The Priority of My House

We all have priorities that life brings us: family, work/career, home, education, social life and so on. These are very important to most of us and need our attention. But, what level have we placed on each of these that I have mentioned? Family is very important, but after that, where does it all fit in? Sometime we can get so caught up in a career or making money that it becomes a god to us. Others surrender to the pursuit of prestige and social status. There are many who are obsessed with having extensive wardrobes. Still others become so consumed with knowledge, that they become lifelong professional students, never achieving an end. Some give their love to material possessions; houses, cars, boats, recreational vehicles, exquisite home furnishings, etc.

Look what Joshua says in chapter 24 and verses 14 & 15.

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua encourages the reader to “put away the gods which your fathers served…” As we start our relationship with God, He has to be number one in our lives. Joshua said it right …but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” He was putting his service to the Lord above everything else. Maybe Joshua knew that if he put the Lord as a top priority, all of his other endeavors would come together, because he had his priorities in synch with God’s priorities.

Matthew says “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Put God first and everything else will come together. It’s much like the old adage, “Don’t put the cart before the horse.” When God becomes our driving force, then the cart of our desires and dreams will follow along smoothly.

Why do so many people come to church, realizing that serving God has to be number one, and yet as they fail to surrender to Him, they scratch their heads and wonder why their lives are such a pitiful mess?

Why do so many people put God on the “when I get to it” list? What traps you? What brings your heart back to God? What makes you “wake up and smell the coffee?” I’d love to hear your testimony of how you put God back into the center of your household, and how it ultimately blessed you.

Blessings,
Pastor Snyder

Know Your Enemy

Stress is a part of life! There is a level of stress that we deal with every day that is called "normal." Problems arise when "abnormal" fights against "normal" and wins. In other words, things get crazy in our lives; problems with the car, house, job, children and so on. In today's world we we are dealing with things that, even three months ago, we never dealt with. No doubt, we are living in tough times.
How does that effect your relationship with God? Do we blame God because of what is happening in our lives? Do you want to throw in the towel and leave the church? Or will you let this drive you deeper into your relationship with God?

God has given us a free will; a power of choice. God knows what He wants for us, but do we know what God wants for us?

In any battle that we fight, it is very important that we know who or what we are fighting. Not to know our enemy is like a boxer in the ring who just beats the air and never connects a single punch to the opponent. He is burning a whole lot of energy, but getting nowhere in winning the fight. The boxer may even think he's doing an incredible job, because he is so active.

Our biggest enemy is not so much the devil, as it is ourselves. Our mind is the biggest battlefield. What we think is what can make us or break us. There is no question in the ability of God. The question is "Will you let God do His thing His way on His terms?"

The scripture tells us that the mind, heart, and mouth are connected. What you think long enough becomes an emotion. What you feel long enough is what you will speak, sooner or later. It is inevitable.

2 Corinthians 10: 4-5 "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"

Our weapons are not carnal or fleshly. Through God I can do anything, as long as I have the mind of God and not of myself. Our enemy is our own imaginations; thoughts that work against God and His will in our lives. If we can be in obedience to God and His Word, things in our life will be so much better. When we live in obedience to God we put ourselves in line for the blessings of God. It will not matter what life throws at us, God has a blessing and purpose for it. If we clean up our thinking, our heart will automatically clean up, and so will our speech.

Have you experienced the power of a thought controlling your actions and your speech? Have you ever tried to fight a battle with your own might, only to find you were exhausted, but no closer to winning? Give me your thoughts or testimonies.

Many blessings,
Pastor Snyder

Seven Wonders

Allow me to apologize for not being online with you for so long. To say that it has been busy is an under statement.

We have been having some powerful services at Grace. God has met us in such great ways. It is wonderful to see the people of God grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Starting July 9th I will be doing a Seires called 7 Wonders. It is seven questions that people offten think about, but never recieve an answer.

Each week I will teach on Wednesday evening one of these questions and then the following Sunday I will preach on the same question in our worship service. Here are the Seven Wonders that I will be addressing. Please be with us starting July 9th. If you have any questions please contact me at go4growth@aol.com Here is the list in the order that I will be speaking on.

Why do I exist? Does My Life Really Have Significance?

Is there a God? And if so, what is He up to?

Am I unique? Do I Have Real Value?

Why Is Life So Unfair? And Why Do Bad Experiences Happen To Me?

Why Do I Feel So Alone? And Don’t I have Real Friends?

Why Don’t I Do What I Know I Should Do? My Action Tend To Betray My Intentions.

Is There Life After Death? What about my future? Where will I go when I die?

See you at Grace! Many blessings,

Pastor Snyder

The Power of Praise

Today was yet another incredible service at Grace!

The Power of Praise helped us deal with the struggles of life and gave us courage that only comes from God. Its amazing how heartfelt worship brings heaven down to touch us! Why do so many have such a problem with people in church getting a little loud and overjoyed in worship?

Some think, just because we are in church and someone gets a little excited, and expresses it openly, that person must be crazy. Yet, they have no problem with getting loud at a sporting event. In fact, I have seen some people get so beside themselves that they strip off their clothes and run around. Now that, my friend, is losing your mind! If we can allow ourselves to get that excited about things that we enjoy in this world, how much more should we get excited about the One who has forgiven us of our sins and freed us from Satan’s control?

Think about the mess that your life was in when you allowed God to turn everything around. Isn’t this good cause to deny your pride, not be ashamed, and outwardly worship the Lord? That thought should cause us to be as King David, as he began to "dance before the Lord with all his might." Be careful, the Bible tells that if we are going to be ashamed of God that God will be ashamed of us. I don't think we want to be in that position.

What do you think about the Power of Praise? What are your thoughts about outward worship in the church? Post your feedback and let's discuss it.

Until then, may the Lord keep you and may you your relationship with the Lord deepen.

Pastor Snyder