December 30, 2011 ~ Do You See It?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen..."

Romans 1:20

TODAY'S WORD:
All around you, God's goodness is on display. The question is do you see it? The scripture talks about how God was in the midst of people, but they knew Him not. Too many times, God is working in our lives, showing us favor, protecting us, sending us healing, but we don't recognize His goodness. For example, if you're in a crowded parking lot and a car backs out so you can get a front row space, that's the goodness of God. If you're going through a difficult time and a friend stops by out of the blue and cheers you up, that's the goodness of God.

We have to remember not to take the little things for granted. All through the day we should be saying, "Thank You, Lord, for Your goodness. Thank You for my health. Thank You for my spouse. Thank You for the opportunity that You have given me."

Selah people' and friends today, be on the lookout for His goodness. Remember, what you seek you will find. Seek Him and thank Him for His faithfulness and blessing upon every area of your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:
"Father God, thank You for every good and perfect gift that You have given me. Thank You for ordering my steps and guiding me with Your Word. I love You and praise You today for Your faithfulness and look forward to the good things You have in store for my future in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

December 23, 2011 ~ In This Together!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
"I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ"

Philemon 1:6

TODAY'S WORD:
As believers, we are called to work together to build His kingdom. We are partners together and heirs of His precious promises. In biblical partnership, we operate as one in the eyes of God. That means, when you pray for us and invest time and resources into our ministries at Selah, you will be credited in heaven for every life touched and changed by the work of God's ministry. At the same time, we are standing with you, praying for you, truly their for you and your family just a call, text or email away and we are believing for God's very best in your life.

As partners and heirs of Christ, we are in this together! Nine years ago when we came to serve as pastor and you spiritual leader and counselor one of the youth lifted up a prayer request for "spiritual growth" since that Sunday it has become our mission for all age groups and all people in our church and community members and non-members, for believers and non-believers alike to help as many as we can in as many ways as we can experience spiritual growth.

Selah people' and friends this Christmas 2011, Jennifer and I want to say thank you for standing with us and laboring with us in the kingdom of God. Many lives around our community and beyond have been forever changed because of your partnership with us. Just as you reap benefits in the natural when you labor physically, you will receive supernatural blessings when you invest your time, talent and resources in the kingdom of God. We love you and believe God has much blessing and joy ahead as you continue to grow with Him!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:
"Father, thank You for the gift of partnership. Thank You that we can stand together stronger and more effective in building Your kingdom and growing your disciples through spiritual growth. Your Word says that when we dwell together in unity, You command blessing. Today I receive that blessing as I follow Your commands in Jesus' name. Amen."

In Christ humbler service...Merry Christmas!

Patrick, Jennifer, Madeline & Luke Muston
http://selachurch.com

December 21, 2011 ~ Dream It, Believe It, Live It!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"
Philippians 1:6

TODAY'S WORD:

Learning to walk in the destiny God has for you is a process. The first step is to get a vision, a clear picture from God that you can see. The next step is to trust Him — to believe in faith that it will happen. And then finally, you take a step of faith and live out what God has promised no matter what your circumstances or people around you have to say.

First you dream it, then you believe it, and then you live it. Every dream I've ever received from God has followed this same pattern. We see in scripture that even the great men and women of the Bible walked through this process. They too had to overcome doubts, they struggled on their journey, but they held fast to what God said knowing that He is faithful to complete what He started in us!

Selah people' and friends today, if you are having a hard time believing what God has promised will come to pass, understand that you are in a process. Don't empower doubt with your words. Instead, keep declaring that He who promised is faithful! Keep the vision in front of you knowing that it is for an appointed time. Dream it and believe it because it won't be long until you are living the blessed life God has prepared for you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for choosing and equipping me to fulfill my destiny. I receive Your promises by faith knowing that You who began a good work will be faithful to complete it in my life. Thank You for Your peace and guidance every step of the way in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

December 16, 2011 ~ Change Your Life

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."
Romans 12:2

TODAY'S WORD:

If you watch television for any length of time, it won't be long before you see products and pills advertised to make you thinner, firmer, smarter, younger looking, more intelligent, more successful and ultimately claim to change your life. But the truth is all you need in order to change your life is already in your hand. God has given you the ability and the power to be transformed into the person He created you to be without any artificial or man-made enhancements.

I heard somebody once say, "Sight has to do with what we can see, but vision has to do with what we can be." The reason some people are stuck at the same level is because their vision is limited. They don't see themselves growing, increasing, being promoted or getting healthier. All they see is more of the same. More lack. More struggle. More defeat. More doom & gloom. They're producing what they're seeing.

Selah people' and friends, don't let that be you! Instead, let the Word of God wash over you this very minute and renew your thinking. See yourself the way God sees you. See yourself rising higher, rising above all the sin, pain and hurt of this world. See yourself becoming stronger, healthier, wiser and yes better looking to all who see your renewed light upon your face. Change the picture you have of your life, and you will change your life. See yourself the way God sees you and receive the wonderful blessings He has in store for your future!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father God, thank You for the seed of the Word which will not return void in my life. I receive Your truth which sets me free. Help me to see my life the way You see it so I can boldly embrace the blessings You have in store 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

December 14, 2011 ~ Be All that You Can See!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Then he touched their eyes and said, 'According to your faith will it be done to you' "
Matthew 9:29

TODAY'S WORD:

God created us as visual beings. He is a creative God, and He's given us the ability to create as well. It all starts with what you see in your mind's eye. Everyone has their own mental picture of the way they see themselves, their family and their future. This picture determines what kind of life you live. If you have an image of success, victory, health, happiness and abundance, you will naturally gravitate toward that. But if you have an image of lack, defeat and mediocrity, that negative mental picture will keep you from God's best. What kind of picture defines you today? Choose today to begin a new image of victory and success in your life.

Selah people' and friends remember, if you're going to be successful, you have to first see yourself as successful — the way God sees you. According to your faith, it will be done to you!

Faith comes by hearing the Word. That's why it's so important to take time every day to study and meditate on God's promises. Let His truth sink down deeply into your heart. Open your eyes of faith so you can see yourself rising higher. Choose to have a vision of victory and be all that you can see!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father God, I pray today that You would open the eyes of my heart and reveal Yourself to me. Show me Your ways. Show me Your love. Help me to see myself the way You see me so that I can be all that You have created me to be in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

December 12, 2011 ~ Dreams in the Making...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Here comes that dreamer!' they said to each other"
Genesis, 37:19

TODAY'S WORD:

In scripture, Joseph was a dreamer. His dreams were so real that he just had to tell others about them. Not everyone was as excited about Joseph's dreams as he was, but that didn't keep him from dreaming. It didn't keep him from believing what was in his heart. When opposition came, when his family turned their back on him, when he was falsely accused and thrown into prison, he kept on dreaming. His life didn't take the route he had expected, but God was working behind the scenes realigning his steps until those dreams in his heart became reality.

Selah people' and friends today, I want to encourage you, no matter what route your life has taken, no matter who has turned their back on you, no matter what anyone else has said about you, those God-given dreams in your heart are still in the making. I have seen personally God move me to places I never thought He could take me and even in my many failures He has always brought me out on the other side to a much better place. God has done this without me really doing much other than just fighting the good fight and keeping the faith. I guess I'm saying little is much if God is in it and you just continue to do your part however little or insignificant it may seem.

Remember my brothers and sisters your part is to keep believing, keep forgiving, keep following your heart, and stay obedient to His Word. As you stay in faith, just like Joseph, God will take you from the pit to the palace. He'll order your steps and fulfill those dreams and desires He has placed within you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for the dreams and desires You've placed within me. Even when I can't see it, I trust that You are working behind the scenes. I choose to tune out the negative voices and press into You. Keep me close and guide my every step in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

December 9, 2011 ~ It’s Never too Late...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
"...Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised"

Hebrews 6:12

TODAY'S WORD:
Recently watching one of my favorite cartoons Peanut's A Charlie Brown Christmas. It made me look at all my own failures in my life and the things I just have not done as I would like. When you start focusing on your failures or situations you find yourself in you can become discouraged thinking you will never get out this rut.

Sometimes, it's easy to look at your circumstances in the natural and think, "I've missed my opportunity. I'm too old. I'm too dumb, I'm out of shape, I've made too many mistakes or committed too many or too great of sins in my past or present, It's just too late, stick a fork in me and turn me over cause' I'm done. Seriously, I've messed up too much." But you see with God, there's always another opportunity. He created you on purpose and for a purpose. He's the one who placed those dreams and desires on the inside of you. He hasn't given up on those dreams, and you shouldn't either! It's never too late for God, which means it's never too late for you!

I don't know about you, but I have never heard of a single story, not in the Bible nor in our time, where God gave someone a dream and fulfilled it on the same day. No my friend, our lives are designed with seasons and processes to build our faith and prepare us for the next step. It takes faith, it takes obedience, and it takes patience to see God's promises come to pass.

Selah people and friends today, no matter where you are in your journey of faith, just focus on moving forward. God hasn't given up on you! Trust that He has you in the right place at the right time. Trust that He is working all things together for your good. Trust that new doors are opening. Choose faith and patience, and you will inherit His promises because it's never too late for you to embrace the good things God has in store for you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:
"Father God, thank You for loving me. Thank You for renewing the fire in me. I trust that You are ordering my steps and making a way where there seems to be no way. Keep me close to You always and reveal the good plan You have for me in Jesus' name. Amen."

In Christ service,
Patrick
http://selachurch.com

December 8, 2011~Getting Past the Past!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
"...One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead"

Philippians 3:13

TODAY'S WORD:
In order to move forward in life, we have to "let go of the past." But have you ever wondered exactly how to do that? First, understand that we take hold of things in our minds with our thoughts. Our thoughts become words and actions that determine the direction of our lives. It's that simple. If you want to choose a new direction for your life, you have to choose new thoughts. If you want to let go of the past, you have to quit thinking about it, quit talking about it, and quit reliving every negative experience and texting or posting it all over facebook and twitter.

Oftentimes, when we see someone who has hurt us, that pain and offense is stirred up, and we start thinking about what happened again. But in that moment, you have a choice to make. One of the best things you can do, instead of rehearsing the hurt, is to pray for that person and speak blessing over them.

Selah people' and friends remember, forgiveness is for you. Letting go of bitterness is for you. Don't let the past hold you back from what God has in store for your future any longer. Get past the past by choosing right thoughts because God has victory and blessing in store for your future!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:
"Father God, I humbly come to You today. I choose to let go of the past. I choose to release those who have hurt me so I can embrace the best that you have for me. Help me to forgive, help me to love, and help me to stay on the good path You have for me in Jesus' name. Amen."

In Christ service,
Patrick
http://selachurch.com

Christ's Bell

Christ's Bell 


THE BELL 
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ.  (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3 :20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God  (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good  (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph.. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13 )
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16).   I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).. I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5) 
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are?


'The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you;
The LORD turn His face toward you
And give you peace...
Numbers 6:24-26

God Bless Each and Every One of You!

and

Happy Birthday, Jesus!!!

 

God's word is a life preserver that keeps the soul from sinking in a sea of trouble.

December 6, 2011 ~ Keep Your Dreams Alive...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Where there is no vision, the people perish..."
Proverbs 29:18

TODAY'S WORD:

Throughout life, we will always have forces opposing us to try to keep us from becoming all God's created us to be. And many times, the adversities and unfair situations are set up by the enemy to try to discourage us and deceive us into giving up on our dreams. Today, you may feel like you're at an empty place in life. Not much is going your way. You've been through difficulties and setbacks. But I believe God wants to restore you. He wants to encourage you, and pour out His spirit upon you. He wants to do a new thing in and through you. It doesn't matter what's happened in your past, God has something new for your future. I always say, when one dream dies, dream another dream.

Selah people' and friends today, remember, God has placed so much inside of you. You have gifts, talents and abilities that no one else has. You may have had more than your share of unfair things happen. But it's not how you start, it's how you finish that matters. It's time to shake off the past and shake off that discouragement. Let faith arise in your heart and keep your dreams alive!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father God, I know that You have chosen me for such a time as this. I may not understand everything that has happened in my past, but I choose to trust in You. I believe that You are working all things together for my good. Give me Your faith so that I can boldly pursue the dreams You have given me in Jesus' name, Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

December 5, 2011 ~ Take Hold of Your Dream!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses"
1 Timothy 6:12

TODAY'S WORD:

One of the keys to seeing your dreams come to pass is to see them come to pass in your mind's eye first. One of the greatest baseball players of our time once said that all through the day he sees himself hitting the ball. Before he gets up to the plate, he visualizes getting on base. He has this picture of himself succeeding. It's gotten deep down on the inside, and now he's moving toward it.

Of course, it takes more than just visualization to see our dreams come to pass. It takes obedience; it takes prayer, hard work, preparation, practice and it has to be a part of God's plan for our lives. But what I'm saying is that if you'll keep the right pictures in your imagination, seeing yourself rising higher, seeing yourself healthy and whole, that's going to get deep down on the inside and set the course for your life.

Selah people' and friends when your mind is in agreement with God's Word, it will help guide you toward your destiny. You will have a supernatural strength and power to see those dreams and desires come to pass in your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Heavenly Father, today I submit my dreams, desires and thoughts to You. Use my imagination for Your purposes. Help me to see the dreams You've placed within me coming to pass. Help me to see myself rising higher in every area and bring You glory in everything I do in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

December 2, 2011 ~ It’s All Still in There!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"For God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn"
Romans 11:29

TODAY'S WORD:

My brothers and sisters today, I want to remind you that you are full of incredible potential. When God created you, He deposited seeds of greatness inside of you. He's given you your own dreams and desires. You have something to offer that no one else has. Each one of us are a one-of-a-kind original never to be duplicated and made by our God to succeed. But you see friends too often, we allow adversities, disappointments and setbacks to push these things down, until one day, we find that we're not pressing forward anymore. We're not stretching; we're not believing to rise any higher and allow ourselves to stagnate and get by with mediocre.

When adversity comes, it's easy to think, "Why is this happening to me?" The answer is because the enemy knows what's on the inside of you. He's going to do everything he can to keep that seed from taking root. But, he will only be successful if you let him. He can't stop you unless you quit.

Selah people' and friends during the difficult times, remember that the gifts and callings God has placed within you are still there. Don't become stagnate in pursuing your dreams. It's time to get your fire back! It's time to press forward. It's time to dig deep inside and take hold of the marvelous destiny God has prepared for you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for the gifts and dreams You've placed within me. Today, I release my cares and concerns to You. Give me the strength, wisdom and clarity to keep moving forward so I can boldly embrace the good things You have in store for my future in Jesus' name. Amen."

In Christ humble service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

December 1, 2011 ~ It’s Not What it Looks Like!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"...for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength)"
2 Corinthians 12:10

TODAY'S WORD:

No matter what weakness you think you may have, no matter what inadequacies or setbacks you've encountered, God wants to give you His divine strength. He wants to make up the difference and put you further ahead than you ever thought possible. I speak His word to you personally today that if you have taken your time to log in and read this blog He intended you to receive these words of blessing, guidance and encouragement.

I remember reading the story how one time in the Old Testament, God simply multiplied the sound of four men's footsteps and caused them to sound like a mighty army. When their enemies heard them, they took off running. There were thousands of enemy troops running for their lives, scared to death, thinking they were being attacked by a massive army when in fact, it was just four people! What happened? God made up the difference.

Selah people' and friends, God can make you seem bigger than you really are. He can make you look more powerful. He knows how to multiply your influence, your strength, your talent and your income. Don't just look at what you have in your hand; look at what Almighty God can do with it! You don't have to figure it all out. All you have to do is put your trust in Him and let Him work because when you do, He will lead you and guide you into victory all the days of your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Heavenly Father, today I commit every area of my life to You. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. Use me for Your glory as I put my faith and hope 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