by Josh Monda | Dec 11, 2013 | Uncategorized
It has been awhile since I have put up a post on this site. Has life been busy? Absolutely with taking on a new roll as the interim Children’s Pastor and at the same time trying to find a full time pastorate it had been some busy times. One of the reason why I wanted to take a few minutes and right this post stems from a book I recently read. The title of the book is “Just Do Something” by Kevin DeYoung.
The premise of the book is how we overspiritualize alot of decisions that come into our lives wondering whether or not it is truly God will or not. The book is a great fast read and for me really changed the way I look at many decisions not only in the church but in my life as well. We tend to get so caught up in this idea of whether or not it is God’s will for us to be in a particular ministry instead of just realizing it is God’s will for us to serve. God wants us involved in the church.
Often times we use God’s will as an excuse to simply sit on the sideline and to never enter the game. In essence we are abusing our relationship with Christ and twisting God’s word around to suit our needs. How is it right for us to blame God for not entering a ministry. Many times we say “well it was not God’s will” when in reality we just did not want to do it. I often wish we would just get in the game.
I know over these past few months in my life I could no longer be content to just sit God wanted me to get off the bench and get busy. You know it does not even matter what it is God wants me involved in the livelihood of his church. God want me to be busy about His kingdom and when I refuse to do so I am selfish and filled with pride because in the reality of it all I am merely looking out only for my interest. So if you are reading this Get of the bench and Get in the game.
Well we found out few days ago that my wife had to go on bed rest. Â I knew something was wrong when the we got to the hospital and the nurse was checking everything out and said this is not good we have to admit you. Â So after what was the second stay in the hospital and with Micah John at almost 31 weeks the Dr. said no activity you need to rest. Â No big deal right. Â Wrong this turns out to be huge deal.
The plan for us was to move on the 23rd of this month to MO that is now 3 weeks away and I am so in trouble. Â My wife and I kind of motivate each other and to be honest there are days I don’t want to do anything but there is so much to do. Â It is so overwhelming. Â I actually have alot done and maybe I am over exaggerating but it seems like so much to do by myself. Â What is awesome is that some of the ladies from the church have set it up for us to have meals all week long that is so great. Â I mean I like to cook but to cook, clean, pack, take care of Sarai it is alot. Â Now I know how my wife feels. Â
Ok so what makes it even harder is if my wife does not have the Micah before we leave then obviously we cant leave and if she does have him before we leave then we probably cant leave.  Crazy I pray God why would you be keeping me here longer there is a reason I pray He will show me.  Anyway so we will be sending everything well most everything we own to Missouri on Memorial Day weekend and Tzigane and I will head to Missouri with Micah later.  Well at least that is the plan for now.
Another thing moving is stinking expensive. Â I mean to rent a truck it is nearly 900 bucks plus our gas ouch. Â Plus our other vehicles that is not cheap. Â In addition my lease is for one year which is until July ouch again. Â
Well if you read this blog it is just kind of an update on things that are going on in my life which is no big deal ha. Â
Keep praying for Micah John Monda he is now almost 32 weeks. Â Pray for my wife because I pretty much keep her in bed all day. Â Pray that god will give us direction.
In this blog I am going to talk about two things we say in relationship to prayer that are really kind of goofy.
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I am sure that you have heard this one before. “This was bathed in prayer” What does this statement mean? Â I am convinced that this has become a blanket statement for Christian to cover up either stupid decisions or things they do not want to explain. Â We use this statement almost to say well I prayed about it so it has to be right. Â It like saying I robbed a convenience store but it was bathed in prayer, I gossiped about my brother or sister but it was bathed in prayer, I made a decision that had a terrible effect on someone but it was bathed in prayer. Â I mean come on what a load of crap. Â Can we really say this just to cover up our ignorance?
This statement is also filled with arrogance.  I mean when we tell someone this what are we saying to them.  ”I am more spiritual because I bathed this in prayer” we are making an assumption that the other person did not pray at all about the circumstance.  Not only that if they did pray and they heard something different then us then they must not have been hearing from God after all we bathed our decision in prayer.  Is it at all possible that we can actually pray about something and still make the wrong decision well absolutely (of course I suppose this all depends on to what degree you take predestination to).  I have seen so many people that have prayed about something and then still turn around and make a totally ignorant decision.  Of course it is because people pray out of Gods will all the time. Â
Might I suggest the next time you go to say this statement maybe stop and think about it. Â Why are you saying it?
I want to address one other thing I know this is a long blog.  It drives me absolutely crazy when someone prays and tells you what Gods will is for your life.  For whatever reason God has revealed all of this about your life to another person rather than to you.  I know that this can happen but if someone is walking with the Lord and praying and taking with the Lord don’t you think the Lord would speak to them.  It is so arrogant to tell someone that God has revealed something to you about their life.  Here could be a statement “well I bathed this in prayer and asked God what He wanted to show you and this is what He said”.  Wow what an ignorant and arrogant thing to say.  God for some reason told me what He wanted you to learn?  So now I am assuming that you are not walking close enough to God to hear his voice so I will tell you what He wants to say.  Do I think you call someone in sin?  Yes, do I pray for others and intercede for them?  yesÂ
Its like going up to someone and saying God told me that you were supposed to start a prison ministry. Â Well why wouldn’t God tell that person? Â Or God told me that you needed to do this well why would God tell that person. Â Especially if they are growing in the Lord. Â Some of the things we do in the name of prayer and in the name of Christ blow me away. Â I am sure I do worse this is it for now.
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by Josh Monda | Dec 11, 2013 | Uncategorized
Last-night on “Hannity and Colmes” Gianna Jessen shared some of her story.  If Obama was president at her birth she would be dead.  She handles herself well.  Check out the video.  This issue is going to heat up in this election especially with the fact that Sarah Palin’s baby Trig being born with Down Syndrome.  It is estimated that between 80 and 90 percent of all pregnancies diagnosed with Down Syndrome are murdered.  Watch the video below.
Wow these last few days have been extremely crazy for me.  It all started yesterday.  My wife said she was having alot more contractions and our baby is at 32 weeks in addition she said she had not felt the baby move for awhile.  So I told her it was better to be safe then sorry and to call the dr.  She took my advice and the dr. sent us to hospital to get it checked out.  This was our 5th trip to the hospital during this pregnancy.  While there the nurse ran some tests and said that her water had broke and she was admitted.  We both thought that id were water had broke then our child would be born that night.  We were obviously wrong. Â
So I spent the night in an uncomfortable chair and got about 3 hours of sleep before coming home showering and heading back to the hospital.  When I got back to the hospital we received good news.  The nurse said that another test was negative and that her water may not have broke so if she got three negatives she would be allowed to come home tonight.  However, you guessed it the next two showed signs that her water may have broke.  Confused?  Me too.  So they decided to keep her.  Not sure how long maybe until the baby is born we do not know. Â
So in the middle of this I received a phone call from a Pastor who had been in contact with me about the possibility of becoming their Youth Pastor.  The kicker is everything with this church at the moment is matching up perfectly.  Well other then it will be 1,000 miles from our family still.  But everything else is perfect it is almost too good.  New building, in a place I have always wanted to live, more of a rural setting, Is this from the Lord?  God please make it known to me. Â
In addition to all this my mom will be here next Friday and I have so much to get done for the move.  The plan is to send everything back to Missouri but my wife may still be in the Hospital?  This is crazy.  If you got some advice give it.
Sorry for the rambling just needed to say something.
by Josh Monda | Dec 11, 2013 | Uncategorized
After lastnights VP debate Obama decided he had to change his tactics because of Sarah Palin so this is what he came up with.
This is satire.
Last-night on “Hannity and Colmes” Gianna Jessen shared some of her story.  If Obama was president at her birth she would be dead.  She handles herself well.  Check out the video.  This issue is going to heat up in this election especially with the fact that Sarah Palin’s baby Trig being born with Down Syndrome.  It is estimated that between 80 and 90 percent of all pregnancies diagnosed with Down Syndrome are murdered.  Watch the video below.
by Josh Monda | Dec 11, 2013 | Uncategorized
Often as pastors we focus on evangelism and many times when we speak of evangelism we speak of those that are primarily outside the walls of our church. We will often challenge our people to share the gospel with those they work with, their neighbors, etc. However, what about those that are inside our church? What of those that perhaps have even been coming to church since they were children and perhaps have taught Sunday School or even bean a deacon or etc in our church. Is it possible that our churches have lost people in them? Is it possible that we even have people in positions of leadership that are lost?
This became very real to me in college. I attended a revival and a friend and I began to talk to a Sunday School teacher at this revival. During our conversation it became quickly apparent to both of us that this teacher did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ yet they were teaching Sunday School in the church. We took time to share the gospel with them and I wish I could say they accepted Christ right there but I do not know what happened. Later in life it became more and more apparent as I had opportunities to speak in different venues, I began to notice a trend of people coming to Christ who had grown up in the church. One particular time while speaking at a Youth Camp I gave a call for people to come forward and accept Christ and several of the adult leaders came forward. I do not think any of this is related to me or that it is because I am some sort of powerful speaker, in fact I am sure the opposite is true. I do however, think it is because we often make the assumption that those within the church are already saved and sometimes we fail to share the gospel or we fail to be passionate about it within our church.
Let me share some words of Jesus
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:21-23
When I read those words often I weep. I do not weep necessarily for those outside of the walls of the church but I weep for those inside. I weep because when I read them there is one thing that stands out to me. Those that are portrayed in this passage of scripture truly think they are saved. The really believe that they have the right to be in heaven and yet they will be cast out. How many sunday school teachers, deacons, and even pastors will this include?
Think about it break the verses down. In verse 21 we clearly see that profession alone will not get someone into heaven. We can profess all we want. I can profess to be a big mac that does not make me one. My son at times has professed to be a Sasquatch does that make him one? No! Neither does a profession that Jesus Christ is Lord get you an automatic ticket into heaven. Your profession can be as sincere as you want it will not get you a pass. Why? Because profession does not equate to possession. In addition a profession is self centered and we can never stand before a Holy God and proclaim anything great about ourself.
Look at verse 22. The Plea of the person who has merely a profession is “works”. These people are trusting in their works to get to them to heaven. They have gone through their life and maybe even one day said the “sinners prayer” but they are not trusting in Christ they are trusting in what they have done to get them to heaven. They have done many great things seemingly for the kingdom of God, yet they are not allowed into heaven. I can hear the cries ”Lord haven’t we taught in your name, and preached in your name, and seen people converted in your name, look at what we have done in your name.” However, it is all meaningless. How many in our churches today will be proclaiming these very things, how many think they are saved but are simply trusting in all they have done. How many give money, have been baptized, are teachers, etc. but in the end have never placed their faith in Christ.
Look at verse 23. Very plainly Jesus says I never knew you. These have never trusted in Christ as their savior however they still think they are saved. Yet, Jesus has to proclaim “I never knew you”. In addition what they have done is simply evil. They have performed great works ultimately for self, and not for Christ. This should cause us to weep. How many have done good in the eyes of men but will be cast out on this day? Weep for those in the church. Don’t become apathetic, don’t settle for calling the people for commitment to those outside the walls of the church but preach the gospel with passion, as one who is on fire, as one who is preaching their last dying sermon, and know that there maybe those within your church, those that teach, that lead that have done many great things but are lost as they can be. Perhaps we need to reach those inside our walls before we can reach those outside the walls.
You might be wondering what in the world am I talking about. What do I mean. Homiletic is actually the art of preaching. I am always looking at things and reading blogs of different pastors. Part of that is also looking at things that may help pastors as well. I have been a pastor for over 15 years. The other day I was doing some market research for a project I want to start and I ran across a resource that I thought could be helpful for pastors. I know there are times when pastor just do not have the time to get a sermon ready. So rather then snag one from John MaCarthur or Rick Warren and then claim it as you own why not use this Resource. I mean it is discrete and not some recycled sermon that perhaps your church has already heard on the radio and it is nice fresh content plus it has powerpoint included. Sure it may not be a substitute for preparing your own but it could be an awesome resource when you are in a crunch. Why not check out the Free Sermons they offer and go from there. I also wrote about this on this page . Check out the resources below.
Yesterday (4-26) I had the awesome privilege of being a room host at our Regional Teens Involved.  If you are not familiar with Teens Involved it is a competition that is hosted by Word Of Life (if you are not familiar with them then that can be another blog) anyway at this competition teens can compete in 23 different categories.  Yesterday I hosted the instrumental room which was a riot for me because I know very little about music.  What I was so impressed with was the quality of teens that were in this competition. I had the wonderful opportunity to pray with every teen before they performed and to chat with them briefly and wow.  We hear so much bout our teens doing bad things and this and that but these teens wanted to be there.  These teens wanted to give what they had to the Lord.  Specifically I remember one young lady playing her violin and I was nearly moved to tears.  My heart was encouraged being with those teens.
My heart was also encouraged as I had the opportunity to hear two young men preach.  These young men are special to me as I have had the opportunity to be a part of their life and have even lead one of them to Christ.  It was so awesome to hear them clearly lay out the gospel and clearly give a plan of salvation.  It was neat to hear that they had taken my advice.  Though I am saddened to not be their Youth Pastor anymore do to my recent resignation (thats another blog), I am excited to see them live for the Lord.  Both these guys and many others hold a special place in my heart more so then they or anyone else will probably ever know.  Guys if you read this you did an awesome job and I am so proud of you,
Teens are the church of now and into the future and it is a joy to see them serve. Â I would encourage you if you are involved in a church what are you passing on to those that are below you. Â Look for someone to get involved with and pass the things of God on to them.
by Josh Monda | Dec 11, 2013 | Uncategorized
Often as pastors we focus on evangelism and many times when we speak of evangelism we speak of those that are primarily outside the walls of our church. We will often challenge our people to share the gospel with those they work with, their neighbors, etc. However, what about those that are inside our church? What of those that perhaps have even been coming to church since they were children and perhaps have taught Sunday School or even bean a deacon or etc in our church. Is it possible that our churches have lost people in them? Is it possible that we even have people in positions of leadership that are lost?
This became very real to me in college. I attended a revival and a friend and I began to talk to a Sunday School teacher at this revival. During our conversation it became quickly apparent to both of us that this teacher did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ yet they were teaching Sunday School in the church. We took time to share the gospel with them and I wish I could say they accepted Christ right there but I do not know what happened. Later in life it became more and more apparent as I had opportunities to speak in different venues, I began to notice a trend of people coming to Christ who had grown up in the church. One particular time while speaking at a Youth Camp I gave a call for people to come forward and accept Christ and several of the adult leaders came forward. I do not think any of this is related to me or that it is because I am some sort of powerful speaker, in fact I am sure the opposite is true. I do however, think it is because we often make the assumption that those within the church are already saved and sometimes we fail to share the gospel or we fail to be passionate about it within our church.
Let me share some words of Jesus
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:21-23
When I read those words often I weep. I do not weep necessarily for those outside of the walls of the church but I weep for those inside. I weep because when I read them there is one thing that stands out to me. Those that are portrayed in this passage of scripture truly think they are saved. The really believe that they have the right to be in heaven and yet they will be cast out. How many sunday school teachers, deacons, and even pastors will this include?
Think about it break the verses down. In verse 21 we clearly see that profession alone will not get someone into heaven. We can profess all we want. I can profess to be a big mac that does not make me one. My son at times has professed to be a Sasquatch does that make him one? No! Neither does a profession that Jesus Christ is Lord get you an automatic ticket into heaven. Your profession can be as sincere as you want it will not get you a pass. Why? Because profession does not equate to possession. In addition a profession is self centered and we can never stand before a Holy God and proclaim anything great about ourself.
Look at verse 22. The Plea of the person who has merely a profession is “works”. These people are trusting in their works to get to them to heaven. They have gone through their life and maybe even one day said the “sinners prayer” but they are not trusting in Christ they are trusting in what they have done to get them to heaven. They have done many great things seemingly for the kingdom of God, yet they are not allowed into heaven. I can hear the cries ”Lord haven’t we taught in your name, and preached in your name, and seen people converted in your name, look at what we have done in your name.” However, it is all meaningless. How many in our churches today will be proclaiming these very things, how many think they are saved but are simply trusting in all they have done. How many give money, have been baptized, are teachers, etc. but in the end have never placed their faith in Christ.
Look at verse 23. Very plainly Jesus says I never knew you. These have never trusted in Christ as their savior however they still think they are saved. Yet, Jesus has to proclaim “I never knew you”. In addition what they have done is simply evil. They have performed great works ultimately for self, and not for Christ. This should cause us to weep. How many have done good in the eyes of men but will be cast out on this day? Weep for those in the church. Don’t become apathetic, don’t settle for calling the people for commitment to those outside the walls of the church but preach the gospel with passion, as one who is on fire, as one who is preaching their last dying sermon, and know that there maybe those within your church, those that teach, that lead that have done many great things but are lost as they can be. Perhaps we need to reach those inside our walls before we can reach those outside the walls.
Welcome to part 6 the final part of Who are you to judge?  Remember we are talking about  Matthew 7:1-6.  Today we want to look at the fact that this critical judgmental person is not worthy of the gospel.
 In Matthew 7:6 we read “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”  Christ is very simply stating to us that we should not be foolish and jeopardize ourselves.  When we know that a person is not going to receive us or the instruction of the gospel, we are not to approach them.  To make it simple there are some criticizers ad some people that are so full of criticism that we just should not go to them.  These people will only abuse the glorious message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This language that Christ used was very strong. Â There are unbelievers that are so wicked and so nasty that they can be compared to dogs and pigs. Â I have known some of these very people. Â These people are said to be unworthy of the gospel. Â Well who are these people.
- The widely known sinner
- Those that ridicule and are filled with disrespect
- Those that are filled with rage.
- Those that are openly wicked and stand against God.
- Those that are hardened themselves and are filled with judgment and criticism.
- Those that hate and despise
- Those that persecute.
If the question is can they be saved? Â The answer is absolutely. Â for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” (Romans 10:13)
Anyone that call on the Lord will be saved. Â However, there is a hard reality that must be faced: there are people that have reached such a high level of evil they are very unlikely to turn from their wickedness and to call upon the Lord. Â These people seek to take their words andÂ
wound others, they ridicule, they trample, the tear apart, they scorn, they attack, they are filled with rage, they defy.
These same people take there minds and their hand and their power and they
trample others, they strike other people, they tear others down. the persecute others, they beat them, kill, and even torture them.
Now I am not saying that everyone commits all of these sins, but hey we all know that many people are guilty of some of them.  These sins destroy the reputation and work of a person.  Here is the real tragedy, there are so many so called believers that are caught up in this criticism and judgments of others.  Believer are all to often the very ones that are guilty of taking their word and hands to damage the reputation and work of others.
But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.  For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers,disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-4)
Well that’s it. Â If you have read this series I hope maybe something has helped you. Â
by Josh Monda | Dec 11, 2013 | Uncategorized
Dear Family, Friends and Partners:
Our church, First Baptist church of Macon, Missouri, is participating, in a participating in a Mission trip to Chalchuapa, El Salvador, from september 4-12, 2009. During this week, our team from First Baptist will give up the amenities of home and air conditioning to share the good news of Jesus with the El Salvadoran people. We will be working in partnership with Iglesia Bautista Bethania, a local Baptist church in Chalchuapa.
We as Christians are called up to give out utmost and go to the uttermost. There are many demands that a trip like this brings. In the providence of God He has made us dependent upon Him. It is my hope that you can share in the joy of being used by God by partnering with us on this trip.
Support is the key to participating in the body of Christ. There are many types of way to offer your support. First, I will need your financial support. The cost is $1400 which covers all travel, housing, fees for translators and drivers, van rental, and food.
Additionally, I will need you prayer support. As you pray, please remember those we will be ministering to, the heat we will be working in, and for me to have the boldness to share my faith. God hears and answers the prayers of His people. Financial support is necessary, but without your prayers this trip could be largely ineffective and powerless. That is what it means to be dependent upon the Lord. As far as your donation is concerned, it will be tax deductible, but there is some verbiage which must be specific. If you would like to give a tax dedcutible contribution by check please make your check payable to First Baptist Church Macon, and the memo section on the check should say, “El Salvador 2009″. My name cannot be on the check. Please include a small note with the check letting the church know that the money is for Joshua Monda. Checks can either be sent to me at 18522 Koala Avenue Atlanta MO 63530 or to the church at 302 N Rutherford Macon MO 63552
If it does not matter to you whether or not it is tax deductible then please feel free to use the paypal button at the bottom of this letter and make a donation. Also if you are willing to support me in prayer please comment on this post so I know I have your prayer support.
If you have any questions or need any clarification please feel free to contact me. You Can Donate Below
