Reflections: November 22-23, 2008

This week's "Reflection" by Matt Sasso, Pastor of Jr. High Ministries

As we concluded "The Language of Thankfulness" series this weekend, I want to ask each and everyone of us to reflect on our expression of this language and how it is communicated to God and those around us in a way that goes far beyond words. A couple of things to think about are: How do we communicate a language beyond words in our response to God and people? Do we focus on people and make them the priority? Are we are demonstrating our
thankfulness because that is what God does with us?

As you live your lives as thankful people for who God is and what He has done consider these things: How can you allow the peace of Christ to be the motivator? What changes do you need to make in order to allow Christ's message to fill your life even more than it is now? What is one thing you can identify this week that you can, in the name of Christ, be thankful for? The staff at LBF would love to hear your comments, so click on the link below to post your thoughts.

Reflections: November 15-16, 2008

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

As you consider the relationships in your life and the different circumstances in which you engage in those relationships, what are some ways that you know you have been successful in generating thankfulness in others? What are some new things that you are going to try and implement into your relationships with hopes of bringing people to thankfulness, either for your presence in their life or for what you have brought to their awareness of what they have to be thankful for in their lives?

Reflections: November 8-9, 2008

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

This week we looked at Paul's words to the Thessalonians that says, "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." I've heard it said that we don't have to give thanks FOR all circumstances, but the command here is to be thankful IN all circumstances. What do you see as the difference?

 

After the four services this weekend I felt a little melancholy. Even though I can now give thanks for God, those stories I shared were difficult times for me. At the same time I'm thankful to God for His refining work in my life. I count it a blessing to be a part of His kingdom here on this earth today.

 

How did today's message connect with you? Are you going through a difficult circumstance right now? Are you able to give thanks in it? Let's not forget the other side of life – What good circumstance can you give thanks to God in?

 

Next week we will continue to look at the Language of Thankfulness, I'll see you then.

Reflections: November 1-2, 2008

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

This weekend we started a four part series on "The Language of Thankfulness." Our goal was to start our time by focusing on God. Without considering the things God does for us and the things God gives us, we can give thanks for who God is. Psalm 100 gave us four reasons to thank God. He is our creator, He is good, His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation.

 

Which one of those four has the most meaning to you? How can you spend some time this week just thanking God for who He is? To go deeper, review the bulletin insert and the attributes of God listed there. Take some time this week to ponder those attributes and then in your own words express your thanks to God for everything He is.

Reflections: October 25-26, 2008

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

Proskineo: It's worship, with options! Joyful praise and adoration, or humble surrender at the feet of our Savior. How amazing it is to know that we serve a God who is there for us no matter what. To know that we can go to Him with our joys and sorrows, triumphs and failures should cause us to proskineo and live our lives as sacrifices for Him.

It is not always easy to worship simply because our moods do not always cooperate, but I want to encourage all of us to allow the act of worship to usher in the mood of worship. I think you will find that once you are in a place of praise that the joy of the Lord will become your strength and you will be glad you went there. Feel free to share some of your praise experiences with us so that we can be encouraged to continue a life of praise. Have a great week.

Reflections: October 18-19, 2008

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

Worshipping God when you just aren't feeling it can be really tough. We see in scripture that God can be honored even in our laments and in times when we feel "blah." What are some ways that you have brought worship to God while feeling as though you are in a wilderness? Your responses could help others as they go through their own wilderness experiences.

Reflections: October 11-12, 2008

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

This weekend ended our series on Habakkuk. (If you missed the service you can watch it online.) How did Habakkuk turn his questions for God into confidence in God? Habakkuk chapter 3 revealed three things he did that we can do this week to help with our difficult situations in life. He prayed, but just not the typical prayer asking God for things. He pondered God, which lead him to trust God more fully. He also praised God in the midst of his difficult life situations.

 

What do you think about these three? Do they seem like the same old things you've heard before? How is Habakkuk's approach different from the usual? Do you think if you do these that you will experience a deeper relationship with God? Send me a note, I'd love to hear how this message has affected your life.

 

Finally, I appreciated Habakkuk's perspective on prayer – I want to try that this week. I want to stop and ponder God more this week. In fact, I'm setting some special time aside to do just that. And Lord help me to praise You in the middle of tough times. God Bless you this week as you grow deeper with God.