REVELATION

Today is the last day of reading through the Bible for first time in 2009.  I'm looking forward to starting all over again Sunday.  I have an early morning prayer breakfast, so let me write just a little bit: ARE WE LISTENING?  In Rev. 2 & 3, we see that seven times, the phrase: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."  The question is:  Are we listening?  The Holy Spirit is talking... He is speaking to us as individuals, and He is speaking to us as a church.  Do we hear His voice?  He wants to comfort us, correct us, challenge us, and complete us.  But, we need to listen to Him.  Are you?  Am I?  I hope so, we certainly need to be listening to Him speak. OVERCOMERS .... YES!!  In Rev. 12:11, the Bible says:  "And they overcome him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."   We are overcomers, but it is Jesus who made us so.  Let us continue to look to Him this year for the victory.  The challenges may be great, but the power of Christ is real!  Hope you have a blessed day.  Just these two small thoughts for today!  Tomorrow is Sunday!!  Praise God!   Dr. Mike Mutchler

EPISTLES

I am just two days away from starting all over again in the Bible.  Here is a thought or two about the truths I've pointed out: 1) THE NEED FOR HUMILITY- God delights in humility!  He looks for it as He scans this earth.  I really believe that and He chooses to bless humility.  In James 4:10, the Bible says: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall life you up."  The way up is down in the Christian Life.  By putting others first, God lifts you up to the top.  Keep humble, and let God use you however and let His holy name be praised!  I Peter 5:6 says:  "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:"  God will do His part, if we do our part! 2) REMEMBER-In II Peter 1:9, Peter says that some "hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins."  Having said that, in verse 12, he says: "to put you always in remembrance of these things"; and in verse 12: "to stir you up by puting you in remembrance;"  Because some had "fogotten" that they were saved from their sins, Peter makes sure to remind those he wrote to of the great truths they had been told.  We ought to always be reminded of what Great things Christ has done for us! 3) WATCH OUT!  I John 5:21 says: "Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen."  We need to be on guard that no little idol creeps into our lives.... these idols grow!  Love the God who gives us things, but don't fall in love with the thing... only the Creator!  Thank God for all He provides us in life, but worship Him alone, and do not give our love and praise to people or places, or things.  We serve the Lord Christ, and Him only!! Have a wonderful day in the Lord.  Last night, it was cool, but I saw two people trust Christ as their Savior.  It was a good night.  May God bless you this day!   Pastor Mike Mutchler