Does Jesus Go To Church?

Pastor Paul’s New Year Sermon Series:
Does Jesus Go To Church?

January 6 ~ Miracle Mindset
*Re-starting Homebuilders, 6pm*
13 ~ Duplicity
20 ~ Hospitality
27 ~ Team
*Pastor Short speaking*
February 3 ~ Fasting
*Special week of prayer and fasting*
10 ~ Testimonies
17 ~ Networking
24 ~ He’s Alive

Hope For The New Year

Today is the finale of A Season Of Hope
This Holiday Season Sermon Series has made a difference
I’ve decided to dedicate Hope For The New Year
to a necessary review of all that we have learned...

1. Help for the Stressed

Remember, Obedience is the key to relieving stress

Deuteronomy 28:1,13…If you will listen diligently to the voice of the LORD your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you this day, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth…And the Lord shall make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath…

God created us…
Don’t you think obedience to His word and listening to the Spirit’s promptings will alleviate the stress of life!
Obeying the LORD usually involves some minor thing that will make a major difference!

God’s anointing or blessing is on obedience.
If we are doing something He has not approved, He is under no obligation to give us the energy to do it.

I’m telling you, family of God, God cares deeply about THE LITTLE THINGS…

Can you hear Him saying? Psalm 46:10…Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!

IF we will but EXALT Jesus we won’t be EXHAUSTED

Isaiah 40:28-31…Have you not known? Have you not heartd? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not fain or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding. He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has not might He increases strength (causing it to multiply and making it to abound). Even youths shall faint and be weary, and (selected) young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; But those who wait for the LORD (who expect, look for, and hope in Him) shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up (close to God) as eagles (mount up to the sun); they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.

2. Help for the Lonely

Remember God Is Always With You
Hebrews 13:5…He (God) Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. (I will) not, (I will) not, (I will) not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let (you) down (relax My hold on you)! (Assuredly not!)…

You Cannot Be Separated from God’s Love
Romans 8:38-39…For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, not things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our LORD…

The LORD Will Take Care of You
Psalm 27:10…Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the LORD will take me up (adopt me as His child)…

God will do a NEW Thing
Isaiah 43:18,19…Do not (earnestly) remember the former things: neither consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert…

I need to give honor where honor is due: Joyce Meyer’s teaching on Emotional Healing has aided greatly to this sermon series…

3. Help for the Fearful

2 Timothy 1:7…For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but (He has given us a spirit) of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control…

Deuteronomy 31:6…Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the LORD your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you…

Romans 10:17…So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God…

We need to learn and confess aloud Scriptures like these, even drink them in like a glass of water when we are thirsty. When we open our mouth and confess what the Lord says to us and about us, God’s Word will give us the power to overcome the fears that torment and prevent…

Isaiah 41:10,13…Fear not (there is nothing to fear), for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My (victorious) right hand of rightness and justice…For I the LORD your God hold your right hand; I am the LORD, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you!...

Help for any situation is found in the inerrant uncompromising awe-inspiring life-changing uncontainable indescribable incomparable Word of God!

4. Help for the Depressed

Remember, There is Much Power in Rejoicing

Philippians 4:4…Rejoice in the LORD always (delight, gladden yourselves in Him); again I say, REJOICE!...

expressing joy will change your circumstances

Psalm 32:11…Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you (uncompromisingly) righteous (you who are upright and in right standing with Him); shout for joy, all you upright in heart!...

Psalm 42:5…Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God…

Resisting Satan at his onset will stop extended bouts of depression!

1Peter 5:8,9…Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring (in fierce hunger), seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith (against his onset – rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined), knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world…

5. Help for the Discouraged

Hebrews 12:1-3…Let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Looking away (from all that will detract) to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith (giving the first incentive for our belief) and is also its Finisher (bringing it to maturity and perfection). He, for the joy (of obtaining the prize) that was set before Him, endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself (reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials), so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds…

Remember the poem: I Refuse To Be Discouraged, by B.J. George

6. Help for the Insecure

Please remember, our worth is not based on anything we do but in what God has already done.

1 John 4:19…We love Him, because He first loved us…

Believe in Yourself – in what God Can Do Through you
God needs you. But if you don’t believe in yourself, if you don’t believe in the ability God has placed on the inside of you, you will discount yourself. You will sit on the sidelines and watch other people be used by God in your place.

1 Corinthians 12:7…Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…

Psalm 139…For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well…

As believers, our sense of worth has to be rooted and grounded not in the opinions of men but in the love of God!

Discover the True Source of Confidence
Philippians 3:3…For we (Christians) are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit and by the Spirit of God and exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, and put no confidence or dependence (on what we are) in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances…

7. Help for the Worried

Psalm 91:1,2…He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand). I will say of the LORD. He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I (confidently) trust!

Joyce Meyer said it best…It is so important to “hang in there” with God. Don’t quit and give up, because you gain experience and spiritual strength every round you go through. Each time you become a little stronger than you were the last time. Sooner or later, if you don’t give up, you will be more than the devil can handle!

This next scripture pretty much sums up the entire series…
Isaiah 26:3…You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and HOPES confidently in You…

2008 doesn’t have to be filled with stress, loneliness, fear, depression, discouragement, insecurity, worry!
NO, in Jesus Name, find HELP in God's Word...

Remember the greatest Hope: maybe Jesus will come in 2008

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Today it has snowed ALL DAY LONG.

Usually it snows a little and then the sun breaks thru.

I can't remember the last time it snowed ALL DAY in Rogue River!

Oh and Santa put coal in Holly's stocking, but don't worry I gave her some presents even though she's been naughty...hee hee

Carols Candlelight & Communion, Today's Special Christmas Service

OH what a WONDERFUL service this morning!

I wish we could do it over and over again...

I look forward to our special Christmas Service every year!

The EXCELLENT special music: Megan, Andrew, Baylee and Rylie...And that kid's nativity was classic! One little boy was so busy waving at his mommy that he almost knocked the communion table flat (we could win thousands on America's Funniest Home Videos)...

I think the adults love the children's story as much as or more than the kids. This year it was THE LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE: Did you know the Christmas Tree was a tool for teaching the Trinity (each corner represents the Father, Son and Holy Spirit)...

Holly Scrooged Me

http://www.scroogeyourself.com/?id=1164928788

Ding Dong Ding Dong

Lieutenant Colin of the Salvation Army asked the Pastors of the Rogue Valley if they could spare a few hours to fill in any holes in the bell-ringing schedule this Holiday Season...

So, today I was a Ding Dong for the Salvation Army!

These three boys came in with a sack full of change (mabye it was from their piggy banks) and blessed my bell-ringing socks off...

Christmasing

Tonight we had our annual caroling party despite the BUCKETS OF RAIN falling from the sky...

You may notice the teenagers were the only ones to show up, braving the weather (it was supposed to be an all church event)...

The students started out singing but soon were unable to read the words of the carols because their papers were completely soaked...

So, it quickly turned into a door-to-door acts of kindness passing out candy canes with invitations attached to our special Christmas Service this Sunday...

And, a few days ago the board and staff got together for our annual Christmas party. Santa Curt entertained on the keyboard...

Holly Tricia Goodell West

When we were visiting Holly's family over the Thanksgiving Holiday I "borrowed" Holly's baby pictures to scan on my computer...

ISN'T SHE ADORABLE!

She still constantly makes those cute faces...

HOW IN THE WORLD DID THIS PRECIOUS GIRL CHOOSE ME TO MARRY?

I would say I'm lucky, but I think the better word is BLESSED!

Help For The Worried

A Season of Hope
Help For The Worried

1Peter 5:6,7…Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you…

Isaiah 61:1,3…The Spirit of the LORD God is upon me, because the LORD has anointed and qualified me…to grant (consolation and joy) to those who mourn in Zion – to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes (“beauty for ashes”)…

God wants to take care of us, but in order to let Him, we must stop taking the care. Many people want God to take care of them while they are worrying or trying to figure out an answer instead of waiting for God’s direction. They are actually wallowing around in their “ashes,” but still want God to give them beauty. In order for God to give us the beauty, we must give Him the “ashes.”

Hebrews 4:3…For we who have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on God) do enter that rest…

We enter into the Lord’s rest through believing. Worry is the opposite of faith. Worry steals our peace, physically wears us out, and can even make us sick. If we are worrying, we are not trusting God, and we are not entering God’s rest.

What a great trade! You give God ashes, and He gives you beauty. You give Him all your worries and concerns, and He gives you protection, stability, a place of refuge, and fullness of joy – the privilege of being cared for by Him.

1. Dwell in the Secret Place

Psalm 91:1…He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand)…

The secret place is the place of rest in God, a place of peace and comfort in Him. This secret place is a “spiritual place” where worry vanishes and peace reigns. It is the place of God’s presence. When we spend time praying and seeking God (in His Word) dwelling in His presence, we are in the secret place…

The word dwell means “to make one’s home; reside; live.” When you and I dwell in Christ – in the secret place – we do not just visit there occasionally, we take up permanent residence there…

In the NT, one of the Greek words translated dwell is the same Greek word translated abide in John 15:7…If you live in Me (abide vitally united to Me) and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you…

What exactly does it mean to abide under the shadow of the Almighty? A shadow implies “shade,” a place of protection from the hot sun or from the heat of the world! A shadow, as we know, always has a border. If we intend to stay under the shadow of God’s wings, there are definite borders within which we must stay!
Remember God and sin don’t mix. So you cannot dwell in the secret place with unrepented sin…

This next point is very poignant…
2. Just Stop It

Philippians 4:6,7…Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus…

Matthew 6:25…Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater (in quality) than food, and the body (far and above and more excellent) than clothing?...

Jesus has commanded us to stop worrying, period!

Proverbs 12:25…Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down…

Sometimes the bad things happening all around us everyday can begin to get to us even to the point where we begin to expect bad things to happen and an uneasiness can set in…

Proverbs 15:15…All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil (by anxious thoughts and forebodings), but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast (regardless of circumstances…

Don’t curse your own future days. Satan wants us to believe that nothing is ever going to turn out right for us, that we will always be misunderstood and unappreciated, that nobody will ever like us or want to be around us, that nobody will ever care anything about us…humiliated about the past; helpless about the present; hopeless about the future…

Don’t believe the lies of the enemy…
Trust in 2 Corinthians 3:18…And all of us, as with unveiled face, (because we) continued to behold (in the Word of God) as in a mirror the glory of the LORD, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; (for this comes) from the LORD (Who is) the Spirit…
Despite what the past, present, and future look like with our natural eye, in Christ we are moving from Glory to Glory, righteousness, peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit!

3. Live in the Now

1John 3:2…Beloved, we are (even hear and) now God’s children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be (hereafter), but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall (as God’s children) resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He (really) is…

Sometimes we end up missing the moment of today because we are too concerned about tomorrow…
Isn’t that concern for tomorrow what gets you wrapped up in worry?

2Corinthians 6:2…Behold, NOW is the day of salvation…
Hebrews 4:7…Today, if you would hear His voice and when you hear it, do not harden your hearts…

Part of your worry problem might simply be a frazzled lifestyle…
Please learn how to do
One Thing at a time
And live One Day at a time

Matthew 6:34…Do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble…

We live in such an instant society that we want somebody just to wave a magic wand over us and make everything all better. But things just don’t happen that way. Change comes one day at a time…

Romans 5:3,4…We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, HOPE…

How many times have you frustrated yourself and gotten all upset needlessly over situations?
After the trial, that experience even brought you hope!

Again Joyce Meyer said…It is so important to “hang in there” with God. Don’t quit and give up, because you gain experience and spiritual strength every round you go through. Each time you become a little stronger than you were the last time. Sooner or later, if you don’t give up, you will be more than the devil can handle!

Psalm 22:9-11…You are He Who took me out of the womb; You made me hope and trust when I was on my mother’s breast. I was cast upon You from my very birth; from my mother’s womb You have been my God. Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is none to help…

Psalm 37:8…Cease from anger and forsake wrath; fret not yourself – it tends only to evildoing…

On more than one occasion that simple phrase OH WELL has really helped me to let go and let God!

Psalm 91:1,2…He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand). I will say of the LORD. He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I (confidently) trust!

Our Refuge and Fortress
A refuge is different from a fortress. A refuge is a secret place of concealment I which the enemy cannot find us. If we are hidden in God, then Satan cannot locate us. We can see what is going on, but the devil cannot see us. He doesn’t know where we are because we are hidden from his sight under the shadow of the Almighty.
A fortress, on the other hand, is a visible place of defense. The enemy knows we are there, but he cannot get to us, because we are inaccessible to him – as in the old Western movies in which the soldiers built a strong wooden fort as protection against their enemies…

I love both of those analogies of our relationship with our God…but I think fortress sounds more fun…I picture myself on the fortress wall sticking my tongue out at the devil saying nanananana…

I think this next scripture pretty much sums up this entire series…
Isaiah 26:3…You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and HOPES confidently in You…

I will not worry I will not doubt, God knows the problem and He will work it out.
God knew the circumstances before they began, and He holds this precious baby in His hand.
I know my God is able to provide all we require, so I shall continue lifting praises higher and higher.
God is so loving, gracious and kind, and He places within me such perfect "Peace of mind".
I shall not get discouraged nor give in to doubt, I trust inGod and I know He'll work it out.
Nothing at all is impossible for God, so why I used to worry about things now seems so very odd.
God not only provided for my eternal salvation, but kept beckoning me in till I grasped the revelation.
Then upon acceptance He began changing me inside, the work done by Him least I be guilty of pride.
He forgave me of sin and taught me to trust, teaching me daily surrender is an absolute must.
As long as I remember to surrender each day, He keeps all my actions and reactions totally at bay.
No I will not worry I'll trust in my Heavenly Father, to do any different would make life so much harder.
By Barbara Philbrook

CLS Christmas Program (Friday Morning)

ONLY ONE MORE CHANCE TO SEE IT!

TONIGHT AT 7PM!

Holly took some pictures this morning...

Yeah, I'm the guy in overalls...actually they're pretty comfy...

Willie, Annie, Robot, Duck, Clown all helped the grumpy toy store janitor find Christmas!

These kids sing with all their heart and are OH so cute!

The Sky Angel Cowboy

A remarkable phone call from a 12-yr old boy to Houston radio station KSBJ FM 89.3. So profound, the station has it posted on their website. Click below to listen to it. It's short.

http://www.ksbj.org/eblogs/morningShow/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/logan-calf-story.mp3

It's Called Christmas With A Capital C

This is not your traditional christmas carol!

But these guys get the point across!

I was emailed this several times; check out this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAckfn8yiAQ

2 Nights Before Christmas

DON'T MISS IT!

Today was the dress rehearsal for Christian Life School's Christmas Program!

OH IT'S GONNA BE GOOD!

Tomorrow's Performances are at 10AM & 7PM!

Homebuilders: Love Talk

Just want to remind you that Holly and I will re-start HOMEBUILDERS Sunday, January 6, 6pm...

Please bring a fingerfood or dessert. This marriage and family ministry will be great fellowship, yet hard work! Marriage is hard work!

It will be easier for couples to attend once a month, so mark your calendars for the first Sunday of every month...

We will begin our study with Drs. Les & Leslie Parrot's LOVE TALK. For more information check out: http://www.realrelationships.com/

"The Golden Compass"

Have you heard the buzz on this new movie coming out in the theatres?
There are a great many things I have to say I DON'T KNOW about...
A very reliable source and close friend wrote this in his monthly newsletter...
I asked him if I could share it on my blog...

A Note on the Film “The Golden Compass”

Hello! I find myself in a situation that is unusual for me – one in which I feel compelled to write to you against a film. Over the years Christians of various denominations have raised concerns over books and films, and for the most part I have felt that the issues have been overstated. I am a big fan of artistic license, and the need for our ability to explore the human spirit and imagination through the arts.

And yet the upcoming film “The Golden Compass” represents something that goes beyond artistic license and enters directly into blaspheme. The film is based on a book by British author Philip Pullman, which is part of a trilogy titled His Dark Materials written for young readers. Pullman is what could be called an “evangelistic” atheist – for years he has aggressively attacked the Christian faith and any concept of God whatsoever, and his children’s series is a powerful expression of his agenda.

The Golden Compass tells the story of a girl from a parallel universe who is caught up in a fantastic journey of love and danger and adventure across various dimensions. The trouble is that in the second book, The Subtle Knife, we learn that this journey is a coordinated effort on the part of humans and angels and others to kill God Himself. In the third book, The Amber Spyglass, the assassination plot succeeds, with God being represented as a withered angelic being who thanks His murders for putting Him out of His misery. The conclusion of the series shows a renewal of freedom and happiness throughout the many dimensions now that God is out of the way.

Pullman’s life-mission of eliminating God is played out in an entertaining, engaging way in his writing, which makes it all the more insidious. And what is more, he is intentionally carrying his mission to our children. There is no question that the films will be exciting to watch, with all the latest visual effects bringing to life a wild and complex world, and yet as parents and as Christians I strongly encourage you not to get yourselves or your children sucked in to this trap. What we expose ourselves to does have an impact on us. Pullman’s works are evil, plain and simple, and we will only be hurting ourselves and our loved ones by filling our hearts and minds with his blasphemous stories.

Pastor Brian Boisen
Hope Presbyterian Church
Rogue River, Oregon

Christmas Cards

We sent all our Christmas Cards last week! (this is a scanned copy of what was sent)

I just love this time of year when you hear from all your loved ones with special notes, pictures, cards...

Holly and I are committed to staying in touch with friends and family old and new!

If you didn't get a card from us and want to be on our mailing list shoot us an email with your updated contact information...

Christmas Bird-house Raffle

A BIG THANK YOU to Sam Evensizer!

He saw the church budget deficit and wanted to help.

Sam does amazing wood-working; he made this beautiful bird-house.

He wanted us to raffle it to raise funds for the church.

We will do the drawing at our special Christmas Celebration Service: Carols, Candlelight and Communion: 10am Sunday Dec. 23rd!

One ticket $1 and 6 for 5$

Help For The Insecure

SERMON NOTES FROM TODAY'S CELEBRATION SERVICE...

A Season of Hope
Help For The Insecure

Joyce Meyer said… our worth is not based on anything we do but in what God has already done. The opinion we have of ourselves affects all our relationships – with people and with God.

One of my most favorite books is Max Lucado’s: God Loves You Just the Way You are, but He doesn’t want to leave you that way He Wants to make you JUST LIKE JESUS…

1. God’s Love Drives Out Insecurity

1 John 4:19…We love Him, because He first loved us…

Mark 12:31…You shall love your neighbor as yourself…

People who think their right standing with God is based on how much progress they make toward overcoming their flaws think they have worn out God with their failures and messes. We can’t wear out God. Love can’t be worn out, and we can’t cause God not to love us. Love isn’t something God does – it is WHO HE IS…(1John 4:8)

2. Celebrating The Positive will Overcome Insecurity

Philemon 1:6…That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus…

Proverbs 18:21…The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit…

1 Corinthians 2:16…But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes of His heart…

Once we come into peace with ourselves, we will begin to come into peace with other people. If we ever learn to accept and like ourselves, we will begin to accept and like others. The more able I am to accept and like myself in spite of my weaknesses and flaws, the more able I am to accept and like others in spite of theirs…

Speak Scriptural Confessions

Philippians 1:14…Speak and publish fearlessly the Word of God…

God might be leading you to make a list of scriptural confessions regarding your own life…
Make the effort to dig around in the WORD for yourself, you will find gold in there…

Believe in Yourself – in what God Can Do Through you

1 Corinthians 12:7…Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…

Jeremiah 29:11…For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…

Psalm 139…For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well…

Focus on potential, not limitations

If you always look at weaknesses in yourself and others instead of strengths…life will quickly become unbearable!

Philippians 4:13…I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me (I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency…

If we just pull that Scripture out of the Bible, it certainly looks like we ought to be able to do anything we want to do!
If we pick out the verses we want, we can make the Bible say anything we want it to say. But let’s read this passage in context and see what it really says…

Open your Bible’s to Philippians 4
Verse 10, 11, 12

There were times when Paul did not have everything he wanted, times when his circumstances were not the way he would have liked them to be…
HELLO, he wrote most of his contributions to scripture from a prison cell!
Paul’s message was not that he could do anything he set his mind to, but that he had learned the secret of making the best of whatever situation he found himself in!

Leave it in God’s Hands
Ephesians 6:13…And having done all…stand…

Remember, if God has called you to do something, do your part and then stand firm. When you have done all you can do, leave the situation in God’s hands and go on about your business. If He does not do His part, then it is not time, it is not right, or it is not for you…
Or maybe you need to stop Coveting what God is doing for someone else and be thankful for what He has done for you!

Don’t keep doing what you Don’t do well
Psalm 127:1…Except the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it…

Look for the Anointing
1John 2:27…But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides (permanently) in you; (so) then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. For He teaches you all things, and he is the Truth…

Remember, The Holy Spirit is our Helper
John 14:6…And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever…

3. Learning to Cope with Criticism Drives out insecurity

Galatians 1:10…Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah)…

Ephesians 6:6…Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart…

Have the Courage to be Different!

As believers, our sense of worth has to be rooted and grounded not in the opinions of men but in the love of God!

1 Corinthians 4…Moreover, it is (essentially) required of stewards that a man should be found faithful (proving himself worthy of trust). But (as for me personally) it matters very little to me that I should be put on trial by you (on this point), and that you or any other human tribunal should investigate and question and cross-question me. I do not even up myself on trial and judge myself…

How far do you think Jesus would have gotten if He had worried about what people thought?
Philippians 2:7 says Jesus purposely “made himself of no reputation.”

Discover the True Source of Confidence
Philippians 3:3…For we (Christians) are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit and by the Spirit of God and exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, and put no confidence or dependence (on what we are) in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances…

Proverbs 3:26…For the LORD shall be your confidence, firm and strong…

Again Joyce Meyer hit the nail on the head with her Ten steps to Building Confidence:
1. Never speak negatively of yourself
2. Celebrate the positive
3. Avoid comparisons
4. Focus on potential, not limitations
5. Exercise your gift
6. Have the courage to be different
7. Learn to cope with criticism
8. Determine your own worth
9. Keep your flaws in perspective
10.Discover the true Source of confidence

Carols Candlelight & Communion

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23rd, 10am

Don't miss our special Christmas Celebration Service!

We have special music, kid's nativity and of course: carols, candlelight & communion...

Don't worry we'll still have our special Christmas Story for the kids! This year: THE LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE...

Caroling PARTY

Wednesday, DECEMBER 19th

at a special time: 6pm

All ages are coming together for a Caroling party.

We will break up into small groups of carolers so we can cover as much of the town of Rogue River as possible.

We have candy canes with a special invitation attached to our Christmas Celebration Service, so we can pass them out to the community while we serenade!

What a wonderful outreach opportunity!

We'll also have some warm refreshments after our noses become very cold!

Family Night: Every Wednesday 7pm

I know I've already spoke of the activities on Wednesday Evenings but I just want to remind and mabye even convince you to not miss out!

~Adult Bible Study in the Fellowship Hall (Kirkwood Hall) with Pastor Short.

They do some Bible Study, Worship with song, and always have some Food with fellowship.

(I am so thankful for Phyllis teaching while the Shorts vacation with their family.)

~Kids Club in the kids room across from the Fellowship Hall (Lerma Center) with Mrs. Shelli.

I see those kids coming out of their class with adorable crafts and big smiles!

THE BEST PART IS their hearing God's Word instead of sitting at home zoning in front of the TV...

(Michelle Grosse filled in for Mrs. Shelli last week and said the craft was making kazoos and that she was gonna get our children's director for sticking her with the noisy night, hee hee)

~AND Youth Group in the Uth Room behind the Sanctuary with Me.

(Something for ALL ages)

Tonight was extra special! I am so thankful for Rusty and Zach!

These two young men have seen the need and jumped in to fill it!

They noticed their pastor's plate was running over and volunteered to help!

These guys are fairly new in the faith; I just baptized them a couple weeks ago.

Yet, they already have caught the vision that "everyone is a minister."

Rusty is now the Game Guy, and Zach is playing his guitar, leading worship.

The youth really dug in tonight and learned something.

I was blessed as they truly engaged in the Bible Study and discussion.

Zach did a wonderful job; I could even hear the students singing!

AND OH MY! WHAT FUN WAS HAD IN THE GYM!

Rusty set up the volleyball net, got a huge beach ball and set up STROBE LIGHTS!

It was outrageous, crazy fun!

I don't know if I've already mentioned Sweet Pat Sitze who came to me awhile ago and said the LORD had led her to organize cookies for the youth every Wednesday!

A BIG THANK YOU to all who are baking and buying the goodies...

I know the students feel the love of the church with every bite!

CLS Spelling Bee

Christian Life School had their annual Spelling Bee today!

Those students who received 1st and 2nd place ribbons go on to compete with other associated Christian Schools.

It was rather enjoyable to watch the nervous little spellers!

Another Church Family Got Elfed

Check out Bo and Cindy's precious kids as dancing elves!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1126499092

Help For The Discouraged

A Season of Hope
Help For The Discouraged

Joyce Meyer said…We are “appointed” (set in a certain direction) for something to happen a certain way, and when it doesn’t happen that way, we become “dis-appointed.” Disappointment not dealt with turns into discouragement...

1. Choose Life!

Deuteronomy 30:19…I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live…

2. Get a little Aggressive!

Matthew 11:12…From the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force (as a precious prize – a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion)…

THINK AGGRESSIVELY

Luke 14:31…What king, going out to engage in conflict with another king, will not first sit down and consider and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand (men) to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?...

PRAY AGGRESSIVELY

Hebrews 4:16…Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s umerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy (for our failures) and find grace to help in good time for every need (appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it)…

Ephesians 3:20…God is able to do superabundantly, far over and above all that we (dare) ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams)…

GIVE AGGRESSIVELY

Luke 6:38…Give, and (gifts) will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into (the pouch formed by) the bosom (of your robe and used as a bag). For with the measure you deal out (with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others), it will be measured back to you…

WORK AGGRESSIVELY

Ecclesiastes 9:10…Whatever your hand finds to do, do it will all your might…

LOVE AGGRESSIVELY

John 15:12-13…This is My commandment: that you love one another (just) as I have loved you. No one has greater love (no one has shown stronger affection) than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends…

3. Trust Wisely

John 2:24…But Jesus (for His part) did not trust Himself to them, because He knew all (men)…

People are imperfect.
Ultimately, all people, regardless of who they are, will disappoint us if we place too much confidence in them. That is not cynicism or being judgmental, it is just a fact of life. It is also why it is best not to rely excessively on others – even those who are closest to us.
I have learned this the hard way…
But as we have seen in the life of Jesus, it is possible to trust people to a certain (healthy) degree without opening up ourselves to them in an unbalanced, unwise manner.
Like Jesus, you and I should love everyone, but we are not required to trust everyone one hundred percent.
Only a fool does that. Why? Because sooner or later, people will fail us, just as sooner or later we will fail others.
Fallibility is part of being human.
And it is the wise person who guards himself against it – in himself and in others…

(safeguards, accountability)

Hebrews 12:1-3…Let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Looking away (from all that will detract) to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith (giving the first incentive for our belief) and is also its Finisher (bringing it to maturity and perfection). He, for the joy (of obtaining the prize) that was set before Him, endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself (reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials), so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds…

Jesus is the only One who cannot fail you
Keep looking to Him

It does not take any special talent to give up, to lie down on the side of the road of life and say, I QUIT!
Once you get hold of Jesus, or better yet when He get hold of you, He begins to pump strength and energy and courage into you, and something strange and wonderful begins to happen. He won’t let you quit even when those feelings of discouragement overwhelm!

Hurt Breeds Suspicion
If you and I have friends or family fail us or let us down, Satan wants us to say, “That’s it – I’ll never trust anyone again.”
When we do that, we are playing right into the devil’s hands. If you have been hurt, don’t start thinking you can’t trust anybody. If you do, you will allow Satan to rob you of many of God’s greatest blessings.
We have got to keep pressing on despite everything the enemy may throw in our path to cause us to become discouraged, give up, or quit short of attaining God’s ideal!

Philippians 3:12-14…Not that I have now attained (this ideal), or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own. I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own (yet); but one thing I do (it is my one aspiration): forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the (supreme and heavenly) prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward…

Philippians 1:6…And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ (right up to the time of His return), developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you…

Ephesians 3:17…May Christ through your faith (actually) dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love…

I refuse to be discouraged,To be sad, or to cry;

I refuse to be downhearted,and here's the reason why...

I have a God who's mighty,Who's sovereign and supreme;

I have a God who loves me,and I am on His team.

He is all wise and powerful,Jesus is His name;

Though everything is changeable,My God remains the same.

My God knows all that's happening;Beginning to the end,

His presence is my comfort,He is my dearest friend.

When sickness comes to weaken me,To bring my head down low,

I call upon my mighty God;Into His arms I go.

When circumstances threatento rob me from my peace;

He draws me close unto His breast,Where all my strivings cease.

And when my heart melts within me,and weakness takes control;

He gathers me into His arms,He soothes my heart and soul.

The great "I AM" is with me,My life is in His hand,

The Son, the Lord is my hope,It's in His strength I stand.

I refuse to be defeated,My eyes are on my God;

He has promised to be with me,as through this life I trod.

I'm looking past all my circumstances,To Heaven's throne above;

My prayers have reachedthe heart of God,I'm resting in His love.

I give God thanks in everything,My eyes are on His face;

The battle's His, the victory is mine;He'll help me win the race.

By BJ George

Men's Ministry Breakfast

I am not kidding when I say this morning was the best men's ministry breakfast I have ever attended!

Tom Vallo truly is a gift to our church! I am so thankful for his new leadership!

EGGS, POTATOES, BISCUITS & GRAVY, WAFFLES, SAUSAGE...

Tom, Walt, Brian, Gordon, Bo, Jerry (I hope I didn't miss anybody) these guys really know how to cook!

It was a good turn-out, and everyone had a wonderful time with the special activities Tom had planned: especially the gift exchange (Sorry I kept stealing your present Ray!)...

Oh and thanks to Tom's MAC Tools friend...his truck was like a candy store for the men!

Community Christmas Bazaar

Our Ladies joined Rogue River's community Christmas bazaar with their quilts and hats and...

Rudolph the Red-nosed VAN

Holly found this vehicle decoration while visiting Seaside...

Even our van has Christmas Spirit!