Daily Reading February 27 2010 from 1 Timothy 1:12-20 NIV

Day 48

Sorry for the delay on days 48 & 49 as many of you know I was in Allen, OK. preaching a revival and had no internet access.

1 Timothy 1:12-20 NIV
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 18 Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight,19 holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

Second Chances!
Our God is a God of second chances. Paul begins today's reading with this statement "Even though I was once a blasphemer and persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy" not only was Paul shown mercy he was called to ministry and even the writing of God's Word. Paul says was shown mercy because he acted out of ignorance and unbelief but God's grace was poured out on him in abundance. Paul goes on to say that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" Paul says in the following verse "I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example" an example for unbelievers. With this kind of example of the love and grace of God every one alive has a hope of a second chance. Remember your second chance! Regardless of your past whether you were one of the worst as Paul described himself or raised in church all your life you are still living by the grace of God. Jesus gave every man a second chance to serve God.

Blessings,

Pastor Larry

Daily Reading February 22 2010 from 2 Thess. 1:1-12 NIV

Day 43

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 NIV
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ;2 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.3 We are bound to give thanks to God always to you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith growth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;4 so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which ye endure;5 which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God; to the end that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:6 if so be that it is a righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to them that afflict you,7 and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire,8 rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus:9 who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might,10 when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.11 To which end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfil every desire of goodness and every work of faith, with power;12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Distinction between believers and unbelievers!
Today we begin Paul's second letter to the people of Thessalonica. There is much debate about the time this book was written but many believe it was written almost immediately after Paul's first Letter (Epistle) to these people. The time of its writing is certainly not all that important to us just its meaning and what we can glean from it. We know that all scriptures is of great value because it is part of the life changing, powerful Word of God. Paul begins this letter like most that he writes with greetings and compliments. He notes the growth of their faith as well as the measure of their love for one another. It seems he again attributes these qualities to their persecutions. These people are under intense scrutiny and persecution and it has caused the church to band together and become the united church that God intended. Once again as is so often evident in God's Word, what the enemy means for evil God turns and uses it for good. Paul goes on to pray for them that they can continue to endure the affliction and then mentions the coming judgment for those who are their enemies and therefore enemies of God and the gospel. He states that they will "suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of His might, when He shall come to be glorified in His saints." Paul again draws on a reference to the Lord's return and continues to have them keep their focus on the promise of eternity both for those who do good and those who commit these evil acts of persecution. Paul concludes these verses with a prayer that God will count these individuals worthy of their calling, and that He will complete the work of their faith with power. Paul mentions that Christ is being glorified in these people and in this church because they have chosen to remain in Christ rather than become bitter and seek revenge against those who persecute them. The bible constantly points to a distinction between believer and unbeliever. We are constantly reminded that God's Ways are higher and we have been called to higher ways in Him. We are reminded when we read passages like this today that we are to pray for our enemies, our accusers, and even those who might seek to kill us for our faith. When all is said and done it is God who will avenge the innocent blood of those who have called on Him. It is God that will pronounce judgment on both the evil and the good. All we are called to do is to stay in Christ and pray for those who are deceived into trying to live without Him. Our challenge is to not behave like the world to be separate. To forgive quickly so we are acceptable to Him who we are living for. Today again we are being challenged to examine ourselves and see whether or not we have risen above the old behaviors, whether or not we are able to stay in Christ even in the face of hardships and persecutions. Can your fruit be readily seen even at a distance? Are you glorifying God in your every day living?

Blessings,

Pastor Larry

All is Forgiven

I thought I should share a little about God's grace and how He has changed my life. I was raised in church by parents who knew and loved God. During my childhood I saw the hand of God at many different times. I had an early childhood experience and came to know Jesus as my personal Savior. But as it so often happens during my teen years I slipped from a life devoted to Christ and sought for my independence. I went through the next 20 years of my lift lost looking for what I once had in Jesus Christ. It wouldn't benefit anyone for me to go into detail but I was lost and kept searching for answers. It wasn't until I was 24 years old that I would again try church. I had been constantly invited over the years but was afraid of having to make a change in my life. I guess I knew all along that God had a plan for my life and I was afraid to walk in it. Finally at the insistence of my wife we decided to attend the church I grew up in The Church of God of Prophecy in Coweta, Oklahoma. It was there that I met a loving church and Pastor D. Frank Hughes. Pastor Hughes was not satisfied with half hearted Christianity with him it was all or nothing. When Gena and I would miss a service he would call, send a bulletin or even come to the house. The more I went to church the more I realized the thing I had been searching for was a relationship with my Creator. I did not return to Him right away I didn't want to make major changes in my life. I saw christianity as bondage and I thought I was free. One day while driving down the road heading to work I had a real encounter with God. I was listening to Christian Radio and there was worship music playing at that moment I decided to make Jesus Christ Lord of my life. Almost instantly on the same drive home he called me into the ministry.

If I were to name the list of things I have done in my past you would wonder how can God love such a person? I have found that God doesn't remember even one of those sins because Jesus paid the price for all of my past failures. God's grace is sufficient for anything you may have done wrong. Guilt isn't from God! God wants all people saved! Regardless of who you are or what you have done you are a prime candidate for the love of God. If you don't know Him today you can change that. I encourage you to pray a simple prayer "Jesus be Lord of my life I admit I'm a sinner and I know that I need you, I believe you came to the earth and died on a cross so I could be saved and I now accept this salvation. In Jesus Christ's name Amen.

If you have just accepted Jesus as your Savior I would like to know about it please email me and let me know. If you have doubts or questions and would like to have someone to talk to please email me as well. info@porterchurch.com