Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, (Luke 15:1-3 KJV)
These verses are a set up for the parables that follow. One of these is is the parable of the prodigal son. In that is shown how the grace of God is available to all men. There is also revelation of the Value that God places on His creation man and how he receives one back into the household of God.
There is no conditions for his son’s return and no restrictions on him as he is brought back into the father’s house. A full restoration of all… A robe given…reconciliation..a ring given..acceptance, and shoes for his feet. Welcome home son.
Jesus was showing by this parable that what He was doing with the Publicans and sinners is the very heart of God.
But 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: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. (Luke 15:22-24 KJV)
See Matthew 23:25-28 for what the Scribes and Pharisees were likened to. The elder brother is representative of the attitude of the Pharisees. Outwardly clean but inside they missed 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: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:3-7 KJV)
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Sunday, June 16, 2013
Thursday, June 13, 2013
I Can Do All Things
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. (Psalms 139:14 NASB)
I have been dealing with several physical ailments in my body for quite some time now. I have type II diabetes, I had a quad by pass surgery for my heart, and I have been dealing with colo/rectal cancer, that has matastacized into my lungs, since 2008. The operation for the colo/rectal cancer left me with a bag on my side, no galbladder, or appendix and a somewhat deformed bellybutton. So one could possibly say that I have been through the perverbial mill in the last 5 years of my life. However in all of what has transpired I have found that the grace of God that was sufficient for the Apostle Paul is also sufficient for me.
I am a pastor and I have only missed six days preaching as a direct cause of all the surgeries and treatments that I have endured. Even when I feel so weak from the chemo treatments, when I step into the pulpit I can preach for as long as is necessary because God by His grace strengthens me, but when I am done preaching I have to go sit down. God does uphold us with His strong right hand.
The endurance that God causes us to have is amazing to me and I have found the body to be able to endure far more than I ever imagined possible before I entered in to the journey of life that I am now on. Though the path is sometimes hard to walk down I have found that I can do all things through Him that strengthens me.
Be encouraged today
Pastor Kitner
Pastor Kitner
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Zealous of GOOD works!
Does the following describe your walk with The Lord?
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should
live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking
for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God
and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he
might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a
peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak,
and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise
thee. (Titus 2:11-15 KJV)
Along with a genuine love for the brethren being zealous of
good works is a mark of one who has been brought out of
darkness and into His marvelous light..
Are you zealous of good works knowing that this was one
of the reasons that Jesus went to the cross?
God bless you richly as you serve Him.
Pastor Kitner
Pastor Kitner
Monday, June 3, 2013
Cancer can't stop God's goodness!
I have stage 4 cancer in my lungs from colorectal cancer metastasizing after 3 years. Some people see this as a negative and don't understand how much of a plus it is. I am still very blessed of The Lord. God is GOOD all the time no matter what goes on around us. I have had opportunities to talk to people about The Lord even in the cancer treatment center. I have lead several people to The Lord there. I also developed a friend there that I go to breakfast with every once in a while when we are both up to it. Our family has gotten closer in it all and I have gotten to spend more quality time with them which thrills my very soul. I love them very much. Our grandsons come over to visit and one of them is redoing our bathroom for us. He works in building and construction.
I have God's perfect peace and have no fear whatsoever in all because The Lord sent a Word to me through a godly person used of God in the prophetic, before I knew that I needed it. That Word was from Isaiah 54:17. NO weapon FORMED against you shall prosper, with the key emphasis being on the word FORMED. This word was given several weeks before I had my colonoscopy done. It was at that time I found out that I had cancer of the rectum. I instantly had God's peace and have had it ever since.
I pastor a church and I have tried with God's help to be a living example for the people as to the grace of God being sufficient for us. In my weakness His strength has been shown in my life. Grace IS God's power accomplishing in and through you what you could not do. I am a walking testimony of that. I want nothing less than God to be glorified in my life.
I guess what I am trying to say here is for one going through trials and tribulations in this life to look at all things through the eyes of The Lord concerning your life. He has a plan and destiny for us all and as Christians He is in control of our entire life as we serve Him. Nothing takes Him by surprise, ever, and Jesus is in our boat...to go to the other side.. He speaks peace be still to life's storms.
Blessings and encouragement to you from
Pastor Kitner
I have God's perfect peace and have no fear whatsoever in all because The Lord sent a Word to me through a godly person used of God in the prophetic, before I knew that I needed it. That Word was from Isaiah 54:17. NO weapon FORMED against you shall prosper, with the key emphasis being on the word FORMED. This word was given several weeks before I had my colonoscopy done. It was at that time I found out that I had cancer of the rectum. I instantly had God's peace and have had it ever since.
I pastor a church and I have tried with God's help to be a living example for the people as to the grace of God being sufficient for us. In my weakness His strength has been shown in my life. Grace IS God's power accomplishing in and through you what you could not do. I am a walking testimony of that. I want nothing less than God to be glorified in my life.
I guess what I am trying to say here is for one going through trials and tribulations in this life to look at all things through the eyes of The Lord concerning your life. He has a plan and destiny for us all and as Christians He is in control of our entire life as we serve Him. Nothing takes Him by surprise, ever, and Jesus is in our boat...to go to the other side.. He speaks peace be still to life's storms.
Blessings and encouragement to you from
Pastor Kitner
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Priorities of Life
Christian - Do you realize that your time on this earth is the shortest period of your life. On the timeline of from everlasting to everlasting the time on this earth is but a dot on the line. We use some much time seeking to make all we can here and neglect the eternal things of life for which we are destined.
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)
Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Keep Looking Up
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1 KJV)
In watching the American and the world political scene I am convinced that the church needs to concentrate on doing the "Fathers Business". We have a Great Commission and the Great Commandment that is to be that which spurs us on into action. We need to be those who are going into the highways and hedges compelling people to come in.. Church prayer meetings should be the churches norm! With the prayer being for The Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest. Prayer for the Leaders of the nations, political and Spiritual.
The politics of this world system is so corrupt that there is no turning back to righteousness politicly speaking. Lies and concealment and denial are the order of the day. Our own president speaks out of both sides of his mouth all the time. He gives aide and weapons to those who are avowed enemies of the country and nothing is done by the congress of the US. Look at the Benghazi disaster and how it has been handled. There is a direction that has been on the agenda for this country and they are going there.
We are in perilous times NOW and the signs of the time says a one world government is well on the way... We should not be surprised at the political or Spiritual decline in our nation or around the world. Those who are the Lords must press in close to Him so they are not deceived.
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. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: (Colossians 3:1-6 KJV)
The church must be a stand out for the world .. letting our lights so shine before men that they would see our good works and glorify the Father which is in Heaven.
Blessing on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
In watching the American and the world political scene I am convinced that the church needs to concentrate on doing the "Fathers Business". We have a Great Commission and the Great Commandment that is to be that which spurs us on into action. We need to be those who are going into the highways and hedges compelling people to come in.. Church prayer meetings should be the churches norm! With the prayer being for The Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest. Prayer for the Leaders of the nations, political and Spiritual.
The politics of this world system is so corrupt that there is no turning back to righteousness politicly speaking. Lies and concealment and denial are the order of the day. Our own president speaks out of both sides of his mouth all the time. He gives aide and weapons to those who are avowed enemies of the country and nothing is done by the congress of the US. Look at the Benghazi disaster and how it has been handled. There is a direction that has been on the agenda for this country and they are going there.
We are in perilous times NOW and the signs of the time says a one world government is well on the way... We should not be surprised at the political or Spiritual decline in our nation or around the world. Those who are the Lords must press in close to Him so they are not deceived.
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. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: (Colossians 3:1-6 KJV)
The church must be a stand out for the world .. letting our lights so shine before men that they would see our good works and glorify the Father which is in Heaven.
Blessing on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Thursday, May 2, 2013
The Real Battle Line
Don't underestimate our enemy!!!
Acts 5:3 -
Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
Ac 26:18 -
to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'
Ro 16:20 -
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
1Co 5:5 -
hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.
1Co 7:5 -
Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
2Co 2:11 -
in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
2Co 11:14 -
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
2Co 12:7 -
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
1Th 2:18 -
For we wanted to come to you--certainly I, Paul, did, again and again-- but Satan stopped us.
2Th 2:9 -
The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders,
1Ti 1:20 -
Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
1Ti 5:15 -
Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.
Re 2:9 -
I know your afflictions and your poverty--yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Re 2:13 -
I know where you live--where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city--where Satan lives.
Re 2:24 -
Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you):
Re 3:9 -
I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars--I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.
Re 12:9 -
The great dragon was hurled down--that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
Re 20:2 -
He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
Re 20:7 -
When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison
I have been thinking about how the church tends to ignore the very real opposition of the enemy. If you look at the New Testament verses above from the Book of Acts through Revelation, you will see that we are his priority, and the first century church knew it. He never quits! So we must respect this reality and fight the good fight. Unless we take our stand by putting on the whole armor of God, we will
not be victorious. So please remember that our Sovereign God has decided to permit this activity gainst us. But by His Grace and Power within us, Satan cannot overcome us. We must be the overcomers!
Acts 5:3 -
Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
Ac 26:18 -
to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'
Ro 16:20 -
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
1Co 5:5 -
hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.
1Co 7:5 -
Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
2Co 2:11 -
in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
2Co 11:14 -
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
2Co 12:7 -
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
1Th 2:18 -
For we wanted to come to you--certainly I, Paul, did, again and again-- but Satan stopped us.
2Th 2:9 -
The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders,
1Ti 1:20 -
Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
1Ti 5:15 -
Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.
Re 2:9 -
I know your afflictions and your poverty--yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Re 2:13 -
I know where you live--where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city--where Satan lives.
Re 2:24 -
Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you):
Re 3:9 -
I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars--I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.
Re 12:9 -
The great dragon was hurled down--that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
Re 20:2 -
He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
Re 20:7 -
When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison
I have been thinking about how the church tends to ignore the very real opposition of the enemy. If you look at the New Testament verses above from the Book of Acts through Revelation, you will see that we are his priority, and the first century church knew it. He never quits! So we must respect this reality and fight the good fight. Unless we take our stand by putting on the whole armor of God, we will
not be victorious. So please remember that our Sovereign God has decided to permit this activity gainst us. But by His Grace and Power within us, Satan cannot overcome us. We must be the overcomers!
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Out of the Classroom
There are time in our Christian walk when we are in the classroom. The classroom being the church setting such as the preaching and teaching of the Word, Sunday School or a special classes for a particular group of people. The classroom is also found outside the four walls of the church with special meetings of all kinds that help us to understand the Scriptures, who Jesus is, who we are in Christ, our commission and call and a long list of other subjects that are endless. All of these are good in our quest for knowledge, wisdom and understanding. However there is another aspect of our walk other than the classroom setting.
In Mark chapter 4 Jesus was teaching the people including the disciples by parables about the kingdom of God until verse 35 where a transition takes place. He takes the disciples into the practicum experiences with Him that reveal some truths about Jesus and the kingdom by demonstration. Jesus does this with us as well.
Several lessons are to be learned in the lab work with The Lord.
1. Jesus sets the agenda. vs. #35
2. Jesus is in the boat with them. vs. #36
3. Storms come into our lives. vs.#37
4. Things can look hopeless. vs. #37
5. It might appear that Jesus who is with you doesn't care. vs. #38
6. Jesus is able to calm your storm and still the waters. vs. #39
7. Our walk is a faith walk. vs. #40
Jesus is Lord over the elements, trust Him - He is in your boat, in this first portion of the practicum.
This is continued in Mark chapter 5. We will look there next.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
In Mark chapter 4 Jesus was teaching the people including the disciples by parables about the kingdom of God until verse 35 where a transition takes place. He takes the disciples into the practicum experiences with Him that reveal some truths about Jesus and the kingdom by demonstration. Jesus does this with us as well.
Several lessons are to be learned in the lab work with The Lord.
1. Jesus sets the agenda. vs. #35
2. Jesus is in the boat with them. vs. #36
3. Storms come into our lives. vs.#37
4. Things can look hopeless. vs. #37
5. It might appear that Jesus who is with you doesn't care. vs. #38
6. Jesus is able to calm your storm and still the waters. vs. #39
7. Our walk is a faith walk. vs. #40
Jesus is Lord over the elements, trust Him - He is in your boat, in this first portion of the practicum.
This is continued in Mark chapter 5. We will look there next.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Monday, February 4, 2013
REPENT!!!
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38 KJV)
REPENT seems to be a forgotten word in the "Christian" vocabulary.
IIChronicles 7:14 - and turn from your wicked ways..... that is to repent!
How can you obey God and still carry on in sin. Paul says shall we continue in sin.... God forbid.
Do you truly want change in our nation? Then it starts with REPENT....!
Do you want change in your life? Then it starts with REPENT....!
If you are truly following Christ then you will obey Him. Repentence is a turning from sin to righteousness, a turning for rebellion to obedience, a running to God and not from Him.
Repentence shows a heart that started to desire truth in the inward parts, one that desires true change in their life so they can walk in the light as He is in the light.
The church needs to stand up and shout REPENT - and.............!
Be blessed in Christ
Pastor Kitner
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Getting the Facts
Information Literacy Today
Having recognized the need for information: Information Literacy is the ability to obtain, judge the quality of and use the information obtained.In today's knowledge driven society one needs to be literate in several different ways. Not only knowing how to read, which unlocks the door to knowledge, but also one needs to be literate in accessing and retrieving information from a much wider variety of sources than in years gone by. The old card catalog is dead, so to speak. Everything has been digitized, for the most part, in the major libraries, the college and university library systems. This combined with sources on the Internet, the World Wide Web and the modern software versions of encyclopedias and books, has demanded that one either learn or relearn the methods to attain the information that is needed. Information literacy includes knowing how to utilize the tools, that are available to us today, to get the information that we need.
The Internet could be called the "Gateway to the Future". Today the potential of the vast resources of the Internet and all that it is comprised of, is like the era of the invention of the automobile, the telephone or the launching of the space program. The avenues are many and the opportunities abound in the new realms of the yet untapped potential of the Internet and it's multitude of uses. There have been so many added resources for information that we have to develop the skills necessary to mine the gold and leave the unprofitable waste where it is. The mind has yet to unlock all the potential that is there and harness it for the "Greater Good" of all mankind.
Unlike the "good old days" when reading, writing and arithmetic were the mainstay of learning, we must now add, at least basic computer knowledge. Information literacy must include knowing how to use the library tools such as,Electronic Information Network(EIN), EBESCO host, Infotrac Search Bank, and others found in the Online Reference Center in the Point Park College Library Center. The main Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Three Rivers Free-Net with the Current Magazine and Newspaper and other Mediasection are all welcome helpers at our disposal as well. Other resources include information from other Library Centers, State and Federal Government information sites and the different educational sites that are available to us. The knowledge of and use of Internet tools such as the many search engines and directories is a must in "the information age" in which we live. These, used to their fullest capabilities, become very useful to aide in narrowing down our searches for specific classifications and types of information.
Part of the utilizing of these tools is the basic knowledge of the computer it's operation and some of the software that is available for our convenience. Application software such as Word Perfect Office, MS Word, Excel, Access, Netscape, Internet Explorer, different e-mail programs, and website builders/editors can all be valuable tools in our hands as we increase our knowledge of their use.
The Internet has a tremendous amount of information available but not all of it is reliable. Knowing a criteria for evaluating the Internet offerings is a critical part of information literacy in our ever-changing technological society.Numerous books and web sites are available for us to see how some have done this. One good web site resource page, giving us some criteria for judging the information offered for our use is, Ten C's for Evaluating Internet Sources. All of these things, working together, can make our access to and retrieval of good reliable information for our personal, business and research use faster, easier and more reliable.
In printed matter, such as books, periodicals, magazine articles and such like, one can readily identify the author, subject matter, reference materials and sources, and the publishers. On the Internet it is more difficult to gather all the information that you need. At times the critical helpers that aide us in identifying viable material just aren't there.Here is a helper site for one to identify properly the place where information is obtained.
The age we live in is one of media hype, sound bytes and powerful influence. The dissemination of information that used to take days, weeks and even months can now, literally in seconds be sent around the world in text, picture, video and TV formats. One can e-mail a friend in Germany in seconds instead of waiting for the regular mail to reach them 5 to 7 days later. We are living literally on "The Breaking Wave" of technology today.
The better equipped we are to both find and judge the available information with the guideline of a good solid criteria the better able we are to handle it correctly. Information Literacy is a must for everyone.
Monday, January 21, 2013
A Coming Storm!
As I sat in the cancer treatment center The Lord spoke to my heart some things that I want to share here. I was not asking about such things but this word came to me as I sat waiting for chemo.
There is a coming storm to our country. It will be within our country and the fury of it could be likened to the force of 10 category 5 tornados.
What was spoken to my heart was that there will be a major division in our country. Not like a north/south or east/west division but a neighborhoods division and a type of mass confusion. Which is from the major divide of "IDEALS".
People will begin to look at one another as potential enemies because of the divide. A great cloud of distrust will blanket the nation. Deception will get worse.
Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:4 Take heed that no man deceive you.
Don't get caught up in the world but seek those things that are above where Christ sits on the right hand of God.
Blessings on Ya
Pastor Kitner
There is a coming storm to our country. It will be within our country and the fury of it could be likened to the force of 10 category 5 tornados.
What was spoken to my heart was that there will be a major division in our country. Not like a north/south or east/west division but a neighborhoods division and a type of mass confusion. Which is from the major divide of "IDEALS".
People will begin to look at one another as potential enemies because of the divide. A great cloud of distrust will blanket the nation. Deception will get worse.
Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:4 Take heed that no man deceive you.
Don't get caught up in the world but seek those things that are above where Christ sits on the right hand of God.
Blessings on Ya
Pastor Kitner
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Ham Salad Recipe
Ham Salad Recipe
Buy a chunk of pressed ham (like chipped ham is cut from) and a piece of balogna then run it through a chopper. Usually I get a 1# piece of ham ( like the old Isaly's ham) and 1/2 # piece of Bologna ( inexpensive brand).
Next cut it into cubes and I just use a small food chopper to chop it fine.
Next mix the chopped meats with sweet relish about 2 tablespoons or to taste and add some mayo, just to mix enough to hold together. You should be able to taste the relish.
If you just want a smaller quantity then use about 1/2 # ham and 1/4 bologna adding relish and mayo to taste. It is easy, we grew up on it with our Mom and Grandma.
It is good on buns, bread or toast with lettuce, tomato and even swiss cheese if you like it. It is easy to make and once you get the taste you like the next time is easy to duplicate.
Hope you enjoy it I know we sure do.
Pastor Kitner
Buy a chunk of pressed ham (like chipped ham is cut from) and a piece of balogna then run it through a chopper. Usually I get a 1# piece of ham ( like the old Isaly's ham) and 1/2 # piece of Bologna ( inexpensive brand).
Next cut it into cubes and I just use a small food chopper to chop it fine.
Next mix the chopped meats with sweet relish about 2 tablespoons or to taste and add some mayo, just to mix enough to hold together. You should be able to taste the relish.
If you just want a smaller quantity then use about 1/2 # ham and 1/4 bologna adding relish and mayo to taste. It is easy, we grew up on it with our Mom and Grandma.
It is good on buns, bread or toast with lettuce, tomato and even swiss cheese if you like it. It is easy to make and once you get the taste you like the next time is easy to duplicate.
Hope you enjoy it I know we sure do.
Pastor Kitner
Saturday, October 13, 2012
"Last Straw - Un Friend Me"
I have a Face Book page and have some posts that speak to the more conservative views at times. I posted one that was sent to me by another friend that spoke of a former Obama supporter that went to see the movie about the year 2016 after a second set of 4 years under Obama and speaks of his mindset etc. It is not written by me but by someone who has changed their mind. It is more or less a man's opinion after he saw the movie.
A relatively new FB friend has an opinion that is different than the one expressed and has asked me to unfriend him because it was a last straw for him. Intolerance of opinions that differ with our own opinion is something I am thinking about, because I see that it is growing. From a political side that cries about intolerance as it suits them without giving tolerance to others. In the marketplace of free speech shouldn't we be able to express our thoughts without being so closed of that we can't allow others to voice themselves too?
If your friendship is so shallow then you tend to be like the old saying "Birds of a feather flock together" to the exclusion of all others.
I don't think that kind of seperation allows people to understand the others that are not of there same "feather". I am truly saddened by what I see happening.
John 15:12 (KJV) 12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Pastor Kitner
A relatively new FB friend has an opinion that is different than the one expressed and has asked me to unfriend him because it was a last straw for him. Intolerance of opinions that differ with our own opinion is something I am thinking about, because I see that it is growing. From a political side that cries about intolerance as it suits them without giving tolerance to others. In the marketplace of free speech shouldn't we be able to express our thoughts without being so closed of that we can't allow others to voice themselves too?
If your friendship is so shallow then you tend to be like the old saying "Birds of a feather flock together" to the exclusion of all others.
I don't think that kind of seperation allows people to understand the others that are not of there same "feather". I am truly saddened by what I see happening.
John 15:12 (KJV) 12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Pastor Kitner
Friday, September 28, 2012
10 Things about Pastors
Here are ten things every pastor wishes the congregation knew but doesn’t know how to say: I borrowed these from Brenda, Elaine and Josh - 2nd Generation and Mike Wilkins
(1) Your pastor has feelings. No seriously, he really does! Dealing with troubled marriages, addictions, mean-spirited congregants, constant complaints, and troubled spiritual lives can really weigh heavy on a person. It’s no small thing for a pastor to get up in the pulpit on Sunday with a smile on his face after he’s just visited a young man in jail, been witness to parents letting their children know they are getting a divorce, or counseled with that man dealing with a pornography addiction. It can break the strongest person. And if you say hurtful things to the pastor, even if you think you are right, learn to say: “I’m sorry.” If you do have criticism, never do it publicly (a cowardly way), but go to him privately and season your speech with grace.
(2) Your pastor needs encouragement. Don’t expect a pastor to ask for it, just give it. If your pastor does something meaningful that you appreciate, don’t take it for granted, let him know how much it mean to you! Discouragement is real! It is discouraging to watch people “fall by the way-side” after you have spend days and maybe weeks or months investing in them as a pastor. Your pastor always gets discouraging calls; maybe you could give him an encouraging one (without asking anything of him). A few simple words of encouragement can do more good than many voices of discouragement.
(3) Your pastor is probably under-paid. (Just assume he is and its the church’s responsibility to provide for him and his family.) I know people think pastors ought to be paid minimum wage so they can “rely on the Lord.” The pastor does rely on the Lord, there’s no need for further ‘testing.’ Pastors, when considering their education level as well as the ordination process of some denominations, have a very rigorous process to undergo before being fully ordained! The level of support that most churces provide is not even comparable to the amount of time, resources, education, giftedness, etc that it takes to become a pastor. Many pastors struggle to even pay off their under graduate or graduate education with the financial support they receive while pastoring a church. That, along with family responsibilities, financial expectations to give to the local church in every special offering (above & beyond tithe), and other financial issues, places a huge burden on the pastoral family. How many people would complain about the pastor’s atire if he wore the same suit every Sunday or drove a ‘clunker’ while out visiting parishners? Yet, if we’re not careful, we hold financial expectations on our pastor that are unfair. In many cases, when pastors retire from ministry, they are left to live off a social security check or the retirement fund of their spouse (shame on us). If we do not honor God’s spokesperson to the local church; God will not honor the church.
(4) Your pastor is under constant spiritual attack. Yeah, they deal with temptation too. It’s kind of like this: If you were fighting in the revolutionary war and you had one shot at the army charging at you would you shoot (1) the hundreds of foot soldiers charging or (2) the man riding the horse with a big plume in his hat? You got it! The pastor is in a place of leadership and if a pastor falls morally it causes a lot of discouragement and damage to the kingdom. Of course the Devil is going to target your pastor… especially if he is leading with integrity and the anointing of the Holy Spirit! Pray for your pastor. He needs it. Who will stand in the gap for their pastor?
(5) Your pastor’s spouse has the hardest job in the church. I can’t leave this one out. The spouse is not technically a staff person of the local church. Problem is, “pastor’s wife” is its own position! Expectations are high for this non-paid position. Too many people believe the pastor’s spouse ought to be a wonderful pianist, the friendliest greeter, a proficient Sunday School teacher, a fashion icon, a model of humility, a compassionate counselor, and the list goes on and on. There are few things that are difficult for the pastor’s spouse: unfair expectations from the congregagtion, everything they say or do is under scrutiny, their kids have to behave and act better than everyone elses kids, they get no down time, if they were really transparent their mate might be out of a job, and so much more. Being a pastor’s spouse can be one of the most lonely roles in the church. They often cannot even afford to have friends in the church for fear of betrayal or gossip. Try to make things pleasant for your pastor’s spouse: let them know they are appreciated and do not make them the “back-up plan” for every ministry in the church. Protect your pastor’s spouse, because your pastor needs their spouse more than they need you.
(6) Not everything is the pastor’s fault. This is hard to believe, I know. The pastor is certainly an easy one to blame everything on because they are the visible leaders of the local church. Don’t point fingers at the pastor every time something goes wrong or someone in the church is mad about something. If his preaching isn’t up to par maybe its because he is spending too much time vacuuming the sanctuary. If he isn’t visiting enough maybe its because he’s too busy putting out the fires of discontent that you or others are starting. Do something to help cover for him! If more people need to be visited; visit them. If a Sunday School class needs to be taught; teach it. If no one will do the power point; volunteer. Step up and into a place that you can be part of the solution instead of the problem. Blaming someone else for the church’s lack of effectiveness does not work! (Blame did not solve anything for Adam & Eve either.)
(7) Your pastor wishes he was Superman, but he is lucky to pull off Clark Kent some days. There are some things he just won’t be good at… sorry. Not every sermon will be a home run (that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t listen to them). Generally, he won’t be strong in every single area of pastoral ministry. It doesn’t mean he is a failure, it means the church needs to function as a body instead of “paying the preacher to do it all.” If a good pastor is guilty of anything, it is trying to be good at everything and then failing at everything. When you see your pastor trying to take on one more thing, that is the time to be stubborn and demand that he not add another thing to his list (tell him to add it to yours). This may be a shock to some, but your pastor does not know everything… the problem occurs when people treat him like he does not know anything.
(8) Your pastor is on call 24/7; try to be sympathetic when it comes to his time. Be considerate. Do not call your pastor before 8am or after 9pm except in an emergency. Try to work out the small stuff on your own. Do not be a “tattle tail” either. If there is a serious moral short coming, sure, that needs to be dealt with. But your pastor probably does not even care that someone looked at you cross-eyed during the offeratory. If that teenager keeps talking during service you deal with it or get over it. You know that guy you keep complaining is dropping cigarette butts in the flower bed, the pastor is trying to lead him to Christ. One day you may need the pastor in a real emergency so do not be the person always crying wolf! (As a side note, I might add that an over whelming majority of what people think is major, is in fact minor. Get a life, get a job, get out of your little world and try to catch the big picture of what Jesus is doing in the world around you!) Your pastor really cares about you, probably, but do not take advantage of that fact.
(9) Quit being so sensitive about EVERYTHING! This is a hard truth to swallow, but your pastor is not sitting around all week thinking of ways to offend you in his sermon on Sunday (and if he is, you must be a huge problem in the church). Keep in mind that the church is a family so we sometimes have conflict. Conflict is not bad in and of itself, it is what we do in that conflict that matters. Try giving your pastor the benefit of the doubt. Do not take everything personally. That chip on your shoulder may be restraining your pastor from doing what he needs to do to see the church move forward. Who wants to be a stumbling block? The reality is, your pastor wants what is spiritually the best for you and the church.
(10) Don’t make your pastor stand alone. If your pastor has really been called of God there will be times he must make a stand for truth. When he does that, your responsibility is to be a supporter of biblical truth. Stand with him. Complainers, slanderers, gossips, and those causing division in the church are always vocal, why not be vocal about supporting your pastor if he is standing up for what is right? Too many people hide in the trenches and let the pastor lead the charge into the lines of immorality while they sit safely in their bunker silently “admiring” their martyr pastor and discussing who they can find for a new pastor when this one gets eaten alive on the battlefield fighting for truth. Your pastor will only be able to take so many bullets with everyone hiding behind him before he will have to leave your church… wounded. Then you’ll get a pastor who may or may not stand up for what is right and you will have a wake of unsolved moral issues in your church that you will expect the next pastor to deal with alone as well. Sometimes this is as simple as letting him know verbally that you support him standing for truth. (It is not ever about sides, but it is about whether your pastor is doing right!)
(1) Your pastor has feelings. No seriously, he really does! Dealing with troubled marriages, addictions, mean-spirited congregants, constant complaints, and troubled spiritual lives can really weigh heavy on a person. It’s no small thing for a pastor to get up in the pulpit on Sunday with a smile on his face after he’s just visited a young man in jail, been witness to parents letting their children know they are getting a divorce, or counseled with that man dealing with a pornography addiction. It can break the strongest person. And if you say hurtful things to the pastor, even if you think you are right, learn to say: “I’m sorry.” If you do have criticism, never do it publicly (a cowardly way), but go to him privately and season your speech with grace.
(2) Your pastor needs encouragement. Don’t expect a pastor to ask for it, just give it. If your pastor does something meaningful that you appreciate, don’t take it for granted, let him know how much it mean to you! Discouragement is real! It is discouraging to watch people “fall by the way-side” after you have spend days and maybe weeks or months investing in them as a pastor. Your pastor always gets discouraging calls; maybe you could give him an encouraging one (without asking anything of him). A few simple words of encouragement can do more good than many voices of discouragement.
(3) Your pastor is probably under-paid. (Just assume he is and its the church’s responsibility to provide for him and his family.) I know people think pastors ought to be paid minimum wage so they can “rely on the Lord.” The pastor does rely on the Lord, there’s no need for further ‘testing.’ Pastors, when considering their education level as well as the ordination process of some denominations, have a very rigorous process to undergo before being fully ordained! The level of support that most churces provide is not even comparable to the amount of time, resources, education, giftedness, etc that it takes to become a pastor. Many pastors struggle to even pay off their under graduate or graduate education with the financial support they receive while pastoring a church. That, along with family responsibilities, financial expectations to give to the local church in every special offering (above & beyond tithe), and other financial issues, places a huge burden on the pastoral family. How many people would complain about the pastor’s atire if he wore the same suit every Sunday or drove a ‘clunker’ while out visiting parishners? Yet, if we’re not careful, we hold financial expectations on our pastor that are unfair. In many cases, when pastors retire from ministry, they are left to live off a social security check or the retirement fund of their spouse (shame on us). If we do not honor God’s spokesperson to the local church; God will not honor the church.
(4) Your pastor is under constant spiritual attack. Yeah, they deal with temptation too. It’s kind of like this: If you were fighting in the revolutionary war and you had one shot at the army charging at you would you shoot (1) the hundreds of foot soldiers charging or (2) the man riding the horse with a big plume in his hat? You got it! The pastor is in a place of leadership and if a pastor falls morally it causes a lot of discouragement and damage to the kingdom. Of course the Devil is going to target your pastor… especially if he is leading with integrity and the anointing of the Holy Spirit! Pray for your pastor. He needs it. Who will stand in the gap for their pastor?
(5) Your pastor’s spouse has the hardest job in the church. I can’t leave this one out. The spouse is not technically a staff person of the local church. Problem is, “pastor’s wife” is its own position! Expectations are high for this non-paid position. Too many people believe the pastor’s spouse ought to be a wonderful pianist, the friendliest greeter, a proficient Sunday School teacher, a fashion icon, a model of humility, a compassionate counselor, and the list goes on and on. There are few things that are difficult for the pastor’s spouse: unfair expectations from the congregagtion, everything they say or do is under scrutiny, their kids have to behave and act better than everyone elses kids, they get no down time, if they were really transparent their mate might be out of a job, and so much more. Being a pastor’s spouse can be one of the most lonely roles in the church. They often cannot even afford to have friends in the church for fear of betrayal or gossip. Try to make things pleasant for your pastor’s spouse: let them know they are appreciated and do not make them the “back-up plan” for every ministry in the church. Protect your pastor’s spouse, because your pastor needs their spouse more than they need you.
(6) Not everything is the pastor’s fault. This is hard to believe, I know. The pastor is certainly an easy one to blame everything on because they are the visible leaders of the local church. Don’t point fingers at the pastor every time something goes wrong or someone in the church is mad about something. If his preaching isn’t up to par maybe its because he is spending too much time vacuuming the sanctuary. If he isn’t visiting enough maybe its because he’s too busy putting out the fires of discontent that you or others are starting. Do something to help cover for him! If more people need to be visited; visit them. If a Sunday School class needs to be taught; teach it. If no one will do the power point; volunteer. Step up and into a place that you can be part of the solution instead of the problem. Blaming someone else for the church’s lack of effectiveness does not work! (Blame did not solve anything for Adam & Eve either.)
(7) Your pastor wishes he was Superman, but he is lucky to pull off Clark Kent some days. There are some things he just won’t be good at… sorry. Not every sermon will be a home run (that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t listen to them). Generally, he won’t be strong in every single area of pastoral ministry. It doesn’t mean he is a failure, it means the church needs to function as a body instead of “paying the preacher to do it all.” If a good pastor is guilty of anything, it is trying to be good at everything and then failing at everything. When you see your pastor trying to take on one more thing, that is the time to be stubborn and demand that he not add another thing to his list (tell him to add it to yours). This may be a shock to some, but your pastor does not know everything… the problem occurs when people treat him like he does not know anything.
(8) Your pastor is on call 24/7; try to be sympathetic when it comes to his time. Be considerate. Do not call your pastor before 8am or after 9pm except in an emergency. Try to work out the small stuff on your own. Do not be a “tattle tail” either. If there is a serious moral short coming, sure, that needs to be dealt with. But your pastor probably does not even care that someone looked at you cross-eyed during the offeratory. If that teenager keeps talking during service you deal with it or get over it. You know that guy you keep complaining is dropping cigarette butts in the flower bed, the pastor is trying to lead him to Christ. One day you may need the pastor in a real emergency so do not be the person always crying wolf! (As a side note, I might add that an over whelming majority of what people think is major, is in fact minor. Get a life, get a job, get out of your little world and try to catch the big picture of what Jesus is doing in the world around you!) Your pastor really cares about you, probably, but do not take advantage of that fact.
(9) Quit being so sensitive about EVERYTHING! This is a hard truth to swallow, but your pastor is not sitting around all week thinking of ways to offend you in his sermon on Sunday (and if he is, you must be a huge problem in the church). Keep in mind that the church is a family so we sometimes have conflict. Conflict is not bad in and of itself, it is what we do in that conflict that matters. Try giving your pastor the benefit of the doubt. Do not take everything personally. That chip on your shoulder may be restraining your pastor from doing what he needs to do to see the church move forward. Who wants to be a stumbling block? The reality is, your pastor wants what is spiritually the best for you and the church.
(10) Don’t make your pastor stand alone. If your pastor has really been called of God there will be times he must make a stand for truth. When he does that, your responsibility is to be a supporter of biblical truth. Stand with him. Complainers, slanderers, gossips, and those causing division in the church are always vocal, why not be vocal about supporting your pastor if he is standing up for what is right? Too many people hide in the trenches and let the pastor lead the charge into the lines of immorality while they sit safely in their bunker silently “admiring” their martyr pastor and discussing who they can find for a new pastor when this one gets eaten alive on the battlefield fighting for truth. Your pastor will only be able to take so many bullets with everyone hiding behind him before he will have to leave your church… wounded. Then you’ll get a pastor who may or may not stand up for what is right and you will have a wake of unsolved moral issues in your church that you will expect the next pastor to deal with alone as well. Sometimes this is as simple as letting him know verbally that you support him standing for truth. (It is not ever about sides, but it is about whether your pastor is doing right!)
I might be able to add to this list later, but I hope this might give insight to some lay person on how they can better be a Aaron or Hur for their Moses (Exodus 17:10-13). And to any of my current or past congregation members who might think I am talking about them… you bet I am.
Brenda, Elaine & Josh
2nd Generation
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
The Times We Live In
Romans 1:28 - 32 (NIV) 28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
We live in days that look an awful lot like the above. I can not believe that men and women that should be intelligent, can't even think on a ninth grade level anymore. There is a moral, mental, emotional and reasoning lack in our society.
The church has defected as well on so many counts. In the acceptance of homosexual ministers, living together before marriage, conceiving out of wedlock, etc.. This is the social acceptance of immorality within the church. Just where is it all going?
The church model I see in the Bible doesn't look like the club settings of today's churches. The idea pushed upon society of the world system has sadly been embrased by the church. Nobody wants to take any responsibility for doing it right because of pressure from society.
I have some questions for everyone that names the name of Jesus as their saviour:
Are you ready for His soon return?
When is the last time you thought about it?
What are you doing with the knowledge that you have?
Who are you telling about the Lord?
WHY are you here - What's your purpose?
Enough for now - think about it!
Pastor Kitner
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Trouble Ahead
Where there is no vision the people perish and where there is a conflict in the vision the people perish as well. The following are some good indicators of a church in trouble.
From Thom Rainer's article "10 Warning Signs for Churches" -
1. If the pastor does not have adequate time to be in the Word or if he chooses not to do so.
2. If the members are spending time arguing about how money should be spent.
3. If none or only a few of the key leaders are actively sharing their faith.
4. If there is no clear process of discipleship in place, just a plethora of programs and activities.
5. If corporate prayer is not a major emphasis in the church.
6. If church members are arguing about worship style or worship times.
7. If church members expect the paid staff to do most of the ministry, instead of the staff equipping the members to do the work of ministry (“Why didn’t he visit me in the hospital?”)
8. If there are ongoing disagreements about matters of the church facilities.
9. If the church has more meetings than new disciples.
10. If the leadership of the church does not have a coherent plan for what is taught in small groups and Sunday school classes.
Read the complete article here - http://bit.ly/lulIPJ
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
From Thom Rainer's article "10 Warning Signs for Churches" -
1. If the pastor does not have adequate time to be in the Word or if he chooses not to do so.
2. If the members are spending time arguing about how money should be spent.
3. If none or only a few of the key leaders are actively sharing their faith.
4. If there is no clear process of discipleship in place, just a plethora of programs and activities.
5. If corporate prayer is not a major emphasis in the church.
6. If church members are arguing about worship style or worship times.
7. If church members expect the paid staff to do most of the ministry, instead of the staff equipping the members to do the work of ministry (“Why didn’t he visit me in the hospital?”)
8. If there are ongoing disagreements about matters of the church facilities.
9. If the church has more meetings than new disciples.
10. If the leadership of the church does not have a coherent plan for what is taught in small groups and Sunday school classes.
Read the complete article here - http://bit.ly/lulIPJ
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Prayer Needs
What are Your Most Pressing Prayer Need?
What are your most pressing prayer needs/concerns that you have today? Write them down. Prayerfully find some scripture that you will use to pray for each of these needs.
Just a simple prayer guide for you to use.
Who is the person or persons that you want to see saved?
1. Family
2. Friend
3. other
List your own personal most pressing prayer needs/wants.
1. Spiritual need
2. Physical need
3. Emotional need
4. Mental need
5.Financial need
6. Job need
7. Marriage need
What do you see as the most pressing need the church you attend has?
How will you pray for this need?
Make yourself a list and if you want us to pray with you about something please send and e-mail to sonforu@verizon.net or charles.kitner@facebook.com
Blessings to You
Pastor Charles Kitner
What are your most pressing prayer needs/concerns that you have today? Write them down. Prayerfully find some scripture that you will use to pray for each of these needs.
Just a simple prayer guide for you to use.
Who is the person or persons that you want to see saved?
1. Family
2. Friend
3. other
List your own personal most pressing prayer needs/wants.
1. Spiritual need
2. Physical need
3. Emotional need
4. Mental need
5.Financial need
6. Job need
7. Marriage need
What do you see as the most pressing need the church you attend has?
How will you pray for this need?
Make yourself a list and if you want us to pray with you about something please send and e-mail to sonforu@verizon.net or charles.kitner@facebook.com
Blessings to You
Pastor Charles Kitner
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Wisdom or Recognition
In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask what I shall give you." Solomon said to God, "You have dealt with my father David with great lovingkindness, and have made me king in his place. Now, O LORD God, Your promise to my father David is fulfilled, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?" God said to Solomon, "Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you." So Solomon went from the high place which was at Gibeon, from the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem, and he reigned over Israel. (2 Chronicles 1:7-13 NASB)
While I was in prayer the Holy Spirit ran this by me: Do you look for wisdom or recognition? This is a question for all to answer, especially believers. Men look for recognition both from the Lord and from men. Some men will do anything for that recognition.
I believe the church is in a place where a lot of those that are in leadership are looking more for recognition than they are looking for wisdom to lead God's people. Solomon was not asking for either God or man to recognize him for who he was but that God would grant him wisdom to carry out his life assignment as ruler over the people of that God gave him.
In God's answer to Solomon we see that God had recognized him in the blessings and great recognition would be given to him by man in all those things that God gave to him in abundance. Jesus came that we might have life and in abundance...what do you seek God for?
God grant to us wisdom and understanding in abundance.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
While I was in prayer the Holy Spirit ran this by me: Do you look for wisdom or recognition? This is a question for all to answer, especially believers. Men look for recognition both from the Lord and from men. Some men will do anything for that recognition.
I believe the church is in a place where a lot of those that are in leadership are looking more for recognition than they are looking for wisdom to lead God's people. Solomon was not asking for either God or man to recognize him for who he was but that God would grant him wisdom to carry out his life assignment as ruler over the people of that God gave him.
In God's answer to Solomon we see that God had recognized him in the blessings and great recognition would be given to him by man in all those things that God gave to him in abundance. Jesus came that we might have life and in abundance...what do you seek God for?
God grant to us wisdom and understanding in abundance.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Worship the Lord Saying
Worship the Lord Saying
Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. (Matthew 15:21-28 KJV)
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV)
The heart of God is that all men would come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is their rest. Sometimes people tell you that you shouldn't bother the Lord with your problems as was the case of the blind man who called out to Jesus. People shushed him and told him not to bother the master. But he like or woman of Canaa persisted. They both got what they wanted. Persistance helps, but I want you to see something else in the above scripture. It says "Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me". Did you catch that? She worshipped Him saying...... The very fact that she was asking showed her faith in the Lord Jesus as her only hope of getting her answer and she would not let it go until she had an answer from the Lord. "Persistance in FAITH", she reverenced the Lord by her very question....Point made.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV)
The heart of God is that all men would come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is their rest. Sometimes people tell you that you shouldn't bother the Lord with your problems as was the case of the blind man who called out to Jesus. People shushed him and told him not to bother the master. But he like or woman of Canaa persisted. They both got what they wanted. Persistance helps, but I want you to see something else in the above scripture. It says "Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me". Did you catch that? She worshipped Him saying...... The very fact that she was asking showed her faith in the Lord Jesus as her only hope of getting her answer and she would not let it go until she had an answer from the Lord. "Persistance in FAITH", she reverenced the Lord by her very question....Point made.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
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