Reflections: August 23-24, 2008

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastof of Teaching & Youth

As we have begun our Deal or No Deal series we talked about a few very important principles when it comes to how we view wealth and riches. First, contentment is itself, great wealth. Solomon said chasing contentment by the accumulation of riches and possessions is like chasing the wind. Contentment and a heart of gratitude is how we can truly experience great wealth.

What are some things in your life that you are grateful for and are able to say that you are content with? (Hint: it may come down to some of the simple things in life.)

Reflections: August 16-17, 2008

This week's "Reflection" by Dan Jepson, Director of High School Ministries

I’ve had a lot of contact with people in the last week that have expressed how worry affects their life. I’m reminded more and more that this is something that we are all faced with. I think there is comfort in sharing a struggle with other believers. By standing together, we’re more likely to have the strength to overcome.

What are practical ways that you can be held accountable in the next week? How about the next year? Is there anyone in your life that would be willing to stand with you so you can support each other in this area? How would that work itself out?

Reflections: August 9-10, 2008

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

The idea of being reminded of things has really had me thinking lately. I don't know about you, but when I am reminded of something, or something is repeated to me, my natural response is not always to think of how valuable that truth or information could be for my life. Often times my thought is, "yeah, yeah, I know." As I have thought about this I have come to the conclusion that for me, this is very much a pride issue. To be confronted with truth means that I need to see how I measure up to that truth, and when I fall short it can cause something inside of me to rise up and be defensive, and part of that defense can be to tune out.

What are some ways that you remain open to the truths of God without letting your pride or the need to pretend like you have it all together cause you to close off? What are some things in your life that you use as reminders to examine your spiritual walk and relationship with God? I pray that each of us remains open to the truths of God in our lives and the variety of reminders that He has put in place. 

Reflections: August 2-3, 2008

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

This week we looked at the temptation of Jesus. Just like our own daily lives Jesus had a choice to make: Do I say "yes" to God or do I say "no" to God? As I reflect on this a bit more, the time preparing for this message has renewed my need to find the appropriate scripture for the temptations that I face. It was clear that Jesus used scripture to win over temptation. So I need to be about finding the right scripture to combat the temptation I face frequently.

 

I had several people talk to me after the message asking how I knew so much about them. After I had a little fun joking around saying that God had spoken to me about them (He didn't really) I was reminded about the commonness of our temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13). If you have a few minutes, why don't you join our weekly blog reflecting on the sermon for this week. Maybe you could respond to the following question: What will I be doing differently this week after hearing the message from Matthew 4:1-11? 

 

God bless and have a great week. May your winning over temptation be frequent!