“THE GREATEST SINGLE CAUSE of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle.” (Brendan Manning) That’s quite a mouthful! But without a doubt, it’s the truth! My heart races when I think of the impact we could have as God’s children in this present world spiraling out of control – if only we lived like we talked! Doesn’t your heart ever ache with the desire to be the turning point in the lives of those who don’t know Christ and who have no hope? Wouldn’t you love the Jesus in you to be the answer for them? Sometimes I just want to get some sheepdogs and herd all the lost and hurting into one place and stand on my “soapbox” and tell them what I can offer them through Jesus’ blood on Calvary! But … of course, I cannot. There is no place large enough. And I cannot use sheepdogs to do the work of the Holy Spirit – He will draw them to Himself; that’s what He said He’d do. And I know full well that my “soapbox” is wherever I am at – I just need to use it at every God-appointment that He sets up for me! I already have the message of Christ … and the hope that it brings. So my effectiveness really comes from my willingness to make sure that my lifestyle matches exactly what I am saying. It speaks loud and clear, so I dare not mess up the countless opportunities God brings my way! I believe that these twenty-one days that our church family is corporately fasting and praying through, is the foundation for the turning point, the change-point that we can be to those that God draws to us. Some of us who are fasting from food – or certain foods experience some hunger-pangs now and then; that’s a normal part of the fast. Wouldn’t it be great if when we missed too many times of sitting down with our Bible, we’d experience literal hunger-pangs for the Word of God? Just like when we miss meals. Wouldn’t it be an incredible thing if we became thirsty and parched when we missed too many times of sitting at the feet of Jesus and talking with Him? Just like when we are yearning for that ice-cold drink of water when we are so dry and so hot in the middle of the summer. If only we would think about and plan for and come running for the Word and time in God’s presence – as much as we think about our next meal or that yummy snack that we can hardly wait to taste! How very different our lives would be – much less those in the sphere of our influence! Let’s challenge ourselves to pursue the gourmet richness of God’s Word – and to drink deeply from the well that never runs dry as we place ourselves ever-so-close to Jesus! It will be the best food you’ve ever eaten, the best water you’ve ever drank … and it will provide every nutrient you need to help you walk your talk. People will
start pursuing Christ because of the Jesus they see in you! Can you think of a better way to live in this new year? For the life of me … I cannot! So join me, please! “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (The Amplified Bible) The atheist population will dwindle as they see the Light in you!
A SPECIAL WELCOME to Carlos from Spain and to Malte from Germany who worshipped with us last Sunday!
SUN, JAN 15: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / Message: “The Astounding Power of Prayer!”
SUN, JAN 15: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION / Sunday School Classes for everyone!
WED, JAN 18: 6:30 P.M. – STUDYING THE WORD! / Are you a “fan” or a “follower” of Jesus?
SUN, FEB 05: VISIONARY MEETING/LUNCH following worship
WATCH for Women of Faith meeting!
PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES: Kristina, Gerard, Larry & Gloria, Lowell & family, Josh, Sarah, & family, Justin
REMEMBER . . . “When God is about to do something great, He starts with a difficulty. When He is about to do something magnificent, He starts with an impossibility.” ~ Armin Gesswien
start pursuing Christ because of the Jesus they see in you! Can you think of a better way to live in this new year? For the life of me … I cannot! So join me, please! “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (The Amplified Bible) The atheist population will dwindle as they see the Light in you!
A SPECIAL WELCOME to Carlos from Spain and to Malte from Germany who worshipped with us last Sunday!
SUN, JAN 15: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / Message: “The Astounding Power of Prayer!”
SUN, JAN 15: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION / Sunday School Classes for everyone!
WED, JAN 18: 6:30 P.M. – STUDYING THE WORD! / Are you a “fan” or a “follower” of Jesus?
SUN, FEB 05: VISIONARY MEETING/LUNCH following worship
WATCH for Women of Faith meeting!
PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES: Kristina, Gerard, Larry & Gloria, Lowell & family, Josh, Sarah, & family, Justin
REMEMBER . . . “When God is about to do something great, He starts with a difficulty. When He is about to do something magnificent, He starts with an impossibility.” ~ Armin Gesswien
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
