Proverbs 30:7-9
"Two things I ask of you;
deny them not to me before I die:
Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the food that is needful for me,
lest I be full and deny you

and say, "Who is the LORD?"
or lest I be poor and steal
and profane the name of my God.

________

This is my prayer Lord! Thank you for providing my daily bread. May I learn to breathe air with thanksgiving and eat the food you provide with joy and contentment. Forgive me for trusting in my own hands to provide for you are Yahweh Yireh, you are all I need!

Worship at His Feet

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" "Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him." Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you." Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.

Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?" Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains. (John 9:35-41)

Lord, I worship at your feet. You where not just a man or you would have rebuked the blind mans worship of you. You are God, You are my Lord and savior, and You are the great healer of all who believe in You. Thank you for revealing to my blind eyes the sin of my heart and the costliness of life without you. Oh Lord I have been like the Pharisees and the guilt of my sin has blinded me to my wickedness.

Lord Jesus, please open my eyes to my sin. I have become so judgmental of your church that I have become blind to your presence. I have struggled not to join the chorus of the accuser of the brethren to judge the church. Lord cleanse my heart, forgive me, and help me to love those I find unlovely. Lord you love all who you call your own and who call on your name. Forgive me for placing my ‘knowledge’ of the revelation of your mercy and loving kindness to others.

Help me Lord to follow you and to trust the church into your hands. May my heart for the church be only filled with love and warm affection! These men I have struggled with have a heart for the lost. They believe in the necessity of a moral majority in the United States. They have fought for the preservation of Godliness in this increasingly wicked nation. Forgive me Lord for not fighting and remaining silent. I don’t think it is my calling to war with the world as these men do but let me not judge them if it is their calling.

I am the Pharisee to judge them without asking you to cleanse my wicked heart. Forgive me Lord for judging. Forgive me for closing my spirit to the teaching of these men. Help me to pray for them in their ministry. Help me to know how to pray and what to pray if there is anything they say that needs to be corrected for the sake of the advancement of your ministry through them. Teach me how to pray for those I disagree with and even more teach me how to love you’re your church.

Amen!

Field of Harvest

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." (John 12:24)

This is the mystery, in order for many lives to be saved, One had to die for all! Jesus told this to Phillip and Andrew following the triumphal entry to Jerusalem and upon them hearing the threats being made to his life by the Pharisees.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem the people cried out "Hosanna!’Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Yahweh', even the King of Israel" (John 12:13) quoting from David’s Messianic blessing in Psalm 118:26. But within a week when it was clear that Jesus was not the conquering messiah they had expected they cried out Pontius Pilate, crucify!

Jesus, sent from the Father, came not to rule but to suffer. Israel had forgotten that there were to archetypes for the coming messiah. One who would suffer (look at Isaiah 53) and another who would rule. In fact, Christ is both. He came to earth first to suffer and then to rule the earth through his Church by the Holy Spirit till the last day. He laid down his life so I might live and all who have their eyes opened by Him might live forever.

"And Jesus cried out and said, "Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment--what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me." (John 12:44-50)

May we listen!

Come Son! Come into your Fathers Arms!

Ted Haggard's letter to New Life Church

The following letter from Ted Haggard, former senior pastor of New Life Church, was read to the congregation this morning at the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services.

To my New Life Church family:

I am so sorry. I am sorry for the disappointment, the betrayal, and the hurt. I am sorry for the horrible example I have set for you.

I have an overwhelming, all-consuming sadness in my heart for the pain that you and I and my family have experienced over the past few days. I am so sorry for the circumstances that have caused shame and embarrassment to all of you.

I asked that this note be read to you this morning so I could clarify my heart's condition to you. The last four days have been so difficult for me, my family and all of you, and I have further confused the situation with some of the things I've said during interviews with reporters who would catch me coming or going from my home. But I alone am responsible for the confusion caused by my inconsistent statements. The fact is, I am guilty of sexual immorality, and I take responsibility for the entire problem.

I am a deceiver and a liar. There is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I've been warring against it all of my adult life.

For extended periods of time, I would enjoy victory and rejoice in freedom. Then, from time to time, the dirt that I thought was gone would resurface, and I would find myself thinking thoughts and experiencing desires that were contrary to everything I believe and teach.

Through the years, I've sought assistance in a variety of ways, with none of them proving to be effective in me. Then, because of pride, I began deceiving those I love the most because I didn't want to hurt or disappoint them.

The public person I was wasn't a lie; it was just incomplete. When I stopped communicating about my problems, the darkness increased and finally dominated me. As a result, I did things that were contrary to everything I believe.

The accusations that have been leveled against me are not all true, but enough of them are true that I have been appropriately and lovingly removed from ministry. Our church's overseers have required me to submit to the oversight of Dr. James Dobson, Pastor Jack Hayford, and Pastor Tommy Barnett. Those men will perform a thorough analysis of my mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical life. They will guide me through a program with the goal of healing and restoration for my life, my marriage, and my family.

I created this entire situation. The things that I did opened the door for additional allegations. But I am responsible; I alone need to be disciplined and corrected. An example must be set.

It is important that you know how much I love and appreciate my wife, Gayle. What I did should never reflect in a negative way on her relationship with me. She has been and continues to be incredible. The problem is not with her, my children or any of you. It was created 100 percent by me.

I have been permanently removed from the office of Senior Pastor of New Life Church. Until a new senior pastor is chosen, our Associate Senior Pastor Ross Parsley will assume all of the responsibilities of the office. On the day he accepted this new role, he and his wife, Aimee, had a new baby boy. A new life in the midst of this circumstance - I consider the confluence of events to be prophetic. Please commit to join with Pastor Ross and the others in church leadership to make their service to you easy and without burden. They are fine leaders. You are blessed.

I appreciate your loving and forgiving nature, and I humbly ask you to do a few things.

1.) Please stay faithful to God through service and giving.

2.) Please forgive me. I am so embarrassed and ashamed. I caused this and I have no excuse. I am a sinner. I have fallen. I desperately need to be forgiven and healed.

3.) Please forgive my accuser. He is revealing the deception and sensuality that was in my life. Those sins, and others, need to be dealt with harshly. So, forgive him and, actually, thank God for him. I am trusting that his action will make me, my wife and family, and ultimately all of you, stronger. He didn't violate you; I did.

4.) Please stay faithful to each other. Perform your functions well.

Encourage each other and rejoice in God's faithfulness. Our church body is a beautiful body, and like every family, our strength is tested and proven in the midst of adversity. Because of the negative publicity I've created with my foolishness, we can now demonstrate to the world how our sick and wounded can be healed, and how even disappointed and betrayed church bodies can prosper and rejoice.

Gayle and I need to be gone for a while. We will never return to a leadership role at New Life Church. In our hearts, we will always be members of this body. We love you as our family. I know this situation will put you to the test. I'm sorry I've created the test, but please rise to this challenge and demonstrate the incredible grace that is available to all of us.

Ted Haggard

Loving, merciful Father, be with my brother Rev. Ted Haggard. Oh Lord, my heart breaks for him as I know yours does also. The sin of my brother is serious – but it is no greater than the gossip of the idle chatterer or the “secret” sins of my heart. But thank you for your mercy!

Jesus you died for the sin of all those who love you and paradoxally, all who hate you. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Christ, on the cross you saw Mr. Haggard and the blessings prepared in advance for him and you knew the thorn appointed for him to test him. He has failed, but you can pick him up. Lord, please restore my brother!

Holy Spirit, please minister to Mr. Haggard and his family as they endure the consequences of sin in an all too public way. Before your judgment seat every sin will be judged and every son of Adam and even the spirits of the air will be judged according to their allegiance to you. Thank you that through Christ my wicked deeds and the evil done by all who call Christ name may be removed. Jesus you were ransomed so that all may come to the Father's embrace!

Lord, please be with the very broken body of believers at New Life Church as they endure the pain of their overseer’s sin. Father keep all those who are yours and give wisdom to those in authority to lead this body through a very troubling time that may be very divisive. Jesus you said "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God" (John 3:19-21).

In your wisdom you have brought this sin to light. Let those affected by the temptation of sexual immorality not forget they too will one day be judged before the throne of Yahweh. Jesus you have made a way that all who call on your name may be healed and turned from the darkness to the light and so be healed – let this be so at New Life Church and across this nation. May all sinners tremble at the cost of sin!

Lord in your eyes all sin is equal. Homosexuality is the same as adultery and adultery the same as lust. The truth is every act that falls short of the Glory of God is sin. There is no greater or lesser – the best "man" has to offer is utterly depraved and inherently wicked! Father may we your people remember that during this sad time and turn to you and forgive those we sin against and also ask forgiveness for our sins. Lord this sin has been brought to the light. Thank you... please forgive me for the evil I commit in the darkness.

Lord, help me to bring all my sins before you to be judged. May I fall on the rock and so not be crushed beneath it. Help me to take every thought captive to the glory of your name. Father minister to my pastor and help me to be accountable and not succumb to the sickness of solitude. In community we are able to face the darkness with boldness. Alone the path is freighting and unclear. We need you and we need each other. Sin is a serious epidemic; none are immune to its deadly poison.

Lord, help Mr. Haggard not to fall deeper into the pit of sorrow. Help him to begin the process of reconciliation by first receiving your forgiveness and then by forgiving himself. Please give grace to his family to love him and uphold him despite the difficulty of this time and the personal nature of his sin.

- Amen

The Tree of Life

Oh, root of Jesse you were cut down to rise again!

In love and in justice Yahweh cut down the line of David, only to secure it in his infinite wisdom through his one and only begotten Son, Jesus.

The tree that was cut down is the tree on which you, oh Lord, were to hang; put there by me and all sons of perdition. Yet, as you were raised on that tree, the figurative tree of Jesse, so were you fulfilling the promise you covented to Abram, the Father of all who believe:

"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:2-3)

In Christ death and ressurrection the 1000 year reign of David was secured. Christ, of the line of David, the line of Abraham, the line of Adam, beacame at the place of the Skull the final Lamb of sacrifice for the sins of all men. Like the golden snake in the desert that Moses raised, those who look upon you and entrust themselves to your care will be saved from death and have the fatal dross removed!

Jesus, thank you for dying for my sin. Thank you for dying for all who accept you. Your love is freely given and you promise water that satisfies to all those who look upon your broken figure and eat the leaves of the tree of Life.

Revelations 22:1-5 & 12-17

1Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

12"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. 13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 14"Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." 17The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life."

AMEN!

Maranatha!

Oh Yashewa! You bled and died for me. How much you love me. How much you love sinners that in perfection you died for all so that by death in innocence and absent of sin no other should have to taste the eternal second death by unquenchable fire. How great is your love! I love You Son of God, true Brother, my Lord in heaven.

Revelations 19:10-16
John, the beloved of Christ, before the throne of Yahweh
"10And I fell at his feet (the angel) to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

Yes LORD and Amen! Maranatha!