Life

Faith is our positive response to the Grace that God has shown to us

Let's talk about faith. We'll touch on what is faith. Most of us probably know what faith is, both in definition and practice. Why do we need faith? How do we get faith? How do we grow faith? What is faith? Lets define faith, as it is defined in the Bible.  I think the best verse that defines faith is found in  Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen We'll come back to this verse later. Some other good verses that touch on faith are found in Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Gen 15:6 Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness. 1 John 5:4 For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Habakkuk 2:4 ...But the just shall live by his faith. Oxford dictionary defines faith in the following way: strong belie...

I was talking with Jessica yesterday about going out to dinner for our anniversary, and Alunia chimes in "where are we going?", with a smile. When we said that's it's a mommy and daddy date, she stated jokingly "you should take your children". Aliza is so smart and funny.

The Word Is _________ my meditation Josh 1:8 Ps 1:1-3 devil hijacked meditation, music, art Meditation is not emptying the mind like is traditional in eastern cultures. In fact, meditation is giving serious thought, pondering, thinking about the Word of God. Meditation on the word of God produces results. Mark 4:20   When you buy a packet of seeds, there's a picture on the front showing what the seeds inside have the POTENTIAL of producing. If the Bible was a packet of seeds, the picture on the front would be Jesus. Therefore seeds inside the Bible have the potential to turn people into being more like Jesus. Ps 119:148 The truth will set you free. Therefore if you've been hurt by someone, or got into an argument with someone, usually people will meditate on the situation, replaying the scenario in your mind, thinking perhaps how you should have behaved our what you should have said. Doing this you are getting into bondage. Instead, be set free! Meditate on the Word of Go...

The Word is_______ ... a weapon ... seed Principle of the Word: Seed time and harvest The patience of people now, with tech and instant gratification, appears to be shorter. Mark 4:13-20  If the Word is not part of your life,  neither fruit will be part of your life. Why am I angry? Why am I sick? Why is there no harvest in my life? Have I planted seed in my life? There is NO shortcut with seed and harvest! You can't grow vegetables overnight! You have to plant the good seed, water it, wait, water it, wait more, until the harvest time comes. When you are planting the Word into your life, the harvest may come next week, next month, next year or decade, or even it may come for your children! You have to dive into the Word, and be planting and watering the seed EVERY DAY! You can't be living by refreshing only every Sunday at church, getting prayed for. You also have to feed every day you wake, every day! If you don't eat physical food, you'll feel hungry and likely not be...

A few nights ago, we offered up a contest to Aliza (4.5 years) and Bella (1.5 years), that whoever fell asleep first would get a prize the next day. Both were excited! Especially Aliza, who when in bed, we said we would test if she really was asleep by saying a joke. The first time, though she looked like she was sleeping, the test showed she wasn't, as she started laughing. The second time, my wife asked "Why did the chicken cross the road?". Again, though she looked asleep, she peeked up and said "Huh?" As if, what are you asking? Aliza won, though we didn't test if Bella was sleeping. She got a small notebook and chocolate peanuts, in a gift bag. She was so excited the next day, waiting and talking about the prize all day until I came home from work with it. She is such a blessing, we thank God for her, and also for her sister. Peace

The Ads came in the mail, and Aliza is circling everything she wants to get me for Fathers day. :-)

This morning our blender had a slight malfunction, in that the little top cover was not closing properly when pressed down. After a few minutes,  Aliza prayed in Jesus name, asking that the little cover would be fixed, and it worked right there and then! Remember that God hears even the smallest prayers.

My wife texted me: Aliza is taking  your shirt saying, "I want to hug his shirt because I love him! I love him so much!" :-)

Bella is so smart, Praise God! For example, she likes to brush her teeth in the morning and at night. Also, this one time she was brushing her teeth and also wanted to climb up a little stool to see out the window, but she couldn't do both. So she took out the toothbrush and instead of throwing it on the floor, she found me and handed it to me, then went to climb the stool and peek out the window!

Last night for dinner I made some fried fish. Aliza said it is the best fried fish. This morning, it is the first thing she said also, "Daddy, you make the best fried fish". I hugged her, and we went downstairs. It's Monday, so I'm getting some things ready before I head out the door, and she asked for some chocolate covered pretzels...I gave her a couple and she cries out for more. When I denied her request for more, she cries and yells "You don't make the best fried fish!"

I got 8 hours of sleep last night and I feel better than usual. My average has been 6.5 for the last two weeks so I was cutting off 18% of my sleep. Get more sleep!

Men's breakfast 3/15/14 How can you really know what you believe? There's many speakers out there, some with differing interpretations. You have to know! Its important to know what you believe about Gods will for you. To know about healing. To know about priorities. To know about Truth. There are not 10 ways unto salvation... there is only one Way. Rom 3:4 Rom 4:3 2 Tim 2:15 Jesus is the most significant person ever born. Luke 9:34 Eph 4:21-23 How do you know your mind is renewed? When the previously impossible begins to look logical. Jesus did what He saw the Father do. 2 Cor 2:14 Prov 3:5 Heb 1:1-3 2 Cor 5:18-19 The day of grace we are sitting in. John 12:24-32 Isa 54:9-10 Rom 6:20 - if you're struggling with sin. Prov 24:16 Shared from Google Keep

My wife and I have been and often tell Aliza that she shouldn't take off her seat belt while we are driving because mommy or daddy can go to jail. Today, she didn't get some things at the store that she wanted and threw a fit, screaming and misbehaving. She took off her seat belt when we were on the road and said "you two are going to jail!" Haha.

Launch pad Married to mission of church Love vision Love  core values Like strategy Like ministries The mission is unchanging. Mat 16:13-18 Mat 28:19 Gal 1:8-9 The gospel does not change. Jesus is the cornerstone. Everything we do has to be measured to Jesus, just as every subsequent rock in a building was measured and levelled against the cornerstone. Rev 1:20 The church is the lampstand in this verse. The lamp stand required specific oil for fueling it. In this same manner, the church requires a specific "fuel" to work; the Holy Spirit. As a lampstand,  we are to illuminate only one: Jesus Christ. Spread the good news of the Kingdom of God. The good news is that anyone can enter freely, to a Kingdom where there is no death, no sparrow, no harm. But love, joy, and eternal life. 2 Cor 5:20 We used to be there, but have separated ourselves. We can return and be reconciled, and be in the Kingdom of God. An expanding kingdom has authentic supp...

Evangelism small group -Prayer walk around your neighbourhood, store, school -Prayer list -Be approachable...welcoming...dress to represent. Your life is a billboard, you always project something. -Realize that people everywhere, rich and poor, are hurting -MAXIMIZE EVERY WORD OF ENCOUNTER -Preach the Word in season and out of season -People don't want to be preached at...i.e. you need to apologize, you need to stop doing this or that... -Be willing to be interrupted -Be motivated out of love to speak the truth Q's Is this OK? What's God doing in your life? What's your personal history with faith, religion, God? What do you think or believe about God? What's your perception of Christians and church? How has this effected your faith? Has there ever been a time when you were/felt close to God? What would you need to increase your interest in growing your faith again? What do you think is the purpose of the 10 Commandments? Find ...

Sermon @ The Well 1 Pet 2:20-25 Heb 11:1 We were healed by the stripes that Jesus suffered. Were, past tense. Confident expectation. 1 Pet 2:21 A fatal mistake: thinking that you can make it and succeed by your own decisions and talent. Is there something that you're trying to do yourself that He already has done for you. He takes away the sins of the world. 1 Tim 6:6 In order to be yourself, you have to know who you are in Christ. Its Christ Himself, He bore our sins Himself. Don't think you are bringing anything to the table by you own merit.

Men's breakfast message notes Gain knowledge in the world, and act on it. Write down your vision. Stay in the Word. Speak the Word over those with whom you come in contact. Our words are powerful. Don't throw your words around aimlessly and mindlessly. Seed is specific. You can't plant an apple seed and expect a pear tree. Rev 5:10 Ecc 8:4 What we say doesn't go away. We will be held accountable for every word we speak. Mat 4:4, Word, in Hebrew - Reima - life giving Word Heb 11:1 Rom 10:17 Faith is like a muscle you can grow by exercising it. Exercise faith by acting on faith. You can have a home gym, but if you don't use it and excericse, it will not benefit you. Mark 11:23 Faith comes by hearing...even from your own mouth. The more we speak the Word, the more it will become Reima in our lives. Favor isn't a miracle, it's a reward for faith fullness. Tangible evidence of the love or approval of the Lord. Prov 3:1-4 Luke 2:4...

Loving difficult people pt.2 Mat 5:40-48 Loved people love. Hurt people hurt. Mat 9:35-36 1) Evaluate yourself, evaluate the source James 3:16 Sources of strife: you, them, both, 1 Cor 13:7 2) Pray a blessing over the other Job 42:10 1 Pet 34:9 You have authority over when you begin to walk in love towards another. 3) Find a way to serve them. Romans 12:2 4) Draw a healthy boundary with them. John 6:26 Psalms 139:14-17 Shared from Google Keep

Evangelism class look for opportunities: practice opportunities. Drive through: hey can I include you in my prayers today Restaurant: we're about to pray for our meal. Is there anything specific that we can pray for you about. Mat 10:16 Heb 12:3 1 Cor 9:19-23 blend in "I send you out like a sheep among the wolves" "Wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove" Snakes have no fear of the size of their prey. Snakes don't always attack right away. Spend time and get to know people and their needs. Isa 50:4 Shared from Google Keep

Loving difficult people 1 John 4:7-21 Mat 22:36-40 Do you want to look like you're heavenly Father? Love people that don't love you back. Our love should abound more and more. How do grow your love? 1) You've got to understand Gods love for you. 1 John 4:19 Eph 3:14-19 Prov 19:22 2) Understand the nature of Gods love...His very essence is love. You can't earn it! If you don't read the Word as much He won't love you less, you just won't have the victory you could have had. 3) You have Gods love inside of you already. "God grant me a new revelation of your love that you have already poured over us." 4) Love like you've never been hurt. Don't harbor offense and bitterness because you won't be able to love others fully. Mat 18:7 Job 42:10 5) Learn to love with Gods love Love them into the Kingdom of God! Shared from Google Keep

Aliza said, "we should praise God more instead of watching shows!" yes! She's getting it. Praise God! :-)

Aliza is too funny! I said to her, "go sit on the couch." to which she runs around and says, "oh praise God! Praise God! I can watch a show!" lol. no show.

O how lovely this wonderful girl is. Now 4 years old, she now knows how to call me at work using my wife's phone and in her sweet and cute voice she asks me when I'm coming home. "Soon", I tell her, "I'll be home soon".

4 ways that God speaks 1) In the Word 2 Tim 3:16 If you're not doing what he's already told you to do in the Word, why do you seek for more direction and expect God to tell you. That would just make you  accountable for more....if youre faithful with little you will be given much. God's Word has to be the final authority for your life. 2) His Voice He will never speak contrary to His Word...through dreams, visions, a donkey, an audible voice, prophets, through His Spirit. 1 Cor 2:9-12 No one knows your deep thoughts but your spirit and no one knows the deep thoughts of God but His Spirit. Communication with God is spirit to Spirit. The Lord speaks to our spirits. The more time you spend with God you will recognize His voice. Just like when you've known your wife for 9 years, when she calls you from an unknown number and just says "Hey" you will know that its her. She doesn't have say "hey, this is Jessica", and you don't h...