Weekly Note From the Pastor
May 28, 2008
Everybody has their own opinions, and those opinions, you own. In other words, if you share the views, they can’t be just someone else’s thoughts. If you adopt them, they are yours. The only opinions that carry any value however are those that reflect Truth. But where opinions impede upon our belief system is in those gray areas where Truth is not so black and white. In those instances, it is wise to share your opinions as YOUR opinions and not as Truth. Opinion has its demise in dogmaticalness and many times has served up ‘humble pie.’
“Whereas the object and purpose of our instruction and charge is love, which springs from a pure heart and a good (clear) conscience and sincere (unfeigned) faith. But certain individuals have missed the mark on this very matter [and] have wandered away into vain arguments and discussions and purposeless talk. They are ambitious to be doctors of the Law (teachers of the Mosaic ritual), but they have no understanding either of the words and terms they use or of the subjects about which they make [such] dogmatic assertions.” 1 Timothy 4:5-7 AMP
Weekly Note From the Pastor
May 21, 2008
Have you ever felt depleted? That feeling of being drained and needing to be replenished can make every task seem daunting. That overwhelming sensation can drive a person to quit if they aren’t careful. It is good to give out. Giving is the natural response to spiritual maturation and is Christlike, but one must be careful about getting filled back up healthily. The Scripture says, “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19 NASB). I encourage you, when you get to that place of weariness from doing God’s work, listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and find time to allow God to rejuvenate your spirit, soul, and body… I am.
“Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30, 31 NIV
May 7, 2008
Appreciation, an expression that lies dormant much of the time… especially toward others who deserve acknowledgement for their influence in our lives. That’s why the powers that be establish holidays designed to ‘appreciate’ those special people in our lives such as teachers, bosses, secretaries, pastors, etc. Our mothers deserve to hear our sincere laudations as we sing their praises. Bearing gifts are nice, but let your words carry the needed message. Our mothers deserve it! Happy Mother’s Day!
“You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.” 1 Corinthians 16:18b NLT
Fine Arts Service
May 7, 2008
I sure was proud of our youth this past Sunday! Everyone did a fabulous job displaying their talents for the Lord. It blesses me deeply to see this kind of involvement. I know God will use each one of them greatly in the future as they continue to serve Him with their giftings. Please be in prayer for our team as they compete against other churches this weekend. I know they will strive to do their very best!
Jeff’s Favs
May 2, 2008
Another one of my favorite restaurants, as well as my family’s, is Jinbeh, a Japanese Hibachi grill located in Lewisville next to Mardel’s Bible Book store. Now we have tried Shoguns and Oishi’s and they are good too. But what sets Jinbeh apart is their ginger sause. We pour it all over our food. And if my kids will eat it because of that sause, it will keep me going back for more!
Weekly Note From the Pastor
May 2, 2008
Affirmation is not always considered unless you are the one needing it. Everyone likes to be confirmed, and really, we need those positive reinforcements to have healthy growth. Why is it such a chore to express it but a joy to receive it? Some would say they don’t need it, but I guarantee you that they still ingest it into their spirits when it comes their way. They may blow it off outwardly, but inwardly, it is attaching itself to the ego for self-confidence and pride. God has affirmed us time and time again through His Word. For example, “So he decided long ago to adopt us as his children. He did it because of what Jesus Christ has done. It pleased God to do it” (Ephsians1:5 NIRV). I encourage you to affirm those around you! Build up your children, speak positive reinforcement to your spouse, and ratify your friendships. We all need it, so let’s all give it.
