Don't miss Believer's School starting on Wednesday, June 18, 7pm. We are starting Discipleship Track #1 with "A New Beginning."
This is a foundational class for the believer and will answer many basic questions since coming to faith in Christ. Whether you have been a Christian for 1 day or 50 years, you will be encouraged and challenged in your faith.
See you there!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
THE SKY'S THE LIMIT
Why do we limit God? It's amazing how we put our natural tendencies onto God. We can't so He can't. Or we say God can't so we can't.
Have you ever really thought about God lately? I mean really understand His reputation? Speaking the universe into being? Parting the Red Sea? Placing the earth in its perfect orbit and rotation? Creating the Grand Canyon? Placing our sun in its place without getting burned? Being born through a human being? Raising a dead girl to life? Telling a man held to his wheel chair to get up and walk suddenly? Walking on water without skis? Telling a thief on the cross next to Him that he will go to Paradise with Jesus soon?
I mean what's the deal? It's true what God's word says: nothing is impossible with God!
So why are we insecure? Why aren't we bold to do what God wants us to do? Why do we think that the world is the only that excels to be bold, creative, fun, excellent, and memorable? Why can the church still act so sheepishly when the Lion of Judah reigns in their hearts? Why do we think so little of ourselves and what we can accomplish when God orders our steps, fills us with His presence, promises us the grace and wisdom to do it, and exhorts us to get God's vision for our lives?
We limit what we can do cause we limit God. We stand sit in the seat of mediocraty because we think God wants great things only for other people. But God wants us to get His vision. Imagine that! God has a vision for your life- one of purpose, power, blessing, and one that brings glory to His name.
The sky's the limit. Nothing is impossible with God. So stop planning and living your life based on you and get His vision and will for your life. When you finally take the dip of surrender to His purpose and perfect vision for you, life will never the same. Neither for you or others. Dream, believe, obey, and worship an incredible God!
Have you ever really thought about God lately? I mean really understand His reputation? Speaking the universe into being? Parting the Red Sea? Placing the earth in its perfect orbit and rotation? Creating the Grand Canyon? Placing our sun in its place without getting burned? Being born through a human being? Raising a dead girl to life? Telling a man held to his wheel chair to get up and walk suddenly? Walking on water without skis? Telling a thief on the cross next to Him that he will go to Paradise with Jesus soon?
I mean what's the deal? It's true what God's word says: nothing is impossible with God!
So why are we insecure? Why aren't we bold to do what God wants us to do? Why do we think that the world is the only that excels to be bold, creative, fun, excellent, and memorable? Why can the church still act so sheepishly when the Lion of Judah reigns in their hearts? Why do we think so little of ourselves and what we can accomplish when God orders our steps, fills us with His presence, promises us the grace and wisdom to do it, and exhorts us to get God's vision for our lives?
We limit what we can do cause we limit God. We stand sit in the seat of mediocraty because we think God wants great things only for other people. But God wants us to get His vision. Imagine that! God has a vision for your life- one of purpose, power, blessing, and one that brings glory to His name.
The sky's the limit. Nothing is impossible with God. So stop planning and living your life based on you and get His vision and will for your life. When you finally take the dip of surrender to His purpose and perfect vision for you, life will never the same. Neither for you or others. Dream, believe, obey, and worship an incredible God!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
A GENEROUS HEART
Have you ever prayed to the Lord, "Lord, I want to be like you." When praying that prayer, we desire to think, say, and act the way God does. We want to take on His nature: to be loving, full of grace, all wise, power, etc. But did you know that God is generous? To be like God is to be a generous giver.
Think about it. God gives us life, food, shelter, clothing, laughter, every spiritual blessing, finances, rest, and the list goes on.
What about you? Are you always looking to see what you can get, receive, and take? Is your heart selfish, only thinking about your needs and desires?
Or do you think of others? Even in your need, do you think of how to bless someone else less fortunate than you? Are you looking for ways to bless others?
God's word says that it is more blessed to give than to receive. God knows better! He gave us His one and only Son so that we can have eternal life. In the same way, when we give back to God with our tithe, and when we look for churches, ministries, and people who are in need and we give according to what God says to (not because of guilt or being manipulated), God is pleased, people are ministered to in a huge way, and you will get a return much more than what you give.
Remember, whatever is ours is not really ours, it's God's. He is looking to make you like Himself, a generous giver. He rewards faithful stewards of what He owns. And He is longing to give you much more than what you can even long to give!
Think about it. God gives us life, food, shelter, clothing, laughter, every spiritual blessing, finances, rest, and the list goes on.
What about you? Are you always looking to see what you can get, receive, and take? Is your heart selfish, only thinking about your needs and desires?
Or do you think of others? Even in your need, do you think of how to bless someone else less fortunate than you? Are you looking for ways to bless others?
God's word says that it is more blessed to give than to receive. God knows better! He gave us His one and only Son so that we can have eternal life. In the same way, when we give back to God with our tithe, and when we look for churches, ministries, and people who are in need and we give according to what God says to (not because of guilt or being manipulated), God is pleased, people are ministered to in a huge way, and you will get a return much more than what you give.
Remember, whatever is ours is not really ours, it's God's. He is looking to make you like Himself, a generous giver. He rewards faithful stewards of what He owns. And He is longing to give you much more than what you can even long to give!
Monday, February 18, 2008
COMMIT
Commitment today is not a popular word nor is it a popular practice. If you were honest, you would see a lack of commitment in many facets of life.
People go into marriage not committing, but just trying. Many say they "fall out of love," not understanding that marriage is a holy covenant. Many can be called "church hoppers" or "church stoppers." People go from church to church, following any emotional hipe and never getting grounded in one local assembly. The church stoppers just quit going to church, not wanting to build relationships with others because of hurt, mispriorities, and/or false expectiations that the church will be absolutely perfect. Parents may not commit to their word to their children, letting them down continually. Businesses don't keep their commitment to consumers. And the list goes on and on.
You may be the kind of person that says you don't like commitment. Actually, you do. What do I mean? Well, do you like it when someone follows through with their promise to you? Are you glad when the bank tells you something and follows through? You are probably thankful that every Friday your employment is committed to paying you. Your grocery store is committed to providing food. The post office is committed to delivering mail every day. God is committed to loving you each day. And so on.
You see, we like commitment when we are the recipient- it's powerful and a blessing. But it's another thing to be the one who commits to someone or something else. Just remember, when you don't stick to it, when you lack commitment, you remove the opportunity to be a great blessing and testimony of God's nature to someone else. As tough as it is to take, bottom line, that is complete selfishness and pride.
Are you committed? To be committed is to be like the Lord. God's nature is to be committed, not matter what happens. Be like Jesus. Commit to your spouse, your family, your church, your God. An abundant life awaits those who commit!
People go into marriage not committing, but just trying. Many say they "fall out of love," not understanding that marriage is a holy covenant. Many can be called "church hoppers" or "church stoppers." People go from church to church, following any emotional hipe and never getting grounded in one local assembly. The church stoppers just quit going to church, not wanting to build relationships with others because of hurt, mispriorities, and/or false expectiations that the church will be absolutely perfect. Parents may not commit to their word to their children, letting them down continually. Businesses don't keep their commitment to consumers. And the list goes on and on.
You may be the kind of person that says you don't like commitment. Actually, you do. What do I mean? Well, do you like it when someone follows through with their promise to you? Are you glad when the bank tells you something and follows through? You are probably thankful that every Friday your employment is committed to paying you. Your grocery store is committed to providing food. The post office is committed to delivering mail every day. God is committed to loving you each day. And so on.
You see, we like commitment when we are the recipient- it's powerful and a blessing. But it's another thing to be the one who commits to someone or something else. Just remember, when you don't stick to it, when you lack commitment, you remove the opportunity to be a great blessing and testimony of God's nature to someone else. As tough as it is to take, bottom line, that is complete selfishness and pride.
Are you committed? To be committed is to be like the Lord. God's nature is to be committed, not matter what happens. Be like Jesus. Commit to your spouse, your family, your church, your God. An abundant life awaits those who commit!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
DO YOU LOVE TO SERVE?
God's kingdom is so different and at the opposite end of this world's kingdom.
For instance, to be a servant of someone here in this world is to be of lesser value and position many times. Everyone here would rather be waited on instead of wait on someone else. Think about it. Would you rather cook a big dinner and serve people, buy the meal, wash dishes, etc? Or would you rather go to your favorite restaurant and just order your favorite meal and relax? To me, a waiter or waitress serving me dinner is much more fun than cooking my own has been meal!
In God's kingdom, serving is greater than being served. Interestingly enough, Jesus actually says that the greatest in God's kingdom is the one who serves! Jesus as our example says that He didn't come to be served, but to serve! Incredible! The King of the universe, the One who is all-powerful and alone worthy of worship and the one who deserves to be served, actually served even the dirtiest of sinners. He served His disciples, the unlovely, the hurting, the unpopular, the sinner, the sick.
What about you? Do you find yourself complaining about serving people? Do you find that doing something for God is a burden rather than a joy? Are you hungry to serve in the church where there is need and where you are gifted?
When you know where you've come from and appreciate God's grace for your salvation, serving will come naturally. When you realize that all who you are and all that you have comes only from the God who created you, you will have humility to serve. When you love people and want the best for their lives, you will serve. When you hunger to be Jesus to people to give hope and encouragement, you will serve. When you realize that nothing can be added to your salvation or God's love, you will serve with joy and freedom! When you focus on the Savior who served to the point of a brutal death, you will serve with no complaining or serve because of guilt.
"And whatever you do, do it HEARTILY, as to the Lord and not to men" (Colossians 3:23)
For instance, to be a servant of someone here in this world is to be of lesser value and position many times. Everyone here would rather be waited on instead of wait on someone else. Think about it. Would you rather cook a big dinner and serve people, buy the meal, wash dishes, etc? Or would you rather go to your favorite restaurant and just order your favorite meal and relax? To me, a waiter or waitress serving me dinner is much more fun than cooking my own has been meal!
In God's kingdom, serving is greater than being served. Interestingly enough, Jesus actually says that the greatest in God's kingdom is the one who serves! Jesus as our example says that He didn't come to be served, but to serve! Incredible! The King of the universe, the One who is all-powerful and alone worthy of worship and the one who deserves to be served, actually served even the dirtiest of sinners. He served His disciples, the unlovely, the hurting, the unpopular, the sinner, the sick.
What about you? Do you find yourself complaining about serving people? Do you find that doing something for God is a burden rather than a joy? Are you hungry to serve in the church where there is need and where you are gifted?
When you know where you've come from and appreciate God's grace for your salvation, serving will come naturally. When you realize that all who you are and all that you have comes only from the God who created you, you will have humility to serve. When you love people and want the best for their lives, you will serve. When you hunger to be Jesus to people to give hope and encouragement, you will serve. When you realize that nothing can be added to your salvation or God's love, you will serve with joy and freedom! When you focus on the Savior who served to the point of a brutal death, you will serve with no complaining or serve because of guilt.
"And whatever you do, do it HEARTILY, as to the Lord and not to men" (Colossians 3:23)
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 6:30PM
Freedom Worship Center is having a Fellowship Dinner at the YMCA, 797 Monroe Ave. This will be a time of fellowship, great food, and an opportunity to hear what God had done this past year, what God is doing, and hear the vision of where this church is going in the upcoming year and years to come!
The good news is that the dinner is absolutely free! Please make reservations by calling the church office by Sunday, February 24. We'll see you there!
The good news is that the dinner is absolutely free! Please make reservations by calling the church office by Sunday, February 24. We'll see you there!
THE NEW MAN
In Ephesians 4:22-24 commands us to do three things:
1- Put off the old man. What is the old man? Is it referring to your "old man" who raised you at home? Of course not! Paul is saying to remove the works, attitudes, words, thinking, desires, way of life of your life before Christ. The sinful nature of man dominates man without Christ. So Paul is saying to cast off those things in your life that don't line up with Jesus.
2- Renew the spirit of your mind. God never tells us to just remove sin, stop doing bad things, put off the former ways of living. In addition to putting off, God says to invite and receive a renewal of the mind. The way we think and what we are focused on is the way we will live. Our old way of living is attached to a wrong way of thinking. God says to renew that filth and the lies in our mind with the truth of God's word (Romans 12:1-2).
3- Put on the new man. The new man is your new nature you received when you received Jesus as your Savior. When you repented of sin and trust Jesus for salvation, something dramatic happened spiritually. The old nature died with Christ and your spirit was now raised with Christ. Paul said in Galatians 2 that it was no longer him who lived but Christ who lived in Him. Jesus, who is righteous, crucified the old sinful nature (now he can't dominate you) and replaced it with His holy nature. So Paul is saying that now that you are made new in Christ, live like it. You are changed, walk like it. A butterfly doesn't want to nor does he become a caterpillar again. No way! Now's he's free to fly! Paul says put off, renew, and then you are able to certainly put on the new man and live the way you think- in the truth!
1- Put off the old man. What is the old man? Is it referring to your "old man" who raised you at home? Of course not! Paul is saying to remove the works, attitudes, words, thinking, desires, way of life of your life before Christ. The sinful nature of man dominates man without Christ. So Paul is saying to cast off those things in your life that don't line up with Jesus.
2- Renew the spirit of your mind. God never tells us to just remove sin, stop doing bad things, put off the former ways of living. In addition to putting off, God says to invite and receive a renewal of the mind. The way we think and what we are focused on is the way we will live. Our old way of living is attached to a wrong way of thinking. God says to renew that filth and the lies in our mind with the truth of God's word (Romans 12:1-2).
3- Put on the new man. The new man is your new nature you received when you received Jesus as your Savior. When you repented of sin and trust Jesus for salvation, something dramatic happened spiritually. The old nature died with Christ and your spirit was now raised with Christ. Paul said in Galatians 2 that it was no longer him who lived but Christ who lived in Him. Jesus, who is righteous, crucified the old sinful nature (now he can't dominate you) and replaced it with His holy nature. So Paul is saying that now that you are made new in Christ, live like it. You are changed, walk like it. A butterfly doesn't want to nor does he become a caterpillar again. No way! Now's he's free to fly! Paul says put off, renew, and then you are able to certainly put on the new man and live the way you think- in the truth!
Monday, January 14, 2008
PERSISTENCE PAYS
Persistence, perseverance, endurance. Words that make the flesh cringe, but are necessary to experience the harvest of God's blessing and goodness.
God's will for you is never to give up, throw in the towel, stop, or quit. The tragedy is that quitting forfeits what could be, should be, and will be. Many times we are going along in a direction God is leading us and the trials of life, pressure, stress, and the absence of blessing causes us to stop rather than persisting. So we stop praying cause we see no answers. We give up on our marriage because we simply "fall out of love." We quit serving in the church. We stop going to church. We refuse to read the Word of God. And the list goes on!
What we need to realize is that the requirement to what God wants to bless us with is persistence. Abraham persisted in waiting for his promised son. David waited to take the throne after he was anointed to be king of Israel. Jeremiah preached for 40 years without a person repenting. Namaan had to dip in the river 7 times before his healing. Jesus said to persist in prayer in the parable of the unjust judge. Paul said not to grow weary in doing good for at the right time, the harvest will come.
Are you persisting? What you give up? What great blessing are you forfeiting because you want to quit? God never said he would answer right away, but He does promise to be faithful and bless you as you consistently obey and follow Him.
Persistence in one's life is the proof of one's faith in what God has said. Be persistent, endure, persevere. The blessing is worth the wait!
God's will for you is never to give up, throw in the towel, stop, or quit. The tragedy is that quitting forfeits what could be, should be, and will be. Many times we are going along in a direction God is leading us and the trials of life, pressure, stress, and the absence of blessing causes us to stop rather than persisting. So we stop praying cause we see no answers. We give up on our marriage because we simply "fall out of love." We quit serving in the church. We stop going to church. We refuse to read the Word of God. And the list goes on!
What we need to realize is that the requirement to what God wants to bless us with is persistence. Abraham persisted in waiting for his promised son. David waited to take the throne after he was anointed to be king of Israel. Jeremiah preached for 40 years without a person repenting. Namaan had to dip in the river 7 times before his healing. Jesus said to persist in prayer in the parable of the unjust judge. Paul said not to grow weary in doing good for at the right time, the harvest will come.
Are you persisting? What you give up? What great blessing are you forfeiting because you want to quit? God never said he would answer right away, but He does promise to be faithful and bless you as you consistently obey and follow Him.
Persistence in one's life is the proof of one's faith in what God has said. Be persistent, endure, persevere. The blessing is worth the wait!
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