Thank God for his Son—a gift too wonderful for words! 2 Cor. 9:15 (NLT)
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Cor. 9:15 (NIV)
Jesus is indescribable, as we have been learning over the past three weeks. And then we try to put words to something that is too wonderful for words – wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, Prince of peace. God has given us hope through the gift of His Son.
This morning my heart is bursting as I think about all I have to be thankful for. This church family at New Community is such a giving group of people. Words cannot begin to say how much I love every one of you who has committed to be part of this church. You lift me up with your love and your participation and your giving. Over and over again you surprise me with your generosity. Thank you feels pretty shallow, but I really appreciate you and the gifts you share. I am so excited about what God has planned for us in the coming days, weeks and months. Thanks for choosing to be part of God’s work through New Community Christian Church. I love every one of you.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Day 21 21-Day Challenge
Last day! I made it, but about a week late. Amazing the things that can get in the way of getting involved in studying our Bibles. I feel like I have learned quite a bit from this 21-day journaling challenge. I hope many of you have had the same experience.
"I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. John 21:3 (NIV)
He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. John 21:6 (NIV)
I have read this so many times and marveled at the enormity of this miracle. But I never saw it like I did this morning. Jesus was teaching His followers (and me) about the results of the work they would be doing for Him. Working with the church can be an up-and-down experience -- people responding at times and not even listening at other times. Catching fish, maybe catching nothing. We may see results, we may not.
Some of the lack of results may be due to the fact that I don't remember to keep Jesus at the center. I get my priorities a little messed up and I feel a little proud and in-control, and then we don't see results from our work. But when Jesus is at the right place in the center of my ministry, people will respond to Him and the results will be "egantic and ginormous". That is exciting to me.
My prayer is that we all can get our priorities right so that Jesus can work through us and reach our community with God's love. When we do that our vision will become reality -- "To be a Christ-centered community, loving and accepting people so that lives are changed by the power of God." Amen
"I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. John 21:3 (NIV)
He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. John 21:6 (NIV)
I have read this so many times and marveled at the enormity of this miracle. But I never saw it like I did this morning. Jesus was teaching His followers (and me) about the results of the work they would be doing for Him. Working with the church can be an up-and-down experience -- people responding at times and not even listening at other times. Catching fish, maybe catching nothing. We may see results, we may not.
Some of the lack of results may be due to the fact that I don't remember to keep Jesus at the center. I get my priorities a little messed up and I feel a little proud and in-control, and then we don't see results from our work. But when Jesus is at the right place in the center of my ministry, people will respond to Him and the results will be "egantic and ginormous". That is exciting to me.
My prayer is that we all can get our priorities right so that Jesus can work through us and reach our community with God's love. When we do that our vision will become reality -- "To be a Christ-centered community, loving and accepting people so that lives are changed by the power of God." Amen
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Day 19 & 20 21- Day Challenge
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished... John 19:28
Peace be with you... Peace be with you... Peace be with you... John 20:19, 21 & 26
Jesus knew His purpose from the beginning of His time on earth. He moved forward through His 33 years with that purpose firmly set in His sights. Nothing could deter Him. Not even the fear of suffering and death kept Him from carrying out God's plan and purpose for His life. It is hard to imagine that I could ever have that kind of resolve in my own life. To be firmly set on God's plan and direction and purpose for my life - that would be so rewarding.
And Jesus' concern is that His followers find peace -- real, lasting peace. And by saying it at this point, He indicates that it only comes through Him and acceptance of all He has done for us. This year it seems that so many people are without peace. People struggling, searching, grasping, fighting, yelling, crying, screaming -- there is a lack of peace in our world. Jesus is the peace that we all seek. That is the very thing that we commemorate and celebrate at this time of year. And it is the very thing that is lacking in most of our lives and our relationships. We need to put Jesus at the center of our lives and then He will bring peace, wonderful, blessed, comforting peace.
That is my hope for every one of you reading this -- that you will know the peace of having Jesus as both your Lord and your Savior. Enjoy your Christmas season by grasping God's peace.
Day 18 21-Day Challenge
OK, got a little off-track with 2 funerals and Christmas shopping. I need to finish this.
When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
Being in the presence of Jesus was overwhelming for these people. Although they had come there looking for blood to be spilled, they heard Jesus speak and they were obviously afraid and awed by him. I love the power that Jesus had even in this situation which makes him look powerless. He is about to be arrested (and He knows it) and yet, the people recognize His authority. Maybe it was in their souls that they knew who He was.
I love the times when I feel the closest to Jesus and His power and majesty overwhelm me. It doesn't happen often enough, but when it does it comes suddenly and nearly always makes me want to kneel. My Savior is so powerful and mighty, yet He is so loving and compassionate. Could it be any better than that? I don't believe so. Amen.
When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
Being in the presence of Jesus was overwhelming for these people. Although they had come there looking for blood to be spilled, they heard Jesus speak and they were obviously afraid and awed by him. I love the power that Jesus had even in this situation which makes him look powerless. He is about to be arrested (and He knows it) and yet, the people recognize His authority. Maybe it was in their souls that they knew who He was.
I love the times when I feel the closest to Jesus and His power and majesty overwhelm me. It doesn't happen often enough, but when it does it comes suddenly and nearly always makes me want to kneel. My Savior is so powerful and mighty, yet He is so loving and compassionate. Could it be any better than that? I don't believe so. Amen.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Day 17 21-Day Challenge
Vs. 1 "Father, the time has come." Such simple words and such huge importance. Jesus knows what is about to occur in His life because He is God. But He is also human and there must have been some apprehension. Yet He faces the evil in the world and allows God's plan to begin to play out. "It is time. Let's go." And Jesus prays this incredible prayer of protection for His friends and for every other believer who would come along through the ages - that we will know and understand more about God.
To be right in the center of God's purpose and plan is my hope. To know that it is time for God's work to be done - that's right where I want to be.
God, show me Your timing and get me ready. I make myself available for You to use me. I know that Your timing is perfect and Your time has come. Amen.
To be right in the center of God's purpose and plan is my hope. To know that it is time for God's work to be done - that's right where I want to be.
God, show me Your timing and get me ready. I make myself available for You to use me. I know that Your timing is perfect and Your time has come. Amen.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Day 16 21-Day Challenge
John 16:33 "so that...you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Even though Jesus was headed for the darkest period of His life (of human history), He was concerned that His close friends understood what was coming. All these things He shared were to help them find peace through some very difficult days.
Jesus also desires to give us His peace. As a follower of Jesus, I will face problems in life. God never promises am easy life. The promise is that He has overcome everything I will ever face. That encouragement helps get us through the junk we encounter.
God, it is amazing that You have overcome everything I could ever face in this world. Thank You for the peace You promise to us. Thank You that I can take heart. Your love and Your plan encourage me. Amen.
Even though Jesus was headed for the darkest period of His life (of human history), He was concerned that His close friends understood what was coming. All these things He shared were to help them find peace through some very difficult days.
Jesus also desires to give us His peace. As a follower of Jesus, I will face problems in life. God never promises am easy life. The promise is that He has overcome everything I will ever face. That encouragement helps get us through the junk we encounter.
God, it is amazing that You have overcome everything I could ever face in this world. Thank You for the peace You promise to us. Thank You that I can take heart. Your love and Your plan encourage me. Amen.
Day 15 21-Day Challenge
"And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning." John 15:27
Jesus completes this section on bearing fruit by telling His followers to spread the Word about all they have seen and heard. Whether the world loves me or hates me, Jesus encourages me by saying that He is with me in every circumstance. And my part is to tell what I know - to bear fruit!
God, I want to bear fruit. Use me today to minister to Your people. There are so many people struggling through life. Please give me the wisdom to know what to say, what to do , what not to say, what not to do. I want to testify for You. Amen.
Jesus completes this section on bearing fruit by telling His followers to spread the Word about all they have seen and heard. Whether the world loves me or hates me, Jesus encourages me by saying that He is with me in every circumstance. And my part is to tell what I know - to bear fruit!
God, I want to bear fruit. Use me today to minister to Your people. There are so many people struggling through life. Please give me the wisdom to know what to say, what to do , what not to say, what not to do. I want to testify for You. Amen.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Day 14 21-Day Challenge
I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. John 14:29
Out of love for these close followers Jesus again tries to let them in on what is about to happen. He very obviously tells them He is leaving this world. He is going to His Father. Seems like it should have been a given that He was going, but the disciples had their own pre-conceived ideas about what might be happening. They could not or would not believe that their Teacher could ever die.
God has also given us advance notice about what is going to occur in our lives. The Bible explains so clearly what God has planned for us, yet we refuse to accept it. God has designed this great plan that allows us a place in heaven. All we have to do is accept Jesus and we get to be in heaven. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
Could it be any simpler? No, but we sure make it seem difficult. We want to try every other option that we can think of. God loves me the same as He loves the disciples. God desires that I have this figured out and have a great relationship with Him through His Son. God is so good to me. Thank You God for loving me and opening The Way for me. Amen.
Out of love for these close followers Jesus again tries to let them in on what is about to happen. He very obviously tells them He is leaving this world. He is going to His Father. Seems like it should have been a given that He was going, but the disciples had their own pre-conceived ideas about what might be happening. They could not or would not believe that their Teacher could ever die.
God has also given us advance notice about what is going to occur in our lives. The Bible explains so clearly what God has planned for us, yet we refuse to accept it. God has designed this great plan that allows us a place in heaven. All we have to do is accept Jesus and we get to be in heaven. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
Could it be any simpler? No, but we sure make it seem difficult. We want to try every other option that we can think of. God loves me the same as He loves the disciples. God desires that I have this figured out and have a great relationship with Him through His Son. God is so good to me. Thank You God for loving me and opening The Way for me. Amen.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Day 13 21-Day Challenge
...love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35
Jesus loves these men so deeply. He has just washed their feet to teach them about leadership and servanthood. Now He tells them that their love for each other will speak to the world about their relationship with Jesus. People should be able to look at my life and know that Jesus is my motivation. Am I showing this kind of love? Do people look at me and see Jesus through me?
God, help me to love others in ways that will impact other people. I want You and Your love & compassion to be evident in me. I don't always get this right, but when it works, I feel so close to You. Give me Your heart for people. Amen.
Jesus loves these men so deeply. He has just washed their feet to teach them about leadership and servanthood. Now He tells them that their love for each other will speak to the world about their relationship with Jesus. People should be able to look at my life and know that Jesus is my motivation. Am I showing this kind of love? Do people look at me and see Jesus through me?
God, help me to love others in ways that will impact other people. I want You and Your love & compassion to be evident in me. I don't always get this right, but when it works, I feel so close to You. Give me Your heart for people. Amen.
Day 12 21-Day Challenge
Martha is serving again (she must have been a great hostess and she must have loved it) and Mary does this beautiful thing for Jesus. A burial spice - very prophetic - is poured over Jesus' feet. Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me." John 12:44
Seeing Jesus is seeing God. Hearing Jesus is hearing the Father. Belief in Jesus is belief in God. The Bible shows us this very detailed picture of Jesus. As we learn about Jesus we are learning about God. Compassion...Healing...concern - people struggle with faith because they cannot see God, but God can be seen clearly in and through Jesus.
Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to me. I love to read about Jesus and this great love He had for everyone. Thank You for loving me. Amen.
Seeing Jesus is seeing God. Hearing Jesus is hearing the Father. Belief in Jesus is belief in God. The Bible shows us this very detailed picture of Jesus. As we learn about Jesus we are learning about God. Compassion...Healing...concern - people struggle with faith because they cannot see God, but God can be seen clearly in and through Jesus.
Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to me. I love to read about Jesus and this great love He had for everyone. Thank You for loving me. Amen.
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