September 14, 2022

August 2, 2022

Provision – Prosperity

“Protected” 

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“Great Reward”

December 11th – Pastor Jonathan Willey

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.” (Heb. 10:35 KJV) The Word of God is teaching us a valuable lesson here in that God will always “see to it that you are paid and fully reimbursed for expenses you have spent to do His will; He will make a settlement that takes care of all injuries or losses you may have incurred; He will make sure that you get reparations to cover all that has been damaged or destroyed due to the attacks of the enemy or because of the adversarial situations you have faced.” (Greek transliteration – Rick Renner).

 What joy to know that by holding onto our faith and our confession we can rest assured God will settle all the accounts. We will be rewarded for our present labor, reimbursed for all expenses, and that a proper and just settlement will be made in the end. Don’t get hung up on how God pays and reimburses; He may use different ways. It could be new victories in different areas of your life, success in your business and or ministry, a greater anointing than you have ever experienced, an increase of financial prosperity, even a long term friendship that you will be able to count on for many years to come.

Cast not away therefore your confidence!

“Faith is the Substance”

October 26th – Pastor Jonathan Willey

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11)

I am so thankful today for the faith of God that has been dealt to every man who will believe. (Romans 12:3) I want to encourage you today to know and believe the love that God has for you and that He has given unto you His very own faith to enable you to receive His greatest and best in this life.

I have learned that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Heb. 11:6) and that is primarily because faith in God is what enables Him to do in our lives what He has always wanted to do, and that is to bless and empower us to prosper in this life, and to be a blessing to all those with whom we may come in contact. “Long before He laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by His love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3 The Message)

To realize today that God so loved us that He had us in mind, long, long ago is an outstanding thought! If he loved us even before the foundations of the world, how much more does He love us now that we are His children? Faith is your substance – use your faith and receive His great love.

“Blessed”

September 25th – Pastor Jonathan Willey

What does it really mean to be blessed? What does it mean to be a blessing? The answer to this question is found in the actual meaning of the word. “Blessed” literally means “to speak well of, to empower to succeed and prosper.”

When God speaks to us about blessing, it is always to the end that we succeed in life and that we prosper, spirit, soul and body. When God called Abraham His first statement to him was that God would “bless him and make him a blessing.”  I love a part of a book I am reading currently, authored  by Dr. Larry Linkous of New Life Fellowship in Titusville, Florida, where Dr. Linkous says “The Lord blesses what He is doing. You don’t have to beg God to bless what He’s doing. The blessing and success are inherent. You just have to be willing and obedient.” (Isaiah 1:19)

I am committed to being involved in what God is doing, and trusting Him to bring the blessing and success that is inherent in what He is doing. Let’s get busy doing what God is doing.

Grace to the Humble

August 5th-Pastor Jonathan Willey

“But He giveth more grace, wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)  What does it mean to be proud, or for that matter, to be humble. Many religious traditions have failed to provide the true meaning of these important words. To be prideful or full of pride is to have that attitude, “I can do this by myself, I don’t need anyone to help.”  It can manifest itself in our lives by failing to ask for help, to act as if we have all the answers, that we are never wrong or have to apologize.  Likewise the word humble has caused many believers to misinterpret the word and think that being humble is to speak in a self deprecating manner about themselves, saying such things as “I am so unworthy, or I am so unqualified or inadequate.”

I found a great Biblical definition of the word humble in Zephaniah 2:3 Ampl. Translation; in it the prophet says, “Seek the Lord, [inquire for Him, inquire of Him, and require Him as the foremost necessity of your life], all you humble of the land, who have acted in compliance with His revealed will and have kept His commandments; seek righteousness, seek humility, [inquire for them (his commandments) require them as vital].

It appears to me that true humility is to act and speak in line with what God has said about us in His word. I believe the Bible describes Moses, Paul and Jesus Christ as humble men, and you don’t see them weak or acting beggarly in any way.  They all understood that pride is man’s way, but being humble is being willing to trust only in God and put no confidence in our flesh. God gives more grace to those who are humble.  Accept His word and His grace today and do great exploits for Him!

“Without a Vision”

June 27th – Pastor Jonathan Willey

How important is vision? Of all the physical senses, most would consider vision to be of utmost importance and in spiritual things, it is vital!  Proverbs 29:18 states, “without a vision, the people perish” and some translations say, “Without a redemptive revelation of God the people are lawless.”

Important to spiritual understanding is to have a redemptive revelation of God, and by that I mean to know what God is doing in Christ.  When we understand the depths of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, we then begin to see just how great a work God is doing in the life of the church and each individual believer.  With this type of vision, we do not have to create a law unto ourselves, but rather we can walk according to the principles of God, those being faith and love.

I see with the eye of faith that Christ has paid the price for all mankind, for all sin and sickness and for the curse of poverty and lack. Our vision determines our focus and our focus determines our destiny. What are you seeing today?

“I have decided”

 May 24th – Pastor Jonathan Willey

We must decide what course we will follow in life. The Apostle Paul came to the place where he said, “My determined purpose is to know Him, and the power of His resurrection.”  Paul was convinced to the point of commitment to Christ. Have you decided for Him?  Have you decided to follow Him, to forget those things which are behind and press towards those things that are before?

If we are to be a success in this Christian life, we must learn to press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  We must to embrace the One who has embraced us, then and only then will life take on the meaning it should.  I am determined and purposed in my heart to know Christ and make Him known.

We are not only to be hearers of the word of God, but doers of the word as well. When we are convinced of the reality of a life lived for God, we will do what the word says to do, and obey the Holy Spirit as He calls us upward. Have you decided?

‘Let Us Love One Another”

May 15th – Pastor Jonathan Willey

“Beloved, let us love one another” is more than just a suggestion, it is a command from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  “Out of respect for Christ, live in submission to one another.” (Ephesians 5:21) is also a commandment of love. When we love one another with the love of Christ that has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, it is not too hard to defer to others, to forgive others even as we are forgiven.

This is the way to live, by faith and in the love of God; when we do this God works both within our lives and in the lives of those around us.  God’s love in us changes everything.  Jesus said that even if someone was to offend us we are to forgive seventy times seven! The disciples could not understand how anyone could do that, and Jesus answered them by saying “with men this is impossible, but not with God.”

Love covers the multitude of sins, love never fails, and God’s love transcends all other types of love, so let us allow the love of God to permeate everything we do in this life. “Beloved, let us love one another.”

“This Man Receives Sinners”

May 6th – Pastor Jonathan Willey

Jesus was criticized by the Pharisees because he “received sinners and ate with them.” (Luke  15:2)  Could it be that Jesus so loved lost people that he preferred to be with them in order to reach them and teach them about His Father’s great love for all men. I believe we are in a day when we are receiving the revelation that God ACTUALLY DOES LOVE US!

Jesus talked about a lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost son in Luke 15.  Notice the sheep needed to be carried back to the flock; “he layeth it on his shoulders.”  Notice the woman who had lost the coin lit a candle and swept the house and sought diligently for that which was lost. The Prodigal Son’s Father never stopped looking for the lost son.

Today Jesus Christ still receives sinners and He is still seeking to save that which is lost. May our churches and our ministries always be open to receive those who are lost, those who are confused, and those who are hurt and afraid. May they find the open arms of our Father when they return and let us celebrate the recovery and restoration of that which was lost!

“Abraham stuck it out”

March 29th – Pastor Jonathan Willey

The God-kind of faith refuses to give up or quit. When all human reason for hope was gone, Abraham hoped on in faith, believing and being fully persuaded that what God had promised, He was more than able to perform.  Abraham refused to consider his own body now dead and the deadness of Sarah’s womb, but was fully persuaded, and he waxed strong in faith, giving glory to God.

The message translation is very interesting in its rendering of Hebrews 6:13; When God made his promise to Abraham, he backed it to the hilt, putting his own reputation on the line. He said, “I promise that I’ll bless you with everything I have—bless and bless and bless!” Abraham stuck it out and got everything that had been promised to him.”  When we understand the power of “sticking it out” with God, we will receive just like Abraham did. This simply means we mix Biblical patience (consistency) with our faith and stand as long as it takes to receive everything God has promised.

“Be not slothful, but be followers of them, who through faith and patience, inherit the promises”  (Hebrews 6:12) The Amplified version of this verse reads, “But we do [strongly and earnestly] desire for each of you to show the same diligence and sincerity [all the way through] in realizing and enjoying the full assurance and development of [your] hope until the end, in order that you may not grow disinterested and become [spiritual] sluggards, but imitators, behaving as do those who through faith (by their leaning of the entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) and by practice of patient endurance and waiting are [now] inheriting the promises.

STICK IT OUT!

“This Shall Turn”

February 25 – Pastor Jonathan Willey

Every believer faces challenges. There are some who believe that because we have trusted in Christ we will never have another challenge.  The truth is that challenges are a part of life, but the most important thing to remember is that Jesus Christ has conquered the world for us. John 16:33 says, “In the world you will have tribulation (tests and trials) but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world for you.” The amplified translation says, “I have deprived it of power to harm you.”

The Apostle Paul found himself in a jail cell for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. This was a challenge! But Paul said, “I know that this shall turn out for my salvation through the prayers of the church and the supply of the Holy Spirit.” (Phil. 1:19) When you find yourself going through a challenge, remember God has not changed, He is still the same and He will come to your rescue, and prayer and the supply of grace that Holy Spirit will bring, you will come out in victory!

As the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, God’s ears are open to your cries and his eyes are upon you right now. Release your faith in Him, call upon Him and He will answer you and show you great and mighty things (heretofore unseen.) (Jeremiah 33:3) This is our year – our time – believe Him now for a year of fulfillment.

“Hold Fast”

February 9 – Pastor Jonathan Willey

“Christ is faithful over His house, whose house we are as we ‘hold fast’ to the confidence (fast and firm to the end) in our joyful sense of triumph in Christ.” (Hebrew 3:6 author’s paraphrase.)  To “hold fast” is to remain in victory’s position, the position Jesus Christ has purchased for us.

We hold fast to our confidence in Him, we hold fast to our confession of who we are in Christ Jesus, the forgiven, the healed, the prosperous, spirit, soul and body.  We hold fast without wavering, meaning we watch what we say, knowing that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Prov. 18:21).

We hold fast to the Head of the Church, the Lord Jesus Christ, laying hold by faith of the hope set before us, the hope we have as an anchor to our soul (our innermost mind, will and emotions.) We remain firm and steadfast, unmovable in Him, knowing that God will perfect (complete and bring to maturity) that which concerns us.  No matter what you may be facing today, hold fast to Him!

“Incredibly Blessed”

February 3 – Pastor Jonathan Willey

      “When God made his promise to Abraham, he backed it to the hilt, putting his own reputation on the line. He said, “I promise that I’ll bless you with everything I have—bless and bless and bless!” (Hebrews 6:13-14 the Message)  When God said He would bless us, he meant it!  Think about it, the One who originally blessed His creation has promised to bless us today.  The most accurate definition of “blessed” is “empowered to prosper.”  God has literally told us that we are empowered to prosper in this life.

We are incredibly blessed because we are deeply loved by God.  God so loved his created people that He gave Himself for their sins. He gave Himself to redeem us and reconcile us to Himself, so that we could be his peculiar (special) people, and zealous of good works.  I can say without fear of contradiction that God wants His children to be “incredibly blessed” because they are “deeply loved.”

In addition to His blessing, He bestows His grace and favor on our lives to help us succeed in this life. Those who receive “abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness” should reign in this life. Enjoy your incredibly blessed life in Christ Jesus!

Ministering Grace

January 26th – Pastor Jonathan Willey

  “Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.” (Ephesians 4:29 Amp.)   God’s amazing grace is in us as believers and we have the opportunity to minister grace to those around us.  Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:7 that each one of us has received a gift and we should so minister that gift of grace to others as God enables us to do so.

One way we minister grace is by speaking words of grace.  Jesus was known for the “gracious words” that proceeded from His mouth. (Luke 4:22)  Let us take every opportunity that comes our way to minister “gracious words” to those around us.

Foul speech is not just curse words, but includes words that do not edify or build up, words that are inoperative and non-working words. Jesus talked about these kinds of words in Matthew 12:34-37 when he talked about words that come from the abundance of our heart.  The best way to minister words of grace is to fill our hearts with words of grace, and then they will flow from our hearts and minister grace to the hearer.

Where should you go when you get discouraged?

January 17th – Pastor Jonathan Willey

  What happens when you are tempted to be discouraged? Do you withdraw and retreat into a shell?  Many times the enemy of our soul tries to make us think no one cares or that even God doesn’t care.  Discouragement is a subtle tool of the enemy and can affect the way we think and the way we act. One thing we must always remind ourselves of is this; do not run away from God and His help but run to Him.

Hebrews 10:25 says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as you see that day approaching.”  Rick Renner says the original Greek rendering of the word ‘forsaking’ is derived from three Greek words that mean “out, down and behind”.  Literally the Holy Spirit is saying, “don’t feel left out, don’t feel let down or left behind.” The remedy for discouragement is simply this; Go to Church – get around other believers and allow encouragement to come to you by God and His people. The people at your church have the same challenges. They have been discouraged and have experienced the “lifting up” that occurs in God’s House with God’s people.  God will never leave us nor forsake us and He is always on our side.

“Now may the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.” (Romans 15:13 Amp.)

Furnished in Abundance

January 9th  – Pastor Jonathan Willey

     Recently while in prayer about the New Year of 2012, the Lord impressed me with three distinct thoughts; He said it was His will that His people be Furnished in Abundance, Focused on Christ, and Firm in Faith.

     I began to meditate on these three thoughts and immediately saw the relationship between Abundance in God and the importance of a focused faith life. Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith is the One we must keep our eyes upon. By constantly keeping Christ Jesus in mind, as resurrected from the dead, being our High Priest at the right hand of God our Father, we are able to remain firm in faith against any attacks by the enemy of our soul.

Let me encourage you this year to focus on Christ like never before, seek first His Kingdom and His way of doing and being right; remain firm in your faith by submitting yourself to God and resisting the devil. Understanding that God’s will for you is abundance in all areas of life, spiritually, emotionally and financially, and trusting Him to direct your paths, 2012 can be your best year ever!

All Things Are Possible 

December 10th  – Pastor Jonathan Willey

     When the Angel spoke to the Virgin Mary about her becoming the Mother of the Christ, Mary asked, “How can these things be?”  Many times we ask the same question when faced with what looks like an impossibility.  We must remind ourselves that with God, “all things are possible.”

     Remember that God is on your side and He desires that you win in every circumstance of life. Always remember the “God Factor.”  Simply put, with God there is no limit to what can be done in His Name and Authority on the earth.  When God wants to do something, he speaks His word to someone who dares to believe it saying, “Be it unto me, even according to your word.”

    What are you facing today that seems impossible?  What is impossible with man is possible with God. He can resurrect the dead, so He can give life to you and life more abundantly. He healed the woman with the issue of blood, who had been in that condition for twelve years, simply because she reached out in faith to touch Him.  Her faith and action caught up with her confession, and she received her healing and wholeness from Christ.  God is our only source and we trust Him to do what men call impossible.

His Race is Won

November 9th – Pastor Jonathan Willey
The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”  My spiritual Father, the man who led me to Christ went home to be with His Savior this week. When I heard of his passing, at first I became somewhat emotional and tears welled up in my eyes, but then I thought of how happy he must be in God’s presence.

I thought of the year 1967 when I first met Buster Bozman, and how his lifestyle and character affected my young life. I saw something in him that I wanted for myself.  Shortly thereafter I received Christ as my Savior because of Buster’s influence.  I share this with you today so that we will always be aware of the fact that how we live our lives every day can impact the lives of so many others. Only eternity will reveal how many people we have been able to influence and direct towards the incredible love and mercy of our God and Savior.

Each day is a gift from God, that is why it is called the present. While I am saddened by our loss, I am encouraged by Heaven’s gain. I will see you again my friend.

The Giving Christian – Part 2

November 5th – Pastor Jonathan Willey

Last week we talked about the “Giving Christian.”  Today we continue that thought; I am sure that almost every Christian at one time or another has felt that they had very little to give to the Kingdom of God, but the truth is that everyone has something to give.

We can give the gift of service, by devoting our day to Christ.  Start each day asking God to make you sensitive to the needs of other people around you.  Someone you meet today may need you to minister to them in a special way, and by asking God to make you sensitive to their need, you find yourself able to “give” something to them.  Someone in your family may need a phone call, a letter, or just a kind word of encouragement.  Be quick to obey God each and every day and “give” into their lives.

Maybe your church or your Pastor needs something to be done this week; by being sensitive and looking for opportunities to serve you can give to your local church.  If someone in your church is struggling with something and you are made aware of it, find a way to serve that family, and by so doing, fulfill the law of Christ.  Paul wrote in Galatians 6:2 “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  We always have something to give, so give the gift of service to someone today.

The Giving Christian – Part 1

October 25th – Pastor Jonathan Willey

I have heard Christians from time to time say, “I have nothing or very little to give.” The truth of the matter is that we are never without the ability to give something because of the blessing of Christ within us.  Think about these ways to give.

First we can give the gift of truth; Peter said, “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.” (I Peter 3:15).  Secondly we can give the gift of help; Help comes in many forms and can take the shape of financial contributions, personal advice, physical assistance and emotional/spiritual comfort. The list of ways to help others is endless. Can we be a friend to the friendless, a counselor to the confused or a peacemaker to the troubled?  Decidedly yes!

May we be aware and sensitive to the spiritual, physical, financial and emotional needs of others and always be ready to give to them and learn to live as a “Giving Christian.”  Peter knew the man at the gate called beautiful needed to be healed more than he needed a hand-out, so Peter gave to him what he himself possessed, the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Decide today to become a Giving Christian.