God Has the Final Say...

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”Acts 20:24

TODAY’S WORD

God is a faithful God! You may be praying for things that haven’t happened yet, but just because things aren’t happening on your timetable doesn’t mean they aren’t going to happen. Don’t give up on that promise; God has the final say. Don’t let discouragement or negative thoughts talk you out of it. Get your fire back! Get your passion back. If God said it, He will do it. If God spoke it, He will bring it to pass.

Selah people and friends' this is what the apostle Paul did in scripture. He said, “None of these things move me.” What were “these things?” Circumstances that looked impossible. Persecution. People trying to talk him out of it. Negative, discouraging thoughts. His attitude was, “That doesn’t change my mind. I’m not moved by what I see. I’m moved by what I know, and I know if God be for me, who dare be against me? I know all of God’s promises are yes and amen. I know God has the final say!”

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I choose to trust You over trusting my circumstances, knowing that You are faithful. I choose to stand strong in You. Give me Your peace and joy as I wait on You and let me be a testimony of Your grace in Jesus’ name. Amen

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor
Selah Christian Church

"Come as you are...leave better"

No-Smiling?

Today's Scripture:

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:35

Today's Word:

Usually we we're told smile before someone takes our picture. But in some parts of the US, a no-smiling policy is enforced when getting your photo taken for a driver's license. Because identity theft, these motor vehicle departments carefully check new photos that are taken to be sure they don't match photos already in the system. If someone gets a picture taken under a false name, an alarm is sent to the operator. From 1999 to 2009, one state stopped 6,000 people from getting fraudulent licenses. But why no smoling? Because the technology recognizes a face more easily if the person has a neutral facial expression.

Thought for today...

Selah people' and friends, Jesus prescribed a good way to recognize a Christian. He told His disciples, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have lovw for one another" (John 13:35). The ways to show love to fellow believers are as endless as there people with needs: a note of encouragement, a visit, a meal, a gentle rebuke, a prayer, a Bible verse, a listening ear, a blog like this or yes even just a friendly smile.
   
The apostle John wrote, "We know we have passed from to life, because we love the brethren" (1 John 3:14). Can others recognize, by our care for our fellow Cheistians, that we know and love the Lord?

Today's Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we pray your will become our will and that others may see Christ reflected in and through us. They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love...yes they'll know we Christians by our love!

Your pastor,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston
Selah Christian Church

Stand up and Share the Gospel...

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

I saw...the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God.

Revelation 6:9


TODAY’S WORD:

You see it a lot these days…people making concessions for the sake of compromise, screams for tolerance from those who are intolerant of other viewpoints, and rejection of what is right because the many who dispute it argue loudly. Where are you today? Are you in the midst of a situation that requires you to stand your ground for truth? Do you need encouragement to be unashamed of sharing the gospel of Christ?

Current events in this nation could give you the feeling that the enemy is winning. But know that the Lord will have the last word. The unbeliever trusts that God is gracious, kind and loving. And He is. But He is also a holy and just God who requires punishment for sin and judgment on those who oppose Him.

Selah people’ and friends when Christ comes a second time, will you be among those who are taken with Him to your heavenly home having stood firm in the truth of His Word? Do not be left behind. Pray now for strength to stand against the schemes of Satan. Then share His love and plead for this nation…that it may turn from its lying and deceitful ways to the truth of God.


OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Heavenly Father, you call on us to stand up for the Gospel and preach it to every people and nation and at times when we do that we know that we will be criticized by others. Yes, even those who claim to be Christian will say our Jesus is not as good as there Jesus. That our denomination is not as good as theirs. Our style is insufficient because we do not witness, pray, sing or preach the same as theirs. I thank God daily that through acceptance in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and believing that He died on that cross for the forgiveness of my sins that through my confession and belief I am forgiven and so can others be. I am thankful also for the Holy Spirit. May we stand together against the devil and those who try to stand in the way of sharing the Gospel. Be blessed and be a blessing!


In Christ service,

Patrick


Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church, Four Oaks, NC



Words to ponder…


Ephesians 6:10-18, 23-24



The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Ephesians 6:23-24

23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

 

THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS...

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

“...The righteous give generously”

Psalm 37:21

TODAY’S WORD:

Did you know that when you give to others in need, the Bible says it’s like giving directly to God Himself? When you step out and bless other people, you are honoring and blessing the Lord. The scripture tells us to give our best, to give generously. In other words, stretch yourself. Go out of your way. It may be uncomfortable to walk over and pay for someone’s gas, but that’s being generous.

Selah people' and friends I encourage you today, look for ways to give generously and meet the needs of others. Remember, people have many different types of needs. There may be someone who needs some encouragement. Give generously when you give that encouragement. There may be someone in your life that just needs a friend; they need some quality time. Give generously of your time and pour into that person. As you give generously to others, God will multiply those seeds in your own life in return!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Heavenly Father, I come to You today giving all that I have to You. Open my eyes to the needs around me and show me how to be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

GOD LOOKS BEYOND THE SURFACE...

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:
"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

1 Samuel 16:7

TODAY’S WORD:
Your Creator can see things in you that other people cannot see. Sometimes people will try to push you down or make you feel insignificant. Sometimes our own thoughts will try to convince us that we don’t measure up. But God looks beyond the surface, beyond the mistakes you’ve made, beyond what somebody said about you and sees your incredible value. You may think, “Patrick, I’ve messed up. I have blown it. I have failed. I’m all washed up.” No, God still sees more in you. God doesn’t just see what you are; He sees what you can become. You may have made some mistakes, but God still sees victory on the inside of you. People may have tried to push you down, but God sees you rising higher.

Selah people' and friends, now you’ve got to do your part and get rid of those condemning thoughts. Get rid of what somebody has spoken over you and start renewing your mind. Down deep, start believing that you are redeemed, restored, talented and valuable. Even if you have made mistakes, believe that there is more in store. God’s not finished with you. He looks beyond the surface and sees your potential. Stay in step with Him and watch His plan for your life unfold.

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father, thank You for looking beyond the surface and seeing the real me. Thank You for placing Your potential on the inside of me. Help me to know You more and see You more clearly so I can follow Your ways all the days of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks,NC

God's Checklist for Preaching Filled with Wisdom

Today's Scripture:


But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 3:17-18

Today's Word:

I love the practical verses in the Bible, the ones that answer real questions. Here’s a real question: Do you have godly wisdom? That’s awfully abstract isn’t it? How are we supposed to know if we’re walking in God’s wisdom? If only there were some sort of a list we could reference that we could measure ourselves against. Oh, wait ... here’s one:

Do you have godly wisdom? Well, are you:

1. Pure?

2. Peaceable?

3. Gentle?

4. Open to reason?

5. Full of mercy?

6. Full of good fruits?

7. Impartial?

8. Sincere?

I hope you didn’t just skim the list. It’s too important for that. God just told us what it looks like if we have his wisdom. It’s a list worth spending some time with.

First pure, then peaceable

The text emphasizes the order. The order matters. First pure, then peaceable. Purity can be offensive. If you’re in a group of people and all of them are doing something shady except for you, they’ll notice. And even if you don’t say a word, some or all of them will be offended.

“Well, who do you think you are?”

“Oh, I see, you’re too good to do what we’re doing. Pardon me, I didn’t know you were a saint.”

“Do you think you’re better than me? Are you judging me?”

Even if they don’t say it, you know they’re thinking it. If you’re trying to represent Jesus well and encourage others to follow him, then this is a really bad start. Blessed are the peacemakers, right? And “a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace,” right? How can we do that if we offend people without saying a word? Many have concluded, “Well, if that’s the case I’d be better off just blending in.”

I understand the logic. Fortunately, this social dynamic is addressed in the text: First pure, then peaceable. If your purity ruffles a few feathers, then too bad. You’ll just have to be a feather ruffler. Don’t blend for the sake of being a peacemaker. “OK, but then what? How am I supposed to connect with these people I’ve just offended?”

Answer: Consult the ordered list. First be pure, and then be peaceable, and gentle, and open to reason, and full of mercy, and full of good fruits, and impartial, and sincere. If you’re first pure, and then follow it up with all of the other things on the list you’ll win over plenty of people.

Selah people' and friends being pure, and then being a snob, means you aren’t really pure; you’re a hypocrite. Being pure, and then backing it up with all of the decency and kindness that the rest of list requires, is actual purity, and that’ll make you (among other things) a really good evangelist.

Our Prayer for Today:

"Loving Father, we come to you seeking purity and peaceable. Lord we ask you to give us wisdom and prevent us from coming across as hypocrites to others. Use each of us to further your kingdom on earth as well as in heaven. In Jesus’ name we pray!" Amen.

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

"God told us what it looks like if we have his wisdom. It’s a list worth spending some time with."

He is risen!

Celebrating a risen Christ! Let the SON SHINE!!! (@ Selah Christian Church) [pic]: http://4sq.com/ZSo33E

February 5, 2013~The Year of Acceleration

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
(Psalm 84:11)

TODAY’S WORD:
I believe with all my heart that this year, God’s people are coming into a shift. For those who have been faithful and have honored and obeyed God, I declare that He is going to put you in a position that you could not have ever gotten into on your own. He is bestowing favor and honor in a fresh, new way!I declare that this year, doors are going to open for you that have not opened before. What should have taken you 40 years to accomplish, God is going to do in a split second. I declare you are coming into acceleration. Suddenly, a dream will come to pass. Suddenly, a promise will be fulfilled. Suddenly, the negative situations are going to turn around. Now, get ready for the surpassing greatness of His favor! 2013 is going to be an exceptional year for you as you come into these supernatural shifts in Jesus’ name! Amen!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:
"Father, thank You that this year is the year of acceleration! I declare by faith that I am coming into new levels of favor. Thank You for Your goodness and for leading me in the path of blessing You have prepared for me in Jesus’ name. Amen."

In Christ service,
Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor
Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC

January 9, 2013 ♡ BECAUSE OF LOVE

Today's Scripture:
1 John 5:1-5

1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Today's Word:

Though fifteen-year-old Shannon Miller won a silver medal in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, she returned home disappointed-she had not won a single gold medal. Four years later, however, at the age of nineteen, Shannon captured two gold medals in Atlanta for her effort in the team gymnastics competition and for her performance on the balance beam.

A few days after her thrilling victory on the balance beam, she was asked by a television reporter how hard it had been to keep practicing and working in the years between the Olympics.

Shannon shrugged in response to the question and answered that she loved gymnastics. Because she loved it so much, she hadn't minded the toil of training for the Olympics. The work that might have seemed hard and unpleasant to someone else was not so hard for Shannon because of her love for the sport.

Selah people' and friends...It's kind of the same with obeying God's commands. People who don't know God or his Son, Jesus, often look at the commands he has given to his people and think, Thou shalt not this! and Thou shalt not that! They may say, "There are too many 'thou shalt nots'! I don't see how you Christians can stand all the rules and stuff you have to obey. That's too hard for me." Or they may say, "I could never keep all those commands."

But such thoughts and statements show that they don't really understand how the Christian life works. Like Shannon Miller, who trained hard because of her love for gymnastics, Christians obey God's commands because of their love for God. God's commands are not burdensome to his children. Obeying him isn't torture. It's not even difficult for those who rely on the Holy Spirit's power because the Spirit does all the work-we just have to trust him moment by moment.

REFLECT: Compare the ways the following translations phrase 1 John 5:3:

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandÂments are not grievous (KJV).

This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome (NIV).

Loving God means keeping his commandments, and really, that isn't difficult (NLT).

How does your love for God make you more willing to obey him? How does your love for God make you more able to obey him?

Our Prayer for Today:
"Loving God, help me to show my love for you today."