A Look Back & Move Forward

Dave Mullen, a pastor friend here in Manchester, and I were sharing about our common interest in Jonathan Edwards, and he was able to point me in the direction of a marker in Enfield, that indicates the location where Edwards once preached.  I paid a visit to it was was moved by thoughts of what God had done through this man.

Edwards sermons are at the heart, simple and gospel centered.  

Sin is a deliberate disobedience to the will of God.  Sin is our nature.  Sin separates us from God the creator.  Being separated from God means hell is in our future.  Our sin must be judged by God.  God is a good judge, meaning he does not take bribes, or anything else that we try to trade up with him.

The Good News is that God made a way for us not to be separated from him and our sin can be pardoned.  Jesus, the son of God, came from heaven to earth to live a sinless life, and since the penalty of sin is death,  Jesus sacrificed or stood in our place to take the penalty that we deserved, because he loves us.

This is best summed up in John 3:16:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life".  God's grace is unearned and unmerited.  It just because he loves us.

What God did with Edwards in the 1700s, he is still doing today.  

My prayer is that your heart is being warmed by God.  That the Good News of Jesus Christ is news that you want realized in your life.  My prayer is, just like the Great Awaking in New England of the 1700's, that you would be awakened by the Gospel of Jesus.

Shoot me a email with your questions TimLyda@bellsouth.net

God truly does love you.

Live & Love Like Jesus,

Pastor Tim 

Empty Pockets

Empty Pockets.

After returning from Connecticut last week, I believe that Lynn and I are still on an Easter celebration High. We celebrated with Oasis of Life church in Rocky Hill, and have been blessed by so many Christ followers in Connecticut. There are some great men and women that are serving our Lord in what I consider the frontlines of planting the gospel in New England.

Friday, Lynn had complete knee replacement surgery, and it went very well. She has endured a lot of pain the past 2 days, but today has been great improvement with reduced pain and more movement. We will be heading home sometime Monday before lunch. To all our family and friends, thank you for the love and prayers.

Today, I have just finished reading again the account of the 2 thieves that were crucified with Jesus in Luke 23:42. The crook said “JESUS, remember me when you come into your kingdom”.

I don’t know how many times I have read this passage in my life, but it just strikes me that this dude had nothing. He had no gifts, no wisdom, no future opportunities to serve, no opportunities to tell others of the Messiah, in short he had empty pockets. Then Jesus says in verse 43, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise”.

This reject of society became an “heir of the King” with the simple words of “remember me” and with empty pockets. That is what we refer to as Salvation by Faith alone. Nothing else to do, just recognize that you are guilty and the sin in your life, separates you from God, and then recognize the kingship of the Messiah.

His grace is sufficient and His love is great, and His promise cannot be broken!

Heading North!

Pastor Tim

And the Word Became Flesh

John Chapter 1
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of Grace and Truth.

Let us be reminded today that the word became flesh. The purpose for the Christmas is eternal life through Jesus birth, death, and Resurrection.

Only in Jesus Christ are the topics of Joy, Peace, and Comfort, truly understood and attainable. Just think...we are created for His Joy!! My prayer for all of my family and friends is that your Joy comes ONLY from Christ the King of Kings.

To my Personal Family and LifeSong Family, I am so looking forward to seeing Gods great work in you as your growth leads you to tell the Good News. The King has come! There is much to do, there is much to pray about, and there is much life to live full out.

I have truly been blessed with an amazing wife and best friend. Sons that seek God. A daughter in love that is a example and love to me. A grandchild that I have not met yet, that is a gift only fitting for the King to give.

LifeSong Family - You are such a encouragement in my life. My life has been changed, turned around, shook up, and any other verb that you could add, by your hearts and prayers. In 2010, we will be drawn even closer to His Mission and purpose as we continue to Love God and Love People. WE must Go Big or Go Home! The King deserves our lives and we need to be prepared to give to Him Excellence!!

Gather, Grow, and Go
Pastor Tim

Is it Murder?

During this Christmas of 2008, there is a lingering thought that is in my mind and I can’t shake it. The Answer to Death. Plain and simple, Christ’s birth. What does it say of us as followers of Christ, when we do not put feet to the prayers that we speak to God on behalf of the precious that do not know him yet. If you have not watched the video on Pastor Jeff Hickman’s blog this week, I would encourage you to do so now.

My Son, Matthew shared this quote with me from Spurgeon:

“If you want to murder a man, you need not stab him: rather just starve him. If you want to destroy a man you need not teach him to drink or swear; just keep back the gospel from him. Be in his company and never say a word for Christ. When you should speak be sinfully silent…Don’t you think that to deny a cup of cold water to a man and let him die of thirst is murder. To deny the gospel, to have no word to say for Jesus- is this not soul-murder?

Romans 10:14-17 (The Message)
“But how can people call for help if they don't know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven't heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? That's why Scripture exclaims, a sight to take your breath away! Grand processions of people, telling all the good things of God!”

Game time is over. Its time to answer the questions in Romans Chapter 10

Gather, Grow, & Go
Pastor Tim

8 Reasons for Christmas

"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8; cf. Hebrews 2:14-15)

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17)

“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10)

“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

“For God so loved the world that whoever believes on him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:16)

“God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him." (1 John 4:9; cf. John 10:10)

“The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." (1 Timothy 1:15)

"Christ became a servant…to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy." (Romans 15:7-8; cf. John 12:27).

from "DesiringGod.com"

Gather, Grow, and Go
Pastor Tim

Scripture

Scripture

How has scripture affected your life today? Do you view scripture as a historical note, or do you see it as the very word of God? Is reading the bible part of the things that you “check off” your to do list? Is it even on your list? As teachers taught in the temples of Christ time here on earth, it is said that children were taught the sweetness of the Torah (the first writings of the Old Testament), by placing honey on the scroll, and the children would take their finger and dip the honey from the scroll, place it to their lips and say “His Word is sweet like honey”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says:
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(NKJV)

Profitable for Teaching (what is right)

Profitable for Reproof (what is wrong)

Profitable for Correction (how to get right)

Profitable for Training in righteousness(how to live right)

Scripture has the potential to make us adequate, equipped FOR EVERY GOOD WORK.

Scripture is complete and is all that we need to have a right relationship with God. We don’t need a vision. We don’t need a new revelation or a voice from heaven.

Daniel Webster (1782-1852) emphasized the importance of THE TRUTH: "If truth be not diffused, error will be. If God and His Word are not known and received, the devil and his works will gain the ascendancy. If the evangelical volume does not reach every hamlet, the pages of a corrupt and licentious literature will. If the power of the gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of the land...corruption and darkness will reign."

I have witnessed some good, well intentioned Christ Followers make some pretty bone head decisions in their lives, and the one thing that seems to come to the surface each time, is when God’s word is absent in a persons life, Satan is pretty quick to replace that void with a “Holy” looking substitute, that when consumed, damages that person and their witness.

Last Question:
So, why are we listing to Oprah & Dr. Phil for answers to Truth and Life?

2 Timothy 3:16-17
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
The Message

Gather, Grow, & Go
Pastor Tim

Praise from Scotland

A few days ago, Lynn and I were making our way back south from the Highlands. We found a costal town called Kirkcaldy, and decided to stay the night there. Once we got settled in, we realized it was one of our least favorite towns/village to be at. It was time for dinner and walked for a good while before we found any thing open.

There was a small pizza place called “Elevens”. A young lady waited on us. After talking with her, we found out that she was a young single mother, which lived in this small town her whole life. I sensed that God was doing something here. I asked her if she knew if she would go to heaven or not. Kelly said “I hope so”. We asked her if she could sit with us while there were no customers. Kelly allowed me to share the Gospel with her, using the bridge method, which many of you have seen in small groups.

Monday June 30th, Kelly gave her heart to Christ. I told her that many of you at LifeSong will be praying for her and her son.

Kelly,
WE are so happy for you and your new life in Christ. AS you read this blog, please know that Tim & Lynn, and your brothers and sisters in the U.S.A. are praying for you. Remember to listen to God by staying in His word (Bible), and talk to Him daily.

Love in Christ,
Tim & Lynn Lyda

John 10:27-30
27. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
28. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
29. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.
30. I and My Father are one.”

Update From The Highlands

Lynn and I stayed in the city of Ineverness a few days ago. We meet Ray and Christine that operate the Bed & Breakfast that we stayed at. With in a few minutes of conversation, they wanted to know why, while they where in Fla. for vacation, there where so many churches. Wow! The door was open. We stayed up to midnight just sharing life and had an opportunity to pray for them. We left with them a bible reading plan and the Invitation CD. Keep them in your prayers.

That night we got to experience (by chance) the Scottish Highland Military bag pipers, as they paid tribute to a solider that was retiring after 33 years of service. I’ll have more on that story later.

Galatians 6:10


Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Gather, Grow, & Go
Pastor Tim

Man vs Wild

I finally had an opportunity to get my new 29er (wheel size of my new mountain bike) out on the trail. This was the same trail that my full suspension met its end. I mounted up on this oversize Mountain bike and hit the trail hard. 15 minutes into the ride I realized pretty quick that I was climbing quicker and descending on the single track at a good pace.

Moving fast and enjoying the ride, my left arm caught some briars and I starting bleeding. In the mountain bike world, when you bleed from a ride, you have become one with the trail. It’s kind of a marriage. The bleeding was making me feel manly so I searched for some bugs to eat in order to seal the “Man vs Wild” deal, but the only thing present was some bees, so I had to settle showing off my battle wound to my woman. Lynn, with all of her love said, “that’s nice”. Well never mind, it still was a cool ride.

Blood is Life
Blood is Proof of Life
Blood Seals the Deal…its kind of a marriage

Matthew 26:28

For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Mark 14:24

And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many.

Luke 22:20

Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

John 6:53

Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.

Romans 3:24 -25
being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed

Gather, Grow, & Go
Pastor Tim

Mountain Bikes

About Bikes
Last week while riding @ USCU, I destroyed my mountain bike. It broke my heart. It was my first full suspension bike, and the one that I have raced twice. This bike was such a natural fit for me and how I ride. When riding it, the bike became an extension of my arms and legs. I could downhill fast, climb steady, and cross water hazards without drowning. I logged more than 700 miles of trail riding with that bike, which translates into a lot of abuse for a mountain bike. This bike will now be stored in my basement, as I have come to the conclusion that I can’t part with it, even in its broken condition.

About Family
Family is an extension of who we are. Some families are broken beyond repair due to death and sin. Other families are damaged because of un-met expectations, and listen to more of what Satan has to say, than speaking to and listening our Father. I’m convinced that most people want healing within their families but the sins of pride and Unforgiveness, seem to be the bigger giant. Lynn and I long to have healing in our own families, but just don’t know how to do it. Like many of you who try it in your own strength, it seems to bring only temporary results. I think that I’m learning something here about Trust, Faith, and Prayer.

About Church
Just like earthly family we have something in common. Blood. With that said, if we focus our efforts on what we have in common (HIM) then we see less of (US). At the end of the day its about glorifying our Lord. The expectations that you bring to your family or church has to be about (HE) and not (WE).

About Jesus
As I sometimes do, I tend to look back and reflect on my walk with Christ.
I have been taken to places that I would have never gone by myself. I have been disoriented many times due to my inability to trust the path on which I was placed on and the ONE who placed me there. I was never alone when I thought that the downhill was going to never end. Climbing trials on a bike, I relied on my legs and lungs. Climbing to a Spiritual Mile Marker, I had only one option and that was to rely on His strength and guidance.

About New Bikes & New Life
My bike can not be repaired. I have purchased a new one (see picture). New bikes are not cheap. Jesus repairs brokenness, even when in our eyes there is no hope of repair. The type of repair He does is everlasting, complete, and not cheap. I’m so thankful that Christ chose to repair me, because in HIS eyes, I (we) are beautiful to Him. My prayer is that I reflect Him to the Precious and I can testify that what ever type of dirt & brokenness you bring, you are Precious to Jesus.

PS. Looking back while mountain biking is not healthy for you or your bike. Looking back on past sins or successes normally causes you to miss a future blessing that has been prepared for you.

Gather, Grow, & Go
Pastor Tim

To Love / To be Loved

Questions:
If God makes no mistakes, what does it speak to the world when we treat a person as if they are not good enough? Does that say that this person that God created is a mistake?

If I can’t love the person that I can see, how can I love God that I can not see? Even as Christians, we sometimes try to convince ourselves and others that we are in a right relationship with God (our daddy) all the while we can’t or won’t be LOVE to someone. How is it that we can have the life changing experience of salvation and not love others, even the others that take a little more effort to love? I think that the next question must be, do we understand what it means to experience the redeeming power and love of God’s forgiveness and receive the free gift of salvation?

1 John 4:17-21 The Message

17-18. God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ's. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.

19. We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.

20-21. If anyone boasts, "I love God," and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both.

Gather, Grow, & Go

Pastor Tim

Perfect Love

Today, Lynn and I are celebrating our 27th Valentines. Reflecting on that seems to humble me quite a bite. I think about Lynn many times a day and long to be near her all the time. Many times I feel completely lost, if I can’t see her face or hear her rumbling around the house, preparing for the Daycare. She is my perfect mate, she is my woman, and I would not want to be here on earth without her.

When we think of PERFECT LOVE, one must reflect on God’s word. Let’s take a look together:

1 John 4 (The Message)
7-10 My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can't know him if you don't love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God.

11-12 My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!

13-16 This is how we know we're living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He's given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we've seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God.

Gather, Grow, and Go

Pastor Tim