If you have ever questioned that God is a God of second chances, this video from Pete Wilson and the guys at Cross Point Church will take away any doubt! Thanks Pete for sharing Sheila’s Story!
Sheila’s Story from Cross Point Church on Vimeo.
I was reading in 2 Samuel Chapter 10 the other day. David has just received word that the Ammonites hired Syrian soldiers to wage war against Israel. He sent Joab and “all of the host of mighty men” to meet them. Here is where the story picks up in verse 9:
“When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians. The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother and arrayed them against the Ammonites. And he said, ‘If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to Him.” – 2 Samuel 10:9-11
Here are some things God showed me:
Joab saw the need and acted: Joab assessed the need to meet the enemy on two fronts and then assigned the people and resources accordingly.
Joab never forgot about the team: Both Joab and Abishai had armies to lead and duties to carry out but not at the expense of the team. If one needed help, the other was to going be there.
Joab stayed focused on the vision: This was not about personal glory, but for the protection of God’s people and His cities. He was doing what was pleasing to God.
Joab showed great character in how to work together as a team. Does your church or ministry show the same character?
Have you ever heard the rhyme “Here’s the church, here’s the steeple, open the door and there’s the people?” It is usually accompanied by acting out the words with your hands. It takes me back to when I was younger.
When you ask most people to define the word church, they will tell you that it is a building, usually with a steeple, where Christians meet. When you look at the word Church in the New Testament, however, it is referring to the body believers, not a structure. This week, I have seen God’s church in action.
Sunday, Daniel Dulaney baptized his neighbor Jordan who he led to Christ and Jordan’s wife. Jordan didn’t become a believer because he walked into a building. It began with neighbor’s talking over a fence about a mutual love for BBQ.
In the same service, two handmade shawls were prayed over. They are being given to a woman given less than 6 months to live and to a woman who just lost her husband. Prayer for these two was happening as each stitch was made.
Last week a good friend named Brad found out that he has prostrate cancer. He is 34 years old. Monday night a group of friends gathered around Brad and his wife to pray for healing.
It is not the buildings that make a church. It is people caring enough about other people to invest their time, treasures and talent so that others can see the love of Christ.
I’ve missed my bride this weekend. Janice left on Thursday to be with her mom for her surgery. I don’t like it when she’s gone. Even though the weekend has been full of activity, it has not been the same without Janice. Anyone who has a significant other knows what I’m feeling. I miss spending time with her.
If this is the way I feel about being away my wife, my feelings should be stronger about being away from my God. It is very easy to allow life to be filled with activities that take away from my time with God. But do I always miss Him the way I miss her? I miss my wife because we are intimate. God wants an even greater intimacy. The good news is that my wife will be home tomorrow!! The greater news is that my God is here now!!!
“And Can It Be”
Aren’t you thankful for Amazing Love? How does Jesus thrill your soul?
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I started working out again last week (No, it was not a New Year’s Resolution, I just took the holidays off). When I first start back after taking off an extended period of time, my feet are really sore. (Maybe it is a sign that I am getting old.) When I get up to walk, it takes me a few steps for the pain to stop. I’m sure I am a vision of grace as I hobble along. It’s the price I pay for getting out of my routine. It got me thinking about the price we pay when we get out of a routine of prayer.
My Pastor, Jim Crooks, has been preaching about spiritual warfare on Sunday evenings. The material is good stuff. This past week he was speaking on the Armor of God. He shared that the place of our spiritual armor is prayer. He said the reason so many people have trouble praying is because they don’t do it on a regular basis. Some people don’t even do it at all. He gave some good tips to help with one’s prayer life.
1. Pray Accurately: Pray in the spirit; let the spirit direct.
2. Pray Always: In all occasions.
3. Pray in All Ways: Petition, Intercession, Confession, Praise, Confession, Thanksgiving
4. Pray Alertly: Not lazy praying; be disciplined and alert.
5. Pray for All People: Pray for the Saints
Prayer is vital to a healthy Christian walk. Maybe you struggle with having a quality prayer time. It is something that this ADD Worship Minister struggles with every day. It may be painful for you to do. Here is the deal, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. It takes discipline. I went and worked out this morning and you know what? My feet don’t hurt as bad.
I am sitting in my office listening to Classical Christmas Music via Pandora. If you have not discovered the bliss that is Pandora, you can check it out here. It allows you to set up online radio stations based on favorite artists and the genre of music they fall in. It is absolutely free which makes it all the better. Besides Christmas, here are some of my favorite stations:
1. Hillsong
2. Passion
3. Michael Buble
4. James Taylor
5. Def Lepoard
If you Pandora, what are some of yours?
Today, I celebrate 14 years being married to the most amazing woman on the planet!
Ain’t She cute!?! Here is a little something that I wrote that I am presenting to her at our choir Christmas party tonight:
Anniversary thoughts about Janice:
I can’t believe that I have been married to you for 14 wonderful years. It seems like just yesterday that I met you sitting on the ground carving that little pumpkin. I can still remember you coming to my door for our first official date. You wore a blue outfit with white polka dots and a big bow in your hair. You took my breath away, and still do. I can remember you walking yourself down the isle at our wedding. You looked so beautiful, and still do. You have given me two beautiful boys here on earth and two more children waiting for us in heaven. I am so glad that our children have you as their Mother. I love your spunk, your tenacity, and your love of life. I thank God every day for you. You are my best friend and you have my heart! Happy Anniversary My Love!
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