You Belong!

I feel like “Little Orphan Annie.”

Okay after you stop laughing I will explain.

Remember how destitute she was.  Remember all her enemies.  Her story was dark and her future was hopeless.   Until she was adopted.  Hope came out of no where.  Her life was reborn.  Everything was changed for the better.

Sound familiar?  As I read Acts 13 this week I realized the connection.

Acts 13:26b   . . . to you the word of this salvation has been sent.

I felt like I was watching an old “Indiana Jones” map seeing the animated red-line mark the travels of Paul and Barnabas as they extended the reach of the Gospel.  The red-line of Gospel touching heart by heart covering the map.  I stopped and considered the day that red-line reached me.  The day I realized what the shed blood of Christ accomplished as He invited me to a new life.

I was an orphan with a dark life, my future was hopeless, the enemy was one me, but Jesus reached out to me.  He paid the price.  He did all the work.  He made the way for me to be a part of His spiritual family.

Eph 1:5  having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

Eph 1:13-14  In Him you also [trusted], after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

We, the believers, belong!  We are accepted!  We are protected!  We have an inheritance!  We are set!  We are secure! We are Loved!

I want to remember that I was once an orphan, but now I am part of the beloved.  I want to always remember that beautiful contrast.  I don’t want to ever forget . . .

Acts 13:26b   . . . to you the word of this salvation has been sent.

Acts 13:38-39  Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

My Prayer for Us ~

Lord it truly is a blessing to call you Father, Dad.  Thank for you for pursuing us, choosing us.  Thank you for our brand new hope.  Lord change us as we are children secure in Your love.  Strengthen us to live in this new hope.  Affirm us and send us to reach out others with this great and awesome love of Jesus Christ.

Amen

New Changes

We had a great service yesterday.  Really just awesome things going on!

Praise God and thanks to everyone that helped us get new chairs.  I received a lot of thanks and appreciation.  The chairs really are nice.

Plus we have new signage on the entrance doors, at our Tampa Rd. entrance, and a BRAND NEW one on Hwy 19!

Now that is what we needed for Church growth!  Comfy chairs and new signs! (jk)  But these new additions really are a blessing.

I also want to continue to thank all the servants that are blessing in so many ways.  Kids ministry, worship, greeters, outreach, special events, women’s ministry, men’s ministry, youth, cafe, clean up and on and on.  Everyone is just an overwhelming blessing.

I love this Church!

To Linger in Prayer

” God’s acquaintance is not made hurriedly.  He does not bestow His gifts on the casual or hasty comer and goer.  To be much alone with God is the secret of knowing Him and of influence with Him.”  E.M. Bounds

So much to do.  Life is a deceptive courter.  The demands of life grow like weeds.  As life heats up my spirit dries up.  My only solution is to spend time in the oasis of prayer.  It is an obvious remedy, but so difficult to implement.  It seems to be within reach, yet miles and miles away.

What is it that hinders us?  What would keep us from a sweet hour of prayer?  These are questions that we each should address.  What has rushed in?  What has distracted us?  Ultimately what is more important then keeping an appointment with your creator?  But reality has shown us prayer is hard to get to.

Instead of getting lost in a sea of guilt, let’s move ahead.  We can do what we can do, look to each other for support, and ask the Lord for help with the rest.

1) Get rid of sin, confess and pray for help

2) Evaluate how you spend your time and prayerfully consider how to adjust.

3) Make time

4) Be reasonable

5) Set a time, make an appointment, make a date.  Here is what we can work towards.  Choose to set aside at least 15-30 minutes in the morning for praying and Bible reading.  Find at least one time during the week to prayer for 30-60 minutes.  Set a half day or whole day aside to spend in prayer with the Lord do this once a month or once a quarter.  Take advantage of the prayer times with the church so that we can pray together.

6) Encourage each other in prayer.  Invite each other to prayer.

7) Testify.

I can honestly say my spirit yearns to spend time with God.  I have done a lot of talking about prayer, it is time to stop talking and start praying.  We live in a time that presents great challenges, we need to pray.  We live with an awareness of the brevity of life, we need to pray.  What better time then this to start.

Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 4:31  And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Acts 12:5  Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.

Acts 12:12 . . . where many were gathered together praying.

Acts 13:2-3 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

They showed how important prayer is for us.  The time for us to pray has come. Be committed, be refreshed, be renewed, let’s pray . . .

My prayer for us ~

Lord bring a joy and richness to our prayer life.  Bring our hearts to prayer.  Bring us together in prayer.  Teach us to pray.  Direct us through prayer.  Commune with us, love us through prayer.  Father thank you for this gift of prayer.  Reveal to us the value, honor, and priviledge of prayer.  In Jesus name amen.

Wahoo Harvest Night!!!

What an awesome time tonight! HARVEST NIGHT WAHOOOOO!!!

Quick Thoughts -

Thanks to everyone that helped!  All the planning, decorating, cooking, games, and friendships – AMAZING!  Thanks, BIG THANKS!

The kids had so much fun.  Some really cute and creative costumes!

Lots of fellowship, great worship, and a bunch of servants.  Wow!

CHILI DOGS ~ WHAT???? A church with chili dogs !!!! YES! Is this heaven??  Not yet but close.

My only recommendation – Next year sell Tums! jk

I had a great time watching everyone having a great time.  My kids will have great memories from this night, thanks!

I noticed a ton of visitors enjoying themselves.  Thanks to all of you that invited family, friends, and neighbors.  They got to see church isn’t so boring.  They witnessed the love the church has for each other,

John 13:35  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

I love this church, you all are awesome!

Okay – I ran out of “excited” words, I think the sugar is working out of my system . . . I’m done . . . goodnight . . . zzzzzzzz

Got Freedom?

Galatians 5:1  Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Set free by Christ.  Chains broken.  A freedom beyond the physical.  Far reaching.  Deep.  Emotional.  Spiritual.  REAL.

As I read Acts 12 today, I was floored.  I saw myself.

I watched Peter sitting in his prison cell.  I waited for him to spring up in excitement.  I waited for him to acknowledge his freedom, but he thought it was a dream.  It didn’t sink in.  It took awhile.

I listened to the response of the church and in much the same way they didn’t expect God to really set Peter free.

I think I got myself in a stupor.  Like Peter I have been shaken awake.  It has taken me awhile.

Are we like the church, praying, but not expecting freedom?

Have we been asleep?

Are you free?  Jesus set you free (Luke 4:16-20).

Time to wake up.  Time to get up.  Time to get dressed.  Time to walk out and follow Christ.

Ephesians 5:14  “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

It is time to be fully free.  It has been done.  For you.  The chains have dropped.  From you.  A freedom beyond the physical.  Far reaching.  Deep.  Emotional. Spiritual. It is YOURS.  It is REAL.

My Prayer for Us ~

Lord, thank You for winning our freedom.  Now, teach us to live in it.  Help us to get up and walk in freedom.  Let us experience your freedom in the fullest sense.  Let our lives thrive in this freedom.  Lord, let your victory deeply work.  Let our lives deeply change, so much so that others recognize Your glory.  Let our lives be used to bring others to freedom in Christ.

Rescue Teams at the READY!

We could take the considerations from Acts 12 and meditate on the freedom we have in Christ for days, weeks, really for a lifetime.  In considering the freedom we have in Christ it won’t take us long to consider helping others in their escape.

Imagine that, we can help others escape.  Our freedom is an amazing gift.  The effect is so far-reaching we can extend the grace of Christ Jesus to others in need.

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

I want to elevate our thinking.  Our burdens are taken  to Christ, we choose freedom.  In experiencing our freedom we are now sent out as rescue teams.  Great opportunity stands before us!  Before you!

Everywhere we go there are people who need Jesus.  Captives that need rescued, they need freedom, a freedom only brought to us through Jesus.

John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Any captives around you?  Anyone around you needing freedom?  Bring them to Jesus.  Pray.

The Church of Acts prayed for Peter’s freedom.  We should pray in the same way.  Maybe it is your daughter, your son, your friend, your neighbor, a stranger, or an acquaintance, pray for freedom.

It is apparent in Acts 12 the Church had little confidence that freedom would happen.  God graciously answered their prayer anyways.  God hears the humble prayer of His children.  Pray for freedom.  Pray for rescue.  Pray, Pray, and PRAY some more.

Unlike the early Church expect a rescue, expect freedom!

Pray with me ~

Lord so many around us are imprisoned by this world.  Deceived.  Trapped.  They are blind to Your love.  Lord send us to them as a beacon, as a rescue.  Lord bring our loved ones home to you.  The burden of their chains weighs on us.  Lord hear our cry for them.  Send a rescue.  Breakthrough and set them free.  Bring them to Your love.  Lord send us to those in need your deliverance.

Loss

I learned this weekend that Calvary Chapel Palm Harbor lost a friend.  Those of you that have been with us awhile may remember Rabe Legg.  Rabe passed away October 14 in a tragic accident.

Saying goodbye is not a strong point of mine, but it is a task we must endure.  I will stand strong for my friend, Rabe.  I will say a proud goodbye to a man who honorable served his country as a Marine.  Rabe had his battles as we all do.  But all of these things are overshadowed by Rabe’s simple faith.  He trusted Christ.  His hope is in Jesus.

From my perspective Rabe left us too early.  But God knows better.  Rabe is in a better place.

As I study God’s Word, as I am teaching through Acts, I have sensed a great desire to know my Lord and to serve my Lord.  Now with my friend’s passing a reminder of the brevity of life has stirred.  With all that is going on in this world I can get lost in the “busy.”  I lose sight of the important.

Rabe has reminded me.  Life is short.  Do what is right.  Serve the Lord.  Love NOW!  Reach the Lost.  Love the brotherhood.

Thanks Rabe,  it won’t be long.  We all see you soon in a great reunion.  Save me a seat.

Which Way?

Acts 10:30

I prayed in my house, and behold . . .

Cornelius practiced prayer.   God gave direction.

Acts 10:9 Peter went up on the housetop to pray . . .

Peter spent time in prayer.  God gave direction.

What am I supposed to do?  How can I handle this?  Which Way?

Questions I have asked and asked and asked . . . Well you get the idea.  At many different times, in many different ways, and in all kinds of circumstances I have asked these kind of questions.  Life’s pressure mounts, the pressure builds, and finally I would remember to pray -

Lord, hey it is me um, yeah uh I haven’t done this in a while sorry.  Not to good at this prayer stuff.  Um k lets see, I need help.  Can you show me which way to go? Well uh okay that’s all I got so I guess I’m done, bye.  Or amen, sorry.  Thanks.

Things would blow over and prayer time would fade out until pressures mounted again.  Prayer was encased in glass, mounted on the wall and marked “Break in case of emergency.”

God has worked on me.  God has been teaching me.  I found prayer is much more than emergency rations.

God has shown me again and again as I have read the Scripture that prayer is to be part of life not just a lifeline.  He has invited us to pray -

Isaiah 1:18  “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord

Psalms 34:8  Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good . . .

Jeremiah 29:12-13  Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 33:3  ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

Psalms 143:10  Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. (NLT)

Matthew 26:41  Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!” (NLT)

Prayer is an avenue of so much of God’s grace.  He is inviting us to receive.  He is calling us to come and learn.  He has resource and equipping for us.  He wants to be involved in our lives, a part of our lives.  He wants to be in relationship with us.

Prayer prepares us for life.  Prayer connects us to the Father.  Prayer changes us.  Prayer is intended to bless you by bringing more and more of God into your life.  Prayer is intended to be a part of your life.

So instead of waiting for the next time I was overwhelmed, I have learned to start here and now.  I have come to the point where I need God in my life constantly.  More importantly I want Him in my life, I enjoy Him in my life.

When I pray God gives direction.

When we pray God directs His church.

More than changing my circumstance, He has changed me.  I have a strength in Him built by His grace through prayer.

It is the practice of prayer that brings stable direction to my life.

Lord, teach us to pray.

My prayer for us ~

Lord teach us to pray.  Lord deepen the value of prayer in our lives.  Lord reveal to us a deep rich relationship with You.  Let us truly taste and see that You are good.  Bond with us.  Change us.  Strengthen us.  Let our lives rightly reflect Your glory, Your love, and our security in You.  Lord teach us to pray.

In Jesus name, Amen.

Practical Ways

Acts 9:39

And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.

The practical ways of ministry.  Stitch upon stitch, life upon life.

Can you see the doors of ministry, doors of opportunity opening before you?

Acts 9:27

But Barnabas took him . . .

The practical ways of ministry.  A hand extended, a friendship offered.

I can do that.  This is within our reach.  Think of the lives that we can impact.

Acts 2:42

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

The practical ways of ministry.  Simple ways that change lives, that change me.

The story of lives changed, our lives.  These are the things that transform our homes, our marriages, our children, our world.  These are the things I can do.  Simple, but in the hand of the Lord powerful.

This is a call to the church today.  This a call to you.  Simple.  Powerful.

My prayer for us

Lord You have given us powerful tools.  You can use the available heart.  You can take the smallest offering and use it in enormous ways.

Lord move our hearts to be available.

Lord You have given us ways to reach you.  Lord You have provided avenues for Your Holy Spirit to reach us.  Lord teach us Acts 2:42, teach us to follow Your Word, teach us to pray/worship, teach us fellowship and serve together.  Don’t allow us to overlook these life changing resources.

Lord change us through these things.  Lord change us, change our homes, change our fellowship.

Lord through us, reach our families, our friends, our cities, our world.

Amen

Updates on Fellowship

So much going on!

Men’s Retreat -

We had a great time.  Our conference theme was “Strength for the Struggles.”  I think the guys were really encouraged.  Great time, great guys!  I had so much fun just hanging out.  But we also had great times in the Word, in small groups, and in worship.

We all had a great time with Ben Falleur.  He is such a great teacher, encourager and friend.  I am thinking about starting a campaign “Draft Ben Falleur to the Pulpit!”  Plus he looks good in pink – one of those inside jokes.  Now I will know if he actually reads this.

Ladies return -

Our brave ladies return from Africa today!  Can’t wait to hear all their stories!  Pray for their transition back home sometimes it can be a big transition.  Pray for the ongoing ministry and impact of their trip.

They will be sharing their story at First Tuesday, our Ladies’ Fellowship. coming this October 6, 6:30 pm at the church building.  I might have to sneak into that one!

Harvest night coming soon!

On going ministry -

Opportunities with Kid’s ministry, Senior Care ministry, Pray, and so much more.