Giving Thanks…Faithful Preachers

To those who know me…it’s no surprise that my top list of things I’m thankful for relate to God and His word.  Continuing on in that same vein I thank God for pastors, teachers and churches that are committed and faithful to preach and teach the full counsel of God’s word.

I have been abundantly blessed by God to sit under pastors who have been gifted by God.  Pastors who diligently study God’s word so they can feed and care for the flock.  They strive to present the bride of Christ, the church, as holy and blameless, sanctified and set apart, holy and dedicated unto Him. 

Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.  For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. – Acts 20:26-27

Pastor Philip De Courcy

Pastor Chuck Obremski

Pastor John MacArthur

Pastor John Piper

Oneplace.com

A Beacon on a Hill

Their little church

Became a beacon on a hill

A shinning light

Bidding all who want to follow Jesus

Come…follow Him

From humble beginnings

A group of people

Who loved God’s word

Studied the scriptures diligently

That they might accurately divide the word of Truth

Though their shepherd was struck

They kept their eyes on Christ

Called out to God

That He might bring another pastor

Faithful to preach the full counsel of God’s word

In His perfect timing

God brought His servant

A man ready to preach

In season and out of season

Teaching sound doctrine to equip the saints

God continues to bring them

From far and wide

Those who are unwilling to have their ears tickled

But would rather be reproved, corrected and instructed

So they might be thoroughly equipped for every good work

God is growing His church daily

Knitting each one perfectly into the body of Christ

The saints are not ashamed of the Gospel

For they know personally, it is the power of salvation

For all who believe

By Susan Bunts Wachtel

January 4, 2010

Soul Talk

Oh my soul
Here I am adrift
In a sea of wild emotions

Hope has turned to despair
Depression is closing in
Oh may I not fall into the sin of unbelief

Lord…I feel as though I have been exiled
Banished from Your presence
May I not given in to my feelings

Soul…I must take every thought captive
Find encouragement in God’s word
May I firmly cinch the Belt of Truth around me

When I feel as though I’m drowning
May I reach out and cling
To the Rock Who is higher than I

When I feel abandoned
May I remember Your promises
Assured that You will never leave, nor forsake me

When the darkness descends
May You be my Bright & Morning Star
The Light unto my path

When taunted, “Where is your God?”
May I remember…while He is invisible
God is never inactive

May I seek You Lord
Bask in the glory of Your presence
See my life in light of Your purpose and plan

May I find hope in Your radiance
Comfort in Your word
Peace in Your presence


Susan Bunts Wachtel
June 14, 2009

Have you had the experience that when the Pastor is preaching…you feel certain that the message is just for you? That’s what I experienced today. I felt as though Pastor Philip De Courcy was preaching a message designed especially for me. I’ll bet you a lot of folks felt that way this morning.

It was the right message and was in God’s perfect timing.

Pastor Philip preached a message out of Psalm 42 -43 on despair and depression. The word of God not only comforts and acts as a healing balm but it challenges us to “get a grip” . In this instance…take every thought captive.

This poem was motivated by and composed from the notes I took from today’s sermon.

Just Right

Well the prospect of getting married for the first time at the age of 49 is very interesting, scary, intimidating and empowering all at once. Seeing 20 year old girls trying on wedding gowns with excitement as they weed through literally hundreds of gowns...scares me to death.

Yet at 49...putting up with a twerp named Michael at the jewelry store became a fun game to yank his chain as he tried to “help me” figure out what engagement ring I’d like. When repeatedly asked why I didn’t like ring after ring...I wanted to say, “It doesn’t matter why, I just don’t...move on.” Instead I was nice...well relatively and the search became easier and quicker when I stopped worrying about hurting his feelings when I didn’t like a ring he suggested. A quick look or seeing it on my finger quickly eliminated a multitude of choices.

Never one to buckle under heavy pressure to make a sale...it was easy to walk away and say we may be back. And indeed we might have, had it not been for God going before us and leading my fiancé Chris and me to just the right jewelry store.

But that’s what our whole relationship has been like. Both Chris and I can so clearly see God’s hand in our relationship. How he formed and shaped us to fit so perfectly together. Our differences and strengths complement each other. How God worked a miracle after introducing us the first time and took what at first seemed to be a dud...but later God would light a fire that would grow into love at His appointed time. How God brought us together and helped us in those early weeks and the ensuing months to navigate some rough waters...but we also delight and enjoy the smooth, calm seas when we come upon them.

To many people...it sounds crazy to say we got engaged to be married after dating for only 3 months. But what happens to folks approaching 50 isn’t necessarily what you would advise a 20 year old kid. Besides that...our whole relationship and engagement have proven themselves to be “just right”. So what would have been crazy 30 years ago...today I understand, delight and continue to be amazed by. Thank You Jesus!

At a recent graduation and promotion ceremony for home school children Pastor Philip De Courcy quoted Warren Wiersby who said, “God gives His best to those who resolve to leave the choice up to Him.” To that both Chris and I give a hearty “Amen”!

Not only do we praise and thank God for what He’s done to bring us and hold us together...but we continue to be in awe of how He cares and is working in each area of our relationship.

Steering us to just the right engagement and wedding rings in a matter of minutes when by happenstance we walked into the jewelry store at the mall. To providing an alternative for me on finding a wedding dress by ordering online. I was able to order two different dresses and the designer Martin McCrea was willing to allow me to order both styles with the understanding that I will keep the one I like best and return the other one.

God continues to work out the details. This time in the form of a wedding reception. After investigating alternative and prices for having a wedding reception, both Chris and I were a little overwhelmed. To have a wedding reception that costs under $5,000 would be a feat in and of itself. Even then...that’s keeping the arrangements small and low key. It’s not uncommon for a wedding reception to cost between $10,000 to $20,000...or more! Holy smokes! Money that could be applied to a home purchase or honeymoon...is gone in one fell swoop! Don’t get me wrong....it’s a once in a lifetime event and we want to do it right. It’s just for Chris and me...that’s plumb crazy.

It was with amazement and gratitude we humbly accepted the offer of friends to hold a cake and punch wedding reception in their humble abode. Sure we’ll have to scale things back including the guest list that grew exponentially. But that’s not a bad thing. We pray that it will help us to keep first things first.

That first thing is to honor and glorify Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior...to thank Him for what He’s doing. We want our wedding and marriage to reflect His glory in our lives.

When Chris and I left the choosing up to God...He brought us just the right mate.

After the recent death of my mom Gayle Lorenat, I find it hits me at odd times. The sadness and grief of her passing. Some of the things I’m arranging now...she would have been a part of. As much as I waited and looked forward to that day...she did too. But God has provided, guided and directed in the absence of parents to come alongside me.

Concurrently Providential

When I see you,
I can perfectly see God’s presence in my life.

His mercy and grace,
Poured out in abundance to one so undeserving.

His sovereign plan,
That brought us together...in His perfect timing.

How He spent a lifetime,
Fitting us and forming two broken pieces for one another.

Yet...He left surprises,
In which we can delight and discover as we grow together.

I see His providence,
Because He went before me and prepared me for you.

I can testify to His concurrence,
As He worked a “good bad” in order to bring me to you.

Before you...He brought men into my life,
That made me desire...even long for a good man who loves the Lord.

Yet...He has given even more,
Deep blue eyes and warm smile...that melt my heart.

Chris...until “That Day”...and beyond,
May He continually, concurrently, providentially work His sovereign plan in us!

By Susan Bunts
May 21, 2008

Dedicated to Chris...the one I love

This poem was inspired by a sermon by Pastor Philip De Courcy that taught us about the sovereignty of God through His providence and concurrence in our lives. That sermon was providentially timed and has caused me to reflect and appreciate even more what God is doing in Chris and my life...and in our relationship.

Costly Sin

It has been my privilege to participate in Bible Study Fellowship for nearly nine years. I thank God for BSF because it provides me the study and discipline that I would not achieve on my own.

I learn from the answers the other ladies on our group share. I learn from our Teaching Leader Terri de la Vega…who has a real heart for God and people. She is uncompromising in teaching the word of God and doesn’t duck when it comes to sharing hard truths.

I also learn when answering the question for our study each week. Some questions are straight forward and direct. Some cause me to think and mull over the question. In this week’s lesson we are studying Matthew 18 and the questions that really got me to thinking were about sin in the life of a Christian and how it effects the church. How sin reflects on Christ and the Gospel message.

Be it me or another Christian…sin infects the body of Christ and the church.

It’s all too easy to laugh at sin…especially as portrayed on sitcoms and movies. Shows that make sin and doing what God has declared sinful, the norm and common place. Thing like sex outside of marriage…both for singles and married people. What about homosexuality. Most shows depict homosexuals in a humorous way. To lie, cheat and steal is normal…and fails to shock people these days. Even when it comes from a respected leader.

The church in America today has become so influenced by our godless culture that we fail to see sin as sin…and declare it as such. When that happens…we are not effective instruments to share the Gospel. When I take it in stride when my friend is living with someone outside of marriage I will fail to confront them. There will be no reason to let them know that what they are doing is against God’s word…after all, “They aren’t hurting anyone, are they?”. Wrong! In fact they are. They are lost in their sin…perishing and will go to hell if they don’t accept God’s one and only acceptable sin offering…Jesus Christ and his atoning death on the cross. Part of accepting Christ is recognizing that I’m a sinner, repenting and turning away from my sin.

When a Christian steps across that line…when a Christian sins…we fail to be a useful and effective instrument in the hands of God. We buy into the lies of the enemy…who will later condemn us as a hypocrite.

As Pastor Philip De Courcy warned a couple of weeks ago, yes it is, “Once saved, always saved”. But he admonished… “Once saved, always saved…if you are truly saved.” If I say I’m a Christian, but can walk in sin, make excuses for it and not repent…I need to ask myself if I’m truly saved.

Below are some thoughts about the cost of sin to a Christian, the body of Christ and Christ Jesus my Lord.

• I’m saying Jesus Christ saves me...but can’t deliver me from my sins.

• That Jesus Christ is my Savior…but not my Lord and Master.

• I put myself above God as I seek which pleases me, even when God has strictly prohibited it in scripture.

• I don’t care that I give the body of Christ a black eye and bad reputation…and that my tainted sin casts a pall over every Christian.

• I want my cake…and eat it too. To sin and enjoy it for a season…but not pay the price and consequences for my sin.

• I don’t care if my sin causes another one to stumble, sin and go to destruction.

• I’m saying to hell with you unbeliever who rejects the Gospel of Jesus Christ because you see me as just another hypocrite professing Christ but not walking in obedience.

• I’m saying Jesus…let me let me drive another nail in Your hand. Let me add more of my sin upon You. Sin that You willingly, in obedience to the Father, took upon Yourself.

• I’m believing the one who was a liar from the beginning. Taking him at his word and doubting God and His word.

• I’m saying I want to belong to God…but not serve Him.

• I stop seeing what God has declared wrong as sinful.

• When I don’t see someone without Christ as dead in their sins…I won’t share the Gospel message.

• When I’m sinning…I will be less likely to confront another Christian who is in sin. I feel guilty and don’t want to be confronted about my own sin.

Warning Signs of the Me Gospel

On Sunday morning before heading off to church or Saturday evening while cleaning…I’ll frequently turn on TBN our religious broadcast station. While there are some solid Bible teachers…all too often I find pastors and ministries going astray from teaching the word of God.

One of the sure signs that I will hear man’s word and not God’s…is when I see the pastor preaching but there is no Bible to be found. On occasion…the pastor will be carrying a Bible, but he never opens it, nor refers to it. I am appalled when I see props on a stage as opposed to a pastor, his Bible and the pulpit. When our pastors are resorting to make their messages sexier and appealing to better compete with the secular world…we have gone over the edge.

As angry as I feel when I see such shenanigans…more than that I pity those pastors. I feel sad for them that they don’t know the power…the dynamite…of God’s word. The power to transform lives…take people who were dead in their sins and make them alive in Christ. If they had any clue what they were dealing with…they would treasure God’s word…guard it carefully and feed the hungry flock with the only food that will satisfy and last.

When I see such antics by men…and women…who claim to know Christ…I have to wonder if they truly know Christ as their Lord and Savior? All evidence to the contrary. God’s word warns us of such times and teachers. More and more…today’s pastors give evidence that we are in the days in which men will seek teaching which tickle their ears…instead of good, solid Bible teaching.

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. – 2 Timothy 4:2-4

With a born again Christian and a Mormon running for President there is more and more of a focus on religion in the media. As a result…I see interviews with pastors that the media consider to be religious leaders. One of “leaders” is Joel Osteen. I was left speechless after hearing an interview in which Joel was asked if Mormons are Christians. Joel had the perfect opportunity and platform to say to a world that is confused, lost and dead in their sins…that indeed there is a difference between the Christian faith in the Bible and what Mormons believe. He could have expanded on those differences and given the Gospel message. But instead Joel Osteen said he didn’t want to judge and that if Mitt says he believes in Christ then they have a common bond.

How is it that a pastor that has one of the largest churches in America not know that there is a difference between Biblical Christianity and the Mormon faith? That the Mormons have an additional text they consider as doctrine. It teaches about a different Jesus…not the same Jesus as the Bible.

But worse than not knowing that there is a difference between Biblical Christianity and Mormonism is the fact that Joel was reluctant or worse refused to address those differences. There is world of people that are dead in their sins and headed for hell unless they receive God only way of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Joel had platform to speak to millions of people who may have never heard the Gospel…or know that there is a difference between Mormonism and Christianity…but he remained silent.

Jesus command is clear. “He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” – Mark 16:15.

When I listen to these ministries…I see some patterns. Below is list of some of the things I see from pastors and ministries who do not peach God’s word.

• No Bible is present…or frankly necessary because they are not preaching from the Word of God.
• Don’t teach from the word of God
• It’s all about me and how I feel.
• God is only as good as what He can do for me.
• It’s about what I do…not about being broken in my sin and repentant.
• No conviction…I leave feeling good.
• No recognition that I am a sinner saved by grace.
• I don’t hear anything about me being a sinner
• The message is meant to make me feel good.
• There are props on stage
• It’s a stage not a pulpit
• A few verses are thrown in just for good measure
• Casual…no suit or tie…the approach to the word of God is casual and laid back.
• No conviction of sin
• Illustrations from movies or personal experience…not from the Bible
• They make Jesus cool…not holy and they don’t revere Him as God.
• No talk of sin…which left me dead and condemned.
• When I don’t know I’m a sinner…I don’t need a Savior.
• Jesus is someone who came to show us how to live…not pay the penalty for my sin.
• It’s about what I do…not what He did.
• We’re all sons and daughters of God…they don’t define what makes one a son and daughter of God.
• No prayer for those who don’t know Christ, who are dead in their sins to accept God’s plan of salvation and forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Lord.
• No awe and reverence for God.
• The pastor tells me what I ought to do…but doesn’t share that I can not do it on my own power and strength…but only through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within me.

When Kindred Community Church was searching for a Pastor it took almost two years. During that time I was left to contemplate what would I do if we got a man who did not preach the word of God. What would I do? I love the body of Christ at my church…but I knew I had to seek God and His word first. I praise God that each week…in church and in Bible studies that I hear the full counsel of the word of God. I praise God and thank Him for bringing us Pastor Philip De Courcy…who teaches from the Bible. There is many a Sunday when I leave not feeling really good about myself because I’m being convicted of sin. But then I know that in no way will God reject or cast out a repentant sinner…and that I am forgiven. Sometimes I’m comforted by God’s merciful and loving word. But I’m always being fed God’s word.

I thank God for His hand of protection upon Kindred Community Church and allowing us to hear the full counsel of the word of God. We need to be mindful, to whom much is given, much is required. But praise God…where He calls, He equips.

With All the Many Miracles

God gave the bold command
To cross the Jordan and take the land
Not to worry about the giants they would face
But when the spies returned
To tell the others what they had learned
They said, “For us to win, there’s just no way.”

Still two of them trusted God,
Caleb and Joshua
They said, “Children, don’t believe what you have heard.
We know we’re out manned by far,
They’re much bigger than we are.
But let’s not forget just Who it is we serve.”

With all the many miracles
Why don’t you think it’s possible?
With all the many things we’ve seen
Why do you think it’s just a dream?
With all the things He’s done for us
Don’t you think it’s time we trust?
Remember what is possible
With all the many miracles.

Like when we were about to die,
Manna fell from the sky.
Then water came from a dry old dusty rock.
And back when Pharaoh was closing in,
God closed the sea again,
But not before we all had safely crossed.

So here you are my friend,
You face a battle you cannot win
You tell yourself, “There just no need to try”
Consider how good God’s been,
He’s been faithful time and again,
You must believe and here’s the reason why.

With all the many miracles
Why don’t you think it’s possible?
With all the many things we’ve seen
Why do you think it’s just a dream?
With all the things He’s done for us
Don’t you think it’s time we trust?
Remember what is possible
With all the many miracles.

With all the things He’s done for us
Don’t you think it’s time we trust?
Remember what is possible
With all the many miracles.

By Rodney Griffin, Greater Vision

Anybody in need of a miracle today? Anybody being challenged to keep the faith in the midst of difficult circumstances and dark days? I for one raise my hand high and say, “Yes Jesus, I believe help me with my unbelief. Please God bless me.”

Terry and David…I’m dedicating this song to both of you. You both share a love for the music of Greater Vision. When I listen to their music…my faith is built up. It’s so Biblically based and taken straight from scripture. I pray that the Lord touches your feelings and reminds you that He loves you and is at work in your circumstances. May we be ever mindful that He is faithful. Love you two…and stay strong in the Lord!.

The above song is by the Gospel trio Greater Vision…my favorite Gospel group. I first heard them when listening to Charles Stanley’s In Touch program. Greater Vision is one of their frequent guests. Usually I’ll watch the program on Saturday evening or Sunday morning before church.

Rodney Griffin is their songwriter. He writes most of their music…and it is the best. Gerald Wolfe and Jason Waldrop join Rodney to make up this wonderful Gospel trio. It is my prayer that one day…I will get to see them sing in person.

“With All the Many Miracles” is the song that has most touched me both when I first heard and even today…when I need an infusion of faith and courage to trust God even before I see His work in my circumstances…I’ll listen to this song.

When I first heard “With All the Many Miracles”…it was around the time our Bible Study Kindred Fellowship was soon to become a church, Kindred Community Church. It was a time of uncertainty. We knew God was leading and at work…but we didn’t know how He was going to work things out.

But our God is faithful…and likes to do things in a big way. He faithfully lead our church and provided what we needed according to His prefect plan and timing. Praise Him. So when my beloved Pastor Chuck Obremski was battling cancer and eventually called home to be with his Lord, this song kept me focused on God and His ability to act and move in our situation. When we were without a Pastor for two years…this song reminded me that God was at work…and that we would one day see the outworking of His plan. Which we saw when He called Pastor Philip De Courcy to the pulpit at Kindred.

Today…when I see my life, not as I had imagined or hope, I once again listen to this song…to bring me hope and knowledge that He is faithful and will provide what is needed according to His plan and in His perfect timing.

God’s timing is usually different than mine. But it is in retrospect that I see just how right His timing and plan was. So Jesus…tonight…I put my trust and hope in You to work in my life. I’ve cried out to you so many times…at this point I’m nagging. But like the woman who came to Jesus and begged for her daughter’s deliverance…I too will persist until Jesus tells me, “Susan, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.”

Thanksgiving Reflections

Thank You to God…who double blessed me. I am chosen, predestined by Him for salvation through Jesus Christ my Lord…and He placed me in the greatest nation on earth today. Thank You Lord!

Thank you to the men and women of our military…who fight for this nation. Preserve, protect and defend the freedoms which our founding fathers guaranteed in the Constitution. A guarantee doesn’t count for much…unless it’s honored. Thank you for your sacrifices.

Below are just a few things for which I am most grateful this day:

A = Amazing Grace…Grace that saved me from my sin, grace that sustains and strengthens me.

B = Bible…where I can learn about and know my God and His will for me, my life and our nation.

C = Chuck Obremski my beloved former Pastor…and his faithfulness to preach God’s word and provide an example on how to “Finish Strong”.

D = Day…God only has me go through one day a time…so even when my circumstances seem overwhelming and threatened to overtake me…I just have to deal with it for that one day. His mercies are new every morning.

E = Eternity…even though I may have problems here…they are for but a season. I will spend eternity in heaven…where there will be no more tears or sorrow.

F = Faith…the avenue by which God saved me.

G = God the Father…who from before the foundations of the world had each day planned.

H = Holy Spirit…who dwells within me. He intercedes on my behalf when my words fail me.

I = Immutable…my God is unchanging. He does not change His mind…He will not be moved.

J = Jesus Christ…my Lord and Savior…who took my sin upon Himself…redeemed me, paid the ransom, bought me back, gave me eternal life…and assurance that I will be with Him in heaven.

K = King of kings and Lord of Lords...Jesus Christ…He who is preeminent over all things…all power and authority have been given to Him.

L = Love…the depths of which…we will never know the end of. Love that which motivated God to save us from our sins by providing His Son…whom He loved and is well pleased…as a sacrifice for my sins.

M = Military…the men and women of this nation who serve, protect and defend us. Those who preserve our freedom as a nation.

N = No…God’s “no” is just as important as His “yes”. It sets boundaries in which I need to operate. I especially like…“No Satan…you can not do as you wish with my child.”

O = Omniscience…God knows all, sees all and has power over all things. There is nothing that escapes His attention or knowledge. There is nothing too hard for my God. That means my life, my problems, my cares and concern are safely in His hands.

P = Philip De Courcy…my beloved Pastor…who faithful preaches God’s word…which convicts, guides, corrects and encourages me in my faith walk

Q = Quiet…a place of quite and solitude…time to get away…focus on God…and His word and will for my life.

R = Rock…He is the Rock of my salvation. He will not be moved.

S = Savior…He redeemed me from my sins…pulled me out of the miry pit…and set my feet on firm ground.

T = Thanksgiving…what a wonderful thing. To set aside a day to remember and thank God for His presence in my life…and the many blessing He has given.

U = United States of America… from it’s inception…guaranteed in the Constitution the freedom of religion so that I may worship the God of the Bible, proclaim the Gospel message to those who are perishing in their sins.

V = Victory…over sin and death…victory that is found in Jesus Christ alone. He who crushed Satan’s head…now sits at the right hand of the Father.

W = Worship…as I focus on God and who He is…everything else pales in comparison. A chance to dwell on Him who is prefect, holy, righteous and good.

X = X…God crossed out my sins…put an “X” through them…marked my sin debt as paid in full…because my sins have been covered by the blood of the Lamb.

Y = Y’shua…Messiah…Savior...Son…God…Man…Holy…Righteous... Perfect…Without Sin…Beloved…The Christ…Redeemer…Lamb of God…Friend…Ruler

Z = Zion… Israel…whose existence gives evidence that the God of the Bible is faithful to keep His promises.

Defined

“Susan…are you going to be defined by your past…or by your future?”

That was God’s challenge to me following an evening of wrestling with God. I was assailed by thoughts as I listened to Pastor Philip De Courcy’s message at Kindred’s recent Men’s Retreat. He talked about among other things priorities…with time and family…and the most importantly…God.

Upon hearing this I was reminded of my own poor choices for many years. Perhaps it was because I had worked late this evening that I was especially sensitive to God’s gentle reminder. You see there was time in my life it was not uncommon for me to work 10, 11, 12 hour days. I didn’t give it a second thought. After all I wanted to do my job with excellence.

But God brought me to an end of my misplaced priorities. After doing what I thought was a job well…at the end of the day…it counted for precious little. While I was fast at work…my bosses and co-workers were home with families…living a balanced life.

I on other hand exchanged a spreadsheet for relationships. I exchanged preparing a report to studying God’s word and growing deep in my relationship with the Lord. I exchanged the eternal for temporary praise from people.

Hindsight is always 20/20. If only I knew then…what I know now…I might have avoided some of those pitfalls.

I then stared down the rabbit trail of why. Why I was so foolish and why did I make such bad choices. I got to thinking about my past. What had shaped me….what drove me. That’s much more than what I want to get in to here and now. But let it suffice…that life can be very painful.

Not only did feel the weight of my own sin…but also from those who had sinned against me. Feeling quite desperate and overwhelmed about the prospect of my life changing…I cried out to God. “I can do something about the present…I can do something about the future…through Your power, guidance, wisdom and strength. But I can’t do a blessed thing about the past. I feel so scared and broken.

Then God said, “Susan…yes you can do something about your past. You can let it go. Let go of those wrongs done to you. Let them go. I’ve got them securely in my hands...and I’ll handle it. Just as you received my forgiveness in my Son Jesus Christ…so too…you can give Me this. You gave me your sins…and I washed you white as snow. Give me your hurts and wrongs done to you. Give me your loneliness and pain and sorrow…I’ve got you covered. You see I do have good plan for you…a perfect plan I’m working out in you. My timeframe is a little different than yours…but you can trust me on this.”

God went on to bring it full circle…and showed me that in the past…I was focused on my past…and let it define my present. I had no vision of my future. And then I was born again…and behold all things were new.

Only now am I beginning to grasp a vision of His future plans for me. My victory…is not solely in heaven…but in here an now.

“Behold I have made all things new. You are a new creation in Christ. The old things have passed away. I have given you a future and hope. Susan…will you take hold that hope that is in Christ Jesus your Lord?”

Yes Lord I will...help me please.

His Glory Descended

Standing in His presence,
His glory descended upon Kindred,
One body united in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A small taste of heaven,
Oh Lord I humbly pray,
Never bid me to leave Thee.

Worshiping before Your throne,
I now know,
Your glory alone is more than enough.

Our hearts bursting,
With the fullness of Christ,
Oh my Lord, You can not be contained.

May this be my Ebenezer stone…my remembrance,
May I never leave Your presence dear Lord,
Your glory so divine.

by Susan Bunts
November 5, 2007

This poem is dedicated to Christ Jesus our all sufficient Savior and Lord and to the body of Christ at Kindred Community Church.

And for my precious Pattie and Robyn Bolton…after experiencing a small taste of heaven and what it will be like worshiping before His throne…we can know that your precious husband and father Bob is complete and whole as he stands before his Savior Christ Jesus. One day we will join him…and Chuck and Hugo and worship our Savior truly as one body in Christ. Praise Him!

The above poem is my meager attempt to capture last night’s installation ceremony of our new precious and beloved Pastor Philip De Courcy.

The poem misses the mark...but by golly last night at Kindred Community Church God was present and made His presence and His glory known. Thank You Jesus!

Below are some slide show pictures that captured the ceremony. Welcome Pastor Philip…we thank God for bringing you to this body of Christ at Kindred!

Pastor Philip De Courcy's Installation Ceremony at Kindred Community Church

We Will Wait Upon the Lord!

Kindred Community Church Commemorative Video

My Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ

We a Kindred Community Church are on the eve of the installation ceremony for our new Sr. Pastor, Philip De Courcy. We are most grateful for God’s faithfulness and provision in bringing us a man of God who is faithful to preach the full counsel of God’s word.

Unfortunately in so many churches…all one hears are feel good messages that are preached with the intent to ensure that the parishioners will return next week, not to hold them accountable to the standards of God’s word and keep them from sinning. Churches have forgotten the primary mission is for the equipping of the saints so that they can go into all the world and share the Gospel Message. To equip the saints God’s word must be preached.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12

Only God’s word has the power to convict men of sin, cleanse our heart, mind, soul and spirit. Those churches that preach with the aim of reaching the “seeker sensitive” crowd are missing the boat on two areas. One they are failing to instruct the body of Christ with our only standard…God’s word. Secondly…we have bought the lie of the enemy when we fail to preach God’s word. Those of us who are Christians know that it was God’s word that convicted us sin or comforted our souls and drew us to God. When we hear God’s word, we are giving the Holy Spirit tools to work with. Scriptures that He will bring back to remembrance. Unless we purposely seek out God’s word we will likely not hear it in the world as we travel in our everyday lives.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” – John 14:26

Think about it dear ones. The one thing that the church has to offer is the Word of God and when we fail to preach it from our pulpit on Sunday morning, we are tossing aside the one thing both believers and unbelievers won’t hear in the sin filled world.

There is an abundance of resources for Christians these days….all the more reason that we will be without excuse when we stand before the throne room of God. But generally you have to seek them out by turning to the Christian radio station, or TV station, or website, book, magazine or music.

On occasion you’ll catch a whiff of something Christian in our secular world…when gets by the ever so careful sensors. More often than not…it’s something that is intended to mock Christians or put them down for being so narrow minded.

That’s why we at Kindred are praising God…because our God was faithful in bringing us a man who will preach God’s word through expository preaching. He won’t lay aside those passages that will make people feel uncomfortable as they sit in their pews.

I have received some comments and communication from folks at Pastor Philip De Courcy’s former church, Emmanuel Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio when they stumbled across this blog. First may I say that we at Kindred Community Church are in prayer for your church. We have been since the announcement was made that Pastor Philip was coming to Kindred. We are praying for God’s leading and guidance as He raises up and brings the next man of God whom He has called to serve at Emmanuel Baptist for this time.

We know first hand what it is to loose a Pastor…albeit God called Pastor Chuck Obremski home. Instead He called Pastor Philip to a new church. The whys are wherefores of God’s plan we likely never know fully this side of heaven. But it is important that we trust God in His goodness, wisdom and timing.

It has been evident from the comments made that the people are Emmanuel Baptist are hurting and saddened to see their Pastor depart. It is very hard to let go of great preaching, isn’t it? We know that because at Kindred we still have an abundance of Pastor Chuck’s sermons that we listen to. Many people there continue to hand out CDs from our beloved Pastor.

But praise God for the resources that He has made available. I’m sure that before long Pastor Philip’s messages will be available for download on our churches website. In the meantime if you desire to continue to hear his messages, I encourage you to contact our Audio Ministry at Kindred and request to receive the sermons on CD. If you come out California way…you know that you have a place to call home in Kindred Community Church.

When God called our Pastor home to be with Him…I had to come to a point where I trusted God and His plan and timing. Even though I was tempted to cling to something that was so very good. Or I could choose to be angry with God and reject His plan that was working out. But God was about doing a new work, a fresh work, not always according to what I liked or wanted.

One of my favorite songs by Steven Curtis Chapman is called “Hold on to Jesus”. In it he speaks of clinging loosely to things that are fleeting, but to hold on to Jesus for life.

Some of those things that are fleeting are people…good people and good things won’t always be around. God has them in our life for a season. Isn’t that all the more reason to be thankful and grateful for the good people and things that God brings into our life? Even when it’s just for a short while? Isn’t it all the more reason to say thank you and show appreciation and love…because tomorrow we may not have that opportunity? Isn’t it all the more reason to be mindful that all things come from God and we need to be most grateful to Him for the blessings He has given us? Isn’t all the more reason to be mindful of the fact that when we loose a brother or sister in Christ, be it a move or through death, we will one day see them again? We’re going to be spending an eternity together…and if we can grasp that…it will make the temporary partings more bearable. We can even look forward in eager anticipation of that reunion one day.

So my dear brothers and sisters at Emmanuel Baptist…we are praying for you and are confident that God will raise up the next man to lead your church. Remain faithful and grounded on the word of God…and He will bring another servant faithful to preach God’s word to a hungry, thirsty and grateful congregation.