“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Certainly, we’ve given Jesus many names throughout history. What title accurately describes Him or explains His life? Can we know this man from ancient Israel? Indeed, Jesus fulfilled a promise made by the prophet Isaiah. A promise made more than 600 years before Jesus’ birth. Without a doubt, He was no mere man. Above all else, He was God in flesh.
Recently, I spoke about prayer at our monthly meeting for The Rock Men. Preparing for it reminded me how important prayer truly is. I was challenged by this question, “What is one thing I can set in place to pray more?”
Prayer really is a lifeline for Christians. Martin Luther said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” It is such an essential and powerful part of our lives. Sadly, it can too easily be put on the back burner in the craziness of life. Simply put, we live in the most distracting time in the history of the world. We have enough content in our phones to fill multiple lifetimes. So, how do we pray more? How do we implement that “one thing”?
I am absolutely blown away by the responses from the first blog I sent out a few weeks ago. I have received so many encouraging emails, texts and phone calls from friends and loved ones about how helpful my thoughts were. Thank you for taking the time to read it. I’ve also received many inquiries about the other thoughts (I’d mentioned I’d written down). Since I gave you part one, I thought I’d give you part two. (Hey, who knows, maybe I’ll write a book one day?)
There is one thing I know. At some point, you will definitely offend or sin against someone close to you. Simply stated, between family, friends, co-workers, (or just doing life with people) conflict happens.
The good news is that the time between the offense and the resolution is within our control. Dealing with it quickly creates peace in our hearts. On the other hand, if not dealt with, conflict causes war in our hearts. Jesus gives us some clear steps on how to resolve conflict.
“Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.” — Luke 6:47-48a
If we hear the words of Jesus and obey them, we’re like a wise man who builds his house on the Rock. When the storms of life come (and they will), we’re able to withstand them.
Our houses are certainly different and unique (walks with Jesus, relationships, marriages, parenting and finances). But all of them need to be built on the words of Jesus.
“And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.” — Luke 6:48b
This new, practical series will help you dig deep to build your house with Jesus as the firm foundation.
Build Your House runs from October 9 – November 21.
Build Your House Service Times and Location:
Weekend services are on Saturdays at 6:00 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” —Revelation 3:20 (NIV84)
A few years ago, while on vacation in Maine, my wife and I went to a Bean Supper at a little church. We’d seen the sign on their lawn advertising “Bean Supper. All are welcome!” How could we pass that up? We arrived early, but soon realized we weren’t really welcome at all. Folks (who obviously knew one another) occupied every seat. No one acknowledged our presence or greeted us. Indeed, no one seemed to care. As a result, we left without eating a single bean. (I probably had to eat lobster … again!)
After that experience, we felt:
Unwelcomed and unwanted (awkward and out of place)
Unvalued and unaccepted (fell short of expectations or rules)
Unsatisfied (we were still hungry)
I know many people who feel unworthy after a bad church or religious encounter. Perhaps, that’s you?
Maybe you felt:
Unwelcomed and unwanted (awkward and out of place)
Unvalued and unaccepted (unable to meet expectations or rules)
Unsatisfied (still hungry for God)
If that’s you, I have good news for you. God has an invitation for you. He wants you to attend the most extravagant celebration ever imagined — the wedding feast of the Lamb. When you arrive, Jesus will eagerly meet, greet and seat you. Certainly, He will serve you as the guest of honor.
“Will you accept His invitation? Will you repent of your sins, humble yourself and come to Jesus?” You can then feast on His mercy, grace and forgiveness. Jesus is inviting you. However, you must come to the table. (Click here to find out more).
Were you raised in a church but haven’t been back in a while? Do you feel like you were judged or misunderstood? Maybe you distrust religion? Have you felt unsure of the need for a Savior? It’s so easy to feel unworthy, guilty or unsatisfied. If that’s you, perhaps it’s time to try something new? In this refreshing series, you’ll learn that Jesus is ready to meet you right where you are and renew your relationship with Him. It’s time to Rediscover Jesus. Join us as we encounter Him together!
In our world today, there is so much confusion about what is true. Countless voices guarantee they have the answers. Who should we listen to and believe? Second Peter was written to first-century Christians (who also faced a similar barrage of falsehood).
“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:17-18
“When they found the stone rolled away from the entrance, they went in. But they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus… Suddenly two men in shining white clothes stood beside them… the men said, ‘Why are you looking in the place of the dead for someone who is alive? Jesus isn’t here! He has been raised from death.'” — Luke 24:2-6
For Christians, Easter is the most significant event and celebration of the year. It’s both an amazing and remarkable part of our world’s history. People will gather together around the world to celebrate His death and resurrection — Jesus is Alive!
Dear Church, Together with you, we continue to be troubled by the events in our world regarding race and racism. Naturally, there are multiple voices we turn to in these times of uncertainty. For example, many of us turn to our favorite author or speakers. Some of us look to our news outlets, social media feeds or friends/family for direction. Though many of these are fine resources, as your pastors, we would encourage you (above all other resources), to let the Word of God lead you.
Even in our restlessness, our fears and our questions, God’s Word remains the same. Truly, the Word of God is alive and powerful!
