The Just shall live by Faith
God cannot hear prayer unless a heart of faith strengthens it. Words of Scripture are utterly barren unless read by eyes of faith. The Christian life is meaningless and empty unless viewed from eyes of faith. Thru faith earth is linked to heaven, Scripture becomes quick and powerful, and the Christian life becomes vibrant and fulfilled. How do I receive help in time of need? By Faith! How do I conquer the many troubles of life? By Faith! Faith appropriates strength for the journey. Faith is the heavenly key to victorious Christian living. Thru faith’s strong door stand the riches of this life and the life to come. In the Bible, “faith” means believing in God, and in what Christ has done for us to make our salvation possible–and then, by faith, committing ourselves to Him. Faith has two parts to it, and both are equally important. The first part is belief–belief that God exists, and that He loves us and sent His Son into the world to save us. Faith isn’t a vague hope that God might exist; it is a definite belief that what the Bible says about Him is true. The Bible plainly says in Hebrews 11:6 that, "He that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. The second part of faith is commitment–a definite decision not only to believe in our minds that Christ can save us, but to put our lives into His hands and trust Him alone for our salvation. True faith not only believes Christ can save us, but actually trusts Him to do it. The Bible says, “For by grace are ye saved, through faith” Eph. 2:8. The child of God that firstly begins their relationship with Christ through faith then lives their remaining days through faith. 1 Peter 1:5 wonderfully states that the Children of God, "…are kept by the power of God through faith…". Faith ensures the host of heaven will be by my side. Faith moves the omnipotence of God on my behalf. Faith covers me with the awesome power of God. Faith lifts me above my enemy. Faith helps me defy the hosts of hell. By faith I stand victorious over sin, Satan and self. Take faith away and it is impossible for me to receive anything of the Lord. Let not him that wavered expect that he shall receive anything of God! Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe. 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!” Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible. Faith is not believing that God can, but that God will! Pastor Rudy
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“It’s All For Jesus”
During a missionary service in a church, the adults were asked to contribute money to help feed some starving children in India who had been placed in a Christian hospital. The boys and girls in the congregation were urged to give a favorite toy. When the time came for the offering, one little girl began crying as though her heart would break. In her arms she clasped a well-worn doll, her only doll. Everyone could see that she was having quite a struggle in parting with her cherished possession. Then all at once a smile broke through her tears as she almost ran down the aisle to the front. Holding up the doll, she said, "I'm sorry I cried, Mr. Missionary. I forgot for a while--it's all for Jesus!" This wonderful story reminds us that every trial, every battle, every sorrow, every sacrifice is to be faced with the realization that “It’s ALL for Jesus!”. I therefore so run, not as uncertainty; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body; and bring it unto subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Cor 9:26-27 Pastor Rudy The Christians Choice - “To Always Rejoice”
Some years ago, in Tyler, Texas, a tragic automobile accident left Katlyn White, a beautiful 16-year-old girl, a quadriplegic. She was faced with a difficult choice at an early age. She could let this circumstance ruin her or use it to reign with Christ. She chose to look to God's Word and made Job 23:10 her life's verse: "He knoweth the way that I take; when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold". For 40 years she has been confined to a wheelchair, but the chair does not define her. The suffering and loss of mobility are not her focus. She learned, even with diminished strength, that she could reach out to children and adults and minister Christ's love to them on the telephone. With a specially made device, she is able to hold the receiver and share the good news. Clowns at area circuses carry her phone number to give to homeless children. Many people call with the names of kids who need help. She spends untold hours on the phone talking about Jesus. She has been hammered and forged, passed through the heat of affliction and pain again and again, but the product is finished, polished, and ready for each delicate task God gives her. Her success has come through brokenness, which she turned around for the glory of God. She chose to draw near to God in her physical tragedy." Victor Franklin wisely said, "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms—To choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, is to choose one's own way." Hated, betrayed, and forgotten by his friends, Joseph chose to praise God for His goodness. Beaten and wrongfully enslaved in prison-Paul and Silas chose to sing the choruses of heaven. Rejected, beaten and hung on a cross to die, Jesus looked upon his self-proclaimed enemies and pleaded, “Father forgive them”- then in joyous expectation shouted, “It is finished”. Christians today would do well to live out Paul’s admonition to the distressed believers at Philadelphia, “Rejoice in the Lord alway and again I say rejoice”. You always have a choice… The Psalmist declared that no matter the circumstances we face nor our standing in life...let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.- Ps 68:3. Choose today to fully rejoice in the Lord! “Keep smiling - It makes everyone wonder what you're up to.” Pastor Rudy “In His Hands”
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; & lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, & he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 Nature teaches us much about God and His wonderful providence. For instance, He supplies the animals and the fowls of the air with innate abilities that help them survive in a hostile environment. They are guided and preserved even though their intelligence is limited. Some birds would perish if they had to stay all year in areas, which have extreme variations in temperature. So the Lord has given them migrating instincts. Studies indicate that the small indigo bunting (a member of the finch family) apparently steers his way 2000 miles south every year just by looking over his shoulder at the northern sky. Steven T. Emlen of the University of Michigan says this night-flying bird does not seem to rely on any one star or constellation for his direction. Instead, he recognizes the whole geometric pattern of the heavenly bodies within 35 degrees of the North Star. He can be confused only when that area is entirely obscured by clouds. Then his flight is instinctively discontinued until he can once again get a clear view of the sky. What a tremendous lesson for the child of God. Our lives also have times when our direction or interests are obscured by clouds. These shadows of our lives often steal our joy, dampen our faith, and sap our life and strength, sometimes to the point we feel we can’t go on. If we willfully place our trust and love in Christ the clouds will be removed and God’s strong presence and help will be experienced again. A very sick, British preacher Charles Simeon smiled brightly and asked the people gathered in his room, "What do you think especially gives me comfort at this time?" When they all remained silent, he exclaimed, "The creation! I ask myself, 'Did Jehovah create the world or did I?' He did! Now if He made the world and all the rolling spheres of the universe, He certainly can take care of me. Into Jesus' hands I can safely commit my spirit!" Hudson Taylor, founder of China Inland Mission, in the closing months of his life said to a friend, "I am so weak. I can't read my Bible. I can't even pray. I can only lie still in God's arms like a little child and trust." Both Simeon and Taylor knew that the almighty God who created the universe was holding them in His hands. Job 37:14 states, “Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God”. In Psalms 46:10, this thought was continued, “Be still, and know that I am God…The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” Child of God always remember that you can, "Cast your care upon Him for He cares for you." I hope the words of this wonderful song, "Hand in Hand with Jesus" written by Johnson Oatman, blesses you as it did me. Once from my poor sin-sick soul Christ did every burden roll Now I walk redeemed and whole Hand in hand with Jesus Hand in hand we walk each day Hand in hand along the way Walking thus I cannot stray Hand in hand with Jesus In my night of dark despair Jesus heard me and answered my prayer Now I'm walking free as air Hand in hand with Jesus Hand in hand we walk each day Hand in hand along the way Walking thus I cannot stray Hand in hand with Jesus When the stars are backward rolled And His Home I shall behold I will walk those streets of gold Hand in hand with Jesus Hand in hand we walk each day Hand in hand along the way Walking thus I cannot stray Hand in hand with Jesus Rejoice always…especially in times like these! Pastor Rudy “Completed by Another”
…every man has his gift from God, one after this manner and another after that. - I Corinthians 7:7 I remember several years ago of watching, with great interest, a national track event sponsored by the University of Tennessee. I was amazed at the physical diversity of the athletes. Runners, jumpers, pole-vaulters, hurdlers, throwers of discus, javelin and many others. Men and women who were superstars in their specialty event, yet, who probably could not be remotely competitive in any of the other events. I watched records being set in the shot put, by superstars who had built extreme muscle mass in their upper bodies, muscle mass that would hinder and embarrass them if they decided to compete in the high jump. Yet each excelled in his specialized area. Is this not the vision that Christ had for the Church as given in I Corinthians chapter 12? This wonderful chapter tells us that, at the time of salvation, the Holy Spirit has uniquely gifted each individual Christian. He purposely made us different, that together, we might fully accomplish His will; glorify the name of Christ, and working together fully meet the needs of His Church. Our diversity, which is often the source of great controversy, is not our weakness but our strength. God never intended for any person to be a complete, comprehensive package, able to do everything. He said at the beginning, “It is not good for man to be alone.” The individual can only accomplish a small part, together, we can complete the whole. I’m made, I’m gifted, I’m conditioned for my event. Our prayer should be that the Father would give us the wisdom to know our gift and the courage to wisely use it for His glory. To fully, through His mercy and grace, appreciate it and not be envious or critical of others and their gifts. Together we can fully accomplish God's will. Then, and only then, will be reach our potential and ultimately, together, bring the body of Christ to full maturity. What a display, for all to see, of God's glory working in and through each of us. - Pastor Rudy The Importance of Redeeming the Time
This letter was written by an 83-year-old woman to her friend. The last line says it all. Dear Bertha, I’m reading more and dusting less. I’m sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I’m spending more time with my family & friends and less time working. Whenever possible, life should be a pattern for experiences to savor, not to endure. I’m trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them. I’m not “saving” anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom. I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries. I’m not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank. “Some day” and “one of these days” are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it’s worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now. I’m not sure what others would’ve done had they known they wouldn’t be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was. I’m guessin; I’ll never know. It’s those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn’t written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn’t tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly loved them. I’m trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. Every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special. Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God…People say true friends must always hold hands, but true friends don’t need to hold hands because they know the other hand will always be there. with all my love, Agnes Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:16-18 My family and I wish to thank everyone for their prayers, gifts of love, and gracious support as together we try to fulfill God’s will for our lives. Each of you have been a wonderful encouragement and blessing. Have a great day and God bless! Pastor Rudy Stubbornness with an Eternal Purpose
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. - Is 40:31 Persisting in a good cause pays great dividends. This principle proves true in all the areas of our life. A stream cuts through a rock not because of its power but through its presistance. Thomas Edison and his associates once performed nearly a thousand experiments before they finally succeeded in coming up with the information they were looking for. People in research often work in laboratories for many years before they achieve a breakthrough in the prevention or cure for a deadly disease. Some missionaries have spent their entire lives in India proclaiming the gospel with almost no visible fruit. But their successors reaped a great harvest. What if all these people had quit just because they weren't seeing immediate results? When Jesus' countrymen rejected Him and drove Him out of the synagogue, He didn't give up on them and return to Heaven without completing His mission. Nor did the apostles cease to preach when they ran into opposition. Neither should you stop serving the Lord just because you aren't seeing the results you should. Nor should what others do or say deter you in the least. But how do we persevere in faith? A big part of perseverance involves enduring trials and tribulations. As Christians, we are to be ready for and not surprised by trials and suffering. Scriptures tell us that all who seek to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted. Those who believe the Christian life should be easy and carefree are misguided as each of us have uncomfortable crosses to bear. However, we do not carry our cross under own our strength; rather, we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit, not only to persevere through suffering, but to rejoice in the midst of it. God has promised to use even fiery trials and chaotic troubles to strengthen our faith and make us more like Jesus while working all things to our good. In the end, our perseverance is rewarded with an eternal weight of glory that will make our temporal suffering seem immaterial in comparison. Christ is our perfect example of perseverance. His faith was tested and yet He never faltered. He suffered and yet did not retaliate. He endured the horrors and brutality of the crucifixion. He persevered when He was forsaken and betrayed by those closest to Him. He did all this for the joy that was set before Him and to gloriously save each of us. Let us be eternally grateful to Christ and pray that God will grant us the strength and perspective to persevere under trial, fight the good fight, and finish the race. Always remember, if we suffer with Him we will reign with Him! If we must persevere in anything, it should be in turning our attention to God. He is there for us through everything, and we can call upon him any time. Stay busy for the Lord, our job is to be faithful, it is His problem to bring the results sought. When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you… Never give up then, for that is just the place God is waiting for. “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” Romans 12:12 Pastor Rudy Two Eternal Truths for Life
Wow, sometimes, it seems like an eternity ago that we first heard about the pandemic and its consequences. Our personal and public lives were literally turned upside down. Now, hopefully, things are slowly returning to normal. This Sunday, we at Sparta First are planning on having our first inside church service since these things began. Also, sometimes, it seems like yesterday that we enjoyed the warmth and blessing of God as we joyously worshiped during the Sunday we announced our services would change. We have shared many joys and sorrows since that time. However, I am surer today of God’s purpose, protection and provision in our lives and in the lives of those we love than then. What will tomorrow bring? Extreme joy? Bitter heartache? Maybe, usher in the coming of Christ? None of us know, yet as we journey together, two solid eternal truths exist that are our privilege and joy to claim. “Lo, I am with you alway…” - Matthew 28:20 The Lord Jesus is in the midst of His church; beloved, He is with you now. His promise is, “Lo, I am with you alway.” He is as surely with us now as he was with the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration as they saw a touch of His glory. Not fleshly, yet still with us. There is nothing like the presence of Jesus to set the heart afire and provide strength, comfort and joy. If we know that Jesus is with us, every area of our lives will be strengthened, and everyone we touch will be changed by His authority within us. His presence will be most realized by those who are most like him. The promise is still true, Jesus delights to be with His bride – Always. “And the LORD shall guide thee continually.” - Isaiah 58:11 Not an angel or man, but Jehovah shall guide you. Beloved, God has not left you in your earthly pilgrimage alone without direction or help. “The Lord shall guide thee.” How confident this makes it! How sure it is that God will not forsake us! His eternal “shalls” and “wills” are guaranteed not with earth’s money, but with heaven’s strongest power-God Himself. “The Lord shall guide thee continually.” We are not simply to be guided sometimes, but we are to have a constant guidance; not occasionally to be left alone to our own understanding, and wander to failure, but constantly to hear the guiding voice of Jehovah God. If we follow close to Him, we shall not go wrong. In the coming days and months, no matter the trial, trouble or tribulation, complete trust can be placed in Him that, “… shall guide thee continually” Praise Him from whom all blessings flow !!!! Pastor Rudy God’s Wonderful Peace
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 The storm was raging. The sea was beating against the rocks in huge, dashing waves. The lightning was flashing, the thunder was roaring, the wind was blowing; but the little bird was sound asleep in the crevice of the rock, its head tucked serenely under its wing. That is God’s glorious peace: to be able to sleep in the storm! Such is your peace, Christian! You always have reason for comfort and joy, peace is your rightful possession at all times. You may find yourself in the hour of tempest when the storm is raging it’s fullest or in the day of calm when the sun shines brightly. Come what will, the peace of God that passes all understanding will keep your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. In Christ we are relaxed and at peace in the midst of the confusions, bewilderments, and perplexities of this life. The storm rages, but our hearts are at rest because He is the Master of all storms. The Song "Wonderful Peace" written by Rev. Warren D. Cornell, a 19th century pastor illustrates wonderfully this truth. Many hymns come from personal tragedy. This hymn however comes from a time of happiness, reminding us that the same God who sends times of sorrow also sends times of joy. Rev. Cornell was so filled with joy after five days of camp meeting spent fellowshipping and eating with believers, testimonies, singing, and preaching, that the words flowed out of the overabundance of his soul. Walking along meditating on the wonderful goodness & peace of God Rev. Cornell grabbed the back of an advertising flyer and penned these words: Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm; In celestial strains it unceasingly falls O’er my soul like an infinite calm. Peace, peace, wonderful peace, Coming down from the Father above! Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray In fathomless billows of love! Beloved, when the storm is around you, when you feel like giving in to the temptation or giving up altogether, remember God is your refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. It is our God that is able to keep us from falling; it is our God that keeps us by His power; it is our God that fights and gloriously wins our battles. It is our God that will deliver us from this world and take us to our glorious eternal home that is reserved in the heavens for us. The Christian rests serenely, peacefully, and joyfully in God’s great hand, knowing that He is able to keep that which you have given Him and that nothing will touch your life that He in His great love has not ordered. Then and only then, will you have “Peace, wonderful, God-given glorious peace.” Keep your mind and heart stayed upon Him! Peace is not the absence of conflict from life, but the ability, thru God, to conquer it. Pastor Rudy Fueled by Prayer
The great evangelist Gypsy Smith was once asked how to start a revival. He replied, “Go home, lock yourself in your room, kneel down in the middle of the floor, draw a chalk mark around yourself and pray earnestly to God to start revival inside that chalk mark, the revival will be on. Prayer is the KEY to a revival within a life. Prayer is the KEY to revival within a marriage Prayer is the KEY to the revival of a church Prayer is the KEY to the revival of a nation Prayer is not a means where we can have every whim of our hearts satisfied. Prayer is a means where we offer ourselves to God, as a blank canvas might be offered to the master artist. Prayer to God is like a child’s conversation with his father. It is natural for a child to ask his father for the things he needs. When we pray, we let God know exactly where we stand and what we would like to see happen. In our prayers, we must admit that God is greater than we are and ultimately knows what is best in any given situation In prayer, we say, essentially, “Not my will, but your will be done.” The key to answered prayer is praying according to the will of God and in accordance with His Word. Prayer is not seeking our own will but seeking to align ourselves with the will of God more fully. 1 John 5:14–15 emphatically states, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." Prayer is coming to God:
There are many promises in God’s Word to encourage us to pray, such as: Psalm 91:15 He shall call upon me, & I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, & honour him. Isaiah 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: Do you want to see Revival – PRAY!! Do you want to see God’s movement - PRAY!! Do you want to see God's power in you - PRAY!! Do you want to see God’s victory in others – PRAY!! When we make petitions to God, we let God know exactly where we stand and what we would like to see happen. In our prayers, we must admit that God is greater than we are and ultimately knows what is best in any given situation. God is good and asks us to trust Him. In prayer, we say, “Not my will, but your will be done.” The key to answered prayer is praying according to the will of God and in accordance with His Word. Prayer is not seeking our own will but seeking to align ourselves with the will of God more fully Without prayer, nothing can be accomplished in time or eternity. With prayer all things are possible. Pastor Rudy |
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July 2020
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