Saturday, August 23, 2008

Acts and Romans

I did not get to write down anything yesterday, it seemed the day started just after I got to read some and then we were off and running.  I thought I had a meeting at 10:00am and it was 9:00am and so I didn't get anything written down.  Then at 12:00, we went on a Jet boat ride with our son and daughter-in-law, Jon and Tiffany, and her mother and brother.  It was wild!  About fifty people can fit into these boats and they have three chevy engines that power them and they can turn around on a dime.  Of course, you get soaked to the skin when they do that, and they do that often!  It was a nice time.  Then later, our new youth pastor, Steve and wife Mary Frost, showed up after traveling across the country and they will be getting settled in these next few days.  These are exciting times as another new assistant shows up today also having traveled across the country, Michael and Rebekah Griswold. 
Yesterday, I got an email from my dear friend and missionary, Charlie Vest.  It was a blessing to hear from him and he is doing such a great job.  If you are ever looking for a missionary to support, that will reap you great investment in a harvest of souls saved, it is Charlie Vest.  Hey Charlie!
Well, here are a few thoughts for the day:
1) HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED?  I have!  If you have ever travel much, have you ever wondered, why would people live here?  When you think of Igloos on the frozen tundra, have you ever thought:  "Have these people never seen a picture of warmer lands?"  Or people who live in the hottest desserts on earth, and the question comes to mind: "Why?"  Well, God's Word has an answer for that.  In Acts 17:26 it says that God "hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation."  In other words, God has determined the boundaries of where people should live, and that is why they live there!  We live where God wills us to live for the most part and we like it.  Some like the dessert, some like the snow, and I like the green and moderate temperatures of Oregon!!  God put me here!  I think that Charlie loves the Philippines!
2) WHO PUT YOU IN CHARGE?  Sometimes people ask Pastors why they are in charge of the church they pastor and the only Biblical answer is that the Holy Spirit put us in charge.  In Acts. 20:28 it says: "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."  The Holy Spirit calls a man to the ministry and He instructs him as a Pastor to lead the church he pastors.  God put us in charge, and it is not an easy responsibility, and at times, it is very difficult, but we do go forward for Him.
3) I WAS OBEDIENT, ARE YOU?  Acts 26:19, Paul says to King Agrippa, "I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:"  When I left for Oregon, 24 years ago, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.  I have tried now for these 24 years to stick with the stuff, even when the going was tough.  Have you?  Are you being obedient to God's vision for your life?  It is so important to know that we are IN the will of God and DOING the will of God for our lives; if not, we are wasting our lives!!  Hey, Charlie, you were not disobedient to the Heavenly vision and I know God will supply all of your needs in that distant land you serve Him in. 
4) FAITH- Here is a good Bible verse to explain what faith is:  Romans 4:21 "And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able to perform."  Faith is not naming and claiming, but it is taking a promise of God and running with it.  Believing because God said so!!  There it is.... Faith... It pleases God that we have FAITH in what He says!!
Well, so much for today,  Let me say "have a great day!" to each and everyone of you.  To my dear mother, I love you.... you are the greatest MOM ever!  and to my dear friend Charlie... proud of you brother!  Keep up the great work!  May God bless.  Pastor Mike Mutchler
Counter
Free Counter