July 15, 2010 by Worship Director.

And do not lead us into temptation,  but deliver us from evil.   - Matthew 6:13

Temptation is a scary thing.  As Christians we have to be on constant guard against things that tempt us. We are a much more difficult target to the devil because we know Christ. In Matthew 6: 9-13, we are taught how to pray and specifically in verse 13 it states, “And do not lead us into temptation,  but deliver us from evil“.  It is important for us to understand the need for God’s help to avoid the pitfalls (temptation) that can make us vulnerable to evil.

Let’s now think about the about the non-Christian. If temptation is tough for us as Christians (or it wouldn’t have been mentioned in the Lord’s Prayer), think about the non-Christian. Thank God for Grace that makes it possible for us to go to Heaven. There also is a Hell.  When we think of thousands of non-Christians on their way to hell for eternity, it challenges each of us to try to make a difference in someone’s life in some small way.

Let’s really do something to see to it that the non-Christians around us are not in that scary category.  Witnessing is our challenge.  Let us strive to do what Christ would do.

- Beth Schnabel

Posted in What's Up With Worship | No Comments »

July 14, 2010 by Web Admin.

Psalm 146

Praise the Lord, O my soul, I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. 

 Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.  When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. 

 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-  the Lord, who remains faithful forever.  He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. 

The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.  The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but He frustrates the ways of the wicked. 

 The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.  Praise the Lord.

Posted in Christian Education | No Comments »

July 11, 2010 by Web Admin.

Come join us for our annual Community Family Fun Day event in the Outdoor Worship Center on Saturday, July 17, 2010 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. We will have a variety of food items, music, a Silent Auction, and several prize drawings. Many outdoor and indoor games for the whole family. We look forward to visiting with you and your family. See you there.

Posted in Announcements | No Comments »

July 10, 2010 by Worship Director.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.   - Matthew 5:8

Having a “pure heart” is a matter of motives.  Does it mean being sinless – no, as humans we all sin – but it does mean taking responsibility for making the right moves, for the right reasons.  Motives are tricky things, because in most cases, others cannot know what is inside of our heart and mind – it can easily be misunderstood or misinterpreted.

But God knows – He really sees us!  When we stop striving for what we want for ourselves and seek out what we can give for the benefit of others, we polish our hearts into a pure, clean shine that allows us to better see Him!

Posted in What's Up With Worship | No Comments »

July 9, 2010 by Worship Director.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.         - Matthew 5:7

This beatitude is a reiteration of The Golden Rule – “do to others as you would have them do to you” – but add “regardless of what they do to you.”  This is mercy; undeserved forgiveness. C.S. Lewis said, “We all agree that forgiveness is a beautiful idea until we have to practice it!”  Harboring bitterness, hard feelings, even pouting when something does not go your preferred way, can block your ability to let your mercy flow.

In his book, The Be (Happy) Attitudes, Robert Schuller wrote of the law of proportionate return – “give a little, get a little back, give a lot, get a lot in return.”  Try testing how much undeserved love you can give and experience how much more will be showered on you!

Read an article on “Forgiveness” posted on Worldmag.com - Today’s News / Christian Views here.

Posted in What's Up With Worship | No Comments »

July 8, 2010 by Web Admin.

1Corinthians 15:57-58

“But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Posted in Christian Education | No Comments »

July 4, 2010 by Worship Director.

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.     - John 8:36

How can one be “free” while living under oppression?  How can we experience freedom, while our bodies are in bondage?

We can and do have access to liberty, through the unconditional grace of Jesus Christ which inhabits the spirit and transcends all physical boundaries.  There are many that have all the “freedom” the world can supply, but are still bound by a spirit in chains to all the things their freedom can buy. True freedom comes only from within, from a soul unbridled and unburdened by a power greater than any government, tyrant, or fear.

As we celebrate our freedom today in America, spend just a few moments praying for those Christians around the world who have only their freedom in Christ to hold on too in their worlds of oppression and imprisonment.  Watch Freedom in Christ by clicking here.

To learn more about Christian persecution around the world and how to help, check out OpenDoorsUSA.

Posted in What's Up With Worship | No Comments »

July 3, 2010 by Web Admin.

Jude 1:17-25

” But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ told you, that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to enjoy themselves in every evil way imaginable.  Now they are here, and they are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They live by natural instinct because they do not have God’s Spirit living in them.

But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy spirit.  Live in such a way that God’s love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in His mercy is going to give you. Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgement. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you are not  contaminated by their sins.

And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into His glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy.  All glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to Him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore. Amen and Amen!”

Posted in Christian Education | No Comments »

July 2, 2010 by Worship Director.

The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.    - Proverbs 16:23-24

With freedom comes responsibility.  While we have the right to freedom of speech, God instructs us to use our words in ways that uplift and heal, for these represent Him in our world; to use our freedom to serve others, bringing joy and leaving a more abundant life in our wake.  When God reigns in our hearts, freedom reigns in our life.

Posted in What's Up With Worship | No Comments »

July 1, 2010 by Worship Director.

In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke of Four Freedoms that should be enjoyed by people everywhere, during a turbulent time in the world. The first was “Freedom of Speech and Expression.” While this freedom is a constitutional right of Americans, it is not so in many places across the globe; where Christians cannot express their faith openly, wave their Bibles, or celebrate holy days in public places.  So much has been sacrificed by so many for so long to win this right for us.  When we feel oppressed, or our freedoms impinged upon, may we remember that most of us today have never experienced true persecution and be deeply grateful to God for this country that we can call home.

Posted in What's Up With Worship | No Comments »