Here is a new ladies design, it has butterflies.
Here is a new mens design, Jesus Loves You.
I hope everyone likes them, we love to here you feedback.God bless,
Christina Edge Apparel
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Matthew 28:5-7
But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead... Matthew 28:5-7 (NKJV)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Revenge - A Quick Pastor Ed Study
Revenge
Judges 9:56a (NKJV) Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech...
Too many times we want to take things into our own hands and inflict revenge on others. We've been hurt so badly that we really do think it's our right to make them hurt just as bad. You might even be feeling that right now as you read this note.
Friend, God will watch your back. He is watching your back. He will bring out about equity and justice in His timing. How do we know that? Jesus Christ, His own precious Son died to forgive you of your sins. He died so that you might live. It is in His resurrection that you and I find our strength and sufficiency for every day life.
Just like we see in Judges and all throughout the Scriptures, God will repay.
We're not to respond in our own flesh, with our own strength, in our own wisdom. We know that but it's good to be reminded to step back and allow God to be our defender. Remember the words of our precious Savior:
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48 (NKJV)
Trusting Him,
Pastor Ed
CalvaryAurora.org
Judges 9:56a (NKJV) Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech...
Too many times we want to take things into our own hands and inflict revenge on others. We've been hurt so badly that we really do think it's our right to make them hurt just as bad. You might even be feeling that right now as you read this note.
Friend, God will watch your back. He is watching your back. He will bring out about equity and justice in His timing. How do we know that? Jesus Christ, His own precious Son died to forgive you of your sins. He died so that you might live. It is in His resurrection that you and I find our strength and sufficiency for every day life.
Just like we see in Judges and all throughout the Scriptures, God will repay.
We're not to respond in our own flesh, with our own strength, in our own wisdom. We know that but it's good to be reminded to step back and allow God to be our defender. Remember the words of our precious Savior:
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48 (NKJV)
Trusting Him,
Pastor Ed
CalvaryAurora.org
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
A Quick Message: Give Yourself
Give Yourself
Romans 12:1 (NKJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
A.W. Tozer once wrote, "God's people ought not to be looking for a place to hide, but a place to give themselves as an offering to God."
It's true, isn't it? The believer isn't supposed to be in retreat, especially in the face of great danger. Filled with the Spirit and wisdom, our lives are to be moving forward, looking for that place not to hide, but to give ourselves wholly over to God.
In Romans 12:1, Paul appeals to us to live a holy, separated, acceptable life of sacrifice to God.
Something to seek the Lord about today! Let me know how He answers your prayers today. Reply to this note and share your testimony.
Blessings,
Pastor Ed
www.calvaryaurora.org
Romans 12:1 (NKJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
A.W. Tozer once wrote, "God's people ought not to be looking for a place to hide, but a place to give themselves as an offering to God."
It's true, isn't it? The believer isn't supposed to be in retreat, especially in the face of great danger. Filled with the Spirit and wisdom, our lives are to be moving forward, looking for that place not to hide, but to give ourselves wholly over to God.
In Romans 12:1, Paul appeals to us to live a holy, separated, acceptable life of sacrifice to God.
Something to seek the Lord about today! Let me know how He answers your prayers today. Reply to this note and share your testimony.
Blessings,
Pastor Ed
www.calvaryaurora.org
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Testimony of Hamoud bin Saleh
A Christian Saudi,
22nd of December 2008
My experience: I left Islam (for the rotten feelings inside) and placed my faith in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-17)
I was walking on a Friday morning during a weekend holiday in Saudi, in a place called (Bilsafa), in the heart of Medina. It's usually a place where executions are held for murders and drug dealers. According to Mohammad's cruel teaching, the law distinguishes between the noble (high class) and the poor (low class) in its practice. (This idea seems to refer to how the Sharia Law is applied more harshly against the lower class than the high)
I was drawn by a gathering of people and I realized that today there was an execution. It's not the custom of the Saudi government to announce executions way ahead of time – it was a surprise for me. My curiosity drew me to the middle of the gathering to see the executions myself. It was the first time in my life I had watched an execution. There were three people from Pakistan, who were going to be executed. The Saudi regime is proud to apply the Sharia Law in executing people who are drug dealers. Before the executioner lifted his sword (to cut their necks) I looked very closely at the faces of the victims (they're filled with sorrow). They didn’t appear to be criminals. They looked very young in their age and their bodies were skinny. They were thin due to the living conditions in Pakistan. I don't think anyone from the audience can forget the victim's facial expressions.
I couldn’t get the images of those men out of my mind even several days after the execution. At that moment I felt fear as I pictured the sword going through their neck. Some people are ignorant about the situation in Saudi with drug smuggling (a very shameful act and spreading in large numbers). The authorities have executed these people, starting from the poor local Saudi people, and then including the poor from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria and the smuggler from the third world. Local people are complaining about the shameful way of spreading drugs in their country.
The Princes are the ones who do the smuggling of drugs to our country. The profits go straight to the princes in a kingdom filled with silent corruption – and Islam. Maybe you'll ask me why the authority in Saudi condemns these people and executes them. It is on behalf of a prince whose case was published a couple years ago. The French government arrested him for smuggling large quantities of drugs. The Saudi used all their influence to get him out and bring him back to the Kingdom with dignity and honor.
When I start to study carefully the history of Islam, I found injustice (has passed through their heritage) is rooted in the upbringing of this religion. In Islam, since the time of the Caliphate through the time of the Umayyad and Abbasid Empires to the present Saudi Kingdom, there has been injustice and corruption. The satanic teaching is honored by corruption, oppression and injustice and his dictated according to your place in the pecking order (classes).
It's a successful way for the oppressor, using his dictatorship, to make those in high places honored. These people live in a high tower (like a pirate ready to pounce) and the eater of human flesh. They want to continue to crush people that are already heavily burdened and convince them it's for their good.
I have found Mohammad himself is an example of this awful injustice. When he distributes his wealth from his invasions he allows his close friends to prosper while those distant from him suffer. During the battle of Badr, he pardoned those close to him who did not to fight. Mohammad continued to pardon them while he invaded Mecca. The sword Mohammad made killed black Arabs after he conquered (Tabuk) and (A'ta'if) and other villages. Village dwellers not related to Mohammad were not pardoned. Muhammad was hospitable to the people of Mecca because they were all relatives and yet they were one of the strongest Arab warriors and opposed his message.
In my comparison of Islam there I have arrived at the following: Muhammad built Islam on a foundation of injustice that was governed by dictators. From this I know: these poor Pakistani's were executed by Islamic law because they were poor and are not lucky to have money, prestige and control over (no power to defend) themselves. This is why they were killed by Muhammad's satanic law instead of the princes in high places who are guilty of the crime.
These great dictators who apply the justice in Saudi, who are recognized by the human rights organization, published a report saying that the executions in Saudi are targeting the poor Saudi and the foreigner only. By applying this law it seems clear that these people are indebted to Saudi. Saudi is the place where Islam was birthed and the revealing of the Qur'an. This makes them always proud to carry out their Islamic Law.
This law, that people in Saudi live under, is yoked and it is destroying the country with injustice. Further, it as brought about (perishing) of the worshipper and the spending of wealth and corruption of the society.
The realities of the Saudis today, which live under the Islamic law, are disillusioned of the reality of free thought. The windows of freedom will ignite their thinking which is not allowed. To have freedom of thought is to be an infidel to the law.
Therefore, Al Saud puts chains (limitations) on literature, media and intelligence coming in to the country. This does not include the millions of internet websites blocked from the Saudi populous. They forbid their people from free thought keeping them under Islamic Law. They remind the population that their religion is fighting the Lord in the name of the Lord (this is a description of how Islam is fighting for "Allah" but in reality their actually fighting against Him)
The Saudi leaders sacrifice their people on an altar surrounded by dictators. My mind couldn't stop asking questions and looking for answers to my questions. During my vacations I use to travel and read comparative religious works. Also, I would critique the religion of Muhammad. I purchased a gospel of Jesus and always give it away to someone before I go back to Saudi Arabia. To go back to Saudi with these books is a crime that cannot be forgiven. You will be thrown into a dark pit in their prisons.
After I examined Islam and searched through it, I asked, what kind of a prophet from God would cut the necks, poke the eyes and take the children of his enemy as his own slaves? What kind of prophet would take the wives of his enemies to be his (and his soldiers) sex slaves? What kind of a religion from God would cause an unending flow of blood from innocent people? Muhammad killed the Arabic tribes that rebelled against him and then he killed the Jews and Christians. Following this, Abu Bakr, his successor, killed the Muslims who didn't pay their share. Then the Muslims themselves killed each other in an unforgiving war so they can spread Islam (as in the battle of Jamal and Sufin and between the rivers). Out of this fighting hundreds and thousands (from men to women to children) were killed. All this blood was poured out within two years of Muhammad's death. What kind of a Lord thirsts for that quantity of blood and evil?
For me, when I started to research for the tangible and intellectual truth, that the Muslim scholar claims is in the Qur'an, I found that the Qur'an was just an illusion. The Qur'anic verses and the Hadith, talking about the universe (astronomy), and how every day the sun, goes under the throne of God. Our night and day is a result of the earth's rotation and its rotation around the sun. (According to the Qu’ran and the Hadith) the first Adam was about 70 cubits high – almost as high as a tall building. Nor has science proven from the antiquity that black caraway seeds healed every sickness (as the Qu’ran teaches). It didn't prove their effectiveness in many present day sicknesses nor did it fight against any sicknesses in the time of Muhammad himself!
When I read the gospel it touched my heart (the hunger in my heart) concerning the justice of the Lord. I felt the compassion of the Lord which is opposite to that of Muhammad – Muhammad's is an artificial compassion similar to the wolf's compassion to the lamb! When I studied the gospel I sensed the justice of the Lord; a justice that can transform people from within in a practical way. However, Muhammad, with his oppression, has sealed the mouths of those that wish to speak of true justice.
There was an adulterous woman brought before Jesus. The leaders wanted to trick Jesus but in Jesus compassion he loved the sinner. He told the religious leaders "whoever is without sin, let him cast the first stone". They all knew they were sinners and they left one after the other (starting from the elders). When Christ was alone with this sinner he asked "where are those that have condemned you…is there anyone accusing you now"? She said "no master" and Jesus said "then I will not condemn you, go sin no more".
How complete is the justice of the Lord? The Lord of (dignity and glory) gave hope to this woman instead of being stoned ending her life. Here, Jesus gave her a new life and another chance so she can repent and receive eternal life. Why not save my soul from the (ravenous) jaw of Muhammad and become a Christian?
A man went to Muhammad and told him he was committing adultery. Muhammad ordered him to be stoned immediately without even considering forgiveness or allowing the sinner to repent. This is the opposite of Jesus' response to the sinner. Salvation has not come to me only through the teaching of Jesus, the one who rescued me, but also from my observation of the Islamic epidemic in Saudi removing all value and worth from the people.
Jesus has removed the (black) cloud from my eyes but that cloud remains thick over the eyes of my countrymen in Saudi. This has lead me to pursue missions amongst my own countrymen (the ones I love) to proclaim Jesus among them. I will do this regardless of the challenge and danger for (Jesus) sake.
The Virgin Mary held me in her arms like a baby sleeping. After which, (she) led me to Father Khalid who, by the peace and grace of the Lord, baptized me.
(Here is the Link to This: CLICK HERE)
22nd of December 2008
My experience: I left Islam (for the rotten feelings inside) and placed my faith in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-17)
I was walking on a Friday morning during a weekend holiday in Saudi, in a place called (Bilsafa), in the heart of Medina. It's usually a place where executions are held for murders and drug dealers. According to Mohammad's cruel teaching, the law distinguishes between the noble (high class) and the poor (low class) in its practice. (This idea seems to refer to how the Sharia Law is applied more harshly against the lower class than the high)
I was drawn by a gathering of people and I realized that today there was an execution. It's not the custom of the Saudi government to announce executions way ahead of time – it was a surprise for me. My curiosity drew me to the middle of the gathering to see the executions myself. It was the first time in my life I had watched an execution. There were three people from Pakistan, who were going to be executed. The Saudi regime is proud to apply the Sharia Law in executing people who are drug dealers. Before the executioner lifted his sword (to cut their necks) I looked very closely at the faces of the victims (they're filled with sorrow). They didn’t appear to be criminals. They looked very young in their age and their bodies were skinny. They were thin due to the living conditions in Pakistan. I don't think anyone from the audience can forget the victim's facial expressions.
I couldn’t get the images of those men out of my mind even several days after the execution. At that moment I felt fear as I pictured the sword going through their neck. Some people are ignorant about the situation in Saudi with drug smuggling (a very shameful act and spreading in large numbers). The authorities have executed these people, starting from the poor local Saudi people, and then including the poor from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria and the smuggler from the third world. Local people are complaining about the shameful way of spreading drugs in their country.
The Princes are the ones who do the smuggling of drugs to our country. The profits go straight to the princes in a kingdom filled with silent corruption – and Islam. Maybe you'll ask me why the authority in Saudi condemns these people and executes them. It is on behalf of a prince whose case was published a couple years ago. The French government arrested him for smuggling large quantities of drugs. The Saudi used all their influence to get him out and bring him back to the Kingdom with dignity and honor.
When I start to study carefully the history of Islam, I found injustice (has passed through their heritage) is rooted in the upbringing of this religion. In Islam, since the time of the Caliphate through the time of the Umayyad and Abbasid Empires to the present Saudi Kingdom, there has been injustice and corruption. The satanic teaching is honored by corruption, oppression and injustice and his dictated according to your place in the pecking order (classes).
It's a successful way for the oppressor, using his dictatorship, to make those in high places honored. These people live in a high tower (like a pirate ready to pounce) and the eater of human flesh. They want to continue to crush people that are already heavily burdened and convince them it's for their good.
I have found Mohammad himself is an example of this awful injustice. When he distributes his wealth from his invasions he allows his close friends to prosper while those distant from him suffer. During the battle of Badr, he pardoned those close to him who did not to fight. Mohammad continued to pardon them while he invaded Mecca. The sword Mohammad made killed black Arabs after he conquered (Tabuk) and (A'ta'if) and other villages. Village dwellers not related to Mohammad were not pardoned. Muhammad was hospitable to the people of Mecca because they were all relatives and yet they were one of the strongest Arab warriors and opposed his message.
In my comparison of Islam there I have arrived at the following: Muhammad built Islam on a foundation of injustice that was governed by dictators. From this I know: these poor Pakistani's were executed by Islamic law because they were poor and are not lucky to have money, prestige and control over (no power to defend) themselves. This is why they were killed by Muhammad's satanic law instead of the princes in high places who are guilty of the crime.
These great dictators who apply the justice in Saudi, who are recognized by the human rights organization, published a report saying that the executions in Saudi are targeting the poor Saudi and the foreigner only. By applying this law it seems clear that these people are indebted to Saudi. Saudi is the place where Islam was birthed and the revealing of the Qur'an. This makes them always proud to carry out their Islamic Law.
This law, that people in Saudi live under, is yoked and it is destroying the country with injustice. Further, it as brought about (perishing) of the worshipper and the spending of wealth and corruption of the society.
The realities of the Saudis today, which live under the Islamic law, are disillusioned of the reality of free thought. The windows of freedom will ignite their thinking which is not allowed. To have freedom of thought is to be an infidel to the law.
Therefore, Al Saud puts chains (limitations) on literature, media and intelligence coming in to the country. This does not include the millions of internet websites blocked from the Saudi populous. They forbid their people from free thought keeping them under Islamic Law. They remind the population that their religion is fighting the Lord in the name of the Lord (this is a description of how Islam is fighting for "Allah" but in reality their actually fighting against Him)
The Saudi leaders sacrifice their people on an altar surrounded by dictators. My mind couldn't stop asking questions and looking for answers to my questions. During my vacations I use to travel and read comparative religious works. Also, I would critique the religion of Muhammad. I purchased a gospel of Jesus and always give it away to someone before I go back to Saudi Arabia. To go back to Saudi with these books is a crime that cannot be forgiven. You will be thrown into a dark pit in their prisons.
After I examined Islam and searched through it, I asked, what kind of a prophet from God would cut the necks, poke the eyes and take the children of his enemy as his own slaves? What kind of prophet would take the wives of his enemies to be his (and his soldiers) sex slaves? What kind of a religion from God would cause an unending flow of blood from innocent people? Muhammad killed the Arabic tribes that rebelled against him and then he killed the Jews and Christians. Following this, Abu Bakr, his successor, killed the Muslims who didn't pay their share. Then the Muslims themselves killed each other in an unforgiving war so they can spread Islam (as in the battle of Jamal and Sufin and between the rivers). Out of this fighting hundreds and thousands (from men to women to children) were killed. All this blood was poured out within two years of Muhammad's death. What kind of a Lord thirsts for that quantity of blood and evil?
For me, when I started to research for the tangible and intellectual truth, that the Muslim scholar claims is in the Qur'an, I found that the Qur'an was just an illusion. The Qur'anic verses and the Hadith, talking about the universe (astronomy), and how every day the sun, goes under the throne of God. Our night and day is a result of the earth's rotation and its rotation around the sun. (According to the Qu’ran and the Hadith) the first Adam was about 70 cubits high – almost as high as a tall building. Nor has science proven from the antiquity that black caraway seeds healed every sickness (as the Qu’ran teaches). It didn't prove their effectiveness in many present day sicknesses nor did it fight against any sicknesses in the time of Muhammad himself!
When I read the gospel it touched my heart (the hunger in my heart) concerning the justice of the Lord. I felt the compassion of the Lord which is opposite to that of Muhammad – Muhammad's is an artificial compassion similar to the wolf's compassion to the lamb! When I studied the gospel I sensed the justice of the Lord; a justice that can transform people from within in a practical way. However, Muhammad, with his oppression, has sealed the mouths of those that wish to speak of true justice.
There was an adulterous woman brought before Jesus. The leaders wanted to trick Jesus but in Jesus compassion he loved the sinner. He told the religious leaders "whoever is without sin, let him cast the first stone". They all knew they were sinners and they left one after the other (starting from the elders). When Christ was alone with this sinner he asked "where are those that have condemned you…is there anyone accusing you now"? She said "no master" and Jesus said "then I will not condemn you, go sin no more".
How complete is the justice of the Lord? The Lord of (dignity and glory) gave hope to this woman instead of being stoned ending her life. Here, Jesus gave her a new life and another chance so she can repent and receive eternal life. Why not save my soul from the (ravenous) jaw of Muhammad and become a Christian?
A man went to Muhammad and told him he was committing adultery. Muhammad ordered him to be stoned immediately without even considering forgiveness or allowing the sinner to repent. This is the opposite of Jesus' response to the sinner. Salvation has not come to me only through the teaching of Jesus, the one who rescued me, but also from my observation of the Islamic epidemic in Saudi removing all value and worth from the people.
Jesus has removed the (black) cloud from my eyes but that cloud remains thick over the eyes of my countrymen in Saudi. This has lead me to pursue missions amongst my own countrymen (the ones I love) to proclaim Jesus among them. I will do this regardless of the challenge and danger for (Jesus) sake.
The Virgin Mary held me in her arms like a baby sleeping. After which, (she) led me to Father Khalid who, by the peace and grace of the Lord, baptized me.
(Here is the Link to This: CLICK HERE)
A Short Message by Pastor Ed Taylor of CCA "Comfort & Ease"
Comfort & Ease
Jeremiah 48:11 (NKJV) "Moab has been at ease from his youth; He has settled on his dregs, And has not been emptied from vessel to vessel, Nor has he gone into captivity. Therefore his taste remained in him, And his scent has not changed."
Have you noticed how easy it is to settle down into a place of personal comfort and ease? There is that tendency to seek out places where the waters are calm and the wind blows softly.
What does that look like spiritually? Well, there isn't any gross sin your life. Your prayer life is regular. Your time in the Word isn't increasing, but it's not decreasing either. You're not in any known rebellion against God. I mean, if you were interviewed you would say that you love Jesus and enjoy living for Him. But something is missing. You're not really wanting to go any farther, or step out in faith, or rock the boat. You're fine just the way you are. There is a word for that: complacency.
Literally, complacency is defined as, "showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements."
As Christians, living in a blessed country, it's just too easy to get lazy spiritually and settle into this spiritual 'bless me Lord' coasting mode!
Ask God to stir you up today away from complacency and into a desire to grow like crazy. Time is short.
In Love,
Pastor Ed
Calvaryaurora.org
Jeremiah 48:11 (NKJV) "Moab has been at ease from his youth; He has settled on his dregs, And has not been emptied from vessel to vessel, Nor has he gone into captivity. Therefore his taste remained in him, And his scent has not changed."
Have you noticed how easy it is to settle down into a place of personal comfort and ease? There is that tendency to seek out places where the waters are calm and the wind blows softly.
What does that look like spiritually? Well, there isn't any gross sin your life. Your prayer life is regular. Your time in the Word isn't increasing, but it's not decreasing either. You're not in any known rebellion against God. I mean, if you were interviewed you would say that you love Jesus and enjoy living for Him. But something is missing. You're not really wanting to go any farther, or step out in faith, or rock the boat. You're fine just the way you are. There is a word for that: complacency.
Literally, complacency is defined as, "showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements."
As Christians, living in a blessed country, it's just too easy to get lazy spiritually and settle into this spiritual 'bless me Lord' coasting mode!
Ask God to stir you up today away from complacency and into a desire to grow like crazy. Time is short.
In Love,
Pastor Ed
Calvaryaurora.org
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Quick Message: Labor of Love
Labor of Love
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NKJV) "We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father."
If you have ever stepped up to the call and request to serve in your local church then you don't really need me to tell you that it's work; hard work; really hard work at times. You already know that. Serving Jesus through the ministry of your church is such a wonderful joy, but it can be tiring on occasion.
That's why you have to be very careful of your motivation. It can't be to be seen by men or to impress men or any other type of human centered motivation. Your motivation, my motivation, the fuel that keeps our hearts in tune with Jesus as we serve, is LOVE.
For the church that was in the city of Thessalonica, they were known to have a 'labor of love.' That was their reputation.
A lot of times people serve to be seen by men. Why? Because our flesh loves to be recognized, applauded, and praised. A big problem with that type of motivation is that humans are so fickle. An even larger problem is that our service is to Jesus first and foremost. When love is that key motivator, then you're love for Jesus carries you through. When we realize just how much the Lord has done for us, we can't help but serve our hearts out unto Him!
Serving Jesus,
Pastor Ed
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NKJV) "We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father."
If you have ever stepped up to the call and request to serve in your local church then you don't really need me to tell you that it's work; hard work; really hard work at times. You already know that. Serving Jesus through the ministry of your church is such a wonderful joy, but it can be tiring on occasion.
That's why you have to be very careful of your motivation. It can't be to be seen by men or to impress men or any other type of human centered motivation. Your motivation, my motivation, the fuel that keeps our hearts in tune with Jesus as we serve, is LOVE.
For the church that was in the city of Thessalonica, they were known to have a 'labor of love.' That was their reputation.
A lot of times people serve to be seen by men. Why? Because our flesh loves to be recognized, applauded, and praised. A big problem with that type of motivation is that humans are so fickle. An even larger problem is that our service is to Jesus first and foremost. When love is that key motivator, then you're love for Jesus carries you through. When we realize just how much the Lord has done for us, we can't help but serve our hearts out unto Him!
Serving Jesus,
Pastor Ed
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Here is a Message from Pastor Ed Taylor of CCA
Romans 12:2 (NKJV) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Here it is, a week into the new year. Already the Lord has shown us great and marvelous things! It's so encouraging to think of how much of a better year it can be!
Yet with the new year comes the studies and news reports with all the statistics that can be really discouraging. Its story after story of how people haven't been able to keep their commitments or resolutions. To some, maybe even you, the statistics just don't bring a lot of hope. Studies suggest that 23% of those who committed to a change fail within a week, 45% within a month, and 60% within two years. Statistics don't lie do they? Well, sometimes they do!
I know what it's like to attempt a change at the dawn of a fresh new year and then not follow through. It can be demoralizing, discouraging, and just plain disheartening. Perhaps there have been times in your life when you did the same thing. Last year's resolution and commitment has become this year's ... again.
Ok, maybe it has. Maybe last year's failed attempt has reappeared this year. That means you are on "Day 1" of that big change that will transform your life this year. Your success depends on one thing: the spiritual strength of Jesus Christ by His Spirit. That is where the true path to success lies. In those weak moments; with those intense cravings; as your willpower disintegrates with each passing tick of the clock, turn to Jesus Christ for the strength you need to carry on another day. Before you know it, one day becomes two, two days become four, and on and on and on! You really can follow through this year. This is the year you'll finally kick that bad habit, make that spiritual change, and move forward in the things of God. I am excited to hear of your successes. Don't give up or give in. Hang in there. Go ahead, make the change!
Have a fantastic, Happy New Year in Jesus!
Living In Grace,
Pastor Ed
Here it is, a week into the new year. Already the Lord has shown us great and marvelous things! It's so encouraging to think of how much of a better year it can be!
Yet with the new year comes the studies and news reports with all the statistics that can be really discouraging. Its story after story of how people haven't been able to keep their commitments or resolutions. To some, maybe even you, the statistics just don't bring a lot of hope. Studies suggest that 23% of those who committed to a change fail within a week, 45% within a month, and 60% within two years. Statistics don't lie do they? Well, sometimes they do!
I know what it's like to attempt a change at the dawn of a fresh new year and then not follow through. It can be demoralizing, discouraging, and just plain disheartening. Perhaps there have been times in your life when you did the same thing. Last year's resolution and commitment has become this year's ... again.
Ok, maybe it has. Maybe last year's failed attempt has reappeared this year. That means you are on "Day 1" of that big change that will transform your life this year. Your success depends on one thing: the spiritual strength of Jesus Christ by His Spirit. That is where the true path to success lies. In those weak moments; with those intense cravings; as your willpower disintegrates with each passing tick of the clock, turn to Jesus Christ for the strength you need to carry on another day. Before you know it, one day becomes two, two days become four, and on and on and on! You really can follow through this year. This is the year you'll finally kick that bad habit, make that spiritual change, and move forward in the things of God. I am excited to hear of your successes. Don't give up or give in. Hang in there. Go ahead, make the change!
Have a fantastic, Happy New Year in Jesus!
Living In Grace,
Pastor Ed
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