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…