Some toughts from Matthew 14

I was looking at Matthew 14 and came away with the following thoughts:

1. Jesus teaches us by example that we need alone time with God

2. Jesus teaches us by example to put others first

3. Jesus teaches us to be compassionate

4. Jesus teaches us to us to give and use what we have and trust Him to multiply

5. Jesus teaches us to overcome our problems by getting on top of them and not drown in them

How to Handle an Economic Crisis

What does Matthew 6:19-34 teach us?

4 major points.

(1)Make sure we have eternal perspective.
a. our teasure is in heaven
b. check our hearts
c. seek first His Kingdom

(2) We should Control worry
a. Make sure things are right with God
b. Learn to give your worry to God through prayer
c. Walk by faith

(3) Understand your life is in Christ
a. God takes care of his own
b. God knows what we neeed
c. God is in c ontrol

(4) Do some practical things to manage your money
a. stay or get out of debt
b. get rid of things you do not need or use
c. do not be afraid to downsize

Pointing fingers

It is amazing how people like to blame others for there mistakes. Adam did it and so did Eve. Right now in Washington leaders are trying to put the blame somewhere other than on themselves. I think we should all use this example for us to to ask ourselves what are some of the things I am doing to mess things up in my life and those around me.

Keys to follow:

Be completely honest
Be open to constructive criticism
Be willing to admit failures and short comings
Be willing to make changes
Be willing to let Gods power do the work in your life

Economic Flood

Just like the hurricanes that have hit our coast lines with a vengeance we are now being inundated by a financial storm that has grave repercussions. I was reading David Wilkerson's newsletter and he had some sound advise. Here it is.

1. No more buying of Luxuries. Cut all spending accept absolute necessities.
2. Sell every unneeded item. Turn into cash and give it to ministries to the poor and needy.
3. Downsize as much as possible.
4. Build up your faith by reminding the Lord of His promises.

This is my 2 cents.

1. Don't panic. God is still on the throne.
2. Don't worry. God takes care of His children
3. Keep serving the Lord. This to shall pass.
4. The night comes but joy comes in the morning.

Making things better

It is the responsibility of every christian to try and make things better in every aspect of life and ministry. I learned this lesson from my dad in the early days of his ministry. In every church my father served as pastor he always left it better than he found it.

The people of God need leaders who will challenge them to do things in a way that will enhance ministry and make our churches more effective.

When it comes to our personal lives we should make sure we are growing and doing things in a way that does not put us into ruts and routines. There is still so much to do and learn but we have to keep focused on making things better.

Living Springs Update

I am very excited about some of the things God is doing at Living Springs. I wanted to list a few of the highlights.

The Church unified under phase 1 of our future growth plan. The plan has three general points.
1. To focus our attention on improving our worship experience and first impressions ministry
2. To Focus our attention in becoming a church that excels in evangelism
3. To Focus our attention in becoming a church that provides excellent small group ministry

The Church unified under a call to renovate our current facility and to provide upgrades in all areas.

Over the last 40 days we have baptized 5 people and seen numerous conversions and re dedications. Attendance and giving has been increasing weekly. Living Springs has allowed for Fellowship66 a new church start to use there building at the 1:00 pm time.

Of course all the honor and glory belongs to God.

More to come.

Wild Weather

To say that the weather hasn't been wild lately here in the US would be an understatement. As I write a hurricane is heading to the Gulf Coast region if Texas. The people who report this stuff say it is a big one. Weather is so very much like life.

If you are going through a storm right now let me write a few things down to try and help encourage you.

1. Storms come to everyone. No one is immune from stormy weather it's just a matter of time.
2. Storms come in different categories. They can go from a tropical storm to a category 5 hurricane.
3. Storms come and storms end. You can just hold on to the fact that you will get through it.
4. No matter what the size of your storm Jesus cares. It could be a bad headache or cancer. Jesus cares!
5. Jesus will bring you peace in the middle of your storm if you call on Him. He is there!

I encourage you to read any of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) and find Gods help through your storm. I encourage you to pray and ask God to help you through your storm. Find a good Christian friend to talk to and pray with. Remember God is for you.