly far and beyond what you could ever imagine!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for loving me and choosing me. I know that You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond anything I can imagine. I submit myself to You: spirit, soul and body. Search me and know me. Have Your way in me and keep my mind stayed on You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

 In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Selah people' and friends, click link below to view or download our worship hour from Graduate Sunday June 5, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiODdmZWYwNTMtMWE5NC00NDU0LThmZWUtZjg5OTE0N2MxNjFj&hl=en_US

June 15, 2011 ~ Above and Beyond...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours"

Isaiah 61:7

TODAY'S WORD:

In the Old Testament when this scripture was written, God's people were going through a very difficult time. They were being held captive against their will and mistreated by other nations. God sent this word to encourage them and give them hope for their future. When the time came, God was faithful to His Word!

Are you going through a difficult time today? Let this word bring you encouragement, too. We serve a God who goes above and beyond our expectations. He wants to give you double for your trouble. He wants to bring you restoration and make things even better than before. He doesn't want to bring you a single layer of joy He wants to bring an abundance!

Selah people' and friends If you are facing challenges today or going through a time of adversity, remember, it's always darkest just before the dawn appears. Your days are destined to shine brighter because God is faithful. As you stay in faith and are obedient to His Word, you'll receive double for your trouble and see God go above and beyond in every area of your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for directing and ordering my steps. I know that You will go above and beyond my expectations as I keep my heart and mind stayed on You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Selah people' and friends, click link below to view or download our worship hour from Graduate Sunday June 5, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiODdmZWYwNTMtMWE5NC00NDU0LThmZWUtZjg5OTE0N2MxNjFj&hl=en_US

June 14, 2011 ~ Rise Even Higher!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm"

Proverbs 13:20

TODAY'S WORD:

Sometimes in order to embrace the destiny God has in store, you have to be willing to make some difficult changes in your life. You have to be willing to examine where you are and what you need to do in order to move forward. This may mean that you need to change some friends you're spending time with. Maybe they were fine for a season in your life, but you've outgrown them.

This is a new season, and in order for you to rise higher, you have to break away from relationships that are limiting you. You have to develop some new friendships with people who are going to pull you up and inspire you to rise higher.

I've found in my life that if you're the smartest one in your group, your group is too small. Find people who are smarter than you, people who will challenge you to stretch to the next level. Find people who can help you grow spiritually and whom you can help grow spiritually.

Selah people' and friends remember, he who walks with the wise becomes wise. Choose your friends wisely so that you can rise higher and walk in the destiny God has for you.

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father God, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for the good plan You have for my life. Help me choose my friends and companions and business partners wisely so that I can continue to move forward in the destiny You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

Selah people' and friends, click link below to view or download our worship hour from Graduate Sunday June 5, 2011:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5CvuvSF-BuiODdmZWYwNTMtMWE5NC00NDU0LThmZWUtZjg5OTE0N2MxNjFj&hl=en_US