I came across this video over on Ann Voskamp's blog. If you haven't been there it is always worth your time to visit. What a POWERFUL song and what a great singer.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
I Was Made for This!
The last message in the "Happy New You" series helped us to better understand the importance of "serving" in the life of a believer. Living for that for which we were created brings a sense of fulfillment, focus and purpose to all that we do.
As Joshua speaks some final words to the nation of Israel, he exhorts them to "fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness." (Joshua 24:14). He tells them that they must choose "whom you will serve" and then he declares "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15). So the question we must ask ourselves is "Who am I serving?" It is an important question because we all serve someone or something.
Our prime EXAMPLE is Jesus. He came "not to be served but to serve," (Matt. 20:28). Certainly He set the example for us in serving others. He served the physical needs and spiritual needs of those He encountered. His service was rendered through His words and deeds. No wonder he said; "The greatest among you shall be your servant." (Matt. 23:11).
Maybe we fail in our wholehearted service to the Lord because we forget the EXCLUSIVITY of our service. We forget that we all DO serve someone. In all we do we are either serving self or serving God. Bob Dylan was right when he sang: "But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed; You're gonna have the serve somebody. It may be the devil or it may be the Lord, But you're gonna have to serve somebody." The fact is that this truth certainly did not originate with Bob Dylan. The prophet Samuel told Israel that they should "serve him only" in speaking of the Lord (1 Sam 7:3). Jesus told Satan; "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only you shall serve." (Matt. 4:10). He also made it clear that to try to serve two masters would be impossible because "No one can serve two master, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other." (Matt 6:24). So our service is to be exclusive - we are to serve the Lord!
Those who think or claim there is "nothing" they can do to serve the Lord have either forgotten or failed to understand that God in His grace has EQUIPPED us for service. Paul reminded Timothy of the power of God's Word to work in our lives and to enable us to be "competent, equipped for every good work." (2 Tim. 3:17). Peter tells us that we have each received a "gift" that is to be used in service to one another. Whether our gift involve speaking or serving we are to use the ability "that God supplies" so that God is glorified. (1 Peter 4:10-11). God through the Apostle Paul has made it clear that we all have "gifts that differ according to the grace given to us" and that we are to USE these gifts in serving others.
There are seven distinct gifts listed in Romans 12 that we are encouraged to use in serving others.
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them:
if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;
if service, in our serving;
the one who teaches, in his teaching;
the one who exhorts, in his exhortation;
the one who contributes, in generosity;
the one who leads, with zeal;
the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
Of course, there are gifts listed in other passages of Scripture and the priority is placed on USING them. We are GIFTED to serve God, by serving others. Serving is NOT limited to those in "full time ministry" - in fact we all are to be in "full time ministry" we are to serve God and others wherever we are. You can serve God at your job, in your home, as you go about your business, wherever you are and whatever you do you can SERVE the Lord!
When you do that you will say with confidence and gratitude; "I was made for this" and that is a great way to live life!
Let's all say with Joshua, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Pastor Mike
As Joshua speaks some final words to the nation of Israel, he exhorts them to "fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness." (Joshua 24:14). He tells them that they must choose "whom you will serve" and then he declares "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15). So the question we must ask ourselves is "Who am I serving?" It is an important question because we all serve someone or something.
Our prime EXAMPLE is Jesus. He came "not to be served but to serve," (Matt. 20:28). Certainly He set the example for us in serving others. He served the physical needs and spiritual needs of those He encountered. His service was rendered through His words and deeds. No wonder he said; "The greatest among you shall be your servant." (Matt. 23:11).
Maybe we fail in our wholehearted service to the Lord because we forget the EXCLUSIVITY of our service. We forget that we all DO serve someone. In all we do we are either serving self or serving God. Bob Dylan was right when he sang: "But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed; You're gonna have the serve somebody. It may be the devil or it may be the Lord, But you're gonna have to serve somebody." The fact is that this truth certainly did not originate with Bob Dylan. The prophet Samuel told Israel that they should "serve him only" in speaking of the Lord (1 Sam 7:3). Jesus told Satan; "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only you shall serve." (Matt. 4:10). He also made it clear that to try to serve two masters would be impossible because "No one can serve two master, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other." (Matt 6:24). So our service is to be exclusive - we are to serve the Lord!
Those who think or claim there is "nothing" they can do to serve the Lord have either forgotten or failed to understand that God in His grace has EQUIPPED us for service. Paul reminded Timothy of the power of God's Word to work in our lives and to enable us to be "competent, equipped for every good work." (2 Tim. 3:17). Peter tells us that we have each received a "gift" that is to be used in service to one another. Whether our gift involve speaking or serving we are to use the ability "that God supplies" so that God is glorified. (1 Peter 4:10-11). God through the Apostle Paul has made it clear that we all have "gifts that differ according to the grace given to us" and that we are to USE these gifts in serving others.
There are seven distinct gifts listed in Romans 12 that we are encouraged to use in serving others.
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them:
if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;
if service, in our serving;
the one who teaches, in his teaching;
the one who exhorts, in his exhortation;
the one who contributes, in generosity;
the one who leads, with zeal;
the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
Of course, there are gifts listed in other passages of Scripture and the priority is placed on USING them. We are GIFTED to serve God, by serving others. Serving is NOT limited to those in "full time ministry" - in fact we all are to be in "full time ministry" we are to serve God and others wherever we are. You can serve God at your job, in your home, as you go about your business, wherever you are and whatever you do you can SERVE the Lord!
When you do that you will say with confidence and gratitude; "I was made for this" and that is a great way to live life!
Let's all say with Joshua, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Pastor Mike
Friday, January 17, 2014
Step by Step
On Sunday, I will continue in our series on "Happy New You" by preaching on how we grow as believers. We grow by taking steps of obedience. Sanctification is a step by step process.
You are where you are today because of the steps you have taken to get to this point in your life. You are headed somewhere now according to the steps you are taking. You are drawing closer to the Lord or you are drifting away from Him. There isn't really a "neutral" position in the Christian life.
Growth as a Christian takes EFFORT; it does not just happen. I have been reading a brand new book, by Dr. Andrew Davis, entitled: "An Infinite Journey: Growing Toward Christlikeness" Here is a section from the book that speaks to the realities of our growth as a believer.
"Unlike justification, sanctification is dependent upon a Christian's constant effort, struggle, faith, and obedience, in conjunction with the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Thus sanctification is a mysterious collaboration between the power of God and the efforts of the believer. ... The human side of sanctification is intense labor, working out salvation in fear and trembling. It is a serious struggle, a fight against the world, the flesh and the devil, and as far as the believer is faithful in this struggle, he will make progress in sanctification. Yet he does not struggle alone; rather it is God who is at work in him to will and to do according to God's good purpose."
I think the problem for many is that we think "I am saved, so that's it; that's what counts and that is what is most important." Those thoughts contribute to individuals who are anemic as Christians, at best. Yes, Salvation is important; but growth is also vital and growth takes effort.
I am excited about what we will learn on Sunday concerning our own spiritual growth. Let's pray together that the Lord would speak to each of us through His Word and that we will each take another step toward greater Christlikeness as a result of hearing and applying His Word to our hearts and lives.
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Pastor Mike
You are where you are today because of the steps you have taken to get to this point in your life. You are headed somewhere now according to the steps you are taking. You are drawing closer to the Lord or you are drifting away from Him. There isn't really a "neutral" position in the Christian life.
Growth as a Christian takes EFFORT; it does not just happen. I have been reading a brand new book, by Dr. Andrew Davis, entitled: "An Infinite Journey: Growing Toward Christlikeness" Here is a section from the book that speaks to the realities of our growth as a believer.
"Unlike justification, sanctification is dependent upon a Christian's constant effort, struggle, faith, and obedience, in conjunction with the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Thus sanctification is a mysterious collaboration between the power of God and the efforts of the believer. ... The human side of sanctification is intense labor, working out salvation in fear and trembling. It is a serious struggle, a fight against the world, the flesh and the devil, and as far as the believer is faithful in this struggle, he will make progress in sanctification. Yet he does not struggle alone; rather it is God who is at work in him to will and to do according to God's good purpose."
I think the problem for many is that we think "I am saved, so that's it; that's what counts and that is what is most important." Those thoughts contribute to individuals who are anemic as Christians, at best. Yes, Salvation is important; but growth is also vital and growth takes effort.
I am excited about what we will learn on Sunday concerning our own spiritual growth. Let's pray together that the Lord would speak to each of us through His Word and that we will each take another step toward greater Christlikeness as a result of hearing and applying His Word to our hearts and lives.
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Pastor Mike
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Grateful for Your Prayers
We are grateful for your prayers on our behalf. What a blessing and encouragement to know that you pray for us, our family and the ministry to which God has called us. Thank you for praying for us!
Know that we also pray for you. We pray for your needs (as we know them), we pray for your growth in grace, we pray for God's leadership in your lives and in your family.
It is a blessing and a joy to pray for one another.
On Monday, I came across an article entitled: "5 Ways to Pray for Your Pastor in 2014." It is very practical and clearly addresses some of the needs of Pastor's. Perhaps you would like to read it and learn of some ways to pray for us.
Here is the opening paragraph of the article:
"As a pastor, I sometimes mistakenly think that those most in need of my prayers in the church are those who have the most noticeable spiritual or physical weaknesses. I would imagine that, if we are honest with ourselves, we have all thought or said at some time or another something along the lines of, “So and so is really going to need a lot of prayer.” On the one hand, it is entirely right that we acknowledge that our brothers and sisters who have more noticeable weaknesses have a great need for our prayers; On the other hand, however, those to whom God has given the most gifts and graces are also greatly in need of our prayers. Contrary to what some might suppose, ministers of the Gospel desperately need the prayers of the saints."
You can read the rest of the article HERE.
Now that you know how to pray for me (well, at least a few ideas that may help your prayer), how may I pray for you? You can send me an e-mail or a text message with a prayer request. On Sunday, you may write your Prayer Request on the yellow Connection Card and turn it in the offering or hand it to me before you leave.
James 5:16 clearly tells us that we are to "pray for one another." Let's do that and see what the Lord will do.
Grateful for your prayers and Glad to pray for you,
Pastor Mike
Know that we also pray for you. We pray for your needs (as we know them), we pray for your growth in grace, we pray for God's leadership in your lives and in your family.
It is a blessing and a joy to pray for one another.
On Monday, I came across an article entitled: "5 Ways to Pray for Your Pastor in 2014." It is very practical and clearly addresses some of the needs of Pastor's. Perhaps you would like to read it and learn of some ways to pray for us.
Here is the opening paragraph of the article:
"As a pastor, I sometimes mistakenly think that those most in need of my prayers in the church are those who have the most noticeable spiritual or physical weaknesses. I would imagine that, if we are honest with ourselves, we have all thought or said at some time or another something along the lines of, “So and so is really going to need a lot of prayer.” On the one hand, it is entirely right that we acknowledge that our brothers and sisters who have more noticeable weaknesses have a great need for our prayers; On the other hand, however, those to whom God has given the most gifts and graces are also greatly in need of our prayers. Contrary to what some might suppose, ministers of the Gospel desperately need the prayers of the saints."
You can read the rest of the article HERE.
Now that you know how to pray for me (well, at least a few ideas that may help your prayer), how may I pray for you? You can send me an e-mail or a text message with a prayer request. On Sunday, you may write your Prayer Request on the yellow Connection Card and turn it in the offering or hand it to me before you leave.
James 5:16 clearly tells us that we are to "pray for one another." Let's do that and see what the Lord will do.
Grateful for your prayers and Glad to pray for you,
Pastor Mike
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
It Happened 164 Years Ago
On January 6, 1850, one life was forever changed and the lives of countless thousands have been impacted because of the work of God in the heart of that one person.
On that snowy Sunday, Charles Spurgeon was making his way up Hythe Hill on his way to Church. The blizzard of the day hindered his progress so he turned and entered a small Methodist Church.
Here is how he tells the story:
"I sometimes think I might have been in darkness and despair now, had it not been for the goodness of God in sending a snowstorm one Sunday morning, when I was going to a place of worship.
When I could go no further, I turned down a court and came to a little Primitive Methodist Chapel.
In that chapel there might be a dozen or fifteen people.
The minister did not come that morning: snowed up, I suppose.
A poor man, a shoemaker, a tailor, or something of that sort, went up into the pulpit to preach.
He was obliged to stick to his text, for the simple reason that he had nothing else to say. The text was, ‘Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth’ [Isa 45:22].
He did not even pronounce the words rightly, but that did not matter.
There was, I thought, a glimpse of hope for me in the text."
You will be blessed to read the rest of the story HERE.
What a blessing to know that when we gather to worship the Lord, even if there are but a few of us, even if the weather outside is terrible; Jesus can change a life for all of eternity and use that life to impact thousands and thousands of people.
May Everett Springs Baptist Church be a place where we give people the HOPE they need by pointing them to Jesus!
Looking at Him,
Pastor Mike
On that snowy Sunday, Charles Spurgeon was making his way up Hythe Hill on his way to Church. The blizzard of the day hindered his progress so he turned and entered a small Methodist Church.
Here is how he tells the story:
"I sometimes think I might have been in darkness and despair now, had it not been for the goodness of God in sending a snowstorm one Sunday morning, when I was going to a place of worship.
When I could go no further, I turned down a court and came to a little Primitive Methodist Chapel.
In that chapel there might be a dozen or fifteen people.
The minister did not come that morning: snowed up, I suppose.
A poor man, a shoemaker, a tailor, or something of that sort, went up into the pulpit to preach.
He was obliged to stick to his text, for the simple reason that he had nothing else to say. The text was, ‘Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth’ [Isa 45:22].
He did not even pronounce the words rightly, but that did not matter.
There was, I thought, a glimpse of hope for me in the text."
You will be blessed to read the rest of the story HERE.
What a blessing to know that when we gather to worship the Lord, even if there are but a few of us, even if the weather outside is terrible; Jesus can change a life for all of eternity and use that life to impact thousands and thousands of people.
May Everett Springs Baptist Church be a place where we give people the HOPE they need by pointing them to Jesus!
Looking at Him,
Pastor Mike
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Where the Will of God will NEVER take you
The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.
Author: Unknown
I LIKE that! What a powerful reminder to trust the will of God. Are you doing that? Have you started this day surrendering your life to His Will, His Way, and His Word? Well, it isn't too late to do that now is it? The words of the song can be the words of your prayer of surrender. "All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all. All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.
Do you long for His grace to keep you, His arms to support you, His riches to supply your needs, and His power to be yours? That and SO MUCH MORE can be yours when you surrender to Him.
Praying that we will give ourselves to Jesus,
Pastor Mike
Monday, January 13, 2014
Sunday Summary for January 12, 2014
"Winners never quit and quitters never win." is a great saying for sports and perhaps for other endeavors. But it is not so good for the Christian life. No, we shouldn't be quitters and we should certainly desire to be winners. But it seems the way to victory in the Christian life is to "Give up and Win."
Andrew Murray wrote in his book Absolute Surrender:
“...but in Scotland once I was in a company where we were talking about the condition of Christ’s Church, and what the great need of the Church and of believers is; and there was in our company a godly worker who has much to do in training workers, and I asked him what he would say was the great need of the Church, and the message that ought to be preached. He answered very quietly and simply and determinedly: “Absolute surrender to God is the one thing.”
As I thought and prayed about a message on the surrendered life I was led to three areas of surrender. We should surrender our lives to the Lord's Will, His Way and His Word.
Scripture makes it clear that Jesus' passion was to do the will of the Father (John 4:34, 6:38). I find it amazing to think about Jesus saying "the Son can do nothing of his own accord," (John 5:19). What? The Son of God can do NOTHING of His own... what's that all about. It is about Him doing "only what He sees the Father doing." (John 5:19). It is about Him living out the statement: "I seek not my own will but the will of Him who sent me." (John 5:30). Jesus was all about doing the will of the Father and that is also what we should be doing. May we surrender to the Father's will.
What does it mean to be surrendered to His Way? Well, His way is the best way. It is not a burden; it is a blessing. It is not a path of greater diligence but of total dependence. He has not called us to try harder but to trust Him. The way to victory for a Christian is not about struggle; but about surrender. This truth is beautifully illustrated in Jesus' teaching on the vine and the branches in John 15. It would be worth your time to read that chapter on your own. Notice how many times Jesus uses the word "abide." The branch is fruitful as it ABIDES in the vine. As we abide in Jesus we too will be fruitful. His way of victory for you is for you to abide in Him. Surrender to His way and you will bear "much fruit."
It would seem obvious that we are to surrender our lives to His Word. But as you look around you wonder how many order their lives according to the clear teaching of God's Word. I was blessed as I read and made some important connections from the life of Peter in the Gospels and in the book of Acts. You see, Peter learned the importance of total surrender to the very words of Jesus. He first encountered this truth when Jesus called him to be his disciple. Jesus had borrowed Peter's boat as a platform for His teaching. After he had finished speaking He told Peter to "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." (Luke 5:4). Peter explained that they, the experienced fisherman, had been at it all night and had caught nothing. Then he made a life changing statement: "But at your word I will let down the nets." (Luke 5:4). Peter surrendered to Jesus' word and the catch of fish was HUGE, net breaking, boat filling, about to sink with so many fish; SIMPLY because Peter submitted to Christ's word. What about you? What is it in your life that you need to say: "But at your word I will...."? I am pretty sure you can fill in the blank with what you KNOW Jesus wants you to do according to His Word. Your experience and your thoughts may say "No, I know better. I have been at this a long time and it just doesn't work that way." Really? You think your way is better than His. Fine you can go home empty handed, like Peter and his fishing buddies were BEFORE they responded to Jesus' Word. OR you can say "At your word I will...." and experience the BLESSING of a surrendered life. Peter was once again reminded of this great lesson in John 21:4-8. I will leave it up to you to read and review that story. The point is that the way to victory is to surrender to His Word. What's keeping you from doing just that? Is it worth the struggle and the emptiness that comes from doing it YOUR way?
Why not decide right now that you will surrender to His Will, His Way and His Word? When you do you will know what it means to live the victorious Christian life!
Check back tomorrow for a powerful reminder of where the will of God will never take you.
Learning the importance of Surrender,
Pastor Mike
Andrew Murray wrote in his book Absolute Surrender:
“...but in Scotland once I was in a company where we were talking about the condition of Christ’s Church, and what the great need of the Church and of believers is; and there was in our company a godly worker who has much to do in training workers, and I asked him what he would say was the great need of the Church, and the message that ought to be preached. He answered very quietly and simply and determinedly: “Absolute surrender to God is the one thing.”
As I thought and prayed about a message on the surrendered life I was led to three areas of surrender. We should surrender our lives to the Lord's Will, His Way and His Word.
Scripture makes it clear that Jesus' passion was to do the will of the Father (John 4:34, 6:38). I find it amazing to think about Jesus saying "the Son can do nothing of his own accord," (John 5:19). What? The Son of God can do NOTHING of His own... what's that all about. It is about Him doing "only what He sees the Father doing." (John 5:19). It is about Him living out the statement: "I seek not my own will but the will of Him who sent me." (John 5:30). Jesus was all about doing the will of the Father and that is also what we should be doing. May we surrender to the Father's will.
What does it mean to be surrendered to His Way? Well, His way is the best way. It is not a burden; it is a blessing. It is not a path of greater diligence but of total dependence. He has not called us to try harder but to trust Him. The way to victory for a Christian is not about struggle; but about surrender. This truth is beautifully illustrated in Jesus' teaching on the vine and the branches in John 15. It would be worth your time to read that chapter on your own. Notice how many times Jesus uses the word "abide." The branch is fruitful as it ABIDES in the vine. As we abide in Jesus we too will be fruitful. His way of victory for you is for you to abide in Him. Surrender to His way and you will bear "much fruit."
It would seem obvious that we are to surrender our lives to His Word. But as you look around you wonder how many order their lives according to the clear teaching of God's Word. I was blessed as I read and made some important connections from the life of Peter in the Gospels and in the book of Acts. You see, Peter learned the importance of total surrender to the very words of Jesus. He first encountered this truth when Jesus called him to be his disciple. Jesus had borrowed Peter's boat as a platform for His teaching. After he had finished speaking He told Peter to "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." (Luke 5:4). Peter explained that they, the experienced fisherman, had been at it all night and had caught nothing. Then he made a life changing statement: "But at your word I will let down the nets." (Luke 5:4). Peter surrendered to Jesus' word and the catch of fish was HUGE, net breaking, boat filling, about to sink with so many fish; SIMPLY because Peter submitted to Christ's word. What about you? What is it in your life that you need to say: "But at your word I will...."? I am pretty sure you can fill in the blank with what you KNOW Jesus wants you to do according to His Word. Your experience and your thoughts may say "No, I know better. I have been at this a long time and it just doesn't work that way." Really? You think your way is better than His. Fine you can go home empty handed, like Peter and his fishing buddies were BEFORE they responded to Jesus' Word. OR you can say "At your word I will...." and experience the BLESSING of a surrendered life. Peter was once again reminded of this great lesson in John 21:4-8. I will leave it up to you to read and review that story. The point is that the way to victory is to surrender to His Word. What's keeping you from doing just that? Is it worth the struggle and the emptiness that comes from doing it YOUR way?
Why not decide right now that you will surrender to His Will, His Way and His Word? When you do you will know what it means to live the victorious Christian life!
Check back tomorrow for a powerful reminder of where the will of God will never take you.
Learning the importance of Surrender,
Pastor Mike
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Only a Branch
What a great service we had Sunday, as we began our "Happy New You" series. I believe God was glorified, Jesus was lifted up and the Spirit was evident in and through our worship on Sunday. This is not religious jargon from the mind of a pastor - this is an honest description of what I sensed on Sunday. I thank God for the blessings of Sunday and seek His blessings again for the coming day of worship.
To say I am excited about our series for January would be an understatement. I would love to see our building packed; so many could hear the truth that can set them free. Salvation is THE starting point for the "New Life" so many desire. But it is not the ONLY aspect of new life - it is the beginning of an exciting journey.
This Sunday we will learn how to "Give up and Win." Typically you would not think of giving up as a winning strategy - but it is in the Christian life. It is only by "giving up" and surrendering our life to Christ that we are able to truly live the victorious Christian life.
The Lord is preparing my heart to share this life-changing truth with you on Sunday.
I came across the poem "Only a Branch" that speaks to the subject we will learn more about on Sunday. May the words of this poem bless you and serve to prepare you for the truth we will hear on Sunday, January 12.
To say I am excited about our series for January would be an understatement. I would love to see our building packed; so many could hear the truth that can set them free. Salvation is THE starting point for the "New Life" so many desire. But it is not the ONLY aspect of new life - it is the beginning of an exciting journey.
This Sunday we will learn how to "Give up and Win." Typically you would not think of giving up as a winning strategy - but it is in the Christian life. It is only by "giving up" and surrendering our life to Christ that we are able to truly live the victorious Christian life.
The Lord is preparing my heart to share this life-changing truth with you on Sunday.
I came across the poem "Only a Branch" that speaks to the subject we will learn more about on Sunday. May the words of this poem bless you and serve to prepare you for the truth we will hear on Sunday, January 12.
Only a Branch
“Tis only a little Branch,
“Tis only a little Branch,
A thing so fragile and weak,
But that little Branch hath a message true
To give, could it only speak.
“I’m only a little Branch,
“I’m only a little Branch,
I live by a life not mine,
For the sap that flows through my tendrils small
Is the life-blood of the Vine.
“No power indeed have I
“No power indeed have I
The fruit of myself to bear,
But since I’m part of the living Vine,
Its fruitfulness I share.
“Dost thou ask how I abide?
“Dost thou ask how I abide?
How this life I can maintain?—
I am bound to the Vine by life’s strong band,
And I only need remain.
“Where first my life was given,
“Where first my life was given,
In the spot where I am set,
Upborne and upheld as the days go by,
By the stem which bears me yet.
“I fear not the days to come,
“I fear not the days to come,
I dwell not upon the past,
As moment by moment I draw a life,
Which for evermore shall last.
“I bask in the sun’s bright beams,
“I bask in the sun’s bright beams,
Which with sweetness fills my fruit,
Yet I own not the clusters hanging there,
For they all come from the root.”
A life which is not my own,
A life which is not my own,
But another’s life in me:
This, this is the message the Branch would speak,
A message to thee and me.
Oh, struggle not to “abide,”
Oh, struggle not to “abide,”
Nor labor to “bring forth fruit,”
But let Jesus unite thee to Himself,
As the Vine Branch to the root.
So simple, so deep, so strong
So simple, so deep, so strong
That union with Him shall be:
His life shall forever replace thine own,
And His love shall flow through thee.
For His Spirit’s fruit is love,
For His Spirit’s fruit is love,
And love shall thy life become,
And for evermore on His heart of love
Thy spirit shall have her home.
by: Freda Hanbury
by: Freda Hanbury
Praying for a "Happy New You" to be a reality in 2014,
Pastor Mike
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Reason for Hope
Day 2 of 2014.
I am grateful for the turning of the pages of the calendar and for the hope and prospects that come with the beginning of a new year.
When you think about it, everyday is a new beginning. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow has become today. Today; in this present moment, in this hour, in this day there are wonderful opportunities, unlimited potential, and great hope to live for the Glory of God and the good of others. What a great day today is!
On Wednesday, I finished reading "How People Change" by Timothy S. Lane and Paul David Tripp. It is a very practical book and one I am sure I will reference from time to time for my own benefit and to help others in the process of change; which we call life.
Let me share with you a section I marked on page 195. I trust you will find encouragement in their words.
"There is hope for us because Jesus is all we need. These words capture our lives with the Lord.
Each morning that greets me is full of hope
Not because I am successful at what I am doing,
Or because the people near me appreciate me,
Or because the circumstances are easy,
But because God is, and he is my Father.
To look at the morning any other way
Is to believe a lie.
To live in hope is to live in truth;
To live in truth is to bring him glory;
To bring God glory in my daily living
Is the highest form of worship."
May you live in truth today and the HOPE that truth brings,
Pastor Mike
I am grateful for the turning of the pages of the calendar and for the hope and prospects that come with the beginning of a new year.
When you think about it, everyday is a new beginning. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow has become today. Today; in this present moment, in this hour, in this day there are wonderful opportunities, unlimited potential, and great hope to live for the Glory of God and the good of others. What a great day today is!
On Wednesday, I finished reading "How People Change" by Timothy S. Lane and Paul David Tripp. It is a very practical book and one I am sure I will reference from time to time for my own benefit and to help others in the process of change; which we call life.
Let me share with you a section I marked on page 195. I trust you will find encouragement in their words.
"There is hope for us because Jesus is all we need. These words capture our lives with the Lord.
Each morning that greets me is full of hope
Not because I am successful at what I am doing,
Or because the people near me appreciate me,
Or because the circumstances are easy,
But because God is, and he is my Father.
To look at the morning any other way
Is to believe a lie.
To live in hope is to live in truth;
To live in truth is to bring him glory;
To bring God glory in my daily living
Is the highest form of worship."
May you live in truth today and the HOPE that truth brings,
Pastor Mike
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Happy New You!
The title of this post is not a typo. Yes, I do wish you a "Happy New Year" and in January we are going to have a series of messages entitled: "Happy New You!"
2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
On this Sunday, January 5, we are going to discover the basis for the New You. I am excited about the truth I will be sharing with you from the Word of God and I believe this series will prove to be a great encouragement and help to you as we begin 2014.
This is a great series to invite your friends and neighbors to attend.
Each Sunday we will focus on one vital aspect of the New You; so I am praying and trusting that I will see you on Sunday January 5, 12, 19, and 26. If you will commit to being at church each of the four Sunday's in January and resolve to listen, learn and live out the truth you hear each week; I believe you will truly be a New You by February 1!
So where will you be this Sunday? Any change starts with a simple decision or a small step; significant change can begin for you, your family and friends this Sunday.
Anticipating a Happy New You,
Pastor Mike
On this Sunday, January 5, we are going to discover the basis for the New You. I am excited about the truth I will be sharing with you from the Word of God and I believe this series will prove to be a great encouragement and help to you as we begin 2014.
This is a great series to invite your friends and neighbors to attend.
Each Sunday we will focus on one vital aspect of the New You; so I am praying and trusting that I will see you on Sunday January 5, 12, 19, and 26. If you will commit to being at church each of the four Sunday's in January and resolve to listen, learn and live out the truth you hear each week; I believe you will truly be a New You by February 1!
So where will you be this Sunday? Any change starts with a simple decision or a small step; significant change can begin for you, your family and friends this Sunday.
Anticipating a Happy New You,
Pastor Mike
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)