While We Can

Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Rev 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

As I read through Revelation it is stunning to see the extent of the great judgment that the Lord, the righteous Judge will pour out on this earth as He fulfils His promise of wrath on the ungodly and reaps a harvest of souls, primarily those of the children of Israel.

I read of all those that will take the mark of the beast and worship his image for temporary convenience, commerce and supposed safety only to have the first vial judgment afflict them horribly.
Rev 16:2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

It is much the same now, there is a false sense of security this world has in something. It may be religion, it may be our strong military or it may be economic prosperity but the time is coming and is soon present when a judgment will come that will have a staggering world effect.
Oba 1:3 The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Oba 1:4 Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.

If God chooses to pour judgment out on America prior to the rapture I would expect to see what we see in Revelation, that while some will turn to God, many others will also blaspheme His name. A third group, of course, would die in the process, their souls being sent off to an eternal destination. The time is short.

We are blessed and priveleged to have the everlasting gospel to preach of Christ who died and rose again to pay for our sins and give us a way to eternal life. We have but a short time, we know there is impending judgment, we know that billions of souls are in jeopardy right now and we know our loving and longsuffering Saviour ordained in this time in history for us to be the conduit for the gospel to go to all the world.

What a challenge, what a privelege, what a sober and humbling responsibility. What grave consequences are on the line, what little time there is - lets be faithful and fervent to spread the gospel - While we Can

God is going to put the gospel, at least in part, into the hands of an angel during the tribulation. Right now, it is in our hands. Through the leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit of God and His word, may we be found faithfully preaching that glorious gospel wherever we are when that trumpet blows. Satan would like nothing more than to keep us from this crucial work, I expect that he has had success in doing that more than once in each of our lives through distractions, busyness, wrong priorities, sin or otherwise. Today is a new day, to be devoted to Jesus Christ, He deserves our all and with His help, we can give Him our all - While we Can

A great day

Yesterday was a blessing. It was my wifes birthday and I took the day off, not for her birthday but so that we could spend the entire day with people she had never met before. Ok, obviously that didn't sound good.

The people she hadn't met were my missionary friends from Cebu, Philippines - the Lewis Family. They came in late Tuesday and will only be here until Friday morning. (A special thanks to Pastor Vince Giardino and Gospel Light Baptist Church for allowing them to stay in their beautiful missionary apartment/prophets chamber. They made the same accomodations for the Perkins family and it has been a great blessing.) We spent the day yesterday with Travis, Angela, Gideon, Alayna and Victoria (Toria) as well as Angela's mom and dad who are traveling with them this week to see the fall foliage in the Northeast. We had a great day at Letchworth park picnicking, hiking, talking about ministry and building a wonderful friendship. We then went to Old Paths Bible Baptist Church (that support the Lewis Family) for a great service. Brother Travis preached from Luke 5 on the Devastating need (man sick of the palsy), the Devoted men that cared for him and the Deliverance through Christ. He applied it to the great need around the world, the ministry of Christ that we should reflect by being willing to minister to one soul at a time and the dedication it requires. One soul at a time may not seem like much when billions are lost but as was mentioned last night - it makes all the difference in eternity for that one affected. Better than that, the one saved will now go reach others.

I want to thank God for allowing our families to meet and for such a wonderful wife of 11+ years who is so loving and faithful to such a worm as I. Happy birthday Steph!

The Wonderful Grace of Jesus

wonderful, the matchless grace of Jesus...
all-sufficient grace for EVEN ME!

2Co 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
2Co 8:10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

From the throne of glory to a dirty manger He came, His grace strong enough to overcome the 4000 years of rebellion that man had already grieved Him with. He submitted Himself to the influences of pain, weakness, poverty, hunger, thirst, rejection, abuse, temptation, fear and so much more. His poverty was more than just giving up the wealth and worship He enjoyed in glory. He demonstrated to us that not only was He willing to pay a debt that we could not pay and that He did not owe but that He would also be an example of how to set aside the comforts, wealth and pleasures on the earth, to take off the fine apparel and gird ourselves with a towel to wash the feet of others. I have not followed that example nearly enough.

Forward a year ago, what an oft preached statement. For the world that means one step closer to retirement, bigger nest eggs and a nicer car. For Christ, it was further abuse, escalated rejection, increased poverty, more villages to preach in, more feet to wash, more people to minister to - until the culmination - the resurrection - when His work was complete, the joy that was set before Him began to be fulfilled and He took His rightful place at the right hand of the throne of God where He ever lives to make intercession for us (think about that-praying for us)

The richest rewards and payouts are typically with the most costly and often risky investments. This is where there is a difference

• there is a cost to serve God versus fulfilling the lust of our flesh - but not near the price that we deserve to pay for the sin that we are saved from - and eventually we realize that the "temporary cost" is still so beneficial in the relationships formed, the strengthening of family, the trouble that you dont end up in because you live more responsibly and especially the communion we get to enjoy with our Saviour
• there is no risk involved - His word is true - it is a blessed hope we have - even when the message we bring is rejected we are laying up treasure in glory. What amazing grace God has shown us!

2Pe 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Would that eternity was always on my heart, how often I fail so miserably, grieve God, lightly esteem the Rock of my salvation - and yet He is there to forgive and restore!

O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me...
I thank God through Jesus Christ - Rom 7:25

1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

How great is His love for us - I can't wait for the day when we will no longer be bound by these bodies of flesh and can live with Him in perfection and glory!

Proverbs 2 and animals...also

Some thoughts on Proverbs 2

The Fathers Challenge and Conditions
(Pro 2:1) My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

(Pro 2:2) So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

(Pro 2:3) Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

(Pro 2:4) If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

What I don’t see here is the instruction to just LISTEN to music or messages, or just ATTEND (church), or even just SERVE or just Do Right. Serving in a dozen ministries for 30 hours a week would not meet these conditions – service is an outpouring of our love for God. To love God how we should and to please Him with our service - then we must

Receive His word,
Hide His word,
Incline our ears to His wisdom,
Apply our hearts to what He tells us
Cry out for His knowledge
Lift up our voice for understanding
SEEK and SEARCH HIS WORD for it as if for treasure – because that is what it is – of far more value than GOLD AND RUBIES – keep your yacht, keep your cottage, keep your Mercedes, keep your designer clothes – God’s Word is the great treasure – would that our thirst for it would be so strong that we'd have no other desire for stuff, that we wouldn't receive the least bit of relief or false satisfaction from anything but God…

The Fathers Covenant

If you follow the above - Then
(Pro 2:5) Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
1 Statement – 1 verse that expresses the covenant promise but Oh, what that verse contains – the fear of the Lord – the knowledge of God
Do you need the list of the benefits and blessings associated with the Fear of the Lord?
Wisdom
Knowledge
By Humility and fear of the Lord are riches and honour and life

By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil

the List of verses about the Fear of the Lord is big - DO A STUDY ON IT!

Do we need the verses from Paul and Moses and Jeremiah and other saying how there is nothing more important in all the universe than to KNOW GOD – Phil 3:7-10, Ex 33:13, Jer 9:23-24

The Fathers Cabinet
O the riches that God has reserved, the wealth, the wisdom, the power, the victory, the knowledge, the treasures that God has laid up – they are reserved for His children –

Treasure of thunder to discomfit those Philistines and make them flee, Samuel
Treasure of hail to vanquish those enemies, Joshua
Treasure of flies, and lice, and frogs and darkness to show His might and prepare the Egyptians to let you go, Moses
Treasures of fire to consume the offering and show who is the one true God, Elijah
Treasures of manna to feed you in the wilderness, children of Israel
Treasures of the Precious Blood of Christ to wash away your filthy rags, sinners (ME!!!)
Treasures of clean garments to cover you with the righteousness of Jesus Christ!!!
Treasures of forgiveness and cleansing by His faithfulness for those who will confess their sins

And Brothers – He has treasures of Wisdom, and Knowledge and Discretion and Understanding that are offered to us through His holy BOOK!

(Pro 2:6) For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

(Pro 2:7) He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

(Pro 2:8) He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

WHAT A PANTRY
Giveth – you must have something to give it
Layeth up – What excess He has available for the asking – do you think God runs out – does wisdom go on back order
Keepeth – is his knowledge ever discontinued
Preserveth – is His word ever something that could be spoiled, could it go bad, could it no longer have value

Could this book have an expiration date somewhere? – “wait, is this it – nope – that's the ISBN number – oh HERE IS THE EXPIRATION DATE - 1Pe 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”

The wisdom, knowledge, understanding, protection, judgment, and guidance of God for the saints is stored up and preserved within His word and through accessing it by faith in prayer…

The Covenant Continued
(Pro 2:9) Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

EVERY GOOD PATH is not understood without an understanding of His righteousness, His judgment, His equity, His fear and His knowledge – these are the covenants – the promised results to those who receive and hide and incline and apply…

The trendsetters, those that establish the precedents that others follow - how often are they followed, looked to and mimicked as a result of personality, popularity, profitability and persuasiveness while having little true understanding - think hollywood

God says - know my word, apply, seek, cry out for it and apply thine heart - then with wisdom you can understand righteousness, judgment and equity and establish Good Paths to follow.

(Pro 2:10) When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

(Pro 2:11) Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

DISCRETION – 1. knowledge and prudence; that discernment which enables a person to judge critically of what is correct and proper, united with caution; nice discernment and judgment, directed by circumspection, and primarily regarding ones own conduct.

A good man--will guide his affairs with discretion. Psa 112.

My son, keep sound wisdom and discretion. Prov 3.
OH FOR PERFECT DISCRETION – OH FOR THE PERFECT KNOWLEDGE OF GOD – WHAT PLEASES HIM IN EVERY AREA SO THAT WHETHER I EAT, DRINK, SING, SPEAK, WORK, WITNESS, SERVE, PRAY, LEAD, LOVE ETC – THAT ALL OF IT IS DONE TO THE UTMOST GLORY OF GOD – THAT MY CHOICE OF SHOES FOR THE DAY WOULD BE THE MOST APPROPRIATE FOR THE TASK AHEAD – THAT EVERY LAMB, EVERY TALENT, EVERY MOMENT THAT I OFFER IN SERVICE TO GOD WOULD BE MY BEST – WOULD BE SPOTLESS AND ACCEPTABLE – IT IS OUR REASONABLE SERVICE

Would that discretion will keep us and understanding preserve us today. Seek God to give you of His abundant treasures of wisdom.

The Fathers Assurance of Conquest

Why the need for this discretion?
(Pro 2:12) To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;
(Pro 2:13) Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;
(Pro 2:14) Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
(Pro 2:15) Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:
(Pro 2:16) To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;
(Pro 2:17) Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.
(Pro 2:18) For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.
(Pro 2:19) None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

Summary - Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path

(Pro 2:20) That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.
(Pro 2:21) For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
(Pro 2:22) But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

Today - discretion tells me - STAY IN THE CAR - there really is a Lion in the street (and his friends!)

Have a great day! (Pics taken at African Lion Safari near Toronto - many years and many kids ago!)

Quick quote

Here is a quote that a friend posted on his churches' website. It falls in line with Isa. 55 and should be a daily reminder to all of us trust in the Lord through His word and prayer - for His glory!

Dr. A. C. Dixon of Spurgeon's Tabernacle once wrote, "When we rely on organization, we get what organization can do, when we rely on education, we get what education can do, when we rely on eloquence, we get what eloquence can do, and so on. I am not disposed to undervalue any of these things in their I proper place...
BUT WHEN WE RELY UPON PRAYER, WE GET WHAT GOD CAN DO!"

The Gomar Family

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,


A week ago Friday, Brother Francis Gomar, a member of Antioch Bible Baptist Church - Pastored by Steve Pawley went home to be with Jesus as a result of a car accident. Brother Francis leaves behind a wife (Lisa) and three children that range from 9yrs old to 7 months.


Ps. 116:15 says Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. We know that Paul said that to be with Christ is far greater than to be on this earth and that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We do want to rejoice that this brother is far better off in the presence of Jesus Christ but of course our hearts immediately and overwhelmingly go out to a wife without her husband and three children without their daddy. Brother Francis would have just turned 30 this past week. I know that I held my family a little tighter last night as we continued praying for God's matchless and abundant grace to be poured out on this family.


It is for this reason that I write. I would like to share with you briefly the wonderful salvation testimony of brother Francis. In May of 2003 my wife and I went to our first family camp weekend at Camp Li-Lo-Li that is hosted by Pastor Vince Giardino of Gospel Light Baptist Church. While there we had prayer meetings each morning where Pastor Steve Pawley shared with us his burden for this man Francis who needed Christ. Francis' native tongue is Spanish and as the weekend progressed, God orchestrated something special. Andy Hinds drove from family camp back to Rochester to be with his Home Bible Study on Friday night and when he came back, he brought Don and Kathy Hinds (missionaries to Guatemala) back to family camp with him. This was an answer to prayer as Pastor Steve wanted Missionary Don to talk to Francis. If I recall correctly, they had an initial conversation on Saturday and then during the Sunday morning service God used Don Hinds to deal with him after the message and lead him to Christ! I remember tears in the his eyes after He became a new creature in Jesus Christ that morning and how many of us rejoiced by being blessed to see this miraculous work of God! That event taught me alot in that I was somewhat critical of Andy leaving his family that night to go all the way to Rochester for a Bible study he wasnt teaching at that evening. Then his parents returned with him and the pieces came together, I was humbled and rebuked. God's ways and thoughts are much different than our reasoning of a situation but as you can see from this example, God always has a reason and a plan that is far greater than we could ever think of! Praise the Lord for what He orchestrated that weekend to bring Brother Francis to Him! Pastor Pawley's testimony regarding Francis is that he remained on fire these past four years, ministering to people, spreading tracts and being a godly husband and father. May we all have that testimony when we depart this pilgrimage and go stand before our Saviour!

The other reason that I post this is that I have been in contact with Pastor Pawley and he has expressed that they intend to support Sister Lisa and her family financially so that she can continue to stay home and raise the family according to God's word. As we know, it is the church that God put in place to minister to people in their time of need and certainly a commission of God to His people through time has been to defend, support and honour the widow and fatherless. The body of Christ that assembles weekly at Antioch could use some help in ministering to this family. If you would like to assist this family financially through a one time gift or regular gifts of support, they can be sent to

Antioch Bible Baptist Church

3984 Lockport Olcott Rd

Lockport, New York 14094

with a designation to Lisa Gomar

Lets all keep them in prayer and communicate to others regarding the opportunity to be an encouragement and help to this dear family. The testimonies that I have read already (click here for a blog post with comments well worth reading) indicate that God is being gracious and faithful in this painful time to the Gomar family. Our God will comfort and strengthen.

God's Blessing on a Missionary Friend

My friends know that my last trip to the Philippines was to the Island of Cebu where a missionary named Travis Lewis (who did not know me) allowed me to be a part of his ministry, showed me great hospitality and taught me many great lessons on ministry in the Philippines.

Brother Lewis (http://www.lewisinthephilippines.com/) is on his first planned furlough after serving in Cebu for 4 years. In that time God has builded a church that is overflowing and has a whole different group of members coming on Sunday night and Sunday morning, mainly because of space. A good problem to have but it is a problem as they are finding it difficult to grow with no place to put people. This church is in Cebu City.

HERE IS THEIR LATEST PRAYER LETTER (arrived to me 7/24)

Dear Praying Friends,

The church in the Philippines continues on in our absence. We have heard great news from the Philippines thus far. In fact, many of the men have ‘stepped up’ in our absence. One of the men that had never been soul winning before said “Since Pastor is gone, the church needs more help with the soul winning”. He has been faithful ever since! We also have another man who was scheduled to work abroad but circumstances have postponed this. He has been a tremendous help at the church visiting the members and helping with the preaching. Attached to this e-mail is the picture of our 3rd Anniversary Sunday.These are just our regular church members since we do not have the space to do a major push with visitors. In fact, this group is usually divided between Sunday morning and Sunday night because we do not all fit into the building at once. For this day, we brought everyone together for one service and rented a tent outside to help with the overflow. One of the main purposes for our furlough is to raise money for property. At this point, we are renting a store front. Property in our city costs around $125 per square meter. 400 square meters would be a good start for the church at it’s present size. We sincerely appreciate the churches here in the U.S. who have given already toward this need. Currently we are at 37% of the needed funds to buy the property! God is great and mighty and He can do anything...even the seemingly impossible! The ‘Lewis Property Fund’has been set up at our regular missions support address. The church in the Philippines has been giving sacrificially toward a building. Once the property is bought, the church people will build their own building as God provides the funds. We will start with just a concrete slab, poles, and a tin roof. Over the last four months, the church in the Philippines has given $600 so far toward THEIR church building! Pray for us as we travel the roads and keep the church in Cebu in yourprayers!If you would like to contact me, my cell phone number here in the states is 512-656-8069.Travis Lewis

They are now at 42% of the money needed for the church land! God has blessed them immensely and they are rejoicing. He was just entering into New Mexico for more meetings (they are out of Texas) and look forward to seeing God provide the rest through His people so the gospel can be spread to further cities and villages. They came back to the states in May and within 3 months they have 42% of $50K to get the land and lay the foundation! The other part of their goal is to start a church in a town called Carcar. I had the privilege to see the land that was donated to them there (major blessing) a while ago and they are eager to put up a small structure to being some organized meetings there. God is moving in wonderful ways through this family and I am so glad to hear it. They will be coming to Rochester in October for a visit which we look very forward to. I know many of you who read this post prayed for this family while I was there and so it is a joy for me to share this blessing that God has given them with you.

This brother is a great blessing. He is a few months younger than I am, is fluent in the Cebuano language and is gifted as a preacher, singer and musician. Their family is a blessing and I hope that you will join me in praising the Lord for His wonderful works in their lives and in the work over in Cebu. I am thankful for having an opportunity to see what God is doing over there and look forward to being in contact with him (although a few islands away) when we get to the field!