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

 

 

 

Counting the Cost

I recently read a clip from an article out of the Voice of the Martyrs. The Voice of the Martyrs is a non-profit organization designed to help Christians around the world that are facing persecution. The article read…“In the second century A.D., Christians in North Africa responded to the Roman Empire’s persecution in a unique way.  They considered martyrdom an honorable way for a Christian to complete his or her commitment to Christ.  To emphasize this conviction, they coined a new greeting for one another: “May you gain your crown.”  It became both a common greeting and a constant reminder of Christ-like commitment.”

 

What a joy to be found living and acting like Jesus. With the freedom we enjoy in this country, it is difficult to imagine being physically persecuted because of our faith in Christ. Do you suppose we might live differently if, when we stepped out our front door, we had to be fearful of our life? As we continue an effort to become more fully devoted to Christ, maybe we can take a serious look at our commitment to Jesus and live with an ancient motto, “May we gain our crown.”

 

Just as we have caught our children doing good things over the years, how it must please our heavenly Father as He watches us and catches us doing good for His name’s sake. Have a fruitful week as you long to bless the Lord.

 

Mike

 

 

From the Mind of A Child

As I sit at the computer today and reflect on the worship times of yesterday, I am so encouraged. Please allow me to share a piece of my excitement with you. If you are a regular attendee here at FCC, you will know that at the end of every teaching time we offer everyone the opportunity to make several decisions. One of the opportunities we make available is for people to come down and have someone pray with them. It is not uncommon for several of our elders and staff to being involved in the lives of people through prayer each Sunday.

 

Well, this past Sunday I caught a glimpse of a little fellow coming right toward me. I immediately recognized him and remembered I just sent him a note about a little buddy he wanted to see come to the Lord. As he came to me and asked me to pray for his friend, my heart was taken back to the time Jesus laid out the open invitation to all the little children. About the time we think we have to be the teachers all the time, God reveals his wisdom to us by the presence of a child. I thank that little boy for granting me the chance to see how much he loves Jesus and how much he wants his friend to know Jesus too. From the mouths of babes we can learn a vital lesson of caring for the lost and hurting people all around us.

 

May you have a Spirit filled week as you walk with the Lord!

See you Sunday.

 

Mike