Brown's Daily Word 2-9-11

Good morning,
Praise the Lord for this Wednesday. We will gather for our Wednesday fellowship, Bible study, and choir practice today beginning at 6.00PM. It is a great blessing to know Christ and to serve Him. My friend Rev. Earle Cowden preached a sermon many years ago in which he talked about the rewards in the Kingdom. There are many rewards of knowing, loving, worshipping, witnessing, and serving Christ. Those rewards begin here on earth and extend beyond this world. Those rewards are eternal and imperishable.
The Lord appeared to Abraham and made a great promise, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." (Genesis 15:1)
Paul also knew the full reward of being in Christ, and he was given the assurance of the crown of righteousness. 2 Timothy 4:6-9 — "the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return." The crown of righteousness is for those who live by determined faith and fully pour out their lives as an offering to God. It is for those who have given their whole lives in service for the Lord. "If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." - CT Studd. CT Studd left behind a life with the elite in England, Test Cricket career, a wife and children to follow God’s call to Africa.
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose... “Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God." - Jim Elliot Missionary These are words of determined faith.
Living and serving Jesus is not for cowards. It is for men and women of courage and faith. It is for people like David who, when faced with a Goliath, don’t run away but run towards the giant. You cannot just walk in and possess the Promised Land, you have to fight. You need to be strong and very courageous, like Joshua.
Paul wrote, "I have won the race, I have finished my course". The reward is for completers.
Over the years it is amazing how many people with ‘faith’ have not finished the task in their life. They start well and run for a while but then there is always a reason for not crossing the finish line.
Romans 4:18 - When God promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, Abraham believed him. …. even though such a promise seemed utterly impossible! Abraham’s faith did not weaken or waver …. his faith grew stronger … even though he was too old to be a father (100 years old). Because of faith … it was credited to him as righteousness.
We were made righteous by faith and we will receive a crown of righteousness for living in determined faith.
In Christ,
Brown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FIZUyAr9_E

Saturday evening worship service.
Location: First United Methodist Church. Endicott
53 McKinley Avenue, Endicott.
Sponsored by the Union Center United Methodist Church, 128, Maple Drive, Endicott


Saturday February 12, 2011
An Italian Fest will take place on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church, 53 McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY. The meal will be served, beginning at 5:00 PM. The public is invited. A suggested donation of $5.00 per person will be received.
6:30 PM Worship Service
Worship Music .
Speakers: Rev. Brown Naik, and Jeff Vansycle