By faith...

1-2The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
3By faith, we see the world called into existence by God's word, what we see created by what we don't see.
4By an act of faith, Abel brought a better sacrifice to God than Cain. It was what he believed, not what he brought, that made the difference. That's what God noticed and approved as righteous. After all these centuries, that belief continues to catch our notice.
5-6By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. "They looked all over and couldn't find him because God had taken him." We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken "he pleased God." It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.
7By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn't see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God.
8-10By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God's call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. By an act of faith he lived in the country promised him, lived as a stranger camping in tents. Isaac and Jacob did the same, living under the same promise. Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations—the City designed and built by God.
11-12By faith, barren Sarah was able to become pregnant, old woman as she was at the time, because she believed the One who made a promise would do what he said. That's how it happened that from one man's dead and shriveled loins there are now people numbering into the millions.
13-16Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.
17-19By faith, Abraham, at the time of testing, offered Isaac back to God. Acting in faith, he was as ready to return the promised son, his only son, as he had been to receive him—and this after he had already been told, "Your descendants shall come from Isaac." Abraham figured that if God wanted to, he could raise the dead. In a sense, that's what happened when he received Isaac back, alive from off the altar.
20By an act of faith, Isaac reached into the future as he blessed Jacob and Esau.
21By an act of faith, Jacob on his deathbed blessed each of Joseph's sons in turn, blessing them with God's blessing, not his own—as he bowed worshipfully upon his staff.
22By an act of faith, Joseph, while dying, prophesied the exodus of Israel, and made arrangements for his own burial.
23By an act of faith, Moses' parents hid him away for three months after his birth. They saw the child's beauty, and they braved the king's decree.
24-28By faith, Moses, when grown, refused the privileges of the Egyptian royal house. He chose a hard life with God's people rather than an opportunistic soft life of sin with the oppressors. He valued suffering in the Messiah's camp far greater than Egyptian wealth because he was looking ahead, anticipating the payoff. By an act of faith, he turned his heel on Egypt, indifferent to the king's blind rage. He had his eye on the One no eye can see, and kept right on going. By an act of faith, he kept the Passover Feast and sprinkled Passover blood on each house so that the destroyer of the firstborn wouldn't touch them.
29By an act of faith, Israel walked through the Red Sea on dry ground. The Egyptians tried it and drowned.
30By faith, the Israelites marched around the walls of Jericho for seven days, and the walls fell flat.
31By an act of faith, Rahab, the Jericho harlot, welcomed the spies and escaped the destruction that came on those who refused to trust God.
32-38I could go on and on, but I've run out of time. There are so many more— Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, the prophets....Through acts of faith, they toppled kingdoms, made justice work, took the promises for themselves. They were protected from lions, fires, and sword thrusts, turned disadvantage to advantage, won battles, routed alien armies. Women received their loved ones back from the dead. There were those who, under torture, refused to give in and go free, preferring something better: resurrection. Others braved abuse and whips, and, yes, chains and dungeons. We have stories of those who were stoned, sawed in two, murdered in cold blood; stories of vagrants wandering the earth in animal skins, homeless, friendless, powerless—the world didn't deserve them!—making their way as best they could on the cruel edges of the world.
39-40Not one of these people, even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised. God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours.

The Brilliance Of A Fretless Life

Last night I read again the chapter, "The Brilliance Of A Fretless Life", in Moses Caesar's book, The Tree In The Middle Of My Garden. Well written. Thought provoking. Faith bulding. Moses Caesar will be at Sunrise on Sunday morning, 10-28-07. His message is "Stop Worrying and Start Resting". Very relevant. Plan to attend. Let nothing keep you from hearing this message of hope and liberation. Get the word out to friends and family. www.mosesbook.com for more about Moses Caesar and to order the book.

From the chapter:
Waiting is not about time. Waiting is about trust. You cannot adjust time. You cannot make it go faster or slower. You cannot make it stop. Time is independent of you. Clearly, trust is the dependent variable inviting your particpation. You can determine if you will trust or not. Do you trust God? Do you?

For SCC - Why Is There So Much Suffering? 10-14-07

Series Verses:
“Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News. Be wise in all of your contacts with them. Let your conversation be gracious as well as sensible, for then you will have the right answer for everyone.”
Colossians 4:5-6
Why is there so much suffering?
Theories/Premises
Deny God’s existence
Deny suffering exist
God is not involved
God is limited
Suffering is God’s Judgement

God is all loving, all powerful, all knowing, merciful, just and righteous and does care for you and me. This is the theory or premise I believe.

Freewill of Mankind Genesis 1-3
The Reality of Freewill
The Good of Freewill
The Difficulty of Freewill
Natural Order

If God is so loving and powerful why doesn’t He end all the evil and suffering?

You and I would come to an end
In Christ God dealt with and deals with suffering
Heaven is without suffering and pain

Still the “Why” question remains
Joy and Happiness are a part of life.
Suffering and pain are a part of life

John 16:33, James 1:2-4, I Peter 4:12

Where is God in the suffering?
Very near

Psalm 34:18-19, John 14:26

Loss will come your way
Pain will knock on your door
Suffering will visit your home

Will you allow the reality of pain and suffering to drive you away from God or to God?

Suggested Books
Why I Am A Christian, Norman Geisler
The Tree In The Middle Of My Garden, Moses Caesar
A Search For The Spiritual, James White
Where Is God When It Hurts?, Phillip Yancey
Know Why You Believe, Paul Little
Christianity For Skeptics, Steve Kumar
When God Doesn’t Make Sense, James Dobson
He Still Moves Stones, Max Lucado
Excellent resource: www.christianity.co.nz
Visit www.stevenethery.blogspot.com for more on this topic

This will FIRE you up

Daniel 3
Four Men in the Furnace

1-3 King Nebuchadnezzar built a gold statue, ninety feet high and nine feet thick. He set it up on the Dura plain in the province of Babylon. He then ordered all the important leaders in the province, everybody who was anybody, to the dedication ceremony of the statue. They all came for the dedication, all the important people, and took their places before the statue that Nebuchadnezzar had erected.
4-6 A herald then proclaimed in a loud voice: "Attention, everyone! Every race, color, and creed, listen! When you hear the band strike up—all the trumpets and trombones, the tubas and baritones, the drums and cymbals—fall to your knees and worship the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Anyone who does not kneel and worship shall be thrown immediately into a roaring furnace."
7 The band started to play, a huge band equipped with all the musical instruments of Babylon, and everyone—every race, color, and creed—fell to their knees and worshiped the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
8-12 Just then, some Babylonian fortunetellers stepped up and accused the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "Long live the king! You gave strict orders, O king, that when the big band started playing, everyone had to fall to their knees and worship the gold statue, and whoever did not go to their knees and worship it had to be pitched into a roaring furnace. Well, there are some Jews here—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—whom you have placed in high positions in the province of Babylon. These men are ignoring you, O king. They don't respect your gods and they won't worship the gold statue you set up."
13-15 Furious, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be brought in. When the men were brought in, Nebuchadnezzar asked, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you don't respect my gods and refuse to worship the gold statue that I have set up? I'm giving you a second chance—but from now on, when the big band strikes up you must go to your knees and worship the statue I have made. If you don't worship it, you will be pitched into a roaring furnace, no questions asked. Who is the god who can rescue you from my power?"
16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn't, it wouldn't make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn't serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up."
19-23 Nebuchadnezzar, his face purple with anger, cut off Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace fired up seven times hotter than usual. He ordered some strong men from the army to tie them up, hands and feet, and throw them into the roaring furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, bound hand and foot, fully dressed from head to toe, were pitched into the roaring fire. Because the king was in such a hurry and the furnace was so hot, flames from the furnace killed the men who carried Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to it, while the fire raged around Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
24 Suddenly King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in alarm and said, "Didn't we throw three men, bound hand and foot, into the fire?"
"That's right, O king," they said.
25 "But look!" he said. "I see four men, walking around freely in the fire, completely unharmed! And the fourth man looks like a son of the gods!"
26 Nebuchadnezzar went to the door of the roaring furnace and called in, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the High God, come out here!"
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked out of the fire.
27 All the important people, the government leaders and king's counselors, gathered around to examine them and discovered that the fire hadn't so much as touched the three men—not a hair singed, not a scorch mark on their clothes, not even the smell of fire on them!
28 Nebuchadnezzar said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and rescued his servants who trusted in him! They ignored the king's orders and laid their bodies on the line rather than serve or worship any god but their own.
29 "Therefore I issue this decree: Anyone anywhere, of any race, color, or creed, who says anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be ripped to pieces, limb from limb, and their houses torn down. There has never been a god who can pull off a rescue like this."
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

Suffering Article

In preparing for this Sunday's message I came across this brief article.

Why is there so much suffering

Pollster George Barna was once commissioned to inquire of people what one question they would ask God if they had the opportunity, and that God would answer. By an overwhelming majority the most urgent question was this, "Why is there so much suffering in the world?" The problem arises because of what we as Christians believe about God and about evil. Five things we believe as Christians: 1. God exists. 2. God is all good. 3. God is all powerful. 4. God is all wise. 5. Evil exists. Here is where the problem comes. How can the last statement be reconciled with the other four? If God had made no claim to being totally good, then the existence of evil would be easy to explain. So, how do you square an all good, all powerful, all wise God with evil and suffering.
The question is asked, why didn't God create a world where there was no evil, no suffering? He did! Genesis 1:31 reads, "And God saw everything that he made, and behold it was very good." Yet the world is soaked with evil, pain, suffering, earthquakes, and Tsunamis erupt. The question is what went wrong? In the beginning everything was perfect until man sinned. Genesis 3:1 records the time when everything went bad. It was when man and woman was deceived by Satan and sin entered the world. From that time sin has been passed on to every person who has been born. You don't have to teach a kid to be bad, you teach him to be good. You don't have to teach a child to lie, you teach him to be honest.
Romans 8:20 tells us that sin not only corrupted the heart of the human race, it corrupted the physical world, "everything on earth was subjected to God's curse."
Basically we have three types of evil that exist into he world. There is "Moral Evil" (such things as war, crime, racism and cruelty) and there is "Natural Evil" (hurricanes, tsunamis, flood, and earthquakes) and there is "Social Evil" (poverty, hunger, homelessness). Job 38:1 after Job demanded an answer of the "why question" and God gave him an answer that ends every other question about why. God's reply, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the Earth?" God is saying in effect, you wouldn't even be here in the first place if I had not decided to create you to begin with.
We don't know the answers to a lot of the questions about why there is suffering, why is there so much pain, why flood, and earthquakes. This one thing we know, God is on the throne. He is in control. God has a plan and a purpose we cannot see. Our part is to trust Him. He is not obligated to answer any of our questions. God allows things to happen for a reason!
How do I know God can take the worst thing that ever happened in history and turn it into the best thing which could happen. He did just that in the death of His innocent Son, who died on a cross and made it possible for salvation and the opportunity for us to receive eternal life.

www.baptistregional.com

Psalm 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19 (NIV)

For SCC - The Bible: What Makes It So Special? 10-7-07

The God Questions is the title of the series for October. We started the series on Sunday, 10-7-07 by addressing what makes the Bible special. The Bible is the key book for followers of Christ. The Bibles message is central to Christianity. A very fair question that people who are followers of Christ and skeptics want to know is what makes the Bible so special. Scott Salsman addressed this question by sharing with us insights from Josh McDowell and others who have done solid research about Christianity and the Bible.

Scott shared with us 5 Reasons the Bible is Unique:

1.Unique in its continuity
•Written over long period of time
•Written by over 40 authors
•Written in different places
•Written at different times

Written message is God's redemption of mankind

2.Unique in translation and circulation
Author When Written Early Copy Time Span # of copies
Ceasar 100-44 BC 900 AD 1000 yrs 10
Plato 27-347 BC 900 AD 1200 yrs 7
Illiad 900 BC 400 BC 500 yrs 643
New Test. 40-100 AD 125 AD 25 yrs 24,000

Throughout history great care was given to to see that the text remained the same.
3. Unique in its survival
•Its survival through time
•Its survival through persecution
•Its survival through criticism

4.Unique in its teaching

5.Unique in its influence
•Upon literature
•Upon morality
•Upon judicial systems

These are just the tip of the iceberg in regards to what makes the Bible special and unique.

I followed Scott and shared that the Bible is special because it is God's Word to us for life and for living. The Bible is a book of history, poems, wisdom, eyewitness accounts, letters and prophecy written to help us in life and living.

A few verses of Scripture that speak to God's Word for life and living

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
II Timothy 3:16-17

God's word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.
Hebrews 4:12

God’s Word. Read It. Study It. Apply it.

For SCC - Grander Vision Living 9-30-07

We finished up our series Just Walk Across The Room this past Sunday. The finishing of the series is really the beginning of the living of the series. Just Walk Across The Room has been about you and I learning to walk across rooms, offices, streets, and ball fields in order to meet people and give away what God has given to us. Scott shared with us that as we continue to think about and seek to walk across rooms we need to remember that people are the priority for God. God loves people and desires for everyone to hear of His love. As you and I serve people and help people enter into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ we need to keep in mind and heart that God sees incredible potential in all of us and He does the work of bringing new life and new hope. You and I have the opportunity of meeting people, sharing our faith, praying for friends and family, and being a part of God's grander vision living.

The Bible

The Bible is a collection of 66 books written by about 40 authors, in three different languages, on three different continents, over approximately 1600 years. The Bible claims to be inspired and inerrant. This means that the Bible claims to be from God and that it is without error in everything it addresses. The Bible contains many different styles of writing such as poetry, narration, fiction, history, law, and prophecy and must be interpreted in context of those styles. It is the source of the Christian religion in that the Bible contains the words of God and how the Christian is to apply the words of God to his life. Basically, the Bible describes the origin of man in the Garden of Eden along with his fall into sin and out of fellowship with God. It then describes how God called out a special people to Himself, the Israelites. He promised the Israelites a future Messiah who would restore mankind's relationship with God. The Bible is the account of the work of God in history bringing to fruition His prophetic declarations concerning Jesus. Jesus was born of the Virgin, died on the cross, and paid for sins, just as the Bible prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New. In short, the Bible points to Jesus, "You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me," (John 5:39). Furthermore, the Bible teaches us that forgiveness of sins is found in Jesus alone, "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved,” (Acts 4:12). Some say that the Bible is nothing more than fairy tales. But this cannot be for it contains great wisdom and truth and it has been verified throughout history as being accurate. Its historical accounts are flawlessly accurate. In fact, archaeology routinely demonstrates the accuracy of the biblical records concerning locations and events recorded in the Bible.

The Old Testament Books written by the prophets such as Moses, David, Isaiah, etc.
Pentateuch - 5 books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
Historical Books - 12 books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, First Samuel, Second Samuel, First Kings, Second Kings, First Chronicles, Second Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther.
Poetical - 5 books: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon
Prophetical - 17 books: Major Prophets - Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel; Minor Prophets - Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

The New Testament Books written by those who knew Jesus or were under the guidance of those who did know Jesus
Historical Books - 5 books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts
Pauline Epistles - 13 books: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians. 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon
Non-Pauline Epistles - 9 books: Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation
A. Note: Some authors attribute Hebrews to Paul.

Adapted from carm.org

"I was blind, but now I see."

John 9
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind 1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
6Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
8His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" 9Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself insisted, "I am the man."
10"How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded.
11He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see."
12"Where is this man?" they asked him. "I don't know," he said.
The Pharisees Investigate the Healing 13They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a Sabbath. 15Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. "He put mud on my eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now I see."
16Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath." But others asked, "How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?" So they were divided.
17Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened." The man replied, "He is a prophet."
18The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man's parents. 19"Is this your son?" they asked. "Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?"
20"We know he is our son," the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind. 21But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself." 22His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ[a] would be put out of the synagogue. 23That was why his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."
24A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God,[b]" they said. "We know this man is a sinner."
25He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"
26Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
27He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"
28Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! 29We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from."
30The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. 32Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."
34To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out.
Spiritual Blindness 35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
36"Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."
37Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."
38Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.
39Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."
40Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?"
41Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

Jena 6 Case

If you have watched or read any news as of late you are familiar with the phrase "Jena 6". The Jena 6 involves racism and racial tension in Jena, LA. This Jena 6 Case goes back to last year about this time and involves a high school, a town, teachers, students, parents, and the courts. As I read about it and watch some news coverage my heart is broken. This stuff is crazy. Not just the racism stuff, but the whole fighting, brawling, hanging noose, division, lack of discipline, the white tree, the courts, the seemingly lack of proper school action, and now the rallies throughout the states supporting the young men arrested for badly beating a another young man.

God help us all. I need it. We need it. Jena High School needs it. Jena, LA needs it. Racism is wrong. The whole "Jena 6" is wrong. The case may be about six students, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. This goes way beyond the six on trial. It does seem that injustice is being done in the court room and so people are speaking out via rallies and news media, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.

The white tree needs to become the prayer tree and a place where people meet God, confess there sins and get right with God and one another. The city and county leaders need to get over themselves, learn from the past, and move forward in new relationships. The white students need to rally for the black students and the black students need to rally for the white students. It seems some parents need to get off of their butts and begin to get over themselves, learn from the past, and move forward in new relationships. It may be that teachers in the local schools need to get over themselves, learn from the past and move forward in new relationships. You and I need to get over ourselves, learn from the past and move forward in new relationships.

THE THEME:

Get over ourselves.:

We are not our own. God created us and we need to understand that truth. We have gone astray in the way we treat God and one another. This is called sin. The word for sin really means missing the mark, not hitting the bulls eye on the target, falling short. I do not have to look very hard to see how I have missed the mark, not hit the bulls eye and have fallen short in my life in regards to decisions, actions, and thoughts. You most likely do not have to look very hard either. If you do you are blinded by self righteousness and ought to move to Jena, LA. You would fit right in with the others.

Learn from the past:

Racism is wrong. It is a sin. We all have it in us. History is clear on this matter and many other matters of our undoing.

Move forward in new relationships:

God loves us. All of us. He sent His son to die for our sin and in the resurrection of Jesus Christ we have life, a new relationship and new relationships. I have accepted this fact by faith and need to move forward in new thoughts, new relationships, restoration and reconciliation. I do not always do this even in my own family and friendships because I often need to get over myself, learn form the past, and move forward in new relationships. Sound familiar.

"Jena 6". God help us. Help us move past black, white, brown, tan, etc. God help me. Help me move past myself and allow you to move in my life. I admit this is hard for me the type A, driven, my way or the highway person I am, but I want you to take these traits and use them for your Kingdom and not my kingdom. God as I read your word, the news and learn from my family and from my mistakes move me in a new direction of healthy decision making for me, my family and my friends. Thanks for the hope you give. Thanks that my hope is in you. That you have brought life to me. May your healing and restoration take place in Jena, LA.

Next Steppers

My Parents (Eldon and Dawn Nethery), Ed Lane, Bill Pursley, Bill Whitney Terry Hitt, Jack and Joy Hathaway, Eldon and JoAnne Burks, Kyle Klemke, Mark Foley, Dr. Ritchie, Mom Merriman, Debbie Morgan, Joe Taylor, James Smith, Mike and Patti Paschall, Morris and Jodi Chapman, Lynn Holly, and others.

I accepted Christ by faith in 5th grade. In late high school and early college as I began to wander about life and such people in my life were able to help me through some hard times, help me have fun and grappled alongside of me with some difficult God and life questions along the way. I thank God that these and others introduced me to Jesus Christ and helped me grow in my walk with God. As I began to grow in my walk with God and and was given the opportunities to serve in various roles in a local church I then started sensing God's direction for my life was to serve Him in what is called "ministry". Some of the above helped me in that process and due to them I have been able to help a few others in their walk with God for over 23 years. THANKS to God and to the above named.

For SCC - Living In 3D 9-16-07

We continued our stroll through the series Just Walk Across The Room this past Sunday and it was really cool to see all the movement during the service when Scott Salsman asked us to write down on a card someone who helped us take a next step in our faith walk with Christ and then bring the cards to the front and place them in a basket. An individual from the back was the first to come forward and then the crowd started moving from there seats to the front of the auditorium. I was able to watch from the back and see the encouraging smiles and glances as people came together in the isle or made eye contact with one another. It was a beautiful site to see people remembering those who touched their lives. I placed the names of my parents, Ed Lane, the pastor of the church I attended as a kid and the pastor who gave me my first shot at ministry, and Mark Foley, a man who mentored me and helped me grow in Christ in my early college years on my card. There was not enough room on my card to place other names nor enough time in the service so I listed them in a blog titled Next Steppers.

During the service Scott help us understand what we can do as we move outside of our comfort zone and move into the zone of the unknown. He spoke to us about living in 3D.

1. Develop Friendships

2. Discover Stories

3. Discern Next Steps

As we walk across rooms, streets, fields, and offices and begin to meet new people we can live in 3D and have an eternal impact on a friends life. My life was has been touched by people that practiced these three steps and yet I had no idea they were practicing these three steps. God worked through people who cared for me, sought to understand me and then helped me understand Christianity. You and I have the same wonderful opportunity to care for people, listen to them and introduce them to the God who loves them and desires to offer them hope and eternal life. As we think about Living In 3D this week my give thanks for those who lived in 3D for us and then begin to live in 3D for others. During the service Ruth Nethery sang a powerful song about sharing the love of God with others because we do not want to be without them in heaven. May our prayers, desires, and living be in tune with God as we seek to walk across rooms for His sake.

Dear God, Thank You for eternal life. Thank You for life. I want others to experience the hope that You have given to me. Open my heart up to You, help me learn to be clear and non- religious when I am visiting with others about Your love and hope. Open up their hearts and minds to Your life and love found in Jesus Christ. Amen.

For SCC - The Single Greatest Gift 9-9-07

We started a new series this month called titled Just Walk Across The Room. The goal of this series is for us to begin walking across rooms, develop friendships and give away what God has given to us. The series is about you and me sharing with others how they can enter into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The series verse is John 3:16. Jesus speaking to a person in a one on one conversation said the following: "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." This past Sunday service was well received and many positive remarks were made after the service. I can tell that you and I are going to have fun together just walking across rooms.

Sunday the worship service focused on The Single Greatest Gift. The single greatest gift Christ-followers can give to the people around them is an introduction to the God who created them, who loves them, and who has a purpose for their life. THIS is what walking across the room is all about - constantly watching for ways to give that gift to someone living far from God. Let me write that again. The single greatest gift Christ-followers can give to the people around them is an introduction to the God who created them, who loves them, and who has a purpose for their life. You and I like to give gifts. We like to receive gifts also, but most of us find it fulfilling and rewarding to give gifts to loved ones, family members, and friends. We find it exciting to celebrate a persons birthday with them and give them a gift we know they will enjoy and appreciate. There is something about shopping for, finding, purchasing and giving the gift that is fun and adds a little pep to our step. For those of us who are followers of Jesus Christ the single greatest gift we can give is to a person, friend, family member or acquaintance is an introduction to the God who created them, who loves them, and who has a purpose for their life. Giving away the single greatest gift is exciting and and will definitely place some pep in your spiritual step. We have the opportunity to give a life and death changing gift. Three steps that you and I can take to begin to give away the single greatest gift are:

1. Be willing to enter the Zone of the Unknown.

2. Listen to the Spirit's promptings.

3. Just Walk.

Be willing to enter the Zone of the Unknown. Just be open to move out of your circle a comfort for a brief time and walk across the room, your street, the office, the hall, a field and meet a new person and begin a conversation with them. You never know how God might take your willingness to move into the Zone of the Unknown and move the person you met into eternal life through your friendship and story. Be aware of God. Listen to the Spirit's promptings. God will speak to you and prompt you to share His live with others if we a just open. Begin to look at people as more than just people. Begin to see them as God's priority. Begin to see them as God's most important creation. Begin to see them as John 3:16 " For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." As you do this God will prompt you and nudge you to speak to them about His love in a very casual, everyday way. Just be willing to listen to the Spirit's promptings and then Just Walk. Take some action. God will go before you. God will walk with you. Just Walk. Walk across the room, say hello and see what God does as you seek to give away what God has given to you. As we begin to grasp that God has given to us the single greatest gift of eternal life and a real and vibrant relationship with Him we will be willing to enter the Zone of the Unknown, listen to the Spirit's promptings and begin walking. I look forward to the stroll through this series and walking with you as we all begin to walk across rooms, develop friendships and give away what God has given to us.

Children's Prayers

Dear God: Please send a new baby for Mommy. The new baby you sent last week cries too much. - Debie, 7
Dear God: Who did you make smarter? Boys or girls? My sister and I want to know. - Jimmy, 6 Dear God: How many angels are there in heaven? I would like to be the first kid in my class to know the answer. - Norma, 8
Dear God: This is my prayer. Could you please give my brother some brains. So far he doesn’t have any. - Angela, 8
Dear Lord: Thank you for the nice day today. You even fooled the TV weather man. - Hank, 7
Dear God: Please bring me a new brother. The one I got socks me all the time. - Agnes, 6
Dear God: Please help me is school. I need help in spelling, adding, history, geography and writing. I don’t need help in anything else. - Lois, 9
Dear God: Do you have any helpers in Heaven? I would like to be one of Your helpers in Heaven when I have summer vacation. - Natalie, 7
Dear Lord: Tomorrow is my birthday. Could you please put a rainbow in the sky? - Susan, 9
Dear God: I need a raise in my allowance. Could you have one of your angels tell my father. Thank you. David, 7
Dear God: I am saying my prayers for me and my brother, Billy, because Billy is six months old and he can’t do anything but sleep and wet his diapers. Diane, 8

Just for laughs.

Becoming A Follower Of Jesus Christ

1. God Loves You!
The Bible says, "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"
The problem is that
2. All of us have done, said or thought things that are wrong. This is called sin, and our sins have separated us from God.The Bible says “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” God is perfect and holy, and our sins separate us from God forever. The Bible says “The wages of sin is death.”
The good news is that, about 2,000 years ago,
3. God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins.Jesus is the Son of God. He lived a sinless life and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. “God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”Jesus rose from the dead and now He lives in heaven with God His Father. He offers us the gift of eternal life -- of living forever with Him in heaven if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me."God reaches out in love to you and wants you to be His child. "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name." You can choose to ask Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and come in to your life as your Lord and Savior.
4. If you want to accept Christ, you can ask Him to be your Savior and Lord by praying a prayer like this: "Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you in to my life to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always."

Rules for Prayer

Rules for the Practice of Prayer. Age-old wisdom for approaching the throne of grace.

by Jeremy Taylor

Jeremy Taylor was a highly regarded preacher, teacher, and counselor in 17th century England. He believed that life could be holy in every respect. His Rule and Exercises of Holy Living (1650) accentuates this fact; it is a plea to seek righteousness in every area of living. Following are excerpts from his practice of prayer. There are valuable for both personal and group reflection.

1. We must be careful, that we never ask anything of God that is sinful: for that is to ask of God to dishonor himself. Let us principally ask of God power and assistances to do our duty, to glorify God, to do good works, to live a good life, to die in the fear and favor of God, and eternal life.
2. We may lawfully pray to God for the gifts of the Spirit, such as preaching, good expression, a ready and unloosed tongue, good understanding, and learning, with these restraints:
• That we cannot be so confident of the event of those prayers as of the former.
• That we must be curious to secure our intention in these desires, that we may not ask them to serve our own ends, but only for God's glory.
• We must submit to God's will, desiring him to choose our employment, and to furnish our persons as he shall see expedient.
3. Whatsoever we may lawfully desire of temporal things, we may lawfully ask of God in prayer, and we may expect them, as they are promised in Holy Scripture.
4. He that would pray with effect, must live with care and piety. For although God gives to sinners and evil persons the common blessings of life and chance; yet they by contradicting some necessary ingredient in prayer, (such as mercy, humility, purity, and sincerity) do defile the prayer, and make it a direct sin.
5. All prayer must be made with faith and hope.
6. Our prayers must be fervent, intense, earnest, and importunate, when we pray for things of high concernment and necessity. In other things, we are to use a bridle: and, as we must limit our desires with submission to God's will, so also we must limit the importunity of our prayers, by the moderation and term of our desires. Pray for it as earnestly as you should desire it.
7. Our good desires must be lasting, and our prayers frequent, assiduous, and continual; not asking for a blessing once, and then leaving it; but daily renewing our suits.
8. Let the words of our prayers be pertinent, grave, material, not studiously many. God hears us not the sooner for our many words, but much the sooner for an earnest desire.
9. In all forms of prayer, mingle petition with thanksgiving.
10. Whatever we beg of God, let us also work for it. For God loves to bless labor and to reward it, but not to support idleness. Read Scriptures; and then pray to God for understanding. Pray against temptation: but you must also resist the devil. Ask of God competency of living: but you must also work with your hands the things that are honest.
11. To this purpose let every man study his prayers, and read his duty in his petitions. For the body of our prayer is the sum of our duty.
12. In all prayers, we must be careful to attend our present work, not wandering upon impertinent things. Strive to obtain a diligent, sober, untroubled, and composed spirit.
13. Let your posture and gesture of body in prayers be reverent, grave, and humble. Stand or kneel, or lie flat upon the ground on your face, in your ordinary and more solemn prayers; but in extraordinary prayers, the reverence and devotion of the soul, and the lifting up of the eyes and hands to God with any other posture not indecent, is usual and commendable. For we may pray in bed, on horseback, everywhere, and at all times, and in all circumstances.
14. We, who must love our neighbors as ourselves, must also pray for them as for ourselves. This is called intercession; we are to remember our relatives, our family, our charge, our benefactors, our creditors; not forgetting to beg pardon and charity for our enemies, and protection against them.
15. Rely not on your single prayer in matters of great concern. Make it as public as you can, obtaining others to pray with you, this being the great blessing of the communion of saints: that a prayer united is strong, like a well-ordered army. God loves to be tied fast with such cords of love, and constrained by holy violence.
16. Every time, that is not seized upon by some other duty, is seasonable enough for prayer: but let it be performed as a solemn duty morning and evening, that God may begin and end all our business, and "the outgoing of the morning and evening may praise him."

This is taken from an email I receive form Building Church Leaders.

Football and Church

Yesterday and this afternoon I spent some time reflecting on the Summer for my family and for the church I lead. As I reflected on the summer with Sunrise I could not help but begin to look forward to the Fall. This led me to look over my children's School Calendar, class schedule and of course the Friday Night Football Schedule which led me to think about Western Branch High School, Midwestern State University, University of TX, Virginia Tech, and of course the Dallas Cowboys. The football craze has begun. The NFL is in pre-season. Fantasy Football is the talk at many offices and guys night out. Sports Bars are gearing up for the crowds. Fans are sporting shirts, backpacks, hats, flags, etc. College students return to school ready to paint themselves the school colors in order to support their team. Fans are talking smack, I am one of those fans, and conversations at all types of gatherings will include some football discussions. I am looking forward to stopping by a local Mexican restaurant, picking up some chip and dip, and watching the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday or Monday nights with my friends Mark and Cindy Reed on their big screen TV. Fall Football. Good times. Supporting your team. Yelling at the TV. Knowing more than the coach. Having fun.

These thoughts about Football led me to then think about Church. Not because we will have to be sure to get out on time for Sunday afternoon football, but because I want people, followers of Christ, to go crazy over Christ and His Church like they do over football. Christ fans talking smack because of what cool changes have taken place in their lives. Christ fans arriving early for a weekend service because they can't wait to see their friends and worship God. People at the office talking about the experience they had in worship. High fives taking place when someone accepts Christ. Slaps on the rear end when someone does an awesome job in the ministry in which they serve. People staying true to Christ and His local church when things go bad and celebrations happening when God reveals himself in His many ways in His many victories. Go Jesus! Fall Football is exciting stuff, so is Fall Church.

Community Groups

Sunday evening, August 26, 2007 Sunrise had a Community Group Open House. The Open House was a very positive experience. People meeting one another, telling stories, and laughing with one another. Sunrise will begin new Community Groups this September. These groups meet twice a month at various times and on various days. Each meeting last approximately an hour and a half and include visiting with one another, Bible study, sharing and encouragement, and prayer. People open up their homes for a Community Group and those in attendance have a good time visiting, learnng, growing and encouraging one another. This Fall Sunrise is starting new groups and and the existing groups are growing in numerical growth. That is exciting. Thanks to Scott Salsman, SCC's OutReach and InReach Pastor, and Jenny Michonski who does a great deal of administrative work for SCC and for Community Groups. Thanks also to those who open their homes and for the Community Group leaders. Visit www.sunrisecc.org for more information about Community Groups and other small groups in SCC.

Some Words Made Up At Sunrise

Godcidence: Much like and much more than a coincidence. Something unusual that happens in your life as you seek to live for and with God.

Creavolution: Creation and evolution. God created and causes evolution. We are God's creation. We do evolve. Creation and evolution are not rivals, but related.

Faithilistic: You have heard someone say, "We need to be realistic." Sunrise believes followers of Christ need to be faithlistic. See what God can do in our lives and the lives of others as we live by faith in a very real world.

Some Sunrise Sayings

"People are a priority."

"Once you become a follower of Christ you will have to think more than you ever thought before."

"You matter. Your life counts. You are a diffence maker."

"God desires to be involved in your life, let Him."

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. NASB

But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us. Amplified Bible

Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn't, and doesn't, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn't been so weak, we wouldn't have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him. The Message

For SCC - Dying To Live 8-26-07

Sunday morning we ended our series "From One To Outrageous". Scott shared with us Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates his love for us in that while we were still sinning Christ died for us." Christ death brings us life. While preparing Salsa Scott explained that the death of Christ can be seen in all of life and that death does lead to life. In taking the Lord's supper we remembered how the death of Christ brings life. We remembered that eternal life and hope is derived from the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christianity is about life. Becoming a follower of Christ is about death and life. In Luke 9:23 Jesus said, "If anyone wishes to come after Me he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow Me." Taking up the cross means dying to self and recognizing new life in Christ. In Galatians 2:20 the Apostle Paul, a follower of Christ, wrote, "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Paul, a very educated and well travelled man understood and spent his life seeking to help others understand that death brings life. May you and I give some thought to the life that we gain because of the love of God and seek to help others enter into life.

Psalm 94:18-19 Verses of the Day at Bible Gateway

When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
Psalm 94:18-19 found in the Bible

Solar Zone

Earlier this week, Tuesday, August 21, I posted some comments about a new leader and helper in Solar Zone (SCC's Children's Ministry). I want to say again that I appreciate the ministry of Solar Zone. As I think about the new school year beginning and the work and effort that the Solar Zone leaders and helpers place into ministering to the children I am overwhelmed with thanks. Sunrise has a good number of children attending on Sunday mornings and the children and their parents are treated with kindness and honor. The most heard comment form children who attend Solar Zone is something like this, "That was fun". I am aware that people's schedules and life circumstances can be overwhelming and so is probably the case with most of the Solar Zone servants, yet they continue to touch lives. They continue to pray, plan, and prepare in order to help children enjoy being in a church setting, learn the Bible, eventually accept Christ as their Lord and Savior and begin to grow in their relationship with God. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.

Psalm 100

1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100 found in the Bible

Galatians 5:22-23

22-23But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Galatians 5:22-23 The Message

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Galatians 5:22-23 The New Living Translation

I Choose...

I choose self-control...

I am a spiritual being... After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.

Max Lucado, Grace For The Moment

The Lord's Supper And A Party

This coming Sunday, 8-26-07, Sunrise will take Communion/Lord's Supper. As we remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ we will also talk about celebrating new life and the hope Jesus Christ brings into a persons life and into His church.

A New Leader And A New Helper

Sunday morning the Children's Ministry had a new leader and a new helper in Solar Zone (SCC's Children's Ministry). These ladies are helping children understand God's love in a fun, creative and safe enviornment in Solar Zone. these ladiew are part of a ministry team/group that is making an eternal difference in children's lives. As they serve and minister in Solar Zone they will get to know one another better, parents of the children better and other adults in the Solar Zone Ministry better and help SCC build a sense a community. Sweet! Thanks to all who lead and help in Solar Zone.

Beach Baptism Bash

The beach baptism was a great time. It was exciting for everyone who was there. The water was blueish, greenish, brownish, the sun yellowish, the sand beigeish and the people at the end of the day were redish, brownish. The atmosphere was joyish. Those being baptized were pumedish. Thanks to all who helped with "Student Ministry Hits The Beach" and the baptism.
Sunrise Community Church was started seven years ago in order to help people accept Christ, grow in their relatiosnhip with Christ and begin to serve Christ. Thank God it is happening. The people who were baptized on Sunday were helped by people who were baptized just last year. Many of the adult chaperones who helped with the Student Ministry have grown by leaps and bounds in their faith walk in just the past couple of years. Thank God. Thanks to the family members who supported those being baptized.

Baptism is about hope. Baptism is the outward expression of an inward decision to accept Jesus Christ and begin a new life in Christ. New life is about hope. God is about hope.

Hebrews 10:24-25

24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near
Hebrews 10:24-25

Centri-Kid

Raving reports from C-Kid. Five children accepted Christ and others rededicated their lives to Christ. The adults were encouraged in their faith walk and had a good time with the children. Thanks to Jenny Michonski for planning this week and putting it all togehter back in January. Thanks to Mark Reed, Judy Coleman, Ray Coleman, and Scott Salsman for helping with the week. These people gave and had an amazing week.

I Choose...

I choose gentleness...

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it only be in praise. If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

Grace For the Moment, Max Lucado

Andrew, Simon Peter's Brother

Andrew bringing others to Jesus.

35The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"
37When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?" They said, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"
39"Come," he replied, "and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.
40Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). 42And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter).
John 1:35-42

1Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick. 3Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. 4The Jewish Passover Feast was near.
5When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" 6He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
7Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"
8Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 9"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"
10Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. 11Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
12When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." 13So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
14After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world."
John 6:1-14

20Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. 21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." 22Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
23Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
27"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name!"
Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." 29The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." 33He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
34The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?"
35Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. 36Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
John 12:20-35

The link below is a brief bit about Andrew.
http://www.chrysostom.org/firstcalled/life.html

For SCC - Give It Up 8-5-07

From One to Outrageous is the Weekend Service theme for Sunrise during the month of August. This past Sunday John 6:9 was the one verse and that we learned to live so that we can begin to experience outrageous results. John 6:9 is tucked away in the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. John 6:9 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?"

This one verse is packed full of biblical truths that you and I can apply to our lives, but we walked away with two thoughts to live. The boy decided to give. The lad made the choice to give up his fish and barley loaves. He gave. Out of his giving the boy and others were amazed. The boy gave and outrageous results were experienced. The people who were hungry ate from the fish and loaves the boy gave until everyone was full and there were leftovers to the amazement of all. Five barley loaves and two fish fed over 5000 people with lunch for tomorrow left over. From one verse we can begin to experience outrageous results in our own lives. We, like the boy, can chose to give. We can give of our finances, abilities, and resources. We can decide to give of our time, talents, and treasure. When you and I give it blesses other people and we like to bless other people. We like to see people smile, rejoice, and have fun. We enjoy giving gifts to loved ones. We enjoy giving at Christmas time. We like to go out to dinner with family and friends and even purchase the meal. We like to open up our homes and have people over for drinks, chips and a football game. We like to give. May we give it up. Choose to give.

When we choose to give we will be amazed as the people were in the story. The question posed by Andrew, "but what are these for so many people?", is answered when we give and God multiplies. When we choose to give God will do a mighty work. Be amazed. Give. If you are not giving begin giving. Be like the boy. Choose to give. If you are giving, continue to give and ask God to multiply your giving for His glory. Giving of your time, talents, and treasure leads to people experiencing eternal life, new and hopeful relationships, the hungry being feed, homes being built, and other outrageous results. Give it up. The boy gave. He was amazed.

Here About This Tree Sunday, 8-5-07

The story behind this tree this Sunday, 8-5-07 or in next weeks blogs. Nice looking tree, hey.

ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS

When God speaks, listen.
When God commands, obey.
When God leads, follow.

Taken from God Is In The Small Stuff, Bruce and Stan

One Verse Comment

Please see the post "The Bible Passage For This Coming Sunday" and look at the comment. Funny. LOL. Good comment.

John 6:9 will be the verse for this Sunday.

The Bible Passage For This Coming Sunday

1-4After this, Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee (some call it Tiberias). A huge crowd followed him, attracted by the miracles they had seen him do among the sick. When he got to the other side, he climbed a hill and sat down, surrounded by his disciples. It was nearly time for the Feast of Passover, kept annually by the Jews.
5-6When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, "Where can we buy bread to feed these people?" He said this to stretch Philip's faith. He already knew what he was going to do.
7Philip answered, "Two hundred silver pieces wouldn't be enough to buy bread for each person to get a piece."
8-9One of the disciples—it was Andrew, brother to Simon Peter—said, "There's a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that's a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this."
10-11Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." There was a nice carpet of green grass in this place. They sat down, about five thousand of them. Then Jesus took the bread and, having given thanks, gave it to those who were seated. He did the same with the fish. All ate as much as they wanted.
12-13When the people had eaten their fill, he said to his disciples, "Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted." They went to work and filled twelve large baskets with leftovers from the five barley loaves.
John 6:1-13 The Message

For SCC - Catch The Wave Of Priorities 7-29-07

This past Sunday, 7-29-07 Sunrise ended the series Catch the Wave. The service was about making the most of priorities and living in and with priorities. The word priorities often leads people to think about time management, to lists, or accomplishing certain task by a deadline. We live by priorities whether we realize it or not. At Sunrise we want people to be aware they are living by priorities and to think through priorities. Forming and living by priorities is Biblical (Genesis 1 and 2, Micah 6:8, Luke 19:10, John 3:16, Philippians 3:13) and and will lead us to really think through life issues and what is really important. Priorities will determine decisions that lead to destiny.

Sow a thought, reap and action.

Sow and action, reap a habit.

Sow a habit, reap a character.

Sow a character, reap a destiny.

Our priorities are what we think about, dwell on and eventually live out, so it is important that we think about our priorities. Some benefits of thinking through, setting and living by priorities are: Priorities help us prioritize. Priorities help us accomplish purpose. Priorities simplify life. Priorities help us establish boundaries. Thank God that he has helped us with a priority list that will honor him and bear good fruit. Three priorities that God set forth are: 1) Worshipping God. Realize that there is a God and you are not him or her. 2) Relationships. Healthy, vibrant, growing relationships in your family, with friends, and co-workers is a priority for God. 3) Work. Yes, work. God created us to be productive and and create. Work, not just your job, but various types of work on the job, at home, or ministering to others. By the way they are given to us by God in 1, 2, 3 so that is how we should prioritize them and then set our priorities. Priorities will determine decisions that lead to destiny.

I Choose...

I choose faithfulness...
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

Max Lucado, Grace for the Moment.

I Choose...

I choose kindness...

I will to the poor, for they are alone. to the rich, for they are of afraid. And to the unkind, for such is how god has treated me.

I choose goodness...

I will go wita dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overbooked before I boast. I will confess before I accuse. I choose goodness.

Renewal in Ezekiel

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26

In this verse and in this passage God is speaking to people and encouraging them to look to him for renewal and for restoration. May you and I look to God and allow him to turn our hearts toward Him.

Renewal from Lamentations

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:
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;
Lamentations 3:19-25

13 Young men toil at the millstones; boys stagger under loads of wood.
14 The elders are gone from the city gate; the young men have stopped their music.
15 Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.
16 The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned!
17 Because of this our hearts are faint, because of these things our eyes grow dim
18 for Mount Zion, which lies desolate, with jackals prowling over it.
19 You, O LORD, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation.
20 Why do you always forget us? Why do you forsake us so long?
21 Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may return; renew our days as of old
Lamentation 5:13-21

For SCC - Catch The Wave Of Renewal 7-22-07

Sunrise continues the them of Catch The Wave. On 7-22-07 the service was planned around the theme of renewal. GLARE did an awesome job of leading us to worship and encounter God via music and there addition of U2's the Streets Have No Name to I Am Free was sweet. Look forward to singing it again this coming Sunday. Renewal is something we understand and desire. In order to be renewed this week and in weeks to come keep in mind and heart the following.

Be Made New. The first and foremost step to renewal is being made new in Jesus Christ. When you and I accepted Christ we were made new. this is the theme throughout the Bible. God makes people new for His glory, for His Kingdom, for Him. God is into to new and renewal. Be made new. When you become a follower of Christ God and all of heaven rejoices over you. You are made new and you become a saint of God. Yes, you are a saint of God. Today, heaven is rejoicing over you and you have the opportunity to walk in sainthood. Hopefully that is encouraging.

Allow God to Renew You. Throughout days, weeks, months and sometimes years we will become tired, weary, worn down and even downcast. In these times seek god and allow Him to renew you. Stop. Look. Listen. Stop. Be still and hear from God. Even if you do not hear from Him be still and be in His presence. Look. Look to God. Look to His power. Look for His renewal. Look beyond your circumstances and look to the God who really does care for you. I am aware of difficult and hard circumstances. So are you. But may we not dwell in them and even look to them. When you feel as if you are about to breakdown look to God for a break through. Listen. Listen to god through His written Word. The Bible is more than a book. The Bible is God's Word. The Bible is power. The Bible is renewing and refreshing. Listen to God. Draw hope and renewal from God as you listen to Him through His word to you and me.

Isaiah 40:28-31

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31 Found in the Bible

Renewal

I just finished up my message for this coming Sunday, July 22, 2007. Allow me to rephrase, I just finished up the message for this Sunday, but it is never complete because the complete work is God's work. I have prayed, planned, prepared and asked God to work in and through the message and the service. The service has been planned and is going to be an excellent experience. Many people are involved in putting the service together and it is a good feeling to see the service come together with the whole intent of all involved for people to encounter God and experience life change and eternal hope. May we experience renewal this weekend as we look to the Almighty God.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:10-12

II Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
II Timothy 1:7 Found in the Bible

I Choose...

I choose patience...

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who took my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

Max Lucado, Grace For The Moment.

These are choices I definitely need to make and want to make. I choose patience.

God's Grace

Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. Ephesians 2:8-9 (The Message)

8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

8For it is by free grace [God's unmerited favor] that you are saved [delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation] through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God;
9Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] Ephesians 2:8-9 (Amplified Bible)

For SCC - Catch The Wave Of Grace 7-15-07

On Sunday, July 15th Scott Salsman spoke to us about catching the wave of grace. He presented to us in a very clear and thought provoking manner to need for God's grace versus us relying on good works to get us into heaven. He presented the idea of the American work ethic and that America was built by people with a good work ethic. This idea of the work ethic tends to filter over into religion and Christianity. Meaning: Good People = going to heaven. This seems to make sense. It seems to be a fair system, it motivates people to be good, it is consistent with the idea of a good God, and it lends most people to thin that they will make it to heaven , which by the way is whee most people want to go after they die. Makes sense?? There are some pretty clear and understandable problems with the good people make it to heaven concept. 1. There is no clear standard for what is good and bad. Different people, people groups, religions, nations, leaders, even you and I may differ on what is good or bad. Even in different phases of life we may change our mind on what is good or bad as we grow and mature or immature. But the Bible, God's Word makes it very clear no matter what you or I think about being good or bad that everyone has sinned and falls short of the glory of God (Roman3:23) and that there is none righteous, not one (Romans 3:10). So therefore by God's standard good in my opinion or your opinion just ain't good enough. 2. Even if we could be good enough we would not be real clear on just how good is good enough to find God's favor by doing good and therefore make it into heaven. On a grading scale do wee need a 70 or 80 or 65 for that matter. Do we have to make up for the bad. Is the good enough stuff that we do only for a certain amount of time in our lives. Just how good do we have to be? 3. It makes a liar out of Jesus. If good works is the way to heaven and they way to have a relationship with God then Jesus Christ is a liar. Jesus made it pretty clear that even some good people who thought they knew they way of good deeds to heaven may not make it into heaven. He also accepted people as were and did not tell them to be good all the time and that would assure them a place in heaven. In His teaching, living, dying, and being raised from the dead He made it clear to his followers and all that God in His grace has provided the way to heaven. That way is Jesus Christ. Not by good works, but by God's grace and provision for all (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Catch the Wave of Grace. Move past the good works or good deeds syndrome and and enter into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and be sure of your place in heaven and god's Kingdom because of God' provision and God's plan.

Thanks Scott for the very clear, thought provoking and GOOD message.

I Choose...

I choose joy...

I will invite my God to be the God of my circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical... the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see peole as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose peace...

I will live forgiven. I will forgive that I may live.

Max Lucado, Grace for the Moment.

Paradoxical Commandments

Steve Gabriele closed his message this past Sunday with this reading he found in the book Becoming A Person Of Influence.

The Paradoxical Commandments

by Dr. Kent M. Keith

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.Give the world the best you have anyway.

© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968, renewed 2001

Innovative Leaders

Four Qualities of Innovative Church Leaders
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Buzz Conference in Washington, D. C. Craig Groeschel, the pastor of LifeChurch.tv was one of the main speakers. One of his sessions he shared what he thinks are four great qualities of innovative leaders. I thought I’d pass them on to you here today.
First, innovative leaders heal the sick. Jesus sought out those in need and met their needs. Unfortunately today, too many churches are inwardly focused and are not meeting the needs of unbelievers. Craig said that in order to reach those who no one is reaching, we will have to do things that no one else is doing. Our goal is to reach people for Jesus however we can (short of sin), and in order to do that, we need to teach our people to love people who don’t know Christ. His question to us was, “Who is God calling you to reach that no one around you is reaching?”
Second, innovative leaders break the rules. Jesus broke the Sabbath rules. Craig used the analogy of Nascar. “Go straight, turn left. Go straight, turn left.” Innovative leaders don’t take the common path. They turn right! Every great movement of God was started by a leader making a right turn. Quest: What is God calling you to do that’s never been done before?
Third, innovative leaders offend the Pharisees. When you do something new to reach people for Jesus, the Pharisees WILL attack with a vengeance. But Craig said we shouldn’t worry when the Pharisees are shooting at us. We should worry when the aren’t. He asked, “What new thing will God call you to create that will be hated today and embraced tomorrow?”
Fourth, innovative leaders redefine success. Instead of saying how many people they are reaching and bragging about numbers, innovative leaders are constantly reminded how many people there are still to reach. We cannot be impressed with ourselves. We need to stop building attendance and start building the Kingdom.
It was a great lesson on leadership.
So… you have my (and Craig’s permission): Heal the sick. Break the rules. Offend the Pharisees. And redefine success!

This is taken from an e-letter I receive called mondaymorninginsight.com. Graig is the lead pastor of http://www.lifechurch.tv/ in OK and other states. Steve Nethery