Your Bible-Read It Every Day (3)

'The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever.' Isaiah 40:8 NIV

I'm sitting in my office with a cup of coffee in my hand thinking about my relationship with all of you and how God has put each of you into my life. It's amazing that I wouldn't be in this place to have relationship with you unless I had heard the call to pastor through God's word. One of the things that became apparent to me as a new believer was that I needed grounding in my new faith. So I took the challenge to find out everything I could about God. So here we are today tethered together because of obedience to God and his word. It's important you understand the need to read God's word. It's the only way you find out who he is and what he means to you. That's why I have been using quotes from notable people from the past to remind you of this: the only way these leaders got to the place they were, was because of their faith in His word. Let's look once more at what some of the most notable people in history have had to say about the Bible. Matthew Arnold: 'To the Bible men will return because they cannot do without it. The true God is, and must be pre-eminently the God of the Bible, the eternal, who makes for righteousness from whom Jesus came forth, and whose spirit governs the course of humanity.' George Washington: 'It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.' Thomas Jefferson: 'The Bible is the cornerstone of liberty.' Horace Greeley: 'It is impossible to mentally or socially enslave a Bible-reading people.' Patrick Henry: 'This is a book worth more than all other books which were ever printed.' William McKinley: 'The more profoundly we study this wonderful book and the more closely we observe its divine precepts, the better citizens we will become and the higher will be the destiny of our nation.' Charles Dickens: 'The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or ever will be known in the world.' Billy Graham: 'The word of God hidden in the heart is a stubborn voice to suppress.' Your Bible-read it every day! You are loved...

Read Your Bible Everyday (2)

'Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.' Matthew 24:35 NIV

I love that scripture in Matthew were Jesus says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." It gives you security to know that there is something real and concrete to believe in. When you Believe in something it affords you the opportunity to walk in those beliefs. That is why it is so important to read and understand what God has to say to you. I love that my God has written these words just for me. They will never pass away, they will always be there to guide me in my my journey with Christ. Gods word is that important. Let's look again at what some of the most notable leaders in history have had to say about the Bible. Napoleon: 'What happiness the Bible procures for those who believe it! What marvels it bestows upon those who reflect upon it!' Daniel Webster: 'There is no solid basis for civilization but in the Word of God. If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will continue to prosper. I make it a practice to read the Bible through once every year.' William Lyon Phelps (once referred to as the most beloved professor in America-of Yale University): 'I thoroughly believe in a university education for both men and women, but I believe knowledge of the Bible without a college course, is more valuable than a college course without knowledge of the Bible.' Sir William Jones: 'The Bible contains more pure sensibility, more exquisite beauty, more pure morality, more important history, and finer strains of poetry and eloquence than can be collected from all other books in whatever age or language they may be written.' Robert E. Lee: 'The Bible is a book, in comparison with which all other books are of minor importance. In all my perplexities and distress, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.' Sir Isaac Newton: 'There are more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history.' George MacDonald: 'The Bible is to me the most precious thing in the world just because it tells me the story of Jesus.' Your Bible-read it every day and it will change your life! You are loved...

Your Bible-Read It Every Day (1)

'The Word of the Lord stands forever.' 1 Peter 1:25 NIV

Blessings everyone...we are back from Seattle and our Network conference. What a incredible time of fellowship and teaching during this conference. Can you say Multiplication? God has been doing incredible things in the area of multipication @CFW the last several weeks, and we even got a shout out @conference for keeping to our vision. So how do we keep doing what God wants? It all comes down to making Gods word a priority in our lives. Let's read what some of the most notable leaders in history have said about the Bible. William Gladstone, a Prime Minister of the UK: 'There is but one question of the hour: how to bring the truths of God's Word into vital contact with the minds and hearts of all classes of people.' Goethe: 'I consider the Gospels to be thoroughly genuine; for in them there is the effective reflection of a sublimity which emanated from the person of Christ; and this is as divine as ever the divine appeared on earth.' President Ulysses S. Grant: 'Hold fast to the Bible as the anchor of your liberties. Write its precepts in your hearts and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are indebted for the progress made, and to this we must look as our guide in the future.' President Woodrow Wilson: 'A man has deprived himself of the best there is in the world, who has deprived himself of this: knowledge of the Bible. When you have read the Bible you will know that it is the Word of God because you will have found it the key to your own heart, your own happiness, and your own duty.' President Abraham Lincoln: 'I have only to say that it is the best gift God has given to man.' Like the law of gravity, the Bible will never become redundant. Your Bible-read it every day and watch it change your life. Because only when you are changed, can you then go out and change your world around you! You are loved...

God Never Gives Up On Yo

'You have laid Your hand upon me.' Psalm 139:5 NIV

Finally got a chance to sit down for a minute. Amy and I our loving this conference. It's good to get recharged and learn new things. One of the messages yesterday spoke to me on this subject. Sometimes we feel like just giving up, well God doesn't on us. There's a story of a London bus driver who was assigned to shuttle passengers to special crusade services with Billy Graham at Wembley Stadium. When one of them invited him in to listen he declined. The following year he moved to New York, and when Billy was speaking at Madison Square Garden the man's job again was shuttling people to the meetings. As he got off the bus a lady asked if he'd like to join them. Once more he politely declined. He married an Australian lady and eventually ended up working in Sydney where, surprisingly, he was again assigned to drive people to the stadium where Billy was preaching. This time when he was invited he figured there was no escape, so he gave in. Looking back he says, 'No matter where I went I was confronted with Billy Graham, so I went to hear him and committed my life to Christ. It was the best decision I ever made.'
The Psalmist said, 'You hem me in...You have laid Your hand upon me...Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the Heavens, You are there ...in the depths, You are there...on the far side of the sea...Your right hand will...hold me fast.' (Psalm 139:5-10 NIV)
Isn't grace amazing? Peter said, 'God is patient...He wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.' (2 Peter 3:9 CEV) God will follow you to the ends of the earth to give you another opportunity to surrender your life to Him. How many opportunities has He already given you? Isn't it time you stopped running and surrendered your life to Him? You are loved....

HANDLING CRITICISM CONSTRUCTIVELY (1)

''...A wise person stays calm when insulted.'' Proverbs 12:16
We are headed off to Network council this morning in Seattle. Looking forward to a wonderful time with other Pastors from around the state. I'm going to try and get my thought out in the morning but we'll see how the schedule goes. If you need anything please call Pastors Josh or Zach or our Team Directors. For the next couple of days we are going to look at Criticism and how to handle it. Proverbs says, "a wise person stay calm." How can you tell constructive criticism from destructive criticism? By practicing these principles from God's Word: 1) Resolve that whatever it is, you'll handle it constructively. 'A wise person stays calm when insulted.' Angry responses only short-circuit rational thinking and trigger emotion-driven reactions. 'If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding' (Proverbs 15:31-32 NLT). Always ask yourself, 'Can I learn something here? 2) Consider the character of your critic. 'An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing' (Proverbs 12:17-18 NLT). Is your critic trustworthy? Are their words meant to help you? If so, appreciate them and grow wiser. 'Better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool' (Ecclesiastes 7:5 NLT). Are their words intended to demean you and damage your self-worth? Words that humble you have a godly purpose, but words that humiliate don't; so reject them. 3) Check your conscience. Paul wrote: 'My conscience is clear...It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide' (1 Corinthians 4:4 NLT). If you're in the clear, leave the outcome with God. He alone sees the whole picture. 4) If you are criticized because of your faith, consider yourself blessed. 'If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you' (1 Peter 4:14 NIV). Rejoice, your life is pleasing to God. You are loved...

What You Truly Stand For

'Above all else, guard your heart...' Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Amy and I hope you've had a wonderful week and we our looking forward to seeing you @this weekends service. (Young Adults remember there is Fuel Group tonight @the Berryhills.) The question today is what do you really stand for? Is your life one of integrity and influence? Or is it a work in progress? In my journey of faith I've had to make some changes in my life to become a man of integrity and influence. It takes work...The Bible says: 'Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.' The position you hold in life may cause people to take notice of you, but only your integrity will cause them to respect you and be willing to follow you. And integrity is only established when it becomes clear to everyone that progress, financial reward and recognition are not your gods; that you value something more, something you refuse to give up for profit or popularity. With integrity comes influence. You can manage people without integrity but you can't influence them without it. Talking one way and living another will wound you. And depending on time and circumstance, you may not be able to recover from it. You say, 'How I conduct my private life is nobody else's business.' Wrong! When people see a difference between what you demand of others and what you demand of yourself, it'll erode their respect for you every time. Your position may make you secure, but your influence with others will always remain fragile. At any given time you are only one decision, one word or one action away from destroying what it took years to build. Why is it important to keep this in mind? Because the fastest route from where you are today to where you will be tomorrow is not always the most honorable one. Being the person you want to be doesn't come easy and doesn't always line up. It's in those moments, however, that you discover a great deal about yourself; you find out what you truly stand for! You are loved...

In-Laws or Out-Laws!

'...A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife...' Matthew 19:5 NLT

Since we are in a series on building strong families lets look at marriage today. Amy and I have been married going on 33 years here in July. We've had our ups and downs, but the time has literally flown by. I would be with no other woman. In a marriage there are more than just you and your spouse. there's the In laws...bumbubmbumtedum. There's a story of a married couple after arguing for hours drove along in silence. Suddenly they passed a barnyard filled with mules and jackasses. Sarcastically, the husband asked, 'Relatives of yours?' The wife replied, 'Yes, in-laws.' Marriage was God's idea, and it was a good one. Picking up the theme, Jesus said, 'A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife.' In marriage, 'two's company, three's a crowd!' So here are Ten Commandments for being a good in-law:
(1) Thou shalt love, honor and respect the couple.
(2) Thou shalt grant them independence, resisting the urge to show them 'a better way' of doing things.
(3) Thou shalt be loyal and not criticize them, for, '[God] will apply to you the same rules you apply to others...' (Matthew 7:2 GNT)
(4) Thou shalt not find fault: 'Do not judge others, so that God will not judge you...' (Matthew 7:1 GNT)
(5) Thou shalt not outwear thy welcome, and always call before thou showest up at their dwelling. 'Don't visit...too often; they may get tired of you...' (Proverbs 25:17 GNT)
(6) Thou shalt not expect them to visit thee too often.
(7) Thou shalt refrain from giving unsolicited advice: 'Stupid people express [themselves] openly, but sensible people are patient and hold it back.' (Proverbs 29:11 GNT)
(8) Thou shalt not talk about how thou wantest grandchildren unless they are already on the way.
(9) Thou shalt respect their home decorating taste even when it differeth from thine.
(10) Thou shalt pray for them daily and without fail.
If you are an in-law who doesn't want to be viewed as an out-law, live by these commandments! You are loved...

Sharing Your Dream (3)

'...Lord, open his eyes so he may see...' 2 Kings 6:17 NIV
Lastly, dream visually. Only when we 'see it' will we buy into it. One of the things we try and do @CFW is visually prepare you for worship and the word. I've prayed this scripture many a morning in prayer "Lord open our eyes" to see great things. Showing you what God wants you to become takes more than just words. We all are in search of significance; we want to feel like we are part of something bigger than ourselves. Nora Watson observed: 'Most of us are looking for a calling, not a job. Most of us...have jobs that are too small for our spirit.' When a dream is truly great, it benefits everyone. My job is to help you see what those benefits are. Dreams and visions are to help you connect with the opportunities for achieving personal growth, finding fulfillment and increasing your self-esteem. Even people who say they desire a dream often don't want it. What they want is the result of the dream, not the price required to achieve it. Look at all the TV commercials for diets. People see before and after pictures, and they want the 'after'. But it cost something to get to the after. I know, after 65 pounds and counting it takes work. But if you live your dream, practice integrity and achieve a degree of success, there's nothing we can't do for Christ. As I shared yesterday, my dream is to have our church reach the greater TriCities with the gospel of Jesus Christ. How will we know when we've been successfull? Each of us will take ownership of it, add to it and want to make it even bigger and better. When that happens, our dream becomes bigger than you or our team. Dream Big! You are loved....

Sharing Your Dream (2)

'...You...became my partners...' Philippians 4:15 TLB
Continuing yesterdays thought: you must share your dream emotionally. Paul knew how to do this: '...You Philippians became my partners...what makes me happiest is the well-earned reward you will have...' (vv15-17 TLB) For eight years we have bringing a dream of what we believe God wants for our church and you His people. I believe when you get excited about the rewards you will live it out in your lives as God intended! Ralph Waldo Emerson tells a story how he struggled trying to wrestle a young calf into his barn. He was ready to give up when an Irish servant girl walked over to the calf, stuck her finger in its mouth, and the calf, associating the sensation with its mother, followed the girl into the barn. If there is anything I have learned it's that pushing and prodding people doesn't work. I want you to feel that you will benefit personally from our dream to reach our community for Christ. I'm showing you my heart so you will buy into the dream. The dream really shouldn't just be mine, but all of ours. Jesus is the one who gave us the dream when he commanded us to "go into all the world making disciples." I want you to feel my heart. God has been doing some thing wonderful in our midst. In two weeks nine people have given their hearts to Christ. Should we say great job God and that's good enough? No, we must continue to impact those who have given their hearts to Christ and continue to reach those who haven't. God is building a wonderful team of people with a dream and vision to see people: embrace a lifestyle of devotion to God through worship. By expressing their hearts to God in prayer. By serving one another using the gifts God has given us. By testifying about Jesus; removing every barrier that keeps the unchurched from understanding and responding to the good news of Christ. Finally, by responding to Gods invitation to live a Holy life. That's my dream, that's my vision for our church. I hope and pray you will join me in this wonderful path God has us on @CFW. You are loved...

Sharing Your Dream (1)

'...That you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.' 1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV

Ever had a dream? My Dream is to reach as many people for Christ as I possibly can. That's a big dream. But I have a big God! Yesterday we had three more give their hearts to Christ in service. How incredible. I thank God every time he fulfills that dream I have. I also try and share my dream with you so you can catch and share it. Maybe your dream looks different? But To fulfill your dream you must know how to share it with others. And to do that successfully you must be able to connect with them in four ways. First, you must connect with them logically. What people don't believe, they don't buy into. So your first step is to gain credibility. If you don't, you will not be able to proceed any further. How do you do that? By communicating a realistic understanding of the situation as it is today. Every time you share your vision, one of the first things people will ask is: 'But what about...?' If they don't ask it out loud, they say it to themselves. And they will keep asking it until you have addressed all their concerns. This requires being extremely thorough when sharing your dream, and not dwelling on its positive benefits to the exclusion of the challenges. Secondly, you must provide a sound strategy they can believe in. If a dream seems too large and unattainable, people will become discouraged and quickly lose interest. When big dreams are broken down into smaller pieces and different pieces are given to talented individuals, the task seems more attainable and each person involved has an increased sense of personal ownership and involvement. There is a real art to communicating all this effectively, without getting bogged down in details or boring people. You have to give enough information to satisfy most people, but not so much that you lose them. All this takes skill, practice and God's help. But to share your dream with others, you must learn to do it. Dream or vision sharing isn't much different than sharing Christ to others. You just have to start some where and do it! You are loved...

The Revival We Need (4)

'Love never fails...' 1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV

The last thing I want to share with you this week about revival is love. Paul spoke to the Corinthians about having a special love in our hearts that only comes from God. If you are like me you may have struggled with living out this particular scripture in your life. But the biggest lesson I've learned is that no matter how many times I fail, His Love never does. So the Fourth are we need to work on is a revival of love. The Bible says, 'Love never fails.' Stop and think about that for a moment. Just about everything else in life fails, but love doesn't. There's a cute story about a lady who said to her husband, 'Will you love me when I'm old?' He replied, 'Yes, dear.' She said, 'But will you love me when my hair is grey?' He replied, 'Yes, dear, I've loved you through seven different shades already, why would I change my mind when you're grey?' You can score points for having high morals and have all your theological ducks in a row, but if you don't love people-in every circumstance of life-you've failed where it counts most. Paul writes: 'If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing... Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.' (vv2-7 NLT) It took a lot of commitment to be a Pharisee. Living according to the law of Moses demanded incredible discipline and dedication. Why did Jesus condemn the Pharisees so often? Because they had light in their heads but no love in their hearts!

When we, the church, experience a revival of love we won't need to advertise; people will break down the doors to get in.

The Revival We Need (3)

'...Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.' 2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported our youth last night as they hosted Jeffery Portman from the NW Ministry Network. It was a great evening of worship and a great message on purity in our lives. This morning lets look at theThird reason we need revival, a revival of liberty. Is the Holy Spirit welcome in your life? What about the church? Are you responsive to His leadings? It's ok to have a programs in our churches as long as you're willing to let God change it. Now that doesn't mean somebody can just jump up and interrupt the pastor's sermon. God is a God of order. You say, 'But I felt led by the Spirit to do it.' Really? The Holy Spirit is a gentleman; He won't speak through you when He is already speaking through God-ordained leadership. God works through structure. If you doubt that, look at how He planned the tabernacle in the wilderness and Solomon's temple. There were times when God's presence was so strong that the priests were unable to conduct the service as usual; all they could do was fall on their faces before Him. And we must pray for and welcome such times too. But liberty isn't license to do as you please. Paul addresses the liberty/license argument in these words: 'For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use your liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.' The liberty Christ brings sets us free from the need to 'show off' and instead teaches us to 'serve one another'. Paul bottom-lines it: 'Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.' You say, 'What does that mean?' It means that when you make Jesus 'Lord', He sets you free to enjoy His presence in church, at home, in business and in every area of life. Ask God to give you liberty and freedom through the Holy Spirit. He will! You are loved...

The Revival We Need (2)

'Your word is...a light for my path.' Psalm 119:105 NIV

It wasn't to long ago we used to open up my messages with this scripture; "Your word is a light unto my feet and a light unto my path" This scripture is powerful. It leads us to an understanding of what God's word means to us as we walk our path in life. His word should be the guiding force in how we live our lives as it directs us down a path that pleases God. This has everything to do with our Second thought today, a revival of Light. Your job takes up about ten hours of your day, including travel. Sleeping, eating, bathing and dressing take another ten. Your family and your hobbies etc, account for the remaining hours. Today a 'committed church member' is in church two to three times a month. Do the math. Out of 168 hours in your week, about ninety minutes are given to spiritual growth-less than one percent! And what are the results in the church as a whole today in America? Spiritual ignorance and weakness. Divorce is as common inside the church as outside. Believers have as big a problem with pornography as unbelievers. Alcoholism and addiction rates are roughly the same. A recent news poll found that while certain churches are growing rapidly, many of the newcomers have an 'eclectic theology'. They believe in the resurrection, but they also think reincarnation is ok. They believe God guides through prayer, and also through horoscopes. While devout Muslims commit themselves to memorizing the Koran, the average Christian doesn't read their Bible even once a week. As hard as I try spoon-feeding you from the pulpit and burping you at the door won't make you spiritually mature. 'Your Word is...a light for my path.' You've got to put God's Word at the top of your daily 'to do' list. '...No longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men...but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ.' (Ephesians 4:14-15 NKJV) Make God's word a priority and revival will happen! You are loved...

The Revival We Need (1)

'...Revive us again...' Psalm 85:6 NKJV

Hi everyone,
Just a reminder that tomorrow night April 11th 6:45pm here @CFW is our April Family Connection Night with Jeffery Portman speaking. Jeffery is form the NW Ministry Network and heads up the youth department. I hope you will make it a priority and be a part of what's doing here @CFW. I also wanted to give a praise report on how God moved mightily Sunday. We had over 130 in attendance, 22 visitors, 6 salvations, and 3 recommitments. Many lives touched through the youth skit and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Please be in prayer with me for those who chose to visit us and received Christ into their hearts. PTL!

I've been praying lately about revival. What does that look like in our culture today. For the older generations it will look different than to the younger generations. For the next few days let's talk about the revival we need in the church today. "a revival of life." True revival begins with an honest recognition that we have become spiritually dull, dry and even dead. Ezekiel describes it this way: 'The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones...and indeed they were very dry...He said to me, Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!'...And as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together...and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.' (Ezekiel 37:1-10 NKJV)
Ezekiel's vision teaches us the following truths:
(a) Revival begins with acknowledging we that we need more of God in our lives which translates in the church body.
(b) In many cases our church services have become too formal and dry.
(c) We must hunger for God's Word. Otherwise we live in denial, excusing and rationalizing our spiritual condition. God said to Israel, an agricultural people, 'Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness upon you.' (Hosea 10:12 NKJV)
Notice the elements in a true revival: An emphasis on righteous living; showing mercy to one another; recognizing our careless and cavalier attitude toward sin; crying out to God in sustained, heartfelt prayer, 'Revive us again, that your people may rejoice in You.'
You are loved!

THE BLESSINGS OF THE BLOOD

''[God] has delivered us from the power of darkness...'' Colossians 1:13
Just a reminder that tonight @7pm is our Good Friday Communion Service This will be the only time we celebrate communion in April. Talking about the blessings of the blood sometimes confuses people. I was sharing Christ with someone and simply said how I was so glad I was covered by Christ's blood. They looked at me so funny. That might not be the way to start out sharing avbout Christ but History's crowning moment occurred when '...Christ died for the ungodly' (Romans 5:6). He didn't just die for His friends and supporters; He died for people who despised Him. It was no quid-pro-quo deal where Jesus said: 'I'll accept you if you accept me.' No, it was a selfless, one-sided act of love. No conditions, nothing demanded in return. As a result, God 'delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the dear Son.' Selah! Stop and meditate on these advantages you enjoy through Jesus' blood: 1) You've been delivered. The Greek word Paul used means to literally rescue by drawing us to Himself. Your deliverance was a deeply personal event to Jesus. By His shed blood He drew you to Himself. The distance sin had put between you and God was reversed and you were '...accepted in the beloved' (Ephesians 1:6). 2) You've been freed from the power of darkness. That 'power' is satan's tyranny over those living under his control. Christ's blood liberated you from the darkness, ignorance and blindness satan uses to deceive and manipulate you. 3) You've been translated into the kingdom of God's son. The word 'translated' implies being transferred from one place to another. In Paul's day superpowers like Rome would annex other nations and make them part of Roman territory. Often the conquered were better off under Rome, enjoying such privileges as safety, food, mail service, travel protection, etc. Christ's blood transferred you into His kingdom to enjoy these advantages: guaranteed protection, abundant provision for all your needs, full status of sonship, and unlimited access to His throne. If you know anyone who needs these benifits, Then bring them this Sunday. You'll be glad you did. You are loved...

Prejudice

'...God is no respecter of persons.' Acts 10:34 KJV

As I was asking God to help me today's thought. They always don't jump out at me. It came to me how "God is no respecter of person's." What does that mean. Well, the NIV puts it this way "Then Peter said, I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts all who fear Him." Prejudice or favoritism is the product of a lazy mind. It's contempt, prior to investigation. Your first impression of someone is incomplete and often inaccurate. Don't assume your intuition is always right. Don't make lasting decisions based on limited insights. Your success in life will be adversely affected by prejudice, fear and any form of discrimination you allow to color your thinking. Jesus never determined a person's worth based on their race, gender, financial status or appearance. He was comfortable in the presence of fishermen and tax collectors. He was at ease with the rich and the poor. He knew that every person He met had potential and He never looked down on them because of their past. Born to a mother who conceived Him as a virgin, He knew what it meant to have a questionable background and be subject to the rumor mill. But He rose above it. And He broke tradition. The Samaritans were considered such a lower class of people that Jews wouldn't talk to them. But Jesus did. In fact, He went out of His way to meet with a five-times-married Samaritan woman, discussing the mysteries of worship with her and changing her life. When Peter, who struggled with prejudice, was called to introduce the Gospel to the first group of Gentiles, he had to acknowledge, 'I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.' That day God dealt with some of Peter's deep-seated biases. And He will deal with yours too! If 'God so loved the world' but you don't, how can you claim to be 'godly'? You are loved....

Are You Being Tempted? (2)

'...Your life is shaped by your thoughts.' Proverbs 4:23 GNT
On our way to the office this morning I knew we had to make a stop at Yokes for stamps to mail some post cards to you guys for our continental breakfast Sunday. Do you know what crept into my thought pattern? Yokes has such fine donuts you deserve one. Sorry to say that was one fine apple fritter....I'll get to a good point here soon. Ever watch a food commercial on television and suddenly feel hungry? That's the power of suggestion. Whatever can grab your attention can capture you. Simply repeating, 'I must stop drinking, or smoking, or overeating, or lusting,' doesn't work because it just keeps you thinking about what you don't want. Instead of trying to remove those thoughts, replace them. Once your focus is on something good, that thought or thing begins to lose its grip. Only by reprogramming your mind can you keep it centered on the right things. The Bible says: 'Don't let evil get the upper hand but conquer evil by doing good.' (Romans 12:21 TLB) Satan can't get and keep your attention when your mind is given to something else. That's why Paul writes: '...Fill your minds with...good...' (Philippians 4:8 GNT) Fighting a thought is futile; it only strengthens the connection between you and it. By dwelling on it you actually reinforce it. Hit the remote; change the channel! Furthermore, you don't overcome temptation by fighting the feeling of it. The more you fight a feeling, the more it engages and draws you. Turn your attention to something better! Your mind is where the battle is won or lost. Start managing your mind and monitoring your media intake. The Bible says, 'Your life is shaped by your thoughts.' The Psalmist prayed, 'Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless...' (Psalm 119:37 GNT) Is this easy to do? No, it takes discipline and practice. But with time, and God's grace, you can change the way you think and overcome temptation. (By the way I lost to a donut this morning.) It's just a donut. But it could be just? For you? You are loved!

Are You Being Tempted? (1)

'...We will receive...grace to help us when we need it.' Hebrews 4:16 NLT

Good morning,
Sitting in the office today trying to keep my leg up. I get upset when this infection flairs up every two you years. It's so frustrating. It's tempting to get the poor me's, but then I would be succumbing to another plan other than Gods. Temptation is so fickle. God wants us to live lives of faith and trust but No matter how spiritually mature you become you will never outgrow temptation. When you conquer it on one front it attacks you on another. And the closer you get to God the more Satan will try to tempt you. Paul explains it this way: 'The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants...These two forces are constantly fighting each other...' (Galatians 5:17 NLT) So what's the answer?
Here are two ways you can overcome temptation:
First, honest about it. Ask yourself, 'When am I tempted most?' Usually we are most vulnerable when we are under stress: when we are hurt, angry, worried, alone, bored, tired or after a big success or spiritual high. Learn to identify your patterns: 'God's people...protect themselves by watching where they go.' (Proverbs 16:17 CEV)
Secondly, for God's help. 'Call on me in times of trouble. I will rescue you...' (Psalm 50:15 GWT) So why don't we call on God more often? Because sometimes we just want to do what we want to do, right? Or we are embarrassed because we keep giving in to the same temptations. Don't be discouraged; God won't give up on you. His Word says, 'Let us...come before God's throne where...we [will] receive...grace to help us when we need it.' (Hebrews 4:16 NCV) If you have to cry out for God's help every hour of the day, He will be there for you! Just as the roots of a tree deepen when storms come, each time you stand up to a temptation you become stronger. Become stronger and watch your life become you were created to be. You are loved...