The Devotion Factor [1]

Good Morning,

This week we are going to look at my message from Sunday on what Worship is, "The Devotion Factor." The key to Worship is understanding that compassionate devotion is the key to loving God.

There questions we all must ask ourselves occasionally; are we in devotion mode to God in every area of our life? As we learned last week, hope floats and hope expands if we trust Him in every area of our lives. He’s always there restoring when Life gets difficult; and we know we have the advantage. We can do this together. It’s not always an easy task walking in faith and love.

Thank goodness we have each other and this amazing church to help us through those times we struggle. We need each other for a reason: God created us to be a part of this amazing thing called the church; to love and be loved.

 Did you know “Love is a Verb?” ¹lovenoun \ˈləv\  “a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.” Well it’s a noun unless you attach an object to it, an action; then it becomes a verb. My heart is to share our vision for making love a verb.

Love as God desires us to love comes with action. Friday’s mobile food bank was love in action. When I ask you to give someone a hug it takes an action on your part to get up hug them so they know you love them. When I challenge you to ask someone how can I make your day better…it takes action. I loved the phone call from Joe the other night. He says hi pastor this is Joe, how can I make your day better. You just made my day better.

 All of us must take ownership of not only the physical church, but the spiritual as well. If you aren’t I believe God is going to show you that you must. You have a job that God created just for you here at Calvary. Whatever that is you have a part. This church was started 34 years ago to help you walk this journey of faith in the Holy Spirit’s strength and power. It was created as a place for you to grow spiritually and then share that with those who are in need. To make an impact in people! However that may look.

Our Mission @CFW is to: Love God & Love People [this is our purpose for being as a church]

Mission must have Vision.

Love sets in motion [love is an action] these core values in our lives:

1.    Worship – we {Worship by Embracing a lifestyle of Devotion to God} by being culturally relevant yet never compromising God’s word.

2.    Prayer:

3.    Service:

4.    Outreach:

5.    Nurture:

We embrace these core values so we can grow spiritually. Love sets in motion Worship – we {Worship by Embracing a lifestyle of Devotion to God} by being culturally relevant yet never compromising God’s word.

There are three things we see love does in worship: Lifestyle devotion, being culturally relevant, and never compromising Gods word. Next week Pastor Charley will share on how we can be culturally relevant in worship without compromising God’s word.

What you think a life devoted to God looks like?

How do you love in action? Every day we are challenged with the fact that we must love as Jesus commanded us to love.

In Matthew 25 Jesus indicates to us that he gauges our love for him by the way we treat people around us.

Jesus challenged us in Matthew 25:35-36

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

He’s clearly painting a picture on the way to love. It’s easy to sit in church during a worship service and get all charged up and have the love of Christ bubbling up inside you. That is important. But wouldn’t it be a more accurate indicator of our love for him when we love our spouses, kids, and neighbors when they are unlovely to us.

In John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

The bible further defines that love isn’t feeling, but a conduct. 1 John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” That means love is not something we feel or say, love is something we do. When we say we love God there is an action behind it. When we say we love others we are not to feel sorry for them but to actually love and help them.

 

More Tomorrow.

Remember you are Loved!

 

Simply Serving (2)

'Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.' Mark 10:43 NKJV

 

Being a servant is one of the hardest things to become as a believer. Take Pontius Pilate for example: he an opportunity to acquit Jesus of any wrongdoing, but instead he called for a basin and washed his hands of the entire matter. His attitude was, 'I'm not getting involved.' A lot of people have that same attitude.

But not Jesus. The night before His death He called for a basin of water and washed His disciple's feet. He taught them: 'Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.' (Mark 10:42-43 NKJV) Peter objected because foot-washing was a duty designated to the lowest servant in Middle Eastern households, and he considered it beneath Christ's dignity.

Look what Catherine Marshall writes: 'We, the disciples, are to be the servants, I want to insist along with Peter. But Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." (John 13:8 NKJV) This is a stunning and stupendous thought. Unless I can believe in this much love for me, unless I can and will accept Him by faith as my servant as well as my God, unless I can truly know that it's my good He seeks... then I cannot have His companionship.'

This is so contrary to the world's philosophy where everybody wants to lead and nobody wants to serve. But to be like Jesus is to be a servant, for that's what He called Himself. Never have goals so lofty that they blind you to the needs of those around you. Without a servant's heart, you'll be tempted to use your gift for personal gain, or to exempt yourself from areas you consider beneath you. The truth is, the only way to serve God is by serving those He loves.
You are loved!

Simply Serving (1)

'Through love serve one another.' Galatians 5:13 NKJV

You may not know Bill Wilson or ever heard of him but he builds Sunday schools in some of New York City’s worst areas. He has understood his call and has paid the price. He has been stabbed and shot, and had team members killed. But that does not stop him.

He tells a story of a Puerto Rican lady who could barely speak English who said to him one day, ‘I want to do something for God, please.’ Bill said, ‘Okay, ride a different Sunday school bus every week and just love the kids.’ So she rode a different bus—Bill has dozens of them—and loved the children. After several months she became attached to one little boy. ‘I don’t want to change buses any more. I want to stay on this one,’ she told Bill. The boy came to Sunday school every week with his sister and sat on the lady’s lap, but never made a sound. She would repeatedly tell him, ‘I love you, and Jesus loves you.’ One day to her amazement, he turned around and stammered, ‘I… love you too.’ Then he gave her a big hug. That was at two–thirty on a Sunday afternoon. At six–thirty that night the boy was found dead in a dumpster under a fire escape. His mother had beaten him to death and thrown his body in the trash. ‘I love you, and Jesus loves you.’ Those were some of the last words that little boy heard in his short life—from the lips of a Puerto Rican woman who could barely speak English. Bill says, ‘Who among us is qualified to minister? Who among us even knows what to do? Not you; not me. But I ran to an altar once and got some fire and just went. So did this woman who couldn’t speak English. And so can you.’

Remember this Friday is our Mobile Food bank Outreach. Serving starts at 8:30am with setup, 10am start time. I hope you will make this a priority as we serve our community...

You are loved!

Psalms 95:1-6

Psalms 95:1-6 "Come, let's sing joyfully to the LORD. Let's shout happily to the rock of our salvation. Let's come into his presence with a song of thanksgiving. Let's shout happily to him with psalms. The LORD is a great God and a great king above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth, and the mountain peaks are his. The sea is his. He made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let's worship and bow down. Let's kneel in front of the LORD, our maker, because he is our God and we are the people in his care, the flock that he leads. If only you would listen to him today!

I love this Psalm as David challenges us in verse 6 to "come, bow down and worship the Lord." Why would David make such a bold claim; because HE is the only one who is worthy of our adoration!

In the book of Esther in chapter 3 there was a man named Mordecai who was disobeying the orders of the king by not bowing down to a man named Haman. As a devoted Jew Mordecai was reserving his worship and adoration for the One who truly deserved it. That was God.

Physically kneeling in worship isn't common in society these days, but we often worship other replacements for God without realizing it. One way to tell is by looking at how you spend your time and money – are they distracting you from keeping your focus on God? If so, do something because your spiritual life depends on it.

You are Loved!

Change Your Response!

'The... Lord is my strength... He enables me to [go on].' Habakkuk 3:19 NIV

I have had plenty of opportunity in the last year or so to say; "man, can things get any worse?" Personal finances, church finances, health is failing, the people you trusted have let you down. Nobody enjoys such times, but if you live long enough you'll go through them. They have a way of making you re-examine your responses and seek another path.

When the things the prophet Habakkuk counted on started to crumble, he was forced to discern between what's truly important and what's merely temporal. It's a re-evaluation we all have to make at some point. Here's what Habakkuk said: 'Though the fig tree does not bud... there are no grapes on the vines... the olive crop fails... the fields produce no food... there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord... The Sovereign Lord is my strength... He enables me to [go on].' (Habakkuk 3:17-19 NIV)

Habakkuk realised he had no control over certain things. So he chose to control his response by rejoicing in the Lord regardless of what happened, and drawing from God the strength to 'go on'. I'm glad that God has given me His word to help me through all this. As I read this scripture I asked Him to help me learn something valuable. Let me ask you, "what can you learn from this man?"

My biggest take on this is you have a choice! That you can decide to praise God regardless of the hand life deals you. God doesn't promise to take you out of your situation; He promises to bring you through it. So change your response and begin to praise God for His faithfulness, for your salvation, for your health, for your friends and family, and all the other blessings He's given you. If you look for reasons to rejoice, you'll find them!

You are Loved!

Just Listen

'Be...[a ready listener].' James 1:19 AMP

One of the many things I've had to learn in life is that talking instead of listening will get you into trouble. I love the analogy of 'Two geese preparing to fly south when a frog asked if he could go along. They questioned how he could do it. 'Easy,' he said. 'You guys hold a stick between your beaks and I'll hang on with my mouth.' Off they went as people looked up, admiring their teamwork. The trio was making great progress until somebody below shouted, 'Great idea! Whose was it?' That's when the frog opened his mouth and yelled, 'Miiiiiiiine!'

Every time you open your mouth there are consequences! So learn to listen. A great thought is this, 'The talkative listen to no one, for they are ever speaking. And the first evil that attends those who know not how to be silent is that they hear nothing.' Listening without having to air your knowledge or interject your opinion is a quality of character that proves you're mature.

Television host Larry King once said, 'I remind myself every morning: nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I'm going to learn, I must do it by listening.' Jesus was a great listener, and as a result He attracted people like a magnet. Doubtless there were times He was tired and didn't feel like it - but He listened anyway. When the disciples fussed among themselves, and the Pharisees grumbled and caused trouble, Jesus focused on the important things. He listened, He spoke, and people followed. Listening is often more effective than talking. In fact, there's a point in every conversation where you need to say less and listen more. In those moments you not only hear what others are saying, but what God is saying to you!

You are Loved!

Take Action (1)

Take Action (1)

'The righteous are as bold as a lion.' Proverbs 28:1 NIV

I love this scripture! It encourages me to go beyond my comfort zone; to step-up and out on my journey of faith. Gods righteous understand that God is the one who emboldens us. I love this quote from John Ruskin, 'What we think, or what we know, or what we believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only consequence is what we do.' If you're serious about succeeding at what you believe God called you to do, then:
(1) Do something! That is what faith is, it is action. Sir Edmund Burke said, 'Nobody made a greater mistake, than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.' Praying, planning and deliberating are all good, but there comes a point when you have to step out in faith and act. And if you're naturally sedentary or easily discouraged, you'll have to confront your fear and reluctance and take that first step.

American Declaration of Independence signer John Hancock said, 'All worthwhile men have good thoughts, good ideas and good intentions, but precious few of them ever translate those into action.' God promised to part the waters of the Jordan River so that His people could go through and enter the Promised Land. But the waters parted only after they stepped in (Joshua 3:11-17).

The same principle applies to you. In the beginning you just need to get moving. Try different things. It's easier to start doing something right if you've already started doing something. It's easy to steer a car when it's moving forward, but almost impossible when it's standing still. Dennis Bakke, co-founder and former CEO of global energy supplier AES Corporation, said, 'We try a bunch of stuff... see what works... and call that our strategy.' In other words, if you don't know exactly what to do, don't let it keep you from doing something.

You are loved!

Things Change God Doesn't!

Things Change God Doesn't!

'Find enjoyment in... all the days which God gives.' Ecclesiastes 5:18 AMP

Over one hundred times in Scripture we read, 'It came to pass.' Those may not seem like important words, but if you think about it, most things in life aren't permanent. Things change, but God doesn't! Knowing that can help you to handle the bad times and stop you from clinging so tightly to the good ones. Here are three important truths to keep in mind:

(1) Enjoy today. It's a gift - that's why it's called 'the present'! Solomon said, 'To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life...is...a gift from God.' (Ecclesiastes 5:19 NLT) Even though you are constantly moving toward another goal or objective, learn to live in the present. Don't put your joy on hold, or let it slip away while you're waiting for the next big event.

(2) Learn to appreciate the little things. They're all around you: the love of a good friend, a kind deed, a fresh insight, a good night's sleep, the delight on your child's face. How about simply being a part of an amazing church. Yesterday we not only heard an amazing message, we also took part in a marriage ceremony, and we eat together. I appreciated yesterday so much. Just like I will today. When you appreciate what you have, it multiplies. When you're grateful for the little things, God will give you more to appreciate (Matthew 25:23).

(3) Each ending brings a new beginning. There are two myths you should never believe. The first is the 'forever myth', which says your situation will never improve. The second is the 'never myth', which says if things get any worse you'll never be able to handle them. Both are distortions. God's Word says everything comes 'to pass'. And while you're going through it, He promises to 'strengthen...and help you.' (Isaiah 41:10 NIV) Yes, this ending will bring your new beginning. So keep trusting God.

You are loved!

Valuable!

Flawed, but Valuable to God

'The real power comes from God and not from us.' 2 Corinthians 4:7 CEV

I love the scripture in 2 Corinthians because it reminds me that it is all God! I can't do anything in myself other than what God empowers me to do. As we have walked our path the last two weeks with Amy's health issues, we have learned to lean on His power in a much greater way. Step by step putting our faith in His word, His power, His love.
Paul says, 'We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.' (2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV) God's power comes from His written word and supernatural action. Some people don't read the Bible because they think it's all about saintly people whose lives have no bearing on reality.

If you feel that way, read the book of Genesis. The dysfunctional families there will make yours seem normal! Cain was jealous of his brother Abel so he murdered him. Lamech introduced the world to polygamy. Noah, the most righteous man of his time, got drunk and cursed his children. When the men of Sodom wanted the two angels who visited Lot, in order to save himself Lot offered them sex with his daughters instead. And the Bible still refers to him as 'godly'! (2 Peter 2:7) Abraham slept with his wife's maid, got her pregnant and then banished her and her son to the wilderness because his wife Sarah complained about 'the other woman'. Jacob's firstborn son Reuben slept with one of his father's wives. The list goes on ad infinitum.

The question is: why would God include this cast of characters in the Bible? To make the point that we're all flawed in some way! We like to think we're normal, but by God's definition we fall far short. We will never be able to be perfect in His eyes. It's only through the blood of Christ are we made perfect in His eyes. We all have habits we struggle with, past mistakes we can't undo, and inherent tendencies we can't overcome without His help. God said, 'My power shows up best in weak people.' (2 Corinthians 12:9 TLB) You say, 'But shouldn't I strive to be better?' Yes, but if God only used perfect people, He would never call anyone to work with Him.

You are loved!

Are You Growing Spiritually?

Are You Growing Spiritually?

'Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you.' Psalm 55:22 KJV

I am concluding the thought today that I started yesterday. How do you cast your daily burden on the Lord?

First, you must learn how to carry your own burden.
Second, you must be able to help those who are weak to carry theirs.
Third, you must learn to give your burden to the Lord. 'Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you.'

Sounds easy, but it's not, because:
(1) If you're self-centred, you will think only about your own personal wants, needs and plans, and it is easy to be self-centered in times of distress.
(2) If you're a self-starter and self-motivator, you will struggle with the humility required to get down on your knees and say, 'Lord, I need You; before I make a move I need to know You are with me'. If you are a doer you will struggle with this.
(3) If you're self-sufficient, you will wait until your knees are buckling and your back is breaking, then send an SOS up to heaven asking, 'Lord, where are You?' And He will reply, 'I'm right here, wondering when you're going to start trusting Me, leaning on Me and drawing strength from Me.' Jesus said, 'I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.' (John 15:5 NKJV) Who helps us bear fruit?

The key to success in God's Kingdom is: work like it all depends on you and pray like it all depends on God! Martin Luther said, 'I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess.' If He has to, God will allow you to fall flat on your face in order to get you on your knees. If you're wise, you won't wait for that to happen. So learn and don't give Satan the opportunity, "for he prowls around like a roaring lion waiting to devour", You!

You are Loved!

Are You Growing Spiritually?

Are You Growing Spiritually?

'Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.' Galatians 6:2 NKJV

I love this scripture where Paul writes, 'Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.' Why? Because you must take responsibility for your own spiritual growth. Until you learn to carry your own burdens you won't be able to help others carry theirs.

Remember the old Hollies' song, He Ain't Heavy...He's My Brother? Instead of always having to be lifted, God wants you to lift others. Instead of always having to be prayed for, God wants you to pray for others. Instead of always needing to receive, you should be able to give.

We so grateful to those who came and visited Amy in the hospital. When you have your own burdens in place are you then able to come and visit and love on people like Amy. Paul also says 'more blessed to give than to receive' (Acts 20:35 NKJV)? Because in receiving, the process ends with you. But in giving, you activate the law of reciprocity. Paul says: 'Every one must make up his own mind as to how much he should give... cheerful givers are the ones God prizes. God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more, so that there will not only be enough for your own needs, but plenty left over to give joyfully to others... Yes, God will give you much so that you can give away much... Those you help will be glad not only because of your generous gifts to themselves and to others, but they will praise God for this proof that your deeds are as good as your doctrine.' (2 Corinthians 9:7-13 TLB) When you're all wrapped up in yourself, you make a very small package. It's when you open up and reach out in love to others that you begin to grow spiritually.

Love You Much!

Todays Thought

Good Morning,

Thank you everyone who has been praying for Amy, she made some strides yesterday towards being better. The Dr. said she is moving in the right direction. So please pray for fluid to leave her body and her breathing to get better. That will be the sign that the kidney's are doing what they should. She is still tired. So we move forward today in full faith and confidence.

I was reminded today of everything the apostle Paul went through in his life. Beatings, ship wreaks, stoning's, his own sickness. He said, "no matter what I go through I run the race to win the prize." So we move forward in Christ to win the prize. We also have faith in what we do not see, and hope in what we do not see; yet we move forward knowing we will see what we have faith in. Jesus is our rock, make Him your foundation.

Love you all much in Christ!

Psalms 147:1-11

Good Morning,

Another day at the hospital. Praying we find out what the problem is with Amy today. Up to this point they have ruled out many things, but the CT scan caused her kidney's to struggle yesterday and we are still waiting on test results to see if kidney treatment helped. The won't go on with more tests till then. Doctors have their own schedule but thank Jesus they are here to help. WE appreciate your prayers very much. Love you All!

This portion of scripture gave me strength today, I hope it does you!
Psalms 147:1-11 "Hallelujah! It is good to sing psalms to our God. It is pleasant to sing his praise beautifully. The LORD is the builder of Jerusalem. He is the one who gathers the outcasts of Israel together. He is the healer of the brokenhearted. He is the one who bandages their wounds. He determines the number of stars. He gives each one a name. Our Lord is great, and his power is great. There is no limit to his understanding. The LORD gives relief to those who are oppressed. He brings wicked people down to the ground. Sing to the LORD a song of thanksgiving. Make music to our God with a lyre. He covers the sky with clouds. He provides rain for the ground. He makes grass grow on the mountains. He is the one who gives food to animals and to young ravens when they call out. He finds no joy in strong horses, nor is he pleased by brave soldiers. The LORD is pleased with those who fear him, with those who wait with hope for his mercy.

Good morning,

I'm sitting in the hospital room with Amy for the third day. It's been a hard couple days as the doctors figure out what is going on in her body. One by one they eliminate stuff but now her kidneys aren't cooperating. I think about the scripture in Isiah that says, "As we wait upon the lord he will lift us up as on wings of eagles." So we are trusting in Him and praying for healing in Amy's body. I probably won't be posting like I do everyday. I'm trusting that those of you who read this will be praying for my wife. If you want updates please call Barb Beach.
You are loved much!