Shall Pass

 Deep Creek Jamin Java

(Serving Over ? Cups)

"God's Truth.......

Always Fresh,

Always Aromatic"

A Jolt of Spiritual Caffeine to keep you going!

September 28, 2012

"This Too Shall Pass"

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 57:1  (HCSB) Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me, for I take refuge in You.  I will seek refuge in the shadow of Your wings until danger passes.

Devotional Reading:
Have you ever felt so lonely, sad, and depressed with the direction that your life was taking you, that you were unable to pray?  All you are capable of doing is saying, "This too shall pass," as your soul cries out to God.  Day after day, pain and exhaustion are your constant companions, and the silence of your home is so loud that it hurts. Some may call this a"pity party"; however, perspective says, it is reality. You know that there are millions of people in worse situations physically, emotionally,financially, etc. However, it is not their lives you lead, it is your own.This is the only life you have, and you want to make the most of it. Yet you are stuck in the house, unable to do what you used to do, which is to live life to the fullest.  Do you feel empty?  However, let God speak to your heart. Through prayer, share with god what you are feeling.  Be totally honest with Him and yourself, and purging the emotions instead of holding them in.  Then and only then will you be able to deal with them. This does not mean that you will be sitting there laughing and joyful. It does, however, mean that you know that this too shall pass.  Family can get us down, they have unrealistic expectations or unrealized expectations and before we know it, we have let them down.  Spouses, children, parents and friends all can be the source as well as the victim when we are feeling low, beaten, under-rated.  Let Go of your emotion and embrace my Savior.   God, who is with me, is with each of us --especially in our times of depression.  --Romans 8:18 (For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.)

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Learning to Heel

  Deep Creek Jamin Java

(Serving Over ? Cups)

"God's Truth.......

Always Fresh,

Always Aromatic"

A Jolt of Spiritual Caffeine to keep you going!

September 27, 2012

"Learning to Heel"

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 27:14  (HCSB) Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous.  Wait for the Lord.

Devotional Reading:
Timing is so important. It is the common denominator of every great comedian from Red Skelton and Jack Benny to Bill Cosby and Jerry Seinfeld. It is the secret of so many things, from cooking to commodities trading, and it can be the difference between success and failure in any endeavor. Did you know that you can do the right thing at the wrong time and it will end up being the wrong thing? Ask Moses. Timing is critical. The number one enemy of God’s timing is impatience. His plan is best, and His timing is perfect, but we often get impatient. A friend of mine likes to say with a chuckle that God has never been late, although He has missed many good opportunities to come early! I can identify with that sentiment. We have the mistaken idea that to be impatient is a show of strength—but just the opposite is true. When you see someone walking a dog that is straining on the leash, bucking and snorting and choking—do you think the problem is that his master is moving too slowly, or that the dog has not learned to heel? It is a great day when a man or woman decides to put their talents and abilities and passions to work for God’s cause. It is a greater day when that same person waits for God to say how and where and when. (Dependent On God--D.O.G.)

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Surviving the Storm

    Deep Creek Jamin Java

(Serving Over ? Cups)

"God's Truth.......

Always Fresh,

Always Aromatic"

A Jolt of Spiritual Caffeine to keep you going!

September 26, 2012

"Surviving the Storm"

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 28:20  (HCSB) "...And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Devotional Reading:
Have you ever faced a storm in your life and the frustration was multiplied because it did not seem that Jesus was there for you? The disciples faced this very situation. Jesus told them take their boat to sea while he stayed behind to pray. Suddenly, a powerful storm came up. The terrified disciples faced it for several hours before Jesus, making a pretty dramatic entrance, showed up to comfort them. So, why didn't Jesus come to them right away? Well, think about it this way. When we are going through storms, it's human nature for us to have the mindset that, "I've just got to work this out by myself!" The disciples knew Jesus was on land and probably assumed there really wasn't anything He could do anyway. But Christ was praying on the shore for the disciples as He saw the storm come up. And you should realize that Jesus is also hearing your prayers in the midst of your storms. Know this: There is no storm in life stronger than Jesus. The fact is that Jesus doesn't always give us a perfect peace and calm at the very moment that we're pouring out our heart to Him; sometimes the calm comes later. He will bring us His peace in His timing. You can face your storms with courage because Jesus promises that He will be with you.  How do you feel when you walk through the valley of the shadow, "EVIL", surrounding you and engulfing you?  Do you feel the presence of Jesus?  Is the rod and staff a comfort or do you view them as chastisement.  When you are experiencing the dark night of the soul, be careful not to lose yourself in the valley!  Guard your thoughts, guard your hearts and most of all, "tame that terrible tongue! 

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

An Ounce of Encouragment

  Deep Creek Jamin Java

(Serving Over ? Cups)

"God's Truth.......

Always Fresh,

Always Aromatic"

A Jolt of Spiritual Caffeine to keep you going!

September 25, 2012

"An Ounce of Encouragement"

Scripture Reading:
Romans 1:8  (HCSB) First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world.

Devotional Reading:
Words of encouragement are among the world’s best bargains. They cost so little and can accomplish so much. To hear one’s name along with an affirming, “Good job!” quite literally can change a life. Growing up, Many are the textbook definition of “average.” Average is the best of the worst, and the worst of the best, and that is most of us. But in the sixth grade, we had a new history teacher who did not know that I was only average. We were assigned to write a half-page paper on some patriotic subject, and I went home that night and really worked at that little paper. The next day in class, Sister Johnice said she had graded our papers, and that they were the worst she’d ever seen…except for one. “One paper, “ she said, “was just outstanding. Mr. Lahay, would you lift your hand?” And from the back row, timidly, I raised my hand, and turned a corner as a student. I began to use what giftedness I had. I developed a love for history. I became a class aide in High School in the history department, and helped grade papers for the teacher.  All because someone rejoiced in me and said, “Good job.” Has anyone rejoiced over you? Paul rejoiced over his Christian brothers and sisters in Rome, calling many of them by name at the end of his letter. He said, “I rejoice in your obedience, and I have big plans, big dreams for you. I want you to be strong in the faith, and effective in your witness. And by the way—you’re doing a great job!”  This is what mom and dads need to hear today; what our teens need to hear; what the church needs to hear!  Be a "BARNABAS"

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Free Indeed

Deep Creek Jamin Java

(Serving Over ? Cups)

"God's Truth.......

Always Fresh,

Always Aromatic"

A Jolt of Spiritual Caffeine to keep you going!

September 24, 2012

"Free Indeed"

Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 7:15  (HCSB) But if the unbeliever leaves, let him leave. A brother or a sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace.

Devotional Reading:
We are free in Christ. Free from sin and death. Free from legalistic rule-keeping. But we are not free from responsibility—and part of our responsibility is to nurture those who are younger and weaker in the faith, even at the cost of our own personal liberty. A pastor friend, Jimmie Mitchell, tells a story that illustrates this beautifully. Johnny was an all-American football player for Ole Miss who went on to play for the Houston Oilers. One Saturday Ole Miss played, and defeated, the University of Houston, which was no small accomplishment. Some alumni at the game passed out cigars to the winning team, and Johnny stuck his in his pocket during the trip home. The next day, back in Meridian, Johnny was sitting on the front porch at his folk’s house, by himself. He felt in his pocket, and noticed the cigar, opened it, and put it in his mouth. Johnny didn’t smoke, but he said he sort of shifted it around in his mouth, and thought about that big win the day before. In a little while, a young boy walked up to the porch. “How ‘ya doin’?” Johnny said. “Come on up here and sit by me a minute.” And the boy climbed up to sit next to his big, football-playing neighbor. Johnny and the boy began to talk, and he said in a few minutes, he noticed the boy had a stick in his mouth. Then he remembered the cigar in his. Johnny talked a little more, then reached up, took the cigar out of his mouth, broke it in half, threw it down, and said, “You know, I think I’ll quit smoking.” The boy took the stick out of his mouth, broke it, threw it down and said, “Yeah. Me, too.” Our liberty in Christ extends only as far as it does not cause a brother or sister in Christ to stumble. When it does, responsibility supercedes freedom.  Watch the eyes and hands of those who are watching you...be careful little eyes what you!

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Only A season

Deep Creek Jamin Java

(Serving Over ? Cups)

"God's Truth.......

Always Fresh,

Always Aromatic"

A Jolt of Spiritual Caffeine to keep you going!

September 21, 2012

"Only A Season"

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 92:7  (HCSB) though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be eternally destroyed.

Devotional Reading:
There will be a day of reckoning for all…and that includes the wicked who seem to be managing quite well at present. God is just, and men reap what they sow. Mark it down: anyone who is living in defiance of Almighty God is living on borrowed time. To test this here is what one pastor did.  He did a little experiment. He put together a list of five guys who were real troublemakers back when they were in high school in Cloverdale, Mississippi. He tried to pick out the worst offenders he could think of: guys who were profane, who were immoral and just out and out rebellious. Then he tried to find out what had happened to them in the years since they were in school together. One died of complications related to alcoholism. Two others were addicted to drugs and alcohol, and had several marriages between them. Their children and their children’s children were having problems similar to their own. The fourth one just disappeared. No one knew what had happened to him, or if he were dead or alive. The fifth guy he checked on was working for the government in Jackson, Mississippi.He  called him to say hello, and he told him that God had changed his life. (He even told him he was attending church on Wednesday nights!) The wicked may seem to prosper for a time, but they do not prosper indefinitely. They are like grass. They have their day in the sun, then they wither and perish.  Pray for them.

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

The Ultimate Warrior

 Deep Creek Jamin Java

(Serving Over ? Cups)

"God's Truth.......

Always Fresh,

Always Aromatic"

A Jolt of Spiritual Caffeine to keep you going!

September 20, 2012

"The Ultimate Warrior"

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 8:4  (HCSB) what is man that You remember him, the son of man that You look after him?

Devotional Reading:
Goliath was the Philistine champion who walked the no man’s land between the camp of the Israelites and the camp of the Philistines. Goliath ruled that real estate without dispute until a little shepherd guy named David challenged him, saying “I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.” And then out-weighed, inexperienced David issued to Goliath what must have seemed like the most ridiculous death threat ever: “I’m going to come down there and take your head off!” And he did! David took Goliath’s title as champion, but his victory was simply a foreshadowing of the one that would be won by the real champion, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the champion’s champion who stepped into the no man’s land between holy God and sinful man, and bridged the gap with His own blood. When you are in God’s camp, and Jesus is in your heart and life, you too can walk between the lines of God’s kingdom and this world with assurance and humility. Knowing that the champion’s champion is on your side should give you the confidence to risk and love and grow here in no man’s land. There are giants in the land, it’s true, but our Lord is majestic and powerful, and His love for His children is stronger than any foe that challenges us.  Whatever ails you, live your life not simply existing..."Let go and Let God".  Bitterness, hurt feelings, pain, despair, gossip, slander and even hardness of your heart the Lord has conquered them all, give Him the crown. 

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Strength and Honor

  Deep Creek Jamin Java

(Serving Over ? Cups)

"God's Truth.......

Always Fresh,

Always Aromatic"

A Jolt of Spiritual Caffeine to keep you going!

September 19, 2012

"She Has Strength & Honor"

Scripture Reading:
Proverbs 31:25-27 (HCSB) Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.   She opens her mouth with wisdom and loving instruction is on her tongue.  She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.

Devotional Reading:

I have seen these books, read testimonies, see many women wear the shirt, but how many actually are a Proverbs 31 women?  The key to understanding all that she does from before dawn to after dusk is easy.  Are you ready for this, here is the key to this woman’s effectiveness. Her priorities are determined by God’s will, not her own. This women in the Psalm would seem like a super woman.  The NOW movement would condemn this as well as the Psalm as being male-chauvinistic, however look at the words the Psalmist uses in just these short verses.  She is strong.  She is honorable.  She is mature and able to teach.  She is in control of her house and never rests on her accomplishments.  I do not know many men who can answer this calling, for it is a high one.  She does not need flattery nor does she require others to rally to her defense.  No this is a woman who is self-assured.  She is not thought of as much by many.  She is a friend to everyone in their time of need, and prays for them when left with the cold-shoulder.  Often overlooked and taken for granted even by close relations, but she always rallies to the cause.  What cause you may ask?  Is it the cause of being a wife and mother?  No!  Then what?  Answering the call of the Lord first and foremost.  Yes she is a wife (and an excellent one), yes she is a mother (a worthy one), yes she is a friend (an honorable one) but her allegiance at the end of a very long day before the next one begins is to the Lord God.  Let me clue you in why this woman is so accomplished in the eyes of the Lord.  He is the first priority in her life...His ways are her ways and although she may not be perfect, she submits her failures to Him and whomever may be offended.  She is not afraid to say I am sorry nor does she shy away from confrontation.  Friends the pattern is simple, the Lord is first.  When you struggle with quantity versus quality, be sure to give the Lord your absolute best.

After the Lord, she submits to her husband, then she fills the role of mother raising her children (that is why her husband is sitting in the city gate with no worries).  Then comes others.  As a preacher, my wife is my partner in ministry but the ministry is not mine it is His.  Tending to the needs of the flock honoring the High Calling God has placed upon her is "numero Uno".  Then its me and the kids and all others.  I feel the same way and prayerfully one day my children if not called into a ministry of their own will also place God first and foremost in all things!  Not because of me, but because of the example they see put forth by their mother in allowing God to determine her priorities!  I cannot speak for everyone, but I can share that my wife Silvia, is indeed and example of a Proverbs 31 wife!  Your selfless giving of yourself and your life for others is an inspiration to me and speaks volumes about your character.  Well-Done!
Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

What's Left

   Deep Creek Jamin Java

(Serving Over ? Cups)

"God's Truth.......

Always Fresh,

Always Aromatic"

A Jolt of Spiritual Caffeine to keep you going!

September 18, 2012

"When We Don't We Lose"

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 39:4  (HCSB) “Lord, reveal to me the end of my life and the number of my days.  Let me know how short-lived I am.

Devotional Reading:

“One life to live, soon will be past. Only what’s done for God will last.” Fame, power, popularity, riches and influence will be a memory one day…but the things we do for God and Christ will last forever. With that in mind, we are to number, or measure our days, so that we can present to God a heart of wisdom and a life of meaning. Clem was a fellow in a church I pastored years ago. He accepted Christ in his sixties, and when he did, he became a regular at every church service, event and meeting. He was at the church so often that someone suggested I speak to him, so I did. “Clem,” I said, “you know church is church, but you’re up here all the time. Don’t you think you could miss a meeting or two?” He said, “Pastor, I’ve been away from the Lord for 64 years, and now that I have found Christ, I want all of Him I can possibly get.” Clem was making up for lost time—for the years that passed without peace and salvation and fullness. But each one of us needs to measure our days. Do you number yours? If the average life expectancy is 80 years, is it noon in your life? Or 6:00 p.m., or 8:00 p.m.? Take note of the time, and remember that only what’s done for him will stand its test.  How much is left?  What is worth it?

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

You

 Deep Creek Jamin Java

(Serving Over ? Cups)

"God's Truth.......

Always Fresh,

Always Aromatic"

A Jolt of Spiritual Caffeine to keep you going!

September 17, 2012

"You"

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 7:12 (HCSB) Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them—this is the Law and the Prophets.

Devotional Reading:

Do you ever wish that certain people got what you felt they deserved--especially people who have wronged you? Do some people seem to get away with murder and not face any kind of punishment or repercussion?  You may have seen the cartoon with three panels:

Panel #1: A zealous character is praying to the Almighty. He says, "God, smite my worst enemy!"
Panel #2: The man praying this prayer is struck by lightning.
Panel #3: The man groggily says, "God, let me rephrase that!"

Be careful what you pray for because sometimes you might find your own worst enemy is yourself. Jesus Christ says, "Do not judge lest you be judged. For in the way you judge others you will be judged as well." I hope that today you won't be so hard on others, because one day the gavel may fall on you.

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Trusting God

   Deep Creek Jamin Java

(Serving Over ? Cups)

"God's Truth.......

Always Fresh,

Always Aromatic"

A Jolt of Spiritual Caffeine to keep you going!

September 14, 2012

"Trusting God"

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 91:2 (HCSB) I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Devotional Reading:

Think about all the different people we entrust our lives to. We trust pharmacists (like Steve) to give us the right pills from a prescription we can't read. We trust pilots we don't know to take us to the right destination, believing that they know how to fly that baby exactly where we need to go. As we sit in traffic on the interstate, we trust our lives to engineers and road construction crews, believing the bridges will hold. Yet, people have trouble trusting God. They often say, "I can't see Him." Do we see the engineers who designed the bridge? Do we know the pilots? Not usually. Yet God, our Creator, who loves us more than anyone, who even sacrificed His Son for us to have forgiveness of sin and eternal life, is difficult to trust. It's amazing. It just doesn't make sense to trust imperfect men and not to trust a perfect God.  One of the best analogies I have ever heard is about electricity in your home.  You cannot see it, but you can see it's product, the light is on.  However, if you stick your finger in an electrical outlet, you will certainly feel it.  Isn't the Lord God the same way?  When you trust in Him, you can witness the product of a life surrender in trust, however if you tempt Him, you get a very rude awakening!

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Trusting God

Dwelling of the Holy Spirit

 Deep Creek Jamin Java

(Serving Over ? Cups)

"God's Truth.......

Always Fresh,

Always Aromatic"

A Jolt of Spiritual Caffeine to keep you going!

September 13, 2012

"Dwelling of the Holy Spirit"

Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (HCSB) Don’t you know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.

Devotional Reading:

I have a request for all the teenage girls when it comes to dress. Now, I realize dressing provocatively has become very fashionable. I understand that. But you need to understand something: when you dress that way, you're sending every man and teenage boy this message, "I want to have sex." Of course, right now you are thinking, "PB, that's ridiculous. I'm not saying I want sex, I'm just being fashionable." Okay, I agree that may not be what you intend to say, but I am telling you, that is what they are seeing!  Now, you probably think it's horrible that they think this way. Yes it is. In fact, I will speak for all males and admit to you that we are reprehensible sinners. Unfortunately, it's the way we're wired, and the clothing that many of you wear, even innocently, makes it very difficult for all males, especially the teenage ones. Ladies, just like we men can never completely understand how you think on certain issues, you women cannot comprehend how this part of a man's brain works. It's not possible. We just don't need extra fuel on this wildfire, so how about helping us out?  There's nothing wrong with wanting to look fashionable. Just try to dress in such a way that if Jesus were to walk into the room, you wouldn't be embarrassed, or at least He wouldn't be!

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

eternity

 Deep Creek Jamin Java

(Serving Over ? Cups)

"God's Truth.......

Always Fresh,

Always Aromatic"

A Jolt of Spiritual Caffeine to keep you going!

September 12, 2012

"Eternity"

Scripture Reading:
Ecclesiastes 7:22 (HCSB) for you know that many times you yourself have cursed others.

Devotional Reading:

Eternity is a long period of time! It’s hard to grasp that eternity is never-ending. But let me give you a little illustration to help you understand. Imagine that we could empty the largest body of water in the world, the Pacific Ocean, and fill it up with sand as tall as the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. Now imagine that a bird flies by and takes one grain of sand off that sand pile once every 100 billion years. How long will it take for that sand pile to disappear? We can consider that amount of time to be equal to one second in eternity.  We weren’t just created for sixty or eighty years of life on earth. We were created for eternity. Every baby born on earth is headed toward its dying day; that’s just reality. But we were made for more than that. We are meant to experience eternity in the fullness of life with the Father. Death is simply the doorway we must pass through to transfer into the realm of the eternal.  Paul understood this and said: “We also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body” (2 Corinthians 5:9-10). Paul said that because he was a creature of eternity, he would live his earthly life for God. He would live in time in a way that pleased God.  How are you living with eternity in mind...?  What if God only gave you tomorrow, what you are thankful for today?

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Last Call

  Deep Creek Jamin Java

(Serving Over ? Cups)

"God's Truth.......

Always Fresh,

Always Aromatic"

A Jolt of Spiritual Caffeine to keep you going!

September 11, 2012

"Last Call"

Scripture Reading:
Romans 5:19 (HCSB) For just as through one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

Devotional Reading:

This very day, September 11, 2012, marks the eleventh anniversary of the terrible events of September 11, 2001. And even now, after eleven years, one of the most common questions I hear is, “How could a loving God allow so much suffering and evil in the world? How could He have allowed this horrible thing happen to us?" Those are tough to answer. Philosophers and theologians have struggled with this forever. There is no completely adequate answer, but it’s important to remember that God is blamed for a lot of things that man does wrong on his own. When God created man, He gave us all a free will. He didn’t program us as robots to always do what’s right or what He wants. Robots have no choice, but humans do. We can choose to trust and obey God, or we can do things our own way. From the first man and woman, each person has chosen to go his or her own way, rather than God’s way. The result of man’s sin is disease, suffering, and death. God did something pretty dramatic to confront the problem: He humbled Himself to become one of us in the person of Jesus Christ, to show us how to live. Even more, Christ came to die for us. Through faith in Him, one person at a time, maybe we, as a nation, can begin to reverse this cycle of evil and suffering. But it MUST begin with humility.  When my people who are called by name will humble themselves, confess their sins, turn to Me...THEN I will hear their prayers and heal their land!

We are arrogant from the President down... We are self-centered, self-righteous and all about us. 50 million + babies have been murdered in the name of law and justice (a choice).  We are enacting laws for people of same sex to continue with their immoral, abhorrent abomination and instead of labeling it sin, our country labels the child of God a homophobe unloving and unwilling to allow people to live as they want!  I say Lord get our attention wake us up before the next call is too late!

Keep the Son in your eyes,

Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20