Today as I reflect on last night I just had to write a brief blog.  The Lord speaks so clearly in His Word, as He does in James 5:13-16.  Suffering comes in so many ways and falls upon us all.  The question the Bible presents is any one among you suffering?  Then the Lord gives you and I what to do next, Pray.  The conditions we find ourselves in often require prayer partners, then the Lord instructs us to call on the elders of the church.  Praying is a responsibility of all Christians, calling on the elders is obedience on the part of the sick as well as the Church Elders.  Last night the Elders of ODCC were called to pray over a dear saint and family member who is battling cancer.  When we departed one of the Deacons made this comment, "WOW what an experience to feel and see God working", then he said this, "we all should live as if we were dying."  The prayers last night were intense, sweet and powerful.  The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  The dynamic workings of the prayer by the deacons of the Open Door Community Church seeking God's hand to be upon a dear dear saint of God.  Thank you men for your willingness and your obedience.  Lord Jesus please touch our dear saint and sister in Christ.

Pastor Ron

Luke 6:12

Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

What day is Luke referring too?  Well the Lord's ministry had just really started to flourish. Here He was healing and doing great things and the religious people were outraged because Jesus Christ had extended Himself to do for others outside the rules of the religious.  He healed on the Sabbath. 

Jesus went to get alone and pray night and day.  Then He would follow up His prayers with the selection of His disciples, those who would follow Him on His journey of ministry. 

Can we find time to get alone with the Lord to pray and then wait and see what He will do next as we follow Him.

The Prayers and Promises of the Bible on for Tongiht, if you are not comfortable driving in the weather please do not put yourself at risk.  We will be here and ready to praise the Lord and hear Him speak to us.  If you can please come and join us.  7:00pm

Today as I was sitting preparing to venture out in the weather, I felt the Lord speak to me from the Word 2 Timothy 1:1-11.  Now as I often say there is so much to be discovered in the Bible.  So please read the scriptures and allow them to speak to your heart. 

The Lord spoke to me clearly today to express my thanks to my Lord Jesus Christ for putting you into my life.  Paul is in prison as he writes this letter of thanks to Timothy.  Verse 3 "I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as with out ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,"

I must tell you, that is my prayer, my heart is for each of you to prosper and receive all the blessings the Lord has stored up for you.

The Open Door Community Church family, visitors and even those who have not visited us yet are on my mind day and night.  I have spent time driving in our neighborhoods praying that God speak to the homes around us, I pray over every chair every week in the building to bless those who may be a visitor or a family member.  Today God reminded me how important it is for us to remember one another in prayer.  Go this day knowing your Pastor has prayed and ask God to stir you up with His Power, Love and Wisdom.  Be blessed and know that Jesus loves you and so do I.

Pastor Ron

Psalm 118:1-9

"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes." (NKJV)

We serve a wonderful heavenly Father who knows what is best for us.  We just need to trust Him.

We are in a time of our country where we have heard much about change that is needed.  For that reason many evangelical Christians are in distress not knowing how or what that change includes.  Should we be troubled?

vs. 6 "the Lord is on my side I will not fear.  What can man do to me"?  (NKJV)  The important part of the Word found in vs. 8 and vs. 9 "better to trust the Lord then put confidence in man or those in authority".  (my quote)

I love the words of Peter in Acts 5:29, there he is being challenged by the leadership in Jerusalem in verse 28, and he follows up with saying this very profound statement, "We ought to obey God rather than men."  

Did you know that it is reported that 55% of our population are un-churched. (Those who have not attended any church service in the last year).  And out of that number a large number of those who do attend church, do not put their trust in the Lord but complete confidence in man.  And that will bring on levels of distress because of the uncertainty, will the Pastor, Deacon, Doctor, Delegate, Senator, Governor or President come through with their promises.  You can not be certain they will.

Our Father in Heaven will come through, vs. 5 the Psalmist said, I called on the Lord in distress; and He answered me.

Try calling on the President to see if you get an answer.  Talking to President Obama will that build up your confidence in him, talk to God about President Obama and trust the Lord, He will answer your prayers.