Weekly Message / Prayer Request

Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship

“Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, ‘As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.’” Luke 21:5-6 NIV

It has been a few weeks since we have last met in this forum because last week my entire family was sick with strep throat, ear infections, and everything else. The only one of us not to get sick was our four-month old son Matteo, who just smiled and looked at the rest of us on the couch who was barely able to move. But thanks to your prayers we have managed to get well and begin another week healthy.

And I am very thankful for this opportunity, because tomorrow is a very significant day in our country and therefore the lives of all of us. As I am sure you are all aware, tomorrow is the election and the choice we make as President will be a significant one because each candidate is planning on taking the country in a very different direction.

So what type of post would rise to this historic occasion this morning? What can be said which would put things in the proper perspective as a Christian? There are no elections recorded in the Scriptures that are like the one we are about to experience. Therefore the event may be unique and not have any direct Biblical reference we can cite.

Yet I believe there is moment in the scriptures which can really help put things in perspective. It was when the disciples were remarking about the temple on how beautiful it was and where Jesus gives His prophetic warning about its forthcoming destruction in Luke 21.

To the disciples, this was the world as they knew it. The temple was the center of their worship to God. It was the place linked to their historic past and their connection to King David. Everything revolved around the temple and it became the cultural center to Judaism throughout the known world. So when the disciples saw the temple, they we astonished about how beautiful it was.

Today I believe we look at things sometimes through very similar eyes. Instead of our eyes falling on the temple, our eyes fall on the economic pillar of this country. Today we find ourselves in a world dominated by economic talk and the material possessions which line our store fronts. Materialism becomes the standard to which this economic system is built to live by. What is the latest ‘hot’ item for Christmas? What is the latest fashion? This is the world we know and understand…

But Jesus’ warning to the disciples was clear, do not glory in what man can do or achieve; do not glory in something that man can build because it is only temporary. The temple reflects more upon what is of this world, not what is of God. Jesus made it clear to the disciples that it would all come to an end, one of destruction; yet He would reign forever in each one of us.

And I believe we must keep this as our clear focus this election because ultimately tomorrow will not matter in the eternity of things. Elections are events which man has created (much like the Temple during the disciples’ time) and they are the way we choose our leaders. But they are only temporary and always fall under the providence of God in the fulfillment of His ultimate plan.

Therefore we need to remind ourselves of what the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians about the glory of the Lord:

“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.’” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NKJV

Brothers, it is easy to look at the economy and become discouraged. Many of us are dealing with tough financial questions on how to better strengthen our economic standing in tough economic times. Even the church is going through a rough stretch of negative economic news. And many of us are looking toward this election as a referendum on which direction is best for our economy.

Yes this is our civic duty as Americans, but I believe we should not marvel over the economic pillar of this country and set our complete attention on the economy as our reason for being. This will someday all pass away.

Let us instead glory in the Lord this election and know where our eternity resides. Let us not plan our direction as a church on the economy or on a candidate, but make our decisions based upon the calling of the Lord. For God has made it clear that we are all called to make disciples of all nations not based upon a budget, but based upon the truth.

May we all pray that He will reveal this truth and the direction He desires us to follow as a Christian, as a Church, and as a nation…


Prayer requests

Calvin – pray that this group will begin to reach more men who are hurting and are without the Lord, pray for brother-in-law Chris that he may come to the group/church eventually and come to find the Lord

Richard – pray for the election, pray that his wife will find comfort and healing while she is dealing with some health problems

Ernie – pray for granddaughter Deana who was recently released from the hospital

Steve – pray for guidance in walking with the Lord

Greg – pray that he can be a better Christian example to his family and to others

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

Paul – pray that God will guide him during the moving process and that He will guide him during all of these decisions

Vince – pray that he can be a Godly example to others

Mark – pray that I will be able to bring more Christian joy to the family, pray that I will be able to lead with more strength, pray for the coming election

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


Continued prayer needs

Bill M – pray that he will continue to heal well from his surgery

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

Tim W – pray for the country during difficult times

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 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, November 12th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in Room C214 on the Academy side of the Church

**** Wednesday, November 19th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church

Monday, November 24th, 7:00-9:00 pm, (Monday meeting) regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church

**** Wednesday, December 3rd, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church

Wednesday, December 10th, 7:00-9:00 pm, (Monday meeting) regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church


Group Happenings

Over the next four meetings, we are going to be focusing on topics during our study of the scripture which will help us have victory in our everyday life.

The enemy is constantly trying to steal our joy and take our focus away from God. Our belief is during this time of uncertainty, our focus should remain squarely on Him. Therefore we are called to read the Word and come together as Christian brothers to encourage one another and learn more about the power of God in our lives.

This series will certainly help us grow in our relationship with one another so we can stand together united in Christ. I believe this will only strengthen the Church and bring us to a stronger commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ.

I pray all of you will join us in the coming weeks and invite others to join...

In Christ,
Mark


Meeting Topic Schedule "Having Victory in our Everyday Life"

November 12, 2008 - Obedience and the Law (Mark)

November 19, 2008 - Claiming Victory as an anointed one (Tim)

November 24, 2008 (Monday Meeting) - Living in the Kingdom of God now (Mark)

December 3, 2008 - Abiding in Christ (Tim)

*** All meetings are at Northshore Christian Church from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm in room C214


Christmas Topics (proposed)

December 10, 2008 - The Coming Messiah (Mark)

December 17, 2008 - The Arrival of the Messiah (Tim)

December 29, 2008 (Monday Meeting) - Blessings -- here, now and tomorrow (Mark)


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