The Gospel of Creation

Have you crossed the bridge to knowing who is the Creator?

Today's Scripture:

From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.

Romans 1:20

The Milky Way, the Great Barrier Reef, the northern lights, the miracle of birth...the universe is filled with wonders that humans cannot replicate on their own, wonders that humans cannot replicate on their own, wonders that point to the existence of Someone as Creator. People disagree over who this Creator is and whether he is actively involved in the world today. Yet the intricacy, orderliness, and sheer awesomeness of the natural world confirm what the human heart has felt since the dawn of time - there is more to this life than meets the eye.

What is visible proclaims the existence of something invisible.

Some people have rejected or forgotten this truth, but that doesn't make it any less true.

~I can still remember and picture the day my daughter Madeline was born and I took her into my arms...I went to church that next Sunday to share the joy with my congregation and as we sang "He Touched Me" I wept knowing yes He truly touched me. ~

Paul discussed in his letter to the Romans how people knew God was there but did not thank him or give glory to him for what he'd done. They chose instead to go their own foolish ways. The good news is that God is real. His fingerprints are everywhere, and you can understand more about who he is by simply studying what he's made.

Knowing about God's character is not the same thing as knowing him. However, recognizing there is a God is the first step in seeking him. Through the wonder of creation, God has left no room for any one's choosing to do anything less.

Selah people' and friends you can make the truth found in Romans more real to you by exploring the world around you, thereby discovering new things about God's character in your community, in your home and yes in your heart. Praise God for everything you learn.

"Peace be with you as you discover the Creator and share his love by grabbing someone today and telling them just how much God loves them."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick) ~ photo taken by phone from bridge in Florida.

Eternal Will and Testament..."Mediator"

Today's Scripture:

Christ is the mediator of the new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

Hebrews 9:15

Words like mediator, covenant, and inheritance in the book of Hebrews give the impression of a legal document. Actually, the entire book of Hebrews as I learned when studying under Colman Markham differs in writing style from the rest of the letters in the New Testament. It's unknown author presents a thesis-like case, methodically stating why faith in Jesus is a logical and God designed spiritual progression from Judaism.

The verse at the heart of what the author wanted his readers to understand proclaims that Jesus is both a mediator, "someone who makes peace between tow parties," and a testator, "someone who determines the conditions and benefits of the inheritance he leaves behind." The words testament and covenant are interchangeable. The Old Testament and the New Testament could just as easily be called the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, since the two parts of the Bible really focus on covenant. Under the Old Covenant, or Old Testament, God accepted the sacrifice of animals as a way to cover up the wrongs people had done. Under the New Covenant, the wrongs were permanently erased by a different kind of sacrifice - Jesus's gift of his own life.

A last will and testament is valid only after someone dies, and then it is irrevocable. That means Jesus's death guaranteed your inheritance.

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

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

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

"Peace be with you as you remember that God has an eternal inheritance waiting for you and for me."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)

Battle Plan

Today's Scripture:

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

James 4:7

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

You and I need to know more, however, than that Satan exists. We need to know exactly what to do to defeat Satan. On the same day you aligned yourself with God, you gained this "adversary," which is what the word Satan literally means.

Satan has no personal interest in you. His only aim is to hurt God.

One way he tries to do that is by trying to hurt the ones whom God loves. Satan is only a prideful, fallen angel. He isn't all-knowing or all-powerful. Yet he can still wreak havoc, causing you to doubt God's love or tempting you to go down the wrong road.

But you can stop Satan in his tracks. First, submit to God. In the original language, submit is a military command that means "to get into your proper rank." That's accomplished by humbly putting every aspect of your life under God's loving authority. Only then are you prepared to defeat the devil. Resist is also a military command that means "to stand bravely against." I guess from these illustrations you can tell that I grew up in the Marine Corps with a drill instructor for a father...Note that to stand brave' we must stand against our adversary by recalling biblical truths. Strengthen your resolve through prayer. Turn your back on anything that entices you to turn away from God. Satan will flee from the battle before it has even begun.

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

"Peace and strength be yours as we wage war against Satan who has no chance when we come with the full and holy power of God.

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick) Via mobile: Wayne Memorial Hospital ~ Goldsboro, NC

All in the Family

We must take care of our family!

Today's Scripture:

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

1 Timothy 5:8

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

The truth behind his words can help do the same for you and I in 2009.

Paul's warning is clear-cut and to the point: anyone who turns his back on his own family turns his back on God.

It's true that in biblical times, there were no government-run social programs to help widows, orphans, and women who had been left impoverished after their husbands divorced them. Today, people in similar situations have places to turn for help. But that doesn't alleviate the responsibility God gives each person in providing for those in his or her own family.

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

Selah people' and friends loving one another and caring for your family are joyous and rewarding commands from God, and He will give you guidance to do both.

Please stop by our website at http://selahchurch.com .

"Peace be with you and your family as we grow together in Christ."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)

Consolation Prize

Are you face-to-face with tribulation? God will comfort you...

Today's Scripture:

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

2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

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

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

Through Paul, God provided even more good news: there is a positive, productive side to suffering.

As God comforts you, you learn how to better comfort others.

This is different from simply being sympathetic toward people and their problems. The Greek word for comfort implies action. It means "to come alongside and help." God actively comes alongside you with strength, encouragement, hope, and healing, and you gain the ability to do the same for others. When you are struggling with difficulty in your life, remember to reach out to God and then to others, God provides comfort to help you become a comforter like him.

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

"Peace be with you whatever the trial you are facing today...I've seen so many suffering this week and several who have lost loved ones. Fight the good fight and remember we serve a God of mercies who will give us comfort."

In Christ Love and service...

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)

Time to Change Your Mind...

Today's scripture:

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

Romans 12:2

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

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

The Greek word for conform actually translates as "masquerade."

Without God in your life, you live a charade and are not your authentic self.

God's transformation of who you once pretended to be into who he created you to be is an ongoing process. Part of this process is testing what you believe by putting your faith into practice. Experiments help prove scientific truths. Living what you believe helps prove spiritual truths. As you practice what you have learned about changing the way you think, you will better understand who you are and what God's desire is for your life.

Selah people' and friends you can help renew your mind by providing an environment that's favorable to the process. Carefully choose what you watch, take part in, and listen to, making sure that your choices line up with what pleases God. This is much like the lifestyle change that we must make to have a fit and healthy body...not a diet but choosing the good stuff over the bad. You are what you eat so make some good spiritual bread choice today!

"Peace and Joy be with you as you upgrade the software that runs your life."

Be sure to stop by our website at http://selahchurch.com/ to stay up-to-date with all our ministry opportunities or to pray with us or leave a special prayer request. It is easy and open 24/7/365!

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)

Sharing the Load

Are you carrying a heavy load into the new year?

Today's scripture:

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

Matthew 11: 28 - 29

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

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

The rest Jesus offers isn't an escape from work and struggle.

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

All you need to do is "come," "take," and "learn." Learning how to rest in God when times are hard is a process, but walking side by side with the world's greatest Teacher sharing your load is a journey that leads to joy.

Selah people and friends when times are difficult and the the load gets too heavy, picture Jesus walking alongside you as a reminder that you're not alone. Speak to him honestly about the help you need and your thankfulness for the help he has already provided.

"Peace be with you as you begin the new year sharing the load with the one who can help you carry it."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)