A Lot of Abridged Capacity

If we become like Lot, and are filled with the carnality of compromise, our capacity for trusting and obeying the Lord will shrivel. Furthermore, our ability to understand the spiritual will be abridged, and we will be deceived in thinking we are satisfied. What a terrible plight...

Oh God, help us to flee sin and have a closer walk with Thee.

PD

Calvary Chapel church is located at 2395 Whitefish Stage Road in Kalispell.  You are welcome to visit any of our services, Sunday at 10am and Wednesday night at 7pm. 

Christmas in Kalispell

Note:  I posted this on the church website this last December, but just because Christmas 2011 is behind us, it does not mean we can't celebrate Christmas.  The decorations may be coming down in our church as with those in the Kalispell area, but the benefits of God sending His one and only Son continue on.

I wonder how many people who are at present flitting about on buying sprees and making arrangements for meals, parties and celebrations actually realize the true implications of Christmas.  It would seem that many are not just misinformed about God’s grand missive to the world but are actually blind to it.

Christ, which is the English term for the Greek word Christos and the Hebrew word for Messiah, is even in the title of the holiday…CHRISTmas!  Consider the songs that are sung, the cards which are sent and the ultimate gift that was given by God…Himself.  The NT Gospel of John in the first chapter even speaks of God becoming flesh and dwelling among us.  How miraculous. Even the OT prophets spoke very powerfully of this day when God Almighty would physically enter human history.  Consider these three well known passages:

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign:

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son,

and shall call His name Immanuel.”

(Isaiah 7:14 NKJV)

We celebrate the God who is present with us for Immanuel literally means, “God with us.”  He is here, He is available, He will never leave us or forsake us and we are safe.

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;

“And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

(Isaiah 9:6 NKJV)

We celebrate the God who has power over all creation, can heal the sick, raise the dead, forgive us of our sins and has power over the grave.

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,

Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel,

Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting."

(Micah 5:2 NKJV)

We celebrate the God who is eternal and thus always lives to intercede on our behalf and is not limited in fulfilling His promises.

It is Jesus, God in the flesh, we celebrate now but should celebrate Him every day of the year.  He came to seek and save the lost, He came to redeem sinners and He came to forgive us of our sins and give us eternal life.  Jesus is the ULTIMATE GIFT and it is my prayer that you receive Him.

Merry Christmas!

PD

The Old Rugged Cross

OK.  I am busted.  It is not even December yet, and I could not help myself.  I admit it.  I put up Christmas lights at the church before Thanksgiving.  Perhaps it is because I love this season with all of the sights, smells, food, family and friends (not necessarily in that order).  Or maybe it is because I just like the small LED lights that use a minimal amount of coal.

The sign at our church is made out of old railroad timbers and is in the shape of a cross.  As I was fixing the lights to the sign this morning, the ladder I was standing on started to wiggle.  Grabbing the horizontal beam12 feet off of the ground I was struck with this thought…”I am clinging to the Old Rugged Cross!”  Of course it reminded me of the hymn, but I was REALLY thankful for something to hold on to.

When we consider all of that which we are thankful for during this Thanksgiving week, I am thankful for many things such as my wife, my family, the Body of Christ at CCFV and for the wonderful country we live in.  That being said, I am the most thankful for God.  For it was God that loved me enough to send His only Son Jesus to this earth to live, breath, serve, and die on THE old rugged cross.  The resurrection three days later proves that death lost its power and that everything Jesus had to say was valid.

Why am I thankful?  Jesus is my Savior and I am forgiven!  He gave me the Holy Spirit to comfort and help me live for Him.  He will never leave me or forsake me, and one day I will be with Him in Heaven forever.

Yes, I am thankful for the Old Rugged Cross, but even more so, I am thankful for the King of Kings, the Lord of Glory, Jesus Christ the Righteous, the Lamb of God who was slain for me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

PD

Good Reminder

I was looking at my sister's blog, dejanandjulie.blogspot.com and was very blessed to read the phrase, "understanding will not bring you peace."  How true that is!  How often do I look for peace through strife or even noble sounding methods such as perseverance, diligence or spiritual activity.

We must look unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith (Heb. 12:2) understanding that real peace comes when our issues and concerns are raised unto Jesus in prayer.  It is then that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard (our) hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6-7).

So the peace we receive from Jesus is beyond our understanding and has nothing to do with our ability and everything to do with His.  His peace will guard our heart and mind if we simply cast our cares upon Him (1 Pet. 5:7).  Do you have that peace today?

PD