Time With God
A devotional trip through the Bible with a caring community to support, love and care for each other... while spending Time With God. If you would like our daily email version of this podcast send me a note to info@pinegrovecommunitychurch.com
TWG - April 30, 2008
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TWG - April 30, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 41: 37-57; Ezekiel 47; Matthew 7
Today is April 30, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. You are part of a devotional community where we put Christ first and our commitment is to spend time with each other and Time with God every day.
Yesterday was characterized by a lot of yawning for me. All day long I yawned and yawned. For some reason, blame it on the phase of the moon or something, I was dog tired. I yawned through my meeting with Carey. I yawned while I worked on the next series of Growing Together for KGRV called lost. I yawned through multiple phone calls (you get the picture) and it seemed like I was not the phone half the day. I spoke for about a half hour to a home schooler in our area. Nice gal. I spoke for about an hour to Sprint… they messed up my bill! They have me owning almost $2000 in two months! I spoke to Berkeley health care, and Wells Fargo, and Zac and Jay and who knows who else! On they way home I stopped off at the insurance company to set things right and spent 45 minutes there watching Rusty work on my policy. Then Rich and Ken and I met last night for “12” our men’s meeting. We had a good old time. I put a picture of Dave on the blog at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. I caught him by surprise… Check it out.
This week’s theme verse is Ephesians 6:14-18 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Put on your combat boots… have your feet fitted with the readiness to spread the gospel of peace. Good boots are a must in a battle scenario. The field of battle is littered with swords, knives, staves, glass, metal and other sharp and dangerous objects. The Roman battle boot was a sturdy leather sandal made to protect the feet. It was strapped firmly around the ankle. Attached to the bottom were numerous spikes for traction, similar in idea to a baseball or golf cleat. A little extra traction gave the soldier a little extra edge over the enemy. When he had to dig in and make a stand, he would stand firm. When he needed to run across slippery terrain, they would provide firm footing. When our enemy tries to frighten us or cause anxiety we should remember that our combat boots provide a firm and safe stand against his attacks. Our firm footing is the gospel of peace. Because of the good news of Eternal life we have peace with God and can have the peace of God. Now there’s some firm footing. Peace with God means that we are no longer enemies. I am on His side! He is for me! He is my Father and protector. That brings a sense of peace! The Peace of God means that I am in fellowship with Him. I’ve confessed my sins and strapped on my combat boots. He keeps me in perfect peace because my mind is stayed on Him. Ironically, the way we defeat people who are on the enemies side is that we chase them down with the gospel of peace and step on them with the good news that they too can have peace with God! How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! If you want the peace and joy of the Christian faith, start sharing your hope with others! Pull on your combat boots, start running after lost souls and find peace!
Dear Father and protector. I run to you for shelter, good news and peace when I am frightened. Strengthen and comfort me I pray. I need your love. Please set me on fire so that I am ready to share my precious faith with those you bring my way in the battle of life. They need you as much as I need you, and I have the secret to peace, hope and eternal life. Give me the opportunity to share my faith to day, and then compel me to speak up and share the good news.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:59 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008TWG - April 29, 2008
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TWG - April 29, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 41; Ezekiel 46; Matthew 6:16-34
Today is April 29, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. This is your invitation to take one step forward every day in your relationship with Christ. We invite you to do something unbelievably radical. We invite you to deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Jesus
What a nice sunny day it was yesterday. I even spent a little time outside! I mowed the back yard and we trained our dog, Tillie how far she could go without getting shocked. She’s getting it. I finally finished taxes yesterday and delivered the information to our accountant. Now we’ll see what the damage is. I also ran to see our engineer, Ed Farr and it sounds like we put the finishing touches on the church boundary line adjustment. Then I ran to church and took a measurement. While I was there I gave Esther and Isaiah a ride around the parking lot. They said their mama was still sick. It sounds like the flu. I put a picture of the youth group playing a game Sunday Night on the blog at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
This week’s theme verse is Ephesians 6:14-18 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Put on the breastplate of righteousness. One version of the breastplate was made in the form of a clamshell. The hardened front and back were placed over the head and then laced together at the sides with leather straps. The breastplate protected the Roman warrior from shots to his vital organs. His heart, kidney, liver, lungs and every other organ was covered by the breastplate. This gave the soldier a huge advantage against lesser equipped armies. His “bullet proof vest” could take blow after blow and he could keep on going, whereas, one swift thrust from his sword, and the enemy would fall. We are told to put on righteousness as a breastplate. The idea of putting on righteousness is that the breastplate represents God’s perfect holiness and purity. It is everything that Christ is: sinless. The standard is far above any human capability, so we must put it on by faith and say, “Lord I want to be just like you… in faith!” We have a choice set before us. Live unprotected lives or live right. We check the standard and then yield ourselves to God to live like Him. It is the Christian’s protection and yet it is a constant struggle. The breastplate can seem heavy, hot and sometimes downright uncomfortable. But the alternative is that if we live unrighteous lives we will be unprotected and we will be wounded easily. That’s where faith comes in. Let me paraphrase a promise Jesus made “come to me all you who are weary and heavily burdened and I will give you rest. Put my breastplate on and learn of me. For my breastplate is light, and my burden is easy!” On our own, righteousness is a very heavy breastplate, but His righteousness is made of incredibly light, yet incredibly impervious material! Put it on!
Dear Lord: You are the captain of my soul. Please protect me with your righteousness. I choose, by faith to put it on and live a righteous kind of life. I want to be protected. I want to be pure. I want your light burden on my shoulders, for my burdens are heavy! I get on my knees and yield myself to you to live and think in godliness. In Jesus name! Amen.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:34 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Monday, Apr 28, 2008TWG - April 28, 2008
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TWG - April 28, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 40; Ezekiel 45; Matthew 6:1-15
Today is April 28, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. Together we are strong. As we walk though the word together we help each other grow.
Here we are once again at Monday… we’ve been here before in the seemingly endless cycle of weeks. Yesterday was the Lord’s Day, and we had a great time talking about “a Ministry you can believe in!” In discovery Class 1 we talked about the nuts and bolds of how the church works. In the evening we saw a fascinating video on Creationism, the flood and the ice age. Shaphen was supposed to come over for lunch, but he had to work, so at last minute, we invited Dave and Barb over. That was fun. Saturday I reffed two soccer games and came away unscathed. So that turned out well. I put a picture of Barb trying to hide her face from the camera on the blog at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. She was only somewhat successful. Check it out.
This week’s theme verse is Ephesians 6:14-18 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Put on the full armor of God. This is how you can stand firm against the onslaught of life’s circumstances and the enemy’s attacks. The armor of God will make you a stable individual. The first piece is the “belt of truth.” This is the equipment belt. In Paul’s time, every Roman Legionnaire wore one of these. They hung their sword from it. The belt was essential if you wanted to keep your weapon close at hand. And that was a good idea in case of a surprise attack in the countryside from anti-Roman guerrillas. “Oh yeah! I set my sword down at lunch time and forgot to pick it up again… that’ll be the last time I ever do that!” The equipment belt also had another important function: it held the armor together. It was hung snugly around the bottom of the breast plate and the pants where securely attached to it. Without the belt, you were virtually “naked.” One military campaign even had a covert group of special ops sneak into camp at night and cut all the belts. When the surprise attack commenced in the morning and the waking soldiers pulled their pants on, there was nothing to hold them up! They stumbled around like a bad western comedy with their pants falling to their ankles. They lost. TRUTH is the belt that holds life together. Don’t leave home without it! Your life should be surrounded by this powerful protecting gear belt. If you uphold the truth, the truth will hold you up!
Dear Lord. I put on the belt of truth. I have chosen to base my whole life on it. You are the way, the truth and the life! I realize how important truth is to my personal protection… so I commit myself to it wholeheartedly! I don’t always know what the truth is in every situation, so I ask you to teach me from your word, and give me the insight to recognize it. Thanks for this powerful defensive weapon!
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:40 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Saturday, Apr 26, 2008TWG - April 26, 2008
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TWG - April 26, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 39; Ezekiel 44; Matthew 5:21-48
Today is April 26, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. TWG is a covenant to seek the LORD God with all our heart and with all our soul. If you seek Him, He will be found by you.
How would you describe a ministry you can believe in? Good programs? Quality people? Solid teaching? Great music? Why not come this Sunday and find out. That’s what we will be talking about. I put a new header at the Pine Grove page by way of introduction to our new message series on 1 Timothy. That’s what I did all day Friday. In the morning we did music practice. Evie, Ken and Dee stopped in for a few minutes to pick up some work Evie had done. Isaiah was there as well. He came for his sucker! He knows that his grandpa loves him. After work I went to work out with Kyle & Marcia and then it was home for the Evening. Susan is working so very hard at home. I helped her dig out 3 landscape bricks that had gotten “root bound” in our front yard. I put a picture of Dee and Evie in my office on the blog at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com.
This week’s theme verse is Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
These are dark and evil days! We live in the constant shadow of the threat of terrorism. We live in a time when crime and corruption are rampant. We live in an age where our values are trampled upon. These are days of evil. But that’s not what this verse is talking about so much. It certainly includes them, but its emphasis is on a different kind of evil day. The word evil is one that gives us our English word “ponderous,” meaning difficult or hard. I’ve had some very hard days, and some of them I would characterize as “evil.” Any day that you are under attack from the forces of darkness is a ponderous, evil day. The day this verse is talking about is any day that the devils schemes are put into play against you. When you are under attack by the “evil” powers of darkness, then it is an “evil” day. When Satan tempts, it makes for a tough life. When he attempts to deceive, it ain’t easy. He may frighten you, plant seeds of doubt, distract you or openly harass you, even wrap your life up with such activity that you don’t know what hit you… all of these attacks happen on an evil day. How do you deal with a bad hair day? Go back to bed? I hope not! The answer to the bad day is “put on the full armor of God,” and then stand your ground. Don’t run away shaking or crying in fear. Don’t give up. Stand. The enemy may be insidious and invisible, but when you take your stand in the authority of Jesus Christ and refuse to give up ground, he’s got no choice but to show his true colors; around Jesus they are yellow! Resist the Devil and he will flee from you!
Father, I wish to stand strong in the strength of the Lord Jesus Christ. Give me courage in the face of fear. Fill me with the hope of your presence in me! I pray for good success in whatever I do as I follow your Word and your Will. I know that I need to expect dark days and prepare for them so they don’t take me by surprise. With you in my life, I can live with hope even in hopeless times. Thank you!
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:21 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Friday, Apr 25, 2008TWG - April 25, 2008
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TWG - April 25, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 38; Ezekiel 43; Matthew 5:1-20
Today is April 25, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. TWG is a complete turn of events, it is a 180 degree turn around. God is changing us and turning us around as a community. This is not business as usual, this is transforming, this is spiritual, this is essential.
How busy are you? Are you booked from morning till evening? I think we could all do more for the cause of Christ. Being that busy every day isn’t a good idea, but that was my day yesterday. The ladies were at Bible Study yesterday. One of the last of the year. Susan came in to put the bulletin together. I worked on Sunday’s message series called “A ministry you can believe in,” on the book of 1 Timothy. Love the title. That took me most of the day! Dale and Claude stopped in to ask some very deep spiritual questions on how to use a miter saw to cut ceiling molding. I went next door to demonstrate. I put a picture of Claude at the saw on the blog at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. After a busy day at work it was off to Myrtle Creek to teach Evangelism Explosion. We did some review and went out visiting. We had a wonderful night. One young mother named Stephanie received Jesus Christ as Savior, and a middle aged grandmother was glad for the visit because she is looking for a church to attend.
This week’s theme verse is Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
How do you do battle against something you can’t see? I’m reminded of the story of the giant and the firefly. The giant was, well, giant. He was the meanest of mean. But the firefly challenged him to a duel one day. The giant hefted his club and swung it violently, but the firefly was so small and so fast that the giant couldn’t hit him. That big, bad giant looked pretty foolish swinging his club through the air at nothing! His weapon was useless against an enemy he couldn’t see. We need to take up arms against the unseen enemy if we are to win the spiritual battle. We don’t want to look like the foolish giant so we need to put down the great big clubs that we have been using in our earthly battles and find some that will work in the spiritual realm. There are several words that stick out to me in these verses; “rulers… authorities… powers… forces.” The first thing I realize is that Satan and his motley crew are not going to be easy to defeat. They are powerful. Their strength is that they can manipulate the world system to their advantage. They possess covert authority to influence important people to do their bidding. But their weakness is that they have limited power and delegated authority. They are underling who do the bidding of the higher ups. And who is the highest authority of all? Jesus is above every name that is named. He is the Lord of All! Even Satan couldn’t touch Job without permission from God! There is a clear line of authority we must understand. The demons obey Lucifer. Lucifer is helpless to do anything without the permission of God. God answers prayer. When we bring the name and authority of Jesus into battle with the enemy, he has no choice but to bow in submission and skulk away until a more opportune time. So when Satan comes knocking at your door, just send Jesus to answer it! If you can’t fight the bully you can’t see, you need to recruit someone bigger who can. In the name of Jesus I charge you, leave me alone!
In the name of Jesus, I charge you, depart from me! Leave this place and stop harassing me! Thank you Lord for the authority over the unseen world. Not that it is mine, but that it is yours. Thank you that you hear me and answer me every time I call upon you. I know I am safe in your powerful arms. I will flee to you like a mountain hideaway when trouble comes calling. I will remember that In Jesus name, and by Jesus power and authority I can gain the victory over the unseen enemy. I will claim it. I will trust you to defeat the foe. Thank you Lord Jesus!
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:47 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Thursday, Apr 24, 2008TWG - April 24, 2008
Download this episode (21 min)
TWG - April 24, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 37; Ezekiel 42; Matthew 4
Today is April 24, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. We are doing something of eternal significance. We are redeeming the time. That is one of the basic premises of TWG. We believe that what we do every day is so important that we must do the important things each day. That is why we read the word every Day
Some days are filled with activity, some are not. Yesterday was a fairly quiet day at the office. I got my discovery class done, published our Radio Podcast to the internet, put Sunday Morning messages on the internet, worked on Bible Study and fielded a few phone calls. It was a day of work, slave, work. Jayn was there raking the amphitheater. Thank you Jayn! You are my hero! I hope you are as blessed as I am. Then last night Susan and I went to Growth Group. There were a lot of people gone. Phil had a cold. Wayne is sick. Jim & Irene couldn’t make it. And of course Gene and Mary stayed home. That left Carl & Sonja, Cathy and Bill & Helen. We had a good time talking about worship and the church. I put a picture of Me and Sherry on the blog at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. From their open house.
This week’s theme verse is Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Identifying the enemy is key to winning the battle against him. Policemen are trained not to allow innocent civilians to get in the line of their fire. Guerilla warfare is a huge problem for conventional soldiers. If the enemy dresses as civilians, how do you know which ones are there to blow you up and which ones are common villagers? I imagine after a while you might begin to imagine that everyone is carrying a gun! It must be tough. In our spiritual battle, we must learn to identify the enemy. Our struggle is NOT against “flesh and blood.” People are not the enemy. We should not attack them. They could be witting or unwitting pawns of the enemy, but we classify them as “victims” of deception who need to be rescued rather than combatants we need to battle. The real enemy is insidious and unseen. The enemy of our soul is Satan and his hordes. Behind the scenes, the demons are lurking and plotting. They are using the 7 schemes of the Devil to attack us. Satan is the one who is responsible for motivating persecution, stirring up hatred against Christians around the world and spreading lies. He is also responsible for tempting you, harassing you emotionally and depressing you. We need to take up arms against HIM if we are to win the spiritual battle. That requires a completely different set of weapons than if we were battling other people. Our weapons are spiritual. To win this battle will require lots of prayer, lots of positive spiritual focus on whatever is good, whatever is true and whatever is right, and lots of dependence on somebody bigger than you and I – God. Let’s do it!
Dear Lord. I need you. There is a battle raging and I need spiritual weapons to fight it. Right now I place my dependence on you. You are my refuge. You are my protection. I will trust in you. I know that apart from you I can do nothing, but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I confess that I have been fighting the enemy in the flesh – seeing people as the problem, seeing circumstances as the obstacles, even thinking that human solutions like rest, recreation, exercise, nutrition or medication will solve my spiritual problems. I know they are good for me, but I also know they are not enough. I need a spiritual solution to my spiritual problem. To this I am committed. I want your mighty weapons on my side!
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:33 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Wednesday, Apr 23, 2008TWG - April 23, 2008
Download this episode (20 min)
TWG - April 23, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 36; Ezekiel 41:13-26; Matthew 3
Today is April 23, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. You are part of a devotional community where we put Christ first and our commitment is to spend time with each other and Time with God every day.
Yesterday was another day, hard at work in the office. I edited a chapter in the children’s book I intend to publish called “Stories and Parables.” I began work on our Radio Broadcast. John called about EE. He is going to be gone this week, so I will be teaching. Susan came into the office to work on secretarial things. I stopped by to see Evie. I spoke to Ken about softball. That should begin soon. Later in the day I ran home to eat and then both of us went to Jay and Sherry’s open house for their bed and breakfast at the CH Bailey House. The place is beautiful. You can check it out at http://www.chbaileyhouse.com/ and if you are in the area, you can even make reservations on line. I put a picture of Susan and Jay on the blog at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Isn’t that a sweet picture? After the open house, I ran to “12” – our men’s meeting at Church. We had a great time of fellowship, fun and prayer.
This week’s theme verse is Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
“The Devil made me do it!” Remember that line from Flip Wilson? The Devil is a powerful fellow, but I doubt he made you do it. As a Christian, he has no authority to make you do anything. But he does have numerous schemes up his sleeve that are intended to weaken your resolve and make you cooperate with the enemy. One of his favorites is deception. He is the father of lies. If he can trick you into believing false ideas, he can watch you destroy yourself. Another highly touted scheme is temptation. He knows your weaknesses and he exploits them. He regularly places temptation in front of you to render you ineffective. A third plot involves frightening. He wants to fill you full of anxiety, fear and depression to render you useless. He loves a good pity party! There’s not one of them he doesn’t celebrate. Then there is the attack of doubt. This is a biggie. If he can get you to doubt God and His word, you will become unstable and unsure of everything. Add to the list of schemes “distraction.” Satan wants you to focus on anything other than your relationship with God. He distracts us with amusements, work and whatever will make us apathetic to God. The next temptation on the list is busyness. He sends as many of his lieutenants your way as possible to fill your plate that your list extends beyond your time and ability to perform. We get so busy with all the activities of life that we don’t make time for God and His Word. That leaves us empty. Even busyness about the King’s business is no excuse for neglecting the King! That goes hand in hand with his final design; “harassment.” He harries us and hounds us until we are inattentive and fatigued. He wants to wear us out. He wants us so exhausted emotionally and physically that we don’t have time to commune with God. These are the seven major strategies of the enemy. Now that you have identified them, you need to counter each one as it comes.
Dear Father, please protect me from the onslaught of the enemy. Keep me aware of his schemes. I do not want to fall prey to them. Some of them are so ingrained in my life that I was not even aware that it was the enemy. I thought it was Just the way I was made. Now, I rebuke those threats in Jesus name and ask for the freedom that comes in Chirst.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:14 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Tuesday, Apr 22, 2008TWG - April 22, 2008
Download this episode (20 min)
TWG - April 22, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 35; Ezekiel 41:1-12; Matthew 2
Today is April 22, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. This is your invitation to take one step forward every day in your relationship with Christ. We invite you to do something unbelievably radical. We invite you to deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Jesus
I am a goal driven kind of guy. I set up dates on my calendar and then I try my best to make them happen. Yesterday was no exception. I had “build dog fence” on my list. So most of the day, I cut a 350 foot long hole, about 2 to 3 inches deep to put in a low voltage wire underground for the dog. Now how could I possibly dig that wire in I wondered? The solution… a commercial lawn edger from United Rentals. Thanks to that I made it! Still a lot of work but doable! When I returned the edger, Tanner, the check in guy looked at the blade and said, “Wow! You really wore that down!” Yes I did! It was an exhausting day. Susan followed behind me and stuffed the wire down into the hole. We were both a dirty mess when we were finished. Then I worked out and spent a quiet night at home. I posted a picture of the snow that fell the other day… it is a view out my front window. You can see snow on my truck and car. www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com.
This week’s theme verse is Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Protection. We’re willing to pay for it. No, it’s not extortion (although it feels like it)… we call it insurance and taxes (wait! Maybe it is extortion!) Insurance is supposed to keep us from taking huge financial hits. Taxes are supposed to pay for police, fire and military protection. It would be nice if we didn’t have to pay for it… but that isn’t realistic. In our day, what would it be like to have no military to protect us against terrorism? (The answer is Kuwait!). We would be at the mercy of hostile forces. What would it be like to have no police or fire protection? It would also be bad to have an emergency and not have car or health insurance. I don’t like to pay for it, but let’s face it, when a problem comes up, I WANT full protection! So let’s say I decide that I make a decision that I’m not going to get say… homeowners insurance (Russian roulette! Spin the wheel; you decide which insurance you don’t want). I think that the odds of my house burning down are negligible. It’s a savings, but, what if the unthinkable happens. It just doesn’t make sense to have gaps in my armor. We are told to put on “the full armor of God.” If you only want partial protection, go ahead… don’t put on the helmet… no, make that the bullet proof vest… no, maybe I won’t put on my combat boots. Choosing to leave ourselves vulnerable to the enemies attacks is like saying, “Let’s see, I guess I’ll choose depression over suicide.” God has made provision for our spiritual and emotional protection. Make sure you get the full compliment of insurance for the soul.
Dear Lord. I want to be protected. I know that life is fragile. Relationships are easily broken. Emotions well up sometimes I don’t know how to deal with. Decisions are difficult to make. I need your guidance and protection. Please help me to know what I need to do to get protected, and then be willing to “pay the price” to insure that I remain protected. I need your Holy Spirit filling me so that I live above life’s problems. Build a hedge around my life I pray. Do not let me stray! Thanks for your loving watch care.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:33 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Monday, Apr 21, 2008TWG - April 21, 2008
Download this episode (23 min)
TWG - April 21, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 34; Ezekiel 40: 20-49; Matthew 1
Today is April 21, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. Together we are strong. As we walk though the word together we help each other grow.
Another wonderful weekend is past. And now I am finished with the message series “The 7 Deadly Sins.” It was a stimulating series. Yesterday’s message was a warning about falling prey to the philosophies of the world. Some are so very destructive. In Sunday School we talked about the purpose of the church and the life development process – and how God wants to move us to maturity. Hopefully we are on the way. Susan and I went to lunch with The Comers and Brad and Karen. We had a great time. Then later in the day we stopped in at the VBS meeting. It sounds like our Vacation Bible School this summer is really going to be unique and exciting. I can’t wait. I posted a picture of a few of our workers learning one of the songs at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Later we watched a creation film on the dangers of evolutionary philosophy… if you didn’t already know, evolution is the basis of Nazism, Communism and behind much racism. Doesn’t sound safe does it! It’s not.
This week’s theme verse is Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Have you ever had to tell someone to “be strong?” “Hang in there?” or “You can do it?” Encouragement like that is usually reserved for times when a person is struggling, perhaps even thinking about dropping out. “Hang in there baby!” And then sometimes we say words of encouragement when they are getting ready to face a huge challenge. “You can do this! I know you can!” The challenge that Paul gives us to “be strong” is because we will face the Devils schemes. It’s because we are facing the powers of darkness. The invisible foe is armed and dangerous. We must be prepared. We can’t see him, yet we must fight him. But how do we stand against an enemy we can’t see nor identify visually? We do it “…In the Lord and in His mighty power.” We have an almighty weapons system. He can search and destroy the enemy’s artillery. Do not attempt to battle your inner demons on your own. To be strong in the Lord is like being a scrawny 6th grader that everyone picks on, but your best friend is a classmate who is 6’1” and 190 pounds! As long as you hang around your best buddy, nobody, but nobody is dumb enough to pick on you. It’s amazing how meek the bullies are when you are with your best friend! Put your hand in the hand of God almighty and trust Him to defend you. It’s the best solution you’ll ever find to the great big bullies of life.
Dear Father and Almighty God. I am grateful to have you as my friend and protector. I throw myself on your mercy. Thanks for being there when I need you. In my weakness, I know you are strong. I trust you with all the dark deep problems of my life. Save me and defend me when the enemy rushes in to overwhelm my life. I know I can always depend on you.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:13 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Saturday, Apr 19, 2008TWG - April 19, 2008
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TWG - April 19, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 33; Ezekiel 40:1-19; Revelation 22
Today is April 19, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. TWG is a covenant to seek the LORD God with all our heart and with all our soul. If you seek Him, He will be found by you.
Today is Saturday. Originally I was scheduled to referee two soccer games and then run out to KGRV’s Jubilee and sing. An early email asked me to pick up 2 more soccer games. I don’t think that is going to work! Yesterday I did my best to find a grindstone for my nose. What is the point of that trite phrase. I think a grindstone would hurt. Oh, well, maybe so. Work is painful… but it has to be done. After music practice I spent the rest of my day preparing for Sunday’s message called “Seduced by the Spirit of this age.” One of our 7 deadly sins, dealing with the Christians tendency to get sucked into believing cultural viewpoints counter to Christianity. We have to watch it or those viewpoints can really mess up our lives. Chris stopped in to say hi. She didn’t stay long . I posted a picture of Dale at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. He’s back at the sound system burning CD’s of Sunday’s message. Want a CD? Dale’s your man. Thanks Dale. And one more thing – Tomorrow is an email subscribers birthday – Happy birthday Marcia.
This week’s theme verse is Romans 8:37-39 in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord
I am afraid of heights. Maybe I should rephrase that. It’s not so much falling from high places that bother me as it is the sudden stop at the other end! Maybe it’s “depths” that bother me. But I suppose I might be anxious if I was to be lost in a deep dark cavern! Especially if I thought I was never getting out! But there is no place so high or far away that God has not been. And there is no pit so deep, but that God is not deeper yet. Nothing can separate us from the Love of God. “Not any other created thing.” Now there are some frightening created things. Lions and tigers and bears! Or Spiders and snakes and rats! How about alligators or a pack of wolves? God is greater than them all. He can say “peace be still” to the most dangerous of them all, and they will become as tame as my pet dog. When you think about it, the “created thing” phrase covers everything but God! And he’s on our side. That’s one way the universe is categorized. #1 Created things #2 God. There are no other categories. Everything but God is created! Isn’t it great to know that the almighty, uncreated God loves us and that he can tame the wildest thing! There is no greater love than the love God showed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me. Your great love, your sacrifice so I could live is the greatest source of hope and blessing I could ever ask for. I know you are all powerful. I know you are the uncreated creator who in an instant can tame even the most untamable of created things. And I thank you for the promise that there is nothing that can ever separate me from you. NOTHING! I am secure. I am filled with joy. Thanks.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:52 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Friday, Apr 18, 2008TWG - April 18, 2008
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TWG - April 18, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 32: 22-32; Ezekiel 39; Revelation 21
Today is April 18, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. TWG is a complete turn of events, it is a 180 degree turn around. God is changing us and turning us around as a community. This is not business as usual, this is transforming, this is spiritual, this is essential.
I’m yawning this morning. It took me a few hours to get to sleep last night. That’s not usual, but there have been periods of time over the last few years that I have had trouble sleeping. I hope I’m not entering one of the. Being tired is not my favorite thing. Yesterday I worked on the Bulletin with Susan and we think we got it right. It’s doubtful. We always seem to miss something. I began work on Sunday’s message about the sin of getting seduced by the spirit of the age. We tend to reflect many of the cultural attitudes of our times. It is a danger of every age. And today’s “don’t ask, don’t tell,” “do your own thing,” “I’m ok, you’re ok” attitude can be a deadly sin. We’ll critique it as best as we can. I also did some power point work for Sundays service. And I finished up work on our Discovery Class. We’ll be looking at the purposes of the Church. Our concrete contractor Jim stopped by to pick up some burlap sacks we donated to him. He did a fabulous job and it was the least we could do just to give him those wool bags. Thanks Jim. I posted a picture of Barb at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. She’s giving the camera a face. Last night Carl and I went visiting. We stopped in to visit a young couple John & Casey. It was a good visit. And we stopped in to see Doris.
This week’s theme verse is Romans 8:37-39 in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Someone once said, “we crucify ourselves between two thieves: regret over the past and fear over the future.” The past is surely a problem if you’ve done some regrettable things. What’s done is done. It can’t be changed. It is part of the permanent record book of “your life.” It is in your memory banks and to some degree affects the way you respond to people in the present. It also may give you concern over the future. You’ve done it before, and you are fearful you will do it again. But the future has its own set of problems. Especially in times like these. You might fear that economically things are just going to get worse for you. It could happen. You could loose your job! Perhaps your family is out of control. There is the fear of loosing them to rebellion, an accident, or maybe you fear they will leave you. You may fear cancer or terrorism or crime. There is one thing that overcomes the fear of man and that is the love of God. God has a solution for your past: He wants to forgive you. He also has a solution to your future. He wants to guide you. No matter what your present reality, God is greater. No matter what things may come, God is prepared for them. God is ready for any and every eventuality. Nothing surprises him. You can trust Him with your past – He’s the only one you can completely trust with all your faults and failures. You can trust him with your future – He’s the only one who will NEVER let you down. Nothing, not even YOUR wretched past sins, nor your future problems can ever separate you from God’s love. His love is timeless… eternal. “I have loved you with an everlasting love!”
Father, my past haunts me. I have failed you over and over. Please forgive me. I know that you do. I don’t want to repeat those old sins. And Lord, the future is so uncertain. Only you really know what my future holds for me. Instead of being frightened, I’ll cling to your hand like a little child and walk with you through whatever comes my way. Together, hand in hand, we can make it to our eternal home. Thanks for the love.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:45 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Thursday, Apr 17, 2008TWG - April 17, 2008
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TWG - April 17, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 32:1-21; Ezekiel 38; Revelation 20
Today is April 17, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. We are doing something of eternal significance. We are redeeming the time. That is one of the basic premises of TWG. We believe that what we do every day is so important that we must do the important things each day. That is why we read the word every Day
I woke up at 3:30 this morning and didn’t get back to sleep for an hour. I was wide awake, now I’m a bit groggy. I did dream about being a shark trainer. The shark wouldn’t cooperate so at the end of the dream we hooked him just in time, because he was after my leg! Yesterday was a productive day. I posted a new message to the internet called “After a while, Crocodile,” about overcoming sin. I also posted a new Growth Point, Finally! Evie stopped in with Esther and Isaiah. I posted a cute picture of each one at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Barb stopped in to go walking with Evie. A little later in the afternoon I heard a honk outside and there driving Evie’s car was Esther and Isaiah! They waved as they drove by. Fortunately Esther was just on Evie’s lap! I worked quite a while on Sunday’s Discovery Class. I’m excited about the way its coming along. And last night I went to Bible Study where we talked about how God gifts even the craftsmen who work on the church like he did for the men who worked on the tabernacle.
This week’s theme verse is Romans 8:37-39 in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Have you ever walked into a room and felt an unwelcome “presence” there? There have been times when the hair on the back of my head bristled, I am sure I heard a noise or felt something brush by my shoulder… but as far as the eye could see, nothing. I don’t want to come across as superstitious, but The spooky idea of spirits and demons is disconcerting to me. The Bible indicates that Satan and his hordes wield some amazing powers. They can demonize or “possess” a person. They can cause sickness. They can manipulate animals and even nature if God gives them permission to do so. We talk about “satanic attacks,” and the most common problem we face from the fallen angels is temptation. That is their favorite trick. Satan’s demons have different ranks. There are the simple fallen angels, then principalities – demons who are regional rulers, and then powers – probably demons who once were arch-angels… a class of demons who are very powerful and over several principalities. And then there is Satan himself. Eph 6:12 even gives a few more classes of demons. The point is, that the whole world is the devils playground. He is a deceiver and a tempter. He has a horrible plan for your life. If God would let him, he would destroy you, or if God allowed he would defeat and depress you. He hates us. He is out to get us. Even those he uses are expendable tools. The Good news… Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. God is greater, and nothing can separate us from God’s love. The next time you feel the destroyers presence, just let God wrap his protective arms of love around you. And when Satan reminds you of your past, you remind him of his future!
Dear Father and protector. Almighty God. You are more powerful than any angel or demon. For that we cling to you. We pray that you will not allow us to be led into temptation. We ask that you will deliver us from the Evil One. For Yours is the Kingdom, the power and glory forever and ever, Amen.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:50 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008April 16, 2008
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April 16, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 31: 22-55; Ezekiel 37: 15-28; Revelation 19
Today is April 16, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. You are part of a devotional community where we put Christ first and our commitment is to spend time with each other and Time with God every day.
Tuesday is my Monday. I was back in the office with a vengeance. I worked on a number of administrative things. John stopped by to chat. We talked about one of these modern self proclaimed prophets who is making wild claims about Christ’s return for the year 2008. He could be right and he could be wrong, but if experience is any teacher, every prophet who has ever set a date about the end of the world has been wrong. The averages are not too good. I’d say that if he’s right, he will be one of the lucky few. Somebody’s got to get the date right someday, but I’m betting against him. Having said that… Jesus is coming soon. But we don’t know just when. Evie stopped in to let me know her mom couldn’t find her purse or phone. So, my dear Watson, I suggested the deductive method of discovery, and wallah! There it was. I worked on our Radio Broadcast called “After a while, Crocodile!” It should be posted today. Later in the day I went to “12” our men’s meeting and we had a good time eating chocolate cake made by Sonja and eating Ice Cream. The fellowship and prayer wasn’t bad either. I am in need of prayer for a few situations, so please keep me in your prayers. And finally, I posted another picture from “Acquire the Fire” at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com.
This week’s theme verse is Romans 8:37-39 in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord
What lies beyond the Pale? You know what “the Pale” is right? “Death.” What happens when you die? Now, I know you probably believe that when you are absent from the body, you are present with the Lord. Good thing, because it is the right thing if you are a believer. But have you ever had any nagging doubts? I mean how many of us have ever had a look on the other side? They just don't do regular tours you know, only one way tickets. You had better be fairly confident about your future before you go around jumping out of airplanes or stepping out in front of trucks on I-5. Paul was persuaded that neither life nor death could separate him from the love of God. Sometimes life can be so painful and death such a dark uncertainty that we secretly doubt. Wouldn't you like to know the key to confidence? Wouldn't you like to know one truth so powerful that no matter what happened to you in life, it couldn't shake you; not cancer, not poverty, not hatred, nothing. And no matter how you died – even if you were tortured or burned at the stake it couldn’t disturb your calm assurance. What is that truth? Where does that power come from? It comes from the resurrection. If Christ has risen then we of all people can have a confidence that cannot be moved. His resurrection is the proof of our life after death. Bon Voyage!
My Jesus, My Savior, Lord there is none like You! Thank you for your death and your resurrection which is the proof of life after death. I believe it. I praise you for it. I am willing to stake my life and my death on your words and works. I thank you that I can look at future with joy and laugh at life’s struggles because I know my redeemer lives, and I know that after this body is dead I shall see Him. Because I know whom I have believed and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him until that day.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 12:10 PM | MAKE A COMMENT
Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008April 15, 2008
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April 15, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 31:1-21; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Revelation 18
Today is April 15, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. This is your invitation to take one step forward every day in your relationship with Christ. We invite you to do something unbelievably radical. We invite you to deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Jesus
The Tax man cometh. Today is deadline day for taxes. Do you have your taxes done? I ran mine to the accountant yesterday where, for the third year in a row, we filed an extension. I still don’t have all my information together, but I am closer after spending about 4 hours on it yesterday. Susan and I were supposed to put in one of those fancy electric dog fences yesterday, but it was raining. We stepped outside to figure out where exactly we wanted to bury it and got soaked. Then last night, after working out, we ran to church where we practiced with Colleen’s band for this Saturday’s KGRV Jubilee. I hope you all come. It’s at 6 PM Jacoby auditorium. While we were there I snapped a picture of Colleen the guitarist and Miriam the bass player with flat Sammy. Sammy is our grandsons school project. Susan has to take him places and take pictures of him and give them to Josiah. I have no Idea what he will do from there, but you check out the pic at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com.
This week’s theme verse is Romans 8:37-39 in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord
What does it take to convince you that God is true and that His Word is genuine and accurate? What does it take to convince you that God loves you and that he is in complete control of all circumstances of your life? The facts? Are the facts enough? Despite the skeptics’ relentless attacks over the last 2000 years, God’s Word has always proven out in the end. Given time, it always will. But the facts don’t convince some people. They choose be skeptical. And that is really what it comes down to, a choice. We all have a choice. When presented with the facts, we can choose to believe, or we can choose to doubt. Paul was persuaded. He had become convinced that God was true and that God loved him. Now he did have a unique “Damascus Road” experience that not everyone gets to have. God broke through his unbelief with a blinding light and a voice from heaven. He was induced to believe. Most of us don’t get that. We just have to choose. But the result is the same. Confidence, hope, tranquility. In fact one of the meanings of the word “persuaded” is to be tranquil. I am at peace because I KNOW that God loves me and I KNOW that he is in control of all the stray circumstances of life.
Almighty God. I worship you. I believe in you. I have faith that you are in control of all things. I am convinced that you love me and I am persuaded that you have a plan for my life. And that gives me great peace! Thank you for your many promises. I rest securely in you! AMEN.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:42 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Monday, Apr 14, 2008April 14, 2008
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April 14, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 30: 25-43; Ezekiel 36; Revelation 17
Today is April 14, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. Together we are strong. As we walk though the word together we help each other grow.
Naps are good. I usually like a nap every so often. But yesterday I took a long one and woke up with a headache that won’t go away. I’ve still got it this morning. Oh well. I’m pretty blessed that way. I rarely have headaches, and some people get them all the time! Yesterday was the Lord’s day. And as usual, I felt very blessed to be at Pine Grove, surrounded by people I love. We had some great services. The youth shared their experiences at Acquire the Fire. It was a great inspiration to hear how God is working in their lives. In the morning we talked about Religion and politics. Our Discovery class covered the history of Satan and his goals. In the evening we held a business meeting to discuss finances and our church Goals. We thank the Lord for how our building is coming along. I put a picture of some of our youth at Acquire the fire at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Take a peek!
This week’s theme verse is Romans 8:37-39 in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Bad stuff happens. It’s normal to hit a few speed bumps on the road through life. Sometimes more. We get hurt. We get sick. People mistreat us. We become distressed. Life can be tough. When life gets tough some of us become tougher, but others fall apart. How can we keep that from happening? As Christians, we are more than conquerors through Christ. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am a conqueror through Christ who loves me. I can put up with a lot of things as long as I know that I am loved. As long as I’ve got God in my corner, I’ll be OK. I don’t need to just bear with life’s problems, I can rise above them. That’s what a conqueror is. Life got you down? Live above life’s problems. Let Jesus lift you up!
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me. I feel so loved. I want to be a conqueror. I don’t want to complain or become grouchy or worse! I want to live above my problems and show your love to others. Thank you for your strength. I trust you to make it through.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:15 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Monday, Apr 14, 2008April 12, 2008
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April 12, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 30:1-24; Ezekiel 35; Revelation 16
Today is April 12, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. TWG is a covenant to seek the LORD God with all our heart and with all our soul. If you seek Him, He will be found by you.
Look at that. It’s the weekend already, ready or not! I actually had a very productive day yesterday, thank you! I finished my sermon on Religion and politics. It could be a hot potato! Just what does the Bible say about our civic responsibility? John stopped in to see me. He was working on a rental and just stopped in on the way through to say “Hi!” and tell me about his Evangelism Explosion experiences! Both of us have had some very, shall I say “interesting” ones lately! “South County,” need I say more? (Is that politically correct?) After work, I worked out with Kyle & Marcia. What a beautiful day. The three of us took a walk/jog for a few miles. Today I need to get taxes finished! Good luck to me. Then referee a soccer game and it will be out to music practice. I put a picture of the ladies cleaning up the kitchen after our banquet on Sunday at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Take a peek!
This week’s theme verse is Romans 8:31-34. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Ever asked, “Hey, would you pray for me?” I don’t know about you, but I could always use a little more prayer power. Why is that? Is it because my prayers alone are not enough? Is it because I don’t know how to pray well enough? Or is it because I don’t pray enough? Not sure… maybe all three. But pray for me anyway! Or at least pray with me because I am praying for myself too. Prayer is powerful. God does answer prayer. He’s done it for me time after time. But if you still feel inadequate about your praying ability, these verses in Romans 8 should help. Verse 27 - The Holy Spirit makes intercession for us. Verse 34 - Jesus also makes intercession for us. So the next time you feel the need of prayer, go ahead and recruit a few or more prayer warriors down here, but just make a mental note of this and hang it on the refrigerator of your mind… You already have the big guns praying for you! Jesus and the Holy Spirit! Do you need prayer power? They know you do! They have your 6 covered! Feeling better yet? Start praying!
Dear Father. I want to thank you for hearing me. Now I know you hear me because you have Jesus and the Holy Spirit praying for me. I am simply overwhelmed that you have chosen to surround me with your prayers and with your love. I am truly blessed because you have blessed me! I am amazed! Jesus is praying for me!
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 8:16 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Friday, Apr 11, 2008April 11, 2008
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April 11, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 29: 15-35; Ezekiel 34: 17-31; Revelation 15
Today is April 11, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. TWG is a complete turn of events, it is a 180 degree turn around. God is changing us and turning us around as a community. This is not business as usual, this is transforming, this is spiritual, this is essential.
How time flies! Yesterday found me working with Susan to get the bulletin published. Done. The Ladies came in for Bible Study. It sounds like they had a great time. I spent some tome on the phone with Jay, Chris and John. Al from Washington called to say that he is having surgery on his toe today. Pray for him. It is possible that they may have to amputate. Al was in my youth group 25 years ago! I worked on this Sunday’s message called “Religion and Politics!” Do they mix or not? I published a radio podcast to the internet called “Storming the castle with hamsters!” One of the Stories and Parables series. The building inspector stopped in and we reviewed the final inspection. We only have three tasks left to do before we get our final approval! A few sidewalks, a handrail and handicapped parking! Esther came in to see me. I gave her a sucker. She told me she’d be my princess if I gave her candy! I put a picture of her and her sucker up at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. After work I drove the grandkids around the parking lot once, and then ran to the hospital to visit Gene. He looked good! After that I stopped by Rosehaven to see Doris. She is looking wonderfully better. Then it was home. Evie dropped the Grandkids off and we babysat those wonderful kids till 10:30 last night. Wow! What a long day!
This week’s theme verse is Romans 8:31-34. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
It’s a good thing we’ve got Jesus! He is the best friend and ally a guy could have. He is the mightiest man in the universe. He has done things no one else has ever done or could ever do. He died. Everyone since Adam has done that… pretty much 100%. Nothing unique there. His method of death was unique. He died on a cross. Thousands have died that way. But out of those thousands, He is perhaps the only one known for doing it for someone else. But even if someone was good enough to take the place of another man, no one besides Jesus has ever been sentenced to die in the place of every other man and woman that ever lived! He died for YOU! It was your place he took! It was your sins that put him there. Now they are paid for. Furthermore, he is risen. Now that makes him unique. Who has ever done that before? Only a few on record, and most of those were because Jesus himself raised them from the dead. But every one of them just lived to die again. Jesus is unique! He ever lives. 40 days after his resurrection he ascended into heaven where now he sits at the right hand of the Father. He is now in the most strategic place ever. He is there to make intercession for you. A fictitious conversation between Father and Son could go something like this: Father, “Do you see that Dennis guy. He doesn’t look too good. He’s a terrible sinner.” Jesus, “Right you are. His sin is condemning… but I paid the price for that sin… and Dennis has claimed that promise for his own.” Father, “Right. He is forgiven. Because of you, Jesus, I’ll reserve a place in heaven for him… just a hovel mind you, but a place just the same!” Whew! Am I ever glad for the quaint cottage I get in heaven! It beats any mansion down here by a real estate mile!
Dear Lord Jesus. Thank you for dying for me. I am forever in your debt. I believe that you paid the price for my sins and I am thankful that you are my savior. I embrace you and your kingdom. Thanks for saving me! I am so glad that you are the mighty savior. Without you I’d be lost for eternity. I bless your name and worship you because you are the Lord of Lords and King of Kings!.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:25 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Thursday, Apr 10, 2008April 10, 2008
Download this episode (20 min)
April 10, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 29:1-14; Ezekiel 34:1-16; Revelation 14
Today is April 10, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. We are doing something of eternal significance. We are redeeming the time. That is one of the basic premises of TWG. We believe that what we do every day is so important that we must do the important things each day. That is why we read the word every Day
Yesterday found me in my office. I spent a portion of the day editing our radio broadcast. Today I should be able to post a new message titled, Storming the Castle with Hamsters. A humorous look at our attempts to win the battle against the flesh. I spent some time talking to Whitney Harsh. She is the booking agent for her husband David. He is an amazing guitarist. You can check him out at David Harsh.com. My brother Dale called about my mom’s internet problems. I called my mom and talked her through her internet problems. I don’t know whether I solved them or not. I did some preparation for Bible Study. We talked about the building of the Tabernacle and the free will offerings brought for it. They brought so much, TV evangelist Moses told them to stop! He didn’t need a gold plated Mercedes! I found at that Gene is in the hospital with Pneumonia. Pray for him. I put a picture of Carl doing dishes at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. This is one of Carl’s gifts. He loves to serve people and doing dishes is one of the ways he does it.
This week’s theme verse is Romans 8:31-34. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus! Condemnation comes in many shapes and sizes. Giant size condemnation comes at the final judgment where the unbelieving are sent to the Lake of Fire for eternity. But in this life, we Christians face condemnation in various forms. Most of mine is self condemnation. Paul felt the sting of it when he cried out, “Oh wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from this body of death?” As a sinful man, Paul often did the things he knew were wrong, and often failed to do things he should have… thus resulting in self condemnation. Self condemnation is a powerful force with a loud convincing voice, a voice difficult to silence. How do we do it? We need to give this super sized condemnation a taste of its own medicine. We need to remind it that Christ died for our sins. The penalty has been paid. Our condemnation was the condemnation that condemned Christ. Now it is his death which condemns our condemnation, so that now there is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. According to the poet, someone once asked Martin Luther if he FELT forgiven.
He answered, “No, but I’m as sure as there’s a God in heaven.
For feelings come and feelings go, and feelings are deceiving.
My warrant is the word of God, naught else is worth believing.
Though all my soul should feel condemned for want of some sweet token
There is one greater in my heart who’s word can not be broken
I’ll stand on His unchanging word till soul and body sever
For though this world shall pass away, His word will last forever
Dear Jesus. Thank you for dying for me so that I do not have to face condemnation. All too often I do feel wretched because my soul feels condemned. I am forgiven in Christ. Convince me of that. Loudly if necessary. I stake my freedom on the Word of God which does not lie, and the truth of justification which shouts, “I am free! These chains are gone!” Thank you Lord.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:44 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Wednesday, Apr 09, 2008April 9, 2008
Download this episode (21 min)
April 9, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 28; Ezekiel 33:1-20; Revelation 13
Today is April 9, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. You are part of a devotional community where we put Christ first and our commitment is to spend time with each other and Time with God every day.
Some days are like that… I don’t know exactly what all I accomplished yesterday, but I did a lot of it! I tried to edit our Radio broadcast, but I never got very far. Susan came in to do secretarial stuff. David called about a reference to Honor College, a school he has applied to. Honor College called me and interviewed me. I helped Marcia put up the worship page on the internet. It’s up now. I spoke to Cary for a few on the phone. Chris brought her grandson Colin down to visit, what a delight he is! We went to look at a house on Whistlers lane. And I talked to Jay for a while, and Dana for a while and a salesman for a while. Evie and Isaiah dropped in to see me as well! Susan was feeling exceptionally tired last night, and a little discouraged about her leg. It was hurting. After dinner I ran to our men’s meeting. I have proof that my son in law is a little kooky. I put a picture of him at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Jayn commented that yesterday’s picture of Carl, and the reflection of Bill and Phil was pretty amazing. I didn’t do that on purpose… the director behind the scenes did that!
This week’s theme verse is Romans 8:31-34. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
I got guilt! How about you? Every time I say or do something wrong or things don’t turn out so well demonstrating yet another lapse of judgment on my part, I get guilt. Guilt is good. Guilt is a warning signal that something is not as it should be and needs immediate attention. If God would just lay on the guilt a little thicker and heavier the instant before we made the mistake, we would make less of them. Guilt is one of the great restrainers in life. Thank God for guilt! But guilt is bad… at least false or excessive guilt is bad. Sometimes we feel guilty when we shouldn’t. For example, “I felt so guilty for having to scold or discipline my son / daughter. He stuck his lower lip out and gave me that sad pout. How can you even think of punishing him?” Somebody has you fooled! They know how to make you feel guilty when all along they are the ones that deserve the guilt! (and the punishment).