As we near the the very crown jewel of our faith, the Resurrection, let me remind us of the actions and the instructions of Jesus Himself.  During the feast of the Passover (Matt. 26; Mark 14), just before Jesus was to be sentenced to death and executed on the cross, He instituted the Lord’s Supper. It is one of the sacraments (ordinances) in the word of God that is a visible means of portraying Jesus’ love and transforming work in our lives. Though not required for salvation, sacraments are outward signs or indications that we have received salvation. They remind us of God’s gracious actions of forgiving our sins, giving us spiritual sustenance, and loving us.  
 
I always like to stress the importance of partaking in the Lord’s Supper (Communion), because I feel sometimes people have been guilty of engaging in this sacrament in a very casual and irreverent way. God actually warns us about taking communion without considering what it means and why we’re doing it. The intent is not for us to mindlessly perform a ritual, but to intentionally set aside time to remember what Jesus has done and why He did it according to I Corinthians 11: 27-31. Every time we gather around the bread and the juice in our church or in our homes, we remember Jesus is the one who provides all that we need.  According to scripture, communion is a sacred moment the we reflect what Jesus has done for humanity when He laid down His life and His blood was shed for our redemption.  It’s not about the bread and juice, it’s about the body and the blood of Jesus. It’s not about the ritual and the method; it’s about the listening to Jesus and doing what He says. Communion is not an obligation, but it is a celebration of what Jesus has done. Celebrating communion marks the story of Jesus, how He gave Himself completely to give us a better life, a new start, and a fresh relationship with God.  As often as we do we remember what Jesus has done for mankind and we are able to celebrate Jesus.

Communion is important because it’s a command to remember. Jesus wants us to remember every time we taste bread and juice, and even when we sit at the tables in our own homes, that He is the one who provides all we need. He gives us the physical food that we need to survive and the spiritual nourishment we need to keep taking our next steps with Him.

One of my favorite songs recently is “Believe For It.”  Some people believe that the days of miracles are past, however the Word of God declares differently.  Christ was not sent to Earth so that He would die in vain.  Rather He was sent so that He would die with purpose!  That purpose was to die for the sins of man in order to bring redemption to all and to bring healing to all who will believe.

We live in a world of confusion and distractions all around that tend to cause us to question and doubt the validity of God’s promises in His word.  However, we as God’s people must keep our focus on Christ so that He can work in our life as He desires.  Let me remind you that the days of miracles are not over.  If they are over for you that is because you are not believing for miracles.  

Through the simplicity of Scripture, let me remind you of what Isaiah 53:5 declares, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED.”  Every stripe He endured was for my healing and your healing therefore let us not stop believing God for healing in our lives.  

Some of my favorite scriptures about healing are found in the gospels.  Jesus says, “if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”  In the gospels, Jesus heals people who had been blind, paralyzed, sick unto death, stricken with various kinds of illness, and Jesus prays for them and they were healed.  Jesus says greater works shall you do because I go to my Father (John 14:12).  We have not because we ask not (James 4:2).  Believe for it!

Believe For It - Cece Winans
They say this mountain can’t be moved
They say these say these chains will never break
But they don’t know You like we do
There is power in Your name
We’ve heard that there is no way through
We’ve heard the tide will never change
They haven’t seen what You can do
There is power in Your name
So much power in Your name

Move the immovable
Break the unbreakable
God we believe
God we believe for it
From the impossible
We’ll see a miracle
God we believe
God we believe for it

We know that hope is never lost
For there is still an empty grave
God we believe no matter what
There is power in Your name
So much power in Your name

You are the way when there seems to be no way
We trust in You, God You have the final say

You said it, I believe it
You said it, It is done

There are two types of people and most of the time they approach life in one or two ways.  Their cup is either half-empty or half-full.  Normally people will have that shortage mindset (I never have enough, I have limited resources) or they will have that surplus mindset (God is more than I’ll ever need).  I have been reminding people lately that if we will sit at the Lord’s table God will do exactly what David said in Psalms 23:5 “You fill my cup to overflowing.”  The ICB translation says, “You give me more Thani can hold.”  What is “MY CUP?”  It is my life.  "On the last day of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds: 'If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! Everyone who really believes in me will have rivers of living water flowing out of their lives." John 7:37-38 (NLT)

So I was thinking about that phrase “Half-full or Half-Empty.”  Where are we as Christians suppose to be?  The answer is probably NEITHER!  God desires for His people to live in OVERFLOW.  What does it mean to live an OVERFLOWING life?  It means: To be filled beyond capacity with an endless supply of God's goodness. "I am the holy God, who rescues you. For your own good, I teach you, and I lead you along the right path.  How I wish that you had obeyed my commands! Then your success and good fortune would have OVERFLOWED like a flooding river!"  Isaiah 48:17-18 (CEV). As I preached this past week “Living in Overflow,” I want to remind you of those three points.

Living in OVERFLOW means you must: ……
1.  Stay Connected
2.  Live By Faith
3.  Raise Your level of Expectation

Remember what Jesus says: "I've come that you may have real life, and enjoy it in abundance - to the fullest, until it overflows!" John 10:10 (Amp)

- Pastor Daylon Mooneyham

Remember when the enemy turns up the heat, God is trying to perfect something in our lives.  It is through testing we grow stronger, more mature, able to do more and become more than we are right now. That’s why we can keep our smile when the heat is turned up—because we know God will use it not against us, but for us.  2 Co 4:17 says, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”  Fiery trials may be very painful, but it is only through the blazing furnace our faith grows purer and stronger.

When the heat is being turned up it is simply a spiritual attack the enemy is bringing against the people of God.  The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians “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.” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)
There are few things we need to remember when the heat is being turned up in our lives:

1. Acknowledge the Spiritual Warfare of Adversity. Satan is real (1 Peter 5:8-9). Why would God send his Son to fight what does not exist? The Bible says in 1 John 3:8, “The Son of God came to destroy these works of the Devil” (NLT). When the heat is turned up in your life, it’s proof that you’re doing something right.
2. Realize Your Position In Christ.  Never forget that you have authority of the enemy because of who you are in Christ Jesus.  Matthew 28:18-19 says we have all authority in heaven and earth. Then Jesus says, “Therefore go and make disciples” (NIV). He transfers the authority to you and me. He does that because he’s given us a specific mission (2 Corinthians 5:20).
3. Put on the Whole Armor of God. Paul says, just as the Roman soldier is properly dressed to do battle, we also need to be dressed for battle. For instance, we should often pray, “Lord, I put on the helmet of salvation that will protect me from the thoughts the Devil will try to give me. I don’t want to think the Devil’s thoughts. I don’t want to think my thoughts. I want to think your thoughts, so that that I may be a voice for you. I put on the belt of truth. Lord, I want to share the truth, not falsehood. I want to lead people into righteousness.” (Ephesians 6)
4. Stand on the Promises of God. God has given us so many promises in His word so that we can beat the heat when the enemy turns up the heat.  For example, in James 4:7, he tell us to submit to God, then resist the devil and he will flee.  This is a promise from God and as long as we stand on the promises of God we will be victorious.

5. Remember Your Offensive Weapons. The battlefield for spiritual warfare is primarily in your thought life (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). The weapons God gives us to use are faith, truth, prayer and praise. Take every thought captive!

When the heat is turned up, remember God is perfecting something within you.  Romans 8:28 tells us “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Get Plugged in 

As we are getting ready for our fall semester of small groups starting in August, let me begin by saying how excited we are to see what God is going to do through our various groups.  It is our desire that everyone gets plugged into a group this semester, regardless of where you are on your journey with The Lord.

There are many reasons why small group fellowship meetings have been an important part of Christian experience throughout the ages.  And this is why I want to encourage you to be plugged in!   Here are just a few reasons why small groups are essential.

1.  Community 

The book of Acts gives us a great example of the importance of community.  The early church in Acts demonstrates the components of a biblical community.  We as believers engage in life together through teaching, fellowship and prayer.  We celebrate and mourn with each other.  We aren’t merely strangers, but we do life together, with Christ!

2.    Encouragement & Accountability
Small groups are an excellent way to get plugged in.  It is so easy to slip in and out of church when you aren’t involved.  We need each other to keep up accountability in our walk with The Lord.  EVERYONE NEEDS SOMEONE!  Our small groups grow friendships that encourage us to grow in The Lord and in turn we learn to encourage others in the same way.  We hold each other accountable, that’s what a church family is for.

3.   Discipleship
Small groups give us a wonderful opportunity to grow our faith.  In a smaller setting you are given more of an opportunity to ask questions and learn from others experiences in their journey.  Small groups are a great place to grow in knowledge of the Word.  Growing in The Lord is the greatest gift we can give ourselves and our families, and we can’t disciple others on what we have no knowledge of ourselves. 

In Closing, remember small groups foster close relationships and community.  Small groups provide an ideal way to care for the needs of people within the church.  They also allow for participation in focused prayer for one another.  In addition, being involved in small groups help to cultivate leadership with in the church.   

Let us start now praying about the upcoming small group semester.  May this be the most fruitful semester we have had at Farmington Heights!  Let us grow in the word together and enjoy fellowship, friendships and socializing as extra benefits to joining small groups.

- Pastor Daylon

Life is full of ups and downs, especially when someone is striving to serve the Lord and be productive.  We all desire success!  However, success is largely a matter of trial and error.   One thing that I have discovered is that when striving to be productive, our patience will be tested, as well as our character.   James 1:2 says, “my brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.”  If you serve the Lord, the enemy will make sure that you will be tried and tested.  Yet your promise is that you are more than a conquer through Christ Jesus our Lord.

People have a tendency to give up way to easy!  Just because discouragement sets in and frustration arise is no sign that we stop pursuing the goals that we desire to reach.  Paul said, “Therefore my dear brothers, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”  The reality is we can not stop we have to keep moving and there are times when we just simply have to try again.   I read recently that Cicero practiced speaking before his friends for 30 years to perfect his oratorical Bailey.  Bryant rewrote one of his poetic masterpieces 99 times before publication.

The longer that I live, I realize as Christians we will inevitably experience set backs, failures, trials and disappointments.  I have heard many times that great success often results from previous failure.  We learn through failure.  I have always told my children never be afraid of failure.  The only ones that never fail are the ones never doing anything.  When failure happens, our desire needs to be think creatively better ways of doing things.
When the disciples of Jesus failed Him by abandoning Him at His trial, He didn’t reject them.  The Scripture informs us that Jesus restored the disciples to their calling.  These same men are the ones that turned the world upside down.  Failure made them stronger in their faith!  Don’t Stop, Keep Moving!

As I have been preaching the series on IMPACT, God has been reminding me of the importance of serving others.  Philippians 2:1-11 is one passage of scripture that reminds us of how important it is to be a servant.  If we truly have a servants heart, then we will be able to impact people around us.  There are several aspects of being a servant that I would like to remind us of:

I.  Servants think in terms of maintaining unity because the spirit works in      
    Unity.

“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”Philippians 2:1-2(NASB)
Ephesians 4:1-3 (NASB)

II.  Servants think in terms of serving others not merely themselves.

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” 
Philippians 2:3-4(NASB)
James 1:27 (NASB)

III.  Servants think in terms of  their new position in Christ.

5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 
Philippians 2:5-8(NASB)
9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ isLord, to the glory of God the Father. 
Philippians 2:9-11 (NASB)

True greatness is_Divine exaltation.
False greatness is human exaltation.

If we desire to be great in the Kingdom of God in order to make an impact then we must understand the value of serving others!  Matthew 23:11 says, “The greatest among you will be your servant.”  I personally believe that saved people serve people!

-Daylon Mooneyham

Serving others, those two words can take on many different meanings.  In todays society we typically think of a server at a restaurant or an employee at the local store, we think their job is to serve us, give US what we want when WE want it.  

The thing is the Bible didn’t call us to be recipients of others serving, but to be the server.  The Bible tells us in John 12:26 “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be.  My Father will honor the one who serves me.”  To call ourselves true followers of Christ we must make serving others a priority in life.  Now don’t be confused that doesn’t mean you have to wait on your family hand and foot, that means that you look for ways to lighten others burdens.  Serving others can be as simple as helping a neighbor carry in the groceries or as easy as giving a donation of blood to the Red Cross.  

Being a servant means giving something of yourself to help others.  Giving of your time, giving of your abilities, giving of your means or giving up of your desires to benefit someone else.  Here at Farmington Heights we have made it our goal to PRAY, REACH & SERVE in this coming year.  If we want to reach others we have to first serve others and to serve others effectively we must serve God whole-heartedly.   

When I think of serving others I am reminded of Mother Teresa, she made it her life mission to serve The Lord and others.  This prayer was her guide in her daily life and we should make it ours as well.

Oh Jesus, You who suffer, grant that today and everyday I 
may be able to see You in the person of Your sick ones 
and that, by offering them my care, I may serve You.
Grant that, even if You are hidden under the 
unattractive disguise of anger, of crime, or of
madness, I may recognize You and say, “Jesus, 
You who suffer, how sweet it is to serve You.”
Give me, Lord, this vision faith, and my work will
 never be monotonous.  I will find joy in harboring the 
small whims and desires of all the poor who suffer….
Lord, increase my faith.  Bless my efforts 
and my work, now and forever.

-Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Wake up each day looking for ways to shine the love of Christ in the world by serving someone other than yourself.


- Lauren Mooneyham

In a time when tensions are high and our nation seems so divided, I am a reminded of a prayer led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr in 1963.  Dr. King prayed that the nation would be united and live together in peace.  He knew that the only way our nation would achieve this great task would be if we all come together and love our neighbor as ourselves.  Dr. King held fast to his beliefs in the Bible and followed the Lords commandments to simply love one another.  

Dr. King preached a sermon in 1962 title “On Being a Good Neighbor.”  He reminds us in his sermon of the good Samaritan story of loving our neighbor as ourself.  As Dr. King continued to fight for freedom and equality for his fellow Americans, he tried to remind the nation that the ground was level at Calvary.  Jesus Christ didn’t die on the cross for one group of people, but Christ died for all, and none of us are deserving of His grace.    

Today as we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. let us be thankful for the stand he took, even when it was unpopular, to follow God’s commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself”.  Dr. King knew that true freedom would come from loving EVERYONE, just as Christ does. If we all have the mindset and determination of Dr. King we’d be a more stable and united people today.  There is one thing for sure we are better together.

Let me leave you with this powerful prayer by Dr. King:

“O God,...we thank Thee for Thy Church, founded upon Thy Word, that challenges us to do more than sing and pray, but go out and work as though the very answer to our prayers depended on us and not upon Thee...Help us to realize that man was created to shine like the stars and live on through all eternity.  Keep us, we pray, in perfect peace, help us walk together, pray together, sing together, and live together until that day when all God’s children, Black, White, Red, and Yellow, will rejoice in one common band of humanity in the kingdom of our Lord and of our God, we pray Amen.”

-Daylon Mooneyham

So many Christians do not realize the benefits of fasting.  Christian fasting should be a regular part of the Christian life.  Even though it isn’t commanded by Scripture, Jesus clearly expects His followers to fast regularly. When Jesus taught on fasting in His Sermon on the Mount In Matthew 6:16, He didn’t say “if” you fast, but “when” you fast. And in Matthew 9:15, He doesn’t say His followers “might” fast; but “they will.” It’s something that He expects of us if we are in relation with Him and expect to go deeper in our intimacy with Him.  I would like to share a few benefits of fasting as a Christian.

7 Spiritual Benefits of Fasting

• Fasting causes us to Rely on God.
• Fasting Helps us be Filled with the Fruits of the Spirit.
• Fasting Opens our Heart to Hearing God's Voice.
• Fasting Renews our Appreciation for God and His Blessings.
• Fasting Gives Power to our Prayers.
• Fasting Creates an Environment for Miracles.
• Fasting helps us to Consume God's Word.                             (Alisa Wagner)

Fasting and prayer are a necessity for Christians, to enable them to seek the face of God wholly. We deny our carnal nature in order to fulfill the desires of God. What He wills for our lives can be found through fasting and prayers. Our spirit and soul experience joy because of fasting.

In the article written by Donald Whitney, he mentions several benefits that I would like to end with in regards to the benefits of fasting.  He says, fasting……..

1. Strengthen our prayer life. (Ezra 8:23)
2. Seek God’s guidance (Judges 20:26)
3. Seek deliverance or Protection (2 Chronicles 20:3-4)
4. Helps to express repentance and a return to God (I Samuel 7:6)
5. Helps to humble oneself before God (I Kings 21:27-29)
6. Helps to minister to the needs of others (Isaiah 58: 3-7)
7. Helps to express love and worship for God (Luke 2:37)
8. Helps to overcome temptation and dedicate yourself to God (Matthew 4:1-11)

If Jesus could have accomplished all he came to do without fasting, why did he fast?  Jesus knew that there were supernatural things that could only be released by fasting.  When you reflect on the life of Jesus, He reminds believers that it is our duty to practice the spiritual discipline of fasting.  Jesus provided the pattern by which we are to live as children of God. That pattern specifically addressed three specific duties of a Christian: Giving, Praying and Fasting. Jesus said, “When you give”... “And when you pray”... “And when you fast.” He made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, was a normal part of the Christian life.

In Jentezen Franklin’s book on Fasting he said, “Could we be missing our greatest breakthroughs because we fail to fast? Remember the thirty, sixty and one-hundredfold return that Jesus spoke of in Mark 4:8-20? Look at it this way: When you pray, you can release that thirtyfold return. When both prayer and giving are part of your life, I believe that releases the sixtyfold blessing. But when all three—giving, praying and fasting—are part of your life, I believe that is when hundredfold return can be released!”  As for me, I am ready to see God do some supernatural work of His grace.  Jesus said, “some things only come by prayer and fasting.”

Some may ask, “what is fasting?”  Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is taught in the Bible. ... Fasting, according to the Bible, means to voluntarily reduce or eliminate your intake of food for a specific time and purpose.  I like what Nadia Thomas says in her article, “Christian fasting is the act of intentionally abstaining from food or a regularly enjoyed good gift from God to focus on a period of spiritual growth or deepening our relationship with God. In the act of fasting, we humbly deny the flesh to focus on and glorify God, become more in tune with His Spirit, and go deeper in our prayer life.”

Jesus gives us the simple answer; pray and fast. ... Prayer and fasting humbles us. When we deny our flesh for a period of time, it allows us to wait in faith and to trust in God for His power and might.  Prayer and fasting is a sign of our desire and hunger to seek God.We fast to grow closer to Jesus and to rid ourselves of fleshly distractions: We want to seek God’s face genuinely, not to show off or to seem better than others.

Fasting is a self-discipline of saying “no” to what our body craves and “yes” to what the Spirit of God desires.  

For the first time in 2020, I think we can finally all agree on one thing: we are happy to see 2020 close out!  Although not all of 2020 was bad, we as humans have the tendency to notice “the bad” quicker than “the good”.  We can’t seem to help it, it is just our nature.   As I look back over the year, I realize that God has shown himself to us in many real ways; he has provided for us, he has healed us and he has been with us every step of the way.  All of these things have always been true of God, but we haven’t necessarily needed to notice them maybe as much as we have this year.  As 2021 begins, I want to focus more on the good than I do the bad.

Everyone has New Year resolutions, we make them and the majority of them we break a few weeks into the new year.  I want this year to be different.  I want to be intentional about focusing on the blessings of God and make it a habit to see the good in any given situation.  Like anything else, it will take some time and a conscious effort on my part to train my brain and heart to see the good first.  The bad will always be there (until The Lord returns) but I want to see the good first.  

A few weeks back, I went into the store and saw a beautiful plant.  I had recently gotten a planter from my parents and thought that would be the perfect plant to place in my new pot.  I brought the plant home and was so excited to see it in the pot.  It looked beautiful and matched perfectly.  I didn’t even know what kind of plant it was, I just knew it was pretty and I liked it.  A few days went by and I kept smelling something.  I finally realized it was my new plant.  I decided to look it up online and find out if I had gotten a bad plant or if they all stunk.  The article online called it a “very fragrant flower”, well that fragrance is not delightful!  Sadly, I had to throw the flower away and my pot was empty again.  As I looked at it on the porch, dirty and empty, I was reminded of how many times we fill ourselves with things that we think are good for us:  relationships, hobbies, many different things.  Then, we have to clean ourselves out and start fresh.  This year I want to start fresh, I want to start seeing things with different eyes.  I want to move on from the negative parts of 2020, yet learn from them and look for great things in 2021!  As the song writer says,

“You've got to accentuate the positive          
Eliminate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In Between
You've got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
Have faith or pandemonium
Liable to walk upon the scene
To illustrate his last remark
Jonah in the whale, Noah in the ark
What did they do
Just when everything looked so dark
Man, they said we better
Accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative”

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

- Lauren Mooneyham

As I have been preparing for Sunday services during this Christmas season my heart leaps with joy and encouragement as the Holy Spirit reminds me of my wonderful counselor.   Jesus is not just my counselor, but He is your counselor as well.  The word counselor means “to advise, counsel, purpose, devise and plan.” It refers to His role as the leader and guiding force of our lives. He is wonderfully qualified for this job.  All throughout the Bible we find where the Lord desires to lead His people and counsel His people in the ways of righteousness. I would like to take a few moments to share a few truths about why He is so qualified to be my counselor.  
For me He has:

1. The Age and the experience according to Daniel 7:9; Hebrews 4:15.

2. He has the knowledge - Acts 1:24; I John 3:20

3. He has the education - Isaiah 40: 13-14

4. His price is right - Isaiah 55:1

5. He is always available - Matt. 28:20

6. He always gives perfect advice - Hosea 14:9; Psa. 19:7-8

7. His motives are always Pure - I Pet. 5:7

In this Christmas season I am reminded of how good God is to me for allowing Jesus to be my wonderful counselor.  I don’t know how people make it without Him.  There is an old song that I use to hear that says “to me he’s become everything.”  Let Him be your everything and He will lead you in ways of blessing and favor!  Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

The word “THANKSGIVING” takes on a whole new meaning for me this year as I am sure it does with you as well.  Looking back over the roller coaster of what has been 2020, I am reminded of just how good and faithful God really is to us.  There have been times this year when I had to pray for things that I never imagined mentioning in my prayer time; terms like toilet paper, paper towels and Lysol.  Looking back I am truly thankful that I know what it means to truly rely on God.  

There have been times since the last Thanksgiving season that I have questioned and wondered if God was truly aware of everything that was going on in my life.  See I knew he had never left me, but sometimes I still felt alone.  I remember one day sitting in my living room with my family and instantly I was convicted for not being as grateful as I should be.  I had spent so much time looking at what 2020 had taken away from us: school events, ball games, regular church services and connectivity that I had not realized that God had given me more quality time to spend with my family.  Our kids are growing up fast and this is Josh’s last year of High School, I had anticipated him being very busy this year with school, baseball, football and all that goes along with Senior year.  I have to admit that I have missed not going to watch him play ball, but I don’t miss the hectic nature of our everyday lives.  We have spent more time together as a family, EATING dinner, watching TV, discussing the Bible and how close we are to The Lords’ Return.  I have chosen to focus on the positive side of 2020: we are closer to His Return, we have our family, our church family and all the necessities of life.  

For the rest of 2020 I am choosing to focus on the great things God has done throughout the year, especially during this Thanksgiving season.

Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Psalms 107:1 - O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Ephesians 5:20 - Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

- Lauren Mooneyham

When I Think about the times that we live, I am quickly reminded of a tactic the enemy is using and that is disunity.  It seems like disunity can be found in so many places today for example, our families, churches, communities, the nation and the world.  When disunity is present it limits the blessings that God desires to pour upon his people.  The word of God is clear regarding how God feels about unity in all areas of our life.  One scripture that we read about concerning walking in unity is found in Ephesians 4: 1-6.  Paul says, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with long suffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” 

Several words in that verse merit our attention.

• “Endeavoring” - This word means, “hasty, or zealous.” It suggests that we allow nothing to hinder us from speedily striving to secure the unity of the church and our family. It speaks of a holy zeal that demands constant attention. 
• “Keep” - This word means, “to guard.” Notice that it does not say “create.” We cannot manufacture unity within the church or family. We cannot fake unity. We can only protect, or guard the unity we already have.
• Paul calls it “the unity of the Spirit.” This phrase reminds us that “the unity, the agreement, the common ground” within our lives is not the product of our efforts to make unity. This agreement, this common ground, is that which is produced within us by the Spirit of God.  Therefore, we must allow the Holy Spirit to have His place in our lives and His Church.  
• We are to maintain this unity in “the bond of peace.” The word “bond” refers to “a band, or that which binds together.” “Peace” speaks of “tranquility, harmony, concord.” The belt that binds the us together in unity is peace. When we are at peace with one another, we are able to “keep the unity of the Spirit.”

My prayer is God would help us be ZEALOUS GUARDING UNITY BECAUSE IT BINDS US TOGETHER IN PEACE!

Ps 133 says,  Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. 3  It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing—Life forevermore.” 

When the atmosphere of UNITY is right, the DEW (God’s Blessings) will fall on everything around it!  

Lord help us to have unity so your blessings and favor will fall upon us. AMEN!

Let me begin by saying that prayer is a priority in the life of a Christian.  Therefore, as Christians let's continue to make every effort to seek God for the direction of our Nation.  We as a nation and Christians alike have been faced with so many obstacles and challenges that have dominated our prayer life.However, none of which is any more important than praying for our nation.  

On November 3, we will once again elect a President, Vice-President, and a host of other governmental leaders at the national, state, and local levels.  One of our privileges as American citizens is the ability to participate in our governance like this.  As Jesus-followers, our calling as citizens is to conduct our politics in a way that resounds to the glory of God, accurately reflects the values and priorities of our Savior and King, and contributes to the flourishing of others.  

As we reflect our actions to pray and seek God for direction, let us do so with scripture in mind.   1 Timothy 2:1-4 states, “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

I found the following article helpful in helping me to think through how to pray for the election and our government leaders (https://www.worldvision.org/christian-faith-news-stories/6-ways-pray-country-during-election).  

Also, there are a number of prayer guides available online to help you think about how to pray for these things, from a variety of political perspectives.

Here is one example: https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/nationaldayofprayer/pages/287/attachments/original/1453510052/ELECTION_PRAYER_GUIDE.pdf?1453510052


Daylon Mooneyham
Lead Pastor

This Past Sunday I preached from Matthew 6 a message that was titled “He’s Got it.”  As I reflect Sunday services, I do with much encouragement because I was able to see the hand of God in so many lives who were seeking God for various reasons.  Some were seeking the Lord to be saved.  Others were seeking him to strengthen their faith.  While others were just seeking God to be reminded that “He’s got it.”  Even though we know and realize that God’s got it, His timing may not be our timing.  Therefore it is important not only to depend on God but also trust His timing.  

''But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!''
Habakkuk 2:3 (TLB)

It was Kerry Shook who preached a series on God’s timing that I found to be helpful and wanted to share with you.  

Why You Can Trust God's Perfect Timing

1. GOD CREATED TIME AND RULES OVER IT.

''In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.'' Genesis 1:1 (NIV)

2. GOD OPERATES ON AN ETERNAL CALENDAR.

''... Lord, through all the generations You have been our home! Before the mountains were created, before the earth was formed, You are God without beginning or end.'' Psalm 90:1-2 (TLB)

3. DELAYS NEVER DESTROY GOD'S PLANS.

''But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.'' Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV)

WHEN YOU'RE WAITING ON GOD...

1. DON'T RUN AHEAD OF GOD.

''Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.''
Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

2. LOOK FOR GOD'S PUPROSE IN THE DELAY.

- Divine Delays Protect Us

''We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.'' 
Psalm 33:20 (NIV)

- Divine Delays Prepare Us

''So the LORD must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help.'' Isaiah 30:18 (NLT)

- Divine Delays Direct Us

''Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.'' Psalm 25:4, 5 (NASB)

3. EXPECT GOD TO COME THROUGH.

''But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles.

In the word of God, we find that we as Christians can pray the effectual fervent prayer of righteous men and women that avail much according to James 5:16.  Our words are powerful and our Prayers are even more powerful as we realize who we are in Christ and to whom we are praying.  Sometime ago I run across these principles of what it means to pray powerful prayers and wanted to share with you and trust that God will build your faith in praying.

1. Realize to whom you are Speaking 
Jesus begins with “Our Father who art in Heaven.” Prayer is a conversation with God, and every conversation begins by addressing the person to whom you are speaking by name.

2.  Allow God to search you so you are cleansed from every sin or hinderance.
Proverbs 28:13 says, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”

3.  Realize when you pray, pray with authority and confidence through the name of Jesus. 
John 14:13-14 says, “and whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

4.  Pray with a Spirit of Expectation
Mark 11:22-24 says, “so Jesus answered and said to them, Have Fatih in God.  For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and doubts in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

5.  Pray with a Spirit of Fervency
James 5:16 says, “The effectual FERVENT prayer avails much.”

6.  Pray in Faith without doubting or wavering
Whatever your specific need is, find a promise in the Bible that  relates to it-and then share it with God.  Yes, He knows every  promise He ever made, but He wants you to claim it.  He wants you to bring it before Him in faith - without doubting or wavering  (James 1:6).


Daylon Mooneyham
Lead Pastor

We have heard this question many times “What would Jesus do?”  WWJD became a motto for christian culture and still should be relevant even today.  We have made shirts and have worn them.  We have made wrist bands and have worn them as well.  We have heard people try to correct others and in response say to them WWJD (what would Jesus do).   However, as time has passed, we as the church have moved on to other mottos such as “it is my opinion” or another one is “it is my right.”  The list could go on!  It just seems that even in the church we have moved away from WWJD to everything being about ourselves and our opinions, which leads me to this.  With the current platforms of social media, I personally believe we have allowed the enemy to use social media within the church world to bring discouragement and distraction to the body of Christ.  This happens especially when individuals who say they are Christians make post and write blogs that are contrary to the attributes of Christ.    

Let me encourage you today that the next time you want to make a post ask yourself “What would Jesus Post.”  I am completely convinced the Spirit of God will give us the WISDOM to say, write post, write blogs, and respond to post in a way that represent Christ and His Church in a Biblical way.  

As I read through the book of James, it is easy to discover the importance of seeking God with humility and asking God for WISDOM in every aspect of our lives.  In the first chapter of James it states that if we lack wisdom all we have to do is ask God for wisdom and He will give it to us liberally and would not withhold it from us.  I read something recently that said, “wisdom isn’t simply something that we know in our brains; it is shown by the way we live.”  This is a profound statement that should cause us to step back and reflect our actions.  

When we scroll through our newsfeed and social media accounts it is easy to see people who are not using true wisdom, because it is evident of envy and selfish ambition (James 3:14).  Real wisdom starts with humility according to James 3:13.  If we want to be wise, we first have to humble ourselves and submit to the word of God. The Lord promises a peaceful harvest when we seek His goodness and guidance.  Reading through James chapter 3, the wisdom of God is pure and considerate of others, even submissive.  It loves peace, and is full of mercy and bears good fruit.  Therefore the next time we post or respond to a post we need to ask WWJP (What would Jesus Post).

James 3:13-18
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Sometimes our mouth gets us in trouble.  There have been times when I think about moments when I spoke before I really thought about how and what I was saying.   Then afterward, found myself having to go back and make right what I had said.  It reminds me of Proverbs 15:4 which says, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life.”  Our mouth is a powerful tool.

When I think about our mouths there are several aspects that I would like to address.

1.  Our Mouths are Made to Praise the Lord.

When God created mankind He created us to praise Him.   The Psalms are full of instructions on how to praise.   In fact, God inhabits the praises of His people.  Ps. 34:1 says, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”  Ps. 105:1 says, “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done”. When you go to Revelation 5:13 it states that I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”  Our mouths are made to praise the Lord!

2.  Our Mouths Can Cause Damage

Our mouth can cause damage to ourselves and others.  The bible states perverseness in the tongue is a breach in the spirit according to Pro. 15:4.  A “breach” means destruction, hurt, bruise and affliction.  If we are not careful we can bring destruction and hurt to ourselves and others if we are not edifying and speaking with Love.  If someone’s tongue is perverse (twisted, crooked, corrupt) instead of wholesome, their words will break the spirit of others. Our words have the power to do far more harm than we often think. Ephesians 4: 29 declares, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

3.  Our Mouths Can be a Tree of Life

Let our mouths be a Tree of Life that builds up and reflects the Love of Christ.  Speak the word of God with FAITH and LOVE. Good words are like a tree that continually brings life from its shade and fruit. Our words have the power to do far more good than we often think. 

 Lord let our mouths be fruitful as we reflect you in all that we do and say! AMEN!


Daylon Mooneyham
Lead Pastor

So many people in our day seems to be opinionated, self-centered, unkind, and just plain mean in dealing with others.  According to Eph. 4:32; Eph. 4:2; 1 Cor. 16:14, every child of God should strive to be kind as a lifestyle.

In a hour when people seem to be on the edge and find themselves emotionally distraught, we need a church of people like Barnabas who are full of encouragement.  (This is how we ought to be!)

Barnabas was a man who was full of encouragement.  In fact, he earned the right to be called “Son of Consolation.”  The word “consolation” comes from the same word that is translated “Comforter.”  It refers to one who comes alongside of another to offer help and encouragement.  Apparently, Barnabas had earned the reputation among the Disciples of Christ, as one who was a helper and encourager of others.  (This is How we ought to be!”)

There were a couple of ways that Barnabas was an encourager that is worthy of mentioning……….

1.  Encouraged the Desperate  (Acts 9:26-27)

After Saul received salvation, he tried to unite himself with the other disciples who were in Jerusalem, but out of fear and prejudice about his past, they were afraid to allow him into their circle.  However, Barnabas came to Saul’s side and stood up for Him and told the others about this man’s amazing conversion.  He stood up for one who desperately needed a friend.  “Lord help us to reach out to those around us.”

2.  Encouraged the Discouraged   (Acts 15: 36-40)
What happened in this passage Paul, Barnabas and John Mark were together on a missionary journey.  For some reason, John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem, Acts 13:13. Now, Paul and Barnabas are ready to go out again and Barnabas wants to take John Mark along to give him a second chance.  Paul disagrees and he and Barnabas part company, Acts 15:36-40.  Paul takes Silas and goes out with him, while Barnabas takes John Mark and we never hear from them in biblical writings again.
While Barnabas is never heard from again, his ministry to John Mark had far reaching consequences!  Because Barnabas gave this discouraged and defeated young man a second chance, his life as a servant of God was salvaged.
When we encourage, we further the work of The Lord.  For Barnabas,   he was able to accomplish so much for God and God’s people.  In Acts 4:36, he promoted the work of God.  In Acts 11, we find that he Praises the work of God.  In Acts 13, he participated in the work of God.  So much can be said about how Barnabas impacted the people as an encourager.  My prayer is that God would raise up some Barnabas’ in these last day to be encouragers because this is “How we ought to be!”

Daylon Mooneyham
Lead Pastor

Our lives have held many uncertainties – some self-inflicted some completely blind side us.  It seems like this year alone has held enough of these to last the next couple of decades at least.

As I contemplate of all the trials, we have faced in the last six months as Christians – we’ve been given a wonderful opportunity to share the faithfulness of God to others.  Sure, we’ve felt anxious, scared, attacked, abandoned and the list could go on and on – but we are called to be a testimony of God’s goodness to us, and that means in EVERYTHING.

My sister recently sent me a YouTube video of a song entitled “The Story I’ll Tell” and I’ve kept it on repeat for the last couple of weeks to be a constant reminder that how I perceive my “trials” is how others will be affected by them.

One part of the song goes like this:

And I’ll Testify
Of the Battles you’ve Won
How you were my Portion
When there wasn’t Enough
And I’ll Testify
Of the Seas that we Crossed
The Waters you Parted
The Waves that I Walked

My favorite part of the song is “you were MY portion, when there wasn’t enough”.  God has never left us lacking or wanting for more.  Everything he has to offer is readily available if we are willing to put forth the effort to receive it.  I don’t want to sit idly by and wait for the blessings of God all while wallowing in my bitterness, depression or anxiety.  I can easily miss my blessings if I’m not focused on The Lord and his goodness.  I want to focus on The Story I’ll be able to share at the end of my trial, the story of Gods’ faithfulness in everything!  

Having the Mind of Christ 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Christians acted like Christ the way the Bible instructs?

I have often prayed “Lord give me the mind of Christ!”  Romans 12:2 says, “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  It is so important as Christians to understand as disciples we are followers of Christ who are suppose to have our mind renewed so we can imitate the Lord in our lives.  

Paul admonished the Church at Philippi to imitate the Lord.  This was a good church—one of the best.  Still, Paul felt the need to tell them of his concern that they follow Jesus.  Read Phil. 2: 5-11.  The Apostle Paul said, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”  Our attitudes should be the same as that of Jesus Christ (v. 5).  This epistle shows some evidence of discord in that Church.  Paul wrote to correct that discord to keep that church in good spiritual condition.  This verse is the central thought of the Epistle but is good advice for any church.   

In this season where there are so many differences and where so many have difference in opinions,  my prayer is “Lord give me the mind of Christ.  Help me to have a sweet spirit and be Christ-Like in my actions so I imitate you in every way of my life.  

When we look at Philippians 2: 5-11 we discover how the MIND OF CHRIST IS FILLED.

1.  Christ’s Mind is filled with COMPASSION (vs. 3,4)

Jesus taught Love, “the great commandment is wrapped in love (Matt. 22:37) ‘Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.’ 

He gave the Second most important commandment to love those around us (v. 39).  He even taught that we should love our enemies (5: 44).

2.  The Mind of Christ is Filled with CONCERN

Concern is similar to compassion, but there is a difference.  Genuine compassion breaks forth into concern that leads to action.

3.  Christ’s Mind is One of COMMITMENT

When compassion and concern are combined, commitment is the result.  Lord help us to be committed to fulfilling YOUR mission in our lives so that we can impact OTHERS around us!

We have all been guilty of waste valuable time regretting the past and worrying about the future.  It is the enemies desire at bringing confusion to the child of God.  His agenda is to stop us in our tracks and cause us to be non-productive.  However,  life is right now, not yesterday and not tomorrow.  NOW!  The key to getting past your past is to make the most of the moment (KEEP MOVING). 

I heard this one time and it is so true, think about it.  The past is resolved when the present is fulfilled.  WOW, so KEEP MOVING!  I speak this to someone reading this today, “God desires to do great exploits in your life, KEEP MOVING!”  He has His hand upon you!

I personally feel like some of us ask the question how do we let go of the past and get on with my life?

There is a scripture in Exodus 14:15 as an example of God’s people being told to keep moving on. This is an encouragement for us today.  Moses prayed and God answered him: “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.”  That is exactly what God says to us when we are stuck in our past, KEEP MOVING.  If we fail to keep moving we can become paralyzed being stuck in past tragedies, resentment, failure, fear or even disappointment, thus allowing us to not have clear vision Moving forward. 

Some times moving forward can be a challenge because of the obstacles that may be in the way.  However, that’s when it might be asked, “what is it going to take to move beyond the past and move into the future?”  

I personally believe that it takes MOVING in FAITH!  In fact, Mark 9:23 says, “All things are possible to him who believes.”  It takes FAITH to move forward!

Secondly, it takes COURAGE.  Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Paul says in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Finally, let me say Moving forward takes a MADE UP MIND.  Acts 20:24 says, “None of these things move me.”  

Paul says to PRESS toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!

Stop looking back!  Look Forward!  Keep Moving!

Have you ever looked at something to eat and it looked so good?  I mean to the point you were anticipating devouring it.  Recently, I had cooked lunch, and I was so excited because I just knew the boys would love it.  It was something different than I had ever prepared before.  I quickly searched the internet for a recipe and decided on the first one I had found.  It was finally almost time to eat lunch.  It smelled amazing, it looked delicious and the family was waiting very IMPATIENTLY.  We sat down and started to eat.  Josh took one bite, and had a look of pure disgust on his face.  He quickly said, “Dad take this, I can’t even swallow it.”  Caleb just quietly put his back onto the table.  I said, “What’s wrong with it?”  Josh replied, “I don’t know, it looked like it was going to be really good, but its’ looks were deceiving.”

That’s how we want everything to look in our lives, perfect and appetizing to society.  We have spent so much time on the appearance of looking like a beautiful Christian that sometimes our hearts don’t match the appearance.  We spend so little time preparing our hearts for true worship.   We want it to look perfect, but we haven’t put in the time we need to with The Lord for it to reflect that image.   See, I picked the first recipe I found because the picture looked good.  I didn’t have time to marinate the meat, so I just bypassed the work that required all of the time.  If we don’t marinade ourselves in the Word and in prayer, we are simply superficial Christians.  If we aren’t bathed in The Word, then when the first trouble comes our way, we will be taken out.  

The time has come to get a true, deep rooted relationship with The Lord; I mean the kind where we can withstand whatever the enemy throws at us.  The surface is thin and can be broken down easily.  

Colossians 2:7 says, “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

 To grow deep roots takes time, time spent with The Father!

Lauren Mooneyham