Saturday, September 29, 2012

SUNY Brockport Tragedy


SUNY Brockport Tragedy

Edit // September 29th, 2012 // No Comments » // 2012
This morning there was a girl that was found dead in her dorm room at SUNY Brockport. What a tragedy to see life gone in a vapor, a young life is no longer with us. It has been a while since we have seen something like this happen so close to home. Thankfully they have arrested the man who is believed to be responsible for the actions. When events like this happen in life and around us it is important to remember that there is peace to be found in all situations, and that it is not God that orchestrates tragedies like this. Many often will take this time to say God I hate you for allowing this to happen. While we believe that God is sovereign or able to do anything He wants to. There will be anger, sadness and confusion in times like this but one thing I want people to realize is that there is help and comfort available.
Many people will say what can God do for me in times like this? Well first of all being a Christian and part of a church is more than just praying and reading a bible. It is about being a part of a community that is there for you. It doesn’t matter what you are going through the church congregation is there for you whether you need to cry, yell, scream, or just get your mind off of everything. There is a support system similar to that of a great family. A support system that is there to not only listen and comfort you but to pray for you, and your needs.
So with all of this going on in Brockport this weekend there will be those who are fearful and those who will be saddened at what has happened. Please know that we are here for you no matter what you may be going through. Whether you need to talk or just strengthen your faith in times like this we are here for you!
We have Services Sunday’s @ 10:00 AM at 4617 Lake Rd in the Midland Bank Building near Abbott’s Ice Cream. You can also watch us online @ brockportcc.org

We are praying for the family and friends of this young lady, and the family and friends of the young man who may be in shock over what has happened.

May God Be with you all during this time.

Matthew 11:28-30

New International Version (NIV)
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”


Pastor Ryan Peters

What to do when life hurts….


What to do when life hurts….

Edit // September 10th, 2012 // No Comments » // 2012
Many times we often will experience challenges in life that cause pain, confusion, and stress. How we deal with the feelings and emotions can determine much of the outcome of our life’s situations. First thing we have to do is think of the last time you had a challenge or road block in life. Think about what it did to your emotions, and how you reacted in the time of pain and confusion.
Some times we loose it, yell, scream, and occasionally throw a pillow etc. This is what we call expressive reactive, where you immediately express how you are feeling emotionally through your words and or actions. It is called reactive because when we often burst out like this it is a reaction to what has taken place. Many people in life deal with issues in life this way, even though it is not the best way to handle life’s situations.
Being expressive reactive also has many consequences when used. When you react to life’s experiences often you can say things and act in ways that are not appropriate and or what is acceptable in your daily life. For example when your parents get you upset to the point of screaming yelling and stomping off, though you may feel great expressing your anger, many times will result in a worse punishment after being expressive reactive. So you have to ask yourself is the few minutes of victory worth the three weeks of being grounded….? Probably not…
Another way of dealing with life’s pain is trying your hardest to relax and see past yourself in to the situation that is going on. I like to call this prayerful response, there is a HUGE difference between expressive reaction and prayerful response. This also is not the easiest way to deal with life’s issues, well at least in the beginning. You will eventually make this a habit and part of your life after practicing it for a while.
A prayerful response looks like this in the same illustration as earlier. Your parents make you upset to a point you want to scream, yell, and of course ball your eyes out. Instead of flipping out and making a scene you walk to your room and think about what caused the issue and asking God to help you and your parents understand each other.
Many times when it comes to a fight or argument between a teenager and a parent it is strictly a misunderstanding of each other. Prayer does some amazing things in life. If we would just pray about our situations more than yell and scream we would have a more peaceful family than ever before. This doesn’t only go for our families but our friends who make us angry and spread rumors about us as well.
So let’s start being a person of prayerful response and not an expressive reactive. God will do great things in our lives if we start to pray about all things!

Eph 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (NIV)

~Pastor Ryan

There is hope!


There is hope!

Edit // August 28th, 2012 // No Comments » // 2012
Today I am reminded of the hope that we have to be all that we were called to be. Many times we allow life to get to busy and fade from our purpose fade from our potential. We have the ability and responsibility to be all that God has called us to be. There are many that are waiting for us to take the step of faith and be what we were meant to be.. You must understand that God has appointed you to reach certain people and in our own selfish minds it will never be done.But we must follow all that He has for us and we will start to see the vision unfold and our lives being fulfilled for all it was meant to be. Today make the stance to be what you were meant to be.
Matthew 17:20
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. ”
Step out in faith today and be what you were called to be!

Something Good is going to happen!


Something Good is going to happen!

Edit // August 11th, 2012 // No Comments » // 2012
When is the last time that you sat back and just knew something good was about to happen? Tonight as I was sitting a praying it was an amazing feeling of completeness and fulfillment as God was pouring out His spirit and the anointing was so present. I am in strong belief that great things are about to happen. Provision, blessings, and signs and wonders are here!

Life Goes On


Life Goes On

Edit // August 11th, 2012 // No Comments » // 2012
Living in a life that is less than perfect is the category most of us fit in to. When thinking about how life at times can be less desirable and frustrating, I also must think about how many times not matter how hard, or ugly life was I made it out alive and most of the time better then when the hell started. Why is that? Why is it that many times when we go through the toughest times in our lives that we think this is the worst thing I have ever been through, and I’m going to die where I am at? When if we step outside ourselves and look at the circumstance we will see that it’s all going to work out. It is going to be fine, and most likely we will learn a lesson that will not only help us, but many we come in contact with throughout our life time will also benefit and be encouraged by our troubles. Life Must Go On!
I’m writing this because in the last two years of my life I have seen heartache, hardship, and what I thought was failure. Many times through it I could not seen the positive, could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. In this I found myself trying to run into my own understanding, trying to create a new life for myself. When that is not what I was meant to do. Creating a new life for your self is okay, if it is in the confines of God’s will. I found myself looking for success and momentary happiness to be the answer, instead of seeking God wholeheartedly for the correct answers. Don’t get me wrong I was still seeking God but on my terms, and in my own way. Often we want God in our game plan, and to work on our schedule and on our task list. Unfortunately it does not work that way… because God is able to see outside the confines of our little minds and know what is best for the long run. This is not saying that it is going to be a great experience, and that this was what God desired from the get go for your life. Many times we screw up, or others we are connected with screw up and it effects our lives. The great thing about God is that just because something bad happens and alters our lives does not mean that God is going to throw us to the wolves per say. But He will take the difficult areas of our lives and if we are truly willing to surrender to Him, He will work it all out for good.
We must have the attitude that no matter what happens in life, if we know our calling, know our purpose we will not give up but continue forward, asking for blessing, direction, and a newness in the Spirit. Life Must Go On! Let’s make that our theme that Life Must Go On! God is going to work through us if we desire to see what He can do. I do not know about you but I have decided I can’t give up. I’m not a quitter, I have a calling, a purpose, and I must fulfill what God has for me, no matter what detours there are now or in the future God is faithful to complete His plan. Let’s rise up and take our giftings and use them for the building of the kingdom where ever we are!
Life Must Go On!

The Recent Events in Aurora,CO


The Recent Events in Aurora,CO

Edit // July 21st, 2012 // No Comments » // 2012
I wanted to write briefly on the recent events that have happened in Aurora, CO. Cruel and heartless happenings like this can cause many questions, lack of faith, and fear in many people all over the world. I am extremely saddened that this has happened and will continue to keep the families of those who lost their lives, and those who are currently fighting for their lives in prayer.
During this time of heartache and sorrow it is important to remember that the evil and unacceptable actions that happened this week are not normal. They are disgusting and sick, we must remember that we live in a world that the enemy of this world rules and reigns. But we have the victory in the end. The Bible says that God is just and will deal with those that are not of Him and those that do evil.
My friends it is important that if we are battling with faith in God during this tragedy that we remember that eventually all things will work together for good. As my pastor says not all things are good and this is far from good, but God will turn it around.
For those of us that are standing on the side lines of this horrible event we must stand up and make a difference in those we are entrusted with in the following ways.
  1. Prayer: we all have been called to pray for the families and those injured during this time. We also must pray for those who here of this event, because it can be something that builds fear in people. We need to pray for God’s healing, presence, and provision throughout these times.
  2. Equip: we must equip those around us with teaching and discipleship to connect with God on a deeper level especially during the trying times that we live in. Equipping those around us can assist in the times of trials and trouble.
  3. Never Give Up! No matter hard it may seem at the moment when people question, and come against you never give up to what the enemy would love. When we give up it makes a foot hold for the enemy to attack our youth and work in the world we live in! Stay strong call on the Lord for help and connect with leaders and youth whenever you can.
There is so much to say about this event, most importantly that we are praying and equipping our youth to be knowledgeable of what may cause this and how to survive these instances.
Love you Guys and Pray God’s presence like never before!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Discovering is Seeking!


Discovering is Seeking!

Discovering the Will of God can be tiresome and can be a task of long suffering but one this it is not is a waste of time.  As we move into 2012 I think it is imperative that we take the steps to walk into His will and follow the path that will lead us there.This blog will be about the necessity of Discovery must first come from seeking. This brings us to MT 7:7

To discover is to: 
1.to see, get knowledge of, learn of, find, or find out; gainsight or knowledge of (something previously unseen or unknown)
2.to notice or realize
3. to make known; reveal; disclose.

To Seek is to:
1.to go in search or quest of: to seek the truth.
2 to try to find or discover by searching or questioning: 
3. to try to obtain: to seek fame.
4. to try or attempt (usually followed by an infinitive): to seek to convince a person.
5. to go to: to seek a place to rest.

So to discover God’s desires and Will is the goal, seeking is the avenue to reach the goal.

1.       To Seek is to abandon yourself. PS 22:26 PS 9:10
1.         The meek shall eat and be satisfied Psalm 22 says. To be meek is to be humble to put others first. Most importantly God himself.
2.         Psalm 9 states those who know thy name will put their trust in thee. Not worrying where God will lead but trusting His guidance.
3.         Church it is so important to look at where God has brought you and the gifts he has given you but also do not count out anything, no matter what your skills are. If God says it step out in faith for he will make the way! Abandon yourself and allow Him to guide you where he wants not where you want not where your friends want not where your family wants, but where he wants.
4.         To die is Christ to live is gain. But also Psalm 118:8 “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”
2.       To Seek is to ask questions of yourself and of your maker MT 7:7
1.         God’s willing to give you the desires of your heart, but your heart must be pure and in line with His. PS 37:4
2.         Ask yourself what drives you? What are you passionate about there is a reason you were born with characteristics and talents and drives.
3.         Asking your maker is a realm of communication that will open your spiritual senses to see beyond the now and see the big picture.
4.         James 1:5 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraided not; and it shall be given him
5.         David continuously like other mighty men and women of the bible were always seeking God for their direction. God did not make them wait! He spoke to them 2 Sam 2:1 God should we move to to one of the citeis of Judah? God said yes David said which one God said Hebron.
6.         Sometimes we miss the number one channel to God’s will… Asking!
3.       Practical ways to Seek God’s Will for your life and ministry
1.         Wake up every morning saying today is YOUR day of God, let my desires match yours.
a)           This will allow you to separate your will from His.
2.         Do not allow yourself to be a conflict of interest in God’s will
a)           At times our preferences and desires will drive our minds to “what God is saying” allow God to speak not your subconscious saying its God. Remember God does not change!
3.         Communicate with God daily
a)           What do you need to make sure you have communion with him daily?
                                 i.                      Do you need a devotional MP3?
                               ii.                      A small daily devo book?
                              iii.                      Sticky notes reminding you to read and pray?
a.                     How about a sticky note on the box of cereal or a piece of tape on the coffee maker that asks if you talked with God this morning?
b)           Prayer is something we have so readily available to us yet is too often neglected.
                                 i.                      Were too busy our minds too infected with the work before us.
4.         Continue to do good to others and spread the gospel.
a)           IN MT 7:19-20 States that by our fruit people will know us
b)           We are to not only find Gods will for us but to also assist others in finding it.
c)            Helping others as the word states us being evil give good gifts how much will our father give. It is important to continue to do good works as it is a characteristic of God and drives the human psyche to help others. Helping others will boost your moral which in turn will open your mind to all avenues that God has for you. Knowledge is power and if you do not know what it is like to do good to others you will never really know the power of ministry to others.
5.         Saturate yourself with other ministries online and on cd. Seek what types of ministries are available.
a)           What have others done for God? What could we do what could you do?
b)           At times our minds are filtered only by what we have been a part of. Expand your mind expand your horizon eventually you will expand your territory.
c)            The prayer of Jabez "Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, 'Oh that Thou would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast [territory], and that Thine hand might be with me, and that Thou would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!' And God granted him that which he requested." 1 Chron 4:10
6.         Fasting is a great way to seek God’s will Isa 58:6-9
a)           This not just ok im gonna skip a meal because I am busy… its switching out your physical food for spiritual food.
b)           Im going to fast Every Thursday starting with Lunch and going from there.  Encourage you to choose one meal throughout the week and fast a biblical fast.
7.         Fellowship
a)           Many ppl have no idea the importance to fellowship for seeking God’s will. It is a place where you can discuss what God is doing speaking and allow the ministry of Barnabas to flow in your life.
Let us take this year seriously as we seek the will and desire of God. The year of Discovery is here! Let us seek His face together!