God's Sovereignty

God gives rulership to whoever He wants, no one can stop Him or avert His good and righteous plan.
As A.W. Pink once wrote:
"The sovereignty of the God of Scripture is absolute, irresistible, infinite. When we say God is sovereign, we affirm His right to govern the universe, which He has made for His own glory, just as He pleases... He is under no obligation to give account of His matters to any." (A.W. Pink, The Sovereignty Of God, pg 21)

A Pagan ruler Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, was given revelation about God's sovereignty: 

Daniel 4:29 GNV

"And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass, as the oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou knowest, that the most High beareth rule over the kingdom of men, and giveth it unto whomsoever he will."

See this absolute sovereignty stated again in the New Testament in Romans 13:1-3

Romans 13:1-3 1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)

"1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers: for there is no power but of God: and the powers that be, are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist, shall receive to themselves condemnation.

3 For Magistrates are not to be feared for good works, but for evil. Wilt thou then be without fear of the power? do well: so shalt thou have praise of the same."

Same passage in the ESV:

Romans 13:1-3 English Standard Version (ESV)

1Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,

God has sovereignty over all nations at all times and works His multi-faceted plan in ways we cannot fathom. Many of us have a list of things we think need to happen in Canada, (or in another country like the US) but God alone knows ALL that needs to happen in our nations. Remember that if you don't like who is leading, pray for them and remember that God set them there to accomplish HIS will (not theirs). These rulers may think that they are accomplishing their own will but just keep in mind that God is working His own will, and doing what needs to be done to wake up His church and His people. We should always pray that God puts the right people in power. And He will answer those prayers, even when we can't understand God's choices.

Habakkuk 1:6 GNV
"For lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and furious nation, which shall go upon the breadth of the land to possess the dwelling places that are not theirs."

We can rest assured that God does what is best and will sometimes place wicked rulers in power for a season. In the Bible, this is often how God dealt with His people when they refused to repent from continuous sin on a national level.
 Sometimes and in some seasons, He places righteous rulers in power (2 Chron. 34:1-3). It all depends on what God, who is always pure (Hab. 1:13), righteous (Psa. 25:8), and holy (Psa. 99:5) , wants to do. Study the Scriptures, and ask The Holy Spirit to teach you the will of the Lord. Rest in the peace of knowing that God, your Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ, is in charge and is taking care of you! 

Luke 12:7 GNV

"Yea, and all the hairs of your head are numbered: fear not therefore: ye are more of value than many sparrows."

No election result, or plot, or political corruption, or other device of humans can stop or change that fact.

Proverbs 19:21 GNV
"Many devices are in a man’s heart: but the counsel of the Lord shall stand."
 

God Bless

Pastor Curtis

Sat Oct. 8, 2016 10:15pm EST

Slow Down and Read

Stop and meditate on each point that Jesus makes in this ONE bible verse. Slow down and read every line. Holy Spirit please reveal your Word to us, in Jesus' Name.

John 15:16 (Geneva)

a) Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you...

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b) and ordained you...

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c) that ye go and bring forth fruits...

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d) and that your fruit remain...

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e) that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my Name, he may give it you.

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In general a Christian's favourite part of this verse is usually part e. But stop and read the context and the conditions of this promise. The verse is all one sentence, a single complete thought that houses several different important points.

He chose you... it was not you who chose Jesus. He chose us and ORDAINED us (set us in order, arranged us). He wants us to GO and bear FRUIT (Gal. 5:22-23). Not only that but He wants our fruit to REMAIN ( be constant). In that context, we can ask the Father for anything in Jesus' Name, and He will grant it to us, in His due time. 

Blessings!
Pastor Curtis 

9-11-16 4:37 PM EST

"A Sound of Newmarket" for Jesus

One of the ministries our church supports and is connected to is the ministry of a Prophetic Minstrel named Jackie McArthur from Northern Ireland. He plays a variety of instruments including the guitar, and he writes much music. The prophetic word often flows spontaneously from his music.
He pastors a congregation in Belfast. He has visited our church on numerous occasions and preached, performed his songs and prophesied. Here is a video featuring an example of Jackie's music:

Upon hearing some of my own original music Jackie had this to say:

He called my music a "Sound of Newmarket" (Newmarket, ON is my location) much in the way his music is a "Sound of Belfast". He also told our congregation something very important that I have cherished:
He challenged our people by saying: "If you don't like Pastor Curtis' music, then it's up to you to write something better." It's not that people have truly complained about my music. No. Actually, I generally get compliments and encouragement about my songs, both locally and internationally. The point of Jackie's statement was that I don't have to be the only local person making these songs, that the Holy Spirit is able to inspire anyone. And many of those who He inspires will be songwriters and/or musicians.
Every song is a risk. Every time I share something new, it is a piece of my heart on display for the Lord and for others to hear. It opens one to the risk of criticism and one must learn to overcome their fear of being disliked. Sometimes, people don't like my songs, or how I record/perform them. And this is perfectly fine... because I wrote it for the Lord, and I feel His pleasure when I create and sing my songs.

Of course, I am always striving to learn and grow, so I am willing to hear constructive advise from fellow Christian musicians who also put themselves at "risk" by sharing their own music. I am courageous enough to keep sharing my heart using music, and allowing my own unique musical flavour come out. And I truly HOPE that my music stirs others to write and create for the LORD! If someone thinks they can write a better song than me, GREAT! If you do it for the LORD, then my song has accomplished its task in your life!!

So in the end, if someone does NOT like my music, then that's ok, as long as you still love Jesus and worship Him.
It's ok to have differing styles or tastes in musical genres because styles are not the main thing- the Lord is the central focus.
So don't expect me to change my style. I'm not changing my musical flavour for people. I will share what the Lord lays on my heart, whether people approve or not. My approval comes from the Lord, not public opinion. I appreciate compliments, but in the end, the music is meant to stand out and challenge people to read their Bibles and remember the Word of God and to follow Jesus. And if you think you have a better song, then GO for it. Instead of suggesting that I write your music, get busy and write it yourself, for Jesus!

In other words, all believers have the Spirit of God and it is not up to the pastors (like me) to do "everything" in the church. All believers are part of the priesthood (Rev 1:5-6) of Jesus the High Priest (Hebrews 7:17) who is after the order of Melchisedec. And Jesus is the Chief singer. (Heb 2:12). So our Melchisedec priesthood is a musical one, and all believers are a part of that priesthood.

I have written and recorded at least 30 original songs in the last 8 years or so, and most of them have made it onto my youtube channel in music-video format. Some are being used in live worship at our church.

Here is one of my most viewed videos, "Jesus High Priest":

And here is my very latest original song, "The Perfect Reason" published Aug 12/16:

 

 

The point of my music is:

a) To glorify The Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour and Lord and King.

b) To encourage/instruct/teach people using Biblical, didactic music.

 

The Bible says:

Ephesians 5:18-20 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

¹⁹ addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,

²⁰ giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

 

I enjoy experimenting with a variety of styles, electronic, classical, western, contemporary etc. But my main focus is always on the Word of God, finding ways to sing it to edify myself and others while praising God. My music is very didactic, and I have been told it sometimes sounds like Messianic Praise due to my use of specific rhythms and minor keys. I sometimes get inspired to create lyrics and music about Bible verses that are not usually sung: such as Romans 13:13 or Romans 8:24 or Hebrews 7:17. I have even been invited to use some of my original music in worship services in our church. I have humbly counted that to be an honour and privilege. My style generally does not contain as much "emotional" content as it does "Biblical" and "instructional" content. It is not for entertainment but for edification.
I am not a "professional" artist, and I am fine with that. I am singing and creating for Jesus to the best of my ability, in His Spirit.  

 

Aside from myself, we have had many local musicians come through and share their unique style in the Lord with us. Here is a fellow Canadian Christian, living in Ontario, Peter Nemeth, sharing his original song "Who Will" with us on the Hammer Dulcimer:

 

 

 

So... what is the LORD speaking to you? What has He laid on YOUR heart to do for Him? Music? Art? Service? Ministry? What ever the Lord gives to you, do it with all your might for His Glory. Do it in the Name of Jesus, so that the churches might be encouraged and built up in the faith!

God bless!

Pastor Curtis

Mon Aug 15 2016 12:03am EST

 



Singles: Glorify God with your Sexuality

I have a question for you. One that I have wrestled with myself.
Why would God give you a precious gift only to ask you to temporarily lay it down for Him (for a long season or a short one)?
Are you motivated by pleasing God, or by pleasing self?

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (GENEVA)
"Know ye not, that your body is the temple of the holy Ghost, which is in you, whom ye have of God? and ye are not your own. For ye are bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit: for they are God’s."

2 Corinthians 9:7 (GENEVA)

"As every man wisheth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

 

Genesis 22:11-12 (GENEVA)
"11 But the Angel of the Lord called unto him from heaven, saying, Abraham, Abraham. And he answered, Here am I.

12 Then he said, Lay not thine hand upon the child, neither do anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing for my sake thou hast not spared thine only son."

I've come to a conclusion. I've decided I want to lay my life down for Jesus. I cheerfully and willingly give Him my self. I give Him the gifts that He first gave me (for we can give nothing to Him except what He first gives us!)
Sexuality is a good and God-ordained gift. He designed it, and tells us how to use it. Since sexuality is built into the good design of our bodies, It is primarily to glorify God.... according to Paul in 1 Cor. 6:19-20. Marital sex glorifies God and sexual purity glorifies God. Both married disciples and unmarried disciples can practice sexual purity, and thus, glorify God. But there is something very precious about total and willing surrender to God in a season of singleness. One must walk the path to truly understand it. I am walking and learning in this path.
God gave me a revelation that has helped me. Rather than focusing on what I cannot do as a Christian single (cohabitate with a woman outside of marriage, or have unmarried sex,  etc etc.) or on what I MIGHT be able to do, I have come realize that God doesn't want to TAKE anything away from me, including sexuality. It is a valuable and beautiful gift. He delights when His son or daughter CHOOSES to give a gift to God with a CHEERFUL heart. It takes a change in attitude, and a change in focus. If I choose to give it ALL to God, then it no longer matters what is permissible or not regarding sex acts. All has been cheerfully given to God.... for a time. When God changes the season to a time of marriage, you will know!!

Singles who are Christian have a particularly challenging life because we are caught between two worlds... a world of sanctified sex in the marriage union, and the realm of worldly sex where people have fallen into sin. Keep in mind, I have known pure marital intimacy. I have been single again for almost 7 years. In my time as a single, I have been practicing sexual abstinence. So I have an understanding of both sides of this two-sided coin. But God has been helping me to increase in purity.

We as singles are surrounded by all kinds of things pointing toward sex.... good sex and bad sex. Focusing on good sex (in marriage) when we have no prospective mate can leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled and impatient. And focusing on bad sex (sin) leaves us a bit cynical and distrusting and maybe even feeling hopeless.

 But never spurn the gift God gave you. Never ask Him to take it away... like I once did at a time when I was feeling hopelessness in my singleness. God has no pleasure in taking things away when He placed them squarely in your domain. He gave you sexuality as a gift and a responsibility.

 But He does delight when we cheerfully lay our beautiful gift down for Him. Abraham willingly gave what God desired, until God told Him to stop.
Are we willing to give God what God desires? He desires holiness. He desires obedience and trust. He desires the Fruit of the Spirit, including self-control. He desires the very BEST for each of us.

So as I contemplated this, the Holy Spirit reminded me that my focus should be on making USE of my sexuality for God in a pure way: complete surrender. I make use of it, and it does not go to waste, as far as God is concerned. It is so precious that I lay the gift on the altar for God. It is just for a season, not necessarily for a lifetime.

Our bodies are always meant to bring glory to God first. God's glory has a higher priority than anything else. That is why I believe God has allowed me to walk in a season of singleness for these past 6 1/2 years. He wanted me to discover the true joy of being a cheerful giver of my own body to Him for His glory.

I GIVE the gift from a willing heart, and that makes the giving so much easier. I used to focus on all the things I CAN'T do or all the things I MIGHT be able to do. I used to perform mental and scriptural gymnastics to find justifications for behaviours that were neither prohibited nor expressly allowed in Scripture (example: masturbation).

But now, the Lord has taught me that my gift is beautiful and valuable, and that it is put to GOOD USE by giving it up completely and freely to God. That is part of how we glorify God in our bodies. Complete surrender. Practicing this has brought my heart to a place where I receive new confidence in Christ, and joy from God.

If you don't want to surrender out of love for GOD, then your habits will not change! Sexuality is a heart issue at its core. And as I discovered, God is gentle and patient. Don't worry if you aren't at this point in your life yet, where you feel you can surrender it all to Him. Give it time, and keep walking and growing deeper in your relationship to Jesus. Let His love slowly change your heart. Let Him show you the secret treasures of singleness.

These days, I find myself caught up in the inexplicable joy of letting God have all my being. To the flesh, it makes no sense. But in the Holy Spirit, it is a reasonable and lovely sacrifice.

 By giving it all up for God, I find peace, and assurance that my sexuality is going to good use! It is CURRENTLY doing the MOST IMPORTANT THING in the universe: Glorifying God!

Surrender is only meaningful to God when we do it from our own free will and love of Jesus. And He does not force us to give anything.
 If we stop a behaviour begrudgingly, then soon enough we will find ourselves falling back into those very same fleshly habits once again. Why? Because we are focused on what we CAN'T have. We know sex is designed for marriage, for mutual spousal enjoyment, and also for procreation. But we often miss the fact that it is useful when we are single too. We can practice purity, and surrender our gift to God for His glory.

It is time to shift the focus up toward God and His high calling. Jesus is calling. He wants you to know He loves you and designed you and He saves all who call on His name and turn from sin.

There is surprising joy in giving up all sexuality into the care of the Lord God. It remains your sexuality, but you have now entrusted Jesus with its care and protection every day. You no longer try and please yourself your own way, but sincerely want God to be pleased instead. That shows just how much you value your sexuality.
 This delights Him. As a single, this is a powerful way to bring God glory. Sexuality is useful in singleness because of this.

Now if you want to get married, go for it, in Godly wisdom. Jesus did not prohibit marriage. But He also did not require it either. The choice is really up to you. Just be sure to follow the discipleship call regardless of what choice you make. If you do choose to get married, your gift of sexuality will be put to good use in the sexual union of husband and wife. That honours God.

 But as long as you remain single, and sexually pure, you can still put that gift to good use today. Give it all to God's care. Jesus said, where your treasure is, that is where your heart will be. Let us surrender the gift of sexuality to God.

May we realize that such a willing and cheerful gift each day will bring glory to God each day. And that is the reason we were put on earth, to bring glory to God the Father. There is no better honour.
I am still learning and growing in this, as we all are, and I hope to encourage you with a taste of my own journey with Christ.

God Bless,
-Pastor Curtis
 Jul 13, 2016 11:57PM EST

What does the Bible say about cohabitation?

Do you want the blessing of God on your house? If so, read on. If not, better click to another page.

Romans 13:13 1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)
13 So that we walk honestly, as in the day: not in gluttony, and drunkenness, neither in chambering and wantonness, nor in strife and envying.

Romans 13:13 King James Version (KJV)
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

Hebrews 13:4 1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)
4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Hebrews 13:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Definition of Greek word for Chambering/Bed on BlueletterBible .org
G2845
"koitē
Pronunciation
koi'-tā (Key)     
feminine noun

Root Word (Etymology)
KJV Translation Count — Total: 4x
The KJV translates Strongs G2845 in the following manner: bed (2x), conceive (1x), chambering (1x).

Outline of Biblical Usage
I.a place for lying down, resting, sleeping in
A.a bed, couch
II.the marriage bed
A.of adultery
III.cohabitation, whether lawful or unlawful
A.sexual intercourse
Strong’s Definitions
κοίτη koítē, koy'-tay; from G2749; a couch; by extension, cohabitation; by implication, the male sperm:—bed, chambering, × conceive."

What makes "KOYTAY" permissible in Heb 13:4 but NOT in Romans 13:13? Answer: Heb 13:4 "Marriage"
Marriage is what makes cohabitation (and sexual intercourse) right, according to God's Word.

Definition of Greek word for "Marriage" on Blueletterbible .org:
G 1062
"gamos
Pronunciation
gä'-mos
KJV Translation Count — Total: 16x
The KJV translates Strongs G1062 in the following manner: marriage (9x), wedding (7x).

Outline of Biblical Usage
I.a wedding or marriage festival, a wedding banquet, a wedding feast
II.marriage, matrimony
Strong’s Definitions
gámos, gam'-os; of uncertain affinity; nuptials:—marriage, wedding."

It's not my idea, it is the Lord's Word. He simply showed it to me. So we know from two Bible verses, that:

a) God is FOR MARRIAGE - a wedding with 2 or 3 witnesses, a witnessed and signed covenant.
b) God is FOR Cohabitation and sex AFTER the man and woman have had their proper marriage/wedding and have already committed themselves to God and to each other in that witnessed/signed COVENANT.
c) Cohabitation (common law living) and/or sex is not justified in God's eyes without GAMOS (Wedding/Marriage).
Do you believe God and His Word? Do you conform your thinking and ways to His ways? I know I do!

Now if you have sinned, do not worry, repent, and change your ways! God forgives all sins like chambering. But it means changing your lifestyle and either separating or getting an official marriage.
So there is hope for those who have commited the sin of chambering. You CAN be forgiven and you CAN change your living arrangements! So this is an educational word, a word from God not me. It is a word of exhortation to rise up to God's standard. Avoid what the Bible calls "chambering" and what blueletterbible defines as "unlawful cohabitation". Instead, honour God and Christ through a wedding and proper covevant. God is wanting to bless you but He cannot bless a sin like chambering. 
So remember what Jesus said:
"With God all things are possible." Even getting a proper marriage! 

God bless you.
Blessings,
-Pastor Curtis

Singleness: Always Having All Sufficiency

According to Scripture, you can be SUFFICIENT and COMPLETE with or without marriage. It is because of God's grace.

Paul the Apostle said:

2 Corinthians 9:8 GNV

"And God is able to make all grace to abound toward you, that ye always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound in every good work,"

 

Just notice this powerful phrase in the above Scripture: "always having all sufficiency". That is consistent supply for all your needs! Wow! Praise Jesus for that!

 

God is ABLE to make ALL grace abound toward ME and YOU. You and I will always have ALL SUFFICIENCY in ALL THINGS, if we depend wholly on Jesus Christ.

Whether this season changes or not, God has already made me sufficient! All by His unearned gift of favour (grace).

Paul, an unmarried man, experienced "all sufficiency" in Christ, which is why he wrote about it.

And really, what better way to truly discover the power of His grace than when you have no one else to depend on?

I have been discovering this very same sufficiency as I lean on Jesus. What a precious gift.

 

God is able to give you and me ALL Grace and....

 

ALL Sufficiency to work.

ALL Sufficiency to minister.

ALL Sufficiency to rest.

ALL Sufficiency to be in fellowship with the spiritual family of God.

ALL Sufficiency in personal needs.

ALL Sufficiency in supply.

ALL Sufficiency in love.

ALL Sufficiency in affection.
ALL Sufficiency in holiness.
ALL Sufficiency in peace.

ALL Sufficiency in __________ (fill in the need here).

Examine Paul's words carefully: He left no stone unturned in his statement. The word "all" does not mean "some". It means "everything". It is an absolute statement about the absolute God.

So when God promises you ALL sufficiency in ALL things: then take Him at His word and believe Him. Jesus did say that He has ALL power (Mat 28:18-20). So His ability is NOT limited.

As a believer in Christ, get specific with what you need, and ask your Heavenly Father in Jesus' Name.

It no longer depends on your marital status. It depends on God. Our Lord Jesus (who was unmarried) proved it when He walked upon the earth in complete harmony with the Heavenly Father in the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul also remained single and yet demonstrated that he experienced this kind of sufficiency. And if you desire to get married, then do it in wisdom. Marriage is a Godly institution between one man and one woman according to Scripture. It is completely our choice to marry or remain single. Jesus and Paul do not prohibit marriage. But they also do not REQUIRE it for the Godly disciple or leader. So if marriage would help you, then do it. If not, then stay single like Jesus and Paul did.

 Whatever you prayerfully choose, don't make the mistake of looking for your sufficiency outside of Christ. You can have Christ today. You can have always have all the sufficiency you need by His grace TODAY! It is NOT self-sufficiency. It is also NOT spousal-sufficiency.
No. Scripture teaches that it is Christ-sufficiency we need. By Christ alone am I sufficient.
Nothing can add to, or "improve" the sufficiency of Christ. Not singleness. Not marriage. Not wealth. Not popularity. Not any thing. The sufficiency of Christ depends on NOTHING BUT CHRIST JESUS HIMSELF. It is perfect. His sufficiency is superior to any and all conditions of life, such as singleness or marriage. It truly surpasses our understanding. And yet, we can have this sufficiency in Christ, by GRACE today.

And how can you learn this unless you are willing to press into all that God is and all that He has for you? Why wait?

I am convinced this is the benefit to being single for years now.

I can honestly say God supplies ALL my sufficiency by His unearned favour - His GRACE. Once upon a time, years ago, I did not fully appreciate singleness. I used to think marriage was the only "real" option. But now I have more Biblical balance to my thinking. Both marriage and singleness are good gifts and seasons (1 Cor. 7:7 and Eccl. 3:5b) to be used in the Body of Christ. No one is "better" than anyone else. Your marital status does not make you "better" or "worse" than anyone else. Not according to the Word of God and the Grace of God.
 No one can boast except in the cross of Jesus Christ. (Gal. 6:14) Grace is the only thing that makes us acceptable to God. Grace is the only thing that makes us "sufficient".

I appreciate the amazing grace I experience in singleness, and the humility God has been working into me.

You're not locked into singleness. You could marry someday, and be blessed. But once you do get married, then you are locked into that covenant and more demands will be placed on your time. I know, I was once married.
So use your current freedom from marriage duties to pursue Christ. Be sure you connect to Christ, not just on the individual level, but also on the corporate level. Jesus works through local churches - His Body. It is important you are a part of a local church.

This is a Biblical challenge for you: Press into God's sufficiency whether you are married or not. Know that God gives you unmerited favour (grace) to do all that He has called you to do, and that you matter to Jesus! He loves you. And remember, this all-sufficient grace is so that you may "abound in every good work"!

Blessings,

Pastor Curtis

Jun 24 2016 9:51AM EST

Celebrating Anniversaries As a Single

I am a little late, in writing this. But the Holy Spirit JUST reminded me... that this month (May) is the 15th ANNIVERSARY since I began in Christian ministry leadership in my church. I believe the exact date was Sunday, May 13th, 2001. I was already going to Church On The GO as an attendee. But then the window of opportunity was offered to me as a young man, and I took it. I began to volunteer to teach the youth sunday class. I even drew cartoons with Scripture.

This is by far one of the very best things that the Lord has ever done for me.

Thank Jesus for 15 years of Christian leadership ministry, and 16 years (nearly) at the same church. I could not have done it without the Lord. I started as a single, and behold, I am single again now!

 

Thanks to ChristArt.com for this free image. http://www.christart.com/clipart/image/birthday-cake

Just because you are unmarried does not mean you do not have anniversaries you can celebrate. The Lord has done SO many significant things for you and I, and He INITIATED and MAINTAINED so much for us. Think about all the dates God has done something amazing for you. These are events and dates that have nothing to do with marriage, things that marriage has no bearing on. Whether you are currently married or single, choose to celebrate those anniversaries. It is an exercise in gratefulness and it helps us keep a proper heavenly perspective.

See, I COULD have focused on the 'negative' anniversary of May. I could have focused on my old marriage anniversary which was May 21 2005. That marriage ended in divorce sadly in October 2009, because of being abandoned by a non-credible (Greek: "APISTOS" meaning either incredulous, or unbelieving or both) wife (1 Cor. 7:15). 
See APISTOS definition here: https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G571&t=KJV 

But I am long past that. The LORD gave me a ministry when I was a young man, just 21. That was long before marriage. I was single at that time. I believe the date was May 13th, 2001, when Pastor Rev. Marg Coates (she went home to be with the Lord in May 2012) opened the door for me to begin leading in a youth ministry at the church. Today, I am single yet again, and I have since become the Assistant Pastor, and I have been officially "on staff" with the church for years now. 

I am so very GRATEFUL for the privilege to celebrate my 15th anniversary in ministry. This is a distinctly "SINGLE" anniversary, and a Godly anniversary, particularly in my life, because I was single when God called me. This is not to say I will never remarry. But the Lord's call to Ministry leadership was the key event, the greatest event, of my 20's, and nothing else. Jesus, and His voice, must be our immediate priority. Discipleship is about immediate and continual response and obedience to the voice of the Shepherd, Jesus Christ, at any cost.

Ministry is just another word for servanthood. It is exactly like the servanthood of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. Jesus demonstrated servanthood in His own leadership ministry, despite being the King of Kings. This is the model all servants of the Lord should follow, in heart and in principal and in action. It is nothing grand and showy. It is only for the meek and the lowly. Ministry is not for those who think they will be exalted by it. Anyone seeking to serve the Lord will be humbled in ministry, as I was. The Lord exalts the humble and the meek in His own time.

Abandonment (2008) and divorce (2009), as horrible as those events were, became the events God used to soften me and humble me (Romans 8:28). Pride cannot survive the call to ministry. So I am not "great" in my own eyes, or in anyone else's. I am a simple shepherd, a pastor, who loves helping others and teaching them the Word in a way that they can grow. I rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. I was mentored by Pastor Rev. Steve Coates. And really, I am constantly aware of the miracle that I am actually still in the ministry, despite being divorced. Ministry survived, by the grace of God. That keeps me quite humble. And so I should be. I have nothing useful in myself apart from the blood of Christ, the Spirit of Christ, and the power of Christ. Everything I need and desire is Christ. As flawed as I am, He still uses this vessel as I obey Him.

I love the Lord more than I love the prospect of getting a godly wife. And the fact is, I really think I am the least of the pastors in my church and in my broader ministerial. Everyone else has had more experience than me. My servanthood does not compare to the amazing hearts and service of those who have gone before me.

What has Jesus done for you? What are the significant dates that God has moved in your life? Don't wait until you are married before celebrating an ANNIVERSARY!

What are the Holy Spirit's anniversaries of your life? Find those things and use them as a tool of gratitude, to help you see God's patterns of consistent faithfulness in your life. You will be amazed and humbled at just how faithful Jesus has been to you over the years.

What was....

... the moment He gave you New Birth (The hour of your personal Salvation)?
... a time He rescued you from troubles?
... the moment He called you to walk the path of ministry?
... the moment He changed something in your life for the best?
... The moment He healed you miraculously?
That is just a handful of many possibilities.
There are myriads of OTHER examples we can find in Scripture and in our personal walk with Jesus. What is HIS STORY (History) in your life? Find those days and mark them as anniversaries of His faithfulness to you. 

God bless.

Pastor Curtis

Sun. May 22 2016 3:53pm EST