​The Apostle Paul shares some encouraging as well as challenging words to the church in Corinth. 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. ¹⁴ And do everything with love.” (NLT)

The Apostle Paul reminds the brothers and sisters of the church in Corinth to Be on Your Guard!!The Scriptures make it clear that believers in Christ are to be on our guard because the enemy is against God, so he is also against the Father’s children. I recently read these words and it spoke to my heart; “Satan knows that he cannot attack God so he attacks the children of God.” We are part of a spiritual battle that on many days we wake up forgetting that this struggle is going on in our lives. When our lives are consumed with the temporary life, we are easily trapped into forgetting the journey to eternal life. When you stop and think about how you need to specifically be on your guard right now, what comes to mind? We need to identify in what ways the enemy is attacking each of us, our family, our friendships, our workplace, and our church? Just as God is active, the Devil is active too. He is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for people to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Being on our guard works best when we are not reliant on our own strength but on the help of the Holy Spirit and the armor of God. We are not left in the battle unguarded and vulnerable; we are equipped and empowered with the victory of Jesus and believing that this temporary suffering is for His glory. Here is the call to stand firm. When we think of the word firm, what do you picture? I think of a rock, a strong muscle, or a wall. I imagine something immovable and steady, something that will not shake or even give the idea that it would fall. We have a firm foundation in Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11 says, “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” We have the wonderful opportunity to build our life with as well as on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!! I am reminded to remember the fact that we can trust in the FAITHFULNESS OF GOD!! He is with us at all times and in all situations!!! 2 Timothy 2:19 says, “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.’” We can rest assured that God knows that we are His. He can help us, and He can remind us that He is our firm foundation in this life. We can place our full trust in Him, more so than when we sit in a chair and it holds us up or ride in a plane and hope it lands. We have the promise that He is always with us, and He will keep us safe in His arms. PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!! WALKING AFTER THE HEART OF GOD!! PASTOR MIKE

 

Hebrews 12:1-3, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (NIV)

 

The New Testament often likens the Christian life to a race, requiring training, dedication, focus, and perseverance to keep going in all circumstances. We also read in Scripture that we will experience trials and tribulations and a cost associated with a life fully surrendered to Christ (Luke 9:57-62).

 

Every day is a chance to surrender my desires and make sacrifices to finish my race and keep my faith (2 Timothy 4:7). The choice is to get up early and attend corporate worship or catch some extra sleep. The budget gets tight, and the choice arises to tithe and help others or to skimp on honoring God with our resources. Many sacrifices will be made; each is a training ground, ensuring we finish this faith race with endurance. Someone says something offensive, and the opportunity to forgive or hold a grudge comes up. Will I love the unlovable more than myself?

 

The good news is that God doesn't require sacrifice without extending great rewards. In Matthew 5:11-12, we are encouraged that our great reward is in heaven. Peter tells us that those who belong to God have an eternal inheritance in Christ that never spoils or fades (1 Peter1:3-6). After this race is over, and we finish strong, we get perfect communion with God and His people with no trace of sin; what an amazing trade-off for our time spent training. When we completed our course of life each of us will realize that the hours of training and the sacrifices we made were well worth the effort.

 

Remember that this life is a race today, especially if you're currently running the most challenging mile and feel unsure if you can keep going. Maybe you're not sprinting on this stretch like the people around you. That's okay; stay focused on Christ and keep putting one foot in front of the other. We can trust that as we make choices to sacrifice and persevere, our character and endurance have the opportunity to grow. And when we cross that finish line, we will finally be rewarded with the words we long to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)

 

WE ARE PRAYING DAILY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!

 

WALKING AFTER THE HEART OF GOD,

 

PASTOR MIKE

 

 

Mark 10:46-50, “Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. ⁴⁷ And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁸ Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁹ So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” ⁵⁰ And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.

Each of you has been in my prayers this morning. Praying for one another is becoming even more important as we identify the needs that are present in the lives of our family and friends. I would also encourage you to remember that there is a benefit in agreeing in prayer for a specific need. Do you remember the words of Jesus, “IF two or three agree…”

I would like to share with you an inspiration that I believe the Holy Spirit placed in my heart at the conclusion of last Sunday’s service. The Spirit reminded me of blind Bartimaeus and the story of his healing. Bartimaeus is sitting on the side of the road and he hears that Jesus is passing by that way. He immediately begins to cry out for Jesus to have mercy on him. I can close my eyes and hear the desperate yet faith filled cry that is coming from this man’s heart. Do we realize that Jesus hears each of us when we cry out for His assistance in our journey of life? I encourage you to take a moment and reflect on the times that Jesus heard your cry for help!!!

The passage of scripture in Mark 10 reveals the sound of some other voices that are making noise at the same time that Bartimaeus is crying out for Jesus. The “noise” is the “voices of discouragement.” These other voices wanted the blind man to be quiet. EACH OF US must decide which voices we are going to listen to and which voices we will obey. We must remember that each of us will face the “voices of discouragement” any time that we choose to follow Christ. It is the devil’s intent to discourage us and to interfere in our journey of faith.

Satan wanted to keep Bartimaeus on the side of the road. Satan wants to keep EACH OF US on the side of the spiritual road of life. Satan wanted to keep Bartimaeus blind. Satan wants to keep EACH OF US spiritually blind. Satan wanted to keep Bartimaeus away from the presence of God. Satan wants to keep EACH OF US away from the presence of God through the Biblical principles of prayer, praise, fellowship and the corporate preaching of the Word of God.

Let me remind you of another voice in the crowd. In the midst of the discouragement someone declares these words, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He (Jesus) is calling you.” I am that voice this morning. I am saying that Jesus is calling us in the midst of our discouragement, in the midst of our trials, in the midst of our heartaches, in the midst of our hurts, in the midst of our excuses to stay on the sidelines, (This is not the time to be on the spiritual sidelines, this is the time to step into the battle and release our faith.), in the midst of our sorrows and heartaches, etc. God is calling each of us to draw near to Him regardless of whatever “in the midst of” situation or struggle we are facing.

Praise God, Bartimaeus chose to listen to the voice of Christ. He listened to Christ in obedience and he was healed. He chose to reject all of the “voices of discouragement and dismay.” He chose to respond to Christ!! Which voice will we chose to respond to today? Which voice will we chose to respond to the remaining days of our lives?

Each of you is DEFINITELY MISSED when you are unable to worship with us!! I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday (2-19). God is at work but we must be willing to let Him do His work in our lives. I encourage you to not listen to the voices of discouragement but listen for the VOICE OF CHRIST!! He is calling us to draw near to Him!! Take a step of faith and respond to His call!!  

 

 FYI: WEDNESDAY NIGHT (2-8) @ 6:30 PM @ NEW RIVER THE STUDY OF THE “FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT LED BY BRO. MIKE GIBSON!

FYI: PASTOR MIKE’S FACEBOOK LIVE MESSAGE ON THURSDAY NIGHT (2-9) @ 6:30 PM ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE, MICHAEL WILLINGHAM

FYI: THE PRESENCE OF GOD HAS BEEN SO RICH AND SO POWERFUL IN RECENT WEEKS AND MONTHS!! WE MUST BE PREPARED TO RECEIVE AND RESPOND TO THE MOVING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!! I KNOW THAT THERE ARE MANY INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE PRAYING FOR A “REVIVAL.” BUT WE MUST ALSO BE PRAYING THAT EACH OF US WILL SURRENDER TO THE MOVE OF THE SPIRIT WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY ARISES!! I AM AFRAID THAT WE ARE MISSING SOME BLESSINGS BECAUSE WE ARE FAILING TO RESPOND IN OBEDIENCE. THIS IS THE TIME TO OBEY AND OPEN OUR HEARTS TO WHAT GOD DESIRES TO DO AMONG US!!

I LOOK FORWARD TO WORSHIPING WITH YOU ON SUNDAY MORNING (2-12) @ 10:30 AM!!!

In the past few weeks we have heard testimonies from various individuals who have experienced a divine intervention in their life or someone’s life that they knew. I felt led to remind us of the IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER ONCE AGAIN!! I realize that this may be “old news” to some but each of us face moments in which we wonder if God is hearing us. And why are things not changing if God is hearing us. These types of moments require us to have FULL FAITH & NOT PARTIAL FAITH!! God is hearing you, just keep praying!!

Psalm 116:2, “Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live” - 

Have you ever had times in your life when it seemed like God didn't hear you? It can seem pretty discouraging when we feel like our prayers aren’t being heard and we aren’t sensing God’s presence and interventions in difficult situations. Sadly, feeling unheard often leads people to feel unloved, forgotten, and of little value to God. 

Yet all those feelings aren’t based on truth but rather on what we aren’t seeing or experiencing happening in our lives because God does hear us. “And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him” (1 John 5:15). Often, when we feel unheard, God is at work in ways we may not see or know at the time. Romans 8:28 assures us in all situations, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

But God not only hears; He also listens, which means He pays attention and considers our words. Psalm 66:19 tells us, “But God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.” God hears and listens to our voices. “In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him, into His ears" (Psalm 16:8). As believers, we have God’s ear.

There are countless stories in the Bible of men and women who may have felt at times that God wasn’t hearing them. Individuals in situations where they really needed His ear, some of those caught in life-and-death situations where there was no hope for them if He didn’t hear and respond to them. Individuals like Joseph, Daniel, Paul, and more. Although we know how their stories ended, being human like us, they may have experienced a roller coaster of emotions in their circumstances. But we must remember that we can trust in God and we must believe that God is interested in our journey of life!!

I ENCOURAGE EACH OF US TO KEEP PRAYING!!!!

Walking after the Heart of God,

Pastor Mike

 FYI: BRO. MIKE GIBSON IS BEGINNING THE BIBLE STUDY ON THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY, 1-25) @ 6:30 PM!! YOU ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS TIME OF STUDY.

FYI: I WILL BE MOVING MY FACEBOOK LIVE MESSAGE TO THURSDAY NIGHT (1-26) @ 6:30 PM!! PASS THIS INFORMATION ON TO OTHERS WHO MAY NOT RECEIVE THIS WRITTEN MESSAGE!!! I LOOK FORWARD TO OUR TIME TOGETHER!!

FYI: SUNDAY (1-29) WILL BE A WONDERFUL DAY TO GATHER TOGETHER AND CELEBRATE OUR LORD & SAVIOR!! EACH OF US NEEDS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO GATHER WITH OUR CHURCH FAMILY AND OFFER OUR CORPORATE WORSHIP!! I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SUNDAY!!! JUST REMEMBER THAT NO ONE CAN OFFER  YOUR PRAISE, ONLY YOU CAN!!!!

Psalm 139:7-10, “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! ⁸ If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. ⁹ If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, ¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.” (NLT)

Would you take time to read this statement that I recently read; these words spoke to my heart to say the least. “Against me earth and hell combine, but on my side is power divine; Jesus is all, and he is mine!” – John Newton

Life is full of ups and downs. So much of what we hold dear can be touched by death, disaster, and decay. But we can be certain of the Lord who gives us strength, to whom we can turn for assurance and power to live victoriously in good times and bad. Take time to read Philippians 4:10-13 with me today. “How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. ¹¹ Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. ¹² I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. ¹³ For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (NLT) The Word of God will reveal the truth concerning the strength that we need if we will take time to read His Word and take time to allow its power to settle deep into our spirit and our heart (The seat of our emotions)!!!

I have learned what others of you have learned and others will learn this lesson as they continue their journey with Christ. I have learned that the PRESENCE OF GOD is irreplaceable in any situation, challenge or trial. Knowing that I have His presence with me provides me the extra strength that I need from time to time. We all face those moments that we feel “ALONE” but according to the Word of God WE ARE NEVER ALONE!!! The presence of God is a promise and He will fulfill His promises to His children. I encourage each of us to remember every day that we can count on the presence of God in our individual lives!!!

Dear God, I confess that my life and the circumstances in which I try to live it are beyond my ability to control. Thank You for being present to comfort, protect, guide, and empower me to face each situation with confidence and assurance. Because You are with me, I know I will have all I need to live victoriously for You until the day I go to share with You in Your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen. (Ron Allen)

WALKING AFTER THE HEART OF GOD,

PASTOR MIKE

 These verses of scripture of came into my heart as I sat down at my desk to write this message. Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:31, “The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide.” Psalm 40:2, “He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.” (NKJV) Emphasis added

I think that I will raise ANOTHER HALLELJUAH when I reflect on the ability of God to order our steps on our journey of life. I also believe that God is at work among His people around the world. There is a “spirit of awakening” that is taking place in the lives of various individuals. I personally know some of these individuals as well as I read about this “awakening” happening in various locations both near as well as far away.

I feel the need to remind each of us that we are people of free will. God has given us the option of following His guidance or choosing to follow our own set of plans. This choice is a very serious one to make. Our eternal destination depends on us making the correct choice when it comes to the path of life that we choose. I am asking God to give me the courage and strength I need to follow His guidance and apply His Truth to my life. This may not be the most popular route to take BUT I do believe that it will be the most profitable route to choose.

We will be seeking to learn more about our journey with God as we gather for our times of study and worship on Sunday! I understand that this is summer and our schedules are rearranged for various reasons. BUT we need to always make time for God to continue His work in our lives. You are missed when you are unable to worship with your church family and FELLOWSHIP WITH YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER!!!

I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A GREATER DAY OF “DIVINE ALIGNMENT” IN FRONT OF US. I DESIRE TO BE TRAVELING DOWN THE RIGHT PATH WITH JESUS CHRIST OUR CHIEF SHEPHERD!! I LOOK FORWARD TO WORSHIPING WITH YOU ON THURSDAY AS WELL AS SUNDAY!!

Easter is ______________________

Holy Week has evaporated very quickly or so it seems to me. These are certainly "odd & unique" days in which we are living. It seems to me that our nation is almost in a state of paralysis which has been brought on by the appearance of Covid-19. This invisible enemy has attacked our land and each decision that we make is dictated and somewhat controlled by the activity of this enemy. We must be on guard and not allow this enemy to attack our soul during this special time in our "spiritual calendar." I want my soul to be "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." I want my "spiritual immune" system to ward off the attempts of the enemy to thwart my faith and trust in God. I would like to share a portion of a letter that I shared with the New River Worship Center family this week. I pray that you will be encouraged and strengthened by what I felt led to to share. 

Psalm 46:4-5, “There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. ⁵ God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.” (NKJV)

I have referenced Psalm 46 & Psalm 91 many times in prayer and my personal times of meditation over the past few weeks of this unique journey of life. I have found comfort, strength and hope in the words written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. These are the times in which God is calling us to look to Him to be the Provider of all that we need. We should believe that promise all of the time yet we don’t. It is easy to rely on our own abilities or the abilities of others but it is during challenging times such as these that we lean more heavily on the presence of God! I believe that EACH OF US needs to allow God to teach us the lesson or lessons that He is seeking to reveal to us. We need to become students and look to the Master Teacher for the wisdom and guidance that we need.

This is the first Holy Week in Christian history to be observed primarily online. From live streamed services at the Vatican to video sermons recorded and shared on cell phones, Christians and Christian churches all over the world are meeting virtually these days. Many of us are missing the opportunities of gathering with our “church family” in corporate worship. I am praying that those feelings will still burn in our hearts when the church doors are open once again for corporate worship and fellowship. Sadly, many of us don’t think of the blessing of some things until they are removed from our lives. I was blessed by these words that Phillip Yancey declared; “God goes where he’s wanted.” Our wanting more of God must go deeper than just words; it must become the cry of our hearts.

There is no recorded activity of Jesus on Wednesday during Holy Week. But the Psalmist David reminded us that “God is in the midst” of His people. You cannot quarantine God to a specific location or stop Him for doing His work in our lives. He is in the midst of two or three who gather together in His name. The activities of Easter have been put on hold to a certain extent. The services that churches had scheduled will either be postponed or shared via social media. But I was reminded of something this morning in prayer; “The opportunity of worship and interaction with God does not have to be rescheduled or limited to a time of viewing a service on social media. God can be worshiped any time and in any place if we would just turn our hearts toward Him!” We can take these difficult days and turn them into days of prayer, praise, and worship to the Savior who gave His life on Calvary for the sins of humanity. Holy week was never about new clothes, colored eggs, large meals, etc. Holy week was a time in which Jesus was preparing to offer His life on the cross so that men and women such as you and me would be forgiven, redeemed, restored and adopted into the family of God. “OH WHAT A SAVIOR!!!” Doesn’t He deserve our sincere attention and adoration?

Desmond Tutu: "Easter says to us that despite everything to the contrary, his will for us will prevail, love will prevail over hate, justice over injustice and oppression, peace over exploitation and bitterness." Easter this year will look a bit different, but we will not let that stand in the way of our celebration of Christ’s victory. Let us take this opportunity realize that God is able to reveal “His light in the midst of our darkness.” I encourage each of us to claim the promises of Isaiah 61:3, “To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (NKJV)