"He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering...Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities: the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed...Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer..." (Isaiah 53:2-5;10)
Why so much talk lately on trials, trouble, and suffering?! Sometimes we minister best when it is ourselves that are experiencing these things. Doesn't the Bible say in II. Corinthians 1:4 that "God is the Father of compassion and who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have recieved from God."?
The Bible said that Jesus was a man "familiar with sufferings". Do you feel sometimes "familiar with sufferings?" The Bible is full of stories of great men and women of the word who were "familiar with sufferings." Think of Moses, Joseph, Daniel, Elijah, John the Baptist, John the Revelator, and of course...Jesus!
So many times we go through trails or sufferings in our lives and we quickly begin to rebuke the devil. Did it ever occur to us our trials may not be stimming from the devil but...Jesus? In Isaiah it says, it was the Lords will to "crush him and cause him to suffer." But why would God allow that? Remember in Matthew it says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness...for great is your reward in heaven." I believe if we follow Jesus (regardless of popular teachings) we will suffer and go through trials. Wait, then why should I follow Jesus, that doesn't sound too fun! Remember, we came to Jesus in pursuit of forgiveness, not happiness!
I believe when we are "crushed and experience suffering" God himself is trying to strain the "us out of us". We trully can't be used to the capacity the Father wants to use us in unless..."we die" as Paul would put it. I believe out of intense suffering the man or woman of God is trully manifested.
Back in the day, the way to get the oil out of the grapes was to "crush them". I believe its the same today, the way to get the oil (annointing) out of us is that we be "crushed". Get the us out of us, the me out of me, the flesh to submit, and allow the will of the Father to come forth!
If you are going through it I encourage you to be faithful! The most important thing is our obedience to the Father, even through trials and suffering!
Monday, October 23, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
The Blessing of Trouble
"In the day of my trouble, I sought the Lord." (Psalm 77:2)
Do the words "blessing" and "trouble" go together??? Many times we think of the phrase "being blessed" means that no hard times come our way. That couldn't be further from the truth. What bigger blessing could there be than to have trouble come our way and it push us to seek after a closer relationship with God! Fun to go through? No! Good for us? Yes! If we allow it!
The cold hard truth is, if it weren't for difficult times or "trouble" some of us wouldn't seek after the Lord. Sometimes, God has to allow hardships to come our way to humble us and cause us to turn our hearts in burning passion to him!
A few days ago we had a powerful storm come through our area. Many people got up to 10 inches of rain that day. It was dark, stormy, and gloomy that day! Trees were down, roofs were leaking, and streets were filled with water. The next day I woke up and couldn't help but realize how beautiful the morning looked. Birds singing, blue skies, and a bright yellow sunshine! The day before was quite different but today was a new day! The moral of the story? The good thing about storms are they pass!
Maybe you are going through troublesome times right now. At work. In your marriage. Financially. May your heart be turned in seeking the Lord and this storm too shall pass!
Do the words "blessing" and "trouble" go together??? Many times we think of the phrase "being blessed" means that no hard times come our way. That couldn't be further from the truth. What bigger blessing could there be than to have trouble come our way and it push us to seek after a closer relationship with God! Fun to go through? No! Good for us? Yes! If we allow it!
The cold hard truth is, if it weren't for difficult times or "trouble" some of us wouldn't seek after the Lord. Sometimes, God has to allow hardships to come our way to humble us and cause us to turn our hearts in burning passion to him!
A few days ago we had a powerful storm come through our area. Many people got up to 10 inches of rain that day. It was dark, stormy, and gloomy that day! Trees were down, roofs were leaking, and streets were filled with water. The next day I woke up and couldn't help but realize how beautiful the morning looked. Birds singing, blue skies, and a bright yellow sunshine! The day before was quite different but today was a new day! The moral of the story? The good thing about storms are they pass!
Maybe you are going through troublesome times right now. At work. In your marriage. Financially. May your heart be turned in seeking the Lord and this storm too shall pass!
Monday, October 16, 2006
My Pastor
My Pastor
My Pastor loves the Lord with all his heart.
My Pastor loves and cares for people.
My Pastor is a great friend to me.
My Pastor is my personal mentor.
My Pastor is someone I can talk to.
My Pastor is someone who will listen.
My Pastor is an instrument God is using in my life.
My Pastor has been there for me.
My Pastor is someone whom I respect.
My Pastor is a spiritual person yet is down to earth.
My Pastor keeps going when his faith is attacked.
My Pastor keeps loving when its difficult to.
My Pastor looks out for my best interest.
My Pastor has served faithfully in the ministry.
My Pastor has vision.
My Pastor has given his life to missions.
My Pastor helps those who can't help themselves.
My Pastor has given unselfishly.
My Pastor has invested time.
My Pastor has worked hard.
My Pastor has trusted God.
My Pastor has seen God work miracles.
My Pastor is some folks hero.
My Pastor is authentic and real.
My Pastor is someone I can lean on.
My Pastor prays for me.
My Pastor counsels me.
My Pastor fights the devil.
My Pastor is a giver.
My Pastor is deserving to be thanked for who he is and what he has done.
Thank you Pastor Joel for being a great Pastor! Happy Pastor Appreciation Week!
Your friend,
Beck
My Pastor loves the Lord with all his heart.
My Pastor loves and cares for people.
My Pastor is a great friend to me.
My Pastor is my personal mentor.
My Pastor is someone I can talk to.
My Pastor is someone who will listen.
My Pastor is an instrument God is using in my life.
My Pastor has been there for me.
My Pastor is someone whom I respect.
My Pastor is a spiritual person yet is down to earth.
My Pastor keeps going when his faith is attacked.
My Pastor keeps loving when its difficult to.
My Pastor looks out for my best interest.
My Pastor has served faithfully in the ministry.
My Pastor has vision.
My Pastor has given his life to missions.
My Pastor helps those who can't help themselves.
My Pastor has given unselfishly.
My Pastor has invested time.
My Pastor has worked hard.
My Pastor has trusted God.
My Pastor has seen God work miracles.
My Pastor is some folks hero.
My Pastor is authentic and real.
My Pastor is someone I can lean on.
My Pastor prays for me.
My Pastor counsels me.
My Pastor fights the devil.
My Pastor is a giver.
My Pastor is deserving to be thanked for who he is and what he has done.
Thank you Pastor Joel for being a great Pastor! Happy Pastor Appreciation Week!
Your friend,
Beck
Monday, October 09, 2006
Movie night set for this Wednesday...
We started a new series last week entitled, "Facing the Giants." We read about the story of David and Goliath and then talked about Facing the Giant of temptation in our lives.
This Wednesday, the student ministry will meet at Tinseltown at 4:15 to watch the newly released movie entitled, "Facing the Giants" which will begin at 4:45. To learn more about this picture visit www.facingthegiants.com
See ya Wednesday!
Beck
This Wednesday, the student ministry will meet at Tinseltown at 4:15 to watch the newly released movie entitled, "Facing the Giants" which will begin at 4:45. To learn more about this picture visit www.facingthegiants.com
See ya Wednesday!
Beck
Thursday, September 28, 2006
California Adventure Park Finale
New York Life rented out the entire park for a "private party" for all the NYL agents and thier families. It was a lot of fun! We will be returning to West Monroe tomorrow. Enjoy the pics!
Laguna Beach and my new car!!!
Guess what!? Jodi got me a red 2006 Ford Mustang convertible for our "4th" Anniversary! (Well, I have it until 9 A.M. tomorrow morning but we won't tell anybody)
Jodi got a great deal on a rental car (only $50 for the day) and we spent the day at Laguna Beach. The day started out with lots of "haze" but cleared out by the afternoon. We threw the top back and cruised on the Pacific Coast. It was cool. Enjoy the pics!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
More pics from Cali...
So I learned how to post pics on (recieving the Life Foundation Award)my blog...I'm like a kid in a candy
store now...
(alongside my precious wife Jodi)
(my good friend Daren Moody)
(standing outside the hotel getting ready to go to the evening banquet with Jodi)
More pics from Cali...
(me alongside my precious wife Jodi)
Okay, so I learned how
to post pics on my blog...I'm
like a kid in a candy store now...Beck
(with my precious wife Jodi in front of our hotel)
(recieving the Life Foundation Award at the dinner banquet)
(with my good friend Daren Moody both recieving the Life Foundation Award)
Okay, so I learned howto post pics on my blog...I'm
like a kid in a candy store now...Beck
(with my precious wife Jodi in front of our hotel)(recieving the Life Foundation Award at the dinner banquet)(with my good friend Daren Moody both recieving the Life Foundation Award)
California
A couple of pictures from our Executive Council Meeting in Anaheim, California.
Be sure and read the blog below entitled, "Get some rest."
Be sure and read the blog below entitled, "Get some rest."
Get some rest
"The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said, to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (Mark 6:31-31)
The apostles had just returned to report to Jesus everything they had done in their ministry! Lives saved! Miracles! Healings! Their time was consumed by the many people that needed their help that they didn't even have time to eat! Talk about busy! What Jesus was saying here was, "Guys, that is great!" "But don't forget, activity doesn't always mean productivity". You need not get the two greatest commandments confused, "First, love the Lord, then love your neighbor as yourself." Don't get too busy ministering to people you forget to minister to God! Don't lose your relationship with God by being so "busy."
Jodi and I are currently enjoying a very much needed vacation/business /anniversary trip in Anahiem, California awarded to us by the NYL, the company I represent. I can't remember the last time I slept so good during the night. I popped up early around 5:45-6:00 and "went away with the Lord by myself to get some rest." We are "resting in the Lord this week". Sometimes we need to refresh ourselves not only spiritually, but emotionally, physically, and mentally as well.
We kicked it by the pool today and tomorrow we go to Disney Land followed by Laguna Beach Thursday. I've been to some very great business meetings with thousands of other NYL agents literally all over the U.S. The company has really gone above and beyond to show thier appreciation to all the agents. It was for sure worth all the hard work. Tonight, we will enjoy a wonderful dinner banquet and have the opportunity to meet and have our picture taken with CEO Sy Sternberg.
Jodi and I will celebrate our "4th Year" Wedding Anniversary on the 28th this week. Man, took me four years to get this girl right...(Just messing). Jodi, thank you for four wonderful years! Each year has gotten better! Pastor and Angel, thank you for working with us through all of the "bumps" along the way! God used you mightily in our lives and still does til this day! We love you very much!
Been too busy this week? Even busy doing "spiritual" things? Go in your room, close the door and be with God! He is calling you! Can you hear him? Over the hectic schedule, can you hear him calling? Over the cares and worrys of the world, can you feel him drawing? Go rest in him! Get some rest spirit man!
Beck
P.S. Go Saints!
The apostles had just returned to report to Jesus everything they had done in their ministry! Lives saved! Miracles! Healings! Their time was consumed by the many people that needed their help that they didn't even have time to eat! Talk about busy! What Jesus was saying here was, "Guys, that is great!" "But don't forget, activity doesn't always mean productivity". You need not get the two greatest commandments confused, "First, love the Lord, then love your neighbor as yourself." Don't get too busy ministering to people you forget to minister to God! Don't lose your relationship with God by being so "busy."
Jodi and I are currently enjoying a very much needed vacation/business /anniversary trip in Anahiem, California awarded to us by the NYL, the company I represent. I can't remember the last time I slept so good during the night. I popped up early around 5:45-6:00 and "went away with the Lord by myself to get some rest." We are "resting in the Lord this week". Sometimes we need to refresh ourselves not only spiritually, but emotionally, physically, and mentally as well.
We kicked it by the pool today and tomorrow we go to Disney Land followed by Laguna Beach Thursday. I've been to some very great business meetings with thousands of other NYL agents literally all over the U.S. The company has really gone above and beyond to show thier appreciation to all the agents. It was for sure worth all the hard work. Tonight, we will enjoy a wonderful dinner banquet and have the opportunity to meet and have our picture taken with CEO Sy Sternberg.
Jodi and I will celebrate our "4th Year" Wedding Anniversary on the 28th this week. Man, took me four years to get this girl right...(Just messing). Jodi, thank you for four wonderful years! Each year has gotten better! Pastor and Angel, thank you for working with us through all of the "bumps" along the way! God used you mightily in our lives and still does til this day! We love you very much!
Been too busy this week? Even busy doing "spiritual" things? Go in your room, close the door and be with God! He is calling you! Can you hear him? Over the hectic schedule, can you hear him calling? Over the cares and worrys of the world, can you feel him drawing? Go rest in him! Get some rest spirit man!
Beck
P.S. Go Saints!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Who is the greatest?
Ali said he was but my chips are still on "Iron" Mike Tyson...
So how do you determine who is "great" in this world? Do you measure greatest by money, prestige, big homes, fast cars, big bank accounts, social status? "Beck, that's the worlds way!" Okay, let's spiritualize this abit. How do you measure greatness spiritually? The most annointed? The best put together sermon? The biggest buildings?
In Mark 9 Jesus questioned his disciples about a discussion they had while walking down the road. The disciples had kept quite because thier discussion had been about "who was the greatest among them". Can you think about how that discussion may have sounded? They were probably comparing each others "greatness" by who had prayed more, who knew the scriptures best, who had healed more diseases, cast out more devils, you get the picture!
But Jesus basically said, "Guys, you got it all wrong." "You got it backwards, you see yes all those things are great and important but if you really want to be great listen to this." "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." POW! That had to hit them square in the face!
We live in a society that says, "Me first!" We want to be first in line, first at bat, first in competitions, first, first, first! We think greatness is measured by having people under us, telling others what to do, but if that is our mentallity we have it backwards!
Can you think of the "great" Mother Teresa (yes, she was Catholic) who decided to be "last", gave up her life, and lived to serve others! Not much to show for on this earth huh? But I can imagine when she stepped into heaven the angels might have said, "Step aside boys, this lady is coming to the front of the line!" She was great on earth! She served!
Take some time today and read more on servanthood in John 13. Find somebody today and serve! We reach those we serve!
Beck
So how do you determine who is "great" in this world? Do you measure greatest by money, prestige, big homes, fast cars, big bank accounts, social status? "Beck, that's the worlds way!" Okay, let's spiritualize this abit. How do you measure greatness spiritually? The most annointed? The best put together sermon? The biggest buildings?
In Mark 9 Jesus questioned his disciples about a discussion they had while walking down the road. The disciples had kept quite because thier discussion had been about "who was the greatest among them". Can you think about how that discussion may have sounded? They were probably comparing each others "greatness" by who had prayed more, who knew the scriptures best, who had healed more diseases, cast out more devils, you get the picture!
But Jesus basically said, "Guys, you got it all wrong." "You got it backwards, you see yes all those things are great and important but if you really want to be great listen to this." "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." POW! That had to hit them square in the face!
We live in a society that says, "Me first!" We want to be first in line, first at bat, first in competitions, first, first, first! We think greatness is measured by having people under us, telling others what to do, but if that is our mentallity we have it backwards!
Can you think of the "great" Mother Teresa (yes, she was Catholic) who decided to be "last", gave up her life, and lived to serve others! Not much to show for on this earth huh? But I can imagine when she stepped into heaven the angels might have said, "Step aside boys, this lady is coming to the front of the line!" She was great on earth! She served!
Take some time today and read more on servanthood in John 13. Find somebody today and serve! We reach those we serve!
Beck
Thursday, September 14, 2006
A night out on the town...
We've almost made it through the week and boy am I enjoying this nice cooler weather! (My neck is starting to swell as hunting season approaches us.)
Well, the wife and I (and baby girl) are getting ready for a night out with Pastor Joel and his family. We are thinking about grubbing at the Waterfront Grill in Monroe. Sounds like a good choice to me. I always enjoy the fellowship of my Pastor and his family. Isn't it cool to be able to have a Pastor down-to-earth enough to kick back and hangout with?
Til the next post...God Bless!
Well, the wife and I (and baby girl) are getting ready for a night out with Pastor Joel and his family. We are thinking about grubbing at the Waterfront Grill in Monroe. Sounds like a good choice to me. I always enjoy the fellowship of my Pastor and his family. Isn't it cool to be able to have a Pastor down-to-earth enough to kick back and hangout with?
Til the next post...God Bless!
Friday, September 08, 2006
Your Level of Commitment
"...he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:8)
"Beck, one thing that concerns me about you is your stability." Those words of a particular pastor cut deep in my heart over six years ago but changed my life forever. His words were true, I was becoming unstable. But was it my fault? Events in my past had molded me to be this way. Jumping from one place to another, from one church to another, from one school to another, from one "belief" to another....unstable....double-minded in ALL I did. I decided whether my fault or not that I was going to do something about that! I wanted to be a stable person!
Show me a person who "church hops" or who "flakes" and I will show you a person whose WHOLE life is unstable,whose marriage is unstable,whose jobs are unstable,whose relationships have been and will be unstable.
But you show me a person who is totally committed to God and where God has planted him and I will show you a stable person, a stable marriage, stable relationships, etc.
Seem a bit harsh? Maybe not harsh enough! What does the word commitment mean to us? Does it mean staying in a marriage or in a job or in a church commited enough until someone or something makes us mad? Until the pastor does something we don't agree with? Until we don't get our way? Until the boss man "does us wrong"?
Let me say this, if one does not love people, have deep character, and a true level of commitment the ministry is not for him or her! Yes, regardless of the gifts or annointing one may possess!
Over three years ago when I first arrived at Life Church West Monroe I felt the Lord impress in my spirit, "I am going to teach you how to be faithful and committed." By remaining faithful to where God has planted me (Life Church) and by knowing my place (completely submitted to my Pastor) my life has become stable. Funny how when you get these traits in order the rest of your life gets in order. I refuse to live my life unstable any longer! I refuse not to get in me an unshakable level of commitment! You see that is what it takes! Commitment! Commited people! Commited churches!
"Beck, one thing that concerns me about you is your stability." Those words of a particular pastor cut deep in my heart over six years ago but changed my life forever. His words were true, I was becoming unstable. But was it my fault? Events in my past had molded me to be this way. Jumping from one place to another, from one church to another, from one school to another, from one "belief" to another....unstable....double-minded in ALL I did. I decided whether my fault or not that I was going to do something about that! I wanted to be a stable person!
Show me a person who "church hops" or who "flakes" and I will show you a person whose WHOLE life is unstable,whose marriage is unstable,whose jobs are unstable,whose relationships have been and will be unstable.
But you show me a person who is totally committed to God and where God has planted him and I will show you a stable person, a stable marriage, stable relationships, etc.
Seem a bit harsh? Maybe not harsh enough! What does the word commitment mean to us? Does it mean staying in a marriage or in a job or in a church commited enough until someone or something makes us mad? Until the pastor does something we don't agree with? Until we don't get our way? Until the boss man "does us wrong"?
Let me say this, if one does not love people, have deep character, and a true level of commitment the ministry is not for him or her! Yes, regardless of the gifts or annointing one may possess!
Over three years ago when I first arrived at Life Church West Monroe I felt the Lord impress in my spirit, "I am going to teach you how to be faithful and committed." By remaining faithful to where God has planted me (Life Church) and by knowing my place (completely submitted to my Pastor) my life has become stable. Funny how when you get these traits in order the rest of your life gets in order. I refuse to live my life unstable any longer! I refuse not to get in me an unshakable level of commitment! You see that is what it takes! Commitment! Commited people! Commited churches!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
FUSION II
FUSION-THE MERGING TOGETHER OF TWO DIFFERENT ELEMENTS TO FORM ONE UNION...
This past Wednesday night we "merged" together with the adults at Life Church West Monroe for our second "Fusion Service." We didn't allow the differences in our age and culture to divide us but united for the sole purpose of worshipping Jesus Christ! And worship him we did! The worship team did the BEST I've ever seen them do in leading us into the presence of God. (Guys, I'm proud of you!) The worship team overcame alot of obstacles satan threw thier way this week but as the word says, "we are more than conquerors." Anytime the enemy comes at you so hard look out, you just may have a move of God on the horizon!
We had a message from the word of God concerning Guarding our testimony on how we as Christians are "Not for Sale." We had a wonderful time of ministry at the end of service praying to God for people who came forward in faith for prayer!
Thank you Jesus for showing up and thank you everybody for all your hard work in putting this together! Thanks Pastor Joel for allowing us to come over and share the service with us!
God Bless...Beck
This past Wednesday night we "merged" together with the adults at Life Church West Monroe for our second "Fusion Service." We didn't allow the differences in our age and culture to divide us but united for the sole purpose of worshipping Jesus Christ! And worship him we did! The worship team did the BEST I've ever seen them do in leading us into the presence of God. (Guys, I'm proud of you!) The worship team overcame alot of obstacles satan threw thier way this week but as the word says, "we are more than conquerors." Anytime the enemy comes at you so hard look out, you just may have a move of God on the horizon!
We had a message from the word of God concerning Guarding our testimony on how we as Christians are "Not for Sale." We had a wonderful time of ministry at the end of service praying to God for people who came forward in faith for prayer!
Thank you Jesus for showing up and thank you everybody for all your hard work in putting this together! Thanks Pastor Joel for allowing us to come over and share the service with us!
God Bless...Beck
Monday, August 28, 2006
Happy B-Day Xtreme Life!
Well...I'm about eight days behind on this but on August 20th three years ago, Life Church (then River of Life) founded its 1st student ministry with two hopeful teens.
Three years later we are seeing God continue to grow the student ministry including growing the teen leadership. It has been a very exciting three years and I look forward to many more to come.
Thank you to ALL of our teen leaders who "make it happen" every Wednesday night and thank you Pastor Joel for humoring us three years ago and giving us a shot!
Happy "3".
Three years later we are seeing God continue to grow the student ministry including growing the teen leadership. It has been a very exciting three years and I look forward to many more to come.
Thank you to ALL of our teen leaders who "make it happen" every Wednesday night and thank you Pastor Joel for humoring us three years ago and giving us a shot!
Happy "3".
Friday, August 25, 2006
My First Time
Pastor Joel and myself had the opportunity to watch the Monday Night Football game in Shreveport, Louisiana between the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints in which was my "1st" NFL experience.
We dodged traffic, long lines, and heavy rain to watch the two NFL teams battle it out.
We had the opportunity to watch many great athletes play some of which weren't too far from home (Bradie James of West Monroe/LSU, Marcus Spears of LSU, and many others)
Sadly, the Saints didn't play very well as they lost to the Cowboys 30-7. But hey, we had a great time visiting! Thanks Bro.Joel for allowing me to "tag along."
To see game pics go to www.lifechurchwestmonroe.com and click "pastors blog".
We dodged traffic, long lines, and heavy rain to watch the two NFL teams battle it out.
We had the opportunity to watch many great athletes play some of which weren't too far from home (Bradie James of West Monroe/LSU, Marcus Spears of LSU, and many others)
Sadly, the Saints didn't play very well as they lost to the Cowboys 30-7. But hey, we had a great time visiting! Thanks Bro.Joel for allowing me to "tag along."
To see game pics go to www.lifechurchwestmonroe.com and click "pastors blog".
Monday, August 14, 2006
Voices in the Head, Issues in the Heart
We had a great service yesterday at Life Church West Monroe. After a wonderful time of worship, we got into the word ministering on "Voices in the Head, Issues in the Heart." (Mark Murphy and Rob Tucker did a fantastic job with the bumper video.) I would like to thank Pastor for giving me the opportunity to minister God's word while he was out on a much deserved vacation in Gulf Shores. Thank you Pastor Joel!
The Bible says in I. Peter 1:13 to "Therefore, prepare your minds for action." The mind is indeed a great battlefield and many of times the battles are lost and won here. There are many people that are held captive in the mind by Satan who has a "mental stronghold" on them. Satan has no right unless we agree with him to have any territory in our minds.
Without getting further into all of this you can hear the message online by clicking on the following link: http://www.lifechurchwestmonroe.com/voices2.html
If the link doesn't work you can go to lifechurchwestmonroe.com and click on "online sermons".
Have a blessed week!
The Bible says in I. Peter 1:13 to "Therefore, prepare your minds for action." The mind is indeed a great battlefield and many of times the battles are lost and won here. There are many people that are held captive in the mind by Satan who has a "mental stronghold" on them. Satan has no right unless we agree with him to have any territory in our minds.
Without getting further into all of this you can hear the message online by clicking on the following link: http://www.lifechurchwestmonroe.com/voices2.html
If the link doesn't work you can go to lifechurchwestmonroe.com and click on "online sermons".
Have a blessed week!
Monday, August 07, 2006
Exciting weekend at Life Church
Talk about some exciting times going on at Life Church West Monroe!
This past Saturday we took our core leadership from our Student Ministry to "The Gathering" at Hodge, Louisiana this weekend. It is a youth event that brings unity to the different churches and teens in the area to worship God. We preached "The end of myself" to the teenagers who responded to God's drawing after the message. We have a great group of teenagers here at Life Church and I am so thankful to have them as leaders!
Bro.Joel wrapped up a two week series on marriage this Sunday to a packed house! We had to pull out some "emergency chairs" due to the overflow of people. You know Satan would love nothing more than to destroy and divide the home! It was good to get a two week message on how to strengthen your marriage! Thanks Bro.Joel!
I want to encourage you to get connected and stay connected at Life Church!
Beck
This past Saturday we took our core leadership from our Student Ministry to "The Gathering" at Hodge, Louisiana this weekend. It is a youth event that brings unity to the different churches and teens in the area to worship God. We preached "The end of myself" to the teenagers who responded to God's drawing after the message. We have a great group of teenagers here at Life Church and I am so thankful to have them as leaders!
Bro.Joel wrapped up a two week series on marriage this Sunday to a packed house! We had to pull out some "emergency chairs" due to the overflow of people. You know Satan would love nothing more than to destroy and divide the home! It was good to get a two week message on how to strengthen your marriage! Thanks Bro.Joel!
I want to encourage you to get connected and stay connected at Life Church!
Beck
Thursday, August 03, 2006
"Set my heart on fire Lord"
Here lately everyone has been talking about how hot and humid it is (as we do every year in Louisiana.) Well last night during our youth meeting we posed the question, "How "hot" is your relationship with God?
The Bible says in Revelation 3:15-16, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other. So, because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Nice verse huh?
John the Baptist was a man that was consumed with the fire of God and the passion of Jesus. Jesus even said, "there is none greater than John the Baptist." His relationship to God was everything; his life, his desire, his world! He was completely surrendered to the will of God and totally dead to the world.
Sadly, many have grown "cold" in their walk with God and the things of God. When at one time, the thought of worship and prayer use to ignite something in thier hearts. The thought of coming together as a church to honor the Lord use to burn like a fire within thier heart but now...the heart has become cold, numb to the things of God.
I. Thes. 5:19 says, "Do not put out the spirit's fire." When ministering to the youth last night they were challenged that whatever they do, don't allow the fire to go out in thier hearts! Keep the "fire killers" out of your life!
Fire puts out light right? I believe that people who spend time with Jesus should have such a passion about thier relationship that others around them would take notice. "Let your light shine before men..." John Wesley said, "Get on fire and people will come just to watch you burn."
In Luke 24:32 after the disciples had spent time with Jesus they said, "were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?"
Want something to get fired up about? Why not our relationship with God?
Let's develop a passionate walk with God by allowing God to set our hearts on fire for him!
The Bible says in Revelation 3:15-16, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other. So, because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Nice verse huh?
John the Baptist was a man that was consumed with the fire of God and the passion of Jesus. Jesus even said, "there is none greater than John the Baptist." His relationship to God was everything; his life, his desire, his world! He was completely surrendered to the will of God and totally dead to the world.
Sadly, many have grown "cold" in their walk with God and the things of God. When at one time, the thought of worship and prayer use to ignite something in thier hearts. The thought of coming together as a church to honor the Lord use to burn like a fire within thier heart but now...the heart has become cold, numb to the things of God.
I. Thes. 5:19 says, "Do not put out the spirit's fire." When ministering to the youth last night they were challenged that whatever they do, don't allow the fire to go out in thier hearts! Keep the "fire killers" out of your life!
Fire puts out light right? I believe that people who spend time with Jesus should have such a passion about thier relationship that others around them would take notice. "Let your light shine before men..." John Wesley said, "Get on fire and people will come just to watch you burn."
In Luke 24:32 after the disciples had spent time with Jesus they said, "were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?"
Want something to get fired up about? Why not our relationship with God?
Let's develop a passionate walk with God by allowing God to set our hearts on fire for him!
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