Redemption...

Ephesians 1:7

 


 

As I was going over next Sunday's scripture this morning, I thought, what a blessed people we are. We are redeemed and forgiven all because of what Jesus did and God's amazing grace. In Ephesians 1:7 Paul says, "In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." Last night in our connection group one of the questions we asked was, "Why is the blood important?" Ever tried to redeem a coupon at a store without the coupon? You generally can't get the special without the coupon. But with God anyone can get the deal free without any coupon, no strings attached. Free relationship with Him comes through the shed blood of Jesus. Imagine a dying man and the doctor offers the only medicine to cure him. The only remedy for his condition is to take the medicine. ‘If you take this medicine it will heal you’. The man looks at the doctor and simply says, ‘I don’t believe you!’ Now the man dies and the doctor’s report states that he died of a certain disease but actually his death came because he refused to take the remedy and the disease took its course. We all have the disease of sin and in Romans 6:23 it says, the wages of sin is death. God offers us His remedy which is through the person of Christ. We can refuse it and what could have saved us on earth will forever remain in heavenly places. So don't refuse it. Receive today what is yours for free; The riches of God's Grace! You are loved...
   

Heart Condition's

      
'Above all...guard your heart...it is the wellspring of life.' Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Ever thought you needed to be reminded about heart disease? Heart disease will kill you if you don't detect it and treat it in time. That is true - physically and spiritually. It's why the Bible says, 'Above all...guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.' Wanting to look your best is commendable. It can enhance your sense of selfworth and improve your prospects in life. But it's a big mistake to dwell on your appearance and neglect your character. When all is said and done, '...Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.' (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV) I'm not saying we shouldn't take of our bodies. I love going to the gym and working out trying to keep this 12 pak in order. But think about the heart for a moment and what Gods word means to us. It's like a mirror; it shows you the condition of your heart at any given moment. So, how's your heart today? What kind of thoughts are you entertaining? Are you constantly comparing and resenting? Do you get easily upset? When you hear gossip do you silence it or spread it? Jesus said, 'Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.' (Matthew 5:8 KJV) In other words, when you start to see things God's way you'll act accordingly. If the water in the well is polluted it will make you sick. Indeed, if you drink enough, it can kill you. What's the point? Simply this: it's not enough to try to change your bad habits; you've got to go to the heart of your problem - which is the problem of your heart! The Psalmist realized this so he prayed, 'Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.' (Psalm 51:10 KJV) If you want God to prosper you, get your heart right. You are loved!

Secure In God

'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' Exodus 33:14 NIV

Amy and I got back from conference last night spiritually full and excited to share what God has laid on our hearts. It's good to go get fed ourselves from time to time and we are thankful that you help us in our journey of faith.

Let me ask you a question, are you secure in your faith? Unless you spend time in God's presence you will always have an underlying sense of insecurity. There are certain people we draw security from just by being in their lives; their presence and approach to life make us feel better. Likewise, when you need to be lifted and strengthened you must spend time with God. Being in His presence is like being in a room filled with perfume; you take the fragrance of it with you when you leave.

Moses spent a great deal of time with God. He knew that without God's presence he wasn't worth two cents. Can you imagine being responsible for the daily care of two million people, getting them out of one country and into another - on foot? It's mindboggling. And as if that wasn't bad enough, the Israelites spent much of their time complaining about their lot in life and finding fault with Moses. When things went wrong, he was their favourite target. It was an ideal situation for losing your mind. But God told Moses, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' God can give you rest in the midst of trouble, and peace in the midst of conflict. That includes a difficult workplace, or a home that's in constant turmoil. God's presence can help you to show love in the face of mistreatment, and patience in times of stress. It can help you to bring positive change without a lot of words, and end up feeling good about the way you handled things. So spend time in God's presence today. You'll be glad you did. You are loved!

Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Jesus!

Psalm 141:8 "But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord"

Last day of conference today. It been a wonderful time of refreshment. As I read today's lesson, I realized how hard this is for many of us, but it seems I but heads with is all the time. As your pastor I'm always asking God for ways to reach our community and to bring the right people on board. Getting people to catch the vision without compromising them is sometimes the hardest lesson to learn as a pastor. Something God reminded me today is that relationship with Him is always top priority. Enjoy!

 Jesus Calling "Keep Your Eyes on Me, not only for direction but also for empowerment. I never lead you to do something without equipping you for the task. That is why it's so important to seek My will in everything you do. There are many burned-out Christians who think more is always better, who deem it unspiritual to say no. 

In order to know My will, you must spend time with Me; enjoying My presence. This is not an onerous task but a delightful privilege. I will show you the path of life; in my Presence is fullness of joy; at My right hand there are pleasures forevermore." 

Listen Continually

John 8:36 "So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed."

"Listen to Me Continually." 
Jesus Calling...I have much to communicate to you, so many people and situations in need of prayer. I am training you to set your mind on Me more and more, tuning out distractions through the help of My Spirit. 

Walk with me in holy trust, responding to My initiatives rather than trying to make things fit your plans. I died to set you free, and that includes freedom from compulsive planning. When your mind spins with a multitude of thoughts, you cannot hear My voice. A mind preoccupied with planning pays homage to the idol of control. Turn from this idolatry back to me. Listen to Me and live abundantly! 

You are loved! 

What are you Thinking?

Romans 8:6 "The mind is governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." 



We are finally here at our Network Conference in Coeur D'Alene getting ready for some learning and rest. I'm not in my office or have the time to write out my normal devotionals, so I'll be sharing with you out of the "Jesus Calling" Devotional for the next few days. Amy and a few ladies are going through this devotional together and if you'd like to be apart, just give her a jingle.

April 21
"Let me control your mind. The mind is the most restless, unruly part of mankind. Long after you have learned the discipline of holding your tongue, your thoughts will defy your will and set themselves up against Me. Man is the pinnacle of my creation, and the human mind is wondrously complex. I risked all by granting you freedom to think for yourselves. This is godlike privilege, forever setting you apart from the animals and robots. I made you in My Image, precariously close to deity.

Though my blood has fully redeemed you, your mind is the last bastion of rebellion. Open yourself to My radiant Presence, letting My light permeate your thinking. When My Spirit is controlling your mind, you are filled with life and peace."

You are loved!

Control Issues?

'...Anger resides in the lap of fools.' Ecclesiastes 7:9 NIV

I love Ecclesiastes. God reminded me this morning about controlling our anger. The word 'anger' is just one letter short of the word 'danger.' When you lose control you risk losing other things as well, like the respect of others or the chance to find a constructive solution. That's why all of us should go through our Crucial conversations connection group. It will change your way thinking because anger pointed in the right direction is ok; but left unchecked is damaging. Paul writes, 'Be angry without sinning. Don't go to bed angry.' (Ephesians 4:26 GWT) There's a saying: 'Anger is the wind that blows out the lamp of the mind.' So: (1) Before you react, take a walk It burns off excess adrenaline and it's more effective than stewing. It also helps you to think more clearly and handle things in a way you won't regret. 'A quicktempered man does foolish things...' (Proverbs 14:17 NIV) (2) Recognise the things you can't control You can't control other people's attitudes and actions, or unforeseen events such as cancelled flights and traffic jams. 'What should I do?' you ask. Count your blessings, particularly the fact that you have God, salvation, your health, your family, your job, and a car to get to it, etc. (3) Be careful where you vent It's one thing to be angry; it's another to 'sound off' at the wrong time. 'A fool gives full vent to his anger,11 but a wise man keeps himself under control.' (Proverbs 29:11 NIV) It's ok to share your feelings with those you trust and who are not the targets of your anger. But be careful, your words can come back and bite you! (4) Keep your distance from angry people The Bible says, '...do not associate with one easily angered.' (Proverbs 22:24 NIV) Anger, like joy and gratitude, is contagious, so keep your distance. You are loved!

Trouble with Patience?

    

'By your patience possess your souls.' Luke 21:19 NKJV

I know this is a picture of the order menu at In-n-Out burgers. You are probably getting hungry right now and I'm sorry for that. This last winter on vacation Amy and I experienced a In-n-Out burger for the first time. Fifty five years or my whole life to experience the animal, or what ever it was called. It was great and we enjoyed ourselves. But what do you do when you have to wait for something; maybe your whole to see it happen? Especially when you've been asking God for it? When God makes you wait for something longer than you want to, He's teaching you patience. Your emotions are like a wild horse - they need to be reined in. 'Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.' (Hebrews 10:36 NLT) Pastor I have to wait on God sometimes? Yes, because your impatience will just make you and everybody around you miserable, but it won't rush God. He works according to His own plan and timetable: '...In due season we shall reap...' (Galatians 6:9 KJV) 'Due season' is God's season, not yours. You're in a hurry, He isn't. He takes time to do things right. You may not know what He's doing, but He does. And that will have to be good enough for you. God's timing seems to be His own business. He's never late, but He usually isn't early either. He takes every opportunity to develop in you the fruit of patience. But other fruits are being developed in you as well. There are several things that must arrive at the finish line at the same time in order for you to win the race. Developed potential, without character, doesn't glorify God. If you were to become a huge success and yet be arrogant and harsh with people, that wouldn't be pleasing to the Lord. So when you get ahead of yourself in one area, He gently but firmly blocks your progress in that area until the others catch up. You don't appreciate any of this while it's happening, it's later on you realize what a mess you'd have made if things had been done on your timetable instead of God's. You are loved...

Give Them Another Chance!

'...how often shall...I forgive him...?' Matthew 18:21 NKJV

When people are upset they say and do the wrong things. Especially in the heat of the moment. Instead of stepping back and asking God to help us in a situation we become critical and arrive at the wrong conclusion. So, slow down; ask God for patience and understanding. Don't force others to live by their past while you expect yours to be forgotten. Whatever you sow in mercy you'll reap a hundred times over. Everybody makes mistakes, so give them a chance to come back into the relationship with dignity. How long has it taken you to correct the mistakes in your life? Aren't you still working on some of them? Aren't you glad people don't know the whole story of your struggles? So give people time; give them an opportunity to explain themselves. They may not even know the right words at first, so be willing to listen a little longer. Jesus put up with Peter's weaknesses because He knew what Peter would one day become. Interestingly, when someone upset Peter he came to Jesus and said, '...how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times? Jesus said to him...Seventy times seven.' (Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV) If they have a flicker of hope, fan that flame, don't extinguish it. They don't need a critic, they need a cheerleader. How do you become the person who can step up at the right time. Always look at people as you would like them to look at you! When you look at others through the eyes of Christ the filter of love is always present. So as I say to you everyday...tell them they are loved!

God's Kind of Love

   

'...My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?' Matthew 27:46 NKJV

Can you imagine having to stand on a stage and watch every sin you've ever committed replayed for the entire world to see - your secret addictions, your selfish motives, your angry outbursts, your critical attitudes and your jealous heart. How do you think you'd feel? I know how I would feel; terrible. I wouldn't be able to express the words or feelings as I stood in God's presence. Think about what Jesus experienced on our behalf. The Bible says: 'He...bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness - by whose stripes you were healed.' (1 Peter 2:24 NKJV) It's bad enough to die for sins you didn't commit, but imagine being forsaken by God! It's the same word Paul used when he wrote: 'Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world...' (2 Timothy 4:10 NKJV) Paul looked for Demas and couldn't find him. And on the cross, Jesus looked for His Father and couldn't find Him either. Does that mean the Psalmist was wrong when he wrote in Psalm 37:25 NIV: '...I have never seen the righteous forsaken...'? No, because at that moment Jesus was anything but righteous. When you look at Him hanging there you will see the gossiper, the liar, the cheater, the alcoholic, the porn addict, the child abuser, the murderer. What wondrous love that He took all that upon Himself for me. That's why I'm so passionate about my relationship with Jesus. That's why I'm so passionate about helping you in your journey of faith. I hope your looking forward to our Journey Ephesians...it's going to ignite your faith as we look at the Spiritual Blessings "In Christ." You are loved...

Conquering Stress

 

'My people will live in peaceful dwelling places...' Isaiah 32:18 NIV

Years ago stress was considered mostly a male problem, but not anymore. Women are experiencing the stress of pursuing perfection by having to look a certain way, competing in the workplace, attempting to do it all, never saying no, and having no time for themselves. That's not how God wants you to live! 'The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.' (Isaiah 32:17-18 NIV) So, (male or female) here are two practical suggestions for destressing: (1) Allow yourself more time. Since everything takes longer than you think, having enough time to complete the job reduces your anxiety greatly. Whenever you're under pressure, a good rule of thumb is to allow 20 percent more time than you think you'll need. (2) Be content with less. A recent study of thousands of households found that those who maintained lifestyles beyond their means were more prone to stress related illnesses such as heart attack and depression. 'He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house...' (Proverbs 15:27 NKJV) You say, 'Does that mean God doesn't want me to get ahead in life?' No, He just wants you to keep your priorities straight and to learn to enjoy where you are, on your way to where you're going. If you're feeling stressed today, pray: 'Lord, I need to be renewed. This business of living has drained me. Thank You for ordaining quiet times and places of rest in the midst of hectic schedules. Help me always to put You first and to find my place of rest in You.' You are loved!

Up Close and Personal

   

'That...which we have heard...seen...touched...' 1 John 1:1 NIV

Next week we start our Journey through Ephesians. The book of Ephesians is a very up close personal book that Paul wrote to help the believers understand their standing in Christ. Chapter one starts out by telling us about the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. I know all of us want God's spiritual blessings? How you receive and live in them is the key. All of us have a choice to draw closer to the Lord if we really want to. You can have firsthand knowledge of Him. You don't have to settle for Sunday morning sound bites, secondhand information or a longdistance relationship. You can get 'up close and personal' with Him. I love what John writes, 'That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.' Drawing closer to God calls for developing a greater awareness of His presence. This brings three great benefits: (1) Friendship. No human being, no matter how wonderful, can be everything you need. But the Lord can. In Scripture He is described as a 'friend who sticks closer than a brother.' (Proverbs 18:24 NIV) He will stick by you through every season of life, the bad ones as well as the good ones. For decades the motto of the Marines has been 'Semper Fidelis,' or "Semper Fi" which is Latin for 'Ever faithful.' Even when you're not faithful to God, He will still be faithful to you. (2) Compassion As a young disciple, John wanted to call fire down from heaven on a town that refused overnight accommodation to Christ and His disciples (Luke 9:54). But after a lifetime of walking with Jesus he wrote, 'Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.' (1 John 4:8 NIV) (3) Confidence Whatever life throws at you, you can handle, confident in the strength of God. 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' (Philippians 4:13 NKJV) You can do this and from an old Army term; "Be all you can be." You are loved...

Gratitude

'Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord...' Psalm 107:8 NKJV


The Psalmist writes, 'Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord, for His goodness...' Notice the word 'would.' A thankful attitude is a choice you make regardless of the situation. You choose your attitude just like you choose the food you eat and the clothes you wear each day. And there's plenty to be grateful for. You say, 'Yes, but there's plenty to complain about too.' The point exactly - so you've a choice to make! I know many of you have read the story of Robinson Crusoe who spent 27 years shipwrecked on an island. Here's part of his journal entry (paraphrased). Let's call his lists the Gripe list and the Gratitude list. Gripe: 'I'm stuck on this desert island without hope.' Gratitude: 'I wasn't drowned like the rest of my ship's company.' Gripe: 'I've no clothes.' Gratitude: 'I'm in a hot climate; if I had clothes I couldn't wear them.' Gripe: 'I've no way to protect myself from man or beast.' Gratitude: 'I see no wild beasts here to hurt me as I saw on the coast of Africa. What if I'd been shipwrecked there?' Gripe: 'I've nobody to talk to.' Gratitude: 'God sent the ship in near enough to the shore that I got out so many necessary things as will enable me to supply myself as long as I live.' That's powerful stuff! If you can grasp it and put it into practice, it'll keep you from becoming a member of the Old Testament wilderness club known as 'the murmurers'. Your attitude is simply the decision you make about how you're going to approach things. It isn't Disneyworld thinking to focus on the good things of life; it's wisdom! You are loved...

Are You Experiencing God's Grace?

      

'Grace be unto you, and peace, from God...'
1 Corinthians 1:3 KJV

Several of Paul's epistles open with the words, 'Grace be unto you, and peace, from God.' That's because you cannot experience God's peace unless you first know how to receive His grace and walk in it. "You may say walking in grace is easy?" On the surface it may look like it. But unless you learn some principles to live by, it's really harder than you might think. There are three things about grace you need to understand: (a) it cannot be earned; (b) it is God doing for you what you cannot do for yourself; (c) it doesn't kick in until you stop struggling and trying to do it in your own strength. The Bible says, '...God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' (James 4:6 NIV) The 'humble' are those who admit their total inability to succeed without God's help, but the 'proud' are always trying to take the credit. They like to think it's their ability that gets the job done, so they have difficulty asking God for grace, and even more difficulty receiving it. Peter writes, 'Grow in grace...' (2 Peter 3:18 KJV) You only learn to trust God - by doing it! You grow in grace by taking God at His Word, counting on His gracious provision for each day, and His intervention in situations that are difficult or impossible for you. There will never be a day when you don't need God's grace. And if you are willing to acknowledge you need it and receive it by faith, there will be no shortage of it. 'For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favour upon favour and gift [heaped] upon gift.' (John 1:16 AMP) You are loved!

Covetousness (4)

   
'...Be content with such things as you have...' Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
 Thank you to everyone who made our Appreciation Sunday a success yesterday...There was a wonderful sweet Spirit as God walked amongst us. We appreciate and love our church family!

If your goals are God centered, He will help you to achieve them. But if you are asking Him for something just because your neighbor has it, you'll be disappointed. The Bible says, '...No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.' (Psalm 84:11 NAS) When God withholds something from you, trust Him; He knows what He's doing. God loves you too much to give you what you're not ready for, can't handle, doesn't fit into His plan for your life, or will end up draining your energies and maybe even destroying you. Please when I share this I mean this! God loves you so much He wouldn't throw things at you that you can't handle. When you covet something, and make it essential to your happiness, and beg God to give it to you, you're asking Him to replace Himself with something you consider more important. When you do this, God may allow you to experience the consequences Israel suffered. 'He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.' (Psalm 106:15 NKJV) Don't reach the end of your life only to look back with regret on a shattered marriage, children who've gone astray, a blighted conscience or the pain of realizing you missed out on God's best. Our problem is not that we don't want God; it's that we want God - plus - a house by the sea, an impressive career, a perfect spouse, or whatever catches our fancy. That's why Jesus said, '...Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.' (Luke 12:15 NKJV) Life is not built on things, it's built on relationships. And the first relationship you need to work on is your relationship with God. You are loved!

Covetousness (3)

'He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.' Psalm 106:15 NKJV

See if you recognise this pattern. As slaves in Egypt the Israelites pray, 'God, get us out of here!' So He does. Then in the wilderness, on their way to the Promised Land they say, 'God, we're going to die out here. We were better off in Egypt. At least there, we had all the food we wanted.' So God sends bread from Heaven. He even delivers it to their door. It was a diet so perfect that '...there was not one feeble person among [them].' (Psalm 105:37 KJV) Did that make them happy? No! They said, 'We're tired of this stuff, we want some prime rib.' So God says ok, '[I'll] give you meat, and you will eat it...until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it...' (Numbers 11:1820 NIV) Covetousness angers God because it is rooted in pride that says, 'I deserve better,' and ingratitude that says, 'I want something other than what You've blessed me with.' The saying goes, 'Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.' Because they thought something else could satisfy them in a way that God couldn't, 'He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.' With God, you can be satisfied with very little. Without Him, all your acquisitions and accomplishments will leave you empty. What are you coveting? Putting your life on hold for? Continually begging God for? Nothing is essential but God. Material things can never take His place. Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." You don't need to chase after things, because His heart and desire is that you only have a heart for Him...you are loved...

Covetousness (2)

 

'You shall not covet...' Exodus 20:17 NKJV
      

  


This question has probably been asked throughout the ages; 
why do we keep giving in to sinful desires? For two reasons: (1) Because the new birth doesn't automatically do away with the old nature. Our natures are like two cars approaching crossroads at the same time, your old and new natures are always on a collision course. If you ever have played chicken as a kid you know what I mean. The goal in chicken is to ride towards another and see who chicken's out first. But with our spiritual natures they seem to want to collide and collide. It's a circle that only God can help you break. (2) Because if you dwell on a desire long enough, yielding is only a matter of time. Ever gone to your fridge when you weren't really hungry, but weren't really satisfied, sort of looking for something to grab you? As bad as that is, it's worse when you do it in life. It's like surfing the web of behavior options, looking for something to make you happier than you are at that particular moment. When you covet something, you embellish and empower it, making it more attractive and accessible. A one-night stand? You say, 'Nobody will ever know.' The Bible says, 'Do not be deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that also will he reap.' (Galatians 6:7 NKJV) As surely as a seed produces a harvest, your decisions will have consequences. Covetousness just maximises the desire while minimising the danger. It's impossible to dwell on a desire for any length of time without rationalising a way to get it. Like starting the countdown on the space shuttle, it's just a matter of time before you get liftoff. So if you're dwelling on it, set the clock; yielding is inevitable. What's the answer? Change your focus! 'Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.' (Romans 8:5 NKJV) You are loved...

Covetousness (1)

 

'Let your conduct be without covetousness...' Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

Covetousness begins with craving, and then evolves into conniving to get what you want. You know what I'm talking about. The thought comes in and you really don't need that thing; but the cravings move you to do what you know you shouldn't. It's amazing that the sin of covetousness hasn't changed much. Achan, Ahab, Ananias and Sapphira were willing to steal, lie or kill to get what they wanted. Hebrews says, 'Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."' This Scripture means that what you have in Christ is greater than whatever else you don't have! Covetousness is: (1) Wanting status but not wanting to serve; wanting control so that you can be at the center; wanting wealth strictly for yourself; wanting praise from others. (2) Wanting the right things but for the wrong reasons '...If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.' (1 Timothy 3:1 NKJV) Wanting to make an impact is a good thing, but you must want it for the right reasons. If you want it for personal recognition and power over others, that's covetousness. (3) Wanting the right things but at the wrong time. A young couple says, 'We love each other. We're going to get married in three months. But we want to sleep together now.' They want the right thing for the right reason, but they want it at the wrong time. That's covetousness. (4) Wanting the right things but in the wrong amount. Covetousness is wanting more than is required for your needs, and to fulfil God's purpose for your life. Understand this: More of anything other than God will never satisfy the longing for fulfilment He's placed within you. Only when you acknowledge that, will you find true and lasting happiness. You are loved...

His Compassions are new Everyday

'...His compassions...are new every morning...' Lamentations 3:2223 NIV

What's the first thing you think about when you get up in the morning? The first thing that came to my mind was a song we sang on Sunday. The presence of God filled my heart and I know everyday isn't the same. But how do you handle the things you are you going through? A hard time or moment that seemed to come out of know where? I was thinking about Israel today after I read a article on terrorists shooting missiles into homes. In Lamentations we read that things were so bad in Israel during Jeremiah's time that Jeremiah wrote a whole book about it. In a positive thinking, feel good world, that's not exactly a bestselling title. Jeremiah describes God's people as a 'widow' and a 'slave,' and says, 'All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies.' (Lamentations 1:2 NKJV) As you move through the book verse by verse, things just keep going from bad to worse as God's people reap what they have sown. Then suddenly in the middle of all his lamenting, when you think things can't get any worse, Jeremiah writes, 'Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.' (Lamentations 3:2223 NIV) Isn't that wonderful? God's love, compassion and faithfulness have been placed in an account that cannot be overdrawn, that you don't have to contribute to, and that'll last as long as you live. In a world that doesn't seem to care, where only the fittest survive, that's good to know. Next time somebody says to you, 'What's new?' tell them, 'God's love, compassion, and faithfulness.' The dictionary defines compassion as 'tenderness of heart that disposes a person to overlook injuries or to treat an offender better than he or she deserves.' So when you wake up each day, be like the lady who prayed, 'Lord, I'm glad Your mercies are new every morning, because I definitely used up all of yesterday's.' You are loved!

Sound Thinking

'God has...given us...a sound mind.' 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Thank you everyone who made our Resurrection Service's a huge success yesterday. Both the Sunrise and 10am Services were filled with expectant hearts focused on Jesus. I wasn't feeling very good yesterday but I made it through with God's help.  
 
This morning I would like share on Sound Thinking. The Bible says, 'God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.' In order to improve your life you must change two things that are vital to your success: (1) Your thought processes.  Something's that I've found in people who are out of shape mentally are: 'People who are out of shape mentally usually fall victim to ideas and systems that are destructive to the human spirit... They have not taught themselves how to think, nor have they set themselves to the lifelong pursuit of the growth of the mind...so they grow dependent upon the thoughts and opinions of others. Rather than deal with ideas and issues, they reduce themselves to lives filled with rules, regulations and program's.' The moment you think you know it all, you've merely stopped thinking. (2) Your expectations. The story's told of a man who went to a fortune teller. She said to him, 'You'll be poor and miserable until you're fifty.' The man asked her, 'What will happen then?' She replied, 'Then you'll get used to it.' Now I don't advise going to a fortune teller, but be honest; how many successful people do you know who are apathetic and negative? None! Faith produces excitement, commitment, energy - characteristics that help you achieve success. If you'd like to possess these qualities then raise your expectation level and bring it into alignment with God's promises. '...Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.' (Mark 11:24 NKJV) Do you want to succeed where you've failed before? To become the person you always hoped to be? Don't start by changing your actions, start by changing your mind. Renew it daily with God's Word. Nothing you do will have as great an impact. You are loved...