Exodus 17:1-7
“Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. Then the people will be able to drink. So Moses struck the rock as he was told, and water gushed out as the elders looked on.” (Exodus 17:6b)
“All of them at the same spiritual food, and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ.” (I. Cor. 10:3-4)
Summer is quickly approching us and many people will hit the rivers, ponds, and pools to be refreshed from the heat. Water brings refreshment to our bodies and it gives us life! Without it we would die!
Can I ask you when is the last time you drank from the river of life? How often to you “strike the rock” which is Christ and drink from His Spirit? Without His Spirit we will die? Many people are dry and thirsty and are in need of refreshing times. God is saying take the time and drink from the river! Drink from the fountain! Drink from His Spirit and you will never die! His fountain, His river, and His Spirit will never ever run dry!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Lessons out of Egypt
“So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. He bowed low and kissed him. They asked about each other’s welfare and then went into Moses’ tent. Moses told his father-in-law everything the Lord had done to Pharaoh and Egypt on behalf of Israel. He also told about all the hardships they had experienced along the way and how the Lord had rescued his people from all their troubles. Jethro was delighted when he heard about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel as he rescued them from the hand of the Egyptians.” (Exodus 18:7-9)
As Moses met up with his father-in-law Jethro, he discussed everything God had done for Israel and how God delivered them out of Egypt. I’m sure he told Jethro of God’s faithfulness, power, and miracles he performed to deliver them from their bondage. One thing that really stood out to me was the next verse. “He also told about all the hardships they had experienced along the way…” I’m sure the people of Israel may have thought once God delivered them from the land of slavery that everything would be “peaches and cream” from here on out but it wasn’t. There were still trials and there were still tests-all to prove God’s faithfulness and to see if they would obey God’s instructions. Sometimes that’s how we are as believers. We tell of God’s faithfulness of how he saved us and delivered us from “our Egypt” but we must realize we WILL HAVE HARDSHIPS ALONG THE WAY EVEN AFTER EGYPT! My question is. What will you do when those hardships come? Go back to Egypt? We will experience hardships in every area of life. How will we respond? How will we respond when we hit hard times at church? Leave or walk it out? What about marriage? Leave or walk it out? What about other important relationships? Give up or walk it out? We can’t just rejoice out our deliverence from Egypt but rejoice in God’s goodness as he brings us through troubles as well.
As Moses met up with his father-in-law Jethro, he discussed everything God had done for Israel and how God delivered them out of Egypt. I’m sure he told Jethro of God’s faithfulness, power, and miracles he performed to deliver them from their bondage. One thing that really stood out to me was the next verse. “He also told about all the hardships they had experienced along the way…” I’m sure the people of Israel may have thought once God delivered them from the land of slavery that everything would be “peaches and cream” from here on out but it wasn’t. There were still trials and there were still tests-all to prove God’s faithfulness and to see if they would obey God’s instructions. Sometimes that’s how we are as believers. We tell of God’s faithfulness of how he saved us and delivered us from “our Egypt” but we must realize we WILL HAVE HARDSHIPS ALONG THE WAY EVEN AFTER EGYPT! My question is. What will you do when those hardships come? Go back to Egypt? We will experience hardships in every area of life. How will we respond? How will we respond when we hit hard times at church? Leave or walk it out? What about marriage? Leave or walk it out? What about other important relationships? Give up or walk it out? We can’t just rejoice out our deliverence from Egypt but rejoice in God’s goodness as he brings us through troubles as well.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
New Student Ministry Blog!
We have a new blog site for the E3 Student Ministry of Family Church in which I have the priviledge of serving and leading. Check it out!
www.e3students.blogspot.com
www.e3students.blogspot.com
I wonder...
We just wrapped up a two week series entitled, "The Unseen World" and we've been talking alot about fighting the fight of faith. We spoke to our students last night concerning the full armor of God and how we are engaged in a daily spiritual battle. As I was praying in the E3 Room this morning I looked out and saw all the empty chairs left over from last night. Last night there were students in those chairs. Last night they were worshiping God, there was loud music, and young people that filled the room. This morning in the room it was much different. I was the only one in there-the room was quite and the chairs were empty. The truth is, those students went out into the battlefield. Some of their battlefields are at home. Some of their battlefields are in school, and some of their battlefields are very private. I couldn't help but ask myself, "I wonder if they really got it last night?" "I wonder if they took to heart what we talked to them about?" "I wonder that if today they applied to thier lives what we talked about last night?" "Did they put on their armor today and fight the fight of faith? I wonder?
"But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves." (James 1:22
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
It doesn't always have to be like that
“The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn’t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyeone was praising God for this miraculous sign-the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years.” (Acts 4:21-22)
In Acts 3 Peter and John prayed for a man in the name of Jesus Christ to be healed-it worked. When I read in Acts 4 verse 22 the statement that amazes me is this; “the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years.” More than forty years! For forty years this man could not walk! For forty years this man had to beg! For forty years this man didn’t know what it was like to take a walk outside. For forty years this man didn’t know what it was like to take a jog in the park! He had been crippled and in this state for a long, long time. I wonder if this man had gotten “use” to his condition. I wonder if this man thought to himself “I will always be like this-nothing will ever change.”
Sometimes like the man who had been crippled for more than forty years we think our situation will never change. We say, “I’ve struggled with this all my life and I probably will always struggle with it.” “My marriage has been rocky for a long time and it will never get better.” “I’ve been praying about my families salvation and nothings changed.” We get into this mentality that just because it’s always been like this or that so it will always be. Well, Jesus proved that wrong. He stepped into a man’s life that had been crippled for over forty years and changed that man’s situation!
Well, what situation have you been in and seem like you will always be in? Your marriage? Your ministry? Your finances? It doesn’t matter if it’s been like that for five, ten, or even forty years, God can and will step in!
Trust Him with it!
In Acts 3 Peter and John prayed for a man in the name of Jesus Christ to be healed-it worked. When I read in Acts 4 verse 22 the statement that amazes me is this; “the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years.” More than forty years! For forty years this man could not walk! For forty years this man had to beg! For forty years this man didn’t know what it was like to take a walk outside. For forty years this man didn’t know what it was like to take a jog in the park! He had been crippled and in this state for a long, long time. I wonder if this man had gotten “use” to his condition. I wonder if this man thought to himself “I will always be like this-nothing will ever change.”
Sometimes like the man who had been crippled for more than forty years we think our situation will never change. We say, “I’ve struggled with this all my life and I probably will always struggle with it.” “My marriage has been rocky for a long time and it will never get better.” “I’ve been praying about my families salvation and nothings changed.” We get into this mentality that just because it’s always been like this or that so it will always be. Well, Jesus proved that wrong. He stepped into a man’s life that had been crippled for over forty years and changed that man’s situation!
Well, what situation have you been in and seem like you will always be in? Your marriage? Your ministry? Your finances? It doesn’t matter if it’s been like that for five, ten, or even forty years, God can and will step in!
Trust Him with it!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Have you been with Jesus?
“The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)
This was a statement that followed an amazing event that took place in the Acts of the apostles. In Acts 3 Peter and John were on their way to a prayer meeting when they were confronted by a man who had been lame from birth. After Peter prayed for the man and he was healed he took that opportunity to preach Christ to them. His preaching caused such a stir that Peter and John were taken before the Council to be threatened to stop preaching in Christ’s name.
Back in Acts 3 the lame man was begging for money and Peter and John made this statement; “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” (Acts 3:6)
Peter and John may have not had much money but money is not what the man really needed-he needed Christ! You see we have to give people (students) not what they may want or think they may need but only what they truly need. Peter and John gave them what they had-Christ! We read in Acts 4 that the people recognized them as, “men who had been with Jesus.” These men had spent time with Christ so when the time came to “give Christ” to someone they were ready. They couldn’t have given the man what they had not had or experienced. So when you suddenly have the opportunity to minister to someone in need will you be ready?
Question. Have you been with Christ these past few weeks? Have you been in His word? At His feet? In His presence? We can’t give what we don’t have. If we are not “being with Christ” on a daily basis it will only leave us “spent”, “empty”, and always serving on what is hardly left. Guys, just having fun with these students is not enough. We have to give them what can change their lives-Jesus Christ.
I pray you will take advantage of these “off weeks” so to speak and spend time with Christ. When people look at you will they say, “this person has been with Jesus?”
This was a statement that followed an amazing event that took place in the Acts of the apostles. In Acts 3 Peter and John were on their way to a prayer meeting when they were confronted by a man who had been lame from birth. After Peter prayed for the man and he was healed he took that opportunity to preach Christ to them. His preaching caused such a stir that Peter and John were taken before the Council to be threatened to stop preaching in Christ’s name.
Back in Acts 3 the lame man was begging for money and Peter and John made this statement; “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” (Acts 3:6)
Peter and John may have not had much money but money is not what the man really needed-he needed Christ! You see we have to give people (students) not what they may want or think they may need but only what they truly need. Peter and John gave them what they had-Christ! We read in Acts 4 that the people recognized them as, “men who had been with Jesus.” These men had spent time with Christ so when the time came to “give Christ” to someone they were ready. They couldn’t have given the man what they had not had or experienced. So when you suddenly have the opportunity to minister to someone in need will you be ready?
Question. Have you been with Christ these past few weeks? Have you been in His word? At His feet? In His presence? We can’t give what we don’t have. If we are not “being with Christ” on a daily basis it will only leave us “spent”, “empty”, and always serving on what is hardly left. Guys, just having fun with these students is not enough. We have to give them what can change their lives-Jesus Christ.
I pray you will take advantage of these “off weeks” so to speak and spend time with Christ. When people look at you will they say, “this person has been with Jesus?”
Thursday, February 14, 2008
One year later...The Miracle Story of how God moved.
(pictured from top left to right is the renovation process, faith sign found in daughters old room during renovation, new dining room, wife's new kitchen, and the church that continues to change my life-Family Church!)
It was February 16th, 2007 and I had just resigned from where I had served on staff at a local church for almost four years. We had just been on a 21 Day Fast as a church and I was seeking God for three miracle requests. God had made it clear to my wife and I that we were to leave and that would be all that He would show us at that point.
That night I recieved a prophetic word from a man I had known for over 7 years. He told me "One year from now you will look back and be amazed at what God has done." At that time, I honestly couldn't see that happening but one year has come and gone and to say that I am amazed would be very much an understatement.
I wish I could say it was easy but it wasn't. Victories without test's and trials aren't near as sweet. We went months without "earned" income but God provided by using someone to pay us every month until His (God's) word came to pass. When we arrived at Family Church in March of 2007 I had no idea or not if that was where we would be (especially on staff!). It was a much larger church (1,200 people call home) so it took some getting use to. All I new was the whole counsel of God's word was preached here and the value placed on family was tremendous. Without getting into detail God placed a "package" together that would get us out of the insurance business and into ministry full-time.
Meanwhile, our "house" situations was getting worse as we had no central heat/air and the mice problems were magnified. In a desperate attempt I was going to have our home either destroyed or moved and have a trailer house placed there. When a good friend in the church heard what our plans were he intervened and three months later we are in our "miracles house". During that time the hand of God moved yet again and I was placed as the youth pastor over all student ministry in November. Wow.
We had a scary moment at the end of November when my baby suddenly went into a seizure that lasted over 35 minutes. The result-there were absolutely no effects whatsoever on her body. God had protected her.
Here is my "Impossible" prayer list from one year ago in which God miraculously answered both and in order. Only HE could recieve glory for this! No man could have self-fulfilled these things only the very hand of God! We are full-time at Family Church and are now living in our new and safe home!
January 21-February 16th of 2007
Believing God for the “Impossible”
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)
"And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible" (Mark 10:27).
Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. (Luke 18:1)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)
“The Possibilities”
I. Believe God for full-time ministry
II. Believe God to provide us with a newly built home on our land
III. This last one I cannot share just yet because of the very personal request it is. We are still awaiting God's answer and will give Him praise when it is fulfilled.
Believing God for the “Impossible”
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)
"And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible" (Mark 10:27).
Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. (Luke 18:1)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)
“The Possibilities”
I. Believe God for full-time ministry
II. Believe God to provide us with a newly built home on our land
III. This last one I cannot share just yet because of the very personal request it is. We are still awaiting God's answer and will give Him praise when it is fulfilled.
Check out this insert from my journal the last day of our fast.
“21 Day Fast (Day 21)
Break Fast
Lord, these last 21 days have been some of the best spiritually I have had in many, many years. With that being said, I have also experienced some of the most demonic attacks against my life and family as well.
We had many request we lifted to you and believe you will answer everyone of them for your glory! We have them recorded and written and will give you the praise when they come!
Lord, this morning in prayer I believe your spirit impressed on my heart to, “Obey Jesus, no matter the cost.” Lord, you obeyed the Father, regardless of the price you had to pay!
Lord, as we break this fast, thank you for giving us the strength and commitment to finish it.
May my wife, Gracen, and myself always be willing to serve and follow you regardless of the price or the cost! Now be glorified Lord as we follow you! Please move quickly Jesus! We need you! We love you! In Jesus name! Beck
Break Fast
Lord, these last 21 days have been some of the best spiritually I have had in many, many years. With that being said, I have also experienced some of the most demonic attacks against my life and family as well.
We had many request we lifted to you and believe you will answer everyone of them for your glory! We have them recorded and written and will give you the praise when they come!
Lord, this morning in prayer I believe your spirit impressed on my heart to, “Obey Jesus, no matter the cost.” Lord, you obeyed the Father, regardless of the price you had to pay!
Lord, as we break this fast, thank you for giving us the strength and commitment to finish it.
May my wife, Gracen, and myself always be willing to serve and follow you regardless of the price or the cost! Now be glorified Lord as we follow you! Please move quickly Jesus! We need you! We love you! In Jesus name! Beck
I wish I had the time and space to write all the details of the literal documented fulfilled prophecies, prayers, and miracles God has done for us in a year's time.
Let me encourage you, never, ever stop believing and praying for what God has placed in your heart and never, ever shy down from being obedient to Him! He is faithful!To everyone who has walked with us and witnessed the miracles thank you for your prayers!Thank you Jesus!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
A Radical Faith
"Faith, Family, and Future"-Man, I'm I pumped up about our Generations Campaign here at Family Church! We are smack dab in the midst of our "Generations" stewardship campaign and having been studying alot on faith. Faith is not just something that has been brought up and talked about recently here at Family Church but something that has been lived out the past 30 years. Family Church is a church of faith, family, and miracles.
Last night in E3, our student ministry, we talked about, "A Radical Faith." I read out of II. Corinthians 13:5 and challenged our students to examine thier faith-where do you stand in your walk with God? What's your spiritual condition?
"Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you, if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith." (II. Cor. 13:5)
Last night we had loads of students fill the altars in prayer. Tears and weeping could be seen and heard as we gathered together to pray. The Holy Spirit of God is something else! You don't have to rely on hype and you don't have to drum things up. When the Word of God goes forth that is sufficient! Let the Holy Spirit do the work in the hearts of people. We plant, we water, but God causes the growth to take place! To Him be the Glory!
Last night in E3, our student ministry, we talked about, "A Radical Faith." I read out of II. Corinthians 13:5 and challenged our students to examine thier faith-where do you stand in your walk with God? What's your spiritual condition?
"Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you, if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith." (II. Cor. 13:5)
Last night we had loads of students fill the altars in prayer. Tears and weeping could be seen and heard as we gathered together to pray. The Holy Spirit of God is something else! You don't have to rely on hype and you don't have to drum things up. When the Word of God goes forth that is sufficient! Let the Holy Spirit do the work in the hearts of people. We plant, we water, but God causes the growth to take place! To Him be the Glory!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
E3 Service
"Avoiding the Freeze-Don't let your heart grown cold towards..."
1) Each Other
2) The Hurting
3) The Lost
Well, there is nothing like going home after a youth service, kicking back in the hot tub, and sipping on some Italian Soda's that we got you guys last night (good thing there were non-alcoholic or I would have been in trouble last night.Almost had the whole bottle).
We had several "wins" from last night. Here are a few I thought deserved recognition.
1) We had a good showing at prayer.
2)Most everybody was at our 6:20 meeting on time.
3) We had more students than we did the week prior (45 J.H., 52 H.S., and 19 workers for a total of 116)
4) 6 People committed their lives to Christ in the High School service while
4 did in the J.H. service (Praise God!)
5) We had several first time visitors
1) Each Other
2) The Hurting
3) The Lost
Well, there is nothing like going home after a youth service, kicking back in the hot tub, and sipping on some Italian Soda's that we got you guys last night (good thing there were non-alcoholic or I would have been in trouble last night.Almost had the whole bottle).
We had several "wins" from last night. Here are a few I thought deserved recognition.
1) We had a good showing at prayer.
2)Most everybody was at our 6:20 meeting on time.
3) We had more students than we did the week prior (45 J.H., 52 H.S., and 19 workers for a total of 116)
4) 6 People committed their lives to Christ in the High School service while
4 did in the J.H. service (Praise God!)
5) We had several first time visitors
Monday, January 14, 2008
"Avoiding the Freeze-How to keep your walk with Christ from growing cold."
(E3 Student Ministry Room pictured on left)We used to live in a home where when winter hit-it got cold in the house! I always had thought it was because we had only a window unit for heat but when we renovated the house I found out the source of the problem-NO INSULATION IN THE WALLS! Insulation is important because it helps preserve the heat in the house and keep the cold out!
Our hearts are alot like that. If we don't have the proper insulation around our hearts (prayer, bible study, connection with the church, etc. ) our hearts can become cold and without heat (passion, fire, etc.)
So how do peoples walk with Christ begin to grow cold?
1) They slowly drift away from their time with Christ.
· “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
· When you begin to drift away in your prayer life and bible study time your walk with Christ will begin to grow cold!
2) They begin to drift away from the church.
· “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25)
3) Hang around wrong crowds.
· “Bad company corrupts good character.” (I. Cor.15:33)
4) They allow sin to enter into their hearts.
· “It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.” (Isaiah 59:2)
We will continue our study on "Avoiding the Freeze" this Wednesday night in the E3 Room.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
God will move when....
"And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief." (Matthew 13:58)
As I began reflecting on the New Year I thought to myself, "What will hinder God from moving miraculously in my life?" "What will make this year any different than any other years prior?" "What will keep me from becoming a better husband, father, or minister?" The answer is the same thing that has always kept God from moving in my life...me! Wait a minute, you mean I can keep God from doing great things in my life? Yep! In Matthew and in many other instances in the Bible Jesus was amazed at people's unbelief and therefore held back from doing the miraculous!
What if this year we truly submitted to God in EVERY area of our life? Not just in prayer and Bible reading but with our mouths? With our conversations? With our attitudes? With our relationships? It's up to you and me. God is withholding just to withhold, he is waiting on us so quit waiting on Him. Make a move!
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8
As I began reflecting on the New Year I thought to myself, "What will hinder God from moving miraculously in my life?" "What will make this year any different than any other years prior?" "What will keep me from becoming a better husband, father, or minister?" The answer is the same thing that has always kept God from moving in my life...me! Wait a minute, you mean I can keep God from doing great things in my life? Yep! In Matthew and in many other instances in the Bible Jesus was amazed at people's unbelief and therefore held back from doing the miraculous!
What if this year we truly submitted to God in EVERY area of our life? Not just in prayer and Bible reading but with our mouths? With our conversations? With our attitudes? With our relationships? It's up to you and me. God is withholding just to withhold, he is waiting on us so quit waiting on Him. Make a move!
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8
Monday, December 31, 2007
Words from Paul
As we wrap up the year 2007 I like to take the time to reflect on events that have taken place in my life. Last night over a date at Chili's, my wife and I named the top three events that were most exciting in our lives and also the top 3 trying events we had experienced as well.
Some of my most memorable highlights for the year were:
1) My baby's 1st B-Day.
2) Arriving at Family Church/Going into full-time ministry.
3)Getting into our new house two nights before Christmas.
4) Getting to see my daughter run down the hall Christmas morning.
5) Knowing what truly matters for eternity this Christmas.
6) Being humbled by the outpouring of love and giving by Family Church.
Some of our more trying times.
1) Leaving our previous church.
2) Trusting God for the finances we needed until we got stable income.
3) My daughter having a seizure then being hospitalized.
4) Being without a home for 3 months.
"I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." (Philippians 3:12-14)
For some of us 2007 was a great year, but for others it may have been a difficult one. For some it might have been a year of mistakes and failures. I encourage you with the same words Paul did, "Forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead."
I pray you go into the year 2008 with extreme focus on God and Family!
Some of my most memorable highlights for the year were:
1) My baby's 1st B-Day.
2) Arriving at Family Church/Going into full-time ministry.
3)Getting into our new house two nights before Christmas.
4) Getting to see my daughter run down the hall Christmas morning.
5) Knowing what truly matters for eternity this Christmas.
6) Being humbled by the outpouring of love and giving by Family Church.
Some of our more trying times.
1) Leaving our previous church.
2) Trusting God for the finances we needed until we got stable income.
3) My daughter having a seizure then being hospitalized.
4) Being without a home for 3 months.
"I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." (Philippians 3:12-14)
For some of us 2007 was a great year, but for others it may have been a difficult one. For some it might have been a year of mistakes and failures. I encourage you with the same words Paul did, "Forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead."
I pray you go into the year 2008 with extreme focus on God and Family!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
It's not your birthday!
Being out of our house, having my daughter hospitalized, etc. during this month of December has brought intense focus on what Christmas is really about and what it is not. The words of my pastor burn in my spirit, "If it doesn't matter for eternity it doesn't matter!". Now I love the Christmas season more than anyone. "The trees, lights, parties, etc. but this year we haven't had any of that...well except some great parties! We will be in our house tonight but we have seriously contemplated putting up a tree, decorations, etc. due to the fact that God is teaching us some things. Things we should know. Things we should have known. Yes, Christmas is a time for giving, a time for family, and a time for friends certainly BUT, Christmas is a time to celebrate the saviour of the world coming to make a way into a relationship with HIM! It is HIS birthday not ours! It is so easy to get distracted with all the commercialism and everything else out there. This year, we need not go through the motions! We are celebrating what truly matters! Our Saviour! Our sins are forgiven! Our health!
What was Jesus first Christmas like? He spent it poor, in a barn, with animals, with stench, etc. The Saviours? Yes!
"And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them." (Luke 2:6-7)
Happy Birthday Jesus!
What was Jesus first Christmas like? He spent it poor, in a barn, with animals, with stench, etc. The Saviours? Yes!
"And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them." (Luke 2:6-7)
Happy Birthday Jesus!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
E3 Christmas Party
E3 Student Ministry of Family Church celebrated Christmas this year at the magnificant home of Martin and Vanessia West. If you've never seen their home all you need to do is drive past it on Hwy 34! What a place! The West have been involved in student ministry for a long time and when they built their home they did it with student ministry in mind. We had a wonderful time in the game room and also in their "theatre room" on the third floor in which we will be watching the LSU Tigers play for the BCS National Championship! Thanks Martin and Vanessia for opening up your home to students!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Reflection of who He is...Love in Action
(inside father-in-laws house as small group arrived)(above left is the outside of our almost finished new home) (middle is when Gracen was hospitalized. People strolling her in a little red wagon)
"Beck, I've been around a lot of churches, a lot of Christians, and a lot of different denominations through the years and I've NEVER seen anything like this. They are the real deal."
Those were the words that came forth out of my father-in-laws mouth after three car loads of people and students came over and fed us and also left us with a touching card. Most of you know we came to Family Church early in the year and God has continued to do nothing less than miraculous things in our lives. We now serve in full-time ministry at Family Church and are about to move in our brand new home on our land. We have been in my father-in-laws house for over three months now and are anxious to move in my Christmas.
What does Christ look like? Should we see Him when we look at the lives of other believers? Is it easier to talk about Christ than to live like Him? Why don't we see believers share and give like they did in the book of Acts? My family and I have witnessed the believers of Family Church give like I've never seen give. You don't ever hear about it, why? Because they don't advertise it...they don't let there right hand know what the left is doing..but I wanted to take a second and give God praise of the love that we have received. Many people went in together to buy us a 3 ton heat/air unit in which we did not have at our other house-it was very expensive. My daughter had a scary episode in which she was hospitalized for five days. I saw Christ in people coming and giving us clothes to wear and food to eat. I saw Christ in the women who came to relieve Jodi and walk my baby girl around in a little red wagon. I saw Christ in people who came and worked, some 16 hours straight, free of charge to get our house done. I saw people come and work in the cold wet rain to get the outside of our house cleaned up. I could go on and on and it not stop. We have been amazed and humbled. The thing is, we aren't the only story, there is multitudes of stories we see happen week in and week out. It is a lifestyle and preached from the pulpit.
What if we all pitched in and helped? What if we all walked out what we so proudly talk out? What if we truly reflected Christ? Praise be to God.
Those were the words that came forth out of my father-in-laws mouth after three car loads of people and students came over and fed us and also left us with a touching card. Most of you know we came to Family Church early in the year and God has continued to do nothing less than miraculous things in our lives. We now serve in full-time ministry at Family Church and are about to move in our brand new home on our land. We have been in my father-in-laws house for over three months now and are anxious to move in my Christmas.
What does Christ look like? Should we see Him when we look at the lives of other believers? Is it easier to talk about Christ than to live like Him? Why don't we see believers share and give like they did in the book of Acts? My family and I have witnessed the believers of Family Church give like I've never seen give. You don't ever hear about it, why? Because they don't advertise it...they don't let there right hand know what the left is doing..but I wanted to take a second and give God praise of the love that we have received. Many people went in together to buy us a 3 ton heat/air unit in which we did not have at our other house-it was very expensive. My daughter had a scary episode in which she was hospitalized for five days. I saw Christ in people coming and giving us clothes to wear and food to eat. I saw Christ in the women who came to relieve Jodi and walk my baby girl around in a little red wagon. I saw Christ in people who came and worked, some 16 hours straight, free of charge to get our house done. I saw people come and work in the cold wet rain to get the outside of our house cleaned up. I could go on and on and it not stop. We have been amazed and humbled. The thing is, we aren't the only story, there is multitudes of stories we see happen week in and week out. It is a lifestyle and preached from the pulpit.
What if we all pitched in and helped? What if we all walked out what we so proudly talk out? What if we truly reflected Christ? Praise be to God.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A timely word...
"Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." (Psalm 55:22)
Have you ever been going through something and you received a timely word either from someone or from something you read? I was driving to the church the other morning when I read the above scripture off of a church sign off of Hwy 557. God's word brought both life and encouragement to my spirit!
For most people Christmas is a time of celebration, joy, and family. But for others, it can be a very difficult time. Maybe they've lost loved ones and this is the first Christmas without them or maybe they are experiencing some other trial or difficulty.
The word of God tells us to "give our burdens to the Lord and he will take care of us." How refreshing is that? To know that we don't have to carry our burdens alone but that Jesus Christ will carry them and take care of us!
Sometimes our burdens seem so heavy and at times too much to bare. Sometimes they seem so large that they could crush us dead! God's word tells us that "He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." What encouragement!
Lord, today we give ALL our burdens to you. All our worries to you! All our cares to you! Lord, lift them from us that we won't be crushed! Lord, thank you that you will sustain us!
Have you ever been going through something and you received a timely word either from someone or from something you read? I was driving to the church the other morning when I read the above scripture off of a church sign off of Hwy 557. God's word brought both life and encouragement to my spirit!
For most people Christmas is a time of celebration, joy, and family. But for others, it can be a very difficult time. Maybe they've lost loved ones and this is the first Christmas without them or maybe they are experiencing some other trial or difficulty.
The word of God tells us to "give our burdens to the Lord and he will take care of us." How refreshing is that? To know that we don't have to carry our burdens alone but that Jesus Christ will carry them and take care of us!
Sometimes our burdens seem so heavy and at times too much to bare. Sometimes they seem so large that they could crush us dead! God's word tells us that "He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." What encouragement!
Lord, today we give ALL our burdens to you. All our worries to you! All our cares to you! Lord, lift them from us that we won't be crushed! Lord, thank you that you will sustain us!
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Source of Power
The other night as several of us were working on the electrical aspect of our house someone went to the breaker box outiside to shut off the power. Now there were several lights within the house that went out after the breaker was cut off. When the main source of power was shut off all the "lights" went out throughout the house...It was dark.
We need to be constantly aware of our source of "power".
"But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything will reward you." (Matthew 6:6)
Don't forget amongst the choas of the holidays to keep prayer your first priority. Notice in the above scripture Jesus said, "When you pray". Not "if" not "if you have time", but "when you pray." Jesus never allows us an excuse not to pray!
Pastor David Yongi Cho who pastors the largest church in the word said, "No prayer, no power.'
Don't allow the enemy to try and cut off your source of power this week. Stay connected and allow your light to shine! People are depending on us and we need the power of the Holy Spirit to be with us to help others and to fight the attacks of the enemy.
We need to be constantly aware of our source of "power".
"But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything will reward you." (Matthew 6:6)
Don't forget amongst the choas of the holidays to keep prayer your first priority. Notice in the above scripture Jesus said, "When you pray". Not "if" not "if you have time", but "when you pray." Jesus never allows us an excuse not to pray!
Pastor David Yongi Cho who pastors the largest church in the word said, "No prayer, no power.'
Don't allow the enemy to try and cut off your source of power this week. Stay connected and allow your light to shine! People are depending on us and we need the power of the Holy Spirit to be with us to help others and to fight the attacks of the enemy.
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Other Nine...
"On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" (Luke 17:11-18)
In the above passage we read about Jesus Christ entering into a village where ten lepers cried out for Jesus Christ to have mercy on them. Leprosy was something that had obviously made there lives a living hell and they wanted to be freed of it. When Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests they all were cleansed of their leprosy! They were finally free! Shouldn't all of them had fallen on their face before God in worship? Shouldn't they have spent the rest of the day singing songs of thanksgiving to their Healer? Shouldn't all ten had lifted Jesus above their shoulders and carried Him through town rejoicing? Maybe they should have but we only read of "one" returning to Christ to thank Him for His goodness.
I would like to think of myself as this "one" who continually is before Jesus giving Him thanks for everything He has done in my life but honestly I may look more like the other nine. Over the Thanksgiving weekend I spent more time being like the "one" bringing thanks to my Savior for all His undeserved mercy that He has shown me.
What is it in your life that you need to be continually thankful for? Do you look like the "one" or do you better relate to the "other nine"?
In the above passage we read about Jesus Christ entering into a village where ten lepers cried out for Jesus Christ to have mercy on them. Leprosy was something that had obviously made there lives a living hell and they wanted to be freed of it. When Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests they all were cleansed of their leprosy! They were finally free! Shouldn't all of them had fallen on their face before God in worship? Shouldn't they have spent the rest of the day singing songs of thanksgiving to their Healer? Shouldn't all ten had lifted Jesus above their shoulders and carried Him through town rejoicing? Maybe they should have but we only read of "one" returning to Christ to thank Him for His goodness.
I would like to think of myself as this "one" who continually is before Jesus giving Him thanks for everything He has done in my life but honestly I may look more like the other nine. Over the Thanksgiving weekend I spent more time being like the "one" bringing thanks to my Savior for all His undeserved mercy that He has shown me.
What is it in your life that you need to be continually thankful for? Do you look like the "one" or do you better relate to the "other nine"?
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The Cries of the Poor
"Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need." (Proverbs 21:13)
As we enter into the time of year where giving is much more "expected" I am desiring not to just make "giving" seasonal in my own personal life but a consistent, continual lifestyle. One area I would like to see remain consistent is the giving to the poor. Notice in the above verse it refers to the "cries" of the poor. If a baby were "crying" out for help would we ignore him or her pitiful cries? How many times have the poor cried out among us for help and yet we ignored that cry? How many times have we arrogantly walked past them and turned our noses up at them as we pass them on the streets. How many self-righteous thoughts and actions have we showed by saying to ourselves, "They must be lazy" or "They probably blow it all on beer and cigarettes." How many times have we ignored the poor parents who work numerous hours to try to put food on the table for their children? I never want to hear the Lord say to my family, "Why did you hoard what I gave you upon yourselves when the poor cried out among you? How could I not trust you with the talents, gifts, and finances I so graciously poured out upon you. Did I not provide your every need? Were you not a vessel I could trust? What if one day we find ourselves in their shoes and we need the same help they do? Will we ourselves be ignored? Yes, we do become more aware of needs around us and we do tend to "give" more during the holiday seasons but what would happen if giving wasn't seasonal but a lifestyle?
As we enter into the time of year where giving is much more "expected" I am desiring not to just make "giving" seasonal in my own personal life but a consistent, continual lifestyle. One area I would like to see remain consistent is the giving to the poor. Notice in the above verse it refers to the "cries" of the poor. If a baby were "crying" out for help would we ignore him or her pitiful cries? How many times have the poor cried out among us for help and yet we ignored that cry? How many times have we arrogantly walked past them and turned our noses up at them as we pass them on the streets. How many self-righteous thoughts and actions have we showed by saying to ourselves, "They must be lazy" or "They probably blow it all on beer and cigarettes." How many times have we ignored the poor parents who work numerous hours to try to put food on the table for their children? I never want to hear the Lord say to my family, "Why did you hoard what I gave you upon yourselves when the poor cried out among you? How could I not trust you with the talents, gifts, and finances I so graciously poured out upon you. Did I not provide your every need? Were you not a vessel I could trust? What if one day we find ourselves in their shoes and we need the same help they do? Will we ourselves be ignored? Yes, we do become more aware of needs around us and we do tend to "give" more during the holiday seasons but what would happen if giving wasn't seasonal but a lifestyle?
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Family Matters
"As for me and my house we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
Tonight we will begin a two week series in our student ministry entitled, "Family Matters." We live in a society where the sacred family bond has been attacked and even mocked what God has ordained. For us to begin impacting the world the way we are called to we first must impact our homes. Strong homes build strong churches! What we must realize is that family does matter to God and what takes place in the home will matter for eternity! We are determined to equip, train, and raise up a generation of young people who will become Godly fathers, mothers, husbands, and wives for the kingdom of God! First, we must first live in front of them how a Godly father, mother, husband, or wife should act! Family ministry isn't too popular or attractive in the traditional usual youth ministry setting but we aren't striving to be usual or traditional! We are striving to break the mold and have a family focused student ministry!
Please pray for our student ministry team as we embark on these next few weeks of teaching,training, and loving our students!
Tonight we will begin a two week series in our student ministry entitled, "Family Matters." We live in a society where the sacred family bond has been attacked and even mocked what God has ordained. For us to begin impacting the world the way we are called to we first must impact our homes. Strong homes build strong churches! What we must realize is that family does matter to God and what takes place in the home will matter for eternity! We are determined to equip, train, and raise up a generation of young people who will become Godly fathers, mothers, husbands, and wives for the kingdom of God! First, we must first live in front of them how a Godly father, mother, husband, or wife should act! Family ministry isn't too popular or attractive in the traditional usual youth ministry setting but we aren't striving to be usual or traditional! We are striving to break the mold and have a family focused student ministry!
Please pray for our student ministry team as we embark on these next few weeks of teaching,training, and loving our students!
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