For SCC - ADPD and WMD 2.25.07

On Sunday, 2.25.07 the series about prayer came to a happy ending and we discovered a few simple hints that will help us overcome Attention Deficit Prayer Disorder (ADPD) and Weapons of Mass Distraction (WMD). Focused Prayer. Prayer Time. God Speaking. These seem to be oxymoron's, and yet they are not. We can experience a time of speaking to God and hearing from God during focused prayer.

In order to help you overcome ADPD and WMD try the following:
1. Make the time and find a place for prayer. Carve out some time during the week to spend time with God. Find a place or places that allow you some silence and stillness in your life.

2. Start short. Five minutes is a great place to start. If you go over five minutes that is fine. Just start. A good way to start is stat short.

3. Develop a system. You use systems everyday. You have a system for waking in the morning, preparing for the day, progressing through the day, ending the day, etc. You may realize you are using systems, but you are. Developing a system or plan for your prayer life will help you stay focused. Develop a pattern or patterns that help guide you. You can use the acrostic of ACTS = Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication. You can focus on your family, including you, then move to your friends, and them begin to speak to god and hear form god about your daily and weekly schedule. A system I use during the day to help me stay in tune with God is STP = Stop, think, Pray. During the day when I am transitioning from one event to another I will take just a few seconds to stop (pause), think (reflect), and pray (a whisper to God or just seek to listen). STP happens in a matter of seconds and is a simple system.

4. Keep in mind that prayer is about a relationship. Prayer is conversation God. Prayer is communicating with God. God desires to relate to you. He takes pleasure in your time with Him. You do not need any magical words or have to know any big churchey words in order to pray. Just begin to speak to God and He will listen and answer.

5. CHANGE. Change will occur in you life as you begin to pray. Be open to God and allow Him to work in your life as you grow in your relationship with Him and others through prayer.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 found in the Bible

Over the past couple of weeks I have had numerous opportunities to pray with people over the phone or after meeting with them personally. It has been a charge for me and them. A simple and short time of praying together. The prayers consisted of thanksgiving, confession, asking, praying for others, specific request and general request. During these times there was even some silence (weird). Not really. We did not try to impress one another because we know each other to well and any "fake prayer stuff" would have been noticed real quick. We were able to pray big which I noticed led to praying humbly and realizing just who is God, and it was not those praying. At one time I prayed while on the cell phone with another guy while he was on his cell and we were both driving. That is dangerous prayer. Not for those praying but for those in vehicles near those who are praying. It was a little strange bowing my head and closing my eyes in order to pray while driving at light speed. God guided. Really, if you pray while you drive please keep your head up and your eyes open. These short and simple prayer times boosted my personal prayer time and have helped me "Be still and know that God is God and that He will be exalted among the peoples or nations" (Psalm 46:10).

Ephesians 3:20-21

20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 found in the Bible

For SCC - 2.18.07 God, is that You?

Throughout the Bible their is story after story of God relating to man and speaking people. In Genesis 3:8-9 God enters the Garden wanting to speak with Adam. God calls out to a young boy by the name of Samuel in I Samuel 3:1-11. Elijah hears God in a breeze in I Kings 19:9-14. God speaking to people. People hearing from God. As we continue to learn about prayer and hope to improve our relationship with God in and through prayer we need to learn to discern the voice of God. God desires to relate to us and and speak to us. He longs to reveal Himself.

As we pray it is helpful to understand that God answers all our prayers. His answers may come in the for following ways:

No - pretty clear

Slow - wait

Grow - personal growth

Go - yes

God speaks to us through the Bible, the Holy Spirit, others, nature and circumstances.

Helpful hints hints for hearing God:

Read the Bible

Seek to align yourself with God and His ways

Be attentive

Develop relationships with godly and caring people

Act on what you know

Prayer Quotes

I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had absolutely no other place to go. - Abraham Lincoln

We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties. - Oswald Chambers

Before we can pray, "Lord, Thy Kingdom come," we must be willing to pray, "My Kingdom go." - Alan Redpath

Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden. - Corrie ten Boom

Happy Valentine's Day

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
John 3:16-17 found in the Bible


16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
I John 3:16-18 found iin the Bible


1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights, His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1-9 found in the Bible

Colossians 1:9-12

9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

Colossians 1:9-12 found in the Bible

Proseuchomai

(pro-yoo-khom-ahee)

To pray

For SCC - 2.11.06 Pray, "In Everything"

As we continue our "proseuchomai" series it is evident that peoples lives are being touched. This past Sunday was fun, challenging, and encouraging. Chris Fritzsinger and GLARE stirred out hearts with the song "Hold Fast". Both DVD clips made us think about prayer and our relationship to God via prayer. Remember February 11 and March 11. Pray in everything. John Davenport shared from the following passage Scripture.

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

He focused on "in everything" and presented to us the benefits of moving from a life of worry to a life of praying. He also challenged everyone to not just hear from God, but to act in obedience to God. We are to live a life of joy, gentleness, thanksgiving and prayer that will be followed by blessings and hope.

This week open your Bible to Philippians 4:4-7 and read through it several times, ear mark the page refer to this passage often and Pray, "In Everything".

Bold Prayer - Bold Answer - Bold Living

29Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Acts 4:29-31 found in the Bible

Prayer Quotes

"Prayer is not getting man's will done in heaven, but getting God's will done on earth. It is not overcoming God's reluctance but laying hold of God's willingness."

Richard C. Trench

"The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer."

F.B. Meyer

"Do not make prayer a monologue-make it a conversation."

Author unknown

"Our prayers must mean something to us if they are to mean anything to God."

Maltbie D. Babcock

Chocolate Chip Cookies

We should be like the 3-year-old boy (that Paul Harvey told about) who went to the grocery store with his mother. Before they entered the grocery store she said to him, "Now you’re not going to get any chocolate chip cookies, so don’t even ask."She put him up in the cart & he sat in the little child’s seat while she wheeled down the aisles. He was doing just fine until they came to the cookie section. He saw the chocolate chip cookies & he stood up in the seat & said, “Mom, can I have some chocolate chip cookies?” She said, “I told you not even to ask. You’re not going to get any at all.” So he sat back down.They continued down the aisles, but in their search for certain items they ended up back in the cookie aisle. “Mom, can I please have some chocolate chip cookies?” She said, “I told you that you can’t have any. Now sit down & be quiet.”Finally, they were approaching the checkout lane. The little boy sensed that this may be his last chance. So just before they got to the line, he stood up on the seat of the cart & shouted in his loudest voice, “In the name of Jesus, may I have some chocolate chip cookies?”And everybody round about just laughed. Some even applauded. And, due to the generosity of the other shoppers, the little boy & his mother left with 23 boxes of chocolate chip cookies.

This story has been circulated on the net and can be found at various websites.

Luke 18:1-8

1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' 4"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' " 6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Luke 18:1-8 found in the Bible

Luke 11:1-13

1One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." 2He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3Give us each day our daily bread. 4Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.' " 5Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.' 7"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Luke 11:1-13 found in the Bible

For SCC - 2.4.07 Ask. Seek. Knock.

Ask. Seek. Knock. Sunday we looked at Luke 11:1-13 and Luke 18:1-8. These passages of Scripture encourage us to be persistent in our prayers. Ask. Seek. Knock. Words of action. As we are persistent in our "proseuchomai" we move from the passive prayer life into the active prayer life. When this happens we move into a new dimension of communication with God and and God communicating with us. When we are persistent we are...

..purposefully entering into the presence of God.
..showing to God just how important the matter we continue to take to God is to us.
..living by faith.
..seriously looking for a "yes" from God

Persistent prayer pointers:

• Actively and consciously turn worries into prayer.
• Purposefully pause during the day and offer your request to God.
• Begin to set a regular time during the day when you purposefully and actively communicate with God. Hint: start with just three minutes per time. Pretend like it is a phone call appointment with God.
• Memorize a few verses about prayer, faith and living a God honoring life.

Proseuchomai

STP - Repeat Post

"Whew, what a day." This is a phrase I have used and I know others haved used to describe a day in "everyday life." A full work day, family matters, school, shopping, household stuff, twist and turns, crash and burns, blah, blah, blah. "Whew, what a day." Good news. God created the days and the nights. Great news. God cares about mine and yours days and nights. Really good and great news. We can speak to God and hear from God in "everyday life." STP. Stop. Think. Pray. STP. Richard Petty, a NASCAR guy at one time did commercials for this gooey oil stuff called STP. Richard Petty and Mario Andretti were awesome drivers, one in NASCAR and the other in Indy. I digress. STP was to be added to your oil in order to help your car run smoother. Well, I do not know much about the STP that Petty promoted, but I do know that STP (Stop, Think, and Pray) can calm the heart, soul and mind if we will practice Stopping (a brief pause between daily transitions), Thinking (What just happened, what is next, where is God in all of this), and Praying (a quick word and an open heart to God). STP. Stop. Think. Pray. Add a little STP to your "everyday life." "Wow, what a day."

...And if by prayer
Incessant I could hope to change the will
Of Him who all things can, I would not cease
To weary him with my assiduous cries.

John Milton
I found this in Phillip Yancy's book Prayer

Survey says...

Answer yes, maybe/sometimes, or no to the following statements.

I pray occassionaly.
I want my prayer life to be more meaningful.
I could use a little more peace in my life.
I would like to have more prayer answered yes by God.
I would like to tap into God's power.
I would like to worry less and hear from God more.
When I do pray it seems I am a little scattered brained.

If you answered yes or maybe to any of the above the sentences the post on this blog for the next month will be a huge benefit to you.

For SCC - 1.28.07 What is prayer?

This past Sunday we moved forward into a new series with and interesting title, "Proseucomai". This is one of the New Testament Greek words for prayer. The music rocked, Anita Fritzsinger and GLARE stirred our souls with the song "When I Call on Jesus", and "Du" AKA Marcus Dulin shared a strong, passionate and very "everyday day" message about prayer. What is prayer?

Prayer is...

conversation with God.

confession of sin (missing the mark).

being in the presence of God.

praise and worship of God.

claiming our dependence on God.

lifting up our souls to God.

the exercise of faith and hope.

the study and understanding of God's will.

a sign of spiritual life.

life changing.

Prayer is the most perfect and the most divine action that which a rational soul is capable of.

Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God for things agreeable to His will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of His mercies.

The Model Prayer

9This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us today our daily bread. 12Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil; for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Matthew 6:19-13 found in the Bible

Proseuchomai

proseuchomai "to pray," is always used of "prayer" to God, and is the most frequent word in this respect, especially in the Synoptists and Acts.

Forward

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Ephesians 6:10 found in the Bible

This is SAD

In reality, hope is the worst of all evils, because it prolongs man's torments. ~Friedrich Nietzsche, Human, All Too Human, 1878

This is GLAD

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."
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.

Lamentations 3:22-26 found in the Bible

ONLY 77 DAYS

momentum

How 'bout those games yesterday. The key word is momentum. I am not sure what it means, but I sure want it on my side. Forward momentum. Is that tantamount to an anti-oxymoron?

For SCC - 1.21.07 Forward: The Sequel to the Sequel

I do not know about you but I am looking forward to the upcoming weekend series called "proseuchomai". I am not sure on the pronunciation but I am looking forward to learning more and praying in a way that draws me closer to God and His Kingdom. I am also looking forward to having more prayers answered yes, because I am drawing closer to the heart of God.

I am also looking forward to the Super Bowl's commercials. I am looking forward to an afternoon meeting with a friend over a Latte. I am looking forward to seeing my family this evening. I attended a gathering of church planters (people who start local churches from scratch) this morn that I've been looking forward to for some time. This looking forward stuff is almost exciting.

This past Sunday we came to an end in our FORWARD series, but I sure hope we do not stop looking forward. Three steps forward, two steps back, one step forward. What is something you want to see happen in your life, family and SCC? Think about this and move forward. Step out of the boat and sink or maybe walk on water. Move forward. Yeeeeehaaaaw!

when you start moving forward in a very intentional and deliberate way you will face mountains. Mount Despair. Mount Discouragement. Mount Distraction. Mount Doom and Gloom. Mount _______________. The fact is mountains are a part of life. The fact is many people avoid mountains because they are in neutral which really is not neutral. So as you move forward and seek to overcome mountains keep in heart the following. Overcoming mountains is easier accomplished when you have mountain climbing and mountain moving people in your life. Overcoming mountains is easier when you live with purpose and live by faith.

Go forward. Set some God goals and go forward. When the mountains move into your path, quit. Stop. Turn around. Give up. Throw in the towel. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

Go forward. Call a friend and receive a boost. Recall your purpose. Fan the Flame. Stoke the fire. Go to God. Muster "seed" through it and over it.

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

Theodore Roosevelt
"Citizenship in a Republic," Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910

Now this is the life!!! This is one of my sister's cats. You can tell he has a hard life. His name is Jughead. Looks like a smart Jughead.

Mission Possible

Last week I sent out a mass e-mail requesting that we at Sunrise make a change for the better and everyone plan on moving into the auditorium a few minutes before the sevice begins and you responded to the mission in a wild and crazy way THANKS. MISSION POSSIBLE.

For SCC - 1-14-07 Forward: The Sequel

12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
15All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Philippians 3:12-16

"Hello, my name is Gary." We all have a little or alot of Gary in us. May we not let this keep us from setting a few goals in our personal lives, family lives and in the life of Sunrise. What is something you want to see happen in your life, your family, this church? Give some thought and then action to that question. Can I make a very honest confession here. I mean can I be straight up honest. Okay, here goes. I like neutral. I Like comfortable. I like the remote control. I like the lounge chair. Whew, I hope you feel better because I sure do. BUT, and this BUT is important. I am not to remain in neutral. I was not created to live in neutral. neutral is neutral. Neutral isn't really even neutral. It is closer to reverse. Forward. I was created to move forward. I was created to live. Move forward and into love, joy, peace, patience.... Move forward in your Christian walk. Move forward in the Kingdom of God. Move forward in your relationships with your family. Move forward into new and godly ways of relating. Move forward in "treating others the way you want to be treated." Move forward. Move forward in your giving, inviting, and serving in SCC. Move forward.

Remember the boy who told the story of his Aunt Sara. Take a drink and move forward.

Billy Graham TV Special

Friday, January 19, 2007 at 8:00 PM on Channel 13 in the Hampton Roads area. Go to www.billygraham.org/tv for more information. The theme of the TV Special is HOPE. Mark you calendar for this one.

From today's reading

"Will all your worries add a single moment to your life?"
Jesus Christ word's found in Matthew 6:27 in the Bible

NO, is the answer to the rhetorical question. But you may end up looking like this.

For SCC - Forward 1.7.07

I'm looking forward to...
..the weekend.
..the game.
..the party.
..summer.
..the party
.._______________.

This past Sunday we began a new series entitled "Forward". The polls were 100%. We all look forward to positive events such as listed above. We also agreed that it is easier to hope someone else will change somethiing in their life, rather than us making changes in our lives. Yet we recognize in order to move forward we must experience some change and so we took a gander at looking forward and moving forward from Philippians Chapter Three. Out of the text, and real and raw life of Paul, we glanced at the following in regards to moving forward.
Progress, not perfection
The past is over, forget it
Move forward, press on.

Let's move forward.

What is something you want to see happen in your life in '07?
What is something you want to see happen in your family in '07?
What is something you want to see happen in SCC in '07?

Get on the bike!!!

3 days

2007 has been short and sweet. Made some mad cash on Monday, 1-1-07. Discovered a new resource for ministry on Tuesday, 1-2-07 and was honored to help with the food delivery today. Some sweet conversations in person and via the phone and net. These are just the tip of the iceberg. Good stuff even though my prayer life is just kinda there. At least it is kinda there. God's grace.

Food Bank

I went to the Food Bank today and made the food drop with a fellow SCC'er. SCC's goal was 500 lbs. We collected and gave 503 lbs. Nice. Way to Go.

Speaking of Beginnings

1I, Paul, am a devoted slave of Jesus Christ on assignment, authorized as an apostle to proclaim God's words and acts. I write this letter to all the believers in Rome, God's friends. 2-7The sacred writings contain preliminary reports by the prophets on God's Son. His descent from David roots him in history; his unique identity as Son of God was shown by the Spirit when Jesus was raised from the dead, setting him apart as the Messiah, our Master. Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ! And I greet you now with all the generosity of God our Father and our Master Jesus, the Messiah.

Romans 1:1-7 (found in the Bible)

This is a sweet beginning.

Go

Go
Go out into the world
Go speak truthfully
Go live peacefully
Go walk faithfully
Go give generously
Go share outrageously
Go listen carefully
Go welcome everybody
Go laugh loudly
Go shout passionately
Go pray fervently
Go eat healthily
Go read widely
Go grow deeply
Go forgive wholeheartedly
Go love openly
Go follow humbly
Go show kindness
Go seek wisdom
Go act justly
Go buy fairly

This is a glimpse of remembering Thanksgiving and Christmas as we move on.

Found this on the web at hopefulimagiantion blog

Coast Guard Conversation

I was able to speak with a young Coastie yesterday who is out and about on the water somewhere serving his country. The Coastie is a part of Sunrise Community Church and while out on the boat serves as a lay pastor(Churchie word for pastor, minister, difference maker, follower of Christ, blah, blah, blah) on the boat. He is making a difference in his current world by serving others, encouraging others, doing his best at his job, and teaching others. He is away from home, family, and friends and yet has determinied to make the most of of His call. Barbaric. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Coastie. Prayers are offered for you.

Barbaric. See The Barbarian Way, Erwin McManus

For SCC - remember 12.31.06

Good looking group. The photographer needs to learn how to use the camera. Why do we take pictures? Oh yea, to remember. As we move into a new year may we remember Thanksgiving and Christmas. Not just the days, but the meaning of the days. I have found it interesting and puzzling how quick we forget. We celebrate Thanksgiving Day and then move into Black Friday, and after eating left overs for a couple of days we kinda, not on purpose, forget Thanksgiving. We buy gifts, attend parties, listen to Christmas music, exchange gifts, eat, and move on to the 26th. The real(we think) world of work, bills, concerns, traffic, and clean up kick in and we catch a little of the "Ba Hum Bug" virus and forget. Not intentionally of course.

"How was your Thanksgiving?" "Good." Move on. "How was your Christmas?" "Great." Move on. "Happy New Year." Move on. Don't get me wrong I am all for moving on, but let's move on with hearts that are thankful and in the spirit of Christ-Mass(Worship) AKA Christmas.

remember

23For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
I Corinthians 11:23-26

As '06 comes to a close. Remember Jesus Christ. As '07 begins. Move on in Jesus Christ.

Season of Compassion

Thanks for your prayers and giving during the "Season of Compassion" in November and December. We have exceeded our financial goal that is to be given to the Virginia Baptist Mission Board (VBMB) and will be used in a joint effort with over 1,400 participating churches to minister to people locally and internationally. The food collected for the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia will be delivered to them on Wednesday, January 3, 2007. Because of your thoughtfulness and generosity we were able to gather groceries that will help families in our area. Compassion International, a very solid and focused ministry, received wonderful exposure and children's lives will be touched by Christ and you as you help a child in a poverty stricken part of the world. Invite cards were sent and handed to many people and there lives were blessed by knowing that someone cares about them and invited them to be their guest and possibly join them in a very important part of their lives.

THANK YOU. THANK GOD. This is exciting.

For SCC - 12.24.06 Living Expectantly

The Christmas Eve Service was awesome. No "Scrooges" were present and we had a few people in attendance who actually like fruit cake. Miracles still happen. The attendance and atmosphere were awesome. "Way to go" to GLARE, to Terri Gabriele for the Christmas Tree, to Dawson Nethery for the "anticipation shorts", to Dana for Scripture reading, to those who helped with children and missed being with their fams in the service, and to Marcus and Shaun for the visual and lighting effects.

Living expectantly is a fun and challenging way to live. It definitely takes the "Ba Hum Bug" out of life and flavors it with anticipation, awareness and amazement. In the Christmas Eve service we looked at one verse: "BEHOLD THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD, AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD with us." Matthew 1:23

I shared how this verse can help us live in anticipation, awareness and amazement in our everyday lives and had fun giving away $20.00 bills to children who were willing to come up on stage and share what they were hoping to receive for Christmas. The children were anticipating receiving some neat gifts, and were more than ready to come up on stage when they heard $20.00 was at stake. I hope and pray that we as a church will live Matthew 1:23 in 2007. I hope and pray that we will live in anticipation, awareness and amazement, especially knowing that God in near.

Christmas Chaos

CHRISTMAS CHAOS

Christmas, a time of joy, peace and love that is expressed in many of the Christmas cards that paint a lovely, kind picture of Christmas. Snow capped homes, a beautiful Mary, a gentle baby, cute animals, a lighted tree, an evergreen wreath. Some American thoughts or statements about Christmas may be: “I’m looking forward to seeing family,” “I can’t stand my family,” “I can’t wait to open my gifts,” “I don’t like shopping,” “Christmas is wonderful,” “Christmas is depressing,” “I love the carols,” “I love the eggnog,” “The store lines are too long,” “The decorations are beautiful,” “Can I see Santa?,” “Santa’s not real,” “Yes, he is,” “Christmas is Jesus,” “Merry Christmas,” “Hey, that is my parking spot,” “Oh, just what I wanted (not really),” “Christmas is for children,” Hey, I’m an adult and I love to receive gifts,” “I don’t know what to buy my wife,” “I’m buying my husband socks,” “Mom, can we make cookies tonight?,” “Let’s drive around and look at lights,” “I’m too tired,” “Ho-ho-ho,” and finally, “Merry Christmas.”

Christmas. A time of joy, peace and love. A time when people give to charitable organizations. A time of the year when people become friendly except for line rage, road rage and parking lot rage. A time of year when people begin to reflect on the year almost gone. A time of the year when people party–I mean PARTY. A time of the year when we eat–I mean EAT. A time of the year that is fun. A time of the year with great music. A time of the year for giving and receiving. Christmas, oh the joy, peace and love that is spoken of on radio and television via the airwaves, and that is heard through beautiful carols in the malls, restaurants, homes and cars by way of CD’s and 8-track tapes (oops, Freudian slip). Christmas. A time for friends, family, gifts, children, vacation, Santa Claus, trees and lights. Christmas. A time of joy, peace and love when families come together. A time of the year when the same type of songs are listened to with brand new excitement.

Christmas parties. Christmas shopping. Christmas cookies. Christmas dinner. Christmas trees. Christmas lights. Christmas decorations. Christmas parades. Christmas carols. Christmas presents. Christmas friends (those you send cards to once a year). Christmas cards. Christmas Candlelight Services. Christmas Eve. Christmas Morning. Whew, no wonder we are dead tired at the end of December.

For you and me, may this Christmas be full of joy, peace, love and chaos. “Chaos? Why chaos?”, you say. “I experience enough chaos in my everyday life; let’s not add it to the Christmas list.” Yes, Christmas chaos. And please know I’m not suggesting we add to our list the things we need to do and the places we need to be. The Christmas chaos I’m speaking of will come in the quiet, reflective moment (most likely very few, unless you plan them) that you as an individual will spend jogging down memory lane. Christmas chaos will help you better experience God’s joy, peace and love this Christmas. Christmas chaos will help you become more joyous, peaceful and loving. Christmas chaos will help you deal with life’s chaos. Good chaos. That sounds like an oxymoron (whatever that is) but in the case of Christmas chaos, it is not so. “Okay, okay,” you say, “What is Christmas chaos?” Christmas chaos is you and God spending time together and your allowing the God who brought us Christmas to speak to you in a very real way as you read scripture, talk and listen to God, and reflect on the past year. Christmas chaos is you, yes you, allowing God to show you you. I know this sounds chaotic, but it’s not. It really is Christmas. Your experiencing God’s love. Your allowing God to bring some good chaos into your life as He helps you see your shortcomings and not your wife’s, or child’s, or friends’, or neighbors’. God dealing with you and your attitude of unforgiveness, or racism, or apathy, or jealousy, or ungratefulness. God in His loving and truthful way bringing chaos into your life as He asks you to call someone at whom you are mad, or write to someone who hasn’t written you back since the last time you wrote him or her. God may ask you to smile at someone in the store (God forbid), or to allow someone in front of you in line who doesn’t have as many items, even though the line is a half-mile long.

God will seek to make you more like His Son, Christ. And this will bring chaos. It will bring some discomfort. It may make you a little afraid when God says, “Hey, what about that secret closet in you heart?” or “What about your ________?” or “Will you please start thinking of others and not just yourself or your own family?” Ouch. Chaos. Good chaos.

The God who came out of glorious Heaven to enter our little, dingy domain called earth wants to be with you this Christmas. He wants to help you better your attitude, be more joyous, peaceful and loving. He wants to be a part of your everyday driving, working, marriage, parenting, friendship, and spending (oops). He loves you and me and desires to enter our territory and bring some Christmas chaos. Good chaos. Kinda like “Chicken Soup For the Soul” that is prepared and warmed on the oven of God as you sit still with Him and He develops you into a more complete, joyous, peaceful, loving person. Isn’t chaos good? Well, Christmas chaos can be. Experience it. Plan it. Do it. (Sounds like a commercial.)

This Christmas allow God to show you you. Open your life’s door and say, “God, come on in and let’s talk.” Place yourselves in “timeout” and permit the Inventor of Christmas to move in your life. Two key words: God and you. So type them into your life and allow God to search your soul and you will experience joy, peace, love and Christmas chaos.

Psalm 139:23-24: Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

Merry Chaos!

Steve Nethery

You might be a Scrooge if...

YOU MIGHT BE A SCROOGE IF…

You turn on the lawn sprinklers on Christmas Eve
to keep carolers away;

You get your Christmas tree at a rest stop at night;

Your idea of holiday decorations is a rotten pumpkin;

Your favorite Christmas pastime is putting defective bulbs
in your neighbor’s string of Christmas lights;

Your favorite Christmas drink is rotten Egg Nog;

Your favorite Christmas song is
“Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer;”

Your idea of a staff or company Christmas party is
“O, just forget it;”

You like snow only because you know it will mean
there will be some cool car accidents;

Your favorite Christmas snack is one-year old fruitcake;

You don’t like the ending to “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Miracle on 31st Street,” “The Grinch,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

You put a laxative in Santa’s cookies,
knowing and laughing about the outcome;

And finally, if your three favorite words are
“Ba Hum Bug”

Recently going through some old files and happened upon this Christmas Humor. Can,t remember where this was found or where it came from, but it is funny.

God Bless us. God bless us all.

An Office Prayer

FATHER,

WE THANK YOU FOR THIS TIME TOGETHER. IN THE PEACE OF THIS SEASON, OUR SPIRITS ARE JOYFUL AND THANKFUL. MAY THE HOPE, PEACE, JOY AND THE LOVE REPRESENTED BY THE BIRTH OF JESUS FILL OUR LIVES AND BECOME PART OF ALL THAT WE SAY AND DO. HELP US TO REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE THE REASON FOR THIS SEASON. MAY WE ALSO REMEMBER OTHERS LESS FORTUNATE THAN US AND FOR THOSE SEPARATED FROM LOVED ONES THIS TIME OF YEAR. PROTECT OUR SOLDIERS AND KEEP THEM SAFE. WE THANK YOU FOR THIS FOOD AND FOR EVERY PERSON THAT GAVE OF THEMSELVES IN PREPARATION OF THIS MEAL. PLEASE BLESS EACH PERSON HERE IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A PEACEFUL LIFE, JOY OF THE SOUL AND HEALTH OF THE BODY. BLESS THIS FOOD, USE IT TO NOURISH OUR BODY AND STRENGTHEN US TO DO YOUR WILL. WE ASK THESE THINGS IN YOUR NAME.

AMEN

This prayer was written for an office party by a friend of mine for a friend of hers. My friend took the time to write out this prayer in order to bless her friend and others at the party. Thank God. This is a touch of ministry and blessing others. Merry Christmas.

This friend is growing in Christ. She is seeking to honor God and live in Christ and the power and love of God. She is seeking to honor her husband, children and their spouses and others that are in her journey. I can tell you, and so can others, that her hope and joy are evident. Not all is right or perfect in her life, but she is alive and helping others become alive.

Sing in your car. Sing out loud. Sing.

Some of the Christmas Story

25-32In Jerusalem at the time, there was a man, Simeon by name, a good man, a man who lived in the prayerful expectancy of help for Israel. And the Holy Spirit was on him. The Holy Spirit had shown him that he would see the Messiah of God before he died. Led by the Spirit, he entered the Temple. As the parents of the child Jesus brought him in to carry out the rituals of the Law, Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God: God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes I've seen your salvation; it's now out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel.
33-35Jesus' father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words. Simeon went on to bless them, and said to Mary his mother, This child marks both the failure and the recovery of many in Israel, A figure misunderstood and contradicted— the pain of a sword-thrust through you— But the rejection will force honesty, as God reveals who they really are.
36-38Anna the prophetess was also there, a daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was by now a very old woman. She had been married seven years and a widow for eighty-four. She never left the Temple area, worshiping night and day with her fastings and prayers. At the very time Simeon was praying, she showed up, broke into an anthem of praise to God, and talked about the child to all who were waiting expectantly for the freeing of Jerusalem.

Luke 2:25-38 found in the Bible

Center

In the picture at the top right of the page note who is central. May He be the Center.

"...they bowed down and worshipped Him..."

Merry Center

For SCC - JOY 12-17-06

The Christmas Story found in Mattthew and Luke is full of excitement and joy. During the service the past weekend we talked about singigng in the car and living with joy in our lives. This week I have been singing in the car, the room, and the office. Christmas songs are fun to sing. I diverse.

"Joy is the serious business of heaven." C.S. Lewis

Joy is a theme found in Christmas songs. Joy is a theme found in the Bible. Joy is a theme we desire to have in our lives. This joy thing seems to overcome us when we are singing in the car or when the joy thing overcomes us we sing in the car.

A few joy stealers are worry, fear, and negative people. Beware!

A few joy dealers are recognizing today as a gift, faith in God, and people who are encouragers.

May we sing and experience "Joy to the world."

FYI: Christmas Eve service from 5:00 - 6:00 PM

The Christmas Candle

Just read another little book by Max Lucado. The Christmas Candle is a moving and inspiring read. You will be touched, your grinch heart will grow and grow, and wonder will begin to wander anew in your thoughts.

May we pray and live with hope.

Christmas (un)Comfort Zone

Borrowed/Stolen from Greg English who borrowed/stole it from Granger Community Church. This isn't really Christmas, but it really is Christmas.

Granger is “intentionally helping people understand how they can experience a revolution in their life that can ultimately help them bring a revolution to their community. Granger isn't about helping people become churchy--it's about helping people experience a transformed life in Christ that challenges folks to live out their faith daily in today's culture. Frankly, that's a lot harder than just being churchy. Churchiness is easy. You just follow prescribed rules. Real faith is dynamic. It's controversial. It's dangerous. It's constantly growing. It asks challenging questions. It involves mystery. You can't put it in a box. You can't keep it quiet. You can't out-grow it. You can't out-dream it. It's more focused on others than it is on self.”

Dear God, Help me. Dear God, Help others. Christmas is not about being churchy or good. The first Christmas was the fleshy beginning of God to give Himself up in death and then explode in the power of the resurrection. As a follower of Christ I am a part of the church. God's Body. God's People. God's mission of reconciliation and redemption. MERRY CHRISTMAS.

GLARE at the Mall

On Saturday, 12-16-06, SCC's Music Team spent their afternoon at the Chesapeake Square Mall presenting songs of Christmas. They sounded great. Many people stopped by and enjoyed the music. Many positive comments were made as people heard old and familiar songs presented with a relevant medium ( Rock n Roll Baby). The Western Branch High School Dance Team were our special guest and along with them came family and friends. The Dance Team did a great job and added a new new twist (get it) to the gig. One person mentioned to me that Ruth was like, Ruth Crow (referring to Cheryl Crow). True. Props to GLARE and all who helped at the Mall. It is good to go public with the message of Christmas.

To all who help with the music in SCC. THANKS

This afternoon I did a quick reread of Max Lucado's book An Angel's Story. The book is a short piece that takes the reader into the spiritual world at the birth of Christ. It is encouraging and inspiring. I passed it on to a friend. Give it a read and enjoy a new Christmas perspective.

God's Christmas Call

26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." 29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." 34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" 35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37For nothing is impossible with God." 38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

Luke 1:26-38 found in the Bible

Wandering

This morn as I was praying, reading Scripture, meditating and seeking God I had to get up and move around due to nodding off just a little. Continued praying. To help me focus and to become alert again I had to recall some verses, quote those verses, move around a bit and tune my thought and heart knob to God. I am pretty sure I have ADPD (Attention Deficient Prayer Disorder).

In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice. In the morning I will offer my prayer to you and watch expectantly for the answer. Psalm 5:3

For SCC - You're Pregnant Aren't You? (HOPE) 12-10-06

Merry Xmas!!! Watch out for #44.

Merry Christmas. A statement of hope. Happy New Year. A statement of hope. Hope is a very important commodity. Christmas is about hope. Think of some of the Christmas shows you like and you will most likely see the theme of hope in them. Rudolph, The Grinch, Frosty, and my favorite in this category, the Little Drummer Boy. White Christmas, The Bishops Wife, and It's A Wonderful Life are classics that stir the hope bowl within us. Christmas songs are hopeful. Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer, maybe not the best choice :) I'll be Home for Christmas, I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, and here's one that will fill the hope bowl, Handell's Hallelujah Chorus.

I hope to graduate in ...

I hope the interview goes well.

Hope to see you at the party.

Just a few phrases of hope. There are many more. Listen to yourself this week and you will hear them.

I hope...

you will enter into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

you have a good week.

my son plays well at his Schools Band Winter(Christmas) concert.

my family is having a good day.

the prayers I am offering to God today are answered YES by God

my prayers make sense to God.

my 4:00 PM time with Jay is as rewarding for him as it is for me.

people who were in the service yesterday will live out and in hope.

Barbie Hofler made it to CA fine and God's presence is strong in her.

this blog is not a waste of your time :)

I hope...

That is just the beginning of my hope list.

On Sunday we sang song's of Hope. We heard stories of hope. I shared that hope leads us to experience a positive attitude and optimistic outlook and that it can change the way we pray. In hope we will pray more expectantly. We will go to God and seek after God in anticipation of meeting Him, hearing from Him, seeing His mighty hand move in our lives and in the lives of others, and watching for God's movement throughout the day. May we Hope. Dear God, Help me Hope. Thank You Lord for hope. Thank You.

FYI: Hope we meet the 33 Bags Goal. Hope you are giving to Virginia Missions. Hope you understand Compassion International.

A Reminder

This is Christmas.

www - wednesdays wonderful word

And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. Luke 2:20 found in the Bible

And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts... Matthew 2:11 found in the Bible

and Mary said, "My soul exalts the Lord..." Luke 1:46

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel... Luke 2:68

Praise and worship are very evident in the record of the birth of Jesus Christ. God's awesomeness is recognized and praise spews forth. The Magi (wise men or Kings) bow down and worship the King of Kings as he lay in the manger. They recognize His majesty. The shepherds praise God. Zechariah and Mary speak or sing words of praise and glory. In the midst of their travels, work, responsibilities, difficulties, uncertainties, marvels and relationships they praise God. This Christmas anniversary may we praise God. When you drive or walk by a manger scene praise God. While waiting in traffic or in a line praise God. When your day seems to being going south praise God. When prayers are answered praise God. Praise God. Choose praise.

Psalm 150
1 Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.


The Christ-child stood at Mary's knee,
His hair was like a crown,
And all the flowers looked up at Him
And all the stars looked down.
- G. K. Chesterton

The Christmas Story - Luke 2:1-20

1-5About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.
6-7While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
8-12There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
13-14At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
15-18As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
19-20Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!

Luke 2:1-20 found in the Bible

For SCC - 12-3-06 Heaven's Expectations

Christmas songs are awesome. They bring a message of hope and anticipation. This Sunday we began a new series that will take us through the month of December. The theme is "Great Xpectations." X in this case representing Christ. We are looking at the birth of Jesus Christ as found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. This past Sunday our special guest, "the linebacker", was a hit as we enjoyed (we are a sick people) watching him tackle people in order to help them remember that Christmas is not Xmas. Is anybody up for a little friendly game of tackle? On Sunday we looked at various passages found in Matthew and Luke to determine what Heaven's hope for Christmas might be. I shared that some of Heaven's Hopes are 1) that we realize that God is near, 2) that all people would enter into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, 3) that we worship God. The message was left undone and I asked those in attendance to look into the story and finish the message. Even if you weren't in attendance you can read the story found in Matthew and Luke or go see The Nativity Story and give your input as to what Heaven's hopes are for Christmas. This Christmas we have many expectations, hopes, and desires. We anticipate having a good time with friends and family at various gatherings. We look forward Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Some of us look forward to a school break or a little time away from the office or work. some of us dream of a white Christmas. Expectation. It is all around. May we seek to gain insight into Heaven's Xpectations this Christmas season.

Dear God, This Christmas season help me...

for those at the service on 12-3-06

As you read and think about the Christmas story found in Matthew and Luke, or if you see the movie The Nativity Story, what is it you see in common with Mary, Joseph, the wise men, the shepherds, Zechariah, and Elizabeth? Heaven's Xpectation. Leave a comment. Let's have some fun growing in Heaven's Hope.

The Nativity Story

I just arrived home from veiwing The Nativity Story at a local theater with my son. We were both touched and moved to a little mist in the sockets (That's a mans way of saying we cried a bit). The story as found in the Bible is beautiful, wild, raw, gentle, mysterious, mad, and God. To view the artistic rendition on the screen was... I am not sure how to describe it, amazing, romantic, wonderful, disconcerting, comforting.

I left the theater with a heart full of gratitude and praise. In the midst of human chaos God fleshes out redemption. God came near. It is a fact that we live in a very (sometimes) hard world and this real life we live in can be diffucult, but it is also a fact that God is real and active. Thank God.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
Luke 2:14

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit move us way past religion and into relationship. A relationship with The God of the universe and all of creation is the message of Happy Holidays. The story of Happy Holidays is found in Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2, Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 7:14 and Philippians 2:1-11.

1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had:

6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a human being,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:1-11 found in the Bible

Interesting spin on the Christmas season. Giving thought to verses 1-4 at this time of will hopefully move us into a new Christmas perspective.

Merry Christmas

Two Great Thinkers

Enough Seen!

Oops! For SCC - 11-26-06 Share the Goods

This is a little late. OK, a lot late.

Sunday was fun and that one song, holy something, was sweet to my ears side stage and I know to the ears of God as people raised their hands and sang to God. Thanks GLARE. Share the goods. You guys are good sharers. The bags are growing in number. Compassion International is growing. Cards are being sent. Invites are being given. State Missions giving is on the rise. Sharing the goods. Thanks Gabes for helping us be thankful.

"A generous person will prosper, he who refreshes will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

FYI: Clean those dancin' shoes off. Spirit of Norfolk is near.

Ethos

To much to write. I type way to slow.

Creativity. Uniqueness. Christ. People. Passion. Healthy.

Prayer

Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still.

E. M. Bounds

Matthew 1:18-25

18-19The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn't know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.
20-23While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God's angel spoke in the dream: "Joseph, son of David, don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God's Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—'God saves'—because he will save his people from their sins." This would bring the prophet's embryonic sermon to full term: Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son; They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for "God is with us").
24-25Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God's angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.

Leadership

Check out www.awakenhumanity.com and go to Ethos. I will be there with Jon Trude and others 11.27.06 - 11.29.06. Looking forward to a good time and new leadership insight.

Post Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day was a good one. It ws good to sleep in until 7:00 AM. You know you are in mid-life crisis when sleeping in is 7:00 AM and while driving you pretend your minivan is a sleek sportscar or a bright yellow Hummer chromed out. We spoke with relatives via the phone and spent time with some fellow ministers and new friends at their home. We did have a young Coastie come by our house and keep us up late (10:00 PM) while playing video games with our teenage son. Competition is fun even on Thanksgiving Day. Psalm 100 was on my mind throughout Thaksgiving Day. I needed to keep my mind on the Word of God because I can go south really quick if not careful. Thank God for His Word.

Subject Change: How about those Cowboys. Keep it goin'. Christmas lights are going up around the area. Good stuff. As we move into the month of December may we keep in mind "Immanuel". Take a look at Matthew 1:23 in the Bible.

Happy Thanksgiving

Have a great Thanksgiving Day and weekend.

Go Cowboys

Cowboys over the Colts. Ye Haw!!! My son and I enjoyed the game together. Screamin', yellin', Hoopin an' a Hoolerin'. Yu bet yur rerend Ima Cowboy fan.

Footnote: I grew up in North Texas and have been a Dallas Cowboy fan since I was in my mother's womb. She's a fan. My dad is a fan in Heaven. My family had great times watching the Cowboys in our family room. Good memories. There was a short time in my teen life that I dipped Copenhagen because of Walt Garrison.

Hmmm

The pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts … nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.

H. W. Westermayer

For SCC - 11.19.06 My Bag Is Full

What are you thankful for? Thanks for participating in "Thanksgiving Lane" this past Sunday. As you share with others from your thankful heart it touches their lives and moves them closer to God. May our water cooler conversations be seasoned with gratitude this week.

Thanks to Steve Gabriele, Marcus Dulin, Ruth Nethery and GLARE for leading us to remember that our bags are full. Thanks to those who serve in the Children's Ministry and Student Ministry. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

This past Sunday The stage looked great with bags full of groceries. Thanks for bringing in the goods. We have moved close to the halfway mark of meeting our goal for the items to be given to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. Way to go. As you are buying groceries this week for Thanksgiving Day please spend a few extra dollars and purchase a few more items for the Foodbank.

Steve Gabriele brought a good word to us about "Our Bags Being Full". As we move very close to Thanksgiving Day may we keep in mind "Full Bags". Share your cookies this week. Be the "1 out of the 10". Look up Luke 17:11-19 in the Bible. Be the 1. Good stuff.

Dear God, Help me count my blessings. Help me approach you with a thankful heart. Continue to bring restoration. I often see my cup half-empty. I do not want that view or perspective. I desire to live in gratitude and grace. Thanks for leading me down the path of thanks. help me to follow.

FYI: Keep in mind the Season of Compassion. Purchase you pre-ordered T's. Looking forward to the Spirit of Norfolk.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving

Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Philippians 4:6 Found in the Bible

Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him. Colossians 3:17 Found in the Bible

Hmmm

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. ~W.T. Purkiser

For SCC - Forget 11.12.06

Very cool, powerful and original song by Jon and John this past Sunday. Forgiven is a grand thing. Thanks GLARE for helping us encounter God in and through music. Keep in mind and heart that if Jerry holds on to a grudge or harbours unforgiveness towards John, Jerry is hurting himself. Get more candy. Make that phone call. Forgive and Forget. Let it go. Disregard. Move on in life. Forgiveness: Something we all want and something we should all give. Forgivenss. When you and I live it in our relationships they are more enjoyable, fun, strong, healthy, and open. To err is human, to forgive is Divine.

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. ~Lewis B. Smedes

I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one. ~Henry Ward Beecher

FYI. Season of Compassion. Bring in the canned goods and cash, and send out those cards. Spirit of Norfolk on 12.10.06. Thanks to Cherisa for putting this together. Make your payment.

Psalm 130: A little about God's forgiveness

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

Psalm 130 found in the Bible

Fuggetaboudit: Anonymous Comment

Comments are welcome and encourage me and others to think, pray, ponder, etc. With that said or written. After some thought, reading, quick research and questions to peers and others there does not appear to be exceptions to forgiving others. Forgiveness breeds health. Unforgiveness the opposite. God's forgivness is beautiful. May we seek to live in beauty.

For SCC - Fuggetaboudit

The two week series we started Sunday, 11.5.06 is "Forgiveness: Something we all want and something we all should give". Sunday we looked at Matthew 18:21-35 and discovered that God's forgiveness of us is huge, no mammoth. We also learned that God wants us to be forgiving in our relationships with one another. God is into restoration and reconciliation. He wants us to have healthy relationships. Forgiveness helps us live in restoration and experience healthy relationships. Fact: We have all needed to receive a little forgiveness at one time or another in our relationships. Fact: We should all be willing to forgive others in our relationships. We desire strong, fun, enjoyable, accountable, and healthy relationships. We need strong, fun, enjoyable, accountable, and healthy relationships. Forgiveness. Forgiveness. Forgiveness.

Forgiveness breeds strong, fun, enjoyable, accountable, and healthy relationships.

So, this week when someone causes a little pain, Fuggetaboudit.

FYI. Send out those "Thanksgiving Cards". Pray and think about your part in Compassion International, The Food Bank, and giving financially to ministries located throughout Virginia during the Season of Compassion.

Prayer

Wait on God 'til you know you have met Him; prayer will then become so different.

Andrew Murray

Give Thanks

November is here. Thanksgiving day draws near. During the month of November begin a new habit even before the new year begins. Develop the habit or discipline of being thankful. During the times that your mind does all of its wandering focus in on being thankful and giving thanks. Give thanks for family members, especially those who do not live near you. Give thanks for dishwashers, remotes, washing machines, dryers, hot water heaters, canned goods, cruncy peanut butter, Lays Kettle Cooked Mesquite BBQ chips (God, forgive me), fruit (God redeems). Give thanks for... You get the idea.