Over the past years, I have read about and heard the talk about how the way you see yourself determines to a large degree the way you act and react in life -- that your self worth and your self esteem tend to be a governing factor in life.
If you see yourself as a loser then you’ll end up, to a large degree, acting like a loser. If you see yourself as a victim, you tend to let people victimize you. Bottom line is you set yourself up. On the other hand, if you see yourself as being successful, then you tend to follow the new path of success rather than the snares of the old way of living.
Did you know that thousands of years ago Solomon said, “As a man thinks in his heart so is he.” You see, the Bible was right on and is clear that your beliefs do determine your behaviors.
Check out what the Bible says about you, the Christ follower. You have been chosen by God… You belong to God… You are living stones… You are a holy people… You have received mercy… You no longer walk in darkness… OK, now look at this in everyday language. If I have trusted Christ, then I am accepted… I am valuable… I am capable… I am competent… I am forgivable.
Take a look at your life through the eyes of Christ and allow your life to influence and impact the world you live in -- the power of one life living out how God sees you.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Making My Life Count...
When I think about famous people, particularly in the Bible, who made an impact with their life – ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary tasks – I wonder just how many of those people really knew that God wants so badly to work in their life.
Before we can make our lives count, there are several questions that we will all need to answer eventually. The question of identity - Who am I?... The question of responsibility – What am I going to do with my life?... The question of priority – What is really the most important thing in my life?... The question of difficulty – How much am I willing to commit to what I'm going to give my life for?
These are the questions that everyone has to answer, and answering these questions will give us a foundation on how to make this one life we have successful and impacting.
POWER OF ONE LIFE... Discover what God made me to be... Accept responsibility for my own life... Establish a value system for my life... Stay focused and NEVER take my eyes off the goal.
Before we can make our lives count, there are several questions that we will all need to answer eventually. The question of identity - Who am I?... The question of responsibility – What am I going to do with my life?... The question of priority – What is really the most important thing in my life?... The question of difficulty – How much am I willing to commit to what I'm going to give my life for?
These are the questions that everyone has to answer, and answering these questions will give us a foundation on how to make this one life we have successful and impacting.
POWER OF ONE LIFE... Discover what God made me to be... Accept responsibility for my own life... Establish a value system for my life... Stay focused and NEVER take my eyes off the goal.
Friday, March 6, 2009
The State of the Heart
Right now the condition of our economy is at the forefront of America. Our economy needs recovery. But that’s not all. We also need recovery in our homes, in our marriages, in our businesses. Most importantly we need healing and wholeness in our hearts.
During tough times like these, it’s easy to ask, “WHY?” Why is this happening to me? Why are things so hard? Why am I going through this? Why is there so much suffering and hardship all around me? The key is not to look at our surroundings, but to look at the heart and place our trust and hope in God alone. I ask you, what is the state of your heart today? We all know the state of the economy, but what is the state of your heart? This is one question that only you can answer.
Is your hope in Jesus Christ or in the stock market? Is your hope in your God or in your job? Is your hope in Him alone or is it in people around you? The Bible says that we shouldn't lean on our own understanding, but rather acknowledge God and trust Him in everything, and He will direct our paths and take care of us.
This hope that we have is not based upon some vague wish. It’s rooted in the Word of God. It’s rooted in the belief that even when life is tough, God is good and he has a plan and purpose for our lives and for our country.
A promise made 3,000 yrs ago to King Solomon is appropriate for today in 2009. It’s a promise that he has made to all of us – even 21st century America. God says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)
Notice words of action that bring wholeness to the heart of people and to this country… humble = humility of confessions I can’t God can… pray = refusal to give up and invite God in to your daily life… seek = make God your primary focus rather than a casual glance… repent = literally to change, flip your thinking, mindset, regarding your values and God.
Let the change begin first inside of YOU… with the state of your heart.
- Pastor Joe
During tough times like these, it’s easy to ask, “WHY?” Why is this happening to me? Why are things so hard? Why am I going through this? Why is there so much suffering and hardship all around me? The key is not to look at our surroundings, but to look at the heart and place our trust and hope in God alone. I ask you, what is the state of your heart today? We all know the state of the economy, but what is the state of your heart? This is one question that only you can answer.
Is your hope in Jesus Christ or in the stock market? Is your hope in your God or in your job? Is your hope in Him alone or is it in people around you? The Bible says that we shouldn't lean on our own understanding, but rather acknowledge God and trust Him in everything, and He will direct our paths and take care of us.
This hope that we have is not based upon some vague wish. It’s rooted in the Word of God. It’s rooted in the belief that even when life is tough, God is good and he has a plan and purpose for our lives and for our country.
A promise made 3,000 yrs ago to King Solomon is appropriate for today in 2009. It’s a promise that he has made to all of us – even 21st century America. God says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)
Notice words of action that bring wholeness to the heart of people and to this country… humble = humility of confessions I can’t God can… pray = refusal to give up and invite God in to your daily life… seek = make God your primary focus rather than a casual glance… repent = literally to change, flip your thinking, mindset, regarding your values and God.
Let the change begin first inside of YOU… with the state of your heart.
- Pastor Joe
Friday, February 27, 2009
Living in the Zone!
You may have a heard this statement if you are a sports fan or an athlete, “He or she is in the zone!” On a golf course it is the golfer who is making consecutive birdies. The basketball player who just can’t miss. The baseball player who has a consecutive hitting streak, etc… Another term we sometimes say or hear, “I am hitting on all cylinders!” or “Life is on a roll!” What does it really mean to be IN THE ZONE… HITTING ON ALL CYLINDERS… ON A ROLL?
It is simply living at a level that is distinguished from the norm. It is a contrast to the ordinary. Our incredible and awesome God – and this is going to shock some of you – our great God wants all of us to live in the zone. He desperately desires each of us to operate in the sweet spot of life. God wants all of us hitting on all cylinders. Every one of these buzz statements simply means God wants us to live in the place where we experience His success every day!
With that being said, this blog could get long and wordy if I were to go into detail regarding this truth. I want to invite you to our website (www.celebratechurch.org/media) to download or listen to our current series of messages entitled “THE BLESSED LIFE!” And I want to invite you to join me at Celebrate this Sunday as I conclude this series with a message I am very excited about that I am calling, “LIVING IN THE ZONE.” So, if you truly want to live in the zone, then join me on Sunday at Celebrate!
See you there!
- Pastor Joe
It is simply living at a level that is distinguished from the norm. It is a contrast to the ordinary. Our incredible and awesome God – and this is going to shock some of you – our great God wants all of us to live in the zone. He desperately desires each of us to operate in the sweet spot of life. God wants all of us hitting on all cylinders. Every one of these buzz statements simply means God wants us to live in the place where we experience His success every day!
With that being said, this blog could get long and wordy if I were to go into detail regarding this truth. I want to invite you to our website (www.celebratechurch.org/media) to download or listen to our current series of messages entitled “THE BLESSED LIFE!” And I want to invite you to join me at Celebrate this Sunday as I conclude this series with a message I am very excited about that I am calling, “LIVING IN THE ZONE.” So, if you truly want to live in the zone, then join me on Sunday at Celebrate!
See you there!
- Pastor Joe
Friday, February 20, 2009
Don't Ever Give Up!
I want to share a story with you from God’s Word. My prayer is that your faith will strengthen and your courage will rise to face times when everything tells you to quit and become a doubter.
Jesus told a story showing that it was necessary for people to pray consistently and never quit. He said, "There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: 'My rights are being violated. Protect me!'
"He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, 'I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won't quit badgering me, I'd better do something and see that she gets justice – otherwise I'm going to end up beaten black and blue by her pounding.'"
Then Jesus said, "Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won't step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won't he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?" (Luke 18:1-8 MSG)
I am not sure what caused her distress, but this widow needed justice and she went looking for it – with no weapon but persistence. Going to the judge’s home, she knocked on the unsympathetic man’s door repeatedly until he finally gave her what she was seeking. Is God telling us he’ll only answer our prayers if we wear him down? No! He’s reminding us that if a heartless judge can be reached, we can certainly count on our Father – who loves us – to help us.
People ask, "Why aren’t my prayers answered sooner? Why keep trying?" Sometimes, we are not persistent or we use the excuse I don’t want to bother God. Only to find out later that God desired to meet our needs, answer our request. Any time there is a delay, you can be sure that two things are going on – your faith is being tested by God and contested by Satan. Satan wants to discourage you, but God is testing your faith because he knows that faith is a muscle. Waiting develops the muscle.
God's timing is perfect. It always is and it always will be! If you find yourself discouraged about a situation or what appears to be an unanswered prayer, don’t give up – look up!
- Pastor Joe
Jesus told a story showing that it was necessary for people to pray consistently and never quit. He said, "There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: 'My rights are being violated. Protect me!'
"He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, 'I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won't quit badgering me, I'd better do something and see that she gets justice – otherwise I'm going to end up beaten black and blue by her pounding.'"
Then Jesus said, "Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won't step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won't he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?" (Luke 18:1-8 MSG)
I am not sure what caused her distress, but this widow needed justice and she went looking for it – with no weapon but persistence. Going to the judge’s home, she knocked on the unsympathetic man’s door repeatedly until he finally gave her what she was seeking. Is God telling us he’ll only answer our prayers if we wear him down? No! He’s reminding us that if a heartless judge can be reached, we can certainly count on our Father – who loves us – to help us.
People ask, "Why aren’t my prayers answered sooner? Why keep trying?" Sometimes, we are not persistent or we use the excuse I don’t want to bother God. Only to find out later that God desired to meet our needs, answer our request. Any time there is a delay, you can be sure that two things are going on – your faith is being tested by God and contested by Satan. Satan wants to discourage you, but God is testing your faith because he knows that faith is a muscle. Waiting develops the muscle.
God's timing is perfect. It always is and it always will be! If you find yourself discouraged about a situation or what appears to be an unanswered prayer, don’t give up – look up!
- Pastor Joe
Monday, February 16, 2009
Saturday Night...
As I send this out, I think about so many stories I have heard about and have conversed with so many of you regarding how much God has done in you, your family, and your friends.
So many of you are experiencing an incredible life being connected to Christ, and when I think about why we are here and what we are supposed to be about as a spiritual family at Celebrate Church, I think...that’s it! It’s about people connecting to Christ, people connecting with each other and growing into a devoted follower of Christ.
It is tough to connect to Christ if you first find yourself disconnected. I have discovered that during these economically challenging times, many have had to go to work on Sundays to make ends meet financially. That is one of the reasons why we are going to begin our Saturday Night Experience at the HUB. I don’t think it’s right for people not to have an opportunity to connect with their spiritual family because they have to work. Also, another reason is that there are people who will connect with church on a Saturday that won’t connect on a Sunday. It is so nice to have our own place to offer this exciting opportunity!
We are launching our Saturday Night Experience on March 21, 2009, and I want to invite you to be a part of our launch team. Saturday is going to be the same exciting life-changing message, excellent music, and the same love and attention we believe everyone deserves. I hope you will team up with us as we provide a church service for those who, due to economic challenges, are unable to be with us on Sundays and as we strive to see people who are far away from God come close to Him. This is an exciting opportunity for everyone, and we hope you will partner with us as we launch the Saturday Night Experience!
Please contact me at the church office (407) 566-0155 or email me at joe@celebratechurch.org and say, “Hey, I want to be on the Saturday Night Experience launch team!”
So many of you are experiencing an incredible life being connected to Christ, and when I think about why we are here and what we are supposed to be about as a spiritual family at Celebrate Church, I think...that’s it! It’s about people connecting to Christ, people connecting with each other and growing into a devoted follower of Christ.
It is tough to connect to Christ if you first find yourself disconnected. I have discovered that during these economically challenging times, many have had to go to work on Sundays to make ends meet financially. That is one of the reasons why we are going to begin our Saturday Night Experience at the HUB. I don’t think it’s right for people not to have an opportunity to connect with their spiritual family because they have to work. Also, another reason is that there are people who will connect with church on a Saturday that won’t connect on a Sunday. It is so nice to have our own place to offer this exciting opportunity!
We are launching our Saturday Night Experience on March 21, 2009, and I want to invite you to be a part of our launch team. Saturday is going to be the same exciting life-changing message, excellent music, and the same love and attention we believe everyone deserves. I hope you will team up with us as we provide a church service for those who, due to economic challenges, are unable to be with us on Sundays and as we strive to see people who are far away from God come close to Him. This is an exciting opportunity for everyone, and we hope you will partner with us as we launch the Saturday Night Experience!
Please contact me at the church office (407) 566-0155 or email me at joe@celebratechurch.org and say, “Hey, I want to be on the Saturday Night Experience launch team!”
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Is Connecting THAT Important?... Part 3
This week I’ve wanted you to see how important, necessary, and vital it is to connect in a small group.
I have used two metaphor word pictures up to this point to help you see God’s design plan and how He desires that you connect. Today is the third word picture the Bible uses to answer the question, “Is Connecting That Important?” The first word picture metaphor we discovered in God’s Word stated, we are like a BUILDING (Ephesians 2:22). The next word picture the Bible uses to point us to connect is saying, we are like a HUMAN BODY (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). We are like a building... We are like a body...
The Bible defines that being spiritually connected means we are like a FAMILY.
"I want you to know how people who are members of God’s family must live. God’s family is the church..." (1 Timothy 3:15 ).
This is my favorite metaphor for the church. It doesn’t take any explanation. Most people think that Christianity is a belief system. There are beliefs in Christianity, but it’s so much more. Christianity is a belong system. The Bible says we were born again into God’s family when we became a follower of Jesus. It also says that we’ve been adopted into God’s family. Both are great metaphors for what it should mean to be a part of the church. Because those of us who follow Christ are part of God’s family, we should accept one another and love one another.
Now let me be very clear here. We don’t approve of everyone’s behavior. That’s not love. If someone is doing something hurtful, approval is the opposite of love. But we must accept and love one another. Your family hasn’t always approved of everything you’ve done, but – I hope – they’ve loved you anyway. That’s a picture of the church that we want you to see at Celebrate.
We belong to each other. Christianity is a life and so it is to be shared. The point I hope top convey is that every Christian not only needs the Bible and not only needs prayer, but every Christian needs other Christians. There's no such thing as Lone Ranger Christianity. We need each other.
As a church, we at Celebrate encourage relationships and create many on ramps to build them. Our goal is not that you just come to church – meaning you walk in, you sit down, you watch the back of somebody's head for an hour, you get up and you walk out and that's it. How do you have a relationship looking at the back of somebody's head? It'd be kinda hard. We don’t want you to feel that you are just a number in the crowd.
In the past five years at Celebrate Church, we've had hundreds of first-time visitors. People come to a church for many different reasons. But people stay in the church for one specific reason. Relationships.
My hope is that you will find genuine and authentic relationships at Celebrate.
I have used two metaphor word pictures up to this point to help you see God’s design plan and how He desires that you connect. Today is the third word picture the Bible uses to answer the question, “Is Connecting That Important?” The first word picture metaphor we discovered in God’s Word stated, we are like a BUILDING (Ephesians 2:22). The next word picture the Bible uses to point us to connect is saying, we are like a HUMAN BODY (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). We are like a building... We are like a body...
The Bible defines that being spiritually connected means we are like a FAMILY.
"I want you to know how people who are members of God’s family must live. God’s family is the church..." (1 Timothy 3:15 ).
This is my favorite metaphor for the church. It doesn’t take any explanation. Most people think that Christianity is a belief system. There are beliefs in Christianity, but it’s so much more. Christianity is a belong system. The Bible says we were born again into God’s family when we became a follower of Jesus. It also says that we’ve been adopted into God’s family. Both are great metaphors for what it should mean to be a part of the church. Because those of us who follow Christ are part of God’s family, we should accept one another and love one another.
Now let me be very clear here. We don’t approve of everyone’s behavior. That’s not love. If someone is doing something hurtful, approval is the opposite of love. But we must accept and love one another. Your family hasn’t always approved of everything you’ve done, but – I hope – they’ve loved you anyway. That’s a picture of the church that we want you to see at Celebrate.
We belong to each other. Christianity is a life and so it is to be shared. The point I hope top convey is that every Christian not only needs the Bible and not only needs prayer, but every Christian needs other Christians. There's no such thing as Lone Ranger Christianity. We need each other.
As a church, we at Celebrate encourage relationships and create many on ramps to build them. Our goal is not that you just come to church – meaning you walk in, you sit down, you watch the back of somebody's head for an hour, you get up and you walk out and that's it. How do you have a relationship looking at the back of somebody's head? It'd be kinda hard. We don’t want you to feel that you are just a number in the crowd.
In the past five years at Celebrate Church, we've had hundreds of first-time visitors. People come to a church for many different reasons. But people stay in the church for one specific reason. Relationships.
My hope is that you will find genuine and authentic relationships at Celebrate.
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