Weekly Message / Prayer Request

Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship

“See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.’ The words ‘once more’ indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.'”

Hebrews 12:25-29 NIV

It seems like everywhere I turn people are talking about the economy. In fact, probably with at least half of the conversations I had with people this past weekend the economy was mentioned at least once. Financial concern is at the forefront of many people’s daily lives, including my own these past few weeks as my employer is also cutting some jobs in our department.

This news is almost inescapable because it affects every one of us. All of us are being touched by financial concerns in one way or another. Therefore I felt God prompting me to write about this issue because I believe this talk should not be minimized in the church. God has always intended the church to be a place of healing and healing can never occur unless pain is first revealed or discussed.

If people are struggling with their finances, then I believe we are all called to pray for them and stand beside those who are hurting. If people are in need of basic necessities, then I believe we are called to provide to those who are in need. If people are in need of someone who will just listen, then I believe we are called to listen. By our love they will all know we are Christians and I truly believe the church is being brought into a glorious position to demonstrate this love to others. My prayer is that of us can demonstrate this love.

Without minimizing the financial struggle that many of us are dealing with, I believe we must also consider what exactly we are facing as a Christians, because the battle we are facing is a multidimensional one. The struggles of this world are exactly that—struggles of this world. They are painful, challenging, and sometimes even without answers. Many times they will cause us to be fearful, stressed, or simply worried.

But with every battle of this world comes a spiritual battle as well, one that can be won or lost regardless to how things turn out here in this life. This is the battle that is significant because everything which matters—hope, love, faith, obedience, ect.—exists within this spiritual realm. If we lose this battle, then we have lost everything which counts. We will have lost everything that God desires us to have and everything that Christ came to give.

This is why the writer of Hebrews says we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken. We have things in this spiritual realm that can never fade or tarnish. For the inheritance which is waiting for us in heaven is based upon whether we win or lose the spiritual battle, not the struggles of this world. Therefore deep down within each one of us, victory is possible no matter how the odds are stacked against us because we are in Christ!

A few chapters earlier, the same writer of Hebrews shared a story about those who suffered, were persecuted, and exposed to great insult by those who did not believe. Then he made this statement which puts the whole spiritual battle into context when he said:

“You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.” Hebrews 10:34 NIV

These people knew they had a better and lasting possession because they were in Christ. They knew they secured victory in the spiritual battle, even though they lost almost everything of this world. Because they knew there was no lasting value from anything of this world. Everything of lasting value comes from Christ…

I believe this is really important to focus on today as we all face the uncertain economic times ahead. We really need to set our vision upon the real battle—the spiritual one. This is where the front lines are for a Christian and this is the only place where true victory or defeat occurs.

Therefore let us join together in victory by ensuring that each one of us is winning the spiritual battle… the place of true victory… the place rooted deeply in Christ.


Prayer requests

Brett S – pray that he will be able to stay strong in the Word and continue to come back to this fellowship

Calvin – pray that the men of this church will become energized for God and become the backbone for the church, home, and family

Nelson – pray for the President-elect that he will be a man of God, pray for his brother Bob

Richard – pray for reconciliation with his brother, pray that God will help him remove any anger he may be feeling at times

Bill M – praise God that everything has been healed from his prostate surgery, pray that he will continue to remain healthy and return to the group next year

Ernie – pray for wife who is having some health problems and is not feeling well, pray for granddaughter who is having some financial problems

Tim W – pray for wife who is going to Germany to visit parents who may not be doing well, pray that a great deal of success came from the auction which happened on Saturday night

Greg – pray that his family will all find and keep a Godly mind, pray for all the churches who are being persecuted from those against Proposition 8

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

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 allow everything to go smooth

Mark – pray for the leadership of Northshore that they will continue to make the right Godly decisions for the congregation, pray that I will continue to win the spiritual battles in all the struggles we are facing, pray for this group that it will continue to make an impact for Christ

***Pray that Northshore can continue to make an impact in the local community for our Lord Jesus Christ


Continued prayer needs

Ramon – pray that God will continue to heal his wife Tina and give her strength in the coming days

Steve – pray for guidance in walking with the Lord

Larry Miller – pray that he will be able to find work, pray that he will be able to strengthen the marriage ministry at Northshore

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

Sky – pray that the move to Bellingham will be smooth and he will be able to attend school up there to pursue some of his goals

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

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

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

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 19th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church in Room C214 on the Academy side of the 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

**** Wednesday, December 17th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church


Group Happenings

Over the next three 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. 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 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