7 months ago
Monday, March 30, 2009
This Sunday
For those of you who missed Sunday and have heard the word on the street, "you missed a great service" or you just want to see it again, check out the last skit, which Amy has uploaded to her blog!!!! Click HERE.
After the Revival 03-22-09
I am so excited to see what God is going to do with the revival. So many have prayed and fasted. Sacrifices have been made in an attempt to hear from God. We have had 21 days of large numbers of us praying for the same thing. I truly believe God is going to bless our efforts.
When the Wednesday night service is over and souls have been saved, lives have been changed and we have drawn closer to God. What is the next step in our walk with God?
What theme is common in the following two verses?
2 Peter 3:18: 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
1 Peter 2:2: 2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
We see that we are to grow as believers. We are to become more and more like Christ.
What a perfect example to crave or desire God’s word as a newborn baby needs milk. We all desperately need to get to this point.
I want to challenge us not just to read the bible to find out what it teaches, but I want us to study it so we may better know the one who wrote it. My prayer is that we would intimately know God and how much he loves us.
In Hebrews 12:2 it tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus.
Let’s look at the following verses and see what we see:
1 Timothy 1:17: 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 19:1: 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Isaiah 43:7: 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
Revelation 14:6-7: 6Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."
These verses make it very clear that we are to bring and give God glory.
Even salvation ties in with bringing God glory. Look at Romans 1:5: 5Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.
We see here it is For His Name Sake.
I thought we were saved so we wouldn’t go to hell and that is true.
I thought we were saved so we could be forgiven of our sins and that is true.
I thought we were saved so we could spend eternity with God and that is true.
But the main reason we are saved is because our salvation brings Glory to God.
Why is that true? When we share with others who Christ is and how much he loves us God is being glorified. When we tell them how much we need his forgiveness, God is being glorified. When one is saved they become a new person and they are changed and God is glorified.
Look at 3 John verses 6 and 7: 6They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans.
Why did they go out and share with others? For the Sake of the Name! We must never forget that it is all about God!
We started the lesson talking about how we all need to grow spiritually, to become more like Christ and now we have looked at how we are to be bringing God glory. Let’s look at how these two ties together.
2 Corinthians 3:18: 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Do we remember when Moses came down from the mountain from being with God? What did the bible say about his face? That it shined with the glory of God. Earlier in this chapter it said that Moses wore a veil over his face because the people could not directly look at the glory of God.
The verse that we just read said that we do not wear a veil and that we are to reflect God’s glory. God’s glory is to shine from us. We are to live in a manner that brings God glory. But then look what it says will happen: We will be transformed into Christ likeness. We will grow spiritually. We will become more like Christ.
So if we want to grow spiritually or be more like Christ we need to bring glory to God in everything we do.
Some might ask: Bring God glory in everything? Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 10:31: 31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Let’s look at an example Jesus gave us for bringing God glory right before he was to go to the cross.
John 12:27-28: 27"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name!"
We see here that at times in order to bring God glory we must put God’s will before ours. Christ was willing to give his life.
I believe if we are to live in God’s will it all starts with having faith and trust in God. Our faith will always Glorify God, especially when we are going through hard times. Our faith can shine bright and lift up God in a mighty way.
I love how Daniel expressed his faith as he stood before the King Nebuchadnezzar who threatens to throw him into the fiery furnace if he did not worship his golden image.
Daniel 3:17-18: 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
I really love David’s response. We must realize this faith is displayed as he stands at the mouth of the fiery furnace. Wow!
One thing that we need to clearly understand is that the more I know about God and his character the more I will trust in him and place my faith in him.
How do we learn more about him? Read our Bible.
As we read the bible we will see God at work. We will see how much he loves us. We will see his compassion and mercy. We will see that he is faithful.
Let’s look at John 15:8 and see what else we see about bringing God glory: 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
As we bear fruit we bring glory to God.
Matthew 5:16 says: 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
In Galatians 5 it tells us the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. These attributes are opposite from the world and as these fruits are displayed God definitely receives the glory.
Let’s see what we learn in Psalm 86:9-12: 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. 11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.
Is there any surprise that as we worship and praise God that we bring him glory? When we come to God’s house let’s make our praise genuine. Let’s worship him for who he is.
Let’s look at John 14:13: 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
Have we ever thought that Jesus answers our prayers so that God will receive the glory? God answers prayers every day. Do we do our part to insure that God is seen when our prayers are answered. Remember God is at work all around us.
Let’s look at Romans 15:5-6: 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The bible stresses the importance of the unity of believers. There is so much that can be accomplished through God when the body is unitied.
What will destroy unity? Pride.
What is the opposite of Pride? Humility.
Humility is a great place to start if one desires unity. I believe humility produces love and I believe love produces unity.
Let’s look at 2 Thessalonians 3:1: 1Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.
Finally we see that we bring honor or glory to God by proclaiming his word so others will come to know him.
Today we tried to show if we desire to grow spiritually that we must be focused in bringing God glory in everything we do. Everything we do! We have also tried to look at the specific actions which bring God glory, I want to challenge us to look at our lives and see where we might need to change.
I want to end with a final verse. Let’s look at the instruction Jesus gave Peter. John 21:18-19: 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
Did we hear that? Jesus said “Follow me!”
When the Wednesday night service is over and souls have been saved, lives have been changed and we have drawn closer to God. What is the next step in our walk with God?
What theme is common in the following two verses?
2 Peter 3:18: 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
1 Peter 2:2: 2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
We see that we are to grow as believers. We are to become more and more like Christ.
What a perfect example to crave or desire God’s word as a newborn baby needs milk. We all desperately need to get to this point.
I want to challenge us not just to read the bible to find out what it teaches, but I want us to study it so we may better know the one who wrote it. My prayer is that we would intimately know God and how much he loves us.
In Hebrews 12:2 it tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus.
Let’s look at the following verses and see what we see:
1 Timothy 1:17: 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 19:1: 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Isaiah 43:7: 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
Revelation 14:6-7: 6Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."
These verses make it very clear that we are to bring and give God glory.
Even salvation ties in with bringing God glory. Look at Romans 1:5: 5Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.
We see here it is For His Name Sake.
I thought we were saved so we wouldn’t go to hell and that is true.
I thought we were saved so we could be forgiven of our sins and that is true.
I thought we were saved so we could spend eternity with God and that is true.
But the main reason we are saved is because our salvation brings Glory to God.
Why is that true? When we share with others who Christ is and how much he loves us God is being glorified. When we tell them how much we need his forgiveness, God is being glorified. When one is saved they become a new person and they are changed and God is glorified.
Look at 3 John verses 6 and 7: 6They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans.
Why did they go out and share with others? For the Sake of the Name! We must never forget that it is all about God!
We started the lesson talking about how we all need to grow spiritually, to become more like Christ and now we have looked at how we are to be bringing God glory. Let’s look at how these two ties together.
2 Corinthians 3:18: 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Do we remember when Moses came down from the mountain from being with God? What did the bible say about his face? That it shined with the glory of God. Earlier in this chapter it said that Moses wore a veil over his face because the people could not directly look at the glory of God.
The verse that we just read said that we do not wear a veil and that we are to reflect God’s glory. God’s glory is to shine from us. We are to live in a manner that brings God glory. But then look what it says will happen: We will be transformed into Christ likeness. We will grow spiritually. We will become more like Christ.
So if we want to grow spiritually or be more like Christ we need to bring glory to God in everything we do.
Some might ask: Bring God glory in everything? Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 10:31: 31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Let’s look at an example Jesus gave us for bringing God glory right before he was to go to the cross.
John 12:27-28: 27"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name!"
We see here that at times in order to bring God glory we must put God’s will before ours. Christ was willing to give his life.
I believe if we are to live in God’s will it all starts with having faith and trust in God. Our faith will always Glorify God, especially when we are going through hard times. Our faith can shine bright and lift up God in a mighty way.
I love how Daniel expressed his faith as he stood before the King Nebuchadnezzar who threatens to throw him into the fiery furnace if he did not worship his golden image.
Daniel 3:17-18: 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
I really love David’s response. We must realize this faith is displayed as he stands at the mouth of the fiery furnace. Wow!
One thing that we need to clearly understand is that the more I know about God and his character the more I will trust in him and place my faith in him.
How do we learn more about him? Read our Bible.
As we read the bible we will see God at work. We will see how much he loves us. We will see his compassion and mercy. We will see that he is faithful.
Let’s look at John 15:8 and see what else we see about bringing God glory: 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
As we bear fruit we bring glory to God.
Matthew 5:16 says: 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
In Galatians 5 it tells us the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. These attributes are opposite from the world and as these fruits are displayed God definitely receives the glory.
Let’s see what we learn in Psalm 86:9-12: 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. 11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.
Is there any surprise that as we worship and praise God that we bring him glory? When we come to God’s house let’s make our praise genuine. Let’s worship him for who he is.
Let’s look at John 14:13: 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
Have we ever thought that Jesus answers our prayers so that God will receive the glory? God answers prayers every day. Do we do our part to insure that God is seen when our prayers are answered. Remember God is at work all around us.
Let’s look at Romans 15:5-6: 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The bible stresses the importance of the unity of believers. There is so much that can be accomplished through God when the body is unitied.
What will destroy unity? Pride.
What is the opposite of Pride? Humility.
Humility is a great place to start if one desires unity. I believe humility produces love and I believe love produces unity.
Let’s look at 2 Thessalonians 3:1: 1Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.
Finally we see that we bring honor or glory to God by proclaiming his word so others will come to know him.
Today we tried to show if we desire to grow spiritually that we must be focused in bringing God glory in everything we do. Everything we do! We have also tried to look at the specific actions which bring God glory, I want to challenge us to look at our lives and see where we might need to change.
I want to end with a final verse. Let’s look at the instruction Jesus gave Peter. John 21:18-19: 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
Did we hear that? Jesus said “Follow me!”
Monday, March 9, 2009
Bring to Sunday Schoool
All, If anyone can bring saltine crackers for Blewer food or diapers for the pregnancy center this Sunday that would be great. Remember, respond with LOVE! Steve
Prayer Request from Cathie
If you would all remember to keep Ryan Woods in your prayers. Over the weekend I found out that he is doing ok, but isn't able to talk-I don't know the details of how much or little but was told that he will be going to speech therapy. Can you imagine loosing your speech? And this is a teenager. Also, he was/is an awesome baseball player that Josh has known and played against here and there for 7 years. To have a goal to play HS baseball all these years and some freak accident happens like this is heartbreaking, however, we have much more to be thankful for that it wasn't worse than it is.
Ryan reminds me of our friend Will Amick, the teenager who was accidentally shot last year and almost died. Hundreds of people rallied together in prayer and support for him and his family. It took several months of healing, but if you haven't heard, that young man is a miracle! He started playing golf several months ago and then picked up his bat and slowly but surely, got back into training and is now playing for Calhoun this year. I see him and he looks so good you would never know anything so life threatening happened just 14 months ago. *PRAISE GOD*
Then there is Hunter Knight, Jamie's nephew, who got hurt during a wrestling match. I don't know him real well, but he is always kind and respectful and he has great parents. He is a fabulous athlete and is now having to deal with this unexpected hurdle. Jamie, do you have an update on Hunter?
My Hannah hurt her knee in track practice. X-ray's didn't show anything and then sent to an orthopedic who thinks it could be a possible torn meniscus or a misplaced knee cap. She is scheduled to have an MRI for this Thursday. My Josh is hobbling on a swollen ankle from Friday's 1st game. Trainer said it was a slight sprang and told him to wrap it. It was sore and he was able to play the 2nd game and another on Saturday. Now his whole foot was puffy and sore.
Please keep these young men and woman in your prayers, especially Ryan and Hunter. It's already hard being a teenager!
Thank you so much for your time and your faithfulness to pray.
~Cathie
ps-Please don't forget to pray for SVBC Youth Group-We are traveling to Knoxville this Friday for a weekend of retreat and revival.
Original E-mail
Please pray for these two young men:
Ryan Woods- was hit just behind the temple with a baseball during high school practice. He is currently in the hospital for observation and shows some slight bleeding in/on the brain. I was told he can't speak. I don't know if that means the Dr's don't want him to, he can't because of tubes or he can't because of the accident. I don't know what HS he goes to but he plays for a travel-ball team out of Summerville.
Hunter Young- broke his pelvic bone during a wrestling match this past Saturday. This match win was qualifying for State and Hunter continued through it in pain and won. I was told he set a record for being the first Freshmen from Calhoun to go to State...he can't now. He is also a very good baseball player and will miss the first part of this season.
Please pray for all our children...physically, mentally, emotionally and most of all spiritually.
Thanks a bunch,
~C
Ryan reminds me of our friend Will Amick, the teenager who was accidentally shot last year and almost died. Hundreds of people rallied together in prayer and support for him and his family. It took several months of healing, but if you haven't heard, that young man is a miracle! He started playing golf several months ago and then picked up his bat and slowly but surely, got back into training and is now playing for Calhoun this year. I see him and he looks so good you would never know anything so life threatening happened just 14 months ago. *PRAISE GOD*
Then there is Hunter Knight, Jamie's nephew, who got hurt during a wrestling match. I don't know him real well, but he is always kind and respectful and he has great parents. He is a fabulous athlete and is now having to deal with this unexpected hurdle. Jamie, do you have an update on Hunter?
My Hannah hurt her knee in track practice. X-ray's didn't show anything and then sent to an orthopedic who thinks it could be a possible torn meniscus or a misplaced knee cap. She is scheduled to have an MRI for this Thursday. My Josh is hobbling on a swollen ankle from Friday's 1st game. Trainer said it was a slight sprang and told him to wrap it. It was sore and he was able to play the 2nd game and another on Saturday. Now his whole foot was puffy and sore.
Please keep these young men and woman in your prayers, especially Ryan and Hunter. It's already hard being a teenager!
Thank you so much for your time and your faithfulness to pray.
~Cathie
ps-Please don't forget to pray for SVBC Youth Group-We are traveling to Knoxville this Friday for a weekend of retreat and revival.
Original E-mail
Please pray for these two young men:
Ryan Woods- was hit just behind the temple with a baseball during high school practice. He is currently in the hospital for observation and shows some slight bleeding in/on the brain. I was told he can't speak. I don't know if that means the Dr's don't want him to, he can't because of tubes or he can't because of the accident. I don't know what HS he goes to but he plays for a travel-ball team out of Summerville.
Hunter Young- broke his pelvic bone during a wrestling match this past Saturday. This match win was qualifying for State and Hunter continued through it in pain and won. I was told he set a record for being the first Freshmen from Calhoun to go to State...he can't now. He is also a very good baseball player and will miss the first part of this season.
Please pray for all our children...physically, mentally, emotionally and most of all spiritually.
Thanks a bunch,
~C
James 5:7-12 7
All,
James 5:7-12 7
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
We can learn alot from the farmer. The farmer realizes there is different seasons. There is a time to plant and a time to harvest. Some seasons are harder than others. But the farmer knows it is just a season. The farmer knows God is in control. The farmer is patient and stands firm because he has faith and trust that God will provide all that is needed for the crops to grow. We too go through different seasons. Is there anything we can learn from the farmer?
Stay in your bible,
Steve
James 5:7-12 7
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
We can learn alot from the farmer. The farmer realizes there is different seasons. There is a time to plant and a time to harvest. Some seasons are harder than others. But the farmer knows it is just a season. The farmer knows God is in control. The farmer is patient and stands firm because he has faith and trust that God will provide all that is needed for the crops to grow. We too go through different seasons. Is there anything we can learn from the farmer?
Stay in your bible,
Steve
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Who Knew
Sunday School was awesome!!! The message was on prayer, Steve talked about it a little :), threw a basket of pens, members shared their hearts, it was fabulous!!! Mitch has also called for a month of prayer and fasting. We are truly being challenged to stop and pray. I heard the messages, I got the messages, but it wasn't until Monday when I got to work, that I really "got" the messages. Each November I make a calendar of pictures through one of our vendors. I always upload pictures of my baby girl. Imagine my awe when I flip the calendar to March and this is what I see......I'm thinking I'm suppose to be praying.
Who knew in November when I made my calendar that in March we would truly be challenged to pray.
HE KNEW........ Pray, Pray, Pray....
Who knew in November when I made my calendar that in March we would truly be challenged to pray.HE KNEW........ Pray, Pray, Pray....
Prayer Requests
This past Sunday was wonderful. God is awesome and his presence was truly felt during class. I want to let you know how much I greatly appreciate that so many shared with the class their thoughts, their burdens and how God is working in your lives. I think we all came away realizing how important it is that we be praying for each other. I think we all see that God is the answer.
Here is the list of items we discussed Sunday that we need to be praying about:
Here is the list of items we discussed Sunday that we need to be praying about:
- Continue to pray for Amanda Diskey's physical condition. Also remember Prentice's father is in the hospital and not doing very well.
- Pray for a job opportunity that will allow Chad Trundle to attend church on Sunday. It will be great to have him back with us.
- Pray for Jamie Williams' family.
- Pray for Audra and Corey Mills.
- Pray for Goldie and John Woody.
- Pray for Steve and Jane Rierson. Also remember my friend in Atlanta, Marty Rae.
If I left anything off please let me know and I apologize. Also, if anyone would like to add to this list please let me know that also. We have a great group and I want to thank you for allowing me to attend Sunday School with you. Now we need to get busy loving on each other and praying for each other. Praise God in All Things. Steve
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