tagging

content/post/2022-03-13-but-the-greatest-of-these-is-love.md

@@ -3,7 +3,11 @@ title: But The Greatest of These is Love
 date: 2022-03-13
 image: /pimg/2022-03-13-but-the-greatest-of-these-is-love.jpeg
 categories:
+  - Love
 tags:
+  - Peanuts
+  - love
+  - Charles Schulz
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="ojav1">And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor. 13:13 </p><p data-block-key="2io0h">An old favorite comic strip, Peanuts, written by Charles Schulz offered a lot more than laughter. Time and again I found solid theology written by the comedian cartoonist. A favorite one was Lucy and Linus: Lucy says &quot;You a doctor! Ha! That’s a big laugh! You could never be a doctor! You know why? Because you don’t love mankind, that’s why!&quot; Linus responds &quot;I LOVE MANKIND… IT&#x27;S PEOPLE I CAN’T STAND!&quot;</p><p data-block-key="1g1pv">When you have a moment, read all of 1 Cor. chapter 13. And remember, we won’t be any good as a &#x27;clanging cymbal&#x27;. A genuine demonstration of agape love is what moves a lost and dying world. </p>

content/post/2022-03-20-god-the-provider.md

@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@ title: God The Provider
 date: 2022-03-20
 image: /pimg/2022-03-20-god-the-provider.jpg
 categories:
+  - God Provides
 tags:
+  - Charles Schulz
+  - Peanuts
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="cb4q7">And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19</p><p data-block-key="4agte">Allow me to share a little more Charles Schulz theology with you today.  In one of his Peanuts comic strips, Snoopy looks at his water dish, and says “Empty! And I’m dying of thirst!” Then he picks up the dish in his mouth and for several squares is running over to the water faucet where he waits, but nothing comes out. Then, without notice, it starts raining, then raining harder. Snoopy takes the dish, sets it down, gets a drink and in the last square he is lying on his dog house saying &quot;That’s one I’m going to have to think about for a while.&quot;</p><p data-block-key="29fvm">We are like that sometimes; God provides in so many ways and we are left in awe and wonder. </p>

content/post/2022-04-03-beauty-for-ashes.md

@@ -3,7 +3,11 @@ title: Beauty for Ashes
 date: 2022-04-03
 image: /pimg/2022-04-03-beauty-for-ashes.jpg
 categories:
+  - Christ
 tags:
+  - beauty
+  - ashes
+  - Peanuts
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="cxqhf">But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:7-8</p><p data-block-key="3jgv6">Shakespeare captures part of this idea in these lines: “But whate’er I be, nor I, nor any man that but man is, with nothing shall be pleased till he be eased with being nothing.”</p><p data-block-key="7quad">In a Peanuts comic strip Charlie Brown is complaining about “another ball game lost, good grief.” Lucy says “Look at it this way Charlie Brown, we learn more from losing than we do from winning.” He responds with his mouth wide open “THAT MAKES ME THE SMARTEST PERSON IN THE WORLD”.</p><p data-block-key="llk2">In the world of faith, the things we count for loss are exchanged for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus! Like receiving beauty for ashes as Isaiah 61:3 says.</p>

content/post/2022-04-10-sunday-is-on-the-way.md

@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@ title: Sunday is on the Way
 date: 2022-04-10
 image: /pimg/2022-04-10-sunday-is-on-the-way.jpeg
 categories:
+  - Christ
 tags:
+  - Sunday
+  - pain
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="gde3t">…they led Him away,… And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him… Luke 23:26, 33</p><p data-block-key="18uv8">Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. Lk. 23:44-45</p><p data-block-key="fi87h">It was a sad, dark day. Perhaps the saddest in human history. Doubtless it was a Friday of sorrow and pain, of weeping and broken hearts.</p><p data-block-key="9jchg">Yes, it was Friday: but Sunday is on the way!</p><p data-block-key="f304n">Up until that point, no one really understood. No one had the faith to believe what Christ said was necessary, and what would happen. This day had pain and suffering enough to go around.</p><p data-block-key="f0l03"><b>Ah, but Sunday. Sunday is on the way!</b></p>

content/post/2022-04-17-the-empty-tomb-says-it-all.md

@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@ title: The Empty Tomb Says It All
 date: 2022-04-17
 image: /pimg/2022-04-17-the-empty-tomb-says-it-all.jpeg
 categories:
+  - Christ
 tags:
+  - resurrection
+  - tomb
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="cxebt">That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11</p><p data-block-key="1ul58"></p><p data-block-key="f64fe">When we baptize a person in water, fully immersed in the water, they are identifying with the DEATH, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. We should know the power of His resurrection. And remember that the empty tomb says it all!</p>

content/post/2022-04-24-effective-fervent-prayer.md

@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@ title: Effective, Fervent Prayer
 date: 2022-04-24
 image: /pimg/2022-04-24-effective-fervent-prayer.jpg
 categories:
+  - Prayer
 tags:
+  - prayer
+  - event
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="qh8l0">Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, James 5:13-15a </p><p data-block-key="bm2bd">It is not overstated to say that PRAYER changes everything! Verse 16 says that &quot;the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.&quot;</p><p data-block-key="6lob2">Once again, this coming Friday and Saturday, April 29-30, from noon until noon, we will have constant prayer in the sanctuary. Twenty-four hours of prayer for the nation, for the community and for the church family. The sign-up sheet is on the table in the foyer.  </p>

content/post/2022-05-01-listening-is-a-skill.md

@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@ title: Listening is a Skill
 date: 2022-05-01
 image: /pimg/2022-05-01-listening-is-a-skill.jpg
 categories:
+  - Growth
 tags:
+  - listen
+  - quiet
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="q0os3">Psalm 34:11 - Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.</p><p data-block-key="8v4lr">Listening is a skill! Quite frankly it is one that many are lacking. Oftentimes, when we do not listen well to others in our lives, we lack the ability to listen when the Lord desires to speak with us.</p><p data-block-key="5cmgr">Some of the instruction I gave for those participating in the twenty-four hours of prayer without ceasing was to also take time to be quiet before the Lord, and listen! </p>

content/post/2022-05-08-honor-your-father-and-mother.md

@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@ title: Honor Your Father and Mother
 date: 2022-05-08
 image: /pimg/2022-05-08-honor-your-father-and-mother.png
 categories:
+  - Gratitude
 tags:
+  - Mother's Day
+  - commandment
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="3byca">Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. Ex. 20:12 </p><p data-block-key="5dvut">There are many ways to show HONOR! One way that we do this is by setting aside a special day, once a year: called Mother’s Day. My prayer is that every mother in this congregation be blessed and honored today! </p><p data-block-key="efkvj"> </p><p data-block-key="bcibh">If life has taught me anything, it is that we cannot take tomorrow for granted! Therefore, don’t just honor your mother today, but look for opportunities every day! Take advantage of the time, you will never regret it! </p>

content/post/2022-05-15-spiritual-inheritance.md

@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@ title: Spiritual Inheritance
 date: 2022-05-15
 image: /pimg/2022-05-15-spiritual-inheritance.png
 categories:
+  - Legacy
 tags:
+  - Enoch
+  - inheritance
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="ju4uu">And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.  Gen. 5:24</p><p data-block-key="1jk2a">By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, and was not found, because God had taken him; for before he was taken, he had a testimony, that he pleased God.  Heb. 11:5</p><p data-block-key="e3hlj">When we think about leaving something for our children, often our thoughts go to money or possessions: an inheritance. However, I believe that there is something many times better than these!</p><p data-block-key="lpm7">Enoch left a spiritual inheritance that was amazing! If we leave such an inheritance behind, it will not happen by accident.  </p>

content/post/2022-05-23-where-hour-treasure-is-there-is-your-heart.md

@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@ title: Where Hour Treasure is, There is Your heart
 date: 2022-05-23
 image: /pimg/2022-05-23-where-hour-treasure-is-there-is-your-heart.jpeg
 categories:
+  - Sin
 tags:
+  - treasure
+  - 7 Deadly Sins
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="ajed2">For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. NKJV Matthew 6:21</p><p data-block-key="6jl55">On Wednesdays we are studying the Seven Deadly Sins; and last week it was the sin of Greed. How easy it is to trust money and forget about the blessings of God!</p><p data-block-key="fp307">Something that serves as a good reminder in avoiding the sin of greed is to remember that there are things better than money! Good health is better! A clear conscience is better! A cultivated, moral intelligence is better! A happy home is better! It is possible to be happy without money; but without these money just becomes deceitful.</p><p data-block-key="8m6i2">Lord, help us learn to be content, walk honorably and keep a clear conscience. </p>

content/post/2022-05-29-recipe-for-failure-or-success.md

@@ -3,8 +3,14 @@ title: Recipe for Failure or Success
 date: 2022-05-29
 image: /pimg/2022-05-29-recipe-for-failure-or-success.jpg
 categories:
+  - Success
 tags:
+  - failure
+  - success
+  - King David
+  - wisdom
+  - ark
 ---
 
-<p data-block-key="znn0j">So they carried the arc of God on a new cart…    1 Chronicles 13:7</p><p data-block-key="58k43">King David made two attempts to bring the arc of God to Jerusalem; the first one was a disaster, and the second attempt was a success. What made the difference?</p><p data-block-key="6sa3u">God gave instructions on exactly how the arc was to be moved. The priests and Levites had this information (at least they should have known); and David could have/should have consulted with the priests about this. The priests didn’t speak up and David didn’t inquire: there is your recipe for failure!</p><p data-block-key="e3bd1">In His Word, God gives us an extreme amount of help and wisdom: take a look!</p>
+<p data-block-key="znn0j">So they carried the ark of God on a new cart…    1 Chronicles 13:7</p><p data-block-key="58k43">King David made two attempts to bring the arc of God to Jerusalem; the first one was a disaster, and the second attempt was a success. What made the difference?</p><p data-block-key="6sa3u">God gave instructions on exactly how the arc was to be moved. The priests and Levites had this information (at least they should have known); and David could have/should have consulted with the priests about this. The priests didn’t speak up and David didn’t inquire: there is your recipe for failure!</p><p data-block-key="e3bd1">In His Word, God gives us an extreme amount of help and wisdom: take a look!</p>
 

content/post/2022-06-05-less-of-me-and-more-of-you.md

@@ -3,7 +3,11 @@ title: Less of Me and More of You
 date: 2022-06-05
 image: /pimg/2022-06-05-less-of-me-and-more-of-you.jpg
 categories:
+  - Humility
 tags:
+  - humility
+  - wisdom
+  - pride
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="kkjey">when pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2</p><p data-block-key="98p1s">John Milton, in his Christian Classic PARADISE LOST, writes of Satan “Better to reign in hell then serve in heaven.” This statement is the personification of pride!</p><p data-block-key="5r8u2">If you want to try and do things on your own, God will let you. You won’t enjoy it much, but maybe we can sell popcorn.</p><p data-block-key="b0bll">If you understand HUMILITY; you can say “Lord, less of me and more of You, please.”</p>

content/post/2022-06-12-envy-s-disastrous-children.md

@@ -3,7 +3,11 @@ title: Envy's Disastrous Children
 date: 2022-06-12
 image: /pimg/2022-06-12-envy-s-disastrous-children.jpg
 categories:
+  - Sin
 tags:
+  - envy
+  - 7 Deadly Sins
+  - love
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="bmgi7">Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy…   1 Corinthians 14:4</p><p data-block-key="fovu8">The fourth of the seven deadly sins: ENVY has some disastrous children, like anger and murder. Just consider Cain and Abel in Genesis 4.</p><p data-block-key="49cvq">Proverbs 14:30 says that “envy is rottenness to the bones.” Wow! What a warning!</p><p data-block-key="94j1t">Proverbs 3:31 says “Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.”</p>

content/post/2022-06-19-emulating-god-the-father.md

@@ -3,8 +3,12 @@ title: Emulating God the Father
 date: 2022-06-19
 image: /pimg/2022-06-19-emulating-god-the-father.jpg
 categories:
+  - God the Father
 tags:
+  - father
+  - love
+  - forgiveness
 ---
 
-<p data-block-key="8xjdi">And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.    Ephesians 6:4</p><p data-block-key="9u2l2">There are many of us who did not have a godly, earthly father; and perhaps some of us didn’t know our fathers at all.</p><p data-block-key="4hc93">There are few greater rewards in this life than learning to be the best godly father you can be: you will never regret it!</p><p data-block-key="jhb1">God’s Word will show you what to do, how to love, and how to ask for forgiveness. </p>
+<p data-block-key="8xjdi">And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.    Ephesians 6:4</p><p data-block-key="9u2l2">There are many of us who did not have a godly, earthly father; and perhaps some of us didn't know our fathers at all.</p><p data-block-key="4hc93">There are few greater rewards in this life than learning to be the best godly father you can be: you will never regret it!</p><p data-block-key="jhb1">God's Word will show you what to do, how to love, and how to ask for forgiveness. </p>
 

content/post/2022-06-26-glorify-the-lord-with-service.md

@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@ title: Glorify the Lord with Service
 date: 2022-06-26
 image: /pimg/2022-06-26-glorify-the-lord-with-service.jpg
 categories:
+  - Service
 tags:
+  - service
+  - team work
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="wixy9">So we built the wall,…for the people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4:6</p><p data-block-key="fkhev">Whether we seal a parking lot, paint a fireside room, add a bathroom to the fellowship hall or refurbish the foyer, it all is a work of the people of the church. Prayer and giving and encouraging as well as putting your hands to the actual work is team work! And each team member is appreciated so much. Thank you! </p><p data-block-key="4e40m">May our work glorify the Lord and serve as a refreshing, warm welcome to those visiting and looking for a place to worship! </p>

content/post/2022-07-10-curve-ball.md

@@ -3,7 +3,11 @@ title: Curve Ball
 date: 2022-07-10
 image: /pimg/2022-07-10-curve-ball.webp
 categories:
+  - Growth
 tags:
+  - curve ball
+  - baseball
+  - unexpected
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="aryj6">Matthew 8:24 - And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep.</p><p data-block-key="dslgt">There are many things that catch us by surprise, they happen suddenly or are just unexpected. The game of baseball changed like that, and specifically, in 1863, the ‘curve ball’ was added to the game. What a surprise it must have been.  Kind of like some of the curves life throws at us today. </p><p data-block-key="9p5k">If you want to stay in the game, you learn to deal with the curve balls.</p>

content/post/2022-07-17-vacation-bible-school-starting-today.md

@@ -3,7 +3,11 @@ title: Vacation Bible School Starting Today!
 date: 2022-07-17
 image: /pimg/2022-07-17-vacation-bible-school-starting-today.png
 categories:
+  - Events
 tags:
+  - event
+  - VBS
+  - children
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="xq5vv">But Jesus said, &quot;let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.&quot; Matthew 19:14</p><p data-block-key="bkl82">This Sunday afternoon we are starting our VBS - Vacation Bible School! One of the best ways you can help us now is in prayer! </p><p data-block-key="bmcje">The goal is simple: minister to children in the community, and build a relationship with their parents. Pray with us for a harvest of young souls!</p>

content/post/2022-07-25-power-over-sin.md

@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@ title: Power Over Sin
 date: 2022-07-25
 image: /pimg/2022-07-25-power-over-sin.jpg
 categories:
+  - Sin
 tags:
+  - sin
+  - Paul
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="gunm3">Oh, wretched man that I am, who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:24-25 </p><p data-block-key="6dgo0">No one would question the fact that the Apostle Paul was a mature believer in Christ. Still, his testimony about life and struggles was extremely transparent! He never pretended to be the super spiritual “I never have any trials” kinda guy. He was real! What’s more, he understood that our true strength comes from the Lord Jesus Christ!</p><p data-block-key="2j140">We have been given power over sin, and we should take every advantage of it! </p>

content/post/2022-07-31-improve-your-serve.md

@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@ title: Improve Your Serve
 date: 2022-07-31
 image: /pimg/2022-07-31-improve-your-serve.png
 categories:
+  - Growth
 tags:
+  - service
+  - improve
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="jl19f">Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve… Matt. 20:28 </p><p data-block-key="1u9jj">You will not IMPROVE your “serve” by  making excuses or avoiding opportunities to serve others. These all served while others might have used their excuse not to: Abraham was old, but served. Joseph was abused, but served. Moses stuttered, but served. Gideon was afraid, but served. Peter had a temper, but served. Martha worried a lot, but served. Do you get the idea?</p><p data-block-key="1o8qm">We can all improve our ‘serve’! Let’s do it today! </p>

content/post/2022-08-07-prince-of-peace.md

@@ -3,7 +3,11 @@ title: Prince of Peace
 date: 2022-08-07
 image: /pimg/2022-08-07-prince-of-peace.jpeg
 categories:
+  - Peace
 tags:
+  - peace
+  - Larry King
+  - Harrison Ford
 ---
 
 <p data-block-key="qc96w">For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation. Eph. 2:14</p><p data-block-key="6srgj">In an interview with Larry King, Harrison Ford was asked: “Your money has bought you so much; Is there anything you haven’t been able to buy?” Harrison said, “I don’t have peace.” Truly stated, peace is NOT something that you can buy! But if we will test our allegiance to the Lord, our answers can bring us peace. William Gurnall, a Puritan writer, asks these questions:</p><p data-block-key="ceu3h">First: How did your ‘prince’ come to the throne? In this fallen world, we must ask Christ to sit on the throne of our hearts!</p><p data-block-key="e963n">Second: Whose law do you obey? Because the prince of darkness has only the law of sin. The Prince of Peace has the law of life and holiness! (See Romans 6:16).</p><p data-block-key="7lpjs">Third: Where do you go for protection? When you live in sin and are unrepentant, you won’t trust God and go to Him. The fear of the Lord will bring you to the heart of the Spirit of God!</p><p data-block-key="a4r1k">Fourth: With whom do you sympathize? Christ is your Prince if you are able to celebrate godliness and the victories of the Lord.</p><p data-block-key="d9gqa">And fifth: Have you joined the ‘troops’ that fight against the enemy-satan?  Because standing on the sidelines is NOT enough! We are needed on the front lines, not just in the Palace with the Prince. </p><p data-block-key="25ktc"></p>