The Living Cornerstone: Recent Episodes
Ramona & Howard Chadwick
Have you ever been in the wrong place at the wrong time? I certainly have. And being in the wrong place at the wrong time can sometimes get you into a mess. This is part 2 of a series on Don’t Take the Bait and this one is about the bait of temptation. Most times the thought of temptation is connected with sexual sin. And it is but not always. We are tempted in many ways and the temptations come at us endlessly at times. Jesus was tempted and prevailed. So He is our model. And being tempted is not a sin but acting on it is. This message looks at David and his encounter with Bathsheba. It gives some examples of other temptations and most importantly, how we can avoid temptation and how God looks at our temptation.
Have you ever been in the wrong place at the wrong time? I certainly have. And being in the wrong place at the wrong time can sometimes get you into a mess. This is part 2 of a series on Don’t Take the Bait and this one is about the bait of temptation. Most times the thought of temptation is connected with sexual sin. And it is but not always. We are tempted in many ways and the temptations come at us endlessly at times. Jesus was tempted and prevailed. So He is our model. And being tempted is not a sin but acting on it is. This message looks at David and his encounter with Bathsheba. It gives some examples of other temptations and most importantly, how we can avoid temptation and how God looks at our temptation.
Have you ever seen something online that when you saw it in real life, it was not the same? Like a vacation rental that looked beautiful, only to find that they didn’t seem to be the same places. How about being asked to click a link only to find out it was malicious? Like clickbait. The basis is to bait you into doing something that might not be good for you. Don’t Take the Bait. This week, the bait of deception is explored and how to avoid it. A story as old as the hills, the first example of deception in the bible. Adam and Eve and Satan are the characters. Satan’s goal is to deceive Eve into doing what God doesn’t want her to do,….eat from the tree in the middle of the garden. The Bait of Deception. Satan says it is ok, it looks ok, but it is a lie. And just like our lives can be sometimes, the story is predictable. What are some things to be cautious about and how to recognize the deception is what this message is about.
Have you ever seen something online that when you saw it in real life, it was not the same? Like a vacation rental that looked beautiful, only to find that they didn’t seem to be the same places. How about being asked to click a link only to find out it was malicious? Like clickbait. The basis is to bait you into doing something that might not be good for you. Don’t Take the Bait. This week, the bait of deception is explored and how to avoid it. A story as old as the hills, the first example of deception in the bible. Adam and Eve and Satan are the characters. Satan’s goal is to deceive Eve into doing what God doesn’t want her to do,….eat from the tree in the middle of the garden. The Bait of Deception. Satan says it is ok, it looks ok, but it is a lie. And just like our lives can be sometimes, the story is predictable. What are some things to be cautious about and how to recognize the deception is what this message is about.
This is the Part 3 of the Series on Focus. The first was Focus on Jesus, the second was Focus on the Mission. This message is to Focus on Eternity. All these messages are meant to give you a hope and a way to live closer to Jesus in your daily lives. Eternity is a long time. One of the oldest stars known is estimated to be about 14 billion years old. Science also believes the universe will last about another 100 trillion years. But no one really knows except for God. He created the heavens and the earth. The scriptures clearly talk about eternity and eternal life. They also tell us how we should live our lives, with our focus on eternity. The scriptures also discuss eternal death. The choice is ours and you can learn about those choices and what to do in this message.
This is the Part 3 of the Series on Focus. The first was Focus on Jesus, the second was Focus on the Mission. This message is to Focus on Eternity. All these messages are meant to give you a hope and a way to live closer to Jesus in your daily lives. Eternity is a long time. One of the oldest stars known is estimated to be about 14 billion years old. Science also believes the universe will last about another 100 trillion years. But no one really knows except for God. He created the heavens and the earth. The scriptures clearly talk about eternity and eternal life. They also tell us how we should live our lives, with our focus on eternity. The scriptures also discuss eternal death. The choice is ours and you can learn about those choices and what to do in this message.
Everything in the Bible is perfectly clear. Right? There’s nothing that is confusing…we all understand it perfectly. Right? I didn’t think so. Today’s scripture can be confusing for some. I know it was for me. In Hebrews 6:1-3, the writer warns us to leave the elementary teaching about Christ and press on to maturity less than one minute after admonishing us for again having to teach us the elementary principles of God in Hebrews 5:12. Then, in Hebrews 6:3, the writer says we will press on to maturity “if God permits.” Why wouldn’t God permit us to press on to maturity. Join me as we explore these scriptures and help to clear up some of the mud.
Everything in the Bible is perfectly clear. Right? There’s nothing that is confusing…we all understand it perfectly. Right? I didn’t think so. Today’s scripture can be confusing for some. I know it was for me. In Hebrews 6:1-3, the writer warns us to leave the elementary teaching about Christ and press on to maturity less than one minute after admonishing us for again having to teach us the elementary principles of God in Hebrews 5:12. Then, in Hebrews 6:3, the writer says we will press on to maturity “if God permits.” Why wouldn’t God permit us to press on to maturity. Join me as we explore these scriptures and help to clear up some of the mud.
I can remember being a young 7th or 8th grader. Our school was in Central Florida and in the 60’s, it did not have air conditioning. There were swing out crank windows from ceiling to almost the floor. They would open out and ventilate the room. I tried really hard to keep my attention on the math lesson, but I could hear the other students out on the playground or something as simple as a dragonfly flying around outside would distract me and before long, I was swinging on the swings or flying around with the dragonfly. It is easy to lose focus on what is important. Jesus was in Bethany, near Jerusalem, and was in the house of Martha, a friend of Jesus. Martha, Mary and Lazarus were sisters and brother and were friends of Jesus. While Jesus was there, Mary was sitting by his feet listening to him teach and Martha was busy with meal preparations. One task was urgent and another important. The urgent task can hijack the important one every time, if we let it. Jesus shares about the two and it is a lesson on what we can do to stay on the mission.
I can remember being a young 7th or 8th grader. Our school was in Central Florida and in the 60’s, it did not have air conditioning. There were swing out crank windows from ceiling to almost the floor. They would open out and ventilate the room. I tried really hard to keep my attention on the math lesson, but I could hear the other students out on the playground or something as simple as a dragonfly flying around outside would distract me and before long, I was swinging on the swings or flying around with the dragonfly. It is easy to lose focus on what is important. Jesus was in Bethany, near Jerusalem, and was in the house of Martha, a friend of Jesus. Martha, Mary and Lazarus were sisters and brother and were friends of Jesus. While Jesus was there, Mary was sitting by his feet listening to him teach and Martha was busy with meal preparations. One task was urgent and another important. The urgent task can hijack the important one every time, if we let it. Jesus shares about the two and it is a lesson on what we can do to stay on the mission.
This is Part 1 of a series on Focus. This message is Focus on Jesus. There is a common story of Jesus walking on the water in the Sea of Galilee, coming to a boat with the disciples inside. They see Jesus but aren’t sure it is Him. Therefore, Peter says to Jesus, “if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus does and Peter gets out of the boat. It isn’t long before Peter realizes he is in over his head. Peter loses focus. It is easy to do, that is to lose focus. Faith requires Focus. Peter re-focuses on Jesus and is saved. Find out how to keep focus and be more successful with your faith. And when you lose focus, re-focus.
This is Part 1 of a series on Focus. This message is Focus on Jesus. There is a common story of Jesus walking on the water in the Sea of Galilee, coming to a boat with the disciples inside. They see Jesus but aren’t sure it is Him. Therefore, Peter says to Jesus, “if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus does and Peter gets out of the boat. It isn’t long before Peter realizes he is in over his head. Peter loses focus. It is easy to do, that is to lose focus. Faith requires Focus. Peter re-focuses on Jesus and is saved. Find out how to keep focus and be more successful with your faith. And when you lose focus, re-focus.
Have you ever gotten so close to something but just couldn’t pull it off, just couldn’t get it done? I would run about 15 miles a week. Varying it like 5 3 mile runs and a time or two, 3 5 mile runs. I would build up to a few longer runs like 5, 8 miles. I wanted to get up to 10 mile runs. When I got to 8.5 miles one day, I knew I was getting close. I worked pretty hard on it but found that I had to make some more changes in my life to get there. Certainly there were some diet issues and further training. It took more time out of my schedule, I had to have more commitment to getting it done. I mean, I was so close, but I never made it. So close.
Have you ever gotten so close to something but just couldn’t pull it off, just couldn’t get it done? I would run about 15 miles a week. Varying it like 5 3 mile runs and a time or two, 3 5 mile runs. I would build up to a few longer runs like 5, 8 miles. I wanted to get up to 10 mile runs. When I got to 8.5 miles one day, I knew I was getting close. I worked pretty hard on it but found that I had to make some more changes in my life to get there. Certainly there were some diet issues and further training. It took more time out of my schedule, I had to have more commitment to getting it done. I mean, I was so close, but I never made it. So close.
Some people have an extraordinary ability to get things done. They may have special talents, intellect, and abilities to succeed. Think of athletes that stand out, or musicians that are able to perform on different instruments. There are hugely successful people in business, finance, AI or medicine. Our world is full of them. They use their abilities and what they have to make something happen. There are others that maybe are not as famous or maybe not even known at all. They too have abilities. The scriptures have some interesting people that were ordinary people, going about their daily life with the things they had. God used them in very unique ways. These are the stories of their lives and what they had and how they used them, in surprising ways. You might also be surprised at what you have and how it specifically fits into God’s plan.
Some people have an extraordinary ability to get things done. They may have special talents, intellect, and abilities to succeed. Think of athletes that stand out, or musicians that are able to perform on different instruments. There are hugely successful people in business, finance, AI or medicine. Our world is full of them. They use their abilities and what they have to make something happen. There are others that maybe are not as famous or maybe not even known at all. They too have abilities. The scriptures have some interesting people that were ordinary people, going about their daily life with the things they had. God used them in very unique ways. These are the stories of their lives and what they had and how they used them, in surprising ways. You might also be surprised at what you have and how it specifically fits into God’s plan.
Everyone here and everyone watching or listening, at one time or another in their lives, has probably had someone do them wrong, really wrong, bad wrong. Maybe even a few times! Can anyone identify with this? We all can probably. If not, just give life enough time. And what we normally do is get angry. It is a natural reaction. And the anger lingers and settles in and we resent the wrong and can easily begin to hold a grudge against them. Scripture talks about grudges. Is it ok to hold a grudge? What should we do with grudges? If you have ever wondered if God holds grudges, you are in the right place. There is a great example of where Jesus was done wrong by one of his closest followers and then how Jesus handled it with him.
Everyone here and everyone watching or listening, at one time or another in their lives, has probably had someone do them wrong, really wrong, bad wrong. Maybe even a few times! Can anyone identify with this? We all can probably. If not, just give life enough time. And what we normally do is get angry. It is a natural reaction. And the anger lingers and settles in and we resent the wrong and can easily begin to hold a grudge against them. Scripture talks about grudges. Is it ok to hold a grudge? What should we do with grudges? If you have ever wondered if God holds grudges, you are in the right place. There is a great example of where Jesus was done wrong by one of his closest followers and then how Jesus handled it with him.
I am certain that everyone hearing this message has, at one time or another, wanted to just speak their mind and tell others what they think. Free speech right? I am reasonably certain that some hearing this have done it. I am in the group of “have done it.” Since I was 18, I have had basically 2 long term jobs. A person at one of the jobs was basically an “organizational terrorist.” He had a great job with great hours but just talked negatively about the organization and people. I was with him one day and told him to just shut up because he didn’t know what he was talking about and he should be lucky he had such a great job. Well, that is the clean version of what I said. And he complained on me. The speech was free but the results had some costs. James has some really good examples of free speech and what we should think about before we speak. In an age of quick/easy and widespread communication and our face to face encounters, what we say has a huge importance in our Christian walk. This unpacks just a few concepts of how to win the battle with our speech.
I am certain that everyone hearing this message has, at one time or another, wanted to just speak their mind and tell others what they think. Free speech right? I am reasonably certain that some hearing this have done it. I am in the group of “have done it.” Since I was 18, I have had basically 2 long term jobs. A person at one of the jobs was basically an “organizational terrorist.” He had a great job with great hours but just talked negatively about the organization and people. I was with him one day and told him to just shut up because he didn’t know what he was talking about and he should be lucky he had such a great job. Well, that is the clean version of what I said. And he complained on me. The speech was free but the results had some costs. James has some really good examples of free speech and what we should think about before we speak. In an age of quick/easy and widespread communication and our face to face encounters, what we say has a huge importance in our Christian walk. This unpacks just a few concepts of how to win the battle with our speech.
I always wanted a Corvette. As I was a kid growing up, there were a few men I knew that had them. Red, silver, dark blue; low to the ground, sleek, smooth, fast, loud. They were always eye catchers. To me, at the time, they symbolized success and popularity. When I was 20 and had enough money for a down payment on my first house, I almost spent it on a Corvette at a car show. A red one. I took my eye off the house and was distracted by my desire for the car. What a mistake that would have been. Of course, that is easy to see now, but it was not so clear then. Desire never really leaves us. That strong feeling to have something or wishing for something to happen. It is always there, if we are honest. Desires may shift or change over time. One thing is certain, the wrong desire can distract, the right desire can attract…it is really about our desires. This looks at some examples in the bible that demonstrate this point.
I always wanted a Corvette. As I was a kid growing up, there were a few men I knew that had them. Red, silver, dark blue; low to the ground, sleek, smooth, fast, loud. They were always eye catchers. To me, at the time, they symbolized success and popularity. When I was 20 and had enough money for a down payment on my first house, I almost spent it on a Corvette at a car show. A red one. I took my eye off the house and was distracted by my desire for the car. What a mistake that would have been. Of course, that is easy to see now, but it was not so clear then. Desire never really leaves us. That strong feeling to have something or wishing for something to happen. It is always there, if we are honest. Desires may shift or change over time. One thing is certain, the wrong desire can distract, the right desire can attract…it is really about our desires. This looks at some examples in the bible that demonstrate this point.
How does it feel to be criticized? Often it can sting a little or maybe even make us mad. Sometimes it depends on how the criticism was delivered. Delivered alone and in a positive attitude, criticism can be good. But criticism delivered in a harsh way, in front of other people or in a crowd, can be demeaning and maybe even angering, sometimes evoking a reciprocal response. It may want us to give it back to them. Jesus, his disciples and some friends were at a house in Bethany having dinner. It was within days of Jesus being betrayed, arrested and then crucified. A woman, believed to be Mary, the sister of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, was there. She performed an act of pure love and sacrifice to Jesus. She was criticized and rebuked harshly in front of all. What she said after this public open admonishment at a dinner is a lesson for us all.
How does it feel to be criticized? Often it can sting a little or maybe even make us mad. Sometimes it depends on how the criticism was delivered. Delivered alone and in a positive attitude, criticism can be good. But criticism delivered in a harsh way, in front of other people or in a crowd, can be demeaning and maybe even angering, sometimes evoking a reciprocal response. It may want us to give it back to them. Jesus, his disciples and some friends were at a house in Bethany having dinner. It was within days of Jesus being betrayed, arrested and then crucified. A woman, believed to be Mary, the sister of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, was there. She performed an act of pure love and sacrifice to Jesus. She was criticized and rebuked harshly in front of all. What she said after this public open admonishment at a dinner is a lesson for us all.
Alyosha teaches about the purpose of Jerusalem for establishing the Kingdom. God encourages and uses His people to be involved, participate in being co-builders of His Kingdom
Alyosha teaches about the purpose of Jerusalem for establishing the Kingdom. God encourages and uses His people to be involved, participate in being co-builders of His Kingdom
We all have faith in something. We have faith that the sun will come up and go down each day. That our heart will beat another beat, that we will be able to take another breath. It might be a little more difficult to have faith that our jobs will be secure, that we won’t get sick and that nothing bad will happen to us. Sometimes bad things happen. The Bible tells a story of 2 different people, on the same day at the same time that needed something from Jesus. One had a sick daughter that was dying and the other was a woman who had been sick for 12 years. Both were desperate. They both brought what they had in their faith department to Jesus on that one day. The man had faith that if Jesus just touched his daughter that she would live. The woman believed that if she could just touch the garment of Jesus, she would be healed. Both were right. You see, they had their beliefs, or their faith and the amount of faith that they each had…they brought to Jesus. The faith that you have, just bring it to Jesus. He can work with it.
We all have faith in something. We have faith that the sun will come up and go down each day. That our heart will beat another beat, that we will be able to take another breath. It might be a little more difficult to have faith that our jobs will be secure, that we won’t get sick and that nothing bad will happen to us. Sometimes bad things happen. The Bible tells a story of 2 different people, on the same day at the same time that needed something from Jesus. One had a sick daughter that was dying and the other was a woman who had been sick for 12 years. Both were desperate. They both brought what they had in their faith department to Jesus on that one day. The man had faith that if Jesus just touched his daughter that she would live. The woman believed that if she could just touch the garment of Jesus, she would be healed. Both were right. You see, they had their beliefs, or their faith and the amount of faith that they each had…they brought to Jesus. The faith that you have, just bring it to Jesus. He can work with it.
Have you ever had test anxiety? I can still remember as a young boy in school, having test anxiety. I was good at tests, except for math. I would pray, God please let me get through this test. And I did, but I was always anxious. One of my daughters was talking to me about some general life stuff and she said, “Sometimes I wish I could just go back to a child and not have to handle all this stuff. It was easier then.” I have felt the same way myself sometimes. But there is no going back. And God doesn’t want us going back. He wants us to go forward, to grow….to mature, to be complete, and to be perfected. Just a couple of verses in James really focuses on how to not only get through “it”, whatever it is at the time, but how to be successful and to grow.
Have you ever had test anxiety? I can still remember as a young boy in school, having test anxiety. I was good at tests, except for math. I would pray, God please let me get through this test. And I did, but I was always anxious. One of my daughters was talking to me about some general life stuff and she said, “Sometimes I wish I could just go back to a child and not have to handle all this stuff. It was easier then.” I have felt the same way myself sometimes. But there is no going back. And God doesn’t want us going back. He wants us to go forward, to grow….to mature, to be complete, and to be perfected. Just a couple of verses in James really focuses on how to not only get through “it”, whatever it is at the time, but how to be successful and to grow.
It seems like most weddings now have a dinner or social time after the event. And, it is almost impossible to go to a wedding today without having wine at the dinner or social time. I am not against wine. The bible talks about wine in both positive and negative ways. And, just like anything….there can be excesses. But this story is not really about wine. Jesus went to a wedding banquet that served wine. His mother and some of His disciples were there too. We don’t know much about the couple or the guest list. What we do know is that the party ran out of wine. An embarrassment for certain. The lack of wine was brought to Jesus’ attention by His mother, Mary. His actions open up a way for us to see what Jesus wants for our life. Fullness.
It seems like most weddings now have a dinner or social time after the event. And, it is almost impossible to go to a wedding today without having wine at the dinner or social time. I am not against wine. The bible talks about wine in both positive and negative ways. And, just like anything….there can be excesses. But this story is not really about wine. Jesus went to a wedding banquet that served wine. His mother and some of His disciples were there too. We don’t know much about the couple or the guest list. What we do know is that the party ran out of wine. An embarrassment for certain. The lack of wine was brought to Jesus’ attention by His mother, Mary. His actions open up a way for us to see what Jesus wants for our life. Fullness.
Have you ever used a checklist? I like checklists. They can help keep things organized, can help get things finished and can serve as a barometer of how we are doing. Checklists can help us see if we are missing anything. Jesus was a checklist guy. There is a story in the Gospels about a man that ran up to Jesus and asked Jesus what it took to inherit eternal life. Jesus gave him a checklist of things. The man checked them off, but really knew there was another thing that he wanted more than eternal life. He even asked Jesus, “What do I still lack?” The man knew and Jesus knew. So Jesus told him. Jesus brought it out in the open. The man was sad. He went away with a box unchecked. Am I missing something, he said? Yes he was.
Have you ever used a checklist? I like checklists. They can help keep things organized, can help get things finished and can serve as a barometer of how we are doing. Checklists can help us see if we are missing anything. Jesus was a checklist guy. There is a story in the Gospels about a man that ran up to Jesus and asked Jesus what it took to inherit eternal life. Jesus gave him a checklist of things. The man checked them off, but really knew there was another thing that he wanted more than eternal life. He even asked Jesus, “What do I still lack?” The man knew and Jesus knew. So Jesus told him. Jesus brought it out in the open. The man was sad. He went away with a box unchecked. Am I missing something, he said? Yes he was.
Have you ever been around a construction site and gotten sawdust in your eyes? Or maybe at the beach and got some sand in your eyes. I grew up in a town with a saw mill. They cut boards of different sizes and lengths from logs. I got to go there only a couple of times and it was before there was strict adherence to OSHA rules like hard hat, hearing and eye protection. It was a treat. There was sawdust everywhere! As a kid, it only took me a few minutes to have it all over me and my clothes. And, yes, I got some in my eyes. Just like beach sand or the morning eye goo, sawdust in your eyes can make it hard to see, I mean, even a speck. Scripture says Jesus was a carpenter and the son of a carpenter. He knew about sawdust. I suppose he even got some sawdust in His eyes. One day Jesus was teaching the disciples and other people that had gathered around a hill. One of the things he was talking about was something in their eyes, like a speck of wood or straw. Funny Jesus was actually talking about two separate people with two separate things in their eyes. And He was talking about more than sawdust. It is a timely message for us today.
Have you ever been around a construction site and gotten sawdust in your eyes? Or maybe at the beach and got some sand in your eyes. I grew up in a town with a saw mill. They cut boards of different sizes and lengths from logs. I got to go there only a couple of times and it was before there was strict adherence to OSHA rules like hard hat, hearing and eye protection. It was a treat. There was sawdust everywhere! As a kid, it only took me a few minutes to have it all over me and my clothes. And, yes, I got some in my eyes. Just like beach sand or the morning eye goo, sawdust in your eyes can make it hard to see, I mean, even a speck. Scripture says Jesus was a carpenter and the son of a carpenter. He knew about sawdust. I suppose he even got some sawdust in His eyes. One day Jesus was teaching the disciples and other people that had gathered around a hill. One of the things he was talking about was something in their eyes, like a speck of wood or straw. Funny Jesus was actually talking about two separate people with two separate things in their eyes. And He was talking about more than sawdust. It is a timely message for us today.
Have you ever heard the expression, “No Pain, No Gain?” Roots to the saying go back as far as 650 BC, to Socrates, to Benjamin Franklin, to Jane Fonda and the workout video craze. I am not saying it is always true but often in life, obtaining things of value require great effort. Such was the entry of the people of Israel into the Promised Land. The land had great resources but it was full of adversaries. Land flowing with milk and honey had large people in it that had to be overcome. And they were with God’s help. God wants us in the Promised Land, not the actual land, but in the spiritual Promised Land with Him. And to get there, we face obstacles. We have to overcome some giants in our lives and surrender to God’s will for our lives.
Have you ever heard the expression, “No Pain, No Gain?” Roots to the saying go back as far as 650 BC, to Socrates, to Benjamin Franklin, to Jane Fonda and the workout video craze. I am not saying it is always true but often in life, obtaining things of value require great effort. Such was the entry of the people of Israel into the Promised Land. The land had great resources but it was full of adversaries. Land flowing with milk and honey had large people in it that had to be overcome. And they were with God’s help. God wants us in the Promised Land, not the actual land, but in the spiritual Promised Land with Him. And to get there, we face obstacles. We have to overcome some giants in our lives and surrender to God’s will for our lives.
Is God ok with Social Media? Well, it depends. Texting, FB, TickTok, X, Instagram, SnapChat…and more….MySpace if you are old enough, and Six Degrees in 1997 if you are older. The bible does not specifically address these platforms. But it does address what they do, which is communicate thoughts, feelings, words, opinions. So is it ok to just post or text whatever you want? Being OK or legal can be very different than right. Especially if you look at it through a biblical lens. How about this, have you ever texted or posted something you wish you hadn’t or wish you could get it back? Better yet, have you said something you wish you hadn’t or wish you could get it back? We all have.
Is God ok with Social Media? Well, it depends. Texting, FB, TickTok, X, Instagram, SnapChat…and more….MySpace if you are old enough, and Six Degrees in 1997 if you are older. The bible does not specifically address these platforms. But it does address what they do, which is communicate thoughts, feelings, words, opinions. So is it ok to just post or text whatever you want? Being OK or legal can be very different than right. Especially if you look at it through a biblical lens. How about this, have you ever texted or posted something you wish you hadn’t or wish you could get it back? Better yet, have you said something you wish you hadn’t or wish you could get it back? We all have.
Labels can be found on almost everything. Things like , nutritional labels, clothing labels, mailing labels, drink products of all kinds, "use" by labels, tobacco product warning labels, G, PG, MA labels on movies. Almost everything you can think of has labels. Most of them are put on by the manufacturer or someone other than us. But, we label things too! People, for example. It is easy for us to label people. Happy, smart, successful, easy going, …..unhappy, stupid, failure, angry. Some people we label in a nice way while others we may label in an extremely negative way; especially if they disagree with us, if they don’t act like us, if they don’t look like us, don’t believe like us or live different lifestyles than us. But what about when someone labels us? Or even more importantly, how do we label ourselves? God wants us to get beyond labels that we give to others and to ourselves. He has some labels for us. He made us, so His labels count.
Labels can be found on almost everything. Things like , nutritional labels, clothing labels, mailing labels, drink products of all kinds, "use" by labels, tobacco product warning labels, G, PG, MA labels on movies. Almost everything you can think of has labels. Most of them are put on by the manufacturer or someone other than us. But, we label things too! People, for example. It is easy for us to label people. Happy, smart, successful, easy going, …..unhappy, stupid, failure, angry. Some people we label in a nice way while others we may label in an extremely negative way; especially if they disagree with us, if they don’t act like us, if they don’t look like us, don’t believe like us or live different lifestyles than us. But what about when someone labels us? Or even more importantly, how do we label ourselves? God wants us to get beyond labels that we give to others and to ourselves. He has some labels for us. He made us, so His labels count.
Hitting a brick wall. It can mean a number of things. Brick walls can hinder forward progress because something gets in the way. So brick walls can be literal brick walls or figurative, like something is holding things back. We all have probably ran into a few brick walls during our life, possibly both kinds. One thing is for certain, life presents us all with a brick wall or two. Joshua was the leader of the people of Israel who had spent 40 years in the desert headed to their future. He had just completed getting them across the Jordan River into Canaan. They crossed the river across from a fortified city called Jericho. It was the mother of all brick walled cities. Scripture says that the walls were up to the sky. With instructions from God, Joshua faced the walls and overcame them. See what you can do when you hit a brick wall.
Hitting a brick wall. It can mean a number of things. Brick walls can hinder forward progress because something gets in the way. So brick walls can be literal brick walls or figurative, like something is holding things back. We all have probably ran into a few brick walls during our life, possibly both kinds. One thing is for certain, life presents us all with a brick wall or two. Joshua was the leader of the people of Israel who had spent 40 years in the desert headed to their future. He had just completed getting them across the Jordan River into Canaan. They crossed the river across from a fortified city called Jericho. It was the mother of all brick walled cities. Scripture says that the walls were up to the sky. With instructions from God, Joshua faced the walls and overcame them. See what you can do when you hit a brick wall.
Blockbuster was a store that had video cassettes of movies or games you could rent and then play on your video cassette player attached to your television. You had to get to the store early on Thursday so you would have movies for the weekend because the store was packed and you would not get what you wanted. You would take them back after you watched them for 3 days. Some of you probably don’t know Blockbuster, a VCR tape or VCR player even existed. I can’t imagine doing that now, when I can watch or download almost anything on my television or phone for just a couple dollars and not have to return it, ever. Video cassettes were for a time that was, not a time that is. Same thing with Manna. Manna was a food that God supplied daily to the Israelites as they journeyed through the desert from Egypt toward the Promised Land. Once the people of Israel crossed the Jordan River into the land of Canaan, the Manna stopped. It only lasted a day, had to be picked up and eaten each day and rotted after one day. It was useless after that. It stopped because it was for their past and not their future. This applies to our lives too. Take a look.
Blockbuster was a store that had video cassettes of movies or games you could rent and then play on your video cassette player attached to your television. You had to get to the store early on Thursday so you would have movies for the weekend because the store was packed and you would not get what you wanted. You would take them back after you watched them for 3 days. Some of you probably don’t know Blockbuster, a VCR tape or VCR player even existed. I can’t imagine doing that now, when I can watch or download almost anything on my television or phone for just a couple dollars and not have to return it, ever. Video cassettes were for a time that was, not a time that is. Same thing with Manna. Manna was a food that God supplied daily to the Israelites as they journeyed through the desert from Egypt toward the Promised Land. Once the people of Israel crossed the Jordan River into the land of Canaan, the Manna stopped. It only lasted a day, had to be picked up and eaten each day and rotted after one day. It was useless after that. It stopped because it was for their past and not their future. This applies to our lives too. Take a look.
African-American Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Joe Louis was about to fight Billy Conn, of Pittsburg, in the 1940’s for the National Heavyweight Boxing Championship. Sports writers said Conn would be too speedy and outbox Louis. A quote attributed to Louis about Conn was, “He can run but he can’t hide.” Louis won with just a few seconds left in the fight. You can run but you can’t hide. Conn’s strategy was to get away/stay away from Louis. It didn’t work. Moses lived his first 40 years in Egypt as a prince. He killed an Egyptian and had to flee from Pharaoh’s death sentence. He ended up fleeing to Midian where he lived the next 40 years as an obscure shepherd, husband, and father. But God wasn’t through with him yet. He ran from Egypt and from God, but it didn’t work. Because you can run from God but you can’t hide. God was there with him the whole time. Just like He is with us. Is there something you may have run from, avoided, maybe hidden from? God is with you in the desert and the mountain. He is calling your name.
African-American Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Joe Louis was about to fight Billy Conn, of Pittsburg, in the 1940’s for the National Heavyweight Boxing Championship. Sports writers said Conn would be too speedy and outbox Louis. A quote attributed to Louis about Conn was, “He can run but he can’t hide.” Louis won with just a few seconds left in the fight. You can run but you can’t hide. Conn’s strategy was to get away/stay away from Louis. It didn’t work. Moses lived his first 40 years in Egypt as a prince. He killed an Egyptian and had to flee from Pharaoh’s death sentence. He ended up fleeing to Midian where he lived the next 40 years as an obscure shepherd, husband, and father. But God wasn’t through with him yet. He ran from Egypt and from God, but it didn’t work. Because you can run from God but you can’t hide. God was there with him the whole time. Just like He is with us. Is there something you may have run from, avoided, maybe hidden from? God is with you in the desert and the mountain. He is calling your name.
We have all done things that we are not proud of. You have probably heard the saying, “If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.” If you haven’t, it means that if you aren’t willing to suffer the penalty for what you do, then don’t do it. But even knowing that…..we all can just tilt sideways and mess up. But us messing up does not mean that God still can’t help us overcome it and even do mighty things. There are many examples in the bible about this same thing. One guy becomes a fleeing felon and a fugitive. His name was Moses. He murdered a man and buried the dead man in the sand. Once the Pharaoh found out, he was after Moses and wanted to kill him. Moses fled, a fleeing felon, and hid in a nearby country for 40 years. He was a fugitive. But those 40 years Moses learned a lot. And God was with him and used him in a great way. I bet you have been through some “stuff” too. This is about how to get something out of things that go wrong.
We have all done things that we are not proud of. You have probably heard the saying, “If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.” If you haven’t, it means that if you aren’t willing to suffer the penalty for what you do, then don’t do it. But even knowing that…..we all can just tilt sideways and mess up. But us messing up does not mean that God still can’t help us overcome it and even do mighty things. There are many examples in the bible about this same thing. One guy becomes a fleeing felon and a fugitive. His name was Moses. He murdered a man and buried the dead man in the sand. Once the Pharaoh found out, he was after Moses and wanted to kill him. Moses fled, a fleeing felon, and hid in a nearby country for 40 years. He was a fugitive. But those 40 years Moses learned a lot. And God was with him and used him in a great way. I bet you have been through some “stuff” too. This is about how to get something out of things that go wrong.
“Sold Down The River” means a profound betrayal. The river was the Mississippi or the Ohio. The term came from pre-civil war slave trade where slaves were sent south, down the river in a boat, to be sold. An article on NPR by Lakshmi Gandhi, said it was almost certain death as the slaves were housed and worked under brutal conditions to harvest cotton. In a boat, taken from your family, not knowing for certain what would happen, downstream you went. This was obviously a difficult time for our country and for those that were forced into this way of life. At about 3 months old, Moses was put in a small boat, an ark, separated from his family, put into the Nile River in Egypt. He was fleeing an edict from Pharaoh to throw all make children into the river for them to die. God’s people were growing too numerous and Pharaoh was afraid of them. Not knowing where he was going or would end up, Moses was sent down the river not to be sold into slavery, but to save his people from slavery.
“Sold Down The River” means a profound betrayal. The river was the Mississippi or the Ohio. The term came from pre-civil war slave trade where slaves were sent south, down the river in a boat, to be sold. An article on NPR by Lakshmi Gandhi, said it was almost certain death as the slaves were housed and worked under brutal conditions to harvest cotton. In a boat, taken from your family, not knowing for certain what would happen, downstream you went. This was obviously a difficult time for our country and for those that were forced into this way of life. At about 3 months old, Moses was put in a small boat, an ark, separated from his family, put into the Nile River in Egypt. He was fleeing an edict from Pharaoh to throw all make children into the river for them to die. God’s people were growing too numerous and Pharaoh was afraid of them. Not knowing where he was going or would end up, Moses was sent down the river not to be sold into slavery, but to save his people from slavery.
Medical studies have shown that too much stress can cause many problems. Mayo Clinic says, stress that's not dealt with can lead to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes. WebMD says further that stress can cause mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and strokes. Obesity and other eating disorders. Clearly too much stress can kill you. I see me in a couple of these. Our world is full of stress. Now some stress has been shown to improve performance, but long term chronic stress is not good for you. So how much stress is good or bad? Can we succeed in stressful circumstances? Yes, we can and the bible has a great illustration of Success Under Stress. It is about his people, Israel, under stress in Egypt and it shows how we too can have success when under stress.
Medical studies have shown that too much stress can cause many problems. Mayo Clinic says, stress that's not dealt with can lead to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes. WebMD says further that stress can cause mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and strokes. Obesity and other eating disorders. Clearly too much stress can kill you. I see me in a couple of these. Our world is full of stress. Now some stress has been shown to improve performance, but long term chronic stress is not good for you. So how much stress is good or bad? Can we succeed in stressful circumstances? Yes, we can and the bible has a great illustration of Success Under Stress. It is about his people, Israel, under stress in Egypt and it shows how we too can have success when under stress.
Thursday was the 4th of July. Fireworks, Food and another holiday. It was started when our country, The United States of America, declared independence from British rule. It took about 100 years for the process of leaving Britain to become established. And we had to declare it, in the Declaration of Independence. In that document, the second sentence is a remarkable explanation of what America stood for, individually. See just how much scripture is connected with this sentence and what it means to Christians. And what it has to do with you and your independence from sin and death.
Thursday was the 4th of July. Fireworks, Food and another holiday. It was started when our country, The United States of America, declared independence from British rule. It took about 100 years for the process of leaving Britain to become established. And we had to declare it, in the Declaration of Independence. In that document, the second sentence is a remarkable explanation of what America stood for, individually. See just how much scripture is connected with this sentence and what it means to Christians. And what it has to do with you and your independence from sin and death.
You may have heard the saying, “They have a RAP sheet a mile long.” A RAP sheet is a Report of Arrests and Prosecutions. A written document for an individual based on fingerprints. There is also a number for each individual called an Offender Based Tracking System (OBTS) that is assigned to them. With the right clearance or position, you can look back into someone’s arrest record. You could see those things about others that could be surprising, embarrassing, or into areas that someone would not like to share. The Bible is a written record also, and there are some notable characters that have a RAP sheet. People like Adam, Cain, Abraham, Moses, Noah, David, Peter, and Paul. And there are more. A RAP sheet here is a record of wrongs they committed. A record in the Bible. We might also have a RAP sheet on others that have wronged us. A record in our mind of past hurts, betrayals or injuries. Things about them that we have stored up and kept in our mind. See what God thinks about RAP sheets.
You may have heard the saying, “They have a RAP sheet a mile long.” A RAP sheet is a Report of Arrests and Prosecutions. A written document for an individual based on fingerprints. There is also a number for each individual called an Offender Based Tracking System (OBTS) that is assigned to them. With the right clearance or position, you can look back into someone’s arrest record. You could see those things about others that could be surprising, embarrassing, or into areas that someone would not like to share. The Bible is a written record also, and there are some notable characters that have a RAP sheet. People like Adam, Cain, Abraham, Moses, Noah, David, Peter, and Paul. And there are more. A RAP sheet here is a record of wrongs they committed. A record in the Bible. We might also have a RAP sheet on others that have wronged us. A record in our mind of past hurts, betrayals or injuries. Things about them that we have stored up and kept in our mind. See what God thinks about RAP sheets.
We live in a time that we can communicate or shop around the world in relatively a short amount of time. We can get thousands of answers to our questions on our phone in a matter of seconds or thousands of a second. We can transfer, send or receive money electronically in a few clicks. It seems like almost everything we want or need is being available to us faster and faster in a shorter amount of time and effort. So, what about praying? Can we get what we want or need in a short prayer? Do short prayers even work? The bible has some really good examples of short prayers and how they worked. These examples should encourage us to pray, even if we don’t exactly know how to get started praying, and if we do pray they should encourage us to pray even more.
We live in a time that we can communicate or shop around the world in relatively a short amount of time. We can get thousands of answers to our questions on our phone in a matter of seconds or thousands of a second. We can transfer, send or receive money electronically in a few clicks. It seems like almost everything we want or need is being available to us faster and faster in a shorter amount of time and effort. So, what about praying? Can we get what we want or need in a short prayer? Do short prayers even work? The bible has some really good examples of short prayers and how they worked. These examples should encourage us to pray, even if we don’t exactly know how to get started praying, and if we do pray they should encourage us to pray even more.
Stephen and Sandra Hogue always wanted to start a family of their own. But after struggling with infertility for 7 years, they knew they would need to move adoption to the forefront of their plans. They began their journey into adoption with the foster care program. And that's when they realized how broken it was. In 2013, they felt led to leave their very secure jobs and venture out in the unknown, become missionaries, and be a part of the solution for foster care communities. So, that's exactly what they did. Their vision for OneFamily is to connect local churches and the community to help them become a part of that solution, too. Because when the family flourishes, the community flourishes.
Stephen and Sandra Hogue always wanted to start a family of their own. But after struggling with infertility for 7 years, they knew they would need to move adoption to the forefront of their plans. They began their journey into adoption with the foster care program. And that's when they realized how broken it was. In 2013, they felt led to leave their very secure jobs and venture out in the unknown, become missionaries, and be a part of the solution for foster care communities. So, that's exactly what they did. Their vision for OneFamily is to connect local churches and the community to help them become a part of that solution, too. Because when the family flourishes, the community flourishes.
Probably at one time or another you have seen people come unglued. They lost it for one reason or another and they didn’t act like they normally would. You may have come unglued yourself at one point of your life. Then there is the act of something coming unglued. Like when you had a plan and it was coming unraveled and not working out. Maybe it was relational or financial and it started going south. Maybe there was a plan to cover or conceal something that you didn’t want anyone to know about. Things got out, someone talked, someone saw something and the plan was coming unglued. King David was in a place, at a time when he should have been doing something else. He got into a mess with a woman. When it started coming unglued, he worked desperately to conceal it, but it didn’t work. He thought he could work it out on his own, with his own power, but he couldn’t. He was confronted with it and exposed. Scripture reveals what we need to do even before things start coming unglued.
Probably at one time or another you have seen people come unglued. They lost it for one reason or another and they didn’t act like they normally would. You may have come unglued yourself at one point of your life. Then there is the act of something coming unglued. Like when you had a plan and it was coming unraveled and not working out. Maybe it was relational or financial and it started going south. Maybe there was a plan to cover or conceal something that you didn’t want anyone to know about. Things got out, someone talked, someone saw something and the plan was coming unglued. King David was in a place, at a time when he should have been doing something else. He got into a mess with a woman. When it started coming unglued, he worked desperately to conceal it, but it didn’t work. He thought he could work it out on his own, with his own power, but he couldn’t. He was confronted with it and exposed. Scripture reveals what we need to do even before things start coming unglued.
Do you know what a Mayhaw bush and berry are? It is a hawthorn berry family bush that produces fruit in the early summer…..or May usually in wetlands in the southeast. They are used to make a sweet jelly or jam. There were at least two ways to get the very small berries off of the big bush. One way was to put down a large tarp or piece of plastic around the tree and shake the limbs until the fruit falls off. The second way, the way that my grandmother required, was to hand pick only the ripe or ready berries. The shaking method would bring down both ripe and un-ripened fruit….a waste, according to my grandmother. Of course, she was correct. Jesus was talking to his disciples in the Upper Room where they had just finished the Passover meal. Just before His betrayal in the garden. He had shared with them many things, one of which was about how they were picked by Him to bear fruit, lasting fruit. Jesus selected them (and us) specifically. He didn’t shake the branches, He didn’t get the ones not ready, and He selected them specifically. He has selected us specifically also. This message is about how we come to know God as we obey Him and He accomplishes His work through us.
Do you know what a Mayhaw bush and berry are? It is a hawthorn berry family bush that produces fruit in the early summer…..or May usually in wetlands in the southeast. They are used to make a sweet jelly or jam. There were at least two ways to get the very small berries off of the big bush. One way was to put down a large tarp or piece of plastic around the tree and shake the limbs until the fruit falls off. The second way, the way that my grandmother required, was to hand pick only the ripe or ready berries. The shaking method would bring down both ripe and un-ripened fruit….a waste, according to my grandmother. Of course, she was correct. Jesus was talking to his disciples in the Upper Room where they had just finished the Passover meal. Just before His betrayal in the garden. He had shared with them many things, one of which was about how they were picked by Him to bear fruit, lasting fruit. Jesus selected them (and us) specifically. He didn’t shake the branches, He didn’t get the ones not ready, and He selected them specifically. He has selected us specifically also. This message is about how we come to know God as we obey Him and He accomplishes His work through us.
Ever get heartburn? Sometimes it is because of something you ate…..or maybe drank, or both. Spicy or acidic foods are common causes. Too much alcohol can be a culprit. Even eating too fast can trigger heartburn. It can linger for hours. Also, stress and anxiety play a role in heartburn. I suspect that some of us have worried ourselves sick over things. I have been guilty of that. And going the wrong way, doing the wrong thing can cause it too. Jesus had been crucified and buried. But before that, he told his disciples to stay in Jerusalem until the gift of the Holy Spirit came to them. But it had been Passover and the city was full of people that had completed Passover and were leaving. There were two men leaving Jerusalem walking to Emmaus. Jesus started walking with them but they did not recognize Him. They walked and talked and finally had a meal. Then they recognized Him……they had heartburn as recorded in the scripture. Jesus turned their heartburn into heart change.
Ever get heartburn? Sometimes it is because of something you ate…..or maybe drank, or both. Spicy or acidic foods are common causes. Too much alcohol can be a culprit. Even eating too fast can trigger heartburn. It can linger for hours. Also, stress and anxiety play a role in heartburn. I suspect that some of us have worried ourselves sick over things. I have been guilty of that. And going the wrong way, doing the wrong thing can cause it too. Jesus had been crucified and buried. But before that, he told his disciples to stay in Jerusalem until the gift of the Holy Spirit came to them. But it had been Passover and the city was full of people that had completed Passover and were leaving. There were two men leaving Jerusalem walking to Emmaus. Jesus started walking with them but they did not recognize Him. They walked and talked and finally had a meal. Then they recognized Him……they had heartburn as recorded in the scripture. Jesus turned their heartburn into heart change.
Do you ever just want some peace? The pounding rhythm of the day can wear us all down. Add a few incidents that cross us up with kids or family, couple phone calls/texts/posts, bills and a broken appliance or two can push us over the edge. Then you see a nail in your tire or the car won’t start. Bam. Everyone wants Peace or Comfort. Pentecost Sunday is about Power. The sound of a might rushing wind in a room full of people, divided tongues that looked like fire. It is the power promised in scripture. But that is not all that you get. It is more than just power. Peace is promised too, comfort, and help. The Holy Spirit. Yes the power of the Holy Spirit but also, peace, a comforter, a helper. Jesus himself says it. Take the power and take the peace also. Want some peace and comfort?
Do you ever just want some peace? The pounding rhythm of the day can wear us all down. Add a few incidents that cross us up with kids or family, couple phone calls/texts/posts, bills and a broken appliance or two can push us over the edge. Then you see a nail in your tire or the car won’t start. Bam. Everyone wants Peace or Comfort. Pentecost Sunday is about Power. The sound of a might rushing wind in a room full of people, divided tongues that looked like fire. It is the power promised in scripture. But that is not all that you get. It is more than just power. Peace is promised too, comfort, and help. The Holy Spirit. Yes the power of the Holy Spirit but also, peace, a comforter, a helper. Jesus himself says it. Take the power and take the peace also. Want some peace and comfort?
Have you ever wondered sometimes, why should I even pray? Does it really accomplish anything? And sometimes when I did pray, my prayers never seemed to get answered. Also, maybe you were never really taught how to pray or know how to pray. So, it is just easier to not pray at all. Even worse, maybe you don’t think God will hear your prayers because you don’t act or think right all the time and struggle with sin. And what really is prayer? We have all probably thought some of these things over our lives. If we are even wanting to try to live a biblical based life, we have had to confront these questions or issues. Jesus prayed a lot. He gave many examples on how to pray and the bible is full of ideas on praying. This message just sticks to the very basics of prayer. It is hoped it will give you a jump start if you have never prayed and will encourage you to continue in prayer if you are in the habit of praying.
Have you ever wondered sometimes, why should I even pray? Does it really accomplish anything? And sometimes when I did pray, my prayers never seemed to get answered. Also, maybe you were never really taught how to pray or know how to pray. So, it is just easier to not pray at all. Even worse, maybe you don’t think God will hear your prayers because you don’t act or think right all the time and struggle with sin. And what really is prayer? We have all probably thought some of these things over our lives. If we are even wanting to try to live a biblical based life, we have had to confront these questions or issues. Jesus prayed a lot. He gave many examples on how to pray and the bible is full of ideas on praying. This message just sticks to the very basics of prayer. It is hoped it will give you a jump start if you have never prayed and will encourage you to continue in prayer if you are in the habit of praying.
They have an attitude! I bet you have said that before in a drive-through, at a ball game, in a long line at the bank or store, or even walking down the street. Someone has a smart response, a quick retort, a sarcastic look……or they cut you off because you are going too slowly for them. You might be on your phone at a light when it turns green and it is one of those long blasts versus a toot. They have an attitude. How about you? I was in my vehicle the other day with my brother and a guy cut us off and stopped in front of me at a stop sign. My brother had to remind me…….don’t get right up on them….because I really wanted to. You ever do something like that? Are our attitudes always right? Probably not and how we change (our attitude(s)) is in the Bible.
They have an attitude! I bet you have said that before in a drive-through, at a ball game, in a long line at the bank or store, or even walking down the street. Someone has a smart response, a quick retort, a sarcastic look……or they cut you off because you are going too slowly for them. You might be on your phone at a light when it turns green and it is one of those long blasts versus a toot. They have an attitude. How about you? I was in my vehicle the other day with my brother and a guy cut us off and stopped in front of me at a stop sign. My brother had to remind me…….don’t get right up on them….because I really wanted to. You ever do something like that? Are our attitudes always right? Probably not and how we change (our attitude(s)) is in the Bible.
Life too much sometimes? The answer is YES. Small things add up and before long they can drag your attitude, enthusiasm and patience down. It comes in all shapes and sizes and at all different times. Sometimes just out of the clear blue sky something can affect your daily life. We are all just one phone call, text, doctor’s appointment, intersection or conversation away from overload. And sometimes it can be just one word from a friend that puts us over the edge or triggers something inside of us. Then Boom. We explode. In 3 simple verses, Jesus is saying to us, when we have a hard row to hoe, Come to Me. He is saying, Try This.
Life too much sometimes? The answer is YES. Small things add up and before long they can drag your attitude, enthusiasm and patience down. It comes in all shapes and sizes and at all different times. Sometimes just out of the clear blue sky something can affect your daily life. We are all just one phone call, text, doctor’s appointment, intersection or conversation away from overload. And sometimes it can be just one word from a friend that puts us over the edge or triggers something inside of us. Then Boom. We explode. In 3 simple verses, Jesus is saying to us, when we have a hard row to hoe, Come to Me. He is saying, Try This.
Have you ever seen kids on the playground when something happens? Each child is pointing a finger at the other. Or how about the birthday cake is smudged and the two children point at each other when asked how the finger full piece got eaten. As we get older, the finger-pointing sort of sticks with us. Of course, it may not be physical finger-pointing, but more like on social media, texts, and those sort of things. It can relate to assigning blame or avoiding responsibility. Sound familiar? It is in the bible too. It actually started very early in the bible. Genesis chapter 3. There is finger-pointing galore. Blame is easy to assign and re-assign. But the real issue is The Why of the finger-pointing. That is what this message looks at, yes the finger-pointing and blame game, but also the way you can overcome finger-pointing.
Have you ever seen kids on the playground when something happens? Each child is pointing a finger at the other. Or how about the birthday cake is smudged and the two children point at each other when asked how the finger full piece got eaten. As we get older, the finger-pointing sort of sticks with us. Of course, it may not be physical finger-pointing, but more like on social media, texts, and those sort of things. It can relate to assigning blame or avoiding responsibility. Sound familiar? It is in the bible too. It actually started very early in the bible. Genesis chapter 3. There is finger-pointing galore. Blame is easy to assign and re-assign. But the real issue is The Why of the finger-pointing. That is what this message looks at, yes the finger-pointing and blame game, but also the way you can overcome finger-pointing.
Have you ever had a nickname? I had a grandfather named Louie Whitaker. I was named after him and I was called Little Louie, because he was the big Louie or just Louie. The name stuck with me only when I was around him. It was to distinguish us. There was a guy named Ted who was known as Tiny. But he wasn’t tiny. He was a big guy who was just a great person who helped everyone he came in contact with. If you are not careful, you can “own” your nickname and it can stick with you as well as influence how you feel about yourself and how others feel about you. Jesus was having a meal just before Passover with some friends. A woman is at the meal and breaks open a very expensive jar of perfume and anointed Jesus as he was at the table. The criticism was quick and the woman was rebuked for using such an expensive item. Jesus was quick to set them straight and praise the woman for her act of worship. The story really centers on the woman, the perfume, Jesus and the detractors. But there is an important person that is just glazed over. The man in whose house where the dinner was held. His name was Simon and he had a nickname.
Have you ever had a nickname? I had a grandfather named Louie Whitaker. I was named after him and I was called Little Louie, because he was the big Louie or just Louie. The name stuck with me only when I was around him. It was to distinguish us. There was a guy named Ted who was known as Tiny. But he wasn’t tiny. He was a big guy who was just a great person who helped everyone he came in contact with. If you are not careful, you can “own” your nickname and it can stick with you as well as influence how you feel about yourself and how others feel about you. Jesus was having a meal just before Passover with some friends. A woman is at the meal and breaks open a very expensive jar of perfume and anointed Jesus as he was at the table. The criticism was quick and the woman was rebuked for using such an expensive item. Jesus was quick to set them straight and praise the woman for her act of worship. The story really centers on the woman, the perfume, Jesus and the detractors. But there is an important person that is just glazed over. The man in whose house where the dinner was held. His name was Simon and he had a nickname.
Keep your eye on the ball. Can be golf, life, a job or project, but I think of baseball. Full disclosure, I am not a sports fan or nut. I don’t know averages, scores or leagues. I do know that if you don’t keep your eye on the ball, it can hit you. I learned it in sand lot baseball as a kid. Keeping your eye on the ball is important in our Christian life. Satan loves to distract and divide us so that we get hit with the ball or quit. This baseball analogy had a stadium, teams, pitcher, batter and catcher. Even if you are not a sports fan (like me), you won’t miss the application for your life.
Keep your eye on the ball. Can be golf, life, a job or project, but I think of baseball. Full disclosure, I am not a sports fan or nut. I don’t know averages, scores or leagues. I do know that if you don’t keep your eye on the ball, it can hit you. I learned it in sand lot baseball as a kid. Keeping your eye on the ball is important in our Christian life. Satan loves to distract and divide us so that we get hit with the ball or quit. This baseball analogy had a stadium, teams, pitcher, batter and catcher. Even if you are not a sports fan (like me), you won’t miss the application for your life.
Have you ever had a conversation that hinged on life or death? You had to make decisions, plans and take actions. It may be with a doctor or a loved one or sometimes, because of your line of work, like healthcare, public service….or ministry,…the conversation may be with someone you don’t really know very well or for very long.Easter Sunday, the day we remember the resurrection of Jesus. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is all about redemption. But there is one conversation, in all of Jesus’ conversations that shows He never gives up on us. The conversation on the cross.
Have you ever had a conversation that hinged on life or death? You had to make decisions, plans and take actions. It may be with a doctor or a loved one or sometimes, because of your line of work, like healthcare, public service….or ministry,…the conversation may be with someone you don’t really know very well or for very long.Easter Sunday, the day we remember the resurrection of Jesus. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is all about redemption. But there is one conversation, in all of Jesus’ conversations that shows He never gives up on us. The conversation on the cross.
Palm Sunday gets its name from the palm branches that were thrown on the ground as Jesus entered Jerusalem for Passover. But, the meaning of Palm Sunday goes much deeper than palm branches. It was the last few days that Jesus would be alive on earth in His human body. He was coming to Passover riding a donkey. A donkey was an animal of peace and also was an unclean animal. An animal in scripture that could be redeemed only with the sacrifice of a spotless lamb, or its neck had to be broken, killing it. You can’t help but see the comparison of Jesus riding an unclean animal that was taking Him into Jerusalem to be sacrificed for all of us, unclean ourselves, except for the sacrifice of Jesus. Behold, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. This takes a look at Jesus and the donkey.
Palm Sunday gets its name from the palm branches that were thrown on the ground as Jesus entered Jerusalem for Passover. But, the meaning of Palm Sunday goes much deeper than palm branches. It was the last few days that Jesus would be alive on earth in His human body. He was coming to Passover riding a donkey. A donkey was an animal of peace and also was an unclean animal. An animal in scripture that could be redeemed only with the sacrifice of a spotless lamb, or its neck had to be broken, killing it. You can’t help but see the comparison of Jesus riding an unclean animal that was taking Him into Jerusalem to be sacrificed for all of us, unclean ourselves, except for the sacrifice of Jesus. Behold, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. This takes a look at Jesus and the donkey.
We are set free in Christ. Do not go back just because you mess up. Forget those things behind and go forward.
We are set free in Christ. Do not go back just because you mess up. Forget those things behind and go forward.
Have you ever said something and then thought, “I can’t believe I said that”? I have….and I am sad to say, I have done it more often than I like. It's just normal to want to say anything we want and act anyway we want. When something doesn’t go our way or someone does something to irritate us, our natural reaction is to strike back, often without considering the consequences. An enduring statement that I heard when I was young was, “It is better to be thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Scripture has some really good explanations and examples about this and has some ways you can overcome this quick talk and temper. If you have this area of your life totally conquered, you may not need this……but, if you are like me….I am still working on it. Join us and see how this can help you.
Have you ever said something and then thought, “I can’t believe I said that”? I have….and I am sad to say, I have done it more often than I like. It's just normal to want to say anything we want and act anyway we want. When something doesn’t go our way or someone does something to irritate us, our natural reaction is to strike back, often without considering the consequences. An enduring statement that I heard when I was young was, “It is better to be thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Scripture has some really good explanations and examples about this and has some ways you can overcome this quick talk and temper. If you have this area of your life totally conquered, you may not need this……but, if you are like me….I am still working on it. Join us and see how this can help you.
Don’t you wish you could see in the dark? Don’t you wish you could know what is out there in the dark? It would be so cool to be able to go out in the pitch black and look around. Well, there are pieces of equipment called NOD’s. That stands for Night Optical or Observation Device, or NVG (Night Vision Goggles). You can hold them or attach them to a helmet or they can be mounted to vehicles or aircraft. They are used mostly in the military and law enforcement. NODs look into the dark, the unknown, the place you are unable to see with the naked eye…..with your own eyes. But with them, you can see in the dark. You have night vision. That is like Faith. Being able to see ahead, in the dark, where others can’s see but you can with faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. It is a faith in God that He will do what He says as He speaks to you. Here are some examples and how you can have NODs faith.
Old western movies would have a wanted poster. Wanted: Dead or Alive. That would mean the person would really be wanted. So, How about faith? You want it Dead or Alive? Or better yet, your faith…..is it Dead or Alive? And how would you know? The bible talks about a dead faith and by default, then shows an alive faith. It is like static or active faith. And I am not talking about the faith needed for salvation, but for a faith to be active you take a pinch of faith, mix in some works and there you go. Alive, active faith. Atrophy is a term that means decline in effectiveness or vigor due to underuse or neglect. That would be dead faith. Activate your faith. Here are some ways to do that.
Old western movies would have a wanted poster. Wanted: Dead or Alive. That would mean the person would really be wanted. So, How about faith? You want it Dead or Alive? Or better yet, your faith…..is it Dead or Alive? And how would you know? The bible talks about a dead faith and by default, then shows an alive faith. It is like static or active faith. And I am not talking about the faith needed for salvation, but for a faith to be active you take a pinch of faith, mix in some works and there you go. Alive, active faith. Atrophy is a term that means decline in effectiveness or vigor due to underuse or neglect. That would be dead faith. Activate your faith. Here are some ways to do that.
There is no greater distance than that of the gap between what I know in my head and what I believe in my heart.
There is no greater distance than that of the gap between what I know in my head and what I believe in my heart.
What do I do when…….(fill in the blank) happens? Panic, get sick, worry? You might ask a friend but maybe just Google it. Or Tick Toc it. See what others did to fix the……(fill in the blank)……Wi-Fi, phone screen, plumbing, figure out my IP address (the most asked question on google, according to explodingtopics.com blog, 1.1m a month) or for 2023, where is my refund, according to statista.com (15.5 searches a month). However, Google or Tick Toc may not be right when ……..(fill in the blank), the doctor says, you lose a loved one, your friend or child is in crisis and they need you right now. Or when…..you lose your job or health care or you are separated from someone you care about…..or you are abused. You need wisdom. Google’s wisdom is not God’s wisdom. So, how do you get God’s wisdom? You ask. This is about where to find it in the bible and examples of God’s wisdom in action.
What do I do when…….(fill in the blank) happens? Panic, get sick, worry? You might ask a friend but maybe just Google it. Or Tick Toc it. See what others did to fix the……(fill in the blank)……Wi-Fi, phone screen, plumbing, figure out my IP address (the most asked question on google, according to explodingtopics.com blog, 1.1m a month) or for 2023, where is my refund, according to statista.com (15.5 searches a month). However, Google or Tick Toc may not be right when ……..(fill in the blank), the doctor says, you lose a loved one, your friend or child is in crisis and they need you right now. Or when…..you lose your job or health care or you are separated from someone you care about…..or you are abused. You need wisdom. Google’s wisdom is not God’s wisdom. So, how do you get God’s wisdom? You ask. This is about where to find it in the bible and examples of God’s wisdom in action.
Have you ever wondered, How did I ever get into this mess? Why are all these problems happening to me? The bible is clear on the fact that you will have problems. You have either been in a problem, are in a problem now or are about to encounter a problem. Problems 101 gives examples of what the scriptures teach to do about problems when you encounter them. Using David, who faced a huge problem, Goliath, we look back at the lion and the bear to see how David used those problems to conquer the bigger one.
Have you ever wondered, How did I ever get into this mess? Why are all these problems happening to me? The bible is clear on the fact that you will have problems. You have either been in a problem, are in a problem now or are about to encounter a problem. Problems 101 gives examples of what the scriptures teach to do about problems when you encounter them. Using David, who faced a huge problem, Goliath, we look back at the lion and the bear to see how David used those problems to conquer the bigger one.
This is Part 3 in the series, Knowing and Doing the Will of God. It is based on a book by Henry Blackaby, Experiencing God. Joshua is faced with a raging Jordan River and across it, a country filled with giants and walled cities. God wants Joshua and the nation of Israel to possess it. But they had never been here before. God is always asking us to join him in what He is doing. It is no different here. God wants you also to join him. Some practical steps in this message to know and do God’s Will.
This is Part 3 in the series, Knowing and Doing the Will of God. It is based on a book by Henry Blackaby, Experiencing God. Joshua is faced with a raging Jordan River and across it, a country filled with giants and walled cities. God wants Joshua and the nation of Israel to possess it. But they had never been here before. God is always asking us to join him in what He is doing. It is no different here. God wants you also to join him. Some practical steps in this message to know and do God’s Will.
Does it seem like there is a lot of “stuff” going on in our world?Have you ever had a time that there was so much information coming at you that you had trouble knowing what the truth? Red/Blue, Republican/Democrat, Right/Left, smart people on both sides of things arguing good arguments …..Just so much confusion. How about everything going on all the time…..in the Middle East, in the Korean Peninsula, shipping lanes, in countries adjacent to us. In major cities, in small towns, on Wall Street. Inflation, prices, interest rates, health care, gas price, electric vs gas. Kmart, Walmart, Target, Disney, Bud Light, just any issue. That is why it is so important to be able to know and do God’s will. This gives an example of how God speaks to us so we will know his will and how this group of people did His will.
Does it seem like there is a lot of “stuff” going on in our world?Have you ever had a time that there was so much information coming at you that you had trouble knowing what the truth? Red/Blue, Republican/Democrat, Right/Left, smart people on both sides of things arguing good arguments …..Just so much confusion. How about everything going on all the time…..in the Middle East, in the Korean Peninsula, shipping lanes, in countries adjacent to us. In major cities, in small towns, on Wall Street. Inflation, prices, interest rates, health care, gas price, electric vs gas. Kmart, Walmart, Target, Disney, Bud Light, just any issue. That is why it is so important to be able to know and do God’s will. This gives an example of how God speaks to us so we will know his will and how this group of people did His will.
The Anointing protects genuine Christians from false teachings about Jesus. Quenching the Spirit by our negative words stops the flow of the anointing, which can cause us to be deceived.
The Anointing protects genuine Christians from false teachings about Jesus. Quenching the Spirit by our negative words stops the flow of the anointing, which can cause us to be deceived.
Knowing and Doing God’s Will, is a 3 part series to start the New Year. Throughout scripture, God wants good for your life and blessing over cursing. First part is “Leaving Things Behind”. In Genesis 12, Abram (later known as Abraham) was living with his father and family in a place that worshipped idols. God told him to leave and go to a place I will show you. Before we can get into our good, we have to get out of the bad. It takes motion and action….and guts. And depending on just how deep we may be into an issue, it may take some digging to get out. But you can’t have blessings like God would want for you if you are in the middle of bad. My hope is that Knowing and Doing God’s Will, will give you hope to move forward with God.
Knowing and Doing God’s Will, is a 3 part series to start the New Year. Throughout scripture, God wants good for your life and blessing over cursing. First part is “Leaving Things Behind”. In Genesis 12, Abram (later known as Abraham) was living with his father and family in a place that worshipped idols. God told him to leave and go to a place I will show you. Before we can get into our good, we have to get out of the bad. It takes motion and action….and guts. And depending on just how deep we may be into an issue, it may take some digging to get out. But you can’t have blessings like God would want for you if you are in the middle of bad. My hope is that Knowing and Doing God’s Will, will give you hope to move forward with God.
If you are a believer in Christ, you have a vital role in God's plan to save the world. In you, God is building a living sanctuary to take His presence to the ends of the earth.
If you are a believer in Christ, you have a vital role in God's plan to save the world. In you, God is building a living sanctuary to take His presence to the ends of the earth.
Scared of the Dark? You know the feeling you get when you go into a totally dark room or when you are in a place and the lights go out and it is totally dark….pitch black dark? You can just feel it sometimes can’t you? There is a great story in the bible about that very thing and how God had a plan for His People then. He still has the same plan for us now.
Scared of the Dark? You know the feeling you get when you go into a totally dark room or when you are in a place and the lights go out and it is totally dark….pitch black dark? You can just feel it sometimes can’t you? There is a great story in the bible about that very thing and how God had a plan for His People then. He still has the same plan for us now.
Best if used by……then a date. It depends on who you talk to if it is really important. Do you toss it or maybe smell it to see what you think? Mold, rot, maybe even bugs……toss it. It can be compared to things in our lives. If something is expired, rotten or full of bugs….ditch it. It can make you sick. It can slow you down. It can hold you back. Moses is talking to the people of Israel in the desert and God gave a best if used by date to them….well actually a must be used by date. It applies to their daily life and walk with God and it does to ours today also.
Best if used by……then a date. It depends on who you talk to if it is really important. Do you toss it or maybe smell it to see what you think? Mold, rot, maybe even bugs……toss it. It can be compared to things in our lives. If something is expired, rotten or full of bugs….ditch it. It can make you sick. It can slow you down. It can hold you back. Moses is talking to the people of Israel in the desert and God gave a best if used by date to them….well actually a must be used by date. It applies to their daily life and walk with God and it does to ours today also.
We all have plans in our lives. Plan to go to school, get a car, get a job, possibly marry, and have children, a dog and a 3 bedroom house. It is always good to have a plan. You don’t have to live too long to figure out that Satan has a plan for your life also. Satan started early, in the garden. He hasn’t quit yet. And his plans are evident and involve deceit, lies, half-truths and death. This message will show you a few to be aware of in your daily life. Satan has a plan for your life and it isn’t good. God also has a plan for your life. Jesus gives some really practical advice in how to make a plan and implement it. He explains in very clear terms what a good plan is and what a bad plan is. This will help you know and implement God’s plan for your life.
We all have plans in our lives. Plan to go to school, get a car, get a job, possibly marry, and have children, a dog and a 3 bedroom house. It is always good to have a plan. You don’t have to live too long to figure out that Satan has a plan for your life also. Satan started early, in the garden. He hasn’t quit yet. And his plans are evident and involve deceit, lies, half-truths and death. This message will show you a few to be aware of in your daily life. Satan has a plan for your life and it isn’t good. God also has a plan for your life. Jesus gives some really practical advice in how to make a plan and implement it. He explains in very clear terms what a good plan is and what a bad plan is. This will help you know and implement God’s plan for your life.
Scars….we probably all have some. They are those things that are evidence of a wound, an injury, a surgery, a hurt, a disappointment, a failure or a betrayal. They can be outside for everyone to see, or inside where no one even knows…except us. Those inside ones can be a bear sometimes. Scars can either make you a victim or a victor. It depends on many things. We have to define our scars……or they can define us. This piece takes a look at scars and how Jesus dealt with them.
Scars….we probably all have some. They are those things that are evidence of a wound, an injury, a surgery, a hurt, a disappointment, a failure or a betrayal. They can be outside for everyone to see, or inside where no one even knows…except us. Those inside ones can be a bear sometimes. Scars can either make you a victim or a victor. It depends on many things. We have to define our scars……or they can define us. This piece takes a look at scars and how Jesus dealt with them.
Have you ever given thought to what we should bring to church to worship? I mean, not just on Sunday or whatever day you go to church or even if you grab church virtually. I know we all bring a phone, a bottle of water or cup of coffee, maybe a bible (in our phone) or a notepad. Maybe we don’t…don’t bring anything. We may want to see what worship brings to us. We may want to be a consumer of worship and not a provider of worship. Worship is really about God and not about us. So how do we do that……bring it, worship, with us? There is a really good example of this in the bible and it also has several direct applications to how we can do it today.
Have you ever given thought to what we should bring to church to worship? I mean, not just on Sunday or whatever day you go to church or even if you grab church virtually. I know we all bring a phone, a bottle of water or cup of coffee, maybe a bible (in our phone) or a notepad. Maybe we don’t…don’t bring anything. We may want to see what worship brings to us. We may want to be a consumer of worship and not a provider of worship. Worship is really about God and not about us. So how do we do that……bring it, worship, with us? There is a really good example of this in the bible and it also has several direct applications to how we can do it today.
Have you ever had a bad neighbor or neighbors? Yeah, me too. You may think of a neighbor as one that lives next to you or in your neighborhood. Jesus radically redefined the definition of neighbor as we might think about it today. There was a neighbor who helped someone in need, a Samaritan, but by helping the one in need, they both became neighbors. So neighbors are not just one that helps but the one being helped. Jesus defined a neighbor as someone who, maybe by their own fault, fell into trouble or need. Maybe by their own fault didn’t deserve to be helped. Maybe by their own fault got into a mess. Jesus himself had a few of those neighbors. I bet we do too. See what Jesus has to say about …….neighbors.
Have you ever had a bad neighbor or neighbors? Yeah, me too. You may think of a neighbor as one that lives next to you or in your neighborhood. Jesus radically redefined the definition of neighbor as we might think about it today. There was a neighbor who helped someone in need, a Samaritan, but by helping the one in need, they both became neighbors. So neighbors are not just one that helps but the one being helped. Jesus defined a neighbor as someone who, maybe by their own fault, fell into trouble or need. Maybe by their own fault didn’t deserve to be helped. Maybe by their own fault got into a mess. Jesus himself had a few of those neighbors. I bet we do too. See what Jesus has to say about …….neighbors.
We all probably have a junk drawer…or drawers, or rooms. Those places we keep things, for whatever reason, and can’t seem to part with them. Like a closet full of clothes that don’t fit anymore, we hold on to things. Wires, keys, key rings, gift cards, old iPhones, 25 pens and any assortment of things that used to mean something but their meaning and worth are now tucked away, forgotten, but they still take up space. Stuff we really don’t need. What we hold onto can hold us back. Want to get rid of the stuff in your Junk Drawer? How do you do that? The Bible has some suggestions.
We all probably have a junk drawer…or drawers, or rooms. Those places we keep things, for whatever reason, and can’t seem to part with them. Like a closet full of clothes that don’t fit anymore, we hold on to things. Wires, keys, key rings, gift cards, old iPhones, 25 pens and any assortment of things that used to mean something but their meaning and worth are now tucked away, forgotten, but they still take up space. Stuff we really don’t need. What we hold onto can hold us back. Want to get rid of the stuff in your Junk Drawer? How do you do that? The Bible has some suggestions.
This is Part 3 of the Holy Spirit…What’s in it for me? When I am asked about something I will think, what is in it for me, how much it will cost and what do I need to do? The Holy Spirit is a gift from God at salvation and the Holy Spirit gives us power to not only do miraculous things, but also to get through our daily lives. This message takes a look at what we get from the Holy Spirit. How much it costs. What we need to know about the Holy Spirit and why. Then a simple To Do.
This is Part 3 of the Holy Spirit…What’s in it for me? When I am asked about something I will think, what is in it for me, how much it will cost and what do I need to do? The Holy Spirit is a gift from God at salvation and the Holy Spirit gives us power to not only do miraculous things, but also to get through our daily lives. This message takes a look at what we get from the Holy Spirit. How much it costs. What we need to know about the Holy Spirit and why. Then a simple To Do.
Join Jody & Alyosha Ryabinov as they update us on their Ministry Song of Israel and teach us effective encouragement is knowledge of the Word.
Join Jody & Alyosha Ryabinov as they update us on their Ministry Song of Israel and teach us effective encouragement is knowledge of the Word.
How can I get it? The Holy Spirit. How many clicks does it take? I’ll believe it when I see it, was Part 1. How many clicks to get the Holy Spirit is covered here. And getting the Holy Spirit is only one click away. It starts with Jesus. Get Him and you get all of Him…..Father, Son, Holy Spirit. The bible is pretty clear on this. Here are some good examples and scriptures to piece the Holy Spirit together and use the power and help He offers.
How can I get it? The Holy Spirit. How many clicks does it take? I’ll believe it when I see it, was Part 1. How many clicks to get the Holy Spirit is covered here. And getting the Holy Spirit is only one click away. It starts with Jesus. Get Him and you get all of Him…..Father, Son, Holy Spirit. The bible is pretty clear on this. Here are some good examples and scriptures to piece the Holy Spirit together and use the power and help He offers.
If I want it now, there may be a delay in getting the answer from the Lord. Stop, wait on God’s direction, seek Him.
If I want it now, there may be a delay in getting the answer from the Lord. Stop, wait on God’s direction, seek Him.
You have probably heard it said or even said it yourself; “I’ll believe it when I see it.” I have. But there are a lot of things that are real but we can’t see them. Radio waves, cell phone connections, data being transmitted all over the internet, wifi, blue tooth. Our buildings have NanoBeams that transmit our internet from building to building. How about air, love, hate, disappointment…..forgiveness or un-forgiveness, sorrow or great joy? The Holy Spirit is something we can’t see with our eyes but it is a person and is real and powerful. Jesus said he would leave but would send the Holy Spirit, the Helper to us. The next 3 messages will deal with the issues of the existence of the Holy Spirit, how to get it and what is in it for us.
You have probably heard it said or even said it yourself; “I’ll believe it when I see it.” I have. But there are a lot of things that are real but we can’t see them. Radio waves, cell phone connections, data being transmitted all over the internet, wifi, blue tooth. Our buildings have NanoBeams that transmit our internet from building to building. How about air, love, hate, disappointment…..forgiveness or un-forgiveness, sorrow or great joy? The Holy Spirit is something we can’t see with our eyes but it is a person and is real and powerful. Jesus said he would leave but would send the Holy Spirit, the Helper to us. The next 3 messages will deal with the issues of the existence of the Holy Spirit, how to get it and what is in it for us.
Have you ever wondered why I am here and what am I really supposed to do? Here on earth, in my life, in my relationships? Is what I do important? I have asked myself those questions throughout my life. I think we all have. People in the bible did miraculous things. The scripture says that we are God’s masterpiece made to do good works that He has prepared for us in advance for us to do. Join us as we look into what God has prepared for you.
Have you ever wondered why I am here and what am I really supposed to do? Here on earth, in my life, in my relationships? Is what I do important? I have asked myself those questions throughout my life. I think we all have. People in the bible did miraculous things. The scripture says that we are God’s masterpiece made to do good works that He has prepared for us in advance for us to do. Join us as we look into what God has prepared for you.
This is the third in a 3 part series on De-Escalation Training – Managing Conflict. It is based on the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) document “Guiding Principles of Use of Force” March 2016. The document has 30 guiding principles. It is meant to guide criminal justice in how to deal with situations that involve mental health, substance abuse or other infirmities, not involving a firearm. Part 1 was about a Tactical Pause. Part 2 was about a Duty to Intervene. This part is on the Sanctity of Life. Police responses are examined but the bible is full of places, intersections of intervention. And the bible gives us plenty of examples of life being precious. It is a non-political view on how you can apply the sanctity of life in your daily walk. And God does take a position on the sanctity of life…..it is salvation.
This is the third in a 3 part series on De-Escalation Training – Managing Conflict. It is based on the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) document “Guiding Principles of Use of Force” March 2016. The document has 30 guiding principles. It is meant to guide criminal justice in how to deal with situations that involve mental health, substance abuse or other infirmities, not involving a firearm. Part 1 was about a Tactical Pause. Part 2 was about a Duty to Intervene. This part is on the Sanctity of Life. Police responses are examined but the bible is full of places, intersections of intervention. And the bible gives us plenty of examples of life being precious. It is a non-political view on how you can apply the sanctity of life in your daily walk. And God does take a position on the sanctity of life…..it is salvation.
This is the second in a 3 part series on De-Escalation Training – Managing Conflict. It is based on the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) document “Guiding Principles of Use of Force” March 2016. The document has 30 guiding principles. It is meant to guide criminal justice in how to deal with situations that involve mental health, substance abuse or other infirmities, not involving a firearm. Part 1 was about a Tactical Pause. This one about a Duty to Intervene. Police responses are examined but the bible is full of places, intersections of intervention. And the bible gives us plenty of examples where we can intervene. We have a duty to intervene, because if we don’t intervene, Satan will!
This is the second in a 3 part series on De-Escalation Training – Managing Conflict. It is based on the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) document “Guiding Principles of Use of Force” March 2016. The document has 30 guiding principles. It is meant to guide criminal justice in how to deal with situations that involve mental health, substance abuse or other infirmities, not involving a firearm. Part 1 was about a Tactical Pause. This one about a Duty to Intervene. Police responses are examined but the bible is full of places, intersections of intervention. And the bible gives us plenty of examples where we can intervene. We have a duty to intervene, because if we don’t intervene, Satan will!
Have you ever heard of De-escalation? It is a term used routinely in mental health and policing. The premise is that situations that are full of emotion and even danger where people are experiencing a crisis moment, can be managed through de-escalation techniques. These crisis moments can be caused by drugs, alcohol or mental illness or emotional disorders. De-escalation techniques can help handle these situations. It is also used when people in these situations have a weapon other than a firearm. Crisis moments, emotional situations, anger are things that we all deal with, either with those we love, ourselves or those around us. The bible has some techniques to deal with these moments and how Christians should react.
Have you ever heard of De-escalation? It is a term used routinely in mental health and policing. The premise is that situations that are full of emotion and even danger where people are experiencing a crisis moment, can be managed through de-escalation techniques. These crisis moments can be caused by drugs, alcohol or mental illness or emotional disorders. De-escalation techniques can help handle these situations. It is also used when people in these situations have a weapon other than a firearm. Crisis moments, emotional situations, anger are things that we all deal with, either with those we love, ourselves or those around us. The bible has some techniques to deal with these moments and how Christians should react.
The people of Israel left captivity in Egypt headed to Canaan, the Promised Land. They did not know what they were going to eat. Each day God provided them manna, or bread from heaven (Exodus 16: 15) and quail, to save them from starvation or to save them. It was the same thing meal after meal, year after year. This was done for the 40 year period they were in the desert. But, once they crossed into the Promised Land, they had a new menu, a new diet. It was to eat from the fruit of the land, the land God told them they would inherit. A land flowing with milk and honey. A prosperous land. It was then that the manna stopped. God may stop the manna in your life to lead you to a more abundant blessing. A new menu, a new diet. As we leave behind our old life and enter into a closer relationship with God, he has better food for us, a different diet that not only sustains us but saves us. This message will help you move into your blessings.
The people of Israel left captivity in Egypt headed to Canaan, the Promised Land. They did not know what they were going to eat. Each day God provided them manna, or bread from heaven (Exodus 16: 15) and quail, to save them from starvation or to save them. It was the same thing meal after meal, year after year. This was done for the 40 year period they were in the desert. But, once they crossed into the Promised Land, they had a new menu, a new diet. It was to eat from the fruit of the land, the land God told them they would inherit. A land flowing with milk and honey. A prosperous land. It was then that the manna stopped. God may stop the manna in your life to lead you to a more abundant blessing. A new menu, a new diet. As we leave behind our old life and enter into a closer relationship with God, he has better food for us, a different diet that not only sustains us but saves us. This message will help you move into your blessings.
This is a story about a man and his tent, but more specifically what is in his tent. Tents were used by this group of people to travel and get into the Promised Land. They had been traveling from Egypt where they were in captivity for 40 years. Under the leadership of Joshua, the people of Israel had just crossed the Jordan and conquered the walled city of Jericho. They were moving to Ai where they were defeated. The reason they were defeated, is that a man in the Israel camp hid something in his tent against God’s specific instructions. His tent was where he lived and he had to move on into the Promised Land further and further and get closer and closer to God’s providence that was ahead. What was in his tent was a hindrance to God and the people of Israel. See how disobedience in a tent can hinder a move of God.
This is a story about a man and his tent, but more specifically what is in his tent. Tents were used by this group of people to travel and get into the Promised Land. They had been traveling from Egypt where they were in captivity for 40 years. Under the leadership of Joshua, the people of Israel had just crossed the Jordan and conquered the walled city of Jericho. They were moving to Ai where they were defeated. The reason they were defeated, is that a man in the Israel camp hid something in his tent against God’s specific instructions. His tent was where he lived and he had to move on into the Promised Land further and further and get closer and closer to God’s providence that was ahead. What was in his tent was a hindrance to God and the people of Israel. See how disobedience in a tent can hinder a move of God.
We get notices to renew our licenses, tags, insurance, storage plan on our phone, software, streaming subscription, service agreements because if we don’t renew them they expire. And when they expire you can get into trouble or lose out on a service…or both. It can cost you more money and more importantly, problems. We tend to also need renewal. Things expire. Relationships with others, things we used to enjoy doing, health habits turn to bad habits, we can lose track and …expire. Even worse, how we feel about God…….can taper off and slowly expire. Then when we have a breakdown or need, our belief system can be compromised and the way out of our issue can be harder. How do you get it back, when you expire…..you renew. This explores how to renew and be up to date.
We get notices to renew our licenses, tags, insurance, storage plan on our phone, software, streaming subscription, service agreements because if we don’t renew them they expire. And when they expire you can get into trouble or lose out on a service…or both. It can cost you more money and more importantly, problems. We tend to also need renewal. Things expire. Relationships with others, things we used to enjoy doing, health habits turn to bad habits, we can lose track and …expire. Even worse, how we feel about God…….can taper off and slowly expire. Then when we have a breakdown or need, our belief system can be compromised and the way out of our issue can be harder. How do you get it back, when you expire…..you renew. This explores how to renew and be up to date.
Have you ever been falsely judged or falsely accused? It is like a sharp pain that can pierce your heart. The first inclination is to fight back but sometimes the force is so big, you decide to just get through it. It could come from someone close to you that hurt you or someone you don’t even know. Betrayal can be devastating at times. You can fight it…..or re-frame it, in your life. There have been times in my life, I just said, re-frame my life, please. This is the second part of a three part series on Re-. The first was about Peter and how after his denial of Jesus, he re-booted and was a leader in the church. Success is always possible with God. This one is about Joseph. He had dreams and his brothers hated him for his dreams. They sold him into slavery in Egypt. He was there elevated to a leader where he was betrayed and thrown into prison. But God was with him and each time. He did not linger on the betrayal….he re-framed his perspective and believed in God. A neat story if you are looking for a way to re-frame some of the things that have happened in your life.
Have you ever been falsely judged or falsely accused? It is like a sharp pain that can pierce your heart. The first inclination is to fight back but sometimes the force is so big, you decide to just get through it. It could come from someone close to you that hurt you or someone you don’t even know. Betrayal can be devastating at times. You can fight it…..or re-frame it, in your life. There have been times in my life, I just said, re-frame my life, please. This is the second part of a three part series on Re-. The first was about Peter and how after his denial of Jesus, he re-booted and was a leader in the church. Success is always possible with God. This one is about Joseph. He had dreams and his brothers hated him for his dreams. They sold him into slavery in Egypt. He was there elevated to a leader where he was betrayed and thrown into prison. But God was with him and each time. He did not linger on the betrayal….he re-framed his perspective and believed in God. A neat story if you are looking for a way to re-frame some of the things that have happened in your life.
Isn’t it nice to have a brand-new computer that boots up almost immediately? You turn it on and bam, it is ready to go to any apps or the browser just starts right away. No spinning wheel, just action. Then, later is slows down or stops. Re-boot. That usually works in most circumstances. Wouldn’t it be great if our life would work like that? Gets slow or fails and we could re-boot because failures usually compound failures. Peter, Simon Peter, Cephas (all the same person) left his fishing business and was working great. He joined with Jesus, got his mother in law healed, walked on water, confessed Jesus as Messiah, Jesus explained to him about forgiving 70 x 7, he was involved in setting up the Last Supper (Passover meal)…then he gets slow. He gets under pressure and denies knowing Jesus three times. After the crucifixion of Jesus, Peter goes back to fishing. He felt like a failure. You know, failures normally compound failures. Jesus didn’t want Peter in failure, and he does not want us in failure. Jesus gave Peter a re-boot. He was never the same after. Neither will you be. Re-boot.
Isn’t it nice to have a brand-new computer that boots up almost immediately? You turn it on and bam, it is ready to go to any apps or the browser just starts right away. No spinning wheel, just action. Then, later is slows down or stops. Re-boot. That usually works in most circumstances. Wouldn’t it be great if our life would work like that? Gets slow or fails and we could re-boot because failures usually compound failures. Peter, Simon Peter, Cephas (all the same person) left his fishing business and was working great. He joined with Jesus, got his mother in law healed, walked on water, confessed Jesus as Messiah, Jesus explained to him about forgiving 70 x 7, he was involved in setting up the Last Supper (Passover meal)…then he gets slow. He gets under pressure and denies knowing Jesus three times. After the crucifixion of Jesus, Peter goes back to fishing. He felt like a failure. You know, failures normally compound failures. Jesus didn’t want Peter in failure, and he does not want us in failure. Jesus gave Peter a re-boot. He was never the same after. Neither will you be. Re-boot.
When we please God, ultimately we will be pleasing ourselves. When we please God, He loves to bless His children.
When we please God, ultimately we will be pleasing ourselves. When we please God, He loves to bless His children.
Have you ever been at a party or a gathering and a spouse or friend whispered to you, “It’s time to go”? Or maybe you just knew it was time to go. You may have worn out your welcome. Or you may see things moving sideways and know there might be trouble. Or how about when others are at your occasion and you just wish they would go? It is time to go, just seems like it should be something that is understood. But sometimes we all have to be reminded. God had to tell that to Moses. Near the end of the life of Moses, in the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses is right beside the promised land and he is reminding all of the people of Israel what God told them when they lingered a year at Mt. Sinai, (where they received the 10 Commandments). God told them they had been there long enough. It was time to break camp and go to what he promised them. The Promised Land. This had so much application for our lives and we examine how to apply it to our lives.
Have you ever been at a party or a gathering and a spouse or friend whispered to you, “It’s time to go”? Or maybe you just knew it was time to go. You may have worn out your welcome. Or you may see things moving sideways and know there might be trouble. Or how about when others are at your occasion and you just wish they would go? It is time to go, just seems like it should be something that is understood. But sometimes we all have to be reminded. God had to tell that to Moses. Near the end of the life of Moses, in the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses is right beside the promised land and he is reminding all of the people of Israel what God told them when they lingered a year at Mt. Sinai, (where they received the 10 Commandments). God told them they had been there long enough. It was time to break camp and go to what he promised them. The Promised Land. This had so much application for our lives and we examine how to apply it to our lives.
an asterisk. It means different things. It can be a mark that serves as a reference mark where letters were left out. Sometimes it can be in a string of symbols where it serves to say something that might not be appropriate in print. Like when you hit your finger with a hammer. Oh &#^. It might also be used to clarify something, like by the name of an athlete, where they achieved a remarkable event but did it possibly improperly. Like an athlete that has a record in something but was later found to be using performance-enhancing drugs. It would harken back to a mistake. Put it that way, I have a few asterisks in my life, where I made it through but ….well, I might not have been proud of it. Married 35 years (but got married and divorced young the first time). King David has an asterisk by his life in scripture. Well, it is not really there but it is. He made a pretty bad mistake with a woman early in his life and had her husband killed. Big . But he overcame it …….and I did, and you can too. This is about getting beyond the asterisk.
an asterisk. It means different things. It can be a mark that serves as a reference mark where letters were left out. Sometimes it can be in a string of symbols where it serves to say something that might not be appropriate in print. Like when you hit your finger with a hammer. Oh &#^. It might also be used to clarify something, like by the name of an athlete, where they achieved a remarkable event but did it possibly improperly. Like an athlete that has a record in something but was later found to be using performance-enhancing drugs. It would harken back to a mistake. Put it that way, I have a few asterisks in my life, where I made it through but ….well, I might not have been proud of it. Married 35 years (but got married and divorced young the first time). King David has an asterisk by his life in scripture. Well, it is not really there but it is. He made a pretty bad mistake with a woman early in his life and had her husband killed. Big . But he overcame it …….and I did, and you can too. This is about getting beyond the asterisk.
Do you know what Crashing a Party is? It is going to or going in a party without an invitation. It is like your next door neighbor having a cookout with a bunch of people over and the pool full of people and the coolers stocked with ice cold……..well, you know… And you just go and join in. Without an invite. You will probably get a few “looks” from the host but might end up with a burger and iced tea. Jesus was invited to a dinner party with a Pharisee named Simon. A local woman just dropped in, uninvited, and went straight to Jesus. She crashed the party. She was known as a sinner and possibly a prostitute. She began to wash his feet and put oil on him. The dinner host recoiled at the party crasher. What she got in return was forgiven. If you crash a party, crash it for the right reason. Getting to Jesus would be a good reason to crash it. This is a great look at how Jesus works.
Do you know what Crashing a Party is? It is going to or going in a party without an invitation. It is like your next door neighbor having a cookout with a bunch of people over and the pool full of people and the coolers stocked with ice cold……..well, you know… And you just go and join in. Without an invite. You will probably get a few “looks” from the host but might end up with a burger and iced tea. Jesus was invited to a dinner party with a Pharisee named Simon. A local woman just dropped in, uninvited, and went straight to Jesus. She crashed the party. She was known as a sinner and possibly a prostitute. She began to wash his feet and put oil on him. The dinner host recoiled at the party crasher. What she got in return was forgiven. If you crash a party, crash it for the right reason. Getting to Jesus would be a good reason to crash it. This is a great look at how Jesus works.
This is the third part of a three part series on Body Armor. Police and military wear body armor to protect them when they go on duty or into battle. But Christians are on duty all the time. So, you never know what the enemy or those you will confront, will try to do as you carry out your duties. That is why you need body armor….Spiritual Body Armor, all the time. We take a look at the Whole Armor of God in Ephesians 6 and compare it to physical body armor. Most of us may never need physical body armor but all of us will need spiritual body armor. Part 1 was the duty belt and ballistic vest. Part 2 was about combat boots and ballistic shield. Part 3 is about a ballistic helmet and your duty weapon….the sword of the spirit of the word of God. Some say that the Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon. I would say that maybe you have never been in a fight to the death, because if you have, you would use everything you have to fight back.
This is the third part of a three part series on Body Armor. Police and military wear body armor to protect them when they go on duty or into battle. But Christians are on duty all the time. So, you never know what the enemy or those you will confront, will try to do as you carry out your duties. That is why you need body armor….Spiritual Body Armor, all the time. We take a look at the Whole Armor of God in Ephesians 6 and compare it to physical body armor. Most of us may never need physical body armor but all of us will need spiritual body armor. Part 1 was the duty belt and ballistic vest. Part 2 was about combat boots and ballistic shield. Part 3 is about a ballistic helmet and your duty weapon….the sword of the spirit of the word of God. Some say that the Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon. I would say that maybe you have never been in a fight to the death, because if you have, you would use everything you have to fight back.
This is the second part of a three part series on Body Armor. Police and military wear body armor to protect them when they go on duty or into battle. But Christians are on duty all the time. So, you never know what the enemy or those you will confront will try to do as you carry out your duties. That is why you need body armor….Spiritual Body Armor, all the time. Most of us may never need physical body armor but all of us will need spiritual body armor. Last message (part 1) was the duty belt and ballistic vest. This message (part 2) is combat boots and ballistic shield. Just like today’s police officers and military members, boots protect your feet as you advance toward the shooting. The ballistic shield allows you to penetrate further while taking fire. Some good life comparisons to how we are directed to operate against evil forces.
This is the second part of a three part series on Body Armor. Police and military wear body armor to protect them when they go on duty or into battle. But Christians are on duty all the time. So, you never know what the enemy or those you will confront will try to do as you carry out your duties. That is why you need body armor….Spiritual Body Armor, all the time. Most of us may never need physical body armor but all of us will need spiritual body armor. Last message (part 1) was the duty belt and ballistic vest. This message (part 2) is combat boots and ballistic shield. Just like today’s police officers and military members, boots protect your feet as you advance toward the shooting. The ballistic shield allows you to penetrate further while taking fire. Some good life comparisons to how we are directed to operate against evil forces.
Anyone know what Body Armor is? It is worn by the police, military and others in a protective role. It was first known to be used in about 1400 BC in southern Iraq. It is commonplace in today’s world and comes in many different styles and levels, depending on the threat that might be encountered. So Body Armor sort of defines who you are and what you will encounter by the type you wear or use. Body Armor was used in biblical times from Kings to warriors, to fight the enemy. But there is another kind of Body Armor. Spiritual Body Armor. You may never have to be in physical body armor in your life but you will certainly need spiritual body armor, because Satan is your enemy and he is coming for you. This series talks about this spiritual body armor and how it works together to protect you. First is the duty belt and ballistic vest.
Anyone know what Body Armor is? It is worn by the police, military and others in a protective role. It was first known to be used in about 1400 BC in southern Iraq. It is commonplace in today’s world and comes in many different styles and levels, depending on the threat that might be encountered. So Body Armor sort of defines who you are and what you will encounter by the type you wear or use. Body Armor was used in biblical times from Kings to warriors, to fight the enemy. But there is another kind of Body Armor. Spiritual Body Armor. You may never have to be in physical body armor in your life but you will certainly need spiritual body armor, because Satan is your enemy and he is coming for you. This series talks about this spiritual body armor and how it works together to protect you. First is the duty belt and ballistic vest.
Stephen and Sandra Hogue always wanted to start a family of their own. But after struggling with infertility for 7 years, they knew they would need to move adoption to the forefront of their plans. They began their journey into adoption with the foster care program. And that's when they realized how broken it was. In 2013, they felt led to leave their very secure jobs and venture out in the unknown, become missionaries, and be a part of the solution for foster care communities. So, that's exactly what they did. Their vision for OneFamily is to connect local churches and the community to help them become a part of that solution, too. Because when the family flourishes, the community flourishes.
Stephen and Sandra Hogue always wanted to start a family of their own. But after struggling with infertility for 7 years, they knew they would need to move adoption to the forefront of their plans. They began their journey into adoption with the foster care program. And that's when they realized how broken it was. In 2013, they felt led to leave their very secure jobs and venture out in the unknown, become missionaries, and be a part of the solution for foster care communities. So, that's exactly what they did. Their vision for OneFamily is to connect local churches and the community to help them become a part of that solution, too. Because when the family flourishes, the community flourishes.
We finished a series on Healing Brokenness and it focused on OUR healing. But what about the Church……us in a church and The Church. How do we help heal others? I am talking about this group of people called Christians, all over the world that are the front line for Jesus Christ. We will need to Glove Up to get some of the work done to show people the true love of Jesus. To get them out of the battle, the weather, the hot, the cold. They may be hurt so bad in their lives that they are bleeding or have cuts so deep they need sutures. Glove Up because we are the Battalion Aid Station, the forward treatment area for the wounded, the sick, the infirmed, the hurt. As our world gets more severe than ever, those that need help are looking for help. We have the answer, will we meet the call. Glove Up.What does Glove Up look like? That is what we will cover.
We finished a series on Healing Brokenness and it focused on OUR healing. But what about the Church……us in a church and The Church. How do we help heal others? I am talking about this group of people called Christians, all over the world that are the front line for Jesus Christ. We will need to Glove Up to get some of the work done to show people the true love of Jesus. To get them out of the battle, the weather, the hot, the cold. They may be hurt so bad in their lives that they are bleeding or have cuts so deep they need sutures. Glove Up because we are the Battalion Aid Station, the forward treatment area for the wounded, the sick, the infirmed, the hurt. As our world gets more severe than ever, those that need help are looking for help. We have the answer, will we meet the call. Glove Up.What does Glove Up look like? That is what we will cover.
This is the third in a series of Healing Brokenness. The first part was about a boy who had an illness that threw him into the fire and water and the father came to Jesus to heal his son. He did and we can….heal. The second was about a man that was out of his mind, lived in a graveyard, was ostracized and could not be controlled. He lived on the other side of the tracks…..in a non-Jewish area. Jesus took him and turned his mind inside out, and got him in his right mind. We can too. This week is about a Jewish leader who had a daughter so sick, she died. You have probably seen the headlines, “A 12 year old girl has died”. The news we never want to get. Your child has died. Jesus went to the leader’s house where he was ridiculed for saying the little girl was asleep. Jesus told her to get up…and she did. Is there something broken in our lives that needs healing? Are there areas of our lives that have fallen asleep? Have you gotten some news that you did not want to get? See how you can overcome these pieces of brokenness in this message. The answer is going to God consistently, each day, making time to share your brokenness with him and listening to his words of, You are healed, get up, I love you.
This is the third in a series of Healing Brokenness. The first part was about a boy who had an illness that threw him into the fire and water and the father came to Jesus to heal his son. He did and we can….heal. The second was about a man that was out of his mind, lived in a graveyard, was ostracized and could not be controlled. He lived on the other side of the tracks…..in a non-Jewish area. Jesus took him and turned his mind inside out, and got him in his right mind. We can too. This week is about a Jewish leader who had a daughter so sick, she died. You have probably seen the headlines, “A 12 year old girl has died”. The news we never want to get. Your child has died. Jesus went to the leader’s house where he was ridiculed for saying the little girl was asleep. Jesus told her to get up…and she did. Is there something broken in our lives that needs healing? Are there areas of our lives that have fallen asleep? Have you gotten some news that you did not want to get? See how you can overcome these pieces of brokenness in this message. The answer is going to God consistently, each day, making time to share your brokenness with him and listening to his words of, You are healed, get up, I love you.
This is the second part of a three part series on Healing Brokenness. This series examines 3 broken people and the effect it had on them and their families. But more importantly, how Jesus dealt with them and how he can deal with us. Last week, it was about a broken child that was possessed by Satan and could not speak. This week Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee and entered a gentile region and met a man that was naked, chained and out of his mind, living in a tomb. No one could help him except Jesus. A transformation occurred in his life so much so that it scared those around him. Jesus took his brokenness and made it beautiful. As we encounter Jesus and become transformed, it can alarm those around us to see the change.
This is the second part of a three part series on Healing Brokenness. This series examines 3 broken people and the effect it had on them and their families. But more importantly, how Jesus dealt with them and how he can deal with us. Last week, it was about a broken child that was possessed by Satan and could not speak. This week Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee and entered a gentile region and met a man that was naked, chained and out of his mind, living in a tomb. No one could help him except Jesus. A transformation occurred in his life so much so that it scared those around him. Jesus took his brokenness and made it beautiful. As we encounter Jesus and become transformed, it can alarm those around us to see the change.
This is a three part series on Healing Brokenness. I know we all have areas in our lives that may be broken and we surely want them healed. I know I do. This series takes a look at three examples of brokenness in the scriptures and how Jesus was able to heal the brokenness. In these next three messages we will look at the brokenness in the people in the text and compare them to areas of brokenness in our lives and how to work toward healing in our lives. The first message is about a young boy who was mute (could not speak) since birth. The boy was inhabited by an evil spirit and it often made him fall to the ground. This spirit also made him fall in the water and fire. His father brought him to the disciples first and then Jesus. The father wanted his son healed and he also wanted Jesus to help him with his faith. Jesus did both and He can with us also. This biblical truth can be applied to your life and it can transform your brokenness forever.
Do you want to go to the NEXT LEVEL? We all have a NEXT LEVEL.We all have the same first level: Faith in The Work of the Cross. Jesus Calls us Brother and Sister. We Must Put Faith in The Finished Work of The Cross!
Do you want to go to the NEXT LEVEL? We all have a NEXT LEVEL.We all have the same first level: Faith in The Work of the Cross. Jesus Calls us Brother and Sister. We Must Put Faith in The Finished Work of The Cross!
When I think of an all-powerful God that created the light and darkness, the waters, creatures, land and the firmament, with just words, I wonder about Jesus. Couldn’t God just speak and all sin would disappear? Couldn’t God just speak and we all get to go to heaven. Then I think, did Jesus really need to die for our sins? This Easter Sunday message takes a look at that question and how God addresses it in the scriptures. It examines when sin entered, the sacrificial system to cleanse sin and it answers the question, did Jesus have to die. It also gives striking scriptural evidence of his resurrection.
When I think of an all-powerful God that created the light and darkness, the waters, creatures, land and the firmament, with just words, I wonder about Jesus. Couldn’t God just speak and all sin would disappear? Couldn’t God just speak and we all get to go to heaven. Then I think, did Jesus really need to die for our sins? This Easter Sunday message takes a look at that question and how God addresses it in the scriptures. It examines when sin entered, the sacrificial system to cleanse sin and it answers the question, did Jesus have to die. It also gives striking scriptural evidence of his resurrection.
Have you ever been in a spot where you knew, “Well, it’s too late to turn back now”? The first thing that came to my mind was when I was standing at the end of the aisle in a church full of people all dressed up and the Wedding March began to play and the white dress appeared and began to walk down the aisle toward me. I am sure the feeling was mutual. I have a good friend who was US Army Airborne and he said when you walk up to the door and the green light it on, you just step out into the air. Too late to turn back then for sure. And of course, there are endless examples. But I have one for you that is eternal. Jesus was less than one week out from his crucifixion. He knew it. He was headed to Jerusalem where he would be betrayed, tried, flogged, crucified and buried. He was on a path that was prophesied about hundreds of years before. When it is too late to turn back in your life,…Jesus is there waiting for you. This message discusses the road into Jerusalem and what it means to you and to me and it asks us what the crowd asked about Jesus that very day, “Who is this?” Jesus can turn things around for you because he did not turn around. He faced the cross and continued so that we could live a life eternal.
Have you ever been in a spot where you knew, “Well, it’s too late to turn back now”? The first thing that came to my mind was when I was standing at the end of the aisle in a church full of people all dressed up and the Wedding March began to play and the white dress appeared and began to walk down the aisle toward me. I am sure the feeling was mutual. I have a good friend who was US Army Airborne and he said when you walk up to the door and the green light it on, you just step out into the air. Too late to turn back then for sure. And of course, there are endless examples. But I have one for you that is eternal. Jesus was less than one week out from his crucifixion. He knew it. He was headed to Jerusalem where he would be betrayed, tried, flogged, crucified and buried. He was on a path that was prophesied about hundreds of years before. When it is too late to turn back in your life,…Jesus is there waiting for you. This message discusses the road into Jerusalem and what it means to you and to me and it asks us what the crowd asked about Jesus that very day, “Who is this?” Jesus can turn things around for you because he did not turn around. He faced the cross and continued so that we could live a life eternal.
Do you know what a “Grace Period” on a credit card or loan is? It is the time between when the bill is due, the payment, and when you can submit it and not incur any interest. It is a period of grace to pay the full payment for your purchase or the debt that you owe. It is like the bill is due on the 10th but you have until the 15th to pay it before you get a late charge or more interest. I have used it before many times in my life. It is in the bible too! Jesus is teaching in the Temple one morning and the Pharisees bring in a woman that was “caught in the act” of adultery. (Yes, it takes two to tango and they did not bring the man, who was equally wrong). This woman was brought before the crowd and her sins were blurted out in front of everyone. She was guilty. According to “The Law” both man and woman were to be stoned/put to death. It looks like her debt was due right then. It also looks like she needed a “Grace Period”. I do when I am confronted with my sin. Jesus confronted the crowd and not only did she get a grace period, she got forgiven. You see, God’s Grace Period is Forever.
We live in a world that is changing by the minute and that can be very chaotic and stressful. But Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:58 to be steadfast. What does that look like in our every day life? What exactly does be steadfast mean and how do we walk that out in our every day life. It is definitely a heart decision and not a head decision.
We live in a world that is changing by the minute and that can be very chaotic and stressful. But Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:58 to be steadfast. What does that look like in our every day life? What exactly does be steadfast mean and how do we walk that out in our every day life. It is definitely a heart decision and not a head decision.
Many of us may have learned about love at night, and it may not have been the right kind of love, in the right kind of setting, at the right time. And it may have set our expectations of love and what it means, in not exactly in the best frame. And it also may have set us up for a long life of being frustrated when we didn’t get the love, we thought we should. But don’t worry, we are not alone. Because love takes some time to really settle into who we are. And there are a few different types of love. Like we love our parents, one kind of love. We love our friends, another kind of love. We love in a sexual way, another kind of love. Then there is the type of love that is unconditional, that is sacrificial, it is a love we choose to do no matter what. That is the love this will focus on and how it impacts you. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night to talk and Jesus talked about love. The entire chapter of John 3 is about love. This will take a quick look at that conversation, uncover it and see if it really helped Nicodemus. But more than anything, this takes a look at how much God loves each of us and some specific scriptures and thoughts you can use to make certain in your life, that God loves you. Because there are going to be times in your life that you won’t be able to make it the next SECOND without knowing for sure how much God loves you and how far His love goes.
Many of us may have learned about love at night, and it may not have been the right kind of love, in the right kind of setting, at the right time. And it may have set our expectations of love and what it means, in not exactly in the best frame. And it also may have set us up for a long life of being frustrated when we didn’t get the love, we thought we should. But don’t worry, we are not alone. Because love takes some time to really settle into who we are. And there are a few different types of love. Like we love our parents, one kind of love. We love our friends, another kind of love. We love in a sexual way, another kind of love. Then there is the type of love that is unconditional, that is sacrificial, it is a love we choose to do no matter what. That is the love this will focus on and how it impacts you. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night to talk and Jesus talked about love. The entire chapter of John 3 is about love. This will take a quick look at that conversation, uncover it and see if it really helped Nicodemus. But more than anything, this takes a look at how much God loves each of us and some specific scriptures and thoughts you can use to make certain in your life, that God loves you. Because there are going to be times in your life that you won’t be able to make it the next SECOND without knowing for sure how much God loves you and how far His love goes.
This is the third part of the Tater Field Series. The first part was “Plant where God places you”, the second one was, “You Dig Potatoes”. This one is “Cutting Corners”. This series is inspired by my brother, Frank and I, being in and around our brother-in-law’s potato fields. It is about planting, harvesting and gleaning. So the ideas come from a potato field but the ideas are universal and heavily biblical. Just good, down to earth things you can use in your life. This week the message focuses on gleaning. Ruth and Naomi, her mother in law, were coming back to Bethlehem (the house of bread) at the harvest time. They both came back with no husbands and destitute. They had to resort to gleaning or picking up the left over grain from the fields. But in the field while gleaning, Ruth met a rich man named Boaz. It was the spot they met where gleaning met redeeming. Boaz later redeemed Naomi and Ruth and they stepped into God’s blessings at harvest time. God wants you redeemed and blessed. This will give you some pointers on having both in your life.
This is the second part of the Tater Field Series. The first part was “Plant where God places you”, and this one is, “You Dig Potatoes”. This series is inspired by my brother, Frank and I, being in and around our brother-in-law’s potato fields. It is about planting, harvesting and gleaning. So the ideas come from a potato field but the ideas are universal and heavily biblical. Just good, down to earth things you can use in your life. This week, the message focuses on the first and the last verse in Ruth 1. There was a famine in the land and a trip to Moab did not turn out good. The bottom line is, don’t let a famine fill you with fear. God has a plan and this story talks about returning to God’s promises……at harvest time. When you see what God has planned in this, you will want to use this in your life.
This is the second part of the Tater Field Series. The first part was “Plant where God places you”, and this one is, “You Dig Potatoes”. This series is inspired by my brother, Frank and I, being in and around our brother-in-law’s potato fields. It is about planting, harvesting and gleaning. So the ideas come from a potato field but the ideas are universal and heavily biblical. Just good, down to earth things you can use in your life. This week, the message focuses on the first and the last verse in Ruth 1. There was a famine in the land and a trip to Moab did not turn out good. The bottom line is, don’t let a famine fill you with fear. God has a plan and this story talks about returning to God’s promises……at harvest time. When you see what God has planned in this, you will want to use this in your life.
This is the second part of the Tater Field Series. The first part was “Plant where God places you”, and this one is, “You Dig Potatoes”. This series is inspired by my brother, Frank and I, being in and around our brother-in-law’s potato fields. It is about planting, harvesting and gleaning. So the ideas come from a potato field but the ideas are universal and heavily biblical. Just good, down to earth things you can use in your life. This week, the message focuses on the first and the last verse in Ruth 1. There was a famine in the land and a trip to Moab did not turn out good. The bottom line is, don’t let a famine fill you with fear. God has a plan and this story talks about returning to God’s promises……at harvest time. When you see what God has planned in this, you will want to use this in your life.
This is the second part of the Tater Field Series. The first part was “Plant where God places you”, and this one is, “You Dig Potatoes”. This series is inspired by my brother, Frank and I, being in and around our brother-in-law’s potato fields. It is about planting, harvesting and gleaning. So the ideas come from a potato field but the ideas are universal and heavily biblical. Just good, down to earth things you can use in your life. This week, the message focuses on the first and the last verse in Ruth 1. There was a famine in the land and a trip to Moab did not turn out good. The bottom line is, don’t let a famine fill you with fear. God has a plan and this story talks about returning to God’s promises……at harvest time. When you see what God has planned in this, you will want to use this in your life.
Do you know what a tater field is? It is southern slang for a Potato Field. In our area, potatoes and cabbage are the most common crops. My brother and I were sitting in a large potato (tater) field of our brother in law’s and we always marvel at the entire process……planting, harvesting, and gleaning. This is a 3 part series on the Tater Field. This part is planting.Isaac, the son of Abraham was in the middle of a famine and was headed to Egypt. The Lord spoke to him and said stay where you are, which was in a place in the desert called Gerar, with a Philistine King in charge. In the middle of the famine, God told Isaac to stay where he was. He did and began planting during a famine….right where God told him to stay, and God blessed him. If you plant where God places you, He can turn a famine into a feast. And if you don’t plant, you will never have a harvest. Harvesting is next.
Do you know what a tater field is? It is southern slang for a Potato Field. In our area, potatoes and cabbage are the most common crops. My brother and I were sitting in a large potato (tater) field of our brother in law’s and we always marvel at the entire process……planting, harvesting, and gleaning. This is a 3 part series on the Tater Field. This part is planting.Isaac, the son of Abraham was in the middle of a famine and was headed to Egypt. The Lord spoke to him and said stay where you are, which was in a place in the desert called Gerar, with a Philistine King in charge. In the middle of the famine, God told Isaac to stay where he was. He did and began planting during a famine….right where God told him to stay, and God blessed him. If you plant where God places you, He can turn a famine into a feast. And if you don’t plant, you will never have a harvest. Harvesting is next.
This is a delightful look at a contrast between those who serve God and those who don’t. God’s people that obeyed and honored the Lord talked about it among themselves. They encouraged each other in a time of confusion and a time where others were turning away from God. Their words were heard by God and recorded on a scroll of remembrance by God. He hears our every word. Through this the Lord could clearly see the wicked from the righteous. God will bring those that honor Him into his treasured possessions. As we speak together, let us decree and declare our faith in God and his kingdom.
This is a delightful look at a contrast between those who serve God and those who don’t. God’s people that obeyed and honored the Lord talked about it among themselves. They encouraged each other in a time of confusion and a time where others were turning away from God. Their words were heard by God and recorded on a scroll of remembrance by God. He hears our every word. Through this the Lord could clearly see the wicked from the righteous. God will bring those that honor Him into his treasured possessions. As we speak together, let us decree and declare our faith in God and his kingdom.
Have you ever felt your enemies were everywhere and maybe even surrounded you sometimes? Maybe family, marriage/relationship, money, health, jobs…….addictions? It could be self-esteem, depression, loss or loneliness. Why would they just not talk to me anymore? What did I do? I don’t deserve this. These types of feelings paired with actual failures in your life can be huge obstacles to moving forward and having victory in your life. You will always have enemies, but you will always have God. This is a short story about the prophet Elisha and his servant facing an obstacle that surrounded them and how it gave God and opportunity to overcome it, just like He can with those things that war against us! If we can just see how God is doing it. Open our eyes Lord.
Have you ever felt your enemies were everywhere and maybe even surrounded you sometimes? Maybe family, marriage/relationship, money, health, jobs…….addictions? It could be self-esteem, depression, loss or loneliness. Why would they just not talk to me anymore? What did I do? I don’t deserve this. These types of feelings paired with actual failures in your life can be huge obstacles to moving forward and having victory in your life. You will always have enemies, but you will always have God. This is a short story about the prophet Elisha and his servant facing an obstacle that surrounded them and how it gave God and opportunity to overcome it, just like He can with those things that war against us! If we can just see how God is doing it. Open our eyes Lord.
Cleanup Aisle 7! Have you ever just messed up something beyond all recognition? When I sit and think about it in my life, the longer I sit and think, the longer the list gets. Get my drift? Peter was one of the disciples that was an impetuous, outgoing, and off the cuff. Peter cut off a man’s ear, sank in the water when walking to Jesus, and when Jesus was talking about His upcoming death, Peter rebuked Him and Jesus called him Satan. But the biggest one was when he denied Jesus. I have done that more than I would like to admit. That is, deny Christ. And like Peter, things I have messed up have helped me be better. The good news is that God can clean a mess up. This message takes a look at mess ups and how God can help you with mess ups…..if you ever have them. It also shows that the failures we learn from help us grow.
Cleanup Aisle 7! Have you ever just messed up something beyond all recognition? When I sit and think about it in my life, the longer I sit and think, the longer the list gets. Get my drift? Peter was one of the disciples that was an impetuous, outgoing, and off the cuff. Peter cut off a man’s ear, sank in the water when walking to Jesus, and when Jesus was talking about His upcoming death, Peter rebuked Him and Jesus called him Satan. But the biggest one was when he denied Jesus. I have done that more than I would like to admit. That is, deny Christ. And like Peter, things I have messed up have helped me be better. The good news is that God can clean a mess up. This message takes a look at mess ups and how God can help you with mess ups…..if you ever have them. It also shows that the failures we learn from help us grow.
This is the third in a three part series on Spiritual Estate Planning. Estate planning can be a tedious process but the payoff is big if you have a plan and not so big if you don’t. I am going through three aspects of earthly estate planning and showing how they relate to spiritual estate planning. This series can set you up for life in how you work with God, your estate advisor, and reach goals that are out of this world. Investments, Insurance and Inheritance are the three areas that will be examined. The first week was investments and how earthly riches pass away but heavenly ones are here to stay. The second week was insurance. And on insurance, you don’t need it until you need it and when you need it, you really need it. And one man in the bible really needed it and waited until the last minute. This week Inheritance. This message will show you how to get a huge inheritance and also how to pass along a huge inheritance. The bottom line is that the inheritance you get is not as important as the inheritance you give or you pass along.
This is the third in a three part series on Spiritual Estate Planning. Estate planning can be a tedious process but the payoff is big if you have a plan and not so big if you don’t. I am going through three aspects of earthly estate planning and showing how they relate to spiritual estate planning. This series can set you up for life in how you work with God, your estate advisor, and reach goals that are out of this world. Investments, Insurance and Inheritance are the three areas that will be examined. The first week was investments and how earthly riches pass away but heavenly ones are here to stay. The second week was insurance. And on insurance, you don’t need it until you need it and when you need it, you really need it. And one man in the bible really needed it and waited until the last minute. This week Inheritance. This message will show you how to get a huge inheritance and also how to pass along a huge inheritance. The bottom line is that the inheritance you get is not as important as the inheritance you give or you pass along.
This is the second in a three part series on Spiritual Estate Planning. Estate planning can be a tedious process but the payoff is big if you have a plan and not so big if you don’t. I am going through three aspects of earthly estate planning and showing how they relate to spiritual estate planning. This series can set you up for life in how you work with God, your estate advisor and reach goals that are out of this world. Investments, Insurance and Inheritance are the three areas that will be examined. Last week was investments and how earthly riches pass away but heavenly ones are here to stay. This week insurance. You will enjoy this slant on insurance, I am sure. Here in coastal Florida, storms are always a concern. Summer afternoon thunderstorms can be tremendous but nothing like a hurricane. This past year, 2022, Hurricane Ian hit the west coast and Nicole hit the east coast. Both were storms that caused damage and Hurricane Ian caused tremendous flooding. Waiting to buy flood insurance when you are in the 3 day cone of uncertainty is too late. You see, you don’t need insurance until you need it. And when you need it, you REALLY need it. That applies to our estate here on earth and in Heaven. This message takes a look at the insurance angle. It will be fun.
This is the second in a three part series on Spiritual Estate Planning. Estate planning can be a tedious process but the payoff is big if you have a plan and not so big if you don’t. I am going through three aspects of earthly estate planning and showing how they relate to spiritual estate planning. This series can set you up for life in how you work with God, your estate advisor and reach goals that are out of this world. Investments, Insurance and Inheritance are the three areas that will be examined. Last week was investments and how earthly riches pass away but heavenly ones are here to stay. This week insurance. You will enjoy this slant on insurance, I am sure. Here in coastal Florida, storms are always a concern. Summer afternoon thunderstorms can be tremendous but nothing like a hurricane. This past year, 2022, Hurricane Ian hit the west coast and Nicole hit the east coast. Both were storms that caused damage and Hurricane Ian caused tremendous flooding. Waiting to buy flood insurance when you are in the 3 day cone of uncertainty is too late. You see, you don’t need insurance until you need it. And when you need it, you REALLY need it. That applies to our estate here on earth and in Heaven. This message takes a look at the insurance angle. It will be fun.
This is the first in a three part series on Spiritual Estate Planning. If I haven’t lost you yet, I will be going through three aspects of earthly estate planning and showing how they relate to spiritual estate planning. This series can set you up for life in how you work with God, your estate advisor and reach goals that are out of this world. Investments, Insurance and Inheritance are the three areas that will be examined. First Investments. Caution, Crypto Ahead. The first part of the series is on investing. In 2022, a crypto currency exchange, FTX filed for bankruptcy. According to Fortune.com, FTX had 60 billion dollars and lost 51 billion. The day before the bankruptcy filing, FTX allowed 1500 people in the Bahamas to withdraw approximately 100 million according to MSNBC. I bet you couldn’t even think of having 51 billion dollars, much less losing it. The scriptures do not teach against being rich or investing, but they are clear on where we are to store or build wealth primarily.
This is the first in a three part series on Spiritual Estate Planning. If I haven’t lost you yet, I will be going through three aspects of earthly estate planning and showing how they relate to spiritual estate planning. This series can set you up for life in how you work with God, your estate advisor and reach goals that are out of this world. Investments, Insurance and Inheritance are the three areas that will be examined. First Investments. Caution, Crypto Ahead. The first part of the series is on investing. In 2022, a crypto currency exchange, FTX filed for bankruptcy. According to Fortune.com, FTX had 60 billion dollars and lost 51 billion. The day before the bankruptcy filing, FTX allowed 1500 people in the Bahamas to withdraw approximately 100 million according to MSNBC. I bet you couldn’t even think of having 51 billion dollars, much less losing it. The scriptures do not teach against being rich or investing, but they are clear on where we are to store or build wealth primarily.
It is amazing just how many bible translations that are out there. How do you know which one to use or which one is the best? Kevin Dance takes a look at this subject and examines the top selling bible translations and some selected verses from each one. This message gives insight into the use of the bible and how to compare versions as well as his thoughts on using discernment on all of the translations. You will enjoy Kevin’s passion and be enriched by his grasp of the topic.
Have you ever got something that you bought, maybe for Christmas, but not exclusively, and it was in a box and needed to be put together? Maybe the description on the order said, “Some Assembly Required”. It has been my experience that some means a lot. The instructions are 10 pages and in 5 different languages. And following the instructions can either make you or break you. Especially on Christmas Eve, under pressure. Some Assembly Required, also describes my walk with God. Some things in my life need assembled, tightened down, fit together properly. And following the instructions can make you or break you. The instructions, the bible, are 66 books and thousands of things to learn, much more than just the 10 Commandments. How do we even start? Good thing that Jesus really shortened the list and made the instructions really concise. God wants a relationship with Him to be easy and not hard. This message explores these two simple concepts in Matthew 22 and understanding them will take a load off of your assembly process.
Have you ever wanted someone to just cut you some slack? The saying comes from having tension on a rope and the tension may be too tight to get the rope tied, or untied. Or another way to look at it is that you have a rope on a boat at the dock and in order to get the rope off of the dock cleat, you need some slack in the rope to make it loose so you can remove the rope. That is slack. Bet you need some slack in your life too sometimes. It is like, I know I didn’t do what I agreed to do or I let this slide when I should have dealt with it, but can you give me a little grace (the church word for slack). I should have made my bed every day and picked up all my clothes……but I have been busy (what I would say to my mother). Can I get a little slack? We all need some slack…..or grace…..or forgiveness at times. This examines some examples in the bible where some people got cut some slack. I know that I have seen myself in these examples. We will also look at some scripture that specifically addresses getting some slack….and giving some slack. The bottom line on it is that if you want to get some, you have to give some…..slack, grace, forgiveness. I hope this helps you learn how.
Have you ever wanted someone to just cut you some slack? The saying comes from having tension on a rope and the tension may be too tight to get the rope tied, or untied. Or another way to look at it is that you have a rope on a boat at the dock and in order to get the rope off of the dock cleat, you need some slack in the rope to make it loose so you can remove the rope. That is slack. Bet you need some slack in your life too sometimes. It is like, I know I didn’t do what I agreed to do or I let this slide when I should have dealt with it, but can you give me a little grace (the church word for slack). I should have made my bed every day and picked up all my clothes……but I have been busy (what I would say to my mother). Can I get a little slack? We all need some slack…..or grace…..or forgiveness at times. This examines some examples in the bible where some people got cut some slack. I know that I have seen myself in these examples. We will also look at some scripture that specifically addresses getting some slack….and giving some slack. The bottom line on it is that if you want to get some, you have to give some…..slack, grace, forgiveness. I hope this helps you learn how.
Some things are so good that you could eat every crumb of it. Like fried chicken in a box, when it is all gone, there are the pieces of fried stuff on the bottom. Just touch your fingers to them and they come right to you. But you wouldn’t order just fried chicken crumbs. You would get an 8 piece or maybe a 20 piece bucket. My dad would make a pound cake and I would get a glass of milk and just enjoy even the very crumbs. But he wouldn’t make the crumbs. They would be the result of the whole cake. Like the chicken crumbs are part of the whole fried chicken. You see, what was in the pound cake or chicken is in the crumbs. Jesus went out of Israel to a Gentile area. There he met a woman who had a daughter that was severely demon possessed. This woman was, well first a woman, second was a gentile and not a Jew and the Canaanites had been enemies of the Jewish people. The deck was stacked against her. She wanted healing for her daughter and during her exchange with Jesus, she revealed to him that she understood that what was in the bread was in the crumbs, and she would settle for the crumbs that fell from the table. See how this applies to your life because you don’t have to settle for the crumbs, the entire loaf of bread is yours.
Some things are so good that you could eat every crumb of it. Like fried chicken in a box, when it is all gone, there are the pieces of fried stuff on the bottom. Just touch your fingers to them and they come right to you. But you wouldn’t order just fried chicken crumbs. You would get an 8 piece or maybe a 20 piece bucket. My dad would make a pound cake and I would get a glass of milk and just enjoy even the very crumbs. But he wouldn’t make the crumbs. They would be the result of the whole cake. Like the chicken crumbs are part of the whole fried chicken. You see, what was in the pound cake or chicken is in the crumbs. Jesus went out of Israel to a Gentile area. There he met a woman who had a daughter that was severely demon possessed. This woman was, well first a woman, second was a gentile and not a Jew and the Canaanites had been enemies of the Jewish people. The deck was stacked against her. She wanted healing for her daughter and during her exchange with Jesus, she revealed to him that she understood that what was in the bread was in the crumbs, and she would settle for the crumbs that fell from the table. See how this applies to your life because you don’t have to settle for the crumbs, the entire loaf of bread is yours.
This is the third in a three part series of Overcoming Obstacles. The first was, “You Can’t Get There From Here” and it examined the paralytic man in Mark 2 that had to be carried on his mat to get to a house where Jesus was teaching. Everyone would not let him in so he came in through the roof. He went around his obstacle. The second in the series was “Head On Collision” where David faced Goliath, head on. And what a collision it was. I don’t know a bigger obstacle to face than death. And I don’t think a series on overcoming obstacles would be complete without taking a look at overcoming death. Now, you might immediately think of someone close to you and their death, but, “How Will I Get Through This?” is about our death. We will all face death one day. We may or may not know when, where or how we will die, but our physical life will one day stop. You don’t have to be a Christian to believe in the spiritual side of your life and if you give it much thought, it is often the spiritual side of our lives that have rich meaning and understanding. But if you are a Christian, you know that we are spiritual people in a physical body. This last message examines how you can “go through” and obstacle like death and remain alive.
This is the third in a three part series of Overcoming Obstacles. The first was, “You Can’t Get There From Here” and it examined the paralytic man in Mark 2 that had to be carried on his mat to get to a house where Jesus was teaching. Everyone would not let him in so he came in through the roof. He went around his obstacle. The second in the series was “Head On Collision” where David faced Goliath, head on. And what a collision it was. I don’t know a bigger obstacle to face than death. And I don’t think a series on overcoming obstacles would be complete without taking a look at overcoming death. Now, you might immediately think of someone close to you and their death, but, “How Will I Get Through This?” is about our death. We will all face death one day. We may or may not know when, where or how we will die, but our physical life will one day stop. You don’t have to be a Christian to believe in the spiritual side of your life and if you give it much thought, it is often the spiritual side of our lives that have rich meaning and understanding. But if you are a Christian, you know that we are spiritual people in a physical body. This last message examines how you can “go through” and obstacle like death and remain alive.
I don’t know anyone who wants to be in a head on collision. They are the most violent of crashes. Usually nothing good comes out of them. But there are head on collisions other than in cars. Head on collisions come in all shapes and sizes, all locations and circumstances. Bedtime with a crying toddler is one. Parents and teenagers is another. I suspect that many husbands and wives have had a few head on collisions themselves. In-laws, you bet. And of course, Christians have many opportunities for head on collisions with Satan. They are called obstacles. In this second of three in a series of Overcoming Obstacles. The first was a paralyzed man who had obstacle getting to see Jesus and “Couldn’t get there from here”. This week, David has a head on collision with Goliath. Sometimes the only way to overcome an obstacle is head on. And facing obstacles is a fact of life. But many times, the obstacles we have overcome have helped us with bigger obstacles, like the Goliath obstacles that we may face. Overcoming obstacles helps us overcome obstacles.
I don’t know anyone who wants to be in a head on collision. They are the most violent of crashes. Usually nothing good comes out of them. But there are head on collisions other than in cars. Head on collisions come in all shapes and sizes, all locations and circumstances. Bedtime with a crying toddler is one. Parents and teenagers is another. I suspect that many husbands and wives have had a few head on collisions themselves. In-laws, you bet. And of course, Christians have many opportunities for head on collisions with Satan. They are called obstacles. In this second of three in a series of Overcoming Obstacles. The first was a paralyzed man who had obstacle getting to see Jesus and “Couldn’t get there from here”. This week, David has a head on collision with Goliath. Sometimes the only way to overcome an obstacle is head on. And facing obstacles is a fact of life. But many times, the obstacles we have overcome have helped us with bigger obstacles, like the Goliath obstacles that we may face. Overcoming obstacles helps us overcome obstacles.
Have you ever asked for directions from someone and gotten the most difficult instructions you have ever heard? Sometimes. when asking, there may even be two people talking at the same time offering directions. You go down here for two lights, or is it three and make a right…or maybe it is a left. Then you go straight past the mall, or is it a movie theater and you turn at the blinking light, or it may be just a stop sign….finally you might get the, “You can’t get there from here.” That is exactly what Satan would have you to think as you move toward God. The man in this story is paralyzed and can’t get to where Jesus is teaching nearby because he can’t walk. His friends take him but they can’t get in the front door due to the crowd. The crowd won’t move to let them in because they want to see Jesus. His friends take him to the roof where they have to take off the roof. The friends have to get rope to let him down. If this man and his friends had stopped at any of these obstacles, he would still be paralyzed. But they didn’t stop. If you don’t overcome obstacles, obstacles will overcome you. Satan Says you can’t get there from here, God says, I am the Way.
Have you ever asked for directions from someone and gotten the most difficult instructions you have ever heard? Sometimes. when asking, there may even be two people talking at the same time offering directions. You go down here for two lights, or is it three and make a right…or maybe it is a left. Then you go straight past the mall, or is it a movie theater and you turn at the blinking light, or it may be just a stop sign….finally you might get the, “You can’t get there from here.” That is exactly what Satan would have you to think as you move toward God. The man in this story is paralyzed and can’t get to where Jesus is teaching nearby because he can’t walk. His friends take him but they can’t get in the front door due to the crowd. The crowd won’t move to let them in because they want to see Jesus. His friends take him to the roof where they have to take off the roof. The friends have to get rope to let him down. If this man and his friends had stopped at any of these obstacles, he would still be paralyzed. But they didn’t stop. If you don’t overcome obstacles, obstacles will overcome you. Satan Says you can’t get there from here, God says, I am the Way.
Do you ever feel like life is beating you up sometimes? Long work hours, tons of stress, people that don’t understand you, finances, health, and uncertainty can wear you down. Division in the world, the country, and division in your relationships seem at times to grow deeper. At times, it may seem like you are getting ahead then something breaks, a storm comes, or you lose a job. And you wonder if anyone cares. The things you thought were solid seem unstable. The scriptures talk about how, on the outside, we are wasting away, decaying and getting frustrated. But on the inside, with the right attitude, we are being renewed, ……..day by day. We need help with the decay and need renewal. We have a choice to look on the outside of things or the inside. What you can see or what you can’t see. It is way too easy to just look at the outside and forget about what is working within. We can let God work on our lives or our lives will work on us. But how do we do that? That is what we will be talking about here. Join us.
Do you ever feel like life is beating you up sometimes? Long work hours, tons of stress, people that don’t understand you, finances, health, and uncertainty can wear you down. Division in the world, the country, and division in your relationships seem at times to grow deeper. At times, it may seem like you are getting ahead then something breaks, a storm comes, or you lose a job. And you wonder if anyone cares. The things you thought were solid seem unstable. The scriptures talk about how, on the outside, we are wasting away, decaying and getting frustrated. But on the inside, with the right attitude, we are being renewed, ……..day by day. We need help with the decay and need renewal. We have a choice to look on the outside of things or the inside. What you can see or what you can’t see. It is way too easy to just look at the outside and forget about what is working within. We can let God work on our lives or our lives will work on us. But how do we do that? That is what we will be talking about here. Join us.
Have you ever watched Judge Judy or any of the other Judge shows? Back in the day, it started as The People’s Court. People would have an issue that needed settling and would agree to come before the judge to get it settled. Often, the judge would ask if they had an agreement and if the agreement was in writing. If they did not have an agreement in writing, often the cases would be dismissed or at least not as strong. This is the second part to a two part revelation about Abram and his belief in God. Abram had some issues he needed settled. He was told by God that his offspring would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. But Abram did not have a son to begin this long lineage, but he believed in God for a son. God further promised Abram he would inherit the land to raise his people. Abram asked God about it and God made an agreement with Abram. But each promise by God needed a step from Abram. Abram had doubt and he work on doubt by walking it out. Step by step with God. God made a covenant, a promise or as it was known, a contract. That contract or covenant was ratified by God with Abram. And what a contract it was. Most of us have probably never slaughtered and animal, much less walked between pieces of the animals that have been slaughtered. That was the custom at the time to ratify a blood covenant or to cut a covenant. The two parties would walk between the cut pieces in the blood and if either one was not faithful in the covenant, what happened to the animals could happen to the offending party. Abram had to work on his doubt by walking or taking steps of faith, but Abram did not have to walk through the pieces of the animals to secure the covenant. God did. God did it for him. You work out doubt by walking it out…..God did the walking this time. A fire pot and torch sealed the covenant by God. We have that covenant for us through Jesus. It is important because the covenant we have with Jesus takes away the penalty for sin in our lives. This message will help you understand the promise God made to Abram and how you can appropriate it into your life. Case Dismissed against your sin.
Most storms have personalities. Some are very big in size, like Andrew in 1992. It was a huge storm and a strong one with Category 5 winds. It had gusts of up to 175 miles an hour and it devastated south Florida. Other storms like Hurricane Charlie in 2004 were not as big or strong but caused a lot of damage. Three weeks after Hurricane Ian, there is still a lot of debris lining the streets. It was reported on CNN that Hurricane Ian was a one in one-thousand-year event for the hardest hit parts of Florida. It was a wind and a tremendous rain making event. The flooding was historic. Three weeks later, as you ride around some neighborhoods, you can easily see everything that was in the house. It is exposed, out on the street or curb. Furniture, mattresses, sheetrock, bedding, televisions and bag after bag of personal items. Exposed. For everyone to see what was once hidden inside. In John 8, a woman was exposed, brought out into the open. Jesus has an answer for both exposed situations, that of your stuff on the street and the woman exposed. That is to restore.
Most storms have personalities. Some are very big in size, like Andrew in 1992. It was a huge storm and a strong one with Category 5 winds. It had gusts of up to 175 miles an hour and it devastated south Florida. Other storms like Hurricane Charlie in 2004 were not as big or strong but caused a lot of damage. Three weeks after Hurricane Ian, there is still a lot of debris lining the streets. It was reported on CNN that Hurricane Ian was a one in one-thousand-year event for the hardest hit parts of Florida. It was a wind and a tremendous rain making event. The flooding was historic. Three weeks later, as you ride around some neighborhoods, you can easily see everything that was in the house. It is exposed, out on the street or curb. Furniture, mattresses, sheetrock, bedding, televisions and bag after bag of personal items. Exposed. For everyone to see what was once hidden inside. In John 8, a woman was exposed, brought out into the open. Jesus has an answer for both exposed situations, that of your stuff on the street and the woman exposed. That is to restore.
We’ve probably all had to deal with some hurricane damage these past two weeks. Whether it’s a power outage, spoiled food, uprooted trees, or no internet, our homes haven’t quite been complete. As I was sitting in the dark with no power and no A/C, it got me thinking that sometimes my relationship with God is not always complete. We are created to be God’s home…His dwelling place. No matter what we may think about ourselves sometimes, God’s desire is to dwell in us. The good news is, God is in the damage restoration business!
We’ve probably all had to deal with some hurricane damage these past two weeks. Whether it’s a power outage, spoiled food, uprooted trees, or no internet, our homes haven’t quite been complete. As I was sitting in the dark with no power and no A/C, it got me thinking that sometimes my relationship with God is not always complete. We are created to be God’s home…His dwelling place. No matter what we may think about ourselves sometimes, God’s desire is to dwell in us. The good news is, God is in the damage restoration business!
When someone says something, do you always believe it? Most of my life, especially my younger life, I usually believed when someone said something, I just believed it. Then I got a little older and realized that some things that were said, just weren’t true. So, like most of us, after time, I looked at what people said and got a little cynical. Then after a few more years, I realized that it really depended on the person that was saying it. Like my father and my brother. When they said something, I believed it. I believed them. I believe. My belief in them ended up blessing me. Abram had finished rescuing his nephew, Lot, from 5 kings that took him captive. After this battle, God told Abram that he would be his shield and great reward. But Abram had no son to pass on his ancestry. Abram asked God about this and shared his biggest desire, which was to have a son. Abram simply shared with God what was on his heart. God told him he would have a son. Abram believed God. God knew the heart of Abram and knew of his belief in HIM. God gave Abram credit for his belief. Everyone likes a credit on their account. This is the first part of a two part conversation and agreement between God and Abram. One agreement is verbal and the other is in blood. I hope it will strengthen your faith in what God is saying to you.
When someone says something, do you always believe it? Most of my life, especially my younger life, I usually believed when someone said something, I just believed it. Then I got a little older and realized that some things that were said, just weren’t true. So, like most of us, after time, I looked at what people said and got a little cynical. Then after a few more years, I realized that it really depended on the person that was saying it. Like my father and my brother. When they said something, I believed it. I believed them. I believe. My belief in them ended up blessing me. Abram had finished rescuing his nephew, Lot, from 5 kings that took him captive. After this battle, God told Abram that he would be his shield and great reward. But Abram had no son to pass on his ancestry. Abram asked God about this and shared his biggest desire, which was to have a son. Abram simply shared with God what was on his heart. God told him he would have a son. Abram believed God. God knew the heart of Abram and knew of his belief in HIM. God gave Abram credit for his belief. Everyone likes a credit on their account. This is the first part of a two part conversation and agreement between God and Abram. One agreement is verbal and the other is in blood. I hope it will strengthen your faith in what God is saying to you.
Have you ever slipped around at night? I know that I have over my lifetime. Most of the times, when I was slipping around at night, I didn’t want to be seen at a certain place or maybe didn’t want to be seen with a certain person. Also, it might have been because I was not doing what I was supposed to be doing. In my young life as a police officer, I often caught people slipping around for all of the above reasons. There were some nights that slipping around at night caused life-changing results with those I encountered. There was this Pharisee named Nicodemus who was slipping around at night. In a nation of about 500,000 people, Nicodemus was one of 6000 Pharisees. He was also on the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. They had 70 members. He was the elite of the elite. But he slipped around one night and it was life-changing. He was at a time and a place with a person….alone, that he should not have been if he were to be judged by his contemporaries. It worked out for him for the better and it changed his life.
Have you ever slipped around at night? I know that I have over my lifetime. Most of the times, when I was slipping around at night, I didn’t want to be seen at a certain place or maybe didn’t want to be seen with a certain person. Also, it might have been because I was not doing what I was supposed to be doing. In my young life as a police officer, I often caught people slipping around for all of the above reasons. There were some nights that slipping around at night caused life-changing results with those I encountered. There was this Pharisee named Nicodemus who was slipping around at night. In a nation of about 500,000 people, Nicodemus was one of 6000 Pharisees. He was also on the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. They had 70 members. He was the elite of the elite. But he slipped around one night and it was life-changing. He was at a time and a place with a person….alone, that he should not have been if he were to be judged by his contemporaries. It worked out for him for the better and it changed his life.
Have you ever been cornered or pushed up against something you had to confront and it seemed impossible to get over it or through it? If you have lived very long, I suspect that you have. It may be that you got started getting away from something and then boom, another difficulty. Sometimes it can make you want to quit, give up or even to go back to the place before the current obstacle existed. The people of Israel had been in captivity about 400 years in Egypt. They had been slaves of the Egyptians. After 10 plagues that came upon the Egyptians, the people of Israel were finally set free. After they left, Pharaoh rethought his decision and chased the people of Israel down and caught them at the edge of the Red Sea. See what God had to say about this in one really compelling verse that talks to us today as we face our Red Seas.
Have you ever been cornered or pushed up against something you had to confront and it seemed impossible to get over it or through it? If you have lived very long, I suspect that you have. It may be that you got started getting away from something and then boom, another difficulty. Sometimes it can make you want to quit, give up or even to go back to the place before the current obstacle existed. The people of Israel had been in captivity about 400 years in Egypt. They had been slaves of the Egyptians. After 10 plagues that came upon the Egyptians, the people of Israel were finally set free. After they left, Pharaoh rethought his decision and chased the people of Israel down and caught them at the edge of the Red Sea. See what God had to say about this in one really compelling verse that talks to us today as we face our Red Seas.
Do any of you have a past? Yep, we all do. It is one thing for sure we all have in common. That is yesterday or the months or years or decades before now. But what I am really talking about is who we were years or months ago. What people remember of who we were. It could be that we are now a much different person than we were in the past. More together, more mature, much closer to God, a changed person than we were in the past. You see, your past is in the past. People may think of the “old” you and ask, how you can be so different now. The worse thing we can do is to live in the past. Even though we are different now, we can linger in the past. If you are always looking back, you can never move forward. And if you live in the past, you can die in the past. Jesus had to overcome his past. In this story, even as he was performing miracles, those around him, in his own hometown, thought of him as the son of Joseph and Mary, the carpenter’s son. He could have stayed there in the past, making furniture…..or move forward as God would have him do. We have the same choice. We can be concerned about what people think of what we were back then and not move forward or we can be what God would have us to be today. Your past is in the past. You aren’t who you were, so be who you are. Let’s get moving.
Do any of you have a past? Yep, we all do. It is one thing for sure we all have in common. That is yesterday or the months or years or decades before now. But what I am really talking about is who we were years or months ago. What people remember of who we were. It could be that we are now a much different person than we were in the past. More together, more mature, much closer to God, a changed person than we were in the past. You see, your past is in the past. People may think of the “old” you and ask, how you can be so different now. The worse thing we can do is to live in the past. Even though we are different now, we can linger in the past. If you are always looking back, you can never move forward. And if you live in the past, you can die in the past. Jesus had to overcome his past. In this story, even as he was performing miracles, those around him, in his own hometown, thought of him as the son of Joseph and Mary, the carpenter’s son. He could have stayed there in the past, making furniture…..or move forward as God would have him do. We have the same choice. We can be concerned about what people think of what we were back then and not move forward or we can be what God would have us to be today. Your past is in the past. You aren’t who you were, so be who you are. Let’s get moving.
Have you ever been sea sick? If you haven’t, it is a mess. Even on a big boat, being tossed around by the waves, can make you feel queasy and off balance. It even makes you not want to eat because it may not stay with you. At times, you just wish it would be over. It makes you want to give up. That is much like the story here in Acts where Paul is on a big boat headed to Rome to be put on trial. Paul told the one in charge of the boat that they should not go because there was trouble ahead. But, the boat captain went anyway. They encountered a storm almost immediately. They tried everything they could to keep the boat afloat, but nothing worked and the boat was wrecked. It is like our lives sometimes when we try it our way and don’t even consider God. It can end up making us so sick that we lose hope and wreck. God wants to help us not get in that position by trusting in him.
Have you ever been sea sick? If you haven’t, it is a mess. Even on a big boat, being tossed around by the waves, can make you feel queasy and off balance. It even makes you not want to eat because it may not stay with you. At times, you just wish it would be over. It makes you want to give up. That is much like the story here in Acts where Paul is on a big boat headed to Rome to be put on trial. Paul told the one in charge of the boat that they should not go because there was trouble ahead. But, the boat captain went anyway. They encountered a storm almost immediately. They tried everything they could to keep the boat afloat, but nothing worked and the boat was wrecked. It is like our lives sometimes when we try it our way and don’t even consider God. It can end up making us so sick that we lose hope and wreck. God wants to help us not get in that position by trusting in him.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “How do you eat an elephant?” The the corresponding answer…”One bite at a time?” It is a metaphor relating to something that is so big, it can’t be easily done or at one time. Therefore, you start with a bite at a time. It is like a big 16" pizza. If you keep working on it, a bite at a time, you can probably finish it. You might be sick afterwards, but it could work and the pizza would be consumed. Jesus was with his disciples and a man brought his son that had been sick, to Jesus. The boy had seizures and fell into the fire and water. The man said that the disciples tried to heal the son but couldn’t. Jesus was able to do what the disciples couldn’t. Jesus was still working with them. He tells them if they had enough faith they could move mountains. At the end of this story, Jesus tells the disciples that nothing would be impossible for them. But how do you get there? This message will give you some biblical steps on how to move the mountains in your life. I promise you that, if you have a mountain that needs moving and you do nothing, it will be there tomorrow.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “How do you eat an elephant?” The the corresponding answer…”One bite at a time?” It is a metaphor relating to something that is so big, it can’t be easily done or at one time. Therefore, you start with a bite at a time. It is like a big 16" pizza. If you keep working on it, a bite at a time, you can probably finish it. You might be sick afterwards, but it could work and the pizza would be consumed. Jesus was with his disciples and a man brought his son that had been sick, to Jesus. The boy had seizures and fell into the fire and water. The man said that the disciples tried to heal the son but couldn’t. Jesus was able to do what the disciples couldn’t. Jesus was still working with them. He tells them if they had enough faith they could move mountains. At the end of this story, Jesus tells the disciples that nothing would be impossible for them. But how do you get there? This message will give you some biblical steps on how to move the mountains in your life. I promise you that, if you have a mountain that needs moving and you do nothing, it will be there tomorrow.
King Solomon was the son of King David, and after his father David died, Solomon was the King of Israel. A big job for a 20 year old. In a short time after his father’s death he had to make many decisions about his life and the life of the nation of Israel. God speaks to us in many ways, the small still voice, scripture, through friends, the Holy Spirit and dreams and visions. Solomon had a dream where God asked Solomon what he wanted most in his life and Solomon responded with a request for wisdom. Life overall is pretty complex and I don’t know about you, but I need wisdom every day. Solomon had a dream come true. And in Solomon’s case, his request was a dream come true that he had to use the next day. Dreams come true when they come from God, so be ready. Because if you miss a dream from God, you may miss what he wants for you in your life. God talks in dreams, so tune in.
You have heard the saying, “Talk is Cheap”, and you have probably heard cheap talk from someone. They will say they will help you out but when you really need it……they ignore your call or it goes straight to voice mail. They surely hit the side button when they saw your call. You text when you need it and you get a call or text back hours or days later, when the crisis has past. You may have even needed some money…or food…Things like this never happen in church, do they? Surely they didn’t during the time of Jesus. Enter – The Pharisees and yes, cheap talk is as old as the bible. See what Jesus had to say about the Pharisees and their cheap talk. Do we practice what we preach? This whole thing about practicing what you preach comes down to credibility. Check out how you can check yourself on this and apply if needed. It applies to me!
You have heard the saying, “Talk is Cheap”, and you have probably heard cheap talk from someone. They will say they will help you out but when you really need it……they ignore your call or it goes straight to voice mail. They surely hit the side button when they saw your call. You text when you need it and you get a call or text back hours or days later, when the crisis has past. You may have even needed some money…or food…Things like this never happen in church, do they? Surely they didn’t during the time of Jesus. Enter – The Pharisees and yes, cheap talk is as old as the bible. See what Jesus had to say about the Pharisees and their cheap talk. Do we practice what we preach? This whole thing about practicing what you preach comes down to credibility. Check out how you can check yourself on this and apply if needed. It applies to me!
Moving on can have many connotations. Some may be sad like moving on from a job or relationship. Others may be happy like moving on from a job or relationship! There may be fond memories of your hometown and early home life, like it was for me. Moving on from there was bittersweet for me and I had a wonderful life. Others may be glad to get out of a dead end town and abuse at home or early life. It is really all in your circumstances and particular situation, whether moving on is happy or sad. But one thing for sure is that moving on is part of live. Every life. And your attitude about moving on is the single biggest factor on how you may deal with it. Moving on is a part of life, we either deal with it or it will deal with us, over and over again. Moses had led the people of Israel out of captivity in Egypt. Under his leadership, he showed Pharaoh the power of God. Moses’ leadership had the death angel pass over the Israelites, he led them through the sea when Pharaoh’s army was destroyed. Through the desert, food, water, clouds, fire, the 10 Commandments twice, right up to their final destination, the Promised Land. And understand that the Promised Land was just the beginning of much more that God had for his people. But they had to move on to get into the Promised Land, despite the death of Moses. Moving into our Promised Land may mean moving on from some things and into others. It may mean leaving one and heading to another. It is all in our perspective how we see it and what we do about it, if we bog down or if it’s time to move on.
Moving on can have many connotations. Some may be sad like moving on from a job or relationship. Others may be happy like moving on from a job or relationship! There may be fond memories of your hometown and early home life, like it was for me. Moving on from there was bittersweet for me and I had a wonderful life. Others may be glad to get out of a dead end town and abuse at home or early life. It is really all in your circumstances and particular situation, whether moving on is happy or sad. But one thing for sure is that moving on is part of live. Every life. And your attitude about moving on is the single biggest factor on how you may deal with it. Moving on is a part of life, we either deal with it or it will deal with us, over and over again. Moses had led the people of Israel out of captivity in Egypt. Under his leadership, he showed Pharaoh the power of God. Moses’ leadership had the death angel pass over the Israelites, he led them through the sea when Pharaoh’s army was destroyed. Through the desert, food, water, clouds, fire, the 10 Commandments twice, right up to their final destination, the Promised Land. And understand that the Promised Land was just the beginning of much more that God had for his people. But they had to move on to get into the Promised Land, despite the death of Moses. Moving into our Promised Land may mean moving on from some things and into others. It may mean leaving one and heading to another. It is all in our perspective how we see it and what we do about it, if we bog down or if it’s time to move on.
This is the 4th of a 4-part series on Getting Closer to God. (It was a 3 part series but I added one part). The first was, “Sometimes it is Just Easier to Mow Around It”, recognizing sometimes that we mow around things that may need changing in our lives. The second was “Pit Stop”, where in order to be successful, you may need to take a pit stop and refuel. The third was, “Get if Off Your Chest”, which looked at who you should get it off your chest to and how it will benefit your life. This week is “On Your Mark, Get Set….”, which refers to a race that the scriptures say is, “marked out for us”. So, we are in a race today and it is our race, unique to us. Scripture tells us how to win it. Join in today and I hope this series has helped you grow…closer to God.
This is the 4th of a 4-part series on Getting Closer to God. (It was a 3 part series but I added one part). The first was, “Sometimes it is Just Easier to Mow Around It”, recognizing sometimes that we mow around things that may need changing in our lives. The second was “Pit Stop”, where in order to be successful, you may need to take a pit stop and refuel. The third was, “Get if Off Your Chest”, which looked at who you should get it off your chest to and how it will benefit your life. This week is “On Your Mark, Get Set….”, which refers to a race that the scriptures say is, “marked out for us”. So, we are in a race today and it is our race, unique to us. Scripture tells us how to win it. Join in today and I hope this series has helped you grow…closer to God.
No one is good but God, but He has chosen to put His goodness in us. This message explores the Question, "Where is Your Heart?" When we come to Jesus, He gives us His Full attention and He loves us completely. What have you given up for Jesus?
No one is good but God, but He has chosen to put His goodness in us. This message explores the Question, "Where is Your Heart?" When we come to Jesus, He gives us His Full attention and He loves us completely. What have you given up for Jesus?
This is the third of a three-part series about becoming stronger in the Lord through Prayer. The first part, “It is Just Easier to Mow Around It”, was about a truck in a field that had been mowed around for long the grass had grown up around it. The grass choked it out and surrounded it. It was about neglecting prayer in your life and how easy it is to let the grass grow up around you and your prayer life. The second part, “Pit Stop” was about how in a long race, like the Daytona 500, you need a pit stop to get gassed up, new tires and then get back to it. Just like in our lives and how to incorporate prayer into a pit stop. This week in “Get It Off Your Chest”, talks about some steps on how to pray to God in every circumstance, to get it off your chest. Some practical tips on how to deal with anxiety and the results of getting it off your chest with God. It is all right there in scripture. These are stand-alone messages but if you want to get the some solid steps, watch all three. It can change your life.
This is the third of a three-part series about becoming stronger in the Lord through Prayer. The first part, “It is Just Easier to Mow Around It”, was about a truck in a field that had been mowed around for long the grass had grown up around it. The grass choked it out and surrounded it. It was about neglecting prayer in your life and how easy it is to let the grass grow up around you and your prayer life. The second part, “Pit Stop” was about how in a long race, like the Daytona 500, you need a pit stop to get gassed up, new tires and then get back to it. Just like in our lives and how to incorporate prayer into a pit stop. This week in “Get It Off Your Chest”, talks about some steps on how to pray to God in every circumstance, to get it off your chest. Some practical tips on how to deal with anxiety and the results of getting it off your chest with God. It is all right there in scripture. These are stand-alone messages but if you want to get the some solid steps, watch all three. It can change your life.
Being from Daytona, you will always be associated with the beach (a place you can drive a car on) or Daytona International Speedway. No matter where I go, when someone finds out I am from Daytona Beach, they ask about one or both of these locations. The Speedway looms large as you enter town, headed to the beach. You pass right by it. The Daytona 500 is the Super Bowl of NASCAR racing. Racers, during a race, make pit stops. The cars get gas, tires, a cleaned windshield and other adjustments during the pit stop. Drivers receive water and a short break from driving. You can’t win a race without a successful pit stop. Same thing in life. Jesus had been swamped. He took a pit stop. After the pit stop, he was back to His Father’s business. There are some interesting parallels to a successful race and pit stops as well as in life. This takes a look at the timing of a pit stop, the location and conclusion.
Being from Daytona, you will always be associated with the beach (a place you can drive a car on) or Daytona International Speedway. No matter where I go, when someone finds out I am from Daytona Beach, they ask about one or both of these locations. The Speedway looms large as you enter town, headed to the beach. You pass right by it. The Daytona 500 is the Super Bowl of NASCAR racing. Racers, during a race, make pit stops. The cars get gas, tires, a cleaned windshield and other adjustments during the pit stop. Drivers receive water and a short break from driving. You can’t win a race without a successful pit stop. Same thing in life. Jesus had been swamped. He took a pit stop. After the pit stop, he was back to His Father’s business. There are some interesting parallels to a successful race and pit stops as well as in life. This takes a look at the timing of a pit stop, the location and conclusion.
Have you ever thought, I can get to this later? I don’t need to do this now. It is really not that important. Maintenance. I was with my brother Frank, this week in the farm country of western Flagler County, Florida, when we were looking at a very large and beautiful field that had been mowed. It was framed with cattle and tall summer crops in the background, green and vibrant. The land was adjacent to a beautiful house that has been in a family for over a hundred years. But, in the middle of the field was an old abandoned truck. It was ancient, rusted and derelict and the mowers of the field, well, they just mowed around it. I mean the same big tractor that mowed this big field surely had a small chain and hook that could have been attached to the small truck and moved it out of the field. But, it was obviously just easier to mow around it. To know it is there but not deal with it and mow around It. I have stuff like that in my life. It is just easier to mow around it than to deal with it……attitudes, thoughts, actions,…It is amazing how much a real-life example can speak. Do you have stuff you are mowing around? This is an examination of what the Bible says about this topic and how we can address this complacency in our lives. It also differentiates between Satan pounding us with guilt and the Holy Spirit nudging us to correct things. It is about our covering.
Have you ever thought, I can get to this later? I don’t need to do this now. It is really not that important. Maintenance. I was with my brother Frank, this week in the farm country of western Flagler County, Florida, when we were looking at a very large and beautiful field that had been mowed. It was framed with cattle and tall summer crops in the background, green and vibrant. The land was adjacent to a beautiful house that has been in a family for over a hundred years. But, in the middle of the field was an old abandoned truck. It was ancient, rusted and derelict and the mowers of the field, well, they just mowed around it. I mean the same big tractor that mowed this big field surely had a small chain and hook that could have been attached to the small truck and moved it out of the field. But, it was obviously just easier to mow around it. To know it is there but not deal with it and mow around It. I have stuff like that in my life. It is just easier to mow around it than to deal with it……attitudes, thoughts, actions,…It is amazing how much a real-life example can speak. Do you have stuff you are mowing around? This is an examination of what the Bible says about this topic and how we can address this complacency in our lives. It also differentiates between Satan pounding us with guilt and the Holy Spirit nudging us to correct things. It is about our covering.
Fathers have a tough job. The only thing harder is being a mother, especially today when mothers more and more are having to fulfill both roles. Fathers being in and with a family have been declining for years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 19.5 million children, more than 1 in 4, live without a father in the home. Source: U.S. Census Bureau. (2018). The Bible has some examples of fatherhood and we can use these examples whether we are a father or a mother that is being left to be both mother and father. We can also use these examples in everyday life. It is a story about a couple of boys and their father. It illustrates how we should act as either the head of the house (father or mother). These truths even work on how we can handle our children if they have left home. They are still our children and our kids, no matter what their age. And these truths work for everyone on how to deal with relationships. And boys will be boys.
Fathers have a tough job. The only thing harder is being a mother, especially today when mothers more and more are having to fulfill both roles. Fathers being in and with a family have been declining for years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 19.5 million children, more than 1 in 4, live without a father in the home. Source: U.S. Census Bureau. (2018). The Bible has some examples of fatherhood and we can use these examples whether we are a father or a mother that is being left to be both mother and father. We can also use these examples in everyday life. It is a story about a couple of boys and their father. It illustrates how we should act as either the head of the house (father or mother). These truths even work on how we can handle our children if they have left home. They are still our children and our kids, no matter what their age. And these truths work for everyone on how to deal with relationships. And boys will be boys.
Last week, in “Why is Pentecost a Big Deal?” we talked about the power that came with Pentecost and its relationship to Passover. That power was the Holy Spirit. Immediately after the sound like a might rushing wind came over those in the room, they had the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does many things. This week we will take a look at how the Holy Spirit can continue to help you with everyday life. It will help you understand the characteristics of the Holy Spirit and give you practical scriptures and insight into the positive works of the Holy Spirit.
Last week, in “Why is Pentecost a Big Deal?” we talked about the power that came with Pentecost and its relationship to Passover. That power was the Holy Spirit. Immediately after the sound like a might rushing wind came over those in the room, they had the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does many things. This week we will take a look at how the Holy Spirit can continue to help you with everyday life. It will help you understand the characteristics of the Holy Spirit and give you practical scriptures and insight into the positive works of the Holy Spirit.
Have you ever wondered why Pentecost is a big deal in the Christian church? Pentecost is an annual event, a feast that comes the Sunday 50 days after Passover. So, Passover and Pentecost are related. Pentecost is one of the most important events in the history of Israel, which is the passing over of the death angel in Egypt. After that event, the people of Israel were liberated and began their journey to the Promised Land. What makes Pentecost a big deal? Power, plain and simple. It was something that Jesus told His disciples would occur, and it did. Do you need special skills or prayers to have the Holy Spirit dwell in you? See what the Bible says about this. It can change your life.
Have you ever wondered why Pentecost is a big deal in the Christian church? Pentecost is an annual event, a feast that comes the Sunday 50 days after Passover. So, Passover and Pentecost are related. Pentecost is one of the most important events in the history of Israel, which is the passing over of the death angel in Egypt. After that event, the people of Israel were liberated and began their journey to the Promised Land. What makes Pentecost a big deal? Power, plain and simple. It was something that Jesus told His disciples would occur, and it did. Do you need special skills or prayers to have the Holy Spirit dwell in you? See what the Bible says about this. It can change your life.
Summary of Message: Things seem to happen so fast these days. One thing after another. The Pandemic and different variants of virus seem to sprout up overnight and cross the globe in just a few weeks. Countries getting invaded by other countries. Scores of people being displaced and their homes destroyed. Inflation, and sky-high prices seem out of control with no end in sight. The stock market up and down, but mostly down. Fires and droughts in one part of the country and flooding and tropical storms in the other. Children being senselessly slaughtered in schools. We can’t even get baby formula! So fast is the path to destruction as mentioned in the book of Amos. But it won’t be long now until God’s blessings pour out on us so much that we cannot contain it. Look what Amos has to say about this in these few scriptures that are speaking to the nation of Israel. These scriptures apply to us through the promise of God that we are all His children through His son Jesus Christ.
Summary of Message: Things seem to happen so fast these days. One thing after another. The Pandemic and different variants of virus seem to sprout up overnight and cross the globe in just a few weeks. Countries getting invaded by other countries. Scores of people being displaced and their homes destroyed. Inflation, and sky-high prices seem out of control with no end in sight. The stock market up and down, but mostly down. Fires and droughts in one part of the country and flooding and tropical storms in the other. Children being senselessly slaughtered in schools. We can’t even get baby formula! So fast is the path to destruction as mentioned in the book of Amos. But it won’t be long now until God’s blessings pour out on us so much that we cannot contain it. Look what Amos has to say about this in these few scriptures that are speaking to the nation of Israel. These scriptures apply to us through the promise of God that we are all His children through His son Jesus Christ.
The Sermon on the Mount is in Matthew 5-7 and in Luke 6. It covers many different topics. The Sermon on the Mount is after Jesus was baptized by John, after Jesus chose his first disciples and after Jesus was tempted by Satan. This particular teaching is about Salt and Light. It compares Christians to and gives examples of how we are Salt and Light. If you have never thought of yourself as Salt and Light, then think again! This will give you some ideas on how we as Christians can help others.
The Sermon on the Mount is in Matthew 5-7 and in Luke 6. It covers many different topics. The Sermon on the Mount is after Jesus was baptized by John, after Jesus chose his first disciples and after Jesus was tempted by Satan. This particular teaching is about Salt and Light. It compares Christians to and gives examples of how we are Salt and Light. If you have never thought of yourself as Salt and Light, then think again! This will give you some ideas on how we as Christians can help others.
A woman’s touch can mean so many things. The loving touch of a mother with a child while she strokes the face of the child. The child instinctively holding the finger of the mother and cooing. The feeling of contentment that a child and the mother have while the child lays on the chest of a mother as both sleep blissfully. A woman’s touch of affirmation or friendship or encouragement has changed lives. A woman’s touch is also a presence. It is like when a room or gathering is planned and there is an aura that shows how a woman creates a space or a feeling. Such a woman was in the area when Jesus was walking by. She had a need, she had faith, she put her faith in action. Her light touch of faith was so powerful that it was noticed by Jesus immediately and it healed her immediately. You will enjoy examining this story of A Woman’s Touch and you will be able to apply her actions to your life.
A House Call was when a doctor would come to your house when you were sick. There was the black medical bag that had all of the supplies that went with the doctor. This went away with managed care, HMO’s and PPO’s and more access to medical facilities. But in the days of a House Call, when you needed one, you really needed one! Jesus met a man that had a daughter that needed a House Call. The daughter was sick and Jesus, the Great Physician, was on the way to the house when they found that the little girl had died. Jesus persisted and made a miraculous House Call. This story has a direct application to our lives. I hope you enjoy seeing how it fits into our lives specifically for today.
A House Call was when a doctor would come to your house when you were sick. There was the black medical bag that had all of the supplies that went with the doctor. This went away with managed care, HMO’s and PPO’s and more access to medical facilities. But in the days of a House Call, when you needed one, you really needed one! Jesus met a man that had a daughter that needed a House Call. The daughter was sick and Jesus, the Great Physician, was on the way to the house when they found that the little girl had died. Jesus persisted and made a miraculous House Call. This story has a direct application to our lives. I hope you enjoy seeing how it fits into our lives specifically for today.
You have probably heard someone being described as, “off the chain”. Their behavior or actions, attitudes or comments are just …… well, off the chain. You may also wonder what caused them to be this way or why they think the way they do. And some people may not only be off the chain but stay off the chain. Erratic, uncontrollable, irrational, unruly behavior can sometimes be described as way off. After a ride across the Sea of Galilee and through a storm, Jesus was out of the boat on the other side of the lake, the east side, when he was immediately approached by someone who was definitely “Off The Chain”. This takes a look at the situation, the causes for the behavior and more importantly the cure.
You have probably heard someone being described as, “off the chain”. Their behavior or actions, attitudes or comments are just …… well, off the chain. You may also wonder what caused them to be this way or why they think the way they do. And some people may not only be off the chain but stay off the chain. Erratic, uncontrollable, irrational, unruly behavior can sometimes be described as way off. After a ride across the Sea of Galilee and through a storm, Jesus was out of the boat on the other side of the lake, the east side, when he was immediately approached by someone who was definitely “Off The Chain”. This takes a look at the situation, the causes for the behavior and more importantly the cure.
You ever had someone tell you their “story”? All the stuff they are going through and looking to download on you? All the things wrong with their job, their boss, their car, their pastor, their friend, their family. Some things maybe you don’t agree with but maybe, just maybe, you have a couple things that resonate with you about the conversation. As you listen, you might think, “Hey I am going through the same stuff as you”. That is called being in the same boat as you. You might even respond, “Hey, I’m in the same boat!” This passage in Mark talks about the disciples traveling from one side of the Sea of Galilee to the other and how during that trip a furious storm comes upon them. They were terrified about the storm. In this message we look at storms, fear of the storms and being in the same boat together, with Jesus.
You ever had someone tell you their “story”? All the stuff they are going through and looking to download on you? All the things wrong with their job, their boss, their car, their pastor, their friend, their family. Some things maybe you don’t agree with but maybe, just maybe, you have a couple things that resonate with you about the conversation. As you listen, you might think, “Hey I am going through the same stuff as you”. That is called being in the same boat as you. You might even respond, “Hey, I’m in the same boat!” This passage in Mark talks about the disciples traveling from one side of the Sea of Galilee to the other and how during that trip a furious storm comes upon them. They were terrified about the storm. In this message we look at storms, fear of the storms and being in the same boat together, with Jesus.
We all have had busy weeks where we looked forward to the weekend. Things just pile up over and over and we feel like, will this ever end. People are wanting things from us but we have things to clean up, people to meet, things to do, places to go. Busy weeks. The week often known as Holy Week, the week that began with an excited entry into Jerusalem and ended with a death, burial and resurrection was a busy week for Jesus. Often the Easter story is a singular focus on the cross or the tomb. You may not have had the last week of the life of Jesus put together so I hope it gives you a glimpse of Jesus and all he did for us. He had a busy week, especially knowing what was ahead of him, but he was victorious
We all have had busy weeks where we looked forward to the weekend. Things just pile up over and over and we feel like, will this ever end. People are wanting things from us but we have things to clean up, people to meet, things to do, places to go. Busy weeks. The week often known as Holy Week, the week that began with an excited entry into Jerusalem and ended with a death, burial and resurrection was a busy week for Jesus. Often the Easter story is a singular focus on the cross or the tomb. You may not have had the last week of the life of Jesus put together so I hope it gives you a glimpse of Jesus and all he did for us. He had a busy week, especially knowing what was ahead of him, but he was victorious
Hannah Kerr performed a song titled, “Same God”. The Living Cornerstone Kid’s Care 1st grade class signed to this song today in church. They have been learning about what God actually is: Love. Haven’t you ever wondered about God? What He is? What He did? Does He really care for us all the time, even when we don’t get it right? Is He the same God……all the time? Using the lyrics of this song we have taken a look at what the children signed and what God is and how He loves us. If you want to be encouraged today, join in with us on this incisive message. He is the Same God. Listen to the song, it will encourage you and set up this message. Enjoy.
Hannah Kerr performed a song titled, “Same God”. The Living Cornerstone Kid’s Care 1st grade class signed to this song today in church. They have been learning about what God actually is: Love. Haven’t you ever wondered about God? What He is? What He did? Does He really care for us all the time, even when we don’t get it right? Is He the same God……all the time? Using the lyrics of this song we have taken a look at what the children signed and what God is and how He loves us. If you want to be encouraged today, join in with us on this incisive message. He is the Same God. Listen to the song, it will encourage you and set up this message. Enjoy.
This is the first Passover meal that was performed and it was powerful. This Passover meal was in Egypt while the people of Israel were in captivity. It was the night before the people of Israel would leave captivity in Egypt forever. During the night, after the meal, all the firstborn of Egypt, all the houses without the blood on the doorposts, would perish as the death angel passed through. God’s people were protected by the blood and their obedience. The people of Israel were to leave Egypt, but they had to take the first step. See how this weaves right into the Last Supper that Jesus had with his disciples and the power that it too still has in our lives.
This is the first Passover meal that was performed and it was powerful. This Passover meal was in Egypt while the people of Israel were in captivity. It was the night before the people of Israel would leave captivity in Egypt forever. During the night, after the meal, all the firstborn of Egypt, all the houses without the blood on the doorposts, would perish as the death angel passed through. God’s people were protected by the blood and their obedience. The people of Israel were to leave Egypt, but they had to take the first step. See how this weaves right into the Last Supper that Jesus had with his disciples and the power that it too still has in our lives.
This is the first Passover meal that was performed and it was powerful. This Passover meal was in Egypt while the people of Israel were in captivity. It was the night before the people of Israel would leave captivity in Egypt forever. During the night, after the meal, all the firstborn of Egypt, all the houses without the blood on the doorposts, would perish as the death angel passed through. God’s people were protected by the blood and their obedience. The people of Israel were to leave Egypt, but they had to take the first step. See how this weaves right into the Last Supper that Jesus had with his disciples and the power that it too still has in our lives.
More often than not, our past shapes who we are today. Our past can hold very fond memories as well as memories or events that are not pleasant. The key to the past is to learn from it and to move into the future. Even the worst of times can have a powerful effect and positive impact on our current lives. The key is not to dwell on the past so that it consumes our lives, but look forward to God’s promises in our lives. Come and see what the Bible says about not lingering in the past. It will encourage you.
More often than not, our past shapes who we are today. Our past can hold very fond memories as well as memories or events that are not pleasant. The key to the past is to learn from it and to move into the future. Even the worst of times can have a powerful effect and positive impact on our current lives. The key is not to dwell on the past so that it consumes our lives, but look forward to God’s promises in our lives. Come and see what the Bible says about not lingering in the past. It will encourage you.
The Temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed and the Jewish people taken into captivity. Upon their return they began to rebuild the broken/destroyed Temple. Zerubbabel, a leader and in the line of David, began to rebuild the Temple based on a prophecy from Zachariah. As usual, what happens when you try to fix the broken, there is opposition. Here are some lessons and encouragement when you are trying to rebuild the broken in your life. You may need help, you may face opposition, rebuilding has a purpose…..to restore, and you have to start somewhere. Why not today?
The Temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed and the Jewish people taken into captivity. Upon their return they began to rebuild the broken/destroyed Temple. Zerubbabel, a leader and in the line of David, began to rebuild the Temple based on a prophecy from Zachariah. As usual, what happens when you try to fix the broken, there is opposition. Here are some lessons and encouragement when you are trying to rebuild the broken in your life. You may need help, you may face opposition, rebuilding has a purpose…..to restore, and you have to start somewhere. Why not today?
We can have a set of old comfortable clothes that we just never want to change out of. They are familiar, they fit and they don’t make us change into something else….because change can be uncomfortable. This is a quick look at taking or putting off the old man and putting on or changing clothes into the new man. Some practical insights on how to get this done and some pitfalls to not making the changes that God may be wanting you to do.
We can have a set of old comfortable clothes that we just never want to change out of. They are familiar, they fit and they don’t make us change into something else….because change can be uncomfortable. This is a quick look at taking or putting off the old man and putting on or changing clothes into the new man. Some practical insights on how to get this done and some pitfalls to not making the changes that God may be wanting you to do.
In today’s society, individuals may find it very easy to be discouraged…just turn on the TV. Gas and food prices are prime examples. Here are reasons not to be discouraged.
In today’s society, individuals may find it very easy to be discouraged…just turn on the TV. Gas and food prices are prime examples. Here are reasons not to be discouraged.
Grudges, you have probably had one, have one now or will be having one soon. Grudges go both ways, someone has one against you and/or you may have one against someone. It is also peculiar that grudges can come from something very simple or small but often festers over time. Jesus talks about grudges in what is commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount. This message takes a small part of the teaching of Jesus that day and examines what the Bible says about grudges. The message translation actually uses the term grudges. You can see that Jesus quickly connects Grudges with Unforgiveness. Learn how you can work on these in this message. Good luck!
Grudges, you have probably had one, have one now or will be having one soon. Grudges go both ways, someone has one against you and/or you may have one against someone. It is also peculiar that grudges can come from something very simple or small but often festers over time. Jesus talks about grudges in what is commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount. This message takes a small part of the teaching of Jesus that day and examines what the Bible says about grudges. The message translation actually uses the term grudges. You can see that Jesus quickly connects Grudges with Unforgiveness. Learn how you can work on these in this message. Good luck!
We are the Sheep of his pasture and He is the Good Shepherd. Even in trouble, we need not fear for He will take care of us.
We are the Sheep of his pasture and He is the Good Shepherd. Even in trouble, we need not fear for He will take care of us.
There are winning traits that are common to Super Bowl teams. Things like, preparation, attitude, teamwork and execution. When these all work together, players and teams have what it takes to face an opponent. These are also traits that the Bible talks about and how they can make you successful in life. Take a quick look and learn how to put them to work in your life.
There are winning traits that are common to Super Bowl teams. Things like, preparation, attitude, teamwork and execution. When these all work together, players and teams have what it takes to face an opponent. These are also traits that the Bible talks about and how they can make you successful in life. Take a quick look and learn how to put them to work in your life.
This is a continuation of last week's message. Last week we learned that God wants us to rejoice during trials and let the patience/endurance that we get while going through trials have its work in us so we are mature and lacking nothing. Well, that takes wisdom. God gives it to all of us, generously and without finding fault in giving it to us. And it is God’s wisdom and not our own. This will help you with all situations today!
This is a continuation of last week's message. Last week we learned that God wants us to rejoice during trials and let the patience/endurance that we get while going through trials have its work in us so we are mature and lacking nothing. Well, that takes wisdom. God gives it to all of us, generously and without finding fault in giving it to us. And it is God’s wisdom and not our own. This will help you with all situations today!
We all have tests, trials and temptations. The book of James says that whenever we have them, not if we have them. So, what can we do? James is a very practical book and the first few verses tell us what to do. The passages tell us to rejoice when we confront them and to let them work through us as each one makes us stronger and more mature. Give this a look and you will go away more equipped the next time you go through stuff.
We all have tests, trials and temptations. The book of James says that whenever we have them, not if we have them. So, what can we do? James is a very practical book and the first few verses tell us what to do. The passages tell us to rejoice when we confront them and to let them work through us as each one makes us stronger and more mature. Give this a look and you will go away more equipped the next time you go through stuff.
We live in an unsafe world. To be safe you have to open up your situational awareness and always think about where you go and what you do. Cameras, site hardening, time and space are things to help you create distance and protection from bad people. Our cyber world is also unsafe. A few tips on good cyber practices are also provided. It was also unsafe in the time of Nehemiah and this look at the 4th chapter shows how Nehemiah helped the people of Israel rebuild the wall in Jerusalem despite opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah. He prayed, he let the battle be God’s and he got to work strategically.
We live in an unsafe world. To be safe you have to open up your situational awareness and always think about where you go and what you do. Cameras, site hardening, time and space are things to help you create distance and protection from bad people. Our cyber world is also unsafe. A few tips on good cyber practices are also provided. It was also unsafe in the time of Nehemiah and this look at the 4th chapter shows how Nehemiah helped the people of Israel rebuild the wall in Jerusalem despite opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah. He prayed, he let the battle be God’s and he got to work strategically.
We all want to be blessed, don’t we? This Psalm is known as the Wisdom Psalm and it is so practical in its examination of how to be blessed. It shows the contrast between what NOT to do to be blessed and the results of walking, standing or sitting in the wrong place with the wrong people with the wrong mindset. And if you follow it’s instruction, the results are miraculous. Take a moment to enjoy this short lesson in being blessed. You will be blessed!
We all want to be blessed, don’t we? This Psalm is known as the Wisdom Psalm and it is so practical in its examination of how to be blessed. It shows the contrast between what NOT to do to be blessed and the results of walking, standing or sitting in the wrong place with the wrong people with the wrong mindset. And if you follow it’s instruction, the results are miraculous. Take a moment to enjoy this short lesson in being blessed. You will be blessed!
This is about a man that was born blind and healed. There were several men healed by Jesus, but this one was born blind. It examines the blind man’s faith and the many others that did not believe his healing. You may have an area in your life that God changed and others may not believe it. You may be ridiculed but your healing and belief is real. Listen to this and see if it doesn’t resonate with your life.
The kingdom is based on this principle: When we are willing to die in order to face the truth, God is able to restore the blessing that has been stolen.
The kingdom is based on this principle: When we are willing to die in order to face the truth, God is able to restore the blessing that has been stolen.
The day after Christmas, the day after Jesus was born. That is the day of this message and in the time of Jesus, was the day after He was born. Mary lay in a manger with her new son, and like any mother with a new child, scripture says she pondered these things. She must have thought, how will He turn out. She had been visited by the angel saying she would have a child, traveled to Bethlehem to fulfill yet another Old Testament prophesy and now had Jesus in her hands. It is a simply wonderful story about that day.
The day after Christmas, the day after Jesus was born. That is the day of this message and in the time of Jesus, was the day after He was born. Mary lay in a manger with her new son, and like any mother with a new child, scripture says she pondered these things. She must have thought, how will He turn out. She had been visited by the angel saying she would have a child, traveled to Bethlehem to fulfill yet another Old Testament prophesy and now had Jesus in her hands. It is a simply wonderful story about that day.
One week out from Christmas and Mary fully 9 months pregnant with Jesus was in Nazareth and not Bethlehem, where the prophet Micah said Jesus was to be born. Caesar Augustus made all Jewish people return to their home town and register for a tax. This promote Joseph to take he and Mary to Bethlehem. Neither of them knew where Jesus was to be born, but God did. The Caesar’s of the world can manipulate you but God has a plan for your life.
One week out from Christmas and Mary fully 9 months pregnant with Jesus was in Nazareth and not Bethlehem, where the prophet Micah said Jesus was to be born. Caesar Augustus made all Jewish people return to their home town and register for a tax. This promote Joseph to take he and Mary to Bethlehem. Neither of them knew where Jesus was to be born, but God did. The Caesar’s of the world can manipulate you but God has a plan for your life.
It seems that no one is immune to the emotions of the holidays. Stress, anxiety, fear, money, family, food, guilt and loss are just a few of the emotions that the holiday season can evoke. Not surprisingly, the bible has answers and very specific instructions on how to deal with all of this. A go to list of scriptural ways to get through it all and still keep your sanity. Enjoy.
We all have heard of the designation of being “The Black Sheep of the Family” or “they are the Black Sheep.” It is not really based on a color but rather a condition. The condition of being a black sheep, an outcast, a lost one or one that wanders away. We may have been a black sheep at one time of our lives. Again, it is a condition, not a color. This message examines the condition of being a black sheep by looking at the story in Luke of the lost sheep. How it happens and what the Shepard does when a sheep is lost. It goes into what exactly God does for us as a result of our black sheep status and how he feels about us. This message compares us to the sheep in the narrative of Luke and shows how God carries us on his shoulders.
Thanksgiving always produces leftovers. The leftovers are often better the next day and you never want to waste any food. Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus was the host to a meal on the shores of the Sea of Galilee that had a great number of guests, about 5000. Not only did he feed the crowd but he tested his disciples, blessed the crowd and made what was leftover important by saving them. Jesus was showing how with him, not only do you not run out but you have in abundance and left over when you trust in him.
As Joshua was about to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land, God gave him some very specific instructions. Those instructions for Joshua will work for us today. They center around getting ready, knowing God’s promises are still true and are for us today, knowing he will never leave us, and that meditation is more than just thinking, it is acting. This gives some very practical tips on how to use these instructions in your daily life today.
As Joshua was about to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land, God gave him some very specific instructions. Those instructions for Joshua will work for us today. They center around getting ready, knowing God’s promises are still true and are for us today, knowing he will never leave us, and that meditation is more than just thinking, it is acting. This gives some very practical tips on how to use these instructions in your daily life today.
Jesus said as he was having the last supper with his disciples, do this often in remembrance of me. He was having communion. As we remember Jesus this day, we also remember TLC on its birthday and we remember one of our founding pastors, Howard Chadwick.
This is a look at the 3 arks in the Bible and how all three have a covenant attached to them. It also looks at a 4th ark, our bodies with Christ in us.
This is a look at the 3 arks in the Bible and how all three have a covenant attached to them. It also looks at a 4th ark, our bodies with Christ in us.
All of us make mistakes, sometimes! Sometimes more than others. It is just what we do. This takes a look at some of the scriptures that talk about mistakes and then more importantly how to address those mistakes. You won’t be disappointed in this down to earth practical application of mistakes and how to deal with them.
All of us make mistakes, sometimes! Sometimes more than others. It is just what we do. This takes a look at some of the scriptures that talk about mistakes and then more importantly how to address those mistakes. You won’t be disappointed in this down to earth practical application of mistakes and how to deal with them.
The Pharisees were so close to the woman that they had caught in adultery that they were right in the temple with her next to Jesus. They were so close to executing her for her sin according to the Law of Moses, that they neglected to see the Savior, the answer for the Law. They were so close to their own guilt that they had to walk away because they could not cast the first stone. They were so close to perfection themselves that they could not see Him.
The Pharisees were so close to the woman that they had caught in adultery that they were right in the temple with her next to Jesus. They were so close to executing her for her sin according to the Law of Moses, that they neglected to see the Savior, the answer for the Law. They were so close to their own guilt that they had to walk away because they could not cast the first stone. They were so close to perfection themselves that they could not see Him.
This is a look at some of the reasons that God may have us wait on things. We are all impatient at times and want things now but here are some reasons God may have us wait. Take a look and see if some of these apply to your life and if they do, you will understand much more about God working in your life. To protect us, to guide us, to strengthen us, to help us, to bless us, to comfort us.
This is a look at some of the reasons that God may have us wait on things. We are all impatient at times and want things now but here are some reasons God may have us wait. Take a look and see if some of these apply to your life and if they do, you will understand much more about God working in your life. To protect us, to guide us, to strengthen us, to help us, to bless us, to comfort us.
This is a look at how God, out of all of His creation, made us, His handiwork, His workmanship or His masterpiece; and He made us specifically to do or to walk in good works He has prepared these good works for us to do, in advance. It gives examples of good works He has provided in scripture and it lets you think about where you can fit into the body of Christ with your specific good works.
This is a look at how God, out of all of His creation, made us, His handiwork, His workmanship or His masterpiece; and He made us specifically to do or to walk in good works He has prepared these good works for us to do, in advance. It gives examples of good works He has provided in scripture and it lets you think about where you can fit into the body of Christ with your specific good works.
We all have issues. This examines the issues that the Woman at the Well in John 4 and Adam and Eve in Genesis 2 had. Their issues are different but they have the same person to heal their issues and ours. The Lord God Almighty. This may be a topic to return to as there are many people in the Bible that have different issues, just like we do, and the Lord has an answer for all of them and us.
We all have issues. This examines the issues that the Woman at the Well in John 4 and Adam and Eve in Genesis 2 had. Their issues are different but they have the same person to heal their issues and ours. The Lord God Almighty. This may be a topic to return to as there are many people in the Bible that have different issues, just like we do, and the Lord has an answer for all of them and us.
This is the third part of a three part series on how Joshua, after the death of Moses, entered Canaan and began to possess the land. The first part was about crossing, the second part was entering and this part was possessing. To apply this to your life, like Joshua did to his, we learned that possessing entails believing Gods promises still stand, that God may require more from you and that you have to be strong and courageous to possess.
This is the third part of a three part series on how Joshua, after the death of Moses, entered Canaan and began to possess the land. The first part was about crossing, the second part was entering and this part was possessing. To apply this to your life, like Joshua did to his, we learned that possessing entails believing Gods promises still stand, that God may require more from you and that you have to be strong and courageous to possess.
This is the second part of a three part series on how the Israelites moved from captivity in Egypt to the Promised Land. The first part is about Crossing, this message is about Entering and the last part is about Possessing. This message explores the entering into the Promised Land and what they needed to do both physically and spiritually to enter in.
This is the second part of a three part series on how the Israelites moved from captivity in Egypt to the Promised Land. The first part is about Crossing, this message is about Entering and the last part is about Possessing. This message explores the entering into the Promised Land and what they needed to do both physically and spiritually to enter in.
Crossings of life have an impact on our future. Are you ready to cross over to where his wants you to be?
Crossings of life have an impact on our future. Are you ready to cross over to where his wants you to be?
As Moses died after he saw the promised land, but did not enter, Joshua took over leadership. This is a quick review of how positive change can be if you follow Gods plan. It also gives specific things to avoid in leadership change and things to focus upon during change.
As Moses died after he saw the promised land, but did not enter, Joshua took over leadership. This is a quick review of how positive change can be if you follow Gods plan. It also gives specific things to avoid in leadership change and things to focus upon during change.
Information regarding the Memorial Service for Pastor Howard and what's upcoming for TLC.
Information regarding the Memorial Service for Pastor Howard and what's upcoming for TLC.
The United States came into being as the result of a powerful spiritual revival called “The Great Awakening,” and was founded upon the precepts of God’s Word.
The United States came into being as the result of a powerful spiritual revival called “The Great Awakening,” and was founded upon the precepts of God’s Word.
We are responsible for our own lives, but Jesus reveals Himself as “The Lord of the 2nd (and 3rd & 4th…etc.) Chance(s).
We are responsible for our own lives, but Jesus reveals Himself as “The Lord of the 2nd (and 3rd & 4th…etc.) Chance(s).
God’s call to fathers is to raise up a standard of Righteousness, Love & Discipline within the home.
God’s call to fathers is to raise up a standard of Righteousness, Love & Discipline within the home.
God created marriage for a husband and wife to become one and create a synergy whereby the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.
God created marriage for a husband and wife to become one and create a synergy whereby the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.
Jesus promised to send His Spirit to be with, and live in His followers as “God In The Present Tense,” our Advocate, Companion and Helper.
Jesus promised to send His Spirit to be with, and live in His followers as “God In The Present Tense,” our Advocate, Companion and Helper.
Jesus said that the sign of His return would be like the conditions described in Genesis 6 during the time of Noah.
Jesus said that the sign of His return would be like the conditions described in Genesis 6 during the time of Noah.
Jesus said that the sign of His return would be like the conditions described in Genesis 6 during the time of Noah.
Jesus said that the sign of His return would be like the conditions described in Genesis 6 during the time of Noah.
Both Scripture and history, as well as personal experience indicate that the very worst experiences of life often afford the opportunity for the greatest blessings.
To mistake the identity of Christ is a great failure, but far greater is the mistake, or the failure to take His identity into us!
The temporary places in our life helps make us strong so we can push through to our REAL eternal home.
The testimony of Scripture, along with a fair examination of the evidence indicate the unassailable truth: Christ is risen!