For a sermon series that we are doing at HHBC I have been interviewing some of our members about what God has been doing in their lives. During those interviews I heard a lot about what church is all about and why it is important to go to church. I compiled this video to use in last Sunday's sermon. But I have to put it up here as well. There is no doubt that fellowship with other believers is important in every Christian's life. If you aren't committed and regular at your church you should be.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Do You Need Proof?
Do you doubt? Oh, come on I know you do, even I have doubts from time to time. Sure they span a range of severity from doubting something uncertain to total doubt, but they are doubts. Usually these doubts come in waves when I’m tired, frustrated, down, or sometimes come randomly with no apparent reason. But no matter when they come it is always a shock to me. I am surprised by the thoughts and questions that bombard my inner dialogue with the intensity of a full military assault, and for a moment my heart is at unrest, I am shaken.
It is moments like these that we ask God for a sign, a symbol, proof that I can trust you, proof you are real, proof I’ll make it through this time. We make agreements with ourselves, if I just saw this, heard that, or if this happened, then I would never doubt again.
I am reminded of Thomas. Who when the disciples told him they had seen Jesus after the resurrection, responded “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Later Jesus does appear to Thomas, and he does put his fingers in the nail holes, and he does believe.
The truth is, I have had many experiences in my life that leave me with no question, God is real, Jesus is my savior, and he uses me to fulfill his purpose. I have seen the proof time and time again, but in those waves of doubt it seems our senses leave us, and we ask again, for proof. Jesus replied to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
The real question is. Do you really need proof from God, or did you know all along, have you seen the proof many times in your life?
It is moments like these that we ask God for a sign, a symbol, proof that I can trust you, proof you are real, proof I’ll make it through this time. We make agreements with ourselves, if I just saw this, heard that, or if this happened, then I would never doubt again.
I am reminded of Thomas. Who when the disciples told him they had seen Jesus after the resurrection, responded “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Later Jesus does appear to Thomas, and he does put his fingers in the nail holes, and he does believe.
The truth is, I have had many experiences in my life that leave me with no question, God is real, Jesus is my savior, and he uses me to fulfill his purpose. I have seen the proof time and time again, but in those waves of doubt it seems our senses leave us, and we ask again, for proof. Jesus replied to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
The real question is. Do you really need proof from God, or did you know all along, have you seen the proof many times in your life?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Full Dedication
I got this email the other day, from on of our church members, Harry. Needless to say Harry is committed, pluged in, serving, everything one could hope for in a church member.
A person always has to protect himself from burn out, and make sure they are taking time for themself, their family, and private time with Jesus. But that doesn't mean you don't do your best for Jesus. I can't help but admire and respect Harry's attitude in this. Keep leading the way man.
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 8:59 AM
To: David
Subject: Church
I thought I would let you know this. I went to bed @ about 9 last night & woke up about an hour later, running to the bath. Well I have never had such a problem with acid. Within minutes I could feel my throat getting smaller & soon I was gasping for air. There were a few minutes that I wasn't sure, I thought this was the end, but I wasn't worried because I knew Jesus was with me. Later I got my air back & Regina told me she thought I was trying to hard again. I thought about it & prayed most of the night. When I got up I read Open Windows Mar. 22 & God was giving me the answer I needed. The verses were Acts 20:22-24
On my way to work this morning I felt I needed to share my story. If your hearts not right with God please get it right for we don't always get a second chance!
Harry
Thanks, Harry.
A person always has to protect himself from burn out, and make sure they are taking time for themself, their family, and private time with Jesus. But that doesn't mean you don't do your best for Jesus. I can't help but admire and respect Harry's attitude in this. Keep leading the way man.
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 8:59 AM
To: David
Subject: Church
I thought I would let you know this. I went to bed @ about 9 last night & woke up about an hour later, running to the bath. Well I have never had such a problem with acid. Within minutes I could feel my throat getting smaller & soon I was gasping for air. There were a few minutes that I wasn't sure, I thought this was the end, but I wasn't worried because I knew Jesus was with me. Later I got my air back & Regina told me she thought I was trying to hard again. I thought about it & prayed most of the night. When I got up I read Open Windows Mar. 22 & God was giving me the answer I needed. The verses were Acts 20:22-24
On my way to work this morning I felt I needed to share my story. If your hearts not right with God please get it right for we don't always get a second chance!
Harry
Thanks, Harry.
Friday, February 11, 2011
"Don't tell me what to do!"
This week while I was doing my bible study and sermon preparation. I had a revelation that came from the scripture indirectly but was poignant none the less.
I am preaching on the story of The Good Samaritan this week and at the very beginning of the passage it hit me. Jesus almost never just answered questions. Now it doesn't really have a lot to do with my sermon Sunday but it is a note worthy thought. Jesus almost never just told people the answer. He either asked them another question or told a story.
It made me realize when you're in the business of changed lives then it is not really worth while to shout at people about how they should be or what they should do, as the Church has a habit, or at least the reputation, of doing. It is more about bringing people on a journey of self discovery, led by the Holy Spirit.
Now don't get me wrong Jesus preached. And I love to preach. But some times we get so caught up in trying to tell people the answers to their lives that we neglect the value of letting them find the answers on their own.
I have always tried to illustrate my sermons like Jesus with surroundings and parables. But this point is probably most important when wearing my counseling hat.
God, continue to shape me and make into the man you've created me to be, and teach me to apply this lesson to my life.
I am preaching on the story of The Good Samaritan this week and at the very beginning of the passage it hit me. Jesus almost never just answered questions. Now it doesn't really have a lot to do with my sermon Sunday but it is a note worthy thought. Jesus almost never just told people the answer. He either asked them another question or told a story.
It made me realize when you're in the business of changed lives then it is not really worth while to shout at people about how they should be or what they should do, as the Church has a habit, or at least the reputation, of doing. It is more about bringing people on a journey of self discovery, led by the Holy Spirit.
Now don't get me wrong Jesus preached. And I love to preach. But some times we get so caught up in trying to tell people the answers to their lives that we neglect the value of letting them find the answers on their own.
I have always tried to illustrate my sermons like Jesus with surroundings and parables. But this point is probably most important when wearing my counseling hat.
God, continue to shape me and make into the man you've created me to be, and teach me to apply this lesson to my life.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Time to Get Started
I have been avoinding my New Years resolution. I've know what it was since June last year, when I knew that I had hit a plateu on my weight lose journey. I had started a life long transformation of losing weight at the beginning of last year. In May I reached 90 lbs into my weight loss journey. I held that place for most of the year. Then the holidays came. I knew that I resolved to continue losing weight but with family in town for the Holidays I figured I could let go a little. Then Matthew was born and the days in the NICU with him and the changes at home when he came prolonged my lack of resolve. Today I am set back by 20 lbs. and I am ready to change.
While watching "The Biggest Loser" tonight I was inspired to get back on track. They advertised the Pound for Pound Challenge, a charity that will donate a pound of food, for every pound of weight you will pledge to lose. The best part is they donate it to a local food pantry.
The Tarrant food bank is one of the food pantries on their donation list. They provide food to Helping Hands in Alvarado and other food pantries in our area. So I pledged to lose 50 lbs. and get back on track with my life transformation. If you have some weight to lose I encourage you to make a pledge. Just click on the logo below.
While watching "The Biggest Loser" tonight I was inspired to get back on track. They advertised the Pound for Pound Challenge, a charity that will donate a pound of food, for every pound of weight you will pledge to lose. The best part is they donate it to a local food pantry.
The Tarrant food bank is one of the food pantries on their donation list. They provide food to Helping Hands in Alvarado and other food pantries in our area. So I pledged to lose 50 lbs. and get back on track with my life transformation. If you have some weight to lose I encourage you to make a pledge. Just click on the logo below.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
That Time of Year Again
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Romans 12:1
Well it is that time of year again. Have you backed out on your New Year's resolutions? Have you given up already? Maybe your like me and you haven't gotten started yet.
Why is it we only try to make changes in our lives based on an arbitrary schedule. "It's the New Years time to loose weight, quit smoking, or start to excersise." Shouldn't being a better person be a constant pursuite? Sure it's hard and we face setbacks and struggle more sometimes than others, but if you care about yourself, and if you are commited to what God wants for you, shouldn't you always be focused on being a better person?
I love the way the Message translates Romans 12:1. "Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering." If your going to make a resolution, shouldn't that be it? Then all the other arbitrary goals times and dates fade away and your life focus becomes pleasing God in everything you do. Eating, sleeping, working, playing, loving, it all becomes service to God.
"God this year, I give you my everyday, ordinary life—my sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life.— Have your way with me."
Well it is that time of year again. Have you backed out on your New Year's resolutions? Have you given up already? Maybe your like me and you haven't gotten started yet.
Why is it we only try to make changes in our lives based on an arbitrary schedule. "It's the New Years time to loose weight, quit smoking, or start to excersise." Shouldn't being a better person be a constant pursuite? Sure it's hard and we face setbacks and struggle more sometimes than others, but if you care about yourself, and if you are commited to what God wants for you, shouldn't you always be focused on being a better person?
I love the way the Message translates Romans 12:1. "Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering." If your going to make a resolution, shouldn't that be it? Then all the other arbitrary goals times and dates fade away and your life focus becomes pleasing God in everything you do. Eating, sleeping, working, playing, loving, it all becomes service to God.
"God this year, I give you my everyday, ordinary life—my sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life.— Have your way with me."
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Miracles
Today Layney and I went in for a doctors appointment to check her BP after being on a bed rest all week. The doctor sent us down to labor and delivery for some tests and decided that we needed to induce and bring Matthew into the world now.
I am amazed because Prior to this week we weren't finished we had no car seat we had a todo list and would have been super stressed sitting her now. Accept we had a warning on Monday and Layney's sister is in town to save theory day. And now here we sit calm with everything ready for Matthew. And God is good.
I am amazed because of the way the body works the way life is created and the way God ordains it all. It is awesome.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
this while process is exciting and awesome. God is at work and it's cool.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I am amazed because Prior to this week we weren't finished we had no car seat we had a todo list and would have been super stressed sitting her now. Accept we had a warning on Monday and Layney's sister is in town to save theory day. And now here we sit calm with everything ready for Matthew. And God is good.
I am amazed because of the way the body works the way life is created and the way God ordains it all. It is awesome.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
this while process is exciting and awesome. God is at work and it's cool.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)