NBCC - Pastor Brad Makowski

Long Time!

2008-03-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you for allowing me a little blogger break! God is great!

I am excited for the Easter/Ressurection/Passover season. The spring is such a time of renewal and full of new beginnings!

As a church we are in the midst of a 21 day fast to do some spiritual warfare and put our spiritual enemies in their place. Springtime was the Biblical time for kings to go to war and God has called us to be the enforcers of His word and promises in this world. As He sent Jesus, so Jesus sent us to be the ones that represent God to the world around us! A big thank you to all who are at war with me pulling down stongholds and releasing the love and authority of the Kingdom!

As we advance the Kingdom our goal should be to renew our committment to re - present Him to the world around us! Lets share and invite our family and friends to the house of God! You may have thought "I have already done that many times" and you may have, but the truth is you do not know when God's love will break through that hard shell! I know that we must keep the attitude and heart that "today may be the day" it all comes to pass! I say that everyday when I am believing for miracles and that is EVERDAY! Never give up!

I will share a talk on Sunday that will highlight the power of never giving up! Determination is a sure sign that your faith is alive even when it all seems uphill! Jesus never gave up! What an example for us!

We do hope to be up with message downloads soon! Thank you for your patience!

See you Sunday!

PB

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T06:47:00.000-08:00

Love came to us on Christmas! Celebrate that love the whole day and everyday beyond!

May each and everyone of you have the warmest of days with the expectation of all Gods goodness filling your lives in the coming year!

Pastor Brad and Lisa

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T05:35:00.000-08:00

Thanks for checking in again! I wanted to wish all a Happy Thanksgiving! Their is plenty to thank God for this thanksgiving and I encourage you to take this time to ponder the goodness of the Lord. As you do you will begin to realize the wonders that you have to be thankful for. It may simply be for the peace in your heart, or the joy of new friend, it may be for wonderful breakthroughs in your family, your faith, or your finances. Most of all, our hearts need to be thankful for God's unchanging love for His most prized creation! People! It is an amazing thing to think that every single person you know and meet is created in the image of God. O they may not reflect Him in the way that we might hope, but that does not mean that under the surface of what we see is a person that God sees. He sees them as a prized creation, unique and special! He sees them as someone He loves so much He was willing to send His Son to die for and take the penalty for all their failures and faults, He is willing to forgive and offer them a new path to live! A pathway to life and blessing!

This Thanksgiving as you come together with family and friends be sure as you see each one of them again, see them through the eyes of God! See them with the love of God, with the heart of God and with the hope of God. Then with His love shining through you, show them an example of how much He loves them with your love! It is the season for miracles!

May God use you mightily to change your world! Happy Thankgiving! PB

2007-09-25T06:42:00.000-07:00

The Journey has begun!

I am so blessed and thrilled to see how many have committed to the adventure we have started on. An adventure through the pages of the Old Testament is a walk with God that unfolds the power of His love and goodness. It is a record of His desire to have a people with whom He can have the ultimate blessing of being in community together.

You and I are a wonderful part of God's dream to have a people who would be an expression of His goodness on the earth. I wonder if people really knew that they were designed for this purpose how it would change their perspective on life? Perhaps they would gain new insight for their lives, feel a deeper connection to the spiritual world, or even finally acknowledge that God is, and has a plan for their life.

Invite a friend to come who might be interested in a walk through the OT! You might be amazed at their response! God has a dream for them too!

Have a bold day! PB

It"s been a while!

2007-09-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

Hey I'm back at it! It is a new season and new day!

I know that the summer has been great but I expect the fall to be the greatest ever! Our focus to repair what is broken in this world is a God designed purpose starting with repairing the broken relationship people have with their Creator and Heavenly Father! We have a world to touch with His love and I thank God every day that we get to do this together! Keep up the good work bringing people to church on Sunday! The lives that are being touched are awesome!

I can't wait for the journey to start this month! We will journey through the pages of history and revelation that is ours in the Bible beginning from Genesis! What a time it will be together on Wednesday nights! Be ready for God's blessing as you study and understand His word!

The Biblical New Year is coming and I will be taliking about a Happy Day like no other for our lives this Sunday. Pass this on!

2007-07-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July!

Take some time today and thank God that He blessed you with being a part of this country! The picnic starts at 11:00am this morning and it will be great fun for the whole family! I will see you there!

Keep dreaming big!

PB

2007-06-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks for making the swing to a one Sunday Service plan for the summer a great success! I know that God is preparing and getting us ready for a great return of the culture to the Lord.

This leads me to these next comments. In the last few weeks as I have been out and about town I have seen some interesting things being done by what I consider cults that masquerade as the truth. I have seen big banners, sandwich boards and other advertising trying to entice people into an introduction meeting of these various deceptive groups. The truth is I have not seen these things in quite a while.

What does it mean?
It means that a lot of questions are being spoken into the atmosphere by people who are calling out for answers. it may be in conversations among friends or just people speaking to the air. The enemy is picking up the sound and creating opportunities to deceive people through these false religions. What a time for us to step up!
The Bible says when the enemy comes in, like a flood God will raise up a standard against him. God is raising us up as a body of believers to answer the questions being asked, to raise up a standard of truth and to be aggressive in our goals to reach the city with the love of God.
Join me in these days of prayer to wage a spiritual war against these strategies of the enemy and be bold to share the truth.
Remember you are God's standard! We can make a difference!
Love God, Love people, Love Life!
Pastor Brad

Hey! I need feedback on the Sunday service? How's the parking? How's the one service? Should we have an early morning service? I love being your Pastor!

2007-05-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

I can feel the prayers of the saints! You are all doing a wonderful job. Keep it up! We are on a great power surge for the Kingdom. Today is the day we celebrate God giving us His word on Mt Sinai. It is also the day that the power of the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples waiting in the upper room! Can you imagine the fear struck into the heart of the enemy when this power to go into all the world fell on the disciples? That power is what gives us the authority and drive to share the love of God with those around us with boldness!

If someone you were talking to had a big smudge of dirt on their face or perhaps a smear of chocolate sauce from the brownie they just finished and you didn't tell them that they needed to take a look in the mirror, would you be considered a friend? If you left them to wonder why everyone is grinning when they walk by, some even pointing and laughing and they figure it out wouldn't they feel like you let them down big time? That is what we do when we do not share with people that God has an incredible life for them. He wants to cleanse their heart, to give them real hope and joy, and free them from the fears and destructive forces of this world!

A gift can only be received if it is offered! Lets be bold with the Holy Spirit power to offer the gift of God though Jesus Christ! Today may be the day they say yes!

Great news! Joseph Shulam and Jimmy McClintock came in a day early and will be in the service tonight May 23rd, and will continue on teaching through the weekend. This mini conference on discovering the Biblical roots of our faith will inspire you in a powerful ways you cannot imagine. Make an effort to be here! Show your support of Israel and the work of Netiviyah. Remember the promise to Abraham, I will bless those who bless you!

See you tonight! Bring someone with you! PB

Enjoying His Creations

2007-05-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

Waking to the beautiful mornings these past few days just reminds me how wonderful our God is and that what He has given us to enjoy should never be overlooked or taken for granted! Everyone has their spirit lifted by enjoying the beauty of the day, even more when you can take advantage of the day to be outside and a part of nature, enjoying the sunshine and feeling a connection to the world that God created. There are very few who don't enjoy a walk in a beautiful park, or a hike on an incredible nature trail!

Most of our lives we are living in the world that we have created, or the world our employer has created. When we move outside of the daily in our lives and step into Gods creation something happens in our spirit and we can feel a connection to something that is wonderful and very compelling. It truly lifts us up in every way! Everyone thinks "I can't wait for the vacation to enjoy this"! It is so true, but can I suggest something else right here? Time in God's creation connects us to Him in a special way when our hearts and eyes are open. Another of God's creation is His Church! Jesus said "I will build my church" Just as He created the natural world for us to enjoy, He has created the church for us to equally enjoy! Our connection to His creation draws us to Him and when we give our time to it we feel connected to Him in a deeper and inspiring way!

So today and everyday as you look out your window and dream of the days of enjoying the outdoors that God has created, think also of the house of God that He has placed you in and what a gift it is from Him and how your involvement will generate a closeness to Him also! God gives us all things to richly enjoy! Enjoy the sun, enjoy people, enjoy the church! All three are His prized creations and your connection will draw you closer to Him! Have a great day!

PB

2007-05-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!
I really believe that this weekend will be spectacular for a great number of reasons. First of all it is Mothers Day and what could be a better reason for coming than to thank God for your Mom! Besides where would you be without her? The bible says to Honor your Father and Mother and this is a great honoring weekend! When you are obedient to the Word of God and honor your mother you will receive a great promise! The blessing of a Long life! Its easier than you think just obey Gods plan and step into the Good Life!

Moms call all your children and invite them to come with you! Children call your moms and invite them to come with you! Or just be sneaky and invite them to brunch and tell them you need to make a stop first to pick up a gift.

Every mom is going to receive a special gift! Invite all the moms that you work with that don’t have a home church for this special mom honoring service!

We just had a teenager’s mom who was not saved receive Christ this last weekend after years of prayer by her daughter who faithfully attended NBCC. Its time for you to receive your blessing!
Last weekend there was an incredible God moment in worship! Things happened! Miraculous things! I am expecting a miraculous moments for everyone! See you this weekend
I love being your Pastor!

2007-05-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

Today is the National Day of Prayer. I am believing for the heart of the people of this great nation to return to God. The first step to a nation returning to God is the people having a great heart renewal. 2 Chronicles 7:14 begins with "If My people...." He is looking for His people to lead the way and to be the catylst of prayer for this nation and the world. The scripture lists a few important steps. First, God calls us to humble ourselves. Before we look out we should look in and see if there is anything that needs to be brought into submission to the plan of God in our lives. In that humble place we can then boldly approach the throne of grace and seek the face of God. Before Him we will then be aware of the places that a turning and returning is in order. As we set those things in order He promises to hear, to forgive, and to heal. His eyes shall be open and His ears attentive to the prayers offered in that place of humility, submission, and repentence.

Take time today to find yourself in that place as we join with those around the nation. God Bless and enjoy the Presence!

2007-05-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

God is so Good! We had an incredible weekend with great services. Have you checked out the new tables and chairs on the front patio? Get a coffee and enjoy some great fellowship before and after services!

Tonight we worship and celebrate communion together. Expect miracles! I am!

Many comments have come back to me regarding the message on Sunday! Some say it was the best they have ever heard communicating what NBCC is all about! I think the whole service was an expression of what we are about. The Worship Team did an incredible job bringing us into the presence of the anointing of God. As we prayed for those with life threatening illnesses you could feel the presence of His living word touching those in need. Wow, even as I think back I am filled with thankfulness and awe! Dedicating children to the Lord and the commitment of parents and grandparents to raise Godly families, live lives that promote the values of the Kingdom and making a public stand to that end is a visiual reminder that God's enduring message will continue into the future generations. Finally, people continue to realize that giving their lives to Jesus, surrendering their hearts and being born again is the key to true life.

Please pray for those that recieved Christ as their Savior that the Holy Spirit will preserve their commitment to the Lord and that we will be able to connect and help them step into the Good Life that God has for them!

With that in mind have you ever thought about becoming a part of the follow up team? You can make a difference in a new converts life to encourage, build up, and lead them into their destiny in Christ! Thats making a difference that is recorded in eternity! A smiling face and encouraging word is all it takes along with a desire to make God smile! Call your district pastor and get started today!

God Bless and have a great day! See you tonight! PB

2007-05-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

I love the question of King Solomon. Who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him? The truth is no one! You can try every imaginable pleasure but it comes up empty on the other side if God has not gone there with you. That is why the disciples got in a boat and at the instruction of the Messiah went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. It was on the water that they encountered life changing experiences that transformed them on the journey of life. It was on the water that their faith was challenged and their victories sweet. Without the Savior they would have missed everything! They would just have a boat ride! Don’t ride the boat over the sea of life without making sure that the Savior is with you.

Every person you know is on the journey over the water to the other side. We are from the eternal and to the eternal we will return. The short time we have in this life is the sea we are riding over on our way to the “other side”. The question is where is the Savior in your life? Did you leave Him on the shore and depart on your own? That could be dangerous! Is He with you but asleep in the boat and perhaps uninvolved with your life? Have you included Him in the everyday dimensions of life? Or is He the captain of your ship, speaking His word to the storms of your life, calming the seas and guiding your boat to safety?

Today someone will cross your path that you will be able to ask this question? It may be you yourself! Or it may be someone God puts in your path! Be ready to share this simple expression of the gospel!

Have fun on the water! It's life and it is wonderful with Him! PB

2007-04-19T07:15:00.000-07:00

With the 33 senseless murders on the Virginia Tech campus a few days behind us I think its time to reflect and learn from this demonstration of evil in our world. There are many unanswered questions and many things we do not know. But there are a few things I would like to point out for you.

It is not a time to rant about police strategy, campus awareness, or point the finger at anyone to find someone to blame.
Our first and total committment should be to the comfort of the ones who have lost their family members, to pray for them and lift them up to God asking Him to bring comfort in this difficult time. Trying to answer the why for them will be hard. All of us can empathize with the anger, sorrow, and despair they are now feeling.

God weeps with them.

Can you imagine the pain He feels when a person created and purposed for good works has their life come to a sudden unexpected end. He is grieved when one that is created in His image is overcome by the power of darkness, who now under the total control of demons and death, injures and destroys life. It reminds us that our enemy in life is not a person, in this case a deranged young man, our enemy is not an object, the guns he used, but our enemy is evil itself, the devil who is behind all the evil and rebellion in the world. If you want someone to blame and hate, then hate the devil. He hates what is good, seeks to kill, steal and destroy, and works to hamstring the efforts of Christians to bring the hope of life to the world.

Jesus said "for this purpose I came into the world, to destroy the works of the devil" You and I must carry on this mandate by seeing the real enemy and commit to stand up to his strategies by overcoming evil with good. As we share the message of His love and life changing power accompanied by the good works we were created for we establish the Kingdom of God here on earth.

This tragedy reminds us that the work is not done and we must engage our lives in the work of the cross, bringing the eternal perspective back into the lives of those in our world. Shed a tear as you pray and feel the loss, then rise up with a strong new determination to make a difference!

May God help each one of us to shine His light brighter today!! PB

2007-04-16T05:42:00.000-07:00

What a great day to exercise your faith and believe God for the miraculous! Here is a great question? How many impossible things have you done this year so far?
I love asking myself that question because it keeps me in the faith zone! Since we know that the way to please God is living by faith it stirs me to continually stretch myself into new arenas, to look for opportunities, to seek the counsel of God and step out in uncharted waters confidently!

When the Holy Spirit stirs the heart with an impossible vision or dream it is like the pool of Siloam that used to be stirred by an angel at certain times of the year. The first one in the water would be healed. What that means is the people there had to be waiting with a vigilance, always keeping an eye on the water, being ready to move. Those that got distracted always missed the opportunity because they were not paying attention!

Sometimes we get so concerned with the challenge that we are facing we do not realize the opportunity that God has just put in front of us! It might be that someone in your world needs to see you walk in faith and unveil the goodness and greatness of God! It might be that God wants reveal to you a solution to a problem that has never been seen before and package it as a new product, sell it, and become a millionaire in the process so you can support spreading the Good News to every creature! You never know! Thats why we are to always declare that all things work together for our good! God causes that and if we are paying attention we will see it and find joy and peace in the midst of doing life! Live the Good Life in God today!

Have a faith filled day! PB

2007-04-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

Wow! What an incredible weekend! God moved on this place in a wonderful life changing way! Thank you to all the volunteers that make things happen on the weekend! Your part is absolutely the biggest key to what makes New Beginnings great! May God bless all of you!

I'm back at the blog desk after a short vacation! I also have an email blast that should soon be functioning to keep connected with those who like email! There is so much technology hitting the seen I can't even dream of keeping up, but we want at NBCC to use the technology that will be most helpful to the most people. Let me know what works best for you!

Lisa and I are SOOOOO glad to be back and we are ready for this great season of coming "Alive" to every promise of God! It is easy to get caught in the busyness of life and miss the beautiful things that are happening. Spring is that season that things come alive. I think this is one of the most beautiful times of the year when all the trees and bushes bloom! God causes an annual renewal and wake up in the spring time. That is the God we serve. His Kingdom works in cycles and when we are aware of those and don't let them pass unnoticed we reap great rewards. Let me encourage you to not let this beautiful time go unnoticed because of all the things you have going on! Go get a camera and find the most beautiful flowering tree and take a picture. Just that alone will remind you that God can take something that looks dead and bring it to life!

What are you needing Him to bring back to life in your world? Don't be fooled by what it looks like on the outside! God is working on the inside and "life" will work its way to the surface of any situation or circumstance if we will be patient. Reaffirm your trust in God! In fact say with me right now: "I put my trust in you Father, You are my hope and my strength! I trust You!

If you really mean it, your heart will respond with joy and peace! Now enjoy it for the rest of the day!

God Bless, PB

2007-03-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to
be pleasing to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:9
Whatever you choose to do today make sure that you ask the question first, "will this please God"? I think the greatest thing that we can do to insure that we are leading ourselves in the ways of God is to commit to please Him in all respects. Jesus said in John 8:29 that He knew the Father was always with Him because He always did the things that were pleasing to the Father. What a great way to insure the presence of God goes with you everywhere you go today and everyday!
If you would like some more on this subject give the bookstore a call at 503 256-6050 ext. 111 and talk to Brian. He can get you a copy of Wednesday nights message called "The Pursuit of Biblical Leadership". We owe God our best and we can give Him our best when we are prepared. Be a student of the Word and the ways of Jesus. He is the best example of a Spirit filled believer you will ever find!
Enjoy the sun! I can feel the golf course calling me! David Yongii Cho the author of "The Fourth Dimesion" and pastor of a 750,000 member church in Korea says that "short green grass is a very good place to meditate on the Lord" He must have been thinking about a golf course!
Ask someone you meet if they have a church home and bring them with you this weekend if they don't!
God Bless,PB

2007-03-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

"From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things" Proverbs 13:2 TNIV

What great wisdom to embrace and practice every day of our lives. When things consistantly are not turning out the way you want them to, one of the first things we need to do is check the flow coming off out lips! Is it life giving words that we are speaking? Are they encouraging, uplifting and edifying? Answer that question with the right response and things are going to very quickly turn around!

I am hearing of incredible blessing and breakthrough miracles! It is the season, Passover and the Resurrection Celebration. Angelic intervention, supernatural defeat of your enemies, prosperity, blessing on your family and more! Check it out in Exodus 23! All great reasons to prepare for this time with expectation, joy, and generosity! Get your Passover Dinner tickets asap the space is limited!

Have an outrageously blessed day! PB

2007-03-06T07:48:00.000-08:00

Waking up two days in a row with this beautiful sunshine is so incredible! I just have to ride my motorcycle to the office today! It is wonderful to let the sun revive you but even better when you let the "son shine" over you! I loved what Pastor Peter said on Sunday from Lamentations 3:22 and 23, His mercies are new every morning and His faithfulness is great! Just speak out to the Lord today about 10 times out loud "I trust in You". Say it, sing it, shout it, and tell someone that your heart trusts in the Lord of Heaven and Earth! Feel your faith rise and enjoy the "sonshine"!

By the way, what great services this weekend! Tell someone today that 2 people received miracle healings at your church Saturday night! Make it your goal to bring someone with you this coming weekend! I know that we are going to experiance a new level of anointing and blessing!

First Fruits is coming so be diligent to prepare! God will speak to you as you seek him!

Blessings, PB

Ps. Worship and communion Wednesday night!

2007-02-22T07:16:00.000-08:00

Hey I'm back!!!! I didn't remember the jet lag hanging on so long last time but I finally feel like I am waking up in the right place in the world! Praise God!
Thanks for all your prayers and support, we will never know this side of heaven the full extent of our impact, but from the feedback we did receive I know lives are being blessed and encouraged.
You are going to love this! I had really felt that the Lord wanted me to encourage the Pastors to work to strengthen the church against the tide of Islam that is creeping into the African nations and gaining support with oil money! What is so funny is that I had got myself quite worked up about this and was ready to take on the Muslim world! I guess it wasn't quite what the Lord had in mind so along comes two unexpected guests into my world!

While we were waiting to get on the plane in Portland, we were at the A terminal jumping to Seattle, a young girl comes to us and says "I heard from the counter attendant that you three are going to Nairobi and my mother is going also to visit relatives and she is scared of traveling alone. Could you look out for her and make sure she gets on her connecting flights?" Of course, being Christians who show the love of God through kind deeds right? we said absolutely! There wouldn't have been anything unusual about this except......... this little mother steps up with a long Muslim dress and head covering! Wow! Does God have a sense of humor or what! At least her face was showing, she wasn't wearing the total face covering of the fundamentalist, and with her face uncovered we could see the tears of joy that she was shedding when she realized that she would not be alone. All she could say while we were in line getting on the plane was "I'm so happy!" several times!

Now sometimes I'm not that sharp but I got the message! Love still wins! Kindness still conquers! Good will overcome evil! One by one we can make a difference. As we parted ways in Nairobi she motioned and communicated best she could that she wanted my name and address to connect with us when she returned to Portland in a couple of months. I gave her the church address! I'm hoping to see her there, and praying that she will find the truth and come to know God's love and freedom through Jesus our Savior! Pray for her and have a great day!

See you Sunday and check for my next post!

2007-02-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

Hi this is Pastor Brad I know you are having a super Sabbath Saturday! God Bless you!

This is super bowl weekend and I know everyone is choosing their favorite team and rooting for them to win! Do you know the winning team whoever it is will be celebrating the win from owners to players, to coaches, all the way to locker room cleaners? It will be just as sweet for those who didn’t get out on the field to pass, run, block and tackle as for those who did. And why? Because they were all a part of the winning team, they were all members of the same team, they were all members of the same winning family. Ephesians 2:19
It works that way in the kingdom of God also! God has put us together as a winning team at New Beginnings and when we are members we are winners together as part of God’s family. That’s why I am starting this weekend to talk about membership at NBCC what it means and how you can be a part of a team with a destiny to win and win big.
I can’t wait to share with you the blessings of being connected and a member of God’s team and how your membership makes you a winner in Life!
See you tonight or tomorrow morning! I love being your Pastor!
Check out 1 Corinthians 1:10

2007-02-01T06:44:00.000-08:00

How great is the Lord! I have been stirred lately as you know about the House of God, its place in the society, its heartbeat, its cause and purpose. As I have been meditating on our future I have felt lead to teach on membership in the body of Christ, and more specifically membership in a local church. Everyone has heard of the term "cause and effect". There are some great effects that happen when you are involved with a cause. Membership in a local church connects you to the "God effects" of commitment to the cause of the Kingdom and they are powerful things. I will be starting the new series on membership this Sunday and for the next few Sundays explain the "statements" of NBCC, the "strategy" and the "structure" of the house! After we finish we will give everyone a chance if they would like to sign a membership covenant and become official members! Its a new season! Spread the word and I'll see you this weekend! PB

PS. Psalm 47, 48 will fire your spirit up this morning!

2007-01-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

Don't be confused about the future! God is the Lord over all of the earth! When Jesus died for this world He paid in full for its redemption and return to its former owner, the Creator and God of all heaven and earth. When something is paid for at the grocery market you do not leave with only a couple of items, you leave with the whole order! It has been paid for! It does not belong to the store anymore it belongs to you! All of it! To many believers think and live in such a way that makes a statement that says they still are trying to wrestle it out of the hands of the former owner. Wouldn't it be ridiculous for the manager of Fred Meyer to run after you and try to take out of your hands what you had just paid for? Telling you that it wasn't really yours! You wouldn' t buy it for a moment! Then why do so many who are rightful owers of the promises of God just give back to the devil what God has paid in full for? The enemy has no right or ability to keep you from every promise of the Word of God. It has been paid for and the reality is that the whole earth must honor that! We have a "receipt"! The kingdoms of this world have now become the kingdoms of the Lord and His Christ! Revelations 11:15. This is not the future this is now! Now is the time! Now faith is! Its time to recover all!
Take some time today to make some confessions about what is yours in Christ! Remind yourself of the promises, write them down and declare out loud all of them yours! Keep repeating yourself until you get it deep down in your spirit! There will be a release of joy and faith when it takes root!
Be strong in the power of His might!
PB

2007-01-28T06:50:00.000-08:00

21 days of devotion! It is hard for me to believe we have been on this journey 21 days already. Knowing that this will be your last day of fasting in whatever way you have chosen, it is time to reflect on what God has revealed in your heart. How has this experance framed the kind of year you will have? Take some time and write the lessons in your journal or on some paper that you can put in your Bible or other safe place to look at again and again. I know God is pleased with those who search for Him like He was a precious treasure and the reward is always satisfying!

Psalm 100 says we should shout to the Lord all the earth and serve the Lord with gladness! Let your asking this day be one filled with shouts of joy and celebration, and keep a smile on your face as we serve the Lord with gladness together. It is often the case, and very natural to seek the Lord in times of difficulty or need, longing for His comfort, care and direction. Faith however also has a side that expresses itself when all is well and in a moment when we are awe struck by the wonders of life. Joy rises up in our soul or a laughter from deep within us surfaces! These are also the time to shout to God with the voice of triumph! Happiness is a pathway to the throne of God.
This morning as I write this I am seeing the light of the dawn beginning to frame the beauty of Mount Hood. The sky line is filled with the many colors of the daybreak and I just shake my head. I'm telling you it is so beautiful I want to stand up, pump my fist into the air and say Father you are INCREDIBLE! Can I get a witness!

Also, thank you for the wonderful feedback I have been getting! Please share what the Lord has done for you on the comments or at the prayer / praise option on the website. What a God we serve! I'm outta here! See you at the "House" later! I have to go stare at the sunrise! PB

2007-01-26T07:50:00.000-08:00

Your mind is the fertile field that successfully grows whatever is planted. Your thoughts are what is sown. The right thoughts in the right soil is the way to walk in the blessed and flourishing life. Jesus likened the mind to soil with four different conditions, with only one having the ability to sustain the seed or thought, nurtue it and bring the correct harvest. Read about it in Mark 4 and let the Holy Spirit speak to you. Paul strongly urges us to renew the spirit of the mind. That means doing a soils test today to check the condition of your soil. Is it hard, rocky, weedy, or well prepared to cause the Word of God to produce His blessed harvest for your life. Once the soil is right make sure that you are sowing the right thoughts into your mind, thoughts that align with the Word of God. And if you still find yourself thinking some thoughts that are negative, sad, or condemning, do what Paul said in 1Corinthians 10:4 and 5, cast them down and replace them with the Word! Happy gardening! You are going to flourish and be blessed!

Tonight begins the Freedom Encounter for over 100 people. They will experiance God like they never have! I am very excited and believe each one will experiance radical transformation by His power. Please pray for each one to be open and ready! "Power" is the word that keeps rising in my Spirit. Ask today for the Power of the Holy Spirit to come upon you again and fill you with His anointing to do the good work of the Kingdom.
Have a wonderful Sabbath and remember to be a "Come and See" person this week. Bring someone to a service this weekend that needs to experiance the love and grace of God!
PB