New Year 2008-2009

As we all look to another year, some things certainly come to mind as we consider what God has planned for all of us in the future.

THE PARADOX: We have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less. We buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We also laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We try to clean up the air, but worry little about polluting the souls. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but seem to accomplish nothing. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less with others. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and with small characters, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything that should come naturally. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. We live in a time when our thoughts and voice can transmitted around the world by the Internet, but we can't say "I am sorry" to those we love who are sitting right next to us.

REMEMBER, The Past is Gone, but the Future is New Every Morning: SO … spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, to say a kind word to someone who looks up to you because they are shorter, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give from your heart that doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. Remember, a kiss and a hug will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember, to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak about Him who gives everything to you, and take time to share those precious thoughts and blessings with those in need. Remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but who we share them with; so take each breath God has given and Praise Him; then go out and share His love with others.

Finally

LOVE IS ETERNAL AND THAT IS THE ONLY THING THAT WILL LAST
We wish you a Happy New Year and God’s Blessing as you

Share His love during 2009

Trusting God When Money Seems Scarce

I came across this article recently. I claim know credit to how it is presented, but certainly wanted to pass it on as food for thought. Certainly we all find ourselves taking our eyes off of Christ and affixing them on our specific situation. We should not do this as stated within.

Money seems to be a common topic in many conversations in America today. Our economy is hurting and therefore many people are financially hurting as well.

As Christians we know that God is our source of security, not the economy. Nevertheless, many Christians have found that their finances have also been adversely affected as a byproduct of the negative economy. So how do we trust God in the midst of pay cuts, layoffs, rising bills, and declining home values in our own lives? How do we keep our faith strong in the midst of financial trouble? Here are a few ways God shows us in His Word to keep our faith strong.

Watch Your Focus
The biggest thing that has helped me in recent times of financial trouble is focusing on the right thing, which is not the circumstances, but rather God and what He’s doing in me. 2 Cor 4:18 says, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

I’ve come to realize that our circumstances are temporary, but our faith and trust in God is eternal. I’ve seen income both grow and shrink in my family over the past few years, and I’ve come to realize that I can’t bank on that income -- God is the only thing that really stays constant.

I’ve also realized that I haven’t really let my faith grow during previous times of financial trouble, as evidenced by the fact that I worry every time the income goes down again. This time, I’ve decided to focus on how our current situation can help me grow closer to God because that is all that really matters. After all, God knew this would happen and He knows when it will be over. And even though I don’t know when it will be over, whenever that is, I want to be stronger in faith and closer to God as a result of the situation.

Once we switch our focus to what really matters, then the temporary situation doesn’t seem all that bad because we realize it’s just money.

Have a Joyful Attitude

If we let our circumstances put us in a rotten mood, we are no fun to be around! When I recently found out about a large financial setback in my family, I turned into a huge sourpuss! I was sad and depressed, and I wanted to eat lots of ice cream. Not only was I not fun to be around, but I brought my husband down too. I was so sad that I didn’t even want to read my Bible because I didn’t want to feel better. I wanted to wallow in my sorrow (ever been there??)

But the morning after I learned of the setback, I decided I should read my Bible because pity parties get old after a while. The chapter I happened to be reading that day was Philippians 4, which was just what I needed. At the beginning of the chapter I read verse 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.” God might as well have come down from heaven and written that for me personally that day! That verse not only lifted my mood, but helped me apply these next few points.

Be Thankful!
No matter what we have, it’s so easy to complain about what we don’t have. If we would just stop focusing so much on what we don’t have, we can see the blessings of all that we do have, like family, friends, church, and even the physical things that God has previously blessed us with. Paul reminds us in Philippians that prayer with Thanksgiving is the key to eliminating our worry and anxiety. “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace which transcends all understanding shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” Phil 4:6.

Don’t stop giving!
When we aren’t thankful for what we have, often times we’ll stop giving to our church and other charities when money is tight. In reality, generosity is what opens up our lives for God’s blessings. I once heard a pastor say that if God can get money through you, he’ll get it to you. As Christians, we are blessed to be a blessing, but if we hoard all the money we have because we’re afraid that we don’t have enough, then we aren’t a blessing.

Our church has recently been teaching on generosity and how difficult that is when we feel like we don’t have enough material resources. Our pastor showed us a website where you type in your income and it will show you how rich you are compared to the rest of the world: www.globalrichlist.com. The minimum wage in our area ranked in the 11th percentile of the richest people in the world. When we realize just how wealthy we are in comparison to the rest of the world, how can we hold back from giving to others?

Do What You Can and Trust God to do the Rest
Having faith that God will supply our needs is extremely important, but God never promised to supply our wants exactly when we want them. Just because God will provide during a time when money is scarce, doesn’t mean we should spend money the same way we did when money was plentiful.

Beyond believing for increase, there are practical things we can do as well. When money is tight in our family, we cut back on eating out and buying extra clothes and electronics that we don’t need. We get creative and find more inexpensive ways to have fun and enjoy life. If things get really tight you can cancel cable or magazine subscriptions or other monthly costs that aren’t necessary. These cutbacks will help the money you do have go further and maybe even give you more quality time to spend with your family. God is full of wisdom and He wants to give that wisdom to us (James 1:5), but we need to be sure to listen to God’s wisdom and heed what He says to improve our financial situation. God may provide a new job for you, but most likely He won’t drop it in your lap while you’re watching TV. We need to do the work of looking for jobs, sending out resumes, putting forth effort and on God’s end, He’ll give us favor, but we have to make the first step.

Don’t Make Excuses
God doesn’t make excuses, so you shouldn’t either. When told that God will provide for us, sometimes we respond with, “Yeah, but...” God will always trump our excuses (nothing beats “Yeah, but the cross”).

I was talking with a friend recently who had just found out she was going to be laid off. I reminded her that God had been there for her in the past and had never let her down and this wouldn’t be any different. She responded by saying “Yeah, but this is a big thing.” I responded (with sarcasm), “Oh yeah, you’re right. This is too big for God. He made the world in six days, but he won’t be able to provide for you in this situation.” Deep down she knows God is big enough for her situation, but she let her worry come out in her words.

Many Christians really do believe that their situation is too hard for God, or that He doesn’t want to help them. In Matthew 8:2-3 a man with leprosy asked Jesus to heal him if he was willing. He knew Jesus was able, but he wasn’t sure if he was willing. Jesus told him he was willing, and he healed the man. If Jesus wasn’t willing to help us with all our needs, He wouldn’t have died on the cross for us.

I don't share these principles to give you pat answers to life's problems. I have had to apply all these principles in my life recently due to a job layoff for me and a large pay cut for my husband. I know what it’s like to be concerned about the situation and to worry, but I’ve also learned that what God says in His word is truth. And His truth is more important than how I feel or what the circumstances say.

Paul said he learned how to be content whether he had plenty of money and resources, or whether money was in short supply. He learned that by relying on God’s strength (Phil 4:11-13). There will be times of excess and times of need in our lives and since we can’t take money and possessions with us when we go to heaven, the only thing we have to carry through this life and into the next is our faith in and relationship with God. Beyond that, remember that God promises to not only supply our every need, but to do so liberally (Phil 4:19).

http://www.crosswalk.com/root/finances/11596818/page0

Psalm 64

Oppressed by the Wicked, but Rejoicing in the Lord -- Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; Preserve my life from fear of the enemy. Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked; From the rebellion of the workers of iniquity. Who sharpen their tongue like a sword, And bend their bows to shoot their arrows - bitter words, That they may shoot in secret at the blameless; Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear. They encourage themselves in an evil matter; The talk of laying snares secretly; They say. "Who will see them?" They devise iniquities: "We have perfected a shrewed scheme." Both the inward thought and the heart of man are deep.

But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; Suddenly they shall be wounded. So He will make them stumble over their own tongue; All who see them shall flee away. All men shall fear, And shall declare the work of God; For they shall wisely consider His doing. The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory.

Our nation is at a turning point; 2008 will change the way we handle things in the future. Certainly prayer is the key to what happens and when, so continue to pray like your life depends on it...it does! At least while you are here on this earth!

Blue and Red States

I promised myself that I would never get involved to the point of judging those who rule over us, but we stand of the very edge of history within the Election of 2008. This election, unlike those in the past will shape our country's future history. Who will serve in the White House for the next four years is on the mind of every American.

We are not just a group of RED and BLUE states, we are Americans. Certainly, within the news, one side as an advantage over the other. Even in the local TV Programs we see it...SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE!

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/palin-hillary-open/656281/

If we allow things to go down this path, what will tomorrow bring? Character Asscination, many times hurts our country more than a gun. It is time to grow up as a nation and demand justice for all!

Too Fast for Filo!

Life can certainly come at us faster then we really expect. Many things in today's working world, not to mention family life, move at lighting speed, where just one decision can be life-changing. Many depend on their PDA to get them through one more day, but too many times we find ourselves press-down to the point where we can't seem to move forward. During these times, we need someone who can work and think outside the box; someone who looks at life "eternally" verses "just getting through the next hour." PDA's are great...but if we really want to have the ride-of-your-life...we need to look to Him, "the giver of all life." Only He can strap us in to meet the challenges of life. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Don't depend on a seatbelt or you may end up like Filo!

What Does it Take to Fill up your Tank?

Many of us are concerned about what it will take tomorrow to fill our gas tank, but did you ever stop to think what is required to fill up our Spiritual Tank. We are living in a Spiritual Energy Crisis. It is evident today that many of us are running on empty. I thought, wouldn't it be nice to see some type of a sign (like a bumper sticker) on each and every true Christian that might say: "Powered by Jesus!" Wouldn't that be neat? Shouldn't we be powered by Jesus?

Jesus Christ is the source of our power. What a vast difference it might make if every church member were one hundred percent powered by Jesus. That would be awesome. Not self-powered, but Jesus-powered. Far too many of us live on our own steam when there is available for our use the awesome almighty power of Jesus. Are you living with His Power?

I want you to look at 2 Peter 1:3. It says... "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." If your tank is dry and you feel like you need to stop and fill-up, try filling up with the only person who can truly fill you to the brim. It will not cost you $4.31/gallion; you are going to get the highest rated octane for the price of regular when you deal with Jesus!

What Makes You Click?

There is a connection between endurance, perseverance, and hope. The stronger our hope, the more resolute we endurance and maintain our relationship with Him. The longer we endure, the more we persevere through the tuff times, but without hope it’s difficult to hang tough. The more we know of Jesus, and what He had done for us, the greater will be our endurance, even when circumstances seem to be saying that everything is hopeless. “The hope of salvation” protects our thinking, our minds, so that we’re able to resist giving in to thoughts of hopelessness. So, hope is central to what we’re about as believers, not just something we lean on in challenging times.

For most, however, they have placed money at the center of happiness, thus requiring ever greater amounts to gain greater satisfaction. During times of hardship, lost of a job or some costly family situations, funds lessen; they are forced to seek other means of acquiring wealth. Under such statements as: "we are only trying to make it better for our family," or "we need to work based on the economy" everyone soon suffers because of missing parents who are now working 24/7 just to survive rising costs.

God is "a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, a God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing." Psalm 68:5, 6

If we can regain our connection between endurance, perseverance, and hope, thus placing God at the center and not money, we soon realize that money is not as important as our kids.

VietNam War Memorial_2008

Each year Americans remember the many who gave their lives for our country. This year, much like those before, we know several that road motor cycles to Washington "Rolling Thunder - Run to the Wall."

But whether you remember our fallen on a motor cycle or that time to pray for those lost and those still serving our country today, I would like to consider the concept of a "Memorial."

Throughout Scripture, God speaks volumes about remembering, thus placing a memorial for future generations. Different, but the same, the memorial concept is a remembrance of the past to help all of us make decisions in the future.

A spiritual memorial is simply any object, picture, or memory that can direct one's spirit towards the realization that God is good and faithful... When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land in Joshua 4, Joshua called each of the tribes to gather a stone from the river and, using these 12 stones, they built a memorial to the faithfulness of God. Joshua declared, "…When your children ask in time to come, 'What do these stones mean to you?' then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever.'" (Joshua 4: 6-7) The first thing Joshua did when he entered the Promised Land was build a spiritual memorial to the faithfulness of God. He understood the transformative power of spiritual memorials. He understood that what some people might see as just a pile of rocks, others could be taught to see as a powerful testimony to God.

Another example of the transformative power of spiritual memorials comes out of the life of David in 1 Samuel 17. The young shepherd boy is thrust into a battle against a tremendous obstacle, the giant Goliath. As David considered the possibility of facing this giant in battle, he looked for hope in spiritual memorials of God's faithfulness to him in the past. When everyone around him, defeated and demoralized, trembled in fear of the giant, David chose to place his trust in God. David recalled occasions when God helped him defeat a lion and a bear while guarding his father's sheep.

These memories of God's faithfulness in the past provided David with the hope that God would be faithful in delivering him from the giant that he faced in this situation. So, armed with these spiritual memorials and a simple sling, David stepped into the valley and defeated the giant. David's act of faith infused hope and courage into the army of Israel. Suddenly, these men who'd been cowering in fear charged bravely across the battlefield to conquer the Philistines. Spiritual memorials not only serve as personal reminders to God's faithfulness, but at times they even bolster or ignite the faith of entire communities.

Spiritual memorials are all around us, but sometimes we just need to get people to see them with new eyes—to have a new experience with them.

National Day of Prayer

"The future continually demands reorganizing of our thinking. Strategic thinking can be summed up quite simply: What seems to be happening? What possibilities do we face? And what are we going to do about it? It is about maintaining an acute sensitivity to changing conditions, a willingness to think in a variety of ways, and avoidance to traps formed by what we already know and an ability to decide."

Change comes when we pray for change. The future is always demanding reorganization, but God remains unchanged. "If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). Change must begin with our relationship vertically if we want our horizontal relationships to be effected.

Benjamin Franklin spoke: In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with G. Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the divine protection.- Our prayers, Sir, were heard, & they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? or do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance?

I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing governments by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest.

I therefore beg leave to move-that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that Service.

We all need to pray for our nation; simply working things out through Strategic Thinking will only lead to addition needs. God wants to correct each situation, but we need to allow Him to do so...NOW MORE THEN EVER BEFORE!

The Search for Signficance

Every person is on a Search for Significance! We try to find significance through our personal relationships, work efforts, or the ability to achieve goals, but in every area, we always seem to come up short. Too often we spend our entire life looking for significance only to find that our diligent efforts have been placed in the wrong arena. I like what Stephen Covey says, "Sometimes we spend our entire life trying to get to the top of the ladder only to get to the top and discover that we had it leaning against the wrong wall."

In God, we have all the significance we will ever need! We where created in His likeness and image to have both an internal and external purpose. Too often we focus our need for significance in insignificant areas: such as our success that are based on personal goals that we will never achieve. Much of what our society has elevated to top priority positions is insignificant in light of eternity.

As I sit here sharing my heart, I suggest I am not so different from you all. We too seek the statements like: "job well done", but are we like you looking for it in the wrong place. I am reminded, we all need to "seek first the kingdom of God" verses simply expecting the acceptance from others after completing a task. By keeping Him and His eternal purpose first, we should be able to fulfill each daily priority better; by changing the priorities of life from centering on "me-first", we don't have to worry about the acknowledgements that will alway fade away with time. The Message New Testament says, "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You will find all your everyday human concerns will be met." No one ever missed out by putting God first.

The best information available says - that we will not regret the things we did wrong as much as we will regret failing to live life passionately based on a specific purpose in mind. Where do the things of God fit into your priorities? Is God and His eternal purposes first in your life? Each of us need to answer these questions personally. It is something that can't be fixed by someone else!

Since our significance comes from God; certainly, if given the chance, all the other areas of life will follow accordingly!

"You will find, as you look back upon your life, that the moments

that stand out are the moments when you have done things for others"

The Matrix

Morpheus: The Matrix is everywhere. It is all around us. Even now, in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work... when you go to church... when you pay your taxes. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth.

This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue-pill, the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red-pill, you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes.

Did you ever feel that you have come to a turning point in your life; a cross roads that will take you to either the left or the right, but you where unsure as to which direction would be best. Many of us reach that point some time in our life were we must accept the blue-pill and simply go forward as we have always done or the red-pill to discover new avenues within our relationships, our families, and our service to Jesus Christ. If we choose Wonderland, we need to go down the rabbit-hole into an unknown territory. Like most rabbit-holes, it will lead to places were we haven’t been before or may have never considered if we just played it safe and took the blue-pill.

Serving in full-time missions -- it is like taking that red-pill. You don't fully understanding where it will take you, but you soon realize you will need guidance from a directional leader. Christ will always take you down a path where you least expect; to a Wonderland that far surpasses even your largest dreams. It is really up to all of you which pill to take. Choose wisely!

Fishing for Soles

Fishing evangelism is different. Most Christian’s workers struggle with evangelism; therefore, so rarely dot it. Jesus said that evangelism is fishing for people. Fishing, not hunting. Instead of indiscriminate evangelism, you fish out seekers from among indifferent or antagonistic people. It is what Jesus did and what both Paul and Peter taught. You discover seekers by putting out bait to elicit questions; in your neighborhood, workplace, or campus. Bait comes in two kinds:

Your life: Personal integrity, you character, moral purity, graciousness, and truthfulness. Quality work for the employer, as thought he were Jesus Christ! Paul insists that a caring loving relationship cost time and energy, but your ability to give of yourself shows others that you truly care about them.

Your words: Brief, appropriate comments about God, tactfully inserted into secular conversation offers advancement in areas that normally are closed. Bait is tiny; you drop small spiritual bombshells in a casual, natural way, then simply stand back and watch how God makes the change. This leaves people free to ask questions, but only if they feel they are have not been places in the spotlight.

There is nothing but benefits to this approach:

• For the fisherman...evangelism becomes enjoyable, because the seeker is asking all the questions.
• For the fisherman...evangelism is patient and kind, allowing the seeker to pace the conversation as they are ready. We some times turn people off by saying too much.
• For the fisherman...evangelism of this type shows respect. You treat the person, not as an object, but a real person who may be in need of help; help that only you can give.
• For the fisherman...evangelism maybe right on target; not a stab in the dark to find out what their evangelic temperature is an any given time.
• For the fisherman...evangelism is culturally sensitive. You are only answering questions that where asked, thus you are not pushing an agenda.
• For the fisherman...evangelism is discreet. You have reduced the concept of a spiritual hostile environment that could blow up in your face.
• For the fisherman...evangelism is Biblical. As Jewish hostility grew, Jesus simply taught in parables to offer new light on the same subject.

For the seeker there are also benefits:

• For the seeker...they can take it all in within their timing, not yours.
• For the seeker...they soon see that you really care and are there for them through each situation, not just specific ones.
• For the seeker...they don't feel like they have been used; to check off that a Christian got another’s on his or her belt.
• For the seeker...many times, like a fish, they are not aware that they are hooked until it is too late, or they really desired to bait and would risk everything to get it...it was their choice, not the fisherman.

Peter says, "Be ready to answer the questions." Paul says, "Know how to answer." We all need to give fishing a try, but remember -- Let the Holy Spirit finish the caught!