A Brand-New Beginning

Today's Scripture:

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, unless one is born again, he cannot be in God's kingdom."

John 3:3

The people of Israel were much like people today. They were constantly seeking restoration. They wanted broken bodies made whole. Broken relationships mended. Their broken nation restored to peace and prosperity. Their broken link to eternity reforged. Yet God did not settle for restoration. He sent Jesus to bring regeneration - a totally new life. Much as a new born baby comes into the world with a fresh start full of anticipation and the newness of what is to come so do we as Christians either making that first time dedication or those who choose to today to rededicate themselves to the new birth.

This new life is what Jesus was speaking about when he talked to Nicodemus, a Pharisee of rare character who was honestly seeking God's truth. At first Nicodemus misunderstood the whole concept, arguing that there was no possible way for a baby to reenter his mother's womb and be reborn. But the birth Jesus was speaking about was a spiritual rebirth, a radical reawakening to who you were created to be. The spiritual rebirth was a brand-new way of relating to life that is possible only through the gift of a totally new nature.

The "old" nature was focused on self. The "new" nature is focused on God. Like a newborn who is predisposed toward certain traits because of his DNA but nonetheless has to positively participate in the maturity process to reach his potential, you have the raw material you need to live a godly life.

To mature in that life, you must choose to nurture your new nature. Nourish yourself with the Bible. Exercise your spiritual muscles by acting on what God asks you to do. Rest in God's promise that the past is gone and that you have been born again.

Selah people' and friends use Jesus's words as a touchstone anytime you get discouraged about how long it takes to become spiritually mature. You have the right DNA. Adulthood is inevitable whatever age you are at spiritually now. It just takes time to get there. I often share with others that I have the chance to witness too that we are all at different places along the road to salvation. It is my prayer today that you will move a little further and get a little closer to Christ!

"Peace by with you in your new birth as Christ guides you into spiritual maturity."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick) via mobile: Mount Olive Pickle ~ end-of-month inventory.

Power Source

What is the "thorn in your flesh"?

Today's Scripture:

God said to me, "My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

2 Corinthians 12:9

Three times the apostle Paul asked God to remove what Paul referred to as a "thorn in the flesh." Some historians speculate that this physical problem was some kind of eye disease. Whatever ailment was troubling Paul, the writer of this letter believed it was interfering with what God wanted him to do. God saw things differently. God will not always answer your prayers in ways you expect. Instead or curing Paul, God saw things differently. God will not always answer your prayers in ways you expect. Instead of curing Paul, God answered Paul's prayers by telling him that all Paul needed was God's grace, that God's grace was enough. God may be answering some of your prayers in the very same way.

God did not give Paul a reason for the pain he was going through. However, he did give Paul a promise. God promised that the apostle's personal pain would not diminish Paul's impact on the world; rather, his pain would expand it. Having to depend more on God, and less on his own physical strength and abilities, allowed Paul's life to reveal God's power in a greater way.

Your own personal weakness may be physical, like Paul's. It may come from a lack of confidence in your abilities, a financial setback, or the breakup of a relationship. Whatever struggle you may be facing,

God's promise is as true for you as it was for Paul.

Your powerlessness to change a situation provides a unique opportunity for God to reveal himself in a more powerful way to you and to those around you.

Selah people' and friends when you feel that God isn't answering a heartfelt prayer, take a fresh look at the situation. Ask yourself how God's power is evident through your problem. Thank him for what you learn as you persevere.

"Peace be with you and I as we look to God reminds us that his grace is sufficient."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)

Remeber Me

Do we remember with gratitude the gift of forgiveness?

Today's Scripture:

As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.

1 Corinthians 11:26

Every time you take part in Communion at church, you are preaching a silent sermon. The message you are sharing proclaims the truth that Jesus willingly gave his body and his blood through death on a cross so you could spend eternity with him. It is a message that carries multiple emotions. Sorrow over Jesus's suffering. Joy over his resurrection. Gratitude for the gift of forgiveness and eternal life.

The power of remembrance can become meaningless ritual if you allow your actions to become automatic.

That is when you cease to proclaim, or to make public, the message Jesus shared during his Last Supper. It was at that final meal with his disciples that Jesus first used bread and wine as symbols for his own sacrifice. It was there that he explained that his broken body and spilled blood sealed God's New Covenant with his followers. The Old Covenant that temporarily covered a person's sins through animal sacrifice was null and void. The New Covenant of absolute forgiveness was available to all.

Jesus asked his followers to keep on proclaiming this message until his return to earth. While verbal messages communicate to the masses, the silent sermon of verbal messages is actually one you and I preach ourselves. It is a consistent reminder to stay focused on the basics. You commune with Jesus by looking back at what he did. You look forward to when you'll meet face-to-face. You look within to see what needs to be changed or confessed because of what Jesus has done for you.

Selah people' and friends different churches celebrate Communion in different ways. The how isn't as important as the why , and 1 Corinthians 11:26 clearly points you the the why. Keep it in mind every time you have the opportunity to celebrate the Lord's Supper.

"His Peace I leave with you as we remember with gratitude the gift He offers of forgiveness and eternal life.

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)

What's in a Name?

Moses wanted to know who God was?

Today's Scripture:

God said to Moses, "I am who I am."

Exodus 3:14

To the people of Israel, a name was more than an identification for an individual. It was a statement about who that person was. When Moses (whose name means "taken from the water") met God for the first time via the burning bush, Moses wanted to know God's name. Moses wanted to bush, Moses wanted to know God's name. Moses wanted to know who God was. God's reply was "I am." Derived from the Hebrew verb to be, this name let Moses know that the One he was speaking to was unlike anyone else.

God not only is, but he always was and always will be.

God alone was never created, and he exists totally independent from anyone or anything else. "I am" is the one unchanging, eternal God.

The Jewish people considered God's name so holy that they refused to say it aloud for fear of using it in a way that dishonored him. In the New Testament, however, Jesus not only spoke God's name, but he also used it to refer to himself. The people listening immediately tried to stone Jesus. They knew God's words in Exodus. They understood that Jesus was calling himself God.

When God told Moses his name, God revealed the essence of who he is - and confirmed in advance that the same essence was in his Son. In the same way that God introduced himself to Moses, this verse introduces you to God. It assures you that the "I am" of the universe is active and involved in life here on earth.

Selah people' and friends understanding God's eternal nature, and that Jesus is wholly God, gives you the same assurance it did Moses. "I am" is with you, steadfast and unchangeable.

"Peace be with as you follow the great "I am."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)

Intimately Known

We are knit together by God...

Today's Scripture:

You made my whole being; you formed me in an amazing and wonderful way.

Psalms 139: 13-14

You were a planned pregnancy. You weren't a random egg that just happened to be fertilized by a random spermatozoon. You were-and are- a beloved child, wanted, planned for, and created with a specific purpose and place in this world long before you even entered it. Psalm 139 gives evidence to that fact and is an important touchstone to hold on to any time your self-worth begins to waver.

The Hebrew word created means much more than "made." It conveys the joy and pride that come from acquiring an exquisite handmade possession. You were made by an almighty hand with great thought and care. This process is described as "fearful" because of how indescribably awe-inspiring it is. Just thinking about this miracle is enough to bring you to your knees.

That's exactly what it did to David, the writer of this psalm. As David thought about the individual attention to detail God took in creating him, God's goodness and power overwhelmed him. His automatic response was to praise God for what he'd done. Consider the miracle of your own creation by considering David's words. Think about the intricacy of the inner workings of your body, your unique physical frame, and the specific personality traits that make you, you. Then do as David did. Thank god for who he created you to be and for the purpose he has for your life.

Selah people' and friends your value isn't determined by your performance, your appearance, or your position in this world. Your value was determined the moment God put his love for you into action by knitting you together.

"Peace be with you as you share you personality and humor with others just as God intended. Grab someone today and tell them just how special God thinks they are and just how much he loves them."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)

Be sure to stop by our church website at http://selahchurch.com/ and listen to our online sermons at:
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Children at Heart

They are weak but he is strong!!!

Today's Scripture:

Jesus said, "The greatest person in the kingdom of heaven is the one who makes himself humble like a little child."

Matthew 18:4

Jesus's disciples were waiting for a response. They had just asked Jesus an important question, one they sincerely wanted an answer to. It wasn't exactly spiritual in nature. It had to do with position and power. The disciples wanted to know who out of the twelve of them would be the greatest in God's kingdom. Jesus answered them by inviting a small child to sit on his lap. That child became an object lesson in how highly God values humility.

When it comes to power and position, children are at the bottom of the pecking order. I see this frustration in my own son Luke who is five years old...he is the youngest child on the farm and therefore carries the burden of being the least of the least. Children are dependent on others to fill almost every need. They are eager to learn, because they recognize their own ignorance and helplessness. They innocently believe everything they are told, and they share their love freely. Their goal isn't to be the best. Their goal is simply to be who they are. This is the kind of humble, authentic response that God desires from his own children.

Jesus's poignant words reveal that God's kingdom is vastly different form earthly kingdoms. In it, servants, not celebrities, are honored.

Jesus cam to earth to make it possible for God's heavenly kingdom to begin on earth.

Take a lesson from the child in Jesus's lap. God to God fully aware of your need and your dependence on him. That's the starting point for nurturing a childlike, humble heart.

Selah people' and friends it is good to want to do great things, but only for the right reason - to bring honor to God, not yourself. Let Jesus's words help you weigh your motives anytime you long to be praised.

"Peace be with us as we come to Jesus as children of the most high God."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)

The Competitive Edge

Don't let anything get in your way of success!

Today's Scripture:

I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

1 Corinthians 9:27

The people of Corinth knew all about the self-discipline it takes to become a top athlete. Every two years, the city of Corinth held the Isthmian Games, similar to the Olympics in Athens. Potential athletes trained hard for ten months. If they didn't complete the training or if they broke the rules, they were disqualified from participating in the prestigious competition.

The apostle Paul wanted his readers to understand the same principle was true when it came to going the distance in life. He filled the ninth chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians with boxing and running illustrations that allude to the Isthmian Games. But verse 27 lies at the heart of the passage. It explains why self-discipline is crucial for Christians.

When God asks you to do something, you want to be spiritually up to the task.

You don't want anything to get in the way of your success. That includes any bad habits, uncontrolled passions, or lazy attitudes.

I know from personal experience through sheer self-effort, you can discipline your body for athletic competition. Disciplining your body and your soul for spiritual challenges is possible only with God's help. Ask God to show you if there is any area where your lack of self-control could interfere with what he wants you to do. Use Paul's words as an inspiration to gain better discipline in that area.

Selah people' and friends much like a star athlete who leaves fans disillusioned by acting inappropriately, a Christian who behaves inappropriately can turn others away from God. Let Paul's words remind you that undisciplined words or actions can have serious consequences.

"Peace be with you as you and I go the distance with God's help."

Your pastor,

Rev Muston (PreacherPatrick)