September 29, 2011 by Worship Director.

He that has a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he gives of his bread to the poor. -Proverbs 22:9

Some say that an optimistic person sees a cup as “half full” rather than “half empty.” More than that, God wants us to have a “bountiful eye,” seeing the cup as having more than enough to share because it is soon to bubble up to overflowing.  The disciples just saw five loaves of bread and two fish to feed a hungry 5000 people.  Jesus saw a feast that would fill 5000 hungry souls.  Our lives will be bountiful if we live as if we have plenty for God has a bountiful eye on us.

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September 27, 2011 by Worship Director.

I will commune with you there and talk to you from above the Mercy Seat… From there I will give you my commands for the people of Israel. -Exodus 25:22

In the Old Testament, the “Mercy Seat” is described as the place where God would meet with man.  For only there, could imperfect, unworthy human-kind connect with an omnipotent and holy God, without being destroyed by His power – where His mercy would protect them.

God has always made a way for communion between man and Himself – but this was not personal enough.  He went to extraordinary lengths to bring His mercy to everyone in all the world - anytime, anywhere. By giving Himself as atonement for our imperfections, covering us with His grace, He made it possible for us to commune with Him freely and without fear. To break bread with Him, the most human of acts, mundane but necessary to life; to share His cup and drink Him in as friends.

From the Mercy Seat to the best seat in the house, communion with God has never been better!

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September 24, 2011 by Worship Director.

I’ve recruited these brothers as an advance team to get you and your promised offering all ready before I get there. I want you to have all the time you need to make this offering in your own way. - 2 Corinthians 9:5

The Apostle Paul knew the value of working in teams. Like us, Paul wasn’t able to be on Jesus’ first team, but he was ready to step into the quarterback shoes when called up. He benefited from teams that trained him as his journey began – like Priscilla and Aquila.  From then on, Paul knew he could increase his effectiveness through the work of teams that would support each other through difficult times and use their varied gifts to help and encourage others. The church, as a team, is an important key to ministry; each playing their part in order to reach the goal set before us.

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September 22, 2011 by Worship Director.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the Church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.  Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ. - Ephesians 4:11-12

Every child learns what it means to play on a team – whether in a formal experience or just playground fun.  From sports teams to the speech team, we learn how everyone has a position to play and that it is in the diversity of talents, giving our best where we are gifted, that we are most likely to succeed.  With skillful coaching, teaming for play prepares us for competing, collaborating and cooperating throughout our lives.

Jesus started His ministry by picking His team; men who came to the field with nothing but potential.  Like them, Jesus coaches us with love and discipline through the challenges and contests of life.  Putting our teams together and encouraging each one to play our position with all the excitement, hard work, and perseverance of a championship team, Jesus leads us to eternal victory!

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September 19, 2011 by Worship Director.

Join us to celebrate the Fall season with food, fun and football - a Texas Tradition.  From 12 noon to 3:30 pm, we’ll have an afternoon of tailgate trivia and great games.  

We know who “Quarterbacks” our team and leads us to victory in life - Jesus Christ! We can also have fun as a team and win our community for Him!  Wear your favorite team jersey and play on the winning side with Jesus.

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September 16, 2011 by Worship Director.

Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. - James 3:13

Walking with God is the first step to wisdom. It is in the walking that we learn how to live well regardless of the roadblocks along the way.  During our walks, we learn that sometimes we need to hold God’s hand as we cross the streets and trust that He knows the best direction to go. When we walk boldly with Him, others can see that He walks with us.

It is not our words that convince the world of God’s wisdom, but the wisdom they see in our journey with Him.

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September 14, 2011 by Worship Director.

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come close to God, and God will come close to you. - James 4:7-8

“Facebook” has become today’s way of keeping up with family and “friends,” as well as, reconnecting with long-lost, nearly forgotten, acquaintances and classmates.  While indeed a wonderful tool for reaching out, for many, it also brings a false sense of “closeness.” We now know more about each other, but we still don’t really know each other - that takes work.

Real friendship requires effort, time and trust. To be really close, we have to talk together, to walk the road of life side-by-side, to really listen and respond from our hearts – not just our finger tips. God desires so much to be our close friend; to stand close enough to protect us and trusted enough to share our secrets and our sorrows. Come to Him.  Sit and stay awhile.  He’s waiting for you.

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September 11, 2011 by Worship Director.

The Lord will comfort Israel again and have pity on her ruins. Her desert will blossom like Eden, her barren wilderness like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found there. Songs of thanksgiving will fill the air. -Isaiah 51:3

9-1-1 has long been the number we call for help. On 9-11, September 11, 2001, such a cry for help was raised and the heart of America was left in ruins on the shores of New York City.  With one voice we mourned.  Covered in the rubbles’ dust, every person –indistinguishable from another.  Having all lost something that day, we called out to God and He answered with His comfort.

Ten years later, we look back and can see how He took pity on us and brought Americans together as one people. However, much like the Children of Israel, who praised Him in their time of need then turned away, we also have let our trust in Him fade with time.  And yet, it is never too late.  Our God is merciful and faithful to return with His comfort and blessing if we return to Him.

Let us remember this 9-11-11 with a renewed cry for help and thanksgiving to our God and pray that in doing so, new joy and gladness will be found here!

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September 8, 2011 by Worship Director.

Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. - Psalm 10:17

Our God does hear the cries of the helpless and brings hope to the hopeless.  Whatever the circumstance, whatever the need, He is our gracious provider. The Cross is our reminder of His sacrifice for us.  Our flag is the reminder of the sacrifices of many others on our behalf.

These symbols stand to give us hope, courage and faith in a better tomorrow – a hope and a future – His perfect plans for us.

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September 4, 2011 by Worship Director.

He said to His disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.  So pray to the Lord of the Harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.” - Matthew 9:37-38

If you love your work, you’ll never work a day in your life. There is no better “boss” to work for than Jesus Christ.  He wrote the book on Servant Leadership and remains its master model. As an “Employer of Choice,” workers should be plentiful.  Perhaps we are keeping the best job in town - the best kept secret in town!

Business is good, opportunities abound, there is no drought in God’s love and the harvest is ready to yield a bumper crop.  It is up to us to invite more workers into the field, to welcome them into the business of spreading the good news and into the profit sharing plan of a lifetime!

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