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)

Escape Route...

Today's Scripture:

The only temptation that has come to you is that which everyone has. But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, he will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Many verses in the Bible ask you to do things that sound impossible. Love your enemies. Deal with your anger before the day ends (this has kept my wife & I best friends for over 22 years). Give generously, even to strangers. Don't regard the opposite sex with lust in your heart. Forgive those who've hurt you. A common response may be, "Nice sentiment, but this is the real world. You don't know what I'm up against." It is true the world is filled with temptations, enticements to take a self-centered approach toward pleasure and personal gain. But appearances are deceiving.

Any choice that leads you away from God leads you away from the life your heart truly longs for.

Trusting God is the antidote for making bad choices in life. You are not alone in your struggle. I write this from first hand experience so you can trust me when I tell you this...you are not alone and others have been where you are and come through, you will too. Everyone faces pressure, both internal and external, to make choices that dishonor God. Even Jesus was tempted in some ways you are. Yet Jesus put into practice the truth promised here. God faithfully provided an escape route from temptation, and Jesus took it.

You have the same opportunity for victory. Be on the lookout for God's escape route when temptations come your way. Your escape may come through the power of prayer, accountability with others, or avoiding situations that lead you away from God instead of toward him. Whatever the escape route, God has promised that you will have the ability to make the right choice.

Selah people and friends memorizing this verse in 1 Corinthians is a great way to become more aware of the temptations you face and of the God-given options you have to avoid surrendering to them.

"God's blessing be upon you as He reveals the way out of whatever the struggle you find yourself in as we close out 2008 and awake tomorrow with a new day and a new year in 2009. Join me as we make this the best year ever by placing ourselves in God's hands fully!"

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)

Gift of Life

Do you know the way to eternal life?...

How about God's grace?

Today's Scripture:

By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Grace sets Christianity apart from every other religion in the world. Charis, the Greek word for grace, literally means "free gift." That's what God promises, a gift of eternal life with no strings attached, one that you can't receive any other way than through the unmerited generosity of the Giver. You can't gain eternal life through good works or lose it through bad. Faith in Jesus is the only channel through which you can receive this priceless gift. I know sometimes men and yes women can find it difficult to ask for directions and though a GPS is a great tool if your looking for Uncle Bubba's (Paula Deen's Brother) Oyster House, it is not going to help you find your eternal way.

Yet God was extending the way through His grace long before Jesus or GPS systems came to earth. It began in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve chose to turn away from God, he allowed them to suffer the consequences of their own actions, but the depth of his love for those he had created would not let that be the final word. He extended the free gift of grace by promising to send Someone who could redeem, or pay for, what had been done. He fulfilled that promise through Jesus.

Good works are evidence of a growing faith in God and demonstrate the power of God's grace to transform a life. Good works bring honor to God, blessings to others, and joy to the one who performs them. But they have no power to open the doors of heaven. Remembering this truth will turn any urge to brag into an occasion for praise.

Selah people' and friends when comparing Christianity with other religions, focus on God's grace. Explaining God's free gift to you will help others understand you don't put yourself "above" them. Everyone's imperfect and therefore in need of God's grace.

"Peace be with you as you remember that God's grace has given us the gift."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick) Back in NC...great to be home!

Life-or-Death Decisions

The road of life gives us many choices good & evil...which way are you going?

Today's scripture:

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.

Deuteronomy 30:19

After forty years of wandering through the desert, the Jordan River was all that stood between the people of Israel and the Promised Land. Most of the generation Moses called together to speak to on that day had never known the Egyptian captivity of their parents. Their home had been the desert, and their hope had been the land across the Jordan. From where the Israelites stood, it looked like the hard times were finally over. Stability and prosperity lay ahead.

Yet Moses knew that even in a land of promise and plenty, every individual had a choice. The choice Moses shared with the people of Israel is the same choice God gives every indvidual today. You can make a choice to follow God and recieve the benefits of an obedient life. Or you can make a choice that dishonors God and reap the natural negative consequences of your actions.

Although crucial to determining your eternal destiny, accepting or rejecting God's gift of salvation is only one choice you make in this life.

Every minute is filled with choices, choices that draw you closer to God or farther away from him.

Choosing life means choosing God. When you choose life, you prevent curses (which are simply the opposite of blessings) from taking hold. Moses's words are a reminder that your choices, both big and small, matter. My good friend and I would say mentor or advisor of sorts Ms. Sallie Westbrook went to be with our Lord this morning...I just read this after a three day fast from my technology while celebrating a family vacation. I dedicated this message from God to her memory and ask that like her we too choose wisely. Choose life!

Selah people' and friends God's grace gives you the freedom to choose between good and evil. God's love allows consequences to act as a guide, helping you make decisions that honor God while improving the quality of your life.

"Peace be with you as you make those Life-or-Death decisions..."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick) {Via mobile: Jacksonvile, Florida...Back at Mama's house!}

Panic Attack

I have no idea who this guy is...but what I do

know is that peace and worry cannot coexist!

Today's Scripture:

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4: 6-7

Worry is a stealthy, yet formidable, enemy. Worry can creep into your life quietly, masquerading as an acceptable human response to living in an imperfect world. But worry is neither acceptable nor harmless. Worry is a dangerous diversion that leads you to focus on your problems instead of on, God, who loves you and is in control. There is an easy, effective way to eliminate worry ~ pray.

Praying about both the big and small things in your life is a way of constantly realigning your point of view with God's perspective. Prayer is more than simply asking God for help. It is also a time of worship and thanks. Thanking God for his past help and blessings is a gift to yourself, as well as to God. Every thank-you serves as a personal reminder of God's love and faithfulness in your life, and it provides you with a source of comfort, strength, encouragement, and peace.

Peace and worry cannot coexist. Where worry is the potential enemy, peace is the faithful sentinel guarding your mind and heart. There is nothing passive about the word guard. It's a Greek military term that paints a picture of a stronghold being protected by a vigilant garrison of watchmen. Much like some of the best offensive linemen I ever had the joy to quarterback, you knew they had your back, your front and your entire being in their protection. When you allow prayer to defeat worry in your life, God's peace will be your watchman through any and every situation.

Selah people' and friends at the very first sign of worry, practice the life-changing principle found in Philippians 4:6-7. Tell God what you're anxious about. Thank him for who he is, for what he has done, and for the peace he provides. I can hear the song in my head "Have a little talk with Jesus." Remember when worry first comes tell him about it!

"Peace come over you and stand in the gap between you and worry. Take time today to grab someone...anyone hug them and tell them just how much God loves them."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick) Via mobile: Orlando, Florida - The Magic Kindom ~

Inside Story...

Today's Scripture:

It is not fancy hair, gold jewelry, or fine clothes that should make you beautiful. No, your beauty should come from within you - the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that will never be destroyed and is very precious to God.

1 Peter 3:3-4

The women of ancient Rome were much like many women today. They worked hard to be beautiful. Elaborate hairstyles made up of tiny knots plaited with gold and jewels and then piled high on the head were all the rage in biblical times. Once drawback was that fashionable Roman women feared going to sleep lest they muss their hairdos. But those women wholeheartedly believed that their passion for fashion was worth the extra effort, because beauty was what they thought was going to keep their husbands faithful, satisfied with them alone.

Fashion trends today tend toward plastic surgery, excessive dieting, and a closet full of haute couture clothing. Women's (and yes even men's) motivations haven't changed much at all in some two thousand years. People strive to look beautiful so that others will perceive them as valuable and desirable. The apostle Peter directed his readers to refocus from external beauty to internal beauty. From what fades to what is eternal. From what pleases men to what pleases God.

True lasting beauty is found in a heart that rests secure in God's love. That gentle and quiet spirit doesn't need to strive for attention. It is adorned with spiritual instead of physical riches. I spoke in my blog yesterday of honoring our body as God's temple, but I want to clarify that when we do that it should be to care for what God has given us and to give him a Holy place to come into. Not for others to say "Check him out" or "Check her out!"Authentic inner beauty, and not artificial glamour, attracts others to what is truly valuable - the unique person whom God holds precious in his sight.

Selah people' and friends Peter's words are not a call to dowdiness. They are merely a reminder to keep your priorities straight when it comes to becoming a beautiful person. Concentrate on what matters most - the inside, not the outside.

"Peace be with you as you focus on your beauty that is inside you, that is what counts the most to Christ."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)

Via mobile: Rolling toward Orlando, Florida ~ Next stop Disney World.