Wisdom for Living
Watch your thoughts;
They become words.
Watch your words;
They become actions.
Watch your actions;
They become habits.
Watch your habits;
They become character.
Watch your character;
It becomes your destiny.
Be blessed,
Pastor Kitner
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Friday, February 29, 2008
Dealing With Depression
Dealing With Depression
By Louis Smith
Today’s Scripture: Psalm 43:1-5
Central Thought: God gives us ways to cope with depression.
According to one authority, as many as 20 million Americans suffer from depression annually. It affects all kinds of people from all walks of life—children, teens, adults, professionals, housewives, and more. Each year, Americans spend $44 billion treating it. Hospitals offer treatments for clinical depression. Doctors prescribe medicines that help too. But what about the common, occasional depression that most of us experience from time to time—the kind that is usually brought on by our circumstances?
The writer of Psalm 43 experienced similar circumstances. He needed defense against wicked people and deliverance from their schemes (Psalm 43:1). He felt God was distant from him and that his circumstances oppressed him (Psalm 43:2). Most of us can identify with these feelings. Problems mount, God seems a million miles away, and we end up feeling depressed.
What did the writer do to cope with what he was feeling? He took refuge in God, even though he seemed to feel that God was a million miles away (Psalm 43:2). The Hebrew word for refuge (ESV) or stronghold (NIV) describes a fortified city or fortress. At a time when the Psalmist needed a strong sense of safety, he ran to that fortified city—the Lord—even though he could not sense His nearness. We need the same kind of faith when we’re feeling low—a faith that says, “Lord, I can’t sense Your nearness or see signs of Your presence, but I still cling to You for security in this low time.”
The Psalmist sought out God’s “light” and “truth” (Psalm 43:3, ESV) for guidance and a sense of nearness to God. Where can we find light and truth? The Bible offers both (Psalm 119:105, John 17:17). When we’re feeling low, we need to continue delving into the Book. At times, it may only seem like “words on a page,” but in time it will spread its light into our darkness and spread truth into our hearts, lives, and circumstances.
The Psalmist also coped by looking forward to better days. In Psalm 43:4, he foresaw a time when he would once again enjoy worshiping at the altar and praising the Lord. People get into real trouble with depression when they begin to feel that things will never get any better. Many suicides occur in that dismal atmosphere. Don’t succumb to that kind of thinking. We need to counteract those feelings of depression by reminding ourselves that things will one day get better.
The Psalmist closed Psalm 43 by encouraging his troubled spirit (43:5): “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (ESV). No matter how low you feel at this moment, keep hope alive. Know that one day things will change. Your spirit will again become buoyant, and your skies will seem bright again instead of gloomy.
Devotional Prayer: Lift my sagging spirit, Lord, and keep my faith and hope alive.
[Additional scriptures to read for] Today’s Bible Reading: Leviticus 20:22-22:16; Mark 9:1-29; Psalm 43:1-5; Proverbs 10:18
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
By Louis Smith
Today’s Scripture: Psalm 43:1-5
Central Thought: God gives us ways to cope with depression.
According to one authority, as many as 20 million Americans suffer from depression annually. It affects all kinds of people from all walks of life—children, teens, adults, professionals, housewives, and more. Each year, Americans spend $44 billion treating it. Hospitals offer treatments for clinical depression. Doctors prescribe medicines that help too. But what about the common, occasional depression that most of us experience from time to time—the kind that is usually brought on by our circumstances?
The writer of Psalm 43 experienced similar circumstances. He needed defense against wicked people and deliverance from their schemes (Psalm 43:1). He felt God was distant from him and that his circumstances oppressed him (Psalm 43:2). Most of us can identify with these feelings. Problems mount, God seems a million miles away, and we end up feeling depressed.
What did the writer do to cope with what he was feeling? He took refuge in God, even though he seemed to feel that God was a million miles away (Psalm 43:2). The Hebrew word for refuge (ESV) or stronghold (NIV) describes a fortified city or fortress. At a time when the Psalmist needed a strong sense of safety, he ran to that fortified city—the Lord—even though he could not sense His nearness. We need the same kind of faith when we’re feeling low—a faith that says, “Lord, I can’t sense Your nearness or see signs of Your presence, but I still cling to You for security in this low time.”
The Psalmist sought out God’s “light” and “truth” (Psalm 43:3, ESV) for guidance and a sense of nearness to God. Where can we find light and truth? The Bible offers both (Psalm 119:105, John 17:17). When we’re feeling low, we need to continue delving into the Book. At times, it may only seem like “words on a page,” but in time it will spread its light into our darkness and spread truth into our hearts, lives, and circumstances.
The Psalmist also coped by looking forward to better days. In Psalm 43:4, he foresaw a time when he would once again enjoy worshiping at the altar and praising the Lord. People get into real trouble with depression when they begin to feel that things will never get any better. Many suicides occur in that dismal atmosphere. Don’t succumb to that kind of thinking. We need to counteract those feelings of depression by reminding ourselves that things will one day get better.
The Psalmist closed Psalm 43 by encouraging his troubled spirit (43:5): “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (ESV). No matter how low you feel at this moment, keep hope alive. Know that one day things will change. Your spirit will again become buoyant, and your skies will seem bright again instead of gloomy.
Devotional Prayer: Lift my sagging spirit, Lord, and keep my faith and hope alive.
[Additional scriptures to read for] Today’s Bible Reading: Leviticus 20:22-22:16; Mark 9:1-29; Psalm 43:1-5; Proverbs 10:18
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Where Is The Church?
Where Is The Church?
by Rubel Shelly
It seems to me that more people who claim to be Christ-followers in this world are caught up in doing church over being church. But church isn’t a place. It isn’t a set of rituals. It isn’t the performance abilities of teachers or musicians. Church is the life of Jesus on display through his people – with Jesus functioning as head and all his people as various parts of his body in the world.
Jerry Cook tells a story about Richard Halverson that illustrates the contrast between “doing” and “being” as the people who confess Christ.
Dr. Halverson was chaplain of the United States Senate for several years. He would occasionally visit the seminary where Cook was a student. After one of those visits to speak to students, he joined a group of them for coffee and made himself available for informal conversation.
“Dr. Halverson,” began one of the seminarians, “where is your church?” The student was asking about the street location of the Presbyterian Church Halverson served, but he got a deeper and more insightful answer.
“Well, its three o'clock in Washington, D.C. The church I pastor is all over the city right now. It’s driving buses, serving meals in restaurants, sitting in board meetings, having discussions in the Pentagon, deliberating in Congress.” He proceeded with a long list of roles and responsibilities where his church was functioning that day. “And periodically we get together at a building on Fourth Street,” he added, “but we don’t spend a lot of our time there.”
The pastor-chaplain was not naive with his answer. He was brilliant. And he had the clear intent to challenge a young would-be pastor to raise his sights above the Sunday event of church as an assembly. Or even church as programs and budgets and organization. The church was never intended to be isolated from the world but to penetrate it as salt does food. Jesus wants his people to be “in the world” but not “of the world” – functioning as light to dark places.
Where will you be today? In meetings? On the phone? Calling on clients? Teaching algebra? Cleaning house? Delivering product? Delivering speeches? Delivering babies? Wherever you will be and whatever you are doing there, you will be part of the spread-out, scattered-over-the-world church. Your role is to be a stand-in for Jesus to make the world a better, less-threatening place.
“Whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17 NLT).
Rubel Shelly is a Preaching Minister at the Woodmont Hills Church of Christ. This article is from the November 5, 2007 issue of “The FAX of Life,” his weekly message, found at http://www.rubelshelly.com.
by Rubel Shelly
It seems to me that more people who claim to be Christ-followers in this world are caught up in doing church over being church. But church isn’t a place. It isn’t a set of rituals. It isn’t the performance abilities of teachers or musicians. Church is the life of Jesus on display through his people – with Jesus functioning as head and all his people as various parts of his body in the world.
Jerry Cook tells a story about Richard Halverson that illustrates the contrast between “doing” and “being” as the people who confess Christ.
Dr. Halverson was chaplain of the United States Senate for several years. He would occasionally visit the seminary where Cook was a student. After one of those visits to speak to students, he joined a group of them for coffee and made himself available for informal conversation.
“Dr. Halverson,” began one of the seminarians, “where is your church?” The student was asking about the street location of the Presbyterian Church Halverson served, but he got a deeper and more insightful answer.
“Well, its three o'clock in Washington, D.C. The church I pastor is all over the city right now. It’s driving buses, serving meals in restaurants, sitting in board meetings, having discussions in the Pentagon, deliberating in Congress.” He proceeded with a long list of roles and responsibilities where his church was functioning that day. “And periodically we get together at a building on Fourth Street,” he added, “but we don’t spend a lot of our time there.”
The pastor-chaplain was not naive with his answer. He was brilliant. And he had the clear intent to challenge a young would-be pastor to raise his sights above the Sunday event of church as an assembly. Or even church as programs and budgets and organization. The church was never intended to be isolated from the world but to penetrate it as salt does food. Jesus wants his people to be “in the world” but not “of the world” – functioning as light to dark places.
Where will you be today? In meetings? On the phone? Calling on clients? Teaching algebra? Cleaning house? Delivering product? Delivering speeches? Delivering babies? Wherever you will be and whatever you are doing there, you will be part of the spread-out, scattered-over-the-world church. Your role is to be a stand-in for Jesus to make the world a better, less-threatening place.
“Whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17 NLT).
Rubel Shelly is a Preaching Minister at the Woodmont Hills Church of Christ. This article is from the November 5, 2007 issue of “The FAX of Life,” his weekly message, found at http://www.rubelshelly.com.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Why Give 10% or More of Your Income to the Lord's Work?
Why Give 10% or More of Your Income to the Lord’s Work
by Brian Kluth
In stewardship speaking engagements across America and on five continents, I have discovered two things:
First: Christians of all income levels have experienced spiritual joy, supernatural grace and divine help through the practice of making a specific commitment to GIVE 10% OR MORE of their resources to the Lord’s work.
Second: The vast majority of pastors are reluctant to teach their congregations about money matters and Christian giving.
This list of 10 reasons to give 10% or more to the Lord’s work was written to encourage laity and clergy that this subject can be biblically and practically taught and caught! When believers are taught to make it a priority to give to God first, it will ultimately bring greater financial freedom and blessing into their personal lives and to the ministries they support.
1. It is a tried and proven pattern of giving by godly people throughout the ages (regardless of cultures and income levels). Genesis 14:17-20, 28:16-22; Leviticus 27:30; Proverbs 3:9, 10; Malachi 3:7-15; Matthew 23:23
2. It will help you revere God more in your life. Deuteronomy 14:23
3. It will bring God’s wisdom and order to your finances and will help you harness the dragon of materialism. Matthew 6:19-21, 24-34; Luke 12:16-21; 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19; Ecclesiastes 5:10
4. It will serve as a practical reminder that God is the Owner of everything you have. 1 Chronicles 29:11-18; Psalm 24; 1,2; Psalm 59:10-12; Haggai 2:8
5. It will allow you to experience God’s creative care and provisions in ways you would not otherwise experience. 1 Kings 17; Proverbs 3:9,10; Malachi 3:7-15; Haggai 1:4-11, 2:15-10; Luke 6:38; Deuteronomy 14:23; Proverbs 3:5,6; Malachi 3:8-10; Haggai 1:4-11, 2:15-19; 2 Corinthians 8:5
6. It will encourage your spiritual growth and trust in God. Deuteronomy 14:23; Proverbs 3:5,6; Malachi 3:8-10; Haggai 1:4-11, 2:15-19; 2 Corinthians 8:5
7. It will ensure you of treasure in heaven. 1 Timothy 6:18, 19; Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 6:10; 3 John 8; 1 Samuel 30:22
8. It will strengthen the ministry, outreach, and stability of your local church. Acts 2:42-27, 4:32; 2 Corinthians 9:12,13
9. It will help provide the means to keep your pastor and missionaries in full-time Christian service. 1 Corinthians 9:9-11,14; 1 Timothy 5:17,18; 3 John 5-8; Philippians 4:15-19; Galatians 6:6; Luke 8:3; 2 Kings 4:8-10
10. It will help accomplish needed building projects and renovations. 2 Chronicles 24:4-14; Exodus 35, 36; 2 Kings 12:2-16; 1 Chronicles 29:2-10; Ezekiel 1:4-6
as seen in the February 18, 2008 issue of Rocky Henriques’ “The Timothy Report.” Article by Brian Kluth, Dimensions, Vol. 20, Fall, 1997, pp. 1-2, reprint by permission: Christian Stewardship Magazine
Blessings on Ya as you give unto the Lord
Pastor Kitner
by Brian Kluth
In stewardship speaking engagements across America and on five continents, I have discovered two things:
First: Christians of all income levels have experienced spiritual joy, supernatural grace and divine help through the practice of making a specific commitment to GIVE 10% OR MORE of their resources to the Lord’s work.
Second: The vast majority of pastors are reluctant to teach their congregations about money matters and Christian giving.
This list of 10 reasons to give 10% or more to the Lord’s work was written to encourage laity and clergy that this subject can be biblically and practically taught and caught! When believers are taught to make it a priority to give to God first, it will ultimately bring greater financial freedom and blessing into their personal lives and to the ministries they support.
1. It is a tried and proven pattern of giving by godly people throughout the ages (regardless of cultures and income levels). Genesis 14:17-20, 28:16-22; Leviticus 27:30; Proverbs 3:9, 10; Malachi 3:7-15; Matthew 23:23
2. It will help you revere God more in your life. Deuteronomy 14:23
3. It will bring God’s wisdom and order to your finances and will help you harness the dragon of materialism. Matthew 6:19-21, 24-34; Luke 12:16-21; 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19; Ecclesiastes 5:10
4. It will serve as a practical reminder that God is the Owner of everything you have. 1 Chronicles 29:11-18; Psalm 24; 1,2; Psalm 59:10-12; Haggai 2:8
5. It will allow you to experience God’s creative care and provisions in ways you would not otherwise experience. 1 Kings 17; Proverbs 3:9,10; Malachi 3:7-15; Haggai 1:4-11, 2:15-10; Luke 6:38; Deuteronomy 14:23; Proverbs 3:5,6; Malachi 3:8-10; Haggai 1:4-11, 2:15-19; 2 Corinthians 8:5
6. It will encourage your spiritual growth and trust in God. Deuteronomy 14:23; Proverbs 3:5,6; Malachi 3:8-10; Haggai 1:4-11, 2:15-19; 2 Corinthians 8:5
7. It will ensure you of treasure in heaven. 1 Timothy 6:18, 19; Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 6:10; 3 John 8; 1 Samuel 30:22
8. It will strengthen the ministry, outreach, and stability of your local church. Acts 2:42-27, 4:32; 2 Corinthians 9:12,13
9. It will help provide the means to keep your pastor and missionaries in full-time Christian service. 1 Corinthians 9:9-11,14; 1 Timothy 5:17,18; 3 John 5-8; Philippians 4:15-19; Galatians 6:6; Luke 8:3; 2 Kings 4:8-10
10. It will help accomplish needed building projects and renovations. 2 Chronicles 24:4-14; Exodus 35, 36; 2 Kings 12:2-16; 1 Chronicles 29:2-10; Ezekiel 1:4-6
as seen in the February 18, 2008 issue of Rocky Henriques’ “The Timothy Report.” Article by Brian Kluth, Dimensions, Vol. 20, Fall, 1997, pp. 1-2, reprint by permission: Christian Stewardship Magazine
Blessings on Ya as you give unto the Lord
Pastor Kitner
Monday, February 25, 2008
Survey of the religious landscape -- click here
Here is an article that I found in my local paper today. Click on the title and read the article. Give some feedback if you can and let me know what you think about what has been said.
Pastor Kitner
Pastor Kitner
Saturday, February 23, 2008
A Hallmark Moment
Here is my granddaughter Rylee. She is having a Hallmark moment with mom at the hospital where her little sister was born several days ago. She just loves her little sister and has been a part of the whole time of expecting the baby. She is another precious granddaughter that continues to blow us away with the way she grasps things so quickly.God has been so good to us with nine grandchildren. We are blessed indeed.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Granddaughter - 2 years old
This is my daughters 2 year old daughter and our Granddaughter Mia (me-yah).
She was born into this world prematurely by several weeks. One would never know it now. She is a precious little girl that mom has taught to be polite and she is very smart. She recently, when asked who she was, answered with her name and turned imediately to her little friend and said and this is Jaley. Something you wouldn't think a 2 year old would think of doing on her own with no instruction ever on how to do it.(of course I am prejudice-she's my granddaughter)
We have 8 other grandchildren that are a real blessing to us and all are unique in their own way.
Mia, pictured here, is wearing a hat much like I wore when I visited on her birthday and her mom titled the picture "little Chuck". She's a cutie.
Blessed to be a blessing.
Pastor Kitner
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Discipleship
Someone did a search for the term "disciple" in the NIV version of their Logos Bible Software and came up with 264 hits for "disciple" or "disciples". The following is derrived at by me from that search. (I don't remember who it was but I still borrowed it - if you know let me know. TIA)
I have found three major pointers that tell us if we are disciples of the Lord or not. There would seem like a progression in the teaching of Jesus: ground yourself and continue in His Word which, no doubt, empowers us to love one another which, no doubt, opens people up for us to minister to them and bear mich fruit.
The following three things are so vital in conjunction with the Gospel that we need to have these things going on in the works of ministry that we are to be involved in because they are part of who we are and what we do in christ.
Mark number one of being a disciple is: Abide in His Word.
John 8:31 - 32 (NIV) 31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Mark number two of being a disciple is: Love one another.
John 13:34 - 35 (NIV) 34“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
The third mark of a disciple is: Bear much fruit.
John 15:7 - 8 (NIV) 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Disciple =
D = Devoted -- Committed to Scripture & God
I = Intentional -- Having a growth plan
S = Spirit-led -- Dependent on the Spirit
C = Community -- Building relationships (God, Mentors, & Others) including accountability to others
I = Incarnational -- Living out your faith day to day
P = Pliable -- Moddable in the Potter's Hand
L = Life-Long -- It's a Journey not a destination
E = Evangelistic -- You must take others with you; Make Disciples
Just as the game of golf is a game that you do not win but it is a game that you play - so being a disciple is as it says above, a journey not a destination.
Blesings on ya!
Pastor Kitner
I have found three major pointers that tell us if we are disciples of the Lord or not. There would seem like a progression in the teaching of Jesus: ground yourself and continue in His Word which, no doubt, empowers us to love one another which, no doubt, opens people up for us to minister to them and bear mich fruit.
The following three things are so vital in conjunction with the Gospel that we need to have these things going on in the works of ministry that we are to be involved in because they are part of who we are and what we do in christ.
Mark number one of being a disciple is: Abide in His Word.
John 8:31 - 32 (NIV) 31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Mark number two of being a disciple is: Love one another.
John 13:34 - 35 (NIV) 34“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
The third mark of a disciple is: Bear much fruit.
John 15:7 - 8 (NIV) 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Disciple =
D = Devoted -- Committed to Scripture & God
I = Intentional -- Having a growth plan
S = Spirit-led -- Dependent on the Spirit
C = Community -- Building relationships (God, Mentors, & Others) including accountability to others
I = Incarnational -- Living out your faith day to day
P = Pliable -- Moddable in the Potter's Hand
L = Life-Long -- It's a Journey not a destination
E = Evangelistic -- You must take others with you; Make Disciples
Just as the game of golf is a game that you do not win but it is a game that you play - so being a disciple is as it says above, a journey not a destination.
Blesings on ya!
Pastor Kitner
Monday, February 18, 2008
New Arrival
Well we received a phone call last evening at about 11:45 or so asking for my wife to come over to baby sit our granddaughter. This was because it was "show time" as my son put it or time for their baby to be born and they had to leave to go to the hospital.
The baby was born at 4:31 AM 2-18-08. I received a phone call at 4:47 AM from my son Ken, to tell me the baby had arrived. She weighed in at 8 pounds even and is 20 inches long. They gave her the name of Kenady Reese Kitner.
Grandma is now at our home with our other granddaughter watching an Elmo potty training video? and other assorted Veggie Tales videos :-).
The delivery went smoothly it was 1-2-3 pushes and the new arrival made her way into this world.
My wife and I are truly blessed of the Lord with our four children and as of now nine grandchildren.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Saturday, February 16, 2008
God is not a has been!
I AM THAT I AM
Exodus 3:11-22 ( KJV ) 11And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? 12And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. 13And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. 15And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.
16Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: 17And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. 18And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. 19And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. 20And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. 21And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: 22But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.
In reading this passage this morning the thought came to mind that God is not a has been, but He is forever the I AM.
This triggered the following thoughts as I reflected on what I read:
God is:
1. the eternal self existant God
2. the creator of all things
3. the God of Covenant - or covenant God
4. the covenant keeping God
5. the Memorial God "I AM" is His name
6. the all seeing God
7. the all powerful God
8. the all knowing God
9. the God of visitation
10. the God who is able to deliver "us"
11. He is the God who will bring us up and out of our afflictions
12. He is the God who brings us unto the land flowing with milk and honey
13. He is the God who favors those whom He delivers
14. He is the God of our victory.
Just a few thought of encouragement to those who are going through a period of questioning where they are in their walk.
One Final thought to hold on to is this..vs.12 "And he said, Certainly I will be with thee" He will never leave us or forsake us...aren't you glad?
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Exodus 3:11-22 ( KJV ) 11And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? 12And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. 13And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. 15And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.
16Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: 17And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. 18And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. 19And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. 20And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. 21And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: 22But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.
In reading this passage this morning the thought came to mind that God is not a has been, but He is forever the I AM.
This triggered the following thoughts as I reflected on what I read:
God is:
1. the eternal self existant God
2. the creator of all things
3. the God of Covenant - or covenant God
4. the covenant keeping God
5. the Memorial God "I AM" is His name
6. the all seeing God
7. the all powerful God
8. the all knowing God
9. the God of visitation
10. the God who is able to deliver "us"
11. He is the God who will bring us up and out of our afflictions
12. He is the God who brings us unto the land flowing with milk and honey
13. He is the God who favors those whom He delivers
14. He is the God of our victory.
Just a few thought of encouragement to those who are going through a period of questioning where they are in their walk.
One Final thought to hold on to is this..vs.12 "And he said, Certainly I will be with thee" He will never leave us or forsake us...aren't you glad?
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Baby on the Way
My youngest son and his wife are going through the last few days and hours of pregnancy before their new baby is delivered. Everyone is greatly anticipating the arrival upon every move and pain that happens.
Their 2 year old daughter has been sick with a fever and up all night and my son is at work today really worn out. My wife is about to go over to their home to baby sit so my sons wife can keep her doctor appointment this morning.
So if you read this keep them all in prayer. I am on stand-by as a designated driver if need be.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Their 2 year old daughter has been sick with a fever and up all night and my son is at work today really worn out. My wife is about to go over to their home to baby sit so my sons wife can keep her doctor appointment this morning.
So if you read this keep them all in prayer. I am on stand-by as a designated driver if need be.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
New Computer
Well I have successfully set up my new computer at home and this is the first time I have used it on line.
It went along very smoothly. Now to set up my E-maill account.
Pastor Kitner
It went along very smoothly. Now to set up my E-maill account.
Pastor Kitner
New Computer
My old computer keeps crashing on me so after about 8 years I have had to bite the bullet and get a new one. I am about to take down the old one and set up the new one. I am trusting that there won't be any major malfunctions in this time consuming process so I can get right back to being productive.
Pastor Kitner
5,4,3,2,1.................>
Pastor Kitner
5,4,3,2,1.................>
Monday, February 11, 2008
Take Five for America
This is from the prayer guide devotional by Michele Vento. This excerpt sets the direction for the prayer for a great awakening in America once again.
"Just imagine if hundreds of thousands of believers could come into agreement according to Matthew 18:19 for at least five minutes, the difference we could make. The result would be staggering, even revolutionary. Jusr a few moments a day can change all the moments that follow!"
"We challenge you to take five for America and join the revolution!"
The following is what take five involves:
"Truth, Be lovers of the TRUTH
Awake to righteousness that the
Knowledge of Jesus grows in us. That we have
Ears to hear what His Spirit is saying in this hour then He will send:
Fresh Fire
Increase our spiritual hunger and thirst
Visit us with His manifest presence and
Establish our hearts in love, humility and peace."
=====================================================
Pray also for Michele. She is about to go to Ireland on the 21st of this month. Back to some churches that her and her husband established some years ago when they were in Ireland. Michele will be ministering the Word in those churches and some new places as well. God is moving in Ireland and there needs to be a lot of prayer go up for them.
Thank you
Pastor Kitner
"Just imagine if hundreds of thousands of believers could come into agreement according to Matthew 18:19 for at least five minutes, the difference we could make. The result would be staggering, even revolutionary. Jusr a few moments a day can change all the moments that follow!"
"We challenge you to take five for America and join the revolution!"
The following is what take five involves:
"Truth, Be lovers of the TRUTH
Awake to righteousness that the
Knowledge of Jesus grows in us. That we have
Ears to hear what His Spirit is saying in this hour then He will send:
Fresh Fire
Increase our spiritual hunger and thirst
Visit us with His manifest presence and
Establish our hearts in love, humility and peace."
=====================================================
Pray also for Michele. She is about to go to Ireland on the 21st of this month. Back to some churches that her and her husband established some years ago when they were in Ireland. Michele will be ministering the Word in those churches and some new places as well. God is moving in Ireland and there needs to be a lot of prayer go up for them.
Thank you
Pastor Kitner
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Can You Hear It?
Can You Hear It?
by Michele Vento April of 1990
Can You Hear It? The sound of rain coming.
Can You Hear It? The sound of the Lion of Zion roar.
Can You Hear It? The cry of men's hearts for fear.
Can You Hear It? The cheering and the clapping from heaven, stirring, pushing the saints on.
Can You Hear It? The excuses and apologies for their absence.
Can You Hear It? Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision with their hearts in a big ???
Can You Hear It? The voice of ONE who offers hope in a world without it.
Can You Hear It? The sound of preparation in heaven ready to welcome home its citizens.
Can You Hear It? The prayers of the saints saying "how long, how long?"
Can You Hear It? The earth's groaning and sighing, waiting for its redemption, fot the revelation of the sons of God.
Can You Hear It? The voice of Babylon shouting to be heard above all others.
Can You Hear It? The truth speaks softly in the heart of the true hearer.
Can You Hear It? It's the blood of innocent babies crying out from the ground.
Can You Hear It? The blood of the Spotless Lamb crying Father forgive.
Can You Hear It? The voice of the mocker saying "where is the promise of His coming?"
Can You Hear It? The clamor of the groomsman in the streets saying "awake, awake the Bridegroom cometh."
Can You Hear It? The sound of great rejoicing at the overcomers banquet.
Can You Hear It? The crying and weeping and gnashing of teeth of those who would not hear? He who has ears to hear let him hear!
Michele is the author of the prayer guide "America TAKE 5 to pray"
by Michele Vento April of 1990
Can You Hear It? The sound of rain coming.
Can You Hear It? The sound of the Lion of Zion roar.
Can You Hear It? The cry of men's hearts for fear.
Can You Hear It? The cheering and the clapping from heaven, stirring, pushing the saints on.
Can You Hear It? The excuses and apologies for their absence.
Can You Hear It? Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision with their hearts in a big ???
Can You Hear It? The voice of ONE who offers hope in a world without it.
Can You Hear It? The sound of preparation in heaven ready to welcome home its citizens.
Can You Hear It? The prayers of the saints saying "how long, how long?"
Can You Hear It? The earth's groaning and sighing, waiting for its redemption, fot the revelation of the sons of God.
Can You Hear It? The voice of Babylon shouting to be heard above all others.
Can You Hear It? The truth speaks softly in the heart of the true hearer.
Can You Hear It? It's the blood of innocent babies crying out from the ground.
Can You Hear It? The blood of the Spotless Lamb crying Father forgive.
Can You Hear It? The voice of the mocker saying "where is the promise of His coming?"
Can You Hear It? The clamor of the groomsman in the streets saying "awake, awake the Bridegroom cometh."
Can You Hear It? The sound of great rejoicing at the overcomers banquet.
Can You Hear It? The crying and weeping and gnashing of teeth of those who would not hear? He who has ears to hear let him hear!
Michele is the author of the prayer guide "America TAKE 5 to pray"
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Setting Priorities
To be successful in any endeavor, be it kingdom work for God or in any other endeavor, you have to have some set of rules or guide lines so you know if you are on course.
Setting Priorities
Setting priorities is really not difficult. The difficulty lies in setting "posteriorties." That is, deciding what tasks not to tackle. What one postpones, one very often abandons. Remember that priorities are not just marginal options; they are life-determining. One's personality is molded, inescapably, into the image of his or her priorities.
Finally, a very beautiful and liberating truth to remember is that there are enough hours in each day for us to fulfill God's perfect and particular plan for our lives. We never need more time than we have to do the whole will of God. As adlai Stevenson said, "It's not the days of your life, but the life in your days that counts."
1. Take time to work - it is the price of success.
2. Take time to think - it is the source of power.
3. Take time to play - it is the secret of perpetual youth.
4. Take time to read - it is the fountain of wisdom.
5. Take time to be friendly - it is the road to happiness.
6. Take time to dream - it is hitching your wagon to a star.
7. Take time to love and be loved - it is the privilege of the redeemed people.
8. Take time to look around - it is too short a day to be selfish.
9. Take time to laugh - it is the music of the soul.
10. Take time for God - it is life's only lasting investment (addition mine - read, pray, worship and fellowship with other believers)
(I believe the above came from one of John Maxwell's books but I don't have the full reference for it...if anyone knows it please send me the full reference information -- TIA)
Acts 2:42 - 3:1 (KJV) 42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. 1Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
Setting Priorities
Setting priorities is really not difficult. The difficulty lies in setting "posteriorties." That is, deciding what tasks not to tackle. What one postpones, one very often abandons. Remember that priorities are not just marginal options; they are life-determining. One's personality is molded, inescapably, into the image of his or her priorities.
Finally, a very beautiful and liberating truth to remember is that there are enough hours in each day for us to fulfill God's perfect and particular plan for our lives. We never need more time than we have to do the whole will of God. As adlai Stevenson said, "It's not the days of your life, but the life in your days that counts."
1. Take time to work - it is the price of success.
2. Take time to think - it is the source of power.
3. Take time to play - it is the secret of perpetual youth.
4. Take time to read - it is the fountain of wisdom.
5. Take time to be friendly - it is the road to happiness.
6. Take time to dream - it is hitching your wagon to a star.
7. Take time to love and be loved - it is the privilege of the redeemed people.
8. Take time to look around - it is too short a day to be selfish.
9. Take time to laugh - it is the music of the soul.
10. Take time for God - it is life's only lasting investment (addition mine - read, pray, worship and fellowship with other believers)
(I believe the above came from one of John Maxwell's books but I don't have the full reference for it...if anyone knows it please send me the full reference information -- TIA)
Acts 2:42 - 3:1 (KJV) 42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. 1Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Memory Making Weekend
Over this past weekend we celebrated the birthdays of two of our grand children. One was in the Winchester Va. area and the other one was at our home in Blairsville.
We traveled some 180 miles to Va. to celebrate our 2 year old granddaughter's birthday. She was born premature and looked like this picture at birth. She is a joy for sure and she is so smart and polite to boot. We take time to celebrate with our family because they are prescious to us. With the 2 year old it is a forming time for great relationships later on in their life. What it is is let's make a memory time together and it sure is a blessing to us.
The other birthday was an older grandson that went from 12 to 13 this year. We made a big deal of it for him. My wife fixed him his favorite things for the meal and he was seated at the head of the table and waited on hand and foot. He loved it and it was also a memory making time for us again.
In church in the AM service it was communion time, as is the first week of every month on a regular basis. This too is a memory making time with the Lord and us as well. We are reminded every time that the body of Jesus was broken for us, His blood was shed for us, and that our promise is that He is coming again.
So in all we had a very memorable and eventful weekend.
I hope you did too!
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Friday, February 1, 2008
Prayer Alliance and Fellowship
God has encouraged me to start a prayer alliance and fellowship with pastors and other 5 fold ministry men and women of God. We have a group that has already started meeting. Won't you join us? Jesus Christ is building His church that the gates of hell can not prevail against. Those 5 fold ministry gifts given by the Lord to equip the church for the works of ministry need encouraged, to pray together, to be linked with others of like precious faith and similar giftings for fellowship and sharing of what God is doing in their lives.
We are located in Blairsville, Pa. but can encompass the eastern Pittsburgh Pa. areas, Uniontown Pa. areas, Johnstown Pa. areas and the Indiana Pa. area & others.
If you would like to get connected with a group such as this contact me through the comment link at the bottom of this blog message.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
We are located in Blairsville, Pa. but can encompass the eastern Pittsburgh Pa. areas, Uniontown Pa. areas, Johnstown Pa. areas and the Indiana Pa. area & others.
If you would like to get connected with a group such as this contact me through the comment link at the bottom of this blog message.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
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