Pastor Spada, 4-3-20

Isa 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

Meaning all-embracing peace. Accepting and knowing Jesus Christ personally has brought the Peace we were looking for our entire life, and Jesus made that possible on the cross for you and me. In the original Hebrew text, the term “perfect peace” is actually shalom shalom. This shows how in the Hebrew language repetition communicates intensity. It isn’t just shalom; it is shalom shalom, “perfect peace.” My prayer for you today is Perfect Peace upon you

The Power Of God’s GRACE

2 Cor 12:8-10 “Three times I [Paul] pleaded with the Lord to take [the thorn in my flesh] away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ …That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 

Paul is asking God to remove this discomfort from his life. The Lord tells Paul, my power is available for you during this time when your weak than are you strong.  Rom 8:28 “And we know that ALL things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  Grace In this context, the Greek word used here, charis, refers to Christ’s power to help Paul endure hardship, be strengthened when struggling, the Lord is faithful, trust Him and see His glory.

Father, help us to see your glory, your strength at work in us today in Jesus' name.

Pastor Spada 3/21/20

Ps 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.

In uncertain times the Lord is our refuge. Refuge—literally, "a place of trust." God's Kingdom is a mighty fortress and is stable in all storms. Refuge the Hebrew word used here, machseh, which refers to a place of refuge, creates an image of a stronghold or impenetrable fortress. God’s help is always accessible or available, a very present help in time of trouble. 

Father, even though life seems like an earthquake, and the waters of life feel like they are going to overtake us, and what looks like utter chaos, you are our refuge and strength teach us to trust you.

Keys to a relevant spirituality

1 Sam 17:39 And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

Before your Giant can come down, you need to know who we are, and who you’re not, and who we are in Christ.

What was David’s challenge, for 40 days and evenings Goliath had been challenging Israel and they were “dismayed and greatly afraid.”  Goliath was approximately 9 feet 6 inches tall, the giant was probably almost twice as tall as any other man in the Philistine army. There’s no doubt that it would have been an intimidating and fearful prospect. When we know who we are, and understand our limitation, and who we are in Christ we will take down our Giants.  Blessing in the name of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Spada 2-17-2020

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” 

Following Jesus is a day by day one step at a time proses. In a dark world Jesus is our light, “Light” is a frequent metaphor for Jesus in the Gospel. Light, illuminates and keeps us from a life of sin, and gives us purpose and meaning in this life. As disciples of Jesus Christ we no longer walk in darkness. 

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path

Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Lord, by light in a dark world.

Pastor Spada, 2-11-20

John 8:2-11 

10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 

11 “No one, sir,” she said. 

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” 

This woman stood before her accusers feeling condemned, but Jesus stood before her, offering forgiveness through His grace.

I turn to Jesus with my sin there is no condemnation in Him.

Pastor Spada 2/4/2020

"Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.'"  John 6:35 

Since the audience continues to miss the point that Jesus is referring to Himself as the one sent by God, Jesus makes the point explicit. Jesus uses seven metaphorical “I am” statements to define His role as Savior and Messiah.

You will never regret coming to Jesus and believing in Him. Jesus is our satisfaction spiritually, and He gave us the grace to face today and tomorrow.

New Identity In Christ 1/31/2020

Pastor Spada,

Eph 1 God has chosen us to choose Him. So that we can become His masterpiece. We are no longer children of the fallen world. Our security comes from understanding who Christ is.  Knowing Christ is the first step in understanding who we are. This is why in Ephesians Ch.1, Paul prays for their spiritual enlightenment.

Today we have confidence in Christ because Jesus is Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, God is building His masterpiece to bring glory to Him, choose Him today.

Psalm 121

Ps 121:1-2 When we just keep looking all around us, we can easily get defeated. Drained. We may find ourselves wrestling with worry. Fear might creep in. We lose our focus because we're so distracted on all the things that can never really give us strength and hope anyway. People won’t ever be the answer for our every need. Money, possessions, or success can’t ever satisfy the void deep inside that only God can fill. 

This world will never be free of all conflict. The government won’t ever fix all of our problems. 

"My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." v. 2 He's All-powerful. God is a mountain mover and Creator of heaven and earth. He's with us, always. He breathes help and strength into our souls, into our day.