Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” John 15:19 NIV
One of the things which is very noticeable if you travel the London Underground in England is the phrase ‘Please mind the gap’. It is to remind unsuspected travelers of the gap which exist between the train and the station platform anytime people are entering or exiting the train. Over time, the voice (a recorded audio message which is played) actually becomes rather annoying because you have been ‘minding the gap’ at every station now without tripping or falling. Yet the reminder continues every time you enter or exit a train…
This verse from Jesus is very similar in our lives. Here Jesus is reminding his disciples about the gap which exist between them and the world. On one side of the gap is the life of worldly living, which is very similar to the station platform because it is where people rest their faith in the things of this world. On the other side of the gap is the disciple, which could be like the train, always moving toward a destination and resting their hope on God.
These two are separated by an eternal gap, essentially preventing each one of us from being in two places at once. It is the dividing line between the train and the station platform, forcing each one of us to choose where we stand as a disciple of Christ. And it is the place where many trip and fall as Christians because they were not mindful of the gap because it is sometimes blurred or distorted. Yet it is there regardless of what people may claim and has been a part of this world since the beginning.
Now this is a tough message and maybe even controversial because we are called as Christians to bring people together in the name of love. We are called to eliminate differences which exist between people because we are all born of one God. None of us want to be divisive which is why many of us exit the train at every station and even hang out on the station platform at times.
But unfortunately the gap exists because the war between the ‘god of this age’ (2 Corinthians 4:4) and our heavenly Father is raging in the hearts and minds of all men. None of us can avoid choosing sides and will eventually be forced to address the gap.
In the book of Isaiah, the Lord has called each one of us to shine the light of the gospel into the darkness of this world:
“I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” Isaiah 42:6-7 NIV
Therefore let us leave the station platform once and for all and join others in a life that completely rests their faith and hope in God. None of us should be surprised that such a decision will lead to many daily trials and tribulations; but God has promised to take hold of our hand in this decision and forever keep His covenant.
The world which is ruled by the ‘god of this age’ will continue to hate us and question why we have made such a decision, yet this should never deter us from our life with Christ. Instead it should encourage us as Christian brothers that we are making an impact for our Lord Jesus Christ. For the enemy will continue to attack those who are on the front lines, advancing the Name which is above all other names.
So my prayer today is that all of us will choose the correct side of the gap and travel the road which is less traveled. May we all come together in prayer and love those who have not made that decision, by continually standing beside them in the love that Christ has demonstrated to each one of us…
************************************
I look forward to meeting with you on Wednesday at 7:00 pm. We are going to be diving into the trials and tribulations as a disciple of Christ during our time in the Word. Please be aware that we are going to be meeting in room C214 which is on the academy side. I look forward to spending time together in the Word, prayer, and fellowship with all of you as we journey together down the road of life…
Mark
Prayer requests
Dick – pray that he will be more obedient to the Lord daily as he continues to walk in faith
Ernie – pray for his wife who is having some pancreas problems and needs healing, pray that he may be able to sell his motor home
David – pray that the Lord will continue to stretch him as a disciple and take him to the next level
Kelcy – pray for the car ministry here at Northshore, pray that Al Moran continues to rest peacefully at home and have a speedy recovery
Steve S – pray that he can continue to find faith in God
Greg – pray that Greg will be able to handle the season of trials which is coming and that he will be able to handle them with strength and grace
Ramon – pray that Tina can have some healing in her health troubles and can change her diet and exercise routine
Tim – pray that he will be more submissive to His will during the next few weeks
Mark – pray that I can show more love to my wife as she continues to press on toward the birth of our child, pray that she will have peace during the process, pray for financial discernment as we continue to adjust to our financial situation, pray that this group can continue to walk in the will of the Lord
***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message
Continued prayer needs
Gary – pray for sister-in-law who has serious infection in organs, pray for wife Terry who may have to have surgery here in the near future to take care of a serious health issue
Monte – praise God for a new job that he has been blessed with
Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college, pray that Nate will be able to find a job
Vince – pray that his wife may do well in an upcoming job interview, pray that she may become encouraged by some recent blessings, pray for Vince and her that they may hear the Lord
Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in his Bible reading, pray that all pain will be removed someday from his body
Bret – pray for rest, pray for a the right relationship with a girl he recently met
Mike – pray that his interview will go well with the City of Everett
Larry – pray for financial security as he works on building a new house near Arlington
Brett S – pray for a small girl in his wife’s class which had a heart transplant
Carmine – pray that he can find peace with his coworkers
Jeff – pray for more quality time with children and family
Gary Cercone – pray that daughter Jennifer and grandson will receive continued blessings from the Lord
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures
Joe – pray that his condo may sell and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, May 28th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in room C214 on the academy side of the church
Wednesday, June 4th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, June 11th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church (will probably be led by someone else because I will not be in attendance)
Upcoming Event
If you were in church this weekend you saw a preview of “Lord Save Us from Your Followers.” On Sunday June 8th at 6pm Northshore will host a special advance screening of this movie one week before its theatrical debut. After the screening there will be discussion with the film’s director and star, Dan Merchant. This movie makes for some very interesting discussion. It should be a great night to do something different together as a group.
Form more on the film, check out this Today Show clip: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24047551#24047551
Also check out the web site: http://lordsaveusthemovie.com/
Memory Verse
“And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 KJV
Monday, May 26, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.” Psalm 63:3,4 NKJV
“What is the value of your life?”
During my daily devotions with the Lord these past few weeks, I have been considering this age-old question. Each person I am sure would have a very different answer if you were asked this question, with many of the answers probably being rather deep and philosophical.
But today I do not believe the answer is as important then the meaning behind the question. Instead, I believe the Lord desires all Christians to understand why anyone would even ask that question; because at the heart of the question there is almost a currency exchange taking place or the establishment of a value system. And I would love to say that I am the only one who has asked this question, but I also believe each one of ask it to ourselves each and every day…
We ask this question by what we are doing on a Saturday afternoon with sun and the temperatures in the mid-80’s. We ask this question by how we spend our money throughout the week. We ask this question by who we spend time with. And the list could go on-and-on; but essentially there is an exchange which is taking place with time on one side of the scale and our life on the other.
We are in effect saying that my life is worth this much.
In this Psalm (Psalm 63:3,4) David is addressing the question by revealing an answer that shows the value system we are to hold as Christians. For he is not matching his life up with time on the scale; he is matching his life up with God. He is saying that everything in life, when it is set on the scale, can never equal how much God loves each one of us through His mercy, lovingkindness, and grace. When you consider what this means, your life should radically change.
But the world does not understand this value system and continues trying to balance the scale between life and God by filling it with money, material things, activity, people, ect. Life instead becomes a quest of meaning based completely upon the world’s standard. Hollywood becomes the model that many people strive for. Yet the eternity which has been set within our hearts by the Lord in Ecclesiastes 3:11 can only filled by one thing—Jesus Christ.
And Jesus is the gift which has been given to each one of us because of Psalm 63:3. God loves us so much that He has given each one of us eternal life with Him if we only believe (John 3:16).
The Apostle Paul understood this very well and knew how much to value His life when he wrote to the Philippians:
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 NIV
Both Paul and David understood the value system that the world uses is completely rubbish when it comes to understanding the ‘new creation’ which is inside each one of us who believe. For our lives can never be measured by the standards of this world. Instead we must evaluate our lives based upon one standard—God’s eternal design and his ultimate purpose for each one of us.
When we know that the scale is completely tilted in God’s favor and understand that we can never balance the scale through our own endeavors, surrendering to His will is bound to happen. Then by living out the rest of the passage (My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name), we can be mightily used for His glory.
Brothers, let us use the value system God has designed for our lives. Let us pray that all of us can begin to live out the Philippians 1:21 by giving it all to Him. Our lives are worth nothing apart from God and only through Christ can our connection with Him take place. But since this has happened let us know that our lives are now measured by a completely new standard.
Therefore let us praise Him and know how much we are loved by the One who has given us life…
***************************************************************
I look forward to meeting with you on Wednesday at 7:00 pm. We are going to be diving into discipleship during our time in the Word. Please be aware that we are going to be meeting in room C214 which is on the academy side. I look forward to spending time together in the Word, prayer, and fellowship with all of you as we journey together down the road of life…
Mark
Prayer requests
Kelcy – pray for wife and I to continue to do God’s will, pray for the car ministry here at Northshore, pray for Al Moran and a speedy recovery
Steve S – pray that he can continue to find faith in God
Greg – praise God for a beautiful family and continuing to give him so many blessings
Ernie – pray for his wife who is having some pancreas problems and needs healing, pray that he may be able to sell his motor home
David – pray that he is willing to hear the Lord and to know His ultimate purpose for his life
Monte – praise God for a new job that he has been blessed with
Ramon – pray that he will be able to finish all of his taxes, pray that he can receive strength from the Lord
Mark – pray that I can resist temptation to give into the worldly value system, pray for financial discernment as we continue to adjust to our financial situation, pray that this group can continue to walk in the will of the Lord
Tim – pray that he will find out what his health problems are and the best treatment for him
Vince – pray that his wife may do well in an upcoming job interview, pray that she may become encouraged by some recent blessings, pray for Vince and her that they may hear the Lord
***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message
Continued prayer needs
Gary – pray for sister-in-law who has serious infection in organs, pray for wife Terry who may have to have surgery here in the near future to take care of a serious health issue
Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college, pray that Nate will be able to find a job
Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in his Bible reading, pray that all pain will be removed someday from his body
Bret – pray for rest, pray for a the right relationship with a girl he recently met
Mike – pray that his interview will go well with the City of Everett
Larry – pray for financial security as he works on building a new house near Arlington
Brett S – pray for a small girl in his wife’s class which had a heart transplant
Carmine – pray that he can find peace with his coworkers
Jeff – pray for more quality time with children and family
Gary Cercone – pray that daughter Jennifer and grandson will receive continued blessings from the Lord
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures
Dick – pray for strength in new employment
Joe – pray that his condo may sell and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, May 21st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in room C214 on the academy side of the church
Wednesday, May 28th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, June 4th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Memory Verse
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:11-12 KJV
“Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.” Psalm 63:3,4 NKJV
“What is the value of your life?”
During my daily devotions with the Lord these past few weeks, I have been considering this age-old question. Each person I am sure would have a very different answer if you were asked this question, with many of the answers probably being rather deep and philosophical.
But today I do not believe the answer is as important then the meaning behind the question. Instead, I believe the Lord desires all Christians to understand why anyone would even ask that question; because at the heart of the question there is almost a currency exchange taking place or the establishment of a value system. And I would love to say that I am the only one who has asked this question, but I also believe each one of ask it to ourselves each and every day…
We ask this question by what we are doing on a Saturday afternoon with sun and the temperatures in the mid-80’s. We ask this question by how we spend our money throughout the week. We ask this question by who we spend time with. And the list could go on-and-on; but essentially there is an exchange which is taking place with time on one side of the scale and our life on the other.
We are in effect saying that my life is worth this much.
In this Psalm (Psalm 63:3,4) David is addressing the question by revealing an answer that shows the value system we are to hold as Christians. For he is not matching his life up with time on the scale; he is matching his life up with God. He is saying that everything in life, when it is set on the scale, can never equal how much God loves each one of us through His mercy, lovingkindness, and grace. When you consider what this means, your life should radically change.
But the world does not understand this value system and continues trying to balance the scale between life and God by filling it with money, material things, activity, people, ect. Life instead becomes a quest of meaning based completely upon the world’s standard. Hollywood becomes the model that many people strive for. Yet the eternity which has been set within our hearts by the Lord in Ecclesiastes 3:11 can only filled by one thing—Jesus Christ.
And Jesus is the gift which has been given to each one of us because of Psalm 63:3. God loves us so much that He has given each one of us eternal life with Him if we only believe (John 3:16).
The Apostle Paul understood this very well and knew how much to value His life when he wrote to the Philippians:
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 NIV
Both Paul and David understood the value system that the world uses is completely rubbish when it comes to understanding the ‘new creation’ which is inside each one of us who believe. For our lives can never be measured by the standards of this world. Instead we must evaluate our lives based upon one standard—God’s eternal design and his ultimate purpose for each one of us.
When we know that the scale is completely tilted in God’s favor and understand that we can never balance the scale through our own endeavors, surrendering to His will is bound to happen. Then by living out the rest of the passage (My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name), we can be mightily used for His glory.
Brothers, let us use the value system God has designed for our lives. Let us pray that all of us can begin to live out the Philippians 1:21 by giving it all to Him. Our lives are worth nothing apart from God and only through Christ can our connection with Him take place. But since this has happened let us know that our lives are now measured by a completely new standard.
Therefore let us praise Him and know how much we are loved by the One who has given us life…
***************************************************************
I look forward to meeting with you on Wednesday at 7:00 pm. We are going to be diving into discipleship during our time in the Word. Please be aware that we are going to be meeting in room C214 which is on the academy side. I look forward to spending time together in the Word, prayer, and fellowship with all of you as we journey together down the road of life…
Mark
Prayer requests
Kelcy – pray for wife and I to continue to do God’s will, pray for the car ministry here at Northshore, pray for Al Moran and a speedy recovery
Steve S – pray that he can continue to find faith in God
Greg – praise God for a beautiful family and continuing to give him so many blessings
Ernie – pray for his wife who is having some pancreas problems and needs healing, pray that he may be able to sell his motor home
David – pray that he is willing to hear the Lord and to know His ultimate purpose for his life
Monte – praise God for a new job that he has been blessed with
Ramon – pray that he will be able to finish all of his taxes, pray that he can receive strength from the Lord
Mark – pray that I can resist temptation to give into the worldly value system, pray for financial discernment as we continue to adjust to our financial situation, pray that this group can continue to walk in the will of the Lord
Tim – pray that he will find out what his health problems are and the best treatment for him
Vince – pray that his wife may do well in an upcoming job interview, pray that she may become encouraged by some recent blessings, pray for Vince and her that they may hear the Lord
***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message
Continued prayer needs
Gary – pray for sister-in-law who has serious infection in organs, pray for wife Terry who may have to have surgery here in the near future to take care of a serious health issue
Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college, pray that Nate will be able to find a job
Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in his Bible reading, pray that all pain will be removed someday from his body
Bret – pray for rest, pray for a the right relationship with a girl he recently met
Mike – pray that his interview will go well with the City of Everett
Larry – pray for financial security as he works on building a new house near Arlington
Brett S – pray for a small girl in his wife’s class which had a heart transplant
Carmine – pray that he can find peace with his coworkers
Jeff – pray for more quality time with children and family
Gary Cercone – pray that daughter Jennifer and grandson will receive continued blessings from the Lord
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures
Dick – pray for strength in new employment
Joe – pray that his condo may sell and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, May 21st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in room C214 on the academy side of the church
Wednesday, May 28th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, June 4th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Memory Verse
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:11-12 KJV
Monday, May 12, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“For whatever things were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:4-6 NKJV
As we continue to journey down this road together, endurance is certainly a key factor in the race ahead. For the life of a disciple is not a sprint to the finish line; but instead a marathon full of many different trials and hurdles that we must overcome.
The Apostle Paul understood this which is why he used the word patience here in this passage to describe the nature of the scriptures (Romans 15:4-6 NKJV). Probably no person endured as many trials and hurdles as a disciple of Christ then the Apostle Paul; but he endured them all and made it to the finish line with a sustaining faith in Jesus Christ.
Throughout each one of his thirteen letters in the New Testament, he continually referenced scripture from the Old Testament. Throughout his life as a Christian he continually professed the scripture and even charged others to preach the Word in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). Throughout his ministry Paul said that all scripture is given by and from the inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16). Each time the scriptures were mentioned and every time they were referenced, they were held out as a shining light to reveal the true nature of God during a time a great darkness.
And this light is our hope as well and the key to our endurance for the marathon ahead. Because the word patience that Paul used in this passage is the Greek word hupomonē (ὑπομονή) which is most commonly translated into the English word endurance—the ability to remain under tremendous weight and pressure without succumbing.
The world we are living in today is much like the day of Paul’s world. For the culture we are all a part of is continuing to move faster and faster and is becoming more about the sprint, then the marathon. Each day all of us are living under the tremendous weight and pressure of this world. Each day we find ourselves being pressured into keeping up with the pace or trying to fit in. And the darkness at times seems to be overwhelming when you watch the nightly news.
Paul understood these pressures because he lived them. The world was trying to do the same thing to him; but he knew the enduring nature of the Word and where to rest his hope. He connected his life to this light and throughout each trial endured by the strength of the Word.
The Apostle Peter knew this quality about the scriptures as well which is why he cited the prophet Isaiah:
“But the word of the Lord endures forever… Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1:25 NKJV
Brothers, this is a marathon that we are a part of. It is a race that is going to take each one of us through various trials and difficulties. And this race is going to be run right through the darkness of this world.
Regardless upon how difficult the race may become or how much weight and pressure you may be under, remember that one thing endures forever—the word of the Lord.
Therefore in the weeks and months ahead may we connect our lives to this Word through prayer and love. May we begin to live a life similar to the Apostle Paul by making the scriptures an integral part of our lives. May the light of the Word connect us to the God of endurance who can sustain us through all difficulties and trials. May we run the marathon with endurance into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father to hear ‘well done, good and faithful servant…’ (Matthew 25:21)
*******************************
I look forward to meeting with you on Wednesday at 7:00 pm. We are going to be diving into discipleship during our time in the Word. Please be aware that we are going to be meeting in room C214 which is on the academy side. I look forward to spending time together in the Word, prayer, and fellowship with all of you as we journey together down the road of life…
Mark
Prayer requests
Jeff – pray for more quality time with children and family
Monte – pray that he may find a job and hear God’s wisdom and guidance as he deals with some financial trouble
Ramon – pray that his wife may be healed and that he may understand what she is going through
Mark – pray for the health of our unborn child, pray for financial discernment as we continue to adjust to our financial situation, pray that this group can continue to walk in the will of the Lord
Larry – pray for financial security as he works on building a new house near Arlington
Carmine – pray that he can find peace with his coworkers
Gary – pray for sister-in-law who has serious infection in organs, pray for wife Terry who may have to have surgery here in the near future to take care of a serious health issue
Tim – pray that he will continue to see how great life is when he walks with Christ (John 5:24)
Vince – pray that the Lord will continue to heal wife and her mental problems, pray the Lord will continue to help him in his financial needs
Steve S – pray that he can continue to find faith in God
Kelcy – praise God for this group and what the Lord is doing here
Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in his Bible reading, pray that all pain will be removed someday from his body
Greg – pray for his home small group and that it will make an impact on people’s lives
Ernie – pray for his wife who is having some pancreas problems and needs healing, pray that he may be able to sell his motor home
Brett S – pray for a small girl in his wife’s class which had a heart transplant
David – pray that he will continue to hear the Lord throughout his daily life, pray that new members will begin to find this group, pray the Lord will use this group for His purpose
Mike – pray that his interview will go well with the City of Everett
Bret – pray for rest, pray for a the right relationship with a girl he recently met
***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message
Continued prayer needs
Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college, pray that Nate will be able to find a job
Gary Cercone – pray that daughter Jennifer and grandson will receive continued blessings from the Lord
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures
Dick – pray for strength in new employment
Joe – pray that his condo may sell and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, May 14th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in room C214 on the academy side of the church
Wednesday, May 21st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 28th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Memory Verse
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:11-12 KJV
“For whatever things were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:4-6 NKJV
As we continue to journey down this road together, endurance is certainly a key factor in the race ahead. For the life of a disciple is not a sprint to the finish line; but instead a marathon full of many different trials and hurdles that we must overcome.
The Apostle Paul understood this which is why he used the word patience here in this passage to describe the nature of the scriptures (Romans 15:4-6 NKJV). Probably no person endured as many trials and hurdles as a disciple of Christ then the Apostle Paul; but he endured them all and made it to the finish line with a sustaining faith in Jesus Christ.
Throughout each one of his thirteen letters in the New Testament, he continually referenced scripture from the Old Testament. Throughout his life as a Christian he continually professed the scripture and even charged others to preach the Word in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). Throughout his ministry Paul said that all scripture is given by and from the inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16). Each time the scriptures were mentioned and every time they were referenced, they were held out as a shining light to reveal the true nature of God during a time a great darkness.
And this light is our hope as well and the key to our endurance for the marathon ahead. Because the word patience that Paul used in this passage is the Greek word hupomonē (ὑπομονή) which is most commonly translated into the English word endurance—the ability to remain under tremendous weight and pressure without succumbing.
The world we are living in today is much like the day of Paul’s world. For the culture we are all a part of is continuing to move faster and faster and is becoming more about the sprint, then the marathon. Each day all of us are living under the tremendous weight and pressure of this world. Each day we find ourselves being pressured into keeping up with the pace or trying to fit in. And the darkness at times seems to be overwhelming when you watch the nightly news.
Paul understood these pressures because he lived them. The world was trying to do the same thing to him; but he knew the enduring nature of the Word and where to rest his hope. He connected his life to this light and throughout each trial endured by the strength of the Word.
The Apostle Peter knew this quality about the scriptures as well which is why he cited the prophet Isaiah:
“But the word of the Lord endures forever… Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1:25 NKJV
Brothers, this is a marathon that we are a part of. It is a race that is going to take each one of us through various trials and difficulties. And this race is going to be run right through the darkness of this world.
Regardless upon how difficult the race may become or how much weight and pressure you may be under, remember that one thing endures forever—the word of the Lord.
Therefore in the weeks and months ahead may we connect our lives to this Word through prayer and love. May we begin to live a life similar to the Apostle Paul by making the scriptures an integral part of our lives. May the light of the Word connect us to the God of endurance who can sustain us through all difficulties and trials. May we run the marathon with endurance into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father to hear ‘well done, good and faithful servant…’ (Matthew 25:21)
*******************************
I look forward to meeting with you on Wednesday at 7:00 pm. We are going to be diving into discipleship during our time in the Word. Please be aware that we are going to be meeting in room C214 which is on the academy side. I look forward to spending time together in the Word, prayer, and fellowship with all of you as we journey together down the road of life…
Mark
Prayer requests
Jeff – pray for more quality time with children and family
Monte – pray that he may find a job and hear God’s wisdom and guidance as he deals with some financial trouble
Ramon – pray that his wife may be healed and that he may understand what she is going through
Mark – pray for the health of our unborn child, pray for financial discernment as we continue to adjust to our financial situation, pray that this group can continue to walk in the will of the Lord
Larry – pray for financial security as he works on building a new house near Arlington
Carmine – pray that he can find peace with his coworkers
Gary – pray for sister-in-law who has serious infection in organs, pray for wife Terry who may have to have surgery here in the near future to take care of a serious health issue
Tim – pray that he will continue to see how great life is when he walks with Christ (John 5:24)
Vince – pray that the Lord will continue to heal wife and her mental problems, pray the Lord will continue to help him in his financial needs
Steve S – pray that he can continue to find faith in God
Kelcy – praise God for this group and what the Lord is doing here
Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in his Bible reading, pray that all pain will be removed someday from his body
Greg – pray for his home small group and that it will make an impact on people’s lives
Ernie – pray for his wife who is having some pancreas problems and needs healing, pray that he may be able to sell his motor home
Brett S – pray for a small girl in his wife’s class which had a heart transplant
David – pray that he will continue to hear the Lord throughout his daily life, pray that new members will begin to find this group, pray the Lord will use this group for His purpose
Mike – pray that his interview will go well with the City of Everett
Bret – pray for rest, pray for a the right relationship with a girl he recently met
***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message
Continued prayer needs
Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college, pray that Nate will be able to find a job
Gary Cercone – pray that daughter Jennifer and grandson will receive continued blessings from the Lord
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures
Dick – pray for strength in new employment
Joe – pray that his condo may sell and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, May 14th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in room C214 on the academy side of the church
Wednesday, May 21st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 28th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Memory Verse
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:11-12 KJV
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” 2 Corinthians 1:9-11 NIV
The power of prayer is probably not discussed enough in our daily discourse. All of us tend to discuss the power of prayer when we see something tangible in our lives where we can put our finger on it and say—prayer really made a difference here…
And I am sometimes very culpable at this as well because prayer is a difficult topic to discuss unless you have something to discuss. Therefore maybe in our conversation on prayer the ultimate truth of its power is lost because we tend to focus on the results of prayer, not on the fact that prayer itself is powerful.
It is much like the blue sky I am sitting beneath right now as I write this message. The sky is blue not because of the air. It is blue because sunlight is refracting through the air to make it look blue. This is a very subtle difference, but it is important because either my focus can be on the blue sky or my focus can be on the light which is causing the sky to look blue. Therefore I either look at the result which is a blue sky or the power at work which is the light.
So there is something very special within this passage from the Apostle Paul on the power of prayer. Twice he makes reference to the prayer of many people helping him get through various trials. Both of these are referenced to a confidence that they will be answered prayers.
Paul is very focused on the power of prayer here in this passage because he makes no reference to any specifics to his deliverance of a deadly peril of some kind. The results are not even discussed and instead Paul goes straight into sharing his personal testimony on the reason for writing them (the Corinthians).
I personally believe the Lord wants all of us to understand the power of prayer and know that it has power regardless to any visible results. For there is a world unseen which is being moved within our midst every moment of every day because our wrestling is not of flesh and blood; but it is with the principalities and the powers of this world in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).
James the brother of our Lord Jesus Christ said in his epistle:
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16b NKJV
or in a different version,
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16b NIV
Brothers, this is difficult to focus upon because all of us pray for healing and for many visible things of this world. And the Lord desires to hear all of our concerns and bring them before Him in our prayers. Therefore praying for a loved one who is sick should never be set aside because our Lord wants to hear us because he loves us so much…
But we must understand that prayer is full of power and is making a difference even when it does not produce results which are visible to us. The Lord himself encouraged us to continue praying even when we are discouraged by its results (Luke 18:1). For the mere presence of prayer changes everything because God answers all prayers according to His will (John 15:7).
Therefore let us make prayer the backbone of this fellowship and that of the Church. May a prayer life begin to take shape that is based less upon any result of prayer, but based upon its power and its effectiveness in a world that is unseen.
*****************************************************
I look forward to meeting with you on Wednesday at 7:00 pm. We are going to be diving into discipleship during our time in the Word. Please be aware that we are going to be meeting in room C214 which is on the academy side. I look forward to spending time together in the Word, prayer, and fellowship with all of you as we journey together down the road of life…
Mark
Prayer requests
Jeff – pray for more quality time with children and family
Monte – pray that he may find a job and hear God’s wisdom and guidance as he deals with some financial trouble
Ramon – pray that he will make the right decision about a car purchase
Mark – pray for the health of our unborn child, pray for financial discernment as we continue to adjust to our financial situation, pray for the church that ministries will begin to find new volunteers to help out
Larry – pray for financial security as he works on building a new house near Arlington
Carmine – pray that he can find peace with his coworkers
Gary – pray for sister-in-law who has serious infection in organs, pray for wife Terry who may have to have surgery here in the near future to take care of a serious health issue
Tim – pray that he will focus time according to His will and not fall into the trappings of idleness
Steve S – pray that friend can do well with his new employment, pray for friend’s newborn child
Greg – pray for church as we begin to set forth in a new direction
Ernie – pray for his wife that she may remain healthy, pray that his daughter will be able to work with mortgage company in order to keep house, pray for Mitch Nelson’s son who has a two-inch hole in his heart and awaiting a heart transplant, pray for the Nelson family who lost a daughter to leukemia a few years ago in their peace during this period
David – pray the Lord’s will can continue to have a larger impact in his life, pray that new members will begin to find this group, pray the Lord will use this group for His purpose
Mike – pray that his interview will go well with the City of Everett
***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message
Continued prayer needs
Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college, pray that Nate will be able to find a job
Craig – pray that he will be able to continue to seek God and find Him throughout his life
Kelcy – praise for mother who is doing very well after neck surgery earlier this year
Bret – pray for his older estranged son who is getting married
Gary Cercone – pray that daughter Jennifer and grandson will receive continued blessings from the Lord
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures
Dick – pray for strength in new employment
Joe – pray that his condo may sell and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, May 7th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in room C214 on the academy side of the church
Wednesday, May 14th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 21st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Memory Verse
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:11-12 KJV
“Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” 2 Corinthians 1:9-11 NIV
The power of prayer is probably not discussed enough in our daily discourse. All of us tend to discuss the power of prayer when we see something tangible in our lives where we can put our finger on it and say—prayer really made a difference here…
And I am sometimes very culpable at this as well because prayer is a difficult topic to discuss unless you have something to discuss. Therefore maybe in our conversation on prayer the ultimate truth of its power is lost because we tend to focus on the results of prayer, not on the fact that prayer itself is powerful.
It is much like the blue sky I am sitting beneath right now as I write this message. The sky is blue not because of the air. It is blue because sunlight is refracting through the air to make it look blue. This is a very subtle difference, but it is important because either my focus can be on the blue sky or my focus can be on the light which is causing the sky to look blue. Therefore I either look at the result which is a blue sky or the power at work which is the light.
So there is something very special within this passage from the Apostle Paul on the power of prayer. Twice he makes reference to the prayer of many people helping him get through various trials. Both of these are referenced to a confidence that they will be answered prayers.
Paul is very focused on the power of prayer here in this passage because he makes no reference to any specifics to his deliverance of a deadly peril of some kind. The results are not even discussed and instead Paul goes straight into sharing his personal testimony on the reason for writing them (the Corinthians).
I personally believe the Lord wants all of us to understand the power of prayer and know that it has power regardless to any visible results. For there is a world unseen which is being moved within our midst every moment of every day because our wrestling is not of flesh and blood; but it is with the principalities and the powers of this world in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).
James the brother of our Lord Jesus Christ said in his epistle:
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16b NKJV
or in a different version,
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16b NIV
Brothers, this is difficult to focus upon because all of us pray for healing and for many visible things of this world. And the Lord desires to hear all of our concerns and bring them before Him in our prayers. Therefore praying for a loved one who is sick should never be set aside because our Lord wants to hear us because he loves us so much…
But we must understand that prayer is full of power and is making a difference even when it does not produce results which are visible to us. The Lord himself encouraged us to continue praying even when we are discouraged by its results (Luke 18:1). For the mere presence of prayer changes everything because God answers all prayers according to His will (John 15:7).
Therefore let us make prayer the backbone of this fellowship and that of the Church. May a prayer life begin to take shape that is based less upon any result of prayer, but based upon its power and its effectiveness in a world that is unseen.
*****************************************************
I look forward to meeting with you on Wednesday at 7:00 pm. We are going to be diving into discipleship during our time in the Word. Please be aware that we are going to be meeting in room C214 which is on the academy side. I look forward to spending time together in the Word, prayer, and fellowship with all of you as we journey together down the road of life…
Mark
Prayer requests
Jeff – pray for more quality time with children and family
Monte – pray that he may find a job and hear God’s wisdom and guidance as he deals with some financial trouble
Ramon – pray that he will make the right decision about a car purchase
Mark – pray for the health of our unborn child, pray for financial discernment as we continue to adjust to our financial situation, pray for the church that ministries will begin to find new volunteers to help out
Larry – pray for financial security as he works on building a new house near Arlington
Carmine – pray that he can find peace with his coworkers
Gary – pray for sister-in-law who has serious infection in organs, pray for wife Terry who may have to have surgery here in the near future to take care of a serious health issue
Tim – pray that he will focus time according to His will and not fall into the trappings of idleness
Steve S – pray that friend can do well with his new employment, pray for friend’s newborn child
Greg – pray for church as we begin to set forth in a new direction
Ernie – pray for his wife that she may remain healthy, pray that his daughter will be able to work with mortgage company in order to keep house, pray for Mitch Nelson’s son who has a two-inch hole in his heart and awaiting a heart transplant, pray for the Nelson family who lost a daughter to leukemia a few years ago in their peace during this period
David – pray the Lord’s will can continue to have a larger impact in his life, pray that new members will begin to find this group, pray the Lord will use this group for His purpose
Mike – pray that his interview will go well with the City of Everett
***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message
Continued prayer needs
Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college, pray that Nate will be able to find a job
Craig – pray that he will be able to continue to seek God and find Him throughout his life
Kelcy – praise for mother who is doing very well after neck surgery earlier this year
Bret – pray for his older estranged son who is getting married
Gary Cercone – pray that daughter Jennifer and grandson will receive continued blessings from the Lord
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures
Dick – pray for strength in new employment
Joe – pray that his condo may sell and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, May 7th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in room C214 on the academy side of the church
Wednesday, May 14th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 21st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Memory Verse
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:11-12 KJV
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