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