Good day Aspen Grove Church Family,

               Once more, due to Inclement weather… Snow Day, we didn’t meet on February 1^st. Again, we did a little devotion on Facebook. We came from the Book of Matthew 2:19-23, and spoke, “Walking with GOD.” I keep thinking about all of God’s people who had to return to daily life after the amazing events surrounding the birth of the Messiah. Life was different. The main difference was that they were now walking a holy path, on holy ground. From the moment God told Moses to remove his shoes to the hustle and bustle of Bethlehem, a holy plan was given new fuel. All ground from then to now is holy. They were moving with a new purpose. Guess what? We still are.  Nothing is required of you except a willingness to be used by God. You don’t need money. You don’t need to be a great speaker. You don’t need to have the finest clothes. You don’t even need shoes! As a matter of fact, God says, “Get rid of those shoes!” God is saying, “Just stand still, because I am going to use you.” God has sent you here, and He is ready to do amazing things through you—if you’ll only believe who you are in Him. God has sent you here, and He is ready to do amazing things through you— if you’ll only believe who you are in Him. As we return to our normal routines, know that God will walk with you—and that is, well, extraordinary

               On February 8, we preached a message titled, “Who GOD uses” and our verse for this message centered on Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Can GOD use you? We looked at some of the people that GOD will use, like those who are insecure. All throughout the Bible, GOD used folks who were not on the “Whose Who” list. Folks like Jonah, Abraham, Moses, and even King David. Jonah was rebellious. Abraham was old. Moses had no confidence, and David was too young… and yet, GOD used them all. WE moved to our second topic, GOD uses the Unlikely. Once more, we covered David and how even his own father didn’t consider him to be what GOD was looking for. So, why did GOD choose people like Abraham, Moses, or even King David? To put it simply, to prepare the way for the Messiah. And then, we talked about why Jesus used the Disciples? The answer was to prepare HIS Bride (us) to be for their coming union. And speaking of the Disciples, Jesus used them with their flaws and all. Which is comforting considering how flawed and imperfect we all are. Something that is comforting is this old phrase: “When GOD chose me, HE already factored in all of my stupidity.” That statement reflects a common theological idea that GOD’s plan includes all of the human imperfections, failures, and even future errors, using them for a greater purpose in life. It highlights the theme of Unconditional Love, Mercy, and Grace that leads to our redemption. This shows that GOD calls the unqualified and uses and works through the flaws of man to achieve His Perfect Will… in spite of those “flaws.” So, do you think GOD can’t use you?

               On February 15, we preached a message titled, “I have a Shepherd!” coming from the Book s of Psalm 23 and John 10. In Psalm 23, David wrote perhaps one of the most beautiful psalms of all. Sadly, most folks usually hear it when they attend funerals because of the peace and comfort that it provides. But, if we were to step back and really look at the psalm through Christian eyes, we see that David was describing the greatest shepherd of all time… Jesus. Take for instance verse 1-3 of the Psalm. David points out the Shepherd is one who provides the necessities of life by leading, restoring, and guiding us through life. In John 10:10, Jesus states, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” David states, “I shall not want, “while Jesus states, I give abundantly.” The enemy steals, while Jesus restores; the enemy drains while Jesus overfills; and the enemy destroys while Jesus gives eternal life! And not just through the good times but ALL the Way through the valleys too (vs. 4). Jesus stated in John 10:14, that people we leave you in the hard times, but because He is the Good Shepherd, He will see us through to the end. Lastly, we learned that the Good Shepherd is the LORD of Promise (vs. 5-6). David said goodness and mercy will follow me, while Jesus said no one can snatch you out of My hand. The golden nugget comes from John 10:29, “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” That’s double security! I mean think about it:  You’re in Jesus’ hands of protection… and Jesus is in the Father’s hands. That’s why your cup can run over… That’s why your future is secure… & That’s why the valley doesn’t get the last word. Now, do you see? We have a Shepherd!

               On February 28, at Aspen Grove, we spoke out of the Book of Ecclesiastes 12. Solomon closed out this book by reminding everyone, young to the elderly, that regardless of all the accolades, toys, and other stuff we have in this world... is nothing more than vanity/pointless without having GOD first and foremost in our lives. Solomon had everything and had tried everything to find peace and satisfaction. He concluded that there are only 2 things that truly matters... Love and Obey GOD! Nothing more, nothing less. Jesus simplified it this way... Love GOD, love people.  How many worldly ladders have climbed only to find that they were leaning up against the wrong wall? All of the stuff we have done, said, and thought of will be judged... as Solomon pointed out in Verse 14. Friend, if you stand there in your own righteousness, you will be found guilty. BUT... if you have Christ, you'll be welcomed into heavenly eternity. Jesus Christ took on flesh. He lived sinlessly. He died substitutionally. He rose victoriously. On the cross, judgment fell — but it fell on Him. So, when you trust Him, your record is cleared. Solomon’s last sermon says: Life is short. Death is certain. Judgment is coming. Jesus saves. So, remember your Creator — now before its everlasting too late. Friends, GOD loves you and wants to be with you, but only if you invite HIM in.

I pray that these have been a blessing to you. Let’s continue to dig deep into GOD’s Holy Word and let us grow closer to Him. Have a great and remember… GOD loves you!

 

Pastor Sonny