Wednesday, August 5, 2009
It's Time To Draw Near...I'm just sayn'
It’s Time To Draw Near...I'm just sayn'
There was a horrible famine and it wasn’t limited to a small area—it was far reaching. The drought was so great that there had been no planting or reaping for two years. And, it wasn’t going to get better any time soon, for the Lord had spoken to His servant, Joseph, that the famine was going to last for a total of seven years.
Think about it, there was going to be another 60 months of drought and all of the difficulties and tragedies that would go along with it. Trees would die. Rivers would cease to flow. Animals would starve to death, and human life would be lost. It was going to be a horrible season.
God’s people are never forgotten in horrible seasons!
As many of you know, God had prepared the way for His people by elevating Joseph to the place of “Vice-Pharaoh” for all of Egypt. When the Pharaoh of Egypt heard that Joseph’s father Israel was alive, he told Joseph to bring his father and his families to Egypt where they would be provided and cared for. They were to live in Goshen, the region just east of the lower Nile River.
The Egyptians surrendered their money, their possessions, their homes and land, and eventually they sold themselves into the Pharaoh’s service. They did all of this that Pharaoh might provide them with the food they needed, so they wouldn’t starve to death. Yet, while they lost everything—God’s people flourished in Goshen.
Did you know that Goshen means, “Drawing Near?” Israel was given the region named “Drawing Near.” The depths of this are great.
· Jacob (Israel) was able to draw near to his beloved son Joseph.
· God was able to draw His people to a place of provision in the middle of famine.
· The families of Israel were able to draw near to one another.
· God drew His people near to Himself that they might be blessed and prosper—while those around them were losing everything.
Many Christians are facing incredibly challenging times right now. For some of you; it feels like you have already been in this for far too long of a season. I can’t tell you when your difficulties will end—but I can give you some great assurance today.
God already has everything in place to meet all of your needs according to His riches and glory. It’s time to go to Goshen! Don’t run to the rulers of the world for your answers and for their provisions—that are made available at an exorbitant cost!
Go to Goshen—the place of drawing near! After all, He promises that as we draw near to Him He will draw near to us, and, when He does—blessings and prosperity flow.
There was a horrible famine and it wasn’t limited to a small area—it was far reaching. The drought was so great that there had been no planting or reaping for two years. And, it wasn’t going to get better any time soon, for the Lord had spoken to His servant, Joseph, that the famine was going to last for a total of seven years.
Think about it, there was going to be another 60 months of drought and all of the difficulties and tragedies that would go along with it. Trees would die. Rivers would cease to flow. Animals would starve to death, and human life would be lost. It was going to be a horrible season.
God’s people are never forgotten in horrible seasons!
As many of you know, God had prepared the way for His people by elevating Joseph to the place of “Vice-Pharaoh” for all of Egypt. When the Pharaoh of Egypt heard that Joseph’s father Israel was alive, he told Joseph to bring his father and his families to Egypt where they would be provided and cared for. They were to live in Goshen, the region just east of the lower Nile River.
The Egyptians surrendered their money, their possessions, their homes and land, and eventually they sold themselves into the Pharaoh’s service. They did all of this that Pharaoh might provide them with the food they needed, so they wouldn’t starve to death. Yet, while they lost everything—God’s people flourished in Goshen.
Did you know that Goshen means, “Drawing Near?” Israel was given the region named “Drawing Near.” The depths of this are great.
· Jacob (Israel) was able to draw near to his beloved son Joseph.
· God was able to draw His people to a place of provision in the middle of famine.
· The families of Israel were able to draw near to one another.
· God drew His people near to Himself that they might be blessed and prosper—while those around them were losing everything.
Many Christians are facing incredibly challenging times right now. For some of you; it feels like you have already been in this for far too long of a season. I can’t tell you when your difficulties will end—but I can give you some great assurance today.
God already has everything in place to meet all of your needs according to His riches and glory. It’s time to go to Goshen! Don’t run to the rulers of the world for your answers and for their provisions—that are made available at an exorbitant cost!
Go to Goshen—the place of drawing near! After all, He promises that as we draw near to Him He will draw near to us, and, when He does—blessings and prosperity flow.
Labels: Brad Riley, draw near, Faith Chapel, God
Thursday, June 18, 2009
He Promised
God has made some great promises to His people--He has promised to hear us, to forgive us and to give healing to our land!
Christians--we need the security of knowing God hears us! We need the confidence of knowing God forgives us. And, we need the assurance from God that our land can be healed. America can have a refreshing and experience great healing. God promised and all of His promises belong to us.
What did He ask us to do to open the door for these promises? Well, it's almost too simple to blog about. He simply said, "Humble yourselves and pray and turn from your wicked ways." There I said it. All we need for these great promises to come true is for Christians to humbly pray and for Christians to quit embracing the wicked ways of the world!
He promised to hear! He promised to forgive! He promised to heal our land!
Will you humbly pray and follow Him?
If not...we'll have no one else to blame for what America becomes...
Labels: america, Brad Riley, Faith Chapel, God, prayer, revival
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Face of a Child
Do you remember Jack Handy from Saturday Night Live? He used to have the "Deep Thoughts" segment. My favorite quote was this one: "The face of a child says a lot, especially the mouth part of the face!"
And, boy was he right. Our four year old Sophia's face says a lot--especially her mouth. She wakes up talking and falls asleep talking. She talks throughout the day with just a few short breaks to quickly take a drink of some fresh chocolate soy milk. The girl has the gift of gab! If you've spent much time with kids, you know, they can ramble on and on about any and everything that pops into their active little minds. Hang with 'em for a minute--you will quickly find out what is going on in there! No surprises necessary.
Our President, has been really quick to let us know what is going on in his mind as well. Considering that during his campaign he said that "life issues" of unborn children were matters that should be decided by individuals who had a higher pay grade than he did--I find it interesting that his first act as our President was to make abortions even easier for those seeking to end their pregnancies.
I also find it interesting that when asked to speak at Georgetown University that he and his staff insisted that any Christian religious symbols be removed or covered in the backdrop of the auditorium where he would be sharing his address.
You don't have to spend two minutes with Sophia to find out what she is thinking, to discover what is rolling through her mind at the time. And, well, our President hasn't wasted anytime to let us get a glimpse at some of the things on his mind. Abortion is easier. Symbols of Christianity are covered--I wonder if his staff considered that this could offend a few million Christians. And, even more importantly, I wonder if our President considered that Jesus might be offended.
When I find out what is going on in my little girl's mind, sometimes I just laugh, sometimes we talk about it and well, sometimes I simply ignore it. I'm concerned about some of the things going on in my President's mind. I'm not laughing, I'm talking about it, and I'm definitely not ignoring it. I am, however, praying for him. I'm praying he will make decisions that will honor God and God's creation. I'm praying he will value life. I'm praying he will change his mind on some of the crucial decisions he has made in his first 100 days.
The mouth of a child says a lot--so do the executive orders of a President...
And, boy was he right. Our four year old Sophia's face says a lot--especially her mouth. She wakes up talking and falls asleep talking. She talks throughout the day with just a few short breaks to quickly take a drink of some fresh chocolate soy milk. The girl has the gift of gab! If you've spent much time with kids, you know, they can ramble on and on about any and everything that pops into their active little minds. Hang with 'em for a minute--you will quickly find out what is going on in there! No surprises necessary.
Our President, has been really quick to let us know what is going on in his mind as well. Considering that during his campaign he said that "life issues" of unborn children were matters that should be decided by individuals who had a higher pay grade than he did--I find it interesting that his first act as our President was to make abortions even easier for those seeking to end their pregnancies.
I also find it interesting that when asked to speak at Georgetown University that he and his staff insisted that any Christian religious symbols be removed or covered in the backdrop of the auditorium where he would be sharing his address.
You don't have to spend two minutes with Sophia to find out what she is thinking, to discover what is rolling through her mind at the time. And, well, our President hasn't wasted anytime to let us get a glimpse at some of the things on his mind. Abortion is easier. Symbols of Christianity are covered--I wonder if his staff considered that this could offend a few million Christians. And, even more importantly, I wonder if our President considered that Jesus might be offended.
When I find out what is going on in my little girl's mind, sometimes I just laugh, sometimes we talk about it and well, sometimes I simply ignore it. I'm concerned about some of the things going on in my President's mind. I'm not laughing, I'm talking about it, and I'm definitely not ignoring it. I am, however, praying for him. I'm praying he will make decisions that will honor God and God's creation. I'm praying he will value life. I'm praying he will change his mind on some of the crucial decisions he has made in his first 100 days.
The mouth of a child says a lot--so do the executive orders of a President...
Labels: 100 days, Brad Riley, Christian, Faith Chapel, President Obama
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Truth, Justice & Big John
So, last summer Beth and I took our girls to Gatlinburg, TN for a little R&R. On our way there, we stopped in Metropolis, IL to see the "HUGE SUPERMAN" they had been advertising on the Interstate for about 50 miles. He was a big fella, but we noticed a local grocery store in the town called, "Big John" and to our surprise, I must tell you, the "Big John" outside of the grocery store was much taller than the Superman; not to mention, he was carrying a few enormous bags of groceries--yes, he was also practical! :) So, of course, we took pictures at the grocery store--we wanted the full dose of tourism!
I guess, what I'm getting at is, well, this...Superman might have stood for Truth & Justice; but he didn't even stand as big as the grocery carrier up the road. Simply put, Superman wasn't all that super. And, if we were going to be honest, most of the time our heroes aren't--they aren't as super as we want them to be.
You know what I mean, when we read an article that our favorite baseball player was using steroids. We find out one of our football heroes was arrested for driving under the influence. We learn of the television minister who was taking the the financial gifts from his followers and tossing their prayer request cards into the dumpster. A media outlet reports that a judge we thought would uphold justice in court--threw it aside for his/her personal agenda. Come on, you know what I'm talking about! We've all been disappointed too many times.
I do want to give you some assurance though. This isn't just a feel good moment--this is a Biblically documented promise! And, I was reminded about it this past "Easter Weekend." Jesus has never failed...not even once!
He spoke words of healing--and the people were healed.
He commanded freedom--and the demonic strongholds left the body of the oppressed man.
He promised to suffer, die and rise again. And, guess what, HE DID!
He testified to the truth. He proclaimed justice.
He brought God's message to us, so He could bring us to God! I guess then, I can trust Him when He says that He is coming back again too.
You know, the "heroes" we idolize never really can stand our critical scrutiny of their lives. After all, at some point, their flawed humanity will show, and when it does we will show our disappointment. But, Jesus stands the test--He won't fail, He won't fall and He doesn't fade.
Superman paled compared to John: Big John...the grocer!
But, Jesus? No, there just isn't anything or anyone to even compare Him to. And, I promise, He will not fail in a challenge. He will not fall in a temptation and His glory doesn't fade with time. He's so much more than a superhero. He's my Savior, my risen Savior! So, take that Superman...you too "Big John!" Nothing can compare to Him.
Peace
Labels: Brad, Faith Chapel, Heroes, Jesus, Pastor, Superman
Friday, April 3, 2009
Money Is Not In Control
The unemployment rate has reached 8.5% in our country. Another 663,000 Americans lost their jobs during the month of March. World leaders gather together to determine the cause of the problems and to search for collective answers. It was reported this week that authorization was given at the G-20 Summit for foreign governments to have a voice in saying how much executives in our country are paid. America, as we know it, is quickly changing.
As our world moves more toward worldwide economic strategy and unity; it will affect all of us. I will not use this space to hypothecate about the possibilities. However, I will share a couple of thoughts with you regarding our walk with Christ.
Jesus clearly stated in Matthew 6:24: "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." NIV
Our world's system is connected to the love of money. So many of our world's leaders make their decisions based on a love of money. Money in itself is not corrupt--and having money is not wrong--but being controlled by it, dwelling on it, allowing it "to have us" is wrong; it is sin!
Immediately after reminding us of the "two masters" Jesus said this in verses 25-26: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" NIV
God's people have NEVER been provided for by money! We have always been provided for by our heavenly Father! Yahweh Jireh is "The Lord Our Provider." He is and will continue to be The Provider for His people. And, He will meet all of our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
This i a simple reminder--that whatever we may face in the days, months and years to come--tests and trials of all kinds, our God is Faithful. As we keep our eyes on Him and trust in Him with all our heart, soul and strength He will bring us through.
You are not forgotten. You are not forsaken. Money is not in control; and as long as you don't allow it to be in control of you--your God, your Master, your Lord will continue to bring you through!
Peace to you...
As our world moves more toward worldwide economic strategy and unity; it will affect all of us. I will not use this space to hypothecate about the possibilities. However, I will share a couple of thoughts with you regarding our walk with Christ.
Jesus clearly stated in Matthew 6:24: "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." NIV
Our world's system is connected to the love of money. So many of our world's leaders make their decisions based on a love of money. Money in itself is not corrupt--and having money is not wrong--but being controlled by it, dwelling on it, allowing it "to have us" is wrong; it is sin!
Immediately after reminding us of the "two masters" Jesus said this in verses 25-26: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" NIV
God's people have NEVER been provided for by money! We have always been provided for by our heavenly Father! Yahweh Jireh is "The Lord Our Provider." He is and will continue to be The Provider for His people. And, He will meet all of our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
This i a simple reminder--that whatever we may face in the days, months and years to come--tests and trials of all kinds, our God is Faithful. As we keep our eyes on Him and trust in Him with all our heart, soul and strength He will bring us through.
You are not forgotten. You are not forsaken. Money is not in control; and as long as you don't allow it to be in control of you--your God, your Master, your Lord will continue to bring you through!
Peace to you...
Labels: Brad, Chapel, Faith, God, jobless, Money, Pastor, Unemployment rate
Friday, February 6, 2009
It Will Be Great To See Him
So...Emma (my eight year old daughter) and I were talking tonight. We weren't talking about much in particular; just chattn'. We were making some pizzas together while Sophia watched some TV and Beth rested. Every mom needs a few moments away from their "precious girlz" from time to time, right? :)
Anyway, Emma and I started talking about some of the challenges in our world...the wars, rumors of wars, division between ethnic groups and nations, etc. I know, I know, kind of a big subject to hit with an eight year old second grader, but I had a reason. I shared with her about how Scripture teaches us that when we see the types of things that I had mentioned to her, in a greater measure, that we are to watch for Jesus--they are signs that He will be on His way soon.
"Yeah," Emma shouted! "I can't wait to see Him. I hope He comes while I'm nine!" You can imagine, as a passionate follower of Christ, how grateful I was to see her response. It was better than the response I typically see from her the day before Christmas. She is really excited about getting to see Jesus.
Are you?
Just somethn' to think about...
Peace to you!
Anyway, Emma and I started talking about some of the challenges in our world...the wars, rumors of wars, division between ethnic groups and nations, etc. I know, I know, kind of a big subject to hit with an eight year old second grader, but I had a reason. I shared with her about how Scripture teaches us that when we see the types of things that I had mentioned to her, in a greater measure, that we are to watch for Jesus--they are signs that He will be on His way soon.
"Yeah," Emma shouted! "I can't wait to see Him. I hope He comes while I'm nine!" You can imagine, as a passionate follower of Christ, how grateful I was to see her response. It was better than the response I typically see from her the day before Christmas. She is really excited about getting to see Jesus.
Are you?
Just somethn' to think about...
Peace to you!
Labels: Brad, Chapel, Faith, Jesus, Rapture, Riley
Friday, October 3, 2008
In God We Trust
Like so many other people, I've watched the political scene closely for the past few weeks. I've had an extra interest in the $700 billion (+) bailout bill. I'm not going to use this blog to say whether I agree with it or not. My "yea" or "nay" really doesn't matter. What matters the most to me is what I've observed our political "leaders" do....again.
What do you mean? Well, to be blunt, they have successfully attached millions of dollars in "handouts, giveaways, pork, etc." Call it whatever you want to--but once again in the middle of what they've called an "economic crisis" they didn't slow down in taking multi-millions of dollars (which we don't have) and giving it to the areas aka the people they have special interests in.
So, if everything is spiritual, what does this have to do with a pastor's blog? Fair Question: I'm leading to the answer.
Personally, I don't think our economic challenges are over because of this bailout. It might give some short-term relief, like a steam shower gives to you when you have the flu, but it is not a long-term fix. Our economy is headed for a difficult season if MAJOR CHANGES do not take place.
With that said--I want to give reassurance to every Christian. God is your Provider, not the government, not your employer, not your mom and dad, and not your friend who won the lottery! God has promised that He Is and will always be the Provider for His people. In Scripture, He is called Jehovah Jireh, meaning, our God Provider. Our Provider will provide for us--it is Who He Is and it is what He does!
He provided for His people, Israel, as they spent forty years traveling in the desert. He met their needs miraculously. Jesus provided for the crowds by feeding the hungry and caring for their needs. He will do the same for us.
Think about it for a second. He led His people into the desert between Egypt and the land of Canaan. He didn't lead them into a place of abundant resources. He didn't need to--He Is our abundant resource! God will meet your needs, whether the government does the right or the wrong thing. God's ability to provide for you does not hinge upon our leaders...it hinges upon His faithfulness.
Today, I remind you to trust in Him. Our Country might be headed for some challenging financial times--but God's ability to provide has never relied on America! Take this opportunity to reaffirm your trust in Him. Reconnect with your Lord. Seek His Presence, after all, "if we will seek first His kingdom and His righteousness all these things will be added to us." In other words, seek Him and He'll take care of the things!
Peace
Labels: Bailout, Brad, Chapel, Congress, Faith, In God We Trust, Taxes
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