One of the great projects in the OT was the construction of Solomon’s Temple.  The dream was actually born in the heart of Solomon’s father, David.  Early in his reign David revealed to the prophet Nathan his desire to build a temple to take the place of the tabernacle that had been around forever.  In David’s mind, God deserved a beautiful new building, not an old tent.  

The Lord was pleased with David’s desire.  However, He made it known through the prophet that the temple would be built, not by David, but by one of his sons.  David’s calling was that of a warrior-king (1 Chronicles 28:3).  Solomon, whose name means “peaceful,” had a different calling.  Rather than fighting battles and killing giants like his father, Solomon would build the temple that would later bear his name.

 So what did David do?  He spent years preparing for the temple that someone else would build.  And when the time came he handed Solomon the written construction plans plus a fortune in gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, marble, precious stones, and everything else needed.  He even gave out of his personal resources to build the temple he would never see.

We have just come through a great mission’s convention.  As I listened to each speaker I felt the call to their field of service.  I was in South Africa with Alan Pettenger, and French-speaking Africa with Jim Byh.  Then my heart traveled to Bangladesh with Larry Smith.  And then at our mission’s café, I was in India with Ken Belbin.  Maybe you can identify.  But now it’s Monday morning and we are all still right here in SW Florida, our mission field.

Here’s the deal.  Just as God called David to provide for the great work that Solomon would accomplish, so God calls us to give so that others can go.  And just as David was rewarded along with Solomon for the construction of the temple (1 Kings 8:18; 2 Chronicles 6:8), so we will share in the rewards of those who were able to go because we gave.

Be encouraged today.  We are part of a construction project far greater than Solomon’s Temple that was later destroyed by the Babylonians.  We are working in partnership with Christ Himself Who said, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). 

 

Pastor Todd Weston

One of my favorite Christian artists of the ‘70’s and ‘80’s was Andrae Crouch.  I first began listening to Andrae Crouch and the Disciples (as they were known) in 1975.  That’s when our family moved to California and my best friend gave me the album “Take Me Back” as a going-away gift.  I wore it out!

Andrae Crouch wrote and recorded such classics as:

·         The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power
·         My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)
·         Jesus Is The Answer
·         Soon And Very Soon

One of my personal favorites is, “Through It All.”  Maybe you’ve heard the song before.  If not, just go to www.youtube.com and type in “Through It All Andrae Crouch.”  You will be blessed.  The song begins with this verse:

“I've had many tears and sorrows,
I've had questions for tomorrow,
There's been times I didn't know right from wrong.
But in every situation,
God gave me blessed consolation,
That my trials come to only make me strong.”

Another verse delivers this perspective on the trials of life:

“I thank God for the mountains,
And I thank Him for the valleys,
I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.
For if I'd never had a problem,
I wouldn't know God could solve them,
I'd never know what faith in God could do.”

And then the chorus reaches this crescendo of faith:

“Through it all, through it all,
I've learned to trust in Jesus,
I've learned to trust in God.
Through it all, through it all,
I've learned to depend upon His Word.”

For anyone going “Through It All,” let the message of this song encourage your heart today!

Pastor Todd Weston

Late one night, a man had gone to a party and had too much to drink, so he decided it would be best to walk home.  He found a shortcut through a poorly lit cemetery and, in the darkness, stumbled into an open grave.  He tried to climb out but the walls were too slippery.  Again and again he fell back into the grave.  Finally, in exhaustion, he settled in a dark corner to wait for sunlight.

A few minutes later, another man in the same condition was cutting through the cemetery and fell into the same grave.  He, too, tried desperately to climb out, and was equally unsuccessful. As he was about to give up, he heard a voice from the darkness of his pit: "You may as well give up. You’ll never get out of here."

He did!

A little motivation can go a long ways!  It can enable you to do things you never thought possible.  The first pastor I worked for right out of Bible College drilled this concept into my young mind: success in life and ministry depends on being a self-starter!  Don’t wait for someone or something to motivate you.  Learn how to motivate yourself.

It’s like Paul told Timothy, “Stir up the gift of God which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6).  It’s in you.  You just have to stir it up.  Paul was telling Timothy to be a self-starter.  He was saying, “If you sense your motivation diminishing, you are the one responsible to turn it around.  If the spiritual embers of your soul are cooling, you must stir them up until they are hot again!  Don’t blame your lack of motivation on anything or anyone else.  You are responsible.” 

So stir up the gift in you.  Shake off that spirit of apathy and get passionate again.  Get motivated and stay motivated.  Don’t be a starter and a quitter.  Be a starter and a finisher.  It’s your job.  No one else is going to do it for you.  So get to work.  Get motivated!

Pastor Todd Weston

Have you ever stopped to consider the many benefits of light?  The benefits are too numerous to name in this short article, but here are a few just to get you thinking about it.  Light –

·         Clarifies
·         Illuminates
·         Inspires
·         Reveals
·         Heals
·         Is life giving
·         Warns of danger
·         Provides safety

This world is a dark place.  Like the people described in Matthew 4:16, a lot of people today are in a state of spiritual darkness.  They are lost.  Others find themselves in dark and foreboding circumstances.  They are scared.  Maybe you can identify.

If so, listen up because there’s good news!  As Mike Young reminded the men at our monthly breakfast last Saturday, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned” (Matt. 4:16).  This verse is talking about Jesus – the Light of the world.  When Jesus comes in, darkness leaves!

There are billions of people today sitting in spiritual darkness.  Many have never received an adequate presentation of the gospel.  They need light.  This is why we dedicate an entire month to missions.  I encourage you to attend each service and catch the spirit of world missions.  I especially want to invite you to the Missions Café on Friday, February 22nd.  This beautiful evening will include a special mission’s presentation by our Creative Arts team, along with an inspiring message from Assemblies of God missionary Ken Belbin (India).

When you stop and think about it from eternity’s perspective, there is nothing more important than reaching the world for Jesus Christ.  Most people today are in darkness.  If something isn’t done, they will spend eternity in darkness.  Come on River of Life!  Let’s turn on the light!

Pastor Todd Weston