Comments for Pastor's Blog

Comment on Hope Deferred by Josh Kemberling

Josh Kemberling — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:18:54 +0000

Mary, you have been in my prayers. I know that the Lord will empower you with strength and that His plan for your life will come to fruition.

Jer 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Comment on Hope Deferred by mary barker

mary barker — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:03:26 +0000

Please lift me up in your prayers. I have just been diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer after 12 years clean. It has come back worse than the first time; surgery will probably be scheduled shortly after the New Year. I am a saved believer without a church home at this time. Single Mom relocated from Indy to Tucson in last several years. The process is moving very quickly due to the urgency and I am having a difficult time staying in the ‘now’ . Thanks so much and a Blessed Christmas to you!!

Mary Barker

Comment on The Leaven of Herod by Ian Squire

Ian Squire — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 08:31:29 +0000

This is true, I also believe that the parable of the leaven in Matthew 13 also refers to such deception. Leaven has been set apart and sanctified in scriputure for a specific purpose to convey a vitally important spiritual truth. There are four charactaristics of leaven that qualify it for such a task. It provides no nutritional value, it spreads like crazy, a little affects the whole thing, and it puffs up.

This should be born in mind when interpreting the parable of the leaven which many do not understand today. Most always put a positive spin on this parable but I read it as a warning. Firstly the significance of the woman in this parable is described in Proverbs 7 … the strange woman, attired as a harlot and subtlity of heart. Secondly she HIDES the leaven within the flour which expresses a covert and hidden action that is subtle and does not correspond to that which is truth which is light and as such must not be kept under a bushal. Thirdly it mirrors the same meaning as just descirbed by Jesus in His explanation of the wheat and the tares, where under cover of darkness the enemy comes in and sows bad seed amongst the good.

God Bless
Ian

Comment on Your the only you in this world by Josh Kemberling

Josh Kemberling — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:16:23 +0000

I believe there should opportunities within the church for the expression of peoples individual gifts. I also believe that in order for the Church to be truly effective it needs to allow these individual parts to function. The Bible even tells us that in order to see growth within the Church we all need to be doing our part. Here is some Bible references (Romans 12:3-8, 1Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4:7-16).
Be Blessed!!

Comment on Your the only you in this world by amalgomous

amalgomous — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 12:41:54 +0000

Since God has created each of us with a specific purpose, are there opportunities within the Body to use those gifts? Are those gifted in certain areas allowed to move in those gifts within the church?

Comment on Offense by Lynn Kemberling

Lynn Kemberling — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:11:03 +0000

Wow is this ever the truth! This is a reminder of a truth that i need everyday. If its not an offense targeted at me its the challenge to forgive someone that hurts a loved one. Thanks Josh perfect timing!

Comment on The Golden Rule by Frank

Frank — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:41:12 +0000

What a good word to remind me to treat others the way I would like be treated. Love others with the same way I love myself. Thanks for the reminder Josh.

Comment on Your the only you in this world by Joshua Kemberling

Joshua Kemberling — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 23:38:29 +0000

Thanks Christine! There is so much freedom when we come to rest in being who God created us to be. I know for myself as well; trying to fit a mold or to look a certain way never produced anything in me accept an unsatisfied filling.

Comment on Your the only you in this world by Christine

Christine — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:31:21 +0000

Josh, I really enjoy your posts. They are very encouraging and thought-provoking.

In the past I’ve tormented myself by thinking I “should” be a certain way, or I “should” have a relationship with Jesus that looks a certain way… constantly comparing myself to others. Those are the times I’ve been the most miserable!

Now, I’m learning to rest in Him and find peace in who He’s created me to be. This is such a better place.

Comment on Safe Place by Frank

Frank — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:00:45 +0000

Great word. I need to rest in the safe place of His word and Ps 91 is one of my favorites. Here it is in the Amplified. Ps 91:1 ¶ HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty .2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I trust!
3 For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you.
8 Only a spectator shall you be as you witness the reward of the wicked.
9 ¶ Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place,
10 There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent.
11 For He will give His angels charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways .
12 They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot.
14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name .
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.