March 14, 2010 by PastorMark.

Early in the morning on Friday, February 26, we (the Bouchers) discovered that our basement was flooded. Because our home was on the market, we needed to get it fixed and ready…fast! A lot of work needed to be done, and I prayed for wisdom and direction from the Lord. He put Harry Marshall on my heart and Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times.” After I spoke to Harry, he immediately started calling guys and organized a “mission trip” to 172 Birchcroft Road. Through the sacrifice and hard work of many faithful men, this project is nearly completed. Their labor of love saved me a great amount of time and money. This church is filled with great people, and I am so thankful for every person who helped. May Jesus return the investment is so many ways!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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March 7, 2010 by PastorMark.

This past week I have experienced many deep emotions. Announcing my resignation from Leominster Assembly of God last Sunday was the hardest decision I have ever made. I want to thank you so much for being gracious and loving. Sometimes people draw back from those who are moving away. Please know that we need your love and prayers more than ever at this time, and we pledge to give our all to you these next seven weeks. While thinking of you, I remembered 1 Thessalonians 4:9, “Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.” Thanks for allowing God to teach you to love—in spite of the circumstances. God bless.

Pastor Mark Boucher

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February 28, 2010 by PastorMark.

Imagine what he could have been. This thought kept coming to my mind as I started reading about the life of Samson (Judges 13-16). Godly parents, the call of God, amazing gifts…all were graciously given to Samson by a loving God. However, one chink in his armor exposed him to disgrace and defeat. Samson’s lust for sexual immorality robbed him of “what could have been.” Although God extended mercy at the end of Samson’s life when he prayed, we are left to wonder about Samson’s unfulfilled potential. If only his great strength had been directed toward keeping a pure heart before God. May we, by His grace, conquer our inner battles and fulfill God’s great plan!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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February 21, 2010 by PastorMark.

After a strategic battle, Joshua, the commander of Israel’s forces, gathered the leaders and troops together. His message to them was, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 10:25). Interestingly, Joshua received this very message several times from God through Moses. After thinking about this connection, I remembered the principle: you give from what you receive. As we spend time with God and receive from His Spirit and Word, we are empowered to give the same to others. In other words, ministry is the overflow of Jesus living in us. May we allow Him to work deeply in and through us!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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February 14, 2010 by PastorMark.

God has emotions. Unlike us, His emotions never get out of control, and they are always guided by perfect truth and wisdom. As I was reading Deuteronomy, I discovered an “emotional” verse from God’s heart to His people. Feel the intensity of God’s passion as you read this. “Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!” (5:29). Think of it … God’s emotions are stirred because He wants the absolute best for us! May we answer the cry of God’s heart by willingly offering our love and obedience to Him.

Pastor Mark Boucher

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February 7, 2010 by PastorMark.

Capture or be captured. Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, God challenged them about compromise. They were not to adopt the lifestyle and habits of the people around them. Instead, they were to drive them out (see Numbers 33:55-56). This principle carries over for believers in Jesus. We are to “capture” anything displeasing to God and distance ourselves from it. If instead of driving it away we choose to embrace evil, trouble and defeat will overtake us. However, we can overcome anything because God’s Word says, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Pastor Mark Boucher

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January 31, 2010 by PastorMark.

Have you caught yourself complaining about something and then realized, I haven’t prayed about this? Imagine the children of Israel in the desert and all of their challenges. God longed for His people to trust Him and simply ask Him for their daily needs. Instead of trusting, however, they gave in to complaining. Numbers 11:1 says, “The people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord.” Because of this, God’s people experienced discipline and greater hardship. May God help us to stop complaining and learn to pray, trust, and praise Him for His faithfulness and love! Those who seek Him will never be put to shame.

Pastor Mark Boucher

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January 24, 2010 by PastorMark.

God commanded Moses to build the Tabernacle–its structure and articles–according to certain specifications that He had given. Part of the structure included the bronze basin, which was placed between the altar and the entrance to the Holy Place. The priests, before entering the Holy Place, washed their hands and feet in the water of this basin. It was made from the mirrors (bronze) of the women who helped serve at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting (Tabernacle). Interestingly, God provided a means of cleansing for the priests, while at the same time directing them to see their reflections in the mirror. From James 1:23, we discover the Scriptures are like a mirror. This “mirror” shows us our need of cleansing from daily sin so we can live in the presence of our holy God. The Lord thought of everything we needed to walk with Him!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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January 17, 2010 by PastorMark.

Following God’s directive, Moses went to Egypt to bring God’s message of deliverance to the Israelites. At first the people were excited, but, because freedom was not “instant,” they quickly fell back into pessimism. Exodus 6:9 says, “…they did not listen to him [Moses] because of their discouragement.” The good news is that the Israelites ended up trusting God and leaving the life of slavery. Let us remember: God’s power can and will deliver us from sin’s bondage. Our part is to listen to His Word, trust Him, and not give in to discouragement because of present circumstances. The Lord has great plans for us!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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January 10, 2010 by PastorMark.

When put to the test by God, Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Although not required to go through with Isaac’s actual death, Abraham proved that his love and obedience to God surpassed all else. Immediately following this test, God said to Abraham, “Through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you obeyed me” (Genesis 22:18). When we obey God, not only are we blessed, but God sends a “ripple effect” to bless the next generation. Your obedience matters!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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