Monthly Word: May 2023

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Why do so few people read the Bible?

I’m not talking about a random verse pulled out to make a point; I’m talking about the book itself, the entirety. This book that’s integral to our faith, it is God’s word and is eternal. It will last beyond the internet, phones, and everything that will ever exist. The bible has been around, unchanged for thousands of years. The biblical approach to life is wise, effective, stable, unchanging, and true. When reading the bible ask; “God what are You saying here – or – Lord, what would you have me to do?” and then listen, He often gives us wisdom that we wouldn’t have come up with on our own.

Therefore, read your bible and talk to the Author as you read. Pray. Ask questions. Finally, listen to His answers and instructions.

Hebrews 4:12 ~  For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

~ Pastor Turner

Monthly Word April 2023

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It’s  a Matter of Choice ~ Rom. 8:1 There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Ever feel like you don’t know yourself? Someone cuts you off in traffic and words come out of your mouth that you’d never use in prayer. Did I actually say that? Then you’re at a funeral and feel tears well up as you hug the widow and pray for her. The tears are real. You ask, who am I, who’s in there?

Well, if you’ve ever been saved, then you have split personality. In addition to your personality, there is another one living inside of you; the Holy Spirit. It’s that other voice you hear, the one urging you to be humble and kind to be patient and forgive.

Jesus followers have two personalities. Two voices speaking in our heads. When we listen to our own voice, we are critical of people, hold grudges, stereotype and judge. That voice of our flesh reminds us of who we were. However, the voice of God is also speaking, almost whispering, suggesting, “forgive them, like I forgave you!” Trust me, I’m with you. Everything is going to be alright. Drop that thought, it’s not taking you to a good place.

The key to the quality of your life depends on which voice you listen to and obey. You don’t talk your way into righteous living: You have to behave your way therefore obeying the voice of God in you. All followers of Jesus have two voices. It’s which voice you obey that determines the quality of our lives and our usefulness to the Lord.

~ Pastor Jim Turner

Monthly Word: March, 2023

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Overcoming Doubt

Life happens, our circumstances often cause us to question what we believe, creating doubt in our hearts about everything we thought was true. It happens to all of us.

But the most important thing is how we respond when doubt arises. Here are four truths to lean into when it happens to you.

By Faith Believe God is Real.
1. God is Real. The apostle Paul answers this question in Romans 1:20 for since the reaction of the world Go’s invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what he has made, so people are without excuse.

By Faith, I Choose to Believe God Loves Me.
2. God loves me. When i had nowhere else to turn, I set aside my doubts, my pride, my ego,, everything I prayed “God I need you”, I need your forgiveness, I want to know you love me.

By Faith, I Choose to Trust God.
3. God can be trusted. Because I know he loves me, I can trust him with every outcome. Who ever comes, I can relax, knowing it came thru his hand. Did he make it happen? Did he let it happen? I don’t know, I simply know he loves me.

By Faith I Choose to Believe in Eternal Life.
4.There is a Life after this one. Jesus proved this with his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. I don’t know where, I don’t know what it will be like, but I know that justice will ultimately be done, and that I’ll be where Jesus is because I believed in him and followed him.


The Challenge: The opposite of faith is fear, uncertainty and doubt. Choose Faith!

Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe he is, and that he rewards of those who diligently seek him.

Monthly Word: February 2023

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Col.3:1-4 ~  If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

As Christian believers, we have been raised with Christ and therefore our hearts are not supposed to be attached to anything on this earth. Instead, we are to set our hearts and minds on things above. This is one of the wonderful purposes of worship. As we attune our hearts to God, we move our desires to be in touch with His heart. ” Set your hearts on things above” Colossians chapter three states.

God knows how easy it is to be caught up in our own earthly concerns. However, we are asked to move out of these concerns and align ourselves on a different level; with God, Kingdom Building, & Heavenly Matters. Just as we set a watch timer, let us focus our hearts and minds heavenward. Let us be released from what bogs us down and drags our attention away from Kingdom Matters. Set your hearts and minds on Jesus – Do it now!

~ Pastor Turner

 

Monthly Word: December 2022

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An Awesome Gift!

They presented Him with gold, incense, and myrrh ~ Matt. 2:11

It’s Christmas time! Jesus’ birthday, but what can you possibly give to the one who not only has everything, but created it all? The wise men probably asked the same question. As scholars, they were astute enough to navigate thousands of miles guided by a star. Influential enough to warrant an audience of a king. As well as rich enough to undertake such a long journey carrying, expensive gifts. In addition to “gold, incense, & myrrh, they gave Jesus some gifts that are priceless.

1 – Their TIME… long before His birth they’d invested years researching and preparing for it. This doesn’t include the two years it took to travel there.         Want to get closer to God; spend more time with Him!

2 – Their WORSHIP… once they found Him, they fell down and worshipped Him – Matt. 2:11. Worship changes us because when we stand in God’s presence with an open heart & let the Holy Spirit work on us, we are changed to be like Him, 2 Cor. 3:18.

3 – Their HOPE… while those around them saw only darkness, these men rejoiced, “the light that shines in darkness.” God’s healing love shines brightest in the darkness of our dashed dreams and broken hearts.

Therefore, in the middle of our families celebrations, take time out to be with Jesus… and how about a special gift to His work? After all, it is His Birthday!

 

~ Pastor Turner

Monthly Word: Nov 2022

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John 8:14 amp – I know where I came from and where I am going.

A national news network recently reported on a man who was released from a prison after serving time for a crime he did not commit. A case in mistaken identity had stolen many of his best years. Unless you understand who you are before God, satan will sentenence you to a life of worthlessness, fear, and manipulation. Identifiying somebody means having the ability to recognize and say exactly who they are. Therefore, when you identify with what people say about who you are, instead of who God says you are, you’re setting youreself up for problems.

Jesus identified with only God’s opinion; “I know where I came from and where I am going.” People said terrible things about Jesus, yet the bible says the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Knowing who you are in Christ gives us the confidence to hold your head high! Paul says “in Christ you have been made complete.” That means you lack nothing! Once you’ve accepted that, you stop feeling like you constantly fall short. He loves you and has a plan for you; never loose sight of that! Instead of focusing on people, begin looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith – Heb. 12:2, because you already have His approval!

~ Pastor Jim Turner

Monthly Word: June 2022

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Trust in the Lord

Ever notice how much energy it takes to keep a tight grip on something? You know what your holding on to don’t you? You’re in turmoil because you can’t control the people or circumstances in your life, release the grip; go ahead and surrender to God. Once you choose to surrender to God you will have much more energy & be amazed at how much easer life is.

Surrender What?

  1. Your position, place it all before God. Find your security, your identity, and contentment in Him.
  2. Your plans!
  3. Relationships!
  4. Your anxieties!

When emotions are wrapped around some issue; a possession, a job, an expectation or relationship, you are not fully relying on God. No you’re still clinging to lesser things. Stop – let it go! You’re delaying the surprise God has waiting for you.

~ Pastor Turner

Monthly Word: May 2022

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Faith

Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ ~ Rom. 5:1

Faith is rationally impossible where there is nothing to believe. Faith must have an object. The object of Christian faith is Christ. Faith means more than agreeing to the claims of Christ. It involves the will, it is volitional. Also, faith demands action! If we actually believe, then we will live, according to James 2:26 “Faith without works is dead.” It means the acknowledgement of sin and a turning to Christ. We don’t know Him through the five senses, but we know God through the sixth sense that He has given everyone, which is the ability to believe.

Believing is as real as any experience, yet many are looking for something more. Perhaps some feeling that will bring them a physical thrill, while others look for some spectacular manifestation. The bible says that a man is “Justified by Faith” and not a feeling.

Another object of our faith is the word of God. Let’s believe what it says (the will) and act upon it allowing God to bring our faith the fruit of the bible (word).

~ Pastor Turner

Monthly Word: April 2022

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ZEAL

Romans 12:11 ~ not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

The Lord desires us to be on fire spiritually. Demonstrating excitement for the things of God! We can’t wait around, expecting God to “zap us” with this.

If someone was asked to rate your spiritual fervor and zeal on a scale of 1-10 ten being high, what would they say? How about your joy inside and outside the church? Are you excited about the Lord? Do you have a fresh testimony, or could you share recent insight you’ve received from the bible? The ultimate question is, are you excited about Jesus and your Christian life?

We have to be willing to let our passion or zeal, show through. Sometimes people seem almost ashamed of their enthusiasm, hiding it under a mask of sophistication and control. Let’s let our light shine through! Wherever we go, get excited about Jesus and His word. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it has the power of salvation to all who believe ~ Rom. 1:16

Let’s be movers, shakers, and doers for Jesus!

Monthly Word: March 2022

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Finding our Place

Now you are the body of Christ, and member’s individually ~ 1 Cor. 12:27 NKS

When it comes to finding and fulfilling your role in God’s kingdom, notice three things;
1. Every believer has a ministry 2. Every ministry is important 3. We are all dependent on each other.

No single ministry can accomplish all we have been call to do. Like a jigsaw puzzle, each piece is required to complete the picture. You’ll always notice the missing piece first. When one part of the body malfunctions, the other parts don’t do as well. We need each other, and we’ve been called to work together. What God made you to be, determines what He intends you to do. Your ministry is determined by your make up. When your gifts don’t match the role you play, you feel out of place. Not only does this produce poor results, it also is a waste of your talents, time, and energy. So find your place then, & make up your mind to excel in it!

~ Pastor Turner