The State of Commitment

The State of Commitment

Commitment by definition is a promise, a pledge, a vow or obligation.  It is our word, a binder; it is our guarantee.  However, I have found that in many cases these are just mere words; words that people use to impress others, but have no real meaning for their own lives.  Jesus spoke of such people when he quoted Isaiah, saying: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.

I have found lately that most people don’t want to commit to anything, although they will tell you that they are committed.  Everyone seems to want a way out just incase things don’t work out as planned. 

True commitment seems to be very scarce, even in the church.  

In our Love Story series a few weeks ago we talked about this and found that it is true in marriages, it is true on the job, and it is true in our churches.  

In marriage people sign prenuptial agreements in order to protect their interest should something go wrong in the relationship.   When it comes to the job, many people will say whatever it takes in order to land the job—“I will travel…I will work overtime…I’m hard-working and dedicated, etc.”  But when the new wears off of the new job and the boss needs someone to stay late, the employee gets irate when asked to stay.  

People join churches and affirm their belief in the ministries of the church; they pledge their allegiance to the church and staff—only until a decision comes down that they do not like and then commitment goes right out the window and they excuse it as if it never existed.   

Now I’m not talking about a doctrinal issue or something morally right or wrong, but I speak of preferences, ideas, means and methods.  It is amazing, the fickleness of people who model their lack of commitment and immaturity to their friends and children, and in the same breath act as though they speak for God.  

Possessing this attitude of non-commitment people decide to do their own thing as if they don’t need Jesus or the church that they committed themselves to; then something tragic happens and they wonder: “Where is my church?”  “Where are my pastors and staff?”  Why hasn’t my church checked on me.  They go about in disbelief without regard for the fact that they've not been in church in months and months.  Then they begin to form a negative attitude about their church, and everything goes down hill from there. 

So how do we fix this?

1. Keep your commitments.  If you have disagreements, talk about it and work it out, whether on your job, in your church, or in your marriage.  Remember, your commitment is your word.
2. Pray about it and be open and honest with yourself, your leadership/boss/spouse about the situation. 
3. Express your prayer needs and concerns to your spouse, the church, and to your Life Group.
4. Call for the Elders (Staff and Life Group Leaders) of the church to pray when you are sick.  

I write this in hopes that we will take a look at our level of commitment and see if we are measuring up to the definition.  How are you doing with commitment?

Finally, I want to thank the scores of people that are committed and faithful members/attenders of the Harbor, as well as other great churches in our area.  I assure you that every pastor here is looking for committed men and women that say what they mean, and mean what they say.  

Thank You for Your Commitment!!!

The Blessings of Tithing

       On Sunday we had over 50 families accept the 4-Month Tithe Challenge, and this was only the initial invitation.  I am convinced that many other families will take the challenge in the coming weeks. Congratulations to these people that have put their trust in God and His Word.  They are in-fact doing what God asked them to do in Malachi 3:10-12

10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple.  you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! 11 Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease.[a] Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

       The other day I was preparing for a different message, in-fact it was the message on the family that I blogged about last week.  While studying to preach this message I was intrigued by something that I came across concerning tithing.  As we have previously discussed, Jacob and his mother Rebekah had deceived Isaac into giving the family blessing to Jacob (although God had already since before their birth stated that the elder would serve the younger).  Somehow Rebekah felt like she needed to perhaps "help God" in making sure her favorite son did indeed get the blessing.

       After this had taken place their was so much animosity in the family that they couldn't dwell together peacefully.  So Rebekah comes up with another idea; she and Jacob convince Isaac that the best thing to do is to send Jacob to his Uncle Laben's (Rebekah's brother) house; that he might take a wife from there.  Now if you're a student of the Bible you know that this turned out to be divine retribution for Jacob, because the deceiver got deceived!  He worked seven years for Rachel and ended up with Leah...  Then he was lied to on numerous occasions.  But all of that's another story.  What I want to share with you is what happened to Jacob on his was to his uncle's house.

       While traveling to Laben's house Jacob decided to turn in for the night because the sun was starting to set.  Here he took a stone and used it as a pillow, and there he fell asleep.  While he was sleeping he dreamed a dream; he saw a ladder that reaching from the earth to the heavens with the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

Gen. 28:13 And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. 14 Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. 15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” 16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” 17 And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!”18 Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. 19 And he called the name of that place Bethel;[a] but the name of that city had been Luz previously. 20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, 21 so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. 22 And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.”

       What I find amazing is that Jacob stayed at Laben's house for twenty years, but when he finally returned he came home as a wealthy man.  Notice the present that Jacob sent to his brother Esau when he was coming to meet him.  Here's the list of gifts:

1. 200 Female Goats
2.  20 Male Goats
3. 200 Ewe Lambs
4. 20 Rams
5. 30 Milk Cows (with their colts)
6. 40 Cows
7. 10 Bulls
8. 20 Female Donkeys
9. 10 Foals

       Now I submit to you that this is not a present that is sent by a poor man.  This is a gift sent by a man that pledged/vowed to bring God the tenth of all God prospered him with more than twenty years ago!

That is the Blessing that come from tithing!

Family Dysfunction

As I was preparing for a message on the Family a few weeks ago, I was studying the family of Issac and Rebekah and the twin boys they had, Esau and Jacob.  They were a prime example of the dysfunctional family to say the least.  I mean you had Isaac whose favorite son was Esau, and you have Rebekah, whose favorite son was Jacob; partiality and favoritism from the word go.  Then you have the Word of the Lord that came to Isaac and Rebekah telling them that there were two nations in her womb, and that they would struggle with each other, and the older would serve the younger.

Amazingly, Isaac, when he was old would call his favorite son, Esau, to come before him so that he could give him the blessing.  However, Rebekah heard what was about to happen so she intervened by sending Jacob to go and kill a goat.  After they prepared the meal she put Jacob up to going before his father and pretending to be Esau, and asking for the blessing of the first-born.  So it appears to me that Isaac did not accept the fact that the older would serve the younger, (as God had earlier said) and he was about to follow the tradition of men and pass on this blessing of the first-born son to Esau.

That being said, Rebekah did not have to put her son up to lying; in fact they both took part in a scheme to deceive Isaac.  God had already said that Jacob was his choice to lead the family, and he didn't need their help to make it happen.  Anyway, Jacob, at the behest of his mother went in to deceive his aged father.  Isaac, although suspecting something was wrong, reluctantly went along with the blessing.  Of course he was blessing his younger son Jacob.  But remember, this was God's spoken plan in the first place.  From before they were born the Lord had already declared that the elder would serve the younger.  I find it amazing that we often try to alter or change God's spoken plan for us when we already know what He's said concerning a matter.  Well, Isaac and Esau didn't like it, but God's plan prevailed.

I would however like to point out a few things about this story.  I know that it was God's plan for Jacob to receive the blessing and ultimately lead the family; God had said so.  But notice what happened by Jabor and his mother scheming to ensure that it happened.

1. There was great animosity between Jacob and his brother.  The last words that Jacob remembers before he left for his Uncle Laben's house was Esau saying: "When Daddy dies I'm going to kill you".
2. This caused strife between Jacob and his father, and without a doubt between Isaac and Rebekah.
3. Listening to his mother, Jacob thought he'd only be gone a few months, but it turned out to be 20 years, and we don't know if he ever saw his mother again after his departure. 

So when you do things your way and you get what you wanted, is it going to be worth the price you had to pay to get it?

Stayed tuned; I will add to this story tomorrow. 

Mike Sanes

Pastor, The Harbor

Harbor Construction Update

The Opening Day of the New Harbor has changed!  
We will open on Sunday June 23rd @ 10:00

To summarize the day,

1. We started out this morning working on a wheel chair lift for our stage.  God has blessed us to get one from a man that owns an assisted living house in Jax for $850.   I had a member call me and tell that he would pay half of this cost.  Thanks... you know who you are.
   
2. We ordered the playground for the children, AND IT IS AWESOME!!!  Twenty-five kids can play on it at one time.  I had a member give me $1,000 on Monday toward this equipement (Thank you, mam.) Yes, we will need some help putting it together when it arrives.
   
3. I had a member offer to pay for the installation of our irrigation system!  Wow!  What a blessing!  Thank you so much... You know who you are.  Also, COX WELL DRILLING agreed to put down a a well for cost @ $1600.  This well is to run our irrigation.  Thank you so much!
   
4. I had another preacher call me today and tell me that he was sending us $1,000.00 to support the vision.  Thank you, sir!
   
5. Our Sound Engineer gave us about $500 in free equipement today!  Thank you, sir.
   
6. God has given us favor with a Landscaper that is drawing a plan for us; we will do the work under his direction.  Thank you, sir.
   
7. Now, Georgia Power was not as generous when it came to paying the per month charge for parking lot lighting.  But we are God's people and we are blessed regardless, and God is making a way.

Please keep the church in your prayers as we continue to strive for excellence in serving the Lord.  Stayed tuned, there will be information breaking almost everyday from now until we get moved! 

Thank you for serving alongside and partnering with us in Kingdom Work!  

If you would like to make a difference by donating you may do so from our website.  Paypal is a secure way of donating, and your gift is tax deductible.  THANK YOU!!!   

Michael D. Sanes

Pastor, The Harbor

Harbor Progress/Event Update

Friends,

       Mother's Day was a great success here at the Harbor!  I say a special thanks to all of the volunteers that have served to make this possible.  You have helped change the lives of many people that were in service with us by simply serving.  So in whatever capacity you served, I say THANK YOU!

       My Mom is doing somewhat better than last week, but she still has a way to go before she can be released to go home.  Please continue to pray for her.  I also ask that you pray for a friend of mine (Charles Lawhon) whose mother is also bad shape in Columbus, Ga.  She needs a touch from the Lord and healing for her body.  Thanks

       Church Progress:  Day by day we are getting closer to completion.  I am excited about what is happening as we move closer and closer to our move to the new location.  I like many others, have mixed emotions about leaving, but without a doubt it is God's will that we go.  We are in the process of planning a proper Farewell Service and Gospel Sing for our last Sunday here, as well as planning an Open House and Grand Opening of the New Harbor Worship Center.  As you noticed, I did not put dates on this announcement, because at this point I'm not convinced that we will make the target date.  However, it is more important for us to get it right that it is for us to get it done fast.  Please continue to pray for Kelly and I as we strive to have the church ready for the move.

       Children's Wing: I thank everyone for praying for our children and giving to this great department.  Our children are not just our future, they are indeed our TODAY, for if we don't love and nurture them today; they will not be here in our future.  We MUST be prepared to love and tend to the multitude of children that God is sending our way.  God does not send people and children to places that are not prepared to minister to them.  That being said, we are still asking for people to partner with us in ministry for the children by giving a donation to this department.  You may donate securely from our website using paypal by clicking on this link The Harbor.  We also would like for you to share this challenge with your friends, because every bit helps.  Chic-Fil-A and Zaxby's has agreed to allow us to do a night at their restaurant for fundraising.

       Team Training:  We will have team training this Sunday night (May 19th at 6pm).  We ask everyone to take advantage of this "No Pressure" environment to train for ministry.  There are many opportunities available for ministry, so if you have any questions at all please email me at:  mike.sanes@HarborWC.com

Have a Great Day!


Mike Sanes
Pastor, The Harbor

Our Call To Serve

Our Call To Serve...

So the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord which He had done for Israel.  Now Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died when he was one hundred and ten years old...    When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel.  (Judges 2:7-10)

How could this happen?  Why did this happen?  If you notice the Bible said that the people served the Lord under Joshua, and all the elders that outlived Joshua (men that he'd raised up, leaders) and these men had seen the great works of the Lord.  But when that generation of leaders died, another generation arose that DID NOT KNOW THE LORD, nor the work which He had done for Israel.  

The problem here is evident; the leaders failed to tell their story, their testimony.  They failed to pass down the words that had been passed down to them.  Perhaps they got busy.  Maybe they thought that their children would just automatically follow in their ways.  Whatever the reason, this last generation died knowing the Lord, but left their children and future generations to die lost without God, because they did not mentor and train the leaders to SERVE future generations.  

Could it be that we have gotten so busy as a people that we have neglected to tell our story?  Have we failed to tell our testimony?  When is the last time you told your story?  When is the last time you read the Word with your children, or took them to a worship service?  When was the last time you intentionally spoke to a friend that you knew was lost about Jesus?  Or when was the last time you invited your lost friends to fellowship with your church friends in service, small group, church function, etc.?

I believe that it is possible that we have grown so comfortable with our relationship with God and our church environment that we've lost sight of those coming behind us that don't know God; those who haven't heard the gospel.  I think that we too are running the risk of losing, or rather, raising a generation that don't know God, nor the great things He has done for His people.  This is what happens when we fail to tell our story and testify about what God has done in our lives.  We cannot call ourselves Christians and yet not care for the coming generations.

Many people wrongly assume that ministry is to be done only by "Professional Clergy"--(those with the calling and degree from a seminary).  Don't misunderstand me, I'm not opposed at all to education; I have a masters degree from The Pentecostal Theological Seminary, and I am proud of that education.  However, ministry and serving is NOT reserved only for those with such credentials; God has called us ALL into His service regardless of our level of education.   

The question nows begs: "Pastor, Why Should I Serve?"

1. Because Jesus came to serve: Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
2. Because God has a work that only you can do.
   
3. If you don’t serve in some capacity you will have become like that last generation that knew God.
• They knew God, but didn’t feel the need to share Him with others.  Therefore when they died the country fell into apostasy.
4. You should serve because you have friends that are lost, and children that need direction and understanding.
5. They need to know where your confidence lies.
6. They need to know and see where mom and dad turn when the going gets rough.
7. They need to be taught to trust and depend on the Lord--if you don’t teach them nobody else will.  They will remember your example all the days of their lives.
8. They need to see your faithfulness and your allegiance. 
9. They need to see your dependance on God, and they need to hear your testimonies of God provision and direction in your lives.
10. They need to hear you tell the story...
11. They need to hear their mom and dad pray.

Visit our website in order to view this full message and others:  The Harbor

 It is time for us to serve!!!

Mike Sanes
Pastor, The Harbor

Harbor News / Insight

Meet & Greet:  We have a Meet & Greet scheduled for tomorrow night at 6:30 here at the church.  If you are new to the church and have not yet attended a M&G we would love to have you with us.  Just come as you are; we will have the food and drinks prepared.  It will be an opportunity for you to get to know the Pastors and Staff of the church, and to hear the vision of our church.  This is an informal and relaxed time where our staff will have time to talk and share with you, as well as hear your heart if you have something to share. 

GRAND OPENING OF THE NEW HARBOR: Our new church will open its doors for the worship service on June 9th.  We invite you to come and celebrate this milestone accomplishment with us.  For those who may not know, this has been a long process for us and we are glad to see in finally coming to completion.  It was many years ago that God burdened my heart for us to build a new worship facility, but there were many things standing in the way of that happening.  The truth of the matter is that it was just not God’s timing for us to build it back then.  What I saw as setback after setback was in-fact divine delays.  With much prayer and determination to be in the will of God we trudged on, believing that one day God would bring to pass those things he had laid on our heart.  About five and a half years ago we settled on buying 28.8 acres of land on the west side of Kingsland where Colerain Road and Highway 40 meet.  Now we were not looking for nearly 29 acres of land; we only wanted 10, but the difference in price prompted us go ahead and buy the whole tract.  As it turns out, God had a tremendous plan for us and we had no idea about it.  Shortly after buying the land, Georgia DOT announced that they would be widening Hwy 40 and making Colerain Rd. The Colerain Bypass.  While we were thinking that the land was a little too far out; God knew that He was placing us right in the intersection of two major roads coming into Kingsland from the west.  We serve an Awesome and All Knowing God.  

Mother’s Day: On May 12th we will celebrate our Moms.  We would love you for to have your mom in service with us on that day.  We will also have a Baby Dedication in the 11 O’Clock service, so if you have a child that has not yet been dedicated to the Lord please let us know and we will get you on the schedule.  

Training Days:  We have scheduled the Sunday evening service times of May 5th and May 19th to be training nights for all team workers.  If you filled out a connection card to get involved with one of the teams of ministry, please prepare to be here for training on these nights.  

We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events, don’t forget to bring your friends!

Blessings!

Mike Sanes

Pastor, The Harbor

What Does The Bible Say About Money?

What Does The Bible Say About Money?

Almost everyone agrees that the Bible contains great advice about life, from improving your marriage to getting along with your boss at work. But does the Bible really say much about money? Does it really give us advice that we can apply to our own life in today’s world?
The Good News is Yes! Absolutely! We believe the Bible is as relevant and helpful today as when it was written, and God has a lot to say about money.

Did you know money is mentioned in the Bible over 800 times?

God must be pretty serious about this subject to talk about it that much.
In fact, Jesus says in Luke 16:11, “So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” It appears from this verse that God uses money as a test of our management and stewardship skills before entrusting us with spiritual things. See more below.

Money in the Bible
1. Proverbs 13:22 “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children” indicating that God wants us to make a difference, financially, in our family tree.
2. Proverbs 21:20 “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” This gives us an idea of how God wants us to save for a rainy day, to set something back for safekeeping.
3. Proverbs 22:7 states that “The rich rule over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.” Really? The Bible discourages debt? Does God really want me to pay my debts off and avoid debt?
4. Luke 14:28 “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it.” Does Jesus really want me to save up and pay for the things I buy?
5. Matt. 6:24 “You cannot serve both God and money”.

If money is this important to God, why are there so few classes/sermons on this topic? Why don’t we see lots of small group studies on “Managing Your Finances” or “Getting Out of Debt”, “Faithfulness in Finances”, etc.? Why aren’t there more sermons in this area?
There are many reasons, but the top reason is that most people don’t realize how much of a problem managing money is for the average family. Look at the statistics below:

Financial Statistics
1. Marital Problems – 37 percent (the highest rate) of marital problems derive from financial situations
2. Cash Flow – 70 percent of all consumers live paycheck to paycheck, meaning they run out of money before the end of the month
3. Savings – The average family would have to use a credit card to pay a $1,500 unexpected expense (ex: home or car repair).
4. Retirement – Nearly half of all Americans (46%) have less than $10,000 saved for their retirement.

Being faithful in managing what God has given us is no accident, and it will not just happen on it’s own. In order to be faithful over what God has given us we have to be “On Purpose”. We have to direct our money. We must “name it” as Dave Ramsey would say. We have to determine (no matter how much money we make) who or what is going to get paid, and in what order. That makes us stewards. We have this responsibility to direct the money. Some of it we direct to GA Power, some of it to Walmart, a large portion to the Gas Station, and the list goes on and on. But for the Christian, we are told in God’s Word to direct the first 10% to God. I have learned that if I do this I will have the blessings of God upon the other 90%, and it will go further than the total 100% would have gone; not to mention, I would have been unfaithful in what God had blessed me with.

My giving shows my level of devotion to God. It shows my desire to honor His Word and obey His commands. My giving shows my dependence upon the promises of God to His children. My giving coupled with my attendance in God’s House shows the high priority that I have placed on being faithful to the One that I call Lord.

This is just some of what the Bible has to say about money. I hope it blesses and inspires you today!

I would also take this opportunity to say a hardy “Thank You” to all of the faithful stewards of God out there for their constance in giving, and their priority on being in the House of the Lord.

Be Blessed!

Mike Sanes
Pastor, The Harbor Worship Center

Leadership Luau--Sunday Evening 5/20/12 @ 5 p.m.

You don't want to miss The Leadership Luau this Sunday night at 5 p.m. It will be different, it will be fun,and it will be free!  However, I can't stress enough the wealth of knowledge that will be coming out of this conference. It is so important for every leader and potential leader to be in attendance. Here is the schedule:

5:00-5:45 Eat/Games/Giveaways 
5:45-5:50 Transit to Classes 
5:50-6:20 Session One 
6:20-6:25 Break to Switch Classes 
6:25-6:55 Session Two 
6:55-7:00 Transit to Sanctuary 
7:00-7:40 Special Presentation / Vision Casting

Sessions will involve training with a New Leadership Model that will be presented on this night, on Conflict Resolution, Effective Leadership, and Event Planning.

The Biblical Model of Leadership... The next day Moses took his place to judge the people. People were standing before him all day long, from morning to night. When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, "What's going on here? Why are you doing all this, and all by yourself, letting everybody line up before you from morning to night?" Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me with questions about God. When something comes up, they come to me. I judge between a man and his neighbor and teach them God's laws and instructions." Moses' father-in-law said, "This is no way to go about it. You'll burn out, and the people right along with you. This is way too much for you—you can't do this alone. Now listen to me. Let me tell you how to do this so that God will be in this with you. Be there for the people before God, but let the matters of concern be presented to God. Your job is to teach them the rules and instructions, to show them how to live, what to do. And then you need to keep a sharp eye out for competent men—men who fear God, men of integrity, men who are incorruptible—and appoint them as leaders over groups organized by the thousand, by the hundred, by fifty, and by ten. They'll be responsible for the everyday work of judging among the people. They'll bring the hard cases to you, but in the routine cases they'll be the judges. They will share your load and that will make it easier for you. If you handle the work this way, you'll have the strength to carry out whatever God commands you, and the people in their settings will flourish also." (Exodus 18:13, 15, 17 MSG)

The question was asked: "Why are you doing this all by yourself?"
These statements were made: 1. "This is no way to go about it; you will burn yourself out, and the people right along with you." 2. "This is too much for you--you can't do it alone".  3. Let me show you how to do this so that God will be in this with you."

This is something that every leader should think about.  Why should any one leader of a department, or pastor of a church feel like they have to do everything?  That is NOT a healthy model of leadership, and Moses said, "You will wear yourself out, and the people right along with you".

Come to the Leadership Luau this Sunday night at 5 p.m. and we will equip you for the next step in church leadership~.  See you there!

Mike Sanes
Pastor, THWC

The Power of One

Harbor Friends,

Have you ever thought about the effect of one thought, one decision, or one action?  Sometimes "One" seems so insignificant.  When talking about money, one penny is worth very little value, for that matter one dollar, although its a 100x that of a penny, it is still worth little.  But in this series we will explore the significance of one.

Tomorrow we begin a brand new sermon series entitled: "The Power of One".  The message for tomorrow (Palm Sunday) is "The Power of One Decision".  Easter Sunday the message is: "The Power of One Promise". 

We look forward to seeing you there throughout the month as we discover The Power of One.

Pastor Mike Sanes

Has Church Become Optional?

Has Church Become Optional?

In this day in which we live, this is a valid question that must be asked.  The answer is obviously NO, but all of the evidence indicates otherwise.  When we look at the lives of those who call themselves Christians, by and large they feel like church is optional.  In fact, many people claim that they have said “Yes” to Jesus, but “NO” to the church.  First, let me say that it is impossible to say yes to Jesus and no to His church, for Jesus is the Head of the Church, and we are members of His body. 

I would like to present a few rationalizations that people have offered for their neglect of worshiping in the House of the Lord.

1.      There are hypocrites in that church—well, there are hypocrites on your job as well but you still go to work.  There were hypocrites in your college classes as well, but you kept going in order to get that degree.  There have been hypocrites since Jesus' day, in fact, He called them such, but they are not a reason for us to forsake the House of God.

2.      I have a ministry outside the church—this is a tactic that the devil has used to dupe good people into believing that they don’t need the church, or that they shouldn't be a part of the church because they operate a ministry to others outside of the church.  It could be jail and prison ministry, feeding and clothing the homeless, nursing home ministry, ministry to unwed mothers, and the list could go on and on.  However, I can’t find a single instance in the Bible where a ministry operated outside of the parameters and oversight of the church.  The church endorsed and set forth ministers and ministries; it was not as it is today where people say—“me and Jesus have got our own thing going, and we don’t need the church”.  If this is your philosophy concerning ministry, and you are completely outside the auspices of a Bible believing church; when and where are you being ministered to?  Who is mentoring you?  Who or what is your ministry accountable to?  These are valid questions that should be considered.

3.      Sunday is my only day off—typically church only last about an hour and a half; I don’t think that is too much to ask of anyone who calls themselves a Christian.  What if you gave your spouse that kind of excuse as to why you never showed up at home?  She would rightfully think that you didn’t love her as you once did, because there was a time when you made every effort to be there with her.  Likewise, in the church there are many that at one time felt strongly about being in the House of the Lord, and making sure their family was there also.  But something happened and church for them has somehow become optional.

4.      My children don’t want to go to church—I bet you that they don’t want to go to school either, but you make them go because you know that it’s in their best interest to be in school.  So don’t use children as an excuse, be the parent that you are called to be and say: this Sunday we are going to church as a family.  If you have to work on Sunday, then tell them we are going on Wednesday night.

5.      I don’t agree with what’s going on in that church—well we must ask, are you a member of that church or not?  If not, perhaps you should continue looking for a church that you do agree with.  You need to ask if this is something unbiblical or just something I personally don’t like—there is a big difference.  If you are a member, you have a right to express your opinion, but once you have done so, you should support your church regardless of your personal preference for the program, as long as it’s not something that is unethical or unscriptural.  Please understand that you are NEVER going to be happy with everything the church does regardless what church you attend. 

The bottom line is this, you can offer any excuse you want to offer, but there is NO excuse that will ever stand up under the scrutiny of God’s Word for not attending the House of Worship and fellowshipping on a regular basis with the saints of God.  This is where you gain your strength, by being around other Christians… “Iron sharpens Iron”.  You need to be in the atmosphere of worship in the House of Worship with the other members of the body.  You need to hear their testimony.  You need to hear the preached Word of God.  You need to be in the presence of anointed singing, teaching, and preaching.  To do otherwise is to abandon the biblical pattern that has been set before us and handed down for generations.

CHURCH IS NOT OPTIONAL!

Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) ²⁵ And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Michael D. Sanes, 

Pastor, The Harbor Worship Center

Church News

Harbor Family and Friends,

We started Revival tonight with the Shepherd's.  They will be singing and ministering tonight and Saturday night at 7pm, and at 10:30 on Sunday morning.  You can check them out at http://theshepherdsonline.net/bios.htm


We received approval from the bank last week to move forward with the construction of the Harbor Worship Center.  I am excited about what God is doing, and I am looking forward to seeing you get involved. 

We have 100% of the Harbor 301 graduates involved in ministry somewhere in the church at this point.  That's what I'm talking about!  I urge everyone to sign up for Harbor Discipleship Classes 101-401.

Our Family Matters Emphasis for the this month is going very well.  I urge you to log onto to Harbor TV from our website to check on this series. This Sunday night I will preach a message about Family Struggles, I hope to see you there. 

On March 25th we will will only have one morning service and it will be at 10:30am, then we will meet at Lion's Field for a family day together.  There will be no Night Service next week.

More info to come shortly...

Pastor Mike

Day 3

This is Day 3 of the Fast and things are going well.  I continue to hear great testimonies of what God is doing in the lives of many people that are participating in the fast.  I want everyone to know that we are calling your names in prayer before the Lord daily during this time of fasting and prayer.  I want everyone that will to take part in the discussion that I will post over the next day or so on http://www.facebook.com/ and on my blog site.  I think that everyone learns more when we all participate in the discussion.  It gives everyone an opportunity to get involved in the conversation, to express themselves, and interact with others.  This is something that we could not accomplish in a service or even in a classroom setting.  So I will be posting some questions and inviting discussion over the blog site and facebook.  I encourage you to take part when you can. 

Special Prayer Request: 

1. Please remember the Holmes and Frazier families in prayer.  Sister Viola Holmes lost her brother yesterday morning, so let us hold them up in prayer. 
2. Brigitte Barbery is still looking for a job.
3. The Scalon's are in need of a great miracle (God knows).

*Please post any other requests that I missed or am not aware of.


Michael D. Sanes
Pastor, THWC

Day 2 of Fast

Friends,

It is day two of our fast and I would like to thank those of you are taking an active part in it.  God is moving in ways that people cannot imagine.  Brother Glen called me this afternoon to tell me about the greatness of God.  He went on to tell me how Kristy was selected as a professors assistant, and that they would wave her tuition and pay her nicely each month also.  This is a huge financial blessing, and it came during the fast.  It was definitely the hand of the Lord.

As you pray today, please remember Jack Richardson's mom.  She had brain surgery this morning and is recovering now.  Let's ask God to completely hear and restore her.  There are many others in the church that are sick and in need of prayer.  Please feel free to use the comment button below to post any thoughts or prayer requests you may have.

We are having Bible reading and prayer every weekday morning at 6 a.m. I invite you to come and be with us.  It is good to see the new faces at prayer.

Today I ask you to pray for Harbor Class Discipleship Program; it will be starting up on Monday night at 6:30pm.  I invite you to sign up and take part.

Be Blessed!

Pastor Mike Sanes

The Fast Starts Today

Well friends, it is January 10th and the fast starts today.  I want to encourage everyone to spend as much time as they can today in the Word and in Prayer.  There is much to learn and apply from the Word and so much that we need to pray about. 

I would like to encourage any new believers that are fasting with us to begin their Bible reading in the book of St. John, and just continue pushing on through the New Testament during the fast.

Today I would like for us to concentrate on our relocation project.  Things are going well, but there are always wrinkles to be ironed out. 

1. Pray that God will give us wisdom to do things HIS way and not our own. 
2. Pray that God will be glorified and lifted up throughout the process.
3. Pray that He will send un-thought of blessings and provisions for His church.
4. Pray that this project will touch the lives of many people who pass by and participate in the building process.
5. Pray that we select and use the right people throughout the whole process, not just the building process, but also the staffing process.
6. Pray about how you can be used in the process.
7. I would also like to ask as many as will to go to our property and walk through it, praying with Abraham-like faith that God will have His Way in this whole process, and that He will give us everything we need to make this vision come to pass. 

Also, when you pray, please remember Bro. David (Kathy Hopkin's father), Bro. Larry Lee, Bro. Josh Cribbs, Sis. Marylou Howell, Bro. Ray Ward.  There is probably others that I'm not aware of, but please feel free to use the comment button at the bottom to add your thoughts or prayer requests.

Here is the link that I mentioned yesterday for Pastor Jentezen Franklins thoughts on fasting.  http://jentezenfranklin.org/fasting/


Pastor Sanes

The New Year Fast

Well, it's that time again.  It is the first month of the new year and time for us to offer ourselves unto the Lord afresh and anew.  It's not that we don't offer ourselves throughout the year, but that this is the "first part" of the year, and it seems fitting that we would fast and devote ourselves to God, and pledge our faithfulness to Him for the rest of the year.  This is the fourth or fifth year that we have participated in the New Year's Fast at some level.  I don't know if he started the movement, but Pastor Jentezen Franklin champions the movement of fasting at the start of every year.  You can follow the link http://jentezenfranklin.org/fasting/ to find helpful information about fasting.  He has several links that will be of value for you as you participate in this fast.  I invite you to follow this link and participate with us at whatever level you feel led do.  I will be blogging everyday concerning the fast, and there will be a place for you to respond with comments, and I invite you to do so.

The Fast Starts Tomorrow!

Blessings!

Pastor Sanes

For Those Who Are Weary

A Place Called Weary 

Hebrews 12:1-3

Intro:  Sometimes we just don’t have the energy to accomplish all that must be done.  We may be faced with great responsibility or a marvelous opportunity, but there is no strength to go on.  We are weary, utterly tired, we need rest from the burden of over-work and the pressures of life.  Some need rest and time to recuperate because they have a body that is not well and they’ve already pushed it beyond its limits.

Sometimes our energy has been drained away by a heavy burden that has been placed on our backs.  Just remember, He will not allow more to be placed on you than you can bear.

No matter what we are going through God invites us to share that burden with Him.  “Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you” 1Pt.5:7

For He gives rest to the weary and strength to the burdened heart

Isaiah 40:28-31 (KJV)      Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. [29] He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. [30] Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: [31] But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Trans: Although you are weary, consider the following…

I.                   The Lord Knows You’re Weary

1.      Hebrews 4:13  “Nothing in all of creation is hidden from God’s sight, everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account”.

                                                              i.      So God sees through your painted on smile and outward appearance that says everything is okay. 

1.      I’m as strong as ever…

2.      Never been better…

                                                            ii.      God knows that deep inside, behind that outward appearance is a person who is:

1.      Weary and worn out…

2.      One who is utterly tired and is starting to weigh the options to determine if life is still worth living.

3.      One that is weak from fighting battles and cannot think clearly now.

2.      Great is our Lord, and mighty in power, His understanding has no limits

                                                              i.      God understands the place called weary, for He has been there too

II.                He Invites You to Come To Him

1.      Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

2.      The Lord has given us an invitation to come to Him

                                                              i.      He has offered help for our problems and rest for our souls

                                                            ii.      But often we turn to everyone but the right One.

1.      Illus:  Green Leaf, Charter by the Sea, Turning Point, Teen Challenge, Etc…

                                                          iii.      My question today is:  Since you’ve tried all of that, why not turn to Jesus?

III.             He Promises Strength, Rest and Help if You Will Come To Him

1.      Exodus 33:14 (KJV) And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

2.      Psalm 29:1 (KJV)  Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength.

3.      2 Cor. 12:9 (KJV) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

4.      We may not understand it but, “the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men; and the weakness of God is stronger than the strength of men…

5.      When we have no strength to go on Jesus says: “Lean on Me”

IV.             He Promises That if We Endure In This Life, We Will Never Be Tired or Weary Again

1.      Galatians 6:9 (KJV)  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

2.      IF we can just hold on a little while longer we will live in a place where the wicked will never be, they will trouble us no more

                                                              i.      The weary will lay down his burdens and rest

                                                            ii.      The warriors will beat their weapons into plowshares and learn the art or war no more

                                                          iii.      The Lion will lay down with the lamb

                                                          iv.      No more hostility, no more violence, no more crime

1.      What a Day That Will Be (Song says)
“There is coming a day, when no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye
All is peace forever more, on that happy golden shore
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus:
What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon his face,
The One who saved me by his grace;
When he takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no more pain, no more parting over there,
But forever I will be with the one who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.”

Conclusion:  You may be weary of Failure, exhaustion, burnout, always coming up empty. 

Hebrews 12:1-3 (MSG)
¹ Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. ² Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. ³ When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

1. We have this cloud of witnesses.
2. Keep your eyes on Jesus—remember Peter walking to Him on the water.
3. Study how He did it—He did it by spending regular time with the Father.
1. He prayed often.