December 8, 2013
In the Gospel of Matthew we read the mysterious story of Eastern Magi who came to worship the Christ-child, bringing him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They had never seen Jesus yet they came to Him bearing gifts expressing their adoration.
This reminds me of Peter’s words, when he wrote of our devotion to Christ, saying “Whom having not seen you love.” Thus every year our church comes to the manger on Christmas Eve, where by candlelight we pass by, bringing an offering for the One Whom having not seen we love.
Make sure your family is part of your church’s work in Jesus’ Name, and plan now for your Gift To The King.
Posted by Michael La Framboise.
December 2, 2013
Every year our church receives a special Missions offering on Christmas Eve, and we call it our Gift To The King. It is our heart’s desire to keep Jesus and His Gospel at the forefront of the Christmas season, and thus we set aside a special offering every year in Jesus’ Name, particularly designated for the outreach of His Kingdom.
Last year we raised over $1,000 on Christmas Eve, our largest Gift To The King ever! This was the catalyst for our Wave Offering, which to date has raised ove... Continue reading...
Posted by Michael La Framboise.
November 24, 2013
"The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in
Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving! ~ Psalms 28:7 (NLT)
David knew the power of thanksgiving. He understood that thanksgiving
reflects a humble heart and is rooted in humble gratitude. He was genuinely grateful, and he trusted God to show up and deliver him. For David, God meant life. No matter what our circumstances, we can always thank God for who ... Continue reading...
Posted by Margaret Mitchell.
November 10, 2013
The Voice of the Martyrs joins Christians from across China
and around the world in celebrating the life and legacy of Samuel Lamb (Lin Xingiao in Chinese), who died on August 3 in
Guangzhou at the age of 88.
Lamb was one of the best-known leaders of the Chinese house
church movement. Numerous VOM staff members have visited his church in
Guangzhou, as have hundreds of foreigners since the church was founded in 1979,
the year after Lamb finished serving a 20-year prison sentence for his
Christ...
Continue reading...
Posted by Voice Of The Martyrs.
November 3, 2013
“And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit...” Numbers 34:13
The Israelites never came close to taking all of the territory God had given them. God had so much for them. He had given so much to them. He had such grand plans for them. Yet they never took advantage of them.
As I read this, I can’t help but wonder, Lord, how much more do You have in mind for me, for my family, for the church? As I do, I realize I can get very comf... Continue reading...
Posted by Jon Courson.
October 7, 2013
On Thursday Chuck Smith, founding Pastor of Calvary Chapel, passed away in his sleep after a two year bout with cancer. Smith served the Lord for well over 60 years, and his influence has even been felt in our church. He baptized my wife, Marie, and I have been greatly touched by his ministry and his books.
When I think of godly men who have left a great example to follow I think of my grandfather, Pastor Jerry Osborne, and I think of Pastor Chuck. Men who surrendered their lives to Go... Continue reading...
Posted by Michael La Framboise.
September 29, 2013
Long ago in his own church bulletin my grandfather wrote of a man who had a frightening dream. I recently came across this story and imagined how he might have told it. How I loved when Grandpa would tell a story! He recounted how a man dreamed that God used his passion, his service, and his giving as a standard for the whole church. Everyone loved, served, and gave the way he did.
In his dream the man entered the church on Sunday morning, and he was treated the way he treated others.... Continue reading...
Posted by Michael La Framboise.
September 21, 2013
My
grandfather strongly believed that faithfulness to church was vital to a
healthy and vibrant faith. He was ever asserting “It takes three
to thrive: Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night!” He knew the
importance of preaching to the Christian life. He knew that believers
need to hear God’s word and hear it often, that the Holy Spirit
might have ample opportunity to bring conviction to the heart of God’s people.
In the Bible hearing carries with it the notion of rece... Continue reading...
Posted by Michael La Framboise.
September 15, 2013
My grandfather had occasion once or twice to call for my attention directly from his pulpit. I would be giggling or talking with someone and my grandfather would call down from his pulpit for me to be quiet. I remember him once asking my mother to round us up and keep us quiet. It was a fearful thing to disrupt the service.
And so I learned a thing or two about church etiquette. I learned to be reverent during the service, and quiet during the message, and above all else I learned ... Continue reading...
Posted by Michael La Framboise.
September 8, 2013
As a child I once encountered the strangest thing. As I passed through grandma’s kitchen, I noticed her long phone cord winding across the room leading to the closet. When I opened the door I found the cord leading to a drawer. I opened it and discovered someone had hidden grandma’s phone there. I quickly went to grandma and informed her of what I had found. But to my surprise grandma told me she had put it there...on purpose! When I asked her why, she simply said that she wanted some... Continue reading...
Posted by Michael La Framboise.
