We are living in days today like no other we have experienced. That is not to say that they have never been experienced, it is just that we have not experienced them in our lifetime. The Apostle Paul wrote of things in his day that are still relevant in these days.

Jude 1.3 “Dear friends, I’ve dropped everything to write you about this life of salvation that we have in common. I have to write insisting—begging!—that you fight with everything you have in you for this faith entrusted to us as a gift to guard and cherish.” The New American Standard says to earnestly contend.

Paul uses words like insisting, begging, fight with everything you have in you! This is about fighting for the life prepared for us by Christ and delivered to us through the Holy Spirit. This is The Faith, salvation in Christ and a life that salvation produces by faith thru grace. To fight or to  earnestly contend is the Greek word Epagōnízomai; to strive for. To exert intense effort on behalf of something-‘encourage you to struggle for the faith’ We can face losing our victory given to us thru Christ that we attach to by faith. Don’t back off from what belongs to you! This is contending for the Power of God that was delivered to us! Jesus paid the high price of His blood, His life for this!

2 Tim 1.6 “And for this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” Timothy was facing very serious trials. Not only death but possible martyrdom. Paul said to kindle afresh the gift, don’t kindle the fear of the report. Timothy needed a supernatural touch of God’s grace that was available to help. Supernatural power to help him stand upright, not spiritually bent over in fear. Why did Paul remind him of this gift imparted to stir up? All Timothy had to do was reach out to that gift of power & take it by the hand of faith, receive it to himself, place demand on flow. It is like a water faucet. Water is available in the house. All we have to do is open the faucet and allow the provided, available water to flow. It is the same with the power gift in us and is AVAILABLE to us all.

Revelation 12 is a recap of Jesus’ ascension, and His bringing home the authority. (v17) Satan wars against church, believers. We have all in some way realized the infuriation of Satan. Especially if we are wanting to obey God, walk in His will. But the gates of hell never prevailed against the Church. It should not prevail against us as individuals (Lk 10) We are to Contend! We are Destined to win if we contend!

The first 3 centuries this type of rage was against Christians by Roman authorities. Emperor Trajan and Governor Pliny discussed how to deal with Christians. Pliny says: I have found this superstition spread to cities, villages, farms. They have had a detrimental influence on the people’s worship of pagan gods. Although it seems possible to check it and cure it. There are those who denied being Christians. Invoked the gods in word, offered prayer, incense and wine to your image together with statues of the gods and cursed Christ. But none of those who are really Christians can be forced to do that. Now the temples, which had been almost deserted, have begun to be frequented, & established religious rights, long neglected, are being resumed. From everywhere sacrificial animal are coming, for which until now very few purchases could be found. So, it is easy to imagine that a multitude of people can be reformed if opportunity for repentance is afforded. (not Godly repentance, but a turning back to pagan ways) And: A threat of death is given as the alternative. Some Did Not contend.

A most famous example of Christian martyr is Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna. (Revelation 2.8) Martyred at 86, 100 yrs. after the resurrection. Deranged attacks against Christians had not subsided. In fact they increased during certain Roman Emperor rule. There was a large mob gathered screaming at Christians. Ranting and raving yelling ‘Get Polycarp’. To put him on trial. A sympathetic proconsul try to persuade him to renounce Christ to save his life. Polycarp a pupil of John, declared “86 yrs. I served Him and He’s done me no wrong, how can I revile my King who saved me!” (Not running, or deserting, but he is contending.) The Governor yelled “Swear by Caesar or I’ll throw you to the beast” Polycarp said, “Bring on the Beast” The Governor said “Scorn the beast, I’ll have you burned” Polycarp looked him right in the eyes and boldly declared “You try to frighten me w/fire that burns for an hour, and you forget the fire of hell that never goes out!”

History tells us: He joyfully went up to the stake, and amidst the flames praised God for having deemed him worthy “to be numbered among His martyrs…. In the letter of the church of Smyrna a slightly legendary account states, that the flames avoided the body of Polycarp, leaving it unharmed, like gold tried in the fire; also the Christian bystanders insisted, that they perceived a sweet odor, as of incense. Then the executioner thrust his sword into the body, and the stream of blood at once extinguished the flame. The corpse was burned after the Roman custom, but the bones were preserved by the church, and held more precious than gold and diamonds. The death of this last witness of the apostolic age checked the fury of the populace, & this proconsul suspended the persecution.

To be a Christian in the first century meant total commitment in the face of grave opposition. This is a very intense contending! It’s difficult for many today to comprehend the horrific trials & tribulations that had been endured back then. Yet persecutions were not the greatest crisis, the number of defections were. Clearly stated by Pliny (multitudes could be reformed).

Persecution of the church started in the book of Acts chapter seven with the death of Stephen, but really intensified when the Roman government got involved. Which of course are the days we see Timothy and Polycarp. There is a persecution that comes from people, there is also persecution which comes from the religious, but there is no mightier persecution than that which comes from the governing authorities of a nation.

We live in a nation founded on Godly principles. We have the protection of a God given constitution. There are those that would like our nation to come to an end. There are evil forces that want to destroy our constitution. This would create a total control of evil in the world. An evil, as from the early days of the church, wants to bring an end to the church that professes Jesus Christ as God and Lord. But Jesus told us to occupy until He comes.  

Just as Israel is God’s people, America is God’s nation. As we would stand and protect Israel, we are to stand and protect America from tyranny over her people and persecution of Jesus’ church. The Word of God says: “and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Cron 7.14).

 The Lord leaves the responsibility of the land being healed to His people! We are to occupy! Political positions, statehouses, schoolboards, etc. The church scoffed at television and now are paying premium prices to be on it instead of owning it. The church refused the healthy direction given by the Lord and the world grabbed it and created a major health craze that has become a billion dollar industry over the years. Now the church scoffs at politics in the church when this is our last stand. This is not like tv, or a health craze, if we lose this fight the direction in this nation and in the world will not be a benefit to the church or to any God fearing people. Satan is doing his best to move in!!

It is time to stand up, to contend, to occupy. We are here on earth not to wish we were in heaven, although that is certainly our direction, but we are here to occupy for Jesus. The number one thing we can do is vote! If you are not registered I would implore you to register to vote. We are here to help populate heaven, but without contending, without occupying, that could be a dim reality. Jesus is coming soon for a glorious church. Not one beat down and begging to get out of here. The church should be so in charge that the devil is looking for the rapture so we can leave, and he can then be in charge.

This is our day; this is the time of the church to contend. This is our time to stand. Isaia 60.1 “Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” It is time for the church to rise and be heard in the prayer closet, in the pulpits, on the airwaves, in social circles, in everyday activities of life. Let the Glory be shown!

I know this has been a lengthy letter, but I feel we are living in crucial times and the time to act is of the utmost importance. Thank you for your time in reading this today. I pray the grace and peace of God be with you and guide you in all you do.

Pastor Bob

I pray you are all well and increasing in all you are, all you have, and all you do, that you may increase in being a vessel for the Lord Jesus Christ in your area of influence. Our area of influence is simply everywhere we go because we carry the influence of the Holy Spirit within us.

As I was sitting before the Lord this morning He led me to the Psalms. Specifically, Psalm 33. I believe He wants me to share this with you.     

V 1-3 Sing for joy in the Lord, O you righteous ones; Praise is becoming to the upright. Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

What a great psalm to get in our heart. Sing, joy, praise, thanks, sing a new song! All the things the devil hates. He really hates it when he comes to bring a disturbance to our life and we continue on with singing, praises, joy, thanksgiving. And why shouldn’t we? Our God has done great things for us and we are glad! (Psa 126.3)

V16-17   The king is not saved by a mighty army; A warrior is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

The Treasury of David says: Mortal power is fiction, and those who trust in it are dupes (deceived, tricked, living an illusion). The weakest believer dwells safely under the shadow of Jehovah’s throne, while the most mighty sinner is in peril every hour. Why do we talk so much of our armies and our heroes? The Lord alone has strength and let him alone have praise. Thus, the strongest defenses are less than nothing when most needed. God only is to be trusted and adored. Sennacherib with all his cavalry is not a match for one angel of the Lord. Pharaoh’s horses and chariots found it vain to pursue the Lord’s anointed, and so shall all the leaguered might of earth and hell find themselves utterly defeated when they rise against the Lord and his chosen.

V18 “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him.”

The Hebrew says “look, the eye of the Lord [is] toward the ones who fear him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness” The expression “the eye … [is] toward” here indicates recognition and the bestowing of favor. The one who fears the Lord respects his sovereignty and obeys his commandments.

V19 “To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.”

TOD: The Lord’s hand goes with his eye; he sovereignly preserves those whom he graciously observes. God has meal and oil for his Elijahs somewhere. “Verily thou shalt be fed” is a divine provision for the man of faith. Power in human hands is outmatched by famine, but God is good at a pinch, and proves his bounty under the most straitened circumstances.

V20 “Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.”

Note the three “ours” in the text. These holdfast words are precious. Personal possession makes the Christian man; all else is mere talk. Out of this personal possession of a relationship proceeds a waiting, a twining together. This is a twining, a twisting together of thoughts, words, intents, direction, and goals.

V21 “ For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name.”

The root of faith in due time bears the flower of rejoicing. Doubts breed sorrow, confidence creates joy. Rom 15.13 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Faith, believing, will produce joy, peace, and rejoicing!

V22 “ Let Thy lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, According as we have hoped in Thee.”

We say, “Be it done to me according to Your Word” The Lord says, “Be it done to you according to your faith.” Eph 3.20 TPT says He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination!”

His Word, our faith, can exceed all expectations in the world, Divine activity and human activity.

There is no circumstance that is beyond His Word, and there is no Word that should be beyond our faith!

Since this is true, then let’s do verses 1-3-  Sing for joy in the Lord, O you righteous ones; Praise is becoming to the upright. Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy!!!!

Go ahead and shout!! There is great joy in the Lord. Joy in believing! Joy in His presence!

I hope you all have had a great New Year and looking ahead to great things in 2023.

Isaiah 43.18 “Do not call to mind the former things or ponder things of the past. 19 “Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.”

The Lord is always wanting us to look ahead. He has a future planned for each of us that we can walk in. He has great plans and magnificent promises. Do not look at what you see or the seemingly impossibilities of situations. He can make a roadway in the wilderness and turn rivers into deserts. He will so it as we exercise faith, that comes from hearing, and becomes alive as we meditate on the promises He has spoken to us and in us.

Psa 131.1-3 “O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; Nor do I involve myself in great matters, Or in things too difficult for me. Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child rests against his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord From this time forth and forever.”

Our hope is set on the Lord from this present time and forever! This comes from first of all, knowing Him, His character, His integrity. Second from knowing his promises that He has declared knowing He cannot lie. Third by meditating on His Word of Truth and making His promises, His Word, our own. As we start to believe like Him, think like Him, act like Him, we will start to rest in Him, and our soul will be quieted. As we come to this place in Him, we will become more aware of what He is doing even before it springs forth.

Philippians 3.13-14 “….. one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Last year has passed. Don’t live or try to re-live 2022 or anything else in the past. It is time to press on to the goals of the prizes the Word of God offers to us. His Word is always calling us upward from the things we see and feel, to the things He has promised us and provided for us.

Turn on your earnest expectation to receive this year what is in your heart, what you have been meditating on, what you have been declaring, what the Lord has promised you through His Word. He is doing a new thing. As we follow Him He may want to change our direction to reach the goal. I.e., Have you ever been on the road and ran into a detour? You had to change your route to get around the detour. Possibly a bridge was out. Maybe a road was under construction. Crews could have been working on street lights. The detour could’ve caused a minor delay, or it could have caused a major delay. One thing is certain, if you didn’t detour when the bridge was out then you would be sitting there a long time saying continually, “I know this is the way I was supposed to go.” But with the bridge being out, you needed to detour in order to reach your destination. Taking the detour would have been quicker than waiting for the bridge to be repaired. The detour became the new direction, the new thing you needed to do.

God does not change His mind, but circumstances change. The devil puts up roadblocks. Hindrances appear. Obstacles get in our way. Detours may be required but the goal never changes. If we keep going in the way before the bridge was out, it may be a long time or a long delay time before we reach our destination.

Allow the Holy Spirit to move you in the direction you need to go. Turn from the past. He makes all things new. When we get on path, get back to following His directions, then suddenly can come into our life.

John 6.19-21 “ When therefore they had rowed about three or four miles, they *beheld Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” They were willing therefore to receive Him into the boat; and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.”

Receive Him into your boat, your vessel, your life. Turn from the way it used to be. The disciples had a habit of rowing to get to where they needed to be, but when Jesus came into the boat, rowing stopped and the destination was immediately reached.

This can be your year of suddenly! Your year of new things! Your year to reach the promised destinations. Receive into your plans, ideas, goals the God of suddenly, the God of purpose for our life.

May you continue to have a tremendous 2023. This is the best place we have ever been upon the earth. The Kingdom is getting ready to manifest for all to see!!

Pastor Bob

            Thanksgiving is once again upon us. We have so much to be thankful for. The Lord has truly been good, kind, gracious, and full of mercy. We should be the most thankful people on the face of the earth, saying not only with our words, but showing in our deeds. Eternity is not long enough to be able to give the “thank you” that Father so richly deserves.

            Father loves us, all people, so much that He knew the only way to free man from the bondages of sin was to pay our penalty Himself. That posed a problem since He had given dominion to man on the earth as is stated in Genesis 1:28. Then when Adam sinned he gave that dominion to Satan. That is why Satan could tempt Jesus the way he did in Luke 4:5-6. Thank God for His plan of wisdom and understanding.

            Father sent His Word, with Mary’s approval, and by the power of the Holy Spirit she conceived a Son who was the Word made flesh, called the Son of the Most High. (Luke 1:31-38). This body called Jesus, housed the Word of God, and He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil (Acts 10:38). He also walked completely as a man, led about by the Holy Spirit, feeling all of the pressures and temptations that we experience, yet He was without sin (Hebrews 5:8; 4:15-16). After 33 years of walking on this earth, defeating every temptation, helping mankind, showing the Father’s love and compassion, He offered up His life as the sinless, perfect sacrifice for our sins. (Read Hebrews 10).

            The Word of God tells us about the victory of Jesus Christ for us, in His death, burial, and resurrection. Hebrews 2:14  Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil. Jesus has rendered the devil powerless. In the Greek language this word katargéo; an intensive word meaning to control, conquer, dominate and argéo, to be idle. To render inactive, idle, useless, ineffective, in a controlling, conquering, dominating way. Glory to God!!!!!!  1 Timothy 2:5-6  For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. The humanity part of Christ is in heavenly places representing all men. Therefore, now He is able to save those that cry out to Him. (Hebrews 5:7).

            Because of what Jesus has done in taking the form of a bond servant, suffering His flesh to obey God, offering Himself up for our sin, defeating Satan and rendering him powerless, and being man’s representative in heaven, He has again delivered into our possession the dominion and authority that was given to mankind in the days he was created.

            Ephesians 4:22-24 That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and (you) put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

We should lay aside that old man. The one defeated by sin, controlled by the flesh, dominated by Satan. It is time to put on the new man. The one suffering the flesh to obey God, walking in victory over sin, having authority over Satan and his works. All of this is possible because of what Jesus has done for us. None of this could have been obtained on our own. The Word of God becoming human, born of woman, made it all possible. Could a “Thank You” ever be enough? We owe our all to the One “who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9)

Go ahead and shout it: THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!!!!

Have a wonderfully blessed thanksgiving!

Pastor Bob

It has been a while since I was able to drop you a line. After 44 years of being in our home, moving was quite intense. But now we are finished moving, settled into our new place, built our cabinets, and did some remodeling. We are settled in and happy with the move.

The church mortgage is now paid off!! Glory to God! In January of 2021 the mortgage was at $250K and now by the grace of God is paid off. God is good! Thanks to all of you for giving yourselves to the Lord, hearing His voice, obeying His leading, we have all done our part in bringing the will of God into manifestation. And God gets all the glory!!

The Apostle Paul declared under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as recorded in Philippians 4.15 “And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone;” This is about sharing together in both giving and receiving. This is not a one sided relationship. Our relationship with the Lord is not one sided. We are co-workers together.

Paul goes on to say in verses 16-17 “ for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.” Your gifts, given more than once, was for the need of the church. This brings profit to your heavenly account that you can draw on. Just like a bank account you can withdraw from as needed.

Verse 18 “But I have received everything in full, and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” Your giving is a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord. In the same way Cornelius’ giving was a memorial before the throne of God.  God is well pleased. He said of Abraham “I will bless those that bless you” Not because he was Abraham, but because he carried the purposes of God. Those who bless the purpose of God, will be blessed by God Himself.

Therefore, he says in verse 19 “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” This is God blessing those that bless His purposes. He supplies, overabundantly, fills to the fullest, provides completely all of your needs, your tasks, your business, and your undertakings. This sounds like Deuteronomy 28; He blesses in the work of our hand. When our hand is set to do His purposes, His blessing is headed our way.

The Lord is a great partner. He is the senior partner and is always looking to bless His co-workers. His supply never runs dry. His supply is in Christ Jesus. When Jesus was raised from the dead for us, His supply was made available to us. When the Holy Spirit was poured out in us, His supply was made available for us. If you ever wonder if His supply is available, if it is real, or if it is for you: Just look to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They are the proof that the supply is available. Being involved with the work of the Lord and His will, then that supply will also be available to you.

Well, praise the Lord! Thank you again for all you do for the Kingdom. May the Lord’s richest supply be yours. Go ahead and just receive that to yourself!!

Pastor Bob

Monday, April 18, 2022

Hello Friends,

Resurrection Day celebration is now past, but the celebration of what our Lord Jesus Christ has accomplished for us continues. Life in Christ is living in the resurrection and partaking of His character and power.

In our service Sunday, the Holy Spirit spoke to us about Jesus paying our price to buy us out of Satan’s slave market of sin. Not only did He purchase us but actually bought us, redeemed us out of the market completely. If you have not heard it, you can hear it on livestream titled “We are Redeemed”. You can also purchase the CD and keep it in your car to listen to it. If you have heard it, you may want to hear it again. Either way you’ll want to have this engrafted in your spirit.

In the weeks ahead the Holy Spirit wants to bring us down a path that gives direction for us in living a redeemed life. What does this kind of life look like? What should our expectations be? The Lord has great plans for us in living as children of the Most High in His great Kingdom!

God’s love for us all and all He has prepared is so great, so vast, so powerful that when we come to this full understanding, realize this full measure of His love and all He has done for us in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, we will never doubt God again even in things that are totally beyond our own reasoning and logical understanding. We can move up to a new level of living, a higher standard of living, a greater increase in living. We can be done with doubt.

I do hope you will walk down this path with us in the coming weeks with the Holy Spirit as our leader and guide. We are meeting on property at New Life Family Worship, 28330 Bermont Rd, Punta Gorda, FL. If you are out of town, state or country, you can connect with us from our website: newlifefamilyworship.net and click on the connect link and follow the link to connect to a Live Stream service. Check our website for schedules.

Resurrection Day celebration may be over, but the promises attached to the resurrection are ever growing and increasing in our lives. As Jesus was raised, so we also are raised to a newness of life that is increasing all the time. This will continue until the time comes when we have our own bodily resurrection in Christ. Glorious Day!!

Until the next time we meet, may the Lord continue to bless you and continue to increase in the work of your hand. Remember to touch someone with Jesus!

 Pastor Bob

 Dear Friends,

            Well, praise God, I am excited about Dennis Burke being with us Sunday March 27^th at 10.30am and 6pm. Then again on Monday/Tuesday March 28,29th at 7pm. These are going to be great meetings.

            Whenever someone comes as a guest speaker, it is God sending a special messenger just for us. In the same way as when He sent Elijah to the widow at Zarephath as recorded in 1Kings 17:8-16:

 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and stay   there; behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” So he arose and went to Zarephath, and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her   and said, “Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink.” As she was going to get it, he called to her   and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread in your hand.” But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have no bread, only a handful of flour in the bowl and a little oil in the jar; and behold, I am gathering a few sticks that I may go in and prepare for me and my son, that we may eat it and die.” Then Elijah said to    her, “Do not fear; go, do as you have said, but make me a little bread cake from it first and bring it out to me, and afterward you may make one for yourself and for your son. “For thus says the Lord God of Israel,  ‘The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the Lord sends   rain on the face of the earth.’” So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and she and he and her   household ate for many days. The bowl of flour was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil become empty,   according to the word of the Lord which He spoke through Elijah.

Notice the twofold purpose of the trip to Zarephath. The first purpose was for the widow to take care of the man of God. The second was to have her and her child’s needs to be met.

            When the man of God asked her for water she readily went to retrieve some, but when he asked for bread,   substance, she answered “I have no bread.” The New Living Translation says, “ I don’t have a single piece of bread  in the house.” The Message translation says it this way, “ I don’t have so much as a biscuit.” It does not make sense to us as to why the Lord would send the prophet to such a destitute person to meet his needs. But this was the very person that needed to have their needs met. How many times does God come to us and we reply, I have none, not even a single piece. Do we think, “Oh, a guest speaker is coming, I can’t afford another offering!” A prophet coming into town is not for the purpose of doing the “circuit” or putting the “show on the road.” This is a man of God being sent to us and for us.

            Notice the woman’s needs were not met first, then out of her increase she gave to the man of God. It was her giving of what was truly significant to her, that allowed God to move in her life. We do not “tip” them for doing a good job, “Pay” them because we liked their service, Or even “bless” them because they have our approval. Neither do we withhold because they didn’t meet our expectations or keep us entertained.

            God is sending the prophet to us because first, the prophet has needs. Second, we have needs. The need of the prophet is met because of our obedience, our needs will also be met because of our obedience. So, if there is certainly one thing we need to be prepared to do when the man of God comes (as we always need to be prepared to do) is being prepared to be obedient to the voice of the Lord. The voice of the Lord to the widow woman did not come from the clouds, or a voice out of heaven, but came through the prophet himself.

2 Chronicles 20:20 tells us “Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.” Matt 10:41 “He who receives a             prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward;…” Isaiah 7:9 “… If you will not  believe,    you surely shall not last (be established).”

I want to succeed, be rewarded, be established, and last to the very end. How about you? Let’s be prepared to obey God and watch Him meet our needs  through the planting of our significant seed.

This is Abundant Living, Abundant Giving, and Abounding in Grace.                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                   Pastor Bob

            I pray this letter finds you in good health and prospering in all you set your hand to, even as your soul is prospering.

There are many promises in the Word of God for us to take hold of, because there is a thief in the world that wants to steal, kill and destroy us. (Jn 10.10) God gave us these promises in order to defeat the thief, Satan. Since we live in this world we all experience setbacks, battles, and troubles.

            The Word of the Lord tells us in Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” God’s desire for us is that all things work out for good. We are called according to His purpose of salvation, and we have answered that call in our acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ. No matter the magnitude of our problem, God wants to work out every difficulty. He calls us to victory, and we must be holding to His Word above the problem. As we hold to His Word we will start to view this scripture through the eye of faith. The eye of faith is the ability to look to the future in faith, knowing God’s promise is sure, regardless of what we are facing.

            I heard a news anchor say to their co hosts that God caused the epidemic in the world and it was for our good, even though we do not understand it. That is an ignorance of what the Word of God says to us. It does not say God causes all things. It says that whatever things are caused He can work it out for our good. Loving God is to hold to His Word of promise to us in the midst of the things that are caused in our life.

            God does not expect us to figure out or to know how things will work themselves out, (that’s God’s job), but we are to have confidence that they will work out because His Word promises it and we have put God in control of the situation by staying on the Word that deals with our situation. Have you tried in the past to figure out how God would deliver you? Were you ever right? Unless the Holy Spirit specifically told you, then you probably never had it figured out the way God brought it to pass. God’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. He has told us He knows the plans He has for us. Those plans are successful and ways of peace. (Jeremiah 29:11). He has just decided to keep these plans secret, and not tell us how He will accomplish His will for our lives. (Deuteronomy 29:29). It is not being kept from us, but being kept for us.  He only asked us to trust Him, and His love for us.

            Jesus used the eye of faith while on the earth. We see in Hebrews 12:2 “…who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame…” Jesus looked ahead to us and saw many experience eternal life and victory through His sacrifice. The Father had promised it. Father said He would not abandon Jesus to the pit of hell. Psalm 16:8-11 “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely. For You will not abandon my soul to hell; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Just as He lived on the earth as a man, using the eye of faith, we are to do the same.

            James 1:2 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.” Jesus considered the joy and turned from the feelings of shame that he despised. He had to turn from the natural situation that He could see, and with the eye of faith keep looking to the promise of the Father.

            Only God can take the complicated messes we get ourselves into and make them turn out for good. The Word does not tell us to be joyful over our problems, or that our troubles are good. If you are experiencing depression, that is not good. Dealing with children on drugs, or running with the wrong crowd, is not good. Marriage complications or strains on relationships are not a joy. Our problems are not good, but God can turn them around and work them out for the good. Many of the greatest triumphs I have had in life have come out of great trials and pressures.

            Let’s look at what used to be one of my favorite desserts, chocolate cake. Some of the ingredients of a chocolate cake are raw chocolate, flour, and baking powder. Many of the ingredients of a chocolate cake do not taste very good if you eat them alone, but when you blend them together, put them in an oven, a wonderful tasting dessert is the result.

            There are situations in life we face- sickness, financial difficulty, personal conflicts, death of a loved one. How does God take these and work them out for the good? None of us know. But one thing is true, as sure as a good tasting chocolate cake will come out of the oven, my situation will turn out for the good.

            Along with the bad tasting raw chocolate, baking powder, and flour, there are also the good tasting ingredients of eggs and sugar. If we will mix the bad tasting situations of life with the good tasting Word and Holy Spirit, then the Divine Baker, God Himself, will bake a good tasting result in our life, working it out for good. All God asks of us is to trust Him, by trusting His Word. Keep the Word in your mouth. If you are going to talk about your situation, talk the Word of God in faith.

            The eye of faith is developed through knowledge and application of God’s Word in our life. I thank God for all of the ministers, pastors, spiritual fathers who taught me through the years. I know you have yours also. Where would any of us be if we were left to ourselves trying to obtain every revelation on our own? These anointed individuals have heeded the call of God on their lives and have helped us to develop a lifestyle of faith, putting our trust in God for the future to work out for our good.

            Here at New Life Family Worship, every cd we record, every service we have for any age group, every book we buy for the bookstore, and every Livestream broadcast or podcast we produce, every home group, is designed to instill faith in the listener and a complete trust in God for the future. The Word of God freeing people from a life of spiritual ignorance and making it possible for people’s lives to radically change for God’s glory as He works all things out for the good.

            Until next time may you follow the Lord on the path of life in the fulness of joy, and the place that drips in the abundance of the anointing and blessings.

                                                                                                            Pastor Bob

Here we are coming into the year 2022. It is just amazing how fast time is moving. Certainly the 24 hours a day has not changed, but it sure seems to be going by at a faster rate of speed. It seems like only yesterday that everybody was talking about Y2K. Now we are entering into 22 years of the new millennium.

I am excited about these days that we live in. Do you know that you were born for just such a day as this? It is no accident that you are on the earth today. Your being alive is a part of the great God’s great plan. Are you excited about these days also? In the midst of turmoil and confusion in the world, the church is founded on the solid rock of revelation knowledge. No matter what goes on in the world, if we are turned to the Lord, turned to His Word, then we will not be wrapped up in the turmoil, confusion or fear of the world.

Have you ever been on a boat or a ship? As you travel along, there is always a horizon ahead of you. But even though the horizon is always ahead of you, it doesn’t mean you have never reached the horizon. You may have sailed for an hour, and the horizon you are looking at presently, is not the horizon you were looking at an hour ago when you started the trip. The horizon continually moves ahead of you.

The thoughts back in the old days was that the horizon didn’t move, so when you reached the horizon you would fall off the end of the earth because the world was flat. Upon sailing into the unknown, it was proven that the horizon was not the end of the trip, but that new horizons continued to appear as they continued sailing. The ultimate horizon could never be reached, it was always out ahead of them, but there were horizons that could be attained along the way. This proved that no matter how many horizons were attained, there was always horizons to be attained.

As we now enter into 2022 we look ahead with expectancy to the great horizons that are ahead of us.

Too many times we think, “Not another horizon. I get tired of looking at horizons. I don’t want to hear about another horizon until I get to reach one.” That’s like saying the world is flat and when I reach the horizon then I’ll be finished. If that be so then reaching the ultimate horizon would cause you to fall off the edge. But there are always horizons to reach, always new horizons to press on to, there are always new horizons on the horizon!! This is the excitement and true adventure of a real life in Christ!!

We are to first realize and then examine the horizons that have already been attained. Have you ever noticed that when you reach a horizon point, it doesn’t look like a horizon. If you are sailing, the horizon reached just looks like the rest of the water. Unless you have a reference point, or some sort of equipment, you may not even know you are at the horizon you once saw ahead of you.

As we sail along in life heading for a horizon, we may not notice it when we reach it. By the time we get there it just looks like the rest of life. Just another day, just another step, just another decision. Yet, it brings us to the place of the horizon. In order to recognize it we must have a reference point or equipment that causes us to realize that we have reached the horizon.

Every year the Lord shows us a horizon to head for. During the year He gives us reference points to help us recognize the horizon when reached. For example, in 2021 the horizon was “Touching the World with the Greatness and Glory of God.” Some of the reference points was much teaching on the Anointing and how to move in it. We are empowered and have Authority to be Bold to Raid Hell. Of course there was Spiritual Ears Classes to take hold of or brush up on. The Holy Spirit built our foundation from Hebrews 6 so we could be firm and fixed as we reached others. There were also the wonderful Home Bible Group to solidify our foundation or to rectify the cracks that have occurred. And what a wonderful year with the many classes in the Sunday 9:30 am services. All of these things were founded on the corporate prayer time on Tuesday morning services.  

These were reference points we were to take hold of, and as we did, they brought us closer to the horizon. The equipment the Lord has given us is, the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, our human spirit, the anointing, ears to hear. These things are to be used to lead us and guide us in order that we may reach the horizons set before us by the Lord.

It is a new year and if you never have before, or even if you have, it is time to “press on to the goal,” time to set your sails, time to head for the horizon! Check your equipment, set the reference points, we are “Headed for the Horizon!” Heading for what the Lord has for us in 2022. I do hope you will attend New Year’s Eve service Friday 7pm being ready to see your horizon and set your path.                                                Pastor Bob

Luke 2:7-12 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

            What a fantastic sight this must have been!! Imagine having been one of these shepherds. The night being the same as any other night, when all of a sudden an angel appears to you. Not only does he appear but comes with such astounding news!! News you’ve been hoping for, looking for, knowing of this salvation!! Then the angel tells you exactly how to know when you have found the Christ.

            v13-15 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.

            Just when you think the evening couldn’t get any better, the warring heavenly host appears giving high praises to God. I’m sure the shepherds thought, “I want to be one of those that are pleasing to God.” After the angels left they didn’t sit around and say, “wasn’t that a great meeting?” “Wow! What a powerful anointing on that singing!” No! They went out and did just what the angels said. They didn’t just go to Bethlehem; they went straight to Bethlehem. In other words, they weren’t distracted, they didn’t need to take care of business first, they just went, went straight, and went as fast as they could according to the word spoken.

            What a great account this is. What a wonderful testimony of reverence and obedience. Many times, we think, “If angels appeared to me, I certainly would have the same reaction, I wouldn’t hesitate a bit!” “With an anointing like that, and a choir of such magnitude, I would certainly be moved to action!”

            Jesus said in John 16:16-17 “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

            This is not an angel appearing to us, nor is it a choir of the heavenly host, but this is Deity Himself, the Holy Spirit of our God, the Eternal One and creator of all things, abiding and dwelling inside of us as His living temple. What a phenomenal dispensation we live in! That we wouldn’t need a special visitation because He never leaves us! He never has to visit us because He is always at home in us!

            When we were dating we weren’t satisfied anymore with the visits, so we got married so we would never have to visit again, but now be at home with each other. This is so much greater than just a visit. Yet, just like the shepherds, all of a sudden, He moves on our behalf! Not only does His presence manifest in the form of the anointing, but He personally delivers a message to us. News we’ve been hoping for, looking for, and expecting. News that comes with direction for our lives. Will we walk away and say “Wow! What a great time with the Lord,” or will we reverentially obey His direction? The Holy Spirit, greater than the angels, living inside of us, ready to move suddenly, accurately, and definitively on our behalf. Let’s determine this coming year, that we do not want to miss the One living inside of us.            

            I pray you have a wonderfully blessed Christmas and a tremendous 2022!

Pastor Bob