Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

The enemy had ripped David off and he was in anguish!  The pain over losing his family was more than he, and the people with him, could bear. Yet, he didn't stay in that place but found himself stepping back, and encouraging himself in the Lord.
 
The very next thing we see David do is inquire of the Lord (1 Samuel 30:8).  What do you want me to do Lord?  That's a great question to ask in tough times.  As you read on in 1 Samuel 30 (which I highly encourage you to do today), you'll find that God answered David quickly and directly!
 
It's the same for you and me.  God's answers come to us whether we've prayed for 30 minutes or 30 seconds.  He will reveal His will to you and me in wonderful ways, even when we find ourselves battling discouragement and even depression.
 
David strengthened himself in His God... then He inquired to His God... next week, we'll see the third thing David did to leave discouragement behind.
 
By Grace,
Pastor Ed

P.S.  As you get a free moment, would you please email me times when you have sought the Lord and He answered you in a wonderful way! You can just respond to this note and I'll get it.  I'd love to read and share!

READ: Matthew 14
PRAYER: Remove My Fears

Matthew 14:25-27
Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying,
"Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."

The ancient rabbis used to say "Although God has created seven seas, yet He has chosen this one as His special delight." After visiting the Sea of Galilee, we understand.  One of the most beautiful sites in Israel is coming over the hill and seeing this beautiful expanse of water.  In the spring, from the top of the mountains it looks blue in contrast to the green backdrop of trees and hills.  It brings life to the landscape and is sometimes called the "eye of Galilee."
 
The word "Galilee" means "circle district."  To some, this area was known as the circle of the Gentiles because so many of the cities along the trade route were filled with Gentiles, especially the areas to the north and west sides of the Lake. 
 
Throughout the Bible, the Sea of Galilee is also known as the Sea of Tiberius (John 6), the Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5), and in the Old Testament, the Sea of Chinneroth (Numbers 34) - names derived from places on the north shore of the Sea.  It's 13 miles long, 7 miles wide, 32 miles in circumference, and at its deepest, about 150 feet deep.  The position of the Lake allows it to be caught up in sudden, powerful storms: the cool air from the upper plains comes down from the Golan Heights and from Mt. Hermon and rush down the gorges so quickly, that it begins to toss the water into massive waves.
 
A lot of events in the ministry of Jesus happened in and around this Lake.  But since we take a boat ride across the lake on our tour, I'm reminded of the time when Jesus walked out on the water to the disciples as their boat was tossed to and fro by the waters and contrary winds.  Right in the middle of the storm Peter speaks up asking Jesus to command him to walk on the water. He must have been yelling to speak over the noise of the storm.  I love how he "cried out" to Jesus and the answers was "come."  The end is a calm sea, the presence of Jesus, and disciples worshipping!
 
Often that's the pattern of our lives. We're tossed by the winds of change, uprooted by the crashing waves of adversity, and drawn into a fearful panic.  Storms in life come to all of us.  Yet while right in the middle Jesus shows up with these very same words, "Be of good cheer. It is I; do not be afraid."  Like Peter, we cry out to Jesus and He answers and the end is a calm sea, the presence of Jesus, and a disciple worshipping!

 

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

In Love,
Pastor Ed 

John 10:10 (NLT) The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness. 

What I see in the church at large today concerns me as a pastor, as a follower of Jesus.  There are subtle shifts that happen with every generation, but the shifting of the church in our generation isn't so subtle.  The culture and all its pressures seem to have made itself home within the church today.
 
The church and its leaders seem to be so afraid today of fitting in and relating; being hip and cool; relevant to our culture.  It's actually a complement today to say that the church is the coolest one in town! Really?  Instead of the church turning the world upside down, I'm concerned that the world is turning the church upside down!
 
I'm not saying that we become stale, boring, and irrelevant to the culture; of course not.  To make the Bible boring should be a crime.  It's not boring or stale to study the life-giving truths God has handed down to every generation.  Introducing someone to Jesus is exciting, exhilarating and relevant!  I am saying that human efforts can never replace the reality of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit keeps things real and relevant.
 
Be careful, friend, that you're not preoccupied with being relevant.  Watch out that you're not so busy trying to be relevant that you distort the reality of Jesus and His forgiveness of sins. I assure you, Jesus is relevant to every generation!  The Bible is living and powerful.  All you need to do is open it.  You don't have to fit in; all you have to do is abide in Jesus. He'll do the fitting in for you.
 
Loving Jesus,
Pastor Ed

 

Psalm 121:1 (NKJV) I will lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence comes my help? 

David had just returned home to find that the Philistines had taken the whole city captive, including his family.  He was devastated.  The enemy had ripped him off.  The Bible records it this way, "Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep" (1 Samuel 30:4).  
 
Ever been there?  The enemy has either ripped you off or is trying really hard to make it happen?
 
Weeping over the loss of a loved one?  Weeping over a rebellious child?  Weeping over the pain of a layoff? Weeping over rejection?
 
It's not good to stay in that place and we find that David, in just a few verses, moved to action.
 
The first thing he did was 'strengthened (encouraged - KJV) himself in the Lord.'  He didn't wait for someone to come alongside of him. He didn't look to his friends for help.  He started where we must all start: looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. 

This one little step began to lift the burden and weight of the situation.  So quickly, God began to bring clarity and focus back into David's life.
 
Stop today, right where you're at, and strengthen yourself in the Lord.  He will do the same work in you.
 
By Grace,
Pastor Ed

READ: Matthew 16
PRAYER: Make  Me a Committed Disciple

Matthew 16:13-16
When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Just a few miles from Dan is an area known today as Banias, the biblical area of Caesarea Philippi.   Located at the base of Mt. Hermon, this region is the location of one of the largest springs feeding the Jordan River.  Throughout the years, the abundance of water made the spot beautiful and lush, and thus a popular place for pagan worship.  Along with Baal and the Greek god Pan, many other deities of false gods were worshiped here.

Next to a very large cave, are a series of hewn niches carved right into the side of the hill.  The niches were used to place statues of various false deities that were worshipped, and the cave is where the Greeks believed Pan, the god of nature and shepherds, lived.  Daily offerings were thrown into the cave to appease Pan.  When the Romans arrived they heard the people refer to the cave as the "gates of hell" which led them to declare and believe that it was indeed the very entrance to hell itself.  In 20 B.C., Herod built a big marble Temple here dedicating it to Augustus Caesar. The property was given to His son Philip and the area became known as Caesarea Philippi, or Caesar's city.
 
With all of this false worship and idolatry as scenery, Jesus brings His disciples here for a time of rest, relaxation and devotional challenge.  He asks the disciples a very important question: "Who do men say that I, the Son of God, am?" I believe it is a question that God is still asking everyone today.  Their answers were interesting as they mentioned John the Baptist (great teacher), Elijah (miracle worker), and Jeremiah (powerful prophet). The opinions of man aren't much different today as people see Jesus as just another great teacher, or another man who worked miracles, or a powerful spokesperson - but certainly not God in human flesh!
 
The follow-up by Jesus is direct, "But who do YOU say that I am?"  Peter jumps up to declare, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!"  Peter was right and so encouraged to have heard from heaven.  Unfortunately, it didn't take long for Peter to speak nonsense which was rebuked by Jesus as speaking Satan's words.  Such is the life of humans, desperately needing the wisdom of God in our lives!
 
It is with this powerful backdrop that Jesus teaches on discipleship and the wholehearted commitment it requires.  He teaches us how He will build His church and that even the gates of hell (perhaps He was pointing to the big cave when He said this) would not prevail against the church.  It's here that we learn sometimes our thoughts are inspired by God and sometimes they are not.  It's here where we learn to follow Jesus closely - not veering off to the left or to the right.

Matthew 16:17-19
Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

In Love,
Pastor Ed 

1 John 5:20 (NLT)  And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we are in God because we are in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.

As an unbeliever, I was looking for something in my life that was real, authentic, and powerful.  I was as lost spiritually as a person could be lost, hopelessly reaching out to anyone and anything to bring me comfort and hope. Eventually I found myself settling for a life lived under the influence of some substance which, of course, left me empty, sad, and alone.
 
Not much has changed today for those living apart from Jesus. Deep down inside, people are still looking for that real, authentic, and powerful connection with God even though they're not really sure what or who they are looking for.  I know what they aren't looking for. They don't want syrupy imitation hypocrisies.  They want the truth.  People truly want something worth living for, worth dying for.
 
That's where an introduction to Jesus is so critical. Jesus is authentic. Jesus is real. Jesus is powerful.  I'll never forget the love of my friend who invited me to hear a message about this Jesus, to be introduced to this Jesus.
 
Introduce someone this week to Jesus.  Introduce a bunch of people to the real, authentic, and powerful Jesus who came to save sinners, of whom I am chief!
 
Abiding in Jesus,
Pastor Ed

 

2 Samuel 22:31 (NKJV) As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

NOTE: We have a big announcement on a step of faith that will be shared at this weekend's services. You won't want to miss it!

 
The steady, living, excellent example of Pastor Chuck Smith continues to be a great encouragement in my life.  Although I've never had the opportunity to sit down and talk with him, through his teachings and books, he's been a great pastor and discipler to me and countless other thousands.
 
In the last chapter of his book Calvary Chapel Distinctives he writes, "It's always an exciting thing to give God a chance to work. God wants you to be a part of what He is doing. God doesn't want to stop working, so it's important for us to discover what He wants to do. I have found that the way we discover how God wants to work is to venture out in faith. We need to step out and see what the Lord might do. But, as we step out in faith, there has to be a guard against presumption. A lot of people who test the waters to see what God might want to do make a serious mistake by falling back on human effort when God's hand obviously is not in it. Sometimes we can get so committed to something that our reputation seems to be on the line. Then we start pumping extra energy and effort into a program that wasn't of God to begin with."
 
Just reading this paragraph builds my faith in the God who has led us to take yet even more gigantic steps of faith as a ministry.  I hope it encourages you, too, in stepping out in obedience to His clear direction.  Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your support.  Thank you for continuing to take the steps of faith that God is laying before you, obeying Him in the Spirit and not in your own wisdom.
 
Do you have a step of faith you are presently in, or just completed, or just up ahead? Reply to this eNote and share it with me! I would love to hear what God is doing in your life!
 
In Love,
Pastor Ed

READ: Proverbs 3
PRAYER: Wisdom from Above

Joshua 24:15 (NKJV)
"And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Tel Dan takes us to the most northern part of Israel, located near the southwestern slopes of Mt. Hermon.  Reading through the Old Testament you'll see how many times the Bible describes the land of Israel from the north to the south as the area "from Dan to Beersheba."  Dan was not the land or inheritance given to the tribe of Dan.  The land that God gave them was down near the area of Joppa below the hills of Judah.  During the time of Judges, because of the battles they were experiencing, the people of Dan moved up to this area thinking they would be physically safer.
 
There is an incredible archeological find at Tel Dan, an ancient city gate arch from the Canaanite city of Laish (Judges 18:29) which was the name of the city before Dan overtook it.  It's so old that some believe it could have very well been the gate that Abraham walked through when he came to Laish (Genesis 14:14).  It's an incredible thing to stand there as you're snapping pictures thinking "Wow, Abraham could have walked through this very gate as he was looking to rescue his nephew Lot!"
 
What's sad about Dan is that although they were making decisions based on their physical safety, God was making decisions based on their spiritual safety.   They moved north and they were a bit safer... for a season.  You see, when God brought judgment on the land they ended up being the first tribe carried away as captives by the Assyrians.  Even in their own wisdom, what they thought would be best, ended up being worse!
 
Spiritually, their move led to idolatry.  Jeroboam, Solomon's son, decided to choose his own way instead of God's (which is always disastrous).  God promised Jeroboam that He would bless him as king if he would be obedient.  He wasn't and missed out on the blessings of God. Out of fear of losing control, Jeroboam built various cities to protect his new kingdom. He instituted and allowed idolatry.  There is even a high place of false worship still in existence at Tel Dan. Such is the sad lot of life when a person chooses his own way over God's perfect plan.  A sad ending indeed.

2 Kings 17:22-23 (NKJV)
For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they did not depart from them, until the LORD removed Israel out of His sight, as He had said by all His servants the prophets. So Israel was carried away from their own land to Assyria,
as it is to this day.

 
By Grace,
Pastor Ed

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (NKJV)  Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

As an example to us, Paul said that he disciplined his body so that he might win more to Jesus.  That means he said "YES" to those things that would build him up spiritually, strengthen his relationship with Jesus, and make him an overall better prepared servant.  It also means he said "NO" to those things that would tear him down spiritually, pollute his mind, ruin his witness, and make him less effective in winning people to Jesus.
 
The picture Paul drew for us was one of an athlete.  An athlete must be disciplined if he or she is going to win the prize. You don't see Olympic Gold Medalists sitting around the pool eating chocolate-dipped, deep-fried Twinkies and chugging down a two-liter bottle of Pepsi, right? Just picturing that scene is pretty funny!  No, they are training daily; saying "YES" to the right things and "NO" to the wrong things.
 
Spiritual discipline requires giving up the good and even the better, for only the best!  It requires a single-minded focus. 
 
Let's think on that this weekend as the Spirit shows us a few things to add, and a few things to subtract.
 
In Love,
Pastor Ed

READ: Matthew 4
PRAYER: Evangelism

Matthew 4:18-22 (NKJV)
And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. 

As we tour the area around the Sea of Galilee, we make an interesting stop at the location of the "Jesus Boat."  It's a stunning archeological find of a well-preserved 2000 year old fishing boat discovered in the mud along the shore of the Sea of Galilee.  It is well preserved, and a striking reminder of the reality of Jesus' ministry, and the hard working simplicity of those He called to serve alongside of Him.  Great scenes in the life of Jesus surround fishing boats. He slept in one while the seas raged. He spoke from one as the multitudes listened. He walked out to one on the water! He even called fishermen from them to follow Him.
 
Standing next to the fishing boat exhibit, I can't help but think of the time Jesus called out to a couple of brothers, Simon (Peter) and Andrew, from a boat much like this one.   They were doing what they did every day. They were trying to catch fish. It was their business. It was how they supported themselves. It was their life.  But life changed as Jesus called them to Himself.  Instead of fishing for fish, Jesus promised to make them "fishers of men" as they followed Him.
 
Although we're not at an ancient boat along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus is doing that same work in us, making us "fishers of men" as we follow Him.  What a privilege to exchange our worldly desires with His spiritual desires of fishing for the souls of men and women. Remember, fishing requires patience, perseverance and preparation.  Pray through these three ingredients this week, and remain open to the Spirit and how He wants to grow you and use you!

John 6:19-21 (NKJV)
So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid.  But He said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid."  Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

 
By Grace,
Ed

Galatians 5:24-25 (NKJV) And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Like the children of Israel, I see many believers choose not to take all that God has promised to them in their victory over the flesh.  They settle down after a few small victories, content with having just a portion of their lives controlled by the Spirit.  Remember, with the children of Israel, they were promised some 300,000 square miles of land. How much did they possess? It's estimated that about 30,000 square miles, or 10% of what was promised, was actually occupied.  What a picture to consider!
 
God wants to give us total and complete victory over the life of our flesh; over the dominating self-life; over the weaknesses in our lives.  He doesn't want us to be satisfied with just 10%, or 20%, or even 99%.  God's desire is for us to fully receive all that He's promised.
 
With the children of Israel, as they conquered the land they left these little pockets filled with their enemies.  Sometimes, they even disobediently made alliances with their enemies.
 
Listen friend, leaving pockets of the flesh, making compromising treaties with the enemy, choosing to live for this world instead of for Jesus, will bring consequences.  It's dangerous. It's harmful. It's destructive.
 
Choose today to live in the Spirit and take what is yours in Jesus: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
 
Abiding in Jesus,
Pastor Ed

 

Isaiah 52:12 (NKJV) For you shall not go out with haste, Nor go by flight; For the LORD will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

To be on the other side of accusations is rarely, if ever, fun.  Have you noticed that it doesn't help if the accusations are false?  Isn't there a unique sting to them when they come from 'so-called' friends? What is being said is so untrue.  The rumor flying around is so unfounded. Ouch.
 
Accusations come to those who trust in Jesus. I know this. You know this. Paul knows it. Jesus knows it.  Truly, every believer needs to know it.
 
Yes, accusations come to those following closely, abiding in Jesus. They shouldn't surprise us.  There even seems to be a specific attack on those in spiritual leadership that is headed up by the accuser of the brethren himself (Revelation 12:10).
 
Our pastor has always encouraged us to be careful when accusations come.  Because each time they come, we are faced with a choice.  Option one is to jump in and defend ourselves.  The real problem is that when we jump into the mud, all that really happens is we get muddy and so does the situation.  Option two is to step back and allow God to be our Defender.
 
Choose option number two, my friend.  If we choose to defend ourselves, God will let us.  But if we abide in Jesus, allowing Him to be our guard, oh, what peace and help await us!
 
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."  Matthew 5:44-45 (NKJV)
 
By Grace,
Pastor Ed

READ: 2 Kings 9 & John 15
PRAYER: Dry Seasons & Fruitful Seasons

John 15:1-2 (NKJV)
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit."

Megiddo was an important Canaanite city, later becoming an important Israeli city that has a stunning view of the Jezreel Valley on the Plain of Esdraelon. When you're searching through the Old Testament looking for this city, you need to look for the name "Jezreel" which you'll find about 36 times (in the NKJV). 

Two major trade routes passed through this Valley and it was also the scene of one of the bloodiest battles in the Scriptures, where Jehu avenged the atrocities of Ahab and Jezebel.  Most know about the Valley because it will be the place of the biggest battle at the end of the world.
 
Yet Megiddo reminds us of how fruitful life can be in Jesus.  Even as there are times of dryness in our lives, there are also times of great fruitfulness, promised by God.  This Valley seen from Megiddo was very fruitful in biblical times; then it become desolate. Today, once again, it is fruitful beyond belief. Truly something you have to see with your own eyes to believe!
 
Viewing this area on a map you can see how this little area of land serves as a land bridge between the three continents of Europe, Africa, and Asia.  Did you know that Israel supplies food to all three of these continents? Why? Because God has fulfilled His Word that Israel would be fruitful!  Amazing isn't it?  The prophet Isaiah prophesied, "Those who come He shall cause to take root in Jacob; Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit" Isaiah 27:6. It's true!
 
Friend, Jesus has promised fruit in your life as well.  Even if you're in a dry season right now, learn what God is trying to teach you as He prunes you, so that your life  can bear  more fruit.  Yes, the valley is for battle, but it's also for fruit!
 
In Love,
Ed

2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (NKJV) Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

It's always good to be reminded of the sufficiency of Jesus in our lives.  Consider and think on the simple paragraph penned many years ago by John Spencer:
 
"All the good things that can be reckoned up here below have only a finite and limited goodness.  Some can clothe but cannot feed; others can nourish but cannot secure; others adorn but cannot advance; all do serve but none do satisfy. They are like a beggar's coat made up of many pieces, not all enough either to be beautiful or defend.
 
BUT Christ is full and sufficient for all His people: righteousness to cover all their sins, plenty enough to supply all their wants, grace enough to subdue all their lusts, wisdom enough to vanquish all their enemies, virtue enough to cure all their diseases, fullness enough to save them to the utmost. He is bread, wine, milk, living waters, to feed them; He is a garment of righteousness to cover and adorn them; a Physician to heal them; a Counselor to advise them; a Captain to defend them; a Prince to rule; a Prophet to teach; a Priest to make atonement for them; a Husband to protect; a Father to provide; a Brother to relieve; a Foundation to support; a Root to quicken; a Head to guide; a Treasure to enrich; a Sun to enlighten; and a Fountain to cleanse; so that as the one ocean hath more waters than all the rivers in the world, and one sun more light than all the luminaries in heaven, so one Christ is more to a poor soul than if it had all the world a thousand times over."
 
Yes and Amen! A great way to start the week!
 
Trusting Him,
Pastor Ed

 

Matthew 18:15 (NKJV) "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.

It's never fun to be engaged in any type of interpersonal difficulties. They can be exhausting, hard, and sometimes even defeating.  When it happens in church family relationships it really hurts, doesn't it?  It's true, tough times come, and tough times come in the church, among us as believers.  The popular question is always 'why'?  I mean, if we're believers and we all love Jesus and all love His Word and just want to grow in His grace...why?
 
Here are a couple of reasons to consider and pray through:
 
#1 - Tough times come because WE'RE HUMAN.
Humans aren't perfect.  Humans make mistakes. Sometimes, those imperfections can cause great pain.
 
#2 - Tough times come because WOLVES COME TO CHURCH.
It's not always believers that are the cause of pain. Sometimes it's a wolf that enters in looking like a sheep but inside is ravenous (Matthew 7:15-16).  False believers love to lurk around believers, wanting to take advantage of them.  It's sad, but true.
 
#3 - Tough times come because SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS REAL.
What makes the church different from some everyday social club is that we're engaged in true worship of God.  People's lives are being changed eternally. Families are being rescued. Sobriety is reigning!  As Jesus builds His church, the devil is trying to tear it down.
 
There are more reasons but the truth is our church, any church, is filled with redeemed sinners. Whenever two or three imperfect people are gathered together you can expect problems to arise.  That's why God has given us the best problem solving advice ever in His Word, specifically through Matthew's gospel - chapter eighteen.
 
Oh, that God would be our strength, in the good times, and in the tough!  Remember, He prevails and we prevail in Him!
 
In Love,
Pastor Ed

READ: 1 Samuel 31 
PRAYER: Godly, Transparent, & Authentic Life

  1 Samuel 31:8-10 (NKJV)
So it happened the next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. And they cut off his head and stripped off his armor, and sent word throughout the land of the Philistines, to proclaim it in the temple of their idols and among the people. Then they put his armor in the temple of the Ashtoreths, and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth Shan.

The ruins at Beth Shan are one of the best preserved Roman cities in all of Israel.  Beth Shan literally means "house of rest" or "place of quiet."  It was neither, for Saul and his three sons.
 
Biblically, its location at the crossroads of Canaan's two great valleys meant that all the traffic through Canaan - from Egypt to Damascus, and from the Mediterranean coast to the East - had to pass by Beth Shan.  Archaeologists have found at least eighteen separate levels of ruins.  During the time between the Old and New Testaments, the name of the city was changed to Scythopolis which Josephus called the largest city of the Decapolis. 
 
Saul and his three sons died tragically in battle on Mt. Gilboa. The Philistines, always looking for a way to humiliate the Israelites, took their headless bodies and hung them in shame on the walls of Beth Shan.
 
The city reminds us of how bad things can get if we choose to turn our backs on the Lord.  Saul was given the chance, many times over, to follow God and be that man after God's own heart.  Instead, he chose to take things into his own fleshly hands.  Instead of ruling well, he ruled poorly, never lived up to his potential, and eventually died in battle, humiliated and shamed.
 
We have the choice, even today, of how to live our lives.  As you think upon the city of Beth Shan, let it stir you to choose to live a godly, transparent, and authentic life.

Joshua 24:15 (NKJV) "And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites,
in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house,
we will serve the LORD."

In Love,
Ed

Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT) Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.  You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

The church is not here for us.  We ARE the church and we are here for the world.
 
I'm not sure when exactly the attitude changed, probably very early on in the church's history, but it did.  A believer somewhere at some time in history began to think that the church was for there to please him and to meet every single whim of his family and their 'ministry' needs. It caught on and became very popular as it's still with us today. It was wrong then, and this consumer, bless-me, take care of my needs, mentality is still wrong.
 
Whoa, whoa there Pastor Ed... sounds a little heavy for a Monday morning! It's not meant that way my friend, please hear me out:
 
I read a story recently of a man who came to his pastor after service and said, "Pastor, I have only one thing to tell you. My answer is yes. Now, what's the question."  The pastor looked at him a little confused, tapped him on the shoulder and said "God bless you son."  Then the pastor greeted the next person in line.
 
The following Sunday the same guy came up in line again and repeated the same words, "Pastor, my answer is yes.  Now what's the question?"  This time the pastor took it in and decided to take the young man out to lunch where again, the young man said, "Pastor, my answer is yes. Now what's the question?" Finally overcome with curiosity, the pastor asked, "Can you please tell me what you mean by that?"
 
The young man smiled and, with great passion said, "Pastor, I was hooked on everything bad, about to lose my family, sliding down a slippery slope toward certain destruction. Then Jesus intervened." Tears began to well up in his eyes, "Because of Jesus did for me, my answer to you is yes.  You are my pastor, and I'll do whatever you need.  If you want me to rock babies, I'll rock babies. If you want me to usher, I'll usher. If you want me to mow the lawn, I'll be there at 6 am every Saturday morning. My answer to you will always be yes. Now, what's the question?"
 
Loving Jesus,
Pastor Ed

Luke 9:23 (NKJV) Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."

This true story is so powerful.  My prayer is that it speaks directly to your heart and stirs you up in love and good works. I pray it opens eyes and moves to action!

Two young Moravians heard of an island in the West Indies where an atheist British owner had 2,000 to 3,000 slaves. And the owner had said, "No preacher, no clergyman, will ever stay on this island. If he's ship wrecked we'll keep him in a separate house until he has to leave, but he's never going to talk to any of us about God; I'm through with all that nonsense." Three thousand slaves were doomed to live and die without hearing of Christ.

Two young Germans in their 20s from the Moravians sect heard about their plight. They sold themselves to the British planter for the standard price for a male slave and used the money they received to purchase passage to the West Indies. The miserly atheist planter would not even transport them. The Moravian community from Herrenhut came to see the two lads off, who would never return again, having freely sold themselves into a lifetime of slavery. As a member of the slave community, they would witness as Christians to the love of God.

Family members were emotional, weeping. Was their extreme sacrifice wise? Was it necessary? As the ship slipped away with the tide and the gap widened. The housings had been cast off and were curled up on the pier. The young men saw the widening gap. They linked arms, raised their hands and shouted across the spreading gap "May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering."

This became the call of Moravian Missions.

WOW!

In Love,
Pastor Ed

READ: 1 Kings 18 
PRAYER: Courage & Boldness

1 Kings 18:38-40 (NLT)
Immediately the fire of the LORD flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the ditch!  And when the people saw it, they fell on their faces and cried out, "The LORD is God! The LORD is God!"   Then Elijah commanded, "Seize all the prophets of Baal. Don't let a single one escape!" So the people seized them all, and Elijah took them down to the Kishon Valley and killed them there.

Standing atop the area of Mt. Carmel gives a breathtaking view of the Valley of Armageddon, the stage for history's final battle.  Looking straight across the Valley gives you a glimpse of the city of Nazareth. Throughout the Bible, Mt. Carmel is often used symbolically to describe beauty, fruitfulness, majesty, and prosperity.  Biblically, Mt. Carmel is also home to one of the most powerful displays of courage and dedication to the worship of God.
 
Elijah served during the time of wicked King Ahab. Under Ahab's leadership, idolatry increased to epic proportions.  On top of Mt. Carmel was a popular place for Baal worship  and so it became the place where Elijah challenged the false worshippers and watched God intervene in victory.
 
There are times when it looks like evil will prevail.  We observe the situations surrounding our lives and wonder "How long will they get away with it, when will God show up?!" There are times when God leads us to take a stand for righteousness, to stand in Him by faith, like Elijah did so that He can show Himself faithful and give victory!  Sure, these are times filled with much fear and concern, but by faith we are able to stand strong in His courage and boldness.  Let Elijah give you confidence to stand strong in the Lord.

Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

By Grace,
Ed

Matthew 28:19  NKJV  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations.

A new session of the Wednesday morning discipleship group starts this week, June 16, 7:00 AM, in the Agape Room.  Come out and join us as Pastor Ed leads us through a study of On Being a Servant of God by Warren Wiersbe.

Pick up your book in the bookstore and come on out.  Our time together is open to anyone in the fellowship desiring to learn and grow in their service unto the Lord.  Sign-ups are not required...pray about joining us and just show up!

We want to encourage you to read the introduction and first two chapters in preparation for this week's session.

We'll see you there!

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)  No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 

"God will never give you more than you can handle." 
 
I'm sure you have hard that 1,000 times.  But it's not true.
 
The truth is God will often give us and allow in our lives more than we can handle in our own strength.  God often brings us to the end of ourselves with situations and circumstances that seem to be so incredibly overwhelming.  I am ministering to a few people right now that are overwhelmed by the circumstances in their lives. Things that they don't want. Things that they didn't ask for. Tough stuff.
 
I think of many Bible examples of people God brought to a place where they couldn't handle it.  The children Israel trapped, but God may the way of escape through the Red Sea.  Gideon's army reduced to incredibly small proportions so that God would bring victory. The children of Israel again at the walls of Jericho, but God brought them down when they couldn't.  The Father of the prodigal son, unable to convince either of his sons of the truth, waited until God did what he himself couldn't!  The list is larger than this my friends.
 
Being in a place that you can't handle brings brokenness into your life.  We learn humility, trust, and contriteness there.  We surrender in rest and abiding love in Jesus there.
 
It's true: there isn't a temptation you're going through, that isn't common to others, and that isn't without a way of escape. You're not stuck and hopeless and without help.
 
"Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (NLT)
 
Remember, there are incredible situations that come our way that bring us to the end of ourselves. Why? So we might lean on, rest in, and trust our precious Savior Jesus who always comes to our rescue!
 
Trusting Him,
Pastor Ed

READ: Acts 10 
PRAYER: Salvation

Acts 10:44-46 (NLT)

Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who had heard the message.  The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles, too.  And there could be no doubt about it, for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.  

Our trip to Israel this past May opened with a tremendous site - the ancient city of Caesarea.  If only the rocks there could cry-out, I am sure they would have many stories to share with us.

Do you have unsaved family and friends?  Caesarea is an encouragement to not give up seeking God on their behalf.   Many biblical events happened in this area but the one that really captures my heart surrounds the precious family of Cornelius.  The Holy Spirit is poured out on the Gentiles here through the faithfulness of Peter, and the openness of Cornelius.  It could be that Cornelius gave his alms right here in the synagogue they found at Caesarea!
 
God loves your family and wants to use you to reach them with the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Don't lose heart my friend; please keep loving that precious family of yours, in Jesus' name.
 
Galations 6:9 (NLT) So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
 
In Him,
Ed

Psalms 46:1 (NKJV)  God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

One of my favorite hymns is "It Is Well With My Soul," written from the heart of God through Horatio Spafford.  Here's the story behind that hymn as shared by Kenneth Osbeck in "Amazing Grace, 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories."

"Inner peace through an implicit trust in the love of God is the real evidence of a mature Christian faith. Only with this kind of confidence in his heavenly Father could Horatio Spafford experience such heart-rending tragedies as he did and yet be able to say, 'It is well with my soul'."
 
Spafford had known peaceful and happy days as a successful attorney in Chicago. He was the father of four daughters, an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and a loyal friend and supporter of D. L. Moody and other evangelical leaders of his day. Then, a series of calamities began, starting with the great Chicago fire of 1871, which wiped out the family's extensive real estate investments. When Mr. Moody and his music associate, Ira Sankey, left for Great Britain for an evangelistic campaign, Spafford decided to lift the spirits of his family by taking them on a vacation to Europe. He also planned to assist in the Moody-Sankey meetings there.
 
In November, 1873, Spafford was detained by urgent business, but he sent his wife and four daughters as scheduled on the S.S. Ville du Harve, planning to join them soon. Halfway across the Atlantic, the ship was struck by an English vessel and sank in 12 minutes. All four of the Spafford daughters-Tanetta, Maggie, Annie and Bessie-were among the 226 who drowned. Mrs. Spafford was among the few who were miraculously saved.
 
Horatio Spafford stood, hour after hour, on the deck of the ship carrying him to rejoin his sorrowing wife in Cardiff, Wales. When the ship passed the approximate place where his precious daughters had drowned, Spafford received sustaining comfort from God that enabled him to write, "When sorrows like sea billows roll, it is well with my soul." What a picture of our hope!

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll-Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well with my soul.
Tho Satan should buffet, tho trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and shed His own blood for my soul.
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll: The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, "Even so"-it is well with my soul.

Chorus: It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.
 
By Grace,
Pastor Ed

1 Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV) Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

So much of our spiritual growth comes from learning from the mistakes we make, the sins we commit, and the wrongs that have come through us.  Of course, we really don't want to learn that way. It hurts us, and more importantly it hurts God. We'd rather learn without the pain of mistakes.  If that's you, there's good news!
 
When we read the Bible, whether we're in the Old Testament or the New, it's important that we read looking for the examples that will teach us key lessons on following Jesus.  How careful we need to be to not just gloss over them, or relegate them to another time or another place.  Why?
 
It's been said that, "experience is the best teacher."  It's true.  But here's the good news: it doesn't have to be our own experience.  Our Father in heaven is so good to us that He let His people learn those lessons so that we could gain understanding through their failures and avoid them in our own lives.
 
That's exactly what the Apostle Paul is saying to us when he writes, "All these events happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us, who live at the time when this age is drawing to a close." 1 Corinthians 10:11 (NLT)
 
In Love,

Pastor Ed

Colossians 4:12 (NKJV) "...always laboring fervently... that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."

Not too long ago, I read about the schedule John Wesley kept as he served the Lord.  Now, even though most of us will never keep the same pace as Wesley, we all have a pace to keep that's unique to us!  I have to say, though, it was really an encouragement to me and a challenge to look for ways to fill my life with serving Jesus, even more than I do already.
 
"John Wesley averaged three sermons a day for fifty-four years. In his work of evangelism he traveled by horseback or by carriage more than 200,000 miles. His published works include a four-volume commentary on the whole Bible, a four-volume work on church history, six books on church music, and seven volumes of sermons. He also edited a set of fifty books known as The Christian Library. He was greatly devoted to pastoral work, taking on himself the care of all the Methodist churches, never rising later than 4 A.M. and seldom concluding his labors before 10 P.M."
 
A great example of a brother, that through his life, stirs up love and good works in us!
 
Serving Jesus,
Pastor Ed

2 Corinthians 4:7 (NKJV) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

The example Paul left us is encouraging on so many different levels.  His desire to live a life above reproach stands as a testimony to us how God will use an imperfect person to reach other imperfect people with the gospel.
 
Too often I've seen Christians write themselves off and out of the plan of God. I hear all too much, "Oh, look at my past, God could never use me;"  OR "I'm a failure;" OR "There are dozens of people better than me."
 
The truth is God's plan on the earth today includes YOU my fellow believer.  Not only does He want to use you, He will use you as you yield your life to Him.
 
What excuse do you need to overcome?  The time is short.  Cry out to God today asking Him to use you.  Then right after you say, "Amen," go be used! Share the gospel with your boss. Walk across the street to your neighbor. Make that phone call. Send that email.  Do it. You'll be blessed and then your example will be encouraging to so many others around, just like Paul's!
 
It's actually not about us is it? It's not about Paul.  It's all about the faithfulness of God in these earthen vessels, you and me! I love His grace.
 
That's cool!
 
By Grace,

Pastor Ed

Luke 17:5 (NKJV)  And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."

I'm sure I don't need to convince you just how much doubt undermines our faith.  Right when we're ready to step out on the promises of God, doubt raises it's ugly head and instead of action, we're now debating on whether to follow through.   Why? What happened? Doubt.  It created apprehension where boldness once was.  Doubt created hesitancy where courage resided.  Doubt. It easily turns our whole spiritual life on its head with no clear spiritual direction!  It can be so frustrating!
 
It's been said:
Doubt sees the obstacles; faith sees the way.
Doubt sees the darkest night; faith sees the day.
Doubt dreads to take a step; faith soars on high;
Doubt questions, "Who believes?" Faith answers, "I."
 
Ask God to increase your faith today. He loves to answer that prayer!
 
Trusting Him,
Pastor Ed

Matthew 6:1-4 (NKJV) "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly."

From an early age, many of us were taught to expect and accept the applause of men.  It happened innocently enough when we said our first word or took our first step.  So it should be no surprise that we have adapted this desire for man's applause and brought it with us into the church.
 
Truly, affirmation from others is a great addition to our lives as we interact with those we love.  The applause of man, the appreciation of others, the acceptance of peers, and the affirmation of friends are healthy and helpful in their proper context.  
 
However, there are dangers and it's important as you serve Jesus to do so not for the applause of man, but rather for the applause and acceptance of heaven.  Why? The applause of man is fickle. One day they like you, the next you don't measure up. Ask any losing quarterback on Monday, he'll tell you.
 
Our praying, our giving, our service is to God primarily and to man always secondarily. As we keep this perspective, the love of Jesus constrains us in this beautiful labor of love.  I love what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, "So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.  Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.  For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building." 1 Corinthians 3,7-9 
 
Your work and service in Christ is not going unnoticed by your Heavenly Father, that's for sure!  No human may know of the countless hours you invest in the Kingdom of God, but He does. Keep serving Him my friend, motivated NOT by the applause of man, but rather by the resounding applause of heaven.
 
In Love,
Pastor Ed

Psalms 34:19 (NKJV) Many are the afflictions of the righteous,  But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

Sometimes the pathway out of discouragement is to simply change our perspective. 
 
I think of Thomas Edison, who gave our world over 1,000 inventions that have literally transformed the way we live.  He worked and worked and worked; tirelessly obsessed with his projects.  When about 10,000 experiments with a storage battery failed to produce the results he was looking for, discouragement was right around the corner.  But, he avoided it with a great attitude.  When his friend came knocking, trying to encourage him, he found that Edison was already encouraged when he answered, "why, I have not failed; I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
 
What's true in the natural realm, is really true in the spiritual realm. Keeping our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith will help us navigate through countless seeming failures in our lives. Truly with our lives hidden in Christ, we find that God is teaching us ways to follow Him more closely and more clearly even through our failures.
 
I love what Solomon reminded us of in the Proverbs:  "For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again..." Proverbs 24:16 (NKJV)
 
Getting Up Again,
Pastor Ed

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NKJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

It's good to remember that there's always a battle going on in the spiritual realm.  Whether the atmosphere is one of struggle and stress or peace and blessing, our adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion SEEKING whom he may devour.  That means he's seeking out you and me.
 
Well, thanks a lot, Ed, for that Monday morning encouragement!
 
Yes, it is encouraging stuff to be reminded of and to know.  It's been said that to be forewarned is to be forearmed.  It's so true. You're being prepared for battle as you read this note.
 
Even what you're about to experience today is a part of the battle.  As you desire to grow and be used of the Lord, Satan wants to devour and destroy you. He wants to devour your dreams, your ministry, your kids, your family, your joy!
 
Friends, our victory is not in our own strength, but in the Lord!  He is our conquering King and the Bible says, "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place." 2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV)  Hallelujah!
 
Stay close to Jesus this week. Abide in Him and He'll abide in you! Victory is ours in Jesus!
 
In Love,
Pastor Ed 

Mark 16:15 (NKJV) And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. "

On the shelves of my library sit books and books on leadership.  Some are very good and others are not.  That's the way it goes with books.  Yet, I love to read and hear and learn about how God has used different men and women to grow His Kingdom here on earth. They inspire and instruct me on the areas under my stewardship.
 
One of my favorites is a little gem entitled, "D.L. Moody on Spiritual Leadership" by Steve Miller.  Here's a snippet from one of Pastor Moody's sermons:
 
"A little girl, only eleven years old, once came to me in a Sunday school and said: 'Won't you please pray that God will make me a winner of souls?'  Oh, suppose she lives three-score years and goes on winning four or five souls every year; at the end of her journey there will be three hundred souls on the way to glory.  And how long will it be before that little company swells into a great army?  Don't you see how that little mountain rill keeps swelling till it carries everything before it?  Little trickling streams have run into it, till now, a mighty river, it has great cities on its banks, and the commerce of all nations floating on its waters. So when a single soul is won to Christ you cannot see the result. A single one multiplies to a thousand, and that into ten thousand.  Perhaps a million shall be the fruit; we cannot tell."
 
Win, Disciple, and Send is our heart's desire.
 
Blessings,

Pastor Ed 

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

What a special day in the life of Calvary Aurora and I want to thank you for being a part of it. It was nine (9) years ago today, that Abounding Grace, our radio outreach starting airing at 7PM on a local Denver AM radio station.
 
We were so excited (and still are) to be able to share God's Word with many over the airwaves. I remember being so nervous that day.  I pulled the radio out at home, gathered the family around it and listened to that first broadcast.  Oh wow, it was a little difficult (like hearing your own voice?).  But we finished listening and as the church phone number was being shared, I was ready!  The church phone was still in our house back then I was worried that people would get busy signals trying to call.  God's sense of humor showed up as the phone was eerily silent! Nobody called.  As a matter fact, nobody called for weeks! What's up with that? It was a little lesson on trusting in Him that His Word will not return void (and a few others)!
 
It's hard to believe that nine years have passed since that first Monday night, but they have. Both in Denver and around the country, we've had the privilege to broadcast our Bible studies on many different radio stations over the years connecting with wonderful people like you.
 
Where are we now?  We're prayerfully and aggressively pursuing building a full power FM station right here in Denver!  Our prayer is that we will have the blessing of broadcasting Bible studies and worship 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  We are broadcasting online from our web site at http://www.calvaryauroraradio.com. Please bookmark it and listen in to some of the most powerful Bible teachers in all the world, any time of the day or night.  While you're listening, remember to pray for the progress of our FM station and expanding media ministries.  It's not as easy as we thought.  But we're glad it's God's will for us and not our own doing.  He'll take care of the details.
 
Thanks again for your love and prayers for us.  We look forward to more ministry as we await the soon return of Jesus!
 
By Grace,
Pastor Ed

2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV) "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen."

I don't think Peter could see iPods in the future when he wrote this, but it totally applies!  Using technology to the glory of God is a great blessing for us living in the 21st century.  We have at our disposal more tools to grow in Him than ever before!
 
That's where podcasting comes in. Here at Calvary Aurora, we have three different podcasts available for you in order to help you grow in Jesus.  (Now if you don't know what a podcast or iPod is, no worries, we still have all this stuff on CD. Just call us and we'll help you.)
 
But for those who do podcast, I encourage you to subscribe to one or all of the podcasts we currently offer.  We're adding more in the coming months. 
 
Weekend/Midweek Bible study AUDIO podcast

Weekend/Midweek Bible study VIDEO podcast

 
Abounding Grace Daily Radio AUDIO podcast
 
In addition to podcasts, we have a channel on YouTube where we post shortened clips of Bible studies and worship. Click here to see Calvary Aurora on YouTube.
 
I pray these resources bless you as you seek to grow in your love of Jesus!
 
Blessings,
Pastor Ed 

Matt 12:33 (NKJV) Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.

Never before has it been easier to establish a "ministry."  There are many who take the calling of God lightly and call themselves into ministry.  They print out business cards, establish web sites, and put themselves forth as such and such or so and so; all in "Jesus' name" of course.
 
What really establishes a person in the calling of God?  It's simple. Jesus said to look at the fruit of a person's life.  What is the fruit of a person's life?  What is being produced through their ministry?
 
For example, if God has called a person to be an 'evangelist,' we will be able to see that and prove it, right?  How?  We'll be able to see people getting saved.  If a person's calling is to be a 'teacher,' then we will be able to see that, too.  There will be a steady stream of people that are taught, fed, and growing in the grace of God.
 
The proof of our calling will be fruit coming from our lives.  Look for it.
 
Paul, when he wrote to the Corinthians, did. He pointed out that if there was any proof that he indeed was an apostle, it was the fact that there were believers in Corinth!
 
"Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart." 2 Cor 3:1-3 (NKJV)
 
In His Love,
Pastor Ed

Philippians 1:7 (NKJV) "just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace."

It's so often convicting to me, as I gain a deeper perspective of how Paul used his time.  Aside from his personality, he was always looking to fill his time with the things of the Lord.  No matter where he was, he was looking for the open door to love someone in Jesus name! Paul truly took to heart the encouragement from Jesus to abide in Him!
 
For example, Paul was often in prison, in a horrible spot, a time that could have easily led to petty pity parties. Yet, what do we see him do? He redeems the time. He writes. He shares. He prays. There are times where I think that Paul did more in prison than I've done being on the outside.
 
Now, I'm careful not to be condemned by that thought but rather encouraged. I know that God can use me to redeem the time, to use today to serve him with all my heart.
 
The same is true with you. Redeem the time, my friend, and use today as a day full of being in the center of God's will!
 
Thanks,
Pastor Ed

2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Webster's defines partiality as, "an unfair bias in favor of one thing or person compared with another," or as, "favoritism."  As you look around today, that's a lot of what we see: people playing favorites which means some are looked upon favorably, while others are passed up for no good reasons.
 
When it comes to salvation, God shows no partiality. God has made it possible through His Son Jesus for anyone to be saved. Your background doesn't matter. The color of your skin doesn't matter. How much money you have doesn't matter. All that matters is that a person hears the gospel, repents of their sins, and believes in Jesus!
 
Pray this week that God removes any partiality in your heart toward other people. It's a great hindrance to the work of His Spirit in your life. I believe that God hears that prayer and will answer it in your life!
 
By Grace,
Pastor Ed

2 Corinthians 4:5 (NKJV) "For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake."

Earlier this week I shared a quote from Vance Havner as he looked back on the early days of his ministry. He was caught up in the 'popular doctrine' of his day: liberalism.  It was a view that undermined the Bible, minimized the blood of Jesus, and avoided the cross.  One lesson we learn from Vance is that we can recover from failure.  It was a failure to get caught up in the popular wave of the day. He repented. God blessed his ministry tremendously as he began to preach Jesus and Him Crucified.
 
Another important lesson we learn from the Lord is how our decisions affect others. Vance writes that he decided to, "preach popular sermons that convicted nobody. The unbelievers liked my preaching and I had a good crowd, but many of them died unsaved under my ministry." 
 
Please pray for pastors that they (we) will not choose the popular, or the easy way where they (we) preach popular syrupy messages that convict nobody and lead people to die unsaved. Intercede regularly, my friend, for pastors around town... including ours here at Calvary.
 
Thanks,
Pastor Ed

Proverbs 24:16 (NKJV) For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.

It's entirely possible to go through seasons of mistakes and failures.  We don't like them. We don't want them. But they happen.  They hurt.  Sometimes we think we'll never recover.
 
Vance Havner, a man used greatly and powerfully by God, looks back at a time in his life where failure entered in when he writes:
 
"I started preaching again, but without any guidelines or precedent for my kind of ministry.  I made many mistakes, went up blind alleys and dead-end streets.  I took a rule pastorate in North Carolina. I became somewhat enamored of the liberal approach which was beginning to gain favor.  It did not become malignant in my case, but I did have enough of the virus in my system to preach popular sermons that convicted nobody. The unbelievers liked my preaching and I had a good crowd, but many of them died unsaved under my ministry."

Vance Havner
Journey from Jugtown

He recovered from those early years to preach the gospel purely, passionately, and powerfully in the Spirit.
 
You, too, can recover from failure, my friend. Put your hope in Jesus!
 
By Grace,
Pastor Ed

Matthew 10:16 (NKJV)"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves."

You are on a mission from God!  Isn't that great?  I love it. God has a plan, purpose, and desire for your life and you're on His mission.  Yet distractions abound and detours seem to pop up at every turn.  What are we supposed to do?  Stay on mission my friend.
 
I'm reminded of Nehemiah as he was being used greatly by the Lord in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. His enemies sent to him, trying to distract him into a detour, an invitation to stop the work and go to the plains of Ono. I love his response. Memorize it and make it your own:
 
Nehemiah 6:3 (NKJV) "So I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?" 
 
In Love,
Pastor Ed 

1 Corinthians 2:3 (NKJV) "I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling."

Sometimes, we think we have to be all polished up and completely, perfectly ready to share Jesus' love with someone; so we decide not to share at all since really, when are we ever perfectly polished up?  But the Bible is clear: God will use us as we are!
 
When Paul came to the Corinthians, he came with the sole purpose of preaching Jesus, and Him crucified. He didn't come trying to impress them with his worldly wisdom.  He didn't reach out to them with some man-made philosophy.  Paul wasn't intimidated by the various ideas and beliefs that were swirling around during that time.  Instead, he was weak, fearful, and trembling much.   He was far from what we might think is the perfect vessel for delivery... or maybe he was the perfect vessel: completely surrendered to the Spirit!
 
It's good to remember.  It's a great model for ministry through our lives. Jesus alone gets all the attention; all the glory; all the focus.  The spotlight must remain on him. 
 
Even though there is temptation to elevate a man or a ministry, it needs to be resisted.  God does use humans in a wonderful way, but we can never be too attached to the instrument.  Only Jesus is preached. Only Jesus is worshipped. Only Jesus is worthy of our lives!
 
In His Love,
Pastor Ed 

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Traditionally, today, we celebrate the darkest day in human history;  the death of Jesus Christ.  While many in that day thought it was the end of the ministry of Jesus, it was just the beginning.
 
Sometimes we look at situations in life and wonder how anyone, anywhere can refer to them as ever ending up good.  I mean, it's so painful and so hurtful and someone wants to call it good?  Surely they don't understand, we think.
 
Perhaps they understand it a little better than we do since we're in the midst of it.  Even though it's true that not everything IS good, the Word encourages us that God works all things together FOR the good for those who love Him.
 
It took some time for the disciples of Jesus to see the good in their Friend's death.  It was through His death that our sins were wiped away and the opportunity to be saved by faith was sealed.
 
I pray today is a good one for you. But if it's not, wait on the Lord and watch Him work it together with other things for your good, and most importantly for His good.
 
By Grace,
Pastor Ed

Luke 4:14-15 (NKJV) "Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all."

Coming out of a week dedicated to prayer and fasting is always exciting.  We're excited in anticipation of how God will answer our prayers, strengthen our bodies, and direct our steps.
 
If you've been praying and fasting with us, don't forget that it's also a time of great, intense spiritual warfare. You'll recall when Jesus went to the wilderness for 40 days, the devil was right there, trying to tempt Jesus in three specific areas. After the temptations were resisted, it's said that Jesus returned to the area of Galilee in the power of the Spirit.  That's just an awesome encouragement.
 
Keep your guard up this week as you seek to live out the beauty of obeying Jesus.  Return to your normal week in the power of the Spirit.
 
Maybe you weren't able to join us last week; it's not too late. Set aside a day or a few days this week and devote them to prayer and fasting. You'll not only obey Scripture, but also set your life toward denying the flesh and feeding your spirit.
 
Blessings,
Pastor Ed

2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (NKJV) "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

Some people are on the quest for the perfect church. Are you? I hope not.
 
Wait a minute, Pastor Ed, what do you mean you "hope not"?  Shouldn't we be seeking out the perfect church? Shouldn't we be striving toward being the perfect church? Shouldn't we long to get back to the perfect days of the early church? No, No, and No. (By the way, there were no 'perfect' days of the early church.)
 
We should be longing for Jesus.  We should be seeking to abide in Him.  We should find our strength, sufficiency, and hope not in His church but in Him!
 
The church is not, and has not been perfect any where at any time.  Why? Because people are involved; weak, flawed people make up His church. There are flaws in every church everywhere even if folks don't want to admit it.  If we put our hope in a church, then we can look forward to great disappointment.  But if we put our hope in Jesus, then even what disappointments we face in this life pale in comparison to the glory of His love for us.
 
Please, set your heart toward Jesus today.  If you happen to be part of an imperfect church (all of us), then please pray for your church, for your pastors, for your leadership, and for your fellow believers. Thanks.
 
In His Love,
Pastor Ed 

Nehemiah 1:4 (NKJV)  So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 

We all need a time of rest and encouragement in the Lord. So, beginning Sunday night (March 21st), we as a church family are taking a break from all of our ministries for a time of prayer & fasting.
 
Along with 100s of other churches, we are joining with Pastor Mike Macintosh (Horizon Christians Fellowship, San Diego) for a dedicated time of prayer & fasting.  
 
It is not too late to join us as we meet in the sanctuary tonight at 8 pm.
 
Then, we'll meet Wednesday night in the cafe at 6:30 pm for a potluck where we'll break our fast together and enjoy a water baptism upstairs afterward.
 
We have a Bible study available to you on the topic of fasting: Click here to listen to, watch, or download the Bible study titled, "What is Biblical Fasting?"

We also have a fasting suggestion sheet available: Click here to download a PDF titled, "Tips for Successful Fasting."

A pastor friend of mine sent me a remarkable video showing some of the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake - an aftermath most of us wouldn't expect.  In the midst of devastation, heartache, and pain, a revival of God's Spirit is breaking out!  Please watch this short, very moving story of what God is doing in Haiti, and be encouraged that even when everything seems broken, God is healing.
 
Video: Haiti - A Call to Prayer & Fasting 

I was touched and inspired by these people, and hope you will be too.
 
See you there!
 
Blessings,
Pastor Ed

James 1:3 (NLT) For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

Many of us know Kay Arthur by the Inductive Bible Study ministry God has entrusted to her care and oversight. She has been used in mighty ways helping 1000s learn how to study the Bible for themselves.
 
Did you know that this powerful ministry was actually born out of great disappointment?  Kay contracted a serious heart infection while serving on the mission field in Mexico.   Her sickness was so severe; it forced her to return home. "I felt like a failure," she wrote.  "Depression set in until I cried 'Father, whatever you want.'"
 
"It would be several years before I'd see how He'd use those formative years of study in Mexico to prepare me to write inductive Bible studies that would eventually reach fifty-two countries."
 
"My disappointments aren't over," Kay admits.  "Pain and trials are almost constant companions, but never enemies.  They drive me into His sovereign arms.  There He takes my disappointments and works everything together for the good."
 
Trusting God,
Pastor Ed

Judges 9:56a (NKJV)  Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech...
   

Too many times we want to take things into our own hands and inflict revenge on others.  We've been hurt so badly that we really do think it's our right to make them hurt just as bad.  You might even be feeling that right now as you read this note.
 
Friend, God will watch your back. He is watching your back.  He will bring out about equity and justice in His timing.  How do we know that?  Jesus Christ, His own precious Son died to forgive you of your sins.  He died so that you might live. It is in His resurrection that you and I find our strength and sufficiency for every day life.
 
Just like we see in Judges and all throughout the Scriptures, God will repay.
 
We're not to respond in our own flesh, with our own strength, in our own wisdom.  We know that but it's good to be reminded to step back and allow God to be our defender.  Remember the words of our precious Savior:
 
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48 (NKJV)
 
Trusting Him,
Pastor Ed

Psalm 107:21-22 NKJV   Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!  Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.

If you like to read, I'd encourage you to pick up any books you can find by Vance Havner.  God uses him in a way to stir the soul, much like AW Tozer.  Consider these words today as you seek to grow in grace:
 
"We need a heart warming.... The early Christians did not need a shot in the arm every Sunday to keep them going. They knew Jesus and they upset the world and worried the devil and gave wicked rulers insomnia and started something the jails couldn't lock up, fire couldn't burn, water couldn't drown, swords couldn't kill....

You may belittle experience and speak of the dangers of emotion, but we are suffering today from a species of Christianity as dry as dust, as cold as ice, as pale as a corpse, and as dead as King Tut. We are suffering, not from a lack of correct heads but of consumed hearts."
 
May our hearts be consumed with Jesus!
 
Through His Mercies,
Pastor Ed

1 Corinthians 4:1 (NKJV) Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
 

God considers you His servant and His steward.  Those aren't just descriptions for a select group of people that are in spiritual leadership, or pastors, or teachers, but for all believers.  We are all servants and stewards, no matter where God has us sprinkled across the globe.
 
We're servants, or under-rowers in His kingdom.  That means our role is to get our direction from God, and do what He wants us to do.  It's a privilege to serve Jesus in these last days as He pours out His Holy Spirit in wonderful ways.
 
We're stewards. A steward was a house manager.  That meant he had full control of all the master's things, but owned nothing. He was responsible and accountable to his master to be faithful with all his stuff.  As a steward of God's Word, we are responsible to be faithful with it, sharing it with believers and unbelievers alike.
 
Perhaps you've never seen yourself as a steward, one who will give account for their lives before a holy and righteous God!  But now that you do, take some time to seek the Lord for this season in your life, asking for specific direction and confirmation. You can be sure of this: He will answer that prayer.
 
In Him,
Pastor Ed

Psalms 96:2-3 (NKJV)   Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. 
 

Jesus saves! Oh, how we are encouraged as we're reminded that Jesus saves!  He saved us and He can save those that you love; those that you've been sharing His love with. Don't lose heart.
 
Priscilla J. Owens, a Baltimore public school teacher for 49 years, wrote a beautiful hymn in the late 1800s.  These stirring, soul-winning words were written for a missionary service in the Sunday school of the Union Square Methodist Church. Fourteen years later, William Kirkpatrick wedded his vibrant music to her words. Through the years they have challenged God's people with the urgency of soul winning.

We have heard the joyful sound: Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Spread the tidings all around: Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Bear the news to every land; climb the steeps and cross the waves; onward!  'tis our Lord's command; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Waft it on the rolling tide; Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Tell to sinners far and wide: Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Sing, ye islands of the sea; echo back, ye ocean caves; earth shall keep her jubilee: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Sing above the battle strife, Jesus saves! Jesus saves! By His death and endless life, Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Sing it softly through the gloom, when the heart for mercy craves; sing in triumph o'er the tomb;  Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Give the winds a mighty voice, Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Let the nations now rejoice,  Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Shout salvation full and free; highest hills and deepest caves; this our song of victory,  Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

I thank God that Jesus saves!
 
By Grace,
Pastor Ed

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)  And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.  
 

God, in His infinite wisdom, knowing us intimately, in more than one place, encourages us to stir up love and good works among each other.  The idea of being stirred up is that things can get settled, lives can get comfortable, and there is that need to get back to a level of zeal that we once had, and more.  We don't want to go backward; we want to go forward growing in a crazy way in His grace and knowledge!
 
I'm not sure what it will take to stir you up into ministry, into service, into the fulfillment of God's Word for your life.
 
I'm not sure what it will take to stir you up to keep you from settling down into a lackluster, "coasting along," spiritual life.
 
I'm not sure what it will take to stir you up to step up and be counted for your Jesus who gave His life for you.
 
But I do know this, God will do whatever it takes to stir you up in these last days to love, serve, and sell out your life for Him until Jesus comes!
 
Be stirred up today friend!
 
By Grace,
Pastor Ed

1 John 4:4 (NKJV) You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 
 

One of the most worn out weapons of the devil against the church has been outward persecution.  Even as I write this note, precious saints around the world are experiencing horrendous atrocities just because they love Jesus and live for Him.

(For more information on the persecuted church, go here: www.persecution.com)

The devil tries to use persecution to smother God's Work and distort His Word.  He tries to come down in vicious ways simply to discourage and confuse, with the goal of ultimately wiping out believers.

But, did you know it doesn't work? It's never worked. God uses that same persecution to spread the gospel, to build faith, to strengthen and comfort, and to encourage.  Even though it's hard to see with the human eye or understand with the human mind, God is at work in it all.

A great example of this is what is happening in China.  Before the cultural revolution in the 1940s, it was estimated that there were some 800,000 believers served by some 630 missionaries.  Then, the government came down hard and kicked the missionaries out, and the church had to go underground.  What happened then?  The church grew to millions and millions of believers where they now are sending out missionaries from China to spread the gospel!

I know things might be a little tough right now. Please consider a new prayer time for those believers around the world that are dying for their faith today.  Pray that His gospel will go forth unhindered!

In Love,

Pastor Ed

Romans 6:13b (NKJV)    "...but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God."
 

Are you holding back something from the Lord?  Are you not giving Him your best or your all? 
 
How important it is to present our lives daily to God, holding nothing back.  We're not to offer Him portions of our lives.  We're not to just give a little. He's not looking for bits and pieces of our lives, but all of it!  It's important that we offer to God our complete dedication, our wholehearted devotion.
 
I'm reminded of the cute story about the hog and the hen.
 
A hog and hen shared the barnyard next to the old country church. As they were walking around together, they came across and read the church sign about the church's new outreach to feed the homeless and the hungry. They wanted to help so they began to talk about it. The hen said, "I've got it! We'll provide bacon and eggs for the church to feed the hungry." The hog thought about this suggestion and said, "There's only one thing wrong with your bacon and eggs idea. For you, it only requires a contribution; but from me, it will mean total commitment!"
 
Give Him your all, friend!
 
By Love,
Pastor Ed

Mark 16:15 (NKJV) And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
  

Jesus said: "Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together." John 4:35-36 (NKJV)
 
Watching people getting saved is so wonderful. It's incredible to be a part what God is doing on the earth today.
 
Here at Calvary Aurora, we're sending out four more missionaries into those very fields that are white for harvest.  We count it an honor to be a part of their lives, watching God use them in some incredible ways.
 
Please be in prayer for:
 
Mike & Sharon Corage.  They are heading off to serve full-time at an orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico.
 
Jake Olerich. He's heading off to serve full-time at a church plant in Antiplo, Philippines, alongside of the Dizon family.
 
Amy Olney. She's already in York, England, supporting the vibrant church there reaching a society that has long since abandoned Jesus.
 
You know by now that the vision of our ministry here is EVANGELISM with a responsibility to:
 
WIN A PERSON TO JESUS
Mark 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."

DISCIPLE A PERSON IN JESUS
Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

SEND A PERSON FOR JESUS
Acts 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
 
Be sure to visit our missions page at: www.calvaryauroramissions.org

 
And stay in touch with those who have gone out.  Who knows, you might be the next one SENT for Jesus!
 
By His Grace,
Pastor Ed 

Romans 12:1 (NKJV)    I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 
 

A.W. Tozer once wrote, "God's people ought not to be looking for a place to hide, but a place to give themselves as an offering to God."
 
It's true, isn't it? The believer isn't supposed to be in retreat, especially in the face of great danger. Filled with the Spirit and wisdom, our lives are to be moving forward, looking for that place not to hide, but to give ourselves wholly over to God.
 
In Romans 12:1, Paul appeals to us to live a holy, separated, acceptable life of sacrifice to God. 
 
Something to seek the Lord about today!  Let me know how He answers your prayers today. Reply to this note and share your testimony.
 
Blessings,
Pastor Ed

Jeremiah 48:11 (NKJV) "Moab has been at ease from his youth; He has settled on his dregs, And has not been emptied from vessel to vessel, Nor has he gone into captivity. Therefore his taste remained in him, And his scent has not changed." 
 

Have you noticed how easy it is to settle down into a place of personal comfort and ease?  There is that tendency to seek out places where the waters are calm and the wind blows softly.
 
What does that look like spiritually?  Well, there isn't any gross sin your life.  Your prayer life is regular. Your time in the Word isn't increasing, but it's not decreasing either. You're not in any known rebellion against God.  I mean, if you were interviewed you would say that you love Jesus and enjoy living for Him.  But something is missing. You're not really wanting to go any farther, or step out in faith, or rock the boat. You're fine just the way you are.  There is a word for that: complacency.
 
Literally, complacency is defined as, "showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements."
 
As Christians, living in a blessed country, it's just too easy to get lazy spiritually and settle into this spiritual 'bless me Lord' coasting mode!
 
Ask God to stir you up today away from complacency and into a desire to grow like crazy. Time is short.
 
In Love,
Pastor Ed

Matt 5:41 (NKJV)"And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two."
 

It's easy to settle in and do just what we have to.  Even though as believers, Jesus teaches us to go the extra mile, we often in our flesh, don't even want to go the first mile, or do the basics.  Ultimately, we are ones who suffer for it, not just because things don't get done, but because our hearts aren't right with the Lord. Jesus went all the way for you and me. He died so that we might live. He became sin so that we could have our sins forgiven!  He went the second, third, and really all the miles for us!

The story is told of a man who rented a house for his family.  There were no trees around it and his wife strongly suggested that he invest a little money into planting beautiful tress to enjoy.  It would have been so easy for him to invest a few dollars in the property for his personal enjoyment, but he constantly refused.   He would often tell his wife that his only duty was to pay the rent and if she wanted trees that she would have to talk to the owner of the house.  Every month for 25 years this family paid the rent and enjoyed the house.  It was in the 26th year that the house was sold to this family and now no longer paying rent, he owned it.  But the house he owned had, still, no trees to enjoy and 25 lost years.

I'm not sure what the Lord is speaking to you right now about going the extra mile, but please obey Him. You'll be blessed. Others will be blessed. God will be honored!

By Grace,

Pastor Ed

For those of you who desire to study world events in light of biblical prophecy, here are a few relevant web sites to visit and books to read:

WEBSITES

In The Days: Current News in Light of Biblical Prophecy

Joel Rosenberg

For Zion's Sake Ministries

Prophecy News Watch: Biblical Prophecy in the News

The Jerusalem Post

World Net Daily

Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Israel National News

BOOKS
Are We Living In The End Times? by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins 
The Final Act: Setting The Stage Of The End Times Drama by Pastor Chuck Smith 
The Complete Book of Bible Prophecy by Mark Hitchcock 
The Second Coming of Babylon by Mark Hitchcock 
Every Prophecy of the Bible: Clear Explanations for Uncertain Times by John F. Walvoord 
The Temple and Bible Prophecy: A Definitive Look at Its Past, Present, and Future by Randall Price 
Things To Come: A Study In Biblical Eschatology by J. Dwight Pentecost 
The Rise of Babylon by Charles H. Dyer 
 
Just a reminder: The links and books suggested and provided does not mean that I or Calvary Aurora necessarily endorse everything contained within. As always, be careful to use discernment when visiting web sites and reading various books (Acts 17:11).
 
Have a blessed day in Jesus!

MARANATHA!
Pastor Ed

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NKJV) "We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father."
 

If you have ever stepped up to the call and request to serve in your local church then you don't really need me to tell you that it's work; hard work; really hard work at times. You already know that.  Serving Jesus through the ministry of your church is such a wonderful joy, but it can be tiring on occasion.
 
That's why you have to be very careful of your motivation.  It can't be to be seen by men or to impress men or any other type of human centered motivation.  Your motivation, my motivation, the fuel that keeps our hearts in tune with Jesus as we serve, is LOVE.
 
For the church that was in the city of Thessalonica, they were known to have a 'labor of love.'  That was their reputation.
 
A lot of times people serve to be seen by men. Why? Because our flesh loves to be recognized, applauded, and praised.  A big problem with that type of motivation is that humans are so fickle.  An even larger problem is that our service is to Jesus first and foremost.  When love is that key motivator, then you're love for Jesus carries you through.  When we realize just how much the Lord has done for us, we can't help but serve our hearts out unto Him!
 
Serving Jesus,
Pastor Ed

Romans 12:2 (NKJV) "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."   

"You have not really learned a commandment until you have obeyed it. The church suffers today from Christians who know volumes more than they practice." - Vance Havner

I'm convinced both as a fellow believer in Jesus and as a pastor, a servant of the Most High God, that the problems among us in the Christian Church are not related to a lack of information.  Indeed, we have more information available to us about the truths of God's Word, delivered to us in more ways than ever before.  We are a well educated, or at least, can be a well educated group of followers!

The problem is not information but TRANSFORMATION.  Allowing the word of God to come in us in such a way as to not just touch the head, but to move the heart is so vital and important.

Today, pray about an issue in your life where you know already what you're supposed to do.  You have the information correct.  Then, as you're praying ask our Abba Father to pour out His Holy Spirit upon you and in you so that the needed transformation takes place!  Then, step out and obey in His wisdom and in His power.

What Vance Havner said bears repeating: "You have not really learned a commandment until you have obeyed it. The church suffers today from Christians who know volumes more than they practice."
 
Blessings,
Pastor Ed

John 13.19 "Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He."  

Prophecy is a very important part of the God's plan for the earth.
 
Did you know that over one-fourth of the Bible is prophecy? And one-fifth of the Scriptures was PREDICTIVE at the time of their writings.  PROPHECY is very important.  It's a vital piece of understanding the Word and understanding the times in which we live.
 
You're invited to this weekend's services as we will be having a Prophecy Update 2010.  This is a great weekend to bring that friend, or family member who needs to hear about God's great love for them and how end times events are lining up according to the prophecies of Bible.
 
In prayerfully preparing yourself, you can read ahead:
  - Isaiah 46-48
  - Ezekiel 37-39
  - 2 Peter 1
  - Matthew 24-25
  - Jeremiah 30
 
Maranatha!
Pastor Ed

1 Corinthians 4:1 (NKJV) "Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God."

To the church in Corinth, Paul wanted to be considered a 'minister.'  Depending on how you grew up, that word already has begun to swirl in your mind a lot of different ideas.  Some were raised to think that ministers were very special people, perfect in their lives, with perfect families, that really are untouchable people that teach the Bible.  Others think of ministers with the sting of hypocrisy still fresh.  Others grew up with a minister who understood the Bible well, and served faithfully as an example.

The word that is used in 1 Corinthians 4:1 refers to the lowest of the lowest galley servant.  The picture that is painted here of the minister of God is that of an under-rower.  He was that slave on the lowest deck of a ship who simply rowed repetitively and consistently to the cadence of a drummer.  He was the unseen faithful powerhouse of the ship's movement.  It was down in that galley where you would find the people who worked the hardest, laboring faithfully.
 
It's a different picture than what has been painted by the 'Christian Celebrity' environment that we live in today.  (Which, by the way, we shouldn't get caught up in. It's an oxymoron to think that there is any such thing as a Christian Celebrity; perhaps in the eyes of men there is, but not with God.)
 
A minister is a servant. Nothing more.  Nothing less.  If we've strayed away from this simplicity, let's get back to it. Amen?
 
An Under-Rower,
Pastor Ed 

Mark 5:27 (NKJV) "When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment."

There are times when we view interruptions as anything but divine!  We have our plans. We have only a limited amount of time. We have things to do. We have people to see. AND we have a God that wants to use us on His timetable, in His way, with the people He's ordained.
 
Jesus is the Master Example of handing interruptions well.  A short journey through the book of Mark reveals time and time again, Jesus ministering to many through what we see as 'Divine Interruptions.'
 
Jesus always responded graciously.  He made people a priority. He stopped.  He was sensitive to human need. He sometimes was the Author of the interruption.  He compassionately handled each perceived interruption with the grace and love that we need to follow.
 
So the next time an interruption comes your way, be open to the Spirit of God to see what God is doing... then jump in and love on that person or use that situation to love on somebody! You'll be blessed and the Kingdom of God will benefit!
 
In Love,
Pastor Ed 

The recent tragedy in Haiti has mobilized aid from all over the world, and Calvary Aurora is joining the effort by coming alongside Samaritan's Purse, an international relief organization headed up by Franklin Graham. Samaritan's Purse dispatched a team within hours after the quake struck and has had countless men & women there around the clock serving to help the relief efforts.

Calvary Aurora will be making a financial commitment to the effort as well as encouraging you to do the same as the Lord leads.  If you would like to help, you can send your donations to Calvary Aurora, and in the memo line of the check, designate Haiti and all proceeds will be forwarded to Samaritan's Purse.  If you would prefer to donate online, please go directly to Samaritan's Purse's website (www.samaritanspurse.org).

Please continue to pray for Haiti, which has already been struggling to recover from four devastating hurricanes that struck the island just over a year ago, and is considered the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.  Even today a 6.1 aftershock hit the area.  We need to storm the throne room of grace for that country.

Pray for the people, for the workers coming to their aid, and for the love of Jesus to be shared freely, bringing a message of hope and compassion alongside the desperately needed practical aid. Pray for those who are going in to pull people from the rubble, and for food, medical assistance, clean water, hygiene supplies, tents, and other emergency assistance to arrive as soon as possible. Pray for those who have lost loved ones, and those who are struggling to survive.

I pray that we can help and bring HOPE into the midst of this tragedy.
 
In Him
Pastor Ed

Romans 12:18 (NKJV) "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."
 

People are sometimes surprised that there would be strife and problems among people in a church. I know I was as a new believer; it stumbled me a little.  But then God began to show me that whenever two or three people are gathered together, there is always the possibility of troubles, disagreements, and fights.
 
Now, of course, that's not God's heart for His redeemed. His heart for us is that we would live in His unconditional love toward one another.  Paul the apostle would put it this way, "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3 (NKJV)
 
Did you see that word 'endeavoring'? It literally means 'to work hard at, or put a lot of effort into.'  Yes, there is the need for us to work at keeping the unity that is ours in Jesus, by the sweetness of His Spirit.
 
Pray for yourself this week, friend. Pray that God would reveal any area that needs attention in seeking unity with other believers.  God will answer that prayer for sure!
 
Blessed By Grace,
Pastor Ed

Acts 6:15 (NKJV) "And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel." 
 

Sometimes it's just easier to serve Jesus with our words rather than living for Him with our lives.  It's not the right decision, but it's the one that is often made.  If you didn't already know, people see right through that kind of stuff.  It's been said that you and I are the only Bibles that some people will read.  I believe it.
 
Yet with a life lived by grace, and people watching you, God can use it!  He will use it.
 
John Taylor Smith was a chaplain general of British forces throughout World War II.  As the story goes, he was asked to preach at a service in Chicago.  While he was crossing the Atlantic, he walked around the deck of the ship in the open cool air every night.  He lost his voice before getting to Chicago.  He arrived in Chicago on time, and preached his entire message in a whisper.  With none of the electronic gadgets available to amplify his voice, his message went forth in a light, almost inaudible tone.  At the end of the message someone came up to him and said, "You have persuaded me that I must become a Christian."  The chaplain asked, "What exactly was it that I said that brought you to this conclusion?"  The man answered, "I couldn't hear a word you said, it was just looking at you."
 
Oh, as people are looking at us, may we radiate the love of Jesus!
 
In Him,
Pastor Ed

Romans 12:2 (NKJV)  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Here it is, a week into the new year. Already the Lord has shown us great and marvelous things!  It's so encouraging to think of how much of a better year it can be!
 
Yet with the new year comes the studies and news reports with all the statistics that can be really discouraging.  Its story after story of how people haven't been able to keep their commitments or resolutions. To some, maybe even you, the statistics just don't bring a lot of hope.  Studies suggest that 23% of those who committed to a change fail within a week, 45% within a month, and 60% within two years.  Statistics don't lie do they?  Well, sometimes they do!
 
I know what it's like to attempt a change at the dawn of a fresh new year and then not follow through.  It can be demoralizing, discouraging, and just plain disheartening.  Perhaps there have been times in your life when you did the same thing.  Last year's resolution and commitment has become this year's ... again.
 
Ok, maybe it has.  Maybe last year's failed attempt has reappeared this year.  That means you are on "Day 1" of that big change that will transform your life this year.  Your success depends on one thing: the spiritual strength of Jesus Christ by His Spirit.  That is where the true path to success lies.  In those weak moments; with those intense cravings; as your willpower disintegrates with each passing tick of the clock, turn to Jesus Christ for the strength you need to carry on another day.  Before you know it, one day becomes two, two days become four, and on and on and on!  You really can follow through this year.  This is the year you'll finally kick that bad habit, make that spiritual change, and move forward in the things of God.  I am excited to hear of your successes.  Don't give up or give in.  Hang in there.  Go ahead, make the change!
 
Have a fantastic, Happy New Year in Jesus!
 
Living In Grace,
Pastor Ed

John 15:13 (NKJV) Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.

Recently, I read the story about little Jack who was a 9-year old sitting at his desk in class. All of a sudden there is a puddle between his feet, and the front of his pants are wet.
 
He thinks his heart is about to stop, because he knows when the boys find out, he'll never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again.
 
The boy puts his head down and prays this prayer, "Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat." He looks up from his prayer, and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he's been discovered.  As the teacher is coming to snatch him up, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl filled with water. She stumbles and dumps the goldfish bowl in his lap. He pretends to be angry but prays, "Thank you, Jesus!"
 
Now, rather than being the object of ridicule, Jack is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. When he comes back to class, all the kids are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The turn of events and the unexpected sympathy are wonderful!
 
But as life would have it, the ridicule that belongs to Jack has been transferred to Susie. She tries to help, but they tell her to get out, "You've done enough, you klutz!"
 
Finally, at the end of the day, Jack and Susie are waiting at the bus stop. The boy walks over to Susie and whispers, "Susie, you did that on purpose, didn't you?" Susie whispers back, "I wet my pants once too."
 
It's true, in the moments of another person's pain, embarrassment, and even sorrow, the Lord calls us to "dump the water out of our fishbowl" and do a kind act for someone else in the love of Jesus Christ!
 
Loving Him,
Pastor Ed

John 15:15 (NKJV)  "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you."

As we look forward to a new year, with a fresh start, and a clean slate, let's remember our tremendous friend: Jesus.

We sing the Hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." It's a powerful reminder of how Jesus is there for us, through the good times and the bad.  Here's a little background on the hymn to consider:

"A true friend loves and accepts us just as we are, stays close to us in good or in bad, and is always ready to help in time of need. Because the author of this hymn text found just such a friend in his Lord, he decided to spend his entire life showing real friendship to others.
 
Joseph Scriven had wealth, education, a devoted family, and a pleasant life in his native Ireland. Then unexpected tragedy entered. On the night before Scriven's scheduled wedding, his fiancée drowned. In his deep sorrow, Joseph realized that he could find the solace and support he needed only in his dearest friend, Jesus.
 
Soon after this tragedy, Scriven dramatically changed his lifestyle. He left Ireland for Port Hope, Canada, determined to devote all of his extra time in being a friend and helper to others. He often gave away his clothing and possessions to those in need, and he worked-without pay-for anyone who needed him. Scriven became known as 'the Good Samaritan of Port Hope.'

When Scriven's mother became ill in Ireland, he wrote a comforting letter to her, enclosing the words of his newly written poem with the prayer that these brief lines would remind her of a never-failing heavenly Friend. Sometime later, when Joseph Scriven himself was ill, a friend who came to call on him happened to see a copy of these words scribbled on scratch paper near his bed. The friend read the lines with interest and asked, 'Who wrote those beautiful words?'  'The Lord and I did it between us,' was Scriven's reply."

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged-Take it to the Lord 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.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge-Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer; in His arms He'll take and shield thee-Thou wilt find a solace there. 

May 2010 be a blessed new year with our friend, Jesus!
 
By Grace,
Pastor Ed

James 2:23 (NKJV) And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. 

I pray that God gives you a fresh, new, and vibrant New Year to serve Him in love and sincerity!
 
We live in some incredible times!!!
 
I look forward to seeing you grow and hearing of how God has blessed you in this coming year!
 
OR Maranatha!, even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!!!!
 
Whichever comes first!
 
In His Great Love,
Pastor Ed

Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV) For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Even with the celebration of Christmas behind us, opportunities to love and share the good news of Jesus are before us! During this time of year there seems to be a wide open door to encourage people with the truths of God's love and grace.

According to an ancient legend, Satan and his demons were having a Christmas party. As the demonic guests were departing, one grinned and said to Satan, "Merry Christmas, your majesty." At that, Satan replied with a growl, "Yes, keep it merry. If they ever get serious about it, we'll all be in trouble." Well, get serious about it; it is the birth of the Baby. It is the coming of God.

Most people aren't intimidated by the little Baby born in Bethlehem. He's so cute and non-threatening. But that Baby grew up and it's through His life, death, and resurrection that salvation is found!

Introduce someone to that little Baby this week, and take them all the way into adulthood, to the cross. Share with them the reality of sin, the availability of forgiveness. Ask them if they would like to repent right there, and give their lives to Jesus Christ. Invite them to church. Love them. Be available and who knows how the Holy Spirit will use you! Let's not miss the reason for this wonderful season. His name is Jesus.

Blessed In Jesus,
Pastor Ed

Luke 19:13 (NKJV) So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.'

I realize that many of you have today off from work so you won't see this note for a few days. Yet I do want to wish you a Merry Christmas, on behalf of my family, and our church family of staff, volunteers, and precious saints.

We are living in incredible times and God wants us to be busy about His spiritual business.

In Agape,
Pastor Ed

Psalm 33:4 (NKJV) For the word of the LORD is right and all His work is done in truth.

As the story goes, a captain of a ship looked into the dark night and saw faint lights in the distance. Immediately he told his signalman to send a message: "Alter your course 10 degrees south." Promptly a return message was received: "Alter your course 10 degrees north."

The captain was angered; his command had been ignored. So he sent a second message: "Alter your course 10 degrees south - I am the captain!" Soon another message was received: "Alter your course 10 degrees north - I am a seaman third class Jones."

Immediately the captain sent a third message, knowing the fear it would evoke: "Alter your course 10 degrees south - I am a battleship." Then the reply came: "Alter your course 10 degrees north - I am a lighthouse."

As comical as it may sound, it actually describes quite a few believers from time to time. Isn't it true that sometimes we resist the truth, clinging so tenaciously to what we think is right, only to find out it is not only wrong but also so spiritually dangerous?

Be open to a fresh word from the Lord this week, open to His Spirit, open to His leading, open to His confirmation. If God is trying to pry loose a tightly held opinion, release it to Him this week as you seek to love Him and others!

By Grace,
Pastor Ed

1 Corinthians 1:11 (NKJV) For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you.

Trouble came into the church in Corinth that had the potential to devastate a new and vibrant fellowship of believers. All sorts of crazy stuff was happening; but at the root of it all were people refusing to live in obedience to Jesus.

When Paul the Apostle writes his letter to them, he mentions that the household of Chloe had enough courage to share with him the truth about what was going on. While others were silent and maybe even enjoying the hypocrisies, Chloe would have nothing of that. She went to the leadership so that they might intervene and get the church back on track. I like that. Someone was willing to stand up and share the truth - not with a gossiping tongue, but with one that could help solve the problem! Not only were they willing to share, they were also willing to be named; there was no desire for anonymity. They didn't care what people may have thought of them because they cared most what God thought of them!

Not everything goes right in the church. Sometimes God will allow us to be in the middle of something that's not on target so that He might use us to help solve it and get our eyes back on Jesus. This is what really matters! Don't be afraid of what people think, but be incredibly concerned with what God thinks!

In Him,
Pastor Ed

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NKJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

For some reason, the time surrounding the holidays seems to push people farther and farther away from each other. It could be the busyness of it all. It could be the pressures folks are feeling. But whatever it is, God's heart for us is not to live our lives in isolation from one another.

If you choose to pull away from fellowship, you'll begin to fizzle out. I'm sure you've heard the following "picture" laid out for you: There is the BBQ with a stack of hot burning charcoal briquettes ready to heat up a meal. Yet, if you were to take one of those small briquettes and isolate it from the stack, the hot stack will slowly, but surely, begin to fizzle out. When the charcoal briquettes are all together, they are warm and burn brightly; isolated, they begin to fizzle out.

With all that's on your plate right now, make the effort and commitment to be in fellowship with one another, loving and encouraging one another. Don't fall prey to the enemy's devices to isolate you so that you might be devoured!

By Grace,
Pastor Ed

Psalm 36:5 (NKJV) "Your mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds."


Every December God takes us down memory lane to show and remind us of His great faithfulness. Why December? Well, He definitely shows us His faithfulness throughout the year, but the birthday of Calvary Chapel Aurora falls on December 26th, and so around this time we're all thinking about what God has done over the years.

This past Wednesday night, we enjoyed a service together rejoicing over the faithfulness of God and all that Jesus has done and desires to do here at Calvary. My pastor, Jeff Johnson of Calvary Chapel Downey, was here to share in the Word and we debuted our 10-year anniversary video (click here to watch it: http://vimeo.com/8101054). The video chronicles the story of our fellowship and includes some great pictures along with some encouragements from a few of the pastors that have invested spiritually in us.

Use this time to remind yourself that God is at work in your life - big time. You have a spiritual birthday of sorts as God plucked you out the miry clay and set your feet on a solid Rock.

Take time to rejoice in His faithfulness today. You'll be glad you did!

In Him,
Pastor Ed

Ephesians 4:3 (NKJV) "...endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

It didn't take long in the Body of Christ to see division creep in among believers. Remember in the Church of Corinth? There were those saying they were of Paul, others were of Apollos, others were of Peter, and still others claimed to be truly following Jesus. What they were doing was dividing the Body based on various men. Sometimes the same thing is done with radio teachers, televangelists, and even between churches that are down the street from each other. There's competition and opposition instead of the unity that is found in the Spirit.

The real problem starts when we begin to build walls between us, making it harder to reach a lost and dying world. There is this movement of separation from each other as we begin to see ourselves as segments rather than seeing ourselves as part of the whole - His church.

So as God begins to bless a church that is down the street, or another believer who is close to us, we need to be careful not to be negative or to get upset. It's a glorious thing when God blesses His people, and it's a glorious thing to watch God move upon a group to reach the lost! Instead of separating, it's good to rejoice when God moves in our city and amongst our neighbors! Be careful that you don't become upset when someone else is blessed; but rather, rejoice that God is still blessing His people by grace.

In Him,
Pastor Ed

Galatians 5:4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

In his book Grace Awakening, Chuck Swindoll shares a story that clearly shows us what legalism can do, even in the closest relationships:

"I hear about a fellow who attended a legalistic college where students were to live according to very strict rules. They weren't supposed to do any work on Sundays. None! Guess what? He spied on his wife and caught her hanging out a few articles of clothing she washed on Sunday afternoon. Are you ready? The guy turned in his wife to the authorities! I'll bet she was fun to live with the next day or two."

Legalism turns love into law; it turns passion into a prison, and makes us sin-sniffers instead of Jesus-lovers. Our eyes are on everyone else looking for rule breakers instead looking for those who need to know Jesus!

Be careful of those who try to bring you under a list of rules and regulations...taking you away from the simplicity of your love relationship with Jesus. Out of love, you and I will fulfill the law's demands by living a life that is pleasing to our Lord.

In His Love,
Ed

Ephesians 4:3 (NKJV) "...endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

It didn't take long in the Body of Christ to see division creep in among believers. Remember in the Church of Corinth? There were those saying they were of Paul, others were of Apollos, others were of Peter, and still others claimed to be truly following Jesus. What they were doing was dividing the Body based on various men. Sometimes the same thing is done with radio teachers, televangelists, and even between churches that are down the street from each other. There's competition and opposition instead of the unity that is found in the Spirit.

The real problem starts when we begin to build walls between us, making it harder to reach a lost and dying world. There is this movement of separation from each other as we begin to see ourselves as segments rather than seeing ourselves as part of the whole - His church.

So as God begins to bless a church that is down the street, or another believer who is close to us, we need to be careful not to be negative or to get upset. It's a glorious thing when God blesses His people, and it's a glorious thing to watch God move upon a group to reach the lost! Instead of separating, it's good to rejoice when God moves in our city and amongst our neighbors! Be careful that you don't become upset when someone else is blessed; but rather, rejoice that God is still blessing His people by grace.

In Him,
Pastor Ed

Ephesians 5:20 (NKJV) "...giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

This Thursday is a day set aside around the country to give thanks. Even though Thanksgiving's deep spiritual meaning has been lost, it doesn't take away the depth of our forefathers' desire to honor God for the great blessings He continues to give. For our reminder, here is a recap of where Thanksgiving really came from:

"The Pilgrims left Plymouth, England, on September 6, 1620. Their destination? The New World. Although filled with uncertainty and peril, it offered both civil and religious liberty. For over two months, the 102 passengers braved the harsh elements of a vast storm-tossed sea. Finally, with firm purpose and a reliance on Divine Providence, the cry of 'Land!' was heard. Arriving in Massachusetts in late November, the Pilgrims sought a suitable landing place. On December 11, just before disembarking at Plymouth Rock, they signed the 'Mayflower Compact' - America's first document of civil government and the first to introduce self-government.

After a prayer service, the Pilgrims began building hasty shelters. However, unprepared for the starvation and sickness of a harsh New England winter, nearly half died before spring. Yet, persevering in prayer and assisted by helpful Indians, they reaped a bountiful harvest the following summer.

The grateful Pilgrims then declared a three-day feast, starting on December 13, 1621, to thank God and to celebrate with their Indian friends. While this was not the first Thanksgiving in America (thanksgiving services were held in Virginia as early as 1607), it was America's first Thanksgiving Festival.

Pilgrim Edward Winslow described the Pilgrims' Thanksgiving in these words: 'Our harvest being gotten in, our Governor sent four men on fowling (bird hunting) so that we might, after a special manner, rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as...served the company almost a week...Many of the Indians [came] amongst us and...their greatest King, Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted; and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought...And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet BY THE GOODNESS OF GOD WE ARE...FAR FROM WANT."

In 1789, following a proclamation issued by President George Washington, America celebrated its first Day of Thanksgiving to God under its new constitution. That same year, the Protestant Episcopal Church, of which President Washington was a member, announced that the first Thursday in November would become its regular day for giving thanks, "Unless another day be appointed by the civil authorities." Yet, despite these early national proclamations, official Thanksgiving observances usually occurred only at the state level.

Much of the credit for the adoption of a later ANNUAL national Thanksgiving Day may be attributed to Mrs. Sarah Joseph Hale, the editor of Godey's Lady's Book. For thirty years, she promoted the idea of a national Thanksgiving Day, contacting president after president, until President Abraham Lincoln responded in 1863 by setting aside the last Thursday in November as a national Day of Thanksgiving. Over the next seventy-five years presidents followed Lincoln, annually declaring a national Thanksgiving Day. Then, in 1941, Congress permanently established the fourth Thursday of each November as a national holiday.

Lincoln's original 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation came - spiritually speaking - at a pivotal point in his life. During the first week of July of that year, the Battle of Gettysburg occurred, resulting in the loss of some 60,000 American lives. Four months later in November, Lincoln delivered his famous "Gettsysburg Address." It was while Lincoln was walking among the thousands of graves there at Gettysburg that he committed his life to Christ.

As he explained to a friend: "When I left Springfield [to assume the Presidency] I asked the people to pray for me. I was not a Christian. When I buried my son, the severest trial of my life, I was not a Christian. But when I went to Gettysburg and saw the graves of thousands of our soldiers, I then and there consecrated myself to Christ."

Oh how we have much to be thankful for!

Thanking Jesus,
Pastor Ed

Psalm 103:12 (NKJV) As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

It's true, God has forgiven you completely. As far as the east is from the west so far has He removed our sins from us. Yet, it's so easy to beat ourselves up over our failures.

Vance Havner once wrote of people, "...who spend their days in a perpetual clinic, with themselves as both doctor and patient. The devil has a lot of fun with sensitive, conscientious souls given to introspection. He makes them connoisseurs of moods, specialists in self-examination, and much given to examining their sincerity. They worry because they do not pray enough, read the Bible enough, testify enough, rejoice enough. But very often people who are so troubled will not find relief by increasing their performance and stepping up the quantity of prayers turned out or chapters read. Very likely they will be whipping up jaded nerves already exhausted, and will merely increase their load."

So please, stop being so hard on yourself and rest in the finished work of Jesus in your life. He loves you and lives in you!

By Grace,
Pastor Ed

Luke 18:27 (NKJV) But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."

As you read through Genesis 18, there is that time of laughter in the heart of Sarah. She overhears the promise of God that she, in her well-advanced years, will have a baby! So what does she do at the promise of God? She laughs! Who me? No way!

But Sarah would soon experience firsthand the power of God. Although having a baby at her age was a physical impossibility, God intervened and the impossible became the possible, all to His glory!

Whatever difficulty you are facing, whatever trial you are in, whatever impossibility looms on your horizon - there is the temptation to laugh at the promises of God. Apart from God, these difficulties are big and unbelievably impossible, but with God, they aren't! It's easy to get overwhelmed by fears and insecurities in times like these, but with God, nothing is impossible. With God, it's not the end, it's only the beginning.

Ask yourself today, "Is anything really too hard for the Lord?" Even as things are too big for us to handle, we need to remember that it's in our weakness that His strength shines through! I believe the Lord will gently encourage you through His Spirit to understand there is nothing that comes into your life that He isn't big enough to handle! Depend upon Him, "casting all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you!"

Abiding in Him,
Pastor Ed

Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV) Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

As believers in Jesus, things that don't build us up in Him or help us grow in grace can easily sidetrack us. Sometimes these spiritual detours are very small, and other times they are very large.

The church in Corinth was sidetracked by some seriously heavy things: there were divisions in the church, immorality, unspiritual leadership, abuses of the spiritual gifts, misuses of the agape feasts, and communion was not taken seriously. When difficult times come in our lives, we can thank God for strong, spiritual leadership like that exercised and modeled by the Apostle Paul. Strong, godly leadership helps us to stay on track. God Himself ordained spiritual leadership in our lives to help us maintain the simplicity of walking with Jesus and obeying Him in love. Sure, sometimes the leadership isn't welcome, but that's really our fault and our responsibility. I can remember countless times when God used a good, godly leader to help me get my eyes back on Jesus; and although it wasn't always painless, it was always fruitful.

Take time today to thank God for the godly, spiritual leaders He's placed in your life.

In Him,
Pastor Ed

Isaiah 64:8 "Yet, O Lord, you are our Father, we are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand."

I recently caught myself humming this tune while walking around the house. It's a forever favorite hymn that speaks directly to our hearts, as we long to see the will of God worked out in our lives, ultimately coming to that place where we surrender and cry out, "Have Thine own way Lord."

Here is some background on the hymn as shared in "366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions":

An elderly woman at a prayer meeting one night pleaded, "It really doesn't matter what you do with us, Lord, just have Your way with our lives." At this meeting was Adelaide Pollard, a rather well-known itinerant Bible teacher who was deeply discouraged because she had been unable to raise the necessary funds for a desired trip to Africa to do missionary service. She was moved by the older woman's sincere and dedicated request of God.

At home that evening Miss Pollard meditated on Jeremiah 18:3,4:
"Then I went down to the potter's house, and behold, he wrought a work on the wheels, and the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it."

Before retiring that evening, Adelaide Pollard completed the writing of all four stanzas of this hymn as it is sung today. The hymn first appeared in published form in 1907.

Often into our lives come discouragements and heartaches that we cannot understand. As children of God, however, we must learn never to question the ways of our sovereign God - but simply to say:

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Search me and try me, Master, today! Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now, as in Thy presence humbly I bow.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Wounded and weary, help me, I pray! Power, all power, surely is Thine! Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Hold o'er my being absolute sway! Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me!

By Grace,
Pastor Ed

2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV) "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."

I really don't know why we, why I, let my guard down as I live for and serve Jesus. Yet from time to time that's exactly what I do. I let my spiritual guard down, conveniently forgetting that with great progress comes spiritual opposition. As Paul so powerfully shared with us - when great and effective doors are opened for us, there are always many adversaries.

The Early Church experienced this within years of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. God's grace was upon them greatly as they lived in and for Jesus. Love was flowing. Needs were being met. The gospel was going out, as God was at work among them doing some incredible things! But all the while, the leaders of the Early Church faced both outward persecutions and inward hypocrisies.

So, as you experience and enjoy daily growth in grace, remember, please don't forget that opposition is coming - if not already at the door. With progress always comes opposition.

Don't take things into your own hands - trying to take vengeance or fix things; but rather, allow God to be your Defender. He will take care of all those things and people swirling around your life.

I'm reminded of the precious words of Jesus:
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?" Matthew 5:43-47 (NKJV)

Standing in Him,
Pastor Ed

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NKJV) "But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul."

There is a very dangerous attitude that has crept into the hearts and minds of men which keeps them away from spiritual things. The dad or husband is working and working and working, to provide not only for the needs of the home, but also for the "wants." And when he is through working, what's left goes to a hobby and ultimately the family suffers. The man suffers. God's church on the earth suffers.

I have an interesting book on my shelf that a pastor friend recommended to me entitled, Why Men Don't Go To Church. I haven't read it word for word, but I have browsed through it, grabbing the big points the author is making. In short, the author makes many suggestions to change churches so they can "attract" more men to worship.

As an under-shepherd of Jesus, I'm not at all interested in changing the church to "attract" more men. As a spiritual leader, I'm not even interested in getting men to "come to church." I think the book's title is a little off. A better way to ask the question is: "Why aren't men seeking the Lord?!" If guys would earnestly seek the Lord, our churches, our communities, and our homes would be filled with godly men!

So to you men today, my encouragement to you is to seek the Lord! Go for it!

By Grace,
Pastor Ed

FROM A FRIEND IN RUSSIA: "At first when I came to America (in August) as an exchange student I really was homesick and wanted to go home. Then I found out there was a Russian kid in my history class. I felt a little bit better, but I was still having class I didn't really like - biology. So a guy told me about a technical theatre class and I took it instead of biology. But I had to go to biology class once again, knowing I'd feel badly. But there was a sub. And when she was taking attendance she saw my Russian name in the list and whispered "hello" in Russian. So after class we had an amazing conversation. As I found out she liked to travel a lot so she knew a few languages, including Russian. Then I had tech class, I worked on a play, 'Brighton Beach Memoirs,' met a lot of new people, and I didn't want to leave.

On Christmas my host father's mother sent me a Holy Bible as a present. Later I worked on another show, a musical, 'Into the Woods,' and that's where I met Tyler and other guys who have become really good friends of mine. Tyler invited me to Calvary Chapel and it was such a blessing, I loved it. I understood how important things are and how good God is. I understood that I need to worship, give love, receive love, and spread the Word of Jesus. I understood that all the things that happened in the beginning of the year and that kept me going, led to wonderful things; they simply brought me to the church. Whenever God leads, he provides.

I'm very thankful to Tyler, who brought me to Calvary. And also I want to say thanks to all the people at the church for creating such a great and friendly environment. I miss Calvary and everyone there. I remember on Sunday when you were saying about waiting on God and it meant a lot to me because at that point I was about to leave America. But I didn't leave God, the church, or my American friends; I'm with them in spirit. Even though there is no Calvary where I live, I listen to Sunday worship at Calvary by internet, which I'm thankful for."

Luke 6:46 "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?"

Someone once described the Christian life as a "long obedience in the same direction." I think he really hit a nerve of truth. It's when obedience is short lived, that mistakes happen. It's when obedience is half hearted that problems come. It's when obedience is not in the same direction that issues, serious issues, arise.

We can avoid all this by paying attention to the details and steadily obeying in the small things of life. As each new decision comes up, willingly make the right decision. As each new challenge arises, surrender yourself to God's will. Then, as the larger things in life come your way, you are ready and trained and already in the habit of obeying.

Obey in the small things and your obedience will carry over into the large things. The result over time will be a "long obedience in the same direction" which is a great definition for the Spirit-filled, abundant, overflowing life that Jesus promises to those who put their faith in Him.

In His Strong Love,
Pastor Ed


RESPONSE:
Hello, I am a foreign exchange student. Once my friend brought me to Calvary Chapel in the beginning of May 2009. And it was great! The best moment while I was in America. Now I'm back in my home country, but every week I get up at 2 o'clock in the morning to listen to Sunday's worship at Calvary Chapel. Thank you! Thank God! The thing you are doing is really good, blessed; it's meant to be. Thank you.

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NKJV) Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.


While reading through Pastor Chuck Smith's (Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa) new book "A Memoir of Grace," the Holy Spirit is using Pastor Chuck's life to really encourage me in the Lord. It's wonderful to be reminded, and shown at the same time, how God uses everything in our lives to prepare us for what's up ahead.

In a powerful paragraph, he captures from his own life's experience, the reality of Christians facing pain. He writes:

"Yes, there is a divine blessing hidden in every day, free for the taking and totally unrelated to moral cause and effect. But grace does not shield the cruel realities of a world damaged by the fall. We are not in heaven yet and God does not spare us from the crushing blows that come to everyone. We lose people we love. We suffer, we grieve, and we journey on. But even in the darkest nights when awakened by the window's shuddering with the blast of a storm, we are not abandoned. Through the wind and over the turbulent sea, grace comes to us with the comfort of heaven, the support of God's Spirit, and the strength to draw our next breath and take the next step. Grace brings hope. Hope pushes forward."

Are you hurting right now? Grace brings hope. Hope pushes forward.

I'm praying for those of you who receive this note and are hurting. May the comfort of His Spirit flood your soul. Perhaps you can forward this on to a friend who is also hurting so that the ministry of God's comfort multiplies.

In Much Love,
Pastor Ed


RESPONSE:
What an awesome testimony! I also wanted to tell you how awesome the message yesterday was! The Holy Spirit is working in these last days & what a blessing to be a part of it all! Thanks for keeping JESUS FIRST in your life & for your dedication to serving our family of God!

1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NKJV) "For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake."


Sometimes our eNote encouragements come directly from my email inbox. Here's one today that I pray encourages you greatly!


BEGIN TESTIMONY: "This email is for both Pastor Ed and Pastor Allen. My name is Russ, and Allen I appreciate you being so gracious in meeting me both times I have attended church on Wednesday nights.


I just feel led to share a word about my life with you. I will keep it as concise as possible and sincerely appreciate your reading it.


I am originally from Georgia where, in the Bible Belt as they call it, I was raised going to church every Sunday as a child. Up through my early teen years I went, but never truly identified or related to the things I was being taught. After graduating from high school, I went to UGA and upon leaving there moved to Colorado (three years ago).


During both my college and Colorado years, I have spent my time desperately trying to find what would fulfill me and what my life journey would look like. Up until now, it has looked like going out to bars (downtown where I live) and partying, being in various unhealthy relationships, and declaring solemnly after a great deal of consideration that I firmly did not believe God exists, amongst other things.


Well needless to say, none of those things brought me any closer to fulfillment than banging my head against a wall. Without going into the story's details at length, in the last month I found myself at the end of my rope. I could not have been any further from any real truth in my entire life. It was at this point I decided to confide in my friend Jason from work all of the things I was dealing with (not in ANY spiritual sense, strictly for advice). We ended up going to the gym so he could show me some pointers on weight lifting, and afterwards (and I could not tell you for the life of me how the topic came up) we started talking about God. This is the beginning of many evidences I have seen of God pursuing me in my place of darkness.


He explained to me some different questions I had about the Bible and some basic things about Jesus and God (not basic to you I am certain, but mind-boggling to me!) After we talked about those things, I left his house, and found my heart and my mind desiring to know more about this Jesus' character and what He is all about. I started by reading this book that someone had once recommended. I have never identified with someone as much as the guy who wrote that book. Without going on about that, the author talks about a couple of his friends who were far from God, reading the book of Matthew to see who this Jesus was.


So, upon the advice, via the book, from the author I started reading Matthew. I read about half of it in one sitting I was so caught up in it. The whole time I was thinking, this Jesus was revolutionary! I think I had let every cultural and 'religious' aspect of Jesus I had learned crowd out any actual truth about Him. The next day outside at work I discussed how amazing and interesting Jesus' life was with Jason. He talked to me about what I had read and it was very insightful. So that next afternoon after going to the gym, I went up to the roof of my building and read the rest of Matthew. It's hard not to type out all of the amazing thoughts I had about it but I am keeping this readable. For the singular first time in my life, I understood who Jesus was and realized that I had found where true fulfillment lies.


Up on the roof I prayed. I didn't have a clue what to say but I prayed. I told God that I had come to the poignant realization that having me in charge of my life was not working out like I thought, and that I didn't want to do it anymore. Unlike times in my childhood where I bargained with God for things in exchange for obedience, my only request was to receive His love and wisdom.


After that experience, I asked Jason about going to church (he had mentioned it before) and we went to Calvary Chapel last Wednesday. Pastor Allen, you spoke about the Holy Spirit and it was very good. I am still learning things and didn't follow some aspects of the message (out of ignorance) but there were several verses you pointed out that were exactly what I needed to hear that night. Not to mention the encouragement of seeing so many people wanting to know God too, and friendly ones at that.


After that uplifting experience but still living a little in confusion, I went about my week and despite prayer and reading still found myself falling back into the same 'games' over the holiday weekend that I had been in before. So I came again to Calvary Chapel tonight, praying almost like a confused but very sincere child that God would give me a message that would speak to me and give me guidance with some of the things I am still dealing with. Pastor Ed, I can't fully express typing what your message meant to me. I never really knew the full non-kids story of Samson. That passage we read from tonight went like a laser to my heart. The way you related that story in your talk (and as you said eloquently yourself) I felt that Jesus Himself was speaking to me.


I won't recount every detail, but in the car ride home I couldn't get the words out of my mouth fast enough to Jason how much I got out of it. You see, now that I knew my life needed to have someone else at the reins, I didn't know at all what that looked like. The story of Samson is powerful to me because I identify with being blind and in shackles to what has been going on with me. It was funny to hear what you said Pastor Ed about looking in from the outside on Samson's life. The whole time I was thinking, 'Is this guy nuts? What is he doing? Stop doing that, what an idiot.' Then, as you said the Holy Spirit can enable insight when we are shrouded in those games, and I saw the irony of my thoughts. I am Samson. I am in that valley. I am blind and chained because of fooling myself. I was set-up. And even in all that, I was as clueless as Samson about it.


Well to wrap up my now lengthy story, I will say this. I don't want to end up pushing down columns on myself. I could see that what is at first appealing and sexy only inevitably will be the same thing that destroys me. So when you said that prayer tonight after your talk, I said it with you. I am sorry I didn't stand up or anything, but I didn't even think about that when I was sitting there listening to you speak. I was just hearing someone speaking directly to me. I had prayed to God (as you see in the story) before, but I wanted to say to Him the right words with the right heart and ask for forgiveness. Thank you so much for leading me in that prayer.


Pastor Ed, in your sermon you said at one point that you didn't know if the person who was meant to hear your message was even there tonight. I think that was a part of my motivation to write you and Pastor Allen. I want you to know. I want you to know that your message was the spoken Word of Jesus Himself to me. I thank you as I thank God so much for that. Over dinner tonight before church, Jason was telling me truly amazing stories of his faith where remarkable, unbelievable things happened. I was in awe, but didn't relate as well because I had not seen that until just recently in my own life. After tonight, I see that if I have faith and ask God for a message or wisdom or guidance He will send it.


Pastor Allen, I really, really hope to be at your Friday night thing this week to experience it. I want to thank you again for your kindness in meeting me. I don't really have any believer friends beyond Jason so I hope to get plugged in somewhere that I can be around people who are believers too. Maybe that will be one of those places for me.


I tried to keep this as succinct as possible, but there is so much to say. It is late and I need to go to bed. But God bless you both and I hope to talk to you soon in person (hopefully not tearing up as much this time Allen). Thanks again." END OF TESTIMONY


And so I encourage you to keep praying for your loved ones and inviting them to hear the life saving message of the gospel!


In His Love,
Pastor Ed

CALVARY CHAPEL AURORA "FRUITFUL SEASONS" COOKBOOK:
A pre-sales discount of $2 off per copy is available at the Welcome Center on Saturday, July 4th and Sunday, July 5th only. (After this they will be full price.)

Philippians 4:1 (NKJV) Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

Throughout the Bible we learn that standing is a great place to be.

Moses stood at the burning bush:
Exodus 3:5 Then He said, "Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground."

The tribe of Levi stood as they served the Lord:
Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister to Him and to bless in His name, to this day.

The house of the righteous will stand:
Proverbs 12:7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.

Jesus even says He stands at the door knocking:
Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."

It is important for us to stand, to stand strong in adversity, to stand up for our faith, and to stand still as God works in our lives.

Stand fast in the Lord today.

Standing in Him,
Pastor Ed


RESPONSE:
I am out the door to take my little munchkin to school but I wanted to give you a bit of a praise report. Last week I was doing an in-depth study on spiritual warfare and the origin of Satan and demons and the teachers that I was listening to gave a bit of a warning that every time they taught on the subject of Satan they would suffer depression afterwards. I was pretty skeptical at first but during days 2, 3, and 4 of this study I was wondering why I was feeling so absolutely horrible and even down right irritated at everything and everyone and hadn't taken thought to the warning that was given. I mean I was being unkind to everyone around me and it took all the strength I could muster up not to go off on the people I love the most. My prayer time was hindered and I just couldn't figure out what in the world was wrong with me. Then as I realized what was happening and that the enemy had been beating me up. I cried out to God in brokenness casting it all upon Him and He sooooooo rescued me right out of the horrible pit I was in! Ever since then I feel like God has brought me to a whole new level in my time alone with Him each morning in prayer and in His word. I have a new patience with my daughter, the woman I am courting, her children, and my dad at work (which is a miracle in and of itself). He is working through me in witnessing and preaching to the lost, which has just been greatly a blessing! Praise God!!!!! We serve such an awesome God!!

Ephesians 5: 15-17 (NKJV) See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

One of the greatest dangers to a Christian is compromise. Not the kind of compromise where you meet-in-the middle with others to help solve difficult issues, but the kind that sinks a believer's faith! People have counseled us not to, but we go ahead anyway...the little concessions, the growing list of excuses, the little nudging away from the truth, the actions that so easily pull us away from Jesus. The Bible is crystal clear on the matter, but we choose to ignore its clear teachings.

Spiritual compromise has sunk more Christians than just about anything else. What often is blamed on the devil, in reality had nothing to do with the demonic realm at all. The destruction came through compromise.

So my encouragement to you today is to avoid spiritual compromise. Make the right decision not matter what it costs. Spiritual compromise doesn't strengthen our faith, but rather tears down our progress and overwhelms us with a sense of condemnation and failure. Truly, compromise is often the first step toward a long battle with habitual sin!

Stay away from it. Do the right thing. Walk in the Spirit and you won't fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

By Grace,
Pastor Ed 

Response:

"We had such a need for hearing more from the Bible. We were saddened that there wasn't much use for a Bible at our last church and the lack of any type of small groups left us spiritually starving. The first Sunday we visited, you said that, ‘You need a Bible here at Calvary.' This was so refreshing. We were beginning to wonder if our expectations were too high from the local churches. We are a homeschooling family and are encouraged by what we have heard from some of the families that we know. We are thinking of bringing our high schoolers to the Saturday night BBQ and have them attend the youth group while we go to the Saturday service. As we look back over the last 4 months we have seen God's good timing. Please pray for our teenagers - I know this is a hard transition for them. We sure appreciate your efforts of accountability to the Word. Also, we look forward to meeting you at the dessert on Sunday evening."

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

When God does a great work, it's not unusual for the world to try and explain it away. We see things that only God could do which get dismissed as a "coincidence" or an "accident." But God is actively involved in the lives of His people and He sets things up in the most wonderful ways!

Recently, a tornado came through the southeast part of our city, Aurora, Colorado. Although it did little damage compared to other tornados, it was a huge and scary thing for us. Tornados don't normally visit our city. There were heavy winds, rain, large hail, and a funnel cloud that touched down just a few miles from our church building. This all happened on a Sunday afternoon, so many of us were still in the church building. We ended up coming together in the basement portion of our building and prayed for safety. God provided and the storm passed. Others were out in the city, eating and shopping at the very mall where the tornado touched down.

The local 9NEWS team found a really cool story that ended up including two precious families from our fellowship; amazing stuff that I know will encourage you. I hope you enjoy this and rejoice in the Lord for His faithfulness to all of us!

Video is here: http://bit.ly/8GIhI
Written article is here: http://bit.ly/14HY1r

As usual, we thank God through Jesus Christ for His "Holy Hookups"!!!

Blessings in Jesus,
Pastor Ed

P.S. We sent this note and pictures of Sunday's storm out via our Twitter account as well as via an Instant Update. If you want to receive these text message updates, go to twitter.com/calvaryaurora and sign up to follow us. Or you can try sending the text message "follow calvaryaurora" (without the quotation marks) to number 40404. (It doesn't always work so your safest route is to do it online.)

"It is such a blessing to be a part of the fellowship family of Calvary Chapel Aurora, it feels like one big family that I know I can always count on to point me to the Lord. Pastor Ed and his family are incredible and have been used to speak into my family's lives so many times that they don't even know. How refreshing to have a Pastor that SERVES the Lord by serving and pouring into the flock. We can ALWAYS count on Pastor Ed to point us to the Lord in ALL things! He consistently challenges us to grow stronger (sometimes it's a hard challenge... Pastor Ed is careful to never give an answer) and cling closer to God rather than relying on ourselves or our feelings, in doing so, it causes us to seek the Lord and wait on Him alone. I am excited to be a small part of what the Lord is doing at Calvary Aurora!"

Monday June 8, 2009

FIREPROOFING YOUR MARRIAGE - SUNDAY, June 14TH - August 2ND - 5:30 PM: This is a 6-week study founded on biblical principles for a strong, God-centered, lifelong marriage. Sign up by emailing landryfam@me.com. Purchase books in our book store downstairs.

Isaiah 40:29-31 (NKJV) He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. "

Waiting on God is so wonderful. Waiting on God is so valuable. Waiting on God is so powerful. Waiting on God is so beneficial.

Waiting on God can be so HARD, when we do it in our own strength.

Even though we know it's the right thing to do, impatience can so easily overcome us and we find ourselves acting not waiting.

There are too many illustrations in the Bible of men and women who failed to wait on the Lord. Be careful this week my friend, to wait on the Lord when He tells you to wait, and act when He tells you to act.

In Him,
Pastor Ed 

Response:

"It is such a blessing to be a part of the fellowship family of Calvary Chapel Aurora, it feels like one big family that I know I can always count on to point me to the Lord. Pastor Ed and his family are incredible and have been used to speak into my family's lives so many times that they don't even know. How refreshing to have a Pastor that SERVES the Lord by serving and pouring into the flock. We can ALWAYS count on Pastor Ed to point us to the Lord in ALL things! He consistently challenges us to grow stronger (sometimes it's a hard challenge... Pastor Ed is careful to never give an answer) and cling closer to God rather than relying on ourselves or our feelings, in doing so, it causes us to seek the Lord and wait on Him alone. I am excited to be a small part of what the Lord is doing at Calvary Aurora!"