"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express" (Romans 8:26).
Leonard Ravenhill, an English evangelist said that "A sinning man stops praying, and a praying man stops sinning."
I was just thinking about how in my Christian life, praying has always been one of the most challenging aspects. It's difficult to wake up early in the morning to pray...or to pray continuously throughout the day. However Jesus did it, and men of God still do it today. So why can't we? It's the only time where we can truly pour out our hearts to God...so what's stopping us? I've come to learn that Ravenhill was a preacher with a devoted prayer life. He prayed 6-7 hours a day, every day...except the Lord's day. In fact, he was an evangelist who spent more time in praying than studying the scriptures. He studied the scriptures for about 6 hours as well...so altogether, he would spend 12-14 hours with God daily! That's true devotion to the maker of the Universe.
The thing that stops us from praying and spending time with God can be the sins and the inevitable guilt that follows it...but quite often, it's the emails that we're replying to, or the hang outs we have with our church friends. The devil will certainly bring about godly things in our daily life to trip us in our prayer life...to make us falter in yet another aspect of true adoration to God. So set aside that time for prayer daily and follow through with it, because few things surpass it in importance. The only thing other thing that is more important I guess would be hearing God speak through His word.
It is said that a person is only as great as their prayer life. So where do we stand in that?
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
12/28/10
Unity
the pharisees and sadducees were rivals
but in mark 14:53 , we see that
" They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire."
They=a group of mixed people aka sadducees + pharisees
people that hate each other will come together to take down Christ
theres no bibletalk today so we cant get together physically
but that doesnt mean we should let our guard down
~costin
but in mark 14:53 , we see that
" They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire."
They=a group of mixed people aka sadducees + pharisees
people that hate each other will come together to take down Christ
theres no bibletalk today so we cant get together physically
but that doesnt mean we should let our guard down
~costin
12/27/10
Mindset
Matthew 3:13 - 15
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
As I was reading through this passage this morning I was stopped by the concrete mindset of Jesus, and the driving force behind everything He did here on earth.
Fulfillment. Fulfillment of the Father's will.
The question that I kept thinking about was - Do I have the same mindset? How easy is it for me to get off of that track and attempt to do my own thing?
Notice how although John observed what was happening, and tried to deter him, Jesus was focused, He knew what had to be done, but not only did He know - He carried it out.
It's pretty awesome. He's pretty awesome.
Crack open that bible today and see how the Lord speaks to you this morning.
See you soon
- Ben
12/25/10
~Suffering Of JESUS! ~
Man Can you even imagine how much pain Jesus Christ,The Great I AM, Our God, Our Lord, Our King, Our Judge, The Light, Our Rock, Our Redeemer, Our Righteousness, Our Shepherd, Our Creator, Our Giver of Life... went through for US???. He suffered not us be HE suffered the unbearable pain of a Roman whip called The Cat O Nine Tails. Then, they brought him to a place called Golgotha which means the place of the skull there they put those nails in his hands and feat. But he didn't do Anything wrong he didn't! But we did! WE DIDN'T DESERVE IT FOR HIM TO DIE FOR US!!! He died for me and for YOU! We should have been in HELL! "But God he loved us SO much that he sent his son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life"-John 3:16
"For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." 2 Corinthians 5:21
Lately
I've been thinking about a lot of things lately and lately I wanted God to give me a mentor and well God really answered that prayer and not how I expected! All this time I was praying to God for a mentor but the mentor was right in front of me and that was God himself.
I'm just a instrument of HIS hand....Jivin Mammen
"For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." 2 Corinthians 5:21
Lately
I've been thinking about a lot of things lately and lately I wanted God to give me a mentor and well God really answered that prayer and not how I expected! All this time I was praying to God for a mentor but the mentor was right in front of me and that was God himself.
I'm just a instrument of HIS hand....Jivin Mammen
12/24/10
Pray
I've been thinking about all the outreaches for a long time and EVERY time anyone plans to go witnessing something happens to me whether it be spiritually or physically for example: one outreach we had around September and i had a asthma attack , then recently (today) my fingers jammed from playing basketball. Today, well I was praying and I believe the Holy Spirit showed me that I have to really be equipped with the Full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) You can't go out fighting the enemy with your underwear haha thats just crazy if your a person who watches movies the fighters don't just go out with a christian t-shirt and a pair of shorts. NO! They go out with ARMOR and we need to do this! As I was praying God really showed me that like right now I'm being used to PRAY (PRAYER IS POWERFUL!) But sadly I haven't been praying as much as I would like to. Come on Justin Bieber even prays and he prays for lots of things haha just like he sang in his song (Justin Bieber- Pray) While Justin Bieber is praying your looking on the computer come on deny your self with me and pray i know its hard but DENY YOUR WILL AND GO PRAY!
- I'm just a instrument of HIS hand....Jivin Mammen
- I'm just a instrument of HIS hand....Jivin Mammen
12/22/10
Will You Pray With Me?
Praise God! I'm sure you all know by now that tomorrow and Friday, we'll be having an outreach. The sun rises and sets only by God's command, so the day is the Lord's, victory has already been accomplished because of Christ, so there is NO such thing as defeat. Whether the message of the Gospel is accepted or rejected praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who even gives us even the privilege to utter the beautiful words of His truth.
Jesus said Himself, that He came to seek and save that which was lost. If we really care about the things of God, then our hearts have to burn for those who are perishing without the knowledge of the Savior. By His grace, we know the truth, and the truth has set us free, so we would only be selfish to keep that truth to ourselves. Our desire should be to see Christ glorified, so that everything that has breath should praise Him.
The reason for this post is a call for us as a community to get on our knees and pray. Pray that the Lord of the harvest may send workers. Lets pray for all those that are going tomorrow and Friday that the Lord may go before them, and that the Spirit may give them unction. There is much power through prayer, because we are depending on a strength far greater than ours to supply us at the time of need. That takes faith, patience, and trust. When the great man of God Moses made tons of excuses as to why He cannot represent the Lord like "oh I got st-st-stu-stuttering problems", the Lord God said you go, and I will be your mouth. Pray that God will open doors that are usually shut, and that the Holy Spirit will lead whoever is heading out. There is no effective preaching, without earnest prayer behind it, because without the guidance of the Spirit, it's nothing but vain words hitting the air. For those of us who aren't going tomorrow, God can use us so much through prayer alone, so don't disqualify yourself from being used even though you aren't going. So whose with me? Let's do this!
-jayson
1 John 5:14-15
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him.
12/20/10
The Truth Shall Make You Free
John 8:31-36
31. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed in Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciple indeed.
32. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
33. They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, "You will be made free?"
34. Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.
35. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.
36. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
12/19/10
hows your foundation?
muchos gracias to everyone who came yest. night to hear me speak at church
it made the room A LOT more comfy haha
for those who didnt get to come,
http://www.4shared.com/audio/vhYp8Fq4/Hows_your_foundation.html
~costin
it made the room A LOT more comfy haha
for those who didnt get to come,
http://www.4shared.com/audio/vhYp8Fq4/Hows_your_foundation.html
~costin
12/16/10
Sharpen Your Swords!
THE WORD OF GOD IS LIVING AND POWERFUL, SHARPER THAN A TWO-EDGED SWORD.SO. COMMIT SCRIPTURE TO MEMORY-HIDE THE WORD OF GOD IN YOUR HEART SO THAT YOU CAN DRAW IT FOR BATTLE AT ANY TIME!
TROUGH PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I CAN TELL YOU THAT MEMORIZING SCRIPTURE WILL HELP YOUR WITNESS FOR CHRIST AND WHEN YOU COUNSEL PEOPLE.
SO ITS IMPORTANT THAT ALL CHRISTIANS HAVE THE WORD OF GOD HIDDEN IN THIER HEARTS. HOWEVER, JUST LIKE TELLING OTHERS ABOUT JESUS AND HIS LOVE, WE ALL KNOW THAT WE SHOULD DO IT, BUT OFTEN WE DON'T KNOW HOW. THEIR ARE DIFFERENT WAYS ON HOW TO MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE BUT I DO IT THE OLD WAY. TAKE A INDEX CARD, WRITE OUT THE VERSE AND MEMORIZE IT LOL ;)
SEEK ALETHEIA, SPEAK ALETHEIA, MEMORIZE ALETHEIA, WALK AND LIVE IN ALETHEIA !
ALL BECAUSE OF JESUS,
-TOM
TROUGH PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I CAN TELL YOU THAT MEMORIZING SCRIPTURE WILL HELP YOUR WITNESS FOR CHRIST AND WHEN YOU COUNSEL PEOPLE.
SO ITS IMPORTANT THAT ALL CHRISTIANS HAVE THE WORD OF GOD HIDDEN IN THIER HEARTS. HOWEVER, JUST LIKE TELLING OTHERS ABOUT JESUS AND HIS LOVE, WE ALL KNOW THAT WE SHOULD DO IT, BUT OFTEN WE DON'T KNOW HOW. THEIR ARE DIFFERENT WAYS ON HOW TO MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE BUT I DO IT THE OLD WAY. TAKE A INDEX CARD, WRITE OUT THE VERSE AND MEMORIZE IT LOL ;)
SEEK ALETHEIA, SPEAK ALETHEIA, MEMORIZE ALETHEIA, WALK AND LIVE IN ALETHEIA !
ALL BECAUSE OF JESUS,
-TOM
Be prepared
Confidence, True confidence, confidence from God and not from men.
Make sure to put on that armor today
and make war
- Ben
12/14/10
Do I Really Believe This?
Psalms 107:9 For He satisfieth the longing soul; and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Song: Pour Out My Heart
"I am longing to..."
I am longing to worship something, isn't everyone?
But only God can satisfy that longing.
Because He fills the hungry soul with goodness, it should make me want to keep coming back to be filled.
Jesus satisfies the longing soul, that's why I need Him.
The Gospel is not about the good news of heaven, it's about the good news of Jesus Christ.
I see how Jesus gives, so I should also be willing to give like He did despite the discouragement from others. It's not about people as so much as it is about being like Christ.
Jesus gives the longing soul peace, He gives the longing soul companionship.
We are all looking for something to worship, and while we worship God, He molds us into His image.
Do I personally believe that He satisfies?
Well if I don't, then all this christianity/faith stuff really doesn't matter. It takes discipline, and a big leap of faith to keep believing...
-happy
Romans 12
9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
12/13/10
Greetings
hello all,
My apologies for flying under the radar this past week, I have some major tests this week that really define my entrance into nursing school this semester so I've just been focusing on that, studying away in the depths of my room, actively fighting to not be distracted by pretty much everything (those of you who have been in my room probably know what I'm talking about when I say "everything").
I just posted up the teaching from last week. Unfortunately we had some technical problems with recording the worship set so we couldn't get that up. For those of you who were there last week, that set is a memory that only you can remember, I hope you can hold onto it.
My request to you: Take some time out to really sit down and listen to the teaching from last week. As I continue to get my thoughts together for tomorrow, I realize how much the teaching that the Lord has placed on my heart for tomorrow ties into the message we heard last week. They really build off of each other and work hand in hand. What I have to share may not be anything complex or profound, But I can say with confidence that it is something vital to our beings so do come with your hearts prepared.
So please, don't push it for later, don't brush it off, take some time to be still and listen.
Still got some tests to finish up this week to lock in the grades I need, but trust me when I say I'm looking forward to tomorrow to just get away from all those things. I encourage you to do the same, come with a clear mind and an an open heart because You never know how the Lord will surprise you once you have.
Let's get it together, Let's get back to where we need to be, Let's not let finals or the stressors of life overwhelm us to a point where we decide to place God in 2nd gear, because He has proven to us time and time again that He is worth so much more than that.
Let's be ready.
Looking forward to tomorrow, hope you are as well.
- Ben
12/7/10
Coin Drive (round 2)
$197.85 added to the munis fund, thanks to your spare change and efforts in this coin drive.
Word. one hundred ninety seven dollars and eighty five cents (just in case you didn't catch it the first time). 5308 of those coins were pennies.
That's a total of $274.53 between this coin drive and the last.
Praise God
12/4/10
The Gates
I don't know if you guys started up on the hw from this week, but it's pretty awesome. I just went through 2 of the gates and I'm amazed by what I've learned.
If you haven't started it yet, start it now, don't miss out on what God might have to teach you with it.
- Ben
12/3/10
Proverbs 2: 3 - 11
3 indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds success in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds success in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
12/1/10
11/30/10
He giveth more Grace by A. J. Flint
- He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace. - When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun. - Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear. - His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again
Romans 5
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Be encouraged!!
-Lisa
11/29/10
Zephaniah 3:17-20
17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
18 “The sorrows for the appointed feasts I will remove from you; they are a burden and a reproach to you. 19At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you; I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they were put to shame. 20 At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,” says the LORD.
11/28/10
Share
Hey bibletalk folks, here is an excerpt from a book that I read.. it's been stuck in my mind for the past several days now..
How much more do I long to bestow upon you tokens of My affection? And My love for you surpasses all human comprehension.
For I am not a man that I should be limited;
and I need not divide My spirit among many;
but I long to share with EACH My fullness;
and there is no favoritism in My love.
Look not upon your lack of capacity, for I will enlarge your heart.
Open not your mouth to question Me,
for love questions not , but receives gladly and freely.
As you do the same, you will not be disappointed.
Be not dismayed, neither give heed to your sense of unworthiness,
for lo, I have loved you simply because I have loved you,
and what other reason do I need?
Do you not yourself do the same in human relations?
Shall I not shed My love upon you for no other reason than simply that I have chosen to do so?
Otherwise it was not love in it's purest sense.
happy
11/26/10
11/25/10
1 Chronicles 29:11-13
"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name."
Thank God for LOVE
In the Kingdom of God we find...
…the highest place is found as we take the lowly place.
…strength is found as we discover our weakness.
…fullness comes as we empty ourselves.
…life is gained as we lay it down for love’s sake.
…riches are gained as we give them away.
…greatness comes as we carry a towel and washbasin into every circumstance and relationship in life.
—Roy Lessin
Happy Thanksgiving everybody!! Enjoy and appreciate every moment with the ones you love.
I truly love you guys and the way we love Jesus and each other unashamedly :)
"Love one another as I have loved you" -Jesus
-Lisa
…the highest place is found as we take the lowly place.
…strength is found as we discover our weakness.
…fullness comes as we empty ourselves.
…life is gained as we lay it down for love’s sake.
…riches are gained as we give them away.
…greatness comes as we carry a towel and washbasin into every circumstance and relationship in life.
—Roy Lessin
Happy Thanksgiving everybody!! Enjoy and appreciate every moment with the ones you love.
I truly love you guys and the way we love Jesus and each other unashamedly :)
"Love one another as I have loved you" -Jesus
-Lisa
11/24/10
Exactly
the mixture of sounds, the chaos of random instruments, the projection of voices, the use of everything as an instrument for the glory of God - including our hands and a guitar case.
A handful of joy and a culmination of sounds
have a Happy thanksgiving :)
exactly how thanksgiving should sound
have a Happy thanksgiving :)
- Ben
Thanksgiving :)
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
11/23/10
the man from heaven
1 Corinthians 15:49: And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.
More and more of Jesus... that’s what I want and what I want to look like. He’s the perfect example of having faith, grace, love, wisdom, and power. There are so many things that hit us through the course of a day or a week that make us want to become upset, frustrated, depressed, discouraged, or push away the people around us, but what truly displays our character is how we react. More and more of trusting God… it’s what I’ve been doing the past few days… the triple attack is hitting me harder and harder... the world, the flesh, and the devil…
The flesh is trying to control me... the world is trying to discourage me, and the devil is trying to make me give into the past two... But God is greater than all 3, and if I give in… the more I push back the progress of what God’s spirit is trying to work in me. I don’t wanna be stuck in the same place or state forever… I wanna keep moving forward… I wanna walk in the spirit and look like Jesus because He’s attractive! Who doesn’t want to be attractive? Who doesn’t want to be a man or woman of integrity? I want to be like the man from heaven… and the only way I’ll become like Him is if I hang out with Him… in His presence through prayer –both speaking and listening- God is good, all the time.
- happy
11/22/10
Finally...
The boxes have been delivered!!I hope that whoever gets your box will be blessed and I only ask that you continue to pray for these kids.By the way, you guys did an awesome job =).. We were able to give 9 boxes... Nine boxes in 2 weeks!!...That's crazy!!! I can't thank you enough for being so involved and willing to help.
You made a difference... and I know God will continue to bless you for the love you show to others!
Much Love,
Jincy
11/18/10
11/16/10
The Coin Drive
$76.68
yea remember that box we threw all our change into? Yea that's how much was in there after we were through with it. Yea, you read it right, 76 dollars and 68 cents. 1,638 of those coins were pennies.
Praise God! That is someone's registration money right there! Thank you for digging deep and finding those coins! Let's keep doing what we do.
- Ben
The Heart of the Matter
The heart.
What is it?
For a long time people thought the heart was just a hollow muscular organ located behind the sternum and between the lungs; that uses its rhythmic contractions to move the blood through the body. It was later discovered that it serves a greater purpose, it's also the locus of feelings and intuitions. The Bible told us that years before it was discovered. Jesus referred to the heart many times throughout the scripture, here are a few:
Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God."
Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Mark 12:30 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
We often associate the heart, with love. You see we don't love someone with our head or our brain, we don't commit to someone with our intellect and reason, we don't surrender in obedience to someone with our wit and intelligence, we do it with our HEART. In 2 Chronicles 16:9 we read God strengthens those whose hearts are fully committed to Him, thats why Proverbs 4 calls us to guard our hearts above ALL things for it is the wellspring of life. More than all this, the heart is the center in which God indwells in us, where the Holy Spirit took His residence once we accepted Him. Whatever we let our hearts consume determines the condition of it, declares what comes out of our mouth, and decides the course of our actions. Jesus said that it's what comes out of one's heart that makes him unclean, so the act of keeping a pure heart before Him is essential to our daily worship. So word, the heart is mad important, take care of it, not only in a physical sense, but also in a spiritual sense.
Psalms 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
-jayson
11/15/10
Anonymous Quote
“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.”
I love each and everyone of you and I'm so thankful to God for giving us a day to never forget.
11/14/10
This Day
Praise God for giving us such a privilege to witness our brothers take part in the waters of baptism. Praise God for bringing these guys into our lives and even giving us the opportunity to get to know them.
When we were at the pier yesterday, Hap said something really interesting. He said that 4 months ago he couldn't have even imagined this happening - this community, these friendships, this family. It's funny how things come together when the time is right huh? It's funny how at the point where we all probably needed each other the most, our paths crossed and we found the heart of a community.
I had the privilege of standing in the back yesterday as we poured out our hearts in worship, and I'll never forget that moment when it was silent and all you could hear was the ripple of the waves crashing up against the shore. I'll never forget that moment when I understood what it must of been like for the disciples to hear the words "Peace. Be Still" come out of Jesus's mouth as they were so concerned about their situation.
I'll never forget that moment I looked at each one of you and realized why it was I had to come home.
God works in mysterious ways, and in the most mysterious of ways he has brought us all together for a purpose. Let's do whatever it takes to find that purpose. Let us be patient, Let us be humble, Let us keep striving to where we need to be.
I am sorry, I am sorry, for failing constantly
I am fighting, I am trying, I am dying to be freed
Lord I love you, Lord I know that you're the only one for me
yet I struggle, Yet I fail to grasp the road you've paved for me
Help me hold on, Help me stand firm in the promise of your word
Help me realize that in all things you are working for my good
Lord I know it, Lord you've proved it, search my heart, do not delay
To show your kindness, To show your mercy to your servant on this day
Thank you for Love, Thank you for your heart to deal with me
I am willing to keep striving to where I need to be...
Thank you for helping me find a title to this song today
- Ben Thomas
11/10/10
Be A Bold Witness For the Lord Jesus Christ
Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."I Thank God ..
I just wanted to say that I thank God for EACH and EVERY ONE OF YOU!
I love this family with all my heart, and I really do thank Him for placing each of you in my life, because I know it is for a purpose far greater then we can understand.
Here is to Community, Family, & Unity!
:)
-Betsy
I love this family with all my heart, and I really do thank Him for placing each of you in my life, because I know it is for a purpose far greater then we can understand.
Here is to Community, Family, & Unity!
:)
-Betsy
TREASURE IN AN EARTHEN VESSEL
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves."- 2 Corinthians 4:7
In the 1st and 2nd century, a common practice was to conceal or hide precious treasures in jars of clay which had little or no value or beauty in it of it-selves. In the same way, our God often bypasses the wise; the mighty, and the noble of this World in favor of the weak and despised, that he might make them the privileged bearers of His precious Gospel. If your wondering whats the reason for this call or choice its simple-so that no flesh may boast before God, just as it is written, "Let Him who boast, boast in the Lord"-1 Corinthians 1:29,31
In the 1st and 2nd century, a common practice was to conceal or hide precious treasures in jars of clay which had little or no value or beauty in it of it-selves. In the same way, our God often bypasses the wise; the mighty, and the noble of this World in favor of the weak and despised, that he might make them the privileged bearers of His precious Gospel. If your wondering whats the reason for this call or choice its simple-so that no flesh may boast before God, just as it is written, "Let Him who boast, boast in the Lord"-1 Corinthians 1:29,31
-Tom
Guy gets on the subway ...
So there's this movie called Collateral which I'm sure most of us have heard of and Tom Cruise's character Vincent's last line in the movie goes "Hey Max ......Guy gets on the subway and dies. Think anybody'll notice?" Think about it. Just think about how many people we know are dying around us everyday because they don't know Jesus. And sadly, not many notice. From the minute we are born we begin to die. We start to age and we slowly begin to die. Without Jesus Christ, we die and will be separated from Him for eternity and that is one ugly and frightening reality.
One woman today asked us why we were out there doing what we were doing. She said "Why are you doing this?" and she kept saying it over and over and the only thing I could think of to say was -because we have someone/something that changed us from the inside out and we wanted to share it with her. I guess she was wondering if we were being materially compensated in some way for being there. Before I started talking with her I was distracted by a Batman shirt I saw in her store ..hahaha ..so at the end we left but then I went back in and bought the shirt. I figured the lady let us talk to her for a bit so I should at least buy something (not to mention I LOVE Batman- assuming some of you care ..I know at least one Batman fan does :D)
So after witnessing we did some shopping, Tom got an awesome jacket, Jabin got some shoes and I got me some nice boots (that my bro Jay convinced me I should get) ...so next time we go out witnessing we're going out in style ..word! All in all it was an awesome day with Jesus. I just want to encourage you guys to allow God to use you and speak through you as you go through your day no matter what it is you're doing. He will only use you to the extent you allow Him to, if that makes sense. Remember there's a world around you that's dying and Jesus is the ONLY HOPE. Live in a way that'll make Him known to those around you!!
-Lisa
One woman today asked us why we were out there doing what we were doing. She said "Why are you doing this?" and she kept saying it over and over and the only thing I could think of to say was -because we have someone/something that changed us from the inside out and we wanted to share it with her. I guess she was wondering if we were being materially compensated in some way for being there. Before I started talking with her I was distracted by a Batman shirt I saw in her store ..hahaha ..so at the end we left but then I went back in and bought the shirt. I figured the lady let us talk to her for a bit so I should at least buy something (not to mention I LOVE Batman- assuming some of you care ..I know at least one Batman fan does :D)
So after witnessing we did some shopping, Tom got an awesome jacket, Jabin got some shoes and I got me some nice boots (that my bro Jay convinced me I should get) ...so next time we go out witnessing we're going out in style ..word! All in all it was an awesome day with Jesus. I just want to encourage you guys to allow God to use you and speak through you as you go through your day no matter what it is you're doing. He will only use you to the extent you allow Him to, if that makes sense. Remember there's a world around you that's dying and Jesus is the ONLY HOPE. Live in a way that'll make Him known to those around you!!
-Lisa
Humbled
What amazing day today... wasn't it? I was truly humbled when we went for outreach. I mean seriously everyone we talked to today was a reminder of who I was. Lost, doubting, wanting to change but never did, empty and wandering. And even though I'm ashamed of who I was...I was reminded that Gods powerful love is more than enough to change the heart of man.
And then to top it all off this evening...soaking in an amazing message about the true inward, internal, divine call that saves us from the destruction we so rightly deserve.
On another note...I want to share a daily reading from Drawing Near for a Deeper Faith by John MacArthur that just really touched me.
**********************************************************************************
"By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God" (Heb 11:5)
And then to top it all off this evening...soaking in an amazing message about the true inward, internal, divine call that saves us from the destruction we so rightly deserve.
On another note...I want to share a daily reading from Drawing Near for a Deeper Faith by John MacArthur that just really touched me.
**********************************************************************************
"By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God" (Heb 11:5)
Our second hero of faith is Enoch. Genesis 5:21-24 records that "Enoch lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Methuselah. Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years after he became the father of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him."
What a wonderful epitaph: "Enoch walked with God." His life exemplifies the walk of faith. Adam and Eve had walked with God in the Garden of Eden, but their sin separated them from such intimacy. Enoch experienced the fellowship with God they had forfeited.
Enoch's faithful walk pleased God greatly. And after more than three hundred years on earth, Enoch was translated to heaven without ever experiencing death. It's as if God simply said, "Enoch, I enjoy your company so much, I want you to join me up here right now."
Like Enoch, there is coming a generation of Christians who will never see death. Someday--perhaps soon--Jesus will return for His church, "then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up . . . in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:17). Enoch is a beautiful picture of that great future event, which we call the rapture of the church.
As you walk with God, He delights in you. You're His child and your praises and fellowship bring Him joy. Psalm 116:15 says, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones." Even death itself simply ushers you into His presence for all eternity.
Let the joy of intimacy with God, and the anticipation of seeing Christ face to face--either by rapture or by death-- motivate you to please Him more and more each day of your life.
- Jincy
11/8/10
Jude 1:12-13
Jude 1:12-13
12 These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; 13 raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.
This passage is very touching and it talks about
the apostates mentioned in Jude, and the way they are
moving through our lives and churches. We should be
vigilant as we become closer to God and as we grow
in our spiritual life... God mentions their punishment and
how we should deal with them in the book of Jude.
"They are like clouds without water." - They promise
spiritual life but are empty clouds which bring the hope
of rain, but actually deliver nothing but dryness and death.
12 These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; 13 raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.
This passage is very touching and it talks about
the apostates mentioned in Jude, and the way they are
moving through our lives and churches. We should be
vigilant as we become closer to God and as we grow
in our spiritual life... God mentions their punishment and
how we should deal with them in the book of Jude.
"They are like clouds without water." - They promise
spiritual life but are empty clouds which bring the hope
of rain, but actually deliver nothing but dryness and death.
- Justin Thomas
Never, Never, Never, give up
Yesterday I saw the lion king of broadway. Awesome
but I came home last night not feeling too well, I thought it was maybe because I needed some sleep but I knew there was something more to it, and as I was laying in my bed last night thinking, I realized it was because I wasn't looking forward to Monday at all. I dont' know what it is but in this season of my life I have never looked forward to mondays - now that's not to say that I haven't made the most of my mondays and didn't appreciate them, it just means that I knew that the week was starting again - another week at a school I don't enjoy being at, another week of hours upon hours at work. This is not me complaining, this is just how life is for me in this season and I've come to accept that wholeheartedly. But something I kept racking my brain over with yesterday was why? I understand why all this happening, I understand that I am preparing for my future, I understand that this is all for my good, I understand that this is my time to be alone and figure out who am I so - why do I still have these disheartening feelings inside?
It's one of the biggest struggles when you know something to be true, but it seems as if everything is coming against you to tell you otherwise. I think it's something that applies to so many areas of our lives but especially in the area of discipline. When we know we need to be diligent and steadfast in the Lord yet our flesh and our desires tell us otherwise. It comes up with our desires to be persistent and not giving up as well. Knowing in the heart of your hearts that you can't give up, yet having your flesh and the world telling you it's not worth it or that there is something better for you.
I woke up this morning with a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach, and it wasn't anything physical, I knew it was more emotional and mental. I took out a pen and a piece of paper and started writing what was on my heart from the moment that I had opened my eyes
I am sorry, I am sorry, for failing constantly
I am fighting, I am trying, I am dying to be freed
Lord I love you, Lord I know you are the only one for me
yet I struggle, yet I fail to grasp the road you've paved for me
Help me hold on, Help me stand firm in the promise of your word
Help me realize that in all things you are working for my good
Lord I know it, Lord you've proved it, search my heart, do not delay
to show your kindness, to show your mercy, to your servant on this day
Thank you for love, Thank you for your, heart to deal with me
I am willing, I'll keep striving to where I need to be
Ben Thomas
Untitled 8:10 AM 11.8.10
This is my prayer today...why am I sharing? Because maybe it can be yours as well.
If you've grown weary, If you're tired of the way things are, if it seems as though everything is coming against you, and there's too much for you to do to get yourself where you need to be, don't give up - because that's exactly what Satan wants you to do
Never, Never, Never, give up
- Ben Thomas
but I came home last night not feeling too well, I thought it was maybe because I needed some sleep but I knew there was something more to it, and as I was laying in my bed last night thinking, I realized it was because I wasn't looking forward to Monday at all. I dont' know what it is but in this season of my life I have never looked forward to mondays - now that's not to say that I haven't made the most of my mondays and didn't appreciate them, it just means that I knew that the week was starting again - another week at a school I don't enjoy being at, another week of hours upon hours at work. This is not me complaining, this is just how life is for me in this season and I've come to accept that wholeheartedly. But something I kept racking my brain over with yesterday was why? I understand why all this happening, I understand that I am preparing for my future, I understand that this is all for my good, I understand that this is my time to be alone and figure out who am I so - why do I still have these disheartening feelings inside?
It's one of the biggest struggles when you know something to be true, but it seems as if everything is coming against you to tell you otherwise. I think it's something that applies to so many areas of our lives but especially in the area of discipline. When we know we need to be diligent and steadfast in the Lord yet our flesh and our desires tell us otherwise. It comes up with our desires to be persistent and not giving up as well. Knowing in the heart of your hearts that you can't give up, yet having your flesh and the world telling you it's not worth it or that there is something better for you.
I woke up this morning with a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach, and it wasn't anything physical, I knew it was more emotional and mental. I took out a pen and a piece of paper and started writing what was on my heart from the moment that I had opened my eyes
I am sorry, I am sorry, for failing constantly
I am fighting, I am trying, I am dying to be freed
Lord I love you, Lord I know you are the only one for me
yet I struggle, yet I fail to grasp the road you've paved for me
Help me hold on, Help me stand firm in the promise of your word
Help me realize that in all things you are working for my good
Lord I know it, Lord you've proved it, search my heart, do not delay
to show your kindness, to show your mercy, to your servant on this day
Thank you for love, Thank you for your, heart to deal with me
I am willing, I'll keep striving to where I need to be
Ben Thomas
Untitled 8:10 AM 11.8.10
This is my prayer today...why am I sharing? Because maybe it can be yours as well.
If you've grown weary, If you're tired of the way things are, if it seems as though everything is coming against you, and there's too much for you to do to get yourself where you need to be, don't give up - because that's exactly what Satan wants you to do
Never, Never, Never, give up
- Ben Thomas
11/7/10
Ecclesia- the called out ones
There are at least two reasons why we need to grow in our relationship w/ the Lord. 1) To survive 2) To be a vessel of His glory
I'll mention the second reason first. God receives glory with or without us, He gets glory all on His own. But it's a privilege if that glory is brought to Him through us. If you want to be the vehicle in which that takes place, we need to be trusted by Him. If you want to do the miraculous, amazing works of God, it's important that He can trust you. That's one reason you need to move close to Him.
The second reason is- just to survive- day in and day out, to make it. We can't do it on our own. You are in one of 3 stages right now, the phone's ringing, you already answered it, or it's about to ring. When you pick that phone up, you've gotta be ready to stand firm, and trust in the Lord. We need Jesus, or we won't make it out the lion's den. How else will you be ready? How else will you be a witness? When I was in Bermuda, one of the nights of the gospel meetings, this one particular lady got saved and her response for wanting to be saved was, "I see something in her that I want". We've got to learn to draw close to Jesus, so when we get hit hard, we can trust Him. That's what we're doing at bibletalk, being that "called-out" people, the group of people God is trying to cultivate out of the world for Himself. Let's do it. How about you wake up a bit earlier tomorrow?
-happy
I'll mention the second reason first. God receives glory with or without us, He gets glory all on His own. But it's a privilege if that glory is brought to Him through us. If you want to be the vehicle in which that takes place, we need to be trusted by Him. If you want to do the miraculous, amazing works of God, it's important that He can trust you. That's one reason you need to move close to Him.
The second reason is- just to survive- day in and day out, to make it. We can't do it on our own. You are in one of 3 stages right now, the phone's ringing, you already answered it, or it's about to ring. When you pick that phone up, you've gotta be ready to stand firm, and trust in the Lord. We need Jesus, or we won't make it out the lion's den. How else will you be ready? How else will you be a witness? When I was in Bermuda, one of the nights of the gospel meetings, this one particular lady got saved and her response for wanting to be saved was, "I see something in her that I want". We've got to learn to draw close to Jesus, so when we get hit hard, we can trust Him. That's what we're doing at bibletalk, being that "called-out" people, the group of people God is trying to cultivate out of the world for Himself. Let's do it. How about you wake up a bit earlier tomorrow?
-happy
11/5/10
Exodus 12:13
"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt."
Thanks and praise be to Jesus Christ, Our Passover Lamb!!
Hope everyone had a wonderful week and is ready for the weekend :)
-Lisa
Thanks and praise be to Jesus Christ, Our Passover Lamb!!
Hope everyone had a wonderful week and is ready for the weekend :)
-Lisa
11/4/10
New Shoes
you know after you share something with someone or a group and you remember all the things that you intended to to say but never said? Yea....
I had one of those moments when I came home last night and remembered all the things I didn't end up sharing.
I can only hope and humbly pray that you were able to take something away from what was shared yesterday, something that not just stays at the time and place that you heard it, but something that will effect you for the rest of your life. Something that will push you to be that morning without clouds. It may be something completely different from what I was sharing, but whatever it is that God spoke to you with, take it to heart and apply it. Like I told you before I started speaking, I don't consider myself to be the most powerful of speakers, I don't know anything, I am nothing, I am only sharing the things the Lord has established in my heart, the things I didn't just prepare for that Tuesday for me to speak, but the things that I have been preparing with my life, the things I have found myself struggling with and the undeserved ways the Lord has helped me through them. I just posted the worship and teaching from this week, when you get a chance - listen to the worship and teaching back to back and remember the ways God spoke to you individually that night.
I just came home from a pretty exhaustive night at work - for some reason or the other the customers today decided to be more persistent and messy than usual, but oddly enough I'm not even close to tired; I just want to embrace this moment I have in the stillness of the night where it seems like I am the only one awake as the rest of the world goes to sleep.
Those things that we encountered on the new prayer wall yesterday were really heart shattering, Thank you to those of you who were brutally honest with yourselves and our community, it was not only encouraging, it was refreshing to see walls being torn down with the concepts of pride and fear being crushed along with it. It was beautiful to see people embracing their brokenness and their need for a Saviour. I'll type it up tonight and send it to those of you who have asked me for it. You can rest assured I will be spending ample time tonight committing those things to the Lord.
You guys have been such a strong encouragement to me as I proceed with the things that I do, and I sincerely thank you for that, please continue to commit me to the Lord wholeheartedly in prayer, because I don't know anything, I need all the help,wisdom, and understanding I can get as I continue to humbly lead and do whatever I can to move the mountains that will always attempt to get in our way.
No turning back
Let's get into those new shoes.....together
It's about time
goodnight
- Ben Thomas
11/1/10
Colossians 1:13-18
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Just when we think everything in our life is of of control. When we are overwhelmed, afraid, and insecure with what we face in this world. Here is reminder of who God is. He is all knowing, all powerful and He loves us. Bring yourself to His feet and you will never fear. You will never doubt. Have confidence and trust in Him because we know... He is in control of all things.
Amen?
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Just when we think everything in our life is of of control. When we are overwhelmed, afraid, and insecure with what we face in this world. Here is reminder of who God is. He is all knowing, all powerful and He loves us. Bring yourself to His feet and you will never fear. You will never doubt. Have confidence and trust in Him because we know... He is in control of all things.
Amen?
10/29/10
Prayer Request
Hey everyone, next weeks our church's youth meeting just keep it in your prayers that we could all in our church learn more about the word and to just grow threw these meetings, that's pretty much it.
- Alex G.
- Alex G.
10/28/10
A Hug to all my Brothers & Sisters
The spirit has lead me to post this, I just felt like giving a hug to all my brother & sisters in Christ.
We are a community but more than that we are a family. Praise God.
When you accept Christ as your personal savior you arent just related to God: you are also related to other believers. Isn't that awesome, I rejoice in the lord just because I have a big family. We all have a spirtual bond no man can separate and that's through Christ Jesus.
Love one another has Christ loved you. Don't love a person just in your heart, express your love just has the one who expressed his love towards us. While we were sinners Christ died for us. Amen.
Eph 2:19
We are a community but more than that we are a family. Praise God.
When you accept Christ as your personal savior you arent just related to God: you are also related to other believers. Isn't that awesome, I rejoice in the lord just because I have a big family. We all have a spirtual bond no man can separate and that's through Christ Jesus.
Love one another has Christ loved you. Don't love a person just in your heart, express your love just has the one who expressed his love towards us. While we were sinners Christ died for us. Amen.
Eph 2:19
10/24/10
I Can't Stop Turning to This Verse...
Lately I've been doing some serious self examining and this week I keep coming back to this passage...it's always on my mind..and I can't stop myself from reading this over and over again. Yet it speaks to me the same way every time.
This is who you were. This is who you are now...now that you've know Him. This is your Testimony...
Ephesians 4: 17-24
"This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."
-Jincy
This is who you were. This is who you are now...now that you've know Him. This is your Testimony...
Ephesians 4: 17-24
"This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."
-Jincy
~Remember~
Read this out loud
Luke 23:34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing"...
He hung on a cross built for a murderer. He suffered the searing pain of a whip biting through his skin- my words. He lay waiting for the nails to be driven into his hands by me- with my actions, my foolish mistakes that somehow repeatedly happen. He hung naked- I betrayed him and stripped him of all honor, clothing him with shame. Yet he hung and looked upon the people who so badly needed him, who needed to be taught how to love, how to give, how to communicate...the same people who were screaming profanities and killing him in every possible way with their inhumane hatred- having already forgiven them. I was in that crowd..but when he looked at me,in between ragged breaths, he spoke his love for me.
Luke 23:34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing"...
He hung on a cross built for a murderer. He suffered the searing pain of a whip biting through his skin- my words. He lay waiting for the nails to be driven into his hands by me- with my actions, my foolish mistakes that somehow repeatedly happen. He hung naked- I betrayed him and stripped him of all honor, clothing him with shame. Yet he hung and looked upon the people who so badly needed him, who needed to be taught how to love, how to give, how to communicate...the same people who were screaming profanities and killing him in every possible way with their inhumane hatred- having already forgiven them. I was in that crowd..but when he looked at me,in between ragged breaths, he spoke his love for me.
"Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen"
"Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps" (1 Pet. 2.21)
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me
All His wonderful passion and purity
Oh, Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me
Its very easy for your home, college, workplace, environment, the World and life in general to pollute your heart so that cannot reflect Christ.
What is Gods greatest purpose for our lives!? That we walk in the likeness of his Son and walk in that Newness of life Jesus so mercifully, graciously, and lovingly gave us!
-Tom
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me
All His wonderful passion and purity
Oh, Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me
Its very easy for your home, college, workplace, environment, the World and life in general to pollute your heart so that cannot reflect Christ.
What is Gods greatest purpose for our lives!? That we walk in the likeness of his Son and walk in that Newness of life Jesus so mercifully, graciously, and lovingly gave us!
-Tom
For You
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
Shinin' bright at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you
Just give me Jesus
In the morning when I rise,
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus
1 Cor 2:2
For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
~L~
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus
1 Cor 2:2
For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
~L~
10/22/10
Miraculous
And then there was the storm. The tie-yourself-to-the-mast-and-kiss-your-boat-good- bye storm. Ten-foot waves yanked the disciples first forward and then backward, leaving the boat ankle-deep in water. Matthew’s face blanched to the shade of spaetzle. Thomas death-gripped the stern. Peter suggested that they pray the Lord’s Prayer. Better still, that the Lord lead them in the Lord’s Prayer. That’s when he heard the Lord.
Snoring.
Jesus was asleep. Back against the bow. Head drooped forward. Chin flopping on a sternum as the hull bounced on waves. “Jesus!” Peter shouted.
The carpenter woke up, looked up. He wiped the rain from his eyes, puffed both cheeks with a sigh, and stood. He raised first his hand, then his voice, and as fast as you could say “glassy,” the water became just that. Jesus smiled and sat, and Peter stared and wondered, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:41).
Jesus: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matt. 16:15).
Jesus: “Who do you say that I am?”
Peter: “I, uh, I, uh...I believe...that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (see Matt. 16:16).
-max.L
10/21/10
10/20/10
I NEED YOUR HELP
Hey everyone,
I've been cleaning through my room/house today and I found that there are a lot of clothing that I don't use. As you all know, winter is headed our way... I thought maybe this season we could help give to the homeless.. the number has been growing recently, especially with all that american troops that have come back from war.
Over the next few weeks, if any of you could go through your closet/house and see if there are clothing in your home that is not being worn and can be given away, specifically jeans, jackets, shirts, shoes, sneakers, boots, winter items.. could you please let me know.. or just bring it out to bibletalk.
Also, it would even greatly be appreciated if you were to ask in your church, or have a clothing drive so that we can gather more.. thank you
"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18
Happy
Distance Unmeasured
Yesterday was encouraging
To be able to pour out our testimonies into worship instead of encouragement to each other is something that is not only moving but extremely humbling. To me, that had to be my favorite time of worship that we've had as a group so far; becuase not only was it sincere and from the heart, it was vertical. It was completely for God and not each other.
Yesterday when hap was sharing his swiftness to seek justice, I couldn't help but think how most of us are that way. When something is wrong or when someone has done us wrong we want justice. We want it right away, we want that person to pay for their offense, we want them to suffer the consequences.
And as he was talking I kept thinking about that verse from Psalm 103:12
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As I continued to meditate on that verse this morning and throughout this day it really made me appreciate Him all the more. I'm still meditating and gleaning from it, but as I was walking to class I couldn't help but think how the east and the west are completely opposite. You can never be in the east and in the west. It's one or the other. It's impossible for them to even have an end to the distance between them because distance cannot even be measured when it comes to describing two opposite sides that never end...
and I smiled as I realized that's the point.
man, God is good
- Ben Thomas
To be able to pour out our testimonies into worship instead of encouragement to each other is something that is not only moving but extremely humbling. To me, that had to be my favorite time of worship that we've had as a group so far; becuase not only was it sincere and from the heart, it was vertical. It was completely for God and not each other.
Yesterday when hap was sharing his swiftness to seek justice, I couldn't help but think how most of us are that way. When something is wrong or when someone has done us wrong we want justice. We want it right away, we want that person to pay for their offense, we want them to suffer the consequences.
And as he was talking I kept thinking about that verse from Psalm 103:12
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As I continued to meditate on that verse this morning and throughout this day it really made me appreciate Him all the more. I'm still meditating and gleaning from it, but as I was walking to class I couldn't help but think how the east and the west are completely opposite. You can never be in the east and in the west. It's one or the other. It's impossible for them to even have an end to the distance between them because distance cannot even be measured when it comes to describing two opposite sides that never end...
and I smiled as I realized that's the point.
man, God is good
- Ben Thomas
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