Ham Salad Recipe
Buy a chunk of pressed ham (like chipped ham is cut from) and a piece of balogna then run it through a chopper. Usually I get a 1# piece of ham ( like the old Isaly's ham) and 1/2 # piece of Bologna ( inexpensive brand).
Next cut it into cubes and I just use a small food chopper to chop it fine.
Next mix the chopped meats with sweet relish about 2 tablespoons or to taste and add some mayo, just to mix enough to hold together. You should be able to taste the relish.
If you just want a smaller quantity then use about 1/2 # ham and 1/4 bologna adding relish and mayo to taste. It is easy, we grew up on it with our Mom and Grandma.
It is good on buns, bread or toast with lettuce, tomato and even swiss cheese if you like it. It is easy to make and once you get the taste you like the next time is easy to duplicate.
Hope you enjoy it I know we sure do.
Pastor Kitner
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
Saturday, October 13, 2012
"Last Straw - Un Friend Me"
I have a Face Book page and have some posts that speak to the more conservative views at times. I posted one that was sent to me by another friend that spoke of a former Obama supporter that went to see the movie about the year 2016 after a second set of 4 years under Obama and speaks of his mindset etc. It is not written by me but by someone who has changed their mind. It is more or less a man's opinion after he saw the movie.
A relatively new FB friend has an opinion that is different than the one expressed and has asked me to unfriend him because it was a last straw for him. Intolerance of opinions that differ with our own opinion is something I am thinking about, because I see that it is growing. From a political side that cries about intolerance as it suits them without giving tolerance to others. In the marketplace of free speech shouldn't we be able to express our thoughts without being so closed of that we can't allow others to voice themselves too?
If your friendship is so shallow then you tend to be like the old saying "Birds of a feather flock together" to the exclusion of all others.
I don't think that kind of seperation allows people to understand the others that are not of there same "feather". I am truly saddened by what I see happening.
John 15:12 (KJV) 12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Pastor Kitner
A relatively new FB friend has an opinion that is different than the one expressed and has asked me to unfriend him because it was a last straw for him. Intolerance of opinions that differ with our own opinion is something I am thinking about, because I see that it is growing. From a political side that cries about intolerance as it suits them without giving tolerance to others. In the marketplace of free speech shouldn't we be able to express our thoughts without being so closed of that we can't allow others to voice themselves too?
If your friendship is so shallow then you tend to be like the old saying "Birds of a feather flock together" to the exclusion of all others.
I don't think that kind of seperation allows people to understand the others that are not of there same "feather". I am truly saddened by what I see happening.
John 15:12 (KJV) 12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Pastor Kitner
Friday, September 28, 2012
10 Things about Pastors
Here are ten things every pastor wishes the congregation knew but doesn’t know how to say: I borrowed these from Brenda, Elaine and Josh - 2nd Generation and Mike Wilkins
(1) Your pastor has feelings. No seriously, he really does! Dealing with troubled marriages, addictions, mean-spirited congregants, constant complaints, and troubled spiritual lives can really weigh heavy on a person. It’s no small thing for a pastor to get up in the pulpit on Sunday with a smile on his face after he’s just visited a young man in jail, been witness to parents letting their children know they are getting a divorce, or counseled with that man dealing with a pornography addiction. It can break the strongest person. And if you say hurtful things to the pastor, even if you think you are right, learn to say: “I’m sorry.” If you do have criticism, never do it publicly (a cowardly way), but go to him privately and season your speech with grace.
(2) Your pastor needs encouragement. Don’t expect a pastor to ask for it, just give it. If your pastor does something meaningful that you appreciate, don’t take it for granted, let him know how much it mean to you! Discouragement is real! It is discouraging to watch people “fall by the way-side” after you have spend days and maybe weeks or months investing in them as a pastor. Your pastor always gets discouraging calls; maybe you could give him an encouraging one (without asking anything of him). A few simple words of encouragement can do more good than many voices of discouragement.
(3) Your pastor is probably under-paid. (Just assume he is and its the church’s responsibility to provide for him and his family.) I know people think pastors ought to be paid minimum wage so they can “rely on the Lord.” The pastor does rely on the Lord, there’s no need for further ‘testing.’ Pastors, when considering their education level as well as the ordination process of some denominations, have a very rigorous process to undergo before being fully ordained! The level of support that most churces provide is not even comparable to the amount of time, resources, education, giftedness, etc that it takes to become a pastor. Many pastors struggle to even pay off their under graduate or graduate education with the financial support they receive while pastoring a church. That, along with family responsibilities, financial expectations to give to the local church in every special offering (above & beyond tithe), and other financial issues, places a huge burden on the pastoral family. How many people would complain about the pastor’s atire if he wore the same suit every Sunday or drove a ‘clunker’ while out visiting parishners? Yet, if we’re not careful, we hold financial expectations on our pastor that are unfair. In many cases, when pastors retire from ministry, they are left to live off a social security check or the retirement fund of their spouse (shame on us). If we do not honor God’s spokesperson to the local church; God will not honor the church.
(4) Your pastor is under constant spiritual attack. Yeah, they deal with temptation too. It’s kind of like this: If you were fighting in the revolutionary war and you had one shot at the army charging at you would you shoot (1) the hundreds of foot soldiers charging or (2) the man riding the horse with a big plume in his hat? You got it! The pastor is in a place of leadership and if a pastor falls morally it causes a lot of discouragement and damage to the kingdom. Of course the Devil is going to target your pastor… especially if he is leading with integrity and the anointing of the Holy Spirit! Pray for your pastor. He needs it. Who will stand in the gap for their pastor?
(5) Your pastor’s spouse has the hardest job in the church. I can’t leave this one out. The spouse is not technically a staff person of the local church. Problem is, “pastor’s wife” is its own position! Expectations are high for this non-paid position. Too many people believe the pastor’s spouse ought to be a wonderful pianist, the friendliest greeter, a proficient Sunday School teacher, a fashion icon, a model of humility, a compassionate counselor, and the list goes on and on. There are few things that are difficult for the pastor’s spouse: unfair expectations from the congregagtion, everything they say or do is under scrutiny, their kids have to behave and act better than everyone elses kids, they get no down time, if they were really transparent their mate might be out of a job, and so much more. Being a pastor’s spouse can be one of the most lonely roles in the church. They often cannot even afford to have friends in the church for fear of betrayal or gossip. Try to make things pleasant for your pastor’s spouse: let them know they are appreciated and do not make them the “back-up plan” for every ministry in the church. Protect your pastor’s spouse, because your pastor needs their spouse more than they need you.
(6) Not everything is the pastor’s fault. This is hard to believe, I know. The pastor is certainly an easy one to blame everything on because they are the visible leaders of the local church. Don’t point fingers at the pastor every time something goes wrong or someone in the church is mad about something. If his preaching isn’t up to par maybe its because he is spending too much time vacuuming the sanctuary. If he isn’t visiting enough maybe its because he’s too busy putting out the fires of discontent that you or others are starting. Do something to help cover for him! If more people need to be visited; visit them. If a Sunday School class needs to be taught; teach it. If no one will do the power point; volunteer. Step up and into a place that you can be part of the solution instead of the problem. Blaming someone else for the church’s lack of effectiveness does not work! (Blame did not solve anything for Adam & Eve either.)
(7) Your pastor wishes he was Superman, but he is lucky to pull off Clark Kent some days. There are some things he just won’t be good at… sorry. Not every sermon will be a home run (that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t listen to them). Generally, he won’t be strong in every single area of pastoral ministry. It doesn’t mean he is a failure, it means the church needs to function as a body instead of “paying the preacher to do it all.” If a good pastor is guilty of anything, it is trying to be good at everything and then failing at everything. When you see your pastor trying to take on one more thing, that is the time to be stubborn and demand that he not add another thing to his list (tell him to add it to yours). This may be a shock to some, but your pastor does not know everything… the problem occurs when people treat him like he does not know anything.
(8) Your pastor is on call 24/7; try to be sympathetic when it comes to his time. Be considerate. Do not call your pastor before 8am or after 9pm except in an emergency. Try to work out the small stuff on your own. Do not be a “tattle tail” either. If there is a serious moral short coming, sure, that needs to be dealt with. But your pastor probably does not even care that someone looked at you cross-eyed during the offeratory. If that teenager keeps talking during service you deal with it or get over it. You know that guy you keep complaining is dropping cigarette butts in the flower bed, the pastor is trying to lead him to Christ. One day you may need the pastor in a real emergency so do not be the person always crying wolf! (As a side note, I might add that an over whelming majority of what people think is major, is in fact minor. Get a life, get a job, get out of your little world and try to catch the big picture of what Jesus is doing in the world around you!) Your pastor really cares about you, probably, but do not take advantage of that fact.
(9) Quit being so sensitive about EVERYTHING! This is a hard truth to swallow, but your pastor is not sitting around all week thinking of ways to offend you in his sermon on Sunday (and if he is, you must be a huge problem in the church). Keep in mind that the church is a family so we sometimes have conflict. Conflict is not bad in and of itself, it is what we do in that conflict that matters. Try giving your pastor the benefit of the doubt. Do not take everything personally. That chip on your shoulder may be restraining your pastor from doing what he needs to do to see the church move forward. Who wants to be a stumbling block? The reality is, your pastor wants what is spiritually the best for you and the church.
(10) Don’t make your pastor stand alone. If your pastor has really been called of God there will be times he must make a stand for truth. When he does that, your responsibility is to be a supporter of biblical truth. Stand with him. Complainers, slanderers, gossips, and those causing division in the church are always vocal, why not be vocal about supporting your pastor if he is standing up for what is right? Too many people hide in the trenches and let the pastor lead the charge into the lines of immorality while they sit safely in their bunker silently “admiring” their martyr pastor and discussing who they can find for a new pastor when this one gets eaten alive on the battlefield fighting for truth. Your pastor will only be able to take so many bullets with everyone hiding behind him before he will have to leave your church… wounded. Then you’ll get a pastor who may or may not stand up for what is right and you will have a wake of unsolved moral issues in your church that you will expect the next pastor to deal with alone as well. Sometimes this is as simple as letting him know verbally that you support him standing for truth. (It is not ever about sides, but it is about whether your pastor is doing right!)
(1) Your pastor has feelings. No seriously, he really does! Dealing with troubled marriages, addictions, mean-spirited congregants, constant complaints, and troubled spiritual lives can really weigh heavy on a person. It’s no small thing for a pastor to get up in the pulpit on Sunday with a smile on his face after he’s just visited a young man in jail, been witness to parents letting their children know they are getting a divorce, or counseled with that man dealing with a pornography addiction. It can break the strongest person. And if you say hurtful things to the pastor, even if you think you are right, learn to say: “I’m sorry.” If you do have criticism, never do it publicly (a cowardly way), but go to him privately and season your speech with grace.
(2) Your pastor needs encouragement. Don’t expect a pastor to ask for it, just give it. If your pastor does something meaningful that you appreciate, don’t take it for granted, let him know how much it mean to you! Discouragement is real! It is discouraging to watch people “fall by the way-side” after you have spend days and maybe weeks or months investing in them as a pastor. Your pastor always gets discouraging calls; maybe you could give him an encouraging one (without asking anything of him). A few simple words of encouragement can do more good than many voices of discouragement.
(3) Your pastor is probably under-paid. (Just assume he is and its the church’s responsibility to provide for him and his family.) I know people think pastors ought to be paid minimum wage so they can “rely on the Lord.” The pastor does rely on the Lord, there’s no need for further ‘testing.’ Pastors, when considering their education level as well as the ordination process of some denominations, have a very rigorous process to undergo before being fully ordained! The level of support that most churces provide is not even comparable to the amount of time, resources, education, giftedness, etc that it takes to become a pastor. Many pastors struggle to even pay off their under graduate or graduate education with the financial support they receive while pastoring a church. That, along with family responsibilities, financial expectations to give to the local church in every special offering (above & beyond tithe), and other financial issues, places a huge burden on the pastoral family. How many people would complain about the pastor’s atire if he wore the same suit every Sunday or drove a ‘clunker’ while out visiting parishners? Yet, if we’re not careful, we hold financial expectations on our pastor that are unfair. In many cases, when pastors retire from ministry, they are left to live off a social security check or the retirement fund of their spouse (shame on us). If we do not honor God’s spokesperson to the local church; God will not honor the church.
(4) Your pastor is under constant spiritual attack. Yeah, they deal with temptation too. It’s kind of like this: If you were fighting in the revolutionary war and you had one shot at the army charging at you would you shoot (1) the hundreds of foot soldiers charging or (2) the man riding the horse with a big plume in his hat? You got it! The pastor is in a place of leadership and if a pastor falls morally it causes a lot of discouragement and damage to the kingdom. Of course the Devil is going to target your pastor… especially if he is leading with integrity and the anointing of the Holy Spirit! Pray for your pastor. He needs it. Who will stand in the gap for their pastor?
(5) Your pastor’s spouse has the hardest job in the church. I can’t leave this one out. The spouse is not technically a staff person of the local church. Problem is, “pastor’s wife” is its own position! Expectations are high for this non-paid position. Too many people believe the pastor’s spouse ought to be a wonderful pianist, the friendliest greeter, a proficient Sunday School teacher, a fashion icon, a model of humility, a compassionate counselor, and the list goes on and on. There are few things that are difficult for the pastor’s spouse: unfair expectations from the congregagtion, everything they say or do is under scrutiny, their kids have to behave and act better than everyone elses kids, they get no down time, if they were really transparent their mate might be out of a job, and so much more. Being a pastor’s spouse can be one of the most lonely roles in the church. They often cannot even afford to have friends in the church for fear of betrayal or gossip. Try to make things pleasant for your pastor’s spouse: let them know they are appreciated and do not make them the “back-up plan” for every ministry in the church. Protect your pastor’s spouse, because your pastor needs their spouse more than they need you.
(6) Not everything is the pastor’s fault. This is hard to believe, I know. The pastor is certainly an easy one to blame everything on because they are the visible leaders of the local church. Don’t point fingers at the pastor every time something goes wrong or someone in the church is mad about something. If his preaching isn’t up to par maybe its because he is spending too much time vacuuming the sanctuary. If he isn’t visiting enough maybe its because he’s too busy putting out the fires of discontent that you or others are starting. Do something to help cover for him! If more people need to be visited; visit them. If a Sunday School class needs to be taught; teach it. If no one will do the power point; volunteer. Step up and into a place that you can be part of the solution instead of the problem. Blaming someone else for the church’s lack of effectiveness does not work! (Blame did not solve anything for Adam & Eve either.)
(7) Your pastor wishes he was Superman, but he is lucky to pull off Clark Kent some days. There are some things he just won’t be good at… sorry. Not every sermon will be a home run (that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t listen to them). Generally, he won’t be strong in every single area of pastoral ministry. It doesn’t mean he is a failure, it means the church needs to function as a body instead of “paying the preacher to do it all.” If a good pastor is guilty of anything, it is trying to be good at everything and then failing at everything. When you see your pastor trying to take on one more thing, that is the time to be stubborn and demand that he not add another thing to his list (tell him to add it to yours). This may be a shock to some, but your pastor does not know everything… the problem occurs when people treat him like he does not know anything.
(8) Your pastor is on call 24/7; try to be sympathetic when it comes to his time. Be considerate. Do not call your pastor before 8am or after 9pm except in an emergency. Try to work out the small stuff on your own. Do not be a “tattle tail” either. If there is a serious moral short coming, sure, that needs to be dealt with. But your pastor probably does not even care that someone looked at you cross-eyed during the offeratory. If that teenager keeps talking during service you deal with it or get over it. You know that guy you keep complaining is dropping cigarette butts in the flower bed, the pastor is trying to lead him to Christ. One day you may need the pastor in a real emergency so do not be the person always crying wolf! (As a side note, I might add that an over whelming majority of what people think is major, is in fact minor. Get a life, get a job, get out of your little world and try to catch the big picture of what Jesus is doing in the world around you!) Your pastor really cares about you, probably, but do not take advantage of that fact.
(9) Quit being so sensitive about EVERYTHING! This is a hard truth to swallow, but your pastor is not sitting around all week thinking of ways to offend you in his sermon on Sunday (and if he is, you must be a huge problem in the church). Keep in mind that the church is a family so we sometimes have conflict. Conflict is not bad in and of itself, it is what we do in that conflict that matters. Try giving your pastor the benefit of the doubt. Do not take everything personally. That chip on your shoulder may be restraining your pastor from doing what he needs to do to see the church move forward. Who wants to be a stumbling block? The reality is, your pastor wants what is spiritually the best for you and the church.
(10) Don’t make your pastor stand alone. If your pastor has really been called of God there will be times he must make a stand for truth. When he does that, your responsibility is to be a supporter of biblical truth. Stand with him. Complainers, slanderers, gossips, and those causing division in the church are always vocal, why not be vocal about supporting your pastor if he is standing up for what is right? Too many people hide in the trenches and let the pastor lead the charge into the lines of immorality while they sit safely in their bunker silently “admiring” their martyr pastor and discussing who they can find for a new pastor when this one gets eaten alive on the battlefield fighting for truth. Your pastor will only be able to take so many bullets with everyone hiding behind him before he will have to leave your church… wounded. Then you’ll get a pastor who may or may not stand up for what is right and you will have a wake of unsolved moral issues in your church that you will expect the next pastor to deal with alone as well. Sometimes this is as simple as letting him know verbally that you support him standing for truth. (It is not ever about sides, but it is about whether your pastor is doing right!)
I might be able to add to this list later, but I hope this might give insight to some lay person on how they can better be a Aaron or Hur for their Moses (Exodus 17:10-13). And to any of my current or past congregation members who might think I am talking about them… you bet I am.
Brenda, Elaine & Josh
2nd Generation
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
The Times We Live In
Romans 1:28 - 32 (NIV) 28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
We live in days that look an awful lot like the above. I can not believe that men and women that should be intelligent, can't even think on a ninth grade level anymore. There is a moral, mental, emotional and reasoning lack in our society.
The church has defected as well on so many counts. In the acceptance of homosexual ministers, living together before marriage, conceiving out of wedlock, etc.. This is the social acceptance of immorality within the church. Just where is it all going?
The church model I see in the Bible doesn't look like the club settings of today's churches. The idea pushed upon society of the world system has sadly been embrased by the church. Nobody wants to take any responsibility for doing it right because of pressure from society.
I have some questions for everyone that names the name of Jesus as their saviour:
Are you ready for His soon return?
When is the last time you thought about it?
What are you doing with the knowledge that you have?
Who are you telling about the Lord?
WHY are you here - What's your purpose?
Enough for now - think about it!
Pastor Kitner
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Trouble Ahead
Where there is no vision the people perish and where there is a conflict in the vision the people perish as well. The following are some good indicators of a church in trouble.
From Thom Rainer's article "10 Warning Signs for Churches" -
1. If the pastor does not have adequate time to be in the Word or if he chooses not to do so.
2. If the members are spending time arguing about how money should be spent.
3. If none or only a few of the key leaders are actively sharing their faith.
4. If there is no clear process of discipleship in place, just a plethora of programs and activities.
5. If corporate prayer is not a major emphasis in the church.
6. If church members are arguing about worship style or worship times.
7. If church members expect the paid staff to do most of the ministry, instead of the staff equipping the members to do the work of ministry (“Why didn’t he visit me in the hospital?”)
8. If there are ongoing disagreements about matters of the church facilities.
9. If the church has more meetings than new disciples.
10. If the leadership of the church does not have a coherent plan for what is taught in small groups and Sunday school classes.
Read the complete article here - http://bit.ly/lulIPJ
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
From Thom Rainer's article "10 Warning Signs for Churches" -
1. If the pastor does not have adequate time to be in the Word or if he chooses not to do so.
2. If the members are spending time arguing about how money should be spent.
3. If none or only a few of the key leaders are actively sharing their faith.
4. If there is no clear process of discipleship in place, just a plethora of programs and activities.
5. If corporate prayer is not a major emphasis in the church.
6. If church members are arguing about worship style or worship times.
7. If church members expect the paid staff to do most of the ministry, instead of the staff equipping the members to do the work of ministry (“Why didn’t he visit me in the hospital?”)
8. If there are ongoing disagreements about matters of the church facilities.
9. If the church has more meetings than new disciples.
10. If the leadership of the church does not have a coherent plan for what is taught in small groups and Sunday school classes.
Read the complete article here - http://bit.ly/lulIPJ
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Prayer Needs
What are Your Most Pressing Prayer Need?
What are your most pressing prayer needs/concerns that you have today? Write them down. Prayerfully find some scripture that you will use to pray for each of these needs.
Just a simple prayer guide for you to use.
Who is the person or persons that you want to see saved?
1. Family
2. Friend
3. other
List your own personal most pressing prayer needs/wants.
1. Spiritual need
2. Physical need
3. Emotional need
4. Mental need
5.Financial need
6. Job need
7. Marriage need
What do you see as the most pressing need the church you attend has?
How will you pray for this need?
Make yourself a list and if you want us to pray with you about something please send and e-mail to sonforu@verizon.net or charles.kitner@facebook.com
Blessings to You
Pastor Charles Kitner
What are your most pressing prayer needs/concerns that you have today? Write them down. Prayerfully find some scripture that you will use to pray for each of these needs.
Just a simple prayer guide for you to use.
Who is the person or persons that you want to see saved?
1. Family
2. Friend
3. other
List your own personal most pressing prayer needs/wants.
1. Spiritual need
2. Physical need
3. Emotional need
4. Mental need
5.Financial need
6. Job need
7. Marriage need
What do you see as the most pressing need the church you attend has?
How will you pray for this need?
Make yourself a list and if you want us to pray with you about something please send and e-mail to sonforu@verizon.net or charles.kitner@facebook.com
Blessings to You
Pastor Charles Kitner
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Wisdom or Recognition
In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask what I shall give you." Solomon said to God, "You have dealt with my father David with great lovingkindness, and have made me king in his place. Now, O LORD God, Your promise to my father David is fulfilled, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?" God said to Solomon, "Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you." So Solomon went from the high place which was at Gibeon, from the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem, and he reigned over Israel. (2 Chronicles 1:7-13 NASB)
While I was in prayer the Holy Spirit ran this by me: Do you look for wisdom or recognition? This is a question for all to answer, especially believers. Men look for recognition both from the Lord and from men. Some men will do anything for that recognition.
I believe the church is in a place where a lot of those that are in leadership are looking more for recognition than they are looking for wisdom to lead God's people. Solomon was not asking for either God or man to recognize him for who he was but that God would grant him wisdom to carry out his life assignment as ruler over the people of that God gave him.
In God's answer to Solomon we see that God had recognized him in the blessings and great recognition would be given to him by man in all those things that God gave to him in abundance. Jesus came that we might have life and in abundance...what do you seek God for?
God grant to us wisdom and understanding in abundance.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
While I was in prayer the Holy Spirit ran this by me: Do you look for wisdom or recognition? This is a question for all to answer, especially believers. Men look for recognition both from the Lord and from men. Some men will do anything for that recognition.
I believe the church is in a place where a lot of those that are in leadership are looking more for recognition than they are looking for wisdom to lead God's people. Solomon was not asking for either God or man to recognize him for who he was but that God would grant him wisdom to carry out his life assignment as ruler over the people of that God gave him.
In God's answer to Solomon we see that God had recognized him in the blessings and great recognition would be given to him by man in all those things that God gave to him in abundance. Jesus came that we might have life and in abundance...what do you seek God for?
God grant to us wisdom and understanding in abundance.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Worship the Lord Saying
Worship the Lord Saying
Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. (Matthew 15:21-28 KJV)
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV)
The heart of God is that all men would come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is their rest. Sometimes people tell you that you shouldn't bother the Lord with your problems as was the case of the blind man who called out to Jesus. People shushed him and told him not to bother the master. But he like or woman of Canaa persisted. They both got what they wanted. Persistance helps, but I want you to see something else in the above scripture. It says "Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me". Did you catch that? She worshipped Him saying...... The very fact that she was asking showed her faith in the Lord Jesus as her only hope of getting her answer and she would not let it go until she had an answer from the Lord. "Persistance in FAITH", she reverenced the Lord by her very question....Point made.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV)
The heart of God is that all men would come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is their rest. Sometimes people tell you that you shouldn't bother the Lord with your problems as was the case of the blind man who called out to Jesus. People shushed him and told him not to bother the master. But he like or woman of Canaa persisted. They both got what they wanted. Persistance helps, but I want you to see something else in the above scripture. It says "Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me". Did you catch that? She worshipped Him saying...... The very fact that she was asking showed her faith in the Lord Jesus as her only hope of getting her answer and she would not let it go until she had an answer from the Lord. "Persistance in FAITH", she reverenced the Lord by her very question....Point made.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Trust and Obey
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (Hebrews 11:7 KJV)
"Just do it" has been a saying for a while in our culture of today. Well in affect we can say that in our walk with God as well. "JUST DO IT" can be applied to those things that the Lord gives us to do. Obedience is always better than sacrifice. Obey the Lord and do what He wants you to do even if no one else understands or listens to you. By doing that you are causing two things to happen. One it will ultimately show you to be blessed of the Lord and two condemn the actions of those who mocked you, would not hear you or disobeyed God by not listening to what He was saying through you.
Be obedient, walk in faith, don't get discouraged and reap the blessing God has for you as Noah did.
Blessings on ya!
Pastor Kitner
"Just do it" has been a saying for a while in our culture of today. Well in affect we can say that in our walk with God as well. "JUST DO IT" can be applied to those things that the Lord gives us to do. Obedience is always better than sacrifice. Obey the Lord and do what He wants you to do even if no one else understands or listens to you. By doing that you are causing two things to happen. One it will ultimately show you to be blessed of the Lord and two condemn the actions of those who mocked you, would not hear you or disobeyed God by not listening to what He was saying through you.
Be obedient, walk in faith, don't get discouraged and reap the blessing God has for you as Noah did.
Blessings on ya!
Pastor Kitner
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Whose Church is it Anyway?
Matthew 16:13-20 (KJV) 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
This portion of scripture reveals the fact that the church belongs to Jesus Christ - It's His church...created by Him and for Him. The church does not belong to man to do with it what he wants. The church exists for the purposes of the kingdom of God.
Some observations about the church of the Lord Jesus Christ include:
The Church belongs to Jesus Christ
The Church does not belong to men
The Church is not of this world but is in the world
The Church is not a political entity or football
The Church is not goverened by the principles of the world
The Church is a place for God's people to learn and be equiped for the work of ministry Ephesians 4:11-16
The Church is people that are empowered by God Acts 1:8, John 14:12
The Church supposed to be one CHURCH in Christ see John 17
It is a living organism and not an inatimate building of bricks and mortar. The church cannot be stopped by Satan even though he does come against the church - he can't prevail against it or overpower it. The church has been empowered by God to do the works of ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
This portion of scripture reveals the fact that the church belongs to Jesus Christ - It's His church...created by Him and for Him. The church does not belong to man to do with it what he wants. The church exists for the purposes of the kingdom of God.
Some observations about the church of the Lord Jesus Christ include:
The Church belongs to Jesus Christ
The Church does not belong to men
The Church is not of this world but is in the world
The Church is not a political entity or football
The Church is not goverened by the principles of the world
The Church is a place for God's people to learn and be equiped for the work of ministry Ephesians 4:11-16
The Church is people that are empowered by God Acts 1:8, John 14:12
The Church supposed to be one CHURCH in Christ see John 17
It is a living organism and not an inatimate building of bricks and mortar. The church cannot be stopped by Satan even though he does come against the church - he can't prevail against it or overpower it. The church has been empowered by God to do the works of ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Monday, February 27, 2012
K.I.S.S. - FOCUS
Communication: Keep it Simple
Procter & Gamble Chief Executive A. G. Lafley believes that simplicity is the key to good communication. He told the U.S. News and World Report:
Repeat after me. If that sounds simplistic, Lafley is the first to admit that it is. Yet in a company where more than half the employees don't speak English as their first language, he says his Sesame Street- simple slogans, repeated over and over, keep everyone trained on what's important. Human beings "don't want to stay focused," he says. "So my job is to get them to focus their creativity around the focus; focus their productivity around the focus; focus their efficiency or effectiveness around the focus." Insecure leaders create complexity. Simple, direct language keeps people tuned in to what's important. Simple communication doesn’t come from a simple mind. It comes from tough-minded clarity of thought.
Jack Trout, a promoter of simplicity, suggests in his book The Power of Simplicity, that these famous adages wouldn’t be so famous if they had been written with a heavier hand and fancier words:
• Pulchritude possesses profundity of a merely cutaneous nature.
(Beauty is only skin deep.) Simply said.
• It is not efficacious to indoctrinate a superannuated canine with innovative maneuvers.
(You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.) Simply said.
• Visible vapors that issue from carbonaceous materials are a harbinger of imminent conflagration.
(Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.) Simply said.
• A revolving mass of lithic conglomerates does not accumulate a congery of small green bryophitic plants.
(A rolling stone gathers no moss.) Simply said.
Communicate the Gospel in simple terms and not in great theological terms that only those in the same circle know what was said.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Procter & Gamble Chief Executive A. G. Lafley believes that simplicity is the key to good communication. He told the U.S. News and World Report:
Repeat after me. If that sounds simplistic, Lafley is the first to admit that it is. Yet in a company where more than half the employees don't speak English as their first language, he says his Sesame Street- simple slogans, repeated over and over, keep everyone trained on what's important. Human beings "don't want to stay focused," he says. "So my job is to get them to focus their creativity around the focus; focus their productivity around the focus; focus their efficiency or effectiveness around the focus." Insecure leaders create complexity. Simple, direct language keeps people tuned in to what's important. Simple communication doesn’t come from a simple mind. It comes from tough-minded clarity of thought.
Jack Trout, a promoter of simplicity, suggests in his book The Power of Simplicity, that these famous adages wouldn’t be so famous if they had been written with a heavier hand and fancier words:
• Pulchritude possesses profundity of a merely cutaneous nature.
(Beauty is only skin deep.) Simply said.
• It is not efficacious to indoctrinate a superannuated canine with innovative maneuvers.
(You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.) Simply said.
• Visible vapors that issue from carbonaceous materials are a harbinger of imminent conflagration.
(Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.) Simply said.
• A revolving mass of lithic conglomerates does not accumulate a congery of small green bryophitic plants.
(A rolling stone gathers no moss.) Simply said.
Communicate the Gospel in simple terms and not in great theological terms that only those in the same circle know what was said.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Friday, February 24, 2012
AT THE FEET OF JESUS
AT THE FEET OF JESUS
Luke 8:35
I. IT IS A PLACE OF PARDON. Luke 7:38 "And (she) stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment."
II. IT IS A PLACE OF HEALING. Matthew 15:30 "And great multitudes came unto Him, having with them those that were' lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet, and he healed them:"
III. IT IS A PLACE OF LEARNING. Luke 10:39 "And she [Martha] had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His Word."
IV. IT IS A PLACE OF PRAYER. Mark 5:22 "And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet," 23 "And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live."
V. IT IS A PLACE OF WHOLENESS. Luke 8:35 "Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid."
(Copied from unknown)
======================
Luke 8:35 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
==================
Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
================
Just a thought for today!
*************************
"The basic question is not how much of our money should we give to God, but
how much of God's money should we keep for ourselves." - J. Oswald Sanders
================
Sympathy sees and says, "I'm sorry."
Compassion sees and says, "I'll help."
Luke 8:35
I. IT IS A PLACE OF PARDON. Luke 7:38 "And (she) stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment."
II. IT IS A PLACE OF HEALING. Matthew 15:30 "And great multitudes came unto Him, having with them those that were' lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet, and he healed them:"
III. IT IS A PLACE OF LEARNING. Luke 10:39 "And she [Martha] had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His Word."
IV. IT IS A PLACE OF PRAYER. Mark 5:22 "And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet," 23 "And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live."
V. IT IS A PLACE OF WHOLENESS. Luke 8:35 "Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid."
(Copied from unknown)
======================
Luke 8:35 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
==================
Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
================
Just a thought for today!
*************************
"The basic question is not how much of our money should we give to God, but
how much of God's money should we keep for ourselves." - J. Oswald Sanders
================
Sympathy sees and says, "I'm sorry."
Compassion sees and says, "I'll help."
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
For Such a Time as This!
For Such a Time as This!
God has raised and is raising me up to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. It is just the ministry that Jesus Himself did as He walked the face of the earth in the form of flesh. Much like Jesus I am an Apostle. The ministry I have been given is the ministry of edification to the Body of Christ, both locally and wherever the Lord would have me to go. As a man of God there in an anointing upon my life and a separation unto the Lord for His own good pleasure and training. God has kept me in a place called Blairsville, Pa. for 24 years now to teach me His ways and His Word.
I had wanted to leave Blairsville for so long and move to another place of ministry. There seemed to be nothing happening here for me, but God would not open another door for me to leave. I was accepted as pastor of another work once but even though they wanted me to come to be their pastor, God made it clear to my wife and to me that this was not His will for us to leave Blairsville Pa. at that time. I have learned that if I had gone to the place that I was accepted by the people to be their pastor, that I would have had to go through the same fiery process again there, in God’s training process. Finally, like Paul, I learned to say I have learned to be content in what-so-ever state I’m in. This opens the door for God to do what He wants to do because He is the one that orders my steps.
At this time I believe that God is calling me to a greater work with pastors. There is a revival and awakening coming and God wants the pastors trained to handle the move of God when people get saved and filter into the churches. The Five Fold Ministry described in Ephesians 4:11-16+ is the format for the church and how the church should be as the body of Christ in the earth today. The Apostle, the prophet, the Evangelist, the Pastor and the Teacher are the ones that are the Gifts of God as men to the church to equip her, edify her and to send out into ministry to reach our world for Christ.
God is putting teams of people, of like precious faith and heart, together to have time of teaching, prayer, understanding, friendship, mentorship sharing and equipping for the strong move of God that is expected in the church today. Men and women hungering and thirsting for God who will be filled.
God has raised and is raising me up to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. It is just the ministry that Jesus Himself did as He walked the face of the earth in the form of flesh. Much like Jesus I am an Apostle. The ministry I have been given is the ministry of edification to the Body of Christ, both locally and wherever the Lord would have me to go. As a man of God there in an anointing upon my life and a separation unto the Lord for His own good pleasure and training. God has kept me in a place called Blairsville, Pa. for 24 years now to teach me His ways and His Word.
I had wanted to leave Blairsville for so long and move to another place of ministry. There seemed to be nothing happening here for me, but God would not open another door for me to leave. I was accepted as pastor of another work once but even though they wanted me to come to be their pastor, God made it clear to my wife and to me that this was not His will for us to leave Blairsville Pa. at that time. I have learned that if I had gone to the place that I was accepted by the people to be their pastor, that I would have had to go through the same fiery process again there, in God’s training process. Finally, like Paul, I learned to say I have learned to be content in what-so-ever state I’m in. This opens the door for God to do what He wants to do because He is the one that orders my steps.
At this time I believe that God is calling me to a greater work with pastors. There is a revival and awakening coming and God wants the pastors trained to handle the move of God when people get saved and filter into the churches. The Five Fold Ministry described in Ephesians 4:11-16+ is the format for the church and how the church should be as the body of Christ in the earth today. The Apostle, the prophet, the Evangelist, the Pastor and the Teacher are the ones that are the Gifts of God as men to the church to equip her, edify her and to send out into ministry to reach our world for Christ.
God is putting teams of people, of like precious faith and heart, together to have time of teaching, prayer, understanding, friendship, mentorship sharing and equipping for the strong move of God that is expected in the church today. Men and women hungering and thirsting for God who will be filled.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Look Unto The Author and Finisher of Your Faith
When they say to you, "Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter," should not a people consult their God? {Should they} {consult} the dead on behalf of the living?
Isaiah 8:19 (NAS)
Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 19:31 (NAV)
The secret [things belong] unto the LORD our God: but those [things which are] revealed [belong] unto us and to our children for ever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.
Deuteronomy 29:29
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from thence.
Luke 16:25-26 (KJV)
Matthew 22:37 - 40 (NIV) 37Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
If you are seeking answers in your life from any other source than God, it is a form of idolatry and is seeking something from other than God resources for you. Horoscopes etc are included in this. They are looking to something other than God for help and understanding and it is an abomination to God.
Hebrews 12:1 - 2 (KJV) 1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Blessings to you.
Pastor Kitner
Isaiah 8:19 (NAS)
Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 19:31 (NAV)
The secret [things belong] unto the LORD our God: but those [things which are] revealed [belong] unto us and to our children for ever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.
Deuteronomy 29:29
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from thence.
Luke 16:25-26 (KJV)
Matthew 22:37 - 40 (NIV) 37Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
If you are seeking answers in your life from any other source than God, it is a form of idolatry and is seeking something from other than God resources for you. Horoscopes etc are included in this. They are looking to something other than God for help and understanding and it is an abomination to God.
Hebrews 12:1 - 2 (KJV) 1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Blessings to you.
Pastor Kitner
Friday, February 17, 2012
Have You Been Frustrated Lately?
Be encouraged in the Lord today!
Have you been frustrated lately with what is or isn't happening with you and the Lord? Especially in areas that you know what is supposed to be your destination or vision and the lack of the fulfillment of it. Well have you considered that the Lord is allowing the events of your life to be ordered so your faith is tried and perfected. You are learning to follow Him even when everyone is upset at you for the way things are now.
We need to learn to move when the Lord says move and stand still when the Lord says stand still in obedience to Him. Our leadership is being perfected and it must be done as He leads us. Consider the following scripture:
Psalms 130:5-6(KJV)
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
Those that wait for the morning know it is coming with assurance. God Word is sure.
We must wait upon the Lord in two ways. That is to serve Him and patiently wait on instruction to accomplish what He wants us to do.
So I want to encourage you this morning or evening, depending upon where you are, not to get frustrated and think you have missed God just because people are upset with you. God's timing is everything and you are being tried as a leader and follower of God.
Be blessed today!
Pastor Kitner
Have you been frustrated lately with what is or isn't happening with you and the Lord? Especially in areas that you know what is supposed to be your destination or vision and the lack of the fulfillment of it. Well have you considered that the Lord is allowing the events of your life to be ordered so your faith is tried and perfected. You are learning to follow Him even when everyone is upset at you for the way things are now.
We need to learn to move when the Lord says move and stand still when the Lord says stand still in obedience to Him. Our leadership is being perfected and it must be done as He leads us. Consider the following scripture:
Psalms 130:5-6(KJV)
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
Those that wait for the morning know it is coming with assurance. God Word is sure.
We must wait upon the Lord in two ways. That is to serve Him and patiently wait on instruction to accomplish what He wants us to do.
So I want to encourage you this morning or evening, depending upon where you are, not to get frustrated and think you have missed God just because people are upset with you. God's timing is everything and you are being tried as a leader and follower of God.
Be blessed today!
Pastor Kitner
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Thought Provoking Church Sign
To answer a question sent in the mail regarding our Church Sign.
Dear Loretta
Greetings in Jesus Name!
I trust that this letter finds you in good health and wanting the answer to your question about our church sign and its’ message.
“Trust God for Your Isaac” is half of the sign. On the other side it said “Don’t settle for an Ishmael”
As you would read through the Bible account of the life of Abraham you will find in Chapters 15 through 21 of Genesis, some interesting things about God, the man Abram (Abraham) and Sarai (Sarah) his wife.
Isaac was to be the child of promise between Abram and Sarai and Ishmael was the child that was conceived between Abram and Sarai’s concubine and not the child of God’s promise. The blessing of God was through Isaac the child of promise and not Ishmael.
The idea behind the sign is that when seeking God for something wait on His provision and answer so you get the right thing and not your own thing by helping God out because of impatience etc..
At the church here, we want to build a new building so we have better facilities to worship God and train people. We want God’s best and not what we perceive as the best by trying to just build anything so we can say we are building a building. We are trusting God for the resources to build what He wants us to build.
Serving Christ for you.
Reverend Charles Kitner
First Assembly of God
987 Old Wm. Penn Hwy.
Blairsville, Pa 15717
Dear Loretta
Greetings in Jesus Name!
I trust that this letter finds you in good health and wanting the answer to your question about our church sign and its’ message.
“Trust God for Your Isaac” is half of the sign. On the other side it said “Don’t settle for an Ishmael”
As you would read through the Bible account of the life of Abraham you will find in Chapters 15 through 21 of Genesis, some interesting things about God, the man Abram (Abraham) and Sarai (Sarah) his wife.
Isaac was to be the child of promise between Abram and Sarai and Ishmael was the child that was conceived between Abram and Sarai’s concubine and not the child of God’s promise. The blessing of God was through Isaac the child of promise and not Ishmael.
The idea behind the sign is that when seeking God for something wait on His provision and answer so you get the right thing and not your own thing by helping God out because of impatience etc..
At the church here, we want to build a new building so we have better facilities to worship God and train people. We want God’s best and not what we perceive as the best by trying to just build anything so we can say we are building a building. We are trusting God for the resources to build what He wants us to build.
Serving Christ for you.
Reverend Charles Kitner
First Assembly of God
987 Old Wm. Penn Hwy.
Blairsville, Pa 15717
I Have Finished My Course
I Have Finished My Course
2 Timothy 4:6-8(KJV)
6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Can you with Paul say these things about yourself with an assurance that you have completed your course of life?
In order to say that in our lives, several things have to happen.
1. You need to know what the course of your life is – purpose.
2. You need to know how to fight the good fight – warfare.
3. You need to keep the faith – know in whom you have believed.
4. You need to be steadfast – focused
So many Christians go through life with no goal or target to aim at. Bouncing around in the sea of life like a tiny bobber at the mercy of the currents of life. They are just tossed to and fro by the waves of life's ups and downs at will.
To finish our course with the idea of being successful in our life we must find our purpose, and know who we are to the degree that it becomes the driving force of our life and faith. This necessitates the giving ourselves to it to the fullest being steadfast, unwavering in our faithfulness to the calling and purpose of God for our life.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
2 Timothy 4:6-8(KJV)
6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Can you with Paul say these things about yourself with an assurance that you have completed your course of life?
In order to say that in our lives, several things have to happen.
1. You need to know what the course of your life is – purpose.
2. You need to know how to fight the good fight – warfare.
3. You need to keep the faith – know in whom you have believed.
4. You need to be steadfast – focused
So many Christians go through life with no goal or target to aim at. Bouncing around in the sea of life like a tiny bobber at the mercy of the currents of life. They are just tossed to and fro by the waves of life's ups and downs at will.
To finish our course with the idea of being successful in our life we must find our purpose, and know who we are to the degree that it becomes the driving force of our life and faith. This necessitates the giving ourselves to it to the fullest being steadfast, unwavering in our faithfulness to the calling and purpose of God for our life.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
If I live to be 100
"Show me, Lord, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
even those who seem secure. "Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;
in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
without knowing whose it will finally be. "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you. (Psalm 39:4-7 NIV)
In reality life on this earth is the shortest part of our existance. If we live to be 110 it is still only a dot on the timeline of eternity. Yet folks spend most of their time on the earth seeking the temporal riches that will all disapear or that will be left behind for others to enjoy or waste depending on their philosophy of life. So what is the point here. Well it would stand to reason that one would prepare more for the longest period of his or her existance.
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4 NIV)
If you are indeed a Christian, what is your affection set on. Earthly riches, things and matters of satisfying the flesh or heavenly things preparing for the time you will be with Jesus Christ forever. Where is your treasure for where it is there will your heart be set.
Jesus spoke to this matter in several ways and the following scripture is one way that He addressed the importance of our relationship with God.
Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37, 39, 40 NIV)
Focus on the more important things of this life for they are the eternal values that will carry you through eternity.
Be blessed,
Pastor Kitner
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
even those who seem secure. "Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;
in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
without knowing whose it will finally be. "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you. (Psalm 39:4-7 NIV)
In reality life on this earth is the shortest part of our existance. If we live to be 110 it is still only a dot on the timeline of eternity. Yet folks spend most of their time on the earth seeking the temporal riches that will all disapear or that will be left behind for others to enjoy or waste depending on their philosophy of life. So what is the point here. Well it would stand to reason that one would prepare more for the longest period of his or her existance.
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4 NIV)
If you are indeed a Christian, what is your affection set on. Earthly riches, things and matters of satisfying the flesh or heavenly things preparing for the time you will be with Jesus Christ forever. Where is your treasure for where it is there will your heart be set.
Jesus spoke to this matter in several ways and the following scripture is one way that He addressed the importance of our relationship with God.
Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37, 39, 40 NIV)
Focus on the more important things of this life for they are the eternal values that will carry you through eternity.
Be blessed,
Pastor Kitner
Monday, February 13, 2012
Get Understanding!
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7 KJV)
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:13-18 KJV)
Wisdom is something to desire and seek after for sure as one can see from the scriptures above.
One can also see that there is more to get as well as wisdom and that is understanding.
Understanding can be looked at in at least two ways as I view it. The first way to look at what understanding is for us is the correct application of wisdom. Wisdom is knowledge of what is correct to do but if it is not correctly applied to our lives it has been gotten in vain. Solomon was wise but after a while lacked proper understanding where what he knew was not applied to his own life and he was drawn aside from doing what was right to do. His judgement was clouded. The second way to view understanding can be seen in the correct identification of wisdom and it's source. For instance in the Garden of Eden the serpent told eve that if she would eat from the tree in in the midst of the garden that her eyes would be opened. Eve lacked understanding of the source of the wisdom offered to her because it touched her physical senses as being good.
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. (Genesis 3:6 KJV)
We need to depend on God's Word and not our senses only in the discernment of the source of the wisdom offered too us. James 3:17 is a guide to understanding the source of wisdom as being from God or not. If we understand the source as being correct then we can endeavor to properly apply the wisdom in our lives with good results.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:13-18 KJV)
Wisdom is something to desire and seek after for sure as one can see from the scriptures above.
One can also see that there is more to get as well as wisdom and that is understanding.
Understanding can be looked at in at least two ways as I view it. The first way to look at what understanding is for us is the correct application of wisdom. Wisdom is knowledge of what is correct to do but if it is not correctly applied to our lives it has been gotten in vain. Solomon was wise but after a while lacked proper understanding where what he knew was not applied to his own life and he was drawn aside from doing what was right to do. His judgement was clouded. The second way to view understanding can be seen in the correct identification of wisdom and it's source. For instance in the Garden of Eden the serpent told eve that if she would eat from the tree in in the midst of the garden that her eyes would be opened. Eve lacked understanding of the source of the wisdom offered to her because it touched her physical senses as being good.
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. (Genesis 3:6 KJV)
We need to depend on God's Word and not our senses only in the discernment of the source of the wisdom offered too us. James 3:17 is a guide to understanding the source of wisdom as being from God or not. If we understand the source as being correct then we can endeavor to properly apply the wisdom in our lives with good results.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Expectations
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? (Luke 16:10-12 KJV)
What I have observed in the church is that the expectations of God from us is one of the least approached topics. God looks for faithfulness from His children. Here in these scriptures it is shown as something that is important. It is a measure of our trustworthiness in the handling of the things of the kingdom. Faithfulness in the handling of finances even that are not yours. Taking care of something that belongs to others shows that the responsibility is there for more that is your own.
In Matthew 25:14-30 shows us that the good and faithful servants were each rewarded with the invitation to enter into the joy of the Lord and the one servant that had gotten less to work with than the other two, didn't meet any of the expectations of the master and was not rewarded. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 25:30 KJV)
Adam and Eve were told to be fruitful and multiply so from the begining we see that God has expectations and the body of Christ needs to be made aware once again that this is so. What does God expect from you personally?
Blessings on Ya
Pastor Kitner
What I have observed in the church is that the expectations of God from us is one of the least approached topics. God looks for faithfulness from His children. Here in these scriptures it is shown as something that is important. It is a measure of our trustworthiness in the handling of the things of the kingdom. Faithfulness in the handling of finances even that are not yours. Taking care of something that belongs to others shows that the responsibility is there for more that is your own.
In Matthew 25:14-30 shows us that the good and faithful servants were each rewarded with the invitation to enter into the joy of the Lord and the one servant that had gotten less to work with than the other two, didn't meet any of the expectations of the master and was not rewarded. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 25:30 KJV)
Adam and Eve were told to be fruitful and multiply so from the begining we see that God has expectations and the body of Christ needs to be made aware once again that this is so. What does God expect from you personally?
Blessings on Ya
Pastor Kitner
Thursday, February 2, 2012
How do You Handle Stress?
And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. (1 Samuel 30:1-6 KJV) (Read 1 Samuel 30:1-20)
And you think you are stressed out when you come home from a hard day's work. David and his men came home to total devastation. Their families taken captive, their posessions taken and their homes destroyed by fire. David and all that were with him wailed and cried aloud weeping until they could weep no more. All of them were in anguish including David but the men began to blame David and wanted to stone him. David had lost his two wives and his posessions also and his anguish and distress was the same as theirs at that point. The difference was in how the men and David approached the situation. We can learn here too.
There were two courses of action shown here in this situation. The one course was shown by the way that the men who had fought alongside David reacted and how they wanted to solve their perception of the problem at hand and the other was how David approached the whole thing.
The men who were grieved sought to lay blame on someone for the situation. David was where they decided to lay the blame for their troubles. Their reasoning could have been, after all if we hadn't been off with David doing battle we would still have our families and all of our posessions. They wanted to extract a pound of flesh. The question is this: would it have solved the real problem at hand? Their reasoning power was clouded and working from the feelings of their hurt, both mentally and emotionally. Have you ever been there and done that?
David on the other hand, even though he was the leader and had suffered the same losses as the others and was feeling the pain of it, took a different approach to the total problem at hand. He first encouraged himself in the Lord his God. Not reacting from feelings of the flesh but going to God. Encouraging himself in the Lord. David knew God and His nature, and the abilities of God to help in the time of trouble. He reflected on God and promises that he knew God had made. Next he sent for the priest Abiathar and asked him to bring the ephod to him. He then enquired of God concerning the problem that they all had and as to what he should do. He got God's answer and acted on it, pursued and recovered all for everybody concerned not just for himself.
The lesson I see here is that in times of stress and extreme stress we should not panic. We should not react from the hurts of our felsh and out of emotions with an irrational mindset or out of selfishness, concerned with only ourselves. We need to reflect on God, His nature and His unchanging Word and ask Him what to do, getting His direction and obeying his instructions to us. Then the solution to the real problem will benefit all concerned.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
And you think you are stressed out when you come home from a hard day's work. David and his men came home to total devastation. Their families taken captive, their posessions taken and their homes destroyed by fire. David and all that were with him wailed and cried aloud weeping until they could weep no more. All of them were in anguish including David but the men began to blame David and wanted to stone him. David had lost his two wives and his posessions also and his anguish and distress was the same as theirs at that point. The difference was in how the men and David approached the situation. We can learn here too.
There were two courses of action shown here in this situation. The one course was shown by the way that the men who had fought alongside David reacted and how they wanted to solve their perception of the problem at hand and the other was how David approached the whole thing.
The men who were grieved sought to lay blame on someone for the situation. David was where they decided to lay the blame for their troubles. Their reasoning could have been, after all if we hadn't been off with David doing battle we would still have our families and all of our posessions. They wanted to extract a pound of flesh. The question is this: would it have solved the real problem at hand? Their reasoning power was clouded and working from the feelings of their hurt, both mentally and emotionally. Have you ever been there and done that?
David on the other hand, even though he was the leader and had suffered the same losses as the others and was feeling the pain of it, took a different approach to the total problem at hand. He first encouraged himself in the Lord his God. Not reacting from feelings of the flesh but going to God. Encouraging himself in the Lord. David knew God and His nature, and the abilities of God to help in the time of trouble. He reflected on God and promises that he knew God had made. Next he sent for the priest Abiathar and asked him to bring the ephod to him. He then enquired of God concerning the problem that they all had and as to what he should do. He got God's answer and acted on it, pursued and recovered all for everybody concerned not just for himself.
The lesson I see here is that in times of stress and extreme stress we should not panic. We should not react from the hurts of our felsh and out of emotions with an irrational mindset or out of selfishness, concerned with only ourselves. We need to reflect on God, His nature and His unchanging Word and ask Him what to do, getting His direction and obeying his instructions to us. Then the solution to the real problem will benefit all concerned.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
What's Your Goal?
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:23 KJV)
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12 KJV)
People wander around aimlessly with no real purpose, They are wondering who am I and what am I here for?
I started a series in the church I pastor, inspired by the book "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. I have observed that much of the church is in the same place that the unbeliever is in because they don't have a grasp on their purpose in this life. Paul puts it into perspective when he says: I must apprehend that for which I also have been apprehended. Many people never get there.
Your job may or may not be part of your purpose. A job is a provision as a means to an end at times. It provides you with money to carry out your purpose. For example Paul was a tent maker.
I want to ask you today the same question that my father-in-law always asked me, and it used to drive me up a tree so to speak. He used to ask me "What's your goal boy, what's your goal?" Well what's your goal? What is that thing that drives all that you do? To what end are your striving for? In other words, what is your purpose in this life?
My purpose is doing what Paul said in apprehending that for which I have also been apprehended and to hear those words of Jesus when I stand before Him. "Well done my good and faithful servant". Everything in my life hinges on these two factors.
In order for one to get to that point they must build their relationship with the Lord of their life and come to the place where they obey Him and fulfill their purpose no matter where they are. God has saved us unto good works that are ordained by Him.
What's your goal, purpose, and/or calling? Do you know?
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12 KJV)
People wander around aimlessly with no real purpose, They are wondering who am I and what am I here for?
I started a series in the church I pastor, inspired by the book "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. I have observed that much of the church is in the same place that the unbeliever is in because they don't have a grasp on their purpose in this life. Paul puts it into perspective when he says: I must apprehend that for which I also have been apprehended. Many people never get there.
Your job may or may not be part of your purpose. A job is a provision as a means to an end at times. It provides you with money to carry out your purpose. For example Paul was a tent maker.
I want to ask you today the same question that my father-in-law always asked me, and it used to drive me up a tree so to speak. He used to ask me "What's your goal boy, what's your goal?" Well what's your goal? What is that thing that drives all that you do? To what end are your striving for? In other words, what is your purpose in this life?
My purpose is doing what Paul said in apprehending that for which I have also been apprehended and to hear those words of Jesus when I stand before Him. "Well done my good and faithful servant". Everything in my life hinges on these two factors.
In order for one to get to that point they must build their relationship with the Lord of their life and come to the place where they obey Him and fulfill their purpose no matter where they are. God has saved us unto good works that are ordained by Him.
What's your goal, purpose, and/or calling? Do you know?
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Stone Disappears
January 25, 2012
I went today to have a kidney stone removed through a laser procedure. However when they went into the ureter and even up into the kidney they could not find the stone that had definitely been there. I had had a CTSCAN that showed it lodged in the ureter and the urin backup into the kidney and the doctor had shown me the scan and all that was concerned with it. There was no question that the stone was in the ureter and they had the measurements of it as well. The left ureter was about 6 times the size of the right one and that was because of the blockage.
Now, I did not pass this stone or I would have definitely known it. The doctor told me that if I would pass it that it would be like a woman having a 10# baby. So the question would be: Just what happened to this stone? I had a number of people praying for me and I believe that the Lord disenegrated it because I have had no pain with it at all and I did not feel anything at all pass in the urin. I will just say Praise the LORD and give testimony as to His goodness and Mercy to me.
Be blessed!
Pastor Kitner
I went today to have a kidney stone removed through a laser procedure. However when they went into the ureter and even up into the kidney they could not find the stone that had definitely been there. I had had a CTSCAN that showed it lodged in the ureter and the urin backup into the kidney and the doctor had shown me the scan and all that was concerned with it. There was no question that the stone was in the ureter and they had the measurements of it as well. The left ureter was about 6 times the size of the right one and that was because of the blockage.
Now, I did not pass this stone or I would have definitely known it. The doctor told me that if I would pass it that it would be like a woman having a 10# baby. So the question would be: Just what happened to this stone? I had a number of people praying for me and I believe that the Lord disenegrated it because I have had no pain with it at all and I did not feel anything at all pass in the urin. I will just say Praise the LORD and give testimony as to His goodness and Mercy to me.
Be blessed!
Pastor Kitner
Monday, January 16, 2012
God Gets Angry
And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. (Exodus 4:13, 14 KJV)
After God told Moses that He would be with his mouth and teach him what to say Moses made one last hesitating excuse. Moses said, O my Lord, send I pray thee by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. Whoever you send Lord. God got upset with Moses at this and asked him yet another question which gives yet one more revelation of God to Moses. Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God. (Exodus 4:14, 16 KJV)
When God wants to get something done He will make a way to get the job done. God is the resourcer of the things He calls you to do. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
I'll teach you and Aaron what to do. I'll tell you, you tell him and he will speak for you. Oh and Moses, " And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs." (Exodus 4:17 KJV) You shall - not you might - God's mind was made up as to what was to be done.
What is it that God is assuring you of today. God is faithful you can trust Him.
Blessings
Pastor Kitner
After God told Moses that He would be with his mouth and teach him what to say Moses made one last hesitating excuse. Moses said, O my Lord, send I pray thee by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. Whoever you send Lord. God got upset with Moses at this and asked him yet another question which gives yet one more revelation of God to Moses. Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God. (Exodus 4:14, 16 KJV)
When God wants to get something done He will make a way to get the job done. God is the resourcer of the things He calls you to do. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
I'll teach you and Aaron what to do. I'll tell you, you tell him and he will speak for you. Oh and Moses, " And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs." (Exodus 4:17 KJV) You shall - not you might - God's mind was made up as to what was to be done.
What is it that God is assuring you of today. God is faithful you can trust Him.
Blessings
Pastor Kitner
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Us Old Geesers
To my friends - Just because I’m forwarding this to you doesn’t mean that I view you in that category, but I have been there, and
experienced all the things remembered then. Just wish we could experience them again now.
Kim
I'm a member ...
Grey-Haired Brigade
Grey-Haired Brigade
They like to refer to us as senior citizens, old fogies, geezers, and in some cases dinosaurs. Some of us are "Baby Boomers" getting ready to retire. Others have been retired for some time. We walk a little slower these days and our eyes and hearing are not what they once were. We have worked hard, raised our children, worshiped our God and grown old together. Yes, we are the ones some refer to as being over the hill, and that is probably true. But before writing us off completely, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration.
In school we studied English, history, math, and science which enabled us to lead America into the technological age. Most of us remember what outhouses were, many of us with firsthand experience. We remember the days of telephone party-lines, 25 cent gasoline, and milk and ice being delivered to our homes. For those of you who don't know what an icebox is, today they are electric and referred to as refrigerators. A few even remember when cars were started with a crank. Yes, we lived those days.
We are probably considered old fashioned and out-dated by many. But there are a few things you need to remember before completely writing us off. We won World War II, fought in Korea and Viet Nam. We can quote The Pledge of Allegiance, and know where to place our hand while doing so. We wore the uniform of our country with pride and lost many friends on the battlefield. We didn't fight for the Socialist States of America, we fought for the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave." We wore different uniforms but carried the same flag. We know the words to the Star Spangled Banner, America ,and America the Beautiful by heart, and you may even see some tears running down our cheeks as we sing. We have lived what many of you have only read about in history books and we feel no obligation to apologize to anyone for America.
Yes, we are old and slow these days but rest assured, we have at least one good fight left in us. We have loved this country, fought for it, and died for it, and now we are going to save it. It is our country and nobody is going to take it away from us. We took oaths to defend America against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that is an oath we plan to keep. There are those who want to destroy this land we love but, like our founders, there is no way we are going to remain silent.
It was mostly the young people of this nation who elected Obama and the Democratic Congress. You fell for the "Hope and Change" which in reality was nothing but "Hype and Lies." You have tasted socialism and seen evil face to face, and have found you don't like it after all. You make a lot of noise, but most are all too interested in their careers or "Climbing the Social Ladder" to be involved in such mundane things as patriotism and voting. Many of those who fell for the "Great Lie" in 2008 are now having buyer's remorse. With all the education we gave you, you didn't have sense enough to see through the lies and instead drank the 'Cool-Aid.' Now you're paying the price and complaining about it. No jobs, lost mortgages, higher taxes, and less freedom. This is what you voted for and this is what you got. We entrusted you with the Torch of Liberty and you traded it for a paycheck and a fancy house.
Well, don't worry youngsters, the Grey-Haired Brigade is here, and in 2012 we are going to take back our nation. We may drive a little slower than you would like but we get where we're going, and in 2012 we're going to the polls by the millions. This land does not belong to the man in the White House nor to the likes of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. It belongs to "We the People" and "We the People" plan to reclaim our land and our freedom. We hope this time you will do a better job of preserving it and passing it along to our grandchildren. So the next time you have the chance to say the Pledge of Allegiance, Stand up, put your hand over your heart, honor our country, and thank God for the old geezers of the "Grey-Haired Brigade."
Author, Anon. Grey-Haired Brigade Member
Footnote:
This is spot on. I am another Gray-Haired Geezer signing on. I will circulate this to other Gray-Haired Geezers all over this once great county. Can you feel the ground shaking??? It's not an earthquake, it is a STAMPEDE.
experienced all the things remembered then. Just wish we could experience them again now.
Kim
I'm a member ...
Grey-Haired Brigade
Grey-Haired Brigade
They like to refer to us as senior citizens, old fogies, geezers, and in some cases dinosaurs. Some of us are "Baby Boomers" getting ready to retire. Others have been retired for some time. We walk a little slower these days and our eyes and hearing are not what they once were. We have worked hard, raised our children, worshiped our God and grown old together. Yes, we are the ones some refer to as being over the hill, and that is probably true. But before writing us off completely, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration.
In school we studied English, history, math, and science which enabled us to lead America into the technological age. Most of us remember what outhouses were, many of us with firsthand experience. We remember the days of telephone party-lines, 25 cent gasoline, and milk and ice being delivered to our homes. For those of you who don't know what an icebox is, today they are electric and referred to as refrigerators. A few even remember when cars were started with a crank. Yes, we lived those days.
We are probably considered old fashioned and out-dated by many. But there are a few things you need to remember before completely writing us off. We won World War II, fought in Korea and Viet Nam. We can quote The Pledge of Allegiance, and know where to place our hand while doing so. We wore the uniform of our country with pride and lost many friends on the battlefield. We didn't fight for the Socialist States of America, we fought for the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave." We wore different uniforms but carried the same flag. We know the words to the Star Spangled Banner, America ,and America the Beautiful by heart, and you may even see some tears running down our cheeks as we sing. We have lived what many of you have only read about in history books and we feel no obligation to apologize to anyone for America.
Yes, we are old and slow these days but rest assured, we have at least one good fight left in us. We have loved this country, fought for it, and died for it, and now we are going to save it. It is our country and nobody is going to take it away from us. We took oaths to defend America against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that is an oath we plan to keep. There are those who want to destroy this land we love but, like our founders, there is no way we are going to remain silent.
It was mostly the young people of this nation who elected Obama and the Democratic Congress. You fell for the "Hope and Change" which in reality was nothing but "Hype and Lies." You have tasted socialism and seen evil face to face, and have found you don't like it after all. You make a lot of noise, but most are all too interested in their careers or "Climbing the Social Ladder" to be involved in such mundane things as patriotism and voting. Many of those who fell for the "Great Lie" in 2008 are now having buyer's remorse. With all the education we gave you, you didn't have sense enough to see through the lies and instead drank the 'Cool-Aid.' Now you're paying the price and complaining about it. No jobs, lost mortgages, higher taxes, and less freedom. This is what you voted for and this is what you got. We entrusted you with the Torch of Liberty and you traded it for a paycheck and a fancy house.
Well, don't worry youngsters, the Grey-Haired Brigade is here, and in 2012 we are going to take back our nation. We may drive a little slower than you would like but we get where we're going, and in 2012 we're going to the polls by the millions. This land does not belong to the man in the White House nor to the likes of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. It belongs to "We the People" and "We the People" plan to reclaim our land and our freedom. We hope this time you will do a better job of preserving it and passing it along to our grandchildren. So the next time you have the chance to say the Pledge of Allegiance, Stand up, put your hand over your heart, honor our country, and thank God for the old geezers of the "Grey-Haired Brigade."
Author, Anon. Grey-Haired Brigade Member
Footnote:
This is spot on. I am another Gray-Haired Geezer signing on. I will circulate this to other Gray-Haired Geezers all over this once great county. Can you feel the ground shaking??? It's not an earthquake, it is a STAMPEDE.
Who Made Man's Mouth
And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. (Exodus 4:10-12 KJV)
Once more as Moses makes an excuse and hesitates, God gives yet another revelation of Himself to Moses.
When Moses made the excuse God asked him a question and in the question is the revelation of who God is and His abilities. "Who made man's mouth" etc. -- If God who is the creator of man asks you to speak for Him, like Moses we must learn the same lesson. We must come to the understanding the it is not our abilities that God is looking for. It doesn't depend on our eloquence or ability to think of something to say. It depends on the one who made man's mouth.
He is looking for our availability and obedience.
Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. (Exodus 4:12 KJV)
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24 KJV)
What is it that God is asking you to do? What are you hesitating for and How is God revealing Himself to you as you hesitate?
God bless
Pastor Kitner
Once more as Moses makes an excuse and hesitates, God gives yet another revelation of Himself to Moses.
When Moses made the excuse God asked him a question and in the question is the revelation of who God is and His abilities. "Who made man's mouth" etc. -- If God who is the creator of man asks you to speak for Him, like Moses we must learn the same lesson. We must come to the understanding the it is not our abilities that God is looking for. It doesn't depend on our eloquence or ability to think of something to say. It depends on the one who made man's mouth.
He is looking for our availability and obedience.
Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. (Exodus 4:12 KJV)
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24 KJV)
What is it that God is asking you to do? What are you hesitating for and How is God revealing Himself to you as you hesitate?
God bless
Pastor Kitner
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Pick Up the Snake
And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee. And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. (Exodus 4:1, 2 KJV)
ThemLord immediately asks Moses a question. "What is that in thine hand?" Moses said a rod.
One more hesitation or excuse and once again another revelation of God and His power. Faithful is He that calleth you and He will do it. The awesome God is behind His Word to perform it. It will not return void unto Him after He sends it out to accomplish His purpose.
Throw down the rod Moses. It turned into a snake. God told Moses then to pick up the snake by the tail. You never do that it will bite you if you do under normal circumstances but Moses did as instructed by God and it became a rod again. God also gave him several more signs to demonstrate that it would be revealed that Moses had indeed talked with the God they had cried out to and that He had heard them.
Signs and wonders WILL follow them that believe. God always backs up the truth when His vessel acts in obedience to Him to accomplish the desired end that the Lord has in mind. Remember He knows the end from the beginning.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
ThemLord immediately asks Moses a question. "What is that in thine hand?" Moses said a rod.
One more hesitation or excuse and once again another revelation of God and His power. Faithful is He that calleth you and He will do it. The awesome God is behind His Word to perform it. It will not return void unto Him after He sends it out to accomplish His purpose.
Throw down the rod Moses. It turned into a snake. God told Moses then to pick up the snake by the tail. You never do that it will bite you if you do under normal circumstances but Moses did as instructed by God and it became a rod again. God also gave him several more signs to demonstrate that it would be revealed that Moses had indeed talked with the God they had cried out to and that He had heard them.
Signs and wonders WILL follow them that believe. God always backs up the truth when His vessel acts in obedience to Him to accomplish the desired end that the Lord has in mind. Remember He knows the end from the beginning.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
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