growth

SPRING

Posted on May 3, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

The idea of spring brings pleasant thoughts to most of our minds … new growth, fresh flowers, enjoyable temperatures, smiles for the delightful season and sometimes even a lift in one’s human emotion and attitude. In Zechariah 10:1, Judah and Ephraim are instructed to ask the Lord for rain in the season of spring (translated “latter rain” in NKJV and KJV). Perhaps April showers truly do bring May flowers! The scripture goes on in this verse to declare,

… the Lord who makes the storm clouds; and He will give them showers of rain, vegetation in the field to every man.

Certainly if one lives in an agricultural community, rain is absolutely essential. Even for those that don’t, the ground must be watered if fruits, vegetables, and grains are to be planted, grown, harvested, and distributed for food. It’s interesting to note that they weren’t instructed to sow seed or remove weed. That’s a given, but they were directed to seek the ONE who makes the storm clouds for the rain needed to water all they had planted, the actual works of their hands. These showers not only were critical for their crops’ development, but also an indispensible benefit/blessing for the entire society. The well-being of the people is in play here, and God’s mercy is needed — in fact categorically and undeniably expected. Here we see human dependence in its simplest form, and God’s trusted design and creation bringing provision and prosperity to His people.

See, all was ready on God’s part, “ask and ye shall receive!” (See Matthew 21:22, John 16:24) God’s blessings are usually both temporal and spiritual, but in this case the people of God were to call upon their ONE, TRUE, EVERLASTING, LOVING, OMNIPOTENT, IMMUTABLE Lord in order to fully receive His promised blessing. Why call upon the teraphim or a diviner, as they had done in the past according to Zachariah 10:2-3? (See Hosea 2:1-13, Jeremiah 44:15-28) Instead, ask Him who had made a covenant and promise like that found in Deuteronomy 11:13-15.

It shall come about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul, that He will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late rain, that you may gather in your grain and your new wine and your oil. He will give grass in your fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.

Does the Lord want us, His followers, to simply ask? Perhaps God’s blessings are given not to supersede prayer, but rather to encourage and stimulate believers’ prayer. Consider this concept in relation to II Corinthians 6:18:

And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty.

Doesn’t a father take great delight in fulfilling the request of his son or daughter when it’s exactly lined up with what’s good and right for his children? Recall the teachings of Jesus on prayer in Luke 1:1-13 when Christ’s disciples desired to learn about prayer, stating that John the Baptist taught his followers to pray. Consider the instructions Jesus Himself offered in verses 9-12:

So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?

Certainly as believers, we understand that the Lord knows our needs even before we ask. (See Matthew 6:8) In the same manner, spring is guaranteed to come around once a year, every year. Nonetheless, our Lord told His people to seek Him for the spring rain anyway! There is definitely a spiritual connection between prayer and promise … In this case, prayer and the process of nature put in place by the Creator, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit inspired writers of the Old and New Testament scriptures find no difficulty connecting prayer and the process of nature, spiritual impact, and/or the miraculous works of God’s Holy Spirit throughout history. This includes all Old and New Testament believers, Christ Himself, and those called according to His purpose(s). Do we suppose that when God promises or when He begins to bless abundantly, that we may then relax our prayers or cease in our efforts to please Him (bring Him glory through our words and deeds) 24/7 ?

Without question, the former rain did it’s work, all it was intended to do, but now the spring rain is needed. Perhaps this stimulates our sanctification, sweetens our fruit. Shouldn’t we ask of the Lord who brings greenness, who gives growth, healing, maturity, wisdom, and strength to all who ask? Matthew 7:11 reminds us:

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

John Osorius, a Spanish post-medieval preacher once stated, “He (Christ) exhorts all frequently to ask for the dew of the divine grace, that what had sprung up in a heart from the seed of the Word of God, might attain to full ripeness.” What a great thought for spring … may the showers of God’s promises and blessings bring forth much fruit!

Now, let’s consider the prayers of the saints (all true believers) as they come up before the throne of God. Are they not more significant than the seasons? The natural laws that govern our universe were set in place, and in motion, (study Psalm 104:13-35) by the same Lord who hears our requests and brings answers to bear. Sometimes those answers are even contrary to the laws of nature and the natural processes that He, in His immeasurable wisdom, divinely established! Just think … can you imagine … the God who gives rain to earth attends to human (believers’) prayer. In the eyes of God, is humankind greater than anything material? For us, as faithful followers of Christ, a cry to the Almighty, in celebration or distress, in joy or when encompassed by trouble, is the instinctual reaction of our soul/spirit — thanks to our spiritually acquired divine nature! Instead of interfering with nature’s law, prayer is the law of our new nature in Christ Jesus. While prayer for the spring rain, or anything else is an expression of our dependence, the act of asking our Lord is something much more. A precious privilege, an unsurpassed, sacred, incumbent duty for all His sons and daughters! (See John 9:31) – Pastor Frank

SUMMER

Posted on May 3, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

In Psalm 32, David speaks of summer in reference to its unpleasant and exhausting “fever heat” as an example of how he’s feeling when bogged down by his own un-dealt-with sin. Without doubt, all of us in Houston, as well as those from many other parts of the world, are fully aware one’s vitality can easily be depleted in the midst of a summer day. In this case, the Psalmist is experiencing that feeling, yet not because of the outside temperature, but because of internal conflict. According to verse 4, God’s hand was “heavy” upon him both “day and night.” The seriousness of this emotional and spiritual internal conflict is revealed when David declares that his body is “wasting away” and that he is “groaning all day long.”

One of the things one should admire about this psalm, as well as many others, is David’s ability to identify exactly what’s causing the struggle. It’s not some physical illness, and even though he feels sick, beat down, defeated, etc., he knows the truth. He understands that he’s not in depression, that he doesn’t need different medication, nor does he need to read another self-help book, listen to feel-good theological mumbo-jumbo, or the psychobabble of some worldly psychiatrist. No, David simply needs to be honest and at that point he can deal with his issue … sin!

However, in much of today’s contemporary, culturized church, (particularly those in liberal denominations and/or in the emerging/emergent church movements) sin will not be identified as/for what it is . . . instead those things which are reprehensible to our Lord, Jesus Christ are simply brushed under the carpet, ignored, or actually viewed as tolerable behavior. Is everything really ok? In a futile attempt to recognize that God truly loves all humanity and genuinely desires for them to come to the knowledge of the truth, many church’s are indiscriminately and openly, without guilt, shame, or conviction, declaring that everyone is all right/ok.

How can this be when God alone, through His inerrant scripture defines good and evil, right and wrong, and according to Him, no one is spiritually ok? This is not a matter of one’s own opinion and feelings are certainly not able to determine an individual’s spiritual well-being. Instead, a commendable spiritual condition occurs through an objective and resolute commitment to the Lord, Jesus Christ, accompanied by adherence to His Word/Truth without reference to a particular social or cultural bias.

In/by/through the “fever heat of summer” David is being graciously disciplined by the Lord (see I Corinthians 11:32; Revelation 3:19) Who desires him to effectively and forthrightly deal with his sin. This simple, yet substantial action will result in the restoration of David’s spiritual fortitude, as well as his physical, spiritual and emotional healing (see Psalm 32:5-7).

Perhaps one should look at the heat of summer not as a restrictive, confining environment, but a catalyst in one’s life that spawns spiritual growth and stirs the development of godly character. No doubt, David matured through this process and even learned the benefit of the Lord’s disciplinary, yet merciful hand. How faithful is our Lord, who undeniably caused this “fever heat of summer” in David’s life so he could learn to deal with issues/sin promptly and resolutely. Therefore, when you’re basking or baking in this summer’s sun, remember that the Son provides tremendous opportunities for spiritual development in every situation and season of life. May we, as His children, fully embrace the indelible imprints of His firm, yet gracious and glorious grip/hand/touch in our lives.

There is always heat in the kitchen when something good is cookin’! – Pastor Frank

PROSPERITY

Posted on April 19, 2022April 19, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers”

… a remarkable and extraordinary prayer from the Lord’s Apostle/Elder, John, for the believer Gaius from 3 John 2. Here, this faithful New Testament church leader expresses a strong and earnest desire for the side-by-side development of spiritual maturity, physical well-being, and material blessing. While certainly it is appropriate to seek God for any of these as significant aspects of one’s life, the coupling or joining of them together in this passage is unprecedented in the biblical text. In addition, there is supportive evidence that physical health and spiritual well-being are uniquely intertwined, and surely success and/or prosperity in one’s career or business affairs can play a role as well in any individual’s overall well-being.

Here, in 3 John 2 we find the Greek word, ‎euodoo (yoo-od-o’-o), which is a compound expression meaning to succeed along the road, to reach successfully, and/or to prosper in business affairs. The continuous tense in this scripture suggests consecutive, uninterrupted circumstances of varying prosperity as weeks follow weeks. This concept is in the likeness of the inner man being renewed “day after day” as in II Corinthians 4:16. In other words, this prayer finds Gaius’s faith father (see 3 John 4) praying for his spiritual, monetary/material, and physical well-being … prosperity!

Most committed Christians can either quote or find a verse related to God’s material blessings being poured out (like Luke 6:38), God’s provision of health and/or strength (as in Proverbs 3:7-10), or concerning spiritual growth/maturity (such as Colossians 1:10), but how about all three, spoken together in one powerful and discerning prayer passage? WOW! How do you think brother Gaius must have felt when he received and read this prayer from Elder John?

Undoubtedly, this experienced apostle/elder fully understood the concept conveyed by his co-laborer, the Apostle Paul, in his instructions to the Philippian church:

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Phil 2:3-4)

Isn’t it interesting to note that this prayer ties both the physical health and material blessing directly to one’s spiritual growth and development as a vital/essential priority? It appears, according to 3 John 3, that Gaius is growing spiritually and that there is distinct/clear evidence of this maturing being manifested throughout his life. Apostle/Elder John seems to be delighted as well, even elated with his progress …

For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. (3 John 3-4)

This simple, yet broad-reaching, unelaborate prayer would include success in business ventures and investments, happiness and peaceful fulfillment in domestic/family interactions, as well as within one’s spiritual relationships (with the Lord and other believers). In addition, this intercession is inclusive of all the activities, engagements, and/or transactions in which a committed believer might lawfully engage within one’s society (pagan or not). It shows that it is absolutely and unhesitatingly right for us to encourage our friends through prayer, whether in good times or bad, lean or abundance, that they may have success and growth in their spiritual lives, be in good health, physically/ mentally/ emotionally and prosper through the works of their hands and in their plans of life. John must surely have learned this from Jesus, whose concern for people’s physical troubles is attested to in all four Gospels. Certainly this is a biblical warrant for Christians today to pray for the temporal as well as the spiritual and physical needs of our peers in Christ.

At West Oaks Fellowship, we’ve learned to actively embrace our cultural differences, as well as the distinctions in our widely diversified heritages. We are truly “nations gathered for worship” who at the same time are actively “sharing the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Now let us embark on praying for one another — not just when needs arise — but as the Apostle/Elder John prayed for Gaius, that each one in our body will be in good health and prosper even as his/her soul prospers!

Let’s just do it! -PF

NEW YEAR’S PRAYER

Posted on March 25, 2022March 25, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

As we approach 2018, may the Lord provide you and yours with a year that’s indeed tremendously fulfilling and genuinely blessed by Him. A year of distinct spiritual growth and development, a year of increased love for all humanity, and a year with much opportunity to share the life and light of our Savior’s Gospel message.

May you be immersed in the richness and magnitude of His grace, hear His voice more clearly, know the attributes, character, and intentions of His heart more deeply, rest in His promise(s) more fully, trust Him more completely, experience His presence and worship Him more intimately, and distinguish the abundance of His many blessings more accurately!

Lord, I’m not requesting a year completely shielded from any and all pain, sorrow, difficulty, or hardship, but one in which my brother/sister, as a true believer, respectfully comprehends and unashamedly declares that Jesus Christ is their strength, their supreme helper, an impenetrable refuge (fortress, as well as shield), and incomprehensible peace. I’m also not asking You to make their path too easy, too hard, or overly complicated, but may Your plans be (become) their plans and may Your desires for my brother/sister be fully accomplished in 2018! May he/she be (become) a sturdy, steady, and faithful sojourner, with eyes fixed on things above and not things of this deceitfully deceiving world.

Now, in the powerful name that’s above every name, Jesus Christ, may fear be removed from hearts and minds, enabling my brother/sister to wholly embrace Your miraculous presence in each and every endeavors of life. Lord, please help them to continue living by faith in You, rather than the infusion of doubt and confusion brought about by the all the enemies of the Truth and Your Gospel.

In addition, may everything that hindered (encumbered) one’s spiritual walk and relationship with You be laid aside, as things of the past … anything and everything that negatively impacted my brother’s/sister’s worship, testimony, and/or service of the Lord in 2017. May they purposefully, with intention, run with endurance, as well as diligence the race of living their faith out loud! Considering with full attention that which You have set before them … Not looking back, not turning back, nor gazing to the left or to the right, but peering straight ahead with all eyes fixed upon You, JESUS CHRIST, the Author and Perfecter of faith!

Lord, you’ve given my brother/sister a brand-new year, a new start up — 52 weeks — 365 days of choices are ahead and not one of those decisions or determinations is insignificant or meaningless! Actually, help them to understand that every choice holds the potential for Your glorious name to be exalted and magnified in and through their selections. Therefore, I beseech You, and humbly plead for You to guard their hearts and minds through the uncompromising Truth of Your Word and the powerful presence of God’s Holy Spirit. Grant each one wisdom from above to do what’s right in Your eyes, courage to obey You in all things — no matter what selfless sacrifice may be required, and grant them knowledge that comes from the Omniscient One, the One who knows all things — much greater than anyone’s individual or any group’s collective experience(s).

Let each of Your faithful followers live at peace with one another, be steadfastly committed to encouraging one another, always remembering to continually pray for each other, and without restraint, minister (serve) the manifold grace of God (through the implementation and empowerment of their spiritual gift(s) and callings) to one another.

Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6

May the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ spread from each of my friends to all those surrounding them in their home, at work, or at play until You have gathered us all together to meet You in the air.

This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

– His & Yours, PF

GROW

Posted on January 21, 2021January 21, 2021 by West Oaks Fellowship

“Like newborn babies, long for the pure (spiritual) milk of the Word, so that by it you may GROW (up) in respect to (your) salvation.”
I Peter 2:2

God’s plan for all believers is growth! If that’s the case, then one must ask, what causes or stimulates this growth? In plant life, growth occurs through proper exposure to the sun, appropriate quantities of water and fertilizer, protection from plant enemies like bugs, fungi, etc., and occasional pruning.

Human physical growth, in much the same manner, demands suitable nourishment as well as a safe/protected environment. Spiritually, the same concepts hold true! This verse clearly demonstrates that the intake of God’s Word is what nurtures our spiritual development and Christian maturity.

Ephesians 4:15 (from where we derive our church’s slogan, “Sharing The Truth In Love”) reminds believers to speak the truth in love and “to grow-up in all aspects” of Christianity. This growth/maturity is achieved by craving – just as a new baby intensely yearns for the milk of mother’s breast – the spiritual food that flows from God’s Word into your mind/soul/spirit! The primary Greek verb used here, “auzano” or “auxanoo,” means to increase. Just as a healthy tree continues to increase throughout all of its life, continually adding dimensions of its circumference, the depth and strength of its roots, and its height, the work of God is increased, becoming greater and greater, stronger and stronger!

As we read on in I Peter 2:4-6, we find a transition, our spiritual transformation into “living (lively) stones,” “rejected by men, but choice/precious in the sight of God.” Believers are built up in their growth and maturity as a “spiritual house for a holy priesthood” in order “to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ!” This transformation occurs as that fresh, pure (holy) spiritual milk of God’s Word occupies our minds and hearts, growing us up in our salvation and strengthening us to become like the tree mentioned in Psalm 1:2. This tree (representing an individual) is big, strong, healthy, and deeply rooted in the stream of God’s living water. This water is His Word and Holy Spirit which are providing proper nourishment, causing the tree to bear and continually produce, for picking and distribution, a high good quality fruit. Psalm 1:3 tells us that this tree’s leaf does not wither (grow weary in doing good i.e. producing fruit – Gal. 6:9, II Thess. 3:13); and whatever this particular, spiritually strong, mature tree (individual life) engages in is success/prosperous in God’s economy/viewpoint.

Now to the more difficult matter. . . What kind of tree are you? A little twig bent over by the smallest breeze, struggling for survival, or a maturing, stately, majestic fruit producing tree? The choice seems to be 100% ours with the end result depending on our intake/consumption of God’s pure Word. Certainly an intake of once or twice a week from the preacher can’t be enough to make you the righteous man/woman who will flourish like the palm tree, GROW like a cedar in Lebanon, be planted in the house of the LORD, flourish in the courts of our God, still yield fruit in old age, always be full of sap, and very green! (–From Psalm 92:12-14)

Just think about it! Hope to see you & yours this Sunday. — Pastor Frank