Be Faithful with the Few

The Call of Gideon - Judges 6:12 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.”

Gideon's Army - Judges 7

Zechariah 4:6  It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Matthew 25:14-30 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.

“The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more.  The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more.  But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.

“After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money.  The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’

“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

“The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’

“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

“Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate.  I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’

“But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’

“Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver.  To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.  Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

2 Corinthians 9:6-10 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.  As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor.  Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”  For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

Luke 21:1-4 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them.  For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”

Luke 16:10-12 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.  And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?  And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?"

Jesus was faithful with the few, even when betrayed and abandoned

2 Timothy 2:13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

Covenant - A covenant is a promise by which we obligate ourselves to one another in such a way that the obligation of one party is not dependent on the faithfulness of the other.

Beginnings, ebbs and flows, seasons

2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

No matter how weak, powerless, insignificant you may feel at any time, mo matter what the season, remember God's words to Gideon: "The Lord is with you, O might man of valor!"

He is All I Need - The Names of God

HE IS ALL I NEED ~ The Names of God
Pastor Shelly Grabowski

We come to understand people by their names and titles.

David, the man after God's heart, is better understood by a study of his various names or titles. Knowing that David is described as a shepherd, warrior, king, poet and musician helps us understand his character and gives us insight into David the man. He was the son of Jesse and a great grandson of Boaz. David was from the line of Judah, the royal line from which many of Israel's kings came and from which Jesus Christ was born.

The many hats of me – wife, mother, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunt, niece, pastor, friend, activity director, board member, assistant treasurer, etc… Each name helps to define me – they each speak to a different part of my personhood.  Each one meets a need – although in truth, none of them meet every need of anyone!  In a similar way, studying God's names reveals His character to us more intimately.

A second reason for studying the names of is in order to understand the different relationships we can have with Him.

Josh may have called Anna his “sweetheart,” but almost a year ago when they married she became his wife. Before, she was Anna Rose Nelson, but now she is Anna Rose Peart.  Her new name told everyone that she was now married.  That she and Josh had taken their relationship to a new level – they were now in covenant.  Likewise, the names of God become meaningful as we change and grow in our relationship with Him.

A third reason for studying the names of God is that through His names God reveals that He is our source and the solution to our problems.

Lastly, the many names of God teach us to direct our gaze at Him in times of trouble…  We know that just because we are Christians we are certainly not immune to problems—salvation doesn’t solve them all. God allows people to have problems for a number of reasons. Sometimes He wants to test us, to see if we will handle problems by faith or in our own strength. At other times He allows problems to overwhelm us so we will turn to Him.

Let’s get specific…

1. Confused about what’s to come?  Jehovah-raah – your caring shepherd. Psalms 23 in the original translation says “The Lord my Shepherd”

Ezekiel 34: 11-16 “‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep? I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice."

2. If you are anxious because you are lacking – food is scarce – the bills are too many – go to Jehovah-jireh – the Lord who provides.  Gen 22:1-14 tells about Abraham & Isaac – the Lord required a sacrifice – He commanded Abraham to take Isaac and offer him up – at the end of this passage we read :

When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!” “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”).

3. Are you sick – in body, mind or spirit – call on Jehovah-rophe – the Lord who heals!

Psalms 103:1-5 Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.   Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.   He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.  He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.  He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

4. Are you stressed – is life overwhelming – are you not sleeping – cry out to Jehovah-shalom – the Lord is peace!  

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

5. Do you feel like a soldier trapped behind enemy lines?  Take refuge in Jehovah-nissi – the Lord is my banner.   Do you get the picture there?  I didn’t at first!  You are trapped – think of the corn maze – you see no way out – only tall corn – blocking your vision – then you see it – the flag lifted high – something to walk toward – something to focus on – the lighthouse – if you will – in the ocean!

Exodus 17:8 - 16 tells the story of another one of God's miracles. The Israelites were at war with the Amalekites. Moses told Joshua to choose some men to go with him the field to fight while he, Moses, would stand at the top of the hill with the staff of God in his hands. So Joshua went off to fight and Moses, with his brother Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill to watch the battle. While the battle raged, Moses held the staff of God above his head in both hands as his appeal to God for help and enablement. As long as he held up his hands, the Israelites were winning but when he lowered his hands - a sign of lack of trust in God - the Amalekites would advance. When Moses grew tired, and couldn’t hold the staff up any longer, Aaron and Hur stood on either side of him and help him to hold up his arms. So together they held his hands steady until sunset. Joshua and the Israelite army overcame the Amalekites. God had made it clear by the use of the banner that the victory was His.

6. Are you in need vindication? Lean on the Redeemer.  He will clear your name like nobody’s business!  The definition of Redeemer is kinsman, revenger, avenger, ransom, deliver, purchase, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance, to redeem individuals from death.
Jesus came to deliver us, to redeem us from slavery, to redeem us from death. He paid the price as our Redeemer, and purchased our salvation with His own blood. He was our ransom. There was a price that had to be paid, and He paid it. He paid it with His own life. He chose to die, that we might live. He was also our avenger, meaning He took our vengeance upon Himself, the very vengeance that was meant for you and me, the vengeance we ourselves deserved, yet were spared of.

7. Is the enemy on your tail?  Run to the Strong Tower – think of the castle with the high walls and guards all around it – that is where the Strong Tower is!  It is safe there!  

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
God is all we need – ALL – I have only hit on a few today – there is so much more in the Word – if you don’t know – you can’t claim it – you can’t “use” it.  Get in the Word – learn about the names – call on them!

Let’s do it now – if you have needs we want to pray for you!

Blessed Are You!

Ephesians 1:3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

From  http://biblehub.com/greek/3107.htm:

3107 makários ("blessed") describes a believer in enviable ("fortunate") position from receiving God's provisions (favor) – which (literally) extend ("make long, large") His grace (benefits). This happens with receiving (obeying) the Lord's inbirthings of faith. Hence, faith (4102 /pístis) and 3107 (makários) are closely associated (Ro 4:5-7,14:22,23; Rev 14:12,13).

Matthew 5:3-12 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.  God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.  God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.  God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.  God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Matthew 11:6 And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.’”

Matthew 16:17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.

Luke 1:45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”

Luke 11:28 Jesus replied, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice."

John 20:29 Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me."

Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!"

Revelation 16:15 "Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed."

Revelation 19:9 And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb." And he added, "These are true words that come from God."

The Highest Goal

New Year - setting new goals, revisiting old goals

A goal is so much more than a measurable outcome.  It is a destination, marked by steps.  It is an inner motivation and drive, serving as your mission, your purpose, the standard by which you base all the rest of your life's decisions, behaviors, and actions.

What are your life goals?

Five Biblical Lessons About Goals

1.      Don't base your personal goals on trying to winning the approval of others.

a.      Galatians 1:10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

b.      1 Thessalonians 2:4 For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.

2.      Every goal we make should involve pleasing God.

a.      2 Corinthians 5:9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.

b.      Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

c.       Romans 14:17-18 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.

3.      Let your life reflect your goals and values

a.      1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.

b.      Hypocrisy & futility

4.      Don't be discouraged by setbacks, but keep on moving forward.

a.      Philippians 3:12-14 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

b.      "Giving up on your goal because of one setback is like slashing your three other tires because you have a flat."

5.      Let LOVE be your highest goal - loving God and the people He created.

a.      1 Corinthians 14:1 Let love be your highest goal!

b.      1 Corinthians 13:1-3 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.  If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

Acres of Hope Christian Fellowship Mission & Goals:

The mission of Acres of Hope Christian Fellowship is to help people find Christ and grow in Him.

We do this by endeavoring to love God and to love others, serving and ministering to them in Christian love, and to obey the Great Commission.

Pastors and Elders Mission & goals -

1 Peter 5:2-3 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.

"Our greatest fear should not be fear of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter." - Francis Chan