Weekly Message / Prayer Request

Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV

One of the things about your children is they really expose your faults. Earlier today, I was with my daughter when she had a meltdown over putting away her toys. One which is probably rather typical of a three year old; but as her father I was completely convicted over her behavior because as I watched her she was using words that I have once said and behavior that I once demonstrated. She was a splitting image of me minus the toys and the age.

Parents I am sure can understand this phenomenon because it happens to everyone who has children. Our children are completely like us because they have our tendencies and have been watching us their whole life. Therefore I cannot help but realize that the future is watching. The future us watching all of us…

And this is a very important lesson for all of us who are of the Church. The future is watching the Church. Everything the Church stands for and represents is only one generation from extinction if we do not teach our children well. I firmly believe this and truly believe that God has cautioned us to be vigilant of the Church because the next generation could be swept away by our own carelessness or apathy.

Moses shared with the Israelites in the opening passage to be careful, watch themselves, and do not forget what they have seen. These were seemingly three simple commands given. All they had to do is stay within these boundaries and be diligent to keep the commands of God. Much easier said than actually done, especially when you consider his last statement “[do not] let them slip from your heart as long as you live.”

See many of us can remember what we have seen or to be careful and keep a watchful eye. All of these we can tackle; but when we let things slip from our heart, especially God, problems begin to arise.

The heart controls almost every part of our daily life. The time we spend doing something is almost always a reflection of where our heart is. If we love cars, we will find time to work or play with cars. If we love sports, part of our week will almost undoubtedly be spent watching sports. If we love going out to clubs, we will stay up to the middle of the night dancing even if we have to work the next day. We will push ourselves and everything will become secondary to where one rests their heart. That is why Moses warned the Israelites from letting God’s commandments slip from the heart.

One of the seven churches in the book of Revelation had a problem with their heart which is why John recorded:

“You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.” Revelation 2:3-4 NIV

Everything the Church of Ephesus accomplished through orthodoxy was cold and mechanical. Their good deeds and labor was because they felt it was their religious duty. It was something completely built into their religious beliefs, not because they were compelled by the heart.

God does not want mechanical and cold orthodoxy; He wants us to put him at the center of our heart. And the future is watching… Our children recognize our heart maybe better than we do at times. They can see when we are doing things just because and they can truly know when we are doing something we love.

If we truly share our love of God and all that he has declared passionately with our children, the future will be secure. This is why Moses declares that we need to teach this to our children because the future rests upon it. But if we teach them religion and not the reasons why we believe or the reasons of our heart, their heart will find passion elsewhere and the Church will eventually fail.

Ephesus was a big church for its day and a very influential one as well according to many historians. It made a large impact for Christ throughout the entire region. Yet where is the Church of Ephesus today? It is nothing but ruins and a fascinating archeological dig today.

Brothers, if we do not put God in our heart and share this with our children, Northshore one day could end up the same way… a Church that once was.


Prayer requests

Steve – pray for guidance in walking with the Lord

Tim D – pray that he will be able to find a new job

Greg – pray that he can appreciate the family more

Ernie – pray for granddaughter Deana who is in the hospital

Paul – pray for the Northshore bookstore ministry, pray that he may live a life which is worthy of Him

Bill M – pray that he will continue to heal well

Vince – pray for continued health, pray that God will help him with medical insurance

Mark – pray for this group that it will continue to impact people for Him, pray for Bill and his recovery from the surgery he had last week, pray that I may be a better parent and lead them to God, pray for strength in following the Lord

***Pray as Northshore begins new ministries this fall to help encourage others grow in their relationship with God


Continued prayer needs

Stephen G – pray for strength in teaching kids at school this week so they may learn and become better students

Calvin – pray for starting a practice here in the state of Washington, pray for making the right decisions, pray for more God fearing men to lead this country

Tim W – pray for the country during difficult times

Richard – pray for continued strength

Kevin – pray for his youngest daughter and her boyfriend that they make smart choices, pray for exwife

David – pray that he will be able to serve in the children’s ministry and make a difference in the lives of kids

Ralph – pray that he will be able to surrender to God in everything

Larry Miller – pray that the marriage ministry will make an impact on the couples who attend Northshore

Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength

Tim H – pray for his wife to find her ministry

Gary – pray for strength as he works through all the various stresses of life, pray for the health of his wife

Sky – pray for some financial help and that he can help make some additional income for the family

Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in joining with others in fellowship, pray God will comfort him during times of loneliness

Joe – pray for all the military members who are in harms way for their safety and quick return

Kelcy – pray for all the pastors and leaders within the Church

Brent – pray that he will find clarity and guidance for finding the right person to marry

Brett S – pray for healing of liver disease

Dick – pray for gluttony issues, pray for strength to deny self by helping him submit to the Lord

Carmine – pray that he can deal with the stresses of work

Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college

Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life


Future Meetings

Wednesday, October 15th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in Room C214 on the Academy side of the Church

**** Wednesday, October 22nd, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church

Wednesday, October 29th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church

**** Wednesday, November 6th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church

Wednesday, November 13th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church


Group Happenings

I want to thank Tim Dresler for leading the group while I am leading CTL. Therefore we are able to meet every Wednesday night to go further in our study of the Word, fellowship with one another, and prayer… Join us when you can!!

In the coming weeks we are going to lay out the topics a little more in advance. Both Tim and I agree that we need to stay far enough ahead to give all of us the opportunity to dig deep into the word so that all of us may be transformed…

Always know that I stand beside all of you 24/7 as we continue on this journey together…


Memory Verse

“But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” 2 Chronicles 15:7 NKJV

Acts242mensfellowship.blogspot.com