KITNERS KORNER

Stone Disappears

2012-01-25T22:27:00.001-05:00

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

God Gets Angry

2012-01-16T15:35:00.001-05:00

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

Us Old Geesers

2012-01-12T16:16:00.001-05:00

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.

Who Made Man's Mouth

2012-01-12T14:35:00.000-05:00

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

Pick Up the Snake

2012-01-03T14:30:00.002-05:00

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

Who Are You?

2011-12-30T10:29:00.000-05:00

And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? (Exodus 3:13 KJV)

In the hesitations and excuses of Moses we see the second of five things here. In essence Moses is saying I don't know who you are what am I going to tell those people.

God identifies Himself as the I Am and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This was the first real revelation as The I Am. The self existing eternal God for all generations to know as the same God throughout eternity who is not only the creator but the sustainer as well.

So what stands out to for us here as a point of interest for us is this: In the middle of all the hesitations and excuses there is a great revelation of God for who He is and what He is able to do as well as what He will do in our callings.

As God calls us aside to speak to us and we have those hesitations and excuses really look for God to reveal who He is and what He will do. The revelation is there for us if we will grasp it.

Be encouraged today
Pastor Kitner

Five Excuses Not to Serve God W/Answers from God

2011-12-27T16:44:00.000-05:00

Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. (Exodus 3:10-12 KJV)

Moses had excuses for not serving God at His calling unto him. Perhaps God is calling you to serve Him in some capacity and you have resisted. See how God dealt with and answered Moses over the next several entries in this blog.

The first of five excuses was "whom am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?"

Moses lacked in that he was not thinking of who it was that was talking to him and the power behind those words or calling. Moses was looking at himself, which is a tendancy we all tend to have. But it is not by power or by might on our part that wins the victory. It is God's calling and He will do it by His Spirit.

Be encouraged by God's answer to Moses, and some people miss this, "when thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt you shall serve God on this mountain." what this speaks of here is an assured victory in the calling and service of God.

If God is calling you to a specific service, my only word for you is just do it. God is the same He changes not, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He will be with you and do it!

Be blessed
Pastor Kitner

Be Heavenly Minded!

2011-12-13T11:55:00.001-05:00

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4 KJV)

In my observance of the church in these days we are living in I don't see the affections set on things above. What I have seen is a church where the leaders are not heavenly minded and produce a people that don't have a clue about the life of Christ in them their hope of glory. People are so worldly minded that they are no heavenly good. The devil tried to turn that around and say don't be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good. Unfortunately the church bought into the lie of the devil and I have heard that nonsense preached from the pulpit.

We are instructed by the Word to walk after the Spirit and make no provision for the flesh and we are instructed the be continuously filled with the Spirit. My question for the church and the leaders of the church is: What gifts did Jesus give the church and for what reason in Ephesians 4:11 - 12? What's your part?

Jesus has given us some awesome gifts and we need to set our affections on the things above and go after what we should be going after in our lives here on the earth for we have been blessed with all Spiritual blessings from the heavenlies in Christ.

Blessings on ya!
Pastor Kitner

What Are You Still Carrying? - Good Question

2011-11-11T12:59:00.001-05:00

In the church it seems that people hold on to grudges and harbor ill will in their hearts and think it is OK to do so. Romans 12:1-2 should be the order of the day for the Christian.

What Are You Still Carrying? - by Alan Smith
Two monks on a pilgrimage came to the ford of a river. There they saw a girl dressed in all her finery, obviously now knowing what to do since the river was high and she did not want to spoil her clothes. Without more ado, one of the monks took her on his back, carried her across and put her down on dry ground on the other side.
Then the monks continued on their way. But the other monk after an hour started complaining, "Surely it is not right to touch a woman; it is against the commandments to have close contact with women. How could you go against the rules for monks?"
The monk who had carried the girl walked along silently, but finally he remarked, "I set her down by the river an hour ago, why are you still carrying her?"
One of the hardest things we must do is to let go of something from the past. Someone does us wrong and seeks forgiveness, but we want to keep carrying the memory. Or maybe we made a mistake and we can't seem to stop beating ourselves up, despite the fact that we have done what God says to do to be forgiven. We don't want to keep carrying the memory (and the guilt), but we do. In fact, it often seems more difficult to forgive ourselves than to forgive others.
Paul said, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14-15)
Paul had to forget his past achievements (as an esteemed Jewish leader). He also had to forget his past failures (which including persecuting and killing God's people).
What are you carrying today that you should have set down a long time ago?
This article by Alan Smith, Senior Pastor of the Helen Street Church of Christ in Fayetteville, North Carolina. You can visit his site at http://www.TFTD-online.com
Thanks Tim for your posting of this one.

Blessings On Ya!
Pastor Kitner

Good News in My Cancer Battle

2011-10-28T15:31:00.000-04:00

God and Chemo - what a combo!
For all of the folks that have held me up in prayer over this round in the cancer treatment battle a little good news today. The doctor looked over the scan that I just had, showed the pics to me and explained that the cancer was not active and at this point it was time to stop the chemo because it only works on active cells. In other words the cancer cells are inactive or in a remission state. So... now every 2 months I will get a CT SCAN to check it out and make sure or verify that it is still inactive.

After 4 months of treatment and all the adverse reactions in my system, it will be great to get my taste buds back to normal, to have more stamina once again and to not have the imbalance of my sugar or the blood pressure. I was told that it will take about a month or so but each day will be an improvement over the last, I am sure.

I give praise to the Lord for this and acknowledge that without Him I can do nothing BUT I can do all things through Him who stregtnens me.
Thank you all for your many prayers and encouraging words... God bless you richly!

Serving Christ Together With You
Pastor Charles Kitner

Grace to You!

2011-10-26T21:16:00.001-04:00

Ephesians 1:2 grace to you and peace from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace is something to be received and walked in. This greeting by Paul is not just a trite greeting form a casual friend with no meaning. When people read over it this greeting is not thought about much because it is a familiar portion of scripture. When Paul says Grace to you, he speaks from the perspective of one who knows about the grace of God in depth and knows the power of it in his life. That's right I said grace is power and more power than we can imagine.
G R A C E = God's Riches At Christ's Expense. Jesus came full of grace and truth to this lost and dying people who didn't deserve anything from God - sinners separated from God - but God extended His hand of Grace and Mercy to us through Jesus Christ His only begotten Son.
Grace is truly unmerited favor but it is so much more. Grace is the power of God and His abilities released into the weakness and inability of our lives to do what we can not do!
So in the personal greeting that Paul used he was saying may the power of God be released to you. We should also greet others with this kind of greeting - grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. What we treat as a trite greeting can be a powerful release of the blessing of God into another's life if they will receive it.

2 Corinthians 12:9 - 10 (NIV) 9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Grace and Peace unto each of you who read this, receive the fullest sense of God's power released into your lives now in Jesus name!

Pastor Kitner

Meditate on the Word of God

2011-10-25T23:35:00.004-04:00

It is imperative that when reading the Bible that one take time and think about what they are reading. That is to say meditate on it so you don't miss something important that is right in front of your eyes. Meditation is the chewing over again of the cud so to speak in order to get all that is in it.
I have found that a lot of folks read but don't really read for comprehension. They read like they are in a hurry. I learned how to scan things for fast reading in college but when one reads the Bible they should read it to get the most out of every word. God does not waste Words. He sent His Word to heal. When He sends the Word in does't return to Him void but it accomplishes what He sent it forth to do.
Ephesians 1:3 says a lot but it is read over fast because it has become a familiar passage and some things are missed because of it. (Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.)
I just want to give a small example of what I am talking about here. The word "all" is read over as If it were not significant. It is a powerful word that brings something to mind if you don't rush by it. All not some spiritual blessings. God doesn't hold anything back but makes all that is in the realm of spiritual blessing available to us. Think about this and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into finding out what these blessing are.
I am awe struck at the fact that God makes "all" available to me. Such knowledge is encouraging to me and causes me to want to know more of what God has for me.
Are you hungry for the fullness of God's Word to nourish your soul and spirit.
I hope you are challenged to find more when you read of the un searchable riches of God!

God bless you richly

Pastor Kitner

The Lord Has a Plan!

2011-10-05T12:14:00.001-04:00

On September 28, I was at the Arnold Palmer Cancer Center for my chemo treatment for stage 4 Colorectal cancer that has moved into my lung. A brother in the Lord, Paul form the Monroeville A/G church came and took me to the center. We had good fellowship going to the center (a 24 mile ride).
When we got into where the cubicles are we were made aware that there was another brother in the Lord there who had saved me a chair in the cubicle where he was. So now we were 3 talking and sharing testimony and the Word of God. This went on for several hours. Next another brother, from another cubicle that was there with his wife who was receiving chemo treatment for cancer also, came around the wall with his Bible and sat down. He said he had to come over because of what he heard us talk about, which was the Lord for the most part. He had had leukemia and is now cured complete with a new blood system because of a bone marrow transplant and stem cell replacement. He shared his testimony and we shared scripture the rest of the time we were together in one small cubicle. The great thing is that other people can hear us and even the nurses want to hear what the real God is doing, they linger as they get supplies all day long.
All this leads up to me sharing the Lord to my nurse of the day. Her name is Ann. She had heard us for 4 hours or so and I asked her, as she was fixing me to be connected to the chemo
pump for 46 hours as I was going home, had anyone ever told her that God loved her and had a
wonderful plan for her life? She answered with a weak answer and I asked her if I could ask
her another question and she said yes. So I asked her if she died tonight would she go to
heaven? She said she didn't know but hoped so. I then asked her did she want to know for sure?
She said yes, so I led her in a prayer for repentance, right there in my cubicle and she prayed a for real prayer with me. I watched her countenance change from death unto life and she said she knew now for sure.
There is a new name written down in glory because - where 2 or more are gathered in the name of Jesus He is there in the midst and he came to save sinners. He is the same yesterday, today and forever and I praise His name!

God bless!
Pastor Kitner

Tangy Tomato Soup

2011-09-24T12:33:00.004-04:00

I don't blog about food very often, but I came up with this recipe for a great lunch or light supper. This is tomato soup with a tang to it. Great with just crackers, grilled cheese or other sandwiches.

Ingredients:
1 - 26 oz. can of Campbell's Tomato soup concentrated.
8 oz. of Chuncky salsa. ( I used Tostitio's chuncky mild but go according to your taste both on the type and the amount.)
3/4 can of milk (1% or other) 1/4 can of water per the soup instructions to add to the concentrate.
1 - 3 quart sauce pan
Crackers and or bread, cheese and butter for the grilled cheese sandwiches.
(or others according to your taste)
Take the soup concentrate and place it in the sauce pan and add the milk and water to the concentrate. Add about 8 oz. of chuncky salsa mix to the soup now as well. (you can use the salsa of your taste choice) I used Tostito's salsa from the chip aisle.(15.5 oz jar)
Next place this on the stove to cook stirring often. Bring it almost to a boil where you can see movement of the soup in the pan. Turn the heat down so it simmers and stir it as it cooks to mix it well. Simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes or until the soup mix and the milk are blended really well. This gives it better taste over all.
Remove from heat and serve. This makes about 4 to 6 servings depending on the bowl size that you use.

This is a great cool weather lunch or an ideal light supper meal.
This is my own recipe and I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoy it.

Ba Blessed
Pastor Kitner

Thunderstorms

2011-09-01T09:10:00.002-04:00

As I sat here today listening to the rain and the thunderstorms going through our area this morning I began to think about some things concerning the church and all the things hanging in the spiritual air.
Rain washes the air of pollutants and causes the atmosphere to take on a cleansed smell. It also helps one to focus on some good things around them and perhaps even some things that need to be accomplished that are important.
Maybe the church needs a spiritual thunderstorm sent by the Lord, to come through to get the churches attention back to the important things of what church is supposed to be about and not what we have made it. We need a freshness of truth within the church. Men must become lovers of truth and not want their soiritual ears tickled. We need the thunderstorm, the mighty voice of God clearing the air of all the dirty particles hanging in the atmosphere of sidetracked teaching and false teaching and help us to focus back on the truth of the Word of God.
What the church needs is a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and an earthshaking, booming voice of HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO THE CHURCHES!

Be blessed
Pastor Kitner

How to Help Your Church #8 of 8

2011-08-16T11:06:00.003-04:00

How to be a Helpful to Your Church
I came across some helpful information written by Dr. Dale A. Robbins regarding helping your church. So I have posted it here in this blog- spot over the course of a week or so.
I liked it so much that I shared it with my church already. There are 8 segments to what Dr. Robbins wrote about this and all 8 of them have been included in our looking at church helps.
You can scroll the blog and get all 8 segments if you would like to do so.

Contribute to Solutions and not Problems
Every pastor would be thrilled if each of his flock got involved and helped the church in some way.However, they would rejoice if certain ones simply stopped being a pain in the neck! It's a shame that pastors spend so much time putting out fires, that is, squelching problems that could have a negative influence on the whole body, such as gossip, rumors, complaining, misunderstandings, hurt feelings, discontent and so forth. Regrettably, it has been said that 90% of these kinds of problems are generated among the same 10% of the people.

Spiritually mature persons who wish to help their church don't become a part of such problems - instead, they contribute to solutions. They avoid divisive people (Romans 16:17) and don't get caught up in the mischief or grievances of others (1Timothy 5:13). If they are aware of spreading problems in the fellowship, they will try to bring a resolution, or else they bring matters to the attention of spiritual leadership so that they can bring and end to it (Matt 18:15-17).People who wish to be an asset to their church don't participate with or spread problems - they help spiritual leadership resolve them.

Blessings on you,
Pastor Kitner

Progress Explored

2011-08-09T17:19:00.000-04:00

Progress is not stagnant!
Progress moves, changes, adapts, challenges, flows, establishes a thing and moves on in an unending quest to get something done. This is in the natural as well as in the spiritual.
Progress builds on the past and looks toward the horizon and the coming future always willing to do what is called for in the current times. Progress never digs in to stay entrenched in an unchanging rut, which is a grave with the ends knocked out, with no thought of even being able to change.
See Philippians 3:12 - 14

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

How to Help Your Church #7 of 8

2011-08-09T14:03:00.000-04:00

Helping Your Church #6 of 8

2011-08-08T13:16:00.000-04:00

How to be a Helpful to Your Church
I came across some helpful information written by Dr. Dale A. Robbins regarding helping your church. So I will be posting it here in this blog- spot over the course of the next week or so.
I liked it so much that I shared it with my church already. There are 8 segments to what Dr. Robbins wrote about this and we will include all 8 of them in our looking at church helps

Apply the Teaching and Ministry to Your Life

There's not much that a pastor loves more than to see his flock practicing what he has preached, living a Godly, Holy life, and on their knees seeking the Lord. Learn to appreciate the spiritual values they try to instill in you and the congregation. Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who walk, as you have us for a pattern. (Philippians 3:17)
It helps your church when you live and conduct yourself in a Christ-like manner. Whether you realize it or not, you're a waliking billboard for your church. What ever the people of your community see in your life, they will tend to identify with your pastor and his flock. Behave yourself and speak well of the church and your pastor. Eyes and ears are always open to the things you say and do.

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

Helping Your Church #5 of 8

2011-08-04T15:01:00.001-04:00

How to be a Helpful to Your Church
I came across some helpful information written by Dr. Dale A. Robbins regarding helping your church. So I will be posting it here in this blog- spot over the course of the next week or so.
I liked it so much that I shared it with my church already. There are 8 segments to what Dr. Robbins wrote about this and we will include all 8 of them in our looking at church helps

Help Shoulder the Load of responsibility
Pastors and leaders of the church often feel much like Moses did when Israel fought with Amelek. Their arms became weary under the weight of so many responsibilities and they need brothers and sisters to stand beside them and help distribute the load. But Moses' hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands on one side, and the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. (exodus 17:12)

The Lord never intended for the whole ministry fo the church to be carried solely by the pastor or a mere handful of people. It's said that 80% of the work gets done by 20% of the people, and sadly, this has caused the burnout of its many outstanding workers. If everyone would simply pitch in and do their fair share in helping, serving, and giving, all the needs would be met and no one would be overburdened. Be willing to volunteer with whatever needs done and don't be finicky about what you will or will not do.. Do as the scriptures says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.." (Eccesiastes 9:10) And don't help out just for strokes of attention, but do it for God's glory.

A church is like any other organization with human resources. No one ever starts out at the top. Everyone knows that we have to start at the entry level. But if a believer continues to grow strong in Christian character and proves faithful and responsible to the basic tasks given to them in the church, they will likely be promoted to greater responsibility and minisrty.
"He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much." (Luke 16:10)

Be blessed of the Lord!
Pastro Kitner

How to be a Helpful to Your Church #4 of 8

2011-08-01T15:12:00.002-04:00

How to be a Help to Your Church ~ #3

2011-07-28T14:01:00.001-04:00

How to be a Helpful to Your Church
I came across some helpful information written by Dr. Dale A. Robbins regarding helping your church. So I will be posting it here in this blog- spot over the course of the next week or so.
I liked it so much that I shared it with my church already. There are 8 segments to what Dr. Robbins wrote about this and we will include all 8 of them in our looking at church helps

3. Pray for your church, it's pastors and leaders:

The Apostle Paul explained that it is the duty of the Christians to pray for all who are in authority, especially those in spiritual authority. "... exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." (I Timothy 2:1-2)Your church leaders are on the cutting edge of the battle with Satan, and will face temptations and spiritual conflict unlike anything you could imagine.

The Devil knows that if he can topple a spiritual leader or get him discouraged enough to quit, it will have a domino effect on the rest of the church. You can be a tremendous help by praying fervently for your church, and especially for the pastor and his family.

It is especially helpful that you attend the church prayer meetings, and you can come into agreement with others. And, where the pastors and church leaders can see and feel your prayer support for them, and the church. God promised special strength through the combined prayer of His children.

"Again I say unto you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)

My additional comment:
Prayer is our connection and bond to God and to each other in the harvesting of souls for the Lord. We must first agree with Him and His Word and then with each other to accomplish God's will where we are at.

Be blessed of the Lord

Pastor Kitner

How to be a Helpful to Your Church installment #2

2011-07-25T12:30:00.002-04:00

2. Commit yourself to the Lord and your brethren

How to be a Helpful to Your Church
I came across some helpful information written by Dr. Dale A. Robbins regarding helping your church. So I will be posting it here in this blog- spot over the course of the next week or so.
I liked it so much that I shared it with my church already. There are 8 segments to what Dr. Robbins wrote about this and we will include all 8 of them in our looking at church helps

The Bible teaches that all the desires of God are condensed into only two cardinal commandments that Jesus gave to His followers. "He said, You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10:27)
By clothing ourselves in God's love, we help the church to reinforce this objective for every believer, and we also help to eliminate the elements of conflict and division which can hinder the unity of the church. "...beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3)

How to be a Helpful to Your Church

2011-07-23T16:42:00.001-04:00

I came across some helpful information written by Dr. Dale A. Robbins regarding helping your church. So I will be posting it here in this blog spot over the course of the next week or so.
I liked it so much that I shared it with my church already. There are 8 segments to what Dr. Robbins wrote about this and we will include all 8 of them in our looking at church helps.

1. Be faithful to attend and participate.
Commit yourself to the church And let them know they can count on you. Obviously You can't be of much help if you don't show up or take part. Some people underestimate their value of simply being present. Joining together with others adds to their encouragement. And, it encourages the pastor and ministries leaders who have prayed and prepared all week to minister to you. Hebrews 10:24-25. It helps you'd pastor and the whole church for you to come faithfully, and start on time. And don't merely sit there like a bump on a log. Be friendly, put a smile on your face, and enter into worship with singing and thanksgiving.
Dr Robbins eve says, you can utter an audible Amen or two when the pastor makes avoid point. Go ahead, it'll make his day!

This is some good advice from a pastors point of view and makes sense if one just thinks about how they would like it if they were a pastor or even another person in the sanctuary.

Stop back for the next installment and collect all 8 of them.

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

Right Questions! - click here

2011-07-15T12:33:00.006-04:00

I am reading about the last 100 years of the church "The Charismatic Century" by Jack Hayford and S. David Moore. I understand the importance of history but something struck me in the reading of it all. Are we in the looking into history asking the right questions and answering the right questions in the writing of all the books? Azusa Street and the move of God there was a key to the Pentecostal "move" in our country. I look at the events as important for sure but I also look at the result in the church and in the lives of men as well. Why is it that out of a mighty "move" of God men still could not meet, fellowship, eat or work togethe?. The church did not address the matters of the heart with the committment to the Lord that the early church and it's leaders had. Why is there still a black church and a white church and a Korean church etc.? There is only one church and that is the one Jesus is building and it knows no boundaries or the politics of men.
The right questions must be approached by the church, the body of Christ today. Is the Gospel changing men's hearts to conform them into the image of God's dear Son or is it in name only Christianity? Jesus Christ is coming back for a church, a "bride" that is without spot. Or wrinkle. I have heard a lot of different excuses about why the church is like it is but as a pastor I see a lack of committment to the Lord and the kingdom of God by church members. It seems like Romans 12:1-2 have lost their meaning as the church has endevored to be camoflauged in this world.
Politics have become the ruling factor in the church and not the leading of the Holy Spirit through prayer and fastings as in Acts 13.
The body of Christ has a directive to come out from among them and be ya seperate and we as God's people need to do that today?

Ask Right Questions church!

Be blessed
Pastor Kitner

The Week After

2011-07-14T16:58:00.001-04:00

In this week after my first major dose of CHEMO I have experienced some fatigue that comes on you unexpectedly. My appetite is not bad but I have experienced some nauzea and some diarreha. I have to dring a lot of water and other liquids so I stay hydrated. Coffe, I found out actually makes you dehydrated because of the caffene in it.
I try to stay busy and study lots during this time so I have something good from the Lord for Sunday morning. God is good - all the time.
If you have cancer too, tell me how you are coping with it and the problems of your life because of it. I would like opportunity to pray with you.

Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner
sonforu@verizon.net

Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance by Red Skelton

2011-07-03T02:59:00.001-04:00

Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance
by Red Skelton

As a schoolboy, one of Red Skelton's teachers explained the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance to his class. Skelton later wrote down, and eventually recorded, his recollection of this lecture. It is followed by an observation of his own.

I - - Me; an individual; a committee of one.
Pledge - - Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.

Allegiance - - My love and my devotion.

To the Flag - - Our standard; Old Glory ; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody's job.

United - - That means that we have all come together.

States - - Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.

And to the Republic - - Republic--a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands

One Nation - - One Nation--meaning, so blessed by God.

Indivisible - - Incapable of being divided.

With Liberty - - Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one's own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice - - The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others.

For All - - For All--which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance:
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God. Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools, too?
Red Skelton

The Test Results are in!

2011-06-30T22:29:00.002-04:00

I had a biopsy done on Monday of this week on some growths in my left lung. The results have come back positive for the same cancer that I had in the colon before.
It did not go through the liver or other organs, in fact they are fine and so is my blood work. But it went to the lung area and the doctor is surprised about the way it has worked in an unpredictable way in my body. The only way it showed up was in the CT Scan.
I will start chemo treatments next Wednesday to see if the cancer shrinks. If it does then they can operate to remove it, if not then they can't operate. So if you think about it keep me in your prayers. Hey, God is good - all the time, and all the time - God is good!
Things like this give you a whole different perspective on life and what it is all about.
Has anybody ever told you that God loves you and has a wonderful plan for you life..contact me if you need to know more...

James 4:13 - 15 (KJV) 13Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

PS I am always open to have a miracle done in my life.. by HIS stripes I am healed.

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

A Journey of Faith

2011-06-29T09:48:00.001-04:00

James 1:2-3(KJV)
2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Over the course of the last 3 years I have been dealing with cancer that was found in my body, aging, being a pastor, the truth of the Word of God and people in many different stages of life and belief. This past week I had to have a biopsy done on a nodule in my left lung because it showed up on my yearly CT scan as something that increased in size from the last scan. My Oncologist had a look of concern on his face when he told me about this change.
So here I am a "great man of faith" who preaches to others concerning their faith. What does this man do with what is on his plate? Well I have a pastor friend who also has cancer and has been dealing with it for several years and he has been given the medical prognosis that he has only a short few months to live. He has a saying that I like and I am borrowing too and it goes this way: "you can't threaten a Christian with heaven". In other words even a death sentence is just a going home soon message.
The Lord gave me scripture before cancer was found in my body and it is Isaiah 54:17,
Isaiah 54:17(KJV)
17No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

That is still my scripture and I am believing God for His Word of truth to be worked mightily in my life always.

My life is lived in God's perfect peace that passes understanding just as the scripture says it would be in Philippians.

My word for those that are going through the hard things of this life is Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and HE WILL direct your paths. This truly is a journey of faith and we must stand fast in the power of His might always.
Be encouraged today and God bless you richly.

Pastor Kitner

Jesus Culture - You Are My Passion - Kim Walker-Smith

2011-06-15T09:39:00.000-04:00

Acts 13 churches needed today!

2011-05-26T10:33:00.000-04:00

Acts 13:1-3(KJV) 1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

There seems to be a lot of learning opportunities with classes, conferences, studies etc. but where are the praying Spirit lead churches of today. Is there any less need for the guidance of the Spirit today?
With all of the predictors and false things of all sorts out there we need the Spirit of truth who knows the real will of God to help us more today than ever.
I would call all who read this to prayer for the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest everywhere!

God bless you richly!
Pastor Kitner

Life Cycles

2011-05-18T13:29:00.001-04:00

Gleanings from the Garden

As a person observes what a garden does, they cannot help but see how everything has its own time for its life cycle or season.

A time to be planted – covered.

A time to spring up – breaking through.

A time to grow – strengthening.

A time to bloom – a fragrance released.

A time to produce fruit (if fruit is a part of it) - productivity.

A time to complete its life cycle – dying.

There is such a thing as the fullness of time when all things are just right to bring forth the plan of God that is locked up within each seed, each plant, each bird, each critter each person and it is just the right time.

Galatians 4:4 says to us concerning Christ, - But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.

If things seem to be in a holding pattern in your life, if nothing seems to be coming together, wait on the Lord. There is that “fullness of time” for your life. Like a seed planted in the ground and out of sight for a while. There are some great mysteries taking place in you until the time that you are brought forth to be seen and enjoyed because of who you have been becoming during the covered over time. Great mysteries make for great reading……God makes everything beautiful in its time………You are an epistle to be read of all men.

Ecclesiastes 3:1(KJV)1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

God bless!
Pastor Kitner

"Healer" - Kari Jobe Live Performance

2011-05-16T16:31:00.000-04:00

In The Presence of The Lord

2011-04-23T12:00:00.006-04:00

Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood

The last seven expressions of Jesus Christ from the cross.

2011-04-22T12:48:00.000-04:00

Here are the last seven expressions of Jesus Christ on the Cross recorded in Scripture. His Seven Words of expression are so important to us even to this day.

THE FIRST WORD
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."
Gospel of Luke 23:34
THE SECOND WORD
"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Gospel of Luke 23:43
THE THIRD WORD
"Jesus said to his mother: "Woman, this is your son".
Then he said to the disciple: "This is your mother."
Gospel of John 19:26-27
THE FOURTH WORD
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34
THE FIFTH WORD
"I thirst"
Gospel of John 19:28
THE SIXTH WORD
When Jesus had received the wine, he said,
"It is finished";
and he bowed his head and handed over the spirit.
Gospel of John 19:30
THE SEVENTH WORD
Jesus cried out in a loud voice,
"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit":
Gospel of Luke 23:46

Because He was obedient.

Romans 10:8 - 13 (NIV) 8But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The Cross And Crucifixion

2011-04-22T12:38:00.000-04:00

About The Cross And Crucifixion

A medical doctor provides a physical description:
The cross is placed on the ground and the exhausted man is quickly thrown backwards with his shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire feels for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drives a heavy, square wrought iron nail through the wrist deep into the wood. Quickly, he moves to the other side and repeats the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flex and movement.
The cross is then lifted into place. The left foot is pressed backward against the right foot, and with both feet extended, toes down, a nail is driven through the arch of each, leaving the knees flexed.
The victim is now crucified. As he slowly sags down with more weight on the nails in the wrists, excruciating fiery pain shoots along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain - the nails in the wrists are putting pressure on the median nerves. As he pushes himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, he places the full weight on the nail through his feet.
Again he feels the searing agony of the nail tearing through the nerves between the bones of his feet. As the arms fatigue, cramps sweep through his muscles, knotting them deep relentless, throbbing pain. With these cramps comes the inability to push himself upward to breathe. Air can be drawn into the lungs but not exhaled.
He fights to raise himself in order to get even one small breath. Finally, carbon dioxide builds up in the lungs and in the blood stream, and the cramps partially subside. Spasmodically, he is able to push himself upward to exhale and bring in life-giving oxygen. Hours of limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint wrenching cramps, inter-mittent partial asphyxiation, searing pain as tissue is torn from his lacerated back as he moves up and down against rough timber.
Then another agony begins: a deep, crushing pain deep in the chest as the pericardium slowly fills with serum and begins to compress the heart. It is now almost over. The loss of tissue fluids has reached a critical level-the compressed heart is struggling to pump heavy, thick, sluggish blood into the tissues and the tortured lungs are making frantic effort to gasp in small gulps of air. He can feel the chill of death creeping through his tissues...Finally, he can allow his body to die...
All this the Bible records with the simple words, “and they crucified Him”, (Mark 15:24).
What wondrous love is this? Many people don’t know that pain and suffering our Lord, Jesus Christ went through for us...because of the brutality, crucifixion was given a sentence to only its worst offenders of the law. Thieves, murderers, and rapists would be the types of people who got crucified. Yet, here Jesus is being crucified between two hardened criminals...What did Jesus do? Did he murder anyone? Did he steal any-thing? The answer as we all know is NO!! Jesus did nothing to deserve this type of death, yet he went willing to die, in between 2 thieves, so that we might be saved. And there, in between the sinners, was our slain savior for our sins.
Phil 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obe-dient unto death, even the death of the cross.

By Author UNKNOWN to me

Survey

2011-04-20T14:49:00.001-04:00

Individual Survey and Poll
Dear Friend,
Please take a few short minutes to complete this survey and return it to the person who issued it to you.
1. Has anyone ever told you that God loves you and that He has a great plan for your life? oYes oNo
2. If today were your last day here on earth, do you know for sure, beyond a shadow of a doubt that you would go to Heaven? oYes oNo
3. If you answered, "yes" to question #2, is that because you are a good person and/or because you attend church regularly? oYes oNo
4. Have you ever heard that the Holy Bible reads, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." And "For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." And "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved?" oYes oNo
5. Did you know that you are a "whosoever"? oYes oNo
Here's a quick prayer for you: Lord, bless each person who reads this with long and healthy lives. Jesus, do a quick work in their heart and make Yourself so real to them. If they have never called upon Your name, I pray that they will do so right now.
If you would like to receive the gift that God has for you today, say this with your heart and your lips out loud:
Dear Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive me of my sin. Set me free. Jesus, thank You that You died for me. I believe that God raised You from the dead. Fill me with the Holy Spirit, the peace of God, and the joy of the Lord. Give me a passion to reach the lost, a hunger for the things of God, and a holy boldness to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm saved. I'm born-again. I'm forgiven and I'm on my way to Heaven because I have Jesus in my heart. Thank You Jesus!
When you asked Jesus to come into your heart and to forgive you, He heard you and did so. All of your sins are now forgiven. Always remember to run to God and NOT from God because He loves you and has a great plan for your life. That's VERY good news.
6. Did you say the above prayer? oYes oNo
My Name: ____________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________ State: _____________ Zip: ________________
Phone: ( ) ___________________________________
Name of person who issued you the survey: _______________________________
Thank you for completing this survey.

Walk as He Walked!

2011-04-19T11:17:00.002-04:00

Walk as He Walked!
1 John 1:6-7(KJV)
6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 John 2:3-6(KJV)
3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
If we are to walk as Jesus walked and be in fellowship with God and man then we must consider how He walked.
Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and He never did anything but what He saw the Father doing and He didn’t say anything except what He heard being said from the Father. Can you imagine yourself doing that?
In order for you to walk in the light as He is in the light you MUST be filled continuously with the Holy Spirit so much as to have the connection of the Holy Spirit both in you and around you. This way you will live and move and breathe and have your being in Him. This is how people will see Jesus in you. PS it will also bring persecution because you will walk in truth and the world cannot stand truth.
This is just a thought that I felt that I should share with you. Be blessed of the Lord in your day.
Pastor Kitner

On Earthquakes

2011-04-14T09:08:00.001-04:00

NOTE: Many who read David Wilkerson's 1974 book "The Vision"
are amazed at just how much of it seems to have already come to
pass. But in the same book, Wilkerson also prophesied a huge
earthquake coming to the USA - seemingly after a major quake in
Japan. Below is the warning in his own words-

JAPAN & the COMING USA EARTHQUAKES
-by David Wilkerson. (1974).

The United States is going to experience in the not-too-distant
future the most tragic earthquakes in its history. One day soon
this nation will be reeling under the impact of the biggest news
story of modern times. It will be coverage of the biggest most
disastrous earthquake in history.

It will cause widespread panic and fear, Without a doubt, it will
become one of the most completely reported earthquakes ever.
Television networks will suspend all programming and carry all
day coverage.

Another earthquake , possibly in Japan may precede the one that
I see coming here. There is not the slightest doubt in my mind
about this forthcoming massive earthquake in our continent.

I am not at all convinced that this earthquake will take place in
California. In fact, I believe it is going to take place where it is
least expected. This terrible earthquake may happen in an area
that not known as an earthquake belt. It will be so high on the
Richter scale that it will trigger two other major earthquakes.

-Certainly food for prayer. Please comment on this prophecy of
"Earthquakes in the USA" at the website below-

http://www.johnthebaptisttv.com/

Blessings to you,
Pastor Kitner

Thinking Related to Values:

2011-04-13T17:37:00.001-04:00

This is from John Maxwell's book "Thinking for a Change". I suggest that you get the book and read it from cover to cover. There are a lot of good principles on "thinking" given for your help.
When you think about something reflectively, ask the right questions.
Important questions that help you stay focused and keep you moving to improve on your life and actions.

Thinking Related to Values:

1. Personal Growth: What have I learned today that will help me grow?
How can I apply it to my life? When should I apply it?

2. Adding Value: To whom did I add value today? How do I know I added value to that person? Can I follow up and compound the positive benefit he or she received?

3. Teamwork: What did I do with someone else that made both of us better? Would the other person agree that it was a win/win? Can we do something else together to continue our mutual Success?

4. Leadership: Did I lead by example today? Did I lift my people and organization to a higher level? What did I do and how did I do it?

5.Physical Health: Did I exercise at my optimal heart rate for thirty-five minutes today? Have I exercised at least five times in the last seven days? Did I stay on my low fat diet today?

6. Personal Faith: Did I represent God well today? Did I practice the Golden Rule? Have I "walked the second mile" with someone?

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

All Things

2011-04-07T11:45:00.003-04:00

2 Corinthians 5:17(KJV)
17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

All things are become new Stuck out in this passage of scripture and prompted me to see what is "NEW". The following is a look at some things that are new in a new life given to the Lord.

1. One becomes a new creature indeed. Washed in the blood of the Lamb and born of His Spirit.
2. You are under a new covenant - paid for by the body and blood of Jesus Christ in redemption - you have gone from ritual to reality. Hebrews 9:15
3.You are able to approach God in a new and living way. Hebrews 10:20
4. You have a new access to God yourself. You can draw near to God.
5. You have a new way to worship God - in spirit and in truth. John 4:24
6. You have a new heart - one of love and compassion. Romans 5:5
7. You can have a new mind as you submitt to God. Romans 12:1-2
8. You have a new and clear conscience. Hebrews 9:14
9. You can have a new song. Ephesians 5:18-20
10. You have a new ministry - one of reconcilliation 2Cor.5:18
11. You have a new light as Jesus Christ dwells within you. John 1:4
12. You have a new commandment - Love one another. John 13:34-35
13. You have new life. Romans 6:4 and need to walk in it.
14. You have newness of spirit. Romans 7:6
15. You have a new name. Revelation 2:17
16. You have a new destination. John 14:1-3

These are a few of things that are "new" if any man be in Christ. I hope this is a blessing and encouragement to all who read this.

Blessings to you.
Pastor Kitner 4-7-11

Great Testimony

2011-04-01T15:30:00.000-04:00

Dr. Joel C. Hunter from Northland Church on Vimeo.

Be blessed and see what you can do where you are at.
Pastor Kitner

What is your Goal?

2011-03-26T14:42:00.001-04:00

What is your Goal?

I used to dread hearing those words when I was younger and just going with the girl that was to be my wife. Her father would constantly drill me with endless questions and lectures and one of his favorite questions was "What's your goal boy?" Over and over again I would hear that question. He would tell me you will never be anything boy....you'll never have anything....you can't make a patch on my &%$#*.(he wasn't saved and neither were we at that point) In a way his little tirades actually did the work of reverse psychology. I was determined to show him he was wrong.

I set a goal to own a home quickly and we did in less than 2 years we moved in to a brand new home that I helped to build with sweat equity.

I became a sales trainer and department manager for a company and we were doing good in the world's eyes....but there was an emptiness that had to be filled in our lives.

That void was filled when we both received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

Little did we know the path He had marked out for us to follow...and that is the thrust of this Thought for Today.....His purposes.

My goals changed rapidly as I started to see that God had a plan and my heart was being drawn closer to Him. Everything else is growing dimmer and dimmer in the light of His glory and grace.

My goal began to be and still is to go always toward His goal for my life. He called me for His purpose and I need to find that purpose so at the end of my life here on earth I will hear the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant........enter in to the joy of the Lord."

Phil 3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

What's your goal? --Pastor Charles Kitner

Donate to our church - click here

2011-03-25T15:28:00.001-04:00

Use PayPal to help us out with donations to our church.

Do You Believe What You Say?

2011-03-23T10:00:00.002-04:00

Do We Really Believe What We're Saying? from The Church at Brook Hills on Vimeo.

Ephesians 4:11 - 16 Church

2011-03-22T15:36:00.001-04:00

I am Praying for God to send an Evangelist (the one that is His gift to the church) to use our church as home base for both evangelism and training in evangelism, to flow with the vision of the church here to build up the kingdom of God. Evangelists are to train up and also go out.

I want to be functioning as a 5 fold ministry where Ephesians 4:11-16 is the key scripture from which we operate to see that the preaching of the Gospel of the kingdom is preached in all the world for a wittness and then the end shall come........ it is time to move out NOW!

This is part of the vision for the church here at Blairsville Pa. We are to be a place from which people that are trained up shall be sent out as a witness unto the Lord in all the world.

Blessings on you,
Pastor Kitner

Looking Ahead

2011-03-12T11:29:00.002-05:00

A mirror is not a window and looking in the mirror or what you see is a hindrance to moving ahead with vision for the future.

Blessings on You!
Pastor Kitner

I'll Rise Again

2011-03-07T03:23:00.000-05:00

More traumas that have affected my life

2011-02-16T00:56:00.001-05:00

Some things that were traumas in my life have left their marks on me and in me. They have become a shaping and moulding influence for me in several ways. I have been sharing them with you and here is a third ordeal that had a lasting effect on my life.

This third thing was a near tragic accident that our family was involved in one Sunday afternoon as we were out for a drive. A young man ran a stop sign and hit my dads car full force throwing my mother out the door of the car for about 25 feet and my brother into a culvert on the side of the road. There were no seat belts in those days in the 1950's.

The most vivid thing for me, as an 8 year old boy, was the waking up in the arms of a stranger with my dads white shirt wrapped around my head and it was soaked and all red with my blood. I looked up into the face of a lady that helped to comfort me until an ambulance could take me to a nearby hospital. I had two gashes in my head from the broken glass inside the car. One was by my temple and one in the back of my head. I remember being on an operating table and them sticking a needle into the gash in the back of my head, both to probe for glass and to apply some medication so they could stitch me up.

My mother was hurt the worst of all of us having flown some 20 plus feet out of the car landing in the cinders along side of the road. It was winter time and they used cinders to spread on the roads then. She remained in the hospital for two weeks or so after the accident. My aunt Dot stayed with us for those weeks while my mom was in the hospital and my dad worked. My brother, who had a big bruise on the lower middle of his back, and I missed over a week of school at that time as well. My aunt taught us to crochet while we were home from school.

I remember that before the accident my dad couldn't talk because he had laryngitis but afterward he could talk fine. All he got out of the accident was a banged up knee as far as injuries go.

There was a lady at the scene of the accident that asked my father if anybody was hurt. He was standing there in the freezing cold with his jacket unzipped and no shirt on because it was around my bleeding head and the ambulances were there loading up people to take them to the hospital. He just walked away from her because as far as he was concerned it was a very dumb question.

In the other car a teenage girl had gone through the windshield of the car and her face was messed up quite badly. I did not see her but heard the people talking about the terribleness of it all.

Both cars were totaled and had to be towed to the junk yard. I went with my dad to get our stuff out of the car after about a week or two. We had some fishing rods and a few other things that were still OK after all the crunching of the metal and slamming up against a telephone pole when the car finally came to a stop.

I know most people have read the Footprints Poem or at least heard of it. Well through it all I believe the Lord carried me because He had a plan for my life and it didn't include going out into a Christless eternity. My life was preserved to allow me to get to the place where I received the Lord as my Saviour and He called me to preach the unsearchable riches of God.

Reflect on your life and you will see the hand of God all along the way as He kept giving opportunity to receive salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ. GOD IS GOOD!

Be blessed
Pastor Kitner

More traumas that have affected my life.

2011-02-11T01:44:00.000-05:00

Some things that were traumas in my life have left their marks on me and in me. They have become a shaping and moulding influence for me in several ways.
Trauma number two in the line of things that have affected my life growing up even until now is also as a young child. We lived in the Homestead area of Pittsburgh at that time. Some neighbor teens were hitting a basketball with a baseball bat and as children do things without thinking of any consequences, I went in to close to the fellow swinging the bat. I was behind him and he was not aware that I had wondered in. Needless to say this is not a good combination and as he swung the bat it connected with the ball and as the bat came around it also connected with my head. It knocked my silly and as I recollect even now everyone there was so concerned with me and wanted to help and/or see if I was OK. People were talking to me, looking into my eyes, putting ice on my head and holding me.
In those days there was no 911 emergency number to call and I never went to the hospital or saw a doctor.
I have a bump on my forhead to this day and I am 66 years old now. It serves to remind me to be cautious and also to walk in obedience. I was 3 or 4 at that time and did not listen to my parents who had told me not to go to close to the kids that were hitting the ball....but...
I guess it can be a reminder to walk in obedience as I follow after the Lord because there are some consequences that will follow if you don't. Obedience is always better than sacrifice in our life.

Be blessed in your day
Pastor Kitner

2011-02-10T15:12:00.003-05:00

Watch live streaming video from WaterBrookMultnomah at livestream.com

Traumas of Life

2011-02-09T00:28:00.001-05:00

Traumas of Life

I want to share some of life's traumas with you that still have some affect on my life. I was prompted to do this as I am reviewing the book called "Soul Print" by Mark Batterson. Things that happen to us in the course of life affect us in so many different ways, some good and some not so good. Trauma always has the "right now affect" and is right there in our faces but as I reflected on some points in the book I began to see that I still have some things that not only had the "right now affect" but also still has some input into my life today.

Over the course of the next week or so I will blog about some of the things that were brought to my mind's eye as I reflected on my past. I thought I would only have one or two things but it turns out to be quite a few more than I thought.

The first traumatic experience that came to me as I began to reflect back on my life was the recollection of how my dad, who was then a very strong steel worker and ex Marine, used to hold me up on the railing of a bridge when I was about 4 years old. I was afraid and it affected me into my adult life. I had looked at it as a negative but as I write this I see something that I missed for all these years. My father always had a strong grip on me and I was not in danger of falling. It reminds me of our heavenly Father who takes us to new heights that sometimes cause us to be fearful but as we look at Him and understand just who He is,we see that He has a strong grip on us and He will never leave us or forsake us. We can trust in the Lord with all of our heart and lean not to our own understanding, in all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths. The steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord. His perfect love does indeed cast out all fear.

Be encouraged in the Lord today and His peace be unto you. As you reflect on some of your own traumatic life events allow God to bring a fresh revelation to you of how what seemed like negatives can be positives as we see not only the event but perhaps a spiritual truth of how God is involved with us.

Blessings
Pastor Chuck

The Power of a Whisper by Bill Hybels

2011-02-08T10:20:00.003-05:00

I just finished The Power of a Whisper by Bill Hybels. It is a book of both testimony and stepping out in faith by following the whispers of God. On the cover of the book I have it says "Hearing God, Having the Guts to Respond", thus laying out the idea of challenge in the life of those who would read the book.

What I see in the book is the process of a growing relationship with the Lord by acts of responding in obedience to the whispers of God, often called promptings but none the less hearing the voice of God in one way or another. God speaks so the question is: Are we listening? How we respond determines our testimony or lack of one.

The book presents the fact that God wants to guide us through every area of our life. We must build our relationship and trust in God as we walk with Him day in and day out. There are examples throughout the book for us to gain insight from showing us the blessing that comes from obeying the voice of God.

Revelation 12:11(KJV)
11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

The book is about dying to self and living unto the Lord becoming a source of encouragement to others as they see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Both informative and instructional this book brings a challenge to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Saviour with helpful insights for daily life.

I would recommend the book to both those more mature in their faith for encouragement and to those that are seeking answers as to how to be led of the Spirit as sons/daughters of God for instruction.

Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner

Groundhog Day ~ Click here

2011-02-01T02:06:00.000-05:00

Punxsutawney's way to stimulate the economy. Check this 125 year old Pennsylvania tradition out at the web site above.

Book Review

2011-02-01T01:34:00.006-05:00

I am reading Mark Batterson's book "Soul Print" now for review. I will publish my review on this book in a few days hopefully. So far it is a good read. It is a book about you but not about you at all he says. We'll see.

I received this copy of "Soul Print" for free from WaterBrook Multnoma Publishing Group for this review.

Book is sent free for my blogging about it Click and find out more here.

About Leonard Ravenhill

2011-01-19T09:55:00.002-05:00

Leonard Ravenhill Biography: In Light of Eternity from I'll Be Honest on Vimeo.

Radical by David Platt - Part 2

2011-01-18T11:09:00.000-05:00

Chapter two of the book causes one to see the vast difference and the tremendous gulf between the USA believers and others from other countries.

When the believers want to cram into a small place - read and study God's Word - not for 15 minutes a day, not for an hour a day, and not even for three hours a day but for 8 to twelve hours a day and excited to plann to do it all over again the next day - I would have to say they ARE hungry for God's Word.

For these people worship is indeed different than the way we expect worship to be here. Picture this for a three hour service:
60 or so believers crammed into a small room shoulder to shoulder, right tight up against one another with their Bibles in their laps, no fancy padded seats, no sound system, no guitars, no band, no heating or air-conditioning, with just the people of God and the Word of God. The author remarked "and strangely, that's enough".

The author then raises the question - "Is His Word enough for us"?

The chapter is dealing with getting to know God - discovering the truth of the Gospel and the beauty of it.

It definitely speaks to the following: WE NEED TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE LORD OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN!

Everything that we place a high priority on is called into question as we see the Lord and the treasure we have in Him.

Get the book and get out of your comfort zone!!!!

I received this copy of Radical for free from WaterBrook Multnoma Publishing Group for this review.

Download Chapter one here

Several other websites associated with the book are as follows.

http://www.operationworld.org
http://www.lifebiblestudy.com/radical

http://www.radicalexperiment.org/

A review of "Radical" by David Platt

2011-01-17T14:43:00.005-05:00

This is my blog report on the book “Radical” by David Platt – Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream.

Don’t read this book if you want to stay in your comfort zone and feel good about your accomplishments to fulfill the American dream for you and your family only. This may consist of a house, a car or two, an upwardly mobile job, two children and a gym membership, a retirement fund and perhaps church for an hour a week on Sunday morning if you have time etc.. BUT if you want your mind and spirit to be put in a brown paper bag like fresh fried dough and shook up in the sugar so that what makes it taste good is applied, then you need to read this book. It will shake up your life’s goals and dreams and cause you to rethink and reset some of your life values.

The question is made very vividly apparent as you read: How much do you love Jesus? This is a fair question that must be answered by all of us.

The following scripture comes to mind as a part of the question.
Philippians 2:5-8(KJV) 5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Is this same mind in us or not? Will we obey what He says by taking up our cross daily and denying ourselves or not?
This book could be hazardous to the complacency of the American dream life and it could cause you to be stirred to action enough to get up and “GO YE”. The imperative command of Jesus is speaking into the life of the believer.
Matthew 28:18-20(KJV) 18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The opening chapters deal with several scriptures with one being found in the Gospel of Mark chapter 10:17-22. It is the account of the rich young man who missed it with Jesus for his riches sake. It begs the question: Where are you in this matter of what it takes to follow Jesus and your riches?

Then the account of some folks that are truly grateful for their relationship with Jesus and the extent that they are willing to go to take the Gospel message to others. The hunger in the hearts of those who have nothing compared to the American dream and what we have in our country is amazing to me. Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled, the Bible says. The accounts of the people meeting even when their lives and families and everything else could be in jeopardy and tears soaking the floor when they pray may make you hungry for what they have. They are shown to want the WORD of God to be taught to them and are willing to spend all day to get the teaching. This should cause the reader to really consider what it is that God is saying to them.

The last chapter which is chapter nine lays out a challenge to all who read the book with some guidelines to walk you through each of the five steps of the challenge issued. The following are the five steps of the one year challenge:

1. Pray for the entire world.
2. Read through the entire Bible
3. Sacrifice your money for a specific purpose
4. Spend your time in another context
5. Commit your life to a multiplying community

The author says “I believe – no I know that if you stick to those challenges for a whole year, you will find yourself coming alive like never before. You will know the incomparable thrill of being a part of what God is up to where you live and around the world. You will be ready to shed forever the unworthy parts of the American dream and hold on to the beautiful and lasting dream that God has designed for you. ”

I recommend this book to the church at large as a challenge in the time we live in to live for the Lord and not for self only.

I asked the congregation where I am pastor this question: What is it in this life that you work so hard for that you will take with you when you leave this world? Your money, your car, your house, your 401K etc. will all stay here and perish. What treasure are you laying for yourself?

I received this copy of Radical for free from WaterBrook Multnoma Publishing Group for this review.

Download Chapter one here

Several other websites associated with the book are as follows.

http://www.operationworld.org
http://www.lifebiblestudy.com/radical

http://www.radicalexperiment.org/

Coming Soon

2011-01-15T11:56:00.000-05:00

I am donig a blog segment now on David Platt's book called "Radical" I will be posting it soon. This is a book worth getting a hold of to read. It will challenge you and your Christian walk.

Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner

Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus

2011-01-03T00:44:00.000-05:00

New Year's begining week of prayer for 2011.by Charles Kitner

2011-01-03T00:38:00.002-05:00

New Year's begining week of prayer for 2011.by Charles Kitner

To start the New Year off right for all of us, I have a prayer and fasting challenge for all to participate in.

I called our church to a time of prayer and fasting as the Lord would lead them individually. This year the prayer and fasting is to build relationship with the Lord, seeking His face and not His hand, to get in tune with the Lord better. Fasting can be complete fasting for the week, a month, 40 days or as long as God would lead you. Caution is necessary for those that take medications get and Ok from the doctor if necessary. I gave out a guide for each day that is to be just that a guide and not the letter of the law. It can be added to and one should be of the mind to be led of the Holy Spirit according to what He shows you in addition to what is given.

I am posting each days prayer guide for all who want to share in seeking God together with our church.

Read Matthew 6:1-17 prayerfully in preparation for the entire week. Ask God to give you a right heart and motive in your prayer time so you will benefit from the week and throughout the entire year. In this prayer from Jesus the heart of God is to be seen. God open our eyes to see and our ears to hear and our hearts to receive what you have for us.

Monday, January 3, 2011: Read Isaiah 58:1-14. Pray and ask God to show you what to do with what is written. How does this apply to me Lord? What would you have me to do God?

Tuesday, January 4, 2011: Part 1 read Philippians 2:1-4 meditate on it and see how God speaks to you as an individual. Listen for the Holy Spirit and the still small voice even. Part 2: Read Philippians 2:5-13 and prayerfully seek God for how this applies to you as an individual.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011: Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 pray ask God who you are and how has He placed you in the body of Christ for the work of ministry.

Thursday, January 6, 2011: Read Ephesians 1:1-14 prayerfully and ask God to show you how this applies to you...look at verse 3 and let God speak to you individually and then as to the relation with His church.

Friday, January 7, 2011: Paul's prayer for the Ephesians found in Ephesians 1:15-23 - read and then in prayer ask God to apply all of this to you personally. Pray this prayer for as long as you like even each day. It is a powerful prayer if you let God do it for you.

Saturday, January 8, 2011: Read Ephesians 6:10-20. Read and pray it for yourself. This is God's designer series of clothing for you as His soldier of the kingdom. Thye never go out of style.

Sunday, January 9, 2011: Read Matthew 9:32-38. Read and do as Jesus has asked us to do. Pray for the Lord to send forth laborers into His harvest. Then ask God what is my part and where?

It is my hearts desire to see each one that engages in this prayer time with God to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour.

Testimonies of how God blesses you in this week would be appreciated afterward.

Thank you and be blessed!

Pastor Kitner

Six Major Religious Trends in America

2010-12-17T10:54:00.000-05:00

The Changing Religious Climate in America

According to the Barna Group, an analysis of research from the past year reveals six major religious trends in America. These "megathemes," as Barna calls them, should encourage Christian leaders to "revisit their criteria for 'success' and the measures used to assess it." According to Barna, the research also reveals that, "In a society in which choice is king, there are no absolutes, every individual is a free agent, we are taught to be self-reliant and independent, and Christianity is no longer the automatic, default faith of young adults."

The six trends that Barna identified are:

1.The Christian Church is becoming less theologically literate. For example, research in 2010 showed that while most people regard Easter as a religious holiday, only a minority of adults associate Easter with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
2.Christians are becoming more ingrown and less outreach-oriented. Less than one-third of born again Christians planned to invite anyone to join them at a church event during the Easter season.
3.Growing numbers of people are less interested in spiritual principles and more desirous of learning pragmatic solutions for life. Spiritual practices like contemplation, solitude, silence, and simplicity are rare, while the importance of lifestyle comfort, success, and personal achievements is growing.
4.Among Christians, interest in participating in community action is escalating. Christians are becoming more open to involvement in the community, especially as it pertains to justice and service.
5.The postmodern insistence on tolerance is winning over the Christian Church. Possibly because of the fear of being labeled judgmental, Christians have become tolerant of a vast array of morally and spiritually dubious behaviors and philosophies.
6.The influence of Christianity on culture and individual lives is largely invisible. While contemporary Americans find it difficult to identify any specific value that the Church has added to society, they have no problem identifying the faults of the churches and Christian people.

According to the Barna Group, "The Christian Church is in desperate need of a more positive and accessible image ... and the most influential aspect of Christianity in America is how believers do — or do not — implement their faith in public and private." For the complete report, go to The Barna Group.

Blessings on Ya
Paswtor Kitner

Phillips, Craig & Dean :: I Am Crucified With Christ

2010-12-08T21:03:00.000-05:00

"Chrislam" What is that?

2010-12-03T09:21:00.002-05:00

During the weekend of November 13, many Christian churches
across the United States began a series of sermons aimed at
...bringing about reconciliation between Muslims and Christians.
These misguided Presbyterian ministers are trying to focus on a
relationship between the Holy Bible and the Koran they call
"Chrislam." They are saying that because the Koran mentions
Jesus that there is common ground with Christianity. To prove their
point, they are placing Korans along side the Holy Bible in their
pews. And they are teaching that you can be a follower of Christ
without necessarily believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of
God, who died for our sins offering the gift of eternal salvation.

Writes commentator Paul Williams:

"The Chrislam movement has gained impetus by statements from
President George W. Bush and that Christians, Jews, and
Muslims all worship the same God and by Rick Warren's
reference to Isa (the Muslim name for Jesus) in his prayer at the
inauguration of President Barack Obama."

Williams points out that Jesus in the Koran is not the
only-begotten Son of God nor the Messiah. Williams says,

"He is rather viewed as a prophet who was appointed by Allah to
prepare mankind for the coming of Mohammad." In the Koran,
Williams reminds readers, "The victim at Calvary, Islam teaches,
was either Simon of Cyrene or Judas Iscariot."

The Koran states in Sura 5:17, "In blasphemy indeed are those
that say that God is Christ the son of Mary. Say: "Who then hath
the least power against God, if His will were to destroy Christ the
son of Mary, his mother, and all every-one that is on the earth?
For to God belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth,
and all that is between. He createth what He pleaseth. For God
hath power over all things." The Koran has many verses that
command the followers of allah to kill Christians and Jews if they
do not convert to Islam. There is absolutely no common ground
between the Holy Scriptures and the Koran when these are the
mandates of the prophet Mohammed, who wrote the Koran.

Jesus said in John 14:6,

"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me."

This is the central doctrine of Christianity. There is instruction by
the Holy Scriptures to not fellowship with those who do not
recognize the truth in this doctrine. 2nd John verses 9-11 say,

"Whoseover transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ,
hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath
both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring
not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him
God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his
evil deeds."

Thus are those deceivers who believe in common ground with Islam.

-Please comment on this topic at the website below-

http://www.johnthebaptisttv.com/

SOURCE-
http://www.standingforgod.com/2010/12/the-chrislam-movement-in-the-apostate-
church/

21 Characteristics of Lukewarm People

2010-11-29T12:22:00.002-05:00

21 Characteristics of Lukewarm People
by Rick Ezell

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! ...you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold" (Rev. 3:15, 16 NIV).
Jesus is saying that rather than "hot" or its synonym found in verse 19 "earnest" there is lukewarmness. William Hendriksen describes the condition: "The people of Laodicea were lukewarm, tepid, flabby, half-hearted, limp, always ready to compromise, indifferent, listless: that ‘we're-all-good-people-here-in-Laodicea‘ attitude." Shockingly, Jesus prefers coldness to lukewarmness.
How can you tell if a person is lukewarm? Here are twenty-one characteristics of lukewarm people. (Most of these are from Francis Chan in his book Crazy Love).

1. Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them; it is what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go. Isaiah 29:13.
2. Lukewarm people give money to charity and to the church as long as it doesn't intrude on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so, After all, God loves a cheerful giver, right? 1 Chronicles 21:24, Luke 21:1-4.
3. Lukewarm people crave acceptance. They tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives. Luke 6:26, Revelation 3:1, Matthew 23:5-7 4.
4. Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one. Consequently, they tolerate and rationalize unconfessed sin. John 10:10, Romans 6:1-2.
5. Lukewarm people are moved by stories of people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for "extreme" Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call "radical" what Jesus expected of all his followers. James 1:22, James 4:17, Matthew 21:28-31.
6. Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion. Matthew 10:32-33.
7. Lukewarm people gauge their morality or "goodness" by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street. Luke 18:11-12.
8. Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and he is, indeed, a part of their lives, their money, and their thoughts, but he isn't allowed to control their lives. They have changed the words of their favorite hymn from "Take My Life and Let It Be" to "Take My Life and Let Me Be." Luke 9:57-62.
9. Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; its only for pastors and missionaries and radicals. Matthew 22:37-38.
10. Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love for others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. Little love is left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached. Matthew 5:43-47, Luke 14:12-14.
11. Lukewarm people, in many respects, are practical atheists. While they believe in God they live as though God does not exist. They do not consult with him much less follow his leading.
12. Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today's to-do list, this week's schedule, and next month's vacation. Rarely, if ever do they intently consider the life to come. In fact, they are prone to say when asked "How are you doing?" "Not well, but better than the alternative," as though the alternative of sending eternity with Jesus is worse than life on this planet. Philippians 3:18-20.
13. Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. Matthew 25:34, 40, Isaiah 58:6-7.
14. Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to alleviate their guilt. They want to do the bare minimum, to be "good enough" without requiring too much of them. 1 Chronicles 29:14, Matthew 13:44-46.
15. Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them sacrificing and risking for God. Matthew 10:28.
16. Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America.
17. Luke warm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens-they have their savings account. They don't need God to help them-they have their retirement plan in place. They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live-they have life figured and mapped out. They don't depend on God on a daily basis-their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God. Luke 12:16-21.
18. Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren't very different from your typical unbeliever. They equate their partially sanitized lives with holiness, but they couldn't be more wrong. Matthew 23:25-28, Luke 14:34-35.
19. Lukewarm people pray more in public and when called upon than they do in private. Prayer means little to them. If it means anything to them it is a help line to God when things go wrong in their lives not a private conversation to know the God of the Universe.
20. Lukewarm people rarely read the Bible. They have plenty in their homes, mind you, but they seldom pick it up to read, let alone study or meditate on or follow its commands.
21. Lukewarm people get upset about the little stuff while being unconcerned about the big issues. In other words, they will get angry over being personally inconvenienced-especially at church-while indifferent to the plights of injustice, ethnic cleansing, and racial hatred that exist in the world.
What's frightening about these statements is that many of those statements apply to me. And, if we are honest, they apply to most people in our churches who call themselves Christians. At times I am lukewarm. Are you?
Francis Chan in his book Crazy Love adds: "As I see it, a Lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron; there's no such thing. To put it plainly, church goers who are lukewarm are not Christians. We will not see them in heaven." That's a frightening thought.
as seen in Rick Ezell's "One Minute Uplift" weekly email devotional. Dr. Ezell is pastor of First Baptist Church in Greer, South Carolina.

Taken from “firstIMPRESSIONS - Vol. 10.46 - Friday, November 12, 2010”
byTimothy Satryan

Where "U" are Needed...!

2010-11-28T01:00:00.003-05:00

Where "U" are Needed...
"U" are needed in Bible ST_DY, but not in IGNORANCE.
"U" are needed in S_PPORT, but not in NEGLECT.
"U" are needed in _NITY, but not in DIVISION.
"U" are needed in D_TY, but not in IRRESPONSIBILITY.
"U" are needed in B_ILDING, but not in TEARING DOWN.
"U" are needed in CH_RCH!!

King of Kings

2010-11-23T02:59:00.008-05:00

The Prodigal Life – Part 6

2010-11-18T20:34:00.002-05:00

The Prodigal Life – Part 6

Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

The next stages of the return of a prodigal/backslider are found in verses 22-24 of the above scripture.
After the initial stages of reconciliation comes the best of the upward climb back home for the prodigal. The final stages of the process of reconciliation has to do with the RECLOTHING AND REJOICING. The son who just knew he wasn’t worthy to be called a son anymore is experiencing the fullest measure of grace and of mercy as dad has placed on him the best robe, one I call the robe of righteousness and he has a ring placed on his hand. Restored to the family with the ring of what I call the ring of reconciliation. Shoes were placed on his feet and the fatted calf was killed for the party in the sons honor. A party and merriment in place of gloom and pending doom for the prodigal. The Father is glad the son is accepted and restored. It reminds me of when a sinner gets saved all the angels of heaven rejoice.. a son has come home….to a welcome mat and to a Father’s glad heart.

Be blessed
Pastor Kitner

The Prodigal Life – Part 5

2010-11-16T15:39:00.002-05:00

The Prodigal Life – Part 5

Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

The next stages of the return of a prodigal/backslider are found in verse 20 of the above scripture. RECONCILIATION It is in this stage of comeback that we see the heart of the Father. The son had made his steps and his journey to fulfill his plans to return to the Father's house. He came to his father. I can feel his heart beating with anxiousness as he approaches and now we see the father running out to meet him while he was a great distance off yet. The father has been awaiting this day with a different attitude that that of the son. He was not thinking of revenge, giving a long negative speech of how he had sinned etc. But his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (much) You see the heart of the Father is about reconciliation The first thing the son experiences is the Father's love. In fact the Father gives to us that ministry of reconciliation as well..2 Cor.5:17-21
It would be like saying I missed ya and have been waiting for you. Come with me I have something for you..
the rest is next...stop back.

Be blessed
Pastor Kitner

Books in Review

2010-11-16T11:20:00.001-05:00

I have several books that I am reading and I will be posting my reviews on this blog about them.
The Books are as follows:
Radical
by David Platt

The power of a Whisper
by Bill Hybles
and
Spiritual Rythm
by Mark Buchanan

I just got Radical last evening and I am half way through the other two books.

The Power of a Whisper has a lot of testimony in it so far and Spiritual Rythm is as the author suggests a slow read but powerful as you digest the truth in the words offered by Mark.

Be sure to check back for the reviews on each in a seperate blogspot.

be blessed
Pastor Kitner

The Prodigal Life – Part 4

2010-11-11T09:52:00.001-05:00

The Prodigal Life – Part 4
Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
The next stages of the return of a prodigal/backslider are found in verse 18 - 20 of the above scripture. After the realization and resolution has come into play in the situation there is seen something that is vital to both the prodigal/backslider but also to those who would come to the saving knowledge of Christ. It is called REPENTANCE. Seeing where you are and the desire to turn around and head in the right direction. Repentance is part of the whole restoration process “I have sinned” etc. See Psalm 51 which is David’s testimony of repentance and restoration. The actions were against God and man and with humility one comes back without the haughtiness of the original attitude of you owe me give it to me, but with an I’m not worthy but I’ll take a servants role just to be there in the house with you attitude.
Next is the actual RETURN. He arose and came to the Father. No more just wishful thinking and feeling self pity but the actual humbling of all that is self and with pride being swallowed the journey home is embarked on. This takes a lot knowing that you are wrong and actually doing something that says it to all concerned.
Next we will look at the outcome of the decision that was made by the prodigal.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner

The Prodigal Life - Part 3

2010-11-10T13:40:00.000-05:00

The Prodigal Life – Part 3
Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

I looked into the downward journey of those who would run from the Father’s House in two previous blogs. Today I want to look at the beginning of the journey back to the Father’s House. That starts with REALIZATION!
The journey back begins in verse 17 with the words “and when he came to himself”. The dire circumstances of life are not all bad, if they cause one to reflect on the reality of life and come out of the fantasy that was created in the mind, seeing where they had been and where they are now, and to come to a place of humility leaving pride behind.
Once that has happened the next step back is RESOLUTION! This is seen in verse 18. “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him….” The process takes thinking it through and follow through as an act of ones will. That is to say, my mind’s made up and there is no turning back. No more, I’ll do it my way but saying “I blew it – I was wrong”.
These are the first steps back to the Father’s House. I will deal with the next 5 steps over the next few days. Check back.

Be blessed
Pastor Kitner

A Tithing Illustration - from the garden

2010-11-09T12:04:00.000-05:00

As a pastor I use examples to illustrate things for the folks so they can get a handle on the spiritual or invisible.

Once I used an illustration in which I took a cantaloupe to illustrate the tithe and what comes with what is given.Out of ten cantaloupes the first one becomes the tithe or what you bring to God in the storehouse.One might think that the cantaloupe is the only thing given. However when you bring the cantaloupe to God, you also have brought all the tithe to God. By this I mean that everything that is involved with the cantaloupe is brought to God.To illustrate, I cut the cantaloupe in half and what we saw was that within the cantaloupe that we brought to God were seeds of more cantaloupe.So within the tithe you bring to God are the seeds then of your future harvests.

It seems that what God makes always bears the seeds of more in it, even man. This perpetuates or continues ongoing blessings and/or provision.

Be Blessed

Pastor Kitner

.

The Prodigal Life – Part 2

2010-11-09T02:04:00.001-05:00

The Prodigal Life – Part 2
Luke 15:11-24(KJV)
11And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
The next 6 steps of 7 away from the safety of the Father’s House were SELFISHNESS, SEPERATION, SENSUALITY, SPIRITUAL DESTITUTION, SELF ABSEMENT and STARVATION. He gathered it all together and took off to distant lands to do his own thing and live the way he wanted.
Being self-willed and selfishness go hand in hand because you begin to live by the, if it feels good do it way of life. He, being irresponsible, took what someone who was a responsible person, and had worked for what they had, and squandered it on “riotous living”. Perhaps we would say he spent all he had on wine, women and song so to speak. However he found out that there was an end to party time, big tips, living the fast and loose life. With no one to help him in a time of famine in a strange land he had to attach himself to a stranger and feed the swine because he had used up all of his money.
Being in want is sometimes what brings us around to doing what is right to do because one begins to think about what they have done and what they are doing. When you hit rock bottom there is no other way but up. The prodigal here began to think about what he had in the father’s house because reality had set in.
When you see a person living in such a way pray for their eyes to be opened so they can see clearly and begin to make some right decisions.
Next we will see the steps back to the Father’s House.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

The Prodigal Life ~ Part 1

2010-11-08T12:59:00.000-05:00

The Prodigal Life ~ Part 1
Luke 15:11-24(KJV)
11And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

This is a portion of scripture dealing with a prodigal son. I took an outline that I found in the Thompson Chain Reference Bible and looked at the life of one that perhaps is backslidden or even lost altogether. I preached this in one sermon but will deal with it here in several excerpts.
I dealt with the seven steps in the downward pattern of that ones life and then the upward pattern of that one coming back to dad’s place. Looking at every action with comment on life today as well.
The downward steps are found in Luke 15:11-17 with verse 17 being a pivotal point in the process of coming back to the Father’s House.
The first noticeable step of 7 away from the safety of the Father’s House is SELFWILL . I want what would be mine now – a give it to me now attitude. I want to be my own boss and do life my way.
Yes it would have been his anyway but it wasn’t time yet for him to receive it, however he said give me ~ one needs to guard their heart for out of the heart are the issues of life.

What I have noticed is this: when a person sees life revolving around themselves without considering others around them, it is a warning sign of impending destruction in some way in their life. They become like a horse with blinders on and it is full steam ahead without restraints. This leads into the next step which I will post tomorrow…
Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner

Our adopted MomMom Lola

2010-11-07T22:12:00.008-05:00

This lady's life is truly a testimony unto the Lord. She was a godsend for us as I went to Bible College at Valley Forge Christian College. She was a mom to us, my wife and me, and grandmom to our children. WE can never forget her and have been enriched in our lives from our relationship with her over those important years. She now sees HIM clearly!

Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner

In the Garden Again

2010-10-28T10:22:00.002-04:00

In the Garden Again

With all the birds and other critters that frequent our garden I can see the strong sense of survival that is built into even the bird and animal kingdom.
There was one blackbird that made our garden its haven. It only had one good leg. The other one just hung there and the foot was curled up so it didn’t function, even for support. This bird learned to trust me to some measure. I talked to it and gave it some bread to eat when it came into the garden. I watched this one survive from the time it was very young and because of the physical difficulty it had there were some limitations to its life but it had developed survival skills the other birds did not have or use on a regular basis.
Men have a strong sense of survival built into their being also and it can be seen in the human being as they develop those extra senses as the need arises in their lives. The blind man for instance develops a sense of hearing that the ordinary man does not use and many other things for their very survival in the world as they know it.

Philippians 4:19(KJV) 19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Truly God can be seen in the whole of creation if we take the time to look. See Psalm 19

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

Grafted In

2010-10-26T09:19:00.000-04:00

Gleanings from the Garden – Grafted In

Some of the trees in my garden are special trees. Special in that they have unique shapes because of a process called grafting. Branches are placed upon a strong main trunk or vine and as a result they grow a certain designed way. For instance in my garden I have a Weeping Golden Chain tree. The tree has been shaped by they way branches are grafted onto the main tree trunk. As a result they hang down towards the ground instead of growing upward as the natural tree would grow. It looks like a big bushy tree and when the long golden chain flowers are on it they bring a beautiful look to the garden.
These things remind me of the fact that we are grafted in to the natural vine and placed by God as it has pleased Him to accomplish the look and design He has in mind to create for the body of Christ. We are then members in particular, as it says in I Corinthians 12, and have been designed to bring our uniqueness to and be blended together as they body of Christ, all doing the will of Him who placed us there.
In order to be grafted in the branch has to be hand picked, treated and placed where it will be and do what the one doing the grafting has in mind.
That is us grafted in – hand chosen by God for His garden.

John 15:16(KJV)Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Romans 11:17(KJV) And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

Blessings for the Day
Pastor Kitner

More from the Garden

2010-10-25T11:04:00.000-04:00

Gleanings from the Garden - Fullness of Time

As a person observes what a garden does, they cannot help but see how everything has its own time for its life cycle or season.
A time to be planted – covered.
A time to spring up – breaking through.
A time to grow – strengthening.
A time to bloom – a fragrance released.
A time to produce fruit (if fruit is a part of it) - productivity.
A time to complete its life cycle – dying.

There is such a thing as the fullness of time when all things are just right to bring forth the plan of God that is locked up within each seed, each plant, each bird, each critter each person and it is just the right time.
Galatians 4:4(KJV) says to us concerning Christ, - But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

If things seem to be in a holding pattern in your life, if nothing seems to be coming together, wait on the Lord. There is that “fullness of time” for your life. Like a seed planted in the ground and out of sight for a while. There are some great mysteries taking place in you until the time that you are brought forth to be seen and enjoyed because of who you have been becoming during the covered over time. Great mysteries make for great reading……God makes everything beautiful in its time………You are an epistle to be read of all men.

Ecclesiastes 3:1(KJV)1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

God bless!
Pastor Kitner

More Gleanings from the Garden

2010-10-22T01:14:00.001-04:00

More Gleanings from the Garden

Malachi 3:10-11(KJV)
10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
This speaks of the tithe and the importance of doing what God says concerning Tithes and offerings.
There are multiple blessings that come to us as we obey in this area of our lives.
1. There will be meat in God’s house – provision for the priesthood
2. Open windows of Heaven – windows are to be looked through PLUS.
3. God pours out a blessing on you!
4. The abundance of God is made available to the giver of the tithe +
5. God will also take up your cause against the devourer

These are tremendous things that are in motion for the one who brings his/her life into line with God’s known and revealed will.
As a pastor I use examples to illustrate things for the folks so they can get a handle on the spiritual or invisible.
Once I used an illustration in which I took a cantaloupe to illustrate the tithe and what comes with what is given.
Out of ten cantaloupes the first one becomes the tithe or what you bring to God in the storehouse.
One might think that the cantaloupe is the only thing given. However when you bring the cantaloupe to God, you also have brought all the tithe to God. By this I mean that everything that is involved with the cantaloupe is brought to God.
To illustrate, I cut the cantaloupe in half and what we saw was that within the cantaloupe that we brought to God were seeds of more cantaloupe.
So within the tithe you bring to God are the seeds then of your future harvests. It seems that what God makes always bears the seeds of more in it, even man. This perpetuates or continues ongoing blessings and/or provision.
Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner

Garden Gleanings

2010-10-20T11:29:00.000-04:00

This is taken from my Garden Gleanings
1 Corinthians 13:12(TMSG)
12We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

As I sat in my garden under the protection of the canvas dome reading “Just as I Am”, the Billy Graham life auto biography, I came across the scripture of the day here. It so caught my attention that I had to stop reading and put the following down on paper.
There are times when you are quickened by the Holy Spirit as you read God’s Word. This is one of those times. The last words “just as He knows us” or as the KJV puts it “even as also I am known” grabbed my attention and revelation was imparted to me to understand something.
Several things are revealed here:
1. We have limited understanding of the whole picture of our life here on earth.
2. There is a time when we will meet the Lord in a fully opened relationship.
3. We shall have a full understanding of our part in the awesome plan of God.
4. I am FULLY known – by God.

There is a full teaching here but for this thought for today – I don’t have to have a full understanding now of everything that my life is about. I just have to do what I know that is right to do. God FULLY knows me and has equipped me to do what He has designed me to do. We also need to remember that. WE are FULLY known of God and He sees you complete in your destiny.

Be Blessed Today
Pastor Kitner

9/11 "Living Memorial" in the Jerusalem Forest Hills Dedicated

2010-10-19T00:26:00.001-04:00

The Power of Corporate Prayer

2010-10-15T10:08:00.001-04:00

The Power of Corporate Prayer

Corporate prayer is the power of agreement at it's best. First everyone agrees with God and what the Word of God declares. Secondly everyone comes into agreement in prayer to God for what they are seeking God for, believing God both hears and answers prayer. Prayer is how the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ gets implemented on this earth. In prayer we gain knowledge of how to put the tools, helps, and abilities together in such a way as to accomplish His intended results.
1. Corporate prayer is the army of God moving together for God's purposes.
2. Corporate prayer is the power of agreement at it's best. God is in your midst.
3. Corporate prayer is where the provision is released to bind the strong man.
4. Corporate prayer can remove obstacles that stand in the way of spiritual advancement.
5. Corporate prayer recognizes the spiritual principle of the unity of the Spirit, activating that principle, and receiving bebefits of that unity corporately.
6. Corporate prayer can be used when someone in the local church is in a great trial or has a great need.
7. Corporate prayer is a powerful expression of spiritual preparation as we enter into the corporate worship service together.
8. Corporate prayer should honor Christ as King, exalting His Throne and His name with a spirit of gratefulness, and thanking Him for his answers and His sovereignty.
9. Corporate prayer prepares the atmosphere so that the Holy Spirit may move in power with an atmosphere of expectancy.
10. Corporate prayer can cultivate passion and faith for the harvest to be reaped.

These thoughts were gleened from several places such as Corporate Destiny in The Local Church by Don Mears and others that I can not remember at this time. I cannot take the credit but don't know where to give it. Blessings on you all.
Pastor Kitner

Phil Keaggy - True Believers

2010-10-05T12:25:00.000-04:00

Enter into the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus

2010-10-01T13:23:00.001-04:00

Hebrews 10:19-22(KJV) 19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21And having an high priest over the house of God; 22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Something we need to dwell on, that is meditate on, and think about at length is contained in the above scriptures.

"Boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus" takes us into the very presence of our creator right into the righteousness of God as a welcome child of God. WE are accepted in the beloved, that is to say highly favored of God and His mercy is there and the power of His grace is enveloping us as we enter in. When we enter in to the holiest place we are the recipients of all Spiritual blessings from the heavenly places and joy becomes our strength in Him. We are covenant people of God a peculiar treasure unto Him and by His stripes we are healed, made whole granted the peace of God that passes understanding and we are brought into that place of intimacy with God where secrets are shared that are of the most personal kind between us. We are brought into the power of LOVE in the purest state.

Philippians 4:8-9(KJV) 8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

May God BLESS YOUR DAY RICHLY
Pastor Kitner

http://www.resourcesforchristians.net/Healing

2010-10-01T00:29:00.000-04:00

http://www.resourcesforchristians.net/Healing

What are Your Most Pressing Prayer Need?

2010-09-23T16:38:00.003-04:00

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?

Let's Make a Memory

2010-09-22T10:58:00.001-04:00

A Time of Reflection

Communion is a special time to remember what the Lord has done for us by His death. It also brings with it the hope for our future because we are to take communion with remembrance until Jesus come. It could be called a let’s make a memory time for the believer. It is a time of celebration and reflection for us.
I was reflecting on some other things that I really like in life. The things we do that can be called “let’s make a memory” time. Here are some thoughts about these times.
One of the things that I enjoy very much in our life is the fact that we have somewhat of a family get together on Sunday after church almost every Sunday. We have our children, which are around the area, here for a meal and fellowship, along with a few other friends from time to time.
This is an important part of our life because we came from families that did not do this to much. It gives us a great sense of bonding and understanding of love for one another. As a pastor I see that this kind of bonding is missing from so many families. People used to sit down together for a meal at the table. The table was a place for conversation and interaction with the family and others. The communication with each other gave a sense of being important enough to be heard. Many life lessons were shared there and many life lessons were handled there without having to seek outside help.
One of the things that happens when you have this kind of family time is traditions are made for your family. Another is there is always an open door where questions can be asked and answered. Yet another is that the family cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers’ in-law and sisters in-law etc all know each other face to face and can build lasting relationships with each other.
When I (pastor Kitner) was young we all went to my grandpaps cottage and we had a great time. This was good until my grandfather died. Then it all ceased and people went their separate ways. I guess I am trying in my own small way to re-establish this as our family tradition but I want it to continue long after I am gone if the Lord tarries.
Let me know what some of your family times involve that make good memories for you. Give me some comments by clicking on the word comments and filling out a comment box. Thank you.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

The Wooden Bowl

2010-09-21T09:46:00.001-04:00

The Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

Author Unknown by me

Pastor Charles Kitner
sonforu@verizon.net

Three R's of the Gospel

2010-09-20T16:31:00.000-04:00

I preached on Sunday morning on three R’s of the Gospel...Rectify, Reconcile and Recompense which is what Jesus did as He walked in obedience to the Father. He made right everything that Adam made wrong by disobedience. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. By Adam came sin and death because of disobedience. Isaiah 53 is a vivid picture of how things were rectified. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin s death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. By Jesus comes the gift of eternal life because of obedience and we are set free from the law of sin and death.
II Corinthians 5:17 – 21 shows the reconciliation. To reconcile is to mediate a settlement between God and man – to patch things up, so to speak. Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. This causes us to be the chosen generation. (see)

1 Peter 2:9 - 10 (NIV) 9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 Corinthians 11:23 - 26 (KJV) 23For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.

To Recompense is to pay a price for. Jesus paid a price for you.

1 Peter 1:18 - 20 (KJV) 18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Bought back by His own blood and reconciled to God because all the wrongs were rectified.

Recompense made and we are free to serve God.

Romans 8:1 - 2 (KJV) 1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Amen

Pastor Charles Kitner

"THE BRIDE Will LEAVE CHRISTENDOM"

2010-09-17T09:30:00.002-04:00

"THE BRIDE Will LEAVE CHRISTENDOM"
-Vision by Wayne Thomas.

The following vision is probably one of the most well-known that has
ever come out of my home nation of New Zealand. It is a key vision
that has been acknowledged and read around the world. This vision
was given to Wayne Thomas late in 1993. He told me that it was
probably the most powerful he had ever seen.

VISION of THE BRIDE LEAVING CHRISTENDOM
-Wayne Thomas.

Basically, it was a traditional wedding scene. The radiantly beautiful
Bride had just stepped out of the Cathedral and was standing on the
top step, just outside. Wayne was told that the Bride was LEAVING
'CHRISTENDOM' (AND ALL THAT GOES WITH IT) FOREVER, leaving
the 'church' system behind. The Groom (who was Jesus) took her arm,
so that He could lead her down and proudly display His beautiful Bride
to all the world.

Still inside the Cathedral were all the relatives (-the various
'streams' and denominations of the church as we know it?)
Suddenly, while the Bride was still on the top step, an invisible
hand gave her a beautiful lily (which had been plucked out by the
roots). This was her bridal 'bouquet' (an "end-time" enduement?)
and for some reason it seemed to be given to her rather late. She
threw this bouquet backwards, and some of her relatives in the church,
who had been watching her with great jealousy and awe, made a grab
for the bouquet. Two of them seemed to snatch it up, but there was
a lot of squabbling and pushing amongst them - fighting to be somehow
near the Bride or to grab the bouquet. The Groom then led His Bride
down the steps and through the huge crowd of cheering people below,
who had been unable to get into the Cathedral.

In a later vision, Wayne was shown that after they had made their
way through this huge throng, the happy couple were then taken away
on their honeymoon, which was to last for a thousand years.

Wayne later made the following comments about this vision:
"The Lord emphasized these things to me:- That the Bride is so
in love with the Groom - and the fact that she is pure and holy, and
the problems of life are far behind her in this time frame. The crowds
outside see this intimate love between the two, and that no burden in
life stops her from expressing this love. She leaves the guests behind
to squabble over the bouquet, and her desire to share this love with
the crowd outside is very evident.

"The fighting wedding guests are those within the church who in their
hearts are ambitious for titles to impress the body and are caught
up seeking the gifts (bouquet anointings) and not the giver. They are
involved in grand schemes and politics within the church - and they
love 'comfort'. They are those who get close to the Truth but do not
want to live the truth.

"The Bride - leaving the guests behind - is made up of Christians
seeking truth in Jesus alone, no matter the cost, leaving compromise
behind and seeking Jesus first before the praises of men."

ANDREW AGAIN: There are some quite shocking implications
to this vision, but it lines up with so much that God has spoken
along similar lines in recent years - ie. GREAT REFORMATION -
not just Revival. What are we to make of this - that the BRIDE Will
LEAVE the "CHURCH SYSTEM" FOREVER??

Does it line up with Scripture? Does it make sense? Is it possible?

The Book of Acts Revival, the Wesley and Whitefield Revivals, the
Cane Ridge Revival, the Early Salvation Army Revivals, and of course
Jesus' own ministry in the first place - these were all massive
"outdoor" moves of God. Could it be that they are pointing the way
to what we are about to witness in our own generation?

-Please comment on this at the following website-

John The Baptist TV

God bless you all.

Pastor Kitner

Anyone have any feedback on this one?

How Biochemistry Reveals the Work of a Creator

2010-09-01T12:00:00.002-04:00

The Cell's Design: How Biochemistry Reveals the Work of a Creator from The Veritas Forum on Vimeo.

Question?

2010-08-31T11:56:00.001-04:00

You ask: Can God use me? - "God uses people who are weak and feeble enough to lean on Him." — Hudson Taylor Be encouraged today the answer is yes. Look at what Jesus says.

2Cor 12:9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Blessings to you!
Pastor Kitner

Worthy Is The Lamb

2010-08-30T22:47:00.000-04:00

Take Your Stand against the Devils Schemes

2010-08-27T13:49:00.002-04:00

Take Your Stand against the Devils schemes

Luke 14:16 - 24 (KJV) 16Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant,

Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

24For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

Ephesians 6:10 - 13 (NIV) 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

As God’s children we are to be doers of the Word and not hearer’s only.
As you would read through the above scriptures an awareness comes that there is opposition to the work of the Lord and also that the Lord has a work to be done in the earth. This work is more important than any other work. The Father has requested it to be done.

What I see as the “day ”approaches is that Satan is getting more bold and blatant about who he is and what he does. There is such opposition against the Lord and His Christ today but the Lord has already declared that the gates of hell won’t prevail against His church.

My question is this today as you read through this blog-spot: Are you going into the highways and hedges and compelling them to come in? The Father is waiting. Pray the Lord of the harvest that He would send laborers into His harvest. NOW!

Let me relate to you what went on right in the middle of the small town that I live in yesterday (8-26-10). The was a woman and a man out on the street in front of the New Age shop, which is known for its dark spirit seeking by the owner and those whom she recruits. The woman was dressed as a witch and the man was professing to be a warlock. Blatant activity trying to get people to attend a séance that they were going to do. Dressed like who they are and who they represent not ashamed of what they were doing. This is the work of the true enemy of man’s soul at work. Right out there in the highways and hedges in front of everyone for all to see.

What is the church doing to fulfill the Word of God and do the will of God? The enemy is taking it to the streets can we do any less?

Get out into the Highways and Hedges
Pastor Kitner

Life

2010-08-27T09:20:00.002-04:00

Ephesians 3:20(KJV)
20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Life's most challenging opportunities are often brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems. ~ Charles Swindoll

Having a life problem? Stop and ask the Lord to show you where your opportunity lies in all of the challenge.

Be blessed
Pastor Kitner

Holy Is The Lord God Almighty - Chris Tomlin

2010-08-26T01:42:00.000-04:00

David Wilkerson The Vision Part 1

2010-08-24T14:39:00.000-04:00

Check this out - Christian Writter's Guide.

2010-08-24T12:17:00.004-04:00

Are you a Christian and a writer? Looking for places to submit your manuscript or your story etc. Then take a look at this resource. I have an older one now but will update it with the newer on sery soon. It has a wealth of information in it and is well worth the money to get it. (IMO)

I hope this helps someone today.

God bless you Richly!
Pastor Kitner

Men judge God

2010-08-20T16:53:00.001-04:00

Men judge God by their own ways (nature=sinful) and God is to be judged according to his way (nature = good) Pray for a Holy Spirit breakthrough.

Ephesians 1:17 - 20 (NIV) 17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit£ of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner