The Lord’s Harvest Community Church

So you shall observe My statutes and keep My judgments, and perform them; and you will dwell in the land in safety. {Leviticus 25:18 (NKJV)}

The American Heritage Dictionary defines “recession” as

Many believe that we in the good ol’ USA are sliding into a recession or even a depression. This recent news clip I found which aired here in Oklahoma City. View video–>>



In spite of the economic problems the rest of the country is facing it is not nearly as bad here in OKC. Housing, you can find nice homes in good neighborhoods for 100,000 - 120,000, (3Bd, 2bath, 1600 SQF). Job market, well Oklahoma is not know for having high paying jobs, but the cost of living here is lower. My point is that, even if some are in a recession, you can be recession proof!!

Recession - the act of withdrawing or going back. God tells the children of Israel in Leviticus 25:18, how to be recession proof. If we walk with him and be obedient to his word, we WILL dwell in the land safely. When we place God first in every area of our lives, he surrounds us with his grace of protection. This does not mean that we will not have to deal with tough times, but HE will always see us through them, when we remain steadfast in Him. If you have made a decision to place God first in your life don’t participate in the recession and be recession proof.

“… let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10)

This scripture has stuck with me for the longest and let’s me know that the things I am doing are not in vain. The fact of the matter is that we do get tired doing anything for a time, good and bad. The encouragement comes from the realization that in due season we shall reap. This means that there is a time when we can enjoy the fruits or our labors. The qualifier is that we must not lose heart or give up, but continue the race set before us.

One definition I found for “dedication” was: the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action. The question that comes to mind is, “What have you bounded yourself to?”

If I were to ask, what or who is the most important thing in your life, many would answer without a second thought, “GOD.” However, our actions and the decisions we make in life may tell a different story. Read the following scripture,

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.(Roman 12:1 NLT)

In some aspect God has bound himself to use, because of all he has done for you. We should bind ourself to him also, by giving our bodies to God as a living and holy sacrifice. I know he has done great things for me and I pray I will continue to grow as a witness of his goodness.

I am amazed by how people think or believe that things just happen naturally, without any foundational work, just all of a sudden “POOF!!!” God has called me to do this amazing work of starting a new church, and although I knew it would not be easy, I think I under-estimated that fact.

Many of times I look out into the audience and wonder if ALL the energy we are exerting is making a difference in somebody’s life? We don’t see what is going on in the minds and thoughts of other people, and I wonder am I making it clear. One of the struggles of being a pastor, is knowing you are succeeding in your calling, and you current assignment. Last weekend was a spark I needed to press on……… I am reminded of another lesson from the Water Boy,

You Can Do It!!

And for you super-religious folks Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

There is a short 5 min audio with this post, please take the time out and listen to it.

Recently, I was placed on blood pressure meds. I dislike very much taking ANY medication, even Tylenol for headaches. However, if I lose some (much) weight, I may not have to take anything. So, this has forced me to examine and apply some life-style changes, which I will talk about at another time.

Following inline with part of the vision of The Lord’s Harvest Community Church to become a holistic ministry, I invite you to connect with us on a different level. Recently I sign-up for an account on OKC Million’s website to begin tracking my weight loss. Earlier this week I was given a group code number so you too can can become a part of this part of my life. The group number is ???????? ????? ????????LHCC08, and thats zero, eight - use this code when you sign-up.

 

 OKC Million [5:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Blessings,

I was thinking tonight and preparing for Father’s Day. I decided I wanted to do something special for fathers from The Lord’s Harvest Community Church. On Mother’s Day everyone who showed up was invited to go to Olive Garden with us. Although, I don’t think we are going to do the same for Father’s Day, I still wanted to do something special. Not sure what we are going to do, but a special package is my current thought.

SOOOOO, here the deal.

I am looking to bless at least 5 men for Father’s Day. To submit someone for this blessing they must meet the following criteria.

1. They MUST be a father.
2. They must live in the Oklahoma City Metro area.

Send me an e-mail with the following information.

Your Name (First and Last):
Your e-mail:
Your complete mailing address:

The Person you are submitting (First and Last Name):
Email (if applicable):
Complete mailing address:

If you are a father you are free to submit yourself. I MUST receive all entries in my e-mail (info @ thelordsharvest.org or HarvestOKC @ yahoo.com) by 3pm June 9, 2008.

Expanding the Kingdom,
Pastor Juan