Thirty-Six Years Today

To one gorgeous lady. I'm so thankful to God for Marylin and that He had the great wisdom to give me a partner who would stand with me and by me. One who would be the greatest soul mate and friend. I couldn't have the life I have today, nor enjoy any measure of the blessings I've been privileged to enjoy without her in my life; this I'm sure of.

So as the old song says, this is dedicated to the one I love - my wife of 36 years today, Marylin. I love you babe!

Always and forever,

Steve

The Joy of God

How Can I have It?

This week, I want to drill down deeper on this subject of joy. After the overwhelming response to the teaching on God's Gift of Joy, I realize there are so many who are struggling in this area of life.

Let's begin with the area of repentance. Is it the cause or effect of salvation? Repentance is not simply feeling sorry for my sins. Here is a great definition for repentance:

To change; to turn; to change one's mind; to turn one's life. It is a turning away from sin and turning toward God. It is a change of mind, a forsaking of sin. It is putting sin out of one's thoughts and behavior. It is resolving never to think or do a thing again. (Cp. Matthew 3:2; Luke 13:2-3; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 8:22; Acts 26:20.) - Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary

But be very careful here, for repentance is not the cause of your forgiveness and therefore your joy, it is the result! Listen to these words from Oswald Chambers:

The only reason for the forgiveness of our sins by God, and the infinite depth of His promise to forget them, is the death of Jesus Christ. Our repentance is merely the result of our personal realization of the atonement by the Cross of Christ, which He has provided for us.

The Apostle Paul said it this way:

Everything that we have-right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start-comes from God by way of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:30 (MSG)

Then Oswald concludes his thought by saying:

Once we realize that Christ has become all this for us, the limitless joy of God begins in us. And wherever the joy of God is not present, the death sentence is still in effect. So, is there an area of your life where you're not experiencing joy? If there is, it's because you have not yet realized that attitude or mind set's death in you by its death in the sacrifice of Christ.

You can have a fresh start today by taking that fear, relationship, anger, depression, hurt, hang-up, or habit, or whatever it may be and literally receive God's joy over it through the Cross of Christ.

Joyfully!

Pastor Steve


Coming Next: Satan's Attempts to Destroy Our Joy

Unwrapping God's Gifts

God's Gift of Joy

This week we unwrap week two of our new series, Unwrapping God's Gifts. As I've been preparing this message for Sunday, God's Gift of Joy, God has really burdened my heart for so many that we the body of TVCC know that aren't very joyful these days. We're living in tough economic times and humanly speaking, the days are uncertain; but not so with God.

Paul gives us our text for this weekend in 1 Thessalonians 5:16, "Always be joyful." Paul could say that because he knew that with God, days are not uncertain and that the times couldn't get too tough for anyone who depended on God for every answer to life's successes or problems.

You all know that the heartbeat of TVCC is for those who either have no joy because they don't know the source of joy, Jesus Christ or because of hard times and they've forgotten the true source of joy is found only in Jesus - the greatest gift ever! God has given me a burden for them and I pray that burden will be passed on to you as well.

Now, here's the challenge: You know them. They're all around you every day. Why not offer them a great gift this very weekend as you invite them and bring them with you to one of our worship services so they can find or recapture the joy of life in Christ? It's the best you can do for them; it's the greatest gift you'll ever give.

See you at the UNWRAPPING Place this Sunday!

Pastor Steve

New Series - Unwrapping God's Gifts

God's gifts to us are powerful and they're unmistakable! During this five week series we're going to unwrap five particular gifts that He guarantees every believer: Strength, Joy, Purpose, Jesus, and Hope. The holidays are very lonely for many people; especially those who don't know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives. Friends don't take no for an answer - drag them with you, bribe them with lunch plans, do whatever it takes to introduce them to Christ this Christmas.

Feeling Separated from God?

Paul poses a question to the early believers which we've been considering the last two weeks.

Here is the question:

Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? Romans 8:35 (NLT)

Here is the awesome answer:

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NLT)

Our God, who wants us to never be separated from him, offers us the power of Christ that we might have the ability to overcome 'stuff' we couldn't overcome without his power. With the message this weekend we learn that committing to God's program and immersing ourselves in the spiritual disciplines prepares us to carry the conquering spirit into whatever the circumstances of life, that we might progress along the spiritual growth continuum with the intention of becoming fully Christ-centered.

This weekend we will conclude the series but for most of us, the journey of Romans 8 has just begun and will continue for as long as we're willing to drill down deep into the depths of God's word. Bring someone with you who needs to know and experience that Inseparable love of the Father who loved us and gave Himself for us.

See you at the Inseparable Place this weekend!

Pastor Steve

One Week Later...

Welcome to our new First Family! It's one week later and some are happy and others, not so happy. What do we do now that the elections are over? We have a new President and God has given us these responsibilities:

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity-the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:1-5 (NLT)

So what are we to do?

• Pray for them as they lead
  
• Pray that God would meet their needs
  
• Thank God for them

And notice that what we are to live in ways that are pleasing to God, marked by "godliness and dignity" so that the end result will not bring praise to an office or a country but to the only One worthy of true praise and honor, our Mediator who is the One who can "reconcile God and humanity - the man Christ Jesus." Why? "So that everyone will be saved."

Our true salvation is in the Lord and there is no other. Let us then join together and do our part as we first, live righteously and then out of that life, pray for those in authority over us.

Amen.

Pastor Steve

FP 40 Cause & Effect

Getting it Straight

I can’t believe 40 days have gone by already. What a blessing FIREPROOF the movie has been and will continue to be to literally hundreds of thousands of people who have turned their lives around, solidified their marriages and relationships, and set them on a path toward God as never before.

What I hope you’ve gained out of all of this is how passionate your personal relationships can be as a result of a passionate, loving, giving God who calls each one of us up higher, and causes us to realize that He alone can fireproof our hearts, our homes, and our lives.

I have had so many who’ve responded to this email series with positive strides in their Christian journey that I’m considering continuing in some format with a daily, quick scripture teaching or summary of some type. If you’d like to receive these mailings, I’m going to set up a new mailing list for it. I don’t want to assume that everyone wants them in their inbox in whatever frequency we decide to send them out so if you’d like to be included on the mailing list for this, CLICK HERE and you can send us an email to that effect. Our regular mailing list will remain as is and will go back to being used for special or weekly announcements and time sensitive communications for TVCC’s family of supporters.

For today’s FP 40, let’s pick up where we left off yesterday. The key to living a life of faith through the power of the Spirit is not being confused about what is the cause and what is the effect of our salvation.

For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. Romans 5:10 (NLT)

We are saved one way and one way only: Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have absolutely nothing to do with what He accomplished; it was His sacrifice alone – not ours. Jesus caused us to have the availability of this new relationship as He opened the pathway to the Father for us. Jesus caused sin to have no more power over us as He broke the chains of darkness and death that were held by Satan and his minions. Jesus caused unbroken fellowship for each one who will accept the gift of eternal life, which begins at conversion and last forever.

So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:21 (NLT)

What did we have to do with that? Nothing! As the old song says, Jesus paid it all! So what’s our part and how do we get it? The best thought process to describe our part is to surrender, submit, or yield.

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT)

As Oswald Chambers said in My Utmost for His Highest, “I am not saved by believing – I simply realize I am saved by believing. And it is not repentance that saves me – repentance is only the sign that I realize what God has done through Christ Jesus.” (October 28th, My Utmost for His Highest)

So today, don’t be defeated by trying to do what only Jesus could and can do – namely, save us. No amount of belief or repentance or any other “works” can gain you eternal life. If it could then every moment of doubt and every episode of sin, no matter how minor or major, would remove us from His all encompassing love and salvation.

For further study read Ephesians 2:8-10 to see the cause in verses 8 and 9 as well as the effect in verse 10.


Till Next Time,


Pastor Steve


http://www.biblegateway.com/
http://bible.christianity.com/
http://bibleresources.bible.com/

FP 39 The Bible – Digging Down

A Practical Study

Okay, I know these are a little longer than usual but they’re worth the extra time to learn how to really begin to dig into God’s Word so let’s “dig” in!

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

This week we’ve talked a lot about reflecting on God’s Word rather than just reading it. The key to all of our relationships is to understand them against the backdrop of our lives as they relate to God first and others second. Too many times we’re trying to live a “Christian” life in a worldly way and then when our marriages or friendships don’t work out, we turn to God and ask Him why He let them fail. The failure didn’t happen in the relationship with others first; the failure happened because one or both individuals failed to live the Spirit led life!

While any contact with God is good such as prayer, meditation, serving, and reading daily devotionals, nothing will move you into a deeper walk with God and others like taking time to dig down deep into His Word. But how do you do that?

Today let’s take just a moment and practice digging down on the passage from yesterday but before we do, let me give you the first key to digging down deep. Pray! Stop and ask God to guide your thoughts and to help you understand His Word and apply it to your life and relationships right now. Tell Him that you desire to live the Spirit led life and to produce fruit that will last and be a blessing to Him and to others. Amen! Now - Galatians 5:16-26.

The desired result God has for His children is that we would yield our lives daily to His Holy Spirit in us and produce His fruit. How do we know this? As you study the entire passage slowly, methodically, reading it aloud, let the movement of the words drive you as you listen to what God is telling you while you read. Notice this:

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16 (NLT)

I’ve underlined the key phrases for you (it’s good to do so in your Bible as well) which are the keys to producing the fruit of the Spirit in your life. How do we begin to live in ways that are pleasing to God and stop the frustration of the double life? Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives, it’s that simple. When you do, THEN you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. There’s always a cause and effect to all of our actions. Tomorrow we’ll talk about not getting the two confused!

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Here are some links to a few really great study tools but don’t use the commentaries until after you’ve prayed, read, meditated, and allowed God to speak to you first, then click on the helps:

http://www.biblegateway.com
http://bible.christianity.com/
http://bibleresources.bible.com

FP 38 The Bible Inside

Good Fruit

Why is Bible study so important? And why is it so important that you reflect on God's Word and not just read it? I believe the Psalmist gives us the answer:

I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won't sin myself bankrupt. Psalm 119:11 (MSG)

The imagery is very clear. Whatever I deposit in the vault of my heart is what I will withdraw into the conversations of my life. The result of placing God's Word in our hearts through meditation and memorization is that when relationship challenges come, and they will come, we will be able make wise decisions based upon sound biblical principles rather than "sin (yourself) bankrupt" by yielding to the flesh instead of the spirit. Let me explain.

Hal, a pastor friend of mine asked the question, "What do you get when you squeeze an orange?" His reply was that we all answer too quickly and incorrectly, "orange juice." What if we hollow out the orange and put grapefruit inside? When you squeeze it you'll get grapefruit juice, not orange juice. What you get out is what is put in. This is why it is so important that we not only read the word, but study it and apply it to our lives. When the pressure is applied and it is applied primarily through relationships, what is in us (our character) comes out of us and if we're not careful it will be bitter. Some people when placed under pressure yield fruits of yelling, lying, hitting, crying, fearing, denying, or any number of other "bad fruits". So what do we do about it?

Hollow out the grapefruit and instead put in the sweet fruit of God's word which will impact our character and be spoken into the relationships in our lives. Here's the good fruit:

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

Notice that the fruit is not naturally in us but is supernaturally placed in us as the Holy Spirit hollows out the bitterness of our past and present lives and instead replaces it with His fruit. Want to know more? Here's a passage for further study today that, when placed in your heart will drastically change and impact your life for God's glory and your good. Again, just in case you don't have a Bible next to you I've included the link for you Galatians 5:16-26.

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 37 The Bible - Getting Started

Reflection vs Reading

Sunday we learned that most things in life are much easier once someone teaches us how to do them vs trying to figure it out on our own. The best way to learn how to be successful in relationships is to get into God's word. According to Howard & William Hendricks in Living By The Book, some of the excuses for not being in the Bible are:

• I don't know how
• I'm just a layman
• I just don't have the time
• I have my doubts about the Bible
• I just can't seem to make it interesting

And there are hundreds more I'm sure. But whatever your excuse for not taking time each day to delve into God's word, I want to ask you to put your excuse on the back burner for a while and make reflecting on God's word each day a primary goal of your life.

The difference between reflecting and reading is, well - everything. It's like reading directions to get somewhere vs reading a letter from a very dear friend. Remember those letters? You know, we wrote them on paper then we folded them and stuck them in an envelope, gave them to the postman, and off went our sentiments, our emotions, and our love. Come on, folks! Who gets excited over directions? Directions are used to get you somewhere and then you're through with them; nonemotional, noncommittal, non-threatening - they're just directions.

But when you read a letter, oh the feeling, the emotion, the anticipation for what comes next. It's a different world when we reflect rather than just read because reflecting is "sweeter than honey" and a "delight" as we take to heart what we read and study it, meditate on it, and remember it.

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103 (ESV)

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2 (NKJV)

Why not start today with Psalm 8 and reflect on the beauty, excellence and majesty of God. More to come!

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 36 The Bible

Centerpiece of the Home

What is a centerpiece? According to the online dictionary it is:

1. an ornamental object used in a central position, esp. on the center of a dining-room table.2. the central or outstanding point or feature.So what is the centerpiece that is on display in you so that others recognize it as the central or outstanding point or feature of your life?

Nothing, absolutely nothing will impact your home, your personal life, and your relationships like God's word. That's why we're constantly challenging you to read it, study it, memorize it, meditate on it, and get it into your daily routine of life.

Now that sounds a little suspect doesn't it? Make the Bible a part of your "daily routine"? Indeed! This is the fact you need to grasp today. Until your love for God and your time to meet with Him on a daily basis is so much a part of your life that it is routine, it will be sporadic at best and the outcome will be dismal. Christ will never feel at home in your heart, and your roots will not "grow down into God's love and keep you strong." (Ephesians 3:17)

So get started today and let God's word become the centerpiece in your home. Remember, whatever you set up as most precious will be that thing that others notice as being first and of utmost importance in your life. What is your centerpiece? More to come!

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 35 Under the Umbrella

The place of safety

There is a place of safety. Not from everything the world brings against us, nor from everything Satan brings against us. But a place of safety that is protected from the internal destruction which comes as a result of coming out from under God's plan and design for mankind. Just what is this umbrella?

It is doing things God's way because He said so, because God is a God of order, and His order works. The Biblical order is very simple. God created man and placed him over his home and family. This is to be his priority, second only to his allegiance to God. Then, from man's side, He took woman and placed her alongside him to submit herself to God underneath the umbrella of man's protection and love. Next, as children are born into this union, they are to be underneath the nurture and care of dad and mom who are each under the appropriate umbrella, all coming together under God's umbrella of protection and purpose.
Envision if you will, each umbrella opened underneath the one over it, and then imagine what happens anytime one of these umbrellas are removed from God's designed order, not of hierarchy, but of protection and nurturing and care. You become, whether husband, wife, or child who has a rebellious spirit that demands your way over God's way, open to every possible evil and divisiveness known to man. When you remove yourself as a parent, you're exposing the rest of your family to destruction at worst and defilement at best, because God's way will not be mocked. Our lives cannot stand apart from the all-encompassing umbrella of His Word.

So stay under the umbrella! Don't try to do things apart from God's way. It just won't work. Instead "whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (ESV)

This was God's instructions for Israel and it is for us today as well. May we be faithful to uphold the umbrella of God's instructions for us as His people.

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 34 The Heart of the Home

For Women Only II

Why do I say women are the heart of the home? Why is this character trait to be guarded and protected without apology? Because it's God's created plan. To put it simply; He made her that way, and any time we get outside God's created natural order of things, we're headed for danger. Let me explain.

Dad's the "come on - get up - that didn't hurt" guy. Mom is the "it'll be okay - does your 'ouie' need a bandage - let me kiss it and make it better" gal. Both are necessary to complete the heart of the child; one to help them get up and the other to help them get through.

One of the great pictures of love comes from that of Christ Himself when He said, speaking of Jerusalem,

"How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me. Matthew 23:37 (NLT)

And that love never goes away. It doesn't matter what we do, where we go, or the situation we may find ourselves in, the heart of the home that is centered on Jesus is forever the heart of God seeking, wooing, calling us up to our best, our highest for Him.

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 33 For Women Only

When Women Love

For the last couple of days, we've been talking about what happens when men exercise their roles with the head (leading) and the heart (loving) of Christ. So what about women both leading and loving? Aren't men and women responsible to be the best they can be at both? Yes! But our breakdown in the 21st century home is that we've left our God-given roles and accepted a standard neither recognized nor designed by God.

This doesn't mean that women don't or can't lead; quite the contrary. Check out the Proverbs 31 woman and you'll see that she is anything but a wallflower who's a "barefoot, pregnant, & in the kitchen" type gal.

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. Proverbs 31:10-11 (ESV)

Why does he trust in her? Well, just read Proverbs 31:10-31 and you'll see. Just in case you don't have a Bible at your side, here is the passage. He trusts in her because of the attitude, example, and love she gives as she serves her family. This is not a lower cast servant role, either. This woman has a lot on the ball. She's involved in agriculture, commerce, real estate; you name it, she does it. But the underlying theme of it all is her heart. More to come in FP 34!

Until Tomorrow,


Pastor Steve

FP 32 Seeking Holiness

For Men Only II

Yesterday we talked about the necessity of leadership in the home and how that God has given men great responsibility in this process - to lead through loving. And if you find yourself as a single parent, male or female in the home, this applies to you as well. There is no insignificant leader when it comes to living and teaching the holiness we are called upon to exhibit in our lives.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

Why is this so important and why is it a promise we need to anchor to? Because God honors His word and a Spirit filled home will be one in which the Spirit of God is honored as the word of God is followed. Holiness is not an option if we would seek His Kingdom above all else.

For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16 (NLT)

When we seek God's Kingdom above all else, our spouses, children, family and friends will not see us on the throne of our lives, but they will see our lives as reflections of God's love. That means we love with the heart of Christ, we lead with the heart of Christ, we discipline with the heart of Christ and we do business with the heart of Christ. We literally live with as well as out of the heart of Christ. When we do that, we will yield every decision, every statement, every desire up to the will of the Father. As we do, we look more and more like Him and who wouldn't want to exhibit the heart and mind of Christ? Paul tells us to do these two essentials in order to live a holy life:

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5 (KJV)

Put on your new nature, created to be like God-truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:24 (NLT)

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 31 For Men Only

When Men Lead

Okay, I've got a confession to make - I danced (sorry about that Mom - she's reading this!). I didn't just dance, I loved to dance. Marylin loves to dance too (sorry Marylin's dad - he's reading this too!). The thing about dancing is this: Somebody has to lead. So it is in the dance of life as well. Somebody has to lead and if both try to lead, you won't have a dance but a tug-of-war.

Why for men only? Because when it comes to the family, the failure predominantly comes when men fail to lead and women fail to follow in the spiritual growth process of the home. Men, God gave us the charge to lead and lead well. We are to love our wives and encourage them and help them as we care for our children, grandchildren, and the home.

The failure of Christian homes at such an alarming rate has come largely, not as a result of women who failed to follow but of men who failed to lead. I know, I know, nothing is 100%; there are exceptions to every rule. But by-and-large the problem is we as men have dropped the ball when it comes to displaying the head (leading) and the heart (sacrificing) of Christ in our God established roles. So what's the answer? Simple:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

Easier said than done? We'll talk more on this in FP 32!

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 30 Courteous Encounters

Opening Doors & Hearts

This week we're talking about the quote from Caleb Holt in the movie FIREPROOF, "Welcome to the new normal." How do we know what is a new normal in our lives. One thing that struck me is this: A new normal for most of us would be to go back to how we treated one another when we were dating.

What were some things we tried to do for each other when dating that too many times goes by the wayside? Here's just a few I thought of:

• Calling if you're going to be late
• Complementing hair, dress, accessories, etc.
• Talking
• Listening
• Standing when a lady enters the room or approaches the table
• Opening her car door or entry way door
• Being tender in words and actions

I know, I know - those are old fashioned ideas. But they're good ideas. Actually, they should never go away but be a part of our repertoire in our day-to-day activities of loving, caring and courteously treating one another "out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:21

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere. James 3:17 (TLB)

So if you want to open the hearts of those you care for and love, be courteous and kind in all you do, and you will truly experience courteous encounters of the first kind!

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 29 The Big Ask

For the Big Tasks

What happens when we truly trust God to move us to a new normal? Well, it really depends on the size of the ask. What do you want God to do? What are you willing to sacrifice in order to see Him do it?

"But wait a minute, Pastor! You said it depends on the size of the ask, and I can certainly ask big. You know, 'ask great things and expect great things.'" Yes I did. But our problem is that we expect God to fix something, i.e. our relationships, without it costing us something in the process. "Fix my wife God!" Or, "God, please do something with this man. You know I certainly can't do anything with him." Or, "God would you please make the people around me more pleasant to deal with?" Take it into any area of life you want to; health, finances, family, home, country, or community. Just remember this: A big ask requires big sacrifices.

If you want your spouse to be more loving, invest more time and energy into them. If you want your work environment to be better, do something to make it that way. Want a godly wife? Pray for her, love her, and appreciate her. Want a godly leader of your home? Pray for him, encourage him, compliment him on the little things and watch him grow!

Do not be lazy but work hard, serving the Lord with all your heart. Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times. Romans 12:11-12 (NCV)

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 28 A New Normal

Positioned for Personal Growth

Samuel Chadwick said, "Satan laughs at our good works, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray."

The moment Caleb really got Katherine's attention in the movie FIREPROOF was when he went to his knees in an act of contrition as he told her, "I've asked God to forgive me and He has, and now I ask you to forgive me, too. I was wrong! I was selfish! I made everything about me."

Caleb knew something we all need to learn. The quickest way to the heart of God and those we love is the "new normal" Caleb spoke of when Katherine said to him, "Caleb, this is not normal for you," and he replied, "Welcome to the new normal."

This week I challenge you to work on the new normal by blocking Satan's goal of wrecking your life as you pray and seek God's face in all of your relationships. Maybe you don't need to be on your knees seeking forgiveness (although some may indeed need to), but all of us could use a dose of a new normal of love and consideration for others.

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (ESV)

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 27 Powerful Healing

The Touch of Forgiveness

In the final verse of our study this week, we are given God's desire for the life of every person:

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:19 (NLT)

How do you come to understand this great love of Christ? Let it become real to you as you give what you have received.

Since this weekend's teaching is on forgiveness, I thought it would be appropriate to share this wonderful story which illustrates so well the change that takes place in us when forgiveness moves from an abstract belief to a life changing reality. Enjoy!

Have you ever unexpectedly encountered someone who has wronged you? There you are, suddenly face-to-face with your nemesis. How do you feel? Frederic Luskin, director of the Stanford Forgiveness Project, says, "Our bodies react as if we're in real danger right now to a story of how someone hurt us seven years ago. . . . You're feeling anger, your heart rhythm changes . . . breathing gets shallow."

Corrie ten Boom and her Dutch family hid Jews from the Nazis during World War II. For this she endured Ravensbruck, a concentration camp. Her inspiring story became a famous book and film, The Hiding Place.

In 1947 in a Munich church, she told a German audience that God forgives. "When we confess our sins," she explained, "God casts them into the deepest ocean, gone forever." After her presentation, she recognized a man approaching her, a guard from Ravensbruck, before whom she had had to walk naked. Chilling memories flooded back.

"A fine message, Fraulein!" said the man. "How good it is to know that, as you say, all our sins are at the bottom of the sea!" He extended his hand in greeting.

Corrie recalled, "I, who had spoken so glibly of forgiveness, fumbled in my pocketbook rather than take that hand. He would not remember me. . . . But I remembered him and the leather crop swinging from his belt. I was face to face with one of my captors, and my blood seemed to freeze."

The man continued: "You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk. . . . I was a guard there. . . . But since that time . . . I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well, Fraulein." He extended his hand again. "Will you forgive me?"

Corrie stood there, unable to forgive. As anger and vengeance raged inside her, she remembered Jesus' death for this man. How could she refuse? But she lacked the strength. She silently asked God to forgive her and help her forgive him. As she took his hand, she felt a "healing warmth" flooding her body. "I forgive you, brother!" she cried, "With all my heart."

"And so," Corrie later recalled, "I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on [God's]. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself."

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT)

FP 26 Powerful Understanding

The Relationship of a Lifetime

It all starts here. Jesus said, "And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is." Ephesians 3:18

As we trust in Jesus, He does a wonderful work in our hearts and we begin to get a small glimpse of His wide, long, high, and deep love. What we must remember is this: His love was not merely spoken, it was revealed by His actions. The Cross was proof that what He'd said, was true. Since we see it and experience it, we respond to it with open hearts and full gratitude.

That's what happens in our relationships when we "show" our love instead of just "talk" about our love. In acts of kindness, forgiveness, change of heart, and complete restoration, we experience and feel the effects of real abiding love. That is a powerful understanding.

Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it. 1 John 3:18 (CEV)

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT)

FP 25 Root Bound

Or Growing Down

Have you ever seen a root bound plant? The roots can literally be so bound up and intertwined that they appear to be a ball of string woven tightly around the outer surface of the soil inside the pot. What causes a plant to become root bound? Not enough room to grow deep life giving roots that will cause the plant to produce vibrant, healthy foliage which is a blessing to the Gardner as well as the casual observer. They need a larger container.

How sad it is that relationships suffer because we're so narrow minded and encapsulated in our own small world, hemmed in by problems and the trials of life, that our roots get bound up and we cease to grow. Not only does our relationship with the Gardner suffer, but those who would otherwise draw joy from our lives miss the blessing also.

What's the cure? Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)

According to God's word, Christ at home in the heart is the answer to every problem, every circumstance, and every "root bound life". So for today, answer this question: Is Christ not only "at home in your heart" but are you committing to Him, witnessing to Him, witnessing to His word, and trusting in Him with your entire everyday life?

Pray this prayer today: Father, help me to realize that growing deep in you is not a belief system, but a lifestyle. Help me today, not only to know you, but to grow deep roots as I depend on your love and strength in all of my relationships. Help me to love others by not withholding from them, "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ," Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT)

FP 24 Resource Shopping

At God's Mall

Okay, now that you have confirmed that you are a follower of Christ, what's next? "Unlimited resources!" They are there for every believer but they're not automatic; you have to get them from God's word. Your job is to fill up the warehouse as you study the Bible. Each time you read it and meditate on it and study it, you keep adding inventory for God to use in your life. As a good friend of mine used to say in the Ag business, "It's hard to sell out of an empty wagon. You've got to have some inventory."

Through the word of God we do have unlimited resources, but the only way they can be used is for us to allow God to use them. We can't do it on our own. So let's start filling our warehouse with fruit, God's fruit.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

According to the Greek construction of this verse, the fruit is love and all the rest of the fruits flow from that one branch known as love. But again, notice who produces it in our lives: The Holy Spirit. We can't produce it, only He can. Our job is to fill up the warehouse with the word and surrender our lives to Him on a moment-by-moment basis so that He can do it through us. Our relationships will grow sweeter and deeper as we receive that "inner strength" through Him.


Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT)

FP 23 Unlimited Resources

Inner Strength

What are you doing with what God has given you? Paul said that we have, “…unlimited resources” that God will use to “…empower you with inner strength.” That’s the first step in the change of heart and attitude I challenged you with yesterday.

Many of our relationships are failing because we’re trying to draw on “unlimited resources” that are not yet present in our lives. “Caleb,” said his father in the movie FIREPROOF, “You can’t give away what you do not have.” What a powerful statement! And the only way you can have those “unlimited resources” is when “Christ make(s) his home in your hearts and you trust in him.”

Two questions for you today:

1. When did Christ make His home in your heart?
2. What difference has that made in your real life? (i.e. purpose, words, attitudes, actions, giving of your life daily to the cause of Christ, witnessing the power of Christ in your life, etc.)

Exercise: Talk with your spouse or a close friend and tell them about when Christ made His home in your heart and be honest about the change He has or hasn’t made in your life.

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT)

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

PS Marylin and I are in Chicago at Willow Creek Community Church this week and I’ll be speaking at the Reveal Conference tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

FP 22 - Experiencing God

Complete in power

This week I'd like to talk to you about the change of heart and attitudes that will fully release Christ's power into your relationships as we become more and more like Him. That sounds great doesn't it? It's the figuring out how to do it that is the challenge. What's a key indicator that you're growing to become more and more Christ-like each day? Here's where we'll start and then we'll unpack it as we go this week.

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT)

As you study that passage, let God speak to you and show you how your faith is growing and how your love for one another (especially your spouse or family member or friend) is increasing. How can you show it today and this week?

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 21 - Useless?

Feeling Useless?
The next step

Okay, I know it was tough; the message this morning, that is. It was tough because it dealt with each one of us where we live and caused us to take off the "rose colored glasses", the "masks", and see the areas of our lives that need improvement. That's when we grow up in Him as we realize how totally dependent we are on His power and love. But just because we have areas that need attention certainly doesn't mean we're useless. As a matter of fact, until you recognize and admit you have a need, your life will be so superficial that no one can grow by your testimony. Let me explain.

As long as we hide behind a mask then we are useless. It's when we get transparent about real struggles and real problems and day-to-day pressures of life, that we are poured out as a blessing to others. Your true testimony is not built upon theory but reality; the reality of how God delivered you, helped you, moved you beyond some failure or temptation and has redeemed you as His very own.

Useless? Hardly! You are His prized possession and God wants your life and light to shine for others to see His marvelous strength and love.In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

So if you have problem areas in your life, share them with your spouse or a trusted friend (of the same sex) and as you pray over them and surrender them to God, you'll be ready for Him to use you to bless others.

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16 (NLT)

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 20 The Deceptive Dragon

The Deceptive Dragon
Overcoming Temptation

A couple of days ago, I told you of the Reluctant Dragon of Isaiah 30:7 which refers to a mythical sea monster that represents chaos in ancient literature. We saw that following the Reluctant Dragon will take us into chaos and captivity (see FP 18).

But what about the Deceptive Dragon of Revelation 12:9? I can tell you from experience that he is anything but powerless. If the Reluctant Dragon takes you into chaos and captivity, then the Deceptive Dragon is equally powerful to take you into the lies and promises of a fallen world. How?

Three ways and we'll talk about them this weekend. They're known as the big three: The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, and from them all sin and disobedience resonate. It began in the Garden of Eden when Eve was tempted to disobey God. "The woman saw that the tree was good for food [the lust of the flesh], and that it was a delight to the eyes [the lust of the eye], that the tree was to be desired to make one wise [the pride of life] (Gen 3:6)

These three parallel the temptation of Christ as well. " 'Command this stone to become bread' [the lust of the flesh] ---'Throw yourself down' [the pride of life] ---The devil took him up, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, ---It shall all be yours' [the lust of the eye and the pride of life]" (Lk 4:3,9,5,7). However, through Christ who has gone before us, we can be overcomers in this battle. How?

God gives us the antidote to the craftiness of Satan's trickery; there are two counsels God gives us. Speaking of temptation we are told: FLEE temptation. Speaking of the tempter God's word is: Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (Ja 4:7)

Sounds great but how? Be sure and join us this weekend as we discover how to live in the victory God intends for every marriage, every relationship, and every believer's life.

Until Tomorrow,
Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 19

Overcoming Parasites
How to protect your relationships

From FIREPROOF - Never leave your partner behind:

WATCH OUT FOR PARASITES. A PARASITE IS ANYTHING THAT LATCHES ONTO YOU OR YOUR PARTNER AND SUCKS THE LIFE OUT OF YOUR MARRIAGE. THEY'RE NORMALLY IN THE FORM OF ADDICTIONS LIKE GAMBLING, DRUGS, OR PORNOGRAPHY. THEY PROMISE PLEASURE BUT GROW LIKE A DISEASE AND CONSUME MORE AND MORE OF YOUR THOUGHTS, TIME AND MONEY. THEY STEAL AWAY YOUR LOYALTY AND YOUR HEART FROM THOSE YOU LOVE.

This weekend we're going to teach you how to Break Free; free from anything that would suck the life out of your marriage or your relationships. If you'd like to study ahead to get ready for Sunday morning's teaching and worship, here are some scriptures to dig into as you prepare for what God will teach us through His word.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13
1 John 2:16
Luke 4:1-12
Matthew 6:13
Job 31:1
2 Corinthians 10:5
Philippians 4:8
Romans 8:6
2 Timothy 2:22
1 John 1:9


Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 18

The Reluctant Dragon
Worthless Promises

Why do we think we know better than God? It amazes me that even though we have His word and clear instructions on how to make the right decisions, that for some weird reason, we think we know best and follow our hearts rather than directing them. But there's a problem with our hearts - they can't be trusted.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)

Our own understanding will betray us. Only when we trust in the Lord with our hearts can we be sure of making the right decisions in life and in our relationships. When Israel failed to heed God's word concerning joining forces with Egypt against Assyria, Israel went into captivity. Judah on the other hand, the southern Kingdom, followed God's instructions and was spared the captivity and all the pain and heartache that went along with it. The verse I want to draw on is this:

Egypt's help is worthless and empty; therefore I have called her "Rahab who sits still." Isaiah 30:7 (ESV)

The Hebrew "Rahab who sits still" refers to a mythical sea monster that represents chaos in ancient literature. The Living Bible calls her "The Reluctant Dragon."

Anytime we listen to the voices and culture around us rather that heeding God's word and instructions for us, we will end up in chaos because we have chosen to follow The Reluctant Dragon, which will always take us into captivity. God's word is clear and when followed will keep us from falling into the traps of poor advice. The world says get even; God says forgive. The world says follow your heart; God says keep His word. The world says God wants you to be happy; God says He wants you to be holy.

Anytime you're facing a decision in life, don't listen to The Reluctant Dragon; instead heed God's word and experience His freedom.

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 17

Fearing the Future
Longing for yesterday

Why do we make such poor decisions? And why do they have to be so costly? To continue yesterday’s conversation; I think much of what we do is fear based. How does fear blow things out of proportion? Because we worry about and dwell on things that we can neither control or change but since time is marching on, we desperately seek to make some radical change in life to cope with these new circumstances we find ourselves in everyday. Let me explain.

Men have mid-life crises (trade cars or women). Women have face lifts and tummy tucks (trade post-baby weight for version 2.1). We try fad diets and new hairdos. We go from no hair to grow hair. Why all this fuss? Because we fear the future (what we’re becoming) as well as long for yesterday (what we were) and that drives us to make really dumb decisions about everything from relationships to purchases. Why is it that when people “trade up” for a newer model (cars or relationships) it’s not until arriving home with the “new model” that all of a sudden thoughts of upkeep and payments kick in? Call it what you will but anytime you get to longing for what was more than being committed to what is you’re asking for trouble with a capital T. So what’s a person to do? How about this advice:

"I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)

Yesterday’s memories are just that – memories. Whether good or bad, success or failures, they do not determine the strength of our relationships for tomorrow. But when we turn our attention toward the goal of making our service to God our #1 priority, and immediately behind that, doing all we can to build our relationships in a Godly fashion, that will change the outcome of all our today’s and tomorrow’s. Focus on one thing: On what God’s got in store for your future relationships and how you can serve Him with your life today.

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 16

WILD RIDE ON FEAR STREET!
Volatile Markets & Marriages

Those were the headlines from one of yesterday’s top news stories, “Wild Ride on Fear Street” as a huge sell off resulted from growing fears about the unstable economy, whether the buyout will work, and where it’s all headed.

Another resultant news story that followed that one is a horrid, dark, and unfathomable result of what fear and desperation will do to the mind of mankind.

AN unemployed California man shot and killed his wife, three children and mother-in-law before taking his own life over his family's financial difficulties, police said today (yesterday). Los Angeles Police Department deputy chief Michael Moore said the gunman, 45, shot his wife, 39, her mother, 70, and three sons aged 19, 12 and seven at their home in an up market suburb of Los Angeles.

"We believe this individual had become despondent recently over his financial dealings and the financial situation of his household, and this murder-suicide event is a direct result of that," Mr Moore said. A letter apparently left by the gunman attested to the family's financial difficulties, he said. The Courier Mail

Too many times, because of our fear, we take extreme measures in our homes and families when the problems appear insurmountable. That’s what fear does; it blows the problem at hand beyond the reality of the truth. And unless we realize it, fear will drive us to moments of insanity. The cure? God’s Spirit over our spirit is an unstoppable force of strength and power and love.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and
self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

Satan has one desire in mind: Destroy what God created! And according to what Jesus said, one of His most precious creations was marriage.

So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." Matthew 19:6 (ESV)

Fear separates, condemns, questions, mistrusts, abuses relationships, and will seek to call bad what God calls good. Fear will place a wedge in your relationships and bring words that only the power of God will be able to overcome. It will make you who you are not, and do things that you would not do were you not driven by this ever morphing giant called fear. But know this until tomorrow:

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18 (ESV)

So for today, whoever you are and wherever you are, follow God’s instructions for this day: "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalm 46:10 (ESV)

Be still,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 15

Backtracking
Seeking the Right Counsel

How often have you found yourself going the wrong way and trying to backtrack to where you started in seeking to discover where you are now so you'll know how to get to where you're going? It's especially true with us guys. We'll go to any length not to stop and ask for help or directions. Why? Because we don't want to feel we've failed at anything we attempt, and to ask for help is many times, an admission of failure to succeed. Weird, huh? That's just our basic human nature, albeit a bad one. We're afraid we're going to ask a dumb question or have someone think we can't handle a given situation on our own. Let me see...has that not been the problem of mankind that started this downward spiral in the first place?

So in relationships, if your lost or feeling like you don't know how to get to where you want to go, what's a man (or woman) to do? ASK! Ask who? Someone who's been there and made good decisions already, or a professional in the area of advice you're seeking.

I'm amazed at the number of people who, while hanging around others who are going through problems or have already gone through the world's remedy for relationships called divorce, will begin to see divorce as "greener grass" and immediately they too try to get into that pasture, just to find out it's painted concrete and very, very hard.

What is the remedy for poor advice?

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2 (ESV)

Rather than making a hasty and poor decision, do what we all have to learn to do (yes, ALL of us), and say this to God:

I can't handle this and I don't want to make the wrong decision. So I'm seeking Your counsel through Your Word and those who've made good decisions in the past that you've placed in my life to help me know what to do. I don't trust myself right now because I'm too vulnerable to the pain of the situation I'm in. So knowing I'm a child of God, under the blood of Christ, I yield myself and this potential life altering decision to You. AMEN.

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 14

This week's Love Dare Challenge
It's good to remember...

Do you remember your vows? Did they mean to you then what they mean to you today? That's why it's good to renew them after that "romance" stage is not what it used to be and you've entered into one of the other stages of marriage. (For a complete understanding of the stages of marriage, you can get the entire sermon online Tuesday.) A great way to rebuild your relationship is to plan a special time for just the two of you and use these simple vows below for a time of renewal of your marriage covenant.

COUPLES:
SOMETIME THIS WEEK, RENEW YOUR VOWS TO EACH OTHER.

I, _________, take you __________ to be my wife/husband.
To have and to hold from this day forward,
For better, for worse,
For richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health.
To love and cherish as long as we both shall live.

After renewing your vows together, spend a few minutes praying together about your marriage.

SINGLES:
PICK OUT A SKILL TO WORK ON:
1. AFFIRMING DIFFERENCES IN MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITE SEX
2. FORGIVING (We'll have a chance to go deeper with this in two weeks.)
3. DECIDING TO LOVE AND KEEP ON LOVING A CLOSE FRIEND.

Until tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 13

Love for a Lifetime
It can be yours - If the price is right!

What's the price? Make the decision to love, whether I feel like it or not. Too many times we don't want to love unless it 'feels good' and we're on top of the mountain of our relationships. But this is the problem: Love based upon emotion will soon dry up and evaporate into nothingness. When the misunderstanding comes or the expectation is not met, we have to make a choice to love unconditionally.

That's what Jesus did. He didn't wait for us to get good enough before He loved us or to get it all right and His love isn't based upon how good we are but how strong and powerful His love is. A great verse to take into all of our relationships is this:

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2 (ESV)

When we operate this way, our love for each other, and especially those who are closest to us, will produce the fragrance of Christ in all we do.

Until tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 12

Love for a Lifetime
It can be yours!

What does it mean to have love for a lifetime? If the length of marriages today is any indication, life is way too short! Love for a lifetime is exactly what it says it is, i.e. LOVE for a LIFETIME. Our problem is that we get comfortable. When that happens, we get lazy and irritable and unfriendly and surly, and well, just downright mean to each other. When we stop being polite to one another, treating one another with kindness, we may be married for a lifetime, but it's anything but love. So, how do we do it?

I think I can help us with a scripture verse (imagine that!). Paul said in Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Too may times we've tried to make this a scripture about faith and being able to move mountains and overcome obstacles, and there are surely instances where that would apply. But what if, (just go with me here) what if the message God wanted us to hear is this: If I will be willing to be humiliated, to do without what might be beneficial to me at the moment and instead, do what is beneficial to others, i.e. spouse, family member, friend, then God will bless others (and me) through that attitude. In other words, I must be willing to give myself up, to bear up under the stress without demanding my own way but instead,

"See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (ESV)

The first 'one another' we should consider is our closest relationships in life and that would certainly include our loved ones. As I've said before, if we treated our spouses and close friends like a person of high esteem or status in life, rather than an old hat or worn out shoe, we will know, LOVE FOR A LIFETIME.

Join us this weekend either in person or if you're out of town, online next Tuesday, as I teach this very topic, Love for a Lifetime.

Until tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 11

Patient Love...Beauty & Grace
It is so like Jesus!

I don't know how many of you have seen the movie FIREPROOF yet, but it you haven't, do yourself a favor and go! My goodness what a 'firestorm' it is sending across this country. Here is one of the stories I read about the other day.

"Wow, this movie really hit home. Both my husband and I are on the fire department in our town. We have been going through some problems of our own in our relationship. Catherine and Caleb's relationship was somewhat similar to ours, and after watching the movie and seeing that others can make it through the same problems and not give up, it restored my faith in God and restored my faith that my relationship will be able to stand the test of time with God's help."

Also, I HIGHLY recommend that you get and do the Love Dare Journal. It is 40 Days of 'how to's for your marriage. Marylin and I have it and we're putting it into practice. I hope you will too!

One of the things I'm learning (and even after 35 years of marriage I have a lot to learn) is about this thing of patience. The Love Dare Journal says this:

Love will inspire you to become a patient person. When you choose to be patient, you respond in a positive way to a negative situation. You are slow to anger. You choose to have a long fuse instead of a quick temper...Patience brings an internal calm during an external storm.

Wow! Did you get that? Patience brings an internal calm during an external storm. When I think back over the years, it is sobering to think about how many arguments we could have avoided if we'd practiced more patience with each other. Because when you run out of patience, anger ensues and nothing good happens from that point on. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived said it this way:

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. Proverbs 15:18 (ESV)

And another good piece of advice tells us this:

See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (ESV)

Until tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 10

LORD GIVE ME PATIENCE...NOW!
Patiently Working on Relationships

Am I the only one who has trouble staying on top of this patience thing? I mean come on! How can I constantly be still when I have so much to say? And we all know that when others hear what WE have to say it's going to fix everything right? So how can we possibly be patient, knowing that our great words and knowledge will probably KEEP THE WORLD FROM FALLING APART!!!

Well, you get the message (I hope). We were once told by a pastor's wife to never pray for patience because the Bible says in Romans 5:3 that "Tribulation worketh patience." It certainly does! But that's the danger of taking a verse out of context; you'll always come up with a bad egg. Look at the entire verse:

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:3-5 (KJV)

What begins in tribulation or as some versions have it, suffering, ends up in hope and during the process builds experience or character. What a deal! And the hope we have does not disappoint. Why? Because of the love of God that is poured out in our hearts.

Want to know why the day-to-day tribulation we experience isn't producing patience and building character and hope? Because the kind of tribulation the Bible talks about is the result of living a godly life as a disciple of Christ. Most of the tribulation we experience is just the opposite; NOT treating others with the heart of Christ and certainly many times, to our chagrin, not our mates.

So if we're to "suffer tribulation" let's not do so as a result of treating others with less respect and compassion than we ourselves desire. Instead, let's do this:

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18 (ESV)

Until tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 9

HOW TO AVOID ARGUMENTS
SHHHHH!

That's about it. Just be quiet. Too many times we're so anxious to say what we believe about a given situation when we would be better off to just listen, truly listen to what's being said without formulating our rebuttal or response. Most of us are adamant when it comes to wanting to get our "two cents worth" into the conversation. We would all be wise to learn this:

The man of few words and settled mind is wise; therefore, even a fool is thought to be wise when he is silent. It pays him to keep his mouth shut. Proverbs 17:27 (TLB)

And James, the brother of our Lord gives us this advice:

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 (NLT)

That is the key to good communication and good communication is the key to peace and harmony in any relationship.

Until tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 8

DO THE NEXT RIGHT THING
What do you have to lose?

There's an old commercial that used to say, "TRY IT YOU'LL LIKE IT! That's my encouragement to you today. And I would ask you, what do you have to lose?

You see, you'll never get better until you're willing to start where you are now. You can't start where you want to be eventually because, and I fear a 'duh' moment here; you're not there yet. And this is a fact: You'll never get there until you start where you are now by doing the NEXT RIGHT THING - not step 10 but step 1! What is that for most of us?

Begin by praying for the person God wants you to become - not for God to change the other person you're trying to love. Jesus gave us this instruction:

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Matthew 7:3 (ESV)

What I've found is that the person's change that will make the most difference in my happiness, is me! It's like getting a new set of glasses; it just clears everything up when I get my vision straightened out. Then I can see what's up close (myself) as well as at a distance (my relationships) and what it will take to place all of them under Christ's guidance and control. When we do this, lots of things will change, but mostly me.

Have you started your Love Dare Challenge? We ran out of books yesterday but it's not too late to order. How about getting some as gifts for your married children or grandchildren?

Until tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

LOVE DARE CHALLENGE - WEEK 2

HUSBANDS: EVERY DAY THIS WEEK, ASK THE LORD TO SHOW YOU ONE WAY TO LOVE YOUR WIFE, AND THEN DO IT.

WIVES: EVERY DAY THIS WEEK, ASK THE LORD TO SHOW YOU ONE WAY TO LOVE YOUR HUSBAND, AND THEN DO IT.

SINGLES: MAKE A LIST (RIGHT NOW) OF 6 FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS OR CO-WORKERS AND ASSIGN A DAY TO EACH OF THEM. THEN, EVERY DAY THIS WEEK, ASK THE LORD TO SHOW YOU ONE WAY TO LOVE THE PERSON OF THE DAY, THEN DO IT.

Fireproof Day 7

THE FOUNDATION STONE
Summary - Week 1

Wow! What a week. This FIREPROOF thing is rocking the U.S.A. I praise God for this church, Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA for their faithfulness in using their resources in doing something so unselfish and global in nature. They are indeed, FIREPROOFING many lives through the testimony of this movie. But remember, it must start in the home, at the very heart of who we are called to be. Let me remind us of a couple of the powerful verses from week one that sets the bar very high for all of us.

And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21 (NLT)

This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. Ephesians 5:32 (NLT)

This is why it is so important for all of us to realize the basis for every relationship is built upon this fact: Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

I was speaking to a friend this morning that is experiencing some marital strife. Their biggest issue is this very thing; submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Yet this fundamental truth is the latchkey for every bit of happiness and satisfaction in life - submitting our life to one another and the key is: "Out of reverence for Christ." As I explained to my friend, without this submitting factor, there is absolutely not an area of life where a person will be satisfied. Why? Because unless I will submit to "one another" I'll never submit to Christ either - it's a flaw in our human nature that is the root of all sin, namely ME! Unless I will submit to others as well as Christ, then every decision I make will be about MY hurt, MY pain, My need to be understood, My failure to move on from a past hurt, MY need to be satisfied rather than give up myself for God and others.

This week, I challenge you to review the message from this morning at TVCC. If you missed it, Gene will have it online by Tuesday afternoon at www.tvcc.us. Why is so important? If you don't connect with the Source of love which powers every relationship, you'll never be able to give it away to others; husband, wife, friend, neighbor, family - no one. It will be impossible to give away what you've never seen or experienced and this love can only be found in Christ who broke the barriers as He demonstrated for us that it can be done. Remember 1 John 4:19 -

We love each other because he loved us first.

I'm looking forward to our week together!

Until tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 6

Architect or Arson?
Building Bridges or Burning Bridges?

We are all one or the other - no middle ground allowed. It's time to get real and when you get real, you get time; time to think, time to dream, time to repair, and time to heal, and most importantly, time to love. As we head into the weekend, reflect on your life.

• Have you been a healer or a hurter?
  
• Are you a part of the solution or are you fixed on the problem?
  
• Have you given up on happiness because someone gave up on you?
  
• Are you failing to forge your future because you can't forget your past?
  

I'm asking God for miraculous cures in relationships and I believe Him for them. Why?

Because God is in the miracle working business! As the angel said to Mary about the birth of John the Baptist to a woman past her prime named Elizabeth, and that she herself would be pregnant with the very Son of God, even though she'd never had sexual relations with a man,

"For nothing will be impossible with God." Luke 1:37 (ESV)

Father, I trust your heart to do what only you can do this weekend. Relationships everywhere, people reading this I don't even know, are being torn apart by their stubbornness and unwillingness to turn to you, the great healer of hearts. I pray that you will mend hearts, restore relationships, and heal homes and marriages this very weekend. The thing we think is impossible may indeed be impossible in our finite minds, but nothing, absolutely nothing is impossible when you are invited into the middle of impossible! Thank you for what you're going to do and are already doing to capture lives and turn our hearts toward home.In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Until tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 5

It Begins
The start of something great!

"FIREPROOF: CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING OR PREVENTING DAMAGE BY FIRE."

Tonight and over the next few weeks many of you will see the movie, FIREPROOF. As you do, I want to give you a listener's guide. Ask yourself these questions about yourself and seek to answer them honestly about your relationships, not only as a husband or wife, but also as a parent, youth, or friend. Every relationship is important and as such, deserves the effort of time and communication to make it the best it can possibly be.

• Is there a problem in my relationship with my spouse or friend? What is my part in the problem? (Don't play the "yeah but" game. "Yeah I might have been wrong but they should/shouldn't have done this or that)
  
• Am I seeking to understand my husband/wife/family member/friend?
  
• What can I do to immediately change my actions or attitudes?
  
• How have I left God out of my life and this relationship?
  
• Do I need to extend or ask for forgiveness of a wrong done to another, whether I realized it or not? (Just because I didn't know it, doesn't excuse it. When it's revealed, I have only one option - confess it and turn from it to God's way)
  
• Am I willing to do whatever it takes to bring healing to a relationship, and particularly my marriage, that I am in the process of throwing away?
  

I can hear the gears turning out there as some of you say, "But pastor, you just don't know what I've been through or what I'm going through." No, but God does! He can and will repair, heal, fix, reconstruct, and reconcile any relationship placed into His care when two people are willing to do so. You can't fix anyone else but you can trust God to lovingly rebuild your heart and leave the results up to Him!

Until tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 4

LIFE GROUP GETS HONEST! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!
Boy, talk about starting right...

We did! As we began our Life Group study of FIREPROOF, we very openly shared what it was for us guys to be respected and for the gals, what it meant for them to be loved. The beauty of it was this: Never once did it come up that someone had to EARN it - it is to be freely given and freely received.

We also discovered something else. We have to give others room to express themselves 'imperfectly'. When we're trying to learn new ways of communication, there are bound to be some bumps along the way. The main this to realize the other person is trying their best and give them some room. (Or as a member of our group said, 'rope' and when you give them enough they'll... well, you can figure out the rest) I didn't say we didn't have fun with it.

The brightest light bulb moment came when we realized that as followers of Christ, He is at home in us and that each time we snap off one anothers heads - yep you got it. Not a pretty picture is it?

Well then just remember - give each other some room. I'll bet someone has given you some at times as well. We're all on a journey and not a one of us reading this has completed it yet!

Until tomorrow,

Pastor Steve


THE LOVE DARE CHALLENGE:

WIVES: WHAT MAKES YOUR HUSBAND FEEL RESPECTED BY YOU? AND THEREFORE, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO THIS WEEK TO MAKE HIM FEEL RESPECTED BY YOU?

HUSBANDS: WHAT MAKES YOUR WIFE FEEL LOVED? AND THEREFORE, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO THIS WEEK TO MAKE HER FEEL LOVED BY YOU?

SINGLES: IN YOUR WORK, SCHOOL, OR HOME ENVIRONMENT, WHOSE LIFE WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD VALUE TO BY GIVING THEM GREATER LOVE OR RESPECT? WHAT CAN YOU DO THIS WEEK TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN?

Fireproof Day 3

THE LIKENESS OF THE SEXES
Different - but the same.

This past week we discussed our differences, hoping that everyone had realized by now that there are many differences between men and women. Here are just a few of them:

There are some very obvious differences between men and women. Men have thicker skulls, thicker skin, more red blood cells and more muscle tissue. Women tend to be more resistant to heat and cold and outlive men by several years. They are generally more sensitive by nature and have babies and hot flashes.

From the first moment of birth, little girls have more lip and mouth movement than boys. In a Harvard study of hundreds of preschoolers, researchers found that 100% of the sounds coming from little girls' mouths were words, whereas only 60% of sounds coming from preschool boys were words. The other 40% were yells and sound effects like, "Vrrooom!" "Aaaaagh!" and "Toot, toot!"

But while there are many differences, we should all recognize how we are all the same. Paul said it this way, There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28 (NLT) Knowing this should effect how we treat each other - with the love and respect we have for any other person. So think of it this way: I should treat my wife or husband, or if single, my friend or family member or fellow worker, as good as I would my best friend or person I respect most in the world. In other words, if I treat that special person in any less Christian manner just because I'm close to them and can get away with it, I'm committing a sin in my life and should confess it, turn from it, and ask the Lord to change my attitude and lifestyle to match that of Christ.

So today, treat your husband or wife, or one of those names you put on your list if you're single, the very same way you want to be treated by others. God will bless you and honor you for it.


Until tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Fireproof Day 2

An idea for tonight!
BP!
No, that's not a gasoline. How about taking a moment and doing something that, believe it or not, very few Christians do; read the Bible and Pray before bedtime. It's a great way to end your day and give that special time to God. If you're married, read and pray as a couple! If you're single, how about calling up a friend or family member or send them an email and share the passage of scripture below and let them know you're praying for them. Your time doesn't have to be fancy, just something simple with a short prayer of blessing, thanking God for each other, your friend or family member, and His word. Here's a suggestion for today:

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:3-6

Father, thank you for the blessings of life. Thank you most for the life I have through Christ Jesus. Thank you for my family, my (wife/husband, friend/family member) and for the opportunity to serve you. Help me to do your will each day and to discover it as I study your word. Amen.

Have a great evening!

Pastor Steve


THE LOVE DARE CHALLENGE:

WIVES: WHAT MAKES YOUR HUSBAND FEEL RESPECTED BY YOU? AND THEREFORE, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO THIS WEEK TO MAKE HIM FEEL RESPECTED BY YOU?

HUSBANDS: WHAT MAKES YOUR WIFE FEEL LOVED? AND THEREFORE, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO THIS WEEK TO MAKE HER FEEL LOVED BY YOU?

SINGLES: IN YOUR WORK, SCHOOL, OR HOME ENVIRONMENT, WHOSE LIFE WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD VALUE TO BY GIVING THEM GREATER LOVE OR RESPECT? WHAT CAN YOU DO THIS WEEK TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN?

Fireproof Day 1

Well, it didn't take long before I... Blew it!

Yep, I know it's hard to believe but it happened. I took the LOVE DARE CHALLENGE I gave everyone else yesterday from our new series, Fireproof. Just in case you don't remember them, here they are:

THE LOVE DARE CHALLENGE:

WIVES: WHAT MAKES YOUR HUSBAND FEEL RESPECTED BY YOU? AND THEREFORE, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO THIS WEEK TO MAKE HIM FEEL RESPECTED BY YOU? HUSBANDS: WHAT MAKES YOUR WIFE FEEL LOVED? AND THEREFORE, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO THIS WEEK TO MAKE HER FEEL LOVED BY YOU? SINGLES: IN YOUR WORK, SCHOOL, OR HOME ENVIRONMENT, WHOSE LIFE WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD VALUE TO BY GIVING THEM GREATER LOVE OR RESPECT? WHAT CAN YOU DO THIS WEEK TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN?

So my week was going to be perfect, right? I determined I would make this a week special by being the most agreeable, lovable, sensible, caring, passionate, devoted guy in the world. As I was leaving the house this morning, I remembered a note I'd made to myself that I'd left in our bathroom. When I went to get it I mumbled to Marylin in the shower what I was doing. Upon requesting me to repeat what I'd said I snapped and said (in a less than loving way because I was in a hurry), "I HAD TO GET THIS NOTE I MADE MYSELF! Love you - see you later," and left. About the time I arrived in Paris it hit me (Holy Spirit with a 2X4) what a sharp tongue I'd had. So rather than stew on it or argue myself out of it, I immediately called her and apologized for my less than loving response in a situation she could neither help nor asked for.

But hey, learn from me guys. If you blow it, don't wait! When God reveals your heart - run with it. My apology was received with grace, even though it was not asked for.

So, maybe - just maybe - I got off to a good start after all!


Pastor Steve

Fireproof Series

Over the next 25 days, I will be doing a daily blog I'm simply calling FIREPROOF, based upon the overwhelmingly successful movie by the same name. God is using this movie in so many ways to touch and change lives and save marriages and relationships. The blogging series is about life and the relationships we all have, have had, or will have and how God's word speaks to us concerning each of them. We're on day 15 now so I will be bringing the first 14 days in as well.

Remember, NEVER LEAVE YOUR PARTNER BEHIND!

Friday 4

I am a Fantastic Four fan. Okay - it's out! It was a comic book I couldn't wait to get my hands on as a youngster ( yes I was one once!) I love the Fantastic 4 movies as well. A pastor friend of mine uses this Friday's Fantastic 4 as a way of sending interesting links and helpful information to those who follow his blog so I borrowed (stole) his idea and thought I'd give it a try. If these are helpful to you, and you'll drop me a line and let me know, I'll post 4 more links each Friday. If they're not, well as the old saying goes, "Nothing ventured - nothing gained".

Need a pick-me-up going into the weekend? Here's some suggestions to get your weekend started off right as well as prepare you for worship this weekend!

There is nothing, absolutely nothing more important for a Christ-Follower than to spend time daily with God. If you want to take your walk with the Father to the next level, invest time one on one with HIM. Here are four links that are great places to get going on that "Well, I've been meaning to" daily time with God.

1. Read the Bible in a year. There are many great sources online for you to use to do this. These are just two of many: Online Bible in A Year or Crosswalk or just Google: Read the Bible In a Year.

2. Drive Time Devotionals by Tom Holladay from Saddleback Community Church. These are approximately 10 minute devotionals you can sync with your ipod or mp3 and take with you.

3. Online devotional My Utmost for His Highest (my favorite!).

4. This online resource has Bible translations, reference books and much more.

Hope you find these resources helpful as you GROW as a disciple of Christ!

WHY WE DO THE THINGS WE DO

THIS WEEKEND AT TVCC

Why did Jesus come to die? Why do we do the things we do at TVCC week-in and week-out? What difference does it make that people give sacrificially of time and resources to make it happen each weekend? And, what are the results of this vision based ministry in the lives of people in and around Northwest Tennessee? Why do we keep growing? Do we have some "hidden secret" or "special formula" that we're keeping under lock and key? Join us this weekend as we discover the answer to the question, Why DO we do things we do? This weekend will be a great time to check us out at TVCC - especially if you're seeking to know your purpose in life and God's greatest plan for your future.