Hope: To desire something with some confidence of fulfillment. A desire supported by some confidence in its fulfillment. A ground for expectation. To look forward. Expectation. Confidence. Anticipation. "Be joyful in hope..." Romans 12:12 "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 "..my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:5b
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
A Very Short List - Benefits Of Being A Member Of A Church
Meet new
people
Children meet other children
New friendships formed
Solid friendships formed
People praying for you during difficult times
People rejoicing with you in good times
Personal development and improvement
Learn to move out of you comfort zone
Learn to stay in God’s comfort zone
Learn scripture
Hear from God
Health improvement
Social networks
Career networks
Solid people involved in children’s lives
You get to help others
Helping others is a good thing
You get to sing like you are in the shower even though you are not in the shower
Learn of new songs and music
Retreat opportunities
Camp opportunities
Encouraged to go for it
Encouraged to slow down
Improve your relational skills
Become a rock star
Learn public speaking skills
Develop skills you never knew you had
Sharpen skills you know you have
Childcare network
Built in support system
Hugs, handshakes and high fives
Understand just how important you are
Meet you future spouse
Move past your stereotypes
Learn to ride a bike
Learn to live life to the fullest
Learn to live in God's grace, forgiveness, truth and righteousness
Children meet other children
New friendships formed
Solid friendships formed
People praying for you during difficult times
People rejoicing with you in good times
Personal development and improvement
Learn to move out of you comfort zone
Learn to stay in God’s comfort zone
Learn scripture
Hear from God
Health improvement
Social networks
Career networks
Solid people involved in children’s lives
You get to help others
Helping others is a good thing
You get to sing like you are in the shower even though you are not in the shower
Learn of new songs and music
Retreat opportunities
Camp opportunities
Encouraged to go for it
Encouraged to slow down
Improve your relational skills
Become a rock star
Learn public speaking skills
Develop skills you never knew you had
Sharpen skills you know you have
Childcare network
Built in support system
Hugs, handshakes and high fives
Understand just how important you are
Meet you future spouse
Move past your stereotypes
Learn to ride a bike
Learn to live life to the fullest
Learn to live in God's grace, forgiveness, truth and righteousness
Friday, February 07, 2014
Thursday, February 06, 2014
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
Love Is The Only Law You Need
Love does no wrong to anyone. That is why it fully satisfies all of God's requirements. It is the only law you need. Romans 13:10 TLB
Friday, January 31, 2014
The Beach Invites - From June 2009
I went to the beach yesterday afternoon for my first time in '09. My son and a
friend of his went with me and we had a good time with other friends in
the sand and surf. As I came off of the parking lot and over the dune to see the
beautiful blugreenish ocean with nice little swells I felt relief come over my
shoulders, mind, and even my soul. It was good to enjoy the sand, surf and sun and be with my son and friends. It was relaxing and challenging to walk into the water, paddle out and start
trying to catch the first wave of '09. For a lurfer (a person learning to surf)
the water and waves were nice. Good sets, not to mushy and just the right size
for an inside lurfer. As I sat in my chair while takaing breaks and looked over the vast water and floated on my board in the water looking to the horizon while watching for swell
to form I could not help but think how big God is and how small I am, yet the
big God I worship knows my name, my weaknesses, my strengths, my concerns, my
joys and my hopes. He knows me. That is good news. He is real, personal, and
involved. That brings relief. It also makes me desire to invite others to Him
just as I often invite others to the beach.
P.S.
At the end of the day my son and I took a few minutes and shared God's message of hope with our new friend. In doing so we found out that he had accepted Christ a few years ago by some others friends sharing with Him the message of Good News, the Gospel. CooleO.
At the end of the day my son and I took a few minutes and shared God's message of hope with our new friend. In doing so we found out that he had accepted Christ a few years ago by some others friends sharing with Him the message of Good News, the Gospel. CooleO.
My Captain
Out of the light that dazzles me,
Bright as the sun from pole to pole,
I thank the God I know to be
For Christ the conqueror of my soul.
Since His the sway of circumstance,
I would not wince or cry aloud.
Under that rule which men call chance
My head with Joy is humbly bowed.
Beyond this place of sin and tears
That life with Him! And His the aid,
Despite the menace of the years,
Keeps, and shall keep me, unafraid.
I have no fear, thought strait the gate,
He cleared from punishment the scroll.
Christ is the Master of my fate,
Christ is the Captain of my soul.
Dorothea Day
Bright as the sun from pole to pole,
I thank the God I know to be
For Christ the conqueror of my soul.
Since His the sway of circumstance,
I would not wince or cry aloud.
Under that rule which men call chance
My head with Joy is humbly bowed.
Beyond this place of sin and tears
That life with Him! And His the aid,
Despite the menace of the years,
Keeps, and shall keep me, unafraid.
I have no fear, thought strait the gate,
He cleared from punishment the scroll.
Christ is the Master of my fate,
Christ is the Captain of my soul.
Dorothea Day
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
Caution For The Church
The local Church must be cautious of focusing on activity rather than the purpose of the church. Activity does not always accomplish the purpose of the church. Concentrating on the God given purpose of the church will almost always lead to accomplishing the purpose of the church and to church planning and activity that is very fulfilling, rewarding, exciting, joyful, world changing, Kingdom building, and challenging which invariably leads to a deeper and wider fellowship throughout the whole Church family.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Quotes Worth Your Thought Time
Now, with God's help I shall become myself. - Soren Kierkegaard
If you are weary of some sleepy form of devotion, probably God is as weary of it as you are. - Frank Laubach
Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity with out Christ. - Dietrich Bonhoffer
Joy is the serious business of Heaven. - C.S. Lewis
People nowadays take time far more seriously than eternity. - Thomas Kelly
We are all worms. But I do believe I am a glowworm. - Winston Churchill
In general the soul makes greater progress when it least thinks so...most frequently when it imagines that it is losing. - St. John of the Cross
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life. - King Solomon, Pr.4:23
Going in faith does not necessarily mean going in serenity or without doubts. Faith can be difficult. - John Ortberg
These are taken from The Life You've Always Wanted, John Ortberg
If you are weary of some sleepy form of devotion, probably God is as weary of it as you are. - Frank Laubach
Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity with out Christ. - Dietrich Bonhoffer
Joy is the serious business of Heaven. - C.S. Lewis
People nowadays take time far more seriously than eternity. - Thomas Kelly
We are all worms. But I do believe I am a glowworm. - Winston Churchill
In general the soul makes greater progress when it least thinks so...most frequently when it imagines that it is losing. - St. John of the Cross
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life. - King Solomon, Pr.4:23
Going in faith does not necessarily mean going in serenity or without doubts. Faith can be difficult. - John Ortberg
These are taken from The Life You've Always Wanted, John Ortberg
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Pivotal Prayer - When You Need Direction
Lord, I need to know what to do, which direction to take. Frankly, Lord, some of the options in front of me are inviting. Like Paul years ago, I need to know soon, "What shall I do Lord?" Help me especially to know which way will give you the greatest glory. Help me to discover and walk in Your peace. And, Lord, when I do know the direction to take, give me humility to walk in that direction and in Your ways.
From Pivotal Praying
From Pivotal Praying
Demonstration
The Church is called to be a provisional demonstration of God's will for all people. - Prebyterian Book of Prayer.
From Creating A Missional Culture, JR Woodward
From Creating A Missional Culture, JR Woodward
Friday, January 17, 2014
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Pivotal Prayer - For A Miracle
Dear God,
I need a miracle - or at least I think I do. This situation has me completely overwhelmed. Instead of being lost in Your wonder, I'm lost in the pain and the fear of an uncertain future. I need your help. Help me to call on You more often. Please remind me that a life of bitter, prideful ingratitude is empty. Give me a taste of Your glory, Your wonder. The lions are roaring, and I'm afraid. Please help me! Amen.
Pivitol Praying, John Hull and Tim Elmore
I need a miracle - or at least I think I do. This situation has me completely overwhelmed. Instead of being lost in Your wonder, I'm lost in the pain and the fear of an uncertain future. I need your help. Help me to call on You more often. Please remind me that a life of bitter, prideful ingratitude is empty. Give me a taste of Your glory, Your wonder. The lions are roaring, and I'm afraid. Please help me! Amen.
Pivitol Praying, John Hull and Tim Elmore
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
See
Open our eyes, dear Lord,
That we may see
The far vast reached of eternity,
Help us to look beyond life's little cares
So prone to fret us
And the grief that wears
Our courage thin.
O may we tune our hearts
To Thy great harmony
That all the parts may ever be
In perfect, sweet accord.
Give us Thine own clear vision, blessed Lord.
Each New Day, Corrie Ten Boom
That we may see
The far vast reached of eternity,
Help us to look beyond life's little cares
So prone to fret us
And the grief that wears
Our courage thin.
O may we tune our hearts
To Thy great harmony
That all the parts may ever be
In perfect, sweet accord.
Give us Thine own clear vision, blessed Lord.
Each New Day, Corrie Ten Boom
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Prayer - Quotes
Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure. D.L. Moody
We are too busy to pray, and so we are to busy to have power. R.A. Torrey
Prayer is the first thing, the second thing and the third thing necessary to a minister. Pray then my dear brother; pray, pray, pray. Edward Payson
Dear Lord, never let me be afraid to pray for the impossible. Dorothy Shellenberger
Everything we do in the Christian life is easier than prayer. D. Martin Lloyd Jones
Hurry is the death of prayer. Samuel Chadwick
Trouble and perplexity drive us to prayer, and prayer drives away trouble and perplexity. Philipp Melanchthon
Pray for great things, expect great things, work for great things, but above all, Pray. R.A. Torrey
Prayer does not lead to greater works, it is the greater work. Oswald Chambers
Prayer is not conquering God's reluctance, but taking hold of God's willingness. Phillip Brooks
There is only one limit to what prayer can do; That is what God can do. R.A. Torrey
When a Christian shuns fellowship with other Christians the devil smiles. When he stops reading the Bible the devil laughs. When he stops praying, the devil shouts for joy. Corrie Ten Boom
To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. Martin Luther
If you pray for bread and bring no basket to carry it, you prove the doubting spirit which may be the only hindrance to the gift you ask. D.L. Moody
Prayer is not a convenient device for imposing our will upon God, or bending His will to ours, but it is the main way of our submitting our will to His. John Stott
If Christians spent as much time praying as they do grumbling, they would soon have nothing to grumble about. Anonymous
The greatest tragedy in life is not unanswered prayer, but un-offered prayer. F.B. Meyer
Prayer honors God, acknowledges His being, exalts His power, adores His providence and secures His aid. E.M. Bounds
Prayer is where the action is. John Wesley
Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers. Sidlow Baxter
Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still. E.M. Bounds
I would rather teach one man to pray than teach ten men to pray. Charles Spurgeon
The man who mobilizes the Christian church to pray will make the greatest contribution to world evangelization in history. Andrew Murrray
We are too busy to pray, and so we are to busy to have power. R.A. Torrey
Prayer is the first thing, the second thing and the third thing necessary to a minister. Pray then my dear brother; pray, pray, pray. Edward Payson
Dear Lord, never let me be afraid to pray for the impossible. Dorothy Shellenberger
Everything we do in the Christian life is easier than prayer. D. Martin Lloyd Jones
Hurry is the death of prayer. Samuel Chadwick
Trouble and perplexity drive us to prayer, and prayer drives away trouble and perplexity. Philipp Melanchthon
Pray for great things, expect great things, work for great things, but above all, Pray. R.A. Torrey
Prayer does not lead to greater works, it is the greater work. Oswald Chambers
Prayer is not conquering God's reluctance, but taking hold of God's willingness. Phillip Brooks
There is only one limit to what prayer can do; That is what God can do. R.A. Torrey
When a Christian shuns fellowship with other Christians the devil smiles. When he stops reading the Bible the devil laughs. When he stops praying, the devil shouts for joy. Corrie Ten Boom
To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. Martin Luther
If you pray for bread and bring no basket to carry it, you prove the doubting spirit which may be the only hindrance to the gift you ask. D.L. Moody
Prayer is not a convenient device for imposing our will upon God, or bending His will to ours, but it is the main way of our submitting our will to His. John Stott
If Christians spent as much time praying as they do grumbling, they would soon have nothing to grumble about. Anonymous
The greatest tragedy in life is not unanswered prayer, but un-offered prayer. F.B. Meyer
Prayer honors God, acknowledges His being, exalts His power, adores His providence and secures His aid. E.M. Bounds
Prayer is where the action is. John Wesley
Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers. Sidlow Baxter
Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still. E.M. Bounds
I would rather teach one man to pray than teach ten men to pray. Charles Spurgeon
The man who mobilizes the Christian church to pray will make the greatest contribution to world evangelization in history. Andrew Murrray
Friday, January 10, 2014
Thursday, January 09, 2014
Cats New Years Resolutions - Smile
My human will never let me eat his pet hamster, and I am at peace with that.
I will not slurp fish food from the surface of the aquarium.
I will not eat large numbers of assorted bugs, then come home and throw them up so the humans can see that I'm getting plenty of roughage.
I will not use the bathtub to store live mice for late-night snacks.
We will not play "Herd of Thundering Wildebeests Stampeding Across the Plains of the Serengeti" over any humans' bed while they're trying to sleep.
I cannot leap through closed windows to catch birds outside. If I forget this and bonk my head on the window and fall behind the couch in my attempt, I will not get up and do the same thing again.
I will not assume the patio door is open when I want to race outside to chase leaves.
I will not stick my paw into any container to see if there is something in it. If I do, I will not hiss and scratch when my human has to shave me to get the rubber cement out of my fur.
If I bite the cactus, it will bite back.
When it rains, it will be raining on all sides of the house.
It is not necessary to check every door.
I will not play "Dead Cat on the Stairs" while people are trying to bring in groceries or laundry, or one of these days, it will really come true.
When the humans play darts, I will not leap into the air and attempt to catch them.
I will not swat my human's head repeatedly when he or she is on the family room floor trying to do sit ups.
When my human is typing at the computer, his forearms are *not* a hammock.
Computer and TV screens do not exist to backlight my lovely tail.
I will not stand on the bathroom counter, stare down the hall, and growl at nothing after my human has watched "The Walking Dead."
I will not drag dirty socks onto the bed at night and then yell at the top of my lungs so my humans can admire my kill.
I will not perch on my human's chest in the middle of the night and stare until he or she wakes.
I will not walk on the key board when my human is writing important adagfsg gdjag ;ln.
I found this at preaching.com
I will not slurp fish food from the surface of the aquarium.
I will not eat large numbers of assorted bugs, then come home and throw them up so the humans can see that I'm getting plenty of roughage.
I will not use the bathtub to store live mice for late-night snacks.
We will not play "Herd of Thundering Wildebeests Stampeding Across the Plains of the Serengeti" over any humans' bed while they're trying to sleep.
I cannot leap through closed windows to catch birds outside. If I forget this and bonk my head on the window and fall behind the couch in my attempt, I will not get up and do the same thing again.
I will not assume the patio door is open when I want to race outside to chase leaves.
I will not stick my paw into any container to see if there is something in it. If I do, I will not hiss and scratch when my human has to shave me to get the rubber cement out of my fur.
If I bite the cactus, it will bite back.
When it rains, it will be raining on all sides of the house.
It is not necessary to check every door.
I will not play "Dead Cat on the Stairs" while people are trying to bring in groceries or laundry, or one of these days, it will really come true.
When the humans play darts, I will not leap into the air and attempt to catch them.
I will not swat my human's head repeatedly when he or she is on the family room floor trying to do sit ups.
When my human is typing at the computer, his forearms are *not* a hammock.
Computer and TV screens do not exist to backlight my lovely tail.
I will not stand on the bathroom counter, stare down the hall, and growl at nothing after my human has watched "The Walking Dead."
I will not drag dirty socks onto the bed at night and then yell at the top of my lungs so my humans can admire my kill.
I will not perch on my human's chest in the middle of the night and stare until he or she wakes.
I will not walk on the key board when my human is writing important adagfsg gdjag ;ln.
I found this at preaching.com
There came a man...
There came a man sent from God whose name was John. John 1:6
There came a man - person = YOU
sent from God = GOD SENDING YOU
whose name was John the Baptist = HOW WILL YOU BE KNOWN
There came a man - person = YOU
sent from God = GOD SENDING YOU
whose name was John the Baptist = HOW WILL YOU BE KNOWN
Memorize and Practice - This is what I told myself when I saw this quote
"Celebrate what you want to see more of." - Tom Peters
Thursday, January 02, 2014
Now That Christmas Is Over
Nine Things You Should Know About Christmas
By the way, Christmas is not really over. We have moved past the Christmas Season, but God is still very near, we have opportunites all around us to give, and Chirstmas is really about God, the giver of life.
By the way, Christmas is not really over. We have moved past the Christmas Season, but God is still very near, we have opportunites all around us to give, and Chirstmas is really about God, the giver of life.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
3 Things
When God speaks - Listen
When God Commands - Obey
When God leads - Follow
God is In The Small Stuff, Bruce and Stan
When God Commands - Obey
When God leads - Follow
God is In The Small Stuff, Bruce and Stan
Wednesday, October 09, 2013
Deutronomy 31:6 The Living Bible
Be strong!
Be courageous!
Do not be afraid...
For the Lord your God will be with you.
He will neither fail you or forsake you.
Be courageous!
Do not be afraid...
For the Lord your God will be with you.
He will neither fail you or forsake you.
The Early Church - Sending Out
1 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 13:1-3
Acts 13:1-3
Friday, September 27, 2013
Purpose - Serve
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a favor.” 36 “What is your request?” he asked. 37 They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?” 39 “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!” Then Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering. 40 But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.” 41 When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. 42 So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 43 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:35-45 NLT
Mark 10:35-45 NLT
Salvation of Human Souls
The glory of God, and, as our only means to glorifying Him, the salvation of human souls, is the real business of life. - C. S. Lewis
Eternal Security
In God's faithfulness lies eternal security. - Corrie Ten Boom
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. I John 5:11-13
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. I John 5:11-13
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Grace (Pray) All The Time
You say grace (a prayer) before meals. Alright. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and the pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing, and grace before I dip the pen in the ink. - G.K. Chesterton
Prayer = Breakthrough
Every major breakthrough for the church in the book of Acts came about as a
direct result of prayer. God performed mighty works for the propagation of the
gospel and the declaration of His glory in direct proportion to the prayers of
His people.
Radical Together, David Platt
Radical Together, David Platt
A Prayer
Beautiful
Lord God, you have always wanted only to love and heal me, but my waywardness
has often prevented you, I know. Oh, Lord, save me from being like an oven that
never cools, even when empty; deliver me from habits and patterns that would
stoke the fires of unfaithfulness in my heart. Save me from being half baked
and halfhearted; help me to renew and fulfill a wholehearted covenant with you.
Save me from being like a silly bird, flitting here and there, looking for
satis- faction from things that will never satisfy; help me to seek and find my
soul’s satisfaction in you, and only you. Save me from being like a warped bow;
straighten my heart and mind and life until it is all plumb and pointed ever
and always to you. Turn me away from everything that would turn me away from
you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Falling In Love With God by Bob Hostetler
Falling In Love With God by Bob Hostetler
Sunday, September 15, 2013
3 Questions About Church
1. If you weren't on staff at your church, would you worship there? I think we've all served at churches that we wouldn't worship at. (I know I have). And many times we are in the process of transitioning them into a church that we'd love to attend. If you're in that position right now, this is still a great question to ask. Why wouldn't you want to worship there? And what is keeping other people away from the church that you serve?
2. If you didn't know ANYTHING about Jesus, what would you know about him after a normal weekend at your church? Think about your service yesterday. If you didn't know squat about Jesus yesterday morning; what would you know about Him or think about Him today? This is a question that we need to ask each and every week. How does your church communicate Jesus?
3. If you had a loved one who didn't know Christ, and they had one week left to live, would you take them to your church or another? In this last question, it goes one level deeper. How's your church doing at communicating the main message? Truthfully; would you take your dying unsaved mother to a service at your church or another church across town? How clear is the gospel presented in your church?
Craig Groeschel, Lifechurch
2. If you didn't know ANYTHING about Jesus, what would you know about him after a normal weekend at your church? Think about your service yesterday. If you didn't know squat about Jesus yesterday morning; what would you know about Him or think about Him today? This is a question that we need to ask each and every week. How does your church communicate Jesus?
3. If you had a loved one who didn't know Christ, and they had one week left to live, would you take them to your church or another? In this last question, it goes one level deeper. How's your church doing at communicating the main message? Truthfully; would you take your dying unsaved mother to a service at your church or another church across town? How clear is the gospel presented in your church?
Craig Groeschel, Lifechurch
Friday, September 13, 2013
Happiness
Many persons have the wrong idea of what constitutes happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose. - Helen Keller
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Making Friends
You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you. - Dale Carnegie
Listen To Others
L - Look at the person speaking to you.
A - Ask questions if needed.
D - Do not interrupt.
D - Do stay on the subject.
E - Empathize.
R - Respond if needed.
A - Ask questions if needed.
D - Do not interrupt.
D - Do stay on the subject.
E - Empathize.
R - Respond if needed.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Ministering In Everday Situations
Ministering in everyday opportunities that surround us does not mean that we select our own surroundings - it means being God's very special choice to be available for use in any of the seemingly random surroundings which He has engineered for us.
Oswald Chamber
Oswald Chamber
A 9-11 Prayer
"Lord, take me where you want me to go. Let me meet who you want me to meet. Tell me want you want me to say, and keep me out of your way."
Father Mychal Judge, Fire Chaplain who died rescuing others on 9-11
Father Mychal Judge, Fire Chaplain who died rescuing others on 9-11
Friday, September 06, 2013
The Indwelling Spirit Of God
Diety indwelling men! That, I say, is Christianity, and no man has experienced rightly the power of Christian belief until he has known this for himself as a living reality. Everything else is preliminary to this. A.W. Tozer
Thursday, September 05, 2013
Heaven is ...
Full of joy, full of life, full of peace, full of beauty, full of light, full of glory, full of goodness, full of love, full of God, full of wonder, full of worship, full of newness.
From revelation written by John.
From revelation written by John.
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
Three Stages Of The Great Work Of God Through Mankind and God's Church
Stage One
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE.
Stage Two
IT IS DIFFICULT.
Stage Three
IT IS DONE.
J. Hudson Taylor, Missionary to China
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE.
Stage Two
IT IS DIFFICULT.
Stage Three
IT IS DONE.
J. Hudson Taylor, Missionary to China
We Are The Church
It is high time that followers of Jesus Christ muse, embrace and speak the truth that we do not "go to Church." May we become very weary of the phrase "going to Church." Followers of the Way are the Church. We attend worship services, planning meetings, prayer events, concerts, small groups, Sunday school, and other meetings, but we are the Church, the missional people of God proclaiming The beautiful message of redemption and restoration. It is high time for this to be spoken and lived by followers of Jesus Christ, especially in the North American Church.
Purpose Is SO Important
No one knows where he is going; The aim of life has been forgotten and the end has been left behind. Man has set out at a tremendous pace - to go nowhere. Jacques Ellul
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Nothing
Nothing can separate us from the love of God..
..not death
..not life
.. not angels
..not demons
..not fears for today
..not worries for tomorrow
..not great powers
..not the highest star
..not the deepest ocean
..nothing in all of creation.
The Apostle Paul in a letter to those in Rome.
..not death
..not life
.. not angels
..not demons
..not fears for today
..not worries for tomorrow
..not great powers
..not the highest star
..not the deepest ocean
..nothing in all of creation.
The Apostle Paul in a letter to those in Rome.
A Renewal
O God, I
have tasted Thy goodness,
and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more.
I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace.
I am ashamed of my lack of desire.
O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee;
I long to be filled with longing;
I thirst to be made more thirsty still.
Show me Thy glory, I pray, so that I may know Thee indeed.
Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Amen.
A Payer of A. W. Tozer
and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more.
I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace.
I am ashamed of my lack of desire.
O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee;
I long to be filled with longing;
I thirst to be made more thirsty still.
Show me Thy glory, I pray, so that I may know Thee indeed.
Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Amen.
A Payer of A. W. Tozer
Thursday, August 15, 2013
A Vacation Prayer
Gracious
God,
may I see the wonders of creation
this day.
May the simple gifts
that are so often buried
under the activities of my life
be revealed in glory.
May my heart that
is so often distracted
be clear and still.
May my soul,
hungry for peace,
be fed by your grace.
When I close my eyes in sleep
this night,
may I be filled with gratitude
for the blessing of this leisurely day.
I ask this for the sake of your love. Amen.
may I see the wonders of creation
this day.
May the simple gifts
that are so often buried
under the activities of my life
be revealed in glory.
May my heart that
is so often distracted
be clear and still.
May my soul,
hungry for peace,
be fed by your grace.
When I close my eyes in sleep
this night,
may I be filled with gratitude
for the blessing of this leisurely day.
I ask this for the sake of your love. Amen.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
I Am Resolved
I am
resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.
I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.
I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living Way.
I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.
I am resolved, and who will go with me
Come, friends, without delay
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit
We’ll walk the heav’nly way.
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.
I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.
I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living Way.
I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.
I am resolved, and who will go with me
Come, friends, without delay
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit
We’ll walk the heav’nly way.
Thursday, August 08, 2013
Prayer - Listen
“Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” - Mother Teresa
Prayer - Stop Worrying and Start Praying
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:4-8
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
Prayer - Serenity
- Amen.
Prayer - 3 To Know
Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite. Psalm 147:5
When praying we can know:
1. Great is our Lord.
2. He is abundant in strength.
3. His understanding and knowledge is infinite.
Dwell on these a little in your prayer time and throughout the day while you are in line, waiting, stuck in traffic, concerned about something or someone, having a hard day, exhausted form work and other responsibilities, paying your bills, ill, wandering and wondering. Dwell on these.
When praying we can know:
1. Great is our Lord.
2. He is abundant in strength.
3. His understanding and knowledge is infinite.
Dwell on these a little in your prayer time and throughout the day while you are in line, waiting, stuck in traffic, concerned about something or someone, having a hard day, exhausted form work and other responsibilities, paying your bills, ill, wandering and wondering. Dwell on these.
Prayer - A Prayer To Live
The prayer below was a brief prayer that Jesus used to help His followers begin to grasp prayer, praying and living. This prayer was never intended to just be prayed in worship services or to just be used as an example. This prayer is life. This prayer is how we are to pray and live.
9 “Pray, then, in this way:
9 “Pray, then, in this way:
‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.10 ‘Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’
Hallowed be Your name.10 ‘Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’
Matthew 6:9-13
Prayer - Together
Ever major breakthrough for the church in the book of Acts came about as a
direct result of prayer. God performed mighty works for the propagation of the
gospel and the declaration of His glory in direct proportion to the prayers of
His people. Radical Together
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
7 Practices of Effective Ministries
1. Clarify the Win. Define what is important. What is the organization’s purpose. Leaders and people working/serving in the organization need to know what a “win” is.
2.Think Steps, Not Programs. Before you start anything, make sure it takes you where you want and need to go in order to “win”. Think process. Processes within programs.
3. Narrow the Focus. Do fewer things in order to make a greater impact. Less is more. Focus, focus, focus.
4. Teach Less for More. Say only what you need to say to the people who need to hear it. Not everyone has to be in the know. Not everyone has to give permission.
5. Listen to Outsiders. Focus on who you are trying to reach, not who you’re trying to keep. Information from those not yet in organization is needed and can be used to help make improvements.
6. Replace Yourself. Learn to hand of what you do. Develop people. Develop leaders. Train others. Give permission within perimeters of “win”.
7. Work On It. Take time to evaluate your work, and to celebrate your wins. Analyze and improve. Personal improvement and organizational improvement is a must. Allow Teams to evaluate and improve.
The above are taken from 7 Practices of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner, and Lane Jones.
2.Think Steps, Not Programs. Before you start anything, make sure it takes you where you want and need to go in order to “win”. Think process. Processes within programs.
3. Narrow the Focus. Do fewer things in order to make a greater impact. Less is more. Focus, focus, focus.
4. Teach Less for More. Say only what you need to say to the people who need to hear it. Not everyone has to be in the know. Not everyone has to give permission.
5. Listen to Outsiders. Focus on who you are trying to reach, not who you’re trying to keep. Information from those not yet in organization is needed and can be used to help make improvements.
6. Replace Yourself. Learn to hand of what you do. Develop people. Develop leaders. Train others. Give permission within perimeters of “win”.
7. Work On It. Take time to evaluate your work, and to celebrate your wins. Analyze and improve. Personal improvement and organizational improvement is a must. Allow Teams to evaluate and improve.
The above are taken from 7 Practices of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner, and Lane Jones.
Prayer - Oneness With God
"Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him" (Matthew 6:8). Then why should we ask? The point of prayer is not to get answers from God, but to have perfect and complete oneness with Him. If we pray only because we want answers, we will become irritated and angry with God. We receive an answer every time we pray, but it does always come out in the way we expect... We are not here to prove that God answers prayer, but to be living trophies of God's grace. - Oswald Chambers
Friday, August 02, 2013
Say so
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary
3 And gathered from the lands,
From the east and from the west,
From the north and from the south.
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary
3 And gathered from the lands,
From the east and from the west,
From the north and from the south.
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a desert region;
They did not find a way to an inhabited city.
5 They were hungry and thirsty;
Their soul fainted within them.
6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble;
He delivered them out of their distresses.
7 He led them also by a straight way,
To go to an inhabited city.
8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness,
And for His wonders to the sons of men!
9 For He has satisfied the thirsty soul,
And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.
They did not find a way to an inhabited city.
5 They were hungry and thirsty;
Their soul fainted within them.
6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble;
He delivered them out of their distresses.
7 He led them also by a straight way,
To go to an inhabited city.
8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness,
And for His wonders to the sons of men!
9 For He has satisfied the thirsty soul,
And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.
Psalm 107:1-9
Thursday, August 01, 2013
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Sharing 101
1. Everything you have comes from God.
2. Everything that is given to you is given in trust to you.
3. The blessings you have are not just for your own personal benefit.
4. What is given to you is given to you that you may share with others.
5. Sharing with others blesses them and you.
2. Everything that is given to you is given in trust to you.
3. The blessings you have are not just for your own personal benefit.
4. What is given to you is given to you that you may share with others.
5. Sharing with others blesses them and you.
Speaking Carefully
When I want to speak let me first think:
- Is it true?
- Is it kind?
- Is it helpful?
- Is it ncessary?
If not, let it go unspoken.
- Is it true?
- Is it kind?
- Is it helpful?
- Is it ncessary?
If not, let it go unspoken.
Calendar Thought
The best form of spiritual exercise is to touch the floor regularly with your knees.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Missional Living
Missional living is the adoption of the posture, thinking,
behaviors, and practices of a missionary in order to engage others with the
gospel message.
Listen and Be Reminded
This is my Father's world.
And to my listening ears,
All nature sings and round me rings,
The music of the spheres.
M.D. Babcock
And to my listening ears,
All nature sings and round me rings,
The music of the spheres.
M.D. Babcock
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
God's Power In Us
"We must have His life in us by the Spirit if we are to do His work and practice His teaching."
"After all, the power is in the Spirit of Christ. It is not who we are, but Who He is that makes the difference."
Robert Coleman, The Master Plan of Evangelism
"After all, the power is in the Spirit of Christ. It is not who we are, but Who He is that makes the difference."
Robert Coleman, The Master Plan of Evangelism
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Serve
"Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily." - From Our Daily Bread, 7-18-13.
Opportunities for being a servant of Jesus Christ "surround us daily". So true. May we understand and practice this thought in our homes, occupation, friendships, neighborhood, church, civic clubs, and in other places we frequent such as the local stores we visit daily or weekly.
Just yesterday I heard two beautiful stories that lived out the above quote and it spurred me on in God's Kingdom. You will never hear of these people and their stories and how their servant hearts and actions boosted the Kingdom of God. Today, others may never hear of or see the servant action you practice towards others, yet it is vital that we live as servants of the powerful God we worship. You never know what God will do with the "little ones that surround us daily."
Opportunities for being a servant of Jesus Christ "surround us daily". So true. May we understand and practice this thought in our homes, occupation, friendships, neighborhood, church, civic clubs, and in other places we frequent such as the local stores we visit daily or weekly.
Just yesterday I heard two beautiful stories that lived out the above quote and it spurred me on in God's Kingdom. You will never hear of these people and their stories and how their servant hearts and actions boosted the Kingdom of God. Today, others may never hear of or see the servant action you practice towards others, yet it is vital that we live as servants of the powerful God we worship. You never know what God will do with the "little ones that surround us daily."
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Created Words
Over the past several years myself and others in Horizon Community Church have placed together words that express our ethos and beliefs. Below are the words with a brief definition.
Anticipraytion: [an-tis-uh-prey-shuhn]
1. the act of praying with anticipation.
Anticipraytion: [an-tis-uh-prey-shuhn]
1. the act of praying with anticipation.
2. realization in advance; foretaste.
3. praying in and with expectation or hope.
4. praying and anticipating the answer.
Creavolution: [cre-a-voe-loo-shuhn]
1. believing in creation(macro) and evolution(micro).
2. God created it all.
3. life changes and morphs.
4. In the beginning... God.
Godcidence: [koh-in-si-duhns]
Creavolution: [cre-a-voe-loo-shuhn]
1. believing in creation(macro) and evolution(micro).
2. God created it all.
3. life changes and morphs.
4. In the beginning... God.
Godcidence: [koh-in-si-duhns]
1. a striking occurrence of two or more events at one time apparently by mere chance, but believing and understanding that God is in control.
2. when seeking after God things fall together in a crazy sort of way.
3. a God instance of this.
Faithilistic: /ˌriəˈlɪstɪk/ Show Spelled[faith-uh-lis-tik]
1. interested in, concerned with, or based on a life of faith and how it is fleshed out in the physical and spiritual world.
2. pertaining to living by fiath.
3. resembling or simulating life lived in faith.
Feartastic: [feer-tas-tik]
1. experiencng a little fear as you move into something great and fantastic.
2. in spite of being apprehensive one is fanciful or capricious, as persons or their ideas or actions.
3. imaginary and beautiful; not being based on reality; moving forward in life and with God in spite of fear.
4. overcoming fear to live in the faithilistic realm.
4. overcoming fear to live in the faithilistic realm.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
Yet.. See Verse 21
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentation 3:19-26
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Christmas In July - God, the child in a manger.
I know God only through Jesus Christ. The unique grandeur of Christianity is its belief in a poor God, like a wound in the absolute. God, the child in a manger. No man could invent that; it requires revelation. - Jean Sullivan, Morning Light
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This post may seem long and yet it is only the beginning. Followers of Jesus Christ need to turn to God, worship Him - surrender to Him, see...
























