Pastor Dan's Blog

The Large Lesson of Giving

2011-07-07T18:57:00.000-04:00

The feeding of the five thousand is probably Jesus’ most familiar miracle. It is in all four of the gospel accounts of Jesus life and ministry. It has been a repeated kids’ story in practically every Sunday School class, VBS and Children’s Church. Countless sermons and probably the only thing we get mixed up is the lad’s lunch - was it two loaves and five fishes or five loaves and two fishes?

Speaking of “lad’s lunch”…that was the name my brother and his friends called their Christian band back in the eighties! Whoa, does that bring back some memories.

This Sunday we will return to our series from the Gospel of John. There is something so powerful at the core of this miracle recorded in John 6:1-15. In fact I would go so far as to say, that this miracle of Jesus shows us what is it at the beginning, the middle and the end of the supernatural power of our Almighty, All-Powerful Lord and Savior.

Believe it or not, but it has everything to do with you and I. There is a large lesson here and it’s the simple act of…

Well, I hope to see you this Sunday. GIVE it a thought!”

Men of Prevailing Strength

2011-06-17T15:41:00.000-04:00

Proverbs 14:26 promises the man who honors the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.

Many know about Job. That’s right, Job, from the book of the Bible of the same name. Job, the guy who suffered personally and lost all. Job as in “having the patience of Job. Did you know there is far more to this infamous fellow from Scripture?

In fact before all the “bad stuff” we are given some interesting insight into his faith that reveals how he made it through the struggles he went through. He was a man, a husband and a father of prevailing strength. Strength that prepared him for what was to come. A strength that enabled him to prevail.

This Sunday we will celebrate Father’s Day with a wonderful lesson for all of us (but in particular all the fathers) as we look at the example of Job. Job’s faith in the Lord provided a secure fortress in his life that was also a refuge for his family. And this can be true for you and I!

Come on out and join us this Sunday!

Eyes upon the Lord

2011-03-17T17:00:00.000-04:00

Greetings Church Family!

I am calling upon the Webster Assembly of God family to consecrate this Sunday’s service by making it a priority with some preparation over these next three days. I call your attention in particular to a passage of scripture in 2 Chronicles 20:1-24, from which I will be sharing some truths on Sunday.

The reason for this: over the past couple of years a number of our families have been afflicted with great illness, as well as tremendous troubles. Even now as I write this to you, my heart cries for the families of Jan & George Mowry, Brittany & Andy Dippel, who are facing the battle against cancer. Other physical afflictions, unemployment, financial hardship and broken family relationships confront many others in our church who we love so dearly.

We find ourselves at a similar place as were the people of Judah and Jerusalem. I have found myself saying the words King Jehoshaphat prayed, “Lord, we have no power to face what is attacking us. We do not know what to do, BUT OUR EYES ARE UPON YOU.” Then the people were told these great words, “the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

I am calling on all of our church family to join together this Sunday, March 20 for our morning service, where we will stand “before the Lord” as the people of Judah did, “all the men, with their wives and children and little ones.” This Sunday Pastor Doug and the children will remain with us in the service. We ask for families to sit together, as we will praise and worship the Lord, pray for one another and “see the deliverance the Lord will give.”

I have shared this with our leadership and prayer groups, and now I share it with all of you! This Sunday we will “take up our position and stand firm…and praise the Lord for the splendor of His holiness.” I know all do not have access to email or our website, so share this with someone, anyone who needs to know. All are welcome to join us!

If you find yourself facing circumstances that are attacking you and you do not know what to do. I implore you to keep your eyes on the LORD your God. As your pastor, I encourage and challenge you to “have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld.”

My love and prayers for all you! Pastor Dan

WHO IS THIS JESUS?

2011-01-03T19:07:00.000-05:00

Welcome to 2011! Doesn’t it always seem like the new year comes upon us too fast? I know it is because we were enjoying the wonderful Christmas celebration of Jesus’ coming to this earth and into our lives. But here it is…a new year!
As we begin this new year I am excited to announce that as a church we will also begin a Sunday study series into the Gospel of John. This gospel of all four gospels is indeed the most unique. I am praying it will be both a wonderful corporate study for our church family and equally inspiring personal study for each of us.

In a phrase, I hope this will be a sermon series that answers the question asked of one individual who the Lord Jesus touched miraculously – “Who is this fellow” who did this to you? John offers us powerful eyewitness accounts and teachings that are found no where else. And these accounts bring one to the ultimate conclusion of Christ’s deity…He is the Son of God, the Great “I AM” that the Old Testament also introduces us to!

Join us each week for our Sunday celebrations, let us focus on praising and exalting Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of man!

God Bless you! Pastor Dan

Truly A Wonderful Gift and Life!

2010-12-16T10:49:00.000-05:00

Everyone is rushing around to find perfect gifts or maybe just complete the list of gifts you have to give. Some of the most important gifts we will never find online or in stores and they won't come from those who give you gifts at this time of year.

The most wonderful gift of course is the gift of Jesus Christ to the world and to us individually to save us from our sins and give us the gift of eternal life. So if God gave us the most wonderful gift...what gift can we give in return to one so great, so loving and so kind....so full of mercy and compassion...what can we put after His name on our list?

We give our hearts, totally and completely to the one who sent His Son for us. We give trust...our complete trust in the one who loves and cares so for us. Trust when you can't always trace his hand of purpose, just completely trust.

Forgiveness is another gift we are told in God's Word to give to others...even when they don't give it to us. When we have given our heart to the one who sent His Son for us, we will give forgiveness to all, because He told us to. That's a tough thing when we get together with family and friends who may have wronged us, or may upset us! Remember though, it's a wonderful gift we can give to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...that of forgiving others.

So we give our hearts (completely), we give our trust (growing our faith) and we give forgiveness (even when not deserved) and we will have Jesus as our Lord and a wonderful life of joy and strength to get through all things.

Words cannot express the incredible peace and ultimate joy He has brought to our lives when we receive the gift of Jesus Christ, His forgiveness and healing. Through Christ the church is the vital foundation for life, a connection, not to be confused with a building or facility, just a network of people committed to sharing the message of Jesus. This Christmas and as you start a New Year, get connected and have the opportunity to worship God, fellowship, be encouraged and loved and experience a truly wonderful gift and life.

~Merry Christmas ~

Joy Story

2010-10-01T20:05:00.001-04:00

Greetings everyone! We are in the midst of a very exciting study of the Book of Philippians. What's your "JOY STORY"? We all have a story or testimony to share! Our messages on Sunday Mornings and in our Small Groups are focusing on Paul's letter to the church at Philippi.

His letter is the example we must follow to discover real JOY! Last week the children sang, JESUS and OTHERS and YOU...what a wonderful way to spell JOY...we are reminded that in spite of our circumstances or people around us, we are to remember how Paul, although a prisoner, was focused on Jesus! Therefore his JOY was complete...just because of continuing to fix his eyes on Jesus and putting others before himself he had "joy story" after "joy story" to share with the church at Philippi.

What about you? Have you been looking for JOY but mixing the letters a bit (OYJ) or (YOJ) and not really finding your JOY as complete? Paul's letter tells us we too can be full of joy, even when things go wrong! Remember it's JESUS and OTHERS and then YOU! It's not a new message...it's actually what God's Word is all about! So open to Philippians in the New Testament and follow the instructions and begin your JOY STORY! Then make sure to share what the Lord has done, and share the JOY!!

Join us on Sundays through November for "JOY STORY", a study of Paul's Letter ~ Philippians

The Simple Truth

2010-06-09T12:53:00.002-04:00

We are well into chapter 2 of Second Peter here inthe first couple weeks of June, and "Wow!" is it eye-popping! Peter warns of the false teachings that will be so prevalent. In the days of old there were fasle prophets among the people, and "there will be false teachers among you" he exclaims. Today, that is a collalsel understatement! In this age of computers with the internet and search engines, you can literally find thousands of facts, fictions and opinions about anything and everything. So, if you want to look up God, religion, faith or anything along those lines, you will be provided with so much "material" you could spend a lifetime reading it all. However, much of it (if not all) can be traced back to a person's opinion, philosophy and untruth.
With so much information overload, I am so thankful for THE SIMPLE TRUTH of the Holy Scriptures. This was Peter's point, taht he was merely repeating from the teachings he had heard from Christ.
The simple Truth! Very simple, but so often ignored. Very simple, yet even rejected. Very simple, and then forgotten. So very simple, I encourage you (as Peter did) that "you will do well to pay attention to it."

A Precious Faith

2010-05-25T11:31:00.002-04:00

JUST A THOUGHT: We have started our new study series from Peter's second letter in the New Testament. And we are well into chapter 1. But this week I want to highlight one word from his opening greeting to the readers of this letter. Well, maybe actually two words..."precious" and "faith". Peter's letter is addressed to "those who...have received a faith as precious as ours." Peter was emphasizing that one's faith is both PERSONAL and PRECIOUS.
So, my question to ponder is this - Is your faith precious? And if it is, how precious? Looking at the original Greek word used here, "isotimos" (which is used only here) refers to the idea of honor. Or a faith that is valuable and costly...a faith of great price.
Ever hear someone refer to something as being "priceless". This actually means that something is so valuable,of such great price, that you cannot put an actual price to it! So I ask you again, Is your faith precious to you?
Is your faith of such great price or "priceless", to the point you will hold on to it with such great honor that you will not part with it for any thing else?
Wow, that is quite a bit to think about. Which is what I hope you do...consider today and this week your faith in Christ Jesus. Is it a PERSONAL faith in Him as your Lord and Savior? And is it, or better yet, is He, Jesus Christ, PRECIOUS to you! Hey, it's JUST A THOUGHT!

"Living Hope"

2010-01-20T14:46:00.003-05:00

We begin this new year with an emphasis on “Being Hopeful in Times of Hopelessness”. What a well-timed search into the wonderful truths of 1 Peter. As our nation continues to search for hope in a troubling economy, and as the world watches and reaches out to help the devastated people of Haiti; I am very sure the questions being asked of all are the same that Job cried out: “Where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?”

Peter’s opening greeting declares the foundation of true hope, “In His great mercy God the Father has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” In that great truth we find the strength and power to keep moving forward. The reason and purpose for living…to offer an “answer for the hope we have” when when someone asks, WHO CAN SEE ANY HOPE FOR ME?

We must remain steadfast in this “Living Hope”.

"What's the use?" - HOPE

2010-01-04T19:31:00.003-05:00

January through March will be an exciting journey through 1 Peter for our church family and in our small groups. Whether you are young, in the middle of life or in the "golden generation" 1 Peter will offer encouragement for all difficult circumstances and help us understand to make our moments and days count for eternity.

Our outlook determines our attitudes and while we have breath we have hope! If you are unable to join our studies, read through the book of 1 Peter in the New Testament and focus especially on chapter 5 verse 10 "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."

Just remember...God knows what He is doing and is in control! So when you are tempted to say "What's the use?" remember God's instructions are to fix our eyes on HIM! He will give us the strength and hope we need for in all situations.

No More Games

2009-09-08T14:08:00.002-04:00

This Sunday is it! No not NFL Football. I know it is the first week of football and many of you (including yours truly) has a favorite team and even a fantasy team or two. But our motto this fall is "NO MORE GAMES"! And this Sunday it starts up.
This Sunday we will start an in-depth study series into the epistle of 1 John. John was a no nonsense apostle, self-describes as the apostle whom Jesus loved. All of his writings in the New Testament portion of the Bible are what we would call "black and white". Clear and contrasting to the world in which we now live. From his Gospel, where John the Apostle offers a portrait of a loving Savior who is the great "I am"; to his three very personal letters, where he paints the picture of the loving Body that every believer ought to be who professes devotion to Jesus the Son of God.
"No More Games" will take us into the themes of what genuine love and fellowship really are; understanding the distinction of truth from that which is false; and coming to the final conclusion that the only way to serve a loving God is to be loving children in His loving family.
I invite you to join with us this Sunday as we begin this life-changing series into the character of our Lord and His intention for His believers.
There may not be any games but there will be plenty of excitement! I hope to see you Sunday.

2009-05-27T11:30:00.002-04:00

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost is not always remembered as Easter is. But as powerfully relevant as Easter and resurrection is...so should also Pentecost and its power! After Jesus rose from the grave He visited and continued to teach His followers. He was preparing them for the "promise" of His Spirit who was coming. In fact His last instructions were for them to "wait" for the Spirit's powerful arrival.
In a sense Jesus was telling them, "There is more to come." Which is a wonderful truth about the Lord -- that there's always more of Him for us to receive and experience!
I want to invite you to join with us this Sunday, Pentecost Sunday. I want you to come with an expectancy to learn that there is more. Learning to live continually in the Holy Spirit. Then with His guidance daily drawing closer and more in love with the Lord and daily being sent out with the power to love others. It's a "growing" kind of thing!
In fact, I especially like the way Paul put it to the church in Corinth -- "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18) This is where Sunday's message will be focused; on this transforming power "which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
So very much like we anticipated Easter Sunday and came ready to celebrate, I call on you to come this Pentecost Sunday equally prepared to celebrate and experience the power of the Holy Spirit of our Lord God!

2009-04-16T09:55:00.002-04:00

This week I am reminded of what the Lord spoke to Samuel as he looked upon the sons of Jesse for the "man" who would lead Israel as king. Do you remember those familiar words, "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7) But truthfully how often do we forget this?
This week I experienced a living example of it, in fact practically the whole world did. Did you? If not I encourage you to search for "Susan Boyle and Britain's Got Talent" on YouTube.com. But first finish my blog.
Susan responded to the judges that she had "never been given the chance before." How often do we immediately dismiss people from our lives, never giving them a chance to make an impact. In fact in the video you will hear people begin to laugh and heckle as soon as 47-year-old Susan walked out on the stage. But within the first few words of her song their response became that of applause and adoration. One of the commentators back stage exclaimed, "You didn't expect that, did you!"
Later, the female judge referred to everybody's cynical attitude. (or perhaps might we say a judgemental or "sin"-ical view toward others) Adding, that this was the "biggest wake up call ever."
May we learn anew what the Lord has always tried to teach us in His Word, that appearances do not reveal what people are really like or what their true value is. Thankfully, the Lord judges by faith and character, not by appearances.
I pray we not be guilty of "never giving someone a chance" but that we look upon others as the Lord looks upon them -- may we see their "heart!" Enjoy this life lesson!

2009-04-08T13:38:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter everyone! This Sunday is of course Easter Sunday, but at Webster Assembly of God we are calling it Redemption Sunday. The choir will be sharing a cantata entitled, Redemption! The Power of the Cross" I invite you to come and experience this power with us this Sunday at 9:30 am or on Monday at 7:00 pm.
A thought I would like to pass on to you from this special Easter musical is this -- The power of the cross is STILL moving in this world. And the power of the cross is STILL drawing individuals, like you and I, nearer to the Lord Almighty. The power of Christ's shed blood is STILL saving people and the power of the Lord God's love is STILL changing hearts!
I am so grateful for this coming Easter weekend and what it represents -- the HOPE we can hold on to in Christ Jesus. After this past weekend's many tragic headlines of lost lives due to violence within our nation, we need the reassurance of HOPE in the power of Christ's cross.
Allow me to just quickly state that the power of the cross is this -- what Jesus did on our behalf! The author of Hebrews exhorts us "to take hold of this hope offered to us...as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." (6:18-19)
There is absolutely nothing more powerful in this world to hold onto for strength and hope than Jesus Christ, God's Son and man's Savior. This Easter (Redemption) Sunday, I encourage you to come and experience, whether for the first time or once again, the power that is STILL available in Christ Jesus through the cross and more significantly the empty tomb. For He is risen and alive -- just as He said!

What? There's More?

2009-03-25T12:02:00.002-04:00

This week allow me to "spring board" off of Pastor Doug's message, "What? There's More?" He shared about God's gift of the Holy Spirit's power for each believer, I mean "child of God." That's right, this involves every child of God. Remember Jesus' teaching as recorded by Luke (11:13) "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Salvation through Jesus Christ the Son is indeed the eternal gift of life. Oh, but there is much more indeed -- like the power to live this present life victoriously through the Holy Spirit of Christ! And this "gift of the Holy Spirit...is for you and your children and for all who are far off -- for all whom the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:38-39)
Consider this very significant and personal question Paul asked some believers he encountered in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7) on his third missionary journey (some 20-25 years after the Day of Pentecost) -- "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" Paul then went on to make a distinction for them. The salvation in Christ Jesus -- "John's baptism...a baptism of repentance," which these disciples testified to; and the baptism of the Holy Spirit which they received on that occasion when "Paul placed his hands on them."
If this was not important why would Paul bring it up? If this was not for children of God today, why would the Lord include it in His inspired Scriptures? What "father" would dangle a gift in front of His children only to keep it from them? Certainly not a loving, providing One!
The Lord God our Father has more for us to come in His kingdom of heaven and He certainly has more to give us to live this present life each and every day -- He loves us so much He has given us His Son and He is wanting to give us the fullness of His Spirit. Yes, indeed there is more! If you have asked God the Father for Jesus the Son to be in your life as Savior, then ask also for His Spirit to be in your life as Comforter and Counselor. But don't take my word for it...search the Scriptures and seek God for the fullness of His promised gift!

Hang in There!

2009-03-18T12:29:00.002-04:00

Ever consider the oft-used clique, "Hang in there!" How many times has someone said it to you, or you to someone else? Have you ever wondered and asked silently, Hang on to what?
Well, I believe I have found the first recorded reference to this exclamation of encouragement. I give the credit it to Joshua, successor to Moses and second leader of Israel. In Joshua 23:8 which is sort of a farewell address of Joshua to the Israelites, Joshua offers this very specific and powerful exhortation: "But you are to HOLD FAST to the Lord your God, as you have until now."
Now that's a bit stronger and more powerful than the rather ambivalent "Hang in there." In fact Joshua reminds Israel WHO to hang onto or rather "hold fast" to -- THE LORD YOUR GOD!
Today, if I may plagiarize a bit from Joshua's inspiration and encourage you to HOLD FAST to your faith in Christ Jesus, and HOLD FAST to every promise that the Lord has given us in His Holy Scriptures. The Lord your God will never leave you empty-handed when you HOLD FAST to Him!
So the next time someone tells you to "hang in there." Tell them you are doing more than that. "I am HOLDING FAST to the Lord my God!"