So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our heart unto wisdom ~ Ps. 90:12

We are all equal in one respect, in that each person has been given 24 hrs every day. We need to choose to give our best time to our most challenging situations. Consequently, it’s not how much we do that matters, it’s how much we get done.

One of the best time savers is the ability to say “no.” Not being able to say no when you should, is one of the biggest wastes of time you will ever experience. Remember, Jesus said the thief comes to steal, kill, & destroy in John chapter ten. The first thing he wants to steal is our time, because time is the stuff life is made of.

The difference between people is determined by what they do with the amount of time at their disposal. Therefore let’s make David’s Prayer our prayer today; “Teach me to number my days” & recognize how few they are, and help us to spend them as we should. Let’s make up our minds to be all that we can today!

~ Pastor Turner

When You’re Waiting

Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt thee ~ Ps. 37:34

Waiting is not a waste of time! David was called by God to be Israel’s next King. However, he was hiding in fear of his life and wondering “where is God in all this?” So the question arises, how do we behave in a cave? What do you do in a waiting period?

First, David encouraged himself in the Lord. He reminded himself of God’s faithfulness, and we should too. Abraham built seven altars during his life as memorials to God’s goodness. We should start remembering! Next, David thought of Joseph’s experience; Listened until God’s time finally came, how God tested his patience ~ Ps. 105:19. David learned from Joseph, who are you learning from?

Waiting can be tough, that’s why you fill your cave with praise and thanksgiving. Make your waiting room a praise room! Stay shut in with God, and when the time is right He will come and get you. If He did it for David and Joseph and countless others, He’ll work it out for you too – if we’ll only wait.

~ Pastor Turner

He kneeled upon his knees three time a day, and prayed ~ Dan. 6:10

Someone said, “men don’t decide their future. Men decide their habits, and their habits decide their future.” I think their right.

Let’s decide to get up earlier and spend the first part of our day with the Lord by praying, praising, and reading His word. Most of us already are in the practice of that habit but if you slacked off a bit this summer, let’s all start again. Some days will be easier than others, but the rewards will be well worth it.

The people who made a difference are people of habit! Even in the face of death, Daniel kneeled down to pray three times a day. Paul said in Eph. 15:16, “I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.” In the life of every great man or women of God, you’ll discover a foundation of holy habits. As a result of which the power and presence of God flows.

Take time today and think about your habits – especially the ones you need to establish.

~ Pastor Turner

A Pure Heart

Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God ~ Matthew 5:8

One definition of a pure heart is a heart that’s trusting God. Meaning, an attitude that is not mixed with doubt or carnality; a focus that is single. When we read these words we pray that God gives us a heart like that. A heart that sees potential for a miracle, even when things all around are falling apart.

Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego refused to bow before the kings idols. Daniel 3:17-18 When he threatened them with the fiery furnace, they answered from pure hearts, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning furnace, and will deliver us out of your hand o King. But if not, we will not serve your gods.”

A pure heart can handle the “but if nots.” If the job doesn’t come through, if that loved one doesn’t come back, or if my health isn’t restored, I will still serve the Lord. David said, “no good thing will He withold from them that walk upright with pure hearts ~ Ps. 84:11. Today ask God to give you a pure heart, an unmixed faith, and a single focus.

~ Pastor Turner

Dying to Self

John 12:24 ~ Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

America is becoming more self seeking, self serving, and more self centered. This describes  what our nation has become. The problem is it’s beginning to affect the church. While we remain in this condition we are prone to become depressed, insecure, fearful, & defensive not to mention a bunch of other things. So what’s the Answer? Die! Imagine how that sounds to someone who has spent their life building bigger homes, obtaining a better car, and pursuing more money. Listen to the word of God out of Romans 6:7, “because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.”

Jesus said in the verse we started with, if a corn of wheat doesn’t die, it’s alone. However, if it does die, it becomes productive. Loneliness is not the absence of affection, moreover the absence of direction. Find a cause bigger than you and give your life to it! Support a missionary, or become a sunday school teacher. Do something that’s not for you and watch what happens.

Start today and get ready to discover a Joy you’ve never known.

~ Pastor Turner