Acts 2:42 Mens Fellowship
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
I was speaking with a friend over lunch the other day about a movie which recently came out in the theaters. My friend was very excited and was just bursting at the seams to share something about this movie. It evidently made such an impact on him that he said, “You have to go see this movie! It is awesome and is definitely worth the price of admission!”
That caused me to think, when was the last time that we shared something about Church with our friend with the same zeal and passion? When did we have a conversation with someone that went something like this, “You have to come on Sunday! It is just awesome to be in Church with other believers, worshiping the Lord, and is definitely worth the price of admission!”
Now I must admit I have not been this person either. I have not gone to people I know and shared with them how great Sunday is at Northshore Christian Church with the same zeal and passion I have about a movie that they have to see. I have definitely fallen short as well.
But this passage from the Lord says ‘let your light shine before men.’ And I believe the Lord says this because He knows we have a tendency as men to hide our light; put it under a bushel; bury it deep within. He knows that we have a tendency to make our worship with the Lord a private matter, allowing others to worship as they choose.
Brothers, the Lord really convicted me of this passage the past week which is why I am sharing it with you this morning. Because I believe He wants all of us to let our light to shine. I believe He wants each one of us to share something about the Church, just like how eager we are to share something about a recent movie we have seen.
If someone we knew was sick and needed a doctor. And this person was avoiding the doctor because of fear or just not wanting to find out the truth. Each one of us would probably plead with them, “Get yourself into the doctor’s office because you are sick! You need help!” Yet there are many people we all know who are spiritually sick. Religion may be a private matter, but the Lord is the only surgeon able to heal.
Paul said to the Philippians:
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…” Philippians 2:14-16 NIV
Brothers we are called to hold out the Word of life to those who are sick! We are called to shine like stars because we are the light of the world! We are called to share with others how great it is to worship our Lord together in one community called the Church! These commands are definitely not easy and I struggle like all of us do at times, shining the light of Christ into the world of darkness. But this is our mission and the reason why we are here. We have been called to share the good news to all creation in order to make disciples of all nations.
Therefore let us pray that we may accomplish this mission the Lord has presented us with. May we have zeal to share the good news and the community of faith we share within Northshore Christian Church to others who so desperately need to hear.
I look forward to meeting with all of you on Wednesday in order to continue the journey together as one body of Christ…
Prayer requests
Ramon – praise for God’s blessing on his life
Ernie – pray for the health of wife in her leg and knee
Kelcy – pray for dizziness of mother and her health
David – praise for promotion at work, pray that the presence of the Lord will be visible to others in order that he may bless them
Tim – pray for discernment on his direction in life
Mark – pray the health of our unborn child, pray for continued strength in the new opportunities we have pursued as a family, pray for wisdom in making the right decisions over the next year
Dick – pray for strength in new employment and possible relocation to the Seattle office
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Joe – pray that his condo may sell quickly and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Craig – pray that he will receive the blessing of health and guidance during the next few weeks
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures, pray for a safe trip for his daughter during upcoming youth retreat
Carmine – pray for strength in current job in dealing with relationships with employees, pray for job search if the Lord desires new employment
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
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 is back in the Fireside Room at Northshore. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, January 30th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, February 13th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, February 27th, 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…
Memory Verse
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 NIV
When our mindset sets itself upon material wealth, this verse begins to fall into one category and one direction. It tends to become a command to those who are endowed with material wealth to give their riches to the poor with the financial status of people becoming the measure of sharing.
Yes, I believe we are called to give financially to the poor if we are able. But I do not believe the Apostle Paul was only focused on material wealth when this verse was penned. For he used the Greek word κοινωνέω (koinoneo) which means to ‘share with others objectively or subjectively, by communicating or distributing as a partaker’. From this understanding, it becomes more a verse about unity then a verse which is directional in nature. For the Apostle Paul understood this unity when he spoke kindly of the Philippians in sharing his troubles: “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” Philippians 4:14 NIV
Brothers, my desire is to understand the riches of this message in my life. For truly this message is at the core of any Christian brotherhood. Because all of us joined together in the body of Christ have been given specific gifts to use within the body. When one member is struggling in seeing, let the ‘eyes of the body’ come to give aid. When one member is struggling in hearing, let the ‘ears of the body’ come to assist. When one member is struggling in walking, let the ‘feet of the body’ come to walk.
For this comes directly to the meaning Luke shared in the book of Acts when he said:
“All the believers were together and had everything in common.” Acts 2:44 NIV
Today I am sure all of us find ourselves dealing with different troubles. Yet I am also sure that all of us share something in common. And as we begin to journey down this path together as one brotherhood, one ‘body of Christ’; let us begin to see how we can overcome our troubles by what we share in common.
Christ said we should love thy neighbor as thyself (Luke 10:27), therefore let us give ourselves to others. For it may not be financial assistant that someone needs, it may only be a listening ear or a loving heart. By partaking together with someone else’s troubles, the ‘body of Christ’ is strengthened and the glory of God is revealed.
May the Lord continue to bring all of us to the foot of the cross everyday as one ‘body of Christ’. May the Lord continue to share His riches in your life and continue to do amazing things. May your life be marked by these blessings and your light shines into the darkness…
Prayer requests
Kelcy – pray for dizziness of mother and her health
David – praise for promotion at work, pray that the presence of the Lord will be visible to others in order that he may bless them
Tim – pray for discernment on his direction in life
Mark – pray the health of our unborn child, pray for continued strength in the new opportunities we have pursued as a family, pray for wisdom in making the right decisions over the next year
Ramon – praise for God’s blessing on his life
Ernie – pray for the health of wife in her leg and knee
Dick – pray for strength in new employment and possible relocation to the Seattle office
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Joe – pray that his condo may sell quickly and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Craig – pray that he will receive the blessing of health and guidance during the next few weeks
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures, pray for a safe trip for his daughter during upcoming youth retreat
Carmine – pray for strength in current job in dealing with relationships with employees, pray for job search if the Lord desires new employment
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
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 is back in the Fireside Room at Northshore. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, January 30th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, February 13th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, February 27th, 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…
Memory Verse
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 NIV
When our mindset sets itself upon material wealth, this verse begins to fall into one category and one direction. It tends to become a command to those who are endowed with material wealth to give their riches to the poor with the financial status of people becoming the measure of sharing.
Yes, I believe we are called to give financially to the poor if we are able. But I do not believe the Apostle Paul was only focused on material wealth when this verse was penned. For he used the Greek word κοινωνέω (koinoneo) which means to ‘share with others objectively or subjectively, by communicating or distributing as a partaker’. From this understanding, it becomes more a verse about unity then a verse which is directional in nature. For the Apostle Paul understood this unity when he spoke kindly of the Philippians in sharing his troubles: “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” Philippians 4:14 NIV
Brothers, my desire is to understand the riches of this message in my life. For truly this message is at the core of any Christian brotherhood. Because all of us joined together in the body of Christ have been given specific gifts to use within the body. When one member is struggling in seeing, let the ‘eyes of the body’ come to give aid. When one member is struggling in hearing, let the ‘ears of the body’ come to assist. When one member is struggling in walking, let the ‘feet of the body’ come to walk.
For this comes directly to the meaning Luke shared in the book of Acts when he said:
“All the believers were together and had everything in common.” Acts 2:44 NIV
Today I am sure all of us find ourselves dealing with different troubles. Yet I am also sure that all of us share something in common. And as we begin to journey down this path together as one brotherhood, one ‘body of Christ’; let us begin to see how we can overcome our troubles by what we share in common.
Christ said we should love thy neighbor as thyself (Luke 10:27), therefore let us give ourselves to others. For it may not be financial assistant that someone needs, it may only be a listening ear or a loving heart. By partaking together with someone else’s troubles, the ‘body of Christ’ is strengthened and the glory of God is revealed.
May the Lord continue to bring all of us to the foot of the cross everyday as one ‘body of Christ’. May the Lord continue to share His riches in your life and continue to do amazing things. May your life be marked by these blessings and your light shines into the darkness…
Prayer requests
Kelcy – pray for dizziness of mother and her health
David – praise for promotion at work, pray that the presence of the Lord will be visible to others in order that he may bless them
Tim – pray for discernment on his direction in life
Mark – pray the health of our unborn child, pray for continued strength in the new opportunities we have pursued as a family, pray for wisdom in making the right decisions over the next year
Ramon – praise for God’s blessing on his life
Ernie – pray for the health of wife in her leg and knee
Dick – pray for strength in new employment and possible relocation to the Seattle office
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Joe – pray that his condo may sell quickly and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Craig – pray that he will receive the blessing of health and guidance during the next few weeks
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures, pray for a safe trip for his daughter during upcoming youth retreat
Carmine – pray for strength in current job in dealing with relationships with employees, pray for job search if the Lord desires new employment
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
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 is back in the Fireside Room at Northshore. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, January 30th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, February 13th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, February 27th, 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…
Memory Verse
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 NIV
Brothers, our bond in every decision we make is based upon our standing with Christ, not with men.
This statement is something I have had to approach many times this past week as I have wrestled many questions over the future direction of my family. For it is very easy to come to a decision based upon the words of others. Their views are sometimes isolated from the trappings of your emotions.
And this I feel is very important when one is struggling with a decision because many brothers can come along side in prayer and comfort. There is no question that the Lord has designed the body of Christ to work in that manner. But we must always be aware of falling prey to the peer pressure others (and society) brings into our life.
The Apostle Paul makes it so clear here in Galatians that our decisions should never be about pleasing others, but should always be about pleasing Christ. This peace I believe should reign over every decision we have to make.
For the world which we are chained to is counter to Christ and is spinning into oblivion. And how I would love to escape its accouterments and live a life in complete escape of its troubles. But the Lord has sent us into the world to be a light unto others. Therefore we should be careful to never try to escape its pressures simply to avoid our mission field.
For Jesus said to his disciples:
“Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” Luke 10:3 NIV
There is no question therefore that we have been sent out into the world and we should plan on being devoured, harassed, and persecuted for our standing in Christ. It should be considered an honor to face this type of trouble for we must therefore be representing Christ well.
But we must always be aware that we are in the world, not of the world and therefore ultimately bonded to Christ in our decisions, not bonded to men. Everything we decide is recorded before the rightful judge of all and is based upon that standing during our time of judgment.
Therefore pray that all of us will be able to have this vision in our decision making process when we are faced with difficult decisions. May all of us have discernment to follow the will of God and make decisions which please Him, not pleasing to others. May all of us make decisions not based upon the difficulty of the road, but the reality of Christ.
God bless all of you during this week as we represent Christ before a darkened world…
Prayer requests
Carmine – pray for strength in current job in dealing with relationships with employees, pray for job search if the Lord desires new employment
Craig – pray that he will receive the blessing of health and guidance during the next few weeks
Mark – pray that as we stand at the crossroads of a decision, that we make it for Christ
David – pray for growth in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, pray for new opportunities each day for growth, pray that His daughter may be saved
Joe – pray that his condo may sell quickly and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Ernie – pray for the health of wife in her leg and knee, pray that his son can reach sergeant with the Everett Police department and that he may received protection while on duty
Dick – praise for strength in new employment
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures, pray for a safe trip for his daughter during upcoming youth retreat
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
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
Ramon – pray that Ramon may learn to trust Him for all of his needs
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
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 is back in the Fireside Room at Northshore. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, January 16th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church (call for directions).
Wednesday, January 30th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, February 13th, 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…
Memory Verse
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6,7 NKJV
“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 NIV
Brothers, our bond in every decision we make is based upon our standing with Christ, not with men.
This statement is something I have had to approach many times this past week as I have wrestled many questions over the future direction of my family. For it is very easy to come to a decision based upon the words of others. Their views are sometimes isolated from the trappings of your emotions.
And this I feel is very important when one is struggling with a decision because many brothers can come along side in prayer and comfort. There is no question that the Lord has designed the body of Christ to work in that manner. But we must always be aware of falling prey to the peer pressure others (and society) brings into our life.
The Apostle Paul makes it so clear here in Galatians that our decisions should never be about pleasing others, but should always be about pleasing Christ. This peace I believe should reign over every decision we have to make.
For the world which we are chained to is counter to Christ and is spinning into oblivion. And how I would love to escape its accouterments and live a life in complete escape of its troubles. But the Lord has sent us into the world to be a light unto others. Therefore we should be careful to never try to escape its pressures simply to avoid our mission field.
For Jesus said to his disciples:
“Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” Luke 10:3 NIV
There is no question therefore that we have been sent out into the world and we should plan on being devoured, harassed, and persecuted for our standing in Christ. It should be considered an honor to face this type of trouble for we must therefore be representing Christ well.
But we must always be aware that we are in the world, not of the world and therefore ultimately bonded to Christ in our decisions, not bonded to men. Everything we decide is recorded before the rightful judge of all and is based upon that standing during our time of judgment.
Therefore pray that all of us will be able to have this vision in our decision making process when we are faced with difficult decisions. May all of us have discernment to follow the will of God and make decisions which please Him, not pleasing to others. May all of us make decisions not based upon the difficulty of the road, but the reality of Christ.
God bless all of you during this week as we represent Christ before a darkened world…
Prayer requests
Carmine – pray for strength in current job in dealing with relationships with employees, pray for job search if the Lord desires new employment
Craig – pray that he will receive the blessing of health and guidance during the next few weeks
Mark – pray that as we stand at the crossroads of a decision, that we make it for Christ
David – pray for growth in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, pray for new opportunities each day for growth, pray that His daughter may be saved
Joe – pray that his condo may sell quickly and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Ernie – pray for the health of wife in her leg and knee, pray that his son can reach sergeant with the Everett Police department and that he may received protection while on duty
Dick – praise for strength in new employment
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures, pray for a safe trip for his daughter during upcoming youth retreat
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
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
Ramon – pray that Ramon may learn to trust Him for all of his needs
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
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 is back in the Fireside Room at Northshore. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, January 16th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church (call for directions).
Wednesday, January 30th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, February 13th, 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…
Memory Verse
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6,7 NKJV
Monday, January 7, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Mens Fellowship
“I always thank God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in Him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Christ Jesus to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 NIV
About ten years ago, my life was filled with the habit of seeking the answers to life’s problems in all the wrong places. It was a time where my life was not marked by the faith I have today. Instead I found myself off the path of righteousness, living in rebellion of our Lord, looking for meaning in the experiences of this world not through our Lord Jesus Christ.
But God is one of love and grace, and through His power rescued me from that sinful condition. He sent angels into my life and presented me a ‘roadmap’ to living by faith. It began by rediscovery of the Word and putting God back into my everyday life, not just on Sunday mornings.
Today I find myself filled with joy of the prosperity God gave me and compelled to share the good news to all who may hear. For I was a man who spent part of his life not seeking first the kingdom of God, yet God loved me so much that He brought me to this point of incredible peace. Through His son Jesus Christ, God has presented me a gift and enriched my life in every way necessary.
What is exciting is that this gift is available to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. For once we become a Christian; our lives have been enriched in every way. No longer do we lack what is sufficient to living the life which we have been called out by God. The resources necessary to sustain us through the mission God has presented us is available even when they do not seem to exist. Strength, wisdom, peace, and every other resource we need is available if we seek first His kingdom.
Yet the ‘world’ does not understand this prosperity which is why the ‘world’ continues to persecute all who believe in Jesus Christ. For the ‘world’ continues to evaluate our prosperity as Christians through the language of material wealth. To all who do not believe, resources are instead measured by wealth, buildings, internet websites, television, ect. It is the mindset of the Western culture which permeates into their view of Christians.
But Jesus himself wanted His disciples to rely completely on Him to show them (and the world) where all true prosperity comes from. For He said in the gospel of Mark:
“Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic.” Mark 6:8,9 NIV
Brothers, I believe all of us must transform our mind and begin to understand the great blessing of prosperity which has been bestowed upon our lives. The Apostle Paul presented us with the truth when he said ‘you have been enriched in every way’.
It is so easy to fall into the trap of not believing that statement because many days we feel lacking in resources; but we must stop listening to the voice of doubt. We must stop seeking answers to life’s problems by evaluating our ‘worldly’ means. Instead we need to begin putting our complete faith in the Lord and knowing that the Lord will provide all that is necessary for the journey.
Therefore join me in prayer that all this will be accomplished in our lives. Join me in prayer that the Church will continue to be true witness to the prosperity which has been shared to all who believe. May God continue to bless all of us on this journey.
Prayer requests
Craig – pray that he will receive the blessing of health and guidance during the next few weeks
Mark – pray for continued health of family, pray for a stronger home / work balance, pray that the Lord will teach me to be an effective shepherd
David – pray for growth in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, pray for new opportunities each day for growth, pray that His daughter may be saved
Joe – pray that his condo may sell quickly and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Ernie – pray for the health of wife in her leg and knee, pray that his son can reach sergeant with the Everett Police department and that he may received protection while on duty
Dick – praise for strength in new employment
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
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
Ramon – pray that Ramon may learn to trust Him for all of his 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 is back in the Fireside Room at Northshore. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, January 16th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church (call for directions).
Wednesday, January 30th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, February 13th, 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…
Memory Verse
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6,7 NKJV
“I always thank God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in Him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Christ Jesus to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 NIV
About ten years ago, my life was filled with the habit of seeking the answers to life’s problems in all the wrong places. It was a time where my life was not marked by the faith I have today. Instead I found myself off the path of righteousness, living in rebellion of our Lord, looking for meaning in the experiences of this world not through our Lord Jesus Christ.
But God is one of love and grace, and through His power rescued me from that sinful condition. He sent angels into my life and presented me a ‘roadmap’ to living by faith. It began by rediscovery of the Word and putting God back into my everyday life, not just on Sunday mornings.
Today I find myself filled with joy of the prosperity God gave me and compelled to share the good news to all who may hear. For I was a man who spent part of his life not seeking first the kingdom of God, yet God loved me so much that He brought me to this point of incredible peace. Through His son Jesus Christ, God has presented me a gift and enriched my life in every way necessary.
What is exciting is that this gift is available to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. For once we become a Christian; our lives have been enriched in every way. No longer do we lack what is sufficient to living the life which we have been called out by God. The resources necessary to sustain us through the mission God has presented us is available even when they do not seem to exist. Strength, wisdom, peace, and every other resource we need is available if we seek first His kingdom.
Yet the ‘world’ does not understand this prosperity which is why the ‘world’ continues to persecute all who believe in Jesus Christ. For the ‘world’ continues to evaluate our prosperity as Christians through the language of material wealth. To all who do not believe, resources are instead measured by wealth, buildings, internet websites, television, ect. It is the mindset of the Western culture which permeates into their view of Christians.
But Jesus himself wanted His disciples to rely completely on Him to show them (and the world) where all true prosperity comes from. For He said in the gospel of Mark:
“Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic.” Mark 6:8,9 NIV
Brothers, I believe all of us must transform our mind and begin to understand the great blessing of prosperity which has been bestowed upon our lives. The Apostle Paul presented us with the truth when he said ‘you have been enriched in every way’.
It is so easy to fall into the trap of not believing that statement because many days we feel lacking in resources; but we must stop listening to the voice of doubt. We must stop seeking answers to life’s problems by evaluating our ‘worldly’ means. Instead we need to begin putting our complete faith in the Lord and knowing that the Lord will provide all that is necessary for the journey.
Therefore join me in prayer that all this will be accomplished in our lives. Join me in prayer that the Church will continue to be true witness to the prosperity which has been shared to all who believe. May God continue to bless all of us on this journey.
Prayer requests
Craig – pray that he will receive the blessing of health and guidance during the next few weeks
Mark – pray for continued health of family, pray for a stronger home / work balance, pray that the Lord will teach me to be an effective shepherd
David – pray for growth in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, pray for new opportunities each day for growth, pray that His daughter may be saved
Joe – pray that his condo may sell quickly and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Ernie – pray for the health of wife in her leg and knee, pray that his son can reach sergeant with the Everett Police department and that he may received protection while on duty
Dick – praise for strength in new employment
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
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
Ramon – pray that Ramon may learn to trust Him for all of his 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 is back in the Fireside Room at Northshore. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, January 16th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church (call for directions).
Wednesday, January 30th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, February 13th, 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…
Memory Verse
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6,7 NKJV
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