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He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

King David almost made a great mistake in the second book of Samuel when his son, Absalom, died during the battle against him. David had ordered his three commanders to not harm Absalom, but Joab, his esteemed general, usurped his authority and with no remorse plunged three spears into the heart of his son who was hanging from a tree. Even though David’s men protected him, the bible shows that his loss consumed him.

While David’s people celebrated, the king was too self-absorbed to see that his response was casting shame on the people who loved and fought for him. Joab was angered how David could display love to those who hated him and hatred to those who loved him. And although Joab was justifying his actions in killing Absalom, if it was not for this rebuke, David’s sulking would have lost him the love and loyalty of his people.

David’s grief was understandable, but it caused him to neglect the ones that were still with him. So, let’s take this day to enjoy the people who enjoy us. To love on the people that love us. Do not get caught casting your pearls to swine. If you are currently making this mistake, have the heart of a gracious king and repent to those you have ignored.

In Christ & In Triumph,
Pete Orta
teaching pastor at in triumph

Bible reference: 2 Samuel 19:1-8

Jan 24, 2012 | Categories: Sola Fide | Tags: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Whale Of A Will

You are not alone, we all hit seasons when we feel like our lives aren’t going anywhere. All dressed up and nowhere to go. I have these same struggles currently in ministry. Discouragement sometimes overwhelms me when people ask how many young adults we have at In Triumph. People somehow associate a number, or the lack thereof, with God’s favor and blessing on our lives and mission.

While in this season of despair my sweet heavenly Father encouraged me with a bit of imagery. He put a visual in my head of Jonah and the whale. While stuck in the belly of this whale, Jonah never considered that this giant fish was still swimming forward according to the purpose of God’s will. This increased my faith in the sovereignty of our Lord!

So if you feel stagnant in your life or ministry at times, be encouraged, these things will work together for good, for those called according to his whale…. I mean will.

In Christ & In Triumph,

Pastor Pete Orta

 

bible references

  • Romans 8:28
  • The Old Testament book of Jonah

Jan 11, 2012 | Categories: Sola Fide | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

PERSUADED BY HOPE

Trusting God gives us permission to only do what’s necessary at times. Our lack of control can cause us to overcompensate in our efforts, resulting in discouragement and frustration. We must not risk our joy, for it’s a declaration of God’s providence. A complete peace puts God’s sovereignty on display, controlling nothing of the day but our certainty, and controlling nothing of the night but our rest. God is most glorified when our trust lies in him. We damn logic by our faith, so the unbelieving heart is persuaded by hope. A hope in finding something greater then themselves. So remind the world it was turning before our concern and that our Lord will remain the lord. Let our trust in Christ be the salt of the earth and His glory be to those who taste it.

In Christ & In Triumph,

Pete Orta

Teaching pastor @ In Triumph

“The plans of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
but the LORD weighs the spirit.
Commit your work to the LORD,
and your plans will be established.
The LORD has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.
Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD;
be assured, he will not go unpunished.
By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.
When a man’s ways please the LORD,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
~ Proverbs 16:1-7 (ESV)

Dec 02, 2011 | Categories: Conversations | Tags: , , , | 4 Comments »

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The In Triumph Mission

In Triumph provides emergency housing for homeless teens that were never selected for adoption and young adults that are facing major life challenges.