Tony Dungy on The National Day of Prayer
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 1st is the National Day of Prayer. Will you join me by taking some time on Thursday to pray for our country. This is not a political event, it is an opportunity for millions of American's to seek the Father and ask Him to guide our leaders. Let's also be ask God to use us as His instruments in helping turn America toward seeking God. Please join with Christ-Followers from all over our country and ask for God's guidance for this nation.
I am presently reading Tony Dungy's book, Quiet Strength, here is a brief video from Coach Dungy about the National Day of Prayer.
I am presently reading Tony Dungy's book, Quiet Strength, here is a brief video from Coach Dungy about the National Day of Prayer.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Who's the Weakest Link?
A chain is no stronger than it's weakest link. Today I spoke with a friend of TVCC whose family has moved recently and they visited a new church yesterday that was nearer their new home. What I found out from her was so valuable and worth (well worth!) passing on. Folks - YOU MATTER and WHAT YOU DO matters as well.
Here's what her experience taught me about how we can get so involved in 'having church' that we forget why we're 'having church'. Here were a few of the Weakest Links I discovered from her story.
The pastor said, "We're a friendly church" Yet no one spoke to them except during the 'turn-and-shake-a-hand' time.
"Fill out a guest card" Yet there wasn't one within 3-4 pews of them.
"Where's the restroom?" The lady she asked didn't know & the one the question was referred to gave vague, non-specific directions in a 'hope you find it' type reply.
Why's all this so important? That church could be us if we don't always act as if people matter to God; and they do! And since they matter to God they must matter to us. Remember what Jesus said, "When you did it unto the least of these...you did it unto me." So the next time you have a chance to make a good impression for God's Kingdom remember two things:
Others are watching, waiting, searching to know if we really care.
So is God!
TVCC - let's never ever become a weak link in God's Kingdom!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
More than Meds
STRESSED OUT!
Meds - Part 1
How do you cope with stress?
Stress. It comes about in many different ways and can literally wreck a moment, a relationship, or a life. The fact of stress is non-negotiable...it is coming! The only consideration is, what will I do when it arrives? Will I act or react? The choice can be life saving or life destroying.
You see, Meds is a two week series about so much more than whether or not you take a pill. In the first week we're going to talk about how we deal with the stressors in our lives, i.e. what's your coping mechanism? For some it's food. For another it's sleep. For others it's a bad relationship while yet others may self-medicate. I know of many people who handle stress by rejecting others or anger or pouting or violence.
In week two, we'll teach you how to turn pain into gain. It's going to be a great mini series! It's a wonderful on-ramp to bring someone new with you to TVCC.
So you see, this weekend is going to help all of us learn to deal with 'what's eating at us' in a positive, rather than a negative way. You probably know someone right now who could 'take this series and call me in the morning!' Who knows? Maybe it's you!
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT)
Meds - Part 1
How do you cope with stress?
Stress. It comes about in many different ways and can literally wreck a moment, a relationship, or a life. The fact of stress is non-negotiable...it is coming! The only consideration is, what will I do when it arrives? Will I act or react? The choice can be life saving or life destroying.
You see, Meds is a two week series about so much more than whether or not you take a pill. In the first week we're going to talk about how we deal with the stressors in our lives, i.e. what's your coping mechanism? For some it's food. For another it's sleep. For others it's a bad relationship while yet others may self-medicate. I know of many people who handle stress by rejecting others or anger or pouting or violence.
In week two, we'll teach you how to turn pain into gain. It's going to be a great mini series! It's a wonderful on-ramp to bring someone new with you to TVCC.
So you see, this weekend is going to help all of us learn to deal with 'what's eating at us' in a positive, rather than a negative way. You probably know someone right now who could 'take this series and call me in the morning!' Who knows? Maybe it's you!
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT)
Monday, April 14, 2008
Meds - Part 1
April 20 - STRESSED OUT!
Dude!!!
Dude!!!
Many of Jesus followers had deserted Him because they said His teachings were too hard.
Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."John 6:67-68 (NKJV) What do you do when life gets hard? Take more meds or seek to draw closer to God through His Word and prayer? How about talking to a friend? Anything other than running to Christ is 'going away' from Christ and will increase your stress rather than decrease it. Plan to bring a friend this weekend as we discover how to handle the stress of every day life.
Just in case you missed yesterdays weblog, I've included these excellent study tools again.
Click on this Link for a pdf developed by Rick Warren to help you get started with a daily time with God
Click on this Link for Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest
STRESSED OUT!
April 20 - Part 1 - Meds
STRESSED OUT! Why am I so overwhelmed?
Could it be that the one thing that would DE-STRESS the day-to-day grind of life is missing? Can you say that you have joy, even in the midst of the daily burdens of life? If not, try this remedy on for a change; a daily quiet time with God. Don't know how? I'm including two links today to help you get started in the de-stressing process. One is My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers and the other is a pdf developed by Rick Warren to help you get started with a daily time with God.
Remember, all other religions say "D-O" in order to gain God's favor. The Christian faith begins with "D-O-N-E".So the Holy Habits are not about earning favor- they are more about us allowing God to mold us. After all, He is the potter and we are clay - and He wants to shape us.So I thought today I would give you 2 tools for developing the discipline or habit of a daily time with God.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse you're drawn to during times of high stress in your life? Why not share it with us? To give feedback on this, simply click here and then on the comment link at the bottom of this post on my website. You can also click here to automatically receive my posts in your inbox.
Click on this Link for a pdf developed by Rick Warren to help you get started with a daily time with God
Click on this Link for Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest
STRESSED OUT! Why am I so overwhelmed?
Could it be that the one thing that would DE-STRESS the day-to-day grind of life is missing? Can you say that you have joy, even in the midst of the daily burdens of life? If not, try this remedy on for a change; a daily quiet time with God. Don't know how? I'm including two links today to help you get started in the de-stressing process. One is My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers and the other is a pdf developed by Rick Warren to help you get started with a daily time with God.
Remember, all other religions say "D-O" in order to gain God's favor. The Christian faith begins with "D-O-N-E".So the Holy Habits are not about earning favor- they are more about us allowing God to mold us. After all, He is the potter and we are clay - and He wants to shape us.So I thought today I would give you 2 tools for developing the discipline or habit of a daily time with God.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse you're drawn to during times of high stress in your life? Why not share it with us? To give feedback on this, simply click here and then on the comment link at the bottom of this post on my website. You can also click here to automatically receive my posts in your inbox.
Click on this Link for a pdf developed by Rick Warren to help you get started with a daily time with God
Click on this Link for Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest
Friday, April 11, 2008
Meds
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. And if it doesn’t, just take stronger medication, right? Well, no. But with all the quick fixes today, you might think that’s the answer. However, feelin’ no pain isn’t always the way God wants us to feel. Take this two-week series and call us in the morning.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Heaven? YES!
Here is an excerpt from a great book on Heaven by Randy Alcorn
Jesus says near the end of the Bible...
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. Revelation 21:4-6 (NLT) But then Jesus adds these sobering words:
All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
Revelation 21:7-8 (NLT)
For those who know Christ, their place is Heaven. For those who do not know Christ, their place is Hell. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NLT) There is no middle ground. Either you are a follower of Jesus or you are not. Christ said, “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me. Luke 11:23 (NLT)
C.S. Lewis on Heaven...
There have been times when I think we do not desire Heaven but more often I find myself wondering whether, in our heart of hearts, we have ever desired anything else.
Jesus says near the end of the Bible...
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. Revelation 21:4-6 (NLT) But then Jesus adds these sobering words:
All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
Revelation 21:7-8 (NLT)
For those who know Christ, their place is Heaven. For those who do not know Christ, their place is Hell. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NLT) There is no middle ground. Either you are a follower of Jesus or you are not. Christ said, “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me. Luke 11:23 (NLT)
C.S. Lewis on Heaven...
There have been times when I think we do not desire Heaven but more often I find myself wondering whether, in our heart of hearts, we have ever desired anything else.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Hell? NO!
Does Hell Exist - How is an eternity in Hell fair?
If Hell does exist, how can it be fair? Why would a loving God punish a person for eternity, when their sins only took place for 70-80 years? The answer is that all sin is ultimately against God, who is infinite. David, when he had committed murder and adultery, said this - Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight-- That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. Psalms 51:4 (NKJV) So, since God is an eternal and infinite Being, all sin is worthy of an infinite punishment. Yes, God loves us, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV) and wants all people to be saved. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) However, God is also just and righteous - He will not allow sin to go unpunished.
That is why God sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins. Jesus Christ's death was an infinite death, paying our infinite sin debt - so that we would not have to pay it in Hell for eternity. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) All we have to do is put our faith in Him and we are forgiven and promised an eternal home in heaven. God loved us so much to provide for our salvation. If we reject His gift of eternal life through the Lord Jesus Christ, we will face the eternal consequences of that decision - an eternity in a fiery hell. If you were to die today do you know with 100% certainty that you are going to heaven? Know for sure today!
If Hell does exist, how can it be fair? Why would a loving God punish a person for eternity, when their sins only took place for 70-80 years? The answer is that all sin is ultimately against God, who is infinite. David, when he had committed murder and adultery, said this - Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight-- That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. Psalms 51:4 (NKJV) So, since God is an eternal and infinite Being, all sin is worthy of an infinite punishment. Yes, God loves us, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV) and wants all people to be saved. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) However, God is also just and righteous - He will not allow sin to go unpunished.
That is why God sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins. Jesus Christ's death was an infinite death, paying our infinite sin debt - so that we would not have to pay it in Hell for eternity. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) All we have to do is put our faith in Him and we are forgiven and promised an eternal home in heaven. God loved us so much to provide for our salvation. If we reject His gift of eternal life through the Lord Jesus Christ, we will face the eternal consequences of that decision - an eternity in a fiery hell. If you were to die today do you know with 100% certainty that you are going to heaven? Know for sure today!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)