He is Risen!

Dear Tabernacle Family,

Today is Easter Sunday; the day we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As Christians, the resurrection of Christ is the center, the fundamental core, and the point of our faith. If there is no resurrection of Jesus from the dead, then Christianity is just another ancient religion.

Today, I would also like to remember a special woman whose life was transformed by the Master. Mary of Magdala, called that because of the region she was from, was a follower of Jesus who had a faith that was not complicated. A key verse of Scripture that gives us insight into her life is found in Mark 16:9. Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, who He had delivered from seven demons. Mary was up before the sun and was walking to the tomb to embalm the body of Jesus. She stood in shock as she saw the stone rolled away.

Mary had come to embalm Jesus's body, but where was He? Seeing two angels in white, her eyes filled with tears. Their question was “Woman why are you crying?” Still not understanding that He had risen, Mary Magdalene called back, “they have taken my Lord away and I don’t know where they have put Him.” Then Jesus Himself spoke, “Woman why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking He was the gardener, she asked, “If it was you who moved him, tell me where He is so that I can tend to His body.” His reply was one word of recognition, her name: “Mary!”

It is interesting to me that Jesus chose Mary. It shows us that no matter the limitations, God will make a way and have His way in the sharing of the good news of the Gospel. To Jesus, women were loyal and capable of being trusted messengers to share the details of such an important event. I believe today the Lord is releasing increased understanding and revelation concerning the day and hour in which we live. We are all a unique generation who are called to demonstrate the Kingdom of God on earth. Today we all celebrate life in Jesus Name.

Blessings,

Pastor Jo Ann Angelo

God's Protection

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear . . .” (Psalm 46:1,2 NIV)

Dear Tabernacle Family,

I recall from when I was a young child, a country western song titled “Don’t Fence Me In.” The lyrics were a plea to have plenty of room, no fences or boundaries, and bright starry skies to live under. I have thought about that over the last few weeks.

Like many others with a compromised health condition, our lives have been restricted. Maria and I are no exception and have had our lives dramatically disrupted. During this time, Maria has celebrated the anniversary of her 39th birthday, but the family couldn’t come to the house for any festivities. In the midst of this, our family has been so loving and considerate as they have extended themselves to ensure that we were adequately prepared for this siege.

Our situation has been primarily one of inconvenience. At the same time, there are thousands of Americans experiencing more dire situations. As this virus has advanced, it becomes more personal as members of your family are at a greater risk because of their vocations. People we know are being infected and that puts a face to the situation. It is no longer impersonal.

I am so grateful we serve a God who is greater than any storm of life that we encounter. I think of the Israelites when the various plagues were unleashed on Egypt. They were protected from them. Even when the final plague was to take place, the Israelites found protection from the death angel by applying the blood of a lamb to the door posts of their houses and remaining inside. We are secure in the household of God, and the blood is that of THE LAMB.

This is a time to choose to not be intimidated by the reports that are flooding our media, including social media, that can paralyze our faith. It is a time to tune our ears to hear what God is saying to His people and declare the goodness of our God.

It is also a time to reconsider the priorities of our lives and what our true treasures are. While we can’t forecast how long this situation will last, may we be diligent in reaching out to those of our extended families with encouragement and sharing the promises of God. Spend time in His Presence. If you have been too busy making a living, it is a perfect time to enjoy your family.

Look forward to seeing you soon! We are praying for you.

Blessings,

Pastor Al Baun

May I encourage you to remain faithful with your tithes and offerings.

We Are What We Eat

Dear Tabernacle Family,

Today I want to share something I’ve been meditating on for close to a year.  Given the situation of COVID-19 sweeping across the world, I think this is the right time to discuss it.  I want to share with you what the Word of God says about eating. Not the kind of eating that we are used to but the kind of eating that sustains us spiritually.

Psalm 34:8 teaches us that God wants us to “Taste and see that He is good” 

What does this mean? How do we taste God?

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus answered Satan after 40 days and nights of fasting in the wilderness, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Jesus teaches us that eating food alone will not keep us alive in this world.  We need the Word of God. We need to learn to eat His Word.

Jeremiah puts it like this in Jeremiah 15:16: When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.

When we eat of God’s Word, we begin to fill ourselves with His Joy, His Delight.  We were created in the Image of God. When we consume His Word, we begin to bear His name and come into the fullness of what He created us to be.  In a world where every moment contends for our attention and tries to feed us words of virus, death and economic collapse, we must remember that in him we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28a)

Dr. Larry Keefauver shared this quote with me during his recent trip to The Tabernacle, “What you eat is what you dream. You need to feast on the Word that God has for you today.”  This has been constantly on my mind in recent weeks since our nation started dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak. I have to make a choice everyday what words I’m going to consume and how what I’m eating is going to affect my life and those around me.

In the midst of everything going on around us, let us seek the Word of God to sustain us and speak the Truth in this season.

With love and hunger,

Pastor Joshua Ogle