This Year, Live by the Beatitudes (1)

 'Blessed are the poor in spirit...' Matthew 5:3 NKJV      

    


Just a reminder that tonight is our News Years Eve bash here @CFW starting @7pm. Please bring finger foods to share, your favorite board games, and a gift to exchange with someone else.

I'm still excited at what God did yesterday in our service. Worship was incredible and the word was powerful like a two edged sword. Just like its supposed to be. I hope and pray God gave you a new hope or a renewed faith; so for the next few days let's look at the Beatitudes (what our attitudes should be). Jesus said, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' Now, He wasn't saying He's against you having money, He was saying He's against money having you. He will actually prosper you so that you can finance and fulfil His purposes in the earth. But He doesn't measure the size of your faith by the size of your bank balance. In one of His parables Jesus called a wealthy man a 'fool'. That wasn't because the man was rich, it was because he wasn't 'rich toward God.' (Luke 12:21 NKJV) John D. Rockefeller once said: 'I've made many millions but they brought me no real happiness. I'd barter them all for the days I sat on an office stool in Cleveland and counted myself rich on three dollars a week.' Having more money may give you social status, but serving God gives you Kingdom-significance. Big difference! So keep your focus on what matters and live for what lasts. Each winter in Kemi, Finland, you can visit a sprawling ice castle that features a theatre, a playground, an art gallery and a chapel. The chapel is a popular wedding venue and the theatre can seat 3,000 people. In it rock concerts, musicals, modern dance and opera recitals have been held. The problem is, its upkeep costs millions of dollars and, each year, it all melts in the spring. Are you getting the idea? Focus on what lasts, not on what doesn't. You are loved!

Shake It Off

 'But Paul shook the snake off into the fire...' Acts 28:5 NIV      

    

I'm in the office today for a few hours because I have to get the message done for Sunday. I was able to take a few vacation days but as things go I didn't get everything done last week I needed too. Amy and I hope you had a blessed Christmas and as we look forward into the New Year, you will have a renewed focus and vision for the Kingdom of God!

In Acts 28:5 it says, "But Paul shook the snake off into the fire." Pastor what a odd scripture to look at? Let me share the story of a farmer whose mule fell into a well. The farmer one day found his mule in his well. Since he had no way to get him out, he decided to bury him there. He got a truckload of dirt and dumped it on top of the mule. But instead of lying down under it, the mule started kicking and snorting until he worked his way to the top of it. This continued all afternoon. Truckload after truckload, the mule just kept shaking it off and stepping on top of it. Finally when the dirt reached the top of the well the mule just snorted and walked away, a dirtier but a wiser mule. What was intended to bury him, just brought him out on top. On his way to Rome Paul was shipwrecked on an island. As he was gathering firewood a snake attached itself to his arm. What did he do? The Bible says he just 'shook it off.' There's an important lesson for you in those two stories. You can either dwell on the past, or shake it off and move toward the future God has planned for you. Paul, a man with a past, writes about '...Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.' (Philippians 3:13 NKJV) Now, Paul didn't forget his past, he just shook it off and kept going. You say, 'But I've failed so badly.' The Bible says, '...[He] will not remember your sins.' (Isaiah 43:25 NAS) Sometimes forgiveness requires a healing process, but until you make the decision to forgive yourself and others, and 'shake it off', the process can't even begin. So make the choice; move forward! You are loved...

It's Just Part of Life's Journey (5)

'...God...will...make a way of escape...' 1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

          

             
Just a reminder that Monday Dec. 24th Christmas Eve, we will be having a candlelight service @6:30pm. I hope you will make it a part of you're holiday plans.
This morning is the last part on "Life's Journey". In 1 Corinthians 10:13 it says: '[God] will...make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.' I love the analogy of the Army and Christian discipleship. Before the Army sends you into battle they first send you to boot camp. You're up at dawn running miles with a heavy backpack, climbing over barricades, crawling through mud with the sounds of gunfire all around you, taking orders from authority figures you don't like, who make you do stuff you don't want to do. But when you pass the test you get to wear the uniform and fight for your country. Same thing in our walk of faith. When we go through things that will require some spiritual battle; we must believe these words of Paul: 'But with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.' The Living Bible says, '...So that you can bear up patiently against it.' God is looking for people who are able to bear up under training, then go out and win the battle with the enemy.' For every problem, God has a solution. But it may not be the solution you have in mind! Satan's strategy is to defeat you by wearing you down, so winning is not a matter of escape but of endurance. Tenacious faith and commitment is one of the great themes of Scripture. It's also the secret of victory. When their prison doors miraculously opened, Paul and Silas realised that God's plan for them was not to escape but to stay there and win the jailer and his family to Christ. Sometimes God's 'way of escape' is to keep you where you are and use you to bring glory to His name even if the easiest thing to do is just leave the situation. You are loved!

It's Just Part of Life's Journey (4)

'...He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear...' 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

         

             

Just a reminder that Monday Dec. 24th Christmas Eve, we will be having a candlelight service @6:30pm. I hope you will make it a part of you're holiday plans.

The Bible says, 'He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.' You have been tempered for the test! Like tempered steel or glass, certain additives have been placed within you to increase your ability to stand up to the pressures life will throw at you. The fact that you've been exposed to this level of testing is a sign that God has given you the grace to handle it. He's not going to let you escape this trial, because He's equipped you to deal with it. So stop feeling sorry for yourself, or giving up, or saying you can't take it anymore. Not everybody in a gym can handle the same level of weight because each is at a different stage of development. But the trainer knows. He will push you to your limit, but he will never add one weight more than you can carry. God is a good trainer and He's working according to a plan. He not only knows the right technique, He knows how much weight needs to be added in order to get you to the next stage of development. He will let you strain, shake and sweat, but He won't let you break. While you are focused on temporary stuff like getting a better house or car or job, He has something entirely different in mind: 'We...are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord...' (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV) Once you understand this and line up your will with God's will, you'll begin to appreciate what He's doing and cooperate with Him. You are loved!

It's Just Part of Life's Journey (3)

 

'...But God is faithful...' 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV   

             

Just a reminder that Monday Dec. 24th Christmas Eve, we will be having a candlelight service @6:30pm. I hope you will make it a part of you're holiday plans.
Here's a promise you can stand on when your world has been shaken: 'But God is faithful.' Jesus said, 'Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away.' (Luke 21:33 NIV) In a world of uncertainty you can sing, 'On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.' Your job, your health, your relationships and your investments are all 'sinking sand'. But God's faithfulness is as solid as a rock. He will be faithful to you in the delivery room, in the operating room, in the nursing home, in the unemployment line, in the criminal proceedings, and during marriage counseling. The Psalmist wrote: 'I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart...' (Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV) Focusing on God's faithfulness will keep you from falling apart, giving up, having a nervous breakdown or losing your mind. Be honest; hasn't God been better to you than you've been to Him? Hasn't He been faithful when you've been unfaithful, and consistent when you've been inconsistent? 'The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.' (Romans 11:29 NKJV) When God gives you a gift, He doesn't take it back. When He makes you a promise, He won't break it. Even when Abraham died, God remembered His promise and blessed his children down through the generations. Why is this important to know? Because when you begin to see God's faithfulness to you, it will make you want to be faithful to Him. So be faithful and watch what happens...you are loved!

It's Just Part of Life's Journey (2)

 

'...But such as is common to man...' 1 Corinthians 10:13 NAS

         

             

Just a reminder that Monday Dec. 24th Christmas Eve, we will be having a candlelight service @6:30pm. I hope you will make it a part of you're holiday plans.

The Bible says your struggle is not unique, it's 'common to man' in you journey through life. Your secret is not really a secret, it's just a secret shared by others who are equally afraid to talk. The only time we tend to be honest is when we're in trouble. As long as we think we can manage our dysfunction, we don't talk about it. You are not the only one who got married and then wanted a divorce, or lost control and lashed out, or quit a job and now doesn't have a job to go to. This is important to know, because it takes away your feeling of isolation and enables you to overcome self-pity. It also helps you to say, 'If others made it, then by God's grace I can too.' Perhaps you wonder if God is judging you, or the devil is attacking you, or if you did something to bring it on yourself. No, it's just part of life's journey! You'll notice in Scripture that God doesn't whitewash His heroes. He doesn't exempt the people He uses from struggle and sorrow. 'These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us...' (1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV) Every age and every stage of life brings a different test, and a different level of testing. You can't pray away the tests of life, or quote Scripture and make them disappear. God never promised you a trouble-free trip to Heaven. Jesus said, 'I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.' (John 16:33 NIV) You are loved!

It's Just Part of Life's Journey (1)

 

'No temptation has overtaken you...' 1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

             
Just a reminder that Monday Dec. 24th Christmas Eve, we will be having a candlelight service @6:30pm. I hope you will make it a part of you're holiday plans.
I want us to look the next few days at overcoming in our Life's Journey. Paul writes, 'No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to [mankind].' Notice the word 'overtaken'. Suddenly you're 'overtaken' by a set of circumstances you didn't create, don't want, and don't know how to get out of. Kind of like what happened over the weekend with the shootings or loss of job; you get the point. Understand this: You don't pick the test, the test picks you! You don't get to choose who breaks your heart, or who gets on your nerves, or who lets you down. When you first held your child you didn't think that one day you'd be down at a detention center trying to get them released. You couldn't have known that a routine checkup would have you in the hospital fighting a life-threatening illness. Maybe your problem is so personal and embarrassing that you're afraid to even discuss it with anybody. So you walk the floor at night praying, 'Lord, get me out of this or I'm finished!' Even Paul wrote, '...We despaired...of life.' (2 Corinthians 1:8 NAS) When you've been 'overtaken' by a situation you learn three things: (1) Don't judge others. The Bible says, 'Every man is...drawn away by his own lust, and enticed.' (James 1:14 KJV) When you don't know what somebody's been through or the circumstances which have conditioned them, be quiet. If you have to talk about it, talk to God! (2) Don't tell your troubles to the wrong people. Look for people who will share your burden, not spread your problem. (3) Bring it to Jesus. 'Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.' (Hebrews 4:16 NIV) You have what it takes, because your Savior never leaves you. You are loved!

You're Here for a Reason

'...I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.' Genesis 32:30 NLT

    

 Sorry I haven't been on my blog for a couple of days, but as with the flu it always comes out in the end...bad joke I know. But I have not felt well for two days as I slept and didn't eat. I wouldn't recommend this as a weight loss program but I lost 12 lbs...yea! Kind of sorta..    

We are heavy into the Christmas season and sometimes Satan likes to come and mess with us a little. So here's an antidote of scripture to put the enemy in his place. The Bible says Satan works 'day and night' building a case against you (Revelation 12:10). But with God's Word '...in your mouth and...heart...' (Romans 10:8 NCV) you can overcome him. When Satan says give up, God says stay the course (Matthew 5:11-12). When Satan tells you to look out for number one, God says put the other guy first (Philippians 2:3-4). When Satan says it's ok to hold grudges, God says forgive as often as it takes (Matthew 6:14-15). When Satan says get even, God says be a peacemaker (Romans 12:18-19). When Satan tells you to take all the credit, God says glorify Jesus (John 17:5). When Satan says clean up the outside and people won't notice the inside, God says He looks at your heart (1 Samuel 16:7). When Satan says you're ugly, God says you're '...wonderfully made...' (Psalm 139:14 NKJV). When Satan says you're alone and nobody understands you, God says He'll never leave you and that He has plans for your life (Deuteronomy 31:6 and Jeremiah 29:11). David said, 'I know You are pleased with me...You have not let my enemies triumph over me. You have preserved my life...' (Psalm 41:11-12 NLT) The devil will play any card, and if that first one doesn't work he'll try the childhood memories trick, or he'll dredge up your past sins and remind you of all the broken promises and dreams. Jacob said, 'I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.' Bottom line: God has a plan for your life; otherwise you wouldn't be here! Merry Christmas!

God Can Turn Your Failure into Success

 

 '...Because you say so, I will...' Luke 5:5 NIV  

             


Good Morning, I need to ask you a favor. I'm looking to see how many people would like to be a part of a Christmas Eve Service @6pm on the 24th. I'm looking for a solid RSVP from you. Please email me and RSVP so I can announce it this Sunday if we are going forward.

I was thinking this morning how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. I love how God turns our human failures into successes. We struggle through the week and yet when all is said and done, when we trust in Jesus, there can be nothing but success. Look at Jesus, '[Jesus] said to Simon: Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch. Simon answered, Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will... When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.' (Luke 5:4-6 NIV)

Notice two principles in this story: (1) God will use failure to get your attention. Peter was tired, empty-handed and disappointed when Jesus spoke to him. And He will speak to you through a rocky marriage, a child you're about to give up on, or a job that seems too hard. He doesn't want you to run from your problems, He wants you to learn from them; to discover the difference He can make in your situation when you invite Him into it. (2) God can take you back to the place of failure and give you success. We assume that because we weren't successful at something, it wasn't God's will. But often the truth is that we failed because we relied on our own strength instead of His. When Jesus spoke, the fish responded. The Bible says: '...They caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.' (Luke 5:6-7 NIV) God is not limited by your circumstances, He's only limited by your unbelief. When you obey Him, you'll discover He has a level of abundance in mind that will exceed all your expectations. So don't limit what God has for you. Keep on believing by faith that your God takes care of you! You are loved...

Unhealthy Comparisons (5)

'...Godliness with contentment is great gain.' 1 Timothy 6:6 NIV

         

             


Paul writes, 'Godliness with contentment is great gain.' This word 'gain' doesn't mean increase, but profit. There's a difference. Profit is what you have left when the transaction is over. Paul meant that when everything is said and done, you must feel good about being yourself. You must be able to say, 'I would rather be a great sergeant than a poor general.'
Only when you've followed well, can you lead well. If you're praying for a certain position or promotion, check your motives. Sometimes what we call faith is really just ambition, because we haven't come to the place where we're comfortable with the role God has given us. King Saul's undoing was his ego. He couldn't stand somebody else doing it better than he did. Many of us have a wrong concept of what being 'blessed' looks like. We have seen God's blessing in someone else's life, so we think that to be like them is to be blessed. And no matter what God gives us, we are never happy because we're not like them. We are asking God for something but we don't know what it is, what it looks like, or when we have it. And if you don't know you have it, you won't know when you lose it. When you keep comparing yourself to somebody else you make that person an idol in your life. Tear that idol down! Ask God for a dream of your own. Stand on your own two feet. Be who God created you to be. Even though God has more in store for you, praise Him for what He's given you right now. You are loved...

Unhealthy Comparisons (4)

 

'There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.' 1 Corinthians 12:4 NIV

         

             


Ever thought about this, no matter how good you are, you'll never be good at being somebody else. Don't fall into the trap of trying to live up to the reputation of another person. When Amy and I got married sometimes I would think, 'My mother makes better fried chicken than this.' I once said that to Amy; you know what she said, 'Then tell your mother to come over here and cook you some.' If you want your wife to shine in the kitchen, compliment her. Don't compare her with somebody else. Unhealthy comparisons hurt relationships! The Psalmist writes about the successful person who 'is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season...' (Psalm 1:3 NIV) A wise fruit grower understands three things about his trees: (1) Apple trees are only capable of producing apples. (2) Apple trees only produce apples in certain seasons. (3) It is a mistake to pick your apples too early. When the daughter of a well-known preacher was introduced on a Christian television network, she received invitations from several churches to come and speak. But her father said, 'No, leave her alone. I won't allow the system to eat her up and begin to compare her unfavorably with her father or mother or somebody else she can never be. I want her to be herself.' What great counsel and insight! Paul writes, '...That we...might be for the praise of His glory.' (Ephesians 1:12 NIV) When you understand who you are and God created you to be - being yourself brings glory to God! You can say, 'Lord, I'm thankful for who You made me; I've finished complaining or wishing I could be somebody else.' You are loved!

Unhealthy Comparisons (3)

 

'I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.' 1 Corinthians 3:6 NIV   

             


Unhealthy comparison is a sign of spiritual immaturity. I think it takes all of us a while to realize that our walk with Christ is different than someone else's. We all can look to other's who have walked this walk of faith a long time and admire them. But when we compare ourselves to them so we can somehow be better or look down on them in superiority, there's something wrong in our thinking. Here's what Paul wrote to the Corinthians: 'Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly - mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarrelling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? For when one says, I follow Paul, and another, I follow Apollos, are you not mere men? What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe - as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labour.' (1 Corinthians 3:1-8 NIV) Understanding your gifts and your God-given purpose frees you from the need to measure yourself by the runner in the next lane, or someone playing a different position on the team. When you understand this, your sense of inadequacy will be healed and you'll be able to enjoy and complement others. You'll also be able to help liberate your children from sibling rivalry and show them that success is not about being like somebody else, but about being the best you can be, and God made you to be. That's a person whose heart and attitude is right with God and people! You are loved...

Unhealthy Comparisons (2)

  

  '...They measure themselves by themselves...' 2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV
 

             


A certain level of competitiveness is good. You need it. When children enter a spelling contest they study harder and learn more because they're going to compete. They know their academic prowess is about to be challenged and they get ready for it because we like to win. But when your competitiveness makes you feel 'less than', or 'better than' another person, it's gone too far. One of the things I had to overcome and some would say I haven't yet, is my grandma letting me win all the time. I thought I should win all the time as a child and when I didn't it wasn't pretty. Paul writes about unhealthy comparisons when he says: '...When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God...has assigned to us.' (2 Corinthians 10:12-13 NIV) To evaluate your success accurately you must first understand your God-given purpose. When you play on a team your position determines your purpose. Attackers and defenders have different skills, but to win, the team needs both. The defender who keeps the opposing team from scoring is just as valuable as the attacker who scores. One may get more applause than the other, but victory belongs to them all. When you keep comparing yourself with others you're denied a sense of accomplishment, because you've made the benchmark to be like somebody else. No, they are playing a different position. They have a different purpose. They have a different skill set designed to fulfill the role God has given them. God gives you everything you need for the position you play and the purpose you have. What a liberating truth! And God, who gave others the ability to excel at what they do, will do the same for you when you learn to focus on Him, not them.'...They measure themselves by themselves...' 2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV You are loved...

Unhealthy Comparisons (1)

 

 '...Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.' 1 Samuel 18:7 NKJV  

             


A big thanks to John Shane and his ministry @CFW yesterday. Its always a life changing time as he shares what God has done the past year in the different countries he's been in. So how do we overcome unhealthy comparisons of other people?  Instead of celebrating David's victory over Goliath with those who sang 'David [has slain] his ten thousands', Saul became jealous. As a result, he opened himself to 'an evil spirit'. (1 Samuel 18:10 NIV) There are three lessons here: (1) Those who help you today, may hurt you tomorrow.So what should you do? When Saul threw spears, David refused to throw them back. Instead he forgave, prayed for Saul, and positioned himself to be promoted. It's not easy, but it's a winning strategy. 'You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in Heaven...' (Matthew 5:43-45 NIV)
(2) Those who love you today, may loathe you tomorrow.God says, '...I have loved you with an everlasting love...' (Jeremiah 31:3 NIV) All other sources of love are subject to change. You can marry someone who resents you for being what you are, and you end up thinking, 'You chose me because I'm outspoken; now you don't like me because I speak out,' or 'You liked me because I was quiet; now you say I'm boring.' You feel betrayed when people invite you, then fight you. But God will be faithful to you! (3) While others speak well of you, some will resent you. David didn't sing, 'Saul killed a thousand, but I killed ten thousand.' You can understand why that would irritate others. But David didn't boast about his success. Sometimes those who congratulate you can create enemies for you. That's because some people can't celebrate anyone other than themselves. So take a look at yourself today and ask God to show you, what's up? You are loved...

It's About Him - Not You

'...This work had been done with the help of our God.' Nehemiah 6:16 NIV

         

             


After scoring a goal for his team, a NHL player started beating his chest as if to say, 'Look at me, I'm the greatest.' Then the opposing team gained possession of the puck and their center put in a goal from the center line. But unlike his opponent, the center offered up a quick 'Thank You, God' before turning to celebrate with his team. Now meet another team player, Nehemiah, the king's royal cupbearer. When he heard about Jerusalem's broken-down walls, he set aside his own problems and focused on the nation's. Nehemiah was so burdened for the city where his forefathers were buried that he '...wept...mourned...and prayed before...God...' (Nehemiah 1:4 NIV) He remembered his roots, and reminded God of His covenant with His people by, in essence, praying: 'I know who You are, God, and I know who are your people. Your people have rejected You, but we're coming back and You can give us success.' God honored Nehemiah's prayers and Jerusalem's walls were rebuilt in 52 days, causing the enemy nations who heard to lose 'their self-confidence, because they realized this work had been done with the help of our God.' When God looks for a leader, He knows the kind of man and woman He can count on. He knows that a leader who's a team player can turn weakness into strength, obstacles into stepping stones, and disaster into triumph. You may not see yourself as a leader per se, but people watch you every day. The question is, do they know who you are following? And that it's about Him - not you? You are loved!

Lord, Teach Me to Pray (4)

 

'He fashions their hearts individually...' Psalm 33:15 NKJV

             


This morning as I was in prayer with Dave and I realized how important it is that each of us come to God in our own way. I could share my routine with you or even teach you how to pray because there are so many different ways one could pray. Your prayer style should be consistent with the way God designed you. Yes, you can learn from people who are more experienced in prayer than you are, but you need to be careful not to make them your standard, or become a 'clone'. It's wrong to force yourself to do what others do, if you are not comfortable with it in your spirit. Don't try to keep up with someone else, or copy their prayer style. And don't feel compelled to work every prayer principle you have ever learned, every time you pray. Most of us are afraid not to be like everyone else. We are more comfortable following specified rules than daring to follow the leading of God's Spirit. When we follow man-made rules, we please people. But when we step out in faith and follow God's Spirit, we please Him. You don't need to feel pressured to pray a certain way, or for a certain length of time, or to focus on specific things because other people are doing so. 'Untie the boat from the dock,' so to speak, and let the tide of God's Spirit take you wherever He wills. When you are in control, you know what will happen next. But when you let God's Spirit take the lead, you are in for a lot of surprises in life. Wonderful surprises! You need to be determined to be yourself, and refuse to spend your life feeling guilty because you're not like somebody else. The Bible says, 'He fashions their hearts individually.' So when it comes to prayer, the word for you today is, 'Be yourself'. You are loved!

Lord, Teach Me to Pray (3)

  

'Evening [and] morning...He hears my voice.' Psalm 55:17 NIV   

             


I don't know about you, but have you ever wondered how God interacts with another person? I think God is far too creative to insist that every person interacts with Him in exactly the same way. He designed each of us differently. There are prayer principles that apply to all of us, but God leads each of us as individuals. We are all at different places in our walk with Him, we are all at different levels of spiritual maturity, we all have different types of experiences in prayer. Yes, we need to learn the fundamentals of prayer. But then we need to move beyond intellectual knowledge about how to pray, and take those principles to the Lord and say: 'Teach me to apply this to my life, in my situation, to my heart. Show me how this idea is supposed to work for me. God, I'm depending on You to teach me to pray, to make me effective in prayer, to make my relationship with You through prayer the richest, most rewarding aspect of my life.' When you say, 'Lord, teach me to pray,' you're asking Him to teach you to pray in a distinctly personal way, and to enable your prayers to be easy, natural expressions of who you are. You need to go before God just the way you are, and give Him the pleasure of enjoying the company of the 'original' that He made you to be. You need to approach Him with your own strengths, weaknesses, uniqueness and everything else that so wonderfully distinguishes you from everyone else. God enjoys meeting you where you are, developing a personal relationship with you, and helping you grow to become everything He wants you to be. Just remember, "Evening and morning he hears you're voice." it's that simple...you are loved!

Lord, Teach Me to Pray (2)

 

'...Jesus...spent the night praying...' Luke 6:12 NIV   

             


One of the dangers of being involved in God's work is that you can go for weeks, or even months, without praying. In a survey of a thousand pastors, half acknowledged that they often went for long periods without taking time to pray. They didn't have a personal prayer life beyond their function in church. Amazingly, they had preached entire sermons on the topic, yet they themselves didn't practice it. So don't feel so bad when you might miss a day or two; but always remember that doesn't give you licence to stop praying. Jesus arose before dawn and spent hours in prayer. He even prayed all night. And it showed. His incredible success flowed out of the rich relationship He had with His Father. He made deposits every morning so that He could make withdrawals all day long. Joyce Meyer writes: 'I have gone from labouring and striving to pray for five minutes every few days to enjoying - and actually personally needing and wanting - beginning my day with prayer, then to praying throughout the day as things come to my heart, and finally ending my day communicating with the Lord as I fall asleep. I have moved from a sporadic, irregular prayer life to regular times of prayer that are disciplined without being legalistic. Where I once thought I was fulfilling an obligation to God by praying, I now realise that I absolutely cannot survive a day and be satisfied...if I do not pray. I realise that prayer is a great privilege, not a duty. I no longer approach God in fear, wondering if He will really hear me and send an answer to my prayers. I now approach Him boldly, as His Word teaches me to do, and with great expectation.' So can you...you are loved!

Lord, Teach Me to Pray (1)

  

'...Lord, teach us to pray...' Luke 11:1 NKJV

         

             


Ever find your self so busy you ask yourself how the day or week went by so fast? Then you realize you haven't spoken to God all week? Busyness is just that; something that keeps us away from what's really important, our spiritual health. So how do we make sure we keep the one essential thing going, prayer, when life seems to pass us by?  All you have to do is ask? In his book, Christ in the School of Prayer, Andrew Murray writes: 'None can teach like Jesus...therefore we call on Him, Lord, teach us to pray. A pupil needs a teacher who knows his work, who has the gift of teaching, who in patience and love will descend to the pupil's needs. Blest be God! Jesus is all this and much more...Jesus loves to teach us how to pray.' If you: (a) are not sure God is really listening when you talk to Him; (b) don't understand why some prayers seem to go unanswered; (c) wonder if you are praying 'right' or generally feel frustrated in prayer; (d) are eager to know what to do to feel more connected with God and gain confidence that your prayers really do make a difference, say, 'Lord, teach me to pray.' Although there are principles of prayer that apply to everyone, God will lead each of us individually. He wants to take you just the way you are, and help you discover your own rhythm of prayer; to develop a style of prayer that maximizes your relationship with Him. He wants prayer to be an easy, natural, life-giving way of communicating as you share your heart with Him and allow Him to share His heart with you. Prayer is so simple; it's nothing more than talking to God and taking time to listen to what He has to say to you. God has a personalized prayer plan for you, a way for you to communicate most effectively with Him. So begin by saying, 'Lord, teach me to pray,' and when life seems to be going in all directions, prayer won't because He's right there with you speaking into your life. You are loved...

Imagine Being Adopted by God! (2)

 

  '...Receive the Kingdom of God like a little child...' Mark 10:15 NIV

         

         


Jesus said, 'Anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' You need to become a little child again, and your thinking come on Pastor you got anything else? When you allow yourself the kind of relationship with the Lord that you may have missed as a child; to allow Him to heal and adjust the damaged places of your past do understand why you need thise. God provides arms that allow adults to climb up like little children and be nurtured through the pain of earlier days. The new birth gives you a chance to start over. God will not abuse you when you come to Him. Through praise, you approach Him like a toddler on unskilled legs. In worship, you kiss His face and are held securely in His embrace. He has no ulterior motive, for His embrace is safe. That's why it's important that you learn how to worship and adore Him. Even if you were exposed to grown-up situations when you were a child, God can reverse what you've been through. Here's what He told His people: 'I passed by and saw you kicking about...and as you lay there...I said to you, Live! I made you grow like a plant of the field. You grew up and developed and became...beautiful... I...covered your nakedness. I...entered into a covenant with you...and you became Mine. I bathed you with water and washed the blood from you and put ointments on you. I clothed you with an embroidered dress and put leather sandals on you. I dressed you in fine linen and covered you with costly garments.' (Ezekiel 16:6-10 NIV) And God can do that for you too. You are loved!

Imagine Being Adopted by God! (1)

'...You received the Spirit of adoption...' Romans 8:15 NKJV

     

             


Busy day today and I'm sorry it took so long to get this out today, but I'm glad I am adopted into His kingdom as the Bible says, '...[We] received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father'. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ...' (Romans 8:15-17 NKJV) Adoptive parents understand what it's like to have an emptiness in their hearts, to search, to set out on a mission, to take responsibility for a child with a troubled past and an uncertain future. And that's what God did for you. Knowing full well the trouble you'd be, and what it would cost, He sought you, found you, paid the price for you, took you home, gave you His name and the right to call Him 'Abba', which means 'Daddy', a term of endearment. Adoption isn't something you earn, it's a gift you receive. You'd never hear adoptive parents say, 'We'd like to adopt little Mary but first we want to know - does she have a house, money for education, a ride to school in the morning and clothes to wear every day?' The adoption agency would say, 'Hold on, you're not adopting her because of what she has, but because of what she needs. She needs love, hope, a home and a future.' You don't earn the Spirit of adoption, you recieve it by faith. That's important, because if you can't gain it by your stellar efforts, you can't lose it through your poor performance. How reassuring! And it gets better; you're an 'heir' to all your Father owns. That means you'll never have a need He cannot or will not meet. How good is that? So don't let the enemy fool you, you are His and always will be! You are loved!

God Looks At Your Heart

 

'...Motives are weighed by the Lord.' Proverbs 16:2 NIV   

             


I just wanted share with you the thanks that we are getting for all your hard work on Operation Thanksgiving. Pastor Manuel from Spanish Ag church writes, "Hi Pastor Daryl, "Once again THANKS for the baskets! Those families were so excited when we gave them their baskets! It was an awesome sight. Please share this with your wonderful congregation. Bendiciones!"
Thanks team for all your hard work and Kim for making it all happen.
What does God see when He looks at your heart? There is a story from Henry Blackaby who tells of a very self-righteous man who prayed: 'Lord, there's something wrong. I read the Bible, pray regularly, attend church faithfully and always give to charity, yet I don't have much. My brother doesn't do any of these things, yet he's got tons of money. How come you've given him so much and me so little?' After a pause, a voice said, 'Because you're a sanctimonious pain in the neck!' The Bible says, '...God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' (James 4:6 NKJV) God looks at your heart's intent; He judges your motives. You can sit in church with a heart that's far from God. The Israelites did (Isaiah 1:10-17). You can help the needy and still be greedy. Judas did (John 12:4-8 NIV). You can proclaim your love for Jesus yet be influenced by the devil. Peter did (Matthew 26:31-35 NIV). You can make sacrifices yet still be living in disobedience. King Saul did (1 Samuel 13:7-14 NIV). You can pray with the wrong motives. Some people in the New Testament church did (James 4:3 NIV). You can even be a pastor who loves crowds but has no time for individuals. Check your heart! The Good Shepherd left His 99 sheep to look for the one who was lost. Then He carried it home on His shoulders, rejoicing. 'Motives are weighed by the Lord.' God sees your heart. Everything you do must be motivated by love for Him and for others. So look beyond your actions to what lies behind them. Ask God to show you what He sees. You are loved into action!

Walking on Water (3)

 

'God is...a very present help in trouble.' Psalm 46:1 NKJV   

             


Let's observe two final things today as we wrap-up how God is always present in our lives: (1) Between the dread and the devastation, look for the Deliverer. Picture a boat lashed by huge waves, and frightened disciples who thought they were going under. They forgot the promise: 'God is...a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear...' (Psalm 46:1-2 NKJV) They didn't look for Jesus to rescue them. Yet as the night advanced and things looked hopeless, '...Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.' (Matthew 14:25 NKJV) Did they rejoice? No, their fear intensified and they said, '...It's a ghost!...' (Matthew 14:26 NKJV) If your not careful you're fear can distort your perceptions and make you see the answer as just another problem. Often what appears a threat is actually a blessing about to manifest itself. For example, you lose your job and God opens up a better one, but your fear and inadequacy make you avoid the interview. Look to Jesus in your time of fear; when He takes away the lesser, it's always to give you the greater. (2) God's best always requires facing what you fear. Jesus called Peter to come to Him. Deciding it was safer in the storm with Jesus than in the boat without Him, Peter walked toward Him. But there's always a moment after you step out in faith when you hear, 'What if I'm not up to this?' Peter heard it, and the waves began to engulf him. Panicked, he called and Jesus immediately rescued him. Peter wasn't drowning; he was learning and growing! When you walk by faith, even your failures will lead to success. I know this to be true in my own life. Everytime I stepped out, God stepped out with me. So step out with Jesus; He won't let you drown. You are loved...

Walking on Water (2)

 

'The boat was...buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.' Matthew 14:24 NIV

         

             


Sorry I missed yesterday, Amy and I went to Seattle for her quarterly checkup. It was a beautiful fall ride with the exception of rain in the pass. Thank goodness it wasn't snow or we wouldn't have gotten over. I felt like we were riding on water a few times as the car hydroplaned. Let's continue from Tuesday's thoughts and Notice: (1) Trouble doesn't mean that God has abandoned you. The disciples learned that Jesus may be out of sight, but He's never out of touch. To '...walk by faith, not by sight' (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV) means sometimes you'll walk in darkness without visible cues. Someone put it this way: 'When you can't trace His hand, you can trust His heart.' When the disciples were being tossed like a cork on the waves, Jesus was up on a mountain praying for them! He was aware of the problem and He was working on the solution. He was their mediator and their 'need meet-er', just as He has one hand on your need and the other on your answer. '...He always lives to intercede for [you].' (Hebrews 7:25 NIV) Can you imagine Jesus praying to the Father for His fear-filled disciples? And can you imagine the Father refusing to answer His prayers? Never! '...The Spirit Himself intercedes for us...' (Romans 8:26 NIV) With both Jesus and the Holy Spirit talking to the Father on your behalf, your victory is guaranteed. (2) Between the command to 'Go' and your safe arrival on the other side, there's often a crisis. Jesus commanded them to cross to the other shore, but before the trip was completed their world experienced upheaval. What's buffeting your life today - loss, guilt, loneliness, financial reversal, illness, addiction, rejection? When our faith is low and our fear high, we cry, 'If only I had (or hadn't)...If only I could...' Learn to trust God. It's not over until He says so. And He hasn't! "We walk by faith, not by sight." You are loved...

Walking on Water (1)

 

'...Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go...' Matthew 14:22 NIV    

             


When you find yourself in trouble, do you sometimes think, 'I must have done something wrong, perhaps I've missed God's will and He's punishing me'? No. Trouble is multi-sourced, and frequently unrelated to our wrongdoing or God's punishment. The disciples weren't in the storm by disobeying, but by obeying Jesus; not by rejecting God's will, but by embracing it. That maybe hard to understand and it took me awhile to see that in my own spiritual life; but the Bible says, '...Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go...', and they obeyed. At times you'll find yourself in troubled waters because you did what was right rather than what was popular, easy or selfish. Here are some helpful lessons from the disciples' experience: (1) Obedience doesn't guarantee there will be no storms.The disciples had just seen Jesus feed 5000 people with five bread rolls and two fish, and end up with more food than He started with. Shouldn't their faith have been strengthened? Yet they forgot it completely when fear came knocking. Jesus had told them He'd meet them on the other shore, yet they forgot His miracle-working power and His promise and gave in to anxiety. Understand this: When God doesn't solve your problem, He will show up in the middle of it and cause you to come out with your faith fortified. (2) Fear doesn't mean you're a failure. It's just a reminder that you're human, and, like the disciples, you've forgotten Who has the power and Who's in charge. Sunday God delivered a powerful message through me. I was filled with the spirit to preach, but at the end I felt like I had to almost apologize for the spirit's presence. Satan tried his hardest to make me feel like I had failed everyone. That I hurt you. That's when God said in a small voice never stop doing what's right. There are so many lessons that transform your life's trial's into triumph. Be patient and learn. You are loved...

Think About It!

Good Morning,

A friend of mine Pastor Joe Fuiten from Ceder Park Assembly wrote this intriging thought to pastors in our network concerning the election. I thought it was worth posting today.

Some good people both won and lost Tuesday. Same for some not so good ones. That's politics. While I wish more good people had won, what really is paining me since the election is the rejection of God and his counsel. Our coins say "In God We Trust" but voters said otherwise.

The prominence given to abortion as a test for politicians and the gay marriage votes made it very clear this election was about biblical ideas. Democrats thoroughly rejected those ideas. They were joined by too many Republicans.

The campaign raised abortion and gay marriage as issues and asked if we wanted Barabbas or Jesus.

• We chose Barabbas.

The campaign contrasted government with God. Who would provide for a safe, free, and prosperous future?

• We chose government.

The offer of Galatians 5:1 of liberty in Christ or bondage was answered in favor of bondage: For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

On Thursday morning I spoke for our Cedar Park Christian Elementary Veteran's Day Chapel. The kids put together packages for soldiers and their families for Christmas as they have done for the last ten years with the "Spirit of Christmas" effort. The children saluted a soldier as they handed in their packages. I spoke of sacrifices of generations passed, now buried beneath crosses in military cemeteries all over the world. I reminded the children of President Roosevelt's prayer, broadcast all over America, where he publicly prayed over the launch of D-Day which he said was to defend "our religion."

So many served and died for "God and Country" because the two were connected in the hearts of Americans. What was made clear in this election is that the two are no longer connected! Truthfully, it has been less and less true every year, but the vote took it to a new level. It was an open choice that made it official and verifiable.

The separation of God and Country is what is bothering me.

For all time people have messed up marriage, but at least they knew they were failing to live up to what God intended. Now they have voted to replace God with their own ideas of marriage. It's a perfect picture of how America views God these days. They don't want him around and for sure they don't want his ideas encroaching on their enlightened ways.

They think they can solve the economic problems by printing money or clever ideas. They forget that Jesus taught us to pray "give us this day our daily bread" and not to be anxious. They forget that Jesus said the earth itself would signal the end like "birth pains" so they are going to heal those pains.

We have raised four kids. Part of the reason I was working so hard in the elementary chapel was because we have several grand kids in that chapel. We also have a tradition of serving for "God and country."

If our country forces "God" out, there will only be "country" left.

Even worse, if God leaves through the door we are showing him, how long will it be before there is no "country" left.

How God Feels about You

 

'...You are precious to Me...' Isaiah 43:4 NLT   

             


One of things that we struggle with is if we are good enough for God? If you are struggling with feelings of unworthiness, working harder and vowing to do better won't necessarily change how you feel. It took me awhile as a young believer to realize that it wasn't always about feelings. Look at it this way, it's like remodelling an old house with a cracked foundation, you can redecorate every room but the floors and ceilings will just keep sagging until eventually it collapses. You've got to address the foundation! To do that, you must begin seeing yourself as God sees you; only then will you experience the stability and security you seek. Have you any idea how God feels about you? He sees you as: (1) Loveable. '...You are precious to Me. You are honored, and I love you. Do not be afraid, for I am with you...' (Isaiah 43:4-5 NLT) What assurance! The Bible says, '...The one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.' (Deuteronomy 33:12 NIV) What a secure position to be in! (2) Valuable. If you grew up feeling unwanted, you got the wrong message. God established your worth at the cross. '...The Son of God, who loved [you], and gave Himself for [you].' (Galatians 2:20 NIV) The slogan on Hallmark cards says, 'When you care enough to send the very best.' That's what God did for you at the cross. (3) Capable. Without a supportive environment to grow up in, you can end up with a diminished sense of ability. It's why we compensate by overachieving. But God knows that you are capable because He's '...given...you...special abilities...' (1 Peter 4:10 TLB) Furthermore, He has '...seated us with Him in His heavenly Kingdom...' (Ephesians 2:6 NIV) So stay in your seat and don't let anybody tell you that your life doesn't matter. It does, because God says so! You are loved...

Bless the Children

 

'...Some parents brought their children to Jesus...' Mark 10:13 NLT

         

             


The Bible says, 'He took the children into His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them.' (Mark 10:16 NLT) Interestingly, Jesus had just taught on the subject of divorce. Does the Bible record it this way because broken homes produce broken children? Too often children get caught in the crossfire of angry parents. Sometimes we actually use them as weapons to hurt one another. It reminds us of the newscasts on the Afghanistan war, listing young men and women who are accidentally killed by their own military. We call it 'friendly fire'. What's 'friendly' about bleeding to death in the hot sand of a strange country? What's the point here? It's this: divorce should be our last resort, not our first option. We grow in grace by giving and forgiving, by dying to self-interest and putting our spouse first. The Bible says this kind of love '...never fails...' (1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV) Jesus, who was dealing with grown-up problems, interrupts His busy schedule to bless children. He doesn't counsel them, He just touches them because there's power in a touch. Let's salute all the wonderful people who work with children, for it's a high calling. And let's not forget to touch little lives with a word of hope and a smile of encouragement. Indeed, it may be the only one some of them will get. Don't hurt them, for they are the future. You are building a house that one day you will have to live in. What's wrong with these disciples? Who told them they were too busy to love, bless and care for children? Is God speaking to you through today's devotion? You are loved...