The prayer of the early church in Acts chapter 4 was that God might grant them boldness to speak the Word of God to the world. God’s response to this simple prayer was that He filled them with the Holy Ghost (Spirit) and they did, in fact, speak and give witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and Great Grace was upon them.
The key to the power of the Church of Acts is held here in these verses...and it’s the power available and key to the church today. The question for each of us is: “Do we ask God for this power, this boldness and His grace?”
Speaking to the resurrection power of the Lord Jesus is the great commission. Certainly praying this is in God’s will. We must, if we seek to grow in God’s grace and to serve Him faithfully, ask and receive the Holy Spirit’s baptism (or anointing) on our lives or we will walk in the power of our flesh (only) and certainly not have the boldness, love and sound mind that God can and will give us if we ask (2Tim 1:7).
Again, a question... “Do we desire to be empowered and used by the Lord for His glory and to further His kingdom?” If so, have we asked God for this boldness and POWER (Greek: dunamis) that will lead us down the path of an effective witness for Jesus? If not, why?
Pray with me that we receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit each and every day of our live that we might be powerful witnesses for Christ... ======================== Acts 4:24-33 ------------------- 24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. ============================ Email me at pj-brown@sbcglobal.net
Anna's House... a place of peace and refuge for the poor
A spray of bullets shattered windows and destroyed drywall at a new Near-Westside community center two weeks ago, but the vandalism didn't deter Lucious Newsom.
And Thursday, the 91-year-old advocate for the needy fulfilled a dream of feeding the poor and providing refuge from a rough neighborhood when he opened Anna's House at 303 N. Elder Ave. "Young men have visions, and old men dream dreams," he said, surveying the repaired building.
"This old man had a dream, and it's come true."
Many volunteers who helped repair Anna's House after the shooting returned Thursday for the house's grand opening -- a traditional Thanksgiving feast served to more than 300 people. Several members of the Indianapolis Colts donated food and signed autographs Thursday.
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Traditional Values Coalition Chairman Rev. Louis P. Sheldon was outraged when he learned of this latest attack on Christmas: “Just when I think political correctness can’t possibly become more ridiculous, along comes Chicago’s leaders to show me there’s no limit to how insane this kind of thinking has become. Will they insist during Ramadan that there be no public discussions of Muhammad? Will they insist that Jewish Menorah’s be removed from public displays to avoid offending Muslims? Are Santa Claus and his tiny reindeer next on the list of banned characters from Christmas? This anti-religious lunacy must stop.”
In a related anti-Christmas story, a Crate and Barrel executive says the company will definitely not have its employees say “Merry Christmas” to customers. According to the company, it has atheist, Jewish, and Muslim customers. Crate and Barrel spokeswoman Betty Kahn: "We would definitely not say Merry Christmas," she said. "It's all about holiday shopping, getting together with friends and family."
“TVC supporters may want to contact Crate and Barrel and tell them why they will not be shopping at their store this Christmas season,” said Rev. Sheldon.
This is a reminder of our meeting on Friday, Dec 1, 9:00AM at 7160 Graham Road.
For those of you who have not RSVP'd yet, please do so we can provide enough materials for everyone. Please invite possible area coordinators and let me know if you will be bringing guest. If you are not able to come, please send a representative (preferably a pastor). We are looking to have at least 20 area coordinators and at least 150 churches (last summer we had 50+) in metro Indy alone with 5000 volunteers. We are also looking to have 7 states next year.
I am excited to see all of you there! Merlin
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FHL Video: Do You Want To Transform Your Community?
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
John 15:1-14 ---------------- 1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. ============================ Email me at pj-brown@sbcglobal.net
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Phil Miglioratti and Dennis Fuqua host a regular monthly conference call nationwide, for us to learn from other cityreaching movements across the country.
For dial-in instructions and access to .mp3's from 17 previous city-calls... Visit PrayerSummits.Net.
The luncheon will begin at NOON and end at 1:45 p.m.
We will be studying Psalm 72:18-19 as we continue our study on “Biblical Benedictions: A Call for Modern Reformation.” Our presenters are Dr. Michael LeFebvre, Rev. Chris Harper, and Rev. Glen Wurdeman.
We look forward to this time of fellowship in the Word as we strengthen our hands for the work of the ministry entrusted to each of us. This kind of Bible study Calvin, Knox and other Reformation leaders throughout Europe believed was an essential factor in the continuing work of reformation. The Holy Spirit working through godly men brings fresh understanding. Come prepared with your own study of Psalm 72:18-19 and participate in the discussion session following the speakers.
Btw, we want to specially thank, and welcome, the Transform Indiana ministry-networking folks who have adjusted their normal meeting schedule in order join us on Tuesday rather than conflict with our Tuesday meeting. So this should be an especially interesting luncheon -- we hope you'll not miss out.
Please invite a guest and RSVP for the luncheon by calling 255-7557 and leave your name and the number in your party.
John Hay Jr.'s heart has long been in serving the community and God.
Soon, his legs will get involved, too.
Hay, senior pastor at West Morris Street Free Methodist Church since 2003, plans a 2,000-mile bicycle tour of India to raise money to rebuild a rural Indian hospital...
[Ed.Note: Gives new meaning to being a circuit-riding preacher, huh? Btw, John is one of the regulars at the U.B. cafe's Weds morning Bible study... and a talented photographer/blogger.]
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Indy radio station manager has passion for ministry
Richard & Kathy Sickels
For just over 2 years, Richard Sickels has managed the Indiana region of one of the most active ministries in the country…and it is a radio station. In July, 2004, Richard joined K-LOVE 90.5FM in Indiana after a 20 year career with WXIR LOVE 98.3FM. Prior to getting into the broadcasting industry, Richard was in the Army for 3 years and for 20 years had his own company which he sold to his brother.
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
The morning Roger Wightman's body was found in White River was freezing cold. But it wasn't the temperature that killed him. He had drowned.
His story could have ended there, a sad end to the sad life of one of the city's estimated 750 to 900 homeless veterans. Wightman was 45.
Except it didn't.
Wightman, it turned out, was a former U.S. Navy petty officer who served on an aircraft carrier, among other ships, from 1979 to 1987 and who, after returning to Indianapolis, had waged a losing battle against alcoholism.
In the days that followed his death, Wightman's friends and family stepped forward to tell "Roger stories" of a man who, despite his alcohol problems, had found a mission in talking to others about God.
In the process, he touched people's hearts with simple acts of kindness.
For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the strength of my salvation, my stronghold.
[From the Indianapolis Star] MOORESVILLE, Ind. -- Bible classes taught by a private group to third- and fourth-graders during school hours are being moved about a month after a lawsuit was filed over the practice. The move off the grounds of the Mooresville Consolidated School Corp. is permanent and comes as the district nears a settlement on the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, said Curt Freeman, the school district's superintendent.
"We're very close, we think, to getting an agreement resolved," he said.
The group offering the classes -- Morgan County Schools Weekday Religious Education -- has moved its program from a trailer at Neil Armstrong Elementary School to a nearby church, head instructor Mary Lee Wesner said.
She said the group was trying to find land near school property in the town about 10 miles southwest of Indianapolis where it could place its trailer. Organizers decided to move the classes after a meeting with the school district's attorney.
"He came up with a list of things we couldn't do, and that was one of them," Wesner said. The lawsuit filed last month in federal court in Indianapolis claims... [continued at IndyStar.com]
Charter School and University Have Historic Partnership
Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School, a public charter school in Indianapolis, has signed a historic agreement with Anderson University to establish an early college partnership.
Under the agreement, the Charles A. Tindley School, which is located in the old Meadows shopping center, will become an Early College High School and offer college level material courtesy of Anderson University
Dr. Daniel Bernard obtained his BA in Bible at Kentucky Christian College. He earned an MA in Missiology from Liberty Theological Seminary and was given an Honorary Doctorate of Theology from Tabernacle Bible College. His book, City Impact, published by Baker Publishing Group, has become ‘an ask for guide’ by churches and businesses for transforming their communities. In January, he will be launching his newest book on marriage. There will be book signings and Daniel will make himself available to speak at churches and businesses.
He was the Keynote Speaker of FHL's "Don't just Learn it; Experience it!" Conference on February, 2006 at Outback Steakhouse and at Junior Achievement.
He is available to speak to Indy churches and to businesses on a first come first serve basis. The possible dates are January 28, February 4 and February 25.
Last July, just about 15 months after Faith, hope and Love (FHL) began, there were more than 50 churches and 50 ministry partners and 1200+ volunteers (local community missionaries) who served metropolitan Indianapolis for the entire week. There were 5 Area Coordinators who paved the way towards FHL week. FHL is ordinary people transforming their communities and changing lives.During FHL week, you have the opportunity to extend a loving hand into your community.
Here are just a few examples of the FREE projects we do: Rehab homes damaged by poverty or neglect Visit with the elderly Distribute free bottled water City streets clean up Distribute food & clothing to those in need Wash cars
What Does Faith Hope and Love (FHL) have to offer the local church? . The energy and platform of a well organized series of outreach events in your community · The opportunity to plug your members into these events with a minimum of effort on your part
What does FHL have to offer to an individual? Meet and connect with new friends of similar hearts from all over your community . Find your worth in this world serving others . Discover your spiritual purpose that truly makes life rich and rewarding . Adventure! Stir up your life with exciting possibilities! Once you step outside of the ordinary to reach out, you’ll never be the same. . Through the variety of community services FHL provides, you have a place to use your God-given talents and resources. . It’s easy to participate in as little as 1 day or as much as you want. . Acts of random kindness give you a new opportunity to extend your love and concern to your neighbors in a non-intrusive way.
On Friday, Dec. 1st from 9a-11a at 7160 Graham Road near 75th and I-37 will be the launching of FHL 2007. If you are a Pastor or know Pastors who would be willing to come alongside FHL in 2007 as one of several Area Coordinators, please RSVP Merlin Gonzales at mgonzales@fhlcommunity.org
FHL Winter Conference...Calling on ministry partners
Faith, Hope and Love is holding a conference to promote volunteerism and philanthropy toward organizations which directly or indirectly have a positive impact on youth violence. We’d like to give your organization an opportunity to participate and be recognized at this conference. Examples of eligible organizations are those which mentor youth, counsel victims of abuse, address poverty issues, strengthen families and provide positive recreational outlets. If your organization is selected, you will be exposed to many possible donors, sponsors, volunteers, and the city as a whole. Organizations which have already committed to be involved are: Shepherd Community, Save the Youth, Go Ministry, and Kairos Prison Ministry.
We are still looking for 4-6 more partner ministries to recognize their service to our community. Faith Hope and Love Mission: to mobilize the resources of government, business and faith based organizations to bring about positive change which will result in communities that love God and love our neighbors.
February 2007 Winter Conference Agenda Wednesday, Feb. 21 Leader’s Luncheon (Ritz Charles in Carmel); Target audience: Sponsors/donors Thursday, Feb. 22 Proposed Leader’s Prayer Breakfast (Downtown); Target audience: Sponsors/Leaders Friday, Feb. 23 24-hour Prayer and Worship (locations TBD) Saturday, Feb. 24 Don’t Just Learn It – Experience It Conference (Shepherd); Target audience: Volunteers Saturday, Feb. 24 Concert at Conseco Field House prior to Indiana Ice Game; Target audience: General Public and recipients of services Attendance: Attendance at the luncheon, prayer breakfast and Saturday conference is anticipated to be 200-500; concert attendance is expected to be 2000-5000.
Assemblies of God... national convention coming to Indy
"IMPACT... is the theme for the 52nd General Council. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, early believers in the book of Acts literally turned their world upside-down. Is it possible that as we meet in Indianapolis that the same Spirit could empower us for service and anoint us for ministry? In recent months, our world been impacted by natural disasters, wars, political and business corruption and the rapid rise of false religions, to name a few. It is time for the Church to repent, seek God, and rise with new commitment and determination to IMPACT our homes, communities, churches and the world for Jesus Christ."
'Impact Indy ’07 – This month-long outreach to the city of Indianapolis will culminate at the 52nd General Council, offering delegates the opportunity to participate in extreme makeovers of inner-city churches, a Convoy of Hope outreach, a new church plant, MEGA Sports camps and AIM evangelism teams."
Then the convention itself will convene August 8-11, 2007.
Wal-Mart relents... just in time... for shopping season
The American Family Association is dropping its planned boycott of Wal-Mart for Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, after the corporation said it would clean up its corporate relationships...
"We are working hard to make our corporate contributions reflect the values of our customers, communities, and associates. As Sam Walton said, “Each Wal-Mart store should reflect the values of its customers and support the vision they hold for their community.
Wal-Mart will not make corporate contributions to support or oppose highly controversial issues unless they directly relate to our ability to serve our customers.
Wal-Mart does not have a position on same sex marriage and we do not give preference to gay or lesbian suppliers. Wal-Mart does have a strong commitment to diversity among our associates and against discrimination everywhere."
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
In Luke 24:35 the two men who had been on the road to Emmaus told the disciples how they had their recognition of Jesus opened to the through the breaking of bread. In that culture the breaking of bread was a sign of fellowship or a way that fellowship took place and thus, symbolically, we can see in this passage the necessity for fellowship with Jesus to really have our eyes opened to Him and our recognition enlightened.
How do we have fellowship with our Lord? Through His Word! John 1:1, 14 tells us that Jesus IS the Word, therefore as we spend time reading and meditation upon the Word (the infallible and inspired Word of God – the Bible) we will have our eyes opened more and more to who Jesus is and to His heart toward us.
How does this apply to us on a daily basis? When we need direction for our lives we can simply consult the Word. When we are discouraged or hurting we gain comfort and see that God has compassion on us in the Word. When we are struggling with life, temptation or difficulty we can seek God’s heart in the Word and He will speak to us.
What else does the Word do? It cleanses us (John 15:3) and we are washed by the water of the Word (Eph 5:26) and it transforms us so that we are not conformed to this world (Rom 12:2). The Word gives us the purity and those things that are right so that we may “think on them” (Phil 4:8) instead of the lusts of the flesh, lusts of the eyes and the pride of life (1John 2:16).
God holds His Word above His name (Psalm 138:2)...shouldn’t we fellowship with our Lord so that we might know Him better through His Word just as the men on the road to Emmaus?
Pray with me that we make time for God in our lives... =======================
Luke 24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.
"We got back from Indianapolis last night. The convention was great. I like the NACC, but I think I like the NMC more. I'll just write some highlights..."
Worshippers of different races join in service in hopes of healing racial divide in Martinsville.
A gathering of nearly 300 Christians with different skin colors and from different churches sang and prayed as one congregation Sunday in Martinsville...
But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
Here are some more thoughts from participants at this week's National Missionary Convention held here in Indy this year...
"What an amazing work God has done in me, in my husband and in my dearest friends!" [Crystal, MySpace]
"I really dont know whats ahead and planned for me in my life. Right now, Im enjoying seeking Gods will for me and putting my faith in Him! Ive been blessed that at this point in my life, I am able to focus on Him! He uses my weaknesses to remind me that I need Him more than anything else!"[Kelly, MySpace]
"If you have never been shaken by the overwhelming sense of God being with you and directing you... pray that you will because it is the coolest thing ever!"[Kristen, MySpace]
"Today was such a great day at the missionary convention. We got there, and there were so many people just standing around ready to talk to us. I talked to so many people who are ready to become missionaries! They all wanted to know what it is all about, what are my experiences, how to do it, etc.?"[Ray & Tammy Blog, Pioneer Bible Translators]
And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation - but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
"NMC is, as always, an incredible opportunity to renew friendships and make new friends. Not only that, but the chance to speak to SO many missionaries, in cross-cultural and stateside missions, is just wonderful.
The teen convention is again a great place for teens to be uplifted, challenged and to get grounded in the Word, so that they might become the future missionaries and ministers of the Gospel.
Tonight's message was "How do we know when the Great Commission is being fulfilled?" and the challenge was to us to be passionate in our proclaiming of the Good News, to our neighbors and the nations, and to not neglect any part of the Great Commission--preaching, teaching and giving.
It really was the most incredible time---I wish even more people could see that. My teens had a great time, so did my younger ones--they really loved seeing all the different booths and speaking to the various mission workers, including one very special guy named John Dongerdive from India.
More... from this week's National Missionary Convention
[from the Indianapolis Star]
We talked to Joetta Lehman, a 53-year-old Greenwood woman who left Haiti in February after 10 years of mission work there. A medical condition forced her to leave the tropics, though she can still make short visits. Lehman now works for OMS International, a Greenwood-based organization that assists missionaries. We talked to her about life as a missionary....
Jesus told us in Luke 6:45 that for the abundance of the heart, a man speaks. This is a telling sign in our lives as to how well we are allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. So often we will be on the “right track” in our own minds with regards to our walk with the Lord, but if we will listen to our mouths we may change our minds. Many times listening to our speech will encourage us that our fellowship with Jesus is one of intimacy and love, but there may also be times that we find some areas that the Lord still desires to work.
As an example, let’s think about... - How do we respond in traffic? - When confronted, do we respond in love without defensiveness? - When attempting to “come along side” a weaker brother, do we continue persevering or does our speech betray a loss of patience? - If we don’t get our own way, how do we respond? - When a confrontation occurs or we are in error, how humble are we? Do we attempt to make excuses or shift the blame? - Do our words reflect vanity (emptiness)...speech that is unnecessary such as “Oh my God” is vanity if it is not a cry to God. - When other people are in conflict, does our heart immediately draw us into the role of peace-maker, or do we take sides? - Does our speech reflect our inner selfishness that God so much wants put on the cross?
These are simple examples, however if we will be honest with ourselves and sincerely seeking the Lord’s guidance, we might find areas of our lives that still need to be yielded to God to allow Him (the author and finisher of our faith) to work. We may find areas of our lives that require us to repent or to go to our neighbor and apologize or ???
God wants to mold us and make us into the image of Jesus Christ but He is a complete gentleman...He won’t work where we won’t allow Him to work. Our walk with the Lord is to be one of relationship similar to the Father-Son relationship...the Father wants us to grow up to be the man/woman that brings HIM glory and that loves HIM with all of their heart! For us to be that person there may be some refinement needed and the first and last step is prayer with the second and all other steps being yielding to His Spirit as we walk in obedience to His Word.
Pray with me that we allow our loving Heavenly Father to “have thine own way” with us, now and throughout our lives... ======================= Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. ====================== Email me at pj-brown@sbcglobal.net
There is a reason Football America needs to root for Tony Dungy to win a Super Bowl, and it goes far beyond his uncommon decency, his sense of perspective and his grace in the darkest of personal moments. We need him to get to the Super Bowl and win it because we need confirmation that good guys can finish first, that it's possible in this day of tyrants and joyless churls for the normal, respectable man to win the day.
I am so tired of debating whether Bob Knight slapped or tickled that Texas Tech sophomore -- and since you asked, it was a...
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
Our Lord desires to bless us because He loves us. When we serve Him with our whole heart, we open up an all new way He can pour out His blessings on us. We receive blessings every time we bless another person. Jesus was always outwardly focused and seeking to minister grace to those around Him.
If we are, in our lives, truly desiring to bless others and minister grace, we are serving the Lord. But, as a caution or a warning as to motive, Jesus tells us in Luke 17:7-10 that serving God means we are serving God – not man.
The challenge we have before us today as given to us by this passage is:
Do we DESIRE to serve God and bless others no matter how insignificant and regardless of whether “man” ever sees or acknowledges us? We don’t have to “do” to be saved, but as we see the goodness of God in our lives and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us the natural response to God’s love towards us will be to serve Him. The Lord’s heart is to be exalted above all else and when we serve with a heart of gratitude (the attitude of gratitude), we honor and please Him and give Him the glory and not ourselves.
Do we SERVE in ministry in some capacity whether as janitor, Sunday school teacher, musician, washing dishes, etc.? As we see God’s goodness and have allowed the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, and have the desire to serve our risen Savor out of our love for Him, have we stepped out of our “comfort zones” and actually began serving in the capacity in which He has called us. Sometimes the first step is the hardest but God doesn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of boldness, love and a sound mind (2Tim 1:7).
Do we WORK out of compulsion and can’t wait for someone to take over for us...OR with the heart to serve our Savior by serving others? Or are we serving out of necessity instead of calling? God honors our obedience to seeing a need and stepping out in faith to meet that need. If, however, we don’t see that we are serving God through meeting the need then we will become a “complainer”, a “griper”, or worse BITTER and this is not at all the heart that God desires in His servants. If we are serving with this kind of heart we need to NOT BE SERVING! Unless we can allow God to bless us in all circumstances and understand that our life is not our own; unless we can open ourselves up to what God may want to do in our hearts and lives, we should not be serving (and living) under false pretense.
Do we expect to hear a “thank you”, a “pat on the back” or be publicly acknowledged? See #1 if this is true – because if we don’t have the right heart, the only thing we can do is pray that God changes our heart that we might be more like Him. If we are serving to serve our own egos, then we are not serving the Lord.
The bottom line of servant hood: Jesus tells us that “We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do”. When we serve God we may be unprofitable servants here on earth, but the rewards we are sending ahead are “Out of this world!” Our Lord desires to bless us because He loves us and even if we don’t serve – HE STILL LOVES US! God’s love NEVER fails.
Pray with me that if we serve, we serve only our Lord and not man or ourselves...
=======================
Luke 17:7-10 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
Or how about 'Your Spiritual Job Description' insights from local worship-leader, Eric Cooper...
"Dr. Dobson's comment caught my attention. In my mind, I was immediately transported to a plethora of worship services I have been involved in leading over the years. I envisioned the passionate faces, full of love and adoration for their God, hands lifted, worshipping the Creator from the deepest parts of their beings. But just as easily, I also saw rooms full of blank stares, crossed arms, disinterested yawns, and what-is-for-lunch-today faces, that literally sucked the energy out of my day-dreaming spirit.
And then it hit me...if great speeches are made by great audiences, then great worship services are made by great worshippers!
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
We are in need of board members and we are in need of a fundraising coordinator to come join our organization. These positions will not be advertised, we will only accept apps from those reffered to us. We are being overrun by clients from several federal, state and community agencies, we need to create a position that will keep our funding at a level consistent with the needs of our clients.
[IndyChristian Ed. Note -- These are the types of ministries filling needs as seen at WhenYouNeedSomeone.com... a network of compassion ministries here in the Central Indiana area.]
This week in Indy... National Missionary Convention...
To all our Christian friends visiting Indy from around the country this week... Welcome!
The Indianapolis Convention Center will be hosting the National Missionary Convention this week here in Indy. We hope to hear from a number of livebloggers out there who will be attending the convention.... Contact us. [subsequent posts]
"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields - and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
Reminder: The next meeting of the Reformation Society of Indiana -- pastors studying the Word of God together -- is TOMORROW... a noon luncheon on November 14th at Body of Christ Community Church, Indianapolis [details].
Also enjoy the constantly growing collection of 'Reformed' links... including some humorous videos... [continued]
He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." The Jews answered him, "Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?" "I am not possessed by a demon," said Jesus, "but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." At this the Jews exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?"
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
SAMARITAN’S PURSE STATEMENT ON OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD, UK
Recently, a media story from London reported that the Operation Christmas Child organization in the UK was removing Christian or Christmas-themed materials it collects for distribution to needy children around the world. Such a practice is inconsistent with the global mission, policies, and practices of Operation Christmas Child and Samaritan’s Purse, the international Christian relief organization which has conducted the annual Christmas project for the past 13 years.
Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, immediately reiterated to staff around the world...
Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.
Please join us Tuesday, November 14th for our next luncheon meeting at 12:00 noon until 1:45 p.m. at...
Body of Christ Community Church 1919 E. 52nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205 [map-link]
We will be studying II Corinthians 13:14. Our presenters will be Charlie Shields, Mark Judy, and Joshua Beecham.
Please RSVP by calling the church office at 255-7557 or by sending an e-mail to office@secondrpc.org.
We look forward to this time of fellowship in the Word as we strengthen our hands for the work of the ministry entrusted to each of us. This kind of Bible study Calvin, Knox and other Reformation leaders throughout Europe believed was an essential factor in the continuing work of reformation. The Holy Spirit working through godly men brings fresh understanding.
Come prepared with your own study of II Cor. 13:14, and participate in the discussion session following the speakers.
To RSVP for the luncheon please call (317) 255-7557.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Nov. 7 -- Are white evangelicals losing faith in the Republican Party?
The huge voting bloc, which helped elect President Bush twice and had been swinging more heavily Republican, seems to have become disenchanted with the GOP after the Mark Foley scandal and the high-profile resignations of several Republican congressmen.
Almost a third of white evangelicals voted for Democrats in today's election, according to early exit polls reported by The Associated Press. Most of them cited corruption as an important factor in their decision....
The theme for the Gospel of Mark and really for the life of Jesus is found in Mark 10:45. This verse speaks to our two fundamental states in this world: death and life. Jesus came to show us how to live our lives and to make a way for us to eternally be with Him even after our mortal (physical) death. If we have received from God eternal life through the atoning sacrifice of His Son on the cross at Calvary...then this is no longer an issue.
Assuming we have the first part – eternal life, this verse brings us to ponder the second part: Jesus came to minister.
Jesus, who is God incarnate, who is the eternally existent One & who came to earth after lowering Himself to the form of a man lived His life as an example for us that we see lived out a Spirit-filled abiding walk with God. Jesus told us that He only did & said that which the Father told to do and say – Jesus walked in meekness (the leading of God; literally in the Greek: strength under control).
And...Jesus walked in love and compassion and saw EVERYONE He came into contact with as a potential ministry (hence why the verse tells us that He came to minister) because of that great love He has for us.
The question we must, therefore, ask ourselves is, “Do I see everyone I encounter as a ministry?” So often we hear people say “I don’t like that person” or “they give me the creeps” or “I’m sure glad I’m not like that!” but that is NEVER how Jesus reacted. If we are to live our lives in His shadow and following His example we must look at everyone with the same eyes as He would – with the thought of “How can I minister to this person?”
You may have heard a church motto like “everyone a minister”, but that implies that everyone looks at everyone else as a potential ministry. Do we see the person on the bus or plane as a ministry? Do we see our co-workers or the person in the grocery or our neighbor next door as a ministry, or as an annoyance/non-person/or just someone of NO concern? How sad if we do...Jesus may have brought you to that person specifically so that he/she could be ministered to... The world will know we are His disciples by our love. If we don’t see people as ministries, is it because be are not walking in the power of the Holy Spirit and not walking in the unconditional love that God offers? Or have we just never thought about it before?
Pray with me that we see people with the heart and eyes of our loving Savior: Jesus Christ, Son of man – Son of God... ======================= Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest--and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still. See how your enemies are astir, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. "Come," they say, "let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more. "With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you-
Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
"Mentoring Inner City Boys... " PBS: Religion & Ethics News Weekly [seen locally on WFYI]
Bob Abernethy, Host: "Around the country, more and more churches, schools, scholars, social workers, and others are trying to understand and address the challenges facing so many poor boys and young men, particularly if they are African American. In Indianapolis..." [continued, including video]
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, "Praise be to you, O LORD, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. 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. "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. O LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. O LORD, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.
Did Pastor Ted go from perfect to imperfect overnight?
Did any of you come to Christ because you were perfect? Or was it because of your sin?
Did Christ come to die for the righteous? Or the unrighteous?
Any of you less thankful for your Savior?
Any of you going to stop loving your brother today?
Any of you NOT going to pray specially for our brother and his family?
Any of us NOT going to pray for the gay escort?
Any of you think Pastor Ted believes this was appropriate behavior?
Any of you change your minds about what's appropriate and what isn't?
Any of you going to stop loving your neighbors & community today?
Any of you going to stop wanting the best for your neighbor and community, as for yourself?
Any of you believe a cultural shift toward more homosexuality would be a good thing?
Any of you not going to the polls because of this?
Has God changed his mind about anything?
Has He changed his requirements, or His offer of the Good News?
So what's changed... really?
One family is really really hurt today, and needs our love and prayers.
Does all this perhaps change the intensity with which we hate what Satan has accomplished in his ever-shortening reign on earth?
Maybe there really IS something that's changed. Maybe there's a renewed call for us to get serious about what Christ called us, the Church, to be and to do.
Btw, are there any pro-gay voters that have changed their minds this morning?
In the great commission, Jesus tells us to teach people to observe all things that HE has commanded us, and that He will be with us even unto the end of the world.
In pondering how we can teach others to be disciples, we first have to ask if we are true disciples of our Lord Jesus. He wants US to observe His word, do we? The gospel of John tells us that Jesus is the Word that became flesh...do we hold HIS WORD as the authority AND the priority of our lives?
Psalm 138:2b tells us, “for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name”. If God holds HIS WORD at a higher exaltation than His name, shouldn’t we?
Acts 2:42 tells us that the disciples followed four common practices in the early church; the first is the Apostle’s doctrine, which is the Word, then prayer, communion and fellowship. But to have a balanced church or a balanced life our priority must be the Word of God – first and foremost in our lives.
Paul tells us in 2Timothy 3:16-17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works”. To be “thoroughly furnished” or equipped to be a disciple and to teach others to become disciples, the priority of our lives MUST be God’s Word as IT IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD. We need to study it and memorize it and love it and be prepared to share IT.
So many times people will make excuses about reading it or only look for what makes them “FEEL GOOD”. That’s fine if they want to be part of the last days crown that will heap to themselves teachers for their itching ears and allow themselves to be deceived by the world and ultimately be ashamed when they stand before the Lord, but...
God’s desire for His children, and a way He can speak to us and bless us, is to lead us in the path of His righteousness for His name’s sake. He will do this with and through His Word so that He might receive all glory and Honor and that we might be conformed to the image of His Son. What is our desire? Is our desire to lay down our lives and follow HARD after HIM? Is it to be a disciple so that we can more adeptly make disciples? Is it to know Him by His Word so that we might be found faithful when He comes back for us...studying the Word regularly and fellowshipping with others who are like-minded? Or is it to follow ourselves and what the world might lead us to?
Pray with me that we hold the Bible as the priority of our lives every day of our life... ======================= Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. =======================
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