So I decided it was time to change to a Christmas theme. I don't decorate much for Christmas, but I saw this nativity scene a few years ago in Gatlinburg when I was there with my friend Gina and her family. I thought it was adorable, but couldn't afford it, so imagine my surprise when I got it, in parts, from Gina and another girl I work with that year at Christmas! It's been in boxes in my garage probably since I moved here and I just haven't thought about putting it out because I didn't know where I could put it that cats might not get to it (!!), but I decided this year that my mantle is a great place. It is cute as pie sitting up there and I like seeing it every day.
Pastor Mel's sermon today was on the 9th commandment, about not giving false testimony against your neighbor. I bought a CD of last Sunday's sermon since I was out of town, so I'll listen to that soon and get that one and today's sermon notes posted soon. I cannot tell you how blessed we are to have him as our pastor. The wisdom he shares every week just makes me want to sit there with my mouth hanging open, but I know that's not a good look for me, so I try not to do that! :-) These sermons have been a very interesting walk through the 10 commandments. His applications to life today are great. Next Sunday is supposed to be the 10th one, but we are having one of our Living Christmas Tree programs at 10:45 instead of the service. We are having regular church at 8:00, so I am hoping he will delay the 10th commandment until the week after the tree. I am going to try to find out this week what the deal is going to be and if I have to, I may just have to get up and go to the 8:00 service next week! I can't imagine that he won't wait a week to do it, but we'll see.
I'm sad to say that it's back to work tomorrow. I am always amazed at how quickly time off passes! I think that saying is, "I owe, I owe, so off to work I go!" :-)
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving, and thanks for stopping by!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
If anyone is out there still reading this blog besides my sweet two or three regulars who leave me notes, I just wanted to wish you ALL a great Thanksgiving. I've gotten away from posting as much as I did at one point for reasons that are more personal than anything else, but that's not to say it will always be this way. Despite that, I do still check in on several of you and love keeping up with your thoughts and lives. The internet is a great thing for staying connected.
Life has just been filled with regular stuff....work, church, my nieces, watching the economy (just like everyone else) and getting ready for the holidays. We have our Living Christmas Tree at church next weekend and have been racing to get ready for that. We've had so many other things that we've participated in this year that we may be a bit behind on learning the music as well as we should, but, THANK HEAVEN, we get a practice CD. That has really helped! I definitely need to still do some work on certain parts though! :-)
I have gotten two or three, maybe even four, letters from the little girl I am sponsoring. I continue to know this was the right thing for me to do and that Compassion International was the right organization for me to do this through. She often stresses how much she wants to be a nurse when she grows up. I just encourage her in that goal and love the way she shares the things she's learning at church. I still just cannot imagine what a day in her life is like. We have so much to be thankful for here, there is no doubt.
My sister, nieces and I went to my mom's for a few days for a long weekend this past weekend and had a great time. Patty and Kate slept on my mom's pullout couch, so they could watch some late TV I am sure, but that's fine with me because Grace and I got the bed! :-) Grace informed me that I snore, evidently a LOT to hear her tell it (!!), but we had a great time together. I know I have said this before, but she is SO much like I was at that age and my mom even wholeheartedly agrees. Grace just makes me laugh....a LOT. On the way down, we watched part of a movie, played travel Scrabble, sang, and goofed around all the way down. She is VERY quick witted for her age. We can simply look at each other, know what the other is thinking, and we both just start laughing. She bought a remote control whoopie cushion sometime recently (before this trip) and she had to keep using it on unsuspecting victims at every opportunity. There is never a dull moment with that girl. I can remember some of my aunts at my grandmother's laughing at me when I would say stuff when I was a kid, and I was thinking today if Grace truly is like I was at that age, I can certainly see why my aunts were laughing. Kate was just her sweet, precious self. She's 14 now and definitely coming into her own. She is a a great big sister to Grace. One good thing about me going on that trip is that it gives Patty and Kate some one-on-one mother/daughter time that they don't always get at home. I had some good talks and laughs with Kate too, so it was nice to get away. I loved the time with them both.
That's pretty much my life in a nutshell. I am trying to get rid of a sinus infection that keeps hanging on, but I'm definitely on the mend. I'm going to my dad's tomorrow afternoon for Thanksgiving and am looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow morning. Of course, 'in' is a relative term. My internal alarm usually wakes me up about 7, but hopefully I'll be able to go back to sleep! I love knowing I have 4 days off! YEA!
Anyway, back to my original point. I hope YOU have a fabulous Thanksgiving, and thanks for stopping by...I appreciate it!
PS.....With all this being said, I haven't gotten notes from this past Sunday's sermon, but I will get those and get them posted soon. I can't wait to hear what Pastor Mel had to say!
Life has just been filled with regular stuff....work, church, my nieces, watching the economy (just like everyone else) and getting ready for the holidays. We have our Living Christmas Tree at church next weekend and have been racing to get ready for that. We've had so many other things that we've participated in this year that we may be a bit behind on learning the music as well as we should, but, THANK HEAVEN, we get a practice CD. That has really helped! I definitely need to still do some work on certain parts though! :-)
I have gotten two or three, maybe even four, letters from the little girl I am sponsoring. I continue to know this was the right thing for me to do and that Compassion International was the right organization for me to do this through. She often stresses how much she wants to be a nurse when she grows up. I just encourage her in that goal and love the way she shares the things she's learning at church. I still just cannot imagine what a day in her life is like. We have so much to be thankful for here, there is no doubt.
My sister, nieces and I went to my mom's for a few days for a long weekend this past weekend and had a great time. Patty and Kate slept on my mom's pullout couch, so they could watch some late TV I am sure, but that's fine with me because Grace and I got the bed! :-) Grace informed me that I snore, evidently a LOT to hear her tell it (!!), but we had a great time together. I know I have said this before, but she is SO much like I was at that age and my mom even wholeheartedly agrees. Grace just makes me laugh....a LOT. On the way down, we watched part of a movie, played travel Scrabble, sang, and goofed around all the way down. She is VERY quick witted for her age. We can simply look at each other, know what the other is thinking, and we both just start laughing. She bought a remote control whoopie cushion sometime recently (before this trip) and she had to keep using it on unsuspecting victims at every opportunity. There is never a dull moment with that girl. I can remember some of my aunts at my grandmother's laughing at me when I would say stuff when I was a kid, and I was thinking today if Grace truly is like I was at that age, I can certainly see why my aunts were laughing. Kate was just her sweet, precious self. She's 14 now and definitely coming into her own. She is a a great big sister to Grace. One good thing about me going on that trip is that it gives Patty and Kate some one-on-one mother/daughter time that they don't always get at home. I had some good talks and laughs with Kate too, so it was nice to get away. I loved the time with them both.
That's pretty much my life in a nutshell. I am trying to get rid of a sinus infection that keeps hanging on, but I'm definitely on the mend. I'm going to my dad's tomorrow afternoon for Thanksgiving and am looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow morning. Of course, 'in' is a relative term. My internal alarm usually wakes me up about 7, but hopefully I'll be able to go back to sleep! I love knowing I have 4 days off! YEA!
Anyway, back to my original point. I hope YOU have a fabulous Thanksgiving, and thanks for stopping by...I appreciate it!
PS.....With all this being said, I haven't gotten notes from this past Sunday's sermon, but I will get those and get them posted soon. I can't wait to hear what Pastor Mel had to say!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The 7th Commandment
Following are the notes from this past Sunday morning's sermon regarding the seventh commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."
#7 - FIRE ALWAYS BURNS
Exodus 20:14
Exodus 20:14 - "You shall not commit adultery."
***The 10 commandments are like a fence God has constructed for our freedom. They protect us from things in the world that will (and can) destroy us.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
Matthew 5:27-28 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
***This commandment is dealing with the condition of your heart.
***Our actions start as a seed in the heart - and the seed is the same essence as the fully developed plant.
***The heart controls the life.
***God is concerned about your heart. It is either given to Him or to self.
***You are free to choose evil, but you are not free to choose the consequences.
Malachi 2:14-15 - "You ask, "Why?" It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth."
Galatians 5:7-8 - "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you."
***Fire always burns. Adultery always causes pain and brokenness.
1 Corinthians 10:12 - "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"
#7 - FIRE ALWAYS BURNS
Exodus 20:14
Exodus 20:14 - "You shall not commit adultery."
***The 10 commandments are like a fence God has constructed for our freedom. They protect us from things in the world that will (and can) destroy us.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
Matthew 5:27-28 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
***This commandment is dealing with the condition of your heart.
***Our actions start as a seed in the heart - and the seed is the same essence as the fully developed plant.
***The heart controls the life.
***God is concerned about your heart. It is either given to Him or to self.
***You are free to choose evil, but you are not free to choose the consequences.
Malachi 2:14-15 - "You ask, "Why?" It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth."
Galatians 5:7-8 - "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you."
***Fire always burns. Adultery always causes pain and brokenness.
1 Corinthians 10:12 - "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"
***Unguarded strength is a deceptive place to be.
1 Corinthians6:9-11 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
***There is forgiveness IF you choose to repent, but there are consequences that may never be removed.
***It is foolish to think that pre-meditated sin is not going to cause destruction.
***No matter how great our sin, God's grace is greater.
***God brings conviction so we can correct the relationship.
***God's power over sin is our only hope to find victory in life.
***God established a fence for your protection.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The 6th Commandment
Following are the notes from this past Sunday morning's excellent sermon regarding the sixth commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."
#6 - RESPECTING LIFE AND EXTENDING GRACE
Exodus 20:13
Exodus 20:13 - "You shall not murder."
***The commandments move forward through 3 areas: God (commandments 1-4), family (commandment 5) and relationships (commandments 6-10).
***The seed is the same essence as the plant, just in a different form. (The difference between hate and murder).
***God is saying that another person's life has value. Do not take it into your own hands.
***Every person has a soul and no matter what they have done, we need to treat them as God would have us to treat them.
***Your words, and your silence, can destroy a person.
***Does your life encourage others or cause them pain?
***Romans 13: 9-10 - "The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
***Light and darkness (love and hatred) cannot co-exist in the same place.
***It is always your turn to right a wrong with another. It is always your turn to obey God and make things right.
***You can easily tell those who are walking in a love relationship with God. They love others.
***No matter what happens TO you, you control what happens IN you.
***When someone puts you to the test (treats you wrong), will you pass the test of your heart?
***Matthew 5: 44-45 - "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
***The 6th commandment is about respecting life.
***Your actions and words reflect the condition of your heart.
***Does your heart prove that you've been born again?
***There is nothing like a clear conscience. It is priceless and worth more than money can buy.
#6 - RESPECTING LIFE AND EXTENDING GRACE
Exodus 20:13
Exodus 20:13 - "You shall not murder."
***The commandments move forward through 3 areas: God (commandments 1-4), family (commandment 5) and relationships (commandments 6-10).
***The seed is the same essence as the plant, just in a different form. (The difference between hate and murder).
***God is saying that another person's life has value. Do not take it into your own hands.
***Every person has a soul and no matter what they have done, we need to treat them as God would have us to treat them.
***Your words, and your silence, can destroy a person.
***Does your life encourage others or cause them pain?
***Romans 13: 9-10 - "The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
***Light and darkness (love and hatred) cannot co-exist in the same place.
***It is always your turn to right a wrong with another. It is always your turn to obey God and make things right.
***You can easily tell those who are walking in a love relationship with God. They love others.
***No matter what happens TO you, you control what happens IN you.
***When someone puts you to the test (treats you wrong), will you pass the test of your heart?
***Matthew 5: 44-45 - "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
***The 6th commandment is about respecting life.
***Your actions and words reflect the condition of your heart.
***Does your heart prove that you've been born again?
***There is nothing like a clear conscience. It is priceless and worth more than money can buy.
Monday, November 03, 2008
The 5th Commandment
Following are the notes from this past Sunday morning's sermon regarding the fifth commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."
#5 - HONOR AND BLESSING
Exodus 20:12
Exodus 20:12- "Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."
***The danger of losing the fear of God is that we become wise in our own eyes.
***Wisdom is a by-product of our trust in Almighty God.
***Parents are the keepers of God's covenant...children will follow behind and someday enter into the same covenant. Do your children see the commandments of God in you? Is God 1st place?
***Is your life a demonstration of the goodness of God?
***If your children were going to honor God by looking at your life, would they know what to do?
***The 5th commandment is the only one with a promise attached to it. "I will bless your life and take care of you."
***God put you in your family and your father and mother are to be honored for who they are.
***How do you honor an ungodly parent?
--forgive them
--be kind to them
--pray for them
***To honor does not mean that you approve of that which is evil.
***God's ways are not man's ways. They do not always make sense.
Matthew 5:38-48 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
***Giving honor to your parents will bring God's blessing upon your life.
***The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
#5 - HONOR AND BLESSING
Exodus 20:12
Exodus 20:12- "Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."
***The danger of losing the fear of God is that we become wise in our own eyes.
***Wisdom is a by-product of our trust in Almighty God.
***Parents are the keepers of God's covenant...children will follow behind and someday enter into the same covenant. Do your children see the commandments of God in you? Is God 1st place?
***Is your life a demonstration of the goodness of God?
***If your children were going to honor God by looking at your life, would they know what to do?
***The 5th commandment is the only one with a promise attached to it. "I will bless your life and take care of you."
***God put you in your family and your father and mother are to be honored for who they are.
***How do you honor an ungodly parent?
--forgive them
--be kind to them
--pray for them
***To honor does not mean that you approve of that which is evil.
***God's ways are not man's ways. They do not always make sense.
Matthew 5:38-48 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
***Giving honor to your parents will bring God's blessing upon your life.
***The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
The 4th Commandment
Following are the notes from this past Sunday morning's sermon regarding the fourth commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."
#4 - TAKE TIME
Exodus 20:8-11
Exodus 20:8-11 - "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
***Rest is important....but HOW you rest determines how you are renewed and strengthened.
***A restless heart usually leads to a reckless life.
***The force and power of this commandment lies not in the resting, but in the sanctifying.
***The Sabbath is unique and special.
***Keeping the Sabbath holy uniquely identifies Christians as holy unto God.
***You need a day of rest. In God's eyes, a day of rest is just as important as a day of work.
***You need a day of corporate worship. It is holy unto HIM, not holy unto US.
***You need a day to give time to a personal love relationship with God.
#4 - TAKE TIME
Exodus 20:8-11
Exodus 20:8-11 - "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
***Rest is important....but HOW you rest determines how you are renewed and strengthened.
***A restless heart usually leads to a reckless life.
***The force and power of this commandment lies not in the resting, but in the sanctifying.
***The Sabbath is unique and special.
***Keeping the Sabbath holy uniquely identifies Christians as holy unto God.
***You need a day of rest. In God's eyes, a day of rest is just as important as a day of work.
***You need a day of corporate worship. It is holy unto HIM, not holy unto US.
***You need a day to give time to a personal love relationship with God.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Passin' it on...
My friend, Tonja, has something posted on her blog that needs to be read by everyone, especially with the election getting so close, so I wanted to pass it along. Go HERE to check it out. It's long, but definitely worth the read. AMAZING!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The 3rd Commandment
Following are the notes from this past Sunday morning's sermon regarding the third commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."
#3 - There is Power in the Name
Exodus 20:7
Exodus 20:7 - ""You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name."
***When we make a choice to enter into a relatinship with God, we also accept the terms of the covenant.
***Make no mistake: There is power int the name of God.
Acts 4:5 - 12 - "The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
***The name of the Lord was indicative of His presence to act in their midst.
***To use God's name is to bring Him into the situation. When you use His name, He listens!
Matthew 12:36 - "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."
***Your words now reflect your fate later - they will either justify or condemn.
Acts 19:11 - 17 - "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. (One day) the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor."
***The power of God's name is for those who know Him personally.
***What does it mean to use God's name in vain? to use it in a manner unworthy of His person.
***We are called to use God's name in a manner worthy of His person.
***Wants WANTS you to use His name and display His glory.
#3 - There is Power in the Name
Exodus 20:7
Exodus 20:7 - ""You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name."
***When we make a choice to enter into a relatinship with God, we also accept the terms of the covenant.
***Make no mistake: There is power int the name of God.
Acts 4:5 - 12 - "The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
***The name of the Lord was indicative of His presence to act in their midst.
***To use God's name is to bring Him into the situation. When you use His name, He listens!
Matthew 12:36 - "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."
***Your words now reflect your fate later - they will either justify or condemn.
Acts 19:11 - 17 - "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. (One day) the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor."
***The power of God's name is for those who know Him personally.
***What does it mean to use God's name in vain? to use it in a manner unworthy of His person.
***We are called to use God's name in a manner worthy of His person.
***Wants WANTS you to use His name and display His glory.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The 2nd Commandment
Following are the notes from this past Sunday morning's sermon regarding the second commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten." I'm a little later posting them than usual, but it's been a good, yet busy, week.
#2 - Faithful and True
Exodus 20:4 - 6
Exodus 20:4 - 6 - "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments."
***God desires an exclusive relationship with you that is real and personal.
***God does not dwell in objects and cannot be controlled by human manipulation.
***The second commandment tells us how to worship the true God. He comes directly to our lives where we are face to face with Him.
***We have access to the presence of Almighty God and He invites us to come.
***There are many people who would like to perform a ritual to Him rather than to walk with Him.
***God is not after your money, your abilities or your gifts. He wants YOU.
***To seek after that which is empty will leave you empty.
Psalm 135:15 - 18 -
1 John 2:15 - "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
#2 - Faithful and True
Exodus 20:4 - 6
Exodus 20:4 - 6 - "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments."
***God desires an exclusive relationship with you that is real and personal.
***God does not dwell in objects and cannot be controlled by human manipulation.
***The second commandment tells us how to worship the true God. He comes directly to our lives where we are face to face with Him.
***We have access to the presence of Almighty God and He invites us to come.
***There are many people who would like to perform a ritual to Him rather than to walk with Him.
***God is not after your money, your abilities or your gifts. He wants YOU.
***To seek after that which is empty will leave you empty.
Psalm 135:15 - 18 -
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
made by the hands of men.
16 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
16 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but they cannot see;
17 they have ears, but cannot hear,
17 they have ears, but cannot hear,
nor is there breath in their mouths.
18 Those who make them will be like them,
18 Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.
***He leaves you free to choose whatever you desire, but you are not free to choose the consequences.
***Those who struggle with the second commandment are those who are captivated by the world around them.
1 John 2:15 - "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
***Here's a good question to ask kids: 'What is the most important thing you see in mom and dad's life?' It takes courage to ask that kind of question to kids or anyone you are close to.
***When you give up everything for God, He gives back everything you need for abundant life.
***Let Him have His way in your life and you will experience a love relationship like you have never experienced before.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Being a friend.
Making a long story short, I took Grace to soccer practice tonight. I usually try to take her to one of her practices each week because I want to be an involved aunt and I love the time with her, but I usually take my ipod along to either watch a movie I've downloaded or listen to music that I have on there. I've discovered it's a great place to worship as I am still, quiet and listening. Tonight, this song got my attention as I listened to the words, and the tears were flowing. Just thinking of people I know who have been through such tragic things and, as the writer of it, what Steven Curtis Chapman's family has been through as well. It's powerful.
I did a little research and found it was based on Galatians 6:2 -'Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ' and Luke 5:18-20 - 'Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.'
I need to remember to be THIS kind of friend and be attentive to the needs around me day in and day out.
A good song like this is timeless.
I did a little research and found it was based on Galatians 6:2 -'Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ' and Luke 5:18-20 - 'Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.'
I need to remember to be THIS kind of friend and be attentive to the needs around me day in and day out.
A good song like this is timeless.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Small changes and big blessings.
I decided to change my blog colors for a while in, I hate to say, 'honor' of halloween, but to me, it's just a fun day for kids to dress up and get candy! Plus, as I was doing that, I realized that in my header picture, Grace has a pumpkin on her shirt, so I thought I'd go with it for a while. I've always focused on the glasses more than her shirt. Funny how you see what you want to, huh?
Anyway, this has been a great week. I love the change in weather and wish it could be like this all year long, but then, I'm sure I'd take it for granted, so I guess I really don't wish that, but I do wish it would stay like this for a while.
About the week, all I did was go to work every day, took Grace to soccer practice on Tuesday night, had church stuff on Wednesday night, then on Thursday, I took part of a vacation day and had a great lunch with our new pastor's wife. I tend to be a bit nervous in new situations like that, but it was simply great! We 'clicked' immediately and I was sitting there, totally at ease, thinking how cool it is that God can bring new friends into our life so quickly if He chooses to do so. Don't you just love when you meet someone like that and you can sit there and talk and talk, about deep stuff, funny stuff and everything in-between, and before you know it, it's almost been 2 hours?! She had to go pick up her children from school or I am sure we could have talked even longer. In thinking about our conversation since then, I have more to ask her about, so I hope we'll be doing that again sometime soon. Thursday night, I just hung out with my sister, Grace, and a friend of Grace's, so that was fun too. Tonight, I went to see 'Nights in Rodanthe' with friends. I didn't love it, but it was okay. Tomorrow, Grace has a soccer game, then I'm going to go hang out at my sister's and venture a bit more into cardmaking. We both have tons of supplies, it's just more fun to work together and share ideas. I may post pictures if I come up with anything exceptionally creative! :-) I'm kind of excited about tomorrow too! Sunday night, we have a 'concert' to premier the new CD our choir made a couple of months ago. That should be fun.
Another cool thing is that I had a chance on Wednesday night on the way to children's choir to speak to our new pastor and tell him how much I have loved his sermons and how they challenge me all week long. As it should so happen, I was passing through an area of the church just as he was doing the same, so it was really a perfect one-on-one opportunity. He was very gracious and just asked that I continue to pray for him and his family. Moving all the way from Canada would be a big adjustment for anyone! We really are blessed though and I want him to know I appreciate the work he's putting into his job here. I just know God has great things in store...
...and I can't wait!
Anyway, this has been a great week. I love the change in weather and wish it could be like this all year long, but then, I'm sure I'd take it for granted, so I guess I really don't wish that, but I do wish it would stay like this for a while.
About the week, all I did was go to work every day, took Grace to soccer practice on Tuesday night, had church stuff on Wednesday night, then on Thursday, I took part of a vacation day and had a great lunch with our new pastor's wife. I tend to be a bit nervous in new situations like that, but it was simply great! We 'clicked' immediately and I was sitting there, totally at ease, thinking how cool it is that God can bring new friends into our life so quickly if He chooses to do so. Don't you just love when you meet someone like that and you can sit there and talk and talk, about deep stuff, funny stuff and everything in-between, and before you know it, it's almost been 2 hours?! She had to go pick up her children from school or I am sure we could have talked even longer. In thinking about our conversation since then, I have more to ask her about, so I hope we'll be doing that again sometime soon. Thursday night, I just hung out with my sister, Grace, and a friend of Grace's, so that was fun too. Tonight, I went to see 'Nights in Rodanthe' with friends. I didn't love it, but it was okay. Tomorrow, Grace has a soccer game, then I'm going to go hang out at my sister's and venture a bit more into cardmaking. We both have tons of supplies, it's just more fun to work together and share ideas. I may post pictures if I come up with anything exceptionally creative! :-) I'm kind of excited about tomorrow too! Sunday night, we have a 'concert' to premier the new CD our choir made a couple of months ago. That should be fun.
Another cool thing is that I had a chance on Wednesday night on the way to children's choir to speak to our new pastor and tell him how much I have loved his sermons and how they challenge me all week long. As it should so happen, I was passing through an area of the church just as he was doing the same, so it was really a perfect one-on-one opportunity. He was very gracious and just asked that I continue to pray for him and his family. Moving all the way from Canada would be a big adjustment for anyone! We really are blessed though and I want him to know I appreciate the work he's putting into his job here. I just know God has great things in store...
...and I can't wait!
Sunday, October 05, 2008
The 1st Commandment:
Following are the notes from this morning's sermon regarding the first commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."
#1 - First Place
Exodus 20:3; Matthew 22:37-38
Exodus 20:3 - "You shall have no other gods before me."
Matthew 22:37-38 -"Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."
***God loves you and is inviting you into a personal relationship that lasts for all eternity.
***God is not looking for first place in your heart -- He wants your whole heart.
***If you don't understand the first commandment to love Him (He's desiring to be YOUR god), all the others turn into a bunch of rules.
***God is not interested in you being happy; He is interested in you being holy.
***He will allow things into your life to shape and mold you into the person He has called you to be.
***To obey this commandment means you will live with confident expectation that God is in control.
***Worry is the warning light that tells us we don't understand the first commandment.
***He is telling us, "I want to be something you cannot find in any other relationship -- I want to be GOD." (the God who cares for your life)
***What we don't turn over to him takes control and eats away at our life.
***When you try and take control of what rightfully belongs to God, you also take all the responsibility for its outcome.
***The best thing for your life is to surrender it to Him.
***Does God have your whole heart?
***Is He the 1st person you turn to?
We are very blessed to have a pastor who makes us think like this and keeps us mindful of these things with such thought provoking points. Isn't it amazing how so many of these are things that we know, but don't always stop to think about or do on a daily basis?
#1 - First Place
Exodus 20:3; Matthew 22:37-38
Exodus 20:3 - "You shall have no other gods before me."
Matthew 22:37-38 -"Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."
***God loves you and is inviting you into a personal relationship that lasts for all eternity.
***God is not looking for first place in your heart -- He wants your whole heart.
***If you don't understand the first commandment to love Him (He's desiring to be YOUR god), all the others turn into a bunch of rules.
***God is not interested in you being happy; He is interested in you being holy.
***He will allow things into your life to shape and mold you into the person He has called you to be.
***To obey this commandment means you will live with confident expectation that God is in control.
***Worry is the warning light that tells us we don't understand the first commandment.
***He is telling us, "I want to be something you cannot find in any other relationship -- I want to be GOD." (the God who cares for your life)
***What we don't turn over to him takes control and eats away at our life.
***When you try and take control of what rightfully belongs to God, you also take all the responsibility for its outcome.
***The best thing for your life is to surrender it to Him.
***Does God have your whole heart?
***Is He the 1st person you turn to?
We are very blessed to have a pastor who makes us think like this and keeps us mindful of these things with such thought provoking points. Isn't it amazing how so many of these are things that we know, but don't always stop to think about or do on a daily basis?
Monday, September 29, 2008
Money
With all the talk about the economy right now, our pastor felt led to change his sermon yesterday (Sept 28)...we'll be back to the 10 Commandments next week, but for now, the topic is money, from a sermon series titled, Where Your Treasure Is:
Worship Through Giving
2 Cor 9:6-8
'Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.'
***Our response to God's goodness is an act of worship.
***We are not to just receive good things from God -- we are here to give to God as an act of worship.
***God has a law of identical harvest. Gal 6:7 - 'Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.'
***God acts toward us in unconditional love, but not unconditional blessing -- blessings come as a response to our obedience (!!)
Malachi 3:7-10 - 'Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty. "But you ask, 'How are we to return?'
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.'
***When you understand God's perspective on money, you will be set free.
***Tithing is not giving a gift to God, it is giving back to God what is already His.
***Anything less than a tithe is not a tithe.
***Tithing is an act of worship where we sacrifice what is precious to us.
***If you can't afford to tithe when you are poor, you will never tithe when you are rich.
***Our use of money reflects our heart.
***He is not asking for the 'extra.' He is waiting to see if we love Him enough to sacrifice what is dear to us.
***There is nothing more frustrating to God than to see His people receive immeasurable blessing from Him, then be stingy with what they receive.
Then, one of the last things he said, was 'How can we be mad at the people on Wall Street, etc if we are also not doing what we are supposed to be doing in our giving to God??'
Food for thought.
Worship Through Giving
2 Cor 9:6-8
'Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.'
***Our response to God's goodness is an act of worship.
***We are not to just receive good things from God -- we are here to give to God as an act of worship.
***God has a law of identical harvest. Gal 6:7 - 'Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.'
***God acts toward us in unconditional love, but not unconditional blessing -- blessings come as a response to our obedience (!!)
Malachi 3:7-10 - 'Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty. "But you ask, 'How are we to return?'
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.'
***When you understand God's perspective on money, you will be set free.
***Tithing is not giving a gift to God, it is giving back to God what is already His.
***Anything less than a tithe is not a tithe.
***Tithing is an act of worship where we sacrifice what is precious to us.
***If you can't afford to tithe when you are poor, you will never tithe when you are rich.
***Our use of money reflects our heart.
***He is not asking for the 'extra.' He is waiting to see if we love Him enough to sacrifice what is dear to us.
***There is nothing more frustrating to God than to see His people receive immeasurable blessing from Him, then be stingy with what they receive.
Then, one of the last things he said, was 'How can we be mad at the people on Wall Street, etc if we are also not doing what we are supposed to be doing in our giving to God??'
Food for thought.
Friday, September 26, 2008
OUCH!
I called this morning to check on how much that ticket I got a couple of Sunday mornings ago for creeping around that stop sign would cost me and can you believe I have to pay $120??!! Dang! I have until mid-October to pay it. That is a good thing since I don't have it right now...a girl I work with had gotten a ticket for the same thing and hers was like $70 or $75, so that's what I was expecting. When they told me $120 this morning, I was in shock. Oh well. It's only money, right? I must admit though, I have been coming to complete stops since then, most of the time anyway! :-)
Good news...I went and voted this morning! I can't even imagine how crowded the polling places will be on the day of the election, so I decided to get that little, actually BIG, responsiblity out of the way early. My step-mom and sister went with me and we were all through in about 10-15 minutes...Definitely one of my better choices. If you have a chance to do that where you live, I highly recommend it. I'm ashamed to admit that I hadn't changed my voter registration info since I moved about 4 years ago, so I was sort of under the gun hoping my change info would go through in time for me to vote in this election, so I was THRILLED when I found online earlier this week that it had been changed. When I got there today, I filled out the form they had, a woman took it to her computer to verify my info, then came back over and said, sort of loudly on her way back to the counter where I was standing, 'Wow...It's been a while since you've voted, hasn't it??' but THIS is what I heard, 'WOW...IT'S BEEN A WHILE SINCE YOU'VE VOTED, HASN'T IT???' I was like, "Okay...you don't have to say it so loud!!!! :-)" Then she started giggling and cupped her hands over her mouth like she was going to shout it and said it again. It was actually pretty funny. I will definitely be doing better from now on! Isn't it funny how someone can say something and depending on your guilt or innocence in the matter, you can hear it totally differently than how they say it? Although I was guilty, it was sort of funny. :-) 
What else?? I went to a surprise party last night for a friend and client from work. She turned 60 yesterday and her husband had called about 3 or 4 weeks ago to invite me, the CPA I work under (Judy) and our boss (Ben). They have been great clients and in the 18 years they have been using our firm, Sue and I have become great friends. Their company is based out of Northern Ireland and they moved here from England to open a branch in the US in 1990, so we were some of the first people they contacted and started using when they came here. Her husband runs the company and she's the main office person and bookkeeper, so with that being the case, not knowing the US rules and requirements when they came here, outside of the basics of tax law, Sue and I have had to learn a lot together over time. We've become friends in the process. Although I was inclined to not go to her party at first because I didn't think I'd know much of anyone there, when Judy and Ben agreed to go, I got excited about it. I called Sue yesterday to wish her a happy birthday and from our conversation, it was obvious that she had no clue what was going to happen that night. It was a lot of fun when she realized I was there. I can't wait to talk to her next week and see what her recollection of the whole night has been. My boss took his camera, so we got a few pictures. If he will e-mail them to me, I may post them here in a few days. We'll see. I was VERY glad that I had changed my mind and decided to go. I could tell it meant a lot to Sue and it was definitely the right thing to do. I love when I make good decisions! :-)
Okay...I'm off to find out what time the debates start tonight. Even though I've already voted, I am eager to see what they have to say. If you have a chance to vote early where you live, definitely take advantage of it!
Hope you've had a great week.
Monday, September 22, 2008
New series -- The introduction
We started a new sermon series on Sunday (Sept 21) titled, 'The Power of Ten,' based on the Ten Commandments:
"Living in the Father's House"
Exodus 19:3-6; 16-19
Exodus 19:3-6 - Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, "This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 'You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you [will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."
Exodus 19:16-19 - On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.
***What was God's intent in giving the 10 Commandments? To guide us to have the best life possible in a coventant relationship with Him.
***The 10 Commandments were not given to the world, but to those in a love relationship with Him.
***The 10 Commandments came from a heart of love, but were delivered with absolute firmness.
***The 10 Commandments were delivered in such a way as to instill fear, in order that all would hear and obey.
***The 10 Commandments were delivered in sternness because God saw people wandering off in ways that were not good for them.
Ezekiel 33:11 - Say to them,"As surely as I live declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?"
***Because God loves us, He has given us specific instruction to live in harmony with Him.
Exodus 20:1-17 - The 10 Commandments:
1 And God spoke all these words:
2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
3 "You shall have no other gods before me.
4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.
7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
13 "You shall not murder.
14 "You shall not commit adultery.
15 "You shall not steal.
16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
The Power of Ten puts you in a position:
-- to reflect God's character to a watching world
-- to know God
-- to experience God's blessing
"Living in the Father's House"
Exodus 19:3-6; 16-19
Exodus 19:3-6 - Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, "This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 'You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you [will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."
Exodus 19:16-19 - On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.
***What was God's intent in giving the 10 Commandments? To guide us to have the best life possible in a coventant relationship with Him.
***The 10 Commandments were not given to the world, but to those in a love relationship with Him.
***The 10 Commandments came from a heart of love, but were delivered with absolute firmness.
***The 10 Commandments were delivered in such a way as to instill fear, in order that all would hear and obey.
***The 10 Commandments were delivered in sternness because God saw people wandering off in ways that were not good for them.
Ezekiel 33:11 - Say to them,"As surely as I live declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?"
***Because God loves us, He has given us specific instruction to live in harmony with Him.
Exodus 20:1-17 - The 10 Commandments:
1 And God spoke all these words:
2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
3 "You shall have no other gods before me.
4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.
7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
13 "You shall not murder.
14 "You shall not commit adultery.
15 "You shall not steal.
16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
The Power of Ten puts you in a position:
-- to reflect God's character to a watching world
-- to know God
-- to experience God's blessing
Friday, September 19, 2008
'Let's Talk'
This is from September 14 (we had a guest speaker on the 7th):
(This one catches me up to date....the ones prior to this are below)
"Let's Talk"
Acts 4:31
***Is Jesus someone you've met from afar or do you know him? Has He changed your life?
***Have you talked to the Lord lately?
***If we don't spend time with God and knowing Him, we do not need to be out in the world talking about Him.
***An encounter with God should be your normal daily experience - is it practical in real life?
***Prayer isn't a duty, it's the heart of your salvation. Can a person be saved who does not pray? Can a person be in love with Christ and never talk to Him? There are scores of people who believe in God, but never utter a word of prayer.
***Do you think God is worthy of your time? Does He deserve our best?
***Do you WANT to spend time with Him? Not that you HAVE to, do you WANT to?
***The most important part of your day is time spent with Him.
***The early church had nothing but God, and turned the world upside down.
***Boldness comes from the presence of God.
***Have you learned to talk to God?
***The greatest gift we have is our relationship with God, but sadly it's the one thing we most neglect.
***Do you give to God thinking He is impressed, or do you spend time with Him?
***Everything in your life is a by-product of your relationship to Christ.
***Do you ADMIRE God, or have you MET Him?
(This one catches me up to date....the ones prior to this are below)
"Let's Talk"
Acts 4:31
***Is Jesus someone you've met from afar or do you know him? Has He changed your life?
***Have you talked to the Lord lately?
***If we don't spend time with God and knowing Him, we do not need to be out in the world talking about Him.
***An encounter with God should be your normal daily experience - is it practical in real life?
***Prayer isn't a duty, it's the heart of your salvation. Can a person be saved who does not pray? Can a person be in love with Christ and never talk to Him? There are scores of people who believe in God, but never utter a word of prayer.
***Do you think God is worthy of your time? Does He deserve our best?
***Do you WANT to spend time with Him? Not that you HAVE to, do you WANT to?
***The most important part of your day is time spent with Him.
***The early church had nothing but God, and turned the world upside down.
***Boldness comes from the presence of God.
***Have you learned to talk to God?
***The greatest gift we have is our relationship with God, but sadly it's the one thing we most neglect.
***Do you give to God thinking He is impressed, or do you spend time with Him?
***Everything in your life is a by-product of your relationship to Christ.
***Do you ADMIRE God, or have you MET Him?
'The Pillar of Worship'
These are from August 31:
"The Pillar of Worship"
Revelation 19:1-6
***Worship is a heart to heart encounter with the living God.
What does worship mean? Why have we come?
***In worship, we learn to say, 'Yes, Lord,' 'so let it be in my life.'
Trust Him -- from eternity's perspective, it is all going to be alright.
True worship is the desire to know and accept the will of God.
***In worship, we commit ourselves to do the will of God.
The will of God is not just something to be accepted; it is something to be asserted.
***In worship, we find the joy of our salvation
True worship is a testimony that the word of God is 'good news.'
***In worship, we find the assurance of victory - by looking to the past and seeing that the battle has already been won.
True worship finds its hope in the reality of Jesus Christ.
"The Pillar of Worship"
Revelation 19:1-6
***Worship is a heart to heart encounter with the living God.
What does worship mean? Why have we come?
***In worship, we learn to say, 'Yes, Lord,' 'so let it be in my life.'
Trust Him -- from eternity's perspective, it is all going to be alright.
True worship is the desire to know and accept the will of God.
***In worship, we commit ourselves to do the will of God.
The will of God is not just something to be accepted; it is something to be asserted.
***In worship, we find the joy of our salvation
True worship is a testimony that the word of God is 'good news.'
***In worship, we find the assurance of victory - by looking to the past and seeing that the battle has already been won.
True worship finds its hope in the reality of Jesus Christ.
'The Pillar of God's Word'
These are from August 24:
"The Pillar of God's Word"
Isaiah 66:1-2; Acts 6:1-7
***Time given to study the Bible is not an academic experience; it is an encounter with God.
***There is only one way to honor God - OBEDIENCE.
***Your study of God's word is (1) a decision to live in the presence of God, (2) a decision to know the will of God, (3) a decision to join the (I missed this word..maybe community) of God.
Scripture reference:
Luke 22:39 - Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.
***More than He feared the cup, Jesus loved the hand from which it came.
***It is only when you have confidence in the relationship that you will have the confidence to obey.
***Obedience is discovered when it costs something - Love is revealed when it hurts.
***Strength is not found in how courageously I struggle, but how completely I surrender.
***If you don't spend time in God's word, you will not know him; If you don't know him, you won't love him; if you don't love him, you won't obey him.
***How you honor God's word, you honor Him.
"The Pillar of God's Word"
Isaiah 66:1-2; Acts 6:1-7
***Time given to study the Bible is not an academic experience; it is an encounter with God.
***There is only one way to honor God - OBEDIENCE.
***Your study of God's word is (1) a decision to live in the presence of God, (2) a decision to know the will of God, (3) a decision to join the (I missed this word..maybe community) of God.
Scripture reference:
Luke 22:39 - Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.
***More than He feared the cup, Jesus loved the hand from which it came.
***It is only when you have confidence in the relationship that you will have the confidence to obey.
***Obedience is discovered when it costs something - Love is revealed when it hurts.
***Strength is not found in how courageously I struggle, but how completely I surrender.
***If you don't spend time in God's word, you will not know him; If you don't know him, you won't love him; if you don't love him, you won't obey him.
***How you honor God's word, you honor Him.
'The Pillar of Prayer'
These are from August 17:
"The Pillar of Prayer"
Acts 6:1-7
Pillars of a church God can use:
--Prayer
--God's word
--Worship
***You cannot understand the ways or purposes of God unless you spend time with God.
***The mighty activity of God in history has come through fervent, united prayer among God's people.
Scripture references:
Acts 2:42 - They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 4:31 - After they had prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Acts 12:5 - So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
***The work of the kingdom is not done by our ability, but by God's power.
***The early church had nothing but God and they turned the world upside down.
***If we lose our sense of desperation for God, we are in trouble.
***Prayer is a clear reflection of your relationship with God.
"The Pillar of Prayer"
Acts 6:1-7
Pillars of a church God can use:
--Prayer
--God's word
--Worship
***You cannot understand the ways or purposes of God unless you spend time with God.
***The mighty activity of God in history has come through fervent, united prayer among God's people.
Scripture references:
Acts 2:42 - They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 4:31 - After they had prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Acts 12:5 - So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
***The work of the kingdom is not done by our ability, but by God's power.
***The early church had nothing but God and they turned the world upside down.
***If we lose our sense of desperation for God, we are in trouble.
***Prayer is a clear reflection of your relationship with God.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Sermon notes - the introduction
Okay. I said earlier in the week that I was going to start putting my sermon notes on here so I could keep track of them better...handy reference...and for anyone who might care to read them, so these are from his first sermon in this series on August 10, "Indispensable Pillars of God's Church."
"The Wonders of Tomorrow"
Joshua 3:1-7
***Keep your eyes focused on God's activity.***
***If you want to see the wonders of tomorrow, prepare yourself today. ***
Scripture references:
Joshua 3:5 - 'Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."'
Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."
Jeremiah 33:2-3 - "This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it - the Lord is his name. Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things that you do not know."
Hebrews 2:3 - 'how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?'
***Everything God does in our life and in our church is thru relationship...not religious activity***
This is just the first week. I need to get caught up through this past Sunday, so I'll be sure to work on that tomorrow evening or this weekend. There is a lot more to come and it will make you examine your life like never before...his sermons are also online, so if any of this catches your attention, which I'm sure it will in the weeks to come, check it out at www.fbcjonesboro.com and follow the link at the bottom of the page to 'sermons.'
"The Wonders of Tomorrow"
Joshua 3:1-7
***Keep your eyes focused on God's activity.***
***If you want to see the wonders of tomorrow, prepare yourself today. ***
Scripture references:
Joshua 3:5 - 'Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."'
Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."
Jeremiah 33:2-3 - "This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it - the Lord is his name. Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things that you do not know."
Hebrews 2:3 - 'how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?'
***Everything God does in our life and in our church is thru relationship...not religious activity***
This is just the first week. I need to get caught up through this past Sunday, so I'll be sure to work on that tomorrow evening or this weekend. There is a lot more to come and it will make you examine your life like never before...his sermons are also online, so if any of this catches your attention, which I'm sure it will in the weeks to come, check it out at www.fbcjonesboro.com and follow the link at the bottom of the page to 'sermons.'
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