I love these words....
This is what the church is all about!!!
Matthew 10:7
"As you go, preach this message..."
"The kingdom of heaven is near, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give."
"Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extras clothing or sandals or a staff.... for the worker is worth his keep."
Showing posts with label Life Points. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life Points. Show all posts
God uses available people
I am amazed how the stories of the Bible are mostly made up of unlikely leaders. Moses tried to convince God that he was not the right man. Peter denied knowing Jesus. A donkey even shares a word from the Lord. Hosea. Habakkuk. Men and women that had no intention on being used to the degree that God chose to use them. God is still calling men, women, boys and girls today! Unlikely Leaders are all around us. Maybe it is you.... Have you ask God lately... My will or YOUR Will? I believe that God is raising up leadership at Church on the Loop! It was unbelievable!!! It was 8:30 on Sunday morning in the youth chapel, board members and their wives came to pray for the church and the community. God is raising up leaders all around us... Maybe it is you... Are you the next leader God is needing to use? Do you have a gift that you are hiding? My will or YOUR will? Be available to serve, give, love and reach out to any need that comes to you today.. Rise to the challenge... Blessings!!!
Grow Daily or Die Gradually!!!
The national and world economy has been "the" news a lot, as of lately, ...have you noticed?
When we hear the word 'economy' we tend to think that it only refers to a monetary system. But economy actually refers to how efficient one uses their resources.
One resource we are all given is 'time.' There are no middle-class, rich, poor or any other class for the way we consume or use our time. We all have 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and 52 weeks in every year.
My time is valuable! I have 5 kids, pastor a church, try to be a good husband - laundry, cooking and cleaning.. I need to read more, pray more, visit more, eat less, exercise more... you get the picture...
What we need is a lesson in some simple time economics.
You need to understand this.... GET THIS!!!
You will NOT survive as a believer if you never open the Bible, never pray, and never meditate on His word.
So, in our busy schedule how can we find time to Grow Daily.. none of want to Die Gradually...
Here is a tip....
Pastor Wayne Cordeiro uses the S.O.A.P. method for managing his time with God daily.
S = Scripture - Read one or two chapters a day, using a Bible reading guide
O = Observation - What was the passage about...? The story...? Retell it!!
A = Application - How does this apply to my life....? Life application to the Word of God is very important for the success of all believers.
P = Pray - Write out your prayer, based on what you just read... Let the Holy Spirit guide your words.
So, now go to a store, buy your self a notebook, then to www.Google.com and type in Daily Bible Reading Guide and pick one that fits you.
Then write your S.O.A.P.y thoughts down... Allow God to cleanse you through the water of His word.
Blessings
Scammed
This past week I received this unusual letter in the mail. It was postmarked from Quebec, Canada with very little info on the return address. I opened this odd letter and a check for $2,561.40 fell out of the folded letter. This check was from Stanek Windows addressed to me; Stanek Windows has 3 locations, one in Milwaukee, one in Cleveland and the other in Clearwater, FL.
For a moment, I gloried over the possibilities... I would be debt free.... It did not take long for reality to take center stage... As I researched this scam on Google and other sites.... Sure enough on the Stanek Window's web page a Scam Notice was present. It said to contact your local police department or return the contents of the letter to them.
I knew this was too good to be true, but all the same... I had spent in my $49,550.60. in my mind. The letter said I had won a online lottery contest and my winnings would be coming to me shortly.... A partial payment was sent to me, but I must contact Andrea at a phone number in Canada for my full amount.
Have you ever been scammed?
We all have... In the garden of Eden Eve and Adam were both scammed by the serpent who said "Look at my tree, look at my fruit, my fruit is better than any other fruit...."
When we hear that story, we think, how did the serpent ever convince Eve that life could be any better than it was... Eve had everything... but she wanted more... Lust of the flesh, Lust of the eyes, and the Pride of life have been present since the beginning of time...
You have a tree!!! BEWARE!!! You might be getting Scammed!!!! All of the blessings of God is present around you, but you keep thinking.... "If I only had her/him/money/power/new spouse/better job/better car/better house......" the list goes on and on and on...
You have a tree!!! Everyone has a tree!!! That tree will scam you out of all God has for you!
On Saturday afternoon, I did my civic duty, I called the police and asked them, "what I should do...?" They sent a squad car to my house and picked up the fraudulent lottery-winning letter.... It was over, out of my hands... The authorities took the letter and processed it, accessed and I am guessing, they shredded it.
Today maybe you need to call the Authority in your life.... What is your tree? Are you being Scammed like Eve? Do you long for more power, praise, money or stuff....? or do you say, "I surrender all I have to the supreme authority?"
Don't be scammed any longer!!! Let go and let God!! Be content with the blessings God has given you! You don't need to be scammed any longer!!!
A better church starts with me...
Romans 12 & Hebrews 4 gives us a great sense of responsibility as we deal with "the church."
How can we be a better church?
1. By giving all we got to serve Christ. Romans 12:1-8
2. By treating each other with Christ-likeness. Ephesians 4:1-13
The "How to" of giving all we got to serve God and treating each other with Christ-likeness
a. Be Humble. Ephesians 4:2 & Romans 12:3
b. Be Gentle. Ephesians 4:2
c. Be patient. Ephesians 4:2
d. Be truthful. Ephesians 4:25-32
e. don't Be angry. Ephesians 4:26
f. don't steal. Ephesians 4:28
g. Be nice. Ephesians 4:29
h. don't Grieve the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30
i. don't Be bitter towards others. Ephesians 4:31
j. don't act with malice. Ephesians 4:31
k. Be kind, loving and forgiving. Ephesians 4:32
Do you want a better church? Ask yourself these questions.....
1. Am I giving my ALL, am I committed fully to serving Christ?
2. Am I treating others with Christ-likeness?
Unity
Unity is one of those words many of us have heard preached in churches for years. A word that we always seem to say "amen" too, but Unity is more than a word, it is a life-style that is not bearing a harvest full of fruit in our churches today.
With so much at stake, like lives being born again, receiving Christ as their savior, churches continue on with their petty differences and are more concerned about getting their way on the color of the walls, types of seating, location, carpet, and a say so in how to spend the "church" money - than we are concerned about those that Jesus came and died for.
Terms like worship wars, pastor vs. board, church fights and so on ... I was once told this "our church is known to chew up and spit out pastors!" Wow! I thought - Was that Jesus' intent for the purpose of the church? NO WAY!!!
A matter of fact if you look at John 17, Jesus prays his longest prayer, he prays for believers of his present day and for future believers. He prays a prayer, if you listen, you can hear the agony, the pain and the passion! He prays that we become one as He and his father are one. He mentions this about 4 times.. His passion for the church was that we would become ONE and do great things as the spirit came upon us.
All of us have are differences! We are not called to be the same, we are called to be ONE!!! Pastors need freedom to simply pastor, boards need to understand the passion and vision of the great commission and the great commandment and simply serve, teachers need to disciple, worship leaders need to get "self" out of the way and simply worship and congregations should desire that their church is a church that is ONE with the Christ and our Holy Father!
Unity is diversity with cooperation...
If you are part of a church body, you should:
1. Grow daily
2. Become a unifier
3. Forgive someone today
4. Work hard at becoming ONE
Have a great day, call someone and tell them how much you appreciate them!!!
Exit 99
About an hour into the trip I had a decision to make.... (a chunk of ice had fallen off a semi) I could hit the ice, swerve right and possibly hit a patch of ice and roll my van, or swerve left and hit a semi. Hitting the ice chunk seemed to be my safest choice. The sun was shining and the temperature was a balmy 6 degrees. So, I straddled the ice chunk.... It made the types of noise you are imagining.... Everything seemed fine and we kept driving for more than one hour.
After two hours of being on the road, 5 kids, and a pot of coffee gone... Well it was time to stop.. Our normal, usual stopping place on the road to the Grandparents....
Exit 99... The moment I exited.... My power steering was gone.... I had no idea how I was going to get my van into a parking lot.... I worked hard to turn the van... I did it... and yes, safely..... A hose was hanging and hitting the pavement.... I had no power steering... So, "this must be a power steering hose," I thought.... Stranded... on Christmas Day... 5 kids, my wife, and 7 degrees. What should I do? Have you ever been there? Stranded.... No where to go, no funds...
STRANDED!!!
I am reminded of another man named John... He was stranded... He was exiled... He was banished from all other culture... John was banished to a barren, rocky island set up by the Roman government and was left there to die! The Isle of Patmos. A couple of Scriptures I would like for you to read... Revelation 1:9-10 and Revelation 4 John was stranded on an island...
But even in his situation the Bible says in verse 10 "On the Lord's Day, I was in the Spirit." He was banished, exiled, and stranded... But He chose to be in the presence of the Lord. His choice... John doesn't seem to have any self pity, panic, anger, regrets, or hesitation... While on the Isle of Patmos, he carried on with his normal daily habits. I do not want to make light of your current situation.. I know it is tough.. It is hard... You wonder, can I even make it today?
In my situation... as bad as it was, or it could have been... My safety was at exit 99... It was warm, plenty to eat, I could have shopped if I wanted too.... Look around.... What if I would have went one mile further... I would have been stranded in a van on the side of highway with 5 kids, a wife, and miles to walk to get to safety. As uncomfortable as your Isle of Patmos experience is today..
Ask yourself.. "Could it be worse?" If you are honest... It probably could.. So, now flip over to Revelation 4.... While you are on your Island of Patmos... Maye Jesus himself is trying to get your attention.... Maybe he is saying... "I have your attention, now listen." He told John... "Come up Higher" He wanted to show John things that would blow his mind....
Instead of praying for God to release us from the Island of Patmos... Ask him to take you higher... Being stranded is no fun and it is hard.... But maybe, just maybe God is just trying to say... "Come up Higher."
Have a Blessed day!!!
And yes, my van was repaired the next day and it was just a hose!
Are you in a tree?
Today I was challenged by the Word from Pastor Keshore Daroga from India...
As he was sharing the story a Zaccheaus....
Jesus came to town, Zaccheaus a sinner, wanted to see Jesus.... He was a short man, so he climbed a tree to see Jesus...
Jesus recognized him and called him by name... He said, "get out of that tree" Jesus said, "I am coming to your house today."
They story speaks to us in this way... We must desire to see Jesus... But are we stuck in our trees...?
The trees are a variety of things in our life... The tree of BOOZE, The tree of GREED, The tree of WHATEVER...
What is your tree? Get down...
He wants to be with you today!
Let God Arise
Have you ever noticed that Christians behave as if God is dead or helpless?
David writes in Psalm 68 "Let God Arise"
This Psalm says we must have faith, we must "Let God Arise..." So many times we put God in our little boxes, or we limit God to what is in our checking or savings account. We limit God and we limit what He wants to do in our lives.
We need to "Let God Arise!" The Psalm goes on to say, "and let our enemies be scattered." Our enemies come in many different shapes and sizes... Our enemy might be health issues, financial issues, a relationship problem, but whatever the enemy, when we "Let God Arise... our enemies are scattered" Our enemies melt like wax in the presence of the Lord... Our enemies blow away like smoke in the wind...
Today..... Who is your enemy? Stress, greed, health, money.... "LET GOD ARISE!"
Emily McHaffie
To look at her, you would never know that there was anything wrong. Emily is a typical girl who loves pink and purple, princesses, sunflowers, cooking and anything that involves mud in the great outdoors (in a dress, of course!). She has a zest for life and is a social butterfly among her friends.
At age 4, Emily was diagnosed with melanoma, a form of cancer that is very rare in children her age. We had gone in to have a mole removed on her inner knee. When the biopsy came back "atypical", it sent us on an unexpected journey. The next step was to do a lymph node biopsy to see if those same "atypical" cells had spread to other areas in her body. If not, we were done. There would be no other worries.
But the words we heard from the Oncologist were the words that no parent wants to hear... "Your daughter has cancer - melanoma." So after three surgeries (and lots of prayer), a PICC line was inserted and a year long series of treatments began. She would receive interferon five days a week through the PICC line the first month and then shots 3 days per week for the remaining 48 weeks.
Overwhelmed by all of the prayer support and emails we received literally from all over the world, we would know that it is God who has sustained us during this time. His strength is always perfect. And for whatever reason God has allowed us to go through this situation, we have watched as God has used Emily's cancer to promote healing and bring unity in other situations. It is amazing the strength that God gives to children who go through childhood illnesses.
One walk through the cancer ward at Children's Hospital and that is clear. We don't always understand why. We don't always have an explanation. God sees the big picture and we can be confident that He is working all things for the good.
The past few years has not always been easy. Things haven't always went right. It is hard to watch your little girl who doen't understand why all this is happening to her, struggle.
The summer of 2007, Emily was able to "make her wish" through the Make a Wish Foundation of Wisconsin! Her wish was to meet Cinderella and to see her former preschool teacher, Mr. Steve, a vacation to Disney World to make her wish come true! It couldn't have come at a better time! But then, God's timing is always perfect.
Each day is a new day we give back to God. Each breath is a gift He gives us. And the people He places around us are extra blessings. To take the advice from a dear saint who went home to be with Jesus, "Slow down. Relax. Don't worry. Enjoy life." It is amazing how often we fail to appreciate all that God has given us.
Please continue to pray for Emily. If you are going through a tough situation or know someone who is, know that God's grace is sufficient; His peace does pass all understanding; and He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than you could ever hope for or even imagine.
Just think of the possibilities!
Caleb Ryan McHaffie
Life! So simple, yet so complex.
Life! Amazing, yet sometimes disheartening.
Life! Sacred, yet sometimes misunderstood.
I witnessed one of the most remarkable miracles today. It was not turning water into wine, however that would be exciting to see. It was not a one million dollar check in my mailbox, but I would love to experience that as well. It was Life in the purest form. A pregnant mother, laboring to bring life into this world. A pregnant mother with the strength of of team of horses. A pregnant mom with a will stronger than solid steal. I witnessed a miracle.
I, the father, helpless, nervous, anxious, searching, needing/wanting-to-fix-this (but can't). I stood over her and I prayed a selfish prayer, that I would receive the strength of a mother. I knew in my heart that I would never understand this kind of unbridled passion, her strength came from a passion so deep and so strong that it could only come from a strength deep within, a strength that only could be given by her creator.
You would think that after going through this 4 previous times, I would "get use to it." Today, I wept as if I was a dad for the first time. The tears of amazement, joy, hope, love and so many more emotions I just savored the moment. I experienced life in the purest form.
I watched this little guy take his first breath, I cut the cord that tied him to mom, as he latched on to his mommy for his first sip of life. I realized again how precious LIFE really is. It is so amazing! God gave us life. God gave us our first breath. God gave us purpose.
Today I hope you realize that your first breath had purpose, a plan and you were birthed from a passion that is only found in a God given strength. Y9ur life matters. You matter. You!
Have a great day and enjoy every breath God gives you today. Your life is a miracle.
Thanks for reading my ramblings. I am tired, worn out and ready to go to sleep, but fatherhood calls again - as I go to the side of another child who has been throwing up off and on all evening.... Hmmmm.... Life!!!!
I did it!!!
Towards the end of summer, I realized I had a problem and I needed to deal with it. I was a pound or two near 300... Not a good sign of health! I had to admit that I was overweight and deal with it and do something about it. I started going to the YMCA daily for about a month and lost 15 pounds in about 2 weeks. I thought this was going to be easy.
I joined a class at the YMCA called Biggest Loser Bootcamp. I knew all my problems would be over by joining this class. I figured that with my current weight loss, I would lose another 20 to 25 pounds during the 6 week session.
Not the case!!! I lost one pound in 6 weeks. But more importantly I lost 2 inches, and the ability to finish my workouts, and I lost the fear of going into the free weight room. Last night for the first time in 10-15 years I actually ran one mile and finished. (I know for some of you that is no big deal) I finished something I never thought I could do. I, John McHaffie, ran one mile without stopping. It is amazing what you can do if you discipline yourself - mind, body and spirit.
Today, If you have the wrong attitude and say "there is no way I can finish" I believe if you dig deep you will find the strength to finish what you started.
Go for it!!! Run the race - Don't worry about winning, just finish strong!
Giving or Returning???
So many times you here pastors, leaders etc say "Let's take our morning tithes and offering." or we talk about "giving"our tithe to the Lord... I know most people mean well when saying such things. So, this is not a rebuke of the verbs you use... I just want to make a simple point to say...
"Everything belongs to the Lord." "EVERYTHING"
So, if everything belongs to the Lord, then how can I "give" a tithe. It already belongs to him anyway, so I believe it is safe to say that we "return" our tithes to the Lord, not give...
This is not a lesson in semantics, but a matter of the heart. When we "give/return" we give with a grateful heart!
So, however you want to say it... that is fine... but from what spirit are you giving/returning things to the Lord?
Image is not everything
Here are a group of young college guys, spending the summer in Florida working at youth camp during the week and playing hard on the weekends. Yeah - that's me the 2nd on the right with my bright yellow swimming trunks and my 6 foot board, Dude!!! This is about 1989 in the heat of the Florida summer.I am not a surfer, but yes I have tried to surf! Yes, I have a surf board in my hand, but I am not or was not a surfer. Yes, I am standing on a beach with other guys who were probably the same skill as me...
I looked the part, had the right equipment, I was at the right place, I had the image, but I did not have the skill.
Many people today are saying they are Christians. They have their Bibles, they go to the right place, they might even have Bible software on their computer... but they don't have the skill..
Discipleship is what Jesus has called us to do... "Go and make disciples!" People are lacking the skill of Christianity because the believers have left it up to the "organized church" to disciple.
My challenge for you today is for you to increase you skill, get into a small group, Wednesday night Bible study, Sunday School, home group... Whatever it takes to increase your skill and then YOU find someone you can disciple!
You will grow daily or die gradually!!!!
Habakkuk - do you question God?
- If olive oil is made from olives, what is baby oil made from?
- If I am driving down the highway at 60 mph and throw a cat out of the window, is that kitty litter?
- Why do I root for Wisconsin sports teams?
- On a more serious note: why was MY daughter diagnosed with cancer?
Questions???? Life Questions..... "God, why?"
A little lesson we can learn from the Prophet Habakkuk is this: Life does not always make sense. God does not always make sense.
Is it ok to question God?
So, what do we do when God does not make sense?
1. We wrestle with God, but we must embrace him... He will never let go..
2. We wait.... and wait... wait... and wait some more
3. We worship! We realize he is on the throne and is full control of all situations.
Grab a cup of coffee, find a quiet place, open your Bible to Habakkuk and read these words of hope.
Worship Him.... wait on Him.... but you might have to wrestle with him first...
Grateful or Ungrateful
Recently there was an email floating around cyberspace from either David Letterman or Jay Leno. This email did not pan out with www.snopes.com, but the truth in this email was so convicting.
I am so blessed!
I have bad hair days *laughing*, grumpy days and struggles just like everyone else, but for the most part I have everything I need.
Take the following words to heart as you read through them!
- 69% of the USA is not satisfied with our current White House administration.
- 2/3 of Americans are not happy and want change.... So, what are they so unhappy about?
- Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours per day, 7 days per week?
- Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter
- Could our unhappiness be from 94% of the country has jobs
- You can walk in a grocery store at any time
- You can drive your car from coast to coast without using a passport
- Clean hotels
- Thousands of restaurants
- When there is an emergency, EMT's show up within minutes and either drive you or fly you to a very clean and modern hospital
- 70% of Americans own there own home
- If your house catches on fire, the firemen will be there within minutes to save your house and belongings.
- If a prowler comes in your home... the police when notified will respond to protect you.
- All of our religious and social freedoms
The fact is... we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the US, yet it's citizens have so much opinion on how it should be ran.
We are the most blessed people in the world, but all we do is complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about our country and government. Why don't we thank God for our many blessings and do something good for mankind.
So, turn off your tv, burn your Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day.
With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one ene to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorists attacks, Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?
I would personally like to thank Craig R. Smith (whoever you are) for this insightful wisdom!
So, may God bless America.... Oh yeah, he already has!
America and the Economy
The best advise I have found on dealing with the American economy was given several years ago by a great man named William Bradbury. He took a great truth and put these words to music and this song has become a source of strength for a host of people. Read the lyrics of this great hymn and be encouraged.
1. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.
2. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil.
3. His oath, His covenant, His blood, support me in the whelming flood. When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.
4. When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I in then in Him be found. Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.
AMERICA, GOD CALLS TO THEE, HE WANTS YOU TO BE TRULY FREE. SO BUILD YOUR FAITH UPON HIS SON, AND LIVE FOR HIM, SEE VICTORY WON!!
"What?" Pastor John said, "Stop serving?.."
YES! Yes indeed! This past Sunday as I parked at John 14:1-4 and we began to look at the scenic views of these verses of scripture, we all noticed a depth in Jesus' words that were completely and utterly life changing! He said He was coming back for his bride!
Is the Bride ready? Why are you serving? What are you doing to prepare for the Groom? I said to "stop serving" if you are serving to have a position in the church, if you are looking for man's approval, if you are serving for any reason other than "preparing yourself for the Groom" then stop! God is not impressed with how much money we give or how many hours we serve! He is looking at our heart. This is a heart issue! My hopes are that we serve as unto the Groom, we serve to prepare the way of the Lord, we occupy until He comes! So, when we are serving in AWANA, Men's or Women's ministry, youth, office, or any other place... Do it for Him! Not the church, not a pastor, not for a program, but as unto the Lord, our soon and coming King! "People get ready, Jesus is coming, Soon we'll be going home...."
I dare you to pray this prayer!
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. - A Franciscans Prayer
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