To share your thoughts and read others, click on the comments link following the Reflection that you would like to respond to.
February 9-10, 2008
This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Pastor of Teaching/Worship
Relationships - Aren't they the most challenging part of our lives? The Bible speaks often and plainly about how we are to relate to one another. The message this weekend may have been simply stated, but I dare say the ability for us to live it is anything but simple. I want to stay focused this week on the four keys Peter gave us by being humble in spirit, confident in God, realistic in expectation, and hopeful in eternity.
I plan on working this week on all four of these, but especially the expectation one. Miriam mentioned to me that many may think based on my story about driving that when I get behind the wheel of a car I become this angry person. Let me assure you that is most often not the case. But it is a place where, when people do unsafe things near me, I need to be confident in God and hopeful in eternity.
I pray you have a great week being a little different by keeping your relational boat afloat. I'd love to hear how it's going. Use the blog below and let me know what you thought of the message and how it is affecting your life. God Bless.
February 2-3, 2008
This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Pastor of Teaching/Worship
If you were in one of our services this weekend, you heard me talk about mutual submission in the context of the relationship between husbands and wives. I defined submission in marriage as simply putting the needs, interests, and desires of your husband or wife ahead of your own.
I don't think living in submission to your spouse is easy or comes naturally. We are encouraged though to be a little different than those in our culture who live first and foremost for themselves. How does this work itself out in your life? For wives, how have you lived in submission to your husband? For husbands, how have you lived with your wife in an understanding way? What plans do you have to take today's message and make your marriage better? If you're single, did the message give you any principles you can use now?
I'm sure we can learn from each other as we share our thoughts and experiences with each other on the blog below. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with myself and others.
January 26-27, 2008
This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching/Youth
As I think more about this issue of submitting to authority, I think it can be tough. Our idea of what should be done or what is fair is not always the same as what an authority in our life thinks should be done or is fair. However, our willingness to submit says so much about our walk with God. I keep coming back to the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. To go against authority means that at least one, but usually several, of these fruits must be lacking in our life.
In the area of submitting to authority, what are some of the struggles that you face? What are some of the fruits of the spirit that you feel you need to work on in order to have the attitude toward authority that God's chosen people are called to? Maybe you have overcome some of these struggles and could share what God has done as an encouragement to other people. It can be difficult to talk about our own struggles, but this is an opportunity to come together as a family and encourage one another so that our lives reflect God for who He truly is.
As I think more about this issue of submitting to authority, I think it can be tough. Our idea of what should be done or what is fair is not always the same as what an authority in our life thinks should be done or is fair. However, our willingness to submit says so much about our walk with God. I keep coming back to the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. To go against authority means that at least one, but usually several, of these fruits must be lacking in our life.
In the area of submitting to authority, what are some of the struggles that you face? What are some of the fruits of the spirit that you feel you need to work on in order to have the attitude toward authority that God's chosen people are called to? Maybe you have overcome some of these struggles and could share what God has done as an encouragement to other people. It can be difficult to talk about our own struggles, but this is an opportunity to come together as a family and encourage one another so that our lives reflect God for who He truly is.
January 19-20, 2008
This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching/Youth
Being "a little different" – probably something that all of us could
succeed at occasionally. However, one of the things that has hit me the hardest as we have been going through this series in 1 Peter is that we are called to be different for the purpose of making a difference, which means that it will take consistency. Each of us can probably muster up a positive comment or a good attitude when things are going well. We can all express our thankfulness in times when we feel that our needs have been met. We would probably all be more likely to stand up for what is right and make the right choices when there are 10 or 15 others willing to do the same thing. Unfortunately these ideal situations don't come along as much as we want and everyday we are faced with opportunities to either live in a way that will glorify God or not. Our decision is reflected in our reactions and responses to things as well as the choices and decision we make.
Being a little different does not work when it is only when we feel like it or when the situation plays in our favor. Anyone can do that. To be truly different we are called to live our lives marked as God-chosen people everyday, in every situation. Of course none of us will attain perfection, but I pray that starting right now, at this very moment, each of us would pray for a craving that would drive us to live differently. And that when we do stumble and fall, the craving to live for God would only increase.
Being "a little different" – probably something that all of us could
succeed at occasionally. However, one of the things that has hit me the hardest as we have been going through this series in 1 Peter is that we are called to be different for the purpose of making a difference, which means that it will take consistency. Each of us can probably muster up a positive comment or a good attitude when things are going well. We can all express our thankfulness in times when we feel that our needs have been met. We would probably all be more likely to stand up for what is right and make the right choices when there are 10 or 15 others willing to do the same thing. Unfortunately these ideal situations don't come along as much as we want and everyday we are faced with opportunities to either live in a way that will glorify God or not. Our decision is reflected in our reactions and responses to things as well as the choices and decision we make.
Being a little different does not work when it is only when we feel like it or when the situation plays in our favor. Anyone can do that. To be truly different we are called to live our lives marked as God-chosen people everyday, in every situation. Of course none of us will attain perfection, but I pray that starting right now, at this very moment, each of us would pray for a craving that would drive us to live differently. And that when we do stumble and fall, the craving to live for God would only increase.
January 12-13, 2008
This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Pastor of Teaching/Worship
I want to fly high in my spiritual life, how about you? I mentioned during the services that I love to fly airplanes. This weekend I was able to spend some time at the annual air show at Cable airport. I watched Doug Jordan, an aerobatic pilot perform some hair-raising maneuvers. Here was a husband, father of seven, and owner of a business giving us his best. He was thinking clearly, exercising self-control, and doing things with a plane that the rest of us could only dream of.
I want to fly high in my spiritual life, how about you? I mentioned during the services that I love to fly airplanes. This weekend I was able to spend some time at the annual air show at Cable airport. I watched Doug Jordan, an aerobatic pilot perform some hair-raising maneuvers. Here was a husband, father of seven, and owner of a business giving us his best. He was thinking clearly, exercising self-control, and doing things with a plane that the rest of us could only dream of.
May we live a life that others can only dream of as we keep our hope in the Lord, by thinking clearly and exercising self-control this week. I know that my time in 1 Peter this week will change my life forever. I pray that learning from 1 Peter this week will change your life as well.
Have a great week flying high!
January 5-6, 2008
This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Pastor of Teaching/Worship
Deliberate Strangers! The more I think about these two words the better I like them. Peter in his first chapter wanted to make sure that believers have a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of salvation and our eternal inheritance. I know that after being a Christian for many years I can take my salvation for granted and not appreciate the rich blessing it is not only for eternal life, but also for everyday life. It is good to start with a reminder of the truth of God's about His wonderful gift of salvation.
Share with me on the blog below how you see this idea of deliberate strangers working itself out in your everyday life. Also what are some of the "many trials" you have endured in your life with Christ?
December 29-30, 2007
This week's "Reflection" by Matt Sasso, Pastor of Jr. High Ministries
This weekend we talked about some twisted views that we are presented with in our relationship with God and how they effect us as we pursue a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father. While at times these twists can be convincing, what if you and I knew the opposite of those twists? What if we lived each day in response to such a relationship? Could we then know that we are invited in a relationship with the one true God and the truth? Could we then know that there is a God who knows us and loves us?
Read Romans 3:21-28.
Think about how the knowledge of this truth can impact our daily walk with each other and our personal relationship with God. I would love for you to share how this verse guides your life and concept of a relationship with Him.
This weekend we talked about some twisted views that we are presented with in our relationship with God and how they effect us as we pursue a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father. While at times these twists can be convincing, what if you and I knew the opposite of those twists? What if we lived each day in response to such a relationship? Could we then know that we are invited in a relationship with the one true God and the truth? Could we then know that there is a God who knows us and loves us?
Read Romans 3:21-28.
Think about how the knowledge of this truth can impact our daily walk with each other and our personal relationship with God. I would love for you to share how this verse guides your life and concept of a relationship with Him.
December 22-23, 2007
This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Pastor of Teaching/Worship
This Christmas season Pastor Jeff and I have wanted to take some of the stresses and pressures of the season, expose them and then see how we might have a richer and fuller experience of Christ. This past weekend we talked about Scrubbing out Selfishness by looking at the example of Jesus as found in Philippians chapter two.
Remember the story of the man who gave his life for others after the Air Florida flight crash into the Potomac? That event reminds us that the noblest moments of human existence occur when we sacrifice our rights on behalf of others. May this be a Christmas of noble moments in many of our lives. May this be a Christmas where we selflessly serve others. If you try this, or experience it this Christmas season, would you mind sharing your story with me on the BLOG below. We can gain encouragement from one another as we share our life experiences.
Thanks and may this be your best Christmas ever.
Merry Christmas.
This Christmas season Pastor Jeff and I have wanted to take some of the stresses and pressures of the season, expose them and then see how we might have a richer and fuller experience of Christ. This past weekend we talked about Scrubbing out Selfishness by looking at the example of Jesus as found in Philippians chapter two.
Remember the story of the man who gave his life for others after the Air Florida flight crash into the Potomac? That event reminds us that the noblest moments of human existence occur when we sacrifice our rights on behalf of others. May this be a Christmas of noble moments in many of our lives. May this be a Christmas where we selflessly serve others. If you try this, or experience it this Christmas season, would you mind sharing your story with me on the BLOG below. We can gain encouragement from one another as we share our life experiences.
Thanks and may this be your best Christmas ever.
Merry Christmas.
December 15-16, 2007
This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Pastor of Teaching/Worship
Refurbishing Relationships - What a complex subject!
I woke up at 3:30 this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. My mind was filled with thoughts about how those who have been the victim of adultery heard my message this weekend. How does someone who's been the victim of adultery show selflessness? In Joseph's case God spoke to him in a dream as he was part of a greater plan. But for those today who face the betrayal of a spouse who commits adultery, how do they respond?
In many cases adultery leads to divorce. In fact, Jesus knew how difficult it is to forgive the sin of adultery and included it in his exceptions for divorce in Matthew 5:31-32. But I think once the initial feelings of anger and betrayal are expressed and maybe even a divorce occurs, there is room for forgiveness and acts of selflessness. I've seen it in the lives of several who have lived through this terrible sin. What do you think? Let me know by writing on the reflections blog below.
For those who have not experienced adultery first hand, I'd love to hear your stories of how the Holy Spirit of God enabled you to show selflessness or become sacrificial as you refurbish a relationship this Christmas season. My prayer is that God's Holy Spirit would specifically lead each one of us to start the healing in this complex world of relationships.
Refurbishing Relationships - What a complex subject!
I woke up at 3:30 this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. My mind was filled with thoughts about how those who have been the victim of adultery heard my message this weekend. How does someone who's been the victim of adultery show selflessness? In Joseph's case God spoke to him in a dream as he was part of a greater plan. But for those today who face the betrayal of a spouse who commits adultery, how do they respond?
In many cases adultery leads to divorce. In fact, Jesus knew how difficult it is to forgive the sin of adultery and included it in his exceptions for divorce in Matthew 5:31-32. But I think once the initial feelings of anger and betrayal are expressed and maybe even a divorce occurs, there is room for forgiveness and acts of selflessness. I've seen it in the lives of several who have lived through this terrible sin. What do you think? Let me know by writing on the reflections blog below.
For those who have not experienced adultery first hand, I'd love to hear your stories of how the Holy Spirit of God enabled you to show selflessness or become sacrificial as you refurbish a relationship this Christmas season. My prayer is that God's Holy Spirit would specifically lead each one of us to start the healing in this complex world of relationships.
December 8-9, 2007
This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching/Youth
This weekend we talked about brushing off the bling during this Christmas season. Though there may be some physical actions associated with brushing off the bling, it is primarily a heart attitude that we need to check.
In looking at the simplicity of the Christmas story and the way that Jesus came,
This weekend we talked about brushing off the bling during this Christmas season. Though there may be some physical actions associated with brushing off the bling, it is primarily a heart attitude that we need to check.
In looking at the simplicity of the Christmas story and the way that Jesus came,
- What are some ways that you keep your heart in check so that the pursuit of the bling does not blind you from the true meaning of Christmas, and you are not weighed down by the cultural pressure of having to provide it?
- What are some ways that we can participate in the cultural traditions of Christmas (presents, decorations, etc...), and still communicate the true meaning of our celebration to the people around us?
- How can the joy that Jesus birth brought to the world be restored in all the busyness and pressure of the season?
God bless you this Christmas season as we celebrate the greatest gift that has ever been given.
