May 18, 2010 by Worship Director.

Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.    -Psalm 106:1

We pray for a thankful spirit to help us develop a life of gratitude - that’s step one.  In doing so, we expect God to do something for us. Step two requires us to make the next move - to do something for ourselves.  We must start saying “thank you” whether we feel like it or not.  I don’t mean to speak insincerely, but to actively look for an opportunity to say it.  When our thoughts become words that are spoken out loud, it can begin to change things.  As long as it stays in our head - it has no effect.

First, thank God.  If you’re breathing, even better if you can stand, you have a reason to be thankful.  There are a million little things that normally pass us by, for which we could voice our thanks.  Try it.  Saying it out loud won’t hurt.  If you’re wearing your ear buds, headsets, or bluetooth receiver, no one will even think twice about hearing you talking into the air!

Second, you interact with people all day long to whom you could say “thank you,” both those you know and even total strangers.  This isn’t too difficult and it may just make someone’s day.  Not only does the receiver get the benefit, but it works on the sender of thanks too.  I had a roommate in college who gave me this advice which I still use today - “when you’re sick or not feeling well, never go out looking as bad as you feel.  Wear a dress and heals, fix your hair and makeup, look your best.  All day people will tell you how nice you look - and just say ‘thank you.’  Before you know it, you really will feel better.”  It may not be scientific, but it continues to work for me.  Powerful words.

A prayer can take many forms.  Giving thanks is a good place to start.

Click here for a little song of thanks that just might make your day.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!  -1 Corinthians 15:57

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May 17, 2010 by Worship Director.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.                                                                                                                                   - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Gratitude is good for you. Being thankful effects our physical beings, as well as, our emotional and spiritual health. Whether through speaking, singing, writing poetry, journaling or other ways we can express thankfulness, we (and everyone around us) benefits from an attitude of gratitude.

The scripture 1 Thessalonians 5:18, says that we should be thankful in all circumstances, good advice - but can we?  Can you? Living a life of gratitude goes beyond “positive thinking,” being optimistic, or “looking for the silver lining.” The ability to be thankful in all circumstances - the good times and the bad times - requires a much deeper commitment to the will of God.  Perhaps that is why the final words of the scripture add “for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” To not only endure, but be thankful in difficult circumstances may only be possible in the context of God’s greater plan for humanity.  We are but a drop of water in a pool that sends ripples in every direction - effecting all the surrounding water in the pond.  We, however, do not have the vision required to see the full boundary of its shores.

Prayer and meditation is a first step toward thankfulness.  Asking God to broaden our vision - to see ourselves, our circumstances and our inter-relatedness with others - is a start. Don’t wait until the situation is dire before starting this practice - that is too late! Developing the habits of gratitude during times of peace - ordinary and uneventful times - prepare us for walking through times of turmoil.

Take time every day to ask God to reveal His will for your life and to thank Him for His faithfulness in showing you the path of gratitude in all circumstances.

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May 16, 2010 by Worship Director.

Then Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  - Matthew 11:28

“Thy will be done.”  Perhaps He meant that we should stop trying to reign over our own will, and submit to the better plan of the King of kings.  We like to wear the crown, but we weren’t made to bear the weight.

So give it up. Give it back to God.  He’ll take it - He’s already taken it, so that we can relax. Praying for God’s will to be done in you can be freeing!

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May 15, 2010 by Worship Director.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.   -Matthew 6:9-10

Before Jesus , few thought of God as a father.  In the Old Testament, God is referred to as “Father” only ten times. Jesus brought a new paradigm to our relationship with God. Yes, He was still holy and to be venerated, but He was also – personal, intimate, “Abba” the Aramaic word for “Daddy.” When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He wanted us to know that we could talk to our Father in heaven just like our dads here on earth.

OK, I know some think that this institutionalized the patriarchal system for all time, but I think there were a myriad of reasons why God would choose a “Father” image, not the least of which was to set a better example for the men of Jesus time as well as today.  Men already wielded all the power in most societies and the abuse of that power against women, wives, children, servants - and everyone else of lesser position - is well documented. The Father Jesus spoke of, was gentle and just, loving and kind, strong without violence, and powerful without pain.   It is a model we still need today!

“Our Father” - this thought was so radical, so revolutionary; displacing those in positions of power and leveling social constructs forever.  This little prayer set the course of history on a new trajectory.

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May 14, 2010 by Worship Director.

If you have been Christian for any length of time, belonged to any denomination or faith tradition, you have probably heard “The Lord’s Prayer.”  These are the words Jesus used to teach His disciples how to pray - how to talk to God like a Father and friend.  These few lines say so much.  Let’s start meditating on His words as we learn more about prayer in our own lives.

Pray, therefore, like this:

Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (holy) be Your name.

 Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

 Give us this day our daily bread.

 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (and have given up resentment against) our debtors.

 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

 For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

 Amen.

- Matthew 6:9-13

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May 13, 2010 by Web Admin.

“The woman left her water jar beside the well and went back to the village and told everyone, Come and meet a man who told me everything I ever did! Can this be the Messiah?” John 4:28-29

The woman’s encounter with Jesus Christ-the Messiah births within her a joy, excitement, and hope that cannot be contained. Jesus tells her everything about her.  She runs toward the town as fast as she can go because she wants others to know about this man called “Jesus”. He is the Messiah, the Savior, the Living water and the giver of good gifts.

God’s desire is to dispatch us as His witnesses so others can experience the same abundant life He has given us. When we simply tell someone about our encounter and relationship with the Lord, that is telling our story.  Share your story with family, friends, and co-workers today. What you share may powerfully impact and make a difference in  someone’s life for eternity!

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May 12, 2010 by Worship Director.

Pick a Psalm - pray away - sing it if you like!  From his youth, David knew how to pray. He came to God early, shouted his praise, laid out his requests, and expressed his assurance that God would respond.  What a way to start the day - Pray!

Psalm 5
For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by the flute.

O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but You.
Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to You and wait expectantly.

Because of Your unfailing love, I can enter Your house; I will worship at Your Temple with deepest awe.
Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me.
Make Your way plain for me to follow.

Let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever.
Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy.
For You bless the godly, O Lord; You surround them with Your shield of love.

Amen!

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May 11, 2010 by Web Admin.

“Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right.  think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise”. Philippians 4:8 NLT

Our thoughts definitely influence what we do. Our focus will be negative if we constantly think about worries and troubles in the world, but if we allow ourselves to experience the joy of knowing that we are God’s children, we will live as children of God and our thoughts will be fixed on Him.  It is important that we think about the good things and spend time praising God for those things that make our life good.  Let’s thank Him for family, work, friends, and the many great commodities we enjoy daily.  He is True and honorable and right.  He is pure and lovely and admirable, and He is excellent and worthy of praise.  Fix your thoughts on Him today.

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May 11, 2010 by Web Admin.

Free for all the family!  You are invited to come join us for a great time of fun and fellowship. We will have hot dogs, hamburgers, and other items on the menu.  Games, Volley ball, basketball, horse shoe, music, and so  much more. Bring your family and friends. We welcome you!

When:  Sunday, May 23, 2010

Time: 12:00- 3:00 P.M.

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May 11, 2010 by Worship Director.

Then Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.            - Matthew 11:28-30

Everything that is alive, endures conflict - stress - it is a part of the growth process.  Plants endure drought or floods, muscle must be broken down before it can be built back into better form, humans need puzzles to stimulate brain growth, knowledge and learning.  But there is such a thing as too much stress - much of which, we bring on and multiply ourselves.  Many of us push ourselves far beyond the level of stress our bodies are meant to withstand - even Christians.

So, of course, our marvelous Creator was sure to install an escape route - a release valve - we need only to turn our stress over to Jesus. I know, easier said than done.  Prayer is a start.  A number of scientific studies have been conducted with results supporting prayer as an effective means of stress relief and healing - both emotional and physical.  Like any medicinal measure, it takes time, consistency and continued use to get the best affect.  Get started on your routine today.

Prayer is a beginning, and there are other steps for reducing stress as well.  Join in the First Church Bible Study on Wednesday nights at 7pm to discuss  and learn from the David Jeremiah study “Christians Have Stress Too.” Start letting it go!

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