January 2, 2006

GOD’S WORD, THE BIBLE

This book contains the mind of God, the state of mankind, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers. It’s doctrines are holy, it’s principles are binding, it’s histories are true, and it’s decisions are unchangeable.

Read it to be wise; believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword and the Christian's charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened and the gates of Hell disclosed.

Christ is it’s grand subject, our good it’s design and the glory of God it’s end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor and condemns all that trifle with its sacred contents.

Deuteronomy 32:47, "These instructions are not mere words -- they are your life!" (NLT)

1. Commit to read, every day. By just reading God’s Word 20 minutes a day, you can complete all of it in one year.
2. Call upon the help of others to hold you accountable.
3. Count the cost if you reject God’s Word.
   

• A rudderless life.
• Ruined relationships.
• Financial Frustration.
• No future with God.

Deuteronomy 8:3, "People need more than bread for their life; real life comes by feeding on every word of the Lord." (NLT)

January 16, 2006

In our day the divide between the church and the unchurched is gauged by thought, not distance. This divide is the raging river of thought called relativism. Nothing is certain – anything goes! Today, this influence has been washed away by the raging waters of relativism. We can see a clear picture of relativism in John 18:38, where Pilate ask Jesus, "What is truth?" (NIV)

Today . . .

• 60% of those over 36 believe that truth is based on individual feelings and preferences.
• 75% of those under 36 believe that truth is based on individual feelings and preferences.

David Wells in his book, "Losing Our Virtue" states, "This is the first time a civilization has existed that, to a significant extent, does not believe in objective right and wrong." (page 17)

Today’s motto is, "I feel, therefore I know . . . maybe."

1 Chronicles 12:32, "Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do." (ESV)

The Issachar Principle – When you understand the times in which you live, then you will know what you should do! What is it that most impresses people of our time? What is it that makes the truth of Christ genuine? REAL! We live in an age that is tired of words. It wants real. Real is everything. Real is convincing. Real is PROOF! Yet, real is something the church seems less and less geared to demonstrate.

• Where is the REAL love of God we talk about?
• Where is the REAL transforming power of Christ in Christians?
• Where are the REAL changed lives?
• Where is the REAL selfless giving?
• Where are the REAL good works?
• Where is the REAL joy?

While the world waits to see it, the church is consumed with talking about it!

COLLIN CREEK CHURCH needs to be a bridge that balances public proclamation of the truth with followers of Christ, living out Christ-likeness in a REAL and tangible way.

Barna’s research says, "Americans are not going to patronize an institution which appears incapable of living what it preaches."

This week how will your life bridge the gap between the Church and the Unchurched? Be REAL!

January 23, 2006

Why COLLIN CREEK CHURCH can’t live without a strong and exciting teen ministry?

1. The Lord commands us to teach young people about Him!
   Deuteronomy 11:16-19, Proverbs 1:1-5, Malachi 4:6, Mark 10:14-16, Titus 2:1-6
2. The future of your nation depends on it.
   According to surveys in the US, only about 35% of all baby boomer's consider themselves Bible Believing Evangelicals. Think of our nations current moral problems: High murder and suicide rate, 50% divorce rate, 50% of teens say they are no longer virgins, 70+% of college students say they are no longer virgins, porn is the biggest money maker on the internet, every day 8,000 teens contract an STD, right now one million unmarried teens are pregnant, in 2005 750,000 teen had abortions . . . etc. The current generation, born after 1981 are called the Millenials. Recent studies have concluded that by the time the Millenials reach the age of political power in the U.S. only 4% will be Bible Believing Evangelicals. If our nations has so many problems with 35% of it’s citizens being Christians, how bad will it be with only 4%.
3. The future of your church depends on it.
   With a 31 point drop (from 35% to 4%) in the number of individuals who call themselves Bible Believing Evangelicals, churches across America will be closing their doors. Unless COLLIN CREEK CHURCH works harder at building a strong and exciting teen ministry, we could be one of those church’s that closes the doors.
4. The future of your children and grandchildren depend on it.
   According to the Barna Research Group, two out of three teenagers currently going to church will most likely not continue attending church after graduating from high school. In many cases, the biggest reason for this fallout is teenagers have not owned their faith. The teens we are talking about are not someone else’s teens, they are teens that live in your home or your children’s homes. Ministering to teens is not someone else responsibility it is YOURS! Even if you are well along in years (Titus 2:1-6).
5. Parents need your help.
   Our world puts many pressures on parents (single parenting, high job demands, bad influences on TV, Radio and entertainment in general . . . etc.) and they often feel overwhelmed. They come to church seeking help for guiding their children/teens to a better way. We need to willingly provide such help!
6. The eternal soul of each teen demands it!

If only 4% of current teens will grow up to be Bible Believing Evangelicals then that means 96% will spend eternity in Hell! THIS SHOULD NOT BE! Where is our compassion and love for these teens?

How should I be involved in teen ministry?

1. Pray for the teen leaders of COLLIN CREEK CHURCH.
2. Be an example: Live a fully devoted life for Christ, inside and outside the church.
3. Be observant to opportunities to minister to teens.
4. Ask a teen leader (Josh Stone, Lené Westenburg, Cornelius Hutner, Rebecca Starr and Tina Austin), how you can help. Then get involved.
5. Tithe faithfully so COLLIN CREEK CHURCH can have the need funds to minister to teens.
6. Give extra money, as the Lord provides, to help with extra some needs of the teen ministry.
7. In all areas of life demonstrate a servant’s heart!

Help Josh, Lené and others minister to the teens of our community. Let’s teach them to do as God commands, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12-NIV) I

January 30, 2006

Mark 10:13-16, "Once when some mothers were bringing their children to Jesus to bless them, the disciples shooed them away, telling them not to bother Him. But when Jesus saw what was happening He was very much displeased with His disciples and said to them, ‘Let the children come to Me, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as they. Don't send them away! I tell you as seriously as I know how that anyone who refuses to come to God as a little child will never be allowed into His Kingdom.’ Then He took the children into His arms and placed His hands on their heads and He blessed them." (TLB)

Jesus continually ministered to children (Matthew 18:1-6, Mark 5:21-24, 35-43, Mark 7:25-30, Mark 9:36-37, John 4:46-53 and many other passages). Why did Jesus minister to children? Because He knew that ministering to children would open the hearts of their parents for their need for Him.

We as His church must do the same! If we desire to reach our community then we must minister to the children and teens of our community. How can you get involved?

Contact one or more of the following individuals:

• Teen ministry (7-12 grade): Josh Stone – 214.228.3828.
• Sunday Children’s Worship (Preschooler through 4th grade): Adrienne White – 972.881.9168.
• Wednesday Kids Zone (Preschooler through 4th grade): Judy Posner – 972.575.8796.
• Sunday School Leader or associate Leader: Scott Streller – 972.429.3951.
• Sunday and Wednesday Nursery (Birth through Preschooler): Sue Austin – 469.223.6250.

Minimum Ministry Requirements:

• Member of COLLIN CREEK CHURCH.
• Over 18 years of age.
• Six months regular attendance at COLLIN CREEK CHURCH.
• Back ground check.

Remember when you minister to a child/teen you change the future.

February 6, 2006

Joshua 3:5, "Make yourselves acceptable to worship the Lord, because He is going to do some amazing things for us." (CEV)

We all want to see the Lord do amazing things in our lives for us. However in order to see that we have to "make ourselves acceptable to worship the Lord." How do we make ourselves acceptable?

1. Confess and repent of sin.
   Psalms 66:18, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." (NIV) Unconfessed sin puts up a wall between us and God. Thus we are unable to worship as we should.
2. Set our focus solely on the Lord.
   Matthew 22:37-39, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself." (NIV) The Lord says our first priority should be Him! He is to be the center of our attention. He is to be the guiding force throughout our day. He is to be the power of our present, the hope of our future and the love our life.
3. Surrender our will.
   1 Peter 2:9, "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." (NIV) The Lord created us in Christ to declare His praises and to live a life of light! Too many Christians seek the Lord’s forgiveness and grace, and then run back out into the world to live however they please. This is a mockery of God’s grace. He forgave us and gave us His grace, so we could live differently. His desire is to save us from this world. But in order to do so we must surrender our will to His will.

SO, DO YOU WANT TO SEE GOD DO AMAZING THINGS IN YOUR LIFE?
Then obey the words of Joshua 3:5, "Make yourselves acceptable to worship the Lord, because He is going to do some amazing things for us." (CEV)

February 13, 2006

The 7 A’s of being prepared to step into the ring of conflict!

1. Address everyone involved. Proverbs 6:2-5 & Proverbs 28:13
2. Avoid "if", "but", and "maybe." Luke 15:18-19
3. Admit specifically. Psalm 139:23-24
4. Apologize. Matthew 18:21-26
5. Ask Forgiveness. Psalm 51:1-4
6. Accept the consequences. Numbers 5:6-8
7. Alter your behavior. John 8:11 & Romans 12:1-2

Before you step into the ring of conflict, be prepared to take these steps of preparation. The more committed you are to preparation the better you will do in the ring.

February 20, 2006

In 1934, Hitler's plague of anti-Semitism was spreading throughout Europe like wildfire. Some would escape it. Millions would die from it. But an 11-year-old boy named Heinz would learn from it. Heinz was a Jew who lived in the Bavarian village of Furth with his family. As tension mounted between the Jews and Germans in that community, Heinz's father, a schoolteacher, lost his job, and his family endured great hardship. Gangs of Hitler Youth roamed the neighborhoods of Furth looking for trouble. Young Heinz learned to keep his eyes open for them. Whenever he saw a gang of troublemakers, he would cross to the other side of the street. Sometimes he would escape a fight, but sometimes he couldn't.

One day, Heinz found himself face to face with a Hitler Youth. A beating appeared inevitable, but on this day he walked away unhurt, not because he put up a good fight, but because of what he said. Somehow, he convinced this troublemaker that a fight was foolish and unnecessary. From that point on, 11-year-old Heinz learned the power of words to avoid conflict, and for a young Jewish boy living in such a volatile, anti-Semitic climate, that was a skill he used often. In fact, it was a skill he perfected.

Fortunately, Heinz and his family escaped Bavaria and made their way to America. As the years have passed, his name has become synonymous with peace negotiations. Though he is still very much alive, he will be remembered as one of the greatest peacemakers of this century. You don't know him as Heinz. You know him by his Anglicized name, Henry . . . Henry Kissinger.

Proverbs 18:21, "The tongue has the power of life and death." (NIV)

Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (NIV)

This week what will your tongue be used for? Life or Death, Peacemaker or Peacebreaker?

February 27, 2006

A man called his neighbor to help him move a couch that had become stuck in the doorway. They pushed and pulled until they were exhausted, but the couch wouldn’t budge. "Forget it," the man finally said. "We’ll never get this in." The neighbor looked at him quizzically and said, "In?"

One of the key reasons conflict never gets resolved is due to the lack of good communication. God’s Word teaches us that if we have a conflict with an individual we MUST talk with them about resolving it. In Matthew 18:15 Jesus says, "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the fault. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back." (NLT) Notice Jesus tells us to "go privately" and communicate with them about the problem. Too often we just sit and stew and that only makes us sour spiritually.

Now the process of approaching someone about the conflict between you is a serious and delicate issue and should be handle with the utmost prayer and humility. I would like to make two were serious suggestions about preparing for this communication:

1. The book Boundaries Face To Face: How to have that difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding. By Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. You can purchase this at any Christian bookstore, at the COLLIN CREEK CHURCH bookstore or www.christianbooks.com.
2. The message series Lord of the Ring, Facing Conflict with God in your Corner there are 4 CD messages that will greatly help you handle conflict in a godly way. Contact the church office (972.424.1905) or Bobby Farrell for your copies.

March 6, 2006

One day a kindergarten teacher was helping one of her students put on his cowboy boots?

He asked for help and she could see why. Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn’t want to go on. Finally, when the second boot was on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost cried when the little boy said, "Teacher, they’re on the wrong feet." She looked down and sure enough, they were.

It wasn’t any easier pulling the boots off and they still needed to put them back on. But she managed to keep her cool as they worked together to get the boots back on - this time on the right feet. And it was only then that he announced, "These aren’t my boots."

She bit her tongue rather than scream, "Why didn’t you say so?" like she wanted to. And, once again she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet. No sooner had they got the boots off then he said, "They’re my brother’s boots. My Mom made me wear ’em today."

Stifling a scream, she mustered up the grace and courage she had left to wrestle the ill-fitting boots on his feet again. Helping him into his coat, she asked, "Now, where are your mittens?" To which he replied, "I stuffed ’em in the toes of my boots." The article ends by saying - Her trial starts next month.

In the midst of struggle it is hard to continue loving someone as God commands (John 13:34-35 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-8), yet we must! How do we keep from losing our cool and continue to love in the face of conflict. REMEMBER JESUS! Because of our sin we, the human race, was in conflict with God (Colossians 1:21), Jesus came to resolve the conflict. When it got hard, He kept loving. When His feelings got hurt, He kept loving. When we refused to repent, He kept loving.

We must follow His example. That is what He says in John 15:12-14, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command." (NIV) May we learn to lay down our emotions, feelings and desires so we can better love our friends.

This week may you and I daily pray, "Father, help me to be a peacemaker, like Jesus, that I may be called a Son/Daughter of God." (Matthew 5:9)

I would like to make two suggestions for working through conflict in a godly way:

1. The book – Boundaries Face To Face: How to have that difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding. By Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. You can purchase this at any Christian bookstore, at the COLLIN CREEK CHURCH bookstore or www.christianbooks.com.
2. The message series – Lord of the Ring, Facing Conflict with God in your Corner – there are 4 CD messages that will greatly help you handle conflict in a godly way. Email the church office (collincreek@juno.com) or Bobby Farrell for your copies.

March 20, 2006

Every time I am away from our church I am reminded of its greatness, love, ministry and outreach. In this week’s update I want to take some time to thank some of you for all you do. I know this is a dangerous thing, because whenever I do this I tend to leave someone out – not on purpose mind you! So if someone comes to mind that I forget, take it upon yourself to thank them for how you have noticed their ministry. So here we go . . .

• Thank you to all who prayed for the Cuban Mission Trip, the Lord did amazing things this trip and we look forward to sharing them with you in April.
• Thank you Tina Austin, Dee Merritt and Anna Posner: Each of you showed great love, patience and compassion during our trip to Cuba. You represented your Lord and Church wonderfully.
• Thank you to all who faithfully give to COLLIN CREEK CHURCH and to those who gave extra to the Cuban mission need.
• Thank you to Mike Parker who presented an outstanding (that is what those who were there say) message on the Sunday I was gone.
• Thank you to Bethel Reynolds who kept you all up to date through emails.
• Thank you to Tina Austin, who after spending a week in Cuban, came home late on Friday and faithfully cleaned the church.
• Thank you to Clyde Gillentine for taking care of the church building and my Wednesday class.

March 27, 2006

In the movie About Schmidt, Jack Nicholson stars as Warren Schmidt, a man leading a life of quiet desperation. He retires from a vice president's job at an insurance company, looks back on a meaningless life, and ahead to a meaningless retirement.

One day, while watching television, Warren sees an opportunity to give money and write letters to an underprivileged child in Tanzania. Warren responds to the appeal, and throughout the movie he faithfully sends the $22 a month and writes poignant letters to a child named Ndugu.

Coming home on a long road trip from his daughter’s wedding, Warren enters his empty house —a metaphor for his empty life. He reluctantly walks in with an armload of junk mail.

Warren ambles up the stairs and looks disappointedly at the disheveled state of his bedroom. Throughout this scene, the audience hears Warren's voice-over narration of a letter he recently composed to Ndugu. He pours out his intense feeling of emptiness:

I know we're all pretty small in the scheme of things, and I guess the best you can hope for is to make some kind of difference. What difference have I made? What in the world is better because of me? I am weak, and I am a failure. There's just no getting around it. Real soon I will die. Maybe 20 years—maybe tomorrow—it doesn't matter. Once I am dead and everyone who knew me dies, it is as though I never existed. What difference has my life made to anyone? None that I can think of. Hope things are fine with you.

Yours truly, Warren Schmidt.

I am sad to say that many in our world live this way!

EVEN SADDER, that many within the church live this way!

BUT THIS IS NOT WHAT GOD INTENDED FOR US!

1 Peter 2:9, "You are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference He made for you." (MSG)

This is why you are here! Will you fulfill your purpose this week? "Speak out for Him" this week!

April 3, 2006

Matthew 26:62-66, "Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, ‘Well, aren't you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for Yourself?" But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, ‘I demand in the name of the living God that You tell us whether You are the Messiah, the Son of God.’

Jesus replied, ‘Yes, it is as you say. And in the future you will see Me, the Son of Man, sitting at God's right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven.’

Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror, shouting, ‘Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard His blasphemy. What is your verdict?’ ‘Guilty!’ they shouted. ‘He must die!" (NLT)

He claims to be the Son of God!

Jesus never claimed to be . . .

A good teacher.

A prophet.

A moral leader.

He claimed . . . to be GOD! That changes everything!

Imagine if I said, "I’m a good man. I teach the truth. I’m a moral man." These statements might not change much about what you think of me. But what if I said, "I’m God" - How would you feel about me, then? It would force you to make a decision, wouldn’t it?

You see this causes real problems for skeptics. If all Jesus did was teach peace and love – then why would religious leaders want to kill Him? If Jesus was a good moral man – then why would religious leaders want to kill Him? But Jesus said, "I am God!" This was blasphemy! There was no choice . . . death!

Let me give you some advice: If you ever meet anyone who claims to be God you’ve only got 3 choices:

1. Believe he is an idiot. He doesn’t know what he’s saying. He has diminished capacity. He is mentally unstable. This guy is from the funny farm.
2. Believe he’s a con-man. He is a rip-off artist and/or swindler. He pretends so he can take advantage of you. Believe me there are plenty of them around.
3. Believe he’s telling the truth. In that case -- you have to worship & obey Him!

You already believe something about Jesus. The question is what?

Is he a Liar? Lunatic? or Lord? -- A Deceiver? Deranged? or Deity?

I know you believe something, by the way you respond to Him! How are you responding to Jesus? How will your words and actions demonstrate Christ is Lord this week?

April 10, 2006

Ephesians 3:18, "May you be able to feel and understand, as all God's children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high His love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it." (TLB)

God says, "My love is long and wide and deep and high."

• How long is God’s love? Long enough to last forever. That’s what makes it different from human love. Have you noticed human love wears out? Has anyone ever told you, "I don’t love you any more?" God’s love will never stop. It is long enough to last forever.
• It is wide enough to be everywhere. There is no place that you could go in life that God’s love is not with you. You may feel alone, but you will never be alone. There’s no place that you can be where God’s love isn’t. It’s wide enough to be everywhere you are.
• It’s deep enough to handle everything. No problem, no pressure, no stress, no difficulty. You say, "I’m in the pits right now!" God’s love is there. There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.
• Then it is high enough to overlook your mistakes. God loves to forgive. He loves to help you start over.

Why don’t you join us for one of our two Easter Services (9:30 AM or 10:45 AM) to hear God say to you, "I Love You!" Come experience the Long, Wide, Deep and High love of God, this Sunday! See you there!

April 17, 2006

Robert and Judy are enjoying a couple days away, celebrating their wedding anniversary.

Our message on Sunday for those of you who were not there, was more about God's passion for us. Does God really love us, is Jesus Christ for real and does having a relationship with Jesus make a difference for us. We know the answers are yes, yes and yes, but If you missed it, it was great!

April 24, 2006

On Sunday we began a new series entitled: "Handle With Care: Because Parenting Is the Most Important Thing You Do!" The first message focused on "Preparing Ourselves for Parenting." Here are four steps to being prepared to parent:

1. Develop a Response Plan.Too much of our parenting is crisis management. We don’t pray, plan or prepare to be a parent. We often just wing it! To develop a good response plan we must: Regularly do an honest evaluation of your family’s situation. How much quantity time do you actually spend with your child? How is your discipline? (consistent, yelling, counting, inconsistent . . . etc.) How is your relationship with your child? To continue to develop a good response plan we must: Produce heartfelt communication with your child(ren). When was the last time you truly talked with your child about: their spiritual walk, school, friends, what they are reading/listening to, movies/TV, their future . . . etc. TALKING = TIME = LOVE! And finally a response plan must include A timely intervention. If you know your child is involved in some things that are not good for them, don’t talk to your spouse for a week about it. Don’t spend two weeks praying about it. GET INVOLVED! Yes, talk to your spouse, Yes, pray, but DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT NOW!
   
   
2. Get Back to the Basics!
   
   The world’s goal of parenting is that our children are happy, give them lots of opportunity to build their self-esteem and let them be busy in lots of activities!
   
   God gives us something different, "Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4-ESV) God’s Goal, "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." = Holy, Live for God, be Christ-like!
   
   Four Key Ways to develop Christ-like Children:
   
   "Do not provoke" - "Bring them up" - Provide "discipline" - Give "instruction."
   
   
3. Re-examine Your Own Life.
   
   Effective parenting demands we "be" what we want them to "become" (i.e. modeling).
   
   Paul said, "In Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me." (1 Corinthians 4:16-NASU)
   
   Jesus said, "A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher." (Luke 6:40-NIV)
   
   
4. Put the Past Behind You.
   
   Effective parenting demands we own our shortcomings before we ask our children to do likewise.
   
   If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9-NIV) Here are seven words to put the past behind you, "I am sorry, will you forgive me?"

I am praying for you and your children. Join us next week as we continue this practical series. See you there!

May 1, 2006

On Sunday we began a new series entitled: "Handle With Care: Because Parenting Is the Most Important Thing You Do!" This Sunday we focused on "How To Help Your Child Get The Most From Church!"

10. Be supportive financially.

Let’s face it children and teens are generally not loaded with money. Almost all of their financial resources comes from us as parents, so we must be faithful to provide the finances to help your church to minister effectively to your children. Malachi 3:10, "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you!" (NLT) 2 Corinthians 8:1, 3-4, "The Macedonian churches . . . gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service . . ." (NIV)

9. Be supportive of the leaders.

Everyone makes mistakes and sooner or later, even in church, we will disagree with a leader. Airing your frustrations about your child’s leader/teacher in front of your child only hurts your child. Your complaints destroy the authority and credibility of the leader/teacher in your child’s eyes. You may eventually get your concerns resolved with the leader/teacher, but many times in your child’s mind the feelings live on. Hebrews 13:17, "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." (NIV)

8. Be praying for the leaders.

1 Timothy 2:1-3, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior." (NIV)

7. Be involved.

Be involved in ministry. You child will learn to love and serve others by how they see you love and serve others. By seeing you loving and serving others they will come to understand that life is not all about them and their wants. 1 Peter 4:10, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." (NIV)

6. Be consistent.

So much of what is taught at church, builds on top of something else. Now, anyone can jump in at any time, yet to get the most one needs to stay consistent to grasp the fullness of what is being taught. I know for myself, I am often repeating the words of a message, during counseling, because the individual was inconsistent in their church worship attendance. What we learn from faithful church attendance, would save us all from many hurts and heartaches. 1 Corinthians 4:2, "Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful." (NLT)

5. Be interested.

"What did you learn today?" "What did you do in your activity?" "What can I pray with you about?" These and many more questions need to be asked regularly of your child. Philippians 2:4, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (NIV)

4. Be inviting.

Always be inviting others to your church. A crowd breeds excitement and provides comfort for everyone there, no matter what their age. Matthew 28:19-20, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (NIV) Acts 1:8, "You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (NIV)

3. Be patient and flexible.

Life is constantly changing. So either you control it or it controls you! As your child changes and the ministries they are involved in change, be patient and flexible. 1 Thessalonians 5:14, "Be patient with everyone." (NIV)

2. Be an example.

If your child worshiped like you, what would it look like? If your child read God’s word like you how much would they read? If your child prayed like you, how much would they pray? If your child showed love and served others like you what would it be like? Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:16, "Be imitators of me." (NASU) Jesus, "A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher." (Luke 6:40-NIV)

1. Be with them.

So many parents make the mistake of sending their children, with a neighbor, grandparent or someone else. For a while it seems to help, but eventually the child picks up the behavior of their parents. 97 times in the New Testament, God’s uses the word, "together." Together is used so often, because God’s plan for families was for them be together at church. We were not meant to be alone.

May 8, 2006

We are continuing our series: "Handle With Care: Because Parenting Is the Most Important Thing You Do!" This Sunday we focused on "Effective Discipline!"

1. WHAT DISCIPLINE IS NOT.

• Physical Abuse: beating, out of control or motivated by anger.
• Verbal Abuse: name-calling (stupid, ugly, no wonder no one likes you . . . etc.).
• Emotional Abuse: ignoring, saying, "I hate you!" . . . etc.
• "Do not provoke your children to anger . . ." (Ephesians 6:4-ESV)

2. PRINCIPLES ABOUT DISCIPLINE FROM HEBREWS 12:5-11.

• Our attitude toward discipline: All discipline is for our good (Hebrews 12:5, 9).
• The motive of discipline: All discipline should be out of unconditional love (Hebrews 12:6-8).
• The child’s response to discipline: Discipline often produces in the child an immediate anger toward the parent, however in the long run it produces respect (Hebrews 12:9).
• The result of discipline: All discipline has a short-term pain, yet it produces long-term gain (Hebrews 12:11).
• The goal of discipline: Godly discipline produces a holy life -- a godly life (Hebrews 12:10-11).

3. THE EFFECTS OF GODLY DISCIPLINE.

• Produces an atmosphere of love and respect. - Hebrews 12:5-11
• Creates a sense of comfort and security in the child’s heart. - Psalms 23:4, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." (NIV)
• Gives the child purpose for living, peace in life and eternal perspective on life. - Ephesians 6:4, "Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (ESV)
• Develops wisdom with in the heart and mind of the child. - Proverbs 22:15, "A youngster's heart is filled with foolishness, but discipline will drive it away." (NLT)
• Prevents deadly behaviors by the child. - Proverbs 23:13-14, "Don't fail to correct your children. They won't die if you spank them. Physical discipline may well save them from death." (NLT)

4. THE PRACTICE OF EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE.

• Clear Rules
• Realistic Expectations
• Swift Correction
• Unconditional Love
• Guard their hearts (discipline privately – embarrassment does not produce godly character)
• Exercise your authority

May 15, 2006

THE HABITS OF AN INFLUENTIAL MOTHER.

• Modeling/Being an Example. What is the point of modeling? To sell the item! As a mother you are seeking to get your child to buy into Christ. You want them to wear Christ in their own lives. In order for this to happen you first must model it clearly and make living for Him appealing.
• Molding/Training. Molding requires hands on, your presence! In order for dinner to get fixed you must get your hands in the kitchen and on the food, you can’t sit in the living room and yell at it. For your child to turn out well you must get involved in your child’s life. You can’t mold your child when you are self-absorbed. You must daily be involved in what is going on in your child’s world and guide them through.
• Mothering/Having a Relationship. Talking, Listening, Laughing, Hugging, Crying, Sharing equals Time! Being a real mother is not donating the necessary ingredients, but it is having a relationship with the child. You must continually seek to have a close relationship with your child, at every stage of their lives.

A group of theologians were sitting around debating which translation is the best. One said, "KJV!" Another, "NASB!" Another, "NIV!" Another, "the Message!" Finally one older and wiser scholar spoke up; "The translation I think is best is MOM! Because my mom translated it into life!" Mothers, that is your calling . . . that is your agenda . . . that is your purpose . . . that is your goal . . . translating God’s Word into life!

May 22, 2006

At what many scholars believe, the age of 13 Daniel took a stand for right and against wrong. Even a causal reading of Daniel chapters 1-6 will reveal this young man had great courage and character. What principles does a parent need to instill into a child, so they will have such courage and character? I believe these five:

1. The ability to handle difficulty well. Joseph, Job, Esther and Paul were all individuals who knew how to handle difficulty. No one wants problems, yet in this life problems are inevitable, so learning to handle them well is very important. As a follower of Christ we have a great example of how to deal with difficult times – Jesus. "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly." (1 Peter 2:21-23-NLT) As your child struggles with the ups and downs of life, teach them to follow the example of Jesus.
2. The inner drive to work and work hard. Genesis 2:15 teaches that work is a gift from God. And Colossians 3:23 teach that our one true boss is Jesus. "In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people." (Colossians 3:23-NCV) Teach your child that work is not a dirty work. It is a gift, a sacred and wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the image of God, because God is always at work.
3. The discipline to manage their lives wisely. Psalms 24:1, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." (NIV) Because God owns everything, whatever we have, is only on loan from Him. Matthew 25:14-30 teaches that we are managers of God’s stuff (life, health, house, cars, clothes . . . etc it is all His). There is coming a day when we will have to give an account for all He has let us manage and yes He expects a good return on His investment. How will you do? Better still how well will your child do? Most likely only as good as you have taught them.
4. The wisdom to know right from wrong. We must teach our children discernment. God’s Word says that we are to, "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22-NIV) The wisdom to test things well comes from a solid understanding of God’s Word. Notice Hebrews 5:14, "Solid food (God’s Word) is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong." (NLT) It is our job as parents to train our children in the wisdom of God’s Word. The more they can hear it, read it, see it in you and others – the more they grow in their understanding of it. Then they will grow in their ability to know right from wrong.
5. The commitment to live a grace filled life. Each of us needs to be continually reminded that grace is FREE! We receive it from God freely. Ephesians 2:8-10, "God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it." (NLT) A solid understanding of Grace will save yourself and your child from a life of fear, anxiety and guilt. But enjoying God’s grace is not something we are to hold tightly. It is something we are called to give away regularly. 1 Peter 4:10, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." (NIV) Regularly look for opportunities to give away God’s grace and you will experience more of it. Teach this to your child and they will experience everlasting joy!

May 29, 2006

Sunday, we looked at Building Godly Values in Your Child. One of the tools to build godly values into the life of your child is having a strong relationship with him/her. The relationship building principal we looked at was: “The stronger your relationship with your child, the more likely he/she will be to embrace your values and beliefs.”

Eight steps to building a strong relationship with your child:

• Give the unconditional love to your child.
• Spend quality time with your child, yes, but quantity time is equally as important.
• Give your child your focused attention when you are with him/her.
• Make eye contact with your child when you talk or listen to him/her.
• Give regular meaningful touches (hugs, kisses, wrestles, tickle . . . etc.).
• Talk and listen to your child regularly (headphones and cell phones off, TV and DVD off, book down . . . etc.).
• Have fun together.
• Pray together.

June 12, 2006

God’s Word says, "Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted." (Psalms 127:1-NLT) How does the Lord build a house? How do I keep from wasting my life? He builds it through individuals. Let the Lord work through you.

The first step in having the Lord build your house, is personal surrender to Him. You must surrender your life and will to Him. You must confess and turn from your sin, accept Christ’s sacrifice on the cross as payment for your sin and believe that He rose from the dead. The first step is referred to as salvation, being saved, born again and/or having a personal relationship with Christ. This clears the path through which the Lord can work to build your house.

The second step is obedience. This step naturally flows from the first one. Obedience is not a means of salvation, but the product of salvation (James 2:14-20). The Lord has laid out the needed principles to build a wonderful, loving, joyful home, all we need do is obey them. God’s Word promises that a relationship with Him and obedience to His word produces the type of home we all desire.

How is your relationship with Him? Can you point to a specific time in your life when you took step one? How is your obedience? Remember obedience is demonstration of your faith. Need help?, then join us this Sunday. That is what church is all about, God’s Word says, "Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps His word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:23-25-MSG)

June 19, 2006

*The average US worship service draws an adult crowd that’s 61 percent female and 39 percent male. (This compares to 53-47 percent in 1952)

*About 90 percent of the boys who are raised in church abandon it during their teens and twenties. Most never return.

*This Sunday in America, six million married women will worship without their husbands. That’s one out of five.

*Most churchgoing guys are "lifers" who grew up in church. Men are the hardest group to reach.

*Less than 10 percent of churches can maintain a thriving men’s ministry.

These are some sad statistics. This past Sunday we looked at what may be the cause of this and what are some things we could do to change them. If you missed this message I hope you will order a CD, it is a very important issue. Jesus had no trouble captivating men. Fishermen dropped nets full of fish to follow Him, but today’s church can’t convince men to drop their TV remote controls for a couple of hours a week. In order to change these statistics the men of the church need to, "act like men today if we are going to save our people and the cities of our God." (2 Samuel 10:12-TLB) We need to be more bold in our witness, more faithful in our conduct and take greater risk for Christ to reach the men of our community. WHAT A GREAT ADVENTURE!

June 26, 2006

1 Timothy 6:9-10, "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (NIV)

One of the struggles in life is letting money get in the wrong place. The Lord never condemns the possession of money; He only condemns the worship of money. Notice the words: "want, desires, love, eager," these are words that should be directed toward God and People, not money! This passage shows what can happen when we choose to put money in the wrong place in our lives. Let us fight the good fight of keeping God as the main thing in our lives (Matthew 22:37-38).

How do we keep the main thing the main thing?

M anage your Time with God and people. (You control your time, how are you using it?)

A nalyze your priorities (Check your calendar and your checkbook, these will tell you what your priorities are.)

I nspect your goal and plans. (Are they God focused and directed?)

N egate that which keeps the main thing from being the main thing (Hebrews 12:1).