Surrender

I am addicted. Addicted to the Holy Spirit and as I reflect on how much I want to be like Jesus I realize just how unlike Him I am. The desire is there and so is the truth of His word. I made a list of things God has changed in my life. It's a good long list. Then I started another list of things God needs to work on in me still, this list is longer then the good list. This woke me up to the reality that I have not really picked up my cross to follow Jesus. Small sacrifices were made but pure vulnerability to the Holy Spirit has not been made by me. The stuff I don't think about made the "need to change" list. Stuff like jealousy, unforgivness, being critical, stubbornness. I don't immediately find myself living in these things but they are there. Little influences from the cultures of the world and the church. Yep, I said it, even the church. All the unbiblical  hubbub of traditions and you should look this way, or dress that way , sit, stand, be still, shout, it's all a bunch of garbage if in your heart you are not being vulnerable to the Holy Spirit and valuing His purpose and direction for your life. These unbiblical influences from the world and the church will continue to permeate your thoughts and actions until you have completely and without reservation make the choice to die to everything except Jesus. I'm a broken man and Jesus I need you to make me whole. I SURRENDER!! 

Are you Accountable? Titus

The question of accountability comes up at the place I fellowship often. In fact, I get called out often from the men and leaders in my life for not being consistent and various other Patrickism's. I'm not one to stay focused on things very long. It is my personality and desire to find the next challenge and cool thing to be a part of. However, when it comes to being held accountable my radical desires and personality don't fit very well with the consistency of accountability. Sometimes it is important to stop and make sure I have my motives and gaze set upon Jesus in all I am doing in this busy life. That is where the accountability comes in and says "Patrick stop and focus". I am thankful for my accountability partners that I have in my life from the Lord. Even though I'm still all over the place there is one area that is more consistent then any other in my life because of the accountability from my leadership, and that is my devotion, desire and intimacy with my King Jesus. 

Titus is a book of encouragement to a church leader by a church leader to hold the people in the body of Christ accountable. So, the question to you is, "are you being held accountable"? Who is asking you the hard questions that make you squirm in your chair and blush with embarrassment? Who? Is it your Pastor? Is it your mentor? We (believers) have been commissioned by God to be pure and have a pure heart and not be a believer in word only but in deed. Titus 1:15-16.  Those that claim to know God and deny Him by the way they live are anything but saved. Accountability challenges us to obedience. When we are called to account for our disobedience it should move us toward the cross of Christ and repentance, so that God can empower us through his Holy Spirit to be obedient to the point of death if need be for the name of Christ. So, again, are you accountable? To who? If you don't have a person in your life trully holding you accountable, one that will ask you the same questions Jesus is asking you through His word, then you are blind to having your heart made like that of Jesus'. I know if someone is accountable or not because their life screams Jesus. Their is an intimacy and sacrifice of life and time by that person to spend time with Jesus everyday at the expense of sleep, family, personal time, work, etc. everything else takes a backseat in life to time spent with Jesus.

Well that is a nice philosophy on how to live for Jesus Pastor Patrick but I live in the real world and have to work and take care of family and look after the interest of my future. Yes that is the worlds way of doing things. Do you spend time, real time, with Jesus everyday? If you are doing nothing but making excuses as to why you don't have time then you don't have time not to spend time with Jesus. Before you blink it will be to late and life is over. Accountability will make sure you are on the straight and narrow road that Jesus said you must be on. 

Read the short book of Titus and have a very blessed day

Pastor Patrick

1 Timothy 5

The heart of family is also the heart of Jesus. The first half of this chapter is about exactly that. We are to take care of eachother. Kids and grandkids have been mandated by God to care for their elderly parents and if the elderly person has no immediate family we, the church, are to assume this responsibility. I don't know about you but I don't see a whole lot of this going on personally in the church. We just send them to the government now. This is not to be and must stop even if it hurts people.  

The last half of the chapter tells us we need to pay our pastors and leaders in the church. Also, clarifies some church discipline. I hope your day is as blessed as mine has been.

Pastor Patrick

1 Timothy 4

We get a big time warning right out of the gate here in chapter 4 of 1 Timothy. A warning about Christians confusing spiritism with spirituality and abstenance or self denial a means to godliness leading to a departure from the faith by these Christians.  My friends depriving yourself will never be a means to spiritual maturity, yet we see this kind of stuff going on all the time. If that bowl of ice cream or that ribeye steak wrapped in bacon is received with thanksgiving it becomes an act of worship. Do not think that you can make yourself more spiritual or holy by self deprivation. It is God who makes you and I holy. Not going to the gym or eating only meat and veggies. Though these things have some value as stated in verse 8 it is more important to train ourselves for Godliness vs7. 

There was a pope that died and went to heaven and he checked in with the angel at the front desk, then proceeded to go into the library and study all the books. Then the angel heard this loud scream. When he found the pope and asked him what was wrong he exclaimed "it's an R, it's an R, it's says celebrate." 

Pastor Patrick

Psalm 27

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" You know, you probably don't have an army encamped against you. Nor do you have enemies looking to kill you. David was facing some serious trials in his life and he could have gotten all depressed and went to the doctor to get some pills to help him be happier and not think about all the bad stuff happening in his life. But no! David turns to God for his refuge and looks to the uncreated Creator for his peace and joy.

Where is your safe place? Is it in a bottle of wine or pills? It is common place in our society to fall prey to the worlds way of handling the pain and discomfort of life. We need to lift our voices to heaven with shouts of praise when the pressure of life starts looking a little bleak. We should be asking God to show us His ways and lead us on His path. There is victory for all that concerns you in worship. You and I can have a peaceful breakthrough to walk in joy and have peace in our lives through worship. 

So as life tries to throw you a curve ball today; catch it and throw it back. Start praising and worshiping God with a shout. Let our enemies know that our God is bigger then them.

Pastor Patrick

1 Timothy 3

The heart of the person that wants to be a leader in God's church "desires a noble task" Paul says to Timothy. Here is chapter 3 we get the qualities that we should be looking for in our Pastors and leaders. Do you desire to be a leader in the church? This is the place to start that self examination. 

Most of us that live here in the United States like to exercise our rights. "I have the right to say what I think". Well, this may be true; however, when you seek to become a leader in the church ultimately you give up your rights to self. It's not about you anymore but about those you have chosen to serve. Pastors and leaders in the church must surrender their heart (free will) to God and exercise His rights in their lives as well as fight for God's rights in the lives of the church body as well.

We no longer have the right to run around town and wreek havoc like we have been for so long. How would you like to call your pastor on night because your at the hospital with a loved one and he or she is unable to come to the hospital because they have had to much to drink. How would that go over? Not well. So to be a leader in the church you can't be a drunkard. You must be above reproach. And, your spouse as well. Yes!!! Your spouse can disqualify you from the position if they are not above reproach as well. 

You are called to discipleship and to be a minister of the gospel if you believe in Jesus. Take a minute and ask yourself if you have really counted the cost of complete surrender to His will. Anything less then total surrender will not fly for long.

Pastor Patrick

Doctrine

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel! Matthew 23:23-24

I find it amusing that Jesus is constantly slapping around the Pharisees and challenging there life long passion and culture. These guys were bullies by every definition. They used the word of God as there very own justification to put undue stress and judgement onto people. All done in the name of God of course. 

We see this kind of doctrinal abuse at times in the church today. People become critical and judgementall of those that are not as strong as they are in the Lord. Within the church it can be very tempting to focus your attention on others and not within. Scripture gets twisted to meet the beliefs and agenda of the individual instead of the individual conforming to the truth of scripture. We must be on guard in this matter and never give in to the temptation to put doctrine over people. 

Gods priority is people and has given us his word to help us draw closer to God and his plan of salvation, justification and sanctification among many other important doctrines that are important to a life in Christ. The doctrine of Christ is the missing link in the church. We must embrace the centrality of Christ and His motives in everything. 

Pastor Patrick

Works

Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Romans 3:27-28.

The biggest problem with the church is Jesus. Or lack of the centrality of the gospel, so lack of Jesus. To many things get in the way and cloud our hearts. I see it all the time right in my own backyard. We determine that someone must be a great person of God because of all the stuff they do in the community or at church. We lift up the person onto a pedestal that works hard at serving others. We honor the person that we see as being obedient to the Lord and his commandments according to our skewed religious perspective. The one that does the most gets the place of honor. 

Get out of debt, stop smoking, serve more in the church, feed the homeless and on and on it goes with the list of things you and I shouldn't be doing if we are to be a good Christian. We even have classes and meetings to make sure you can do it "GODS WAY". The reality is all these things are fine when Jesus is the central reason why! Nothing you do will make a difference in eternity unless it is done in Christ. It saddens me to think that most of the people we think highly of and throw up onto the pedestal of honor really do a great job at the works of the church, life and religion but have no relationship with Jesus, they rarely spend time with Jesus in his word or prayer unless someone goes to the emergency room then all of a sudden they are calling on the name of the lord. 

Do not let the work of the mission get in the way of the relationship with the mission giver.

Pastor Patrick

Consumerism

Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty.  Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles. Phillipians 4:11-13

We live In a fast paced, get it now society. If we want something we are not encouraged to save our money and then purchase it. No, we are told to go get it now. Put it on a credit card and just make payments. This is just a small aspect of consumerism but it tells the story. We have brought this same mindset into the church, the body of Christ, and it is destroying the church from within. 

Learning to be content with thanksgiving is a rare trait today; however, being happy with what we have been given and looking at our circumstances as a gift from God brings about something that I see very little of today in the church and outside the church. That is Joy! Being happy no matter the circumstance or situation. Joy brings peace. 

Pastor Patrick

Individualism

Romans 12:5

so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 

Hebrews 10:25

not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. 

There are hundreds of scriptures that encourages us to live in community. Why is this so important to us today in a society that promotes a culture of "every man for himself" mentality. Individualism takes our focus off of God, His promises, His giftings, His provision and forces us to relying on ourselves. You ever wonder why in a civilized nation that depression is so prevalent when we have more things and opportunities available to us then anywhere else in the world? I say "individualism". 

Community offers love, support, companionship. We are not designed to be alone, nor are we to carry the load that life can weigh us down with. Life is not easy to live out and especially without God and the community of believers. God has made it possible to live with a passion and freedom from the burdens of our society. It's called the church. I challenge you to embrace the support God has provided for you. Get connected!! WHERE ARE YOU PLUGGED IN?

Pastor Patrick

Materialism

Ec 5:10

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 

Heb 13:5

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Do you have a tendency to lean on the hope of your retirement fund and equity in your home for your future well being? We have been conditioned here in America to trust in these things. We look at how much money we have in the bank and this help us feel secure if there is money there, or we get stressed out or depressed when there is a lack of money. These feelings may be real and it really can show you where your putting your trust. 

God has asked us to trust Him and Him alone for our material security. Does this mean we are not to have a 401k or buy a home? No, of course not! If these things are available to us then we should be smart with what God has provided. It's not having these things that is the issue but trusting in them and basing your success with God on these things. God looks at the heart and knows that you trust him or the things of the world for your security and future. 

Pastor Patrick

Functional Authority

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

How does the bible impact your life? I mean really, what difference does it make? There isn't a Christian out there that wouldn't say that the bible is the word of God. Most churches claim this as well. That's great and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. But is this really true and functioning in the lives of believers? Is culture leading the way or is the word of God forming your convictions and opinions? Do your beliefs line up with the bible even when it's not popular? 

Pop culture does not like what the bible has to say about abortion (murder), marriage, homosexuality, adultery and a host of other moral issues. If the culture doesn't like what the bible says then what culture is saying is it doesn't like what God says on the subject. Christians are buying into the culture of compromise with what's popular in society instead of standing up for what God has said is right. God doesn't need to change His opinions or ways because our society says it's acceptable, no! You and I need to align our lives and opinions to Gods standard of life. 

Pastor Patrick

Heaven or Hell

‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’ ” (Read Luke 16:19-31)

This world is really good at making sure people live their life with blinders on to the truth of Jesus Christ. To the level that even if someone was to come back from the dead, they will still not believe. WOW!! 

There is an urgency in this life as a Christian to share the Truth of the Gospel to every man woman and child you come in contact with. How many people do you see everyday and never say a word about Jesus? Oh, you don't have time! I'm sorry, go ahead and go back to your busy life..

Pastor Patrick

Where are You Plugged In

 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. (1 Cor 9:19)

Outside of your relationship with God Himself other people should be your focus. Jesus washed the disciples feat not because He wants us running around town washing as many feet as we can. But, to set the bar for us at being a servant to all. Why? To bring others into right relationship with God. Start with your spouse if your married and cast a wide net to include family, friends, coworkers, the dude on the street corner and the kid addicted to pot next door. 

Pastor Patrick

It Just Doesn't Matter

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:24–25)

Why is it always about dying? Why do I always have to hate this life and the world? Because Jesus provides an eternal perspective of the kingdom. What happens in this world just is not that important anymore. People like you or not, it just doesn't matter. You have all kinds of stuff or not, it just doesn't really matter. Your popular or not, it really doesn't matter. These things are no longer of importance because this world is but a blink in my existence. 

Jesus goes on to say "if anyone serves me, let him follow me". Really, follow Him where.. TO THE CROSS PEOPLE!!! That's right! In order to serve Jesus you must be willing to DIE! Oh, it just got serious up in here didn't it. Remember, whether you live or die, it just doesn't matter. When the seed dies, it bears much fruit.. So die and then go and bear fruit worthy of repentance.

Pastor Patrick

Repent and Seek

"Then I will return to my place until they admit their guilt and turn to me. For as soon as trouble comes, they will earnestly search for me.” (Hosea 5:15)

This scripture is addressing Israel and Judah's idolatry. Do you get a sense that this happens more and more in other areas? We tend to live our lives and lean less and less on God until trouble comes then we search for Him. God comes to the rescue and returns everything back to normal then we get complacent again and forget God until we need Him again. I have a stern warning for those that live this way because you do not know God. 

It is not in Gods character to play second fiddle to your self centered idolatry. When you abandon him with your idolatrous American Dream worship, thinking you can do it on your own. You can live life on your own without God, because he will not be a part of your idolatry lifestyle. You worship work, money, funding your retirement. You worship being in the limelight and being acknowledged for the good deeds you do in Gods name, when God is the far from your heart. You ignore God, you only pray to Him when your in crisis and expect Him to rescue you. 

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Jesus is not on your speed dial. You have to work on developing your relationship with Him through reading His word, meditation, prayer, worship and accepting His call to Love God and Love people. The unction you need to be in fellowship with Him comes from Him. Tap into that Holy Ghost power to live in purity and holiness, it's available and required. Let Him come in and transform you, motivate you and redeem you.

Pastor Patrick

He Loves us Anyway!

And the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love cakes of raisins.” (Hosea 3:1)

God is one who goes out of His way to forgive and love us. He is just wanting you to love Him as much as He loves you. How do you show God that you love Him? Doesn't this make you just want to fall face down and cry out to the Father. Why does He want to love a sinner like me and you so bad that He will go out of His way to overlook our shame? I don't know that we can ever fully grasp the concept of unconditional love as the Father gives it. But dang it, I'm gonna spend the rest of my life trying.

Pastor Patrick

He Didn't Have to But He Did

Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it; yet the LORD set his heart in love upon your fathers and chose their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as at this day.(Deuteronomy 10:14–15)

He didn't have to choose you, but he did. I mean serious, look at the verse. To Him belong heaven and the heaven of heavens. He created it all. It all belongs to Him. He did not have to choose Israel, nor did he have to choose you. But He did! 

Pastor Patrick

He is Always There

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. (Psalm 27:10 NLT)

Most of us growing up have felt like we have been let down in some way or another. It may be your mom or dad, teacher or even a pastor. There is one thing you can hang your hat on and that is the true Father and his faithfulness. Your biological father may have never been there for you, he may have not been the daddy you expected him to be. But never let that hold you back from embracing the real Father because he will never leave you or forsake you (Heb 13:5)

Pastor Patrick

He Understands

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:14-15 NLT)

Yes, even when we are weak we need to hold fast to the truth of the Gospel and Gods commandments. Jesus understands and has overcome far more testing then you or I ever will. We sin and try and sugar coat it with being human. That's not an acceptable excuse, period. If you have accepted Jesus as the Son of God, His death on the cross as payment for your sin and His resurrection as assurance of your eternity, then you have accepted a new holy and pure nature. Know that God understands your struggles but they are your struggles created by you. Don't want to struggle with these things, whatever it may be, then don't. 

Pastor Patrick

God is After You

In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will. (Ephesians 1:5)

I find myself often letting people know what I did and how I did it. But the reality is God does it. I am not able to save myself from the flames of hell. I am not able to love people the way God loves people. I am not able to grasp the knowledge of an eternal God and his ways. It is God who works these things in me. Because of God I am able to love, live and grow. 

God is after you! He is seeking you, to know you, To love you. Be thankful by expressing your appreciation to the Father today. Take a few moments and pray.

Pastor Patrick

World Mission

John 17:14-17. 14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.

The world hates us. This is true and to prove it all you have to do is look at the news and you will see Christianity under attack all around the world and with greater intensity building here in America. The world has a mission just as we have a mission and the mission of the world is to trap us in its culture and philosophy, it shoots arrows at us Christians and try's to distract us from the truth of Gods word by distorting it.

Fear is a big distraction for the people of God. It was because of the fear of Rome why They crucified Jesus. The fear of the world that causes us to compromise the truth of Gods word is unhealthy and we do not need to have a spirit of fear. Fear is a selfish character trait. Do not embrace fear but embrace the mission you have been given by God to the world. What is your world mission?

Pastor Patrick

NOW GO!

Matthew 28:18-20. 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,* baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.

Do you call yourself a Christian? If you do then this word is for you. Straight from the mouth of Jesus himself. You are called to make disciples and teach them to obey the commands Jesus gave you. If you have a bible, phone or computer then you have the tool needed to accomplish this command. 

So the question is, "who are YOU discipling?" Who are you meeting with and encouraging to live like Jesus and teaching to obey all the commands Jesus gave you? Don't say your wife or kids because that is a given. Of course you are going to disciple your family and if that's all your doing your not being obedient to the Lord's command to go and make disciples of all nations. So enough with the excuses! NOW GO!

Growing Up

Ephesians 4:11-15

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,  13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. 

I think most of us that read this passage do not include themselves as having a part in the ministry gifts. This is an identity passage that clarifies in part our part in the body of Christ. The church is not the pastors and the prophets, the church is you, the saint. The priestly ministry of Jesus Christ is passed on to every believer in some measure. 

So what is your part in the priestly ministry of the body of Christ? 

Pastor Patrick

Trustworthiness

So many times I hear people giving their opinion about the Bible and how it has been changed and manipulated over the years and that we can't trust it. Well, Psalm 19:7 says " The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul". I must say that there have been many, many scholars both secular and Christian that have done the homework and will attest how amazed they are how well kept the Bible has been over the centuries. It does not surprise me that the bible is inerrant (perfect), and that the Holy Spirit has kept and protected it since the creation of the world. 

The bible is also infallible and the perfect and complete guide to faith and practice. God is true and reveals His truth to us through His word. You can sleep well tonight knowing that God is capable of doing things we cannot. Like, protect and keep his word for eternity. 

Pastor Patrick

Divine Inspiration

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, 2 Tim 3:16. It is so important to know this and believe that the Bible we read and look to for instruction, discipline and correction for life is actually from God Himself. If we doubt the validity of these words, even a little, then we have nothing to base our lives as a Christian on. Is God capable of giving his instruction through men? Is God able to sustain the word throughout time if he is? 

None of the bible is from man but is God breathed. The word comes direct from the Holy Spirit. In 2 Peter 1:20-21 this is elaborated in that each writer was "moved by" the Holy Spirit, in other words being carried along. The Bible is a part of the plan of the Holy Spirit and has been carried out by His hand through these men that penned it. 

Pastor Patrick

Compromise in America? Amos 5:18 - 6:14

If you watch the news even a little you can't help but see all the craziness going on here in America and around the world. Whenever I study the prophets and their prophesies it just amazes me at the similarities with our nation. God was warning Israel back then and of course we all know they didn't repent and so judgement was pronounced. Should we look at these prophesies of old and maybe take notice that God does not like it when a nation of people do wicked things and compromise our moral character. Pay close attention to the WOE warnings as you read today. Do any of them sound familiar to you? Do you see the same type of compromise happening here in our great nation? 

Come Back and Live - Amos 5:1-17

God is standing before you, "come back to me and live" He says.  Why is he asking you that?

As you read the passage today pause and answer that question. Search your heart and examine your lifestyle for anything that is impure. 

Pastor Patrick

Your Right to Choose - Amos 4:6-13

“The people of God had fallen asleep in the comfort of the privileges of salvation and needed to be jolted into the awareness that the only assured certainty of the possession of those privileges was the evidence of a life committed without reserve to being holy as their Saviour God is holy” (J. A. Motyer).

Warning after warning comes and you insist on doing life your way. I will catch myself saying "I have the rights". The truth is I do have the right to choose. You have the privilege to choose. According to scripture our choices are limited to God or Self. The choice of God leads to life, the choice of self to death. 

If you choose God then you have to pick up your cross or you haven't truly chosen God. In other words you have to die to your own selfish passions and desires to have them replaced with Gods passions and desires. This can only be accomplished by God in you through His Holy word in the secret place of prayer.

Pastor Patrick

Selfish Worship - Amos 4:4-5

God is addressing worshipers here in these two verses and their hypocritical worship, their apostate worship. Your offering of worship to The Uncreated Creator should never be one filled with worldly and selfish concerns or done in such a way that draws attention to yourself and how amazing you are. Your wasting your time if that's the case. Your worship should be Holy to God. 

Pastor Patrick

Poor Heart - Amos 4:1-3

The poor will always be among us. I've been poor. God cares for all of us no matter what your finances are but, He being a loving God expects us to love eachother as well. We are rebuked for neglecting the poor. What is God rebuking here? The issue is a heart issue. Do you have a heart for those less fortunate then you and do you take action to be a blessing in some way to the poor? Take it a step further and look at the poor in spirit. 

Pastor Patrick

Looking Within - Amos 3:9-15

Everything in the Old Testament prophets seems to deal with idolatry. It all speaks to God's heart for his people and how they turn their backs to God and rely on their own knowledge, their own pleasures, their own business practices, their own religion of prosperity, their own politics. Examine yourself and see if you are living the religion that Jesus gave us as the example to the heart of God. Or, are you living in the man made religion of criticism and slavery to the rules and regulations.

It is not our place to judge the people of the world and their sins. We are to love them and accept them as they are so that they see the unconditional love of God in our character and all we do. We are to judge ourselves and the log in our own eye should be our main concern. Looking within at the work God is doing will allow you to have the compassion to help those in the family of God and without.

Pastor Patrick

The DUH Moment - Amos 3:1-8

Some things in life are just a no brainier! Like when my tummy growls it means it's time to eat. Or when someone sneezes we would say bless you. Well, God is giving us the DUH moments here in Amos. Does God use his prophets to speak? Duh! Does God expect us to listen and obey? Duh! Is Gods judgement righteous? Duh! 

Pastor Patrick

Taking it Personal - Amos 2:6-16

It is difficult to ignore the horrible murders and injustice taking place in America through abortion. Sure we have many faults and the idolatry of the American Dream is grieving the heart of God. Just as Amos prophesied against the social injustices taking place in prosperous Israel at the time, it is the responsibility of the Prophets of today to warn us of going down the same path. God has fought many battles for us here in America, but he will not be able to ignore the sins of this nation for long. His holy nature will not allow it and if it were not for His long suffering we would have already seen his discipline. It's time to take it personal. 

Pastor Patrick

Subtle Sin - Amos 1:1 - 2:5

Amos a shepherd and business man from Judah really brings about the issues that the two kingdoms we're dealing with here. Both were in prosperous times and the poor were being oppressed says the scholars. These first seven Oracles seem to me to represent different types of compromise and oppression within the camp of Gods chosen people and Amos is calling it out and rebuking it. 

What areas of the world are encroaching into your life and leading you into compromise? Remember the enemy dosnt come raising a big red flag but is very subtle and crafty, most of the time it's barely noticeable and you have to dig deep to see it. You can choose to ignore these little compromises and allow the oppression to develop deep roots or expose these for what they are, SIN! 

Pastor Patrick

His indwelling presence - Joel 3

Ruin and destruction lie ahead for all who do not know and trust the Lord. But all who belong to Him through repentance and faith are promised His indwelling presence, as well as eternal abundance, total satisfaction, and security. Believers feeling outnumbered and bullied by the world should be encouraged to know that all the worldly powers someday will be assembled before the Lord to receive His justice. Believers should consider times of crisis as opportunities for reflection on the character of our lives, especially our relationship with the Lord. For unbelievers these are opportunities to recognize our vulnerability and our need for a relationship with the living God. (Holman)

God loves his people. He loves you! There is no question that God will protect us from the world. Seek his presence and know His love and peace.

Pastor Patrick

Down Payment - Joel 2:28-32

When I go down to buy a new used car, I get to take it out for a test drive. Then I make my decision to buy it or not. Once I settle on the car I want we go into negotiations on the price and payments. After we come to terms I give them a down payment as a promise to pay for it all. God gave His Spirit to all believers as a down payment of more to come. This is talking about the second coming of Christ here in Joel. At Pentecost however we received the down payment and the promise from God. 

2 Corinthians 5:5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 

Pastor Patrick

The Lord Responds - Joel 2:18-27

God’s promises are real answers to the prayers of faith, because with him saying and doing are not two things. One thing you can take to the bank and that is God is faithful to respond to our repentance. Not only on an individual basis but as well as a national basis. What is God's response to our repentance? Blessing! 

Let us put into perspective what blessings from God is. It is, the necessities of life and an abundance of the needs we have to live. It is not, Cadillac's and diamonds. God is faithful to meet our obedience with blessing both spiritual and physical. 

Pastor Patrick

Return to the Lord - Joel 2:12-17

The heading in my bible reads "Return to the Lord". The crazy cycle that Israel was always wrapped up in is nuts. What is funny about reading how wishy washy these people were in their relationship with God is it kind of mirrors my own walk. The first five years was like my personal redemption from Egypt and my wilderness wandering. Then ten or so years of half hearted worship. I worshiped the Jesus I made, not the Jesus from the Father. 

Now the last six years have been amazing. There always seems to be some kind of drama or a struggle in my life. Yet, my Jesus is there and faithfully walking with me because I returned to Him as he asked in obedience. 

Pastor Patrick

Trumpet Call - Joel 2:1-11

It can be a difficult task to bring the truth of prophetic judgement from God. It is not always received with open arms and joy. The minister has the responsibility to sound the alarm once the prophet has spoken the word. Joel says to blow the trumpet and sound the alarm. Joel is speaking to the priest. It is the responsibility of the ministers to warn us, the sheep, of the judgements of God. 

The priest back then didn't listen to the prophet. He didn't go and blow the trumpet or sound the alarm like he was asked to do. It was his responsibility to warn the people. Gods judgement is not a fun filled, feel good message. It forces us to look at our sin before a Holy and Pure Creator. The blackness of our hearts can be a stumbling block to hearing from Gods anointed. Let us not make the same mistake Judah did by closing our hearts to the word of God given by His ministers through His Prophets. 

Pastor Patrick

The Real Reason for You - Joel 1:14-20

Starve yourself! That will bring you closer to God. The prophet is calling for a fast and repentance. I make light of the fast but in all reality God is honored when we set aside our pleasures and desires for Him. Dig into the deeper things of God.. A deeper relationship is what He seeks from you. Have you ever asked yourself, what does God want from me? it's a relationship, that is what he wants from you a deep, real, meaningful relationship. This is the purpose you were created for. 

Pastor Patrick

Lament Like a Virgin - Joel 1:8-13

There was a report on the news about a young man who died in a car accident on the way to his wedding. The young bride was devastated. How heart breaking, I was in tears for this young girls grief. None of us here can even relate to this girl and the heart break she had to deal with. 

This is how we are called to repentance. To lament like a virgin! The more we are wedded to our creature-comforts that harder it is to part with them. We are called out to lament the sins of our nation and the sins of our heart, and with the world and its un-holy culture of acceptance through compromise. The countrymen and the clergy are called out in Joel to mourn and cry. What? Here comes the prophetic! 

Isaiah 32:10–12

 10  In little more than a year you will shudder, you complacent women; for the grape harvest fails, the fruit harvest will not come. 11  Tremble, you women who are at ease, shudder, you complacent ones; strip, and make yourselves bare, and tie sackcloth around your waist. 12  Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine.

Are you heart broken because of the sin in your life and the sins of our people and nation? God is!

Pastor Patrick

Locust? Joel 1:1-7

I'm like a locust plague? What is that? Some of us may not be able to grab hold of this with an understanding that hits home, but this was a serious disaster. It's like the stock market crashing for us today. Losing everything in our retirement plan and not being able to recover. The call from the prophet here is to wake up and see this disaster for what it really is. A spanking from the Creator for the idolatry,  and the compromise in the hearts of the people of the land.

I remember when 9/11 happened and Katrina hit the coast. There were some prophets calling out the sins of our nation like abortion, homosexuality and the love of money. Some people received the warnings and some ignored it. While these issues are evident in our society the real issue is the hearts of the people. You may get upset and not agree with God that abortion is murder, or that homosexuality is not what God intended for the human relationship. Again, the issue at hand is us compromising our God given virtues with those of a lost and dying world. 

I encourage you to search your heart and accept Gods word as your only rule of life. As you will see as we move through the word of God, he wants to bless us but we get in the way.

Pastor Patrick

The Grace Offering- Hosea 14

Here as we finish up the last chapter of Hosea I love how God has asked his people to repent and then shared the love and forgiveness that he can bring to the people. It's amazing how God actually fulfill that promise through Jesus. That promise is alive and well to us today. Each one of us that believe on Jesus and acknowledge our shortcomings are able to abide in the love of God. It's because of the blood that Jesus shed on the cross that this grace has been given to us. 

Pastor Patrick

Pride vs Patience - Hosea 13

It blows my mind how I can be given a gift from a person and then try and take advantage of the relationship through pride and manipulation. We do this to God all the time. Thank you Father that you are patient and slow to anger with us! Look deep within your heart today and see if you are taking advantage of God's love and patience. Turn away from this pride in your life and accept the path God has you on. It's not an easy path but it has eternal rewards. Pastor Patrick

Deceit and Desire - Hosea 12

I love how Hosea is using Jacob to emphasize Israel's religious and political failings. The comparison with Jacob emphasizes his reputation for deceit and desire for personal gain. Do your desires line up with the desires of Jesus? Do you even know what the desires of Jesus are for you? Pastor Patrick

He Loves Me Anyways - Hosea 11

When I was young it was common place for me to do something that would result in me getting a spanking. My dad loves me there is no question and even my choices to do the opposite of what dad asked didn't make a difference to him, he loved me anyways. However, he still had to make a judgement call and disipline me for my rebellion. God in the same way must discipline those he loves. He will never send you back to where He found you (Egypt=dead in sin), but will still use the world (Assyria=world) to correct. He loves us even when we stray and rebel but must bring correction to our lives in order to restore relationship with him. Pastor Patrick

Hear and Repent - Hosea 10

The Lord continues along the same line of judgement on the nation of Israel in this chapter. He is not happy with the idolatry and if they don't repent which they don't He will be forced to bring judgement through another nation. When we look at the new covenant it's easy to think God has changed how he interacts and moves among the nations and people. This is not true. It is still about people being true to worship God in spirit and in truth just as it was before and God still moves among the nations and judges the people. God decided to pay the price for your sins so the need for a blood sacrifice to atone for you is no longer necessary. 

Pastor Patrick

Hear and Obey - Hosea 9

Because of your great sin and hostility, you say, “The prophets are crazy and the inspired men are fools!” The prophet is a watchman over His Church for my God, yet traps are laid for him wherever he goes. He faces hostility even in the house of God. Pastor Patrick

Sound the Alarm - Hosea 8

When I was a kid and I made a bad choice I was always told that I have to live with the consequences of my decision. Now as an adult I realize how true that is. Israel was living with the consequences of their decisions with their choices of rulers, their foreign policy and their religious practices. I love how Hosea is quick to point this out. It's easy to look at the country you live in and see the same mess of bad decisions. I challenge you to make it personal. Who is the ruler in your life? Is it Jesus? What is your foreign policy (worldliness)? Do your spiritual disciplines look like what Jesus did?

Pastor Patrick

Warning, Warning - Hosea 7

"Warning, Warning, Danger Will Robinson!" Some of you might remember that old tv show with the robot that would warn the boy of danger. God is really good at giving us warnings also. Not just us that belive but those outside the family of Jesus as well. I can't help but read this chapter and think of the country I love, America. What does this chapter make you think of? 

Pastor Patrick

A Call to Repentance - Hosea 6

Oh yeah, we come to an amazing passage of God's word here that really shows the heart of God and his desire to really know you and I... Do you really know Him the way you know the person you love the most on this earth? Listen to me hear! Pay attention! It takes TIME to get to know someone, especially God. The word speaks for itself so enjoy! 

Pastor Patrick

Get Right or Get Left - Hosea 5

Here comes the judgement on the priest and king. He warned them in chapter 4. I hear well meaning Christians all the time saying that the Father no longer judges us because of Jesus. Really!! Have you not read the book of revelation. God is active and judging the nations and people. To say he is not would go directly against his character and word, it just doesn't balance. Let me be clear, the blood of Christ that was shed for you has never removed the personal responsibility you have to be obedient to the Holy Spirit. You are responsible for your actions and will be judged. Hear is a great way to measure your faith to know if it's real. Does your life look like that of Jesus? If it's not at least moving in that direction then your still making the decisions in your life. Let go and let God! Pastor Patrick

Wake up - Hosea 4

This is a heavy chapter. God continues to speak to us through his prophets and Hosea really lays it out there for all of us to chew on. As I read this chapter it reminds me of America and the economic inequalities, oppression, murder of our children through abortion and our idol worship in the name of patriotism. Then God really gets to the core of the problem, the pastors and spiritual leaders who have failed not only God but the people of the nation trough their selfish ambitions, greed for money and idolatry. Hosea says "they look to a piece of wood for an answer to their prayers". Wow! Look closely at your life, what are you depending on for security in life? Your 401k? Your job? Your government? Non of that will be there to help you when the shaking comes later this year. But if you can't stand for God now you will not be able to stand then. 

Pastor Patrick

Redemption - Hosea 3

This is a short but powerful read. God is so faithful and loving. We don't deserve His faithfulness or love. The symbolic action here is pretty cool. Even though it's about Israel at the time, it's easy to see the Jesus in it.. You have been redeemed. 

Pastor Patrick

Coming Home - Hosea 2:14-23

Just as God longed to bring His beloved people home, God longs to love and restore you. He has made this possible through Jesus. I challenge you to embrace Him. 

Pastor Patrick

Broken Hearted - Hosea 2:1-13

It just breaks my heart to see Gods heart broken for an idolatrous and backsliding people, but God loves us. We are his creation made to fellowship with Him, walk with him in the cool of the day. Notice how Adam and Eve had an appointment with God everyday. Do you have an appointment with God everyday? Take some time out if your busy day to slow down and walk with God. Pastor Patrick

Restored- Hosea 1:8-11

You are not my people.. This is not what you want to hear from the Father, right? I know I don't. But what choice did God have? The prophets really help us to understand the character of God. God is the same always and his ways are his ways always. We can't continue to trample the grace of God under our feet and with an un repentant heart worship the idols of self and there not be a judgement of separation from God. God is willing and ready to restore you just as he restored Israel once they repented and turned from their false gods. He brought them back to the same place they were when he removed them from the promise. Pastor Patrick

Clean House - Hosea 1:1-7

Can you imagine your husband or wife cheating on you all the time and not even hiding it? God is seeing this cheeting going on with His people and is going to have to make a judgement call. God is going to divorce himself from His people because they are a bunch of cheeting bastards. Are you cheeting on God? It will cost you if you are. It's all or nothing with God because he will not waste a single drop of His Son's blood on you if your only his on Sunday. You must be sold out, period. Pastor Patrick

Is Jesus Enough? Phillipians 4:15-20

One thing is for sure and that is Paul's contentment. This guy is at peace with every situation he finds himself in. He is in prison right now as he wrote the letter to the Phillipians. I pose the same question to you that was asked of me recently. "When did Jesus stop being enough?" WOW! If Jesus is all you need ever then why are we complaining about our lives and circumstances? 

Pastor Patrick

Know Peace - Phillipians 4:10-14

Are you at peace? No matter what your life situation is, are you content? Several times as we have been studying Phillipians, Paul has instructed us to follow his example as he follows Christ. This dude knew exactly who he was as a person.. Regardless of his circumstances he was at peace. Why? Because he can do all things through Christ who gives him strength.. When we are not at peace with our lives it points to self reliance and not Spirit led. Remove yourself from the equation and Walk in the Spirit. 

Pastor Patrick

Stay Hungry - Phillipians 4:8-9

People tell me how hard it is to stay focused on the Lord. This is a heart condition. You love yourself more then you love Jesus. And, I can guarantee you that if you don't get alone with God in that secret place everyday you will never know Him. If your married try not talking to your wife for two weeks. Haha, good luck!

Pastor Patrick

Your Choice - Phillipians 4:1-7

Oh to be happy and joyfull. It so special to have a peace and joy that only comes from knowing Jesus. If you do not have it, you can get it. Make a decision today to  be happy with life in Jesus. Even when disappointment or frustration rear their ugly heads, choose to put it in an eternal perspective and be happy knowing that in some way God is using this THING you are dealing with to draw you closer to him. Or you can go about your time here on earth worshiping the gods you have created and be bummed out all the time, living in defeat. Your choice!

Pastor Patrick

A Doctrine of Truth - Phillipians 3:17-21

Today with it being so easy to comunicate and spread your message, we must be very careful not be swept away in our faith with every different doctrine you hear. You should know what you believe and be able to defend it with power and conviction. We are warned in Phillipians that there are false teachers who only care about the things of this world. Hmm, remind you of anyone? Reminds me to follow the word and its balanced doctrinal stance. 

Pastor Patrick