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Archive for the ‘Hope’ Category

Does God Still Speak?

Posted in Community, Formation, Hope on July 18, 2011| 1 Comment »

Has anyone ever told you that God spoke to them?  Has God spoken to you?

Before we get too far into this discussion let me just say that there have been people I have encountered along my journey who have used the phrase, “God told me . . .” to justify things that I believed could not have been of God.  So I would caution us from the beginning to be wise in how we approach this issue.  If you ever encounter someone who says, “God told me to . . .” make sure you test what they say with scripture.  People can use that phrase to give credence to what they want to do.

I believe with all my being that God does still speaks.  We read in scripture that God spoke in different ways to different people.  Moses heard a voice and even saw God.  Scripture says that the word of God came to the prophets.  In Genesis, God actually walked with Adam and Eve.  Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and had a conversation.  Peter and others heard from God in dreams.

Throughout scripture, we are told that God spoke to people.  So the question for us today is this, “Does God still speak today?”

This coming Sunday during our worship time, we will address this subject.  I would like to hear from you this week – and who knows, your comments might make it into the sermon.  Here is what I would like to know:  Does God speak to you?  How?

I look forward to hearing from you!

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God Is Present – Are You?

Posted in Formation, Grace, Hope on July 13, 2011| Leave a Comment »

It is Wednesday and for some that means the middle of the week.  For many it means we are in full swing and the week is already moving at break-neck speed.  Our lives move at such a pace we seldom stop or even slow down.

But today, that is what I want you to do.  Be still.  For the next 5 minutes, realize that all the things you need to do today will still be there 5 minutes from now.  So put them out of your mind for 5 minutes and listen.  Do you hear it?  God is calling your name!

God is saying, “I am here – I am present – this is holy space and time!”

God is present with you as you read this.  So now, for the next 5 minutes – be present with God.  Listen to what God says to you.

 

I’d love to hear of your experience with God today!

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Hot Night At Camp

Posted in Community, Hope on June 29, 2011| Leave a Comment »

I don’t rest well in a dorm room with 11 boys when the air conditioner stops working and the ambient temperature for the majority of the night is 87 degrees.  It was miserable.  I finally figured out that one of the boys had moved the thermostat on the window unit to 60.  Of course, when one does that, the only thing that gets cold is the coil as it freezes over.  Once that happens, nothing gets cold.  The AC continues to blow but all it pushes into the room is warm air.

I think every believer should take kids to camp at least once.  It will certainly make you more appreciative of home!

But even though my one night in the dorm at camp left me longing for home, my two days with the 11 students we took was priceless!  I am so glad I had the opportunity to be there with those boys.  As I drove away last night and left them there – my heart longed just as strongly to stay as it had to be at home just 17 hours before.

They will be there another 2 ½ days.  My prayer is that God will move in each of their lives.  And if I might, I would request that you pray for them as well.

I look forward to hearing all about their experiences when they return.

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Off to Youth Camp

Posted in Church, Hope on June 27, 2011| Leave a Comment »

This morning we are off to camp.  We have 11 boys ranging from 12 to 14 – all headed to youth camp.  I can remember the days of my youth and the trips to camp.  They were always one of the highlights of my summer.  And looking back, those days still hold wonderful memories.  It was at youth camp that I first played guitar and sang for an audience.  It was at another youth camp that my buddy and I took the competition in a talent show where we showcased one of our original songs.  Unfortunately, the world of the 80’s just wasn’t interested in reviving Simon and Garfunkel with a Christian twist (for those of you born after 1975, Google them, I am sure they were cool at some point before I could walk).

It was also at camp that I felt God speaking to me – telling me I needed to pursue ministry as a vocation.

Yep, some really good memories from church camp.

So today, we load up 11 boys and head to camp where they will mingle with 400 others students they won’t know – at least not at first.  We will all claim a bunk and settle in (nothing like trying to sleep when you have 11 boys their age all in the same room).  I pray there is air conditioning!

But despite the heat and the possible frustrations of dealing with junior high boys, I am really excited about all of this; because at this camp, God’s word will be taught.  At this camp, relationships will be mended and strengthened.  At this camp, lives will be changed.  At this camp God will move as never before experienced by some of these students.  And I have to tell you – I am pumped!

Now, where did I put those earplugs?!

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A Concert of Praise

Posted in Community, Formation, Hope on June 23, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Last night we tried something a little different with our Wednesday night crowd and prayer time.  My talk was on praise.  We dialogued about why we should praise and how we should offer our praise to God.  We even discussed when we should praise God.

But after we had our time of study and discussion, we entered into a concert of praise.  I instructed those present to bow their heads and simply focus on how God has blessed them.  Then, as they felt lead, they were encouraged to offer up a statement of praise to God out loud.  I then sat down and began to reflect on how God has blessed me.

Over the next 20 minutes or so, one after another offered up praise and thanks for all the ways God has blessed them – things like, “God, I praise you for my family.”  And, “Father, I praise you for loving me even when I am not very lovable.”

It was a moving experience for many – it certainly was for me.  To sit and hear God’s people take time out of their day to stop and reflect on all God has done for them and then to turn their hearts to God in praise was inspirational!

So often, our prayer life is more about “me” than about God and others.  We need to remember to stop and reflect on who God is and how our lives are different because of God’s work in us.  When we do that, we will be drawn to praise.

Stop and praise God today!

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Make It Count

Posted in Hope, Missions, Motivational on June 20, 2011| Leave a Comment »

It’s Monday and we have the whole week ahead of us!  What will you do with this week?  What will you do with this day?  Everyday is a blessing – a gift from God.  We are not guaranteed a tomorrow but as followers of the Way, we are guaranteed that God will always be with us.  We don’t know if there will be a tomorrow, but there is a now.  As believers we should strive to make the most of the time we have – not for our own satisfaction but for God’s glory.

So ask yourself this question today:  What would I do to make a difference in someone else’s life  if I knew God would be right beside me to help me, to guide me and make my efforts successful?  

Now, put your faith in the Father of all life and go do it!

Be a blessing today and make it count!

 

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Thank a Hero

Posted in Community, Hope, Missions on June 16, 2011| Leave a Comment »

As I drove to work this morning, Skillet was on the radio singing about needing a hero.  As I listened to that song, I thought about heros.  The first ones that came to mind were all the volunteers that helped us out with Vacation Bible School this week.  We had over 50 people donate their time and energy to be involved in the evenings this week, working with kids from pre-K to 5th grade.  We were over run with kids and all the volunteers just stepped in and made it work.

This week, all of you are my heros!  I believe every child had a lot of fun and I know they heard about Jesus, but more importantly, I know beyond a shadow of any possible doubt that they saw Jesus this week in you!

Whether you live here in Littlefield or somewhere else around the world, when you see a volunteer who serves out of compassion and love this week – tell them thanks – they are all heros!

 

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Gas Pump Exchange

Posted in Community, Hope, Motivational on June 14, 2011| Leave a Comment »

I had to stop for gas when I got to town today.  As I pulled up next to the gas pump, I noticed a lady beginning to fill her car on the other side of the set of pumps I was about to use.  As I got out of the car, I could not see her, but I heard her say, “Good morning, how are you today?”  I looked around and there was no one else to receive her greeting so I knew she was talking to me.  So I responded, “I am good.  How about you?”

She replied, “I am blessed.  I guess I could complain but no one would listen.”

I told her, “I would listen – might not could do anything about it – but I would listen.”  She laughed and I laughed and that was about it for our exchange until she finished and I told her to have  a wonderful day and she told me to be blessed.

I finished putting gas in the car, retrieved my receipt and headed to the office.  But as I drove, I wondered, if she had not taken the first step to say “Hi,” would I have taken the initiative?  I had a multitude of things swimming around my head (and those of you who know me know that if it was more than two thoughts that things were getting pretty crowded in there).  Striking up a conversation with a stranger was not on my To Do list.

But I was reminded that it should be a standing item on that list.  My day was brightened because a stranger at a gas pump took the time and energy to say “good morning.”  Nothing fancy or elaborate.  It didn’t take any additional time – just additional effort.

As a Jesus follower, shouldn’t we make it a point to brighten someone else’s day – everyday?

Maybe that is an answer to my question yesterday – you can read that post here.

Be a blessing today!

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Biblical Truths from America’s Got Talent

Posted in Church, Community, Hope on June 8, 2011| Leave a Comment »

 

 

My family sat down last night to watch America’s Got Talent.  It was amusing to watch.  Some of the acts that took the stage really did have some talent – and some . . .  not so much.  But as we watched, I thought about the practical truth that could be gleaned from this show.

Truth 1:  The Bible says, as believers, we are all given gifts and talents that should be used for the building of God’s Kingdom.  Everyone of us has a place in God’s strategy to positively impact our world.

Truth 2:  Not all of us have the same gifts and talents.  That is why it takes us all – working together.

Truth 3:  It is important to come to terms with the gifts we possess and also accept the fact that we just don’t have some gifts.  Not all people have the ability to sing (as was shown on the show last night!).  But that does not mean that they are not gifted in other areas.  In order for us to work together as efficiently as possible, we need to be comfortable with our gifts and talents and be willing to use them for God’s glory.

Truth 4:  I am so glad we don’t have to take a stage on national television to prove our talents.  Just put them to use in your local church!

To read more about what the apostle Paul said regarding gifts, take a look at this.

Be a blessing today!

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Jesus Knows and Jesus Cares

Posted in Grace, Hope on June 7, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Have you ever felt all alone.  Or maybe you have experienced the weight of the world crashing in on you and were overwhelmed by the feeling of helplessness.  Sometimes the pressures of work and home and all the other aspects of life may seem too much to carry.

I think all of us have experienced some of this at different stages in our lives.  Maybe you are there today.

I read a passage this morning in Hebrews that might just be what you need to hear today.  Hebrews 4:15-16 says this:

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Jesus has been there and done that.  He knows everything you are carrying today and he cares for you.  This passage reminds us that we can approach God with confidence because God understands where we are and the load we are under.  This passage says that we can find mercy and grace to help us in our time of need when we approach God and ask.

Regardless of the pressures you feel today, God is with you.  You can find mercy and grace to help you because God loves you and understands.

Approach the throne of grace today.

Be blessed.

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