Some is always Saying

"Who do men say that I am?" A question Jesus asked Peter, His disciple. Now it always gets my attention when someone "All-Knowing" asks a question. Im sure He wasnt asking because He didnt know the answer. But why was He asking? Im also sure Jesus had heard the rumors amd specualtion and all the talk around town. Thats to be expected with people right? Even "church" people? We've all heard it.... The "have you heards?? The Whats going on with the church down the street?? Well I heard....(fill in the blank) And we begin to focus and get so caught up in the "some say." As Peter answered Jesus. But then Jesus asked Peter another question. One that truely mattered more than the "some say." Jesus asked him, "Who do YOU say that I am?"
In our few years as being full-time pastors, the main thing that the Lord has had to work with me and thru me is putting aside what "some say!" I would love to tell you as I sit here that I have grown past the point that what "some say" and the "I heards" doesn't make me crazy!
But then my very patient and loving Father reminds me that the 2nd question is more important than the first...Who do you say that I am? Doesn't matter what people say about your church, your family, your methods, its all about pleasing Him. Because the truth is "Thou art the Christ!" That was Peters answer.The only thing that matters. Jesus replies, "flesh and blood did not reveal that to you but My Father in heaven." And on that revelation, Jesus decided to build His church. Seems like a good place to put it to me :) Not on what "some say" but on the TRUTH! On the revelation of Christ!
When you build your church, your life, your hope, your finances, your conversation on this revelation instead of worrying what everybody is saying, He promises that "The gates of Hell will not prevail against it!" Peoples words and opinions have no bearing on the outcome of your life unless you let them.
A wise pastor once said, " A major transition will happen when a decision is made to stop allowing bitter people to steal your joy!" (Neh 8:10)
Because as long as there is flesh, people will always be saying something!! But the most important thing is what YOU say and what YOU believe!

Used New Year

Welcome to a new year 2012. This year has never been lived in. This year is full of unforeseen days. It is new. The question I often ask myself is what do you do with this new thing.
Some folks like to keep new things new. I know some that like candles, but don't like to burn them?! Isn't that the purpose of the candle? Or others that will buy new table ware but refuse to use the new stuff.
We can treat a new year the same way. We can go into each day with no thought of how blessed we are to be living a new day. We can go into each week without any consideration of a plan for that week. We can walk month after month wishing we could experience something new but continuing to do old things.
Heres another way to move into a new year. Awake every day and realize it is a gift. A gift that should be used to the fullest. Used to renew yourself. Spiritual speaking, spend time connecting to the gift giver. It is G-d who gives us each day,
Used to renew relationships. Rekindle old ones and build new ones.
Used to help someone in need. We find more purpose as we give ourselves away.
Be intentional about using each hour of every day as a gift. A gift that you should use!
Burn the candle, use the china this year.

Jesus/buts??

Did you know that Jesus was into buts???? Crazy question I know. Now our ”buts” can be used as excuses to keep us from doing all kinds of things. But….. when Jesus gets involved, it changes everything.

Proverbs 3:32-33 – For the devious are an abomination to the Lord; BUT He is intimate with the upright. The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, BUT  He blesses the dwelling of the righteous. Thank you Jesus for the “Buts !”

That was just a side thought. What really caught me about this passage was the part that says “He is intimate with the upright!” Intimate! Not close to us, not beside us, but He desires to be intimate with us. Now that’s a whole-nother level. The word intimate can be defined as: Closely personal. That says to me that He desires to be involved in every area of our lives. Every area! My aim for 2012 is to make Jesus, “closely personal” with everything that I have going on. I know this doesn’t mean that things will be perfect, but having the creator of the universe closely personal to me in my every day sounds like a good plan. How can you go wrong with that??

Nikki

Maybe not at the top of the list.

If I listed the things I'm grateful for it would probably be a lot of the same things on your list. Like friends, family, country, water, food, and salvation (wow how can you every express enough thankfulness for that).
So I was thinking about a few other things I could add to the list. Maybe not at the top of the list but very important
The Influencers - the people that inspire me to do better or hang in there. The people that influence my kids.
The faithful - the people that live their life consistent. They walk the walk and talk the talk. They are examples for all of us.
Winning - nobody likes to loose, need I say more. (I'm loosing in my fantasy football league to which I am not grateful)
Football- I really like football. ND
A smokin hot woman- named Nikki
Eggnog - I just had an eggnog pie. Very grateful
You- I may not know you, but thanks for reading. And if I do know you, and like you ; ), I'm very grateful.

What are the things on your list?

Stationery card

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Rewind

This past Sunday we explored the mission of StockbridgeAssembly
Love - Connect - Serve

Complexity breeds confusion and disagreement

Simplicity breeds clarity and agreement

Jesus stepped into a very complex world of politics and religion. Confusion and disagreements were the order of the day. He brought a simple message that evryone could understand and connect to.

Matt. 22:37-40 (my paraphrase) Love G-d with everything, Connect with others and Serve your world.

One interesting point - Jesus makes this personal and forces us to take the responsibility by using the word "You."

You shall love the Lord Your G-d – this is something you have to do. You cant depend on the relationship your grandmother has with G-d, You have to have a personal experience and relationship.

You shall Love your neighbor – It is your responsibility to connect to your neighbor. We cant wait for someone to connect with you. Or get displaced when others don’t connect with you. It is our responsibility to connect.

As Yourself – The same level you care for yourself should be the level you care for others. Serving them as you would serve yourself.

Funny how Jesus’s teaching calls us to look inside and own up to responsibility.

Love – Connect – Serve

Sunday Rewind

If you missed it here are the highlights

A week of Fasting and prayer starts 10/3/11

Prayer Focus

Mon. – Missions ( Food Pantry, etc)  
Tues. – leadership and church families
Wed. – All Students
Thurs. - Haitian, Hispanic and Church Ministries
Fri. – Finances (Yours and the Churches
Sat. Community
Sun. – our gathering (we will meet at 10:15 to pray together)

Why I Love the Church

Romans 12
The people are Devoted
The People are Different than the world
The People are Diverse
The People are Deep in love
The People are Diligent
The People are NOT Diluted with selfishness

(if this is not a picture of the church we should be striving to be more)

The ILMC Challenge

Invite someone
Invest in the Church
Be Involved in the Church and with the people.

My Name is Steven and I love My Church