Acts 2:42 Mens Fellowship
“…And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:2-5 NIV
As the year comes to a close, my mind is drawn upon all the amazing things which have taken place through the divine intervention of our Lord. Many great blessings have been bestowed upon all of us through His love and mercy. It is a time to rejoice for a year full of trials, in order that we all may be refined becoming the jars of clay the potter so wishes us to become…
Therefore let our minds rest upon the hope that fills all of us as Christians. For we as Christians do not possess hope as the world obtains its meaning. The definition of hope the world uses is wishing that something would come to pass, not knowing the outcome. It is a hope which is built upon sand, sitting at the mercy of the ocean tides.
The Apostle Paul here in the book of Romans talks about a hope which contains no uncertainty. Instead it is a hope which speaks of something certain, but not yet realized. This hope is one which fills all of us as Christians. We should rejoice that we have access to this hope because everything the Word proclaims is certain. Our salvation is secure through the ‘blood of Christ’. This is a hope which is built upon a rock able to stand against the strongest ocean waves.
Brothers, this hope may come at the peril of many trials. It may require that we face sufferings and times of perseverance, but our Lord is faithful. His covenant is true and through the difficulties of life He has promised to share all of His glory with us.
For the Apostle John wrote:
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!...” 1 John 3:1 NIV
And John also shared with us the words of Christ himself during a time of prayer for all believers in the gospel he penned:
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me…” John 17:22,23 NIV
Therefore as we enter the New Year I am filled with so much hope!! I am certain the Lord will continue to bless us throughout this coming year and work through His body, the Church, to do amazing things. We should rest our thoughts and prayers within the Christian hope so proclaimed, not the hope of the world.
May we persevere as One body of Christ, standing beside one another in unity through all the trials which may come. May all of us come together with our burdens so the Lord may give us peace with His Word.
God bless, and have a wonderful New Year sharing in the glory of God…
Prayer requests
Craig – pray that he will find comfort during his recent bought of asthma, pray the Lord will give him peace
Ramon – pray that Ramon may learn to trust Him for all of his needs
Mark – pray for protection of our unborn child, pray that the Lord will teach me to be an effective shepherd
David – pray that David may become an effective witness for Christ and to learn how to pray
Ernie – praise for continued strengthening of wife during current health episode, pray for the health of wife
Kelcy – pray for Kelcy and his wife in knowing how to serve God this coming year
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray for safe travels to and from Oregon, pray that strength will be provided for new job
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Carmine – pray for a friend in Boston (Paul) who has been recently laid off
Larry – pray for leadership in leading group of men with CTL, pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Please make note that the next meeting will be at Starbucks in Everett. It is a great opportunity to take this ministry out into the world and to shine our light into the darkness… On January 16th we will return to the Fireside room. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, January 2nd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Starbucks on Evergreen Way at the intersection of 75th in Everett (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, January 16th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, January 30th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Mens Fellowship
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’”
Luke 2:8-14 NIV
Brothers, we are on the verge of celebrating one of the greatest gifts we have ever received short of the cross. Nothing on this earth can truly compare to what the birth of Christ the Lord means to us as sinners. This wondrous birth, in the lowliest of places, in the perfection of times, has given us a covenant of peace to cover the great distance that has separated us from our heavenly Father since the fall from grace.
The proclamation of this covenant was given by the Angels when they declared ‘peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ This is what we celebrate on this day. This great statement of peace is where our joy with our family rests. For God raised out His hand with this birth and has offered peace to all of us… no matter the condition we find ourselves in from the sins we may have committed.
Let no one miss the meaning of this great proclamation which was made nearly two thousand years ago!! For the Greek word used in this passage for peace is eirhnh (eirene) and it literally means ‘to join in peace by implication’.
What a great reality we are celebrating this Christmas! We find ourselves justified by God, joined once again to His righteousness, by His son here on earth in human flesh. From this birth, the path toward the cross was set into motion where the redemption of our sins would be complete.
The Apostle Paul made a powerful testimony to this truth when he wrote to the Romans:
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” Romans 5:1,2 NIV
The birth of Christ is where we have once again been joined to God’s grace. His birth here on earth made the cross possible. His birth on earth is God stretching out His hand to each one of us. His birth on earth is where we celebrate the peace given to us from our heavenly Father.
Brothers, let us celebrate this great proclamation of peace together in unity. May the Lord’s blessings continue to be found in our lives and from their revelation, may God truly transform our minds.
The joy of Christmas is the joy found in this proclamation: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’
*********************************************
I pray that all of you have a very Merry Christmas! All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
As I have said in the past, I stand beside all of you. If anyone ever has a prayer request or something they need to share in confidence, please contact me. Therefore we are continuing through the holiday season. So if anyone wishes to join us, our next meeting is going to be on Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00 pm at the Starbucks on Evergreen and 75th (call for directions if necessary).
Prayer requests
Larry – pray for leadership in leading group of men with CTL, pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Mark – pray for the health of Amara who has strep throat and a bladder infection, pray for Beth who was in the hospital for possible appendicitis, pray for protection to our unborn child
David – praise for daughter hearing the Word, pray that the Lord will bless others through His work in David
Ernie – praise for continued strengthening of wife during current health episode, pray for the health of wife
Kelcy – pray for Judy Sticklers mom Dorothy who has pancreatic cancer
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray for safe travels to and from Oregon, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Carmine – pray for a friend in Boston (Paul) who has been recently laid off
Craig – pray that family will come to know Jesus, pray that God will appoint him where He desires, pray for people involved with recent flooding
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Please make note of our schedule. We have two meeting scheduled back-to-back weeks after Christmas. I felt it was important to continue through the holidays because many need even more encouragement and brotherhood this time of year because of the stresses the world tries to burden us with.
Please make note that the next meeting will be at Starbucks in Everett. It is a great opportunity to take this ministry out into the world and to shine our light into the darkness… In 2008 we will return to the Fireside room. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Starbucks on Evergreen Way at the intersection of 75th in Everett (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, January 2nd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with the location to be determined at the December 26th meeting
Wednesday, January 16th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’”
Luke 2:8-14 NIV
Brothers, we are on the verge of celebrating one of the greatest gifts we have ever received short of the cross. Nothing on this earth can truly compare to what the birth of Christ the Lord means to us as sinners. This wondrous birth, in the lowliest of places, in the perfection of times, has given us a covenant of peace to cover the great distance that has separated us from our heavenly Father since the fall from grace.
The proclamation of this covenant was given by the Angels when they declared ‘peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ This is what we celebrate on this day. This great statement of peace is where our joy with our family rests. For God raised out His hand with this birth and has offered peace to all of us… no matter the condition we find ourselves in from the sins we may have committed.
Let no one miss the meaning of this great proclamation which was made nearly two thousand years ago!! For the Greek word used in this passage for peace is eirhnh (eirene) and it literally means ‘to join in peace by implication’.
What a great reality we are celebrating this Christmas! We find ourselves justified by God, joined once again to His righteousness, by His son here on earth in human flesh. From this birth, the path toward the cross was set into motion where the redemption of our sins would be complete.
The Apostle Paul made a powerful testimony to this truth when he wrote to the Romans:
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” Romans 5:1,2 NIV
The birth of Christ is where we have once again been joined to God’s grace. His birth here on earth made the cross possible. His birth on earth is God stretching out His hand to each one of us. His birth on earth is where we celebrate the peace given to us from our heavenly Father.
Brothers, let us celebrate this great proclamation of peace together in unity. May the Lord’s blessings continue to be found in our lives and from their revelation, may God truly transform our minds.
The joy of Christmas is the joy found in this proclamation: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’
*********************************************
I pray that all of you have a very Merry Christmas! All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
As I have said in the past, I stand beside all of you. If anyone ever has a prayer request or something they need to share in confidence, please contact me. Therefore we are continuing through the holiday season. So if anyone wishes to join us, our next meeting is going to be on Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00 pm at the Starbucks on Evergreen and 75th (call for directions if necessary).
Prayer requests
Larry – pray for leadership in leading group of men with CTL, pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Mark – pray for the health of Amara who has strep throat and a bladder infection, pray for Beth who was in the hospital for possible appendicitis, pray for protection to our unborn child
David – praise for daughter hearing the Word, pray that the Lord will bless others through His work in David
Ernie – praise for continued strengthening of wife during current health episode, pray for the health of wife
Kelcy – pray for Judy Sticklers mom Dorothy who has pancreatic cancer
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray for safe travels to and from Oregon, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Carmine – pray for a friend in Boston (Paul) who has been recently laid off
Craig – pray that family will come to know Jesus, pray that God will appoint him where He desires, pray for people involved with recent flooding
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Please make note of our schedule. We have two meeting scheduled back-to-back weeks after Christmas. I felt it was important to continue through the holidays because many need even more encouragement and brotherhood this time of year because of the stresses the world tries to burden us with.
Please make note that the next meeting will be at Starbucks in Everett. It is a great opportunity to take this ministry out into the world and to shine our light into the darkness… In 2008 we will return to the Fireside room. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Starbucks on Evergreen Way at the intersection of 75th in Everett (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, January 2nd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with the location to be determined at the December 26th meeting
Wednesday, January 16th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
Monday, December 17, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."
Luke 1:26-37 NIV
One of the most difficult tasks I continually struggle with as a Christian is to look upon God as a limitless, unrestricted, infinite God having control over everything which will come to pass in my life.
At times during moments of uncertainty or trouble, I fall into this mindset of fitting God into this box around my life containing set parameters, set time and space, with the week already planned out on the calendar. If God is going to do something miraculous, it will be within this box called ‘my life’ and will fit in nicely within these predetermined set parameters.
But as a Christian, I continue to find out that God is not restricted by any box. Instead the miraculous happens on a daily basis somewhere and that everything that God does is limitless, unrestricted, and infinite in His existence.
Here in the gospel of Luke is the foretelling of the birth of Jesus by the angel Gabriel. In this passage, God shares with us His infinite power by explaining that Mary is going to give birth to a child, the Son of the Most High, even though she is a virgin. This probably did not fit into any set parameters that Mary almost certainly had in mind. In fact, Mary’s first response was from a mindset of limited possibilities when she asks the angel ‘How will this be since I am a virgin?’
However, God made it clear that He is not limited by anything or restricted by any space or time. In fact, the birth of Jesus happened just as the angel Gabriel foretold. And the words the angel concluded with ‘for nothing is impossible with God’ rang forth once again in the life of a believer.
For God has shared with us His authority over all things since the beginning of time. The prophet Jeremiah heard of God’s limitless and infinite power when he purchased a field in Jeremiah chapter 32:
“Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: ‘I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:26-27 NIV
Nothing made sense to Jeremiah on why he should buy the field because everything was going to be handed over to the Babylonians. Yet God was making an everlasting covenant with His people and even though nothing made sense by human wisdom, God’s infinite power was going to use this purchase as an assurance that in due time He will bring His people back home to the land He promised.
May this Christmas season be one where we learn to see God’s limitless power in our lives. May we have faith that will allow us to say like Mary, ‘I am the Lord's servant… May it be to me as you have said’ (Luke 1:38) or to like the prophet Jeremiah, ‘I knew that this was the word of the Lord; so I bought the field’ (Jer 32:8). May this be a season where we do not limit God’s potential in our lives by seeing Him through the parameters of any box.
Through prayer God will expand our knowledge of Him and will allow us to see incredible things God has done in our life and the lives of others. Then we will be able to testify His glory to a world which needs to hear the true meaning of Christmas…
Prayer requests
David – praise for daughter hearing the Word, pray that the Lord will bless others through His work in David
Ernie – praise for continued strengthening of wife during current health episode, pray for the health of wife
Kelcy – pray for Judy Sticklers mom Dorothy who has pancreatic cancer
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Mark – praise for fellowship with wife, pray for upcoming transitional period of new addition to family, pray for humility with hearing the Lord’s will
Carmine – pray for a friend in Boston (Paul) who has been recently laid off
Craig – pray that family will come to know Jesus, pray that God will appoint him where He desires, pray for people involved with recent flooding
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Dick – pray for health and strength during current illness, praise for job opportunity, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Please make note of our schedule. We have two meeting scheduled back-to-back weeks after Christmas. I felt it was important to continue through the holidays because many need even more encouragement and brotherhood this time of year because of the stresses the world tries to burden us with.
Please make note that the next meeting will be at Starbucks in Everett. It is a great opportunity to take this ministry out into the world and to shine our light into the darkness… In 2008 we will return to the Fireside room. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Starbucks on Evergreen Way at the intersection of 75th in Everett (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, January 2nd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with the location to be determined at the December 26th meeting
Wednesday, January 16th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."
Luke 1:26-37 NIV
One of the most difficult tasks I continually struggle with as a Christian is to look upon God as a limitless, unrestricted, infinite God having control over everything which will come to pass in my life.
At times during moments of uncertainty or trouble, I fall into this mindset of fitting God into this box around my life containing set parameters, set time and space, with the week already planned out on the calendar. If God is going to do something miraculous, it will be within this box called ‘my life’ and will fit in nicely within these predetermined set parameters.
But as a Christian, I continue to find out that God is not restricted by any box. Instead the miraculous happens on a daily basis somewhere and that everything that God does is limitless, unrestricted, and infinite in His existence.
Here in the gospel of Luke is the foretelling of the birth of Jesus by the angel Gabriel. In this passage, God shares with us His infinite power by explaining that Mary is going to give birth to a child, the Son of the Most High, even though she is a virgin. This probably did not fit into any set parameters that Mary almost certainly had in mind. In fact, Mary’s first response was from a mindset of limited possibilities when she asks the angel ‘How will this be since I am a virgin?’
However, God made it clear that He is not limited by anything or restricted by any space or time. In fact, the birth of Jesus happened just as the angel Gabriel foretold. And the words the angel concluded with ‘for nothing is impossible with God’ rang forth once again in the life of a believer.
For God has shared with us His authority over all things since the beginning of time. The prophet Jeremiah heard of God’s limitless and infinite power when he purchased a field in Jeremiah chapter 32:
“Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: ‘I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:26-27 NIV
Nothing made sense to Jeremiah on why he should buy the field because everything was going to be handed over to the Babylonians. Yet God was making an everlasting covenant with His people and even though nothing made sense by human wisdom, God’s infinite power was going to use this purchase as an assurance that in due time He will bring His people back home to the land He promised.
May this Christmas season be one where we learn to see God’s limitless power in our lives. May we have faith that will allow us to say like Mary, ‘I am the Lord's servant… May it be to me as you have said’ (Luke 1:38) or to like the prophet Jeremiah, ‘I knew that this was the word of the Lord; so I bought the field’ (Jer 32:8). May this be a season where we do not limit God’s potential in our lives by seeing Him through the parameters of any box.
Through prayer God will expand our knowledge of Him and will allow us to see incredible things God has done in our life and the lives of others. Then we will be able to testify His glory to a world which needs to hear the true meaning of Christmas…
Prayer requests
David – praise for daughter hearing the Word, pray that the Lord will bless others through His work in David
Ernie – praise for continued strengthening of wife during current health episode, pray for the health of wife
Kelcy – pray for Judy Sticklers mom Dorothy who has pancreatic cancer
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Mark – praise for fellowship with wife, pray for upcoming transitional period of new addition to family, pray for humility with hearing the Lord’s will
Carmine – pray for a friend in Boston (Paul) who has been recently laid off
Craig – pray that family will come to know Jesus, pray that God will appoint him where He desires, pray for people involved with recent flooding
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Dick – pray for health and strength during current illness, praise for job opportunity, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Please make note of our schedule. We have two meeting scheduled back-to-back weeks after Christmas. I felt it was important to continue through the holidays because many need even more encouragement and brotherhood this time of year because of the stresses the world tries to burden us with.
Please make note that the next meeting will be at Starbucks in Everett. It is a great opportunity to take this ministry out into the world and to shine our light into the darkness… In 2008 we will return to the Fireside room. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Starbucks on Evergreen Way at the intersection of 75th in Everett (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, January 2nd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with the location to be determined at the December 26th meeting
Wednesday, January 16th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
Monday, December 10, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Mens Fellowship
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” 3 John 11 NIV
As I was considering Christmas during my daily devotionals, my mind was drawn to the deep meaning behind this glorious day. It was the day upon where a Savior was born to rescue us from our sinful depravity. A day upon where we received a gift bestowed to all of us from our heavenly Father. A day upon where the void between us and God was covered by the cross.
This is the true meaning of Christmas…
Yet it is hard to keep this in focus at times because the world bombards us with messages about Christmas solely based upon materialism and an opportunity to get new stuff. The world has even attempted to remove any special significance to this day by wishing people ‘Happy Holidays’ and eliminating almost everything which has the word Christmas.
Nevertheless as Christians, as the Church, we are called to separate ourselves from this mentality and keep our mind focused on the true meaning of Christmas. Our actions from the heart should demonstrate to others the love of Christ and what Christmas is really about.
The passage shared from Apostle John at the beginning, about how Gaius was to imitate Demetrius as the correct role model to his actions, is a great Christmas message to all of us.
We are called to imitate Christ, not to imitate the world. And what is powerful about this message from 3rd John is that this transformation necessary to imitate Christ is not something we must do completely out of our own effort. We do not have to go through a checklist of our actions and see if this imitates God or the world. We do not have to ask ourselves every moment of the day if what we are doing is of the mind of Christ. We do not have to even ask ourselves if we are acting Christian. We only have to do one thing—see God today and allow Him to work in us!
The Apostle John makes it clear that people who does what is evil is not of Satan, but instead are people who have not seen God. They are people who are still from God, but have not seen His glory. This is how we ensure that we are imitating what is good. We constantly look to see God and fill our lives with the knowledge of Him.
Paul speaks of this alienation we experience when we do not see God and how this transformation occurs when do see Him in Colossians:
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:19-20 NKJV
Brothers, the Lord has led me to share this message because of how important it is for all of us to look toward the cross and see God this time of year. The world tries to deceive all of us into believing that Christmas is nothing special and that it is really all about buying gifts. The world tries to get us so busy that we forget to slow down and look at the true meaning of this time of year.
Therefore let us pray that all of us may see God today and allow Him to work in our lives. Then all of us will be able to share the true meaning of Christmas to a world which so desperately needs to hear the message of salvation, the message of truth.
******************************************************
What a powerful message brought forth this weekend by Pastor Ken Long on this very topic. I recommend listening to the message on the website if you were not present. It will be good to see all of you on Wednesday!!
Prayer requests
David – pray that presence of the Lord will be visible to others in order to influence others toward Christ
Ernie – pray for a revival within Northshore and that the Spirit will move within the Church
Kelcy – pray for continued health of wife and continued strength throughout daily living
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Mark – pray for upcoming transitional period of new addition to family, pray that I will have strength to follow the will of God in my life
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Carmine – pray for relationships with coworkers in building bridges of communication
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, December 12th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at a location to be determined (We will discuss this meeting time and location on Wednesday)
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” 3 John 11 NIV
As I was considering Christmas during my daily devotionals, my mind was drawn to the deep meaning behind this glorious day. It was the day upon where a Savior was born to rescue us from our sinful depravity. A day upon where we received a gift bestowed to all of us from our heavenly Father. A day upon where the void between us and God was covered by the cross.
This is the true meaning of Christmas…
Yet it is hard to keep this in focus at times because the world bombards us with messages about Christmas solely based upon materialism and an opportunity to get new stuff. The world has even attempted to remove any special significance to this day by wishing people ‘Happy Holidays’ and eliminating almost everything which has the word Christmas.
Nevertheless as Christians, as the Church, we are called to separate ourselves from this mentality and keep our mind focused on the true meaning of Christmas. Our actions from the heart should demonstrate to others the love of Christ and what Christmas is really about.
The passage shared from Apostle John at the beginning, about how Gaius was to imitate Demetrius as the correct role model to his actions, is a great Christmas message to all of us.
We are called to imitate Christ, not to imitate the world. And what is powerful about this message from 3rd John is that this transformation necessary to imitate Christ is not something we must do completely out of our own effort. We do not have to go through a checklist of our actions and see if this imitates God or the world. We do not have to ask ourselves every moment of the day if what we are doing is of the mind of Christ. We do not have to even ask ourselves if we are acting Christian. We only have to do one thing—see God today and allow Him to work in us!
The Apostle John makes it clear that people who does what is evil is not of Satan, but instead are people who have not seen God. They are people who are still from God, but have not seen His glory. This is how we ensure that we are imitating what is good. We constantly look to see God and fill our lives with the knowledge of Him.
Paul speaks of this alienation we experience when we do not see God and how this transformation occurs when do see Him in Colossians:
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:19-20 NKJV
Brothers, the Lord has led me to share this message because of how important it is for all of us to look toward the cross and see God this time of year. The world tries to deceive all of us into believing that Christmas is nothing special and that it is really all about buying gifts. The world tries to get us so busy that we forget to slow down and look at the true meaning of this time of year.
Therefore let us pray that all of us may see God today and allow Him to work in our lives. Then all of us will be able to share the true meaning of Christmas to a world which so desperately needs to hear the message of salvation, the message of truth.
******************************************************
What a powerful message brought forth this weekend by Pastor Ken Long on this very topic. I recommend listening to the message on the website if you were not present. It will be good to see all of you on Wednesday!!
Prayer requests
David – pray that presence of the Lord will be visible to others in order to influence others toward Christ
Ernie – pray for a revival within Northshore and that the Spirit will move within the Church
Kelcy – pray for continued health of wife and continued strength throughout daily living
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Mark – pray for upcoming transitional period of new addition to family, pray that I will have strength to follow the will of God in my life
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Carmine – pray for relationships with coworkers in building bridges of communication
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, December 12th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at a location to be determined (We will discuss this meeting time and location on Wednesday)
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
Monday, December 3, 2007
Closed doors lead to Lydia
Today, I must confess, has been a difficult one. There have been numerous distractions prying me away from the knowledge of God’s truth. It is of course no coincidence that the message which I wrote so earnestly less then twenty-four hours ago is the one I am struggling with most in my life right now. For I wrote ‘it is so powerful to know that all that we need to live exist within the knowledge of God’; yet my mind keeps pulling me away into the mind games of dejection.
For earlier today I found out that the new job opportunity I applied for about a month ago and interviewed last week for will not be a part of my future. The hiring manager called and said they decided to go with someone more qualified. It was not a complete shock because I knew my experience at Excel was lacking and the job involved the ability to write advanced Excel spreadsheets. But anytime someone hears that they were not chosen as the right person for the position, it is easy [through the flesh] to find some unease in such a circumstance.
So I find myself at the footstool of a message I shared with others this morning from 2nd Peter. ‘All we need to live exist within the knowledge of God’ I wrote last night as a winter storm was bearing down with wind and rain. A message intended to share hope for all who was dealing with moments of uncertainty, confusion, and maybe even a little dejection about circumstances. Now less then twenty-four hours later, this message I shared sounds like one intended for this afternoon—one intended for my life.
God has made some incredible promises in the Word for all who believes. He has promised to watch over His sheep in order to strengthen and protect them from the evil one (2 Thess. 3:3 NIV). He has sent His Spirit to us in order to guide those who believe in all truth (John 16:13 NIV). God has promised that He has plans to prosper us while giving us a hope and a future (Jer. 29:11 NIV). The list could continue with many more examples for there are many more promises God has shared with His people; but the key point to remember is that all of them are promises directly made to us who believe. Therefore all we need to live really does exist within the knowledge of God, right?
But how does this knowledge resolve the moment of dejection when a door which seemed so wide open suddenly closes? How do we continue to find strength in this knowledge when circumstances are distracting you? I believe we must find ourselves studying the Scripture to find the answer to these two questions. Therefore I am led to Acts 16 where something interesting happened on Paul’s second missionary journey.
Just when Paul was moving through Cilicia; strengthening the churches in the region; seeing much growth in the local congregations; finding a young disciple named Timothy; a roadblock was put in his way. For Acts 16 records this of the journey:
“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.” Acts 16:6-8 NIV
The Holy Spirit prevented them from moving toward Asia, even though this was Paul’s intention. In fact the Scripture records specifically that they were unable to enter Mysia or Bithynia which were two separate Roman providences. The Scriptures do not share with us what Paul’s intentions were in those two places regarding any specific cities he was hoping to travel through; but the Word is clear about one thing, there was an open door and it was suddenly closed.
My brothers and sisters, here is where the message meets everyday life. There are sometimes opportunities which seem like they are destined to take place. Success was found just yesterday and everything seems right for success to continue. We have set forth with plans and everything is coming together for one more success. This view is common and occurs everyday of our lives maybe if it only at the subliminal level of our minds.
Yet this view is worldly and is not the truth. The truth is that sometimes there is a better plan which God intends for us. This was the case for Paul as recorded in Acts 16. This is the case for us today. Sometimes there is a Lydia waiting to hear the good news and only God knows what is necessary to take us there.
The path Paul intended was the path away from Lydia, not toward her. If Paul’s choice of where to proceed on the journey would have been followed, the message may have never reached the shores of Macedonia where Lydia lived. It was through this meeting with the Apostle Paul that her whole family was baptized and the Christian faith was eventually shared into the heart of Europe. What a beautiful picture of success through the doors that God opened, not man. For God was glorified and the message of Jesus Christ was shared!
Therefore may my knowledge of God abound within this story. Though doors have been closed, may the Lord lead me to a Lydia. My heart hurts over the desires of a felt opportunity, but may my heart heal through the desires of God’s everlasting truth. For the timing of God is impeccable in all things, including my life. May the success that only God knows be found in my life, for such success is eternal.
This is the knowledge I seek, and the truth we all share. As I conclude, my life moves forward with purpose. May the dejection of a closed door be replaced with the peace of a loving, all-knowing God. May my life be led to a Lydia in order to change the lives of others who desperately needs to truth.
For earlier today I found out that the new job opportunity I applied for about a month ago and interviewed last week for will not be a part of my future. The hiring manager called and said they decided to go with someone more qualified. It was not a complete shock because I knew my experience at Excel was lacking and the job involved the ability to write advanced Excel spreadsheets. But anytime someone hears that they were not chosen as the right person for the position, it is easy [through the flesh] to find some unease in such a circumstance.
So I find myself at the footstool of a message I shared with others this morning from 2nd Peter. ‘All we need to live exist within the knowledge of God’ I wrote last night as a winter storm was bearing down with wind and rain. A message intended to share hope for all who was dealing with moments of uncertainty, confusion, and maybe even a little dejection about circumstances. Now less then twenty-four hours later, this message I shared sounds like one intended for this afternoon—one intended for my life.
God has made some incredible promises in the Word for all who believes. He has promised to watch over His sheep in order to strengthen and protect them from the evil one (2 Thess. 3:3 NIV). He has sent His Spirit to us in order to guide those who believe in all truth (John 16:13 NIV). God has promised that He has plans to prosper us while giving us a hope and a future (Jer. 29:11 NIV). The list could continue with many more examples for there are many more promises God has shared with His people; but the key point to remember is that all of them are promises directly made to us who believe. Therefore all we need to live really does exist within the knowledge of God, right?
But how does this knowledge resolve the moment of dejection when a door which seemed so wide open suddenly closes? How do we continue to find strength in this knowledge when circumstances are distracting you? I believe we must find ourselves studying the Scripture to find the answer to these two questions. Therefore I am led to Acts 16 where something interesting happened on Paul’s second missionary journey.
Just when Paul was moving through Cilicia; strengthening the churches in the region; seeing much growth in the local congregations; finding a young disciple named Timothy; a roadblock was put in his way. For Acts 16 records this of the journey:
“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.” Acts 16:6-8 NIV
The Holy Spirit prevented them from moving toward Asia, even though this was Paul’s intention. In fact the Scripture records specifically that they were unable to enter Mysia or Bithynia which were two separate Roman providences. The Scriptures do not share with us what Paul’s intentions were in those two places regarding any specific cities he was hoping to travel through; but the Word is clear about one thing, there was an open door and it was suddenly closed.
My brothers and sisters, here is where the message meets everyday life. There are sometimes opportunities which seem like they are destined to take place. Success was found just yesterday and everything seems right for success to continue. We have set forth with plans and everything is coming together for one more success. This view is common and occurs everyday of our lives maybe if it only at the subliminal level of our minds.
Yet this view is worldly and is not the truth. The truth is that sometimes there is a better plan which God intends for us. This was the case for Paul as recorded in Acts 16. This is the case for us today. Sometimes there is a Lydia waiting to hear the good news and only God knows what is necessary to take us there.
The path Paul intended was the path away from Lydia, not toward her. If Paul’s choice of where to proceed on the journey would have been followed, the message may have never reached the shores of Macedonia where Lydia lived. It was through this meeting with the Apostle Paul that her whole family was baptized and the Christian faith was eventually shared into the heart of Europe. What a beautiful picture of success through the doors that God opened, not man. For God was glorified and the message of Jesus Christ was shared!
Therefore may my knowledge of God abound within this story. Though doors have been closed, may the Lord lead me to a Lydia. My heart hurts over the desires of a felt opportunity, but may my heart heal through the desires of God’s everlasting truth. For the timing of God is impeccable in all things, including my life. May the success that only God knows be found in my life, for such success is eternal.
This is the knowledge I seek, and the truth we all share. As I conclude, my life moves forward with purpose. May the dejection of a closed door be replaced with the peace of a loving, all-knowing God. May my life be led to a Lydia in order to change the lives of others who desperately needs to truth.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Mens Fellowship
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV
Brothers, this evening as I contemplate our unity with one another in the body of Christ, the voice of the Lord rings true in these two verses of 2nd Peter. It is not a truth which is easily lived out in my daily life, but instead a truth which is so foundational in providing comfort in the daily trials all of us face.
It is difficult to understand why the Lord has led me to these two verses this evening, but there is something which is so necessary in them for my living. For during times of great uncertainty over schedules and the different doors we must constantly walk through, it is so powerful to know that all that we need to live exist within the knowledge of God.
When our mind is set upon Him constantly, His glory resides in such a state of existence. When we reside in such a state of existence, a path of righteousness is set before us. And when the path of righteousness is followed, we can escape the corruption of this world and avoid the evil desires which plague us as sinners. This all begins with the knowledge of God and where the renewing of the mind starts (Romans 12:2).
The Apostle Paul shared this truth to those living in Ephesus about what we have attained in this transformation:
“Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:21-24 NIV
Yet there is nothing we can do to achieve this new self on our own. Everything in this transformation must occur by and through God in our lives. Only by faith in Christ, by His divine power, can the Spirit bring a new attitude and new self into our life. Therefore let us rejoice and let go…because such a transformation is a free gift waiting to be received.
Brothers, pray that I will be able to live completely in surrender to Him and with my mind on Him constantly. May we all be able to find this state of existence in our lives and learn to pray without ceasing during every moment throughout the day.
I continue to hold all of you in my prayers and pray for unity throughout the Church. I pray for this fellowship to continue to grow in order to glorify God. I look forward to seeing all of you soon and amongst the burdens we all share…
Prayer requests
David – pray that presence of the Lord will be visible to others in order to influence others toward Christ
Ernie – pray for a revival within Northshore and that the Spirit will move within the Church
Kelcy – pray for continued health of wife and continued strength throughout daily living
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Mark – pray for upcoming transitional period of new addition to family, pray that I will have strength to follow the will of God in my life
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Carmine – pray for relationships with coworkers in building bridges of communication
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, December 12th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at a location to be determined
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV
Brothers, this evening as I contemplate our unity with one another in the body of Christ, the voice of the Lord rings true in these two verses of 2nd Peter. It is not a truth which is easily lived out in my daily life, but instead a truth which is so foundational in providing comfort in the daily trials all of us face.
It is difficult to understand why the Lord has led me to these two verses this evening, but there is something which is so necessary in them for my living. For during times of great uncertainty over schedules and the different doors we must constantly walk through, it is so powerful to know that all that we need to live exist within the knowledge of God.
When our mind is set upon Him constantly, His glory resides in such a state of existence. When we reside in such a state of existence, a path of righteousness is set before us. And when the path of righteousness is followed, we can escape the corruption of this world and avoid the evil desires which plague us as sinners. This all begins with the knowledge of God and where the renewing of the mind starts (Romans 12:2).
The Apostle Paul shared this truth to those living in Ephesus about what we have attained in this transformation:
“Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:21-24 NIV
Yet there is nothing we can do to achieve this new self on our own. Everything in this transformation must occur by and through God in our lives. Only by faith in Christ, by His divine power, can the Spirit bring a new attitude and new self into our life. Therefore let us rejoice and let go…because such a transformation is a free gift waiting to be received.
Brothers, pray that I will be able to live completely in surrender to Him and with my mind on Him constantly. May we all be able to find this state of existence in our lives and learn to pray without ceasing during every moment throughout the day.
I continue to hold all of you in my prayers and pray for unity throughout the Church. I pray for this fellowship to continue to grow in order to glorify God. I look forward to seeing all of you soon and amongst the burdens we all share…
Prayer requests
David – pray that presence of the Lord will be visible to others in order to influence others toward Christ
Ernie – pray for a revival within Northshore and that the Spirit will move within the Church
Kelcy – pray for continued health of wife and continued strength throughout daily living
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Mark – pray for upcoming transitional period of new addition to family, pray that I will have strength to follow the will of God in my life
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Carmine – pray for relationships with coworkers in building bridges of communication
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, December 12th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at a location to be determined
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
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