Thankfulness!!

I want to thank God for all of his blessings that he has bestowed in my life. I want to thank my family for their support and encouragement. Many times in our life we take for granted the days God has given to us. I look at all the tragedy that hit Fort Hood, TX, and Orlando, Fla. in the recent weeks, and think about the people who lost their lives. That day before the incidents happened they probably were with friends, family and just enjoying that precious gift of life. They never realized that the next day would be their last! And some never even thought about being ready to meet the Lord! Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 (KJV). I want to take time and reflect on what has happened in these past events. As a Christian leader am I living the life that reflects Christ! Do people see Jesus in me, and do I live as his disciple. Why do I ask this question? Because we are truly living in perilous times, in hard times, times of suffering and persecution. People need Jesus in their life and people need to see true Godly leadership. Are we being truly Godly leaders?
It is very refreshing, encouraging, humbling, and thought provoking to be educated and wanting to grow for ‘Christ’. But to grow in Christ and to reflect his love must be a way of life, it cannot be just a Sunday emotion, but an everyday transformation. Not just mere memorization of scripture, but a true application of God’s word in our lives. Not just talking a good talk, but truly walking and living it day by day. I want to be that person, that when people see me, they don’t see me, but they see the one who saved me! I need him every day of my life, I need his word, I need his presence, I need his healing touch, and I need his guiding hand. I need Jesus! The world also needs Jesus! They need to see Jesus in our lives. I am reminded of a great movie “The Secrets of Jonathon Sperry” and how the movie portrayed Christ’s forgiveness, and how we need to forgive as well. It also brought out the points that one person can affect change in people lives forever. As true Christians we should desire to want to be that person who affects change in people lives, and I want to be a vessel for him. I think of a song that alot of us sing “Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and Holy tried and true. With thanksgiving I will be a living sanctuary for you.” I want to be his ambassador, and I want to continue to be a light. But I have a lot of work that needs to be done. I must be refined by the fire of his word, and his daily presence. I must submit everything to him, to be a true minister of the gospel. I must be trained and mentored to be a man of God. Lord I pray that you set a fire and desire in my heart to serve you, to live for you, and to love with compassion. I need you every-day of my life. I need your word to correct, to instill, and to train me. I need your Holy Spirit to comfort and teach me your ways. I want to be a Godly leader for you. Oh Lord please hear my humble cry! I am calling out Light the Fire Again!

Lord I pray for all the youth of America, and I pray for our youth at our local church. Lord touch them like you never touched them before. Place a burden for you in their hearts, to truly live it day by day. Lord I pray for all the churches in America, ignite that fire of revival in all OUR hearts!!! Because we need you in our lives everyday, and you are the air that we BREATH!

What a mighty God we serve

What a mighty God we serve. The God we serve provides all our needs, the desires that he has given to us, and the blessings in our life. But is all about Him, and not about who we are. God uses us as a vessel, to live in obedience and humility towards him and others. Don't ever think it is about who you are, or your abilities. God gave you those abilities and talents to be used for his Glory, instead we want the accolades and the praises from people, instead of wanting God to be praised. Again praises be to GOD. A humble and contrite heart is what God wants. Why? When a heart is fully surrendered to him, then God truly moves in our life. Oh Lord I pray for a humble heart, a heart that loves you, a heart that puts you first, a heart after you. Lord I also pray for our Youth at our church, and that they may see your true glory. To put you first in their life, to live by example, and to have a true relationship with Jesus our Lord. To allow the Holy Spirit to guide their lives, and be a comforter to them. Lord we need you in our life.

Todd

Family Bowling Day Jan. 31st

We all need fun and fellowship with other believers. Here are some pictures of our outing to the bowling ally. We had 6 lanes of fun. Enjoy.

A New Year and a New Challenge

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2nd Timothy 4:7 - 8 NIV.



As we look forward to a new year in 2009, and the excitement of what God has in store for each and everyone of us. We need to first reflect on what God has done in our past, and how he has touched and changed our lives. Over the past year we concentrated on the "Led by the Sprit, to Lead by example", and to allow the word of God to not only be memorized but truly applied in our lives. My question is to you, have we truly depended on God, and have you applied his word in your life. So many times in my life I have placed limits by my faith to what God can do in my life. Have you placed limits to what God can do in your life?

If you truly want to see your family saved and hearts changed, then we must sincerely pray for God to truly change them. But first we must allow God to truly change our attitude and perspective in our lives. We must wholeheartly give God everything, and truly trust in him.

So for this year of 2009. Are we going to allow God to truly use us, to change our attitudes, our life styles, and to continue to press on as Paul wrote in 2nd Timothy.

Christmas Party 2008

Youth Homecoming and Youth Group Pictures

Epistles of Paul - Series #1 (Romans)

In the next few weeks will be discussing and studying the "Epistles" of Paul. Below is from last nights lesson.

Book of Romans:
­Letter written by Paul to Christians in Rome , while he was in Corinth.
­Paul had heard of the Church at Rome, but he had never been there, nor had any of the apostles. Evidently the church had been started by Jews who had come to faith during the Pentecost (Acts 2). They spread the faith on their return to Rome, and the church grew. However the Emperor of this time – Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from the city (Acts 18:2) which was about A.D. 49. By the time Paul wrote the Romans (which was about A.D. 57 – 59) the majority of believers there were probably Gentiles.
­At this time Rome was the economic and political center of the world.

1. The main theme of the letter is the salvation offered through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16 - 17



2. The Judgment of God (Rom 1.18-32) – For the wages of Sin is death.
   ¨Paul now begins into the main thrust of his letter. He begins by suggesting that some among them have taken up ungodliness and wickedness for which there will be wrath from God and "For the wages of sin is death... " Romans 6:23



3. Assurance of salvation – "...But For the Gift of God is eternal life." Romans 6:23
   In chapters five through eight, Paul argues that believers can be assured of their hope in salvation, having been freed from the bondage of sin. Paul teaches that, through faith (3:28; 4:3), the faithful have been joined with Jesus (5:1) and freed from sin (6:1–2, 6:18). Believers should celebrate in the assurance of salvation (12:12). This promise is open to everyone since everyone has sinned (3:23) save the one who paid for all of them (3:24).


4. Transformation of believers – Changing Hearts
   ¨In Romans 7:1, Paul says that humans are under the law while we live: "Know ye not . . . that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?" However, Jesus' death on the cross makes believers dead to the law (7:4, "Wherefore, my brethren, ye are also become dead to the law by the body of Christ"). New Life Begins ( a Transforming Life)
   ¨From chapter 12 through the first part of chapter 15, Paul outlines how the Gospel transforms believers and the behaviour that results from such a transformation. He goes on to describe how believers should live: not under the law, but under the grace of God. If believers live in obedience to God and to rightfully delegated authority, (12:9–21; 13:1–10) study the scriptures, (and share them with others).


5. The ROMANS ROAD is a pathway you can walk.
   It is a group of bible verses from the book of Romans in the New Testament. If you walk down this road you will end up understanding how to be saved.
   Romans 3:23
   "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
   Admit that you are a sinner.
   Romans 6:23
   "...The wages of sin is death..."
   Understand that you deserve death for your sin.
   Romans 6:23
   "...But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
   Ask God to forgive you and save you.
   Romans 5:8
   "God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!"
   Give your life to God... His love poured out in Jesus on the cross is your only hope to have forgiveness and change. His love bought you out of being a slave to sin. His love is what saves you. Not religion, or church membership.
   God loves you! And reaches you right where you are.
   Romans 10:13
   "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!"
   Call out to God in the name of Jesus!
   Romans 10:9,10
   ¨"...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."
   ¨If you know that God is knocking on your heart door,
   ¨ask Him to come into your heart.