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...

The Lost and Found Column (3)

 

'...[My] son...was lost, and is found...' Luke 15:24 NIV   

 

Last night as I was sitting in connection group, an overwhelming sadness over came me. I had been in such a spiritual battle for our nation and state yesterday it made me almost sick. He revealed something to me that took me back. God began to share with me that the battles we are facing in our nation today were lost years ago when His people stopped doing what they should have been doing all along; being a light to our nation. I began to feel what God feels for His people. Righteous or not He loves all of us. That's why it is so important we understand we can't sit back anymore and not tell the world about Jesus. If you love Jesus then it's your job to tell the lost about Him. But pastor I'm not good at that and you can't make me...I'm joking...the greatest thing I learned when Jesus came into my life was how much He saved me from! The story of the lost son in Luke 15 is about the son realizing that he knew he was lost, and knew his way home. Even though things look bleak, my prayer is that they begin to see how much they can be saved from.The shepherd sought the lost sheep, the lady with the lamp sought the lost silver, but nobody went looking for the lost son. Only when he had squandered his inheritance and ended up in a pigpen do we read: 'When he came to his senses, he said... I will...go back to my father and say to him: 'Father, I have sinned'...But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him...the father said to his servants, Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was...lost and is found...' (Luke 15:17-24 NIV) Backslider, though you have walked away from God, He is waiting to welcome you home. Your place at the table is reserved. He has a ring of sonship that identifies you as His own, and a robe of righteousness to cover your shame. The Prodigal Son's joy didn't return until he came back to his father's house. So, you have a decision to make. Though you're disappointed in yourself and ashamed before the God you've failed, you can come back home. And you can come today. That's the message we all should be sharing to anyone who can hear. You are loved!

The Lost and Found Column (2)

 

'...I have found the piece [of silver] which I lost!' Luke 15:9 NKJV

         

        
To everyone who signed up to help with the Thanksgiving baskets we need everything here at the church this Sunday. Thank you for listening and helping those in need this season.

As we continue from yesterday, Christ's next parable in Luke 15 was about a piece of lost silver: 'What woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost.' (Luke 15:8-9 NKJV) Notice, this piece of silver, which was an inanimate object, didn't know it was lost so it had no concern. Observe two things here: (1) It was lost by the very person who was supposed to care for it. (2) It was lost, even though it was in the house. I know this may be hard, but this is a picture of those who sit in church every Sunday morning trusting in personal reformation, church affiliation, family connections or good works to save them. Jesus leads us to look at the woman.What did this woman do? She lit a lamp, swept the house and searched for it until she found it. That's what Bible-based, Christ-centered preaching does. Whatever stands in the way of people coming to Christ must be swept out. Let's light the lamp of God's Word. Let's preach the only message that can save people from their sins: '...The Gospel...is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes...' (Romans 1:16 NKJV) This woman probably had garments to be mended, cattle to be tended and water to be drawn. But all of that took a back seat. What's needed in the church today is the lamp to illuminate, the broom to sweep clean, and a commitment that refuses to stop until those who are lost in God's house are found and saved. That's our mission and vision at CFW. We have a passion to see everyone who needs Christ to hear the message of redemption. That mean you and me working together. Are you on board and ready? You are loved...

The Lost and Found Column (1)

 

'...I have found my sheep which was lost.' Luke 15:6 NKJV

         

Yesterday I touched base in Luke chapter 15 on the parable of the "Lost Son." Chapter 15 is sometimes referred to as 'the lost and found column' of the Bible. In it you find the parable of the lost sheep, the lost silver coin, and the lost son. Today let's look at the lost sheep. Like all of us, it had no intention of losing its way. Indeed, it probably thought it wasn't lost at all. This parable shows us two wonderful things about Jesus, our Shepherd: (1) The value God places on you! Some of us would say, 'It's only one out of a hundred sheep, no big deal, nobody will miss it.' Wrong, the Good Shepherd will! Understand this: If you had been the only person who ever lived, Jesus would have gone to the cross and died just for you. Next time you feel worthless and unloved, think about that! (2) The lengths to which God will go to save you! God demolished social and religious barriers and sent Peter, a Jew, down to Caesarea to preach the Gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile. Heaven cannot shut its ears to the cry of one lost soul! When Cornelius prayed, God replied, 'Your prayers...have come up for a memorial before [Me].' (Acts 10:4 NKJV) And here's a gem: 'When [the shepherd] has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.' (Luke 15:5 NKJV) Jesus will not only save you, He will 'carry' you when you feel you can't go on. His promise is, '...I will never leave you nor forsake you.' (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV) One Sunday when Charles Spurgeon preached, a man jumped up and shouted, 'I'm lost!' Spurgeon replied, 'Thank God, you've just been found!' You are loved!

Stand Out from the Crowd

  

'Do not follow the crowd...' Exodus 23:2 NIV

         

             




Thank you everyone who took part in our outreach last night.What a great way to stand out in our community. We believe we reached over 300 people for Christ. Now we need to pray them into the Kingdom...So how do you stand out form the crowd without following it? Mark D. Roberts writes: 'In junior high, a boy named Andrew...was the classic nerd: overweight...thick glasses...skin so white it seemed he'd never been outside. One day some of the boys began teasing Andrew and making fun of his appearance...I saw the pain in his eyes and knew I should tell the other guys to knock it off. But I saw an opportunity to be aligned with the in-crowd. So I joined in...adding my taunts as Andrew began to cry... In my heart I knew I'd done a terrible thing... Sometimes the temptation to follow the crowd is almost more than we can bear. We crave acceptance to such an extent that we do what we know is wrong so others will like us. This is true not only for insecure junior high boys, but for just about everybody. It's hard to stand up to the crowd.' Jesus wasn't ruled by people's opinions. Even His critics acknowledged, '...We know you are a man of integrity... You aren't swayed by [others]...' (Matthew 22:16 NIV) When you know who you are in Christ it frees you from the need to impress. Paul writes, 'Don't let the world...squeeze you into its own mould...let God re-mould your minds...so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good...' (Romans 12:2 PHPS) As painful as it is to be criticised, it's far worse to give up the course God has for you just for acceptance. At some point you must ask, 'How much am I willing to lose in order to be accepted?' Can you take the pressure? Will you be like Nehemiah who said, '...I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down...' (Nehemiah 6:3 NIV) We as a church stood against the response to alienate ourselves from the holiday (Halloween) as some may do. Instead we did what Jesus would have done, we walked into the midst of it and showed the world the the greatest love they could ever know, Jesus...How about you? Are you ready to stand out from the Crowd? You are loved!