September 28, 2008 by PastorMark.

We’re honored by your presence on this special Friendship Sunday. The Bible teaches a great deal about the importance of close relationships and friendships. The Book of Proverbs tells us “a friend loves at all times” (17:17) and “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly” (18:24, KJV). The best way to increase the warmth of a church is for each one of us to walk with God and look for ways to be a friend to others. Let’s not just sit back and wait for others to initiate kindness and courtesy. The joy of Jesus is being filled with Him and looking to share His love with others!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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September 21, 2008 by PastorDave.

#329, Be Great, Pastor David McIntosh, Sunday, 09-21-2008

Text: Matthew 20:26-27

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September 21, 2008 by PastorMark.

After the death of Jesus, two people were walking along a road toward Emmaus. Suddenly, “Jesus himself came up and walked along with them” (Luke 24:15). Had they been aware of Jesus, these two would have immediately traded their sorrow for great joy. However, their discouragement and tears clouded their minds and dimmed their eyes. Only after Jesus walked with them for a while did they realize it was Him. God speaks to our hearts and reveals himself to us in many ways. Let’s not allow our hearts to stagger under the weight of depression and unbelief and miss Him as He walks with us.

Pastor Mark Boucher

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September 14, 2008 by PastorMark.

#327, A Light in Dark Places, Pastor Mark Boucher, Sunday, 09-14-2008

Text: Matthew 5:14-16

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September 14, 2008 by PastorMark.

The blessing of faithfulness is greater responsibility. A man named Joshua served as the high priest of Jerusalem during the time of Zechariah the prophet. God spoke to Joshua and gave him this charge: “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘If you walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here’” (Zechariah 3:7). God enjoys sharing privileges and responsibilities—but only with those willing to faithfully carry out His will. God’s pathway of leadership is not a struggle for power but a pursuit of covenantal faithfulness lived out in His presence.

Pastor Mark Boucher

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September 7, 2008 by admin.

  #327, Following Jesus, Pastor Mark Boucher, Sunday, 09-07-2008

Not So Easy series

Text: Matthew 4:19

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September 7, 2008 by PastorMark.

The prophet Zechariah saw a vision of a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lights on it with seven channels to the lights (Zechariah 4:2). God showed Zechariah and the people of Israel that He is the true source of their life and light. Trying to accomplish His work in their own power would prove futile. A few verses later, the Lord said, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty” (v. 6). If we could realize our dependence on the Holy Spirit, we would not find ourselves frustrated and discouraged. May we daily seek the leading and filling of the Spirit!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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September 3, 2008 by admin.

NEW! Beginning September 3 6:30 – 8:00 PM

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SCHOOL OF THE WORD AND SPIRIT

Pastor Mark and Pastor Dave will be using the Bible to answer life’s challenging issues. It is our conviction that the Bible is the final authority for doctrine and life practice for all Christians. Because of this truth, everyone needs to have a better understanding of the Bible and its application to everyday life. We will begin with a study of Jacob and Joseph. These two men give us great insight into issues that we face today. Jacob and Joseph struggled with their personal relationship with God, family issues, personal suffering, anger, faith, and just living daily life. Neither of them made all the right choices, but because of their perseverance and love, their lives were blessed and they greatly influenced many!

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September 1, 2008 by admin.

How do you explain pain that takes away your total physical and mental health? How do you explain the moral effect it can have on your life? You can’t. I have learned that the joy of the Lord exists even in the deepest of pain.  One of God’s promises to us is, “And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). I lost my ability to walk for one year and five months. I started with a cane, then a walker and was facing the possibility of needing a wheelchair. But on May 25, 2008, Jesus healed me! Today I can walk and run. Glory to God in the Highest!

Submitted by Dionne Barros

Note: Many of us know Dionne and can attest to this account. Dionne was in pain daily and could barely walk. We praise God for this miraculous healing!

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September 1, 2008 by PastorMark.

A DIFFERENT FUTURE
By Pastor Mark Boucher

Some say, “Just live for today. Jesus will return soon, so why plan ahead?” The Bible teaches us right and wrong ways to look at the future. In the Book of James, the author warns believers against presumption. Apparently, some were boasting of what they would accomplish and how much money they would make. James corrects their attitude by reminding them, “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow….  Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’” (James 4:14-15). The key here is the Lord’s will. Other Scriptures reveal His will for us to plan ahead in the right attitude.
The Book of Proverbs, God’s “high concentration” book of wisdom, speaks often of planning for the future. Here are a few instances:

• “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3).
• “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
• “Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance” (Proverbs 20:18).
• “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5).

Jesus clearly teaches the necessity to plan for the future without worrying about it. Many of His parables address the issue of investing time and talents for future reward. He also speaks of sitting down to “count the cost.” To ponder the future and envision godly plans and goals comprises an important element of Christian living. Leaders especially need to look ahead. Without a vision for a different future, we tend to simply manage the status quo. From studying the life of Jesus, we see how he prepared himself and His disciples for what would come.
Future planning, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, leads to optimism and faith-filled dreams and visions. Sometimes present circumstances tend to drain and wear us down. As we think about what God has ahead for us in this life and throughout eternity, we persevere with faithfulness in the present. We know the future will be fruitful as we remain in Him.
The leaders and pastors of Leominster Assembly of God believe in planning ahead. During this summer, I have met with many leaders to explore where we feel God is leading us. Because of the lack of space, I will just mention a few areas.

1. Sunday Night Discipleship (SND)—We are specifically designing this gathering for the purpose of “making disciples.” With Pastor Harv and Jean at the helm, we will explore what Jesus taught His disciples as found in Matthew 5 and apply it to our lives as we become strong disciples. The format of the sessions is a blend of small groups and a larger group made up of everyone in the room. There will be an atmosphere of worship and fellowship. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall and gather at tables of 8-10 people. A vital component of SND will be connection with other believers through discussion, prayer, and fellowship. This starts Sunday night, September 7, 6:30-8:00 PM!
2. Wednesday Night School of the Word and Spirit (SOWS)—Pastor Dave and I have planned to reignite Wednesday evening by focusing on “meaty” Bible study which relates to everyday life. We are planning to present subjects (during the next six months) such as developing right relationships, maintaining a Christlike attitude, the core values of life, and discipleship dynamics. During these teachings we will depend on the Holy Spirit to lead us in spontaneous prayer, worship, and small group interaction. This starts Wednesday, September 3, 6:30-8:00 PM!
3. Small groups—Many of you experienced the excellent teaching from The Truth Project. Along with the special simulcast event (Saturday, September 27) we are planning to encourage some follow-up Truth Project small groups. Also, Men’s and Women’s Ministries are planning to offer various small groups. Pastor Harv, our small groups coordinator, is meeting with current HomeTeam leaders and will be training and mentoring new leaders. The HomeTeams are still meeting and welcome new people.

As we plan for the future, we believe God is going to give us great favor and fruitfulness. The Lord has great plans for His church; we must simply follow Him into the future.

Pastor Mark Boucher

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