This week we legally changed our name to
New Beginnings Christian Center of the Assemblies of God!
If you wish to continue following my blog please click on this link: http://www.newbeginningscc.blogspot.com
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A New Name (sermon notes from last Sunday morning)
I always have to start with something funny…
This is for you moms…
From a mom’s perspective…
I'd had a pretty hectic day with my four-year-old. When bed-time finally came, I laid down the law: "We're putting on your p.j.s, brushing your teeth, and reading ONE book. Then it's lights out!" Her arms went around my neck in a gentle embrace, and she said, "We learned in Sunday school about little boys and girls who don't have mommies and daddies." Even after I'd been such a grouch, I thought, she was still grateful to have me. I felt tears begin to well up in my eyes, and then she whispered, "Maybe you could go be THEIR mom?"
Today I’m beginning a new VISION sermon series…
Please visit the Vision Bulletin Board in the foyer…
The LORD stopped whispering and MEGAPHONED me some clear marching orders…
First of all, I truly believe God is giving us A NEW NAME!
How fitting that we would discuss such things on Mom’s day…
Mother’s do you remember agonizing, researching, praying, getting counsel on what you would name your children…?
I believe it was the Holy Spirit’s prompting on Holly’s heart when she said she was considering the name: Nathaniel which means: Gift of God…and what a beautiful gift He is!
Find Isaiah 62
Zion's New Name
1 For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.
2 The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.
3 You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
4 No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married.
(we’ll come back to those two words)
5 As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.
6 I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest,
7 and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.
8 The LORD has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: "Never again will I give your grain as food for your enemies, and never again will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled;
9 but those who harvest it will eat it and praise the LORD, and those who gather the grapes will drink it in the courts of my sanctuary."
10 Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations.
11 The LORD has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.' "
12 They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted.
Hephzibah: Meaning: my delight is in her… A symbolical name of Zion, as representing the Lord's favor
1. A New Name representing delight and favor!
No Matter Where you’ve been…No Matter What You’ve Done…You Can Begin Again!
New Beginnings Christian Center conveys the delight and favor of a Loving Merciful God toward His People...
I feel it is important and the will of God to send a clear msg to our community and within these walls that the Assembly of God in Rogue River is a place of NEW BEGINNINGS!
Methods change But the Message remains the same
Ministries Begin and End But The Church will Never die
Matthew 16:18…Jesus said… I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.
Philippians 3… 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
James Pike penned…Time to get serious...For years we've struggled in the church that our goals we might attain, We've fought with tooth and nail against the enemy, our position to maintain. But the day of Christ's appearing now is drawing near, And something is happening in the church that makes the demons fear. For long they have oppressed us and held God's people back, But now they see the church is gathering to launch a last attack. Desperate times call for desperate measures and now the church is on its knees, Seeking the Lord for help, and God is pleased with what He sees. No longer are His people playing church and acting like spoiled children and wayward fools, They finally got THE MANUEL down and learned to play by God's Own rules. (II Chron.7:14)They have humbled themselves to bow in prayer, they have turned to seek God's face and leave their wicked ways, And this attitude of seeking God has numbered satan's days. Soon we will enter an era when God's Spirit moves with unexpected POWER, And all our hopes and prayers will be realized in the passing of an hour. From each believer God now demands a resolve that will not tire, To lay ourselves upon the altar to be cleansed by His all consuming fire. Then will we be filled with POWER from above, To reveal to this world, as never before, His HOLINESS and LOVE. My brothers and sisters, now seek God that He will reveal to you the secrets of your heart, Allow Him to purge you from within and give you a new start. Let go the sins of pride and unbelief which brought Lucifer's demise, As you see yourself revealed as seen through JEHOVAH'S eyes.Now is the day of salvation. Now do all that you will do,Get serious with God, and He'll get serious with you.
Getting serious with God is very simple, The work of finding His delight and favor has already been done at the cross, it’s simply bowing before the maker and expressing Need for His intervention in all things…
Three words that change a life forever that bring a new beginning everyday
I NEED JESUS
God takes a Name very seriously that’s why He includes misusing His name in the Ten Commandments…
Ezekiel 39:7...I will make known my holy name among my people Israel. I will no longer let my holy name be profaned, and the nations will know that I the LORD am the Holy One in Israel.
And Jesus said John 17:11...I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one.
A name is holy, A name is power
1. A new name of delight and favor
2. A new name of holiness and power
Let’s go back to that 2nd word that sticks out in Isaiah 62
bu'-la which means "married"
A name symbolically applied to Israel: "Thy land (shall be called) Beulah .... thy land shall be married. .... so shall thy sons marry thee" (Isaiah 62:4). In this figure, frequently used since Hosea, the prophet wishes to express the future prosperity of Israel. The land once desolate shall again be populated.
I don’t know If that stuck out to you the way it did me?
THE LAND ONCE DESOLATE SHALL AGAIN BE POPULATED!
I’m the first one to say it’s not about the numbers...
And to quickly challenge dissatisfaction with the contentment of Christ…to focus on what real success is…
But if you’re not growing you’re dying...
If the love of Jesus is not a contagion in the Christian Life causing an Inviter’s lifestyle infecting the world with the light of the gospel, salt, light, city on a hill…than something might be wrong…
Turn with me to Genesis 32
Jacob Wrestles With God
22 That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maidservants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. 24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."
27 The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered.
28 Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."
29 Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there.
30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared."
31 The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob's hip was touched near the tendon.
Did you hear it?
If you aint feelin it yet, your feeler plumb broke!
Somebody shout…OVERCOME
So…3. A new name representing Growth and an Overcoming spirit
Delight favor power holiness growth overcoming
My blood’s beginning to boil
My cups startin to overflow
Listen to the whispers of the Holy Spirit
If you focus hard enough, maybe get quiet enough it will sound like a megaphone
What Satan fears most Is a man on his knees; Not vast marching armies With great weaponry.
He knows he can stand Against the power of men; To engage us in battle Is mere sport to him. But a man on his knees With his head bowed in prayer Is something quite different To the prince of the air. For when he sees us in prayer To our God most high, He knows we have seen Through his devilish lies. That's why Satan fears most A man on his knees; And we'll keep him trembling If our prayers never cease.
Please understand we are not leaving the Assemblies of God.
We will be the Assembly of God in Rogue River named New Beginnings Christian Center.
You may notice at the Vision Board the simple logo representing an OPEN CIRCLE OF LOVE...
I'm excited about the words 'Christian Center' because of all that the word Christian is supposed to represent...It's all about JESUS
Helen Parks wrote…JESUS
My Lord and my God, my Savior, my King-My Master, my Friend, my Everything!My Creator, my Healer, My Supplier of need-My Guide - through the trails of my wilderness, lead!My Sharer of sorrow when the hot tears start;My Comforter dear, mending my broken heart!My Messenger of peace in life's turbulent stream-My Source of such joy as I can't even dream!My Giver of everything perfect and good-You would heap more upon me, if let Thee I would.My Hearer of prayers, both great and small;No cry is too faint-You hear them all!My Rock of salvation, my Foundation sure;My Pavilion to hide in-My Fortress secure!My very strong Tower into which I may run;My wall of Defense while battle is done!My Hedge about me when Satan's on prowl,My Door to the sheep-fold when ravening wolves howl;My Destroyer of all my enemies' best plans-My Deliverer of my enemies into my own hands!My Judge, my Advocate, my Covenant, my Priest;My Sacrifice, the Blood of my Lamb not least!My Bread of Life-Thy words so sweet;My total sustenance-my Water, my Meat!My Lily of the Valley-of Sharon my rose,The perfume of Heaven on my way bestows;My Pearl of great price, Heaven's jewel most rare-The bright and morning Star, mine to share!My Road-map, my Letter from Heaven, my Light;My Voice of Almighty God-my Song in the night!My Name Above All Names, on which I may call;My Knowledge, my Wisdom-my All-in-All!My Ark of safety-great Gift of God's love;My Holy Spirit baptizer, my Fire from aboveSent to burn out the dross, refine silver and gold-That I may inherit Heaven with the holy men of old!My Alpha, my Omega-my Beginning, my End;Answer to all my problems-To all yours, too, my friend!My Truth, my Life, my Way is He-Won't you come along with me?
Hear it again and for the first time…
No Matter Where you’ve been
No Matter what you’ve done
You can begin again
Come to Jesus
Some of the changes coming are difficult...
This letter was sent in the mail this week:
Dear Friends of CLS,
It is with great sadness we inform you that the 2008-2009 school year will be Christian Life School’s final year. Due to the financial difficulties of our country, the resources are simply unavailable. CLS has been struggling for many years to meet the expectations that come with being a “private school.” This ministry cannot survive the current economic tide.
We wish to express our deep thanks to those who have sacrificed so much for CLS over its 30 years of ministry, especially to the incredible efforts of Mary Schaefer. Much agonizing prayer has brought us to this decision. We believe it is an act of wisdom not fear.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
~Romans 8:15
We hope to end this ministry very well. We wish to celebrate the 30 years CLS has been used of God to create Christian leaders. Its fruits will be seen for years to come. Please invite all friends of CLS past and present to attend our final Award Ceremony Tuesday, June 9th at 7pm.
With Love,
Rogue River Assembly of God Board
There are some that are making this change about the divisions between the school and the church, but those are secondary issues, the #1 issue is the ECONOMY...
Matthew 12:25...Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.
The Lord put this song on my heart to close the service...
MY LIFE IS IN YOUR HAND
By Kirk Franklin, From album God's Property
You don’t have to worry and don't have to be afraid Joy comes in the morning, troubles they don't last always For there's a friend named Jesus, who will wipe your tears away, And if your heart is broken just lift your hands and say,
Oh! I know that I can make it. I know that I can stand. No matter what may come my way, My life is in your hands.
So when your test and trials, they seem to get you down.
And all your friends and loved ones are nowhere to be found.
Remember there¹s a friend named Jesus who will wipe your tears away.
And if your heart is broken just lift your hands and say,
With Jesus I can take it, with him I know I can stand.
No matter what may come my way, My life is in your hands. ----
This is for you moms…
From a mom’s perspective…
I'd had a pretty hectic day with my four-year-old. When bed-time finally came, I laid down the law: "We're putting on your p.j.s, brushing your teeth, and reading ONE book. Then it's lights out!" Her arms went around my neck in a gentle embrace, and she said, "We learned in Sunday school about little boys and girls who don't have mommies and daddies." Even after I'd been such a grouch, I thought, she was still grateful to have me. I felt tears begin to well up in my eyes, and then she whispered, "Maybe you could go be THEIR mom?"
Today I’m beginning a new VISION sermon series…
Please visit the Vision Bulletin Board in the foyer…
The LORD stopped whispering and MEGAPHONED me some clear marching orders…
First of all, I truly believe God is giving us A NEW NAME!
How fitting that we would discuss such things on Mom’s day…
Mother’s do you remember agonizing, researching, praying, getting counsel on what you would name your children…?
I believe it was the Holy Spirit’s prompting on Holly’s heart when she said she was considering the name: Nathaniel which means: Gift of God…and what a beautiful gift He is!
Find Isaiah 62
Zion's New Name
1 For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.
2 The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.
3 You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
4 No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married.
(we’ll come back to those two words)
5 As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.
6 I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest,
7 and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.
8 The LORD has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: "Never again will I give your grain as food for your enemies, and never again will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled;
9 but those who harvest it will eat it and praise the LORD, and those who gather the grapes will drink it in the courts of my sanctuary."
10 Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations.
11 The LORD has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.' "
12 They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted.
Hephzibah: Meaning: my delight is in her… A symbolical name of Zion, as representing the Lord's favor
1. A New Name representing delight and favor!
No Matter Where you’ve been…No Matter What You’ve Done…You Can Begin Again!
New Beginnings Christian Center conveys the delight and favor of a Loving Merciful God toward His People...
I feel it is important and the will of God to send a clear msg to our community and within these walls that the Assembly of God in Rogue River is a place of NEW BEGINNINGS!
Methods change But the Message remains the same
Ministries Begin and End But The Church will Never die
Matthew 16:18…Jesus said… I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.
Philippians 3… 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
James Pike penned…Time to get serious...For years we've struggled in the church that our goals we might attain, We've fought with tooth and nail against the enemy, our position to maintain. But the day of Christ's appearing now is drawing near, And something is happening in the church that makes the demons fear. For long they have oppressed us and held God's people back, But now they see the church is gathering to launch a last attack. Desperate times call for desperate measures and now the church is on its knees, Seeking the Lord for help, and God is pleased with what He sees. No longer are His people playing church and acting like spoiled children and wayward fools, They finally got THE MANUEL down and learned to play by God's Own rules. (II Chron.7:14)They have humbled themselves to bow in prayer, they have turned to seek God's face and leave their wicked ways, And this attitude of seeking God has numbered satan's days. Soon we will enter an era when God's Spirit moves with unexpected POWER, And all our hopes and prayers will be realized in the passing of an hour. From each believer God now demands a resolve that will not tire, To lay ourselves upon the altar to be cleansed by His all consuming fire. Then will we be filled with POWER from above, To reveal to this world, as never before, His HOLINESS and LOVE. My brothers and sisters, now seek God that He will reveal to you the secrets of your heart, Allow Him to purge you from within and give you a new start. Let go the sins of pride and unbelief which brought Lucifer's demise, As you see yourself revealed as seen through JEHOVAH'S eyes.Now is the day of salvation. Now do all that you will do,Get serious with God, and He'll get serious with you.
Getting serious with God is very simple, The work of finding His delight and favor has already been done at the cross, it’s simply bowing before the maker and expressing Need for His intervention in all things…
Three words that change a life forever that bring a new beginning everyday
I NEED JESUS
God takes a Name very seriously that’s why He includes misusing His name in the Ten Commandments…
Ezekiel 39:7...I will make known my holy name among my people Israel. I will no longer let my holy name be profaned, and the nations will know that I the LORD am the Holy One in Israel.
And Jesus said John 17:11...I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one.
A name is holy, A name is power
1. A new name of delight and favor
2. A new name of holiness and power
Let’s go back to that 2nd word that sticks out in Isaiah 62
bu'-la which means "married"
A name symbolically applied to Israel: "Thy land (shall be called) Beulah .... thy land shall be married. .... so shall thy sons marry thee" (Isaiah 62:4). In this figure, frequently used since Hosea, the prophet wishes to express the future prosperity of Israel. The land once desolate shall again be populated.
I don’t know If that stuck out to you the way it did me?
THE LAND ONCE DESOLATE SHALL AGAIN BE POPULATED!
I’m the first one to say it’s not about the numbers...
And to quickly challenge dissatisfaction with the contentment of Christ…to focus on what real success is…
But if you’re not growing you’re dying...
If the love of Jesus is not a contagion in the Christian Life causing an Inviter’s lifestyle infecting the world with the light of the gospel, salt, light, city on a hill…than something might be wrong…
Turn with me to Genesis 32
Jacob Wrestles With God
22 That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maidservants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. 24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."
27 The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered.
28 Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."
29 Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there.
30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared."
31 The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob's hip was touched near the tendon.
Did you hear it?
If you aint feelin it yet, your feeler plumb broke!
Somebody shout…OVERCOME
So…3. A new name representing Growth and an Overcoming spirit
Delight favor power holiness growth overcoming
My blood’s beginning to boil
My cups startin to overflow
Listen to the whispers of the Holy Spirit
If you focus hard enough, maybe get quiet enough it will sound like a megaphone
What Satan fears most Is a man on his knees; Not vast marching armies With great weaponry.
He knows he can stand Against the power of men; To engage us in battle Is mere sport to him. But a man on his knees With his head bowed in prayer Is something quite different To the prince of the air. For when he sees us in prayer To our God most high, He knows we have seen Through his devilish lies. That's why Satan fears most A man on his knees; And we'll keep him trembling If our prayers never cease.
Please understand we are not leaving the Assemblies of God.
We will be the Assembly of God in Rogue River named New Beginnings Christian Center.
You may notice at the Vision Board the simple logo representing an OPEN CIRCLE OF LOVE...
I'm excited about the words 'Christian Center' because of all that the word Christian is supposed to represent...It's all about JESUS
Helen Parks wrote…JESUS
My Lord and my God, my Savior, my King-My Master, my Friend, my Everything!My Creator, my Healer, My Supplier of need-My Guide - through the trails of my wilderness, lead!My Sharer of sorrow when the hot tears start;My Comforter dear, mending my broken heart!My Messenger of peace in life's turbulent stream-My Source of such joy as I can't even dream!My Giver of everything perfect and good-You would heap more upon me, if let Thee I would.My Hearer of prayers, both great and small;No cry is too faint-You hear them all!My Rock of salvation, my Foundation sure;My Pavilion to hide in-My Fortress secure!My very strong Tower into which I may run;My wall of Defense while battle is done!My Hedge about me when Satan's on prowl,My Door to the sheep-fold when ravening wolves howl;My Destroyer of all my enemies' best plans-My Deliverer of my enemies into my own hands!My Judge, my Advocate, my Covenant, my Priest;My Sacrifice, the Blood of my Lamb not least!My Bread of Life-Thy words so sweet;My total sustenance-my Water, my Meat!My Lily of the Valley-of Sharon my rose,The perfume of Heaven on my way bestows;My Pearl of great price, Heaven's jewel most rare-The bright and morning Star, mine to share!My Road-map, my Letter from Heaven, my Light;My Voice of Almighty God-my Song in the night!My Name Above All Names, on which I may call;My Knowledge, my Wisdom-my All-in-All!My Ark of safety-great Gift of God's love;My Holy Spirit baptizer, my Fire from aboveSent to burn out the dross, refine silver and gold-That I may inherit Heaven with the holy men of old!My Alpha, my Omega-my Beginning, my End;Answer to all my problems-To all yours, too, my friend!My Truth, my Life, my Way is He-Won't you come along with me?
Hear it again and for the first time…
No Matter Where you’ve been
No Matter what you’ve done
You can begin again
Come to Jesus
Some of the changes coming are difficult...
This letter was sent in the mail this week:
Dear Friends of CLS,
It is with great sadness we inform you that the 2008-2009 school year will be Christian Life School’s final year. Due to the financial difficulties of our country, the resources are simply unavailable. CLS has been struggling for many years to meet the expectations that come with being a “private school.” This ministry cannot survive the current economic tide.
We wish to express our deep thanks to those who have sacrificed so much for CLS over its 30 years of ministry, especially to the incredible efforts of Mary Schaefer. Much agonizing prayer has brought us to this decision. We believe it is an act of wisdom not fear.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
~Romans 8:15
We hope to end this ministry very well. We wish to celebrate the 30 years CLS has been used of God to create Christian leaders. Its fruits will be seen for years to come. Please invite all friends of CLS past and present to attend our final Award Ceremony Tuesday, June 9th at 7pm.
With Love,
Rogue River Assembly of God Board
There are some that are making this change about the divisions between the school and the church, but those are secondary issues, the #1 issue is the ECONOMY...
Matthew 12:25...Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.
The Lord put this song on my heart to close the service...
MY LIFE IS IN YOUR HAND
By Kirk Franklin, From album God's Property
You don’t have to worry and don't have to be afraid Joy comes in the morning, troubles they don't last always For there's a friend named Jesus, who will wipe your tears away, And if your heart is broken just lift your hands and say,
Oh! I know that I can make it. I know that I can stand. No matter what may come my way, My life is in your hands.
So when your test and trials, they seem to get you down.
And all your friends and loved ones are nowhere to be found.
Remember there¹s a friend named Jesus who will wipe your tears away.
And if your heart is broken just lift your hands and say,
With Jesus I can take it, with him I know I can stand.
No matter what may come my way, My life is in your hands. ----
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
New Homebuilders Series: A.W.E.
Don't Forget about our FAMILY GROUPS every Wednesday Evening...Homebuilders, Adult Bible Study, Youth Group (Chosen), and Kids Club...Monday, May 4, 2009
Recharge (sermon notes)
Always have to start my sermon with a funny:
A visiting minister was very long-winded. Worse, every time he would make a good point during his sermon and a member of the congregation responded with "Amen" or "That's right, preacher" he would get wound up even more and launch into another lengthy discourse. Finally, the host pastor started responding to every few sentences with "Amen, Pharaoh!" The guest minister wasn't sure what that meant, but after several more "Amen, Pharaohs" he finally concluded his very lengthy sermon. After the service concluded and the congregation had left, the visiting minister turned to his host and asked, "What exactly did you mean when you said "Amen, Pharaoh?" His host replied, "I was telling you to let my people go!"
Thank you so much for allowing your pastor to get away on vacation with my lovely wife and son…
God's Word gives us three habits that can help us recharge
This also speaks to the wisdom of doing a few things well instead of overflowing the calendar…that applies to the checkbook too…
Solitude, Rest helps your perspective, your attitude, your contentment…
Here’s my sermon within a sermon:
One of my heroes, Rick Warren teaches wonderful Lessons in Contentment
Here are four steps to develop contentment in your life.
1. Stop comparing yourself to others. When you compare your life with someone else’s, the only place it can lead is toward discontentment. There will always be people who appear to be better off than you, but you don’t know their real circumstances.
That’s why the Bible teaches it is unwise to compare: 2 Cor. 10:12…For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise…
2. Be grateful for who you are and what you have. Learning to be content requires that you stop any “when and then” thinking – “When I am ___________, then I’ll be happy.” (You fill in the blank.)
The reason we fall into this trap is that we may actually be content for a little while but it won’t last. But, more than likely, someone else or something else will come along and drain the contentment from your life.
But listen, you are unique. God created you to be like nobody else, so why would you want to be anyone else. God is perfect, and you were his perfect choice to be you. Understanding that is a huge step toward being content with your life.
And then look at all the things God has given you. So often we allow what we don’t have to so dominate our focus that we forget the many wonderful things we already have, not only material blessing, but far more important things, such as family and friends.
I believe these thoughts on contentment also speak to something that has concerned your pastor deeply… Tithes and Offerings in churches all over the states are plummeting, yes some of this may be because of job loss and hardship, but some of it is Christians practicing fear! First of all, if the checkbook is looking dry, that’s when I should be even more diligent with putting God first…I desperately need His blessing! Holly and I write our tithe check before we pay the bills! Secondly, If Christians practice fear instead of faith, if we trust in money more than God…no wonder the rug’s being pulled out from underneath us…I trust in God’s economy: My God will supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory…He’s about to open up the floodgates of blessing and pour out more than I can imagine because I live Malachi chapter 3 and practice wise stewardship, Christian budgeting…
Let’s return to the developing contentment steps…
3. Give yourself to others. If you will begin giving yourself to others, sharing what things you do have, sharing your time and your talents, you will find yourself learning to be content. Helping others will give you an appreciation for what you have and who you are, but more importantly, you will find yourself growing content. Why? Because God designed us to serve and share with others, and until we do that, we will feel great discontent.
4. Focus on things with eternal value. The real secret to becoming content is to focus on the things that have eternal value. It may be a familiar teaching to you, but Jesus said we should store up our treasures in heaven, and not on earth “where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal”, Matthew 6.
Think about the things in your life: What will last forever? What will last at least for your lifetime? What will last a few short years, or months, or days? Based on eternal value, what things are most important in your life? Where – and with whom – should you put your most time and energy?
By re-organizing your life around eternal priorities, you’ll find yourself growing in contentment as you live according to God’s design and purpose.
A visiting minister was very long-winded. Worse, every time he would make a good point during his sermon and a member of the congregation responded with "Amen" or "That's right, preacher" he would get wound up even more and launch into another lengthy discourse. Finally, the host pastor started responding to every few sentences with "Amen, Pharaoh!" The guest minister wasn't sure what that meant, but after several more "Amen, Pharaohs" he finally concluded his very lengthy sermon. After the service concluded and the congregation had left, the visiting minister turned to his host and asked, "What exactly did you mean when you said "Amen, Pharaoh?" His host replied, "I was telling you to let my people go!"
Thank you so much for allowing your pastor to get away on vacation with my lovely wife and son…
SO GRATEFUL for all those who filled in for us while we were away, especially Matt Sweeney from Youth for Christ...
We also attended the OMN summit (formerly known as: district council). I wish I could somehow transplant the recharge I received into your hearts but of course it doesn’t work that way…
But I will be sharing some things I learned at the summit in the next days, weeks, months to come.
God stopped whispering and mega-phoned me some clear direction, clear vision on important areas of the church!
We also attended the OMN summit (formerly known as: district council). I wish I could somehow transplant the recharge I received into your hearts but of course it doesn’t work that way…
But I will be sharing some things I learned at the summit in the next days, weeks, months to come.
God stopped whispering and mega-phoned me some clear direction, clear vision on important areas of the church!
Today's message is entitled: RECHARGE
It’s vital to your spiritual, physical, emotional life to get away from time to time…
To RECHARGE
Even God rested…why are you running yourself ragged?
Are you overwhelmed? Do you feel inadequate? Are you ready to blow at any moment? You can't love others in a godly way when you're at the end of your emotional rope. How many relationships have been ripped apart because the people involved failed to take care of themselves emotionally?
It’s vital to your spiritual, physical, emotional life to get away from time to time…
To RECHARGE
Even God rested…why are you running yourself ragged?
Are you overwhelmed? Do you feel inadequate? Are you ready to blow at any moment? You can't love others in a godly way when you're at the end of your emotional rope. How many relationships have been ripped apart because the people involved failed to take care of themselves emotionally?
God's Word gives us three habits that can help us recharge
1. Solitude. Mark 6:31 says, "So many people were coming and going...[Jesus] said to them [the disciples], 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest'" (NIV). Jesus understood that your emotions are like a battery. If you plug one lightbulb into a battery, it will last for a fairly long time. If you plug in 100 lights, the battery will drain very quickly. Many of you have so many lights plugged in, your battery is shot. You can't recharge anybody else—you can't give love—if your own battery is drained. You recharge when you get away by yourself.
This also speaks to the wisdom of doing a few things well instead of overflowing the calendar…that applies to the checkbook too…Solitude, Rest helps your perspective, your attitude, your contentment…
Here’s my sermon within a sermon:
One of my heroes, Rick Warren teaches wonderful Lessons in Contentment
The Apostle Paul says: I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:11
Here are four steps to develop contentment in your life.
1. Stop comparing yourself to others. When you compare your life with someone else’s, the only place it can lead is toward discontentment. There will always be people who appear to be better off than you, but you don’t know their real circumstances.
That’s why the Bible teaches it is unwise to compare: 2 Cor. 10:12…For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise…
2. Be grateful for who you are and what you have. Learning to be content requires that you stop any “when and then” thinking – “When I am ___________, then I’ll be happy.” (You fill in the blank.)
The reason we fall into this trap is that we may actually be content for a little while but it won’t last. But, more than likely, someone else or something else will come along and drain the contentment from your life.
But listen, you are unique. God created you to be like nobody else, so why would you want to be anyone else. God is perfect, and you were his perfect choice to be you. Understanding that is a huge step toward being content with your life.
And then look at all the things God has given you. So often we allow what we don’t have to so dominate our focus that we forget the many wonderful things we already have, not only material blessing, but far more important things, such as family and friends.
I believe these thoughts on contentment also speak to something that has concerned your pastor deeply… Tithes and Offerings in churches all over the states are plummeting, yes some of this may be because of job loss and hardship, but some of it is Christians practicing fear! First of all, if the checkbook is looking dry, that’s when I should be even more diligent with putting God first…I desperately need His blessing! Holly and I write our tithe check before we pay the bills! Secondly, If Christians practice fear instead of faith, if we trust in money more than God…no wonder the rug’s being pulled out from underneath us…I trust in God’s economy: My God will supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory…He’s about to open up the floodgates of blessing and pour out more than I can imagine because I live Malachi chapter 3 and practice wise stewardship, Christian budgeting…
Let’s return to the developing contentment steps…
3. Give yourself to others. If you will begin giving yourself to others, sharing what things you do have, sharing your time and your talents, you will find yourself learning to be content. Helping others will give you an appreciation for what you have and who you are, but more importantly, you will find yourself growing content. Why? Because God designed us to serve and share with others, and until we do that, we will feel great discontent.
4. Focus on things with eternal value. The real secret to becoming content is to focus on the things that have eternal value. It may be a familiar teaching to you, but Jesus said we should store up our treasures in heaven, and not on earth “where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal”, Matthew 6.
Think about the things in your life: What will last forever? What will last at least for your lifetime? What will last a few short years, or months, or days? Based on eternal value, what things are most important in your life? Where – and with whom – should you put your most time and energy?
By re-organizing your life around eternal priorities, you’ll find yourself growing in contentment as you live according to God’s design and purpose.
Ok back to my first sermon…we recharge with 1.solitude and
2. Play. The Bible says, "Jesus came enjoying life", Matthew 11:19. He was the most people-focused, ministry-intensive person who ever lived, yet he took the time to have fun. Certain activities recharge you emotionally; they literally re-create your energy and enthusiasm for life. We all have different activities that recharge us because we're all made differently. Find out what recharges you emotionally and make time for it.
I’ve been really missing Grandma West lately. We used to spend hours playing that game Yahtzee, she always won and if she started to lose, she would cheat. She loved that game so much I bet she’s taught Jesus the game up in heaven… I told Holly about it, so she went and bought the game, such a sweet wife… Turns out my wife loves it, I taught her how to play and now she’s beating me, we’ve been playing Yahtzee like crazy…it’s a triple recharge: time with my luv, memories of my grandma, and play time!
What do you do to play?
Never stop playing!
I think once you stop playing you start dying…
I don’t wanna grow up…
I don’t know who’s responsible for this saying but they’ve got it right… “Life is too short for drama and petty things, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly!”
Recharge: solitude, play &
2. Play. The Bible says, "Jesus came enjoying life", Matthew 11:19. He was the most people-focused, ministry-intensive person who ever lived, yet he took the time to have fun. Certain activities recharge you emotionally; they literally re-create your energy and enthusiasm for life. We all have different activities that recharge us because we're all made differently. Find out what recharges you emotionally and make time for it.
I’ve been really missing Grandma West lately. We used to spend hours playing that game Yahtzee, she always won and if she started to lose, she would cheat. She loved that game so much I bet she’s taught Jesus the game up in heaven… I told Holly about it, so she went and bought the game, such a sweet wife… Turns out my wife loves it, I taught her how to play and now she’s beating me, we’ve been playing Yahtzee like crazy…it’s a triple recharge: time with my luv, memories of my grandma, and play time!What do you do to play?
Never stop playing!
I think once you stop playing you start dying…
I don’t wanna grow up…
I don’t know who’s responsible for this saying but they’ve got it right… “Life is too short for drama and petty things, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly!”
Recharge: solitude, play &
3. Laughter. Proverbs 17:22 says, "Being cheerful keeps you healthy". Studies prove that when you laugh, it increases your number of T-cells, which raises your immunity level. Laughter is good for your health. Humor is God's gift to us. Remember, God has a sense of humor—he made you! To be emotionally balanced, take God very seriously but don't take yourself seriously. Learn to laugh at your limitations. There is plenty of material. If you only laugh and enjoy life when your problems are all solved, you'll never enjoy life.
When I really want to recharge all I gotta do is meditate on the gospel!
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
The good news is you're able to enter into a relationship with God through an attitude of trust in Jesus Christ; not through religion, rules, regulations, or rituals.When we trust our lives to Jesus Christ we're given three incredible, fabulous, wonderful benefits. God forgives your past; he gives you purpose in the present; and, he offers you a future.
When I really want to recharge all I gotta do is meditate on the gospel!"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
The good news is you're able to enter into a relationship with God through an attitude of trust in Jesus Christ; not through religion, rules, regulations, or rituals.When we trust our lives to Jesus Christ we're given three incredible, fabulous, wonderful benefits. God forgives your past; he gives you purpose in the present; and, he offers you a future.
God forgives your past. None of us are perfect. Everybody has made mistakes. Everyone has skeletons in the closet—things he or she wishes had never happened. God comes along and says, "When you trust Jesus Christ with your life, I take everything you've ever done and wipe the slate clean. You get to start over with a brand-new life."Now, is that good news?
God gives you purpose in the present. You are not an accident. God created you for a purpose. But you're never going to know God's purpose for your life until you first get to know God. When you get to know God, you're going to know who you are. When you figure out God, you're going to figure out yourself.I meet people all the time who say, "I'm just trying to find myself." You know what—you probably aren't going to like yourself once you find yourself!These people say, "There's something missing in my life." God's missing! You weren't made to live and go through life just on your own power.God offers you a future.
God gives you a future, a home in heaven. Most people hope they're going to heaven, but they're not sure. Most people think if you do more good in your life than bad, then maybe God will grade on a curve and say, "Okay, you can come in."
Wrong! It doesn't work that way. You won't get into heaven on your own power because you're just not good enough.There's only one way we can get into heaven—on somebody else's ticket. Since none of us are perfect, God came to earth in human form as Jesus. Jesus lived a life of perfection. He died on the cross, paid for our sin, and then rose from the dead and went back to heaven. Now you get into heaven on his ticket, if you trust him.Romans 6:23 (NCV) says, "God gives us a free gift—life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord." It's a gift. That means you can't earn it, you can't work for it, and you can't own it in any way.God says, "If you trust My Son with your life, you get forgiveness for your past, a purpose for living in your present, and a home in heaven in the future."Is that good news?Do you think anybody you know would be interested in that?The world is hungry for good news.
No matter where you’ve been!
No matter what you’ve done!
You can begin again!
Come to Jesus!
Wrong! It doesn't work that way. You won't get into heaven on your own power because you're just not good enough.There's only one way we can get into heaven—on somebody else's ticket. Since none of us are perfect, God came to earth in human form as Jesus. Jesus lived a life of perfection. He died on the cross, paid for our sin, and then rose from the dead and went back to heaven. Now you get into heaven on his ticket, if you trust him.Romans 6:23 (NCV) says, "God gives us a free gift—life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord." It's a gift. That means you can't earn it, you can't work for it, and you can't own it in any way.God says, "If you trust My Son with your life, you get forgiveness for your past, a purpose for living in your present, and a home in heaven in the future."Is that good news?Do you think anybody you know would be interested in that?The world is hungry for good news.
No matter where you’ve been!
No matter what you’ve done!
You can begin again!
Come to Jesus!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Summit (district council)
Wish I could transplant all I learned, all the encouragement I received from this year's AG pastor's conference from my heart to yours... I didn't take picts from the summit but they emailed some...this one is from the ordination service...
Instead of whispering, God mega-phoned me, gave clear direction, vision for some important areas of the church...
You will be seeing the changes in the recent days and weeks ahead!
I will begin a new vision sermon series next week!
Jump on board with what God is doing!
Also thanks for allowing your pastor to get away...Holly, Nathaniel and I had a fabulous vacation, truly recharged!
I will be posting some picts and mabye some video of our vacation on my facebook profile...
one thought before I sign off...
The LORD just keeps whispering: CHOOSE FAITH INSTEAD OF FEAR!
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