What I Really Want to Say

Biblical Inspiration

2010-03-03T14:13:00.002-05:00

I just think these facts about God's Word are too cool to gloss over -

Consider the fact that the Bible is comprised of 66 Books written over a period of about 1,500 years by over 40 authors from all walks of life, with different kinds of personalities, and in all sorts of situations.

It was written in three languages on three continents, and it covers hundreds of controversial subjects. Yet, it fits together into one cohesive story with an appropriate beginning, a logical ending, a central character, and a consistent theme.

Here are two online Bible resources:

YouVersion - http://www.youversion.com/
BibleGateway - http://www.biblegateway.com

Short post today, just keeping it real.

Bible facts source/credit to: http://tinyurl.com/yjz5oo2

9 Statements God Says About You

2010-03-02T09:33:00.002-05:00

Louie Giglio, pastor of Passion City Church, recently spoke about the truths regarding who we are in Christ according to what God's word says about us.

God’s words, not ours, break the chains that bind us and untie us from the lies that keep us from becoming all He has dreamed we will be. We’re not pumping more “self help”, but simply “putting on” mentally what is already true about us in Jesus.

Louie essentially said that we ought to take this as a message or sermon that we preach to ourselves every day. So what are the truths we ought to speak over our lives daily (and you may want to print this list out)?

>> Check the Scripture references out online at - http://www.biblegateway.com.

I. I Am Somebody, A Saint, By God’s Grace, In Christ
Ephesians 1:1-1, Psalm 139:13-18 , Ephesians 2:8-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17

II. I Am Blessed With Every Spiritual Blessing And Have All I Need In Christ
Ephesians 1:3, Colossians 2:9-10

III. I Am Chosen By God
Ephesians 1:4-11, 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, Colossians 3:12, John 15:16

IV. I Am Holy And Blameless In His Sight
Ephesians 1:4, Romans 3:21-26, Romans 8:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Ephesians 4:22-24

V. I Am A Loved Son/Daughter Of God
Ephesians 1:4-5, John 1:12-13, Romans 8:15-17, Romans 8:31-39, 1 John 3:1, Romans 5:6-8, John 15:15, 1 John 4:9-10

VI. I Am A Trophy Of God’s Grace
Ephesians 1:9-10,12, Ephesians 2:4-7, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

VII. I Am Redeemed and Forgiven
Ephesians 1:7, Isaiah 53:4-6, Colossians 1:10-14

VIII. I Have The Holy Spirit In Me
Ephesians 1:13-14, John 14:15-17

IX. I Am God’s Possession
Ephesians 1:14, 1 Peter 2:9

To quote from Louie's blog entry, "Obviously, that’s not everything that’s true of us in Christ, but what a powerful start! Got to go… I have a message to preach to myself."

Doubting Doubt

2010-02-23T08:10:00.002-05:00

This morning I set out on my Bible study that, on this section, is focusing in on the kindness of God. I was reading passages of Scripture that showed the kindness and tenderness of Christ. One of the passages I was reading was John 20:24-31, the account of doubting Thomas. The study was talking about Jesus' kindness in the midst of Thomas' greatest recorded moment of faith. The story really struck me and the Holy Spirit totally derailed the focus of my study today.

Start by reading this Scripture passage: John 20: 24-31

It's really easy to fall into the trap of acting 'holier than thou' when reading the story of "Doubting Thomas". After all, how could Thomas doubt when he had Jesus there all along? I mean, he was right there for crying out loud. There's no way you or I would've done the same thing, right? Or could it be that the reason that God wanted that account to be in the Bible was so that normal people who are really honest with themselves and who see a little bit of Thomas in themselves, would have a connection point to this redeeming story?

Yes - faith should say we believe without seeing the holes or the scars. I do not balk there at all. But I also think that faith, instead of getting freaked out and running the other way, reaches out and puts its finger in the holes and touches the scars of the Savior. God knows that sometimes we need to see to believe and that other times we don't. A compelling part of this whole story is that God loves us though our mountains of faith or through our valleys of doubt.

What a beautiful scene is depicted for us in the passage. I loved reading how Thomas came to the realization that before him was his resurrected and holy Lord. You can almost picture him dropping to his knees when Thomas spoke those five words, "My Lord and my God!" Wow - that's the deal the right there. Don't be afraid to be honest, truly and deeply honest with Jesus. The focus here needs to be on this process of going from our place of being cynical to a place of belief, trust and unwaivering faith. Do not hold back anything from God. He can handle it; trust me, this truth I know first hand.

Jesus used Thomas' doubt to not only bring glory to the Father but to also inspire Thomas' faith. I wish there was more about Thomas after this encounter with Christ.

I wonder if this was the last time Thomas doubted anything regarding Jesus ever again.

Obey by Rejoicing

2009-10-26T09:16:00.004-04:00

Are you worried and stressed about circumstances and situations in your life? You'll find the below to be true and challenging. I know I have. I read this today in my quiet time with the Lord while reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan.

God forgive me for worry and stress. I trust You and believe You. Teach me to rejoice always!

I used to believe that in this world there are two kinds of people: natural worriers and naturally joyful people. I couldn't really help it that I was the worrying kind. I'm a problem solver, so I have to focus on the things that need fixing. God can see my intensity and anxiety are ministry related. I worry because I take His work seriously.

Right?

But then there's this perplexing command: "Rejoice in the Lord always" I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Phil 4:4). You'll notice that it doesn't end with "...unless you're doing something extremely important." No, it's a command for all of us, and it follows with the charge "Do not be anxious about anything" (v.6).

That came as a pretty staggering realization. But what I realized next was even more staggering.

When I am consumed by my problems - stressed out about my life, my family, and myjob - I actually convey the belief that I think the circumstances are more important than God's command to always rejoice. In other words, that I have a "right" to disobey God because of the magnitude of my responsibilities.

Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.

Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control.

Basically these two behaviors communicate that it's okay to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional. Both worry and stress reek of arrogance. They declare our tendency to forget that we've been forgiven, that our lives here are brief, that we are headed to a place where we won't be lonely, afraid, or hurt ever again, and that in the context of God's strength, our problems are small, indeed.

Above text from "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan

☺ Church Bulletin Bloopers ☺

2009-05-28T09:44:00.012-04:00

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
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The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
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Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
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Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
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Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
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Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
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For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
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Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
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Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
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A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
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At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
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Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
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Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
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The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
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Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
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The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
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This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
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Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. Is done.
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The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
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Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
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The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
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Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
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The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.'

Awesome 8 Point Breakfast Sammy

2009-05-22T09:50:00.009-04:00

Awesome 8 Point Breakfast Sammy

This recipe is more geared to the Weight Watchers for Men program then for the ladies as this is an 8 point meal.

However, if you would like to cut all the portions in half, then ladies can adapt it to only equal 4 points.

Ingredients

2 Eggs(2 pts each)
1 Slice Horizon Organic American Cheese (2 pts)
2 Slices Whole Wheat Bread (1 pt per slice)
1 Roma Tomato (ZERO pts)
Cooking Spray (ZERO pts)
Salt & Pepper (ZERO pts)

Cooking Instructions

Toast bread (toasting enhances flavor but remains optional)
Slice tomatoes as thin/thick as you like (a few slices have ZERO pts but remain optional)
Using a non-stick skillet, heat pan and spray liberally with Non-stick cooking spray
The spray takes the place of oil and butter and has ZERO points no matter how much you use
Crack eggs into pan, lightly bust yoke sack after whites start to firm up
Spray top of eggs with spray & add salt & pepper
Once firmed up, flip eggs with plastic spachula
Re-spray bottom of eggs; that are now facing up and lightly salt/pepper

Stacking the Sammy

> 1 slice of toasted bread
> ½ of the slice of cheese
> 1 of the eggs
> Tomato Slices (salt to taste)
> The other egg
> Other ½ of cheese
> Other slice of toasted bread

Gets in - 2 servings of lean protein, 1 serving dairy, 1 serving of whole grains, 1 serving of veggies/fruit