The LORD's Day January 27, 2008

Walk With the Wise

Proverbs 13.20 (v.14-20)

Proverbs is a Book of Wisdom. It give us direction for life.

One of the things it counsels us on is our relationships- who we should have as our close associates and who we should become friends with. It tells us the kind of person we should look for in wife or husband. It tells us how to keep our relationships healthy and pure.

It tells us who we should spend time with.

Very simply stated we are told he who walks with the wise becomes wise. Walking means a manner of life or journeying. Live with the wise. Make your journey of life with them.

We are all on a journey to eternity. If you are have believed on Jesus to forgive your sins you are headed to heaven. Along that path it is good to make close relationships with those who are wise. We should seek to spend our time with the wise. We will learn from them if we do.

How do we do this?


1. Reading the Proverbs Meditatively is a Way of Walking With the Wise.

The Proverbs were written to be read slowly, carefully and meditatively.

Reading meditatively means to think deeply with reflection. (c.1)

*What is this verse saying about me?
*Is there anything I need to change in my life to fully obey this?
*How am I measuring up to this now?
*Help me obey this, LORD.
*Speak LORD, your servant is listening. Then listen- Be still. Let God’s Spirit speak to your heart.

The Proverbs are meant to be read continually through our lives.
There are things in this book for young, middle age and old. There is a dynamic to God’s Word that corresponds to our spiritual growth.

The Proverbs are so vast, like the whole of the Word of God it will take our whole lifetime to take it in and even then we will just begin to get to its depths. Read them carefully. (3.1-6)

The Proverbs came as a result of an answer to prayer on behalf of Solomon. God’s answer was “I will give you a wise and discerning heart.” (I Kings 3.12) God gave Solomon wisdom. The Proverbs are his record of it. So it makes sense for us to study it.

However the tragedy of Solomon was with all this vast wisdom he didn’t live by some simple directions God gave to him and to all who sat on the throne governing Israel. So while it is good to follow the wisdom and to take warnings from his wrong decisions, we actually need to turn our attention to people other than Solomon for examples of how to live the life of wisdom out...

2. Reading and Rereading the accounts in the scriptures of men and women of God is a way of walking with the wise.

Joseph Genesis 37-50

Look at how he handled personal injustice.
Look at how he handled family problems that were centered around him.
Look at how he prospered in the most difficult circumstances. He kept his integrity.

Daniel Daniel 1-6

Look at how he did what was right when faced with certain persecution.
Look at how he faced danger with courage.
Look at how he kept faithful to the LORD. With his eyes fixed upon God’s glory and obedience.

David I-II Samuel
Look at how he desired God’s Glory.
Look at how humble he was. Whom am I? This was passed onto Solomon. Humility can be.
Look at how he reacted when confronted with sin- the right way

Read Hebrews 11- the Hall of Faith. Then go back and read the references in the Old Testament. Read the New Testament as well. We see the wise and read of their lives.


3. Reading the Biographies of Christian People is Another Way.

I love to read biographies of Christians who are with Jesus. I don’t have wonder if they are going to mess up.

They have finished the course.
They have kept the faith.
It shows me how to do that.

Make them your heroes.
Read several biographies of missionaries, leaders who were servants. Get some old biographies- some are to be gotten at garage sales Use the church library. (Books set out now)

Learn from their lives
What were their Bible Reading habits?
What was their prayer life like?
Look at how little they talked about themselves and how much they talked about Jesus

Notice their lifestyles. They were never investigated for excessive spending by congress.

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13.7

Think about those who have influenced you in your decision to follow Jesus. Considering this is a way of walking with the wise- yet she on earth hath union with God the Three in One and Mystic Sweet Communion with those whose race is won. Web sites in the bulletin this morning.

4. Connecting Up with Older Wise Believers is a Wise Thing to Do. II Timothy 1.5
I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

I am thankful the LORD gave me that desire- to connect up with the older believers around me.

The blessings have been abundant.

I have learned so much.

Avoid a person who talks too much. We don’t need to fill our minds with the details of others lives- that is the LORD’s job. Don’t make friends with an angry person- someone who talks about all the people who insulted them, someone who is looking for fights or relishes them when they happen to others.

Look for those whose are strong and stable, those who have been where they are for a long time, they have let nothing move them. Too many believers lives have been follow the bouncing ball.


5. Walking with Jesus is the Way to Walk With the One Who Is the Wisdom of God.

Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. I John 2.6

Keep it simple. It is about following Him, praying, reading His Word, keeping in step with the Spirit.

Stay Humble. Don’t let pride well up. Remember that we are what we are by God’s Grace.

Be a Servant. Look for places to quietly do things for Jesus.

Be Content. There is little of this around in our country. Rest in Jesus and enjoy what He has given you

Keep you Eyes Fixed on Him.



The main reason for this is He is our LORD. He is our source of strength. He leads us. We are to seek to be like Him. A secondary reason is that in doing so we will not look at others and how God is dealing with them. That is none of our business. It messes us all up. We get side tracked.

Walk with Wise. Become Wise. Become more like Jesus.

I Want To Be Like Jesus

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The LORD’s Day
January 27, 2008

We Worship In Singing
We Worship In Prayer
We Worship In Hearing the Word of God
Walk With the Wise
Proverbs 13.20

*Tithes and Offerings can be placed in the box at the rear of the sanctuary*
Please join us for bagels and coffee downstairs if you are visiting today.
Prayer -6pm at the Parsonage

This Week
Bible Reading Proverbs 14
Monday Men’s Prayer Meeting 6:30am in the church basement
Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm at the parsonage 1312 Pine Acres Blvd.
Thursday Bible Study 10:30am at the church
Next Lord’s Day
Morning Prayer- 10am in the church basement
Morning Worship- 10:30am(Sunday School for Children) The LORD’s Supper
Spanish Service- 4pm


In Your Prayers For All of God’s People

Remember the men serving in the armed forces: Bradley, Julia Bujold’s grandson with Special Forces, Ken Brown, Pastor’s friend’s son finished his third tour of Iraq- His parents thank us for praying for him. Billy Knapp, Jr. in Iraq with the Marines (neighbor of the church and Pastor- Billy’s sister graduated from Good Shepherd). Stateside now being redeployed in April... Matthew Klaus, brother of Good Shepherd parent in Iraq as a firefighter for Haliburton. Pastor’s nephews’ and niece’s cousin Kim’s husband, Jay, in Iraq. Pray for them and the others away from their families. Praise God for keeping David Louis, Jake Morgan, Ken Brown and Tom Hindelang, Billy Knapp Jr. safe during their times in Iraq. Pray for peace... Kathy, Ziggy and Margot’s daughter-in-law, under the doctor’s care for fibromyalgia. Thank God for answers to prayer for her... Remember Jean Louis on dialysis. Grace Martin, Edie Raevis’ daughter, recovering from surgery on her back and uindergoing Physical Therapy. Edie’s daughter’s mother-in-law, Millie Espisito remains in serious condition. Reginald Mooney, friend of Terri and John Garry, with a tumor in his kidney. Please remember Pastor’s friend Kim Richardson’s daughter, Kelly recovering from a mastectomy. Please remember this whole family in prayer..she has completed chemo therapy for now and is undergoing another round of radiation. .... Pastor’s Dad, Larry Mancini, Sr. waiting to be released from the hospital. He is being treated for a blood clot. There is a blog for him: www.papa2all.blogspot.com . Joey Reda (Charlie and Diane Davison’s Grandson) experiencing some heart arrhythmia. Prudy’s Mom, Rose Ragusa, undergoing treatment- doing well. Jack Simon, a friend of Pastor’s, undergoing treatment for a lung problem.... Leah May facing surgery shortly.... Please pray for healing.. Pastor and Lucy’s Aunt Vivian has been released from the hospital and is home and doing better... Janine Van Cott recovering from back surgery. Tania MacDonald’s Mom, Eloise Naves, went to be with the LORD a few days before Christmas. Please remember her and her family in prayer. Continue to pray for those in our church family who lost loved ones this past year: Rianna, Alice, Anka, Katharina, Eloise’s family, the Muccis... Ilona under the care of a neurosurgeon ... Mary and Warren Von Fricken’s daughter-in-law, Carlina, diagnosed with breast cancer... Anne Smith, the Philadelphia District Superintendent’s (Newell) wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer as well and will be facing a mastectomy very soon. They are long time friends of Pastor.

As we face a new year in very uncertain times let’s give thanks that our LORD leads us and is going before us.
Romans 8.31 If God is for us, who can be against us?
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Notes on Our Time in God’s Word This Morning...

Walk With the Wise

Proverbs 13.20

http://pages.sbcglobal.net/dkuyken/profilesoffamouschristians.htm

http://www.graceandtruthbooks.com/biographies/default.asp

Pastor’s messages are now available online:
http://thesundaymorningmessage.blogspot.com/
Church e-mail: bayshorenaz@rock.com
Church Phone: 631-969-1730
1314 Pine Acres Boulevard, Bay Shore, Long Island, NY 11706-5436

The LORD's Day January 20, 2008

The Tongue of the Wise Brings Healing

Proverbs 12.18 (14-19)

14 From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things
as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

15 The way of a fool seems right to him,
but a wise man listens to advice.

16 A fool shows his annoyance at once,
but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

17 A truthful witness gives honest testimony,
but a false witness tells lies.

18 Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

There are many many scriptures which tell of the destructive nature of the tongue. We are told that it is set on fire by hell itself We have all witnessed and some of have experienced the destruction the tongue can bring. Even here in the first part of this verse we are told about the effect of reckless words.

I have watched people destroyed by a wicked tongue.

We all must seek to tame our tongue. James elaborates on this in James 3 and it is a theme of Proverbs.

The section of scripture this morning is not only about dark side of the tongue but rather the blessing it can bring if it is trained in wisdom.

Here is one of the great benefits of gaining a heart of wisdom- your tongue, your words will bring healing.

*health, healing, cure, profit, soundness of mind*

1. Wisdom in the heart and out of the mouth.

From the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34)

You want to know what is in a person’s heart- listen to what they talk about- their words. You can hear joy, sorrow, peace, bitterness, worry, anger, love, contentment and much more. You can hear what they treasure. Where their treasure is that is where there heart will be also.

There is wisdom in:
*Knowing when to be silent. Eccl 3.7
Jesus is our example. He did not always speak. There were times when He was very silent. There were time He did not answer questions. You don’t have to either Silence enables me to listen better. If I am not thinking about what I am going to say next I can listen more effectively.
*Knowing when to speak. Eccl 3.7 Being sensitive to God’s timing. There is a time to speak.
*Knowing what to say.
*Knowing when to stop. Proverbs 10.19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

We need healing in time of sorrow. Words of Life bring comfort and strength.

We need healing in time of struggle and doubt.

We need healing when we have failed.

There are many other times we need it.


2. Encouragement is something we all need at one time or another.

The tongue of the wise know how to bring it.

Encouragement is helping a soul continue on the good path. It is spiritual affirmation. It is a blessing.

Encouragement is something that is person to person. It is soul to soul. The Holy Spirit flows through one person to another person to bring words that spur the person on.

Hebrews 10.25 “...let us encourage each other...”

To encourage means to call to one's side, comfort, console, strengthen.

Barnabas was called the Son of Encouragement - we need people like that today. Ed Drinkwater, a dear man and missionary to Malawi was like that. I remember as a young pastor he came to the church and he pointed out things in people and in situations I had not noticed. Good things What a blessing People with this gift of encouragement leave the fragrance of Christ wherever they go.


3. When someone is shot down they need the tongue of the wise to pick them up (v.18)
People can be cut by words- they can cut up a soul and pierce the heart. The tongue of the wise can bind up those wounds. Verbal abuse can make the heart sick. It can also make a person physically ill. The words of the wise can bring healing.

There have been times when people have told me they have a word from God for me. There are times when He has spoken (and is usually words of encouragement) through others. But many times it is not God speaking. Usually I can discern it. One time however I was under a great strain, lots of things going on in my life and a person sent me a letter and told me how rotten I was. When I got done reading it I was believing what they were saying. They told me they had received this from the LORD. I remember calling up a friend and telling him about it. I read the letter. He asked me, “Does that sound like Jesus?” I said, “No.” He said, “There you go.” I wondered why I could not reach that conclusion. I was thankful for the tongue of the wise who brought healing. The LORD used it to restore my soul. It gave me hope.

Kind words lift an anxious heart. Here is insight into life and the deepest part of a person’s being. So often we speak to and address their anxiety. Then wonder why they do not respond. Speak kind words to that person with an anxious heart.

I put this into practice this week and it worked Kind means to be good, be pleasing, be joyful, be beneficial, be pleasant, be favorable, be happy... I told my mom a story about Emma from the night before: She found some of Tonya's old Barbie dolls down in the basement. After we brought them up I said, Be careful with Moe. He has eaten small things like shoes before. She replied, What are you going to do with this dog, Poppa? I answered, Do you think I should get rid of him? What followed next had me laughing so hard. She said, Well I'm not telling what you to do. It is your decision. I'm not going to tell you what to do. But just remember, you're probably going to have put up with this the rest of your life. But that is your decision.

My mom started laughing and I could hear the anxiety life over the phone. Laughter is good like medicine. We all could use some of it from time to time
A kind word can be one that makes a person happy. That can lift a heavy heart. This is why when we grieve some times laughter will come and when it does a relief from the tension often follows.


4. Be Wise. Bring healing through the words of your mouth.

Training in righteousness.
The Book of Proverbs is for training in righteousness. It shows us how to live right. So many strong Christians have set an example for us. Several read a chapter a day from this Book- it takes time because each verse is a truth that deserves to be meditated upon.

Discernment. We are to desire earnestly the greater gifts and discernment is one of them. Some of us need to grow in that. We have not because we ask not. Ask the LORD to give you the ability to discern.

Look at Solomon’s prayer- I Kings 3.9 give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?

Prayer. Solomon prayed and so ought we for discernment and the ability to carry out the will of God in the place He has placed us.

Live. Proverbs is not a book of seclusion. On the contrary it is to be lived out. It is a book of life. It is a book about life. It is a book on how to live life to the full.

All of the warnings in this book, all of the directions we are given for doing what is right, it all has to do with living wisely. At the funeral for my son-in-law’s aunt earlier this week we heard the pastor talk about her life. He spoke of how she taught Sunday school for over 50 years, how 5 of her students went onto become pastors. He said that it wasn’t just Sunday School but the example of her life that influenced these young men and others.

Bringing healing through the words of our mouth begins within our own heart and life. We live for Jesus and we experience many things in living for the LORD. Our experiences become illustrations when we share the Word of God with others.

The tongue of the wise bring healing.

*Health. Evidence is showing up in studies today that Christians live healthier. Part of this is because they are hearing words of wisdom which bring peace to the heart and mind. I do not believe in the Gospel of Health and Wealth but I do believe in benefits that come from having Jesus in our lives and hearing His Word- Wonderful Words of Life.

Healing and Cure is included in the idea of this verse. We have talked about that. I believe there are many things that can only be cured by the words of the wise. God has used His prophets and preachers to bring these words to people.

Profit is included in this idea of healing. The tongue of the wise bring profit or benefit to those who hear. We can see this easily. What the tongue of the wise is is either a direct quotation from God’s Word or something expounded from it or some lesson uncovered in it.


Healing also means soundness of mind. We have spoken about this as well in reference to the tongue of the wise bringing release from anxiety but it is more than that. There is a general overall soundness of mind that comes when we take these words to heart and live by them. There is a peace form the LORD that comes to the heart when the words that come from the tongue of the wise are heeded and held by people.

How the words of wisdom are needed today So many need healing. There are a lot of broken hearted people out there. The only true cure for a broken heart is the LORD Jesus Christ. So often He comes to a heart in the words of the wise. Jesus is the personification of wisdom. We have seen how His teachings are reflective of the Proverbs.


Oh to be Like Jesus- He spoke the words that cheered and blessed. He is full of compassion and grace and love. His words are the Wonderful Words of Life He is our example in everything good and holy. Oh to be Like Thee!


May the words of your mouth and the meditations of your heart be acceptable in the sight of God Who is our Strength and Redeemer.


The LORD’s Day
January 20, 2008

We Worship In Singing
We Worship In Prayer
We Worship In Hearing the Word of God
The Tongue of the Wise Brings Healing
Proverbs 12.18

*Tithes and Offerings can be placed in the box at the rear of the sanctuary*
Please join us for bagels and coffee downstairs if you are visiting today.

This Week
Bible Reading Proverbs 13
Monday Men’s Prayer Meeting 6:30am in the church basement
Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm at the parsonage 1312 Pine Acres Blvd.
Thursday Bible Study 10:30am at the church
Next Lord’s Day
Morning Prayer- 10am in the church basement
Morning Worship- 10:30am(Sunday School for Children)
Spanish Service- 4pm
Prayer -6pm at the Parsonage

In Your Prayers For All of God’s People

Remember the men serving in the armed forces: Bradley, Julia Bujold’s grandson with Special Forces in Afghanistan, home on leave right now, Ken Brown, Pastor’s friend’s son finished his third tour of Iraq- His parents thank us for praying for him. Billy Knapp, Jr. in Iraq with the Marines (neighbor of the church and Pastor- Billy’s sister graduated from Good Shepherd). Stateside now being redeployed in April... Matthew Klaus, brother of Good Shepherd parent in Iraq as a firefighter for Haliburton. Pastor’s nephews’ and niece’s cousin Kim’s husband, Jay, in Iraq. Pray for them and the others away from their families. Praise God for keeping David Louis, Jake Morgan, Ken Brown and Tom Hindelang, Billy Knapp Jr. safe during their times in Iraq. Pray for peace... Kathy, Ziggy and Margot’s daughter-in-law, under the doctor’s care for fibromyalgia. Thank God for answers to prayer for her... Remember Jean Louis on dialysis. Grace Martin, Edie Raevis’ daughter, recovering from surgery on her back and uindergoing Physical Therapy. Edie’s daughter’s mother-in-law, Millie Espisito remains in serious condition. Reginald Mooney, friend of Terri and John Garry, with a tumor in his kidney. Please remember Pastor’s friend Kim Richardson’s daughter, Kelly recovering from a mastectomy. Please remember this whole family in prayer..she has completed chemo therapy for now and is undergoing another round of radiation. .... Pastor’s Dad, Larry Mancini, Sr. waiting to be released from the hospital. He is being treated for a blood clot. There is a blog for him: www.papa2all.blogspot.com . Joey Reda (Charlie and Diane Davison’s Grandson) experiencing some heart arrhythmia. Prudy’s Mom, Rose Ragusa, undergoing treatment- doing well. Jack Simon, a friend of Pastor’s, undergoing treatment for a lung problem.... Leah May facing surgery shortly.... Please pray for healing.. Pastor and Lucy’s Aunt Vivian has been released from the hospital and is home and doing better... Janine Van Cott recovering from back surgery. Tania MacDonald’s Mom, Eloise Naves, went to be with the LORD a few days before Christmas. Please remember her and her family in prayer. Continue to pray for those in our church family who lost loved ones this past year: Rianna, Alice, Anka, Katharina, Eloise’s family, the Muccis... Ilona awaiting results from an MRI ... Tonya and James Wyss in the loss of James’ aunt... She went to be with the LORD this week... As we face a new year in very uncertain times let’s give thanks that our LORD leads us and is going before us.



Romans 8.31 If God is for us, who can be against us?

Notes on Our Time in God’s Word This Morning...

The Tongue of the Wise Bring Healing

Proverbs 12.18

Pastor’s messages are now available online:
http://thesundaymorningmessage.blogspot.com/
Church e-mail: bayshorenaz@rock.com

Church Phone: 631-969-1730
1314 Pine Acres Boulevard, Bay Shore, Long Island, NY 11706-5436

The LORD's Day January 13, 2008

With Humility Comes Wisdom

Proverbs 11.2, Philippians 2.5-11

One of the contrasting ideas that appear over and over again in the Proverbs is pride versus humility. Jesus humbled himself. God exalted Him. Jesus will reign forever and ever. Satan exalted himself and God cast him down. He will be thrown in the lake of fire for eternity.

We are to have the attitude of Christ Jesus
Think this way about yourself- understanding and wisdom are included in this word mind or attitude.

We are to humble ourselves.
This is not normal.
This is not natural.
This is not popular.


1. That Horrible Know It All Attitude Which Is The Epitome of Pride Is Never Right

We have seen it in others.
It is not a pretty sight. Within this prideful attitude of “I know it all” dwells an unteachable spirit. You cannot tell this person anything. They are always “right”. They are never “wrong”.

It makes us uncomfortable.
Our own spirits are cut down by this. We do not dare express our thoughts. It is akin to casting our pearls before swine. At best when necessary we must endure it.

It is precedes a fall.
This person is a candidate to be humiliated. That is a biblical principle: Humble yourself or God will do for you. It is a lot more pleasant for us to do it than to have the LORD do it.

Humbling yourself has great benefits

1- Deuteronomy 8.16 in the end it goes well with us. The manna was to have this effect.
2- II Samuel 22.28 The LORD saves the humble but His eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.
3- II Chronicles 7.14
4- II Chronicles 34.27 The LORD hears us.
5- Psalm 25.9 He guides the humble
6- Psalm 147.6 The LORD sustains the humble
7- Psalm 149.4 The LORD crowns the humble with salvation.
8- Proverbs 3.34 He gives grace to the humble.
9- Luke 14.11 Whoever humbles himself will be exalted. If you humble yourself God will lift you up (James 4.10)

As we said before Jesus is humble in heart (Matthew 11.29)
It is part of His nature. If we are following Him it will become part of ours because He lives in us.



2. You will not be wise unless you are humble.

Humility is necessary to obtain wisdom.
If you read the beginnings of the Book of Proverbs carefully, you’ll see that there must be a humbling on the part of Solomon’s son to receive the wisdom he is speaking to him about. This often runs in opposition from young men struggling with the evil desires of youth.

*There must be a sense of the need of it.
So often young people think they know much more than they do. The lack of experience and lack of maturity is necessary to admit in order to gain wisdom. That is a battle sometimes. We all would like to be smarter than we are. Humility is not caring if people know how little we know

* Then that sense of need must be transmitted into action.
It is so apparent when you read the first part of Proverbs that to obtain wisdom it must be sought after. Solomon went so far as to say, Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4.7
This seeking is to be extreme. It is not a casual thing. It is to be a supreme goal of life.

One way wisdom is obtained is through prayer. James 1.5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.


Again this praying is described as calling out and crying aloud. Proverbs 2.3
There must be a desperation for wisdom. Solomon counsels his son to go after it in that way. We pray silently. We could not pray without ceasing unless we did. This prayer for wisdom is one that is to be verbalized. It is to be aloud. It is to be heard. This is not because LORD needs us to but because we need to. We need to hear ourselves call out. We need to realize how important it is for us to get wisdom.

*Obedience brings wisdom. In fact you cannot have it without obeying. Proverbs 2.1-8
Wisdom is not just some thing you get it is something you practice and live out. It is not learned in a classroom as much as it is uncovered by learning in the midst of life, hence as we talked last week- Proverbs is to a large degree: A father and son talk.

3. The scarcity of wisdom is because of the abundance of pride.

There are not a lot of wise people around. Like wisdom itself you have to pursue and search for a wise person. Both a virtuous woman and a faithful man are not easily found. (Proverbs 20.6, 31.10) Loyalty is something that is under attack today.

There are people who think they are wise and seek to give out “wisdom”. Many people like this have a need to be needed.

We need to know the scripture so we can cut through the worldly wisdom. It is abundant. Pride puffs up a person and once they are puffed up they think they know so much about life. What makes this the worse case scenario is that they begin to tell others how to live. Watch out for wolves in sheep’s clothing. One way to spot a wolf is to look at their lifestyle. Often the love for riches and duplicity go hand in hand. There is something to take note of when so called ministers of the gospel are being investigated by congress for lavish lifestyles. That is unlike the
Master who had to ask for a coin to make a point and had no where to lay His head.

4. God resists the proud but gives grace and wisdom to the humble

Jesus humbled Himself. Those He had the most difficult time with were those who were self righteous.

Those who were filled with their own self importance had met their match with Jesus.

There is an opposition to the proud on God’s part. He who humbled Himself has nothing in common with those who exalt themselves.

But with those who humble themselves there are gifts. He gives, as we have already seen, wisdom to those who sense their need and act upon that need with prayer and seeking wisdom.
The gifts of God include more grace to those who humble themselves. Joy increases, even in the midst of struggle.

Those who received good things from Jesus were those who humbled themselves: the paralytic who was lowered in from the roof, the Canaanite woman who said that even the dogs get to eat the crumbs that fall from the table, the woman who touched the hem of his garment. These and others humbled themselves and received good things from the LORD.

5. Humble Yourselves under God’s Almighty Hand.
We bow down to worship, to acknowledge that God is King and LORD and Master.

Our lives should be a bowing in submission to the King. Humbling ourselves is not just an act we occasionally do from time to time but rather a lifestyle of surrender to Him.

Proverbs speaks of this over and over again. With humility comes wisdom. Wisdom enters the heart and mind of those who humble themselves.

The act of bowing is in itself a wise thing to do. It makes sense to surrender to One all powerful and all knowing and Who is everywhere, and add to that the fact He loves me and wants what is best for me Why a person would have to be a fool not bow- which is exactly what Proverbs says he is.

The act of bowing to the all Wise God then brings wisdom from Him to me.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.



Humble yourselves. Think about how mighty and high God is and say along with David, “What is man that you are mindful of him?” Look up at the stars and get this perspective.
Then call out to the LORD for wisdom until the day God calls you home.
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The LORD’s Day
January 13, 2008

We Worship In Singing
We Worship In Prayer
We Worship In Hearing the Word of God
With Humility Comes Wisdom
Proverbs 11.2
*Tithes and Offerings can be placed in the box at the rear of the sanctuary*
Please join us for bagels and coffee downstairs if you are visiting today.


This Week
Bible Reading Proverbs 12
Monday Men’s Prayer Meeting 6:30am in the church basement
Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm at the parsonage 1312 Pine Acres Blvd.
Thursday Bible Study 10:30am at the church
Next Lord’s Day
Morning Prayer- 10am in the church basement
Morning Worship- 10:30am(Sunday School for Children)
Spanish Service- 4pm

In Your Prayers For All of God’s People

Remember the men serving in the armed forces: Bradley, Julia Bujold’s grandson with Special Forces in Afghanistan, home on leave right now, Ken Brown, Pastor’s friend’s son finished his third tour of Iraq- His parents thank us for praying for him. Billy Knapp, Jr. in Iraq with the Marines (neighbor of the church and Pastor- Billy’s sister graduated from Good Shepherd). Stateside now being redeployed in April... Matthew Klaus, brother of Good Shepherd parent in Iraq as a firefighter for Haliburton. Pastor’s nephews’ and niece’s cousin Kim’s husband, Jay, in Iraq. Pray for them and the others away from their families. Praise God for keeping David Louis, Jake Morgan, Ken Brown and Tom Hindelang, Billy Knapp Jr. safe during their times in Iraq. Pray for peace... Kathy, Ziggy and Margot’s daughter-in-law, under the doctor’s care for fibromyalgia. Thank God for answers to prayer for her... Remember Jean Louis on dialysis. Grace Martin, Edie Raevis’ daughter, recovering from surgery on her back and uindergoing Physical Therapy. Edie’s daughter’s mother-in-law, Millie Espisito remains in serious condition. Reginald Mooney, friend of Terri and John Garry, with a tumor in his kidney. Please remember Pastor’s friend Kim Richardson’s daughter, Kelly recovering from a mastectomy. Please remember this whole family in prayer..she has completed chemo therapy for now and is undergoing another round of radiation. .... Pastor’s Dad, Larry Mancini, Sr. due to be released from the hospital tomorrow. He will return to the rehab. There is a blog for him: www.papa2all.blogspot.com . Joey Reda (Charlie and Diane Davison’s Grandson) experiencing some heart arrhythmia. Prudy’s Mom, Rose Ragusa, undergoing treatment- doing well. Jack Simon, a friend of Pastor’s, undergoing treatment for a lung problem.... Leah May facing surgery shortly.... Please pray for healing.. Pastor and Lucy’s Aunt Vivian has been released from the hospital and is home and doing better... Janine Van Cott recovering from back surgery. Tania MacDonald’s Mom, Eloise Naves, went to be with the LORD a few days before Christmas. Please remember her and her family in prayer. Continue to pray for those in our church family who lost loved ones this past year: Rianna, Alice, Anka, Katharina, Eloise’s family, the Muccis... Ilona awaiting results from an MRI that was taken Friday... Tonya and James Wyss in the loss of James’ aunt... She went to be with the LORD this week. The funeral is Tuesday morning... As we face a new year in very uncertain times let’s give thanks that our LORD leads us and is going before us.



Romans 8.31 If God is for us, who can be against us?





Notes on Our Time in God’s Word This Morning...

With Humility Comes Wisdom

Proverbs 11.2

Thank You
Thanks so much for the meaningful card and the generous gift you gave us last Sunday. We know you love us and that is such a wonderful feeling For the past 24 years we have worshiped the LORD at Christmas and looked ahead to the New Year together. It continues to be a blessing and a joy God bless each of you
Love and Prayers,
Pastor and Lucy

Pastor’s messages are now available online:
http://thesundaymorningmessage.blogspot.com/
Church e-mail: bayshorenaz@rock.com
Church Phone: 631-969-1730
1314 Pine Acres Boulevard, Bay Shore, Long Island, NY 11706-5436

The LORD's Day January 6, 2008

Today we begin the second year of the Sunday Morning Message Blog. God bless you as you read.

Wisdom for the New Year, Wisdom For Life

Proverbs 3.1-15

We have been out of our study of the Proverbs for about 6 weeks now so instead of jumping right in where we left off, this morning we are going to do a review or a reintroduction if you will of this wonderful inspiring instructive book in God’s Word.

Proverbs is a book about life. Many books have been written on how to enjoy life and get the most out of it but they are so often self centered. Proverbs is Christ-Centered. There really is no true and lasting enjoyment of life without Him at the center

The themes of the Proverbs are in this third chapter.

1. Remember this is a father speaking to his son’s soul. v.1

Solomon was the father and he was speaking to primarily one son but at times he addresses his sons.

Solomon was pouring out his heart into his son’s heart. He was speaking to him of the right way to live and the benefits that come from obedience to the God’s Word along with some examples of people who missed the mark. I wish fathers would do that today.

This gives Proverbs a personal touch. One of the most personal relationships is that of a parent to a child. In those kids are part of our own make up. Solomon spoke to his son about things all children, particularly sons, need to hear.

Proverbs deals with three great issues we all face in one form or the other: Money, relationships with the opposite sex and power. How we deal with these determine so much of our life and how usable we are to God in His kingdom. How we face the temptations that flow from these three issues will have a direct bearing on our “lot” in life which really is not a lot at all but rather a living with the consequences of choices we have made over the course of our youth and young adulthood and continue to make up until the end of our life.

So these talks Solomon has with his sons are very important and very personal. They convey a father’s desires and hopes for his son. Some of the more crucial areas are very repetitive as Solomon tries to impress upon his boys the Word of God and its importance in all of life’s decisions.

But this not only a man to his child...


2. This is God speaking to His Children v.3-7

It is Solomon to his son but it also God bring the truth to bear to us. He is showing us the way to life and blessings.

The Book of Proverbs our Heavenly Father talking to us about the issues of life. Look at how many topics He speaks of here in these verses we just read. Our name (reputation) with others and favor with God.
Also mentioned here is life’s direction as well as fearing the LORD and turning away from evil when it come across out path. All the great issues of life are discussed by the LORD in the Proverbs. They are not up for debate- none of God’s Word is- they are to be learned and obeyed.

We must keep the main thing the main thing and Proverbs helps us do just that

So often the enemy tries to get Christian all upset over things that do not matter at all. This way he gets them to miss the real issues of life. Out of the heart comes the real issues of life. We need to guard it. We need to hide God’s Word in it so that when some thing disagrees with God’s Word we are able to refute it.

Proverbs shows us these things are crucial. Once again the enemy loves to minimize what God has placed great emphasis on. Look how crafty he was with Eve in the Garden of Eden. He got her to question God’s very Word which is basically what He is up to today. Many have been his victims. Don’t be one of them There is no need to be. We have been given every thing we need to fight the good fight fo the faith

*We have the full armor of God. Ephesians 6.10-18
*We have the promises and power and presence of God. II Peter 1.3-4
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
God is on our side Romans 8.31

3. There are great benefits in keeping these commands in Proverbs. v.8

This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Our bodies were designed to obey God. That is what we were created for. When we obey Him we avoid many stresses and troubles due to sin. Physical breakdown is a result of disobedience. The Proverbs tells us of these benefits. They are good gifts that come down from the Father above. Another one is peace. (v.17) God blesses us with peace when we obey His Word.

Chapter two lists many of these blessings/benefit as does chapter three.
*You’ll understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
*He will give you victory and be your Shield.
*He will guard your course and protect your way.
*Wisdom will enter you heart. It will protect you from the ways of evil men.
*It will keep your marriage together.

Throughout the Book of Proverbs we are given many more benefits and blessing that come from walking in wisdom.

4. Our Income and Increase are things we are to honor the LORD with. (vs.9-10)

This is a theme of Proverbs. This is a thread that runs all the way through the Bible. Giving to God as way of thanking Him for His blessings.

*Giving to Him honors Him.
It says, “LORD, You are the One, the Only One from Whom all the blessings in my life have come. Every good and perfect gift has come from You.
Giving is a form of highest praise. It is tangible and offering the first fruits is a way of saying, “You LORD gave me the strength and the ability to make the money I have and I want to honor You.”

*Giving to Him reminds us.
We forget so easily, don’t we? We forget where the blessings of God have come from. This as we have said so many times was Israel’s greatest problem. It can be the church’s too of we are not careful. As we give the right way (not under pressure but because we love the LORD) we are reminded how much He loves us.

*Giving to Him brings greater blessings.
This should not be our motive to give. Our motive should be love. We give to those we love. We love Him so we give cheerfully. We can never repay Him. He keeps blessing us. He gives wonderful blessings overflowing and wine were symbols of joy. I believe the most joyful people on earth are those who give to the LORD the most. They overflow with joy.

Wisdom from the LORD for the New Year and for life is...

5. Receiving Discipline from the LORD is part of growing in Wisdom. (vs.11-15)

Discipline is not a bad word.

It is for correction. The LORD disciplines us to become more like Him. He takes out ways in us that are not compatible with His and conforms us to His Image.

It has great benefits.

* It reminds we are children- His children. All good things in these two concepts

* It restricts us in things we ought not be doing and in thoughts we ought not to be having.

* It lets us know He loves us... that He is not content to let us go our own way.

* It makes us think about temptation is a right way- not how can we sin and get away with it but how can we escape the temptation.

Every earthly father worth his salt disciplines his children for their own good. Our Father in Heaven is perfect. He disciplines us that we may share in his holiness

Let’s close with chapter 4 and get ready to launch back
into the study of Proverbs this new year.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The LORD’s Day
January 6, 2008

We Worship In Singing
We Worship In Receiving the LORD’s Supper
We Worship In Hearing the Word of God
Wisdom for the New Year
Proverbs 3.1-15
*Tithes and Offerings can be placed in the box at the rear of the sanctuary*
Please join us for bagels and coffee downstairs if you are visiting today.

This Week
Bible Reading Proverbs 11
Monday Men’s Prayer Meeting 6:30am in the church basement
Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm at the parsonage 1312 Pine Acres Blvd.
Thursday Bible Study 10:30am at the church
Next Lord’s Day
Morning Prayer- 10am in the church basement
Morning Worship- 10:30am(Sunday School for Children)
Spanish Service- 4pm

In Your Prayers For All of God’s People

Remember the men serving in the armed forces: Bradley, Julia Bujold’s grandson with Special Forces in Afghanistan, home on leave right now, Ken Brown, Pastor’s friend’s son finished his third tour of Iraq- His parents thank us for praying for him. Billy Knapp, Jr. in Iraq with the Marines (neighbor of the church and Pastor- Billy’s sister graduated from Good Shepherd). Stateside now being redeployed in April... Matthew Klaus, brother of Good Shepherd parent in Iraq as a firefighter for Haliburton. Pastor’s nephews’ and niece’s cousin Kim’s husband, Jay, in Iraq. Pray for them and the others away from their families. Praise God for keeping David Louis, Jake Morgan, Ken Brown and Tom Hindelang, Billy Knapp Jr. safe during their times in Iraq. Pray for peace... Kathy, Ziggy and Margot’s daughter-in-law, under the doctor’s care for fibromyalgia. Thank God for answers to prayer for her... Remember Jean Louis on dialysis. Grace Martin, Edie Raevis’ daughter, recovering from surgery on her back and uindergoing Physical Therapy. Edie’s daughter’s mother-in-law, Millie Espisito remains in serious condition. Reginald Mooney, friend of Terri and John Garry, with a tumor in his kidney. Please remember Pastor’s friend Kim Richardson’s daughter, Kelly recovering from a mastectomy. Please remember this whole family in prayer..she has completed chemo therapy for now and is undergoing another round of radiation. .... Pastor’s Dad, Larry Mancini, Sr. in the hospital, the infection is clearing up. There is a blog for him: www.papa2all.blogspot.com . Joey Reda (Charlie and Diane Davison’s Grandson) experiencing some heart arrhythmia. Prudy’s Mom, Rose Ragusa, undergoing treatment- doing well. Jack Simon, a friend of Pastor’s, undergoing treatment for a lung problem.... Leah May facing surgery shortly.... Please pray for healing.. Bart Moleta, Helen and Bob Pawson’s son-in-law, tests came back well... Pastor and Lucy’s Aunt Vivian has been released from the hospital and is home and doing better... Janine Van Cott recovering from back surgery. Tania MacDonald’s Mom, Eloise Naves, went to be with the LORD a few days before Christmas. Please remember her and her family in prayer. Continue to pray for those in our church family who lost loved ones this past year: Rianna, Alice, Anka, Katharina, Eloise’s family, the Muccis... As we facea new year in very uncertain times let’s give thanks that our LORD leads us and is going before us.

Romans 8.31 If God is for us, who can be against us?

Notes on Our Time in God’s Word This Morning...

Wisdom For the New Year

Proverbs 3.1-15

Thank You!
Thanks so much for the meaningful card and the generous gift you gave us last Sunday. We know you love us and that is such a wonderful feeling For the past 24 years we have worshiped the LORD at Christmas and looked ahead to the New Year together. It continues to be a blessing and a joy God bless each of you
Love and Prayers,
Pastor and Lucy

Pastor’s messages are now available online:
http://thesundaymorningmessage.blogspot.com/
Church e-mail: bayshorenaz@rock.com
Church Phone: 631-969-1730
1314 Pine Acres Boulevard, Bay Shore, Long Island, NY 11706-5436

The LORD's Day December 30,2007

Good News for the New Year

Joshua 1
Philippians 3.7-14

In a few hours 2007 will be over and we will begin the year 2008.

All of the New Year’s as far back as I can remember in my life have been with the church. The week in between Christmas and the 1st of January hold a very special place in my memory. I remember a couple of times going from Long Island to the Poconos for a winter retreat. They were great times back in the 1970's as a teenager.

I remember watch night services where more than once I was literally on my knees in the church when the clock struck midnight and the New Year began. I even remember occasions when, after the service ended, my folks would have people over. I thought it was pretty cool to have company at the house at one in the morning

It was a little sad to see the vacation come to an end when I was younger but New Year’s Day was always a family day and we enjoyed it together. I remember one year going to the city, going to Chinatown and eating. Life is good. I get to do that a lot now

For us as believers the New Year can be a time of new beginnings and new ventures in serving Jesus. It can be a time of joyful transition, a time of looking to the LORD for direction and hope. It can also be a time of wonder. Will this be the year Jesus comes for His Bride?

Joshua 1 is a transitional chapter.
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: 2 Moses my servant is dead. Now then...

Moses had led the people of God for 40 years. His time had come to an end. New leadership was about to take its place in the nation of Israel. It was a time of change and renewal, a time of reflection and challenge. This New Year can be like that too.

1. Change is happening with or without us.

We may not like what is happening in the world today. It is definitely changing. A number of times the past week I have been a part of conversations about how things have changed. I watched a few movies that had situations in them that with the cell phones we have today would make such a situation absurd.

Think of all the options you have had at your disposal that you have turned down so as to not complicate your life.

Social structure is under enormous change today. Our society has spun out of control and many things we were used to are no more. We watch as for example the Suffolk Life Newspaper is no longer being delivered to us in this region.

Now then...
*We need to keep moving (v.2) We are not in the Promised Land yet
When I was going through a difficult time some years ago a wise man told me, “Larry this is not heaven ” Watch when God speaks the obvious- it may not be so obvious to you... Moses, my servant is dead- he was such a great leader that the exact location of grave is unknown, lest the people enshrined it and never moved across the Jordan.

Don’t look for heaven on earth- it is not in the world. In this world we will have trouble. But Jesus has overcome the world and soon He will come to reign on it Retirement is in heaven.

*God’s Promises are still true.(v.3-4) Change on earth has no bearing on the promises from our Father in heaven We can think that sometimes.. That was for then... The promises made to Moses are now Joshua’s. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Ministry is still seeking to bring the gospel to the lost. Samaritan’s Purse is still taking care of people in great need even though Bob Pierce is in heaven. The church of Jesus Christ constant will remain.

He is faithful to all His Promises You can depend upon God’s Word. Those whom He breathed it through are now in heaven, many whom we heard give it to us early in our walk are now with Jesus. He is raising up faithful ones to carry it into the 21st century.

* God’s Presence is still with us. (v.5) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He was with Moses. He will be with Joshua and Jesus told us that as His followers He will be with us always right up to the end when we go to be with Him and see Him face to face.

One of the things people who have gone through the dark night of the soul often say is that when I was going through it I did not feel God’s Presence. He seemed far away. But now I realize He was with me in that furnace. He was with me in that valley. He was there when I was down so low I thought I would never come out.

The times they are a changing...like never before in the history of the world As we journey through Proverbs this winter and into the spring, let’s allow the LORD to fill us with His wisdom so that we can serve this present age for God’s Glory Let’s remained anchored to the Rock, Christ Jesus but in touch with the times.


2. Renewal can and should be invigorating. (vs. 6-8, 10-16)

Be renewed this new year. Let the new things God is doing and the fact that you are a new creature in Christ touch your soul.

You are a new creature II Corinthians 5.17
Old things have passed away and all things have become new If you are not sensing this newness go back and do the things you did at first. There is no substitute for time spent in God’s Word and in times talking with Him.

He is doing new things Isaiah 43.18-19
The question the LORD had Isaiah ask was if the people did not perceive what He was doing? It would be horrible to miss out on some work God is doing I don’t want to miss a thing He has for me. It is all good

Let’s seek to be a part of what He is doing

Today He is at work.

THE TOP TEN PREDICTIONS FOR 2008

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed teaching of His Word.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost

3. Reflection can be helpful. (v.17)

I do not believe that we should live in the past but I do not believe we should throw away our past either. Here is a healthy balance. Let’s keep serving the LORD like we have. Let’s look fr the LORD to keep working as He has in faithfulness and power and love.

Reflecting on our past can be helpful Isaiah 51.1 Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness
and who seek the LORD : Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn;

Paul wrote in I Corinthians 1.26-27 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

Reflect back on what you were when you began this walk with Jesus. Remember your humble beginnings. Look at where God has brought us. He has adopted us and we are servants of the King


4. Challenge can be intimidating or inviting. (v.9)

The deciding factor is our trust in the LORD. The LORD is going to be with you in 2008.

That often shows up in our prayer life.

Be strong in Him and take your courage from Him.

Don’t be terrified. We live in a time of terror. Not the first time the world has had this problem. Most of the time in which the Bible was written was a time of terror. When Jesus was here on earth it was a time of terror. Just look at the way He died

There is a war on terror today and we are in the middle of it. Look at what happened in Pakistan this week. These are terror filled times. Yet we are told plainly not to allow them to terrorize us

These are difficult times as well but we are told not to be discouraged. I like that. God seeing all, seeing much much more than we see, is telling us there is reason for hope in this New Year. Israel was going be at war for a while and it didn’t even have an army and they had their families with them and God is telling them not to be discouraged

This word discouragement can be translated shattered or broken. Don’t fall apart Don’t let your heart get torn up by what is going on. Don’t get pulled apart by all the evil around you. Don’t be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good


5. There is a wonderful passage for this New Year (Philippians 3.7-14)

It goes along with this idea of moving on, pressing on to that what is ahead. I am stretching toward that which is in front of me.

We can go into this New Year wishing we were back in 1968, a time of war in Viet Nam, time of assassinations in our own country, a time when people were wishing they were back in 1928

We can face the new year as a pessimist. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. Hebrews 10.29

We can go into this New Year with hope and instead of shrinking back we can actually push ahead toward what is coming up. But we can only face it that way if Jesus is with us and if He is with us we should not face it any other way


So in these final hours we must make a decision. How are we going? The issue isn’t whether we will face it or not. Everyone alive will. If we say well it doesn’t matter then you have already made a decision to mess up. These are demanding times. Only those with their faith in Jesus have hope

Let’s look at 2008 as Joshua and the nation of Israel looked at crossing the Jordan and possessing the Promised Land. The past generation had failed but they were trusting in God to bring them in and He did

Let’s look at this New year as Paul looked at his life as He wrote to the Philippians. He was pressing ahead towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called him heavenward in Christ Jesus. Some of us may make it to heaven this year All of us may

Let’s hit that finish line in full stride. Only once in my memory did I have the joy of hitting the tape at the end of a race. It was wonderful. I had finished the race in first place People were cheering for me and I did it. It didn’t bother me that the better runners were given the day off that spring day. I finished first.

There is a great welcome like a the end of the marathon that will take place in Beijing this summer. The runners will run for 25 miles and the last mile will be with the cheers of 10's of thousands who have come to China and are watching the race. Lets keep going right into 2008!

**************************************
The LORD’s Day
December 30, 2007

We Worship In Singing
We Worship In Prayer
We Worship In Hearing the Word of God
Good News for the New Year
Joshua 1, Philippians 3.10-17
*Tithes and Offerings can be placed in the box at the rear of the sanctuary*
Please join us for bagels and coffee downstairs if you are visiting today.

This Week
Bible Reading Proverbs 11
Monday Men’s Prayer Meeting 6:30am in the church basement
Wednesday &Thursday Bible Studies will resume next month
Next Lord’s Day
Morning Prayer- 10am in the church basement
Morning Worship- 10:30am(Sunday School for Children) The LORD’s Supper
Spanish Service- 4pm
In Your Prayers For All of God’s People

Remember the men serving in the armed forces: Bradley, Julia Bujold’s grandson with Special Forces in Afghanistan, home on leave right now, Ken Brown, Pastor’s friend’s son finished his third tour of Iraq- His parents thank us for praying for him. Billy Knapp, Jr. in Iraq with the Marines (neighbor of the church and Pastor- Billy’s sister graduated from Good Shepherd). Stateside now being redeployed in April... Matthew Klaus, brother of Good Shepherd parent in Iraq as a firefighter for Haliburton. Pastor’s nephews’ and niece’s cousin Kim’s husband, Jay, in Iraq. Pray for them and the others away from their families. Praise God for keeping David Louis, Jake Morgan, Ken Brown and Tom Hindelang, Billy Knapp Jr. safe during their times in Iraq. Pray for peace. Katharina’s Family in the loss of her daughter... Remember Robert, her son-in-law and her grandsons, Norman, Raymond &Jonathan and their families. Kathy, Ziggy and Margot’s daughter-in-law, under the doctor’s care for fibromyalgia. Thank God for answers to prayer for her. Pray for Eloise Brooks’ Family in their loss and sorrow... Remember Jean Louis on dialysis. Grace Martin, Edie Raevis’ daughter, recovering from surgery on her back and uindergoing Physical Therapy. Edie’s daughter’s mother-in-law, Millie Espisito remains in serious condition. Reginald Mooney, friend of Terri and John Garry, with a tumor in his kidney. Please remember Pastor’s friend Kim Richardson’s daughter, Kelly recovering from a mastectomy. Please remember this whole family in prayer..she has completed chemo therapy for now and is undergoing another round of radiation. ... Lucy Mancini under Orthopedic Specialist’s care and physical therapy for pain and injuries resulting from the accident. Pastor’s Dad, Larry Mancini, Sr. in the hospital, the infection is clearing up. There is a blog for him: www.papa2all.blogspot.com . Stephen Huges, brother of a Good Shepherd Nursery School Mom, their parents home in Hewlett was destroyed in a fire.. Please remember Dr. And Mrs. Mucci in your prayers as well as Judy’s daughter Tatum. Alice Gordon’s family in the loss of her brother, Everette, Please remember his wife Monica and the whole family... Anka’s family in the loss of her dad. Joey Reda (Charlie and Diane Davison’s Grandson) experiencing some heart arrhythmia. Prudy’s Mom, Rose Ragusa, undergoing treatment- doing well. Jack Simon, a friend of Pastor’s, undergoing treatment for a lung problem...Pray for those children who will receiving Christmas shoe boxes this week. Remember those who lost family and friends in the cyclone in Bangladesh... Leah May facing surgery. Please pray for healing.. Bart Moleta, Helen and Bob Pawson’s son-in-law, tests came back well. Rianna’s brother’s family in their time of loss. Frank Watson, friend of Pastor’s from Bible College, who lost his wife... Pastor and Lucy’s Aunt Vivian has returned tot he hospital due to another fall. Janine Van Cott recovering from back surgery. Tania MacDonald’s Mom, Eloise Naves, went to be with the LORD last week. Please remember her and her family in prayer.
Thank You
Thanks so much for the meaningful card and the generous gift you gave us last Sunday. We know you love us and that is such a wonderful feeling For the past 24 years we have worshiped the LORD at Christmas together. It continues to be a blessing and a joy God bless each of you Love and Prayers, Pastor and Lucy

Notes on Our Time in God’s Word This Morning...

Good News For the New Year

Joshua 1, Philippians 3

Pastor’s messages are now available online:
http://thesundaymorningmessage.blogspot.com/
Church e-mail: bayshorenaz@rock.com
Church Phone: 631-969-1730
1314 Pine Acres Boulevard, Bay Shore, Long Island, NY 11706-5436

The LORD's Day Christmas Sunday, December 23, 2007

Don’t Miss The Wonder of Christmas

Matthew 1.18-25
Luke 2.1-20
Matthew 2.1-12
John 1.1-14

I have heard a number of comments concerning Christmas this year. They have ranged from disgust with the commercialization of it to depression from a number of sources.

All of us can fall into some despair and disillusionment with the celebration of Jesus’ birth. In our attempt to fight the distortion of it, we can lose its Wonder.

Christmas, the celebration of Jesus’ birth, is a time of wonder. The event of Jesus being born brings wonder and amazement to the soul. Every detail of it is sublime.

This Christmas Sunday we are going to spend a few minutes talking about some of the wonderful details. I pray that the wonder of Christmas will life your spirit and you will praise God for His Indescribable Gift.


1. The Virgin Birth Matthew1.22-23

This is a miracle. We are told how but it is still a wonder filled mystery. My friend Kim Richardson’s wife Marilyn makes artificial hearts. She works on them under a microscope. They end up going inside people and extending their lives. I understand how that happens but the construction and the surgery are beyond me- way beyond me. Yet this is just kid stuff when it comes to the Holy One of God being conceived by the Holy Spirit and Mary giving birth without a human father.

Joseph struggled with this. He was going to divorce Mary quietly. We aren’t told whether or not Mary told him the whole story. If she did then he didn’t believe her at first. Either way Joseph concluded she had been unfaithful.

Matthew 1.20 Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

What a wonder Don’t miss this as you think about the true meaning of Christmas

Think about God’s power and His wonderful works in bring Jesus, His only Son, into this world.
2. Mary and Joseph

These young people were chosen by God to be involved in this miracle. Joseph, a righteous man and Mary found favor with God.

Don’t miss the humility of who they were and where they lived. They lived in a looked down town. It was widely held that nothing good ever came out of Nazareth.
There was no notoriety associated with it prior to Jesus’s coming.

Think about who they were. They ordinary people. Joseph was a carpenter.

So often the thinking is that in order for the LORD to use us we must have great training or education. Certainly they have benefits. But Mary and Joseph illustrate the truth that if we walk with God He can sovereignly use us for His glory and all we need to do is obey.

The things we think qualify a man or woman for service in the kingdom of God differ greatly from the things God knows qualifies them. I Samuel 16.6 shows us how even the man of God can think this way- God help us

We often think there must be great notoriety or large amounts of people for some thing wonderful to happen in the kingdom. God shows us the account of Mary and Joseph in part to show us how wrong we are in presuming that.

I love the way they both accept their roles in this whole wonderful story.

They were heading to David’s town... where Jacob buried Rachel, where David lived and where Jesus was to be born...

3. Bethlehem

Hymns have been written about it. Pilgrims journey there tomorrow night. This small village, or little town if you will, has great significance in the plan of God.

It was His. The earth is the LORD’s and everything in it. Each city belongs to God Look at how He was concerned for Ninevah. This little town had the mother of Israel buried in it and Israel’s most beloved king, a man after God’s own heart, was born there.

It put Him out. On that night when He had use of a place to be born no place suitable for a new born was to be had so he was born in stable and laid in a manger. Out among the animals the King of Kings came into the world.

Bethlehem means House of Bread. Jesus is the Bread of Life. Symbolized in the LORD’s Supper by the matzoh or bread without yeast. Yeast symbolizes sin. It puffs bread up and fills it with air. That is what people are without Jesus- just filled with hot air. Jesus shows us what life is without sin. He was born in Bethlehem, the city of David, the burial place of Rachel.

4. The Manger

This week, Jack, a little fellow in our nursery school, after he listened to the account of the nativity, told his teacher the next day, “I was thinking about the story of Jesus being born all night.” There is something wonderfully attractive in this scene

Don’t miss the wonder of Christmas. Can I ask you something? When was the last time you were like little Jack, thinking about the story of Jesus being born all night? I would imagine some of us have sat up wondering what to get so and so. Others have pondered how much they have put on credit cards while others of us have thought about the gatherings we are cooking for. There is still time. There is tonight. Take some time out, as you work think about the story of Jesus being born. Sing your way through the story with familiar carols and choruses.

Sing “Away in the Manger”. Become like a little child. Get lost in wonder, love and praise

5. The Shepherds

God announced the good news to them.

They were lowly men. They were probably tending the sheep for the sacrificial system in Jerusalem. They were shut out of many things. That night they were let in on the greatest news anyone could hope to receive.

They were the only ones of Bethlehem that night that took the Savior in They hurried off (Luke 2.16) Speudo= earnestly desire, make haste. This was not their style but Jesus has a way of immediately changing us.

They came and saw. They worshiped God. They spread the news.

6. The Wise men

Magi. Learned and respected men from the east- Iraq/Iran.

They followed the star.

They came with gifts that they offered Him.

The Greatest of all these is that...

7. The Word Became Flesh

This is what Christmas is about. The Lamb of God coming down to earth from heaven. Jesus, the Son of God, coming in the flesh, so that He could go to the cross and die for the sins of the world. His name is called Jesus, Redeemer-Savior, because He will save His people from their sins
What a wonder, God in flesh, God’s Son being born into the human race.

He left the wonder of heaven
To come to this earth that night.
He was born as a baby,
Oh what a precious site.

Born in stable in Bethlehem,
Laid in a manger was He
He came to save His people
from their sins and to set them free.

Oh what a wonder that He came
What a wonder the way He was born
Oh the wonder of God’s great love,
The age of redeeming grace had dawned.

He left heaven to die on a cross
He died to save us from sin
He rose from the grave defeating death,
He forever will reign.

Don’t miss the obvious. Don’t miss this Divine simplicity!

The next few days and throughout the rest of your life let the wonder of Christmas come to you. Let the way He was born and where He was born and the events surrounding His birth bless your heart and fill your soul.
May the wonder of Christ’s coming stay in your heart all year through.

The LORD’s Day
December 23, 2007

We Worship In Singing
We Worship In Prayer
We Worship In Hearing the Word of God
Don’t Miss The Wonder Of Christmas
Matthew 1-2, Luke 2, John 1
*Tithes and Offerings can be placed in the box at the rear of the sanctuary*
Please join us for bagels and coffee downstairs if you are visiting today.

This Week
Bible Reading Matthew 1-2, Luke 2, John 1
Monday Men’s Prayer Meeting 6:30am in the church basement, Christmas Eve Service -5pm
Wednesday &Thursday Bible Studies will resume next month
Next Lord’s Day
Morning Prayer- 10am in the church basement
Morning Worship- 10:30am(Sunday School for Children)
Spanish Service- 4pm
In Your Prayers For All of God’s People

Remember the men serving in the armed forces: Bradley, Julia Bujold’s grandson with Special Forces in Afghanistan, home on leave right now, Ken Brown, Pastor’s friend’s son finished his third tour of Iraq- His parents thank us for praying for him. Billy Knapp, Jr. in Iraq with the Marines (neighbor of the church and Pastor- Billy’s sister graduated from Good Shepherd). Stateside now being redeployed in April... Matthew Klaus, brother of Good Shepherd parent in Iraq as a firefighter for Haliburton. Pastor’s nephews’ and niece’s cousin Kim’s husband, Jay, in Iraq. Pray for them and the others away from their families. Praise God for keeping David Louis, Jake Morgan, Ken Brown and Tom Hindelang, Billy Knapp Jr. safe during their times in Iraq. Pray for peace. Katharina’s Family in the loss of her daughter... Remember Robert, her son-in-law and her grandsons, Norman, Raymond &Jonathan and their families. Kathy, Ziggy and Margot’s daughter-in-law, under the doctor’s care for fibromyalgia. Thank God for answers to prayer for her. Pray for Eloise Brooks’ Family in their loss and sorrow... Remember Jean Louis on dialysis. Grace Martin, Edie Raevis’ daughter, recovering from surgery on her back and uindergoing Physical Therapy. Edie’s daughter’s mother-in-law, Millie Espisito remains in serious condition. Reginald Mooney, friend of Terri and John Garry, with a tumor in his kidney. Please remember Pastor’s friend Kim Richardson’s daughter, Kelly recovering from a mastectomy. Please remember this whole family in prayer..she has completed chemo therapy for now and is undergoing another round of radiation. Leah May’s cousin, Joan, respiratory problems now home... Lucy Mancini under Orthopedic Specialist’s care and physical therapy for pain and injuries resulting from the accident. Pastor’s Dad, Larry Mancini, Sr. was taken to the hospital last night with a fever from an infection. There is a blog for him: www.papa2all.blogspot.com . Stephen Huges, brother of a Good Shepherd Nursery School Mom, their parents home in Hewlett was destroyed in a fire.. Please remember Dr. And Mrs. Mucci in your prayers as well as Judy’s daughter Tatum. Alice Gordon’s family in the loss of her brother, Everette, Please remember his wife Monica and the whole family... Anka’s family in the loss of her dad. Joey Reda (Charlie and Diane Davison’s Grandson) experiencing some heart arrhythmia. Prudy’s Mom, Rose Ragusa, undergoing treatment- doing well. Jack Simon, a friend of Pastor’s, undergoing treatment for a lung problem...Pray for those children who will receiving Christmas shoe boxes this week. Remember those who lost family and friends in the cyclone in Bangladesh... Leah May facing surgery. Please pray for healing.. Bart Moleta, Helen and Bob Pawson’s son-in-law, tests came back well. Rianna’s brother’s family in their time of loss. Frank Watson, friend of Pastor’s from Bible College, who lost his wife... Pastor and Lucy’s Aunt Vivian has been placed in a nursing home rehab following a severe fall and has been diagnosed with a kidney disorder and cirrhosis of the liver. Janine Van Cott recovering from back surgery. Tania MacDonald’s Mom, Eloise Naves, went to be with the LORD this week. The funeral is this afternoon in Hempstead (1-4pm) at Hempstead Funeral Home, 89 Peninsula Blvd, Hempstead 1-516-481-7460.

Christmas Eve Service- 5pm, Tomorrow Evening December 24th


Notes on Our Time in God’s Word This Morning...

Don’t Miss The Wonder of Christmas

Matthew 1-2, Luke 2, John 1

Pastor’s messages are now available online:
http://thesundaymorningmessage.blogspot.com/
Church e-mail: bayshorenaz@rock.com
Church Phone: 631-969-1730
1314 Pine Acres Boulevard, Bay Shore, Long Island, NY 11706-5436

The LORD's Day December 16, 2007

The Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9.1-7

We have been looking at the names Isaiah prophesied Jesus would be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and finally today: Prince of Peace.

Back in the early 70's when I was a teenager, the word peace was used a lot to describe an end to the Viet Nam War. Today peace means to relax. Both concepts are included in this title or name Jesus would be called.

Jesus spoke about peace with His disciples. In fact this morning we are going to look at what the Prince of Peace Himself had to say about it.

1. His Birth Announcement Included Peace Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
The way that leads to peace is salvation. Having our sins forgiven the lost relationship with God the Creator and our Father in Heaven is restored. There is no true peace without Jesus. God has placed eternity in the hearts of men. Only Jesus can satisfy that place in our heart that was created for a relationship with God.

When Christ is in a heart there is a tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Him, and so fearing nothing from God as far as punishment. It is a sense of being content. Peace and contentment go hand in hand. No matter what happens on this earth to us there can be contentment deep within.

God’s favor- His unearned favor is grace. Those who have received this grace are under God’s blessing.


2. There is a sharp statement by Jesus that makes the peace He brings unique.

Matthew 10:34 Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
We think of peace in terms of peace between individuals, harmony, accord. While Jesus does brings this between individuals that are a part of His Kingdom, those who are not part of His kingdom we often have tension with- even to the point of them considering us enemies.

Jesus is the LORD. That very nature sets people at odds with Him and His followers. Mohammed and Confucius and other leaders of world religions do not bring that response from people that Jesus brings.

Following Jesus brings us into opposition with the closest people in our lives if they are not following Him. That is what He is telling us here.

He does bring peace to people’s hearts but that very peace can and does bring division.
I believe we need to be fair when we sharing Christ. In our desire to see people come to Him we can fail to tell them there is a cost. Bruce Olson- Bruchko.

Too often the church has been like salesmen with our LORD- telling people all the benefits and leaving out the fine print. How unlike Christ He tells us here we will have division in relationships if we follow Him. We will be excluded. But we are to rejoice.

This division shows up when we asked to do something illegal or wrong. It shows up when someone asks us to lie for them and we won’t. I have had people get so upset because I wouldn’t do something wrong to benefit them.

3. There is a unity in peace between brothers and sisters in Jesus. Mark 9:50 Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.

Here is where there is to be harmony and accord in relationships. We are to guard this carefully.

The LORD has told us that it is good and pleasant when brothers dwell together in unity. Psalm 133. We are to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

What about people outside the Body of Christ? Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone, There are some people who actually enjoy upheaval and love to get in the middle of disputes. They are warped. Stay away from people like that- they will bring you down. There are birds that come to perch in the branches of the Vine- they are not part of the vine and they love to pick at the fruit.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. We need to have Him reign in our relationships. We need to do things that will lead to peace. Proverbs 26:20 Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. Do not be the one who keeps a quarrel going. Be the one who puts the fire out. Be a peacemaker. Let the fire die when it comes to you. This is allowing Jesus to be the Prince of Peace in your life. This will bring you additional peace and joy.

4. When a person meets Jesus Christ He gives them peace. Luke 7:50 Jesus said to the woman, Your faith has saved you; go in peace.

This statement by Jesus was given after a woman who had lived a sinful life sought Him out. He was dining at Simon, the Pharisee’s house. The woman was repentant and Jesus forgave her sins. He told her to go in peace. She had peace with God finally- no more guilt, no more fear of judgement. Her sins were forgiven

He is the Prince of Peace. He invites those who need peace and relief from the burden of sin to come to Him and find rest for their souls. Matthew 11.26-30

He came to His own and His own did not receive Him. We see this illustrated poignantly in the nativity. There he is born in a stable, laid in a feeding crib. All through His ministry His own rejected Him but to those who received Him like the woman at Simon’s house , they were transformed.

Finally this rejection of the Prince of Peace took place on the last time He rode into Jerusalem.
5. He was rejected at Jerusalem as well as Bethlehem. Luke 19:42 and said, If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.

Jerusalem was the bigger rejection. It was bad enough His own people put Him out in Bethlehem when He was born. Of course God has His hand on this. What was a terrible thing to do to an expectant mother ended up being part of God’s plan. The Creator among the creatures. He was easily accessible to the shepherds when they came. It became a sign of how they would be recognize Him. a sign, mark, token. Think about this sign- a baby lying in a manger A newborn in the animal’s feeding crib It was a sign of how He would be treated His whole life

That by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and is known- no other baby has this notoriety. This was an unusual thing. This can also refer to signs foreshadowing remarkable events soon to happen. This word sign was also used of miracles and wonders by which God authenticates the men sent by him, or by which men prove that the cause they are pleading is God's.

The rejection at Jerusalem was the final one. This was their final opportunity. For thirty three years they had the opportunity to embrace the Prince of Peace. But the truth is they rejected Him. His own did not receive Him

6. Jesus give us peace at life’s most difficult times. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world.
To the world this is an oxymoron- peace in the time of trouble But the peace Jesus give is not as the world gives- He is the Prince of Peace His peace is not dependent on outward circumstances or conditions. He gives peace in our hearts.

In this present world Yes it is wicked. It was wicked in the days of the Master. Public execution was a common thing. It was a horrible thing. There was widespread oppression. One ruler after Jesus was born practiced infanticide and had all the baby boys in Bethlehem 2 years of age and under put to death because he was afraid. He has given us His peace and He has overcome the world, He has peace for you no matter what you are facing this week.

7. Jesus’ final words to us include the blessing of peace. Luke 24:36 [ Jesus Appears to the Disciples ] While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, Peace be with you. Frequently after the resurrection Jesus would greet His disciples with the word “Peace”.

One day there will be a state of national and international tranquillity. That day is soon to come when Jesus comes. We will be freed from the rage and havoc of war. One the most beautiful promises concerning this is found in Micah 5.1-5a

That is His promise and our hope
____________________________________

The LORD’s Day
December 16, 2007


We Worship In Singing
We Worship In Prayer
We Worship In Hearing the Word of God
Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9.1-7
*Tithes and Offerings can be placed in the box at the rear of the sanctuary*
Please join us for bagels and coffee downstairs if you are visiting today.

This Week
Bible Reading Matthew 1-2, Luke 2
Monday Men’s Prayer Meeting 6:30am in the church basement
Wednesday &Thursday Bible Studies will resume next month
Next Lord’s Day
Morning Prayer- 10am in the church basement
Morning Worship- 10:30am(Sunday School for Children)
Spanish Service- 4pm

In Your Prayers For All of God’s People

Remember the men serving in the armed forces: Bradley, Julia Bujold’s grandson with Special Forces in Afghanistan, home on leave right now, Ken Brown, Pastor’s friend’s son finished his third tour of Iraq- His parents thank us for praying for him. Billy Knapp, Jr. in Iraq with the Marines (neighbor of the church and Pastor- Billy’s sister graduated from Good Shepherd). Stateside now being redeployed in April... Matthew Klaus, brother of Good Shepherd parent in Iraq as a firefighter for Haliburton. Pastor’s nephews’ and niece’s cousin Kim’s husband, Jay, in Iraq. Pray for them and the others away from their families. Praise God for keeping David Louis, Jake Morgan, Ken Brown and Tom Hindelang, Billy Knapp Jr. safe during their times in Iraq. Pray for peace. Katharina’s Family in the loss of her daughter... Remember Robert, her son-in-law and her grandsons, Norman, Raymond &Jonathan and their families. Kathy, Ziggy and Margot’s daughter-in-law, under the doctor’s care for fibromyalgia. Thank God for answers to prayer for her as well as Lucy, their daughter... God is she is recovering well. Pray for Eloise Brooks’ Family in their loss and sorrow... Remember Jean Louis on dialysis. Grace Martin, Edie Raevis’ daughter, recovering from surgery on her back and uindergoing Physical Therapy. Edie’s daughter’s mother-in-law, Millie Espisito remains in serious condition. Reginald Mooney, friend of Terri and John Garry, with a tumor in his kidney. Please remember Pastor’s friend Kim Richardson’s daughter, Kelly recovering from a mastectomy. Please remember this whole family in prayer..she has completed chemo therapy for now and is schedules for another round of radiation beginning Tuesday. She is under the care of an oncologist. Leah May’s cousin, Joan, respiratory problems now home... Lucy Mancini under Orthopedic Specialist’s care and physical therapy for pain and injuries resulting from the accident. Pastor’s Dad, Larry Mancini, Sr. in an intermediary care facility, undergoing physical, occupational and speech therapy. There is a blog for him: www.papa2all.blogspot.com . Stephen Huges, brother of a Good Shepherd Nursery School Mom, their parents home in Hewlett was destroyed in a fire.. Please remember Dr. And Mrs. Mucci in your prayers as well as Judy’s daughter Tatum. Alice Gordon’s family in the loss of her brother, Everette, Please remember his wife Monica and the whole family... Anka’s family in the loss of her dad. Joey Reda (Charlie and Diane Davison’s Grandson) experiencing some heart arrhythmia. Prudy’s Mom, Rose Ragusa, undergoing treatment- doing well. Jack Simon, a friend of Pastor’s, undergoing treatment for a lung problem...Pray for those children who will receive Christmas shoe boxes this December. Remember those who lost family and friends in the cyclone in Bangladesh... Leah May facing surgery. Please pray for healing.. Bart Moleta, Helen and Bob Pawson’s son-in-law, undergoing tests for a number of problems. Rianna’s brother’s family in their time of loss. Frank Watson, friend of Pastor’s from Bible College, who lost his wife... Pastor and Lucy’s Aunt Vivian has been placed in a nursing home rehab following a severe fall and has been diagnosed with a kidney disorder and cirrhosis of the liver. Janine Van Cott having back surgery Tuesday.

Christmas Eve Service- 5pm, December 24th

Notes on Our Time in God’s Word This Morning...

Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9.1-7

Pastor’s messages are now available online:
http://thesundaymorningmessage.blogspot.com/
Church e-mail: bayshorenaz@rock.com
Church Phone: 631-969-1730
1314 Pine Acres Boulevard, Bay Shore, Long Island, NY 11706-5436