When we wake up in the mornings, how is our attitude? We must ponder the idea of "self fulfilling prophecy" (Pastor James Presbyterian Church). Like most anything it is a choice, and choices lead to consequences. We can wake up in the morning and say, "ugh its cold outside, its wet and dreary, its going to be a bad day." Or "I'm tired, I don't feel like school/work today." Discouraging thoughts will bring discouraging days. Instead we can wake up and say "Hey it is a new day, the Lord made it, I have confidence in my Lord it will be awesome. In this way we can overcome all the hardships battles and problems that come our way. As Tony Lara said, "Is there anything too great, too big, too hard for God?" Keep in mind "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deut 31:8
Sun Jan 24, 2010 Pastor: Tony Lara
A great difficulty in the Christian life is learning or understanding how to BELIEVE. But it is so important that we understand this to allow and to see God move in our lives. To receive you must BELIEVE. To BELIEVE is more than fighting and doing the practical, many people read the word, and even do what it says but do not BELIEVE. BELIEVING is the power to overcome any problems that come. Jesus said to his disciples "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Acts 12
Peter who was the leader of the church was facing a struggle in prison. Yet between two soldiers and guards at the gate entrance Peter was calm enough to sleep (v.6). How amazing is it that Peter has enough peace to sleep with two enemies ready to kill him the next day. Keep in mind that the church was earnestly praying (v.5).
Something that we as sinners in our nature have a problem with is we turn to a persons talent rather than a prayer. See a talent brings results and we often put more trust a persons talent over the supernatural work of God.
Peter was like the man in Haiti who had his foot trapped in concrete. He was stuck for some days, yet when asked how he was the man replied. "I do not fear for my life, because my time is in Gods hands." Peter is faithful in trusting God. Stay faithful and you like Peter will see the supernatural. God will send an angel, God forsees any problem. God heals because he is the Healer, but we must BELIEVE.
Rhoda, she saw the answer, she saw the prayer as they the church where all praying (v.13). And here is the really interesting part, and the point that we as Christians can be fighting and doing the practical, but still not BELIEVE. The Church was praying fighting and doing the practical, Rhoda said,"Peter is at the door." the church said, "Are you out of your mind? It must be his angel" as they had doubt of Rhoda.
We must learn to open our heart and let the blessing come. You may say, "Today I want to see your blessing God, I ask, I seek it." And God is like, "I'm at the door, I'm going to bless you." BELIEVE and it will be done. See, you can pray without BELIEVING. THOSE WHO HAVE EARS, LET THEM HEAR. You can do something supernatural by opening the door. But if you don not do your part by opening the door, it will not happen.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
STOP COMPLIANING
Kyle-youth Pastor at Riverdale Mennonite Church
Sun Jan 3, 2010
People have been whinning ever since the beginning. When we look in Ex 15:24 the Israelites where a bunch of whinners they just sang praises to God 3 days ago and then they grumbled. In Numbers 11: 4 they begin to complain even wailing that they are sick of the manna (v.6). Because of all the Israelites complaints the LORD did not let them enter the promised land (Num 14:29-30) and was against them (Num 14:34). The Israelites where severly punished because of their compliants. The Israelites always complianed about their circumstances. And you know it is just like us, someone says their problems and the other says,"ha you think thats bad well let me tell you..."
There is a saying don't tell everyone about your problems because 80% of people don't care and 20% think you deserve it. Life can be tough it just is, that is why we need Jesus cause we can't live a worthy life on our own.
Anyways not only complaining but even when we look at the news people always focus on the negative side of things. Someone died, a drug bust, a murder, theft, gas when up again, the Tronto Maple Leafs lost again etc. And to think with all this negativity floating around God calls us to refuse to complain: "Do everything without complaining or arguing," Phil 2:14. Or "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all citcumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1Thess 5:16. You ought to take pride in Jesus because he will help you to stay upright and not complain. Jesus is the fuel in wich we shine. He's the oil we need to keep our lamps burning Ps 18-28; Pr 20:27; Matt 25:1-
If you complain more than often it is because you think you deserve something better. You dig a pit of pitty upone yourself. But Christains are a blessed people, stop grumbling and start praising. Can't find something to praise God for look at Ps 103-105. Even every breath you take is a gift from God. So now it comes down to a choice...it always does, its always a choice. What are you going to do whine or shine?
Sun Jan 3, 2010
People have been whinning ever since the beginning. When we look in Ex 15:24 the Israelites where a bunch of whinners they just sang praises to God 3 days ago and then they grumbled. In Numbers 11: 4 they begin to complain even wailing that they are sick of the manna (v.6). Because of all the Israelites complaints the LORD did not let them enter the promised land (Num 14:29-30) and was against them (Num 14:34). The Israelites where severly punished because of their compliants. The Israelites always complianed about their circumstances. And you know it is just like us, someone says their problems and the other says,"ha you think thats bad well let me tell you..."
There is a saying don't tell everyone about your problems because 80% of people don't care and 20% think you deserve it. Life can be tough it just is, that is why we need Jesus cause we can't live a worthy life on our own.
Anyways not only complaining but even when we look at the news people always focus on the negative side of things. Someone died, a drug bust, a murder, theft, gas when up again, the Tronto Maple Leafs lost again etc. And to think with all this negativity floating around God calls us to refuse to complain: "Do everything without complaining or arguing," Phil 2:14. Or "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all citcumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1Thess 5:16. You ought to take pride in Jesus because he will help you to stay upright and not complain. Jesus is the fuel in wich we shine. He's the oil we need to keep our lamps burning Ps 18-28; Pr 20:27; Matt 25:1-
If you complain more than often it is because you think you deserve something better. You dig a pit of pitty upone yourself. But Christains are a blessed people, stop grumbling and start praising. Can't find something to praise God for look at Ps 103-105. Even every breath you take is a gift from God. So now it comes down to a choice...it always does, its always a choice. What are you going to do whine or shine?
FINDING JESUS
Bill Willson
Dec 20, 2009
Luke 2:41-52 The Boy Jesus at the Temple
The minute Jesus was born he was fighting, he was born into adversity. When you are pregnant with Jesus, seldom do you find others who have the good motives you have. But to others who are pregnant you see there is a connection. What do people see when they watch you? Becauce there should be a difference.
Luke 2:44 Interesting, we read that it took A DAY before Joseph and Mary noticed Jesus was no longer with them. Jesus was lost in the Feast of the Passover-today its the elves, shopping,decortations. 86% of gross national product (money) is found during Christmas season. Now if any body ought to know hwere Jesus is it ought to be his parents-today if any body ought to know where Jesus is, it ought to be the Church! Funny thing is you never understand who you have until it is gone. Those who had him (Joseph/Mary) are now the ones going to find him.
Luke 2:46 Interesting, we read it took THREE DAYS to find Jesus. So if you lose Jesus its going to take 3 times as long to find him as to losing him. You better not lose Jesus. When you ever have spare time, time to think and reflect it would do well for you to think about: 1. Where you came from 2. Where you are now 3. Where you are going. "Thats why I (Pastor Bill) go back to the same street conner where my mother left me every Christmas." Don't forget where you came from, don't forget what God has done,and look to the One whe knows where you are going.
Mary recognized her destiny. When she realized Jesus was gone she knew she ought to get him back. And when she found him again she didn't lose him again, but placed him in her heart. Look through the gospels and you'll find Mary followed Jesus right to the cross. If you lost Jesus, you better find him.
Dec 20, 2009
Luke 2:41-52 The Boy Jesus at the Temple
The minute Jesus was born he was fighting, he was born into adversity. When you are pregnant with Jesus, seldom do you find others who have the good motives you have. But to others who are pregnant you see there is a connection. What do people see when they watch you? Becauce there should be a difference.
Luke 2:44 Interesting, we read that it took A DAY before Joseph and Mary noticed Jesus was no longer with them. Jesus was lost in the Feast of the Passover-today its the elves, shopping,decortations. 86% of gross national product (money) is found during Christmas season. Now if any body ought to know hwere Jesus is it ought to be his parents-today if any body ought to know where Jesus is, it ought to be the Church! Funny thing is you never understand who you have until it is gone. Those who had him (Joseph/Mary) are now the ones going to find him.
Luke 2:46 Interesting, we read it took THREE DAYS to find Jesus. So if you lose Jesus its going to take 3 times as long to find him as to losing him. You better not lose Jesus. When you ever have spare time, time to think and reflect it would do well for you to think about: 1. Where you came from 2. Where you are now 3. Where you are going. "Thats why I (Pastor Bill) go back to the same street conner where my mother left me every Christmas." Don't forget where you came from, don't forget what God has done,and look to the One whe knows where you are going.
Mary recognized her destiny. When she realized Jesus was gone she knew she ought to get him back. And when she found him again she didn't lose him again, but placed him in her heart. Look through the gospels and you'll find Mary followed Jesus right to the cross. If you lost Jesus, you better find him.
COMMAND YOR SOUL
Pastor Tony
How can we prosper our soul? Like the heart it is focused on our emotions intellect and will.Perhaps by looking at how to inherit eternal life. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength and mind (Lev19:18). We must keep under submittion to God the flesh. We must learn to command the soul how to be in submittion to the holy Spirit. The soul influences your spirit and body. 1. Teach your soul to be quiet. Take charge you can command your emotions. 2. You must educate your soul, "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way." (Pr 19:2). Wait on the LORD, his timing is best.
3. We must learn to discipline the soul in reading and studying of scripture. You can hold strong onto the certainty of Gods promise as he gave to Abraham (Gen 12:2) and Joshua (Josh 1:6)long ago. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who whent before us, has entered on our behalf." (Heb 6:19). 4. Teach your soul to boast in the Lord (1 Cor 1:31)"I will extol the LORD at all times, his praise will always be on my lips(Ps 34). 5. Teach your soul to be accountable. We must learn to speak to our own soul as in Palsm 103 and priase God for all he does and has done. In every battle remeber what God has done.
How can we prosper our soul? Like the heart it is focused on our emotions intellect and will.Perhaps by looking at how to inherit eternal life. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength and mind (Lev19:18). We must keep under submittion to God the flesh. We must learn to command the soul how to be in submittion to the holy Spirit. The soul influences your spirit and body. 1. Teach your soul to be quiet. Take charge you can command your emotions. 2. You must educate your soul, "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way." (Pr 19:2). Wait on the LORD, his timing is best.
3. We must learn to discipline the soul in reading and studying of scripture. You can hold strong onto the certainty of Gods promise as he gave to Abraham (Gen 12:2) and Joshua (Josh 1:6)long ago. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who whent before us, has entered on our behalf." (Heb 6:19). 4. Teach your soul to boast in the Lord (1 Cor 1:31)"I will extol the LORD at all times, his praise will always be on my lips(Ps 34). 5. Teach your soul to be accountable. We must learn to speak to our own soul as in Palsm 103 and priase God for all he does and has done. In every battle remeber what God has done.
Monday, January 4, 2010
IF YOU CAN'T BE A KING BE A KING MAKER
Pastor Bill Willson
Matt 1:6-11
Everyone of these men became Kings a Monarchy-ends with Babylon.
Matt 12:16
None of these men are Kings but more like a town Mayer
Joseph because of circumstances could not be a King. He was in line to be King and would have been King had the Babylonians not taken over. And here is something that Joseph may have come across: If I can't be a King, I'll be a King maker.
Many times you sit there and think, I'm not satisfied I want to be at a higher level. God birthed a vision in you and there has to be stewardship with leadership. The greatest chance to change a life is be a King maker. In Matt 1:20 Joseph has a choice do I stay or go with Mary. See if it wasn't for Joseph who would have travelled on the donkey?
1. Joseph provided a place. Its just like the man Dave who paid $17 for Bill to go to camp. Dave knew something could change if I get him in the presence at least once.
2. Joseph was prepaired for his position. He was a carpnter, he knew how to build things and if you love someone, you'll serve them. He was prepaired and he can now show others how to be prepared. Many sunday school teachers spend five miniutes on there sunday lesson with some pitty curiculam book done up by some so "qualified" person cayse they have a Phd or Masters. Sunday morning they come into the class and after the class is over wonder why there is no power, no annointing maybe they don't even care. But for most cases its cause there was no discipline in getting prepared. Where is a teacher who would stay up all night to prepare a good lesson? Maybe that's what it's going to take. Would you be willing to pay that price?
3. Joseph knew the power in the potential. Do you see the potential in the people you deal with? It won't be easy dealing with them, for some it takes them to hit rock bottom before they come to thier senses. And then God can work in them in such a way that they really are changed and continue to change.
If you cant be a King, be a King Maker
Matt 1:6-11
Everyone of these men became Kings a Monarchy-ends with Babylon.
Matt 12:16
None of these men are Kings but more like a town Mayer
Joseph because of circumstances could not be a King. He was in line to be King and would have been King had the Babylonians not taken over. And here is something that Joseph may have come across: If I can't be a King, I'll be a King maker.
Many times you sit there and think, I'm not satisfied I want to be at a higher level. God birthed a vision in you and there has to be stewardship with leadership. The greatest chance to change a life is be a King maker. In Matt 1:20 Joseph has a choice do I stay or go with Mary. See if it wasn't for Joseph who would have travelled on the donkey?
1. Joseph provided a place. Its just like the man Dave who paid $17 for Bill to go to camp. Dave knew something could change if I get him in the presence at least once.
2. Joseph was prepaired for his position. He was a carpnter, he knew how to build things and if you love someone, you'll serve them. He was prepaired and he can now show others how to be prepared. Many sunday school teachers spend five miniutes on there sunday lesson with some pitty curiculam book done up by some so "qualified" person cayse they have a Phd or Masters. Sunday morning they come into the class and after the class is over wonder why there is no power, no annointing maybe they don't even care. But for most cases its cause there was no discipline in getting prepared. Where is a teacher who would stay up all night to prepare a good lesson? Maybe that's what it's going to take. Would you be willing to pay that price?
3. Joseph knew the power in the potential. Do you see the potential in the people you deal with? It won't be easy dealing with them, for some it takes them to hit rock bottom before they come to thier senses. And then God can work in them in such a way that they really are changed and continue to change.
If you cant be a King, be a King Maker
CHARACTER
Pastor Tony
Character produces trust. People can talk, and say alot of things about how they want to be a better person or whats just and unjust, what they believe,...but their actions reflect who they are. If a persons intentions and actions always colapse the character will reveal why. Charcater is like gold, firm in battles and struggles. See a gift is a talent, it comes easy and sometimes quit naturally. But character is a development and it is up to you, it is your choice to make an effort for good character. Often the problem is there's more harp on gifts than character. A gift can take you to a certain level, but character will keep you there.
Your attitude reveals character. If you are struggling Character brings these struggles to God. It does well for a person to have a leader like Moses, a mentor like Paul to Timothy and a friend like Johnathan to David(1 Sam 20).
What are you made of? Choose what is right, examine yourself because things will go bad if you are not careful. "Character is like a TREE and the shadow is its representation." (Abraham Linkin). Take a look at Ps 92:12. Palm trees never break because of thier roots. A Ceder takes long to grow and lasts longer in damp or wet conditions than most other woods. Good things worthy things take time...and it does not come easy.
looking at Daniel 1. Daniel and many of the magicians, enchanters and astrologers where young men without physical defect, handsome, good learners, well informed and quick to understand. They would be trained for 3 years and then enter the Kings service(Dan 1:4-).Daniel was the only one who stood against the Kings command to execute all the wise men of Babylon. He did this with wisdom and tact (2:14). All the other magicans and astrologers said this dream is too difficult (2:11) But Daniel asked for time to interperet the dream (2:16). He plaeded to God for Mercy with his friends (2:18) the vision was revealed to him (2:19)he praised God (2:20) and didn't take any credit for what God had done in him (2:30). That is Charcter taking a step of faith against what everyone else is doing, and trusting in God to solve the problem. Daniel prayed daily keeping the character that's INTEGRITY. Crisis will reveal what you are made of.
God is building something special in you that takes time, that lasts. If you want to keep the fire of God be planted in his presence. "In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence foever" (Ps 41:12). How do you use you free time? Choose what is right, it would do well for you, see Luke 16:10. At the end of the day its just you laying in your bed. Could you say here is my treasure...I'll pay the price no matter what.
Character produces trust. People can talk, and say alot of things about how they want to be a better person or whats just and unjust, what they believe,...but their actions reflect who they are. If a persons intentions and actions always colapse the character will reveal why. Charcater is like gold, firm in battles and struggles. See a gift is a talent, it comes easy and sometimes quit naturally. But character is a development and it is up to you, it is your choice to make an effort for good character. Often the problem is there's more harp on gifts than character. A gift can take you to a certain level, but character will keep you there.
Your attitude reveals character. If you are struggling Character brings these struggles to God. It does well for a person to have a leader like Moses, a mentor like Paul to Timothy and a friend like Johnathan to David(1 Sam 20).
What are you made of? Choose what is right, examine yourself because things will go bad if you are not careful. "Character is like a TREE and the shadow is its representation." (Abraham Linkin). Take a look at Ps 92:12. Palm trees never break because of thier roots. A Ceder takes long to grow and lasts longer in damp or wet conditions than most other woods. Good things worthy things take time...and it does not come easy.
looking at Daniel 1. Daniel and many of the magicians, enchanters and astrologers where young men without physical defect, handsome, good learners, well informed and quick to understand. They would be trained for 3 years and then enter the Kings service(Dan 1:4-).Daniel was the only one who stood against the Kings command to execute all the wise men of Babylon. He did this with wisdom and tact (2:14). All the other magicans and astrologers said this dream is too difficult (2:11) But Daniel asked for time to interperet the dream (2:16). He plaeded to God for Mercy with his friends (2:18) the vision was revealed to him (2:19)he praised God (2:20) and didn't take any credit for what God had done in him (2:30). That is Charcter taking a step of faith against what everyone else is doing, and trusting in God to solve the problem. Daniel prayed daily keeping the character that's INTEGRITY. Crisis will reveal what you are made of.
God is building something special in you that takes time, that lasts. If you want to keep the fire of God be planted in his presence. "In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence foever" (Ps 41:12). How do you use you free time? Choose what is right, it would do well for you, see Luke 16:10. At the end of the day its just you laying in your bed. Could you say here is my treasure...I'll pay the price no matter what.
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