Word of Encouragement:

More of God's Encouragement 

the LORD delights in those who fear Him,

who put their hope in His unfailing love.

Ps 147:11NIV

THANK YOU LORD for Your unfailining love !!!!!

As Always, Remember to have a God day  !!

Love In Christ. 

Word of Encouragement:

More of God's Encouragement

Great is our Lord and mighty in power;

His understanding has no limit.

Ps 147:5NIV

Sooooo true !!!!

THANK YOU LORD !!!!!!

As Always, Remember to have a God day !!

Love In Christ. 

Word of Encouragement:

More of God's Encouragement 

But you,

O Lord,

are a compassionate and gracious God,

slow to anger,

abounding in love and faithfulness.

Psalm 86:15NIV

You are AWESOME Lord for sure !!!!!!

 

Love In Christ.   

www.lowellag.org

Word of Encouragement:

More of God's Encouragement 

Keep your tongue from evil,

 And your lips from speaking deceit.

Ps 34:13NKJV

Lord, help me to use my tongue to only edify today

As Always, Remember to have a God day !!

Love In Christ.

www.lowellag.org

Some Surprises Are Not Nice:

I usually look forward to spending Thursday's in the office. I teach the Adult Bible Study on Wednesday Nights, and I like to unwind somewhat on Thursday's and then start planning and preparing studies or messages for the upcoming week. Thursday's can be a relaxing day of sorts, and some of the time, especially during the summer months, there is very few people in the office; which gives me an opportunity to be alone with my thoughts. 

Well; this past Thursday held a surprise for me that was not nice. Upon arriving at the office, one of the other pastors told me that he could not connect to the internet. This has happened as of late; the internet will drop out and come back on within a few seconds to a minute or so. Not so today: it was down for the count. I have limited knowledge about routers, so I called one of the two IT types that attend our church and cried out, HELP! He was gracious enough to come to the church to see if he could diagnose the problem and get our network back up and running again; NOT!

After trying several things; he had me make a call to our Internet Provider, and while on the phone with them, my IT guy had to leave, but I was confident that they could resolve the issue. That was not to be, as after about 30 min or so, I was informed that due to the face that the router we were using was not one provided by our provider, that they could not complete the repair. 

That was not a nice thing for them to tell me, as we like everyone on the world today depend on the Internet to accomplish our daily work, research or whatever else we may have to do. Well; after conferring with my two resident (we do have others) IT guys, I was off to a local store to purchase a new router. 

Standing in the isle of the store, facing so many choices as to which one to buy, (don't know the difference between a router and a roto-rooter) Did not see the one that one of the IT guys said to look for, then the other IT guy said to look for a different brand and a certain model. Success, found the right one; purchased it and returned to the church with high expectations of getting the office back on line. 

Another surprise that was not nice; installed the new router, did the setup (with limited knowledge, did not learn about routers in Pastoral Care 101) STILL NO INTERNET. Called IT man, he cannot come back to office until next morning. Day was spent from 8:00 AM--3:00 PM working as IT Trainee without success. Frustrated and bummed out, shut off all computers, shut off new router and headed home feeling defeated. ONE BRIGHT NOTE: During this whole process, I was able to Tether my iPad through my smart phone and send out prayer requests that had come in. 

Arrived at the church office early Friday morning to wait for IT guy to arrive to fix router issues. That's strange, turned on my PC in my office, low and behold, an internet connection. How can this be? I turned off the router when I left the office, called both IT guy's with the question; did you come in the office last night and setup the router? Both answered NO! Turned on iPad; Connected; Turned on laptop; Connected; Went into the office where router is located; it was on and seemed to be smiling at me :-) What meaneth this? Entire system was up and running; IT guy shows up and configured the router with proper information for our network, 

Was there an outage that our provider was not aware of? Or was the wonderful world of Technology playing games with me? The mystery continues, but the new router is working far better than the old one with better strength and coverage.   

Word of Encouragement:

More of God's Encouragement 

Carry each others burdens,

and in this way You will fulfill the law of Christ.

Gal 6:2 (NIV)

Open my eyes to see the burdens You want me to carry Lord...

As Always, Remember to have a God day  !!

Love In Christ.

Word of Encouragement: 

More of God's Encouragement

Be doers of the Word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving yourselves. 

James 1:22

   

Help me to daily walk the walk  Lord......

       

As Always, Remember to have a God day  !!

Love In Christ.

www.lowellag.org

A Very Emotional Morning: 

Well the day finally came. We found out about a month ago that today, August 20, 2013 would be the day that I needed to get up at 2:30 AM and get ready to take my oldest grandson, Bryan to Manchester NH Airport. He had posted on Face Book about a month ago "It's Official, I am moving to Hawaii." I was not overly excited getting the announcement, second hand on FB, rather than hearing it from him in person. But, I guess that the new speed of light social media supersedes the old fashion way of telling someone, face to face. 

Why all the way to Hawaii you ask? Well it began about two years ago, when Bryan and his friend Zac went to see Zac's cousin up in Alaska. Both of them stayed for a month and had the time of their lives. Mike, Zac's cousin is in the Army and fly's Helicopters and has been in Iraq and Afghanistan (IIRC) and has always maintained a connection with Bryan. 

Moving forward in time; Bryan, as of late has felt the need to make a clean break from all that he has been going through and the decision to move to Hawaii was a tough one, but we, as family supported him in that decision. We knew that it would be tough on him, as well as our family members. So much so, that a few days ago, Bryan's little brother, Tyler asked Bryan if he could get into Bryan's suitcase and go with him, and I learned today that his sister Emma has been crying and looking at Bryan's picture knowing that he will be gone for some time. 

The game plan, if for Bryan to start a new life adventure and begin in earnest to study, with Mike, the material and test for getting into the U. S. Army. Bryan; we know that if you put your mind too it, you can "Be All That You Can Be" for America.

So that brings us back to the alarm going off at 2:30 AM this morning. Not many of us got much sleep last night, knowing that this would be the day that we would have to say, goodbye, to a son, brother, and grandson. Was it hard? DO YOU THINK? I don't like getting chocked up and watching my daughter saying goodbye through her tears, or my next to oldest grandson, hugging his cousin and weeping as well; and just for the record, I am fighting back the tears just trying to finish this blog posting. 

The one consolation that I have is knowing that even though he may be thousands of miles from his home in Massachusetts, he is only going to be no more than 2-3 feet from me through Skype, Google, G-Mail, Hangouts, Twitter and Face Book.  I guess that I can/will have to live with that, until he comes back home a man that the Army will make him, with a clear knowledge of his future, a better understanding of life and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. My Father in Heaven, take care of our son, brother, and grandson; keep Your Angels about him and return him to us. Amen!     

Word of Encouragement:

More of God's Encouragement 

 

       

Cast all Your anxiety on Him 

because He cares for you.

1 Pet 5:7 (NIV)

 

 

Thank You Lord for Your unconditional love !!!

Help me to cast allll my cares on You right away instead of waiting.......

You surely handle them better than I ever could !!!

 

As Always, Remember to have a God day  !!

 

Love In Christ.

www.lowellag.org

Why Should I Go To The Gym?

I think that, that is a reasonable question. This past February (2013) at age 65, my wife informed me that there would be a new Gym opening up in Dracut, Ma. (where we live) and my response (IIRC) was, So! She thought that it would be a good idea for her to join, and I said "go for it," but was not convinced at that time, that it was something that I wanted to do.

After talking about it for several weeks, I thought "Why Not" join with her and see if we can shed what 65 years of life had added to us. I keep thinking of the commercial on TV that I see. "I pick things up, and put things down." Kind of funny, but it makes a point. At least the guy at the gym didn't show me out the back door. Well the month of May came around and on the 22nd of the month the new gym (not stating the name, as I am not promoting a particular company) opened up on a Wednesday, and I believe that it was the Thursday that we both went.

Actually; we had spread the word to others in the church we attend, and I believe that there were a total of 8 people that also joined. Anyway, it did not take long for my wife and I to find out how out of shape we were. Five minutes on the treadmill, at a 1.5 (normal walking) speed setting, my body was screaming at me; "What Are You Doing? Are You Crazy?" Heart rate was up, breathing was heavy and the thought came to my mind; this is not going to be a quick fix.

Now; four months later and things have changed a lot. I only use the treadmill only to warm up and get all the body parts to fall in order, so I can start using the different machines to tone up sagged and drooped over the years. I started out with weight settings of 30 Lbs; Now we are using a settings of 40 Lbs on only one machine and 70-90 on the others, except 130 Lbs on the leg press machine.

I was trying to go at least 3 times a week, but found it very difficult to go after working all day when the energy level was a big "0". So; being a morning person, I have switched to getting up at 4:00 AM three times a week to get to the gym at 4:45 AM, and I go on Monday's about 9:00 AM.

Bottom line: Energy lever at 4:00 AM is high; weight is starting to come off; I can feel the results of the muscles starting to tone up and I am feeling better. Don't know how it will be trying to get out the door (and have to shovel) in the winter months, but we will cross that frozen river when the time comes.

Word of Encouragement: 

More of God's Encouragement 

Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and of good courage;

do not be afraid,

nor be dismayed,

for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Josh 1:9NKJV

Just like Joshua we need to be reminded Lord

You want us to be strong and have courage

And we can through YOU !!!

As always, Remember to have a God day !!

 

Love in Christ.

www.lowellag.org

I'd Rather Preach to Angels Than a Megachurch Crowd

Hello Everyone:

A Minister that I know in Western Mass sent me the following article as she knows that we are involved in the Nursing Home Ministry. I have felt the same emotions as the minister speaking in the article.

Enjoy:

I'd Rather Preach to Angels Than a Megachurch Crowd

Nathan Aaseng

"I feed off the energy of a crowd when I preach--and then there's the nursing home service."

I’ll never forget standing among a crowd in a tunnel as the University of Minnesota marching band strode past, row after row of drums thundering, on their way to the homecoming football game.
The noise was so deafening that the rhythm seemed to commandeer my circulatory system, until my heart was pulsating along with the drumbeat. I felt my individuality melt away as I become part of an organism far bigger than myself. The energy was incredible. I have never felt so ready to run through a brick wall, even though I had no reason or motivation to do so.

Crowds fuel emotions and create energy.

Like most public speakers I know, I feed off the energy of a crowd when I preach. There is something special about a standing-room only congregation on Christmas Eve or Easter morning that inspires the preacher to really bring it. It’s easier to feel the power of the Spirit when you see 400 pairs of eyes locked on you, taking in your every word.
I imagine it’s even more of a rush to speak in a megachurch auditorium, surrounded by a thousand or more worshippers who draw strength from the sheer force of numbers.
Then there’s the nursing home service.
As part of its mission, my congregation has committed to be a presence in eight different healthcare facilities in town. I can assure you that one does not feed off the energy of these tiny congregations. I have spoken in rooms sparsely populated by those in wheelchairs who barely exhibit a pulse among them. I have looked out over the small gathering, looking in vain for someone who is awake, much less tracking with anything I am saying.
I am sure this is, at best, inefficient proclamation. Some have even said it is a waste of time and resources that could better be spent focusing on attracting masses of people who would produce the energy and financial contributions that make us feel like we are a vibrant, spirit-filled congregation.
There are times—when I hear the snores and the interruptions of discontent while I’m trying to tell the story—that I wonder if proclaiming in these settings is worthwhile.
But something about it feels right. I can’t even put my finger on it. Partly, it is a chance to proclaim to the staff worker or to the family member who may be visiting and mourning the decline of a beloved parent. More than that, though, it is perhaps the purest form of sharing the Word that I experience.
There is no way one can proclaim at these places for any ulterior motives. I do not do it to build up my congregation’s numbers, to attract new members, or to connect with those who could contribute financially to our ministry. I certainly do not do it to experience the spiritual energy of the group.
I simply share the Word with those nearing the end of life’s journey—some who have faithfully taken part in God’s mission on earth, some who may not have done so. I do it in the belief that it is wrong to abandon such people to a life without the Word simply because they have little or no ability to respond to me. I speak to them in the hope that occasionally these precious and fading children of God will be able to experience the love of God in these words at a time when they may especially need that experience.
I can’t explain it, but when I bring a worship service to these people, somehow I feel as though I am preaching to a gathering of angels. It is at these moments, rather than when I’m preaching to a crowd, that I understand the privilege it is to bear the message of Christ to the world. 

Word of Encouragement:

More of God's Encouragement 

Many are saying of me,

 "God will not deliver him." 

But You are a shield around me,

 O LORD;

You bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

Ps 3:2-3NIV

You ARE my deliverer and DO lift up my head Lord !!

THANK YOU is soooooo enedequate !!!!!

As always, Remember to have a God day !!

 

Love in Christ.

www.lowellag.org

Word of Encouragement: 

More of God's Encouragement 

Since my youth,

O God,

You have taught me,

and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Ps 71:17

Thank You Lord that our relationship has REALY grown through the years!!

 Keep opening those doors to share Your love !!!!!

As always, Remember to have a God day !!

 

Love in Christ.

www.lowellag.org

Word of Encouragement:

More of God's Encouragement 

So do not fear,

for I am with You;

do not be dismayed,

for I am Your God.

I will strengthen You and Help You;

I will uphold You with my righteous right hand.

Isa 41:10 (NIV)

Thank You Lord... for YOUR strength and Help  !!!!

As Always, Remember to have a God day  !!

Love In Christ. 

Word of Encouragement:

More of God's Encouragement

Look to the LORD and His strength;

seek His face always.

Ps 105:4 (NIV)

Only YOUR strength can carry me through Lord !!!!!

 

As always, Remember to have a God day !!

 

Love in Christ.

 

Nursing Home Update:

The second week of each month is usually the week that all of my Nursing Home Ministry is carried out. I say that due to the fact that I have other volunteers that conduct services at other facilities. 

On Wednesday of this week, 8-5/8-10, we completed two Bible Studies, one on the Assisted Living side and one on the Nursing Home side of a local nursing home. 

Thursday was the monthly service at an Assisted Living Complex, where 6 of the residents excepted Jesus Christ into their heart for the forgiveness of their sins. 

Friday, like every Friday was the day we visit two other nursing homes to say hello to the folks that we have met over the years. 

Today, Saturday, August 10, 2013 we conducted two monthly services. One at 10:00 AM and the other at 2:00 PM. During both services, two of the musicians along with my wife accompanied me to these homes where we sing Worship Songs to the Lord, as well as giving them the most important thing; the Word of God, which yielded 5 more souls for the Kingdom of God.

We are so grateful to the Lord for opening up the doors to be able to minister to the folks that are so close to crossing over into Eternity, and being able to tell them of God's great love for them. Some have never had the Gospel explained to them before in a way that is very simple. 

Our prayer is that we will be able to continue to reach out to these folks and see many more lives changed by the Power of the Cross and what Jesus did for the. 

Blessings 

Word of Encouragement:

More of God's Encouragement

"Do not let your hearts be troubled.

 Trust in God;

 trust also in Me.

John 14:1NIV

Men can and will fail us Lord..

But YOU never will !!!!

Thank You is soooooo inadequate !!!!!

As always, Remember to have a God day !!

Love in Christ.

www.lowellag.org

Word of Encouragement:

More of God's Encouragement

The LORD reigns,

let the earth be glad;

let the distant shores rejoice.

Ps 97:1 NIV

Sooo much to be thankful for Lord

You DO REIGN !!!!!!!!

As Always, Remember to have a God day !!

Love In Christ.

www.lowellag.org

Word of Encouragement:

More of God's Encouragement

I will sing a new song to You,

O God;

on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to You,

Ps 144:9 (NIV)

So good to know You hear our hearts not our voice Lord !!

As Always, Remember to have a God day !!

Love In Christ.

www.lowellag.org

Nursing Home Ministry:

It has been quite some time since I blogged about the Nursing Home Ministry that we are involved in. Over the past 10 years or so, we have continued to visit various nursing homes to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who are living very close to crossing over the line that leads them to Eternity. 

Also; during that same 10 year period; we can give thanks to the Holy Spirit for leading many of the folks we visit to excepting Jesus into their heart, and asking for forgiveness of their sins. 

Paul the Apostle states in Romans...

Romans 3:23 KJV

(23)  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

The only human that has ever been born without sin, is Jesus Christ. That's why we must come to Him for the forgiveness of our sins. This is what upwards of 60 people from all the nursing homes, rehab centers, and assisted living centers have done. They have started a new relationship with Jesus Christ. 

At the same time; we have experienced sadness in returning either weekly or monthly to these facilities, only to find that someone that we have know for several years has passed away. But; we are also comforted in knowing that we will once again see them when we arrive, and gather around the Throne of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, our Hope of Glory.

We will continue to preach and teach the Word of God to all those who will listen and see them changed by the Power of the Gospel. 

Until next time; Blessings.

Word of Encouragement:

More of God's Encouragement

But David found strength in the LORD His God.

1 Sam 30:6b  (NIV)

Strengthen me today for the tasks ahead Lord....

As Always, Remember to have a God day !!

Love In Christ.

Check out our church website: www.lowellag.org

Word of Encouragement:

More of God's Encouragement

I have blotted out,

like a thick cloud,

your transgressions,

And like a cloud, your sins.

Return to Me,

for I have redeemed you."

Isa 44:22NKJV

Thank You Lord !!

There is only YOU can truly make me clean !!!!!

As Always, Remember to have a God day !!

Love In Christ.

Word of Encouragement: 

More of God's Encouragement


If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,
 but have not love,
 I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
1 Cor 13:1NIV


May I be sweet music to your ears Lord !!!


As always, Remember to have a GOD day !!

Love In Christ.

Check out our Church Website: www.lowellag.org

Word of Encouragement:

More of God's Encouragement

To the Jews who had believed Him,

Jesus said,

 "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.

Then you will know the truth,

 and the truth will set you free."

John 8:31-32NIV

Yes Lord, help me to continually hold to Your teachings

and stay completely FREE in YOU !!!!

As always, Rember to have a GOD day !!

Love In Christ.

Check out our church website "www.lowellag.org"