Day 11
Perceive ye not, that whatsoever goeth into the mouth passeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But the things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings: these are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not the man. (Matthew 15:19-20)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)
He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood And has not sworn deceitfully. (Psalm 24:4)
I was thinking today of the word, "Holy Spirit". Notice the word before Spirit...What is it? The first part of the word is, "Holy". Of course we cannot attain that from our own righteous acts as ours as humans is "as filthy rags." Through Jesus Christ however we can live a "Holy" life. Someone who is "filled with the Holy Spirit" should live a "Holy" life. It should be evident. God throughout his word has used people mightily who had pure hearts. My prayer through this fast is that God would create in me a pure heart. Free from lies, bitterness, anger, slander, etc., etc., etc.! We are halfway through our "21 Day Fast". May I encourage you to keep on keeping on! Now is the time to allow God to break strongholds in our life! Now is the time to seek him with all that is in us! Now is the time to become brutally honest with ourselves to see what may be in our hearts that would not be acceptable in his sight! Don't give up, keep pressing in!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Who is in control?
Day 10
"A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:37-38)
Here we find the disciples with Jesus going somewhere when a serious storm came up. They wondered to themselves, "Why doesn't He do anything?" "He could stop this storm if He wanted?". "Why is He not doing anything?" "Does He care about us?" "Is He mad at us?" "Why?" "Why?" "Why?". Have you ever allowed those thoughts to cross your mind? Have you ever battled the thought of, "Is Jesus really in control of my life?" "Of my situations?" "Of my circumstances?". Yes He is! If we take our "control" off of it and realize He is the one who is truly in control. I am constantly reminded that He is in control of my life. Even at times when I can't see it.
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:39-40)
You see although Jesus was "sleeping" through this storm He always was in complete control. Jesus can speak one word into your storm and situation and calm it if he so desires. But do we have the faith to believe that? Do we have the faith to KNOW THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL?!
"A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:37-38)
Here we find the disciples with Jesus going somewhere when a serious storm came up. They wondered to themselves, "Why doesn't He do anything?" "He could stop this storm if He wanted?". "Why is He not doing anything?" "Does He care about us?" "Is He mad at us?" "Why?" "Why?" "Why?". Have you ever allowed those thoughts to cross your mind? Have you ever battled the thought of, "Is Jesus really in control of my life?" "Of my situations?" "Of my circumstances?". Yes He is! If we take our "control" off of it and realize He is the one who is truly in control. I am constantly reminded that He is in control of my life. Even at times when I can't see it.
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:39-40)
You see although Jesus was "sleeping" through this storm He always was in complete control. Jesus can speak one word into your storm and situation and calm it if he so desires. But do we have the faith to believe that? Do we have the faith to KNOW THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL?!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Days 8 and 9
Since I don't have high speed internet at home (we live too far out to have it) I will post yesterday and todays posts.
Day 8
The will of God versus the will of man
“…yet not as I will , but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
God has a will and we have a will. The key is getting lined up with what God wants instead of what we want.
Peter thought Jesus was “missing the mark” when Christ told of his death on the Cross. Peter said, “Never, Lord!” he said, “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:22-23)
Do we have in mind the things of God or the things of men? Is it OUR will we desire or is it truly HIS will we want to see happen? I pray as we continue this journey we line up our will with his! Your will be done Lord!
Day 9
What I need to master: Love God and Love people!
You can't love God without loving people and you can't trully love people without loving God! The two go hand in hand! We look at "love" as being weak. We want to be "rough and tough". We fast and pray for all the "noticable" gifts but how many times have we fasted and prayed for the love of God? We all could use more of it! We can go over board and misuse many things but not the love of Christ!
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandmen in the Law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandmen. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:36-40)
Day 8
The will of God versus the will of man
“…yet not as I will , but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
God has a will and we have a will. The key is getting lined up with what God wants instead of what we want.
Peter thought Jesus was “missing the mark” when Christ told of his death on the Cross. Peter said, “Never, Lord!” he said, “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:22-23)
Do we have in mind the things of God or the things of men? Is it OUR will we desire or is it truly HIS will we want to see happen? I pray as we continue this journey we line up our will with his! Your will be done Lord!
Day 9
What I need to master: Love God and Love people!
You can't love God without loving people and you can't trully love people without loving God! The two go hand in hand! We look at "love" as being weak. We want to be "rough and tough". We fast and pray for all the "noticable" gifts but how many times have we fasted and prayed for the love of God? We all could use more of it! We can go over board and misuse many things but not the love of Christ!
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandmen in the Law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandmen. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:36-40)
Saturday, January 27, 2007
DAY 7
Day 7 Obedience
“To obey is better than sacrifice…” (I. Samuel 15:22)
It’s not how well you can speak. It’s not how good you can look. It’s not even about how “anointed” one is, the question is, “How obedient can you be to Christ?” This 21 Day Fast is about being obedient to the Lord. Yes, it is about sacrifice but more than that it is learning how to be obedient. He has called us to become fully devoted disciples of His Son, Jesus.
We had a wonderful time of fellowship and ministry last night at the home of Joe and Cheryl Lopez. Yes, Jodi and I were about 30 years younger than anyone there but hey, we can learn something from our elders. Actually, we can learn a lot. Not only did we like the spirituality of our “elders” but also their attitude. Not once, did we hear a negative comment come forth from their mouth about any body or group of people. Can you say, “Wow”!
After a wonderful time of fellowship, Sister Cheryl brought a timely and I believe prophetic message to us from the word of God. After that we (the people) ministered to several people there; several prophecy’s and words of knowledge came forth to edify and build up the saints. This reminded me of how the saints met in homes in the early church in the Acts of the Apostles. It was a great meeting. Thank you Joe and Cheryl for always opening your home!
Keep going guys!
“To obey is better than sacrifice…” (I. Samuel 15:22)
It’s not how well you can speak. It’s not how good you can look. It’s not even about how “anointed” one is, the question is, “How obedient can you be to Christ?” This 21 Day Fast is about being obedient to the Lord. Yes, it is about sacrifice but more than that it is learning how to be obedient. He has called us to become fully devoted disciples of His Son, Jesus.
We had a wonderful time of fellowship and ministry last night at the home of Joe and Cheryl Lopez. Yes, Jodi and I were about 30 years younger than anyone there but hey, we can learn something from our elders. Actually, we can learn a lot. Not only did we like the spirituality of our “elders” but also their attitude. Not once, did we hear a negative comment come forth from their mouth about any body or group of people. Can you say, “Wow”!
After a wonderful time of fellowship, Sister Cheryl brought a timely and I believe prophetic message to us from the word of God. After that we (the people) ministered to several people there; several prophecy’s and words of knowledge came forth to edify and build up the saints. This reminded me of how the saints met in homes in the early church in the Acts of the Apostles. It was a great meeting. Thank you Joe and Cheryl for always opening your home!
Keep going guys!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Days 5 and 6...
I pray everyone is coming along well in this exciting jourey we are all partaking of. Here are a few scriptures God impressed on my heart the last few days. I have been meditating on them.
Day 5
God spoke to my heart on day 5 and said, "You are not your own; you were bought at a price."
Simply put guys, we belong to the Lord Jesus! It is not about us, it is about him! His kingdom not ours!
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
“You are not your own; you were bought at a price…” (I. Corinthians 6:19b)
Day 6
We need to have the attitude of, "I GET to deny myself and have the honor of following Jesus Christ with all of my heart!"
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
"This is the love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome..." (I. John 5:3)
Day 5
God spoke to my heart on day 5 and said, "You are not your own; you were bought at a price."
Simply put guys, we belong to the Lord Jesus! It is not about us, it is about him! His kingdom not ours!
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
“You are not your own; you were bought at a price…” (I. Corinthians 6:19b)
Day 6
We need to have the attitude of, "I GET to deny myself and have the honor of following Jesus Christ with all of my heart!"
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
"This is the love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome..." (I. John 5:3)
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Stay Focused (Day 4)
"...let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:2)
Sometimes staying focused is easier said than done; especially in a world filled with distractions. It is however, imperative that we take all measures to remain focused on God and the prize that comes with our calling.
History has seen men be great and do great things because of an intense focus. When we keep our focus on Christ, the things of this world will grown strangely dim (sound familiar?). When we are focused on Christ we realize that He is our source of everything. Our source of life! Our source of healing! Our source of provision! Our source of joy!
When Peter "stepped out of the boat" and onto the water he was able to stay afloat because he kept his eyes on the one who had given him the power in the first place, Christ. When he (Peter) allowed himself to lose focus and he began to place his attention on his surroundings (the wind, the waves, and the water) he began to sink. So it is the same with our lives.
In Matthew 13 we read of the parable of the sower. In verse 22 it says, "The one who recieved the seed that fell among thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful."
I don't know about you but I do not want to allow the things of this world to distract me, choke the word out of me, and have my life become unfruitful. So how do we avoid that? By staying focused! On God! On his word! On his will!
Stay focused!
Sometimes staying focused is easier said than done; especially in a world filled with distractions. It is however, imperative that we take all measures to remain focused on God and the prize that comes with our calling.
History has seen men be great and do great things because of an intense focus. When we keep our focus on Christ, the things of this world will grown strangely dim (sound familiar?). When we are focused on Christ we realize that He is our source of everything. Our source of life! Our source of healing! Our source of provision! Our source of joy!
When Peter "stepped out of the boat" and onto the water he was able to stay afloat because he kept his eyes on the one who had given him the power in the first place, Christ. When he (Peter) allowed himself to lose focus and he began to place his attention on his surroundings (the wind, the waves, and the water) he began to sink. So it is the same with our lives.
In Matthew 13 we read of the parable of the sower. In verse 22 it says, "The one who recieved the seed that fell among thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful."
I don't know about you but I do not want to allow the things of this world to distract me, choke the word out of me, and have my life become unfruitful. So how do we avoid that? By staying focused! On God! On his word! On his will!
Stay focused!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Embarking on a journey
We are in the 2nd day of our "21 Day Fast" as a church.
I pray these next several weeks is a spiritual journey like no other.
Fasting is a time where we "deny ourselves" the fleshly pleasures of food or foods to seek God's face. Jesus himself said, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) It always amazes me when I fast, how I realize the "things" I cling to when I don't fast. When we strip ourselves of the pleasures of food it compels us to humble ourselves before God because there is nothing else to hold on to. Funny how when we are stressed, anxious, worried, fearful, we tend to run to the refrigerator or food cabinet. Fasting causes us to deny those things which we feel brings "temporary relief" and run to God! Fasting is the spiritual "steroid" we need to break chains of bondage, to bring true humility in our lives, and for God's word to become rhema!
I pray you, along with your family, unify and seek the Lord together. I will be keeping up with a journal that I will most likely keep private. May God speak to you these next several weeks and may we draw ever so closely to him!
Now is the time to pursue God!
I pray these next several weeks is a spiritual journey like no other.
Fasting is a time where we "deny ourselves" the fleshly pleasures of food or foods to seek God's face. Jesus himself said, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) It always amazes me when I fast, how I realize the "things" I cling to when I don't fast. When we strip ourselves of the pleasures of food it compels us to humble ourselves before God because there is nothing else to hold on to. Funny how when we are stressed, anxious, worried, fearful, we tend to run to the refrigerator or food cabinet. Fasting causes us to deny those things which we feel brings "temporary relief" and run to God! Fasting is the spiritual "steroid" we need to break chains of bondage, to bring true humility in our lives, and for God's word to become rhema!
I pray you, along with your family, unify and seek the Lord together. I will be keeping up with a journal that I will most likely keep private. May God speak to you these next several weeks and may we draw ever so closely to him!
Now is the time to pursue God!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Has your walk with Jesus grown cold?
Avoiding the freeze...
"And because there will be more and more lawlessness, most people's love will grow cold." (Matthew 24:12)
We ministered to our students last night on the topic of "Avoiding the Freeze." Has your walk with Jesus grown cold? Sadly to say, some has.
Has your heart grown cold towards the things of God? How about people? How about church? How about worship?
We discussed things that we tend to allow to happen or not happen that would cause our hearts to grow cold. So what steps will you take to make sure that in the year 2007 your walk with Christ will not grown cold? Start a fire in us Lord and help keep it burning!
"Do not put out the Spirit's fire." (I. Thes. 5:19)
"And because there will be more and more lawlessness, most people's love will grow cold." (Matthew 24:12)
We ministered to our students last night on the topic of "Avoiding the Freeze." Has your walk with Jesus grown cold? Sadly to say, some has.
Has your heart grown cold towards the things of God? How about people? How about church? How about worship?
We discussed things that we tend to allow to happen or not happen that would cause our hearts to grow cold. So what steps will you take to make sure that in the year 2007 your walk with Christ will not grown cold? Start a fire in us Lord and help keep it burning!
"Do not put out the Spirit's fire." (I. Thes. 5:19)
Monday, January 15, 2007
Prepared and Ready
Too often those words elude us in our lives but are essential for us to master. God is calling his people to be both prepared and ready.
God is always preparing us for such a time as this. The question is...are we ready?
As we await the final week of the NFL playoff games, four teams will spend all week preparing. Come Sunday, will they be ready? Did they prepare adequately? Did they do everything they could do to prepare themselves for gameday?
So what about us? Are we both prepared and ready for what God wants to do in us and through us?
Something to ponder on as the days go on this week.
God is always preparing us for such a time as this. The question is...are we ready?
As we await the final week of the NFL playoff games, four teams will spend all week preparing. Come Sunday, will they be ready? Did they prepare adequately? Did they do everything they could do to prepare themselves for gameday?
So what about us? Are we both prepared and ready for what God wants to do in us and through us?
Something to ponder on as the days go on this week.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Fusion aftermath...
We had our first quarterly "Fusion" service for the year last night in the Life Church West Monroe sanctuary and it was kickin!
Our theme was "Revolution 07", "Challenged to Change." I want to thank the worship team for leading us in the presence of the Lord and to all who came out to support our Student Ministry!
Let the Revolution begin!
Our theme was "Revolution 07", "Challenged to Change." I want to thank the worship team for leading us in the presence of the Lord and to all who came out to support our Student Ministry!
Let the Revolution begin!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
FUSION III
This Wednesday January 10th at 6:30 P.M. we will have our first "Fusion" Service for the 2007 year.
"Fusion" is led by our student ministry but is joined by our adults in the main sanctuary at Life Chuch. We "merge" together to form one perfect union!
The message is prepared, the worship team is ready to explode, our T-Shirts are in, and we are geared up for this Wednesday!
I encourage you to show up early to make sure you are able to get a "Fusion" T-Shirt!
Invite a friend and c-u there!
"Fusion" is led by our student ministry but is joined by our adults in the main sanctuary at Life Chuch. We "merge" together to form one perfect union!
The message is prepared, the worship team is ready to explode, our T-Shirts are in, and we are geared up for this Wednesday!
I encourage you to show up early to make sure you are able to get a "Fusion" T-Shirt!
Invite a friend and c-u there!
Friday, January 05, 2007
Pursuit (Part II)
With Pastor Joel being out this Sunday while he is catching some sun on the white sandy beaches of Mexico, we will conclude our two week series entitled, "Pursuit".
Part II will consisit of:
1) Pursuing God
2) Pursuing Family
3) Pursuing your Calling
4) God is pursuing you
Invite a friend and we will see you Sunday!
*Reminder: Fusion service is coming next Wednesday January 10th in the main sanctuary!
Part II will consisit of:
1) Pursuing God
2) Pursuing Family
3) Pursuing your Calling
4) God is pursuing you
Invite a friend and we will see you Sunday!
*Reminder: Fusion service is coming next Wednesday January 10th in the main sanctuary!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Mission Possible
"With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God." (Matthew 19:26)
You know what God views as possible,sometimes humans view as impossible.
This Wednesday night in Xtreme Life, we will begin a series entitled, "Mission Possible 007" for the new 2007 year. We will discuss what tools you will need to make the mission for 2007 possible! There will be a pizza party following the service. See ya there and invite a friend!
You know what God views as possible,sometimes humans view as impossible.
This Wednesday night in Xtreme Life, we will begin a series entitled, "Mission Possible 007" for the new 2007 year. We will discuss what tools you will need to make the mission for 2007 possible! There will be a pizza party following the service. See ya there and invite a friend!
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