Reflections: January 26-27, 2008

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching/Youth

As I think more about this issue of submitting to authority, I think it can be tough. Our idea of what should be done or what is fair is not always the same as what an authority in our life thinks should be done or is fair. However, our willingness to submit says so much about our walk with God. I keep coming back to the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. To go against authority means that at least one, but usually several, of these fruits must be lacking in our life.

In the area of submitting to authority, what are some of the struggles that you face? What are some of the fruits of the spirit that you feel you need to work on in order to have the attitude toward authority that God's chosen people are called to? Maybe you have overcome some of these struggles and could share what God has done as an encouragement to other people. It can be difficult to talk about our own struggles, but this is an opportunity to come together as a family and encourage one another so that our lives reflect God for who He truly is.

Reflections: January 19-20, 2008

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching/Youth

Being "a little different" – probably something that all of us could
succeed at occasionally. However, one of the things that has hit me the hardest as we have been going through this series in 1 Peter is that we are called to be different for the purpose of making a difference, which means that it will take consistency. Each of us can probably muster up a positive comment or a good attitude when things are going well. We can all express our thankfulness in times when we feel that our needs have been met. We would probably all be more likely to stand up for what is right and make the right choices when there are 10 or 15 others willing to do the same thing. Unfortunately these ideal situations don't come along as much as we want and everyday we are faced with opportunities to either live in a way that will glorify God or not. Our decision is reflected in our reactions and responses to things as well as the choices and decision we make.

Being a little different does not work when it is only when we feel like it or when the situation plays in our favor. Anyone can do that. To be truly different we are called to live our lives marked as God-chosen people everyday, in every situation. Of course none of us will attain perfection, but I pray that starting right now, at this very moment, each of us would pray for a craving that would drive us to live differently. And that when we do stumble and fall, the craving to live for God would only increase.

Reflections: January 12-13, 2008

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Pastor of Teaching/Worship
I want to fly high in my spiritual life, how about you? I mentioned during the services that I love to fly airplanes. This weekend I was able to spend some time at the annual air show at Cable airport. I watched Doug Jordan, an aerobatic pilot perform some hair-raising maneuvers. Here was a husband, father of seven, and owner of a business giving us his best. He was thinking clearly, exercising self-control, and doing things with a plane that the rest of us could only dream of.

May we live a life that others can only dream of as we keep our hope in the Lord, by thinking clearly and exercising self-control this week. I know that my time in 1 Peter this week will change my life forever. I pray that learning from 1 Peter this week will change your life as well.

Have a great week flying high!

Reflections: January 5-6, 2008

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Pastor of Teaching/Worship

Deliberate Strangers! The more I think about these two words the better I like them. Peter in his first chapter wanted to make sure that believers have a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of salvation and our eternal inheritance. I know that after being a Christian for many years I can take my salvation for granted and not appreciate the rich blessing it is not only for eternal life, but also for everyday life. It is good to start with a reminder of the truth of God's about His wonderful gift of salvation.

Share with me on the blog below how you see this idea of deliberate strangers working itself out in your everyday life. Also what are some of the "many trials" you have endured in your life with Christ?