Apostolic-Bethlehem Ministries

09/11/2022

I wanted to encourage you to take a few moments on this day to remember and pray for those who became victims of the terrorist attack on our Nation on September 11th, 2001.

While that day seems so long ago, in a way, it seems like it was only yesterday as most people know exactly where they were, and what they were doing when they first heard the word of the attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.

Yet, for those who were directly affected, such as family members, firefighters and emergency responders, this day is especially difficult as they deal with the loss of life, loss of health, and feel the overall sorrow associated with so many aspects of this day.

If you know anyone who may be dealing with these things, I want to ask you to pray for them and their families, then do whatever you can to encourage them, even if it's simply being a “listening ear” for them.

We as a Nation should never forget this day, yet, we cannot live in bitterness, fear, and worry that something like this will happen again. We must live our lives, especially as Christians with a sense and belief that God is in control, and ultimately will give justice where it is needed, and mercy where it is needed as well. Yet, the most profound gift He gives is His grace which is still “amazing”. He died on the cross so that you and I can experience freedom, and this is the message of grace.

This world cries out for peace, but for the child of God, we know that true peace will never be felt in totality until Jesus Christ rules and reigns. Revelation 7:17 (KJV) 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

We know that even now, God is the giver of comfort, peace, and rest even in the midst of turmoil and heartache. He truly gives a “peace which passes all understanding”.

So, I want to encourage you today to “pause, remember, and encourage” as we continue to move forward as a nation.

Blessings in Christ and

09/05/2022

09/05/2022

It seems that we often lose sight of this weekend as many people simply view it as the final weekend of Summer vacations as school is once again in session. Others may see it as another weekend of cookouts and a day off to celebrate work! (Seems almost ironic doesn't it?)

Well, let's be sure to take a few moments to appreciate the employment we have! Of course, we realize there is really no such thing as “the perfect job” as there are challenges and difficulties that accompany anything that is worthwhile.

Yet, it is important to remember that God gave us that job, at least for now, and we should appreciate and thank the Lord for that blessing of provision!

If you struggle a bit with your employer or boss, remember who is your real employer in the long run!

Colossians 3:22-24 (NKJV) 22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

We trust you enjoy the this weekend as you thank God for your occupation!

07/03/2022

This is the week that once again we pause and celebrate our freedom as a nation and the Independence and Liberty that we now enjoy. Today, we not only take a look at the Liberty we enjoy as Americans, but greater than that, we take a look at the Liberty that was made possible through the death of our Savior, Jesus Christ on the Cross.

All of the blessings we enjoy as Christians could not have taken place without our Statue of Liberty, and our Savior who bled and died on it. No, this is not a “statue” we worship, yet we do in fact worship our Lord and Savior who died on the cross and rose again 3 short days later so that we could experience new life and freedom spiritually!

Far from being a scene that would draw the viewer in to inspiration and awe at it’s beauty, but when one stops to consider the message of the Cross of freedom from sin, and when one hears the cry of “It Is Finished” echoing through the ages, the Cross is a monument of beauty!

Words like “Father Forgive Them, they know not what they do”, speaks of the unconditional love of Christ even though he was reviled and rejected by those He loved.

We trust that you will take time today to not only appreciate and pray for this great nation, but that you will also draw nearer to Christ than ever before as we bring Him honor and praises.

Galatians 6:14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Happy Independence Day!!!

06/18/2022

On this Father's Day, we wanted to take a few moments to offer some words of encouragement and appreciation to all the Fathers.

In a world that continues to attack Fatherhood in so many ways, we want you to know that we honor you and pray for you not only on this day but throughout the year. It seems we are bombarded with television shows and commercials which intend to diminish the role of the Father into someone they are not, especially God-fearing Dads.

We realize this can also be a tough day as many gathered in churches across our nation and the world have not had Godly examples to follow, and indeed, may find it painful to think about their own childhood. That doesn't mean YOU can't begin a legacy of faithfulness and example for your children and grandchildren to follow in the years to come.

There is a song that has become quite popular recently called “Only Jesus” in which the singers share the following words:
I don't want to leave a legacy.
I don't care if they remember me.
Only Jesus.
I've only got one life to live.
I'll let every second point to Him.
Only Jesus.

While the point of the song is to point people to Christ, which is primary and should be the desire of every Dad and Mom, we believe there is still a place for Legacy!

1 Corinthians 11:1 says; Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

The Apostle Paul was clear in his statement that it was a desire of his to have people follow his example as he followed the example of Christ! That is a Godly Legacy and a passion that we believe should be at the heart of what we do, and why we do it!

So many today can be thankful for parents and grandparents who set the example of love for God and faithfulness to His Word.

Again, our ultimate desire is that people would see Jesus, but we pray that every Dad would know that we pray for you and the example you set for those coming behind you.

While the responsibility may seem to be too much at times, remember these powerful words from scripture; 2 Corinthians 12:9a “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Happy Father’s Day!!!

06/04/2022

Tomorrow is Pentecost Sunday which is a significant day to remember and appreciate in the history of the church. The word “Pentecost” basically means “50”, and is doubly significant when one realizes that the Holy Spirit was poured out upon those early believers who were waiting in the upper room as they waited in obedience and expectancy. This was 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and a full 40 days after he ascended back to Heaven. (You can read the story in the first few chapters of the Book of Acts).

While there is far more to this story, the main thing we would like to convey here is that they had a spirit of expectancy as they waited for a promise to be given. We believe in the power of “expecting” when it comes to receiving anything from the Lord, and we pray you enter into this time of worship today “expecting” from the Lord!

He is the same God today as he was on that great day the Holy Spirit was poured out on a waiting early church. What do you need Him to do in your life today? He still restores and heals broken lives! He still delivers from the clutches of sin! He still brings hope to the hopeless! He still pours out His Spirit upon expectant believers!

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Well, you get the idea, and you are encouraged to be expecting something from the Lord on Pentecost Sunday!

05/29/2022

On this Memorial Day weekend, we believe it is of great value to appreciate those who have paid the ultimate price to secure these freedoms we enjoy today. We want to express our appreciation to families who have experienced the loss of a loved one as they fought for freedom.

Jesus said it best in the scripture: John 15:13 (KJV) 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. We are also reminded of the fact that He laid His own life down for the spiritual freedom we enjoy as we accept Him in our lives.

So, as we enter into this time of observance, be sure to take time to express your thanks to the Lord for His sacrifice, as well as those who have died for our freedom to worship and live in this great nation.

May God richly bless you and be safe!