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