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On Sunday I shared about a local friend and pastor who was informed on Saturday that his 22 year-old son lost his life serving our country in Afghanistan. When I heard the news I was very deeply moved and felt a sincere compassion for them, their other two children, and all of their extended family and friends. Romans 12:15 says, "weep with those who weep." It's a verse that I've remembered many times before when consoling a family after the loss of a loved one. Words just don't come easy in those times of grief. Often the best comfort I offer is to cry with them, love them, and simply be there for them.
Perspective is an amazing thing. One moment we can view our lives as happy, blessed, and good. And a few moments later we're depressed, discouraged, and ready to quit. Yesterday I talked about how regularly looking up to God in prayer clears our perspective. Our view is bad. God's view is much more clear and accurate. I've learned in life that the more time I spend focusing on my problem, the greater my problem seems. I've also learned the that the more time I spend focusing on God, the smaller my problems seems compared to the greatness of God. In most cases, my problems doesn't change at all but the way I view it does.
As you approach this week I'd like to challenge you to do a few things.
- Look Up to God in prayer more often than you usually do. You need it!
- Keep things in perspective. Don't let minor things become major.
- Be THANKFUL! Recognize just how blessed you are! Choose to focus on the good in your life. Do you get to hug your loved ones tonight? You are richly blessed!
I would also ask you to remember Pastor Ron & Debbie Ross in your prayers this week and in weeks to come as they mourn the loss of their son.
Have a GREAT week!
Regardless of the topic or the discussion a common phrase I hear at the beginning of most sentences is, "I believe....", then you will hear the person's opinion about a specific topic. In Wisconsin that opinion has centered most recently on the Budget Repair Bill; and the opinions are strong. Worldwide the opinion is focused on the tragedy in Japan. And our prayers go out to those affected. In the Christian world the most recent focus has been centered on a book written by a prominent pastor that is presumed to promote the theology of universalism. Part of the universalism teaching is that a loving God would never send someone to hell, if in fact hell actually exists. And the articles, attacks, etc. has ensued. Right? Wrong? I don't know haven't read the book and wouldn't want to make that judgment until I had.
My greater concern is the number of people I hear making statements that begin with "I Believe...", but when asked they can't tell you the foundation upon which they are establishing their beliefs. Typically it's either strictly based on their personal opinion or it's founded in some Biblical truth or fact but they can't substantiate their beliefs. Let me be clear, just because "you believe" something doesn't make it accurate or morally right. Especially if it contradicts the ultimate measure of wrong & right; the Bible. Before we give our opinions about how what someone's beliefs are wrong, why not begin by first solidifying what we believe first. Instead of standing against everything (which at times it is necessary to stand against something) why not start by declaring what you stand for! For me, here is my starting point; my declaration of what I firmly believe in, as supported by God's Word.
I BELIEVE.......
- The Bible is the divine, infallible, inspired Word of God.
- In the Trinity of God (Father, Son, & Holy Spirit).
- Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God born of a virgin.
- Every person is born with a sinful nature and in need of a Savior.
- Salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone and he paid the price of our sins on the cross.
- In a literal heaven prepared for those who have accepted Christ & a literal hell for those who have rejected Christ.
This I believe! Why? Because the Bible says every one of these statements are true and statement #1 means I must believe it as well. Before we declare our beliefs about marginal things, we should first know what foundation our faith is built upon. I encourage every Christian to stand on what God's Word believes first and then compare your opinions to the truth of God's before you share them with others. Don't position yourself to believe something that God's Word does not.
You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result. Genesis 50:20 (NASB)
Joseph’s life was anything but peaceful. He was sold into slavery by jealous brothers and thrown into prison on false charges. Yet, he remained free of bitterness or regret and saw God as the “Great Engineer” behind even the worst of circumstances.
In a final confrontation with his brothers, he graciously noted, “You meant it for bad; God meant it for good.”
“God meant it for good” says:
You can accept the past. No sin, no action, no choice on your part is too big for God to handle or too big to be worked out for good (Romans 8:28). Just ask Joseph! Better yet, ask his brothers who ended up relying on him for their survival.
You can embrace the present. There’s no need to play the “what if” game. The past is forgiven and gone, and the future is in God’s omnipotent hands; so you’re free to focus on the present: “Wherever you are, be all there,” says Jim Elliot. God wants you in the present because that’s where his grace will flow.
You can look expectantly toward the future. Even if you make mistakes today, God still controls your future. Walking in the Spirit, you can live life to the fullest, without fear of making mistakes that take you out of God’s control. Even when things appear to be terrible, you can trust that God is still working out his divine plan for your life.
This devotional is by Jon Walker, editor of the Daily Hope Devotionals and author of Costly Grace.
I wanted to share an exciting update for everyone regarding our Tithe Sunday Challenge.
YTD Weekly Tithe Average: $ 8,167
Tithe Sunday Challenge: $15,638
PRAISE THE LORD!!! I'm excited to see how everyone's faithfulness has proven to be amazing. So here's something to think about. What would happen if everyone was faithful with the blessing of God in our lives and committed to tithe regularly and consistently? Because we aren't just talking about money; we're talking about lives that would be changed. Every dollar invested in God's Kingdom is ultimately attached to reaching someone without God, providing discipleship, and releasing them to reach others. It's walked out every week in our ministries to kids & youth, in the planned outreach events, through small group discipleship, by helping those in need, and caring for others.
Even though stewardship involves money that's not what it's all about! It's about people. It's about lives that matter to God. It's about obedience to God's plan and the promised blessing of God. I've already heard several testimonies of how God has ALREADY proven faithful this past week as people were obedient to step out and give faithfully. I look forward to hearing more as God proves himself in your life as well.
Let's keep on stepping out in obedience and faith. Just watch what God is going to do!!!!
Pastor Mark
A devotional by Buddy Owens, teaching pastor at Saddleback Church.
“I am convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion” (Philippians 1:6 GWT).
Lasting change doesn’t start with you. It starts with God. And it all begins when you say, “Yes Lord, I’m taking you at your word.” God isn’t asking you to make a promise that you can’t keep. He is asking you to receive a promise that only he can keep.
When you confess your faith, you are receiving God’s promises into your life, and he always keeps his promises. When you confess your faith, you are taking God at his Word, and you can!
- He loves you – you have his Word on it (John 3:16).
- You are forgiven – you have his Word on it (Psalm 103:3).
- You belong to him – you have his Word on it (Romans 1:6).
- He will never leave you or give up on you – you have his Word on it (Hebrews 13:5).
- He will meet your needs – you have his Word on it (Philippians 4:19).
- He has a plan and a purpose for your life – you have his Word on it (Jeremiah 29:11).
As you build your life on the Word of God, he will truly make you into a new person – a total makeover from the inside out. And what God starts, he will finish.Your responsibility is to confess it. Let it renovate your life. “Be made new in the attitude of your minds.” But let me warn you: expect to be challenged. The Devil doesn’t want you to be free, so he will whisper old lies to you. He’ll try to discourage you and accuse you. He will bring up your past to haunt and harass you. But, as Greg Laurie says, “Whenever the Devil tries to remind you of your past, remind him of his future.” And start confessing your faith.
What lies do you still believe? What is keeping you from walking in the freedom and joy of the Lord? Start declaring the truth of the God’s Word and then act on that truth.
And that will truly make a new you.
I certainly consider myself a football fan in general and a Packer fan specifically. Everyone around Green Bay is in a state of euphoria about the Packers win last night against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV (that's 45 for those of you who are confused by roman numerals like me). Where I watched the game I saw people jump, shout, clap, run around, and almost pass out at times. The energy was high and the passion ran deep. It was a great win for a city still divided about whether they would wear a jersey with a 4 or 12 on it (either is fine). It was a Big Win!
I've joked with a few people this morning because I've heard people saying, "We won the Super Bowl!" My question has been, "If WE won the Super Bowl, where is my ring and when is the check coming?" Nobody has been able to give me a date yet. (ha.ha.) In last night's game, I never stepped onto the field once. I never threw a pass, covered a receiver, or scored a touchdown. My greatest contribution was making several trips to the food table. Aside from my occasional cheering and armchair quarterbacking I didn't contribute much to the big win.
But for me and for you there are Bigger Wins! Bigger than the Super Bowl and bigger than the Lombardi trophy. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." In a world full of awards there is only one that I'm striving for; the crown of life! It is our persistence through trials and struggles, our determination to be a Godly spouse, parents, and individuals that earns us this win. Is it easy; no! Is it worth it; yes!
Celebrate Green Bay! Celebrate a Big Win! But also remember that there are BIGGER WINS to be had today in your everyday attitudes, decisions, and obedience to God.
Have a GREAT day!
I once heard someone say, "The only constant in life is change!" How true that is. Central is in a season of change right now. This week will be Pastor Tim & Misty's last week with us as our Worship Pastors. They joined the Central Team in November of 2007. They were the first full-time Worship Pastors Central has ever had in it's nearly 53 year history. Over the past 3 years they've progressively improved every aspect of of our worship, media, and technology ministries. They accepted a new position at Twin Rivers Church in Cooper City, Florida. We will miss them as they leave, but we also bless them as they step forward into God's fresh plans for their lives. Please don't miss the opportunity to express your personal thanks to them this Friday evening from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. as we host a reception for them in the Youth Room.
This season of change has also brought us our new Children's Pastors, Paul & Shelby Anglemyer. They just made the big move from Rapid City, South Dakota last week and are getting settle into their home in Green Bay. Along with their two children, Alyssa & Adrian, they come to Green Bay with 18+ years of children's ministry experience and are poised to lead Central's kids ministry to the next level. We are very excited to have them on Central's leadership team and we are looking forward to great things in our kids ministry in years to come.
So as we transition, keep Pastor Tim, Misty, & Gavin in prayer as they are in this exciting moving process. And as you do, also remember to pray as we search for our next worship pastor. Also keep the Anglemyers in your prayers as they get settle in and get things established for tremendous ministry. The future looks bright at Central Church as we take our Next Steps toward God's plans for our church and our city.
Have a GREAT week!
