Pastor's Blog

Double Portion

2009-07-01T11:40:00.001-04:00

As Elijah was winding down the days of his Prophetic ministry, he stood along the banks of the Jordan and asked Elisha what he desired most. Elisha's response was to have a 'double portion of the Spirit' that is upon Elijah. I believe every child of God wants all that God desires to give. Last Sunday at Cornerstone, people came through the prayer line to receive a greater, double portion of the Holy Spirit. We must remember that when God pours His anointing upon our hearts, we might be changed forever. You and I are witnessing before our very eyes a world that is falling in deep despair. The news and media is filled with acknowledging celebrity superstars as role models for our kids. So much time and money is spent of telling what great celebrity legends we have had. The television viewing has come to a place that hardly anything is fit for believers to watch. Even taking our families to the theatre can make one embarrassed or upset at the garbage we see and hear. The times of our days brings an obvious conclusion, this world is full of sin! We cannot afford to be desensitized nor compromise what we have come to know, believe and proclaim. If we truly want to carry the mantle of the Lord and walk in His glory and holiness, we will not be entangled with the affairs of the world or be influenced with worldly things. We have to be the Elisha's of our day and be determined to walk uprightly, delight in the journey even as we continue to have trials and tribulations, and remember that we are destined to fulfill the will of the Lord. That is what carrying the mantle is all about.

Unconfessed Sin

2009-06-02T18:38:00.001-04:00

What is it that keeps our spirits confined? Why does our heart feel constraint to give the Lord praise? Why do we sense at times we are not complete as a Christian? Could it be, there might be unconfessed sin within our heart? This was the problem the children of Israel had as they tried to overcome their enemies since the deliverance from Egypt. Once they felt that Yahweh was by their side and victory was won, they quickly turned back to their idolatry and God allowed hard times to come upon them. When you read this cyclical over and over in the book of Judges, you find it difficult to believe Israel would do this to Yahweh. Yet, we do the same things even today. All because we have left unconfessed sin to take residence within us, and we worship (idolize) other things besides the creator of worship. At the conclusion of Judges 21:25, their journey ends on a bad note when the Word says "...there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." This is what happens when we do not allow the Holy Spirit to deal with our hearts and cause us to repent. I trust you have asked the Lord for forgiveness. If not, please do not allow your spirit to be consumed with sin in your life. Today, begin to ask the Lord if there is anything in your life, heart or spirit that is keeping Him out of your daily walk. You cannot afford to be like Israel 'to do what is right in your own eyes'. God has a purpose and plan for what He desires to do in you. Get the sin out of your system and let the presence of the Holy Spirit begin to overflow you with fresh oil of His anointing. May the Lord guide your steps each day as you follow Him.

Sunday - Mother's Day

2009-05-11T09:55:00.001-04:00

What a tremendous time in God's presence Sunday at Cornerstone. My wife, Donna, brought a challenging message to all the mom's to bring their children up in the Word and to teach them the values and principles of right living. The theme of the day was 'A tribute to Godly Mom's. The Bible has demonstrated to us through experiences how today's mom can be effective to raise her children up to have a relationship with Christ. Teaching children to be good citizens, having education and success is alright, but if we leave the importance of following Christ out of the picture, we have raised them in vain. God desires we teach our children to have a relationship with Him is to follow and obey Him. Much like we want our children to follow our example and obey us, much the same is with Christ. When we trust in Christ and obey His Word, we see our life is less hectic and we find a greater peace and fulfillment in our journey. We salute all of the mom's who are following the Lord and teaching her children to do the same.

Pastor Scott Skeens - Proverbs 31:28

Developing a Real Passion for Christ ny Pastor Mike Jarboe

2009-05-06T09:47:00.001-04:00

Some years ago Becky and I had the opportunity to spend our anniversary in Rome and
we also got to attend a Papal Audience. This Papal Audience was identified to me as an intimate
audience, smaller in nature than the typical throngs that go to see the Pope in the Vatican square.

Well, we went and I was amazed. There were more than 5000 people at this audience in a huge
auditorium and the Pope does several of these a week. According to some people that I asked, the room is always full to standing room only with throngs hungry to hear the Pope share what amounts to as about a 10 minute talk. Becky and I did get to shake hands with the Pope and he did talk to me first in Italian and then in English. Fascinating how many languages John Paul II could speak with a degree of fluency. A neat experience to be sure.

Thinking about all those people just trying to get tickets to get in, I’m quite amazed. Many of these people aren’t Catholic. Becky and I weren’t. They stumble over themselves to pile into a crowded room to catch a glimpse of the man. It’s got all the potential of being a stampede if not carefully orchestrated by the staff at the Vatican. Those colorful Swiss Guard uniforms helped.

Though the Pope is a powerful figure in world politics and in the affairs of the religious community, do you ever wonder why so many people make a heroic effort with real fire in their eyes and a sense of urgency in their step just to see him. If you think about it, we can have an audience with his Boss, the creator of everything, the Lord of our Life, our Savior and King at virtually any time we want. Maybe such easy access to God affects us. Maybe distractions keep us from getting fired up like we should. I don’t know for sure. What I do know is that I really want to have a burning hunger about my time with God. I want it to be something that I just can’t wait to do—spend time alone or corporately with my Heavenly Father. And just like I jockeyed for position to shake John Paul’s hand, I should fight through however many hours it takes in prayer, praise and worship just to get a touch from God. A passion for Christ may just give us the answers we are looking for. It may just be the catalyst to a Last Days revival. Let the fire rise within you!

What is beyond the Cross?

2009-04-13T16:19:00.002-04:00

This was the title of the message on Resurrection Sunday. Today we have many anxious Americans who are wondering about the future of our nation. While there is much uncertainty around us, we must not allow it to affect our faith to march forward in God's kingdom. Let's face the reality, that the church is going to withstand whatever comes our way. What we must do is look beyond the cross with hope that will endure through suffering, hope that will sustain our purpose, and hope that will reveal truth. Let me encourage and remind you of what Jesus said in John 3:14, "And I, if I the son of man be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to me." What is beyond the cross? An empty grave and a risen Saviour.

Put your hope and trust in Jesus and everything else will take care of itself. What makes you a Christian isn't perfection, but it's grace.

2009 E2 Conference

2009-03-02T10:34:00.002-05:00

It is hard to believe the e2 conference has come and gone at Cornerstone. The presence of the Holy Spirit was so rich in every service and people left on Saturday fully equipped to be more effective in their churches. Last evening, I was evaluating over the number of people from Cornerstone church who helped make the conference a huge success. Countless hours of changing light bulbs, scrubbing and mopping floors, buying material and food items for the kitchen, companies lending their equipment, chairs transported from one room to the other, sound, lighting and media technicians, security,volunteers before and after services in kitchen, tables up and tables down, ushers, greeters, hospitality, nursery volunteers and so much more brings a great sense of servanthood. My heart leaped inside to watch the volunteers from our church respond to a need and step into action to serve the people of Southern Ohio. It reminds of the church found in Acts 2:44 "...and had all things common." The volunteers at Cornerstone church are to be commended for demonstrating the love of Christ, and reflecting the true spirit of service to the body of Christ. All things common, were shown when I witnessed our people serve and fight their way through the distractions of sickness, work, finances and probably many others I don't even know about. We truly found the secret and discovery of how a church needs to function. Simply, making ourselves available to kingdom purposes through our fellowship with Jesus and one to another. This is why we serve together and to one another. By serving one another, we reflect the image of Christ like passion and love. By serving together, we are reminded how much can be accomplished when more are involved in the serving. In other words, the more who choose to serve, the more productive we can be to touch the lives of people-the way Jesus would touch them. Thank you so much, for your willingness to bind together as a church serving family and touch the lives of people in Southern Ohio. We serve a great and holy God.

Love Language

2009-02-17T21:32:00.002-05:00

Life is God's gift to us, but what we do with that life is our gift back to God. One of the most expressive ways to show God our attitude of gratitude is to share the life of God's love with others. We live in a world that is screaming for love in all the wrong places. As a society, we have lowered our standards to believe that it doesn't matter where the love comes from,as long as it is packaged with a label called "love". Most often we findt hat what we call "love" is actually lust disguised. One can always use this example as a gauge to measure if something is love or lust: If it is true love it's always looking for an opportunity to give. If it is lust it is always looking for an open door to take. We have crossed the threshold of a new age, we must hold fast to the core values that have made us sober and secure. Jesus tells us that on these two hang the entire laws of the prophets according to Matthew 22:38-40:"This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."Let us continue to love one another and our neighbors to show the love of Christ in our hearts.

South America trip to Chile

2009-02-08T21:30:00.002-05:00

Last Thursday, I returned home to America after spending five days in Santiago, Chile. I discovered too much there to put in a blog, so I will give the highlights. The weather was sunny and 90 degrees everyday. December-February is their summer. We have 260 Church of God churches in Chile and the total population is 16 million people. I met the Leadership from the nation of Chile, the National Overseer, the Regional Overseer and the Director of Education at the Chile Theological Seminary. These men are devoted to their calling and represent their country highly esteemed. The most which stands out to me was being in the worship service at TemploShalom Church of God. There, I was asked to lead some worship and everyone in unison worshipped God together. I could of never dreamed of having an opportunity like that in the ministry. Next, I met four beautiful couples who have been chosen to start church plants in various cities of Chile. God is going to use these pastor's to raise up people in the kingdom. We went to Lamachi, a small community where I met Richard & Silvia Saez. They have a real heart for children where they are ministering to over 50 children in their community everyday, as well as pastor their church. These children were so lovable. I could of easily taken a few back home with me. Silvia has such a passion to reach these children and their families. Every time she would speak of this ministry, tears would begin to form and run down hercheeks. The entire trip was just an awesome experience that I will never forget the rest of my life. However, I believe going there has more to do with just seeing the sites of Chile. God has a special purpose in mind, and I am asking God to speak to us as to how we are to be a part of this experience. What we make happen for others, God will make happen for us. (prayer) My faithful Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to see how you are moving in other parts of the world. I thank you for safe travel to and fro. So many were praying that I would be safe without harm. Thank you for watching over my family while I was away. Your guided hand and love truly reaches throughout all the world and many are seeing your power being demonstrated in all the earth. Please continue to bless the leadership of Chile and may they always know they have brothers/sisters in Ohio interceding on their behalf. In Jesus name, Amen!

Leadership

2009-01-21T15:49:00.002-05:00

This is the key to any organization or institution in whatever field or ministry you are a part of. Without leadership, you will have a disaster in the making with no direction of any kind. Christ showed the example of leadership when he demonstrated the root of what true leadership is - Servant Leadership. If we choose to lead because of position, we will never gain influence for lack of integrity. If we lead simply due to status, we will never discover the true spirit of yielding to others. If we choose to lead for the sake of title, we will never reach the purpose of serving. Though leadership calls us to lead, feed, and take responsibility, it must be accompanied with a desire to love first. Without it, you and I can never really be affective to lead those that God entrusts into our care. You are not born a leader, but over time you are developed through observing other leaders, gaining training, life's experiences, tough battles, handling being talked about, godly wisdom, but most of all, learning to lead with Christ-like love. Someone said, "If you think you are leading and no one is following, then you are just taking a walk." Salvation is free because of what Christ has already done. Discipleship/Leadership will cost you something.

The Christmas Keys

2008-12-24T22:24:00.000-05:00

The Shepherd were considered lowly and somewhat poverty stricken. Christ came into the world as a lowly and humble being. No one would ever think he could be a King. The Magi saw and followed the star so they would be guided by God. Christ went to the cross willingly and hung between you and me. Let us remember during this Christmas season the keys to celebrating the newborn king. May you and your family have a very blessed Christmas celebration, and always keeping in our hearts the key to Christmas is Christ.

Pastor Scott Skeens - Phil 1:6

Season of Change

2008-12-03T09:43:00.001-05:00

A couple of Sunday's ago, I spoke on understanding the seasons in our lives.As we can see and feel, the winter season has arrived in our region known asS outhern Ohio. Other than Christmas, I really do not care much for the winter season. I guess because of growing up in the north and being in somevery severe snowy weather storms. You might be dreading the (spiritual) season you are entering now. I want to encourage you to refuse to grow weary or stay disappointed. Do the right thing with energy and faith. Psalms 37:23 reminds us "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delights in his way." Determine now to never leave a season empty-handed. While going through a rough (wintery) season, work hard, trust God, obey God, and whenever something negative comes your way, label it with a mental sign that declares, "This is just a season-I'm moving on to my future and hope in God." I trust you have a very blessed week, and believe God for the impossible of your need.

Never Sell Out

2008-10-13T09:23:00.001-04:00

While our nation is facing an economic crisis, we can be assured that our hope is remained steadfast by faith through Jesus Christ. We must keep on track in our walk with the Lord and watch when Satan tries to get us to trade in our beliefs, values and Christian principles. I want to encourage you to ‘never sell out’ to the devil. If you sell out, you have no hope for eternity. Esau sold out for a morsel of meat, Samson sold out to Delilah, Ananias and Sapphira sold out for greed, and Demas sold out for this present world. All of these people of the Bible lost out on life because they sold what was valuable to the kingdom. Joseph would not sell out to Potiphar’s wife, Daniel would not sell out defilement and prayer, the Hebrew children refused to sell their loyalty to God, and Peter and John would not compromise and sell their right to preach the Gospel. Satan professes to have the better vineyard, but he lies. If he has better vineyards, then why does he want yours? We need to protect our vineyards, our families, our communities and our church from never selling out for anything. It is not worth it to sell out at any price. The devil will bargain with you, but you must be determined. Stand your ground, be faithful, and don’t let anything hinder your pilgrimage to that heavenly place in glory. Praise God for giving His people all they need to serve Him, and for coming to our rescue to answered prayer. Please continue to ask the Lord to speak into your heart during this season of prayer/fasting at Cornerstone. We are witnessing His presence, power and provision everyday.
Paul says it best in I Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

The Power of Returning to Restoration

2008-09-25T16:10:00.000-04:00

The dictionary tells us that “restore” means to bring back to a former or original condition. Over the last few days, thousands of people have been without electricity power in their homes and businesses. Because of this loss of power, many have had to walk through their homes in darkness, close business hours and even resort to other resources to maintain the normalcy of daily living. Once power has been restored, people can carry on with doing things with ease. In God’s restoration work today, He is not simply restoring the church to the glory it displayed in New Testament times, but is seeking to restore it to a state more powerful, majestic and glorious than anything the world has yet to see. If God’s people do not have the power of the Holy Spirit working within them, they will walk around in spiritual darkness, they will lose interest in spiritual matters and God’s business will become complacent to them. Let us be warned, there are gust winds of power in the forecast of the kingdom, and it is going to bring the latter rain upon us. It is beginning to intensify, people are being warned to evacuate the way they live worldly. This rain is bringing hope and redemption to all humanity. Instead of homes being ruined, this rain is putting homes back together. It is building businesses, instead of lives being lost, this Holy Ghost rain is putting lives back together helping people to find restoration and life. Hebrews 12:28 informs us that “we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken…” When God brings restoration(spiritual power)-He always increases, multiplies and improves. The way of restoration is not confrontation, nor condemnation, but demonstration of Christlikeness through forgiveness and restoration.

God is Here

2008-09-09T10:06:00.001-04:00

In the pace of our lives, it is easy to forget that God is ever present. Often times, we do not consider His thoughts and simply ignore the spiritual reasoning behind our objectives. However, we must not exclude and never forget that God is ‘omnipresent.’ Which means, He is always present, everywhere and every time. The lyrics of the song we sang in unison at Cornerstone on Sunday goes like this, “come and lay down the burdens you are carrying, for in this sanctuary God is here.” What that means for you my brother/sister, is no matter what you are facing or carrying with you, God is forever omnipresent to bring healing and lift the burdens of your life. I remember an old song we used to sing in the church, “King Jesus will roll all my burdens away when to Him I pray.” When we worshipped together on Sunday, people with burdens and needs began to call upon God, realizing “He is here.” You may have to call on God sometime this week to relieve a burden or take the weight of anxiety off, but when you do, just remember God is ready and willing to be present in your life. He desires for you and I to “cast all our cares upon Him, for He cares for us.” Yes, He means ALL of them!

Prayer

2008-09-02T22:43:00.001-04:00

Have you ever thought of this question, “Why Pray?” It makes you stop and evaluate just how important it is for every child of God to spend time talking with the Father. Have you had time to think the question over? If you could respond immediately, you are probably a person of prayer. If not, you might want to consider the reasons you do not ‘make the time’ to pray. Notice I said, ‘make the time’ instead of ‘take the time.’ When we ‘make the time’, we are proving to ourselves how vital prayer is in our daily walk with the Savior. Think of the things you do normally during the course of the day. Because so much of what we do is routine, we, most of the time do not give things a second thought. In many cases, it has become a normal way of life. Is that how prayer is for you? Do you set aside a certain time of the day or night to pray? Is it a normal routine for you as a Christian? Remember this about prayer. God already knows what we are going to say, even before we can think of it. So, prayer must be very important to say those things to God that are dear to our heart. It is not so much that He needs to hear us, as it is we need to express it. In any relationship, whether it is a spouse, child, coworker, immediate family, or a neighbor, communication is a must if that relationship is going to grow and become of value. Our relationship and time with God is most important because it has eternal value. I would ask that you keep my family in your prayers, along with Cornerstone church leadership, workers, volunteers and lost people who need Christ in our communities. May you have a blessed week in the Lord.

A Glimpse of God's Glory by Mike Jarboe

2008-08-25T17:18:00.001-04:00

Last night Becky and I had the privilege of joining the congregation at Princeton Pike in celebrating the dedication of their new addition, a large group of classrooms, athletic facilities, and meeting space focused on the goal of outreach to the people of Butler County. During the service, one of the guest performers Jason Crabb highlighted a story from the Bible that is familiar to most of us. In Exodus 33:18 we have an incredible utterance when Moses says to God, “Now show me Your glory.” Can you imagine? Surprisingly, this was not something that angered God, rather He tells Moses of a place where he was able to hide and safely look upon God as He passed by.

I’ve been overwhelmed by what are clearly two words from God in the past weeks and there is simply one affirmation after another that these are ordained for both my personal walk with God and for the church. The words are “distinctive” and “glory”. Only last night and today in prayer, I’ve discovered that the two are closely linked. How so?

God and Moses converse in Chapter 33 and we find that Moses is asking for God’s help for Israel’s journey. Along with a request to see God’s glory, Moses asks that God also teach him His ways. He even asks that God go along with Israel on the journey. Why, because the presence of the Lord will be the distinctive that marks the people of Israel as different amongst the nations of the world. It’s the visible sign of God’s glory that will set them apart.

At Cornerstone, whether we are aware of it or not, we are already shaping the distinctive for our church during this season of our journey. It’s my belief that what God may be telling us something important. Last night, Pastor Clardy told his crowd in a passionate appeal to “Get ready for the glory!” I’m believing that God has something incredible in store for them, but I’m inclined to believe that it wasn’t a message for one church, but for us too! Can any of you feel it? Is there a building sense of anticipation?

God, we want to establish our distinctive. We aren’t seeking to be defined by buildings or programs or anything else that simply fits in with the existing way of things. Instead, we want to see You. We want You to teach us your ways. Let the glory of Your presence be the distinctive. I go to Cornerstone because God is there. He’s moving in our aisles. He’s ministering at our altars. He’s transforming our children and our youth. His glory fills this place (Isaiah 6).

God is on the move

2008-08-11T22:11:00.001-04:00

Wednesday night’s service at the Church of God General Assembly was God inspiring as Bishop Sean Teal presented the message “God is on the move.” Little David had no idea how God would use him for kingdom purposes, but just at the right time God appointed him for the slaying of Goliath. God is on the move in your life and ministry. Like many in true service for the King, we do not look the part and cannot wear somebody else’s uniform. We must be called of God and ready to move when He says to move. It may not make sense right now the way God is using you, or seemingly not using you, but keep your faith and heart towards Him and be in position to move when the time is right. Man does not determine your destiny, circumstances does not determine the outcome, even your feelings can be unpredictable, but God has your life in His hands and that is all you need to enter into the next day. The Bible tells us to “cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” Remember, when you get rejected, God is preparing you for redirection, because God is on the move. May all of us see through spiritual eyes how God is directing His church and together we must move as the spirit of God leads each of us. Have a blessed week!

The Unchanging Church

2008-07-29T21:06:00.001-04:00

If you are a believer, then you and I make up a vast part of the universal body of Christ. However, we have been divinely directed of the Lord to take part in a local fellowship(church) for such a time as this. This is not really for our benefit, but for the simple reason of discovering our place to serve in the church. Barnabus was full of the Holy Spirit so God lead him to Antioch to minister to not only the Jews, but to the Gentiles as well. Has God lead you to a church? If so, the primary purpose is that He desires for you to find out what gifts you have so they can be utilized to serve His people. We often think the church is for serving us and meeting our needs. There are moments when we do ask the church to hold us up in our time of need. We should take on the attitude of Christ, for “He came not to be served, but to serve.” Christ is the head of the church and we are members of His body. We must function within our capabilities and be willing to help and serve one another. I believe Cornerstone is a church who loves to help meet the needs of one another, families and the community. God and His Word never changes, therefore we should not change in whom we know and believe. I read a quote several years ago that has been life changing in my ministry-“We can do much more together than we can alone.” Be the church throughout this week and look for opportunities to serve people. When you do, you will reflect the image and example of Jesus Christ.

Giving Honor

2008-07-21T15:01:00.001-04:00

Sunday was a beautiful time to reflect and acknowledge the ministry of Orville and Linda Robinson. For 31 years Pastor Robinson has given much of his life, devotion and calling to the body of Christ at Cornerstone. During the service Sunday morning, one of the speakers expressed recognition that Pastor Robinson is a leader that demonstrates “commitment.” After pondering over this word, it occurred to me that we can be the most talented, gifted and have the look of a leader, but if we do not fulfill our calling and ‘commit,’ it will never benefit the church, our family or those around us. Jesus committed himself all the way to Calvary, surely we can fully commit ourselves to serve in His kingdom. I trust you are committed to the purpose and plan that God has for your life. Thank you, Orville and Linda for setting a wonderful example of what true commitment is suppose to be about. May the Lord reward you for your willingness to serve.

God is Sovereign

2008-07-14T09:56:00.001-04:00

Just like Joshua told the people of Israel, “The Lord is holy, and He is a jealous God” (Joshua 24:19), we tend to overlook areas of our lives that keep separation from a Sovereign God. He has created us to worship and serve His name, and His name only. God cannot give all He desires to release until you surrender and give your all to Him. He is jealous for your love, devotion and service to His kingdom. What are the idols you worship that is keeping you from honoring the one true sovereign Lord? Is it the god of comfort and stability? Is it the god of self satisfaction? Is it the god of my way or no way? Is it the god of self-confidence, forgetting to ask God about it? Is your job standing between you and God? Is your children standing between you and God? Is your bank account standing between you and God? It would do us well to re-examine what God we are following. If you or I created something, wouldn’t we want that creation to honor and worship us only? We always want our children to honor and obey us, simply because we are the reason they are here. It would disturb us if they started to follow and adore somebody else’s parents. It might cause us to become jealous of their love and loyalty. Remember, God is jealous for you, which is why you were created in the first place. He longs to hear our praise, He invites us into His presence, He blesses His children when they fully lift Him up with their life. Why not recognize He is a holy God and is jealous for our full commitment to serve and follow Him all the days of our lives. Our sovereign God is manifesting Himself at Cornerstone in various fashions. He wants to wrap His loving arms around your need and remind you that He has created a wonderful image of Him, and that image is you. What a mighty God we serve!

Declaration of Liberty

2008-07-07T22:34:00.000-04:00

America just celebrated her 232 year of Independence as a nation. Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus gave us our “Declaration of Liberty” when He bore the sin of our sorrow and unrighteousness on the cross. Not only do we enjoy the freedom of being a United States citizen, but more importantly, we have been liberated through the spirit to be free from the bondages of sin. Our freedom in Christ as a child of God allows us to “proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” which is favor with God for now, and all of eternity. Sunday evening, the Cornerstone church united together with other Churches of God for “a night of prayer and praise for our nation.” God moved on us as we lifted up our national, state government, local communities and church leadership in prayer. What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. May God bless you and your family this week, and looking forward to seeing you at Cornerstone Church of God.

I Serve a Jealous God

2008-06-30T09:06:00.000-04:00

When God gave the Law “You will not have any god’s before me” to Moses on Mt. Sinai, He wasn’t just referring to carved images, broken temples and golden calf’s. God desires us to not place “anything” in between us and Him. I would ask you to examine your life style and determine if someone or something is standing between the relationship you have with Christ. If so, pray that God will help you see that He is jealous for your heart. God is a jealous God, and He is not jealous “of” you, but He is jealous “for” you. That is, for your devotion, commitment and desire to worship Him. I pray you will have a wonderful week and enjoy the Independence Day celebration.

Feeding on the Faithfulness of God

2008-06-23T13:31:00.001-04:00

In Exodus 16, Israel chose to look at the ways they thought God had not provided. Sometimes we can lose sight of the wonderful moments that God desires to give us. We must learn to “trust” the Lord at all times, “delight” in His law, “commit” to His will, and “rest” in His favor and love. He will guide each of us to our promise land and we will view more of His glory in the process. I trust you will begin each morning knowing you can “feed on the faithfulness of God” for He will bring fresh manna from above to supply your need for the day. It is “in Him that we live and move and have our being.” To worship Him we live, we live to worship Him. Praise the Lord, for His holy anointing was with us in a remarkable fashion at Cornerstone Sunday. May God bless you in your service to the kingdom this week is my prayer.

We have a Heavenly Father Above

2008-06-16T22:05:00.001-04:00

What a delight to see Dad’s at Cornerstone on Sunday. As earthly father’s, we have a tremendous responsibility to raise up our children in the ways and admonition of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us if we “train up a child in the way he should go, he will not depart from it.” Our duty as earthly father’s is to disciple the son/daughter God has entrusted in our care, and provide the physical, emotional and spiritual strength they need daily. This will not be possible unless we have faith and trust in the unfailing God we serve. Thankfully, we have a heavenly Father above who understands our weaknesses and times of difficulty when teaching our children the truths of God’s Word. When the dust settles, it all comes down to who we allow to teach and educate our children, the world or God fearing parents. We must give our children “words” that will lift them up, “time” which can never be given back, and “lives” who they can follow as Christlike examples. May you have a glorious week, and be blessed to be a blessing to others.

Keep Walking Through the Valley

2008-06-09T09:51:00.000-04:00

The Lord poured out His spirit in an awesome manifestation at Cornerstone on Sunday. A mighty presence moved throughout the congregation as everyone exalted praise to the King of kings. God is allowing you to experience the valley because He is preparing you for greater and more productive ministry. Paul said, “For we walk by faith, and not by sight.” (2 Cor.5:7) Do not allow a set back to cause you to take a step back, for God is positioning you for a comeback. It may seem like your walking on “dry ground,” but, the key is to continue to walk in His grace by faith. Soon, you will be over your trial and you can “Keep Walking through the Valley” until He brings you through it. May you know the Savior who is faithful on the mountains, plains and valleys of life. Remember the Southern Ohio Camp Meeting this week in prayer for a refreshing and renewal to the Body of Christ. If you believe the Holy Spirit is ministering to you, would you please comment that you might be an encouragement to others.

Making an Everlasting Covenant

2008-06-06T09:52:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Pastor Skeens' blog. Each Monday, a new blog will be posted for your viewing. Please feel free to respond and share your comments in relationship to the subject that will be posted. We want to create a communication forum to share with others what the Holy Spirit is saying and doing in our midst. Last Sunday, the challenge from God's Word is that He desires to make "an everlasting covenant" with His church. Through this covenant, He gives New Life, New Opportunity, New Vision, and New Empowerment. As a church body, may we except this challenge as Paul declares in Philippians 3:13 "...this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead." Let us unite our hearts and spirit to move ahead and vow to covenant with Christ to live as He leads His compassionate church. I pray for you to remain steadfast in your walk with Jesus and your coveant with Him to last throughout this life, and the one to come. God bless your journey in Him, and looking forward to this Sunday.