Time For A Spiritual Makeover

Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6:25-33 Jesus teaches about worry. Because of the ill effects of worry, Jesus tells us not to worry about those needs that God promises to supply. Worry may damage your health, cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts; disrupt your productivity, negatively affect the way you treat others and reduce your ability to trust God. The difference between worry and genuine concern is worry immobilizes you, but concern moves you to action.

To seek first his kingdom and his righteousness means to turn to God for help to fill your thoughts with his desires to take his character for your pattern and to serve and obey him in everything. What is really important to you? People, objects, goals and other desires all compete for our priority. Any of these can quickly bump God out of first place if you don’t actively choose to give him first place in every area of your life.

The television show Extreme Makeover Home Edition is a reality television series providing home renovations for less fortunate families. Each episode features a family that has faced some sort of recent or ongoing hardship such as a natural disaster or a family member with a life threatening illness. Extreme Makeover is considered a spinoff of Extreme Makeover, an earlier series providing personal makeovers (often including plastic surgery) to selected individuals. Both of these shows specialize in renovating the things we can see. However, In Matthew 6:33 Jesus tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. In other words get our priorities in order.

In our request for a spiritual makeover, our priorities need to be the same as our Heavenly Father. There were times in my life where I set priorities, and I wish I could tell you they were all Godly priorities. There were times when I did not set priorities and other people tried to set them for me. To prevent someone else from trying to establish my priorities, I began to seek God first and ask him to help establish my priorities for the day.

In 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 the Macedonian Believers were going through great trial of affliction and deep poverty. Both of these things would be enough to cause some anxiety and worry. Yet they had an abundance of joy. Oftentimes in life we will go through situations which try to rob us of our joy. But the Macedonian Believers gave us a key in 2 Cor 8:5 which says that they “first gave their own selves to the Lord” They esteemed Him above and though all that they were experiencing in their lives. Instead of focusing on their problems, situations and circumstances, they chose to put their trust in God.

God wants to bless you. He wants us to have abundance of joy even when we are facing tremendous challenges in our lives. To receive a spiritual makeover, we must give up all that we are that we may receive all that he died to give.

Prayer: Father I depart from evil and do good. I seek, inquire for and crave peace. Instead of worrying, I will pray I will let petitions and praises shape my worries into prayers, letting you Father know my concerns, not forgetting to thank you for the answers. Your peace will keep my thoughts and my heart quiet and at rest as I trust in Christ Jesus my Lord. Amen. God Loves you and so do I… Pastor Tammy

Forward by Faith

Ex 14:15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

There are times in our life when things come along and cause us to stand still rather than moving forward. In today’s passage the Lord told Moses to stop praying and get moving. Prayer has a vital place in our lives. But there is also a place of action. Sometimes we know what to do, but we pray for more guidance as an excuse to post pone doing it. If we know what we should do, then it is time to get moving and move forward by Faith.

The Word of God is filled with people that came from different backgrounds, training, personalities and ways in which they served God. But they had one thing in common: They all believed God’s promises and did what He told them to do. They were men and women of faith, and God honored them because they believed His Word. God has not changed, and the principle of faith has not changed.

What seems to have changed is the attitude of some of God’s people: Some no longer believe God and act by faith in His promises. God’s promises never fail, but we can fail to live by the grace of God and not enter into all that he has promised for us. God has “brought us out that He might bring us in” but too often we fail to enter in because of unbelief. (Heb 3:19).

Living faith always leads to action. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” ~ James 2:26

It is impossible to live by faith and ignore the Word of God and prayer. “Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper (2 Chron 2:20, NKJV). There has not failed one word of all His good promise.

The Australian coat of arms pictures two creatures; the emu, a flightless bird, and the kangaroo. The animals were chosen because they share a characteristic that appealed to the Australian citizens. Both the emu and kangaroo can move only forward, not back. The emu’s three-toed foot causes it to fall if it tries to go backwards, and the kangaroo is prevented from moving in reverse by its large tail.


Today, you may be feeling like you are in a helpless situation, not able to move forward because of fear. There may be a desperate cry from your heart due to your present circumstances. God is not a temporary retreat. He is our eternal refuge and can provide strength for any circumstances. His power is complete; and victory is certain. He will not fail to rescue those who love him.


It has been well said that faith is not believing in spite of evidence but obeying in spite of consequence. Three essential for moving ahead by faith and claiming all that he has for us: The Word of Faith, The Walk of Faith, and The Witness of Faith. What lies ahead of us is far greater than what lies behind us. Go forward. God Loves You and So do I…….Pastor Tammy

Freedom

Galations 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

“Every human has four endowments- self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom; the power to choose, to respond, to change. ~ Stephen Covey

Independence Day is just around the corner. The Fourth of July commemorates the Continental Congress adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Regarded as the birthday of the United States of America, the day is typically celebrated with parades, fireworks, ceremonies, barbecues and family gatherings. Our society loves freedom. Not just the freedom from but the freedom to.

We live in a free country where our civil rights and freedoms are protected by law. We are given enormous latitude to participate in a variety of different behaviors protected under the constitution. Civil liberties exist for good reasons, usually to protect those who cannot protect themselves. But our freedom in Christ goes much deeper than do our civil liberties as citizens of this nation. The believer’s freedom is different from the freedom of citizens living in a free, democratic society. A lot of what people call freedom isn’t really freedom at all. For the believer, liberation and freedom go hand in hand. Biblical freedom can never be divorced from the idea of liberation from bondage. A dictionary definition for the word freedom is, “exemption from the control of some other person or some arbitrary power.”

Without being set free from the Law we would be trapped in an endless and destructive cycle of religious performance as a means of proving our devotion and sincerity. We would be stuck trying to prove our worth to a God who already loves us and never experience the freedom we have to rest in his love and rejoice in his grace.

Today let us stand in the liberty where Christ has made us free:

• I am free from failure: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil.4:13

• I am free from weakness, "for the Lord is the strength of my life." Ps.27:1

• I am free from doubt for "God hath given to every man the measure of faith." Rom. 12:3

• I am free from worry for I am...to cast all my cares upon Him." 1Pet.5:7

• I am free from bondage "for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 2 Cor.3:17

• I am... free from fear for "God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2Tim1:7

Unlike our society personal freedom to do whatever you like is not what Paul means when he says that Christ has set us free. But, it is easy in our society to forget this and live our Christian lives as if personal freedom to do what we like is the be all and end all. One part of freedom that is really attractive to me is not living my life tied to others expectations

Unlike our society personal freedom to do whatever you like is not what Paul means when he says that Christ has set us free. But, it is easy in our society to forget this and live our Christian lives as if personal freedom to do what we like is the be all and end all. One part of freedom that is really attractive to me is not living my life tied to others expectations. God Loves You and so do I……. Pastor Tammy

Comfort in Our Trouble

2 Corinthians 1:4 - Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Many think that when God comforts us, our troubles should go away. If that was so, people would turn to God only out of a desire to be relieved of pain not out of love for him. We must understand that being comforted can also mean receiving strength, encouragement, and hope to deal with our troubles. The more we suffer the more comfort God gives us. God comforts us in our troubles, then asks us to share that comfort with others. Remember we cannot give away what we don’t possess. We are to pass on to others the comfort God has provided to us.

The word “tribulation” means to be weighed down exceedingly; to be pressed and crushed. It is the picture of a beast of burden being crushed beneath a load that is just too heavy. It is the picture of a person having a heavy weight placed on his breast and being pressed and crushed to the point they feel they are going to die.

The word “us” does not refer to just the Apostle Paul and his own trials and sufferings. But it refers to ours as well. God comforts all believers. HE does not have favorites; his mercies and comforts are for everyone. HE comforts us in “all” not just a few of our trials and sufferings. We do not have to bear a single trial or moment of suffering by ourselves. Our Father is not off in the distance and removed from us. He is right her with us to comfort us in all our sufferings. Isa 40:1 “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.”

• God’s purpose in comforting us is to make us a testimony to others

• God carries us through trials so we can carry others trials

• God strengthens us so we can strengthen others

• God helps us so we can help others

• God encourages us so we can encourage others

God expects us to suffer with the right attitude, to allow Him to share His comfort with us. How can a person share the comfort of God unless he has suffered and experienced the comfort of God? Believers are not to become bitter, discouraged or apathetic. A word to my strong brothers and sisters: Your season of suffering may not necessarily be about you. Joseph experienced tremendous suffering for many years of his life. When he finally saw his brothers again, he told them what you meant for evil; God meant it for good, to preserve the lives of many people. Ps 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” God Loves you and so do I. Pastor Tammy

A Good Friend

 Prov 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

To find a good friend you must first show yourself to be friendly. A life without friends is a life less than God intended for us. Since we are created in His image, we must make and maintain friendships. Loneliness is rampant. Many people today feel cut off and alienated from others. There are times of being in a crowd that just makes people more aware of their isolation. People need friends who will stick close, listen, care and offer help when it is needed in good times and bad. It is better to have one such friend than a dozen superficial acquaintances. Friends are precious and few. The only way to have a friend is to be one." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The first time we see friendship in action is in the book of Genesis. God created Adam and saw that it was not good that man should be alone, so he brought Eve to Adam. God had fellowship with Adam and Eve. This is a good illustration early on of true friendship. We can find true friendship affords us comfort even in our times of trouble. Even when Adam and Eve sinned and were disobedient in the Garden of Eden, God still demonstrated his love to them and set a plan in motion to redeem them to himself.

Friends share good things with each other. Good friends are warm and stable. Good friends will resolve their conflicts by forgiving and getting forgiveness. Good friends admit wrongs, apologize for being wrong, and forgive wrongs. Good friendship is also sacrificial. Friends will sacrifice for each other because they love each other. We are to love one another as Jesus loved us, and he loved us enough to give his life for us. Good friends:

• Good friends listen to one another

• Good friends are approachable

• Good friends are dependable

• Good friends are trustworthy

• Good friends care about one another

Part of being a good friend is being willing to listen rather than just talk. This takes time and effort but if you can make time just to listen to others and respect what they have to say, then it's a sign of a good friend. Can your friends approach you? Are you willing to make yourself available on short notice? When the going gets tough can your friends depend on you? If a friend tells you something personal can we be counted on to keep their confidence? Or do you go and tell everyone at the first opportunity? People need to know that they can trust a friend with important information. A good friend is both trustworthy and reliable. A good friend avoids speaking badly about others or spreading rumors in order to hurt them? Do you defend friends when you hear others gossiping about them? The sign of a good friendship is when you can be totally honest with the other person, without them being offended because they know you have their best interests at heart.

In the words of a well known hymn “What a friend we have in Jesus” - All our sins and grief’s to bear, and what a privilege to carry everything to God in Prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share, Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in Prayer. This Easter season Jesus said in John 15:13, "Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends." He gave his life; it was not taken from him! After his death and his burial, Jesus rose from the grave. What a friend we have in Jesus. To the world you may be just one person; but to one person you might be the world ~ Brandi Snyder. God loves you and so do I…. Pastor Tammy

You Are Not Alone

2 Chronicles 32:7-8

7 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Assyria was a great empire by Hezekiah’s time, controlling most of the Middle East. Sennacherib, King of Assyria wanted to bring Judah, the Southern Kingdom under his control. Sennacherib wanted to win the kingdom for himself so he could force them to pay tribute. Sennacherib came against King Hezekiah with a multitude. King Hezekiah endeavored to help the people keep up their faith in order to silence and suppress their fears.

Sennacherib had a multitude with him, yet King Hezekiah told the people there were more with them than was with the enemy. For we have God with us, and if God be for us who can be against us? With our enemy is an arm of flesh, which he trusts to, but with us, is the Lord, whose power is omnipotent, a God to help us fight our battles.

Hezekiah could see with “eyes of faith”. The number of his opponents meant nothing as long as the Lord was on his side. Victory is “not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts” (Zech 4:6) Hezekiah could confidently encourage his men because he had no doubt about where he stood with God. Are you on the Lord’s side? You may never face an enemy army, but the battles you face very day can be won with God’s strength.

We have all had times where we felt all alone; times in which we felt that no one understood what we were going through or what we were feeling. Sometimes the battles of life are closing in on every side. There are times in life when we may have felt lonely or isolated. There is a difference between loneliness and isolation. Loneliness is something we try and run away from, while isolation is something we run to. When we are lonely we try to fill that void with many things; some of which are very harmful, physically, emotionally and mentally. When we need that quiet time or just some space, we go into isolation. After a hard day’s work, we look for a quite place to kick back and relax. This is a time that is purposeful and intentional. But regardless of where we find ourselves in life, we are never alone. We have a Father, who will fight for us. He is an awesome God, a Mighty God.

2 Chronicles 20:17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

Be not afraid for the battle is not yours, but God’s. We may not fight an enemy army, but every day we battle temptation, pressures and rulers of the darkness of this world who want us to rebel against God. Remember as believers we have God’s Spirit in us. If we ask for God’s help when we face struggles God will fight for us. How do we let God fight for us?

• By realizing the battle is not ours but Gods

• By recognizing human limitations and allowing God’s strength to work through our fears and weaknesses

• By making sure we are pursuing God’s interests and just our own selfish desires

• By asking God to help in our daily battles

Prayer: Father, I know that you are concerned with the smallest detail that concerns me and that you are my help. Thank you for the angels who will accompany, defend and preserve me in all my ways. I am not alone. I know there is nothing that can separate me from your love, not pain, not stress or even persecution. In Jesus name! Amen. God Loves you and so do I…. Pastor Tammy

Letting Go Of Things

Phil 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

You have too much stuff! Why don’t you get rid of some of these things? That was the words of one of my sisters to my mother who was in the midst of moving. In all honesty, my mom had accumulated a lot of things over the years. Some things were out dated; others she no longer used but held on to them anyway. In any event, my mother was not willing to let go of her “things”

We find the Apostle Paul focusing on an absolute willingness to let go of some things. He discarded his heritage, lineage, former legalism, past zeal and his self righteousness. Paul so narrowed his focus that he discarded not only the things he once counted for gain; but he counted everything as garbage for the sake of obtaining Christ.

Letting go is one of the hardest lessons in life. In life, there are many things that we need to let go of. We have to let go of situations, things, memories, and even ourselves. It's easy to form an attachment to people and things. When you've formed an attachment to people and things, it can be a very painful experience and feeling when you realized that it's time to let go. Even the mere thought of not having that person or thing in your life just squeezes your heart in pain.

However, there are times where you or that person has changed to the extent that it's necessary to let go of the relationship or friendship, so that each of you can fulfill your life path. Letting go of your past and memories are also extremely hard. Even though old memories can be tormenting, yet you might hold on to the past and refuse to move forward. However, by refusing to let go of the painful past, it'll serve as a roadblock to love.

Letting go of your old self and the process of letting the new you emerge can be one of the scariest experiences in your life. But by leaving behind your old self and taking a leap of faith into the unknown, it might just reveal what you are truly capable of becoming.

Ephesians 4:22-23 says: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Paul tells the Ephesians to leave behind the old life of sin now that they are followers of Christ. The Christian life is a process. Although we have a new nature, we don’t automatically have all good thoughts and attitudes when we become new people in Christ. Phil 4:13 says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Today, if you find it difficult to let some things go, you might not be able to do it in your own strength, but the word states we can do all things through Christ. We can be content in all circumstances no matter how severe they are through Christ; but we cannot be content in any circumstance apart from Christ.

My mother eventually agreed with my sister and threw a lot of things away. In doing so she found that some of the things she initially thought she could not live without; really did not matter after all. Today, I encourage you to let go of all bitterness, anger, resentment, evil speaking and un-forgiveness.

Prayer: Dear Lord: Today, help me to let go and let God. Amen….. God Loves You and so do I…. Pastor Tammy

Keep Your Head Up

Ps 30:5 weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Being a Christian does not mean a life without sorrow or troubles. There are many things that cause us to weep. It does not mean that expression of sorrow is a sign of weakness. The man or woman of strong faith will experience sorrow. Each of us will have a night time experience. But joy comes in the morning.

Eccl 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh. Darkness is a convenient environment for wickedness and it is a period where weeping and grumbling takes place. Night of darkness represents weeping. The morning represents joy.

Whatever your situation might be today, know that it will not go on forever. What is it that causes you distress and grief? What brings you mental anguish and pain? What is it that keeps you from getting a good night’s sleep? The text says: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Many of us have suffered with one disappointment after another. Many families are being torn apart by “moral failure”, loss of employment and income. Some have lost family members due to death. Someone may be weeping over a broken or lost relationship. I lost a family member just this past week. Losing a loved one is never easy.

Godly sorrow heals, but unnatural sorrow makes the wounds deeper and fills the heart with pain. Natural sorrow gradually helps us put life back together again, but unnatural sorrow tears things apart, and keeps them that way. When you sorrow in a natural way, you learn to face and accept reality; but unnatural sorrow isolates you from reality and makes it difficult for you to adjust to the demands of life. True sorrow enables us to experience the comfort of God; but unnatural sorrow blinds us to God’s comfort and seems to give us, instead, the condemnation of God: there is a growing feeling of guilt instead of an experience of grace.

Jesus is the strongest Man who ever walked on this earth, and He wept openly! It's ok to cry. It's ok to cry over our own pain and it is ok to cry over the pain of others. Jesus openly wept when he met Mary & Martha shortly after Lazarus died. First, there was His great sense of compassion. He hurt to see others hurt. His emotions were pushed to the limit by witnessing the sorrow of Mary. Those with compassion are able to "weep with them that weep" and all Christians ought to have this ability (Romans 12:15).

Jesus tells us in St. John 16:22 that the joy he gives no man can take it from us. David uses the night to show us that our weeping is temporary, the night isn’t going to last. As you face the pains and heartaches and mistreatments of life, it is only by complete confidence in the goodness and plan of God that you can overcome. The things that could destroy you can become building blocks on the journey of faith as you look for the hand of God in all circumstances of life. Keep your head up. 1 John 5:4 - "This is the victory that has overcome the world our faith" …..God Loves You and so do I….Pastor Tammy

When Things Dont Go As Planned

Ps 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

I am the type of person who likes to plan things to a certain point. This past week proved to be very challenging for me. Whenever I encounter a problem, I like to figure out a solution to the problem. I realize that some things are outside of our control. Psalms 37 says we can plan, but we must commit our way unto the Lord. The next part of the verse says trust also in him. Sometimes we plan our days without asking God what he would have us to accomplish that day. There are many reasons our days do not go as planned. Often times, we get distracted, or have unexpected events to occur; things that just knock us off track.

Recently, I went to an area of a City I was not familiar with. I map quested the directions to my destination and made it there okay. But on the way back, I had to call for help as the directions could not get me back home. The next day I had to make a second trip to the same location. This time I had a GPS system. The GPS system not only helped me get to my destination; but it helped me find my way back. The Word of God is like a GPS system, it not only helps you to accomplish a task, but it provides life changing information should you need to “recalculate” your route.

Psalm 37 provides wise steps to take as you face crises and decisions. The Word of God brings eternal perspective and long term vision that prevents mistakes in short term decisions. We are to trust in the Lord and do good. We are to take delight in the Lord and to commit everything we have and do to him. But how do we do this? Committing ourselves to the Lord means: entrusting everything our lives; families, jobs, possessions to his control and guidance. To commit ourselves to the Lord means to trust him believing that he can care for us better than we can ourselves. We should be willing to wait for him to work what is best for us. When things don’t go as we planned:

1. Trust in the Lord and do good; do what is right despite what others do

2. Cultivate faithfulness and don’t move too quickly; in other words don’t rush into anything

3. Prioritize God and His values: He will reward and satisfy you in the end

4. Commit your plans to him and trust him; the results are in his hand

5. Be Quiet and patient; perspective comes when we grow still and think

These are just a few things to help you better your life and relationship with the Lord. You are not alone. I too, am trusting in the Lord. I started out my year with goals, plans to accomplish some very specific things this year and already I have run into obstacles. I don’t expect everything to be easy and without challenges. Even the strongest person encounters frustration and sometimes disappointment when things don’t go as planned. We must view obstacles as opportunities for our Heavenly Father to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think. Psalm 37:23 – The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way. A good person is one who follows God, trusts him and tries to do his will. God watches over and directs every step that person takes. If you would like to have God direct your way, then seek his advice before you step. When things don’t go as we planned; maybe it’s because God has a better plan. Hold on and be strong!

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” ~ Winston Churchill. God Loves You and so do I…… Pastor Tammy

In Patience Possess Your Souls

Luke 21:19

“Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.” Corazon Aquino

Patience is not passive! When we think of patience, we think of being still and operating in “wait mode”. Patience can best be described as: To bear pains or trials calmly without complaint. Forbearance under provocation or strain. Not hastily, but steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity; able or willing to bear. There are many who are going thru hard trials and tribulations. Some may even feel like quitting, giving up or throwing in the towel. There are some who are saying what is the use, I have been struggling for a long time and I do not see any changes. I want to encourage you today; don’t give up, don’t give in but in patience possess (hold, seize and acquire) your souls. In times when you may be feeling down, here is a little poem to help pick you up:

Don't Quit

by: Unknown Author

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.

When care is pressing you down a bit.

Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns

As every one of us sometimes learns.

And many a failure turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out:

Don't give up though the pace seems slow -

You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out -

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.

And you never can tell how close you are.

It may be near when it seems so far:

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. We can never really know the depth of our character until we see how we react under pressure. Instead of complaining or running from our struggles, let us exercise a little patience in the trial and tribulations viewing them as opportunities for growth. Let us pray and ask God for help to solve the problem; along with patience and strength to endure whatever comes our way. God loves you and so do I….. Pastor Tammy

Does Anybody Really Care?

Neh 1:4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

“Ask me if I care!” The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them: that’s the essence of inhumanity.” George Bernard Shaw put those words into the mouth of the Rev. Anthony Anderson in the second act of his play The Devil’s Disciple.

Nehemiah was the kind of person who cared. He cared about the traditions of the past and the needs of the present. He cared about the hopes for the future. He cared about his heritage, his ancestral city, and the glory of his God.

Nehemiah broke down and cried when he heard that Jerusalem walls still had not been rebuilt. Why did this upset him? Walls mean little in most present day cities, but in Nehemiah’s day they were essential. Nehemiah was deeply grieved about the condition of Jerusalem. After his grief he poured out his heart to God and looked for ways to improve the situation.

Fast forwarding to the events of our time, prior to the 7.0 Earthquake that struck Haiti; not much attention was given to Haiti. Haiti is one of poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Eighty percent of residents live in poverty, according to the CIA World Fact Book. Thousand of people have been killed and countless buildings crushed in Haiti. Haiti earthquake was so dangerous because the medical infrastructure was already almost nonexistent in Haiti. Aid workers are facing countless critical medical needs for the millions, who have been affected by the widespread destruction, said by officials. Deadly diseases develop in a few days without access to clean water or sanitation.

Like large doors, great life-changing events can swing on very small hinges. Some people prefer not to know what’s going on, because information might bring obligation. “What you don’t know can’t hurt you,” says the old adage; but is it true? In a letter to a Mrs. Foote, Mark Twain wrote, “All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure.” But what we don’t know could hurt us a great deal! “Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.” Closing our eyes and ears to the truth could be the first step toward tragedy for us as well as for others.

Nehemiah revealed a caring attitude in four different ways.


1. He cared enough to ask


2. He cared enough to weep


3. He cared enough to pray


4. He cared enough to volunteer

There has been a great outpouring from many countries, celebrities and everyday people to support Haiti during this time of adversity. Like Nehemiah let us care enough to ask what can I do, weep with those who are weeping, pray for those who are experiencing difficulty and volunteer to help where we can.

When God puts a burden on your heart, don’t try to escape it; for if you do, you may miss the blessing He has planned for you. If God is going to answer prayer, He must start by working in the one doing the praying! He works in us and through us to help us see our prayers answered.

God is still looking for people who care, people like Nehemiah, who cared enough to ask for the facts, weep over the needs, pray for God’s help, and then volunteer to get the job done. “Here am I, Lord—send me!” ~ God Loves you and so do I…… Pastor Tammy

Beyond My Expectations

What are your expectations for 2010?

Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Many people at the beginning of a New Year like to make New Year’s resolutions. I must admit that I was one of those people a while back. Somehow, I just could not seem to stick to those resolutions. I had expectations but I really did not know if my expectations would actually be fulfilled. This is not so with God.

How limited we often are in our asking, thinking that God will not do some particular thing for us. The apostle Paul encourages us to pray and to trust God for the answer. God not only is able to do what we have asked but he is able to do exceeding; to surpass to go beyond any request to overcome and do anything. He is able to do abundantly; to overflow and to do more than enough. He is able to go above: to go over and beyond, surpassing any need, in all that we ask, or can even think. Imagine for a moment an answer from God that goes beyond what we can ask or think!

What are your expectations for 2010? That just when you think things are starting to look up the rug gets snatched from underneath you? Do you feel that nothing good is going to happen for you because it never does? Do you feel that this year will be worse than last year? Do you feel that you will never find someone to love you with no strings attached? Maybe you have a health concern and don’t feel that you can be healed or get any better because it’s something that has run in the family?

God stands ready to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think. That’s only part one. Part two says according to the power that worketh in us. What power? That is, the strength of his Spirit. The power that still worketh for the saints is according to that power that hath produced in them. Wherever God gives of his fullness he gives to experience his power. This power can be seen in the life of a believer who has been transformed from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. When we come to ask for grace from God, we ought to give glory to God. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus. The purpose of God answering prayer and in doing all this for us: that He might be glorified in the church through Jesus Christ.

All God's gifts come from his to us through the hand of Christ; and all our praises pass from us to him through the same hand. And God should and will be praised throughout all ages, world without end; for he will ever have a church to praise him, and he will ever have his tribute of praise from his church. Amen. So be it; and so it will certainly be.

Place your expectations into the Master’s hand. God can take a little and turn it into a lot… God Loves You and so do I…

First Things First

Thought: How to live free from worry

Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Our first priority is to seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness means to turn to him first for help, to fill your thoughts with his desires, to take his character for your pattern, and to serve and obey him in everything. What is really important to you? People, objects, goals and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly bump God out of first place if you don’t actively choose to give him first place in your life.

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.” ~Leo Buscaglia

Matthew 6:25-33 Jesus contrasted heavenly values with earthly values when he explained that our first loyalty should be to those things that do not fade, cannot be stolen or used up, and never wear out.

Because of the ill effects of worry, Jesus tells us to take no thought about those needs that God promises to supply. Worry may damage your health, cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts, disrupt your productivity, negatively affect the way we treat others and reduce our ability to trust God.

The words ”take no thought” mean do not worry; do not be anxious; do not be overly concerned and caring. The Lord is not suggesting that a man NOT prepare for life; be lazy or take a I don’t care attitude. He is talking about being preoccupied with the material possessions of life; being so entangled with the affairs of this earth that we forget eternity. The charge is clear we are not to worry.

The basic problem of man is setting priorities and determining what is to be first in his life. Why do we seek things that only sustain and adorn our physical body for a brief time and then fade away? Why not seek first that which can sustain and adorn our life forever? That which sustains us for eternity is a relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Even the most inspired Christians from time to time, can find themselves running on empty. The demands of daily life can drain us of our strength; and rob us of the joy that is rightfully ours in Christ. When we find ourselves tired, discouraged, or worried, there is a source from which we can draw the power needed to recharge our spiritual batteries. That source is God.

God intends that His children lead joyous lives filled with abundance and peace. But sometimes, abundance and peace seem very far away. It’s no secret turmoil is in the government, the schools and our homes. It is then that we must turn to God for renewal, and when we do, He will restore us. If you are tired or troubled today turn your heart toward God in prayer.

Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow. ~Swedish Proverb. As we begin this New Year, let’s get our priorities in order, and put first things first. God Loves you and so do I. Pastor Tammy

The Greatest Christmas Gift

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.


The greatest gift on Christmas Day does not come in a box, it comes from the heart. This gift can transcend even death. Sometimes this gift might not cost you much at all and at other times it might cost you everything. While we know that we should give this gift to all there are some that make giving this gift difficult at times. This gift is Love. Instead of spending money we don’t have; to please people who could care less; why not give the gift of love this holiday season.


Love expresses itself in many forms. 1 Corinthians 13 describes love this way; Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,


Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.


Love is a very powerful force. Jesus came to this earth because the Father has love for each of us in his heart. The word of God declares we are his workmanship. God loves us. We did not earn it. We cannot lose it. And there is nothing we can do to stop him from continuing to love us. The scripture tells us that God so loved this world that he gave. He is our primary example of what love is. He gave his all, he gave HIS son.


I leave you with these parting thoughts found in the lyrics of a song performed by The Temptations: Give Love on Christmas Day ~ “People making list, buying special gifts, Its time to be kind to one and all, Its that time of year when special friends are so dear, And you wish you could give more than just presents from a store, Why don’t you give love on Christmas Day”….. God Loves you and so do I…. Pastor Tammy

The Truth About Deception

John 8:32” And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Sir Walter Scott, "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." The Bible says the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). Since this is true, none of us are above deception. If we think we are, then we’re deceived already. At one time or another, we've found ourselves caught in a web of deception of our own making.

During the past year the media has brought news of various forms of deception in extra marital and illicit affairs, extortion, ponzi schemes and wrongdoings by some well known persons and others who are not so well known.

Simply put we are just too concerned about ourselves and not enough about the hearts of others and the character of God. One of the clearest proofs of this is our deceitfulness toward others. In addition, we depend upon our own methods of preservation or acquisition rather than depending upon God to deliver us through the truth and give us what we need through our honesty. Jesus declared in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

The consequences of telling the truth often seem too threatening compared to living a lie or too limiting if we don't "stretch the truth" to get what we want. Unfortunately, we seldom anticipate the real cost of our deceit when the truth finally is known; and it usually becomes known; at the worst possible time. And the cost of the deception ends up being very high.

However, the most dangerous part of the deception is getting away with it. The lie steals a part of us, depriving those we deceive of seeing the real us and creating a wedge in our relationship that robs each side of genuine intimacy. As the web of deceit grows, it touches more and more aspects of the relationship until the very foundation of the friendship, marriage, contract, fellowship, or partnership is entangled in the deceit and the very foundation of the relationship is threatened. Even if our deceit is never discovered we are damaged and become selfish and abusive people who fear no consequence.

Eph 4:25-26 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Choose today to be truthful from this day forward. Don’t start deception. God is truth and he does not lie. He placed his principles in HIS word so we would live prosperous lives and be in peace and harmony with each other. When someone confesses their deception and asks for forgiveness, as hard as it may be we must forgive, it is the will of our Father. If long term deceit is revealed it may take the help of a counselor to help bear the weight of the crushing weight of the secret or deception.

“The cruelest lies are often told in silence”. - Robert Louis Stevenson. We can’t blame all this deception on the devil. Nor can we be ignorant to his devices. Part of the enemy’s job is to find and exploit the idolatry in our hearts: the deceitfulness of riches, the pride of life, the lust of the flesh, or anything else that causes us to give God’s place to another. Once Satan finds that idolatry he will tempt you with it. At that point we have a clear choice: we can walk in darkness and deceit or walk in the light. And you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free. “Speak the truth in Love” ~ The Bible. God loves you and so do I…Pastor Tammy

Finishing Your Course With Joy

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Single-mindedness is a quality needed by anyone who wishes to do God’s work. Today I began reflecting on how much passion, enthusiasm and energy I had when I first began my Christian race in 1986. It took me some time to realize that God has a unique plan and purpose for all our lives. And that each of us must step up to life with purpose, and vision to fulfill these God given tasks.

Our purpose and life is directly linked to our relationship with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You cannot and will not find your purpose outside of a life committed to Christ. When we make a commitment we become single minded in our focus to that commitment. Whether it’s in marriage, our families, employment or a quest for a healthier lifestyle, we have a single focus.

The Apostle Paul was a man totally devoted to Christ through all situations, seasons, and circumstances. His life reveals his commitment to serving the Lord. He served with humility, with tears and with many trials. I can identify with the apostle Paul; there have been times, when I have had to serve in humility. I wanted to say some things that may have been considered unkind or not “Christian”, but I held my peace. There were other times when I served with tears and great opposition.

Early in my walk with Christ, I went through a period where people tried to make me doubt my identity. I was told many reasons why women could not and should not be a pastor. Being a babe in Christ, I took those issues to the Lord in prayer. And one day the Holy Spirit revealed a passage of scripture to me Gal 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” That forever settled in my heart any concerns I may have had.

Life has not been easy and will at times throw you a curve, storms will come and strong winds may blow, but each of us must decide how we will finish our course. We can live a life full of anger, bitterness, unforgiveness and regret or we can finish our course with Joy. Real joy comes when we are not so consumed with ourselves, but when we can make a difference in the lives of others.

Paul did not count his life dear unto himself. His life was not for him to use and do as he pleased, not for earthly comfort or pleasure. His life was for Christ. His life was a precious and valuable possession of the Lord. Ps 17:8 “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings” Each of us is as the apple of God’s eye and like Paul we have to make the decision to consecrate and dedicate our lives back to the One who gave us life in the first place.

Paul finished his course and ministry not because he had to, but because he chose to. And he did so with joy. Ralph Sockman says “Love is the outreach of self towards completion”. Finish your course with joy. God Loves you and so do I….Pastor Tammy

Peace in the midst of Pressure

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3).

Earlier in life, I can remember times when as a young mother, I longed for times of peace and quiet. My children would awake; my day started and the pressures of life seem to start closing in the minute our feet hit the floor. Life at times can seem out of balance. The balance of everyday living can create a lot of pressure and become overwhelming. Our Heavenly Father, states in his word, HE will keep us in peace, in perfect peace, inward peace, outward peace, peace with God, peace at all times, under all events. This peace shall he put us into, and we shall keep possession of, whose mind is stayed upon God, because we trust in HIM.

When evil tidings arise, those who hearts have been fixed and trusting in the Lord will not fear. Psalms 112:7-8 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. (NIV)

Our Father’s love and support never changes. From the cradle to the grave, God has promised to give us the strength to meet any challenge. God has promised to lift us up and guide our steps if we let Him. God has promised that when we entrust our life to Him completely and without reservation, He will keep us in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on him. This gives you and the courage to face any trial and the wisdom to live in His righteousness.

Henry Kissinger said: “A diamond is a chunk of coal that is made good under pressure.”

Pressure reveals what is on the inside of us. We must resist the temptation to blame other people for our reactions. Some of us like to shift the blame because we don't have to take responsibility for our own mistakes and weaknesses. Christian maturity is revealed by how we behave in everyday life, particularly under pressure. How do we act when someone cuts us off in traffic? Or a person gets in an express check out lane at the grocery store with more than the required number of items? How do we act on our own in the little things reveals pretty much how we will react in bigger things?

Jesus is the Prince of Peace! He is the only one who can offer permanent peace. The Lord not only wants us to know His peace, but also He wants us to distribute His peace. Matt 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God”. Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. God Loves You and so do I….Pastor Tammy

Knocked Down But Not Knocked Out

2 Cor 4:8-9: “We may be troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.

In the sport of boxing a boxer can be considered technically knocked out, if a boxer is knocked down, and unable to get up to his feet and gain his balance and composure before the referee counts to 10. If and when he gets to his feet, he’s given a standing 8 count. If the referee feels that although the fighter is on his feet but he’s in no condition to continue the fight, the referee will stop the fight, and the boxer is considered technically knocked out. Then there’s the three knock down rule.

The book of Proverbs says a righteous man falls seven times and rises up again. It is good to know that no matter how many times we get knocked down, we can get back up again. And the good thing is we may not have our full balance and composure, but just the mere effort of us trying to get up, grabs God immediate attention.

The Bible teaches us that it’s in our weakest state that God’s strength is made perfect. And because of this promise, God always shows up in our weakest moments. Every time we’re knocked down in life by some tribulation, some disappointment, some heart break, or by trials, and even the storms of life, we are not distressed.

We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken.

We may feel hedged in on every side and troubles and oppressions may be present in every way, but we are not crushed. God knows how much we can bear. Perhaps today you might be feeling perplexed which simply means confused bewildered and cannot seem to find a way out. Despair means to be hopeless. Or maybe you are being persecuted; harassed in a way that causes suffering because of principles or religious beliefs. There are many who are forsaken or forgotten about.

God never promised us a life free from troubles. Like a good boxing match we are going to take some punches. We must also learn to defend ourselves by arming ourselves with the Word of God. Not just quoting the word but having faith in God and his promises.

Paul reminded us in our scripture today that though we may be at the end of our rope, we are never at the end of hope. Our perishable bodies are subject to sin and suffering. But God never abandons us. Because Christ won victory over death, we have eternal life. All our risks, humiliations and trials are opportunities for Christ to demonstrate his power and presence through us.

When life knocks you down, remember you are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus, so get back up again. If God be for us who can be against us? Yes, I may get knocked down, but thank God I am not knocked out. God Loves You and so do I ~Pastor Tammy

Enough is Enough

Numbers 11: 15 “If this is how you intend to treat me, do me a favor and kill me. I've seen enough; I've had enough. Let me out of here." (The Message Bible)

I have seen enough; I’ve had enough. These were the words of Moses, a man chosen by God to lead the children of Isreal out of the land of Egypt. This statement is made after hearing one complaint after another from the people. The people complained about their misfortunes and how life was so hard for them. In other words, they complained about their problems instead of praying to God about them. They complained about the lack of meat or the things that they did not have. We can all find things to complain about; let’s try and find some things to be thankful about.

Moses was a very meek man. The word meekness means strength that is under control. But sometimes, even the strongest person gets weak. After hearing the people continually complaining and whining, it began to affect Moses. Moses went to God and asked him why was he treating him this way? What did he do to deserve this? Why was all this responsibility on his shoulders? He began to rehearse to God what the people were saying to him. Finally, he said I can’t do this by myself, it is too much.

Perhaps today you may be feeling like Moses. You want to know what did you do to deserve what has happened? And where is God in the midst of all this adversity? God is always with us, his goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives. Ultimately, we must all come to the conclusion that Moses did; I can’t do this by myself; it is too much. We need the Lord’s help to make it through each and every day. With the changes in our economy, the job loss, the stress in marriages and just the financial strain alone you may want to throw in the towel. You might even be saying enough is enough, but don’t quit.

When we complain to one another nothing is accomplished. But when we take our concerns, our dreams and desires to the Lord much can happen. Ps 62:8- Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (niv) I want to encourage you today, to pour out your hearts before God.

Prayer can release our tensions in times of emotional stress. When we trust God to be our rock, salvation and defense it changes our entire outlook on life. Prayer will change things. True relief does not come when the problem is resolved because more problems are on the way. True relief comes from an enduring hope in God’s ultimate salvation.

Prayer: Lord I do not understand why you have allowed this trouble to beset me. I have exhausted all my possibilities for changing my situation and circumstances and found that I am powerless to change them. All things are not possible with man, but all things are possible with you. In the face of discouragement, disappointment and anger I choose to believe your word, that if God is for me who can be against me. It is with patient endurance, steady and active persistence that I run the race, the appointed course that is set before me. I know that if you bring me to it, you can bring me through it. I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me. In Jesus name, AMEN…… God Loves you and so do I….. Pastor Tammy

A Lesson from Amos: Have we become too comfortable?

Thought: I need you to survive

Amos 5:14-15 “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate:”

When life is going smoothly, we need to be careful. It’s at that time we are ripe for complacency and a downfall. In the day of the prophet Amos, the people of Israel were prosperous and began to think they could make it without God. This sounds a lot like us today! We can slip into that dangerous place sometimes without really thinking. This behavior led the people of Isreal toward a path of destruction.

The name Amos means burden or burden bearer. He carried the heavy burden of God’s message to the people. Because the people had become so complacent they acted as if they did not need each other.

They exploited the weak and poor. They were indifferent to the pain of those around them. They enslaved the helpless through extortion and heavy taxation. God created us to live in relationships, not in isolation. This is stated very clearly in the words of a song entitled, I need you to survive by Hezekiah Walker. The lyrics: I need you, you need me, we’re all a part of God’s body, stand with me, agree with me, we’re all a part of God’s body, it is his will that every need be supplied, you are important to me, I need you to survive.

A final similarity between the Israelites and our culture is that many of them kept up outward appearances of religion even though they had abandoned their faith in God. I think many are in danger of falling into the same trap. Are you performing to get the approval of your boss or friends? Are you hiding your failures from your spouse, pretending you're faithfully following God's way when you're not? God is not so concerned with how we appear on the surface; he sees through our false appearances even if others don't. God cares about the attitude of our heart. Man looks at the outward appearances and God looks at the heart.

Remember we must all answer to God for how we live. A complacent present leads to a disastrous future. When we become self sufficient we develop a false sense of security. All that we have has come as a blessing from God, so let’s remember to be thankful. God made all people, therefore, to ignore the poor is to ignore those whom God loves and whom Christ came to save. We must move beyond just feeling bad for the poor and act compassionately to help care for those who are in need.

At times we can become too comfortable with life. We must not only be concerned with obvious threats but also to slowly developing ones. Indifference is a slow developing threat that eventually leads to complacency. We are our brother’s keeper and we must show a genuine concern to help when and where we can. In closing I will use additional lyrics from the song; I need you to survive referenced above. The chorus of the song says: I pray for you, you pray for me, I love you, I need you to survive, I won’t harm you with the words from my mouth, I love you, I need you to survive. Today, let us seek good and not evil and live. It’s time for us to grow and develop into the person we were called to be. God Loves You and so do I……… Pastor Tammy