JonCannon.org

"D6" CONFERENCE - SEPTEMBER 23-25 DALLAS, TX

D6 Conference Promo (Long Version) from D6 Conference on Vimeo.

It’s time to take a different look at the way we minister to children, students, and families in the church. Research shows that the kids who grow up to be spiritual champions most often have parent(s) in the home who make a considerable contribution to their spiritual influence. Unfortunately far too many parents rely on the church to be responsible for the spiritual development of their kids. According to D6 (Deuteronomy 6:5-7) this is the job of dad and mom.

The D6 Conference will equip leaders with the tools and ideas they need to influence the parents in their church to be responsible for leading their kids spiritually. There is no other ministry of the Church that is more important than ministering to children. At any cost, we must equip dad and mom to connect with their kids spiritually in the home.

ARE YOU SHOWING MERCY?

You know what I'm talking about.  You've been hurt, wronged and mistreated.  Our first reaction is to retaliate, but wait...that's the flesh speaking!  The spiritual man will be merciful! Listen to this passage of Scripture:

“‘Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’”—Matthew 18:33

Mercy is a gift. It is undeserved. Punishment and consequences are sin's just reward, but the merciful person does not demand justice for the guilty person.

• If it were not for God's mercy, we all would have faced His terrible judgment long ago.
• If not for His mercy, He would have condemned us after our first offense.
• If not for His mercy, He would punish us each time we sin. 

But rather than letting us bear the full punishment for our sin, God demonstrated His mercy when He paid the penalty for our sin Himself.

Do you find it hard to show mercy? It may be that you do not comprehend the mercy that God has shown to you. Jesus commanded His disciples to extend the same mercy to others that they had received from God. When they considered the incredible, undeserved mercy they had been granted, how could they refuse to extend the same unconditional mercy to others?

• Could anyone sin against us to the same degree that we have sinned against God?
• Could any offense committed against us be as undeserved as the abuse hurled against the sinless Son of God?
• How quickly we forget the mercy that God graciously bestowed on us, only to focus on the injustices we endure from others!

If you find it difficult to forgive others, you may need to meditate on the mercy of God that prevents you from experiencing God's justifiable wrath. Scripture describes God as “Ready to pardon, / Gracious and merciful, / Slow to anger, / Abundant in lovingkindness” (Neh. 9:17b).

Action item for today: SHOW MERCY!

FINDING THE WAY

This morning I read a great little devotional from Pastor Greg Laurie.  Enjoy!

During World War II, an American pilot who was shot down over the jungles of Burma was able to safely eject from his plane. As he landed in the deep, dense jungle, he was met by a friendly Burmese man. The man gestured for him to follow. So the American soldier followed the man through the jungle. There was no path that he could see, and ahead of him was the Burmese man, slicing away with his machete. It didn't seem like they were going in any particular direction. The American became frantic. So he yelled out to the man, "Where is the way?"

In broken English, the man told him, "I am the way. Follow me."

That is what Jesus says to us in the maze of life: "I am the way. Follow Me. I will get you to where you are supposed to go." The entire meaning of the Christian faith can be condensed into four words: "I am the way."

You might be wondering, But how do I do this? How do I find my way? First of all, the road to heaven is a toll road. It will cost, but you can't pay the toll. Jesus paid it for you. You must realize that you can't do it on your own. And you must admit that you are a sinner. The Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

Which road are you on today? Which way are you going to choose? There is only one way to find a life that is full and rich on this earth and then to know for certain you are going to heaven. It is the highway to heaven. And you can pull onto the on ramp today.

REGISTRATION NEWS FOR D6 CONFERENCE

The date for the D6 Conference in Dallas, TX is quickly coming upon us!  September 23rd will be here before you know it; and you will be beating yourself up if you miss this conference!

Also, if you register before Father's Day, June 22nd, you will get a $15.00 discount and a free D6 t-shirt. 

Just click here and enter this Father's Day special discount code D6DAD when you register.

It's going to be a great event.  I hope to see you there!  Also, if you register as a result of reading this blog, be sure to shoot me an email.  I would love to hear from you!

REMEMBER, TO RECEIVE THE DISCOUNT AND FREE D6 T-SHIRT, YOU MUST REGISTER BY JUNE 22ND!

Once again, here's the discount code: D6DAD

SHOWING GOD'S LOVE IN A PRACTICAL WAY!

Yesterday, was the first of the season Servant Evangelism outreach effort for Victory Church.  We initially were going to "wash windshields" however, it was raining.  Therefore, we went to Ace hardware to "volunteer and serve" for about an hour and a half.  We cleaned bathrooms, swept and mopped floors, stocked shelves, placed sale price tags on items, put together a gas grill, cleaned the storage room, ran scanners and did some inventory, unloaded pallets of products... all in the name of "showing God's love in a practical way!"

Mark 10:45 says that Jesus came to serve, not be served (paraphrase). That is the spirit we took into the community, a spirit of simply serving.  Our people love it! 

We will continue to do this on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM, so make plans to come out and join us!  It really is more of a blessing to give than to receive!  Below are a few pictures from last evening.

To see more pictures of "Victory In Action" please click link below!

TABERNACLE OFFERING AND SERVANT EVANGELISM AT VICTORY!

Yesterday at Victory Church I shared with our congregation what must take place in order to begin building on our church property.  Primarily there are two areas of focus:

1. Debt reduction on the 21 acres of land we recently purchased.

2. Average 300 in our weekend service through servant evangelism is the key.

To address the subject of debt reduction, I spoke from Exodus 35 and 35.  What a great read for anyone going through a building project. 

Moses ask the people, "whose hearts were willing" to bring an offering for the building of the Tabernacle.  Everyone "whose hearts were willing" brought an offering. Some great, some small, but the key was everyone "whose heart was willing" brought something.  Now, wouldn't you know it!  There was a problem!  What was the problem?  The offering was too large!  The people brought MORE THAN WAS NEEDED!

PRINCIPLE #1: When the hearts of the people are willing, there is always more than is needed for ministry.

Beginning next Sunday at Victory, we are having our weekly "Tabernacle Freewill Offering March."  I have asked everyone to to sacrifice either a cup of coffee, a Diet Coke, a RC Cola and a moon pie, or whatever may cost you $2.oo!  I am asking everyone to bring, at a minimum, $2.oo for our "Tabernacle Freewill Offering."  This offering is to be above the tithe, and all of the Tabernacle Offering will go directly to the land debt!

Now, addressing the second area of focus: averaging 300 in our weekly worship service we are aggressively stepping out into our community to "SERVE."  Mark 10:45 says that Jesus "...came to serve, not to be served..."  We are relaunching our "Servant Evangelism" strategy.  Every Wednesday evening at 6PM we are meeting at the church office. Everyone is to wear their Victory t-shirts and we are going out to wash windshields.  We also have several nurses in our congregation, so we are planning a "Free Health Service" week.  We also are going to business in our community and are going to offer free service for them.  The exciting thing is that we are going to have opportunities to share Christ with those we are serving.

PRINCIPLE #2: You are never closed to the heart of our Lord than when you are meeting the physical needs of people!

TIPS TO WORSHIPPING BETTER

I just read a great post by Pastor Robert J. Morgan on worship.  Below are some of his tips for worshipping better:

1. Make worship and praise a part of your quiet time each day.  Include the verse of a hymn and/or a period of true thanksgiving in your morning devotional routine.
2. Learn to visualize the throne of God above you, as described in Exodus 17, Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1, and Revelation 4, 5, and 22.
3. Don’t worry about worship “styles.”  Whatever the style, keep your eyes on the Lord.  Never say, “I didn’t like that hymn,” or “I wish we wouldn’t sing those praise songs.”  It’s not about our favorite styles; it’s about forgetting our own preferences and focusing on Him .
4. Train yourself to concentrate on the words of the hymns and prayers during church services.  Don’t let yourself sing mindlessly or aimlessly.
5. Learn to say, “Thank you, Lord,” whenever you see a beautiful cloud formation, a lovely cluster of plants, or whenever something good or bad happens.  Take it right to the Lord in praise.
6. Serve the Lord with joy.  To quote Tozer again:  “We’re here to be worshippers first and workers only second.”

Click here to read the entire article and many other great posts from Rob.

USA NOT A CHRISTIAN NATION? I DISAGREE!

President Barack Obama said in Turkey : "We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."

I  found this very interesting. Do you know the Preamble for your state?

• Alabama 1901, Preamble We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..
• Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land. 
• Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution... 
• Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
• California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom... 
• Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe... 
• Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in  permitting them to enjoy. 
• Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...
• Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution... 
• Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution... 
• Hawaii 1959, Preamble We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution. 
• Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings. 
• Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors. 
• Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government. 
• Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the St ate of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution. 
• Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution. 
• Kentucky 1891, Preamble.. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties.. 
• Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy. 
• Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction. 
• Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty... 
• Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction  
• Michigan 1908, Preamble.   We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution. 
• Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings: 
• Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.. 
• Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution... 
• Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ..
• Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution. 
• Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution... 
• New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience. 
• New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors. 
• New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty.. 
• New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings. 
• North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those... 
• North Dakota 1889, Preamble We , the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain... 
• Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common. 
• Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this 
• Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences 
• Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance.... 
• Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing... 
• South Carolina , 1778, Preamble We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution. 
• South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ... 
• Tennessee 1796, Art. XI..III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience... 
• Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God. 
• Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution. 
• Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man .. 
• Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other 
• Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution 
• West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ... 
• Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility... 
• Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts, and President Barack Obama are wrong!

Thank you Mr. President, but I will speak for myself, "I do consider the United States of America a Christian nation!"

REJOICING IN GOD'S WORD

Your words were found, and I ate them.
Your words became a delight to me
and the joy of my heart.— Jeremiah 15:16

Yesterday, I was watching a rerun of "Everybody Loves Raymond."  The episode was about how ecstatic, how thrilled, how completely overwhelmed Ray was that he received a personal letter from Muhammad Ali.

If you were to receive a note from the President of the United States, or some other country, or someone famous, you would probably be ecstatic, thrilled, and completely overwhelmed.  You would then save it as a keepsake.

How much more precious is a message from almighty God!

Sometimes we find ourselves in circumstances that are beyond our control. This was the case for Mary and Martha as they were grieving the death of their brother Lazarus. At these times a word from Jesus can bring much rejoicing (John 11:41–45). Other times when Jesus speaks, His words bring correction. “Get behind Me, Satan!” (Matt. 16:23) and “O you of little faith” (Matt. 14:31) do not seem to bring joy. Yet Jeremiah said that God's word brought him joy.

It is overwhelming to consider that holy, almighty God would speak directly to us!

What a privilege that He would care enough to challenge our destructive thoughts or practices. No matter whether His words are praising us or chastising us, we ought to consider it joy to receive life-changing words from our Master!

• Every time we prepare to worship the Lord, we ought to do so with anticipation that almighty God may have something to say to us.
• Whenever we open our Bibles, we should expect that God has something to tell us in our time with Him.
• We ought to be far more concerned with what God will say to us during our prayer times than with what we intend to tell Him.

When you receive a word from your Lord, whether it be of praise or of correction, consider it joy that almighty God would speak to you.

ARE YOU TOO COMFORTABLE IN YOUR BONDAGE?

“May the Lord take note of you and judge,” they said to them, “because you have made us reek in front of Pharaoh and his officials—putting a sword in their hand to kill us!”—Exodus 5:21

It is possible for people to become so accustomed to their bondage that they resist efforts to free them. The Hebrews had been slaves in Egypt for four hundred years. Slavery meant that they were not free to do God's will or to go where they wanted. Moses had come to tell the Israelites how they could experience freedom, yet they were more concerned about the reaction of their taskmasters than they were about pleasing God. For them to be free would mean that the pharaoh they were serving would be angry! It would mean that the Egyptians they had served all their lives might attack them. Freedom from their slavery did not seem to be worth the hardships they would inevitably endure.

When God sets out to free us, there will often be a price we will have to pay. Grief can be a terrible form of bondage, yet we can become comfortable with it. We can grow so comfortable with fear that we don't know how to live without it. As destructive as our sinful habits and lifestyle might be, we may prefer living with the familiar, rather than being freed to experience the unknown. We may recognize the harmful influence of a friend but choose to reject God's will rather than offend our friend.

As incredible as it seems, the Israelites were angry at Moses for disrupting the life of slavery to which they had grown accustomed.

• Have you been lulled into a comfortable relationship with your bondage?
• Do you fear change more than you fear God?
• Are you willing to allow God to do what is necessary in order to free you?

HAVE YOU ASKED FOR THE LORD TO BLESS YOU TODAY?

 
In 2 Samuel 7:29, King David sat in the presence of the Lord and made this request to the Lord, "Now, please bless Your servant's house so that it will continue before You forever."

In 1 Chronicles 4:10, Jabez prayed this prayer, "If only You would bless me, extend my border, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not cause any pain."

Therefore, have you asked the Lord to bless you today?  Why not? It's biblical!  Remember, Jesus said, "Keep asking, and it will be given to you."  Matthew 7:7

Have a great weekend!

DO YOU HAVE THE HEART OF A SERVANT?

Listen to this passage of Scripture:

“In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, ‘We are good-for-nothing slaves; we’ve only done our duty.’ ”—Luke 17:10

Here are a few observations about a servant:

• The servant carries out the master's will.
• The servant doesn't tell the master what to do.
• The servant does not choose which tasks to perform for the master.
• The servant does not suggest days or times when it would be convenient to serve the master.
• The servant's function is to follow instructions.

Here are a few observations about a master:

• The master gives directions.
• The master does not tell the servant to develop a vision that will guide the master.
• The master is the one with the vision.
• The servant's task is to help fulfill the master's purposes. 

We are the servants; God is the Master. We tend to try to reverse this!  God's revelation of Himself, His purposes, and His ways depends directly upon our obedience. He may not reveal today His intentions for the next five years, but He will tell us what our next step should be.

Here is the kicker:

As we respond to God's revelation, He will accomplish what He desires, and He will be the One who receives the glory. Our fulfillment comes from serving our master.

The world will encourage you to strive for positions of authority and power. God wants you to take the role of a servant. As God's servant you should have no other agenda than to be obedient to whatever He tells you.

Do you have the heart of a servant?

ENJOYING A GREAT NEW BOOK - "PEAKS AND VALLEYS"

Enjoying a very good book by Spencer Johnson titled Peaks and Valleys.  Dr. Johnson is also the author of one of my all time favorite books titled Who Moved My Cheese?  If you have never read either of these books, then you must place these on your MUST READ book list.

Here is an excerpt from the book:

"Peaks and valleys are connected.  The errors you make in today's good times create tomorrow's bad times.  The wise things you do in today's bad times create tomorrow's good times."

Let that sink in and then let me know what you think!

If you would like to change your perspective on your life and situations, but don't really know how, then this book is for you!

SUFFERING FOR OTHERS

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for His body, that is, the church. (Colossians 1:24)

Ministry is costly. When the heavenly Father wanted to save His creation from sin, He could find no other way except the sacrifice of His Son (Rom. 5:8). Scripture gives a stark picture of the price our Savior paid to obtain our salvation: “He is despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isa. 53:3).

If Christ is your model for ministry, you cannot avoid going to the cross for the sake of others. Salvation comes with a great price, and if we are going to “take up our cross” and follow Jesus, then we must be prepared to go with Him to the place of suffering if that's what it takes to bring salvation to those around us.

If our goal is to bring others to Christ we must be willing, as He was, to risk rejection. People may disappoint us, misunderstand our motives, even despise and persecute us. Our Savior did not let suffering prevent Him from being used by God to bring salvation to those He loved. Love for His Father provided all the motivation that was necessary.

• Are you presently experiencing hardship because of the ministry to which God has called you?
• Have you begun to wonder if the price you are paying is too great? 

Take a moment to reflect on the price God was willing to pay in order to bring salvation to you. Are you glad He was willing to do what was necessary? Will you not join Him in whatever is necessary to bring salvation to those around you?

VICTORY CHURCH HAS GONE TWITTER!

Victory Church has officially gone "twitter!"  Follow us now at Victory using Twitter and you will receive all the current news, prayer requests, upcoming events and last minute items to hit the calendar.  This is a great way to stay connected at Victory!  Search for us @victoryfwb on Twitter!

You may also want to check out the beta version of "Tweet Deck."  I really like it!  Happy twittering!

EIGHT GREAT WAYS TO FIND YOUR DREAM JOB

There was a great article on the Fox Business website this morning by Steve Santiago titled "Eight Great Ways To Find Your Dream Job."

Listed are his eight suggestions:

1. Internet job boards

2. Networking through personal contacts

3. Career consultants

4. Recruiters, private employment agencies

5. Internships

6. Job fairs

7. School career placement offices

8. Government employment services

To read this great article in full - click here

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE LAID OFF

Church Financial Services Secialist Dr. Keith T. Hamilton, CFP, CRPC of the Georgia Baptist Convention wrote a great article with some very practical steps to do if you have been laid off from your job.

You may find this helpful in your situation, but if not you, then there are many around us and in our churches who have been laid off.  Why not forward this post to them?  They will be glad you did! 

Dr. Hamilton says: Being laid off from a job is terrible, but it is not the end of your world.

Unemployment must be kept in balance with the rest of your life. God has given us families and friends to help us through these difficult and hard days. No matter how difficult life becomes, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to help us through the hard times. In fact, if you think about it, Jesus was unemployed, too. During Jesus’ last three years on this earth, He did not have a paying job either. He had to depend on the generosity of others. Of course, Jesus knew his heavenly Father would take care of him. Likewise, our same heavenly Father will take care of you during these coming days if you will allow him. You only have to call upon Him and He will answer you. As part of our church’s ministry, we want to help you through the coming days by offering some practical financial helps for you to follow. These are just some tips that have made a difference in other lives facing the same thing you are facing.

WELCOME PASTOR REUBEN CASON TO THE BLOG-A-SPHERE!

I would like to officially welcome my good friend, Pastor Reuben Cason to the blog-a-sphere!  Pastor Cason is currently serving as the Senior Pastor of White Oak Free Will Baptist Church in Bailey, NC.

Welcome Brother Reuben!  Click here to check out his new blog!

LISTEN TO THE VICTORY EASTER CANTATA NOW ONLINE

I trust you enjoyed the Victory Church Easter Cantata last Sunday.  My wife, Debbie along with the entire Victory Worship Choir put many hours of planning and practice into this event.  What a great worship experience we all had! 

Many have asked if the cantata would be available on the podcast.  I have good news!I have posted the entire Easter Cantata on the Victory Worship Choir Podcast! (click here)

Now you can listen online or you can "subscribe" to the Victory Podcast (sermons and songs) and have everything directly downloaded into your iTunes library.  You then can transfer these sermons and songs in MP3 format to your iPod or any MP3 player.

Enjoy the Easter Celebration Worship Service of Victory Church on your computer!!!  Have a great day, and remember, "He is Risen!  He is risen indeed!"

VICTORY CHURCH LAND REDUCTION FUND

Victory Church has just purchased 20.7 acres of land on Scott-Troy Road and Hwy 50 in O'Fallon, Illinois.  I just got a report last week that 28,000 cars drive by our property everyday!  That number is staggering!

Currently we are having our weekend worship service at Moye Elementary School in O'Fallon, IL.  We also rent office space for our administrative offices.  We desperately need to get our first building on the new property. 

Will you prayerfully consider making a donation of any size to the Victory Church Land Reduction Fund?  As soon as we pay down the debt on the land, we can then pursue with the plans of construction of our first building. 

If you would like to speak with me more about this, please email me at [email protected] and I will be more than glad to share with you what God is doing through the ministry of Victory Church.

God bless you and thanks for furthering God's Kingdom!

CHECK OUT THIS D6 FAMILY CONFERENCE VIDEO

Victory Church is a D6 Church striving to build D6 Families! Each week at Victory we focus on one D6 Biblical Theme, from the nursery through senior citizens in our D6 Sunday school, to our children's church, our junior and senior high youth meetings, and my sermons each Sunday in our weekly worship service. We are intentional in driving home just ONE Biblical theme each week and getting our families to discuss at home what we are studying at church. It's working at Victory! Check out D6 at Randall House (click here).

Four members of our leadership team at Victory are going to the D6 Conference in Dallas this September.  I encourage you to attend this conference, it will be life changing!  Sign up today! (click here)

CHANGED THROUGH MEDITATION

During my devotion time this morning, this Psalm really spoke to my heart:

Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. (Psalm 1:2)

Meditation means “to think deeply and continuously about something.”

For a Christian, this means remaining in the presence of God and pondering each truth He reveals about Himself until it becomes real and personal in your life. This takes time. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus accused certain would-be followers of calling Him “Lord” and yet never doing what He told them (Luke 6:46). They had the correct truth in their heads, but it had never translated into obedience. When you meditate on Scripture, the truth moves from your head to your heart and results in obedience. As the Psalmist said: “Your word have I hidden in my heart, / That I might not sin against You” (Ps. 119:11).

When you know God's Word in your mind but not in your heart, it means that you have learned the principles and concepts and doctrines of God, but you have not come to know Jesus personally.

You can reject a doctrine, or ignore a concept, or challenge a principle, but it is much more difficult to ignore a Person. You can have Scripture in your mind and still sin against God. There are those who can recite long passages of Scripture and yet live ungodly lives. However, you cannot have Scripture fill your heart and continue to sin against God. When God's truth is allowed to touch the deepest corner of your soul, the Holy Spirit will transform you into the image of Jesus Christ.

This Easter season, don't just read your Bible, meditate on God's Word and ask Him to change your heart.

NEW VICTORY WORSHIP CHOIR PODCAST

I trust you are having a great day in the Lord.  I would like to encourage you to spend some intimate devotional time "sitting before the Lord" this week focusing on all that Jesus went through this Passion week, just so we could have a relationship with God the Father and inherit eternal life.

Upon the request of so many of you, today I have created a "Victory Worship Choir Podcast!"  Just in case the link does not work, here is the web address: http://www.victorychurchonline.net/podcast.htm

Over the last several weeks many of you have asked me if the Victory Church Worship Choir specials were on the podcast.  Well, now they are!  I have created a designated podcast player especially for the Victory Worship Choir! 

You can listen online, or you can "subscribe" to the Victory Podcast (sermons and songs) and have everything directly downloaded into your iTunes library.  You then can transfer these sermons and songs in MP3 format to your iPod or any MP3 player.

Enjoy the worship service of Victory Church everyday on your computer!!!  Have a great day, and remember, "He is Risen!  He is risen indeed!"

Have a great week!

GREAT JOB VICTORY! TWO THUMBS UP!

Wow!  What a great job you all did last Sunday!  I was very proud of you all!  What a great first impression Victory made to the City of O'Fallon in welcoming our city officials, and in bringing in "cases" of food for the O'Fallon Food Pantry! 

Today Eldon, Barbara, and I delivered the food to the O'Fallon Food Pantry.  All of the workers there were overwhelmed at the generosity of Victory Church.  We completely filled up their staging area and more!  They counted the cases of food and after unloading it all there were 175 cases!  We are never nearer to the heart of our Lord than when we are meeting the physical needs of those around us.

Once again, great job Victory!  This is the kind of impact I want us to make on the City of O'Fallon!  We are here to serve and make a difference in the lives of people.

D6 - FAMILY THEME: REJECTION OF CHRIST?

This week''s D6 Scripture: Matthew 21:33-46

This Week’s Goal: To live to meet the expectations called for by God’s patient provision, and to avoid the judgment that results from persistent rejection.

Principle of the Parable: Blessing follows obedience; judgment follows rebellion.

In our new FUSION lesson this week we will discover four ways people reject Christ:

1.    Overlooking God’s Provision (Matthew 21:33)
2.    Disregarding God’s Expectation  (Matthew 21:34)
3.    Neglecting God’s Patience (Matthew 21:35-39)
4.    Doubting God’s Judgment (Matthew 21:40-46

What is a parable?  A parable is an earthly story with a Heavenly meaning.

In this particular parable, the…

•    Landowner – God
•    Farmers – Religious leaders of Jesus’ day
•    Slave – Prophets of God
•    Son – Jesus Christ
•    They rejected Christ, thus judgment will fall on them!

Today I would like to speak to you on the subject of “Dealing with the Reality of Rejection”

VICTORY'S GOT TALENT SUNDAY

Sunday at Victory Church was our fourth week in our Sunday school "Reaching the One" campaign.  Our theme this week was "Victory's Got Talent."

Each of our Sunday school classes displayed their talent in acting out a skit on how they could build their Sunday school class.  

It was a hilarious Sunday!  It has been a long time since I have laughed that hard at church! 

All of you "Victorites" did a great job!  You were ALL winners in my book!  However the junior/senior high girls brought home the gold!

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR PASTOR WINTERS FAMILY

By now you probably are well aware of the tragedy that took place last Sunday morning at the First Baptist Church of Maryville, Illinois.  Pastor Fred Winters was shot while preaching his message in the early service.  Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival to the hospital.  Before going any further, let me say that I am praying for his wife, his children, and his church family.  Please know that my heart is literally "aching" for you all!

Pastor Fred was doing a great work for the Lord in leading this church for 22 years; and seeing the Lord grow the church from 38 people to a membership of 1300.

My heart is still "numb" to the fact that something like this can take place in a Bible preaching church, right in the heartland of our nation!  Not to mention the fact that this incident took place really, really close to home!

The verse that immediately came to my mind, when I was made aware of what took place, was Philippians 1:21 (ESV)

"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

I'm certain that Pastor Fred preached from this verse many times, and I'm also certain that he has gained far more than he could have ever imagined when he was ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ last Sunday morning!  I can assure you, he is far better off than any of us are today.  However, that still does not change the fact that we are having to deal with the loss and pain of this event.

The Bible clearly teaches us that this IS NOT a perfect world.  Why?  Well, because there is sin in the world, therefore, people do the wrong things and suffering is the result.  Notice this passage of Scripture in Ecclesiastes 8:14 (HCSB)

There is a futility that is done on the earth: there are righteous people who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked people who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile.

Here is the same verse in Eugene Peterson's "The Message:"

Here's something that happens all the time and makes no sense at all: Good people get what's coming to the wicked, and bad people get what's coming to the good. I tell you, this makes no sense. It's smoke.

What Ecclesiastes 8:14 is teaching is that we don't always get what we deserve.

MY PRIMARY PURPOSE IN LIFE - WORSHIP

At Victory Church Sunday, our "D6 Family Theme" is worship.  Al of our Sunday school classes, from the nursery to the seniors, were studying about worship.  Our weekly goal is to "worship God more deliberately, more deeply, and to live in keeping with my worship."

In our new Fusion curriculum we discovered several things about worship:

1. Worship requires preparation (Luke 2:28-34)
2. Worship is rooted in sacrifice (Luke 19:35-38)
3. Worship is not optional (Luke 19:39-40)

At Victory we come along side our Sunday school classes and continue the "D6 Theme" in our worship service.  In other words, we are studying just one theme each Sunday!  We are finding this to be very beneficial in the spiritual development of our families.  Here is the sermon outline I used on Sunday:

Revelation 4:11b (NLT) “You (God) created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”

Matthew 22:36-39 (HCSB) Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?     37 He said to him, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and most important commandment. 39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.”

1. WORSHIP IS MY RESPONSE TO GOD'S LOVE

Romans 12:1 (HCSB) Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.

2. WORSHIP IS GIVING BACK TO GOD.

Mark 12:30 (HCSB) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.

3. WORSHIP IS FOCUSING MY ATTENTION ON GOD.

Psalm 139:1-3 (HCSB) LORD, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away. 3 You observe my travels and my rest: You are aware of all my ways.

4. WORSHIP IS EXPRESSING MY AFFECTION TO GOD.

I John 4:19 (HCSB) We love because He first loved us. 

Hosea 6:6 (NLT)  God says, I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.  I want you to know Me more than I want burnt offerings.

5. WORSHIP IS USING MY ABILITIES FOR GOD.

Colossians 3:23 (HCSB) Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.
 
Romans 12:1 (The Message) Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, your eating, your going to work, your walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering.

MIGHTY IS THE POWER OF THE CROSS VIDEO - AWESOME!

7 HABITS FOR LIVING A HOLY LIFE

This is a post of the sermon I preached last week at Victory Church. (You can listen to this sermon on our podcast - click here.)

1 Peter 1:15 (HCSB) As the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct.

In our D6 CLEAR Sunday school lesson last week our family theme was sanctification. We discovered several things about sanctification:

1.    We must be sanctified because God is holy (2 Chronicles 29:1-11)
2.    We have been set apart to serve God  (2 Chronicles 29:12-19)
3.    The purification comes before the celebration (2 Chronicles 29:20-36)
4.    Live a holy life, even if the world scoffs (2 Chronicles 30:1-15)
5.    Sanctification is an inner decision that affects the outer actions (2 Chronicles 30:16-31:21)

How does Scripture want us to be able to define ourselves?  1 Peter 1:15-16 (HCSB) As the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.  There you have it, we are to be holy!  Why? Because God is Holy! 

A rather pompous-looking deacon was endeavoring to impress upon a class of junior boys the importance of living a “holy Christian life”. "Why do people call me a Christian?" the man asked. After a moment’s pause, one youngster said, "Maybe it’s because they don’t know you."

Well, for those that know you, would they be able to say you are a Christian, that you are holy?  Allow me to share with you seven habits assist you in living a “holy” life .

The Greatest Of All College Basketball Games - GO DUKE!

ARE YOU SEEKING AFTER JESUS?

Listen to this passage of Scripture in Mark 1:36:

"Simon and his companions went searching for Him."

Simon Peter is well known to us for his foolish, extemporaneous statements throughout the Gospels (Matt. 16:22; 17:4; 26:33). But Peter was always seeking after Jesus.

• Peter followed Jesus from afar during the night of Jesus' crucifixion (Matt. 26:58).
• Peter ran to the tomb when he heard Jesus had risen (Luke 24:12). 
• Peter swam in the sea in his haste to get to Jesus (John 21:7).
• Peter even walked on water in order to join Jesus (Matt. 14:29).

Peter did not always say or do the right things, but he did constantly seek to be with Jesus. Because of this, he was continually encountering his Lord and growing to be a more faithful disciple. Whenever we see Peter coming to Jesus he is always accompanied by others. Because Peter was seeking Jesus, others sought Him, too.

Evaluate yourself:

• What are you known for by those who know you best?
• Do they see you searching for fame, power, success, or happiness? 
• Are you known as a person who seeks after Jesus? God promises: "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jer. 29:13).
• Did you begin today intent on encountering Jesus? 
• Is your search for Him halfhearted, or are you seeking Him with all your heart? 
• Have others grown closer to Jesus because they followed your example and sought Jesus?

If your heart is set on pursuing Jesus, you will always find Him. "And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come" (Rev. 22:17).

I encourage you to post a comment on how the Lord spoke to you through this devotion.

GREAT JOB VICTORY! TWO THUMBS UP!

TWO THUMBS UP TO THE VICTORY WORSHIP TEAM!  Great job this morning!

At Victory Church we are in a major restructuring of our worship service and worship team.  Our worship team is now under the leadership of my wife, Debbie.  She has poured her heart into this ministry.  She has been praying and working endlessly to make this a smooth transition, and to seek the Lord's will for Victory.  Great job Debbie! Keep up the good work!

I also want to let all of you guys on the worship team know that you were awesome this morning!   There was a great presence of the Holy Spirit.

Keep up the good work and the great attitudes Victory! God is moving and working in our midst; the Lord has great things in store for us!

Kudos and blessings!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! "RESOLUTIONS vs. LOVE"

John 21:15 (HCSB) When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”

Jesus has a wonderful way of restoring us when we fail Him! He does not humiliate us. He does not criticize us. He does not ask us to make a resolution to try harder. Rather, He takes us aside and asks us to reaffirm our love for Him.

Peter miserably failed his Lord when he fled with the other disciples from the Garden of Gethsemane. Later, he publicly denied that he even knew Jesus. Peter must have wondered if he had been capable of being Jesus' disciple when he was unfaithful to Jesus in His most crucial hour.

As you begin a new year, you may be painfully aware that you have failed your Lord in many ways.

• Perhaps you were not faithful.
• Perhaps you disobeyed His word to you.
• Perhaps you denied Him by the way you lived.

The good news is this: Jesus will take you aside, as He did Peter. He will not berate you. He will not humiliate you. He will ask you to examine your love for Him. He asked Peter, “Do you love Me?”  If your answer, like Peter's, is “Yes, Lord,” He will reaffirm His will for you. If you truly love Him, you will obey Him (John 14:15).

Jesus does not need your resolutions, your recommitments, or your promises to try harder in this new year. If your resolve to obey God last year did not help you to be faithful, it will not make you successful this year.

Jesus asks for your love. If you truly love Him, your service for Him in 2009 will be of the quality that He desires.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

IT IS FINISHED!

All of us can now say, "It is finished," when it comes to the year 2008!  But what about your spiritual walk with Christ?

When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.—John 19:30

• God always finishes what He begins (Phil. 1:6).
• God never speaks a word without ensuring that it comes to pass (Isa. 55:11).
• Christ is both the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (Rev. 1:8, 17).
• Christ is as much at the end of His work as He is at its beginning.

Jesus was given an enormous mandate. He was to live a sinless life, remaining absolutely obedient to His Father.  Even the manner of His death was to fulfill numerous prophecies that had been foretold in Scripture (Matt. 26:24, 31, 54, 56; 27:9, 35, 46; John 19:28, 36–37).  Yet, despite the extremely complex assignment Jesus received from His Father, He could shout triumphantly from the cross, “It is finished!”

Christ now resides within each believer. His assignment today is to complete God's will in each Christian.  He is just as determined to do this in us as He was to complete God's will for Himself.

You will have to resist Christ in order to remain out of the will of God. As we come to the close of another year, stop and ask yourself some deep, penetrating questions:

• What is it God wants to do in you? 
• Are you living in the center of God's will for your life?
• Have you allowed Him to complete what He has begun?
• Are you walking daily by faith, submitting your life to the Lord?

God will not force you to receive all that He has for your life. If God's work has not been brought to fruition in you, it is not that Christ has not been diligently working toward that end. Rather, you may need to release areas of your life to Him and be as determined to see God's work in you completed as Christ is.

Review the things God has said to you over this last year. Are there promises God has made to you that you have refused to allow Him to complete? If so, commit to yield your will to God today.

VICTORY IN CHRIST ALONE!

This week I have been reading portions of the Book of Revelation.  As you well know, there is a common theme which is found in many different chapters: "Christ is victorious!"  Christ is triumphant!

In Revelation 19:4 we read, "Then the 24 elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who is seated on the Throne, saying, 'Amen! Hallelujah!'"

In chapter 19 of Revelation, the heavenly multitude responded to God's judgment with enthusiasm and praise!  Jesus, the suffering servant of the Gospels, became the righteous Judge!  (When Jesus returns, He will complete the work He began.  He will gather His people and destroy Satan!)

Triumph is a precious thing.  We honor the triumphant!  The gallant soldier sitting proudly on his stallion.  The determined explorer returning from his discovery.  The winning athlete holding proudly his gold medals and/or trophy!

But here is the thing we must realize, "Triumph is a fleeting thing."  Hardly does one taste victory before it is gone!  No one remains a champion forever!  Perhaps this is why Paul proclaimed, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession..." (2 Cor. 2:14)

Here is the BIG difference between victory in Christ and victory in the world:

A victor in the world rejoices over something he did - swimming, climbing Mt. Everest, making a million dollars, etc...

A victor in Christ - a believer - rejoices over who he is - a child of God!

Nothing can separate us from triumph in Christ!  Nothing!  Our triumph is not based upon our feelings, but upon God's gift.  Our triumph is not based upon our perfection, but upon God's forgiveness.  How precious is this triumph!

For even though we are pressed on every side, the victory is still ours!  Nothing can altar the loyalty of God!  Triumphant in Christ - it is not something we do-it is who we are!

Therefore, no matter what you are facing in this life.  No matter what happened to you yesterday; no matter what this day holds for you; no matter what happens tomorrow - look to Christ with joy!   He has conquered sin, defeated Satan, and will one day take us home to be with Him!

Let's rejoice today because of "who we are - children of the Most High!

MARY'S CHRISTMAS SONG - by Pastor Reuben Cason

Songs of the Season from the Christmas Story – Part II

Have you been enjoying your Christmas music this year? I'm sure have! I usually buy a couple of new Christmas CD’s each year and have already done so this year. I have even been tempted to buy more, but have decided to be content with what I have for now.

I love Christmas music, especially when our Church starts singing the Christmas hymns. This past Sunday we sang “Silent Night.” I enjoy this peaceful hymn, especially when we sing it as a part of our Candlelight service.

I have been studying some of the history behind the Christmas carols and hymns we sing. This week I read the story behind “Silent Night.” May I share it with you?

Joseph Mohr was born in Salzburg, Austria, in 1792. As a boy he was an active chorister in the Cathedral of Salzburg. In 1815 Mohr was ordained to the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church. It was Christmas Eve and Father Mohr was preparing for the midnight service. He was distraught because the church organ was broken, ruining the prospects for that evening’s carefully planned music. Father Mohr and Franz Gruber, the village schoolmaster and church organist had often talked about the fact that the perfect Christmas hymn had never been written. Father Mohr decided that he must write his own Christmas hymn, immediately, in order to have music for the Christmas Eve Mass and to avoid disappointing his faithful congregation. Hastily, he wrote the words, “Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright...” Taking the text to his organist, he explained the situation and asked him to compose a simple tune. That night, December 24, 1818, “Silent Night” was sung for the first time as a duet accompanied by guitar at the aptly named Church of St. Nicholas.

Wow, if it were not for a broken organ, there would never have been a “Silent Night.”

Music has a profound impact on us. Do you recall the story of King Saul in 1 Samuel 16? The Bible says that “an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him.” So his servants asked for permission to seek out a man, “who is a cunning player on an harp,” or skillful in playing. So they found David and he was brought in to play his harp for King Saul. And the Bible says, “when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.”

I read about one Country Music artist that said:

“Once, when a bar brawl broke out, I tried something that worked so well it became my standard response when fights started. Just when things started getting out of hand, when bikers were reaching for their pool cues and rednecks were heading for the gun rack, I’d start playing Silent Night. It could be the middle of July, I didn’t care. As I played, grown men would stop everything and calm down. Sometimes they’d even start crying, standing there watching me sweat and play Christmas carols.”

Why, even my little grandson Brayden, who is almost 18 months old, starts to “move” when he hears any kind music. So music does have an effect on us.

WHAT DOES CHRISTMAS MEAN?

At Victory Church I preached a sermon titled: "What Does Christmas Mean?"  Below is my sermon outline:

Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV)

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

"And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

The fact that God made the announcement to shepherds helps us to understand the real meaning of Christmas.

John 3:16 (HCSB) For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

-- and He chose to announce that to shepherds first of all.

Shepherds were at the opposite end of the social stratum from King Herod and all the influential people of the day.

SONGS OF THE SEASON FROM THE CHRISTMAS STORY - PASTOR REUBEN CASON

I'm honored to have Pastor Reuben Cason of White Oak Hill Free Will Baptist Church in Bailey, NC as an additional writer on my blog.  From time-to-time Pastor Cason will be posting some articles for us!  Below is his first blog entry!  Enjoy!

What would Christmas be like without music? I thoroughly enjoy the “sounds of the season.” I usually don’t like to start listening to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving, but this year I started listening to my Christmas CD’s two weeks before Thanksgiving. I must really be in the Christmas spirit this year!

What is your favorite Christmas song, be it secular or sacred? I don’t listen to secular music, I prefer Southern Gospel, that good ‘ole four part harmony was what I was raised on and it’s hard to get far from your raising. But during the Christmas season, I do enjoy listening to some of the secular Christmas music. Now these songs bring back precious memories of my childhood days, but they have absolutely nothing do with the “reason for the season."

That’s why I want us to turn our attention to the “Songs of the Season from the Christmas Story.” You will not find such a single concentration of song, praise and exultation anywhere else in the New Testament as you find in the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. I would encourage you during this Christmas season to spend some quite devotional time reading and meditating on these two chapters.

The “song” from the Christmas story that I would like to focus on at this time is found in Luke 1:67-79. This is Zacharias’ song of blessing. I would encourage you to read Luke 1:5-25, 57-66 to get a clear understanding about what happened to Zacharias in the temple as he was performing his priestly duty. Verse 67-68a says, “Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: Blessed is the Lord God of Israel…” Suddenly filled with the Spirit, this obscure priest took his place among the prophets.

His speaks three things about the coming Messiah.

THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT

But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus—my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need. . . —Philippians 2:25

Some people know just what to say and do to encourage others who are going through difficult times. Their words give strength to those who are discouraged and comfort to those who are grieving.

These people are sensitive to God's voice. They are not self-centered or unaware of the struggles of those around them. They are the ones we immediately seek when we enter a crisis. They are welcome visitors when we are in distress, for their presence sustains us.

Scripture testifies of many whom God enabled to encourage others.

• When Moses was overwhelmed by his work, Jethro went to him and encouraged him. Jethro gave Moses wise counsel that eased his strain (Exod. 18:1–27).
• When Paul was imprisoned far from those who loved him, Epaphroditus risked his health and safety in order to go to Paul and minister to him (Phil. 2:25–30).
• Later, Paul urged Timothy to come and visit him, for Paul found strength and encouragement in Timothy (2 Tim. 4:9; Phil. 2:19–20).
• Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark also. Mark was the kind of friend Paul needed when he was enduring hardship (2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 24).
• Paul also relied on Luke for encouragement. When everyone else was absent or preoccupied, Luke could be found with Paul (2 Tim. 4:11).

Paul experienced trials throughout his life, but God sustained him by placing godly friends around him who provided support in practical and sacrificial ways. God wants to develop you into the kind of friend who can strengthen others. The words you share and the things you do can bring comfort and encouragement to your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your coworkers.

I am thankful, because I have been encouraged this week by family and friends.  Think of someone in your circle of influence and search for a way to encourage them during this Thanksgiving season.

ANOTHER VICTORY MAN LICENSED AS A FREE WILL BAPTIST MINISTER

Today, 12 November 2008,  Carlos Castro met with the Metro-East District Association Credentials Committee of the Illinois Free Will Baptist and was licensed as a Free Will Baptist Minister! 

Carlos has been a very vital part of the ministry of Victory Church for more than four years.  He now feels the Lord is leading him to be a pastor to the Hispanic people.  Carlos is the key person in launching Victory Church's Hispanic Ministry.  He will begin his studies to prepare for ordination as a Free Will Baptist Pastor.

Carlos has served our country for four years in the U.S. Air Force and is currently employed at Scott Air Force Base.  He has now devoted the rest of his life to serve in the Lord's Army!

I am very proud of Carlos!  Why not shoot him an email and let him know you are proud of him and that you are praying for him? 

For those looking for a Spanish speaking ministry in the  Metro-East of St. Louis contact us!

21 IRREFUTABLE LAWS OF COMMUNICATION

As pastors, teachers, and leaders we must be continually developing our skills in the area of communication.  After all, for us pastors, it's what we do every week!

Therefore, I would like to share with you a great article I just read by Dr. James O. Davis titled "21 Irrefutable Laws of Communication."  Although I do not know a great deal about this man, I do think he is right on target when it comes to connecting and communicating from the pulpit.  (I have posted the entire article for you to review...enjoy!)

ARMISTICE DAY! THANKS TO ALL VETERANS!

I would like to personally thank all veterans who have, and are, sacrificially and willfully serving this great country of ours.  I appreciate you!

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France.

(PICTURE ABOVE: Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities.  This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on Nov. 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect.)

However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words:

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m.

To read more about Veterans Day click here.

D6 FAMILY BIBLICAL THEME - JOY

This week our D6 family biblical theme at Victory Church is "joy."  We are collectively studying together Philippians 4:4-23.  Here is the study outline from the CLEAR curriculum:

1. Rejoice!  It is God's command (Phil. 4:4-5)

2. Rejoice with a transformed attitude (Phil. 4:6-9)

3. Rejoice regardless of the circumstances (Phil. 4:10-14)

4. Rejoice in the rewards of helping others (Phil. 4:15-17)

5. Rejoice!  As you give help to others, God will supply your needs. (Phil. 4:18-23)

PRAY FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA

What a great turnout we had this week as Americans exercised their God-given freedom to "vote" for our next leader. 

The presidential elections are over!  Now, regardless of whether your candidate won or loss, it's our duty as Christians to pray for President-Elect Barack Obama. 

Listen to this verse of Scripture as the Apostle Paul urges us to pray for our leaders:

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (HCSB) First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior.

Will you make a commitment with me to daily pray for President George W. Bush, and our new President-Elect Barack Obama?  Once again, it's our duty!

HAVE YOU DONE WHAT YOU KNOW TO DO?

So, for the person who knows to do good and doesn’t do it, it is a sin. — James 4:17

It is never a minor thing to know God's will and not do it. God calls this sin. We can make excuses for our lack of obedience: “I'm just not ready yet” or “I'll do it later!” or “I don't think it will make a difference” or “I can't afford to!” We rationalize, we procrastinate; yet, in God's eyes, rationalization and procrastination are nothing more than disobedience.

At times we deceive ourselves into thinking that good intentions equal obedient actions. They do not.

A good intention without corresponding activity is disobedience. When we encounter God and He gives us a direction, it is not enough to write down the date in our spiritual journal, or even to tell our friends and church of our “decision.” God's call is not to “make a decision” but to obey!

• Deciding to obey is not equal to obeying! (Matt. 21:28–31).
• Loudly affirming the necessity of obedience is not the same as obeying (Luke 6:46).
• Making commitments, even publicly, is not the same as obeying our Lord.
• Substituting our own good works is not the same as obeying.

God told King Saul to wait until the prophet Samuel arrived. Instead of waiting, Saul took matters into his own hands and offered a sacrifice. Saul discovered, to his deep dismay, that other acts of supposed piety do not take the place of obeying a clear command from God (1 Sam. 15:22).

As with Saul, God expects you to obey everything exactly as He tells you. Only obedience satisfies God's desire for obedience

MORE OF GOD'S LOVE - INTERSTATE BATTERIES COMMERCIAL

Check out this great video just released by Norm Miller, chairman of Interstate Batteries. That's it, I'm in! It's Interstate Batteries for me from here on out!

VICTORY MEN RECENTLY LICENSED AS FREE WILL BAPTIST MINISTERS

This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.” 1 Timothy 3:1 (HCSB)

Last Tuesday evening here at the Victory Church offices, the credentials committee from the Metro-East District Association of the Illinois Free Will Baptist met with and licensed two men from Victory Church into the ministry as Free Will Baptist ministers. 

Below is a small bio of each of these men, please pray for them as they prepare themselves for ordination.

Brad Range has just surrendered to full time Christian service in the area of youth ministry.  Brad is also married to Teri Schmidt and they live in O'Fallon, IL.  He will become a full-time student at Missouri Baptist University in January 2009 and pursue a degree in pastoral ministry.  Brad currently works with the Jr. and Sr. High student ministry here at Victory Church.  He is also very active as a sound technician in the weekend services of Victory.  Click here and send Brad an email of encouragement and let him know you are praying for him!  

Paul Boyer has also surrender to the call of God on his life as a Free Will Baptist minister of the Gospel.  Paul has been blessed to have been married to his wife Mayron for 32 years!  They have two children five grand children.  Paul retired from the  U.S. Coast Guard after serving for 20+ years!  He is finishing up his theology degree at St. Louis Christian College.  Paul is an ordained deacon here at Victory Church and currently leads Victory's mens ministry.  Click here and send Paul an email of encouragement and let him know you are praying for him! 

Both of these men have been licensed as Free Will Baptist ministers and are in the process of becoming ordained.  May God bless them both as they follow the leadership of the Lord in their life!

SPIRITUAL WARFARE - EPHESIANS 6:12

For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.—Ephesians 6:12

In a battle, it is imperative to identify your enemy. If you are not aware of the point of your attack, you are vulnerable.

Paul had many enemies. Some resented him, others hated him, and others wanted to kill him. Some, who were supposedly on his side, sought to harm him and his ministry (Acts 9:23; Phil. 1:17; 2 Tim. 1:15; 1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 4:14). In spite of the persecution he faced, Paul never lost sight of his real enemy. Paul was wary of Satan. When people attacked him, he knew they were not his real opponents. They were simply unwitting instruments of the spiritual forces of darkness.

When you meet opposition to your faith, your first reaction may be anger toward your antagonist. This may divert your attention from the deeper, spiritual dimensions of your conflict. Your adversary may be hopelessly in bondage to sin. Rather than retaliating, you should immediately and earnestly intercede for that person. Your opponent's hostility is your invitation to become involved in God's redemptive work to free him or her from spiritual bondage.

Be alert to the spiritual warfare around you. It is real and potentially destructive to you and those you care about. Knowing your real foe will protect you from bitterness and unforgiveness. Your hope lies in the reality that “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Do not place your hope in humanity, but steadfastly trust in the One who has already defeated your enemy - Christ!

OPERATION SATURATION II

This afternoon we had another "Operation Saturation." We placed 2000 doorhangers on the doors of homes in O'Fallon inviting them to Victory Church. Pictured is my wife Debbie after just placing a doorhanger on a home.