Peniel Pentecostal Holiness Church

3239 Rosebud Road Walnut Cove NC 27052
Pastor: Dr. Tim Nelson -  Church Office 336-591-36112
A Place To Encounter God Face To Face. Gen. 32:3

A Word From The Pastor Archives 2022
May 2022
 

Imagine that you are living in first century Israel.  The Roman Empire is in control of the area and a means of torture and execution used in crucifixion.  The cross was seen as an instrument of torture and death and was highly feared.  Then out of nowhere you hear Jesus say, "Take up your cross and follow me."  It was a frightening proposition because Jesus is asking us to deny ourselves.  In other words, Christ is asking us to become disciples.

In our culture the cross is something cool.  It is on T-shirts, and worn as jewelry, but in ancient times it was feared.  The early Christians died for what the cross had come to mean.  They died because they were followers of Christ.  They denied themselves to follow Christ at all costs.  They took up their cross daily and sometimes literally.  Are we saying that we are following Christ but our lives are showing little evidence of it?  We may be leaving our cross at home a little too often.  If we desire to change our cities, churches and world, then that cross needs to be hoisted over our shoulders all the time.  Christ must be who we are looking to and we must put our wants a distant second.  We must become better disciples who help make other disciples.  To take up your cross is a daily endeavor that must be repeated.

Adapted From:
https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-where-is-your-cross/

Erica Keswin, Workplace Strategist and Author was asked:  "What is the best lesson you learned from your mother?  Her answer, along with several others was published in a Forbes magazine article in May, 2020 entitled: "The Best Lessons I Learned From My Mother."

Erica responded "The best lesson I learned from my mom is to always strive to do good in the world, even when it's hard.  My mom was a social worker who served kids in the inner city, people who many ignore.  She did it while she battled with severe mental illness.  She taught me that being in service to others and giving back is something that is available to all of us, we just have to be intentional."

This is a great life lesson from a mother, yet someone more exalted than our mothers also taught and teaches this life lesson.  By His words and His walk.  Jesus teaches all those who follow Him to do good in the world and serve one another.  He said He "did not come to be served but to serve (those in this world), and to give His life a ransom for many."

We are thankful today for the many mothers who have taught us this valuable lesson, a lesson that can make a real difference in the world, your world and my world.  For the sake of the Kingdom of God.  Will you intentionally do good today and serve others?

Adapted From:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/shelleyzalis/2020/05/10/the-best-lessons-i-learned-from-my-mother/?sh=594e66a8277e

This is the story of people in great desperation.  In the time of great drought they  faced a pending war.  We see that when their backs are up against the wall, without water and without a strategic plan, they finally turn toward one who might be able to help.  They cry out to God through the prophet Elisha.

When God shows up, He tells them to "dig ditch after ditch in (the valley)".  What a ridiculous request in a drought season and in a valley in the middle of a wilderness.  Why would they need more ditches?  There are at least two significant reasons:  1) Obedience, God through the prophet Elisha said, "did ditches."  2) Preparation, God was about to do something unusual and unexpected, but the armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom had to prepare.

How is God calling you to step out in faith?  Will you dig ditches of obedience, trusting God to show up with the result as you prepare yourself for His provision?

Adapted From:
https://southfellowship.org/?daily-blessing-2-kings-317/

May 22, 2022

“And he (Jesus) said unto them (the twelve), Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. Mark 6:31
In Mark 6:31

Jesus’ disciples found themselves in an extremely busy time and Jesus told them: “Come away … and rest.” Like these disciples, many of us are similarly busy, and we too need time to rest in His presence. May we hear this word from Jesus today, as His disciples did then: “Come away … and rest.”

Ask the Lord how you need to apply Jesus’ words here to your own life. The call to “be still and know that He is God” (Ps. 46:10) is a call for every Christian. How is He calling you to step out in faith and take a pause in His presence to be renewed and refreshed so that you be a greater blessing on the other side of the pause?

Adapted from: https://shawnethomas.com/2018/04/16/come-away-and-rest-mark-630-32-sermon/