Reflections: July 26, 2009

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

Forgiveness is something that we truly must clothe ourselves with daily: 
"Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." (Colossians 3:12-13)

This means forgiveness for the daily offenses, as well as the deep-seated hurts in our heart. A heart open to allow God to teach us to forgive is a heart that will see God's healing and wholeness in the broken places where people have caused so much hurt. Remember, it is not about the strength we can muster up to forgive, it is about what we allow God to do through us. I pray that this week God reveals to your heart people and situations, where through Him, forgiveness and healing is possible and that through His Spirit you will be open to walking towards forgiveness and the life that will come out of it.

Reflections: July 19, 2009

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

Sunday was week two of our summer series "Red Letters." This week Jason Gaudy brought a message from the parable commonly called "The Rich Fool." In this parable God calls the rich man a fool, not because he has riches, but because he is using them only for himself.  As I thought about this parable I wondered if God has ever thought of me as a fool for the way I look at my stuff. I know there are some possessions I have that I hold loosely and have a good attitude about. But there are other possessions that are much more dear to me. I've been reflecting today on how I can have the same attitude about all of my stuff. Do I love some of my stuff too much? Probably!

 

How do I know when I have a God-honoring attitude toward my stuff? How do I know when I love my stuff too much? In this world of accumulation and greed, how can I live with my stuff in a way that is pleasing to Christ?

 

These are some of the questions I'm reflecting on right now. Any ideas or thoughts? Click on the blog link below.

Reflections: July 12, 2009

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

Today we started our new summer series called Red Letters. For the next eight weeks we will look at some of the parables of Jesus. This Sunday we looked at what is commonly called "The Parable of the Sower." In it we learned how Jesus compared the different soils to the different ways the gospel is heard by people and their response to it. Check out Matthew 13:3-23.

 

Although I didn't spend a lot of time on this issue, some people believe that in this parable the only soil that really represents a Christian person is the good soil and that the other three soils reflect people who are not Christians. What do you think? And why do you believe it to be true or not true?

 

Even more important is what we do with the word of God. How do we listen to God? The one thing that I was reminded of this week is the overwhelming value and importance of God's word. What role does God's word play in your life? Let's talk – click on the blog below and let the conversation begin.

Reflections: July 5, 2009

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

So, did you take the comprehensive "According To Jim" Quiz? The answersare at the bottom, but resist the temptation to cheat! And remember...God does not tempt us! (There's a hint.)

Quiz: According To Jim

1. When our faith is tested we should… (James 1:1-11)

A. Freak out
B. Resolve to try harder
C. Ask God for wisdom

2. God… (James 1:12-18)

A. Tries to get us to sin
B. Calls us His treasured possession
C. Tempts us

3.  Real religion is… (James 1:19-27)

A. Caring for widows and orphans
B. Going to church
C. Singing songs

4.  Playing Favorites… (James 2:1-13)

A. Is what God does
B. Is what we should do
C. Is a sin

5.  Works/good deeds… (James 2:14-26)

A. Is what saves us
B. Completes our faith
C. Is not mandatory

6.  The tongue… (James 3:1-12)

A. Is harmless
B. Can only produce good
C. Can be used for good and evil

7. Jealousy… (James 3:13-18)

A. Is godly
B. Is demonic
C. Is understandable

8. God wants believers to… (James 4:1-12)

A. Choose who they will serve
B. Do what they want
C. Fight it out

9.  Planning… (James 4:13-17)

A. Is bad
B. Is all up to us
C. Should be done with a heart open to God's plan

10.  Rich people… (James 5:1-6)

A. Are better
B. Will be well-off in heaven
C. Will pay for their actions

11.  When life gets hard… (James 5:7-12)

A. Panic
B. Be patient
C. Call Pastor Gary

12. Prayer… (James 5:13-20)

A. Is powerful
B. Produces results
C. Should be asked for
D. ABC

As you look back at our journey through James, what were some of the things that were discussed that were especially meaningful to you? What were some of the topics that you have been made aware of in your own life that you have allowed God to affect change? I hope this study was as meaningful to you as it was to Gary and I. Have a blessed week as we go out to live as changed people for Christ.

Answers: 1.C;  2.B;  3.A;  4.C;  5.B;  6.C;  7.B;  8.A;  9.C;  10.C;  11.B;  12.D