In many Bibles the sayings of Jesus are printed in red ink. It’s not that these parts of the Bible are more important the others, its simply meant to draw our attention to the words of our Savior and Lord. As modern day disciples (in the Greek meaning followers or learners/students), it is important for us to study what our teacher is saying.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus’ first “words in red” are found in chapter one, verse fifteen. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Before Jesus reveals Himself through His life, teaching, and works; Jesus proclaims that the Kingdom of God is at hand. This Kingdom is not a physical territory, instead it powerfully begins in Jesus and extends to and through His followers. This Kingdom is spiritual, personal, internal (Luke 17:21). God’s wants to establish His rule over the hearts and lives of His people. While God’s Kingdom will eventually include the restoration of all creation, it begins with you and me allowing God to rule and reign in our lives. What is our response to be at disciples? Repent and believe.
Each Thursday at 7PM I am teaching The Life of Christ class in the sanctuary at Christian Life Church. Nursery and children's ministry is available. All are welcome to attend. In fact, why don’t you invite someone to come to class with you?
Showing posts with label bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bible. Show all posts
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday, October 02, 2011
God Healed Me
“...I am the LORD, your healer.”
God healed my hip the other week. It had been bothering me for awhile and was getting worse in the recent weeks. It was becoming difficult to walk without a limp.
I was at a pastor’s gathering and after a time of worship, prayer, and the Word the guest speaker began to move in the prophetic. I wanted God to heal my hip so I began to pray that God would speak directly to my situation. The very next prophetic word given was that God wanted to heal someone’s hip. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you God healed my hip as I walked from my seat to the altar for prayer. It was a incredible moment as God’s power was on display! On my next day off I took off to Lake Geneva and hiked over 12 miles around the lake. No pain. And no pain since. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
God is alive and active in our world today. The Bible tells us in the verse above that God is our Jehovah Rapha, God our healer. There are many names for God that speaks to how He is active in our lives. It’s important to remember that God not just Yahweh, He’s MY Yahweh! God is MY God. God is MY healer, provider, strength, victory, etc.
Thanks for letting me share my testimony with you. It’s important to share our testimonies. Testimonies increase faith. When we share what God is doing in our life it increases our faith and the faith of others. It raises our expectation level. When we gather together as the church come expecting because faith is contagious.
Exodus 15:26b
God healed my hip the other week. It had been bothering me for awhile and was getting worse in the recent weeks. It was becoming difficult to walk without a limp.
I was at a pastor’s gathering and after a time of worship, prayer, and the Word the guest speaker began to move in the prophetic. I wanted God to heal my hip so I began to pray that God would speak directly to my situation. The very next prophetic word given was that God wanted to heal someone’s hip. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you God healed my hip as I walked from my seat to the altar for prayer. It was a incredible moment as God’s power was on display! On my next day off I took off to Lake Geneva and hiked over 12 miles around the lake. No pain. And no pain since. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
God is alive and active in our world today. The Bible tells us in the verse above that God is our Jehovah Rapha, God our healer. There are many names for God that speaks to how He is active in our lives. It’s important to remember that God not just Yahweh, He’s MY Yahweh! God is MY God. God is MY healer, provider, strength, victory, etc.
Thanks for letting me share my testimony with you. It’s important to share our testimonies. Testimonies increase faith. When we share what God is doing in our life it increases our faith and the faith of others. It raises our expectation level. When we gather together as the church come expecting because faith is contagious.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Fear
...perfect love casts out fear...
We live in a very different world post-9/11. A lot has changed. And while there have been some positives there is one negative word that I believe sums up the the mood since 9/11. That word is “fear.”
Fear has permeated every area of society. Whether it be the economic world, politics, or even our personal lives it seems everything now is driven by fear. Fear is a selfish, powerful emotion that can control and ultimately destroy us.
When we are afraid we miss the opportunity love and enjoy life. So many people are afraid they are going to lose their job, afraid their kids aren't going to turn out right, afraid their marriage isn’t strong enough to last. When we live in fear we miss the opportunities to enjoy the God-given moments of life. Instead of being afraid all the time be thankful for your job, enjoy your time with your children and your spouse. Instead of living in fear, live in love and thankfulness.
Fear does not come from God. Always remember, His plans for you are good! (Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28) Take time this week to pray that God takes away your fear and replaces it with His love and then meditate on 2 Timothy 1:7 and experience God’s best for your life... “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Click here to listen to our 9/11 message about overcoming fear.
1 John 4:18
We live in a very different world post-9/11. A lot has changed. And while there have been some positives there is one negative word that I believe sums up the the mood since 9/11. That word is “fear.”
Fear has permeated every area of society. Whether it be the economic world, politics, or even our personal lives it seems everything now is driven by fear. Fear is a selfish, powerful emotion that can control and ultimately destroy us.
When we are afraid we miss the opportunity love and enjoy life. So many people are afraid they are going to lose their job, afraid their kids aren't going to turn out right, afraid their marriage isn’t strong enough to last. When we live in fear we miss the opportunities to enjoy the God-given moments of life. Instead of being afraid all the time be thankful for your job, enjoy your time with your children and your spouse. Instead of living in fear, live in love and thankfulness.
Fear does not come from God. Always remember, His plans for you are good! (Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28) Take time this week to pray that God takes away your fear and replaces it with His love and then meditate on 2 Timothy 1:7 and experience God’s best for your life... “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Click here to listen to our 9/11 message about overcoming fear.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Happy Father's Day!
Awhile ago I received this list from a member in our congregation. I wanted to share it with you this Father’s Day Weekend.
Ten Commandments of a Successful Father
Thou shalt hold no other group more important than the family unit, in all thy ways being faithful to it.
Thou shalt teach thy sons and daughters to love, respect and obey their parents.
Thou shalt be a loving and considerate husband.
Thou shalt not speak in a manner unbecoming to a Christian gentleman.
Thou shalt, by example, make Sunday a special day set aside for God and for worship as a family.
Thou shalt provide for thy family – spiritually and physically –in an adequate manner.
Thou shalt promote and lead family worship in thy home.
Thou shalt be honest in all thy dealings.
Thou shalt respect the desires and freedoms of the family as individuals.
Thou shalt be the head of thy household, while ruling it with love.
Ten Commandments of a Successful Father
Thou shalt hold no other group more important than the family unit, in all thy ways being faithful to it.
Thou shalt teach thy sons and daughters to love, respect and obey their parents.
Thou shalt be a loving and considerate husband.
Thou shalt not speak in a manner unbecoming to a Christian gentleman.
Thou shalt, by example, make Sunday a special day set aside for God and for worship as a family.
Thou shalt provide for thy family – spiritually and physically –in an adequate manner.
Thou shalt promote and lead family worship in thy home.
Thou shalt be honest in all thy dealings.
Thou shalt respect the desires and freedoms of the family as individuals.
Thou shalt be the head of thy household, while ruling it with love.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
I Don't Read My Bible
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Confession time... I didn’t read my Bible for about a year. I took it out of my bag, put it on my desk, and haven’t read it since. Shocking, I know, but it’s not what you think. Last summer I purchased an iPad and when I got it I loaded a wide variety of study Bibles, different translations, Bible resources, and Bible apps that I have thoroughly enjoyed using over the last year, but my “old-fashioned” Bible that I read and studied had been put aside.
Recently, Leslie and I went on a pastoral retreat where they frown on the use of electronics so I packed up my old Bible in my bag and took off. I have to admit, while I didn’t have all the resources I’m used to with my iPad, I really enjoyed holding, turning the pages, reading, and highlighting my old Bible. In fact, I’m finding myself using the old Bible more these days.
It’s important that we love the Bible. It’s God’s Word to us! It’s all He wants us to know about this life and the life to come. There is nothing greater, no higher standard. Read, memorize, study, listen to the Word of God. Whatever you do, however you do it, make sure you get the Word inside of you!
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Hebrews 4:12
Confession time... I didn’t read my Bible for about a year. I took it out of my bag, put it on my desk, and haven’t read it since. Shocking, I know, but it’s not what you think. Last summer I purchased an iPad and when I got it I loaded a wide variety of study Bibles, different translations, Bible resources, and Bible apps that I have thoroughly enjoyed using over the last year, but my “old-fashioned” Bible that I read and studied had been put aside.
Recently, Leslie and I went on a pastoral retreat where they frown on the use of electronics so I packed up my old Bible in my bag and took off. I have to admit, while I didn’t have all the resources I’m used to with my iPad, I really enjoyed holding, turning the pages, reading, and highlighting my old Bible. In fact, I’m finding myself using the old Bible more these days.
It’s important that we love the Bible. It’s God’s Word to us! It’s all He wants us to know about this life and the life to come. There is nothing greater, no higher standard. Read, memorize, study, listen to the Word of God. Whatever you do, however you do it, make sure you get the Word inside of you!
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
How You Think
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
God does not decide your thought life. How you think is up to you. But luckily we are not left on our own. God provides His Word to help in the process of renewing our minds.
We must resist the natural temptation to allow your thought life to birth sin, stress, worry, panic, fear and the list goes on and on.
Spend time in God’s word this week and allow Him to renew your mind. Here are a few verses to get you started.
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" (Isaiah 26:3)
"So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace." (Romans 8:6)
"Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble." (Psalm 119:165)
Psalm 119 is a great place to renew your mind.
Romans 12:2
God does not decide your thought life. How you think is up to you. But luckily we are not left on our own. God provides His Word to help in the process of renewing our minds.
We must resist the natural temptation to allow your thought life to birth sin, stress, worry, panic, fear and the list goes on and on.
Spend time in God’s word this week and allow Him to renew your mind. Here are a few verses to get you started.
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" (Isaiah 26:3)
"So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace." (Romans 8:6)
"Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble." (Psalm 119:165)
Psalm 119 is a great place to renew your mind.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Be Encouraged!
Be encouraged in the Word!
"Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." (Colossians 3:23)
"The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." (Luke 18:27)
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)
"Be confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)
"Rejoice in the Lord always, AGAIN I say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:4)
"Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." (Colossians 3:23)
"The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." (Luke 18:27)
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)
"Be confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)
"Rejoice in the Lord always, AGAIN I say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:4)
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Your Faith Matters
It is impossible to please God without faith.
Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)
Your faith is matters! God cannot be pleased without faith. God has given each of us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) and we need to have the attitude of the disciples who asked Jesus to increase their faith (Luke 17:5). Our faith needs to be strengthened and grow daily. We do this by spending time in God’s Word. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
Your Faith... Moves Mountains. “So Jesus answered and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt... but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done.” (Matt. 21:21)
Your Faith... Gives You Access Into The Peace Of God. “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.” (Rom 5:2)
Your Faith... Does Not Need To Be Large To Be Incredibly Effective. “So Jesus said to them, '...if you have faith as a mustard seed... nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt 17:20)
Your Faith... Can Birth A Physical Healing In Your Body. “...listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed.” (Acts 14:9)
Your Faith... Will Lead You To An Eternity In Heaven. “The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” (I Pet 1:9)
Your faith in God has the potential of incredible rewards in your life!
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Growing Up In God
There is something beautiful about spiritual maturity. I love it when I’m able to spend time with someone that is “rooted and grounded” in Christ. (Eph. 3:17) There is a depth to that person and their life and they provide a powerful spiritual influence wherever they go. The sad truth is that most Christians never “grow up” in the things of God. (1 Peter 2:2)
How can we grow up in God? How do you know that your spiritual development is on track? How do we graduate from the milk of Christianity to the meat? (Heb. 5:12) Here are the basics:
Read your Bible. Find a bible that is easy for you to read and then find a Bible reading plan that works for you. There are a variety of plans available at http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans. Allow the Word into your heart and then obey what God tells you.
Pray every day. Prayer is simply talking with God and allowing Him to talk with you. Make prayer a part of your daily routine.
Go to church. The Bible encourages us to meet together regularly with other believers (Heb. 10:25). There is something powerful about worshipping, praying, and studying the word together. Attending church is a fundamental part of your spiritual growth.
Join a small group. This is an important step beyond just attending church. Small groups allow you to “plug in” and share your life with other believers. This is where real relationship and growth can happen.
Give. Being a Christian means being a giver. God has given us our time, talents, and treasure. If we love God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30) we need to give Him our first and best!
When working on growing up in God always remember that God looks at the heart. (1 Sam. 16:7) Allow these basics to help you develop a heart after God.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Webliography
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
Webliography...
In previous blogs I have shared with you some of my favorite books, today I would like to share some of my favorite websites. Each of these sites relate to God and His Word. My hope is that they bless you as much as they have blessed me. And, as always, send me your favorite websites. I would love to see them.
This website tells the story of Scripture exclusively through the use of LEGOS. At first, I thought this site would fun for the boys but the more I read the more fascinated I became. If you have trouble simply reading the Bible you need to check this out. It’ll be fun and you may end up reading more of the Bible than ever before. Due to the nature of some Bible stories, please check the ratings provided for each story before sharing them with your children.
This site not only has merged Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John it provides helps to prove that the Gospels are 100% historically accurate. This is a fantastic website with great research and tremendous video presentations.
These are my personal favorite online Bible study sites. I love having the Bible just a click away. Let me know what your favorite Bible sites are.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Valentine's Day
...the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)
According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards were sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.) Beyond all the cards imagine all the gifts, candy, and flowers. Why all the fuss? All because of LOVE!
Of the three great Christian virtues faith, hope, and love, the Bible teaches us that love is the greatest. 1 John 4:16 tells us that God is love. Love is the ultimate test of our Christian faith (1 John 4:20). The ultimate act of obedient discipleship is to love God first and foremost and then love others as yourself (Mark 12:30). The Bible is clear, we are nothing without love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
But what is love? It is pretty clear that our culture doesn’t understand what true love is. So we go back to the Bible, our guide for life, to understand what true love is. This Valentine’s Day discover the characteristics of love. Read, meditate on, and then apply what you learn about love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7...
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Monday, September 14, 2009
10 Minute Quiet Time
Welcome to Christian Life Church on Back to Church Weekend. We are so glad you are here! Christian Life Church is a worshipping, teaching, caring, and sharing church that connects people to God, connects people to people, and connects people to their calling. It is an honor as a church to offer so many ministry opportunities for you, your family, and your friends to connect. Beyond your involvement at Christian Life my heart is that you would connect with God each day.
Last Sunday I asked each of you the question, “Can you give God ten minutes each day?” Remember, obey God in the little things and He will do something BIG in your life! Here is the 10 Minute Quiet Time model I shared last Sunday.
10 Minute Quiet Time
1. Pray - 2 minutes
Use 3 Types of Prayer - 1. Praise 2. Thanksgiving 3. Asking
2. Read the Bible - 5 minutes
Read one chapter with a highlighter – If you have any questions just ask. (If you don't know where to start begin with Psalms, Proverbs, Mark, John, or James.)
3. Pray, Listen & Write - 3 minutes
Pray about what you just read then be quiet and listen to God. If you want, write down what happened during your time with God.
Last Sunday I asked each of you the question, “Can you give God ten minutes each day?” Remember, obey God in the little things and He will do something BIG in your life! Here is the 10 Minute Quiet Time model I shared last Sunday.
10 Minute Quiet Time
1. Pray - 2 minutes
Use 3 Types of Prayer - 1. Praise 2. Thanksgiving 3. Asking
2. Read the Bible - 5 minutes
Read one chapter with a highlighter – If you have any questions just ask. (If you don't know where to start begin with Psalms, Proverbs, Mark, John, or James.)
3. Pray, Listen & Write - 3 minutes
Pray about what you just read then be quiet and listen to God. If you want, write down what happened during your time with God.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Influence
“I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents”.
A little over a week ago our youngest son, Mark, prayed and asked Jesus to come into his heart. What a precious moment it was as we sat on the couch in the living room while Leslie led him in the salvation prayer. I am so happy I was there that morning to witness the special moment.
Luke and Matthew were already at school. Leslie was sitting on the couch in our living room reading her Bible when Mark came in and snuggled up on the couch. They got into a conversation about Jesus and the Bible and Mark decided he wanted Jesus to come into his heart. Leslie called and I came just in time to hear his little prayer. These are the moments that Christian parents live for.
As I have reflected on that moment I think about the influences in young Markey’s life. I have asked myself, what led him to that moment? I think about what he learns at home and church and school. How did he come to the realization at the age of 5 that he needed a personal relationship with God?
I don’t want to give the impression that all our family does is sit around the house praying and reading our Bibles. Trust me, our home can be just as crazy as everyone else's. But, what if Leslie wasn’t reading the Bible that day? What if instead she was watching TV, reading the latest magazine, etc.? Would it have led to the crucial conversation with Mark? Probably not.
Whether we like it or not, we influence the world around us. What is your spiritual investment right now? How are you impacting your family, friends, the people you interact with each day? How are you investing in yourself spiritually? Take time this week to make some positive spiritual investments in your world and watch what God will do!
Luke 15:10
A little over a week ago our youngest son, Mark, prayed and asked Jesus to come into his heart. What a precious moment it was as we sat on the couch in the living room while Leslie led him in the salvation prayer. I am so happy I was there that morning to witness the special moment.
Luke and Matthew were already at school. Leslie was sitting on the couch in our living room reading her Bible when Mark came in and snuggled up on the couch. They got into a conversation about Jesus and the Bible and Mark decided he wanted Jesus to come into his heart. Leslie called and I came just in time to hear his little prayer. These are the moments that Christian parents live for.
As I have reflected on that moment I think about the influences in young Markey’s life. I have asked myself, what led him to that moment? I think about what he learns at home and church and school. How did he come to the realization at the age of 5 that he needed a personal relationship with God?
I don’t want to give the impression that all our family does is sit around the house praying and reading our Bibles. Trust me, our home can be just as crazy as everyone else's. But, what if Leslie wasn’t reading the Bible that day? What if instead she was watching TV, reading the latest magazine, etc.? Would it have led to the crucial conversation with Mark? Probably not.
Whether we like it or not, we influence the world around us. What is your spiritual investment right now? How are you impacting your family, friends, the people you interact with each day? How are you investing in yourself spiritually? Take time this week to make some positive spiritual investments in your world and watch what God will do!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
If
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
God always keeps His promises. What a wonderful truth we can celebrate as His children. But what I’m noticing as I study the promises of God is how many of His promises come with conditions. The word “if” occurs over 300 times in the Bible. God says if we obey Him, He will reward us. Here are some of God’s promises that come with conditions.
1. Wisdom. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
2. Health. "If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you." (Ex 15:26)
3. Love. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love. . ." (Jn 15:10a)
4. Strength. "If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace."(Ex 18:23)
5. Prosperity. "If you are willing and obedient . . . You shall eat the good of the land" (Isa 1:19)
Let’s obey God and then watch His promises fulfilled in our lives.
Deut 7:9 (NIV)
God always keeps His promises. What a wonderful truth we can celebrate as His children. But what I’m noticing as I study the promises of God is how many of His promises come with conditions. The word “if” occurs over 300 times in the Bible. God says if we obey Him, He will reward us. Here are some of God’s promises that come with conditions.
1. Wisdom. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
2. Health. "If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you." (Ex 15:26)
3. Love. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love. . ." (Jn 15:10a)
4. Strength. "If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace."(Ex 18:23)
5. Prosperity. "If you are willing and obedient . . . You shall eat the good of the land" (Isa 1:19)
Let’s obey God and then watch His promises fulfilled in our lives.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Healing Scriptures
During the past several of weeks of sickness in our home the Lord reminded me how important prayer and the Word is in our recovery and healing. The following are some Scriptures to increase your faith as you pray for healing.
…for I am the Lord who heals you. Ex 15:26 (NLT)
So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. Ex 23:25 (NKJV)
O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. Psalms 30:2 (NIV)
Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. Psalms 103:2-3 (NLT)
He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Psalms 107:20 (NKJV)
A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired. Prov 17:22 (MSG)
…by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Acts 10:38 (NLT)
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:11 (NLT)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Greatest Words Ever Spoken: Everything Jesus Said About You, Your Life, And Everything Else
My Book Shelf
The Greatest Words Ever Spoken: Everything Jesus Said About You, Your Life, And Everything Else.
Every now and then I like to share with you what I’m reading. My hope is that it will be a blessing and help to you as well.
Since 1993 I have taught Life of Christ at Christian Life College. It is by far my favorite class to teach. There is something special about diving in and studying the words and works of Jesus. It’s as though you receive your abundant life as you study His.
I try to stay fresh each semester by reading the latest books on the life of Christ as well as the Gospels. This fall I found a great new book called The Greatest Words Ever Spoken by Steven K. Scott. I’ve never seen anything like it. It takes all of the sayings of Jesus (over 1,900) throughout the New Testament and organizes them into over 200 different topics Jesus addresses. It’s like being able to ask Jesus any question and get His perfect answer. I have used the book to study Jesus’ words on the End Times for our current sermon series. A wide variety of topics are covered such as: prayer, forgiveness, eternity, anger, temptations, relationships, grace, and many, many more.
There is a great introduction to Jesus’ life and words as well as short introductions to each topic. This is one of the most exciting resources on the life of Christ I have found in a long time and can’t wait to use it as a text for my course next semester. Reflect on this verse next week and allow the words of Jesus to guide you in life and into eternity.
The Greatest Words Ever Spoken: Everything Jesus Said About You, Your Life, And Everything Else.
Every now and then I like to share with you what I’m reading. My hope is that it will be a blessing and help to you as well.
Since 1993 I have taught Life of Christ at Christian Life College. It is by far my favorite class to teach. There is something special about diving in and studying the words and works of Jesus. It’s as though you receive your abundant life as you study His.
I try to stay fresh each semester by reading the latest books on the life of Christ as well as the Gospels. This fall I found a great new book called The Greatest Words Ever Spoken by Steven K. Scott. I’ve never seen anything like it. It takes all of the sayings of Jesus (over 1,900) throughout the New Testament and organizes them into over 200 different topics Jesus addresses. It’s like being able to ask Jesus any question and get His perfect answer. I have used the book to study Jesus’ words on the End Times for our current sermon series. A wide variety of topics are covered such as: prayer, forgiveness, eternity, anger, temptations, relationships, grace, and many, many more.
There is a great introduction to Jesus’ life and words as well as short introductions to each topic. This is one of the most exciting resources on the life of Christ I have found in a long time and can’t wait to use it as a text for my course next semester. Reflect on this verse next week and allow the words of Jesus to guide you in life and into eternity.
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.” John 5:24-25 (NKJV)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Ungrateful Children
Last Sunday we celebrated Mark’s 5th birthday. There is something special about a child’s birthday. Their excitement is off the charts. For weeks Mark was announcing his birthday to anyone who would listen. The day of he made sure everyone knew. Since it was a Sunday he may have even stopped you at church and let you know with a grin, “Today is my birthday.”
The weeks leading up to his birthday Mark let us know what presents he wanted. As the days passed the list grew and grew, and unfortunately, we did get almost everything he wanted. At the end of the big day after all the gifts were opened he looked sad. I thought it was because the special day was coming to end, instead he announced he wanted more presents. More presents? MORE PRESENTS!?! Doesn’t he understand how much we had spent? How hard we worked to make his birthday special? More presents?
As I have thought about Mark’s attitude toward his birthday, I can’t help but think about our relationship with God. God is our good and perfect heavenly father. He knows exactly what we need and He faithfully provides every good and perfect gift. And yet, it seems like we always want more. We never are satisfied, acting like a child after he has opened all the presents and still wants more. I was so challenged by Steve Sampson’s Sunday evening message to us last week on “Being Thankful.” I think we should all listen to it again, especially as we move toward the Thanksgiving season.
How do you see your life? Are you focused on what God has provided and is doing in your life or are you always complaining about what you lack? Take time this week to reflect on the following verse.
The Lord has done great things for us, And we are glad. Psalms 126:3 (NKJV)
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Our Founding Fathers
The following quotes from our Founding Fathers are food for thought this 4th of July weekend and national election year.
While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.
George Washington
The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.
John Adams
I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ.
Thomas Jefferson
Being a Christian… is a character which I prize far above all this world has or can boast.
Patrick Henry
All the… evils which men suffer from vice, crime, ambition, injustice, oppression, slavery and war, proceed from their despising or neglecting the precepts contained in the Bible.
Noah Webster
He called on the entire state to pray “that universal happiness may be established in the world [and] that all may bow to the scepter of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the whole earth be filled with His glory.”
John Hancock
The great, vital, and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and the divine truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Congress, 1854
While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.
George Washington
The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.
John Adams
I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ.
Thomas Jefferson
Being a Christian… is a character which I prize far above all this world has or can boast.
Patrick Henry
All the… evils which men suffer from vice, crime, ambition, injustice, oppression, slavery and war, proceed from their despising or neglecting the precepts contained in the Bible.
Noah Webster
He called on the entire state to pray “that universal happiness may be established in the world [and] that all may bow to the scepter of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the whole earth be filled with His glory.”
John Hancock
The great, vital, and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and the divine truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Congress, 1854
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Summer
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
It has been an exciting week around the Christian Life offices as we have been feverishly planning for the summer and fall. Pretty soon you will be receiving a mailing outlining all of the wonderful things ahead for our church.
Our mission as a church is to Connect People To God. Throughout the summer and fall there are things planned to connect people to God. There will be activities designed to connect our children and youth to God. There are times planned for our adults to connect with God. There will be special events designed for people who are far from God to connect with Him, maybe for the first time or to reconnect with Him. There are things planned this summer and fall to connect each of us into a deeper and stronger relationship with God.
One of the most exciting things happening this fall is the full-fledged launch of our Randall Road Campus. Weekly weekend services will begin on Sunday September 14, 2008 at 11:30AM!
No doubt you are planning some special activities for this summer. When making your plans, don’t forget about God. Make time this summer to connect with God. Make sure your family and friends are connecting with God as well.
As with all planning in life, remember to seek His plans first for you and your family. I can honestly say that we do not begin planning things for Christian Life Church until we have first sought the Lord and His guidance. It is important to be in prayer and in His Word so that God can guide your steps each day in every way.
Remember, His way is always the best way!
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
It has been an exciting week around the Christian Life offices as we have been feverishly planning for the summer and fall. Pretty soon you will be receiving a mailing outlining all of the wonderful things ahead for our church.
Our mission as a church is to Connect People To God. Throughout the summer and fall there are things planned to connect people to God. There will be activities designed to connect our children and youth to God. There are times planned for our adults to connect with God. There will be special events designed for people who are far from God to connect with Him, maybe for the first time or to reconnect with Him. There are things planned this summer and fall to connect each of us into a deeper and stronger relationship with God.
One of the most exciting things happening this fall is the full-fledged launch of our Randall Road Campus. Weekly weekend services will begin on Sunday September 14, 2008 at 11:30AM!
No doubt you are planning some special activities for this summer. When making your plans, don’t forget about God. Make time this summer to connect with God. Make sure your family and friends are connecting with God as well.
As with all planning in life, remember to seek His plans first for you and your family. I can honestly say that we do not begin planning things for Christian Life Church until we have first sought the Lord and His guidance. It is important to be in prayer and in His Word so that God can guide your steps each day in every way.
Remember, His way is always the best way!
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