WHATCHA LISTENING TO?

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“Two types of voices command your attention today. Negative ones fill your mind with doubt, bitterness, and fear. Positive ones purvey hope and strength. Which one will you choose to heed?

You have a choice, you know.” Max Lucado

2 Corinthians 10:5

We take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ.

How did you wake up this morning?

Rip roaring and ready?

Or sad sullen and salty?

The choice is yours you know.

I know you want to tell me you had a bad night, the kids were restless, the bed was lumpy, and when you woke up the coffee was cold, the eggs were runny and everyone else in the house took their grumpy pills. I know you want to tell me that your boss is an egomaniac, that the air conditioning at work is on the fritz and there is no gas in the tank.

Am I sensing a big dose of sad, sullen and salty?

But wait!

Did you know you know that you also woke up to new mercy and grace today?

Lamentations 3:23

…his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Did you know you woke up to a GOD of provision and special care just for you?

Psalm 55:22

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you...

Come on, that “reset” things a little didn't it?

Bet you are feeling a little more “rip roaring” now, right?

Those "TRUTHS" sure are better things to be thinking about rather than all of those unpredictable and clearly negative CIRCUMSTANCES. Wouldn't you agree?

You see, far too often we forget that our contentment is a state of mind and not a state of circumstances. We can choose to allow the swirl of this broken planet to dictate our mood and responses or we can allow GOD’s truth to shape our thoughts and reactions.

We can choose contentment, because GOD said He will help!

Hebrews 13:5

…be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never fail you nor forsake you.”

Sometimes all it takes is a quick reset to turn what looked to be a hopeless day into a hopeful one; a bad day to a blessed one. It is all about perspective and our reaction.

So ask yourself.

Which voices am I going to listen to today?

Those that want to drag me down and further depress me in the inevitable mess?

Or am I going to trust GOD and His Word?

Me you ask?

I am going with GOD.

Psalm 118:24

This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

You?

I love you all…

Have a great day today and a wonderful weekend too!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney

THE "AMAZING TERRI and GARY"

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

I am astounded some days. I use the word astounded because I am rarely “surprised” anymore because in this ministry you become a little numb to “what” folks will do or have done; especially when “under the influence” of their substance of choice.

But I must say that I was astounded yesterday and in an amazing and positive way.

The day was a wild one at the JEREMIAH TREE.

I think at one point there were six people in our lobby waiting to be seen, none of which had an appointment. We had 3 more working in the dining room, 4 more doing moving services, and even a set of infant twins. It was “busy”. And none of the requests were “easy”.

But once the chaos subsided and the closed sign was posted I set about the business of “trying to figure out” what to do with all of the requests. One of them in particular was a “weird” one.

A “shut in” suffering from a severe eating disorder needed some Ensure. We were initially made aware of the need from one of the employees at my pharmacy who heard “we try to help folks at that TREE THING.”

But today’s thought isn’t so much about the need, where it came from or the nuttiness of a typical day at “the TREE”. It is about what happened next.

You see I had no idea how to fill this need; to get this person some ENSURE.

She needed a lot of it. I mean a lot of it. We didn’t have the funds to do it. She was starving and I was stuck.

Then GOD sent me an answer.

"The Amazing Terri and Gary".

And no they aren’t a high wire act or a magic show. Rather they are “Terri and Gary, GOD’s Cheerful Giving Tandem”.

One day we had a need for some new work boots for a kid starting a new job. Suddenly they are on my desk. How?

“The Amazing Terri and Gary”.

We ran out of cleaning supplies at the TREE, who walks in the door with half of Sam’s club?

“The Amazing Terri and Gary”.

We had a single impoverished mom who needed a mop, broom, dust pan and some cleaner. Who you gonna call?

“The Amazing Terri and Gary”.

And then yesterday a desperate lady needed nutrition, “The Amazing Terri and Gary”asked “what flavor”.

Terri and Gary are cheerful givers and we all know what GOD thinks about that…

2 Corinthians 9:7

…God loves a cheerful giver.

That is why I used the word “astounded”.

I am not kidding. I hung up the phone with Terri and the next call was from her standing at the counter at Rite Aide (minutes later mind you) making sure “a lot” was “enough”.

Astounding.

GOD continues to intersect my life with “Terris and Garys”;folks who love Jesus and love the hurting but folks who teach me what it is to give. They inspire and humble me. They get it.

They get “Jesus”.

Luke 6:38 ESV

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.

Today let’s learn a lesson from Terri and Gary. Give. Be generous. Be available and responsive to those around you. GOD will bless your life. Don’t believe me? Believe this…

Isaiah 58 10-12

…If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out, Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight. I will always show you where to go. I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places— firm muscles, strong bones. You’ll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You’ll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again.

Now that is astounding.

I can’t wait to see the next “The Amazing Terri and Gary” show!

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney

O.M.

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

I was minding my own business yesterday when a completely unexpected and totally unwelcomed guest popped in to interrupt me.

I will be honest; I hate it when he shows up. He is self-centered and loathing. He can’t stop thinking about himself and what he has going on. He complains. He whines. He wants it his way or he then pouts.

I mean this guy is the ultimate distraction, downer, “pain in the you know where”that you will ever meet.

What makes me the craziest is he has this warped view that it is all about him; what he wants, what he has to say, what is next on his agenda and how much more important all of what he wants to share is than anything anyone else has to say, do or have planned. In other words his "stuff" is the most important "stuff", his issues the most important issues. He is self-important. No better still this guy is nothing but a good old fashion jerk.

Now you might be thinking that sure isn’t the way to talk especially by someone who calls themselves a Pastor for crying out loud. But I don’t care. This fella is no good for anyone, period. Plain and simple.

In fact I will even go as far as to tell you who “he” is.

Old Me. Yep. Old Greg.

I sure don’t like it when "old me" decides to show up. He still does from time to time. The enemy stirs him up, he pops in and causes all kinds of chaos doing all he can to get me to forget that...

2 Corinthians 5:17

...if a man belongs to Christ, he is a new person. The old life is gone. New life has begun.

Have you ever have a day like that; when the “old you” pokes back in for a visit?

I don’t mean a “relapse”, I mean when all those old selfish behaviors, feelings, and responses resurface?

We all (most certainly me) need to remember that verse from 2 Corinthians when the“old us” tries to make an encore or a surprise appearance. That isn’t who we are these days and they are not welcome. We must remember that:

Romans 12:1

...A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.

To net it out. I am "FREE FROM THE OLD ME" and so are you!

So what are we to do when the "old us" tries to cloud the air? How do we graciously usher that “old us” out the door?

Pretty simple.

Remember and reset.

REMEMBER that we are a new creation these days. The old has truly passed away. Our focus and energy are no longer party to the selfish behaviors that ran the show for so long. A new power IS IN OPERATION and it is RESET by simply remembering to:

Colossians 3:2 ESV

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (or inspired by the “old you”.)

That should clear the air send that "old me" (and old you) back to where they belong!

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney

MANNA

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,

That shadows a dry, thirsty land;

He hideth my life in the depths of His love,

And covers me there with His hand…”

That is a good old hymn.

You will likely find that one in the “red” hymnal in many a church for sure. Carries such a powerful assurance doesn't it?

He hides us; he covers us. In other words He provides shielding, provision, and protection from the dry thirsty conditions of this world; a world that is often barren and desolate not to mention harsh, stinging and painful.

Last night at FREEDOM CHURCH, Kristi, a dear friend, shared a message about GOD’s provision for Israelites in the wilderness. She reminded us that GOD was so deeply protective of those children in the desert that He never left them hungry.

She pointed out that GOD provided and protected during those long years of wandering.

But most of all she reminded us of how GOD loved.

Kristi shared how GOD provided a “covering of manna” for them each and every morning. 9 tons of food a day according to Kristi’s research and that manna was GOD's simple and practical expression of love, sustenance and protection for His followers.

It was GOD's hand of assurance!

Maybe today you like those Israelites have awakened to the prospects of a “dry and thirsty day”; your own wilderness to navigate.

A tough boss?

Fear because layoffs are looming?

Maybe there are some overwhelming expectations outside that front door you feel you don’t have what it takes?

Got a little too much month and not enough money?

Whatever your wilderness, whatever your dry and thirsty condition, GOD wants me to tell you that you will be protected, provided for and covered by His hand just like those children of so long ago.

Here is how I know...

Psalm 18:2

The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, my place of safety.

He is my God, the Rock I run to for protection.

He is my shield; by his power I am saved.

He is my hiding place high in the hills.

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God can give you more blessings than you need, and you will always have plenty of everything.

Whether it is a covering of manna in the desert or the patience to deal with the drama of the office, GOD will provide.

All you need to do is ask.

So why not start here.

Psalm 91:

Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.

I trust in you and I’m safe!”

That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards.

His huge outstretched arms protect you—under them you’re perfectly safe…

Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home...

Philippians 4:19

You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need

There it is.

Protection and provision, refuge and strength, confidence and assurance and from the GOD who covers YOU with His LOVE.

I love you all…

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney

AN INSIDE JOB

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

I had a wonderful experience yesterday. I was one of the first attendees of REFUGE CHURCH, a new “gathering” of believers on the site of the REFUGE’s Nelsons headquarters and orientation center.

Those of you who read this DISPATCH know about the REFUGE (http://www.mensliveschanged.org/), but this is a new church plant headed up by a vibrant group of young people under the guidance of Wes Thompson. Yesterday was day 1 of REFUGE CHURCH and it was a remarkable beginning to say the least. More than 120 folks I would guess came together for worship, a word, and the breaking of bread. It was a great kickoff to what I know will be an impactful work in Grove City and beyond. And while REFUGE CHURCH will provide a safe and grace-laden haven for the men of the ministry, REFUGE CHURCH is dedicated to sharing the true GOSPEL, period.

And yesterday Wes shared not only his take on that GOSPEL but also a little nugget on the importance of seeking JOY in life.

In fact, Wes' talk brought me to this question this morning.

Are you seeking JOY or are you merely settling for happiness?

Now I know what you might be saying, aren’t they the same?

No.

Happiness is often tied to circumstances and others. Joy is supernatural and comes from the Lord.

Nehemiah 8:10

…the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Happiness can be as fleeting as a change in the weather or our attitude toward our surroundings. Joy is steady and weathers things like the weather.

Happiness is an outside job. Joy is an inside job.

Philippians 4:4

Be full of joy always because you belong to the Lord. Again I say, be full of joy!

You see that?

Be FULL of JOY.

Because JOY is from the LORD and is increased by belonging to the Lord. The bottom line is we can always COUNT on JOY even when circumstances rob us of happiness. Don't think so? Think again...

James 1:2

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

That is why I asked the question today are you seeking JOY or HAPPINESS?

Happiness can be quite elusive but joy is right here for the claiming!

Psalm 16:11

...in your presence (GOD) there is fullness of JOY!

So today instead of allowing outside influences and the impact of others set the tone for your day, let's allow GOD to pour JOY into our hearts and minds!

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy...

Then regardless what comes our way, we will truly "be happy".

Also will you pray for Wes and the team at REFUGE CHURCH that GOD will use them to transform and restore lives with this JOY that only GOD can bring!

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney

INNER-ROCKY

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

I will admit it, I love the Rocky movies. Yes even the cheesy 4^th installment with Ivan Drago and all of its mid-80’s macho and cold war goofiness.

The“I must break you” and “Go for it” exchange between Dolph and Sly is cinematic gold! Trust me!

But why dust off an old Rocky reference today? Some of you might be too young to even remember the signature chants of “Rocky, Rocky, Rocky” from the Philly and even Moscow faithful.

I mention Rocky today for another reason. Besides his patented “Yo Adrian”, Rocky was famous for never quitting. Whether it was Apollo or Clubber Lang administering the beating, Rocky never gave in, never threw in the towel. Rocky NEVER STOPPED fighting.

Yesterday in my office at the Jeremiah Tree Kristi and I were doing our best to stir a little “Rocky” in a mom who had been knocked senseless by a sinful return to her addiction. She was beat down and the referee was counting. She was “on the canvas” so to speak. But Kristi and I weren’t about to leave her there. It was time for her to GET UP AND KEEP fighting!

Proverbs 24:16

for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again

When life beats us down we all must summon a little of our “Inner-Rocky”and resolve to keep getting up! GOD will help us! He is in our corner exhorting us on and is behind us 100%. And while sin has a way of knocking us all down, of catching us off guard or landing a sucker punch, we must not let it keep us down for the 10 count. Instead we must look, listen and reach for Jesus and let Him help us to our feet!

Hebrews 12:2

…We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall. 2 We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete.

My friend felt like she was completely out. For her the bell had rung and the announcer had raised the hand of her enemy, her addiction. But that wasn’t the case.

It isn’t for her and it isn’t for us!

We have what it takes to get up, to straighten up and start fighting again! JESUS!

1 John 4:4

…because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

I don’t know, but I am just guessing that you too have been in a similar predicament to my friend at one time or another; feeling down and beaten badly.

Look up!

Jesus is there cheering and exhorting you to shake it off, get back up and return to the fight! Victory is yours for the claiming! Another round is starting! I can hear the crowd chanting your name right now!

So get back in the fight! The CHAMPIONSHIP crown is waiting!

James 1:12

Blessed is the man/woman who remains steadfast under trial, for when he/she has stood the test he/she will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

I love you all!

Have a blessed and wonderful weekend!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney