With all of the change that is taking place in our country, I was thinking about the many conversations I have had with people prior to the challenges we now face in our economy. The conversations centered around hurts people have experienced, hang ups people could not seem to move past, and habits that were out of control. Top that off with the economy and “the life” people were longing for seems further away. It always comes down to this… everyone wants to be happy.
Most people have one main ambition in life, “I just want to be happy.” Living near Disney World, we all know that being happy is serious business. We have this idea that we must be happy all the time. I must act happy, talk happy, look happy and if I am not I must fake it, especially at church. Always having to appear happy creates it own stress. The fact is not every day is a homerun. Not everything works out according to the way we planned it. That’s not the end of the world… it’s simply called life.
It is easy to be happy when everything is going your way. But what about the rest of the time? Are you only happy when everything is going your way? If so, you are going to be unhappy for much of your life.
Let’s answer this question without this blog getting to wordy. How can we stay positive and optimistic when it seems everything is falling apart? This is where JOY enters the picture. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. I say it again: REJOICE!”
Happiness depends on what is happening. Circumstances. Luck. “I am happy today because things just happened to turn out right.”
Joy is different. It goes deeper. Joy is an attitude, a choice. Joy is an inside job where happiness is an outside job. Joy does not rely on circumstances. It is not dependent on luck. Joy is what makes life – well – enjoyable. It is your choice to rejoice.
As Christ followers we can be the most positive and joyful people in the world. Why? We have… hope in the leadership of Christ…God has purpose for our lives… God is always with us….
Make a choice to rejoice!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
NO FEAR LIVING
We are hours into a change in our political leadership, and yet, with the excitement of anticipation of our new leadership leading us hopefully to a prosperous tomorrow, there is the reality of struggle. Will all the changes that have taken place in our government expel our fears?
Just a month ago, we celebrated the excitement of the birth of Jesus Christ. What were the first words the angels told the Shepherds? “Don’t be afraid!” What were the first words Jesus said after He rose from the dead? “Don’t be afraid!” What were the first words the disciples heard when Jesus caught up to them on the raging Sea of Galilee? “Don’t be afraid!” Two thousand years later, in an uncertain economy, He still says, “Don’t be afraid!” America is experiencing a wave of fear. Fear is flowing not just from our TV news reports but from our real life experiences.
If our hearts were being played on a big screen TV, what fears would be playing? What would be on the screen? Some are afraid they’re going to lose their job; some fear losing their dream home; and even some are fearing the repercussions these things will have on their families and on their marriage. Fear is called many different names like worry, tension, anxiety, uptight, pressure and stress. Here is something else about fear -- it’s contagious. We can get it from other people. It’s limiting and it’s draining.
One of the most important things I know is that God doesn’t want us to be afraid. Ephesians 3:12 says, “In Christ we can come before God with freedom and without fear…We can do this through faith in Jesus Christ.”
Anchoring truths for NO FEAR LIVING... they are simple and brief:
1) Accept God’s love for you... Let God’s love for you serve as the antidote to your fear.
2) Believe that Christ died and rose from the dead for you... It is one thing to believe about a person; it is another to believe in that person. It’s not just that Jesus died and rose from the dead, but that he died and rose from the dead for you.
3) Commit your fears and your life to Christ... It means let Him be the manager and boss of your life. Let God be the God of your life.
4) Let His love fill your life. There is no fear in His love.
Just a month ago, we celebrated the excitement of the birth of Jesus Christ. What were the first words the angels told the Shepherds? “Don’t be afraid!” What were the first words Jesus said after He rose from the dead? “Don’t be afraid!” What were the first words the disciples heard when Jesus caught up to them on the raging Sea of Galilee? “Don’t be afraid!” Two thousand years later, in an uncertain economy, He still says, “Don’t be afraid!” America is experiencing a wave of fear. Fear is flowing not just from our TV news reports but from our real life experiences.
If our hearts were being played on a big screen TV, what fears would be playing? What would be on the screen? Some are afraid they’re going to lose their job; some fear losing their dream home; and even some are fearing the repercussions these things will have on their families and on their marriage. Fear is called many different names like worry, tension, anxiety, uptight, pressure and stress. Here is something else about fear -- it’s contagious. We can get it from other people. It’s limiting and it’s draining.
One of the most important things I know is that God doesn’t want us to be afraid. Ephesians 3:12 says, “In Christ we can come before God with freedom and without fear…We can do this through faith in Jesus Christ.”
Anchoring truths for NO FEAR LIVING... they are simple and brief:
1) Accept God’s love for you... Let God’s love for you serve as the antidote to your fear.
2) Believe that Christ died and rose from the dead for you... It is one thing to believe about a person; it is another to believe in that person. It’s not just that Jesus died and rose from the dead, but that he died and rose from the dead for you.
3) Commit your fears and your life to Christ... It means let Him be the manager and boss of your life. Let God be the God of your life.
4) Let His love fill your life. There is no fear in His love.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
WIN IN HIM
I am writing this to you today with a heart that is praying for you to win. I listen to the news, I sit in on conversations, and I hear the stories -- the loss of jobs, the decreases in wages, the foreclosures on homes, the marital tensions, and the list continues. In the midst of this uncertain climate in our country, I want to point you in the direction to see what God has instituted for us to anchor into when all around us it seems that everyone is hurting in one way or another.
First, we are Christ followers who make up a spiritual community where when one hurts, we all hurt and where when one rejoices, we all rejoice. God wanted us in His family long before we were born. I believe one of the reasons this is true is for times just like now that we are journeying through where we can pray one for another, give one to another, and encourage one another.
What I want you to know is that you are sure to win in Him! Here is a passage in the Bible that I want you to draw encouragement from:
Ephesians 2:11-13 Don't forget at one time... you were living apart from Christ... you did not know the covenant promises God had made... You lived your life without God and without hope... But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to Him through the blood of Christ.
It is in Jesus Christ that our sin is forgiven... It is in Him that we are heir to the promises of God... It is in Him that we are His children and made right in His eyes. You will discover all throughout the Bible that you and I are referenced to being in Christ with words like "with Him"... "in Him"... "through Him." Meditate on those words until the truth of these scriptures reaches deep down into your heart. They will serve as ammunition to be used against your doubts, your fears, and your anxieties.
Let's prepare ourselves and equip ourselves as we journey through these uncertain times in our economic culture.
I want to pray with you, and our staff and the entire Celebrate family wants to pray with you regarding anything at all that you feel comfortable communicating -- a loss of a job, a decrease in pay, a foreclosure or a possible foreclosure on a home, marital tensions -- anything at all. Let's pray together through these tough times...
WIN IN HIM (JESUS CHRIST)
First, we are Christ followers who make up a spiritual community where when one hurts, we all hurt and where when one rejoices, we all rejoice. God wanted us in His family long before we were born. I believe one of the reasons this is true is for times just like now that we are journeying through where we can pray one for another, give one to another, and encourage one another.
What I want you to know is that you are sure to win in Him! Here is a passage in the Bible that I want you to draw encouragement from:
Ephesians 2:11-13 Don't forget at one time... you were living apart from Christ... you did not know the covenant promises God had made... You lived your life without God and without hope... But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to Him through the blood of Christ.
It is in Jesus Christ that our sin is forgiven... It is in Him that we are heir to the promises of God... It is in Him that we are His children and made right in His eyes. You will discover all throughout the Bible that you and I are referenced to being in Christ with words like "with Him"... "in Him"... "through Him." Meditate on those words until the truth of these scriptures reaches deep down into your heart. They will serve as ammunition to be used against your doubts, your fears, and your anxieties.
Let's prepare ourselves and equip ourselves as we journey through these uncertain times in our economic culture.
I want to pray with you, and our staff and the entire Celebrate family wants to pray with you regarding anything at all that you feel comfortable communicating -- a loss of a job, a decrease in pay, a foreclosure or a possible foreclosure on a home, marital tensions -- anything at all. Let's pray together through these tough times...
WIN IN HIM (JESUS CHRIST)
Friday, January 9, 2009
God's Promises for 2009
As we enter into this new year, most of us are looking forward to making changes, making improvements, and hoping for a better year, and even a better life. As I follow my reading plan in the Bible, it has me reading in Genesis. There are so many great insights about fresh starts, new beginnings and making changes in God’s Word! I want to share with you a few of my observations from the life of Abraham…
Is anything too difficult or hard for God? It’s a question you will find being asked in Genesis 18:14. And the answer is a resounding “NO!”. This question brings to life much about God. If you make it a regular insert into your daily life of challenges and circumstances you will discover the same answer that Abraham and Sarah experienced. When you are facing a conflict, a challenge, a habit, hurt, or a hang-up, ask yourself, “Is this issue in my life too difficult for God?” Is this habit I am trying to break too hard for the God of the Universe to handle?
Asking this question reminds you that God is and can be personally involved in your daily life. If you listen you will feel His Holy Spirit nudge you to ask for His power in your everyday journey through life.
There is so much we can learn from the life of Abraham and Sarah when it comes to trusting God. As you enter into 2009, one of the changes that we can all benefit from is believing God’s plan when put the right steps into practice. It begins with faith and trust, but is fleshed out by our actions.
God promises us, “nothing is too difficult for Him”... It is our faith that allows us to see the promises of God and experience them in our everyday life. So often we can see God saying, “Do not be afraid, just have faith!”
These last couple of thoughts I want to leave with you… Don’t turn away from the one Person who can take care of and help you. Do what Christ said quite often, “Just have faith.” Your hope and faith can be found in the resurrected Christ, the one with the power over everything. Make your first resolution of 2009 to put your faith in Christ and purpose in your heart to trust Him with every situation this year. You will be amazed at what God can do. Remember… I can’t, but God can!
Is anything too difficult or hard for God? It’s a question you will find being asked in Genesis 18:14. And the answer is a resounding “NO!”. This question brings to life much about God. If you make it a regular insert into your daily life of challenges and circumstances you will discover the same answer that Abraham and Sarah experienced. When you are facing a conflict, a challenge, a habit, hurt, or a hang-up, ask yourself, “Is this issue in my life too difficult for God?” Is this habit I am trying to break too hard for the God of the Universe to handle?
Asking this question reminds you that God is and can be personally involved in your daily life. If you listen you will feel His Holy Spirit nudge you to ask for His power in your everyday journey through life.
There is so much we can learn from the life of Abraham and Sarah when it comes to trusting God. As you enter into 2009, one of the changes that we can all benefit from is believing God’s plan when put the right steps into practice. It begins with faith and trust, but is fleshed out by our actions.
God promises us, “nothing is too difficult for Him”... It is our faith that allows us to see the promises of God and experience them in our everyday life. So often we can see God saying, “Do not be afraid, just have faith!”
These last couple of thoughts I want to leave with you… Don’t turn away from the one Person who can take care of and help you. Do what Christ said quite often, “Just have faith.” Your hope and faith can be found in the resurrected Christ, the one with the power over everything. Make your first resolution of 2009 to put your faith in Christ and purpose in your heart to trust Him with every situation this year. You will be amazed at what God can do. Remember… I can’t, but God can!
Friday, January 2, 2009
In the Beginning...
"In the beginning God created..." I have begun 2009 by reading in Genesis 1. Makes sense to start in the beginning at the beginning of a new, fresh year. “In the beginning God created…” Those were the first words. There is a reason "God created..."
As your pastor, one way I can help you make advances in your daily life journey is to help you understand that the purpose of your life is far greater than personal fulfillment, peace of mind, or even happiness. It’s far greater than our families, our careers, or even our wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. Each of us was born by His purpose and for His purpose and with value.
The search for the purpose of life has puzzled people for thousands of years. That’s because we typically begin at the wrong starting point -- ourselves. We ask self-centered questions like: What do I want to be? What should I do with my life? What are my goals, my ambitions, my dreams for my future? But focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life’s purpose. The Bible says, “It is God who directs the lives of His creatures; everyone’s life is in His power.” Job 12:10
Contrary to what many popular books, movies, and seminars tell us, we won’t discover life’s meaning by looking within ourselves. We didn’t create ourselves, so there is no way we can tell ourselves what we were created for! If I handed you an invention you had never seen before, you wouldn’t know its purpose, and the invention itself wouldn’t be able to tell you either. Only the creator -- or the owner’s manual -- could reveal its purpose.
God, on the other hand, tells us that we are not accidents and that our lives have significance -- because God had His reasons for creating us. The Bible says, “For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible… everything got started in Him and finds its purpose and value in Him.” Colossians 1:16
To understand your life’s purpose, you must begin with your Creator. You exist only because God wills that you exist. You were made by God and for God -- and until you understand that, life will never make sense. It is only in God that we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning, our purpose, our significance, and our destiny. Every other path leads to a dead end.
How, then, do you discover the purpose you were created for?
You have only two options. Your first option is speculation. “This is the best guess I can come up with.”
Fortunately, there is an alternative to speculation about the meaning and purpose of life. It’s revelation. We can turn to what God has revealed about life in His Word. The easiest way to discover the purpose of an invention is to ask the creator of it. The same is true for discovering your life’s purpose: Ask God. God has not left us in the dark to wonder and guess.
The Bible says, “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone.” Ephesians 1:11
I hope through this Scripture you discover some valuable insights:
* You discover your identity and purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
* God was thinking of you long before you ever thought about Him. He planned your life before you existed, without your input! You can choose a lot of things but not your purpose.
* The purpose of your life fits into a much larger purpose that God has designed for eternity.
Start 2009 by making significant advances in life by looking up -- to Jesus Christ and His Word. It is only in Christ that we discover God’s value and purposes for our life…
May your 2009 be filled with the exciting journey of discovering and fulfilling God’s purposes for your life!
Pastor Joe
As your pastor, one way I can help you make advances in your daily life journey is to help you understand that the purpose of your life is far greater than personal fulfillment, peace of mind, or even happiness. It’s far greater than our families, our careers, or even our wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. Each of us was born by His purpose and for His purpose and with value.
The search for the purpose of life has puzzled people for thousands of years. That’s because we typically begin at the wrong starting point -- ourselves. We ask self-centered questions like: What do I want to be? What should I do with my life? What are my goals, my ambitions, my dreams for my future? But focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life’s purpose. The Bible says, “It is God who directs the lives of His creatures; everyone’s life is in His power.” Job 12:10
Contrary to what many popular books, movies, and seminars tell us, we won’t discover life’s meaning by looking within ourselves. We didn’t create ourselves, so there is no way we can tell ourselves what we were created for! If I handed you an invention you had never seen before, you wouldn’t know its purpose, and the invention itself wouldn’t be able to tell you either. Only the creator -- or the owner’s manual -- could reveal its purpose.
God, on the other hand, tells us that we are not accidents and that our lives have significance -- because God had His reasons for creating us. The Bible says, “For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible… everything got started in Him and finds its purpose and value in Him.” Colossians 1:16
To understand your life’s purpose, you must begin with your Creator. You exist only because God wills that you exist. You were made by God and for God -- and until you understand that, life will never make sense. It is only in God that we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning, our purpose, our significance, and our destiny. Every other path leads to a dead end.
How, then, do you discover the purpose you were created for?
You have only two options. Your first option is speculation. “This is the best guess I can come up with.”
Fortunately, there is an alternative to speculation about the meaning and purpose of life. It’s revelation. We can turn to what God has revealed about life in His Word. The easiest way to discover the purpose of an invention is to ask the creator of it. The same is true for discovering your life’s purpose: Ask God. God has not left us in the dark to wonder and guess.
The Bible says, “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone.” Ephesians 1:11
I hope through this Scripture you discover some valuable insights:
* You discover your identity and purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
* God was thinking of you long before you ever thought about Him. He planned your life before you existed, without your input! You can choose a lot of things but not your purpose.
* The purpose of your life fits into a much larger purpose that God has designed for eternity.
Start 2009 by making significant advances in life by looking up -- to Jesus Christ and His Word. It is only in Christ that we discover God’s value and purposes for our life…
May your 2009 be filled with the exciting journey of discovering and fulfilling God’s purposes for your life!
Pastor Joe
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