In The Beginning

As we enter a little deeper into the Christmas season, we are reminded of the importance this time of the year represents. I know we’ll enjoy the giving and receiving of gifts. We will take in a football game or three! We will over indulge in all the goodies placed before us. We will spend time with the people we love most on the face of the earth.

 

But, this is a great time to remember how it all happened in the first place. Usually when we hear, “In the beginning,” our minds race back to the first book of the Bible where God begins speaking earthly things into existence. But did you know there is another, “In the beginning,” in the Bible that has great significance to us? This “In the beginning,” identifies the relationship of the Father and His Son. Just as God started creating in the book of Genesis, his son was right there with him and together they created a plan which includes us.

 

Then thousands of years later, the grace movement took place. That is when God came down to earth himself and became like one of us so he could identify with us. He went through everything we did; only one huge difference…he didn’t surrender to the temptations of the evil one. But, he did take on sin! For that we can be eternally thankful. He took our sins and paid the price for our salvation, as he became the sacrifice for each of our sins.

 

Oh yeah, this Christmas season we can be eternally grateful for the other “In the beginning” as John informs us that the Word became flesh and set up his dwelling among us. This is our time to come and worship the heaven-sent Savior who has rescued us and returned to the Father and will one day come again.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday, Jesus!

 

Mike

 

 

If Not You???

I ran across this Charlie Brown and Linus story this week and thought I’d share it with you.

 

“Even though Charles Schulz died on February 12, 2000 (the same day his last comic strip was published), his animated classic continues to air each Christmas season.  A Charlie Brown Christmas was first shown in 1965 and became an instant hit.  Included in this televised tradition is that unforgettable sequence where Charlie Brown cries out, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"  In response, Linus walks to center stage, signals for a spotlight, and then recites from Luke chapter 2.  Once he finishes quoting the record of Jesus' birth, Linus says, "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."  The scene was resisted and producers cautioned against it, but Charles Schulz was relentless.  He stood his ground and said, "If not us, then who's going to do it?"  As a result, that clear statement about Christmas stayed in the show and continues to demand a prominent place on network television every holiday season.  What Charles Schulz said four decades ago about his program needs to be repeated often among Christians when addressing the issue of evangelism: "If not us, then who's going to do it?"

 

This Christmas season may be the time for the church to have a greater awareness of the need of sharing the story of Christmas and the joy of Jesus with someone. What a great reminder of a timeless truth… If not us, then who's going to do it? See you Sunday as we fellowship together around the Throne of God.

 

Mike

 

 

Worth the Trouble

In one of Charles Schulz' classic Peanuts, Charlie Brown is shown talking about the ease with which he was able to prepare Snoopy's dinner.  While walking out to feed his dog, he declares, "This kind of dog food is no trouble at all.  You just pour it into the bowl, add a little water and stir it up."  Snoopy is then seen sitting alone on his dog house with these thoughts reflected in a balloon above his head: "I'd rather be worth a little trouble."  When it comes to relationships, we all long to be "worth a little trouble." (Chicken Soup For The Christian Soul)

 

This week we are bombarded with thoughts of being thankful. We will sit around and eat and then nap—then eat some more and then nap. Then in the afternoon we will eat the leftovers and have the game on while we are taking a—you guessed it, a nap.

 

In the ferocious pace of the day, it is a great reminder for us to remember and give thanks for all the trouble our Father in heaven went to on our behalf. Peter reminds us that it was not with perishable things like silver or gold that we were redeemed from our empty way of life…but with the precious blood of Christ.

 

This week of thanksgiving, may we enjoy our freedom in Christ, because somebody thought we were worth the trouble.

 

Have a blessed week.

 

Your friend,

Mike  

 

 

Just the Beginning

The morning after the elections and some are happy and others upset and disappointed. Well, the job isn’t over after the election, but just beginning. Now the church is to rise up and pray for the Lord God Almighty to protect us and use the people in office as servants to the greatest place in the world to live.

 

The church is similar in some ways. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving and yes, can you believe Christmas; the job isn’t over when those days slip by us so quickly. The church is to rise up and pray to the Lord God Almighty for protection and in light of the big picture, the salvation of lost souls.

 

So, will you please join me in seeking the heart of the Father in heaven for our country and the Body of Christ that can help hold all things together by the power of the Creator?

 

Have a blessed day and get ready for a new series this coming Sunday called, “YES I CAN!”

 

Your friend,

Mike

 

 

The Connection

God moves when we pray! Oh, I know He is not limited to our involvement in prayer, but we are the ones who enjoy the experience and see what God is doing when we seek him. In light of that, let me remind you about a new prayer ministry at FCC. If you want to take a few minutes and join a group of people who desire to see the workings of the Lord come to fruition, then you will want to plan on being in our chapel on Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 7:30. Even if you can’t be there the entire hour, you can pop in and spend a few moments listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit as He fills the hearts of those in the room.

 

Last Tuesday was the grand opening of the new ministry and I want to share a short testimony that resulted from the night. Holly Gillespie wrote,

“I had to take a minute and email this morning to tell you the prayer meeting last night was INCREDIBLE!  I couldn't have even imagined it in my head!  There were about 15 people there.  I can't even describe it in words.  15 people were gathered at the front of the chapel sitting on the floor and in front chairs.  Some prayed out loud, some spoke phrases of agreement, some shared scripture, some remained silent.  Some went to others in their pain and wrapped their arms around them and covered them in prayer.  Some prayed with such power and authority for FCC it blew my mind.  I believe with all my heart it will grow.  The people there last night experienced our Living God and were moved... no doubt... and I know more will come.” 

 

I was reminded this morning that God is more than available and we will find him as we seek him with all our hearts. Why not consider giving this new ministry a shot to see if you can get to know the Living Lord just a little bit better.

 

See you all next Sunday. I am going to look at God’s insight for giving. There is not a better time or more desperate scenario than right now to see and try the plan of God. We can trust in many things, and often those things fail us. We can trust in God and know without a doubt He is faithful and we can travel on secure ground.

 

P.S. Please remember to go to your knees before you go to the polls on November 4^th.

 

Have a blessed week.

Mike

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy the Presence of God

I have the opportunity to read many articles that race across my computer screen each week. Today, I want to share this thought with you and then try to provide a little encouragement.

 

Ella Wheeler Wilcox said, “One ship drives east and another drives west with the selfsame winds that blow; ‘Tis the set of the sails, and not the gales which tells us the way to go.”

 

One of the blessings of the Christ-follower is knowing that Jesus will help us set the sails of life. We have the entire story of Jesus before us and we can learn to love, act and pray like him. We can see the example of God himself, as Jesus came as the exact representation of the Creator. The disciple of Christ has the privilege of enjoying the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort as we attempt to set our sails of life in a manner which will honor our God.

 

So, in the week in front of us, may we cut time into our over packed schedules to sit and be quiet enough to hear the direction of the One who is in charge of the winds that blow. What better time than the present to close the door on the world for a few minutes each day and see what God has in store for you.

 

May you have a blessed week as you spend time with your heavenly Dad!

Mike

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Is God to You?

I must tell you this short four-week journey through the life and struggles of Jonah has been a blessing to me. My prayer is that our life-changing God will be given the chance to do His work in all of us.

One of the blessings we receive through the Word of God is being able to identify with His nature and take a closer look at His character. We are reminded of our loving and compassionate Father who is ready and capable of giving every one of us a kick-start into a new journey.

 

I hope we can walk away from Jonah with a new appreciation of the reconciliation God makes possible through Jesus. By the way, how do you view God? How would you describe Him to others? I ran across this little article to help stimulate your thought.

 

A fifth-grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideas about God. Here are some of the results: GOD is like a FORD...He’s got a better idea. GOD is like COKE...He’s the real thing. GOD is like HALLMARK CARDS...He cares enough to send His very best. GOD is like TIDE...He gets the stains out that others leave behind. GOD is like GENERAL ELECTRIC...He brings good things to life. GOD is like SEARS...He has everything. GOD is like ALKA-SELTZER...Try Him, you’ll like him. GOD is like SCOTCH TAPE...You can’t see him, but you know He’s there. GOD is like DELTA...He’s ready when you are. GOD is like ALLSTATE...You’re in good hands with Him. GOD is like VO-5 HAIR SPRAY...He holds through all kinds of weather. GOD is like DIAL SOAP...Aren’t you glad you have Him. Don’t you wish everybody did?

 

Okay…I know that is one of the corniest things you have ever heard, but doesn’t that help us get a better handle on the God we love and the God who saves! Have a great week as you live with and for Jesus. I hope to see you Sunday as we tie up the loose ends in Jonah chapter four.

 

Be Blessed,

Mike