Lost Values
Have you lost your values? This past Sunday we learned that when Israel disobeyed God it didn't take long for them to lose the values that once characterized who they were. The first value to go was their identity--they were once know for being the "People of God", now they had disobeyed God to the point that there was no longer a distinction between them and the rest of the world. I am afraid that is happening today in the church as well. Yes, we do want to win the lost, and I understand that we must meet them where they are, but I also know they can't stay like they are. Everyone sinner that Jesus encountered was changed if they were to become His follower.
The second value to go was their Usefulness. It follows logically that once you have lost your identity that it's only a matter of time, a very short time until you lose your usefulness. How could one be useful in the Kingdom of God that is no longer identified with the Kingdom? In other words, you have become like the salt that Jesus talked about that was supposed to be the "Salt of the Earth", but since it lost it's usefulness was good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under the foot of men. We were called to be the "Light of the World", but when we've lost our usefulness we become nothing more than a dim flashlight. It is good for nothing until the old batteries are taken out and thrown away and new ones put in.
The third value to go was her Strength; Israel could no longer stand before her enemies. Having lost her identity and her usefulness she now has no strength to fight anymore. She is like Samson who was once the strongest man of the Bible, but while flirting with sin he went to far, he could no longer stand on his convictions. He didn't have the power to resist evil any longer.
The fourth and final value was her Spiritual Sensitivity; she didn't even know or realize that she was backslid. Remember Samson? For three times Delilah bound him securely, or at least she thought she had. But the moment she said: "The Philistines are upon thee" he would break the ropes like flax. However, the last time when he finally gave in and told her the source of his strength while he lay sleeping in her lap. Then she said: "Samson, the Philistines are upon thee". He got up and went outside and shook himself as he had done before, but he didn't even realize that the Spirit of God had left him, and he had no strength to fight anymore. The Philistines gouged out his eyes and took him to prison.
Have you lost your values~?
Mike Sanes
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
How to Live Triumphant in this World
How to Live Triumphant in this World
The apostle Paul wrote to the saints at Corinth to encourage them in their Christian walk. We find it in 2 Corinthians 2:14 (NRSV) 14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. Here we find that God is expecting us to walk in triumph, that is, in victory, success, accomplishment, and achievement. He really does want us to succeed.
Some Christians have bought into the lie that says: “Once you get saved you will never have problems again, you will always be experiencing the best of everything”. To the person that believes that, you need to wake up from the dream you’re dreaming and revisit the Words of the Lord— Psalm 34:19 (NRSV) 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD rescues them from them all. And shame on the preacher/person who led you to believe that the Christian life would be a life of ease.
In this verse Paul suggests that the Christian life is a life of conflict. Just to use the word triumph suggests that there is a battle going on. When I read the Bible I find great men of God continuously dealing with adversity and conflict, yet remaining true to God. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, yet later stated that it was God’s will that he ended up in Egypt. He found himself in prison, yet he understood that God even had a purpose in that.
Job suffered the greatest of all calamities with the loss of, not just his wealth and reputation, but the loss of all ten children in the same instant. I can’t think of anyone in antiquity, or in the modern era, who has experienced more devastation than the colossal devastation that job experienced. Yet, despite this, Job finds the way to say--Job 13:15 (NKJV) 15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.
We find the apostle Paul in prison and dealing with demons and religious people; those that hated him despite the change in his life that was abundantly evident.
When I look at the words of the writers of scriptures, it is clear to me that the Christian’s life is one that is filled with conflict. Paul told Timothy, 1 Timothy 6:12 (NKJV) 12 Fight the good fight of faith; Peter said: 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Paul would later tell Timothy…2 Timothy 2:3 (NKJV) 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. These scriptures make it obvious to me that the Christian life is filled with conflict.
The Christian life is also filled with triumph; the Lord does not expect us to live beaten down all the time. This doesn’t mean that we are not going to have battles and bad days, it does mean that we are victorious through Him, if we put our confidence in Him, regardless what the circumstances look like. Please notice the words that indicate triumph: Romans 8:37 (NKJV) 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Luke the physician would tell us: Luke 10:19 (NKJV) 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Paul would later say in 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV) 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Please remember that triumph comes through Him, and not by our own strength. I remind you that—it is “in Him we live and move and have our being”, and without Him we are nothing. He is the one who causes us to triumph. He is the one who makes us more than conquerors, over-comers in this life. It is He that is in us that is greater than he that is in the world.
Paul said: He leads us in “Triumphal Procession”; this is an illusion to the days of Rome when a general would conquer a people and acquire land for the king. If the general’s accomplishment reached a certain level the king would put on a “Parade of Triumph”, in which he and his men would be honored as they strolled through the streets of the city.
Therefore, we understand that when we are going through battles and trials that God has not forgotten us, and people are watching us in the battle. God is receiving the glory when we perform well in the battle, and that fragrance of knowing Him is being spread abroad. It is enticing to other people when they see you holding up under the load and you confess that it is not by your strength, but by the grace of the Living God. They then say, I want that grace in my life as well! Remember what Isaiah said: Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) 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.
Michael D. Sanes
Pastor, The Harbor Worship Center
Monday, February 7, 2011
Harbor News
I am so excited about what God is doing in His church, and especially the part of His church that attends the Harbor Worship Center. I say that because I realize that His church is so much bigger than we are. We are just a small part of the sum total of His people. What I find so amazing is the fact that He loves us all the same.
This past week was huge for the Harbor. On Friday night the THUGS went Ice skating in Jax, and they were 45 strong in their group. Also, last Wednesday they set a THUGS attendance record by having over 60 in their group. Way to go THUGS!
On Friday the Children’s Team had 30 at a pizza supper, and the Worship Team had 6 at the Jason Crabb concert in Jax. I believe this is a testament to good leadership in each of these groups. Thank you for the hard work and dedication to the work of the Lord.
Yesterday (Sunday) we had 8 new couples attending the Pastor’s Breakfast for the first time. I want to say thank you to Eric Kneeland, Aaron Kirkland, and any others who had a hand in making that breakfast the success that it was.
The message yesterday was titled “Authenticating the Word”, and in this message I showed the relationship that exists between the Spirit of God, and the Scriptures. We learned that the Spirit inspired/authored the Word when it was written, but it is the Spirit also that illuminates the Word, and makes it comes alive for us today. The message will be up online soon. Check it out!
Good News! We have our trailer back. Thanks to the watchful eye of William Cribbs who saw our trailer in Brunswick while I was out of town last week. He made a few phone calls and got the police involved, a few hours later the Chief of Police called me while I was on the road and told me that they had a trailer pulled over that they thought might be ours. As it turned out, it was. Josh was able to get their first to identify it and take possession of it. Praise God we have it back! Thanks to William Cribbs, James Galloway, and the Kingsland Police Department.
Revival is only two weeks away. Please begin praying and seeking the Lord for a mighty move of God in this meeting. We really need an outpouring of His Holy Spirit to fall upon us all as it did in the Upper Room, and to prepare us for this end-time harvest that we are charged to reach!
Blessings!
Mike Sanes
Pastor, The Harbor Worship Center
Monday, January 24, 2011
Harbor News
Harbor Family,
Sunday night proved to be just what we've been fasting and praying for; an awesome move of God's Spirit. Let me say thanks to all the ministry teams that have helped make the event the success that it was. Also, a special thanks to Brother Rick for coming to be with us, and to the church for the wonderful turnout and the great love offering that you gave to him.
The New Comer's Meet and Greet will be this Thursday night in the fellowship hall. We invite ALL who have come to the church in the last 4 months and those who have not yet attended a Meet n Greet. This will be a casual event where we will have fun, food, and fellowship. As pastor, I will share my vision for the church with you and through a questionnaire given I will help you find your place in the church, if you desire to serve at this point.
Bible Sunday is this coming Sunday, January 30th. We are making plans for a big show down as we show the extreme importance of the Word of God in the lives of believers. I am asking every one to INVITE, INVITE, INVITE! This could well be the most important day of someones life; a day when they come face to face with the BOOK that will change their life forever. They may have heard much preaching, lots of singing, and perhaps they've even done a lot of church things. But if they hear this message and begin to read God's Word; it will say more to them than you or I could ever say. It will be more convicting and convincing than we could ever be. So invite them and give them this opportunity!
Team Leaders, be on the lookout for email or a facebook video from me today or tomorrow concerning the importance of your entire team as it relates to Bible Sunday.
Blessings!
Michael D. Sanes
Pastor, THWC
Sunday night proved to be just what we've been fasting and praying for; an awesome move of God's Spirit. Let me say thanks to all the ministry teams that have helped make the event the success that it was. Also, a special thanks to Brother Rick for coming to be with us, and to the church for the wonderful turnout and the great love offering that you gave to him.
The New Comer's Meet and Greet will be this Thursday night in the fellowship hall. We invite ALL who have come to the church in the last 4 months and those who have not yet attended a Meet n Greet. This will be a casual event where we will have fun, food, and fellowship. As pastor, I will share my vision for the church with you and through a questionnaire given I will help you find your place in the church, if you desire to serve at this point.
Bible Sunday is this coming Sunday, January 30th. We are making plans for a big show down as we show the extreme importance of the Word of God in the lives of believers. I am asking every one to INVITE, INVITE, INVITE! This could well be the most important day of someones life; a day when they come face to face with the BOOK that will change their life forever. They may have heard much preaching, lots of singing, and perhaps they've even done a lot of church things. But if they hear this message and begin to read God's Word; it will say more to them than you or I could ever say. It will be more convicting and convincing than we could ever be. So invite them and give them this opportunity!
Team Leaders, be on the lookout for email or a facebook video from me today or tomorrow concerning the importance of your entire team as it relates to Bible Sunday.
Blessings!
Michael D. Sanes
Pastor, THWC
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Harbor News
Harbor Family,
I am looking forward to the services this weekend. Come expecting God to move in a great way. I have also talked with Brother Rick Watkins; he is in town and looking forward to speaking for us on Sunday night. Please make plans to attend; I don't think you would want to miss this message from the Lord.
We had an exciting time at Twenty-four to Double this past Thursday night. Thanks to all you leaders who attended, and to Brother Harold for driving the bus. Great News: We no longer have to drive to the meetings; they will be simulcasted to our sanctuary. This will help many of leaders who have been hindered from attending because of work schedules, getting off too late to go, etc.
Next Sunday (Jan 30) is "Bible Sunday" and we are expecting a packed house in both services. Please invite your friends to this event. We will be sharing the absolute importance of the Word of God in the life of every believer. The emphasis for the entire month of February is on the Bible. Every Sunday we will explore another area of importance and significance that the Word of God has on the life of the believer.
Keep checking back for more information.
All team leaders please be prepared early for Bible Sunday, this week is the week to make it happen!
Mike Sanes
Pastor, The Harbor
I am looking forward to the services this weekend. Come expecting God to move in a great way. I have also talked with Brother Rick Watkins; he is in town and looking forward to speaking for us on Sunday night. Please make plans to attend; I don't think you would want to miss this message from the Lord.
We had an exciting time at Twenty-four to Double this past Thursday night. Thanks to all you leaders who attended, and to Brother Harold for driving the bus. Great News: We no longer have to drive to the meetings; they will be simulcasted to our sanctuary. This will help many of leaders who have been hindered from attending because of work schedules, getting off too late to go, etc.
Next Sunday (Jan 30) is "Bible Sunday" and we are expecting a packed house in both services. Please invite your friends to this event. We will be sharing the absolute importance of the Word of God in the life of every believer. The emphasis for the entire month of February is on the Bible. Every Sunday we will explore another area of importance and significance that the Word of God has on the life of the believer.
Keep checking back for more information.
All team leaders please be prepared early for Bible Sunday, this week is the week to make it happen!
Mike Sanes
Pastor, The Harbor
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Harbor News / Update
Church Family and Friends,
This year has started off with a bang so to speak. We are in the midst of our 21 day fast and we have already seen great results. I would like to thank everyone who is participating in the fast at whatever level you feel led to participate. I know of several people who did a week to ten days on the radical fast and many others who are doing the Daniel or partial fast. The important part to remember is to pray and seek the Lord as you fast. I personally set five specific goals for this fast. These are goals that I have written down and I recite them to the Lord as I pray; I continually hold these goals up before the Lord to remind Him that I am fasting and praying for these things to happen. Of course these goals are about expanding the Kingdom of God and making us more effective as His church.
Last Sunday night we had Dr. Hong Yang with us in the evening service. Dr. Yang was raised in Communist China. He had never seen a Bible until finding one on the bottom shelf of a college library in a section titled "Western Pornographic Material". After finding this Bible he began to read it, and it began to literally change his life. By the miraculous hand of God the way was made for him to come to the United States to further his education. I would like to thank everyone who gave in support of his ministry.
Last night the THUGS travelled to Winter Jam in Jacksonville; they carried 35-40 teens. Way to go THUGS.
On January 23rd Brother Rick Watkins will be with us; he will be speaking in the evening service. I know that he has been fasting, praying, and believing God for this meeting. I urge you to be here and bring your friends. God is going to do some awesome things on this night.
Bible Sunday is January 30th. This is going to be an awesome event. We are going to show the absolute importance of the Word of God in the life of the Believer. Please check facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Harbor-Worship-Center/498453405108 for more details on the event. You will not want to miss this great day, so come and bring a friend with you.
Kelly's birthday is the 22nd of January and she will be turning??????????? I am told that you never tell a woman's age no matter how pretty she is. By the way, this is Kelly's new little baby. Her name is Maggie and she is nine weeks old. She is standing in my saddlebag; I guess she wants to go for a ride on the bike.
Blessings!
Michael D. Sanes
Pastor, THWC
This year has started off with a bang so to speak. We are in the midst of our 21 day fast and we have already seen great results. I would like to thank everyone who is participating in the fast at whatever level you feel led to participate. I know of several people who did a week to ten days on the radical fast and many others who are doing the Daniel or partial fast. The important part to remember is to pray and seek the Lord as you fast. I personally set five specific goals for this fast. These are goals that I have written down and I recite them to the Lord as I pray; I continually hold these goals up before the Lord to remind Him that I am fasting and praying for these things to happen. Of course these goals are about expanding the Kingdom of God and making us more effective as His church.
Last Sunday night we had Dr. Hong Yang with us in the evening service. Dr. Yang was raised in Communist China. He had never seen a Bible until finding one on the bottom shelf of a college library in a section titled "Western Pornographic Material". After finding this Bible he began to read it, and it began to literally change his life. By the miraculous hand of God the way was made for him to come to the United States to further his education. I would like to thank everyone who gave in support of his ministry.
Last night the THUGS travelled to Winter Jam in Jacksonville; they carried 35-40 teens. Way to go THUGS.
On January 23rd Brother Rick Watkins will be with us; he will be speaking in the evening service. I know that he has been fasting, praying, and believing God for this meeting. I urge you to be here and bring your friends. God is going to do some awesome things on this night.
Bible Sunday is January 30th. This is going to be an awesome event. We are going to show the absolute importance of the Word of God in the life of the Believer. Please check facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Harbor-Worship-Center/498453405108 for more details on the event. You will not want to miss this great day, so come and bring a friend with you.
Kelly's birthday is the 22nd of January and she will be turning??????????? I am told that you never tell a woman's age no matter how pretty she is. By the way, this is Kelly's new little baby. Her name is Maggie and she is nine weeks old. She is standing in my saddlebag; I guess she wants to go for a ride on the bike.
Blessings!
Michael D. Sanes
Pastor, THWC
Monday, January 3, 2011
First Sunday 2011
Harbor Friends and Family,
What a great way to start the new year. We are back to our two Sunday morning services, and wow, did we have two great ones. The Spirit of God moved so freely among us and we were blessed greatly. Likewise, we had a very good return crowd for Sunday night, and again His presence filled the house in the altar service. There were many people that God touched and delivered from habits, illness, depression, and so forth. I have already received testimonies of what God has done in their lives.
The Fast--we are in the midst of a 21 day fast and we are already seeing results. I urge you to join us in the fast at whatever level you feel led. Many are doing a total fast, others are doing a partial fast, and some are doing the Daniel Fast (no meats, sweets, or bread). I'm just encouraging everyone to do something and combine it with prayer and worship. If you will do this with purpose, and I recommend a written purpose for the fast, you will see that God will answer your prayers and fulfill that purpose. It is in these seasons of fasting and prayer that we are building spiritual muscle so to speak.
I could list many Bible characters who fasted, but suffice it to say, most importantly Jesus fasted. He also said that some things come ONLY by fasting and praying. Remember when Jesus came down from the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9) with Peter, James, and John? A man had brought his demon possessed son to the other nine disciples, but they could not cast out the demon. Why? Scholars debate it, but some say that they had allowed their devotion to God to slip and were relying on past experiences. Past experiences with God will not exorcise the demons of today. You must keep your relationship with God in tune, and there is no better way to do so than by fasting and praying.
I hope you will join us at 7-8 every morning and evening except Sunday and Wednesday for Bible reading/ prayer, and a video message. This will help keep you going!
If you have prayer request please send them. There is a link on the church website that will allow you to do so. The web address is www.theharborworshipcenter.org.
Here is a website that belongs to Rev. Jentezen Franklin; it is filled with resources to help you in your fast.
http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/fasting/
Blessings!
Mike Sanes
Pastor, THWC
What a great way to start the new year. We are back to our two Sunday morning services, and wow, did we have two great ones. The Spirit of God moved so freely among us and we were blessed greatly. Likewise, we had a very good return crowd for Sunday night, and again His presence filled the house in the altar service. There were many people that God touched and delivered from habits, illness, depression, and so forth. I have already received testimonies of what God has done in their lives.
The Fast--we are in the midst of a 21 day fast and we are already seeing results. I urge you to join us in the fast at whatever level you feel led. Many are doing a total fast, others are doing a partial fast, and some are doing the Daniel Fast (no meats, sweets, or bread). I'm just encouraging everyone to do something and combine it with prayer and worship. If you will do this with purpose, and I recommend a written purpose for the fast, you will see that God will answer your prayers and fulfill that purpose. It is in these seasons of fasting and prayer that we are building spiritual muscle so to speak.
I could list many Bible characters who fasted, but suffice it to say, most importantly Jesus fasted. He also said that some things come ONLY by fasting and praying. Remember when Jesus came down from the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9) with Peter, James, and John? A man had brought his demon possessed son to the other nine disciples, but they could not cast out the demon. Why? Scholars debate it, but some say that they had allowed their devotion to God to slip and were relying on past experiences. Past experiences with God will not exorcise the demons of today. You must keep your relationship with God in tune, and there is no better way to do so than by fasting and praying.
I hope you will join us at 7-8 every morning and evening except Sunday and Wednesday for Bible reading/ prayer, and a video message. This will help keep you going!
If you have prayer request please send them. There is a link on the church website that will allow you to do so. The web address is www.theharborworshipcenter.org.
Here is a website that belongs to Rev. Jentezen Franklin; it is filled with resources to help you in your fast.
http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/fasting/
Blessings!
Mike Sanes
Pastor, THWC
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