Shepherd to Sheep, Isaiah 43:19 (8/4/25)
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TEXT
Isaiah 43:19 (KJV-BRG)
19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Look, I am about to do something new. Now it begins to happen! Do you not recognize it? Yes, I will make a road in the wilderness and paths in the wastelands. (NET)
Watch! I'm about to carry out something new! And now it's springing up—don't you recognize it? I'm making a way in the wilderness and paths in the desert. (ISV)
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REFLECTION
Every new season is a fresh chance to see what God is doing. Whether you're starting a new job, or entering a new school year, or moving to a new state (with everything being different and new), or a new habit (like exercising or eating better or reading)... God is in business of bringing new things out of old ground (like here in Arizona). Like our text says, God likes "... making ways in the wilderness, rivers (streams) in the desert (wastelands)." As God's kids, He brings hope where there was desert/wastelands. Direction where there was dysfunction. Clarity where there is confusion. This is our God! He said, "Behold/look/watch... I will do a new thing (something new)!" Hey believer... God sees. God knows. God hears. Trust God.
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APPLICATION
Gang... take some time today, this week, to reflect on a "new season" you're stepping into. Maybe write a short prayer or declaration about the new season in your journey (or your phone). Ask God to show you where He's already working and how you can join Him, in progressing into your new season. Ask God to show you where you "were" and where you are "headed?" In coming weeks and months, we will head into glorious weather season here in Arizona. Keep your "eyes and I's" on Jesus through God's Word.
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SUPPLICATION
Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV-BRG)
22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Precious Lord... thank You for new beginnings. Help me to choose to enter this new season with faith and not fear. Open my eyes to see the new things You are doing in me and around me (like Elijah helped Elisha see). Lord I believe but help me in my unbelief. Remind me when I'm sulking in the desert/wastelands, that You will do a new miracle/work. In Jesus' mighty name, amen.

Mike

Shepherd to Sheep, Eph 5:15-16 (7/29/25)
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TEXT
Ephesians 5:15-16 (KJV-BRG)
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
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REFLECTION
Gang... we all know "life" moves fast. So often, we miss what God is doing because we're rushing from one thing to another. The Apostle Paul reminds you and me to walk "circumspectly and wisely" in this "evil" world we live in. What does this mean? It means keeping our heads on a swivel and paying attention to the people in front of you, the opportunities around you, and the still small voice of God leading you.
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APPLICATION
Take time today and this week to slow down. Pause and ask God, "Father, what are You doing around me right now?" It could be a moment to encourage and pray for someone, or to rest physically & mentally, or to give of your time, talent & tithe, or to speak life. Don't miss it on those God-moments. Look for one divine opportunity today and respond to the leading of the Spirit of God in that moment.
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SUPPLICATION
Psalms 90:12 (KJV-BRG)
12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Say this prayer, "Holy Spirit, help me walk with wisdom because the days are short. Open my eyes to what You're doing in this moment. I don't want to rush past the things that matter. Teach me to live with intention and trust You with the rest. In Jesus' name, amen."

Ps. Mike

Shepherd to Sheep 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (7/7/25)
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TEXT
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV-BRG)
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
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REFLECTION
Gratitude is a key to unlocking joy and peace.
- God's Word teaches us that gratitude to God is not limited to moments of easiness and prosperity.
- It should be a constant posture in the life of a believer, including during "storms" or difficult times.
- Remember, "you never know what a teabag is like until it's in hot water." What is seeping out of you?
God calls us to give thanks in all circumstances.
- Not because everything is perfect.
- But because God is always faithful & good.
- No matter the circumstance (good times and hard times), when we learn to give thanks in the midst of them, we start to see the beauty of God's will for our lives in all things.
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APPLICATION
Make it a point today to:
- Give thanks in good times.
- Give thanks in hard times.
- Rejoice in God's goodness.
- Pray with a grateful heart for all that He has done in your life.
- Start to cultivate an attitude of gratitude by giving thanks today.
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SUPPLICATION
Jesus, thank You for all of the blessings in my life. Help me to cultivate a heart of gratitude, remembering Your goodness in all circumstances. Let my heart overflow with thankfulness. In Jesus' name, amen.

Your friend
mike

TEXT
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

REFLECTION
- AN INVITATION for us to access God made available by Jesus Christ
- AN INSTRUCTION on the attitude we are to take up in our approach to the Lord.. BOLD
- A DESTINATION is the place where God rules over all creation. A place we have the ability to enter in.
- A DISPLAY of what God’s Kingdom is built on. The grace of God is a greater glory than gold
- MERCY (not getting what we deserve) & GRACE (getting what we do not deserve) are available to us

APPLICATION
We sometimes have difficulty asking others for help or forgiveness but that doesn’t need to be the case in our petitions to the Lord.

If today you are in a time of need, no matter what it may be, you have been invited to bring it before God with confidence.

Like a child asks for every little thing from mom and dad, we should have the same level of certainty in our ability to ask our Father for what we need and desire.

Supplication

Lord God, You are a good Father. Though you reign over all creation, Your ear is always open to me. You know my every request even before it’s made and I thank You for allowing me to draw near to You in my time of need. I pray, Lord, that you create in me a greater boldness towards You and a boldness that radiates outward for the world to see.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Pastor Alex

Shepherd to Sheep (6/2/25)
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TEXT
Galatians 6:9-10 (KJV-BRG)            
9 And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.            
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.            
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REFLECTION
Faithfulness to God:
- Protects you.
- Brings results in your walk of faith.
When we strive to stay faithful to God, we:
- Posture and position ourselves for future breakthroughs.
- Wait for a shift in our favor in His time.
Breakthrough always comes in God's timing. Our consistent faithfulness to Him is dictated by us. Remember:
- The enemy wants you to quit before the breakthrough.
- If you stay faithful, you will develop a deeper understanding of God’s goodness and consistency in your life.
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APPLICATION
Ask the Holy Spirit what areas of your life need to be strengthened in your growth of faith.
- Write them down.
- Pray over these areas.
- Ask God to grow you.
Remember to be consistent by constantly showing up to serve others. Keep praying, keep believing, keep loving, and keep serving. Remember:
- "Discipline & Consisentcy Outpaces Desire & Passion"
- "Serving Jesus by Serving Others"
- "Help others get what they want and you will get what you want"
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SUPPLICATION
Jesus, I thank You for Your faithfulness to me and never giving up on me, even when I do so to You. When I am faithless, You are faithful. I humbly ask that You bless me with fresh endurance to keep doing what is right, even when it's hard. Strengthen my heart to trust Your timing in all things. Help me to serve You by serving Your people in my church. In Jesus' name, amen.
Scripture reference for prayer:
Hebrews 10:36 (NKJV) - "For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise."

Shepherd to Sheep (5/26/25)

TEXT
Colossians 3:2 (KJV-BRG)
2 Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth.

REFLECTION
The world we live in (family friends jobs hobbies etc) is constantly trying to pull our attention (our mind) in many different directions. However, God calls us to focus on what is eternal. There's an old saying, "You're so heavenly-minded, you're no earthly good." The reality is, "You're no earthly good if you're not heavenly-minded." When you are focused on eternity, this is a discipline we develop over time as we learn to walk with God daily. What we fix our affections, minds, and hearts upon ultimately shapes our lives, and how we decide to moving forward in life. It's been said, "You are "who" you are and "where" you are because of what is going into your mind. Change "who" you are and change "where" you are by changing what goes into your mind."

APPLICATION
Pause and RESET your focus today. Ask yourself this, "what distractions are preventing me from being focused on Jesus in my life? Write them down in a journal (or your phone) and establish a healthy goal of re-arranging your priorities to make more room for more of the Lord in your daily life. Distraction is the Destruction... of God's will for your life in slow motion. Distraction (social media, hobbies, laziness, toxic relationships, etc.) can be destructive and this can happen very subtly.

SUPPLICATION
Jesus, I thank You so much that You will draw close to me when I draw close to You (James 4:8). I ask that You help me to keep my mind on You by making necessary changes. When the worries of life overwhelm me (physically, financially, emotionally, etc), remind me of what truly matters (eternity vs temporary), and bring me back to fully trusting in You.
Lord, help me to live out Romans 12:1-2 (KJV-BRG)
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your MIND, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
In the name of Jesus... amen!
Blessings,
Mike

Shepherd to Sheep ( 5/19/2025 )

TEXT   NKJV

Matt 5:17-18 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.  For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled

REFLECTION

There are many Christian’s who believe that the Law was done away with when Jesus died on the cross for our sins. The Greek word, fulfilled means:  To fill, to make full, to complete, to fulfill. Jesus, in human skin, fulfilled all the righteous requirements of the law. If the law was destroyed then how could the Apostle Paul state in Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself’’. Wow, imagine that! All 613+10 requirements of the Law are fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself’’. Only God in human skin could figure that one out!

APPLICATION

So if you are feeling burdened that you might not be doing enough for the Lord just remember this. There is only one commandment in the New Testament to obey and that is, loving your neighbor as yourself. If you love your neighbor as yourself then it proves you love God and if you love God then you will love your neighbor as yourself. What a beautiful way to live as we follow Jesus!

SUPPLICATION

Thank you Lord, that what’s impossible with men is possible with you. You fulfilled all the righteous requirements of the law so we could love you with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Truly Lord, there is simplicity in You. Help us to walk in the Spirit and we won’t fulfill the desires of the flesh. We desire to do those things that are pleasing in your sight. In Jesus name Amen!!!

Pastor Mitch

Shepherd to Sheep

TEXT
Ephesians 4: 1-4
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with long suffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;

REFLECTION
God tells us to walk in a way that is worthy of our calling with humility, long suffering, and in oneness with His Word and His nature, but how do we know WHAT we are called to do? While service in His church is desirable and admirable, many mistake that as the only calling one can have as a servant. Some receive the calling to serve in ministry, but ALL of us receive the calling to walk wherever we are in His ways and of His character.

APPLICATION
Psalm 37:4 tells us that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give you the desires of your heart. If you do not know where God is calling you, start by spending time in His word and asking for Him to reveal the desires of your heart. As you pursue Him more, He will show Himself in your heart and reveal the holy desires of your heart, not the desires of the flesh. You may be surprised to learn that God’s calling in your life is closer than you thought!

SUPPLICATION
Jesus, thank you for giving us hope and purpose in this life you have graciously given us. Help us to trust in Your plan for our lives and to grow in Your Word that we might know you more intimately. Reveal in us the calling You have for our lives as we draw closer to You and that You would transform our hearts to make us desire more of You and less of the world. We pray that You would use us wherever we are and wherever You will take us to minister to those who need Your love, mercy, and saving grace and that You would grant us courage as we step into faith as we follow You. In Jesus name, amen.

-Christian

Shepherd To Sheep 5/8/25

TEXT
1 Peter 3:15
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear"

REFLECTION
Brothers and sisters, we have here direct instructions on how we are to live as Christians. God calls us to live a life of
Reverent, Ready, Educated, Expectant

APPLICATION

Invest in understanding.
Apologetics is the study of evidence for the faith from and outside of the Bible. The word “apologetics” is derived from the Greek word used in this verse.
We will be better equipped to share Jesus when we can communicate our beliefs from both sides. Let’s do our part to know WHAT we believe and WHY we believe it.

Hold on to the Living Hope.
If you are in Christ you have the hope of glory ahead of you. Our hope is for today just as much as Heaven. No matter what may come your way, You belong to God as His child and we’re being transformed as we grow in Christ

SUPPLICATION

Lord God, thank you for giving me Your truth and making me Your own. Help me to fill my mind with Your Word and I trust Your Spirit will bring it to mind as I seek to serve you.
In Jesus’ Name.. Amen

Pastor Alex

Shepherd to Sheep (4/28/25)
TEXT
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV-BRG)
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

REFLECTION
Hey Believer... God never calls us (you & me) to walk alone in this life. God's strength (through His Word & the infilling of the Holy Spirit) is GREATER than your weakness. And as a follower of Christ, He is always with us (you & me). When we are at our weakest & lowest points in life, this is actually a MAGNET for the strength of Christ to draw near to us... IF... we are consistently "drawing near" Him (James 4:8) and not the world.

APPLICATION
Father... thank you for the ability to fully rely on Your strength today. Help me to trust and know that You are with me in every battle. Help me to depend on Your Scriptures and Your Spirit... In Jesus' name, amen.

SUPPLICATION
2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV-BRG)
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Pastor Mike

TEXT   NKJV
Titus 2:11-14
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age
13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,  
14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works

REFLECTION
*   The grace of God brings salvation
•   The grace of God appeared to all people
•   The grace of God teaches us
•   We must have Hope
•   We are redeemed
•   We are special
•   We must be zealous for good works

APPLICATION
• Remember it is only by the grace of God that we are saved
• Allow the grace of God to teach us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust
• Allow the grace of God to teach us to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age
• We must look for the hope and glorious appearing of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ

SUPPLICATION
Dear Lord, I realize that it is only by the grace of God I am what I am. Without the grace of God there is no salvation, without You I can do nothing! Without your Hope I am hopeless! But Lord you died for us that those that live should not live for themselves but live for the one who died for them, and rose again! I pray that the Love of Christ constrains us to give our utmost to you. In Jesus name, Amen!!!!

Pastor Mitch

Shepherd to Sheep (4/8/25)

TEXT
Matthew 11:28 (KJV)
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

REFLECTION
Jesus invites you and me to come to Him for rest. Life, work, school, family and marriage often leaves us weary. But in His presence, we find peace and renewal. This rest encompasses:

• Physical rest
• Spiritual rest
• Emotional rest
• Mental rest

Jesus offers rest for our souls, minds, and bodies. We encounter various daily stresses through:

• Different forms of expressions
• Interactions with people
• Challenging environments

Yet, in a world filled with pressures, His invitation remains the same: come and find rest in Me.

APPLICATION
Today, make time to rest. Consider the following activities:

• Prayer
• Reading His word
• Reflection
• Quiet time with Him

Allow the Holy Spirit to restore and refresh you by drawing closer to Him. Trust that in His presence, you will find the peace and rest you need to proceed forward through your trials and tribulations.

SUPPLICATION
Jesus, I come to You today weary and burdened. I humbly and honestly ask for Your rest and peace in this moment of my life (in my work, family, marriage, relationships). I ask that You restore my soul and lead me to find comfort in Your presence through God's Word. Although I feel heavy, I thank You that You are drawing me close right now, and that Your strength is being made perfect (whole) in my weakness. I am so grateful to You (for Your Word & Spirit). Thank You for Your invitation to receive rest in You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Mike… ??

Shepherd to Sheep (4/1/25)

TEXT

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

REFLECTION

On the 1st of April it’s easy to have light hearted fun being the “fool” of a practical joke. When we fall for a prank, we know that whatever caught us off guard is exactly what was intended by the prankster and it does us well to enjoy a laugh with them.

The verse above tells us that the world sees the Gospel message as a silly thing. Something to not be taken seriously and certainly not to base one’s life off of. But the Christian knows that the gospel message is not something we can be tricked into and fall for. It must be accepted and believed from the heart. Throughout the proverbs, God says a true fool is one that does not consider God and the ways of God.

APPLICATION

When you are being challenged, criticized,
or mocked for your faith and the convictions it brings, remember our Lord experienced the same treatments firsthand. As we follow Jesus, we should accept being considered a fool (by the world) for God’s sake. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, not of man.

SUPPLICATION

Lord, you alone are wise. I thank you for taking me from my own foolishness and sin and giving me a new heart and a new mind.
 I pray you would give me courage to stand firm in my convictions when the unbelieving world does not understand or agree with the way You’ve called me to live. Help me, Lord, to take myself less seriously before others and to hold Your will for me above all else.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Alex

Shepherd to Sheep (3/17/25)

TEXT
Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

REFLECTION
You know... LIFE is full of unknowns, ups and downs. And oftentimes, UNCERTAINTY can feel scary and very overwhelming. When we don't have all the answers or can't see where the road leads, instead of trusting in ourselves (me, myself & I), God calls us DEEPER to trust in Him. Our human understanding is finite, but God's wisdom is infinite. God's Word is perfect and of great depth. When you & I submit our plans, goals, dreams, and worries to Him, He promises to guide us with clarity, making our paths straight. Even in the midst of uncertainty, we can rest in the assurance that God is in control. Although this is challenging, one of the greatest points of growth in our faith is the ability to embrace surrender. We are told in Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Pastor Chuck Smith always said, "where the Lord guides, He provides."

APPLICATION
Hey believer... If you're facing uncertainty today, whether in your marriage & family, your job, relationships, or personal journey, remember that trusting God with your whole heart is the key. There are tools that God gives us and SURRENDER is such a powerful tool we get to EXERCISE as we walk in faith with God. We learn along the way to lean not on our own limited, finite understanding, but trust that God will lead us where we need to go. God sees. God knows. God hears. Trust God.

SUPPLICATION
Jesus, today I choose to trust You with all my heart. Help me to let go of my need for control and to lean on Your wisdom. Even when I don't know what lies ahead, I trust that You are guiding me. And that Your leading is best for my life. Please direct my steps and make my path clear, I trust you. In Jesus' name, amen. Pastor Mike

Shepherd to Sheep (3/7/25 )
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TEXT
Psalms 107:1-2   NKJV
1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy
____________________________________________________________
REFLECTION
The Psalmist exhorts us to give thanks to the Lord. Why? Because God is good! This is God’s nature, that’s who He is. Just the fact that He is good should motivate us to give to Him. But that's not all. The psalmist gives us another reason why we should give Him thanks.
For His mercy endures forever! These two things alone should inspire us to give thanks to the Lord each and every morning.
____________________________________________________________
APPLICATION
Then in Psalms 107:2 the Psalmist commands us to declare this promise
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy!
In the Hebrew it reads “ Let’s say [so]
It primarily means "to say" or "to speak" and is used to convey direct speech, commands, promises, and declarations
So, because we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb from the hand of our enemy “LET’S DECLARE! Oh, give thanks to the Lord for he is good, For His mercy endures forever!
____________________________________________________________
SUPPLICATION
Lord, forgive us for being unthankful. We have so much to be thankful for. Your goodness is abounding! Your mercies endures forever!
Col 1;13-14 says
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,  http://biblehub.com/colossians/1-14.htmin whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins
 Oh, give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercies endures forever!!!

Pastor Mitch

Shepherd to Sheep (2/25/25)

TEXT
Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

REFLECTION
Too often, we think that God's thoughts about us is to do us in, to set us up, or cause us to fail (we do this one all on our own). Man's thinking is "stinking thinking." In our verse today, God's thinking of us (that's you and me), is of "peace and not of evil." God wants to give us "an expected end" or "a future and a hope."

APPLICATION
How can you change the way God thinks of you? Proverbs 23:7 says "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." Meditate on the Word of God. Whether that's reading your bible, or listening the audio bible, or listening to a sermon, chew and chew and chew on God's Word. Get God's Word into your heart and mind. We eat daily, so too, consume God's Word. It'll pay great dividends, an expected end, a future and a hope.

SUPPLICATION
Jesus, thank You for Your thoughts towards me. Please forgive me for being worldly-minded and having a jaded view of You. Help me to be heavenly-minded so that I have a biblical view of You. Grant me strength today to show others that You have "a future and a hope, an expected end" for me, In Jesus' name, amen.

Shepherd to Sheep

Text
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭15‬

REFLECTION
Last week we reflected on God’s love for us.

Jesus says in this week’s passage that our love for God is expressed through obedience. Jesus lived a perfectly obedient life both out of love for the Father and for us, becoming the perfect sacrifice to forgive our sins.

APPLICATION
We all have our own ways of expressing love to others and to God. Regardless of what your “Love Language” may be, set your mind on obedience to the will and Word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to perform His will in you. Not out of religious duty, but out of real devotion. And when we fall short of obedience, remember, perfection belongs to Jesus ?

SUPPLICATION
Holy Spirit, I need You to confront me with the Word when I am tempted and straying. Thank You for the mercy I receive as often as I do fall stray. I trust that Your desires for me are what’s best for me. Grant me a greater desire and ability to be obedient to You, I pray

In Jesus’ name,
 AMEN

-Pastor Alex

Shepherd to Sheep

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (KJV)
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

REFLECTION
Love is one of the most powerful forces we can experience, and especially the Love of God through His Son Jesus that died on the Cross for us. A genuine love for Jesus will reflect God's nature. True biblical love is long suffering (patient), kind, and selfless. On this Valentine's Day, let us celebrate the love that God has for us and the love we are called to share with others.

APPLICATION
Believer, take time today to show love to those around you, whether that is through words, actions, or prayers. Reflect the love of Jesus in all your interactions. Ask God, "how can I reflect Your love to someone else on this day?"

SUPPLICATION
Jesus, thank You for Your love that you give us unconditionally. Help me to love others with the same patience, kindness, and selflessness that You have shown me. Let my love reflect Your heart to others around me today. May those around me be drawn to You because they see God's love in & through me, In Jesus' name, amen.

Mike
JESUS: nothing More… nothing Less… nothing Else! 

Happy Blessed Thanksgiving!!!
 
Church family… despite what might be going on in your life… there is something to be thankful for!

We are told by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

This was the instruction to the believers in Thessalonica.

Paul said, “In every thing give thanks…” — he did NOT say “for” everything. You see, we cannot be thankful for murder, rape, incest, etc. (you get the point). But we can choose to be thankful “in” everything. Why? Because we know that God causes ALL things for good (Romans 8:28).

No matter what is going on in your life today… find something that you can be THANKFUL for.

A thankful heart, is a blessed heart.

May Jesus bless and fill you with Thanksgiving in your heart and life.

Mike

On October 7th, 2023, a month ago from today, the State of Israel experienced something that no country should ever experience. What happened that day was pure evil and demonic. The problem is, they messed with God’s people… the Israelites. And every country that tried to wipe out Israel… well… it didn’t bode well for them.

You see… Hamas (a terrorist group that’s demon possessed) attacked the citizens of Israel. On Oct. 7 was the deadliest day for Jews since the holocaust. Over 1,400 lives were murdered, more than 200 kidnapped into Gaza, and more than 4,000 injured. As the days went on, the images coming out on social media and accurate news outlets were horrific and demonic. Innocent babies, boys and girls, men and women, and the elderly were murdered, butchered, and kidnapped. Women were raped, families were tied up together and burned alive, a baby was found in an oven and burnt alive, a pregnant woman’s belly was sliced open, and the horrific-demonic stories keep coming in…

10/7/23 is Israel’s 9/11.

An attack on a similar percentage of the U.S. population would result in 50,000 murdered, 7,000 kidnapped, and 100,000 injured. Picture that for a moment in your mind. I can clearly remember what happened on 9/11/01.

The following is from my friend, Andy Cochran, pastor of Calvary Chapel Long Beach (CA).

WHY CHRISTIANS SUPPORT ISRAEL:
1) The Blessing: Those who Bless Israel will be Blessed (Genesis 12:1-3).
2) It's Commanded in the Scriptures: Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).
3) They were Entrusted with the Word of God. We are Indebted to them for keeping the Scriptures. (Romans 3:1-2).
4) All the Major Covenants of the Bible are made with Israel.
5) They are the Wife of God – An unfaithful wife. “The Beloved.” (Ezekiel 16:8-21, Jeremiah 3:6-8, Jeremiah 2:2, Jeremiah 3:1).
6) They are God's Chosen People - He loves them! (Deuteronomy 7:6-8).
7) The Apple of God's eye –  the Focus of His Gracious Gaze (Zechariah 2:8-10).
8) Our Spiritual Roots Come from Israel – Every practice we have as Christians has its roots in Jewish Practices: Baptism, Communion, Baby Dedication, Bible Study, Assembling at Church weekly, Worship.
9) Our Nation has roots in Israel – Jewish people & Biblical Teachings were at the very core of the founding of America.
10) Israel is the Key to Understand Biblical End Times Prophecy.
11) Jesus Returns and Rules from Israel for Eternity – Returns to Jerusalem, Rules from Jerusalem, will create a New Jerusalem.
12) Jesus our Savior and Messiah is Jewish! – He is called the “Son of David”, the “Lion of Judah”.  The Blood that washed away our sins had Jewish DNA.  Jesus teaches us in John 4:22 that “Salvation is of the Jews.” Paul teaches us in Romans 1:16 that salvation came “to the Jew first and then the gentile.”
To support the Jewish people and the nation of Israel – is a Christian thing... period.
Thanks Andy!

Folks… if you are a genuine follower of Christ, then it is your duty to SUPPORT ISRAEL.

Now regarding Hamas, here’s something that Amir Tsarfait said (and I wholeheartedly support):

• Hamas showed that it is worse than ISIS and should be treated as such. Not only because Israel has a right to defend itself, and not even out of revenge. Eradicating Hamas is essential for Israel’s very existence.
• If Hamas is not completely dismantled, then its next terror attack it will murder 10,000 people.
• If Hamas is not completely dismantled, then our even stronger enemies from the north and from Iran will know that they can exert such attacks and that we will tolerate.
• If Hamas is not completely dismantled, its next attack could be outside of Israel, in your own country.

I firmly believe the American church needs to wake up. What happened in Israel can and will happen here on American soil. Pastors and churches need to start standing up for truth and not stay silent. The German church and pastors stayed silent when Hitler and his henchmen tried to eradicate the Jews. We must stand with Israel!

In Jesus name…
Mike