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
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments
Monday, February 27, 2012
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)