- Sign up by emailing Monica at monsaw@yahoo.com or at the back table on Sunday
- $25 includes Lock-In TShirt, Music CD, Jewelry Momento, Dinner and Breakfast
- Doors open at 6p.m. and 6:30p.m. officially start
- Worn Out Women Series Finale
- HUGE Giveaway at Midnight
- Other Door and Game Winning Prizes
- Guest Speakers and Testimonies
- Bunco and lots more games
- Worship time and Devotionals
- Movies
- A Special Guest Speaker live from the Dominican Republic
- LOTS of fun, fellowship and memories to be made
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
"What Are You Waiting For?"
2nd Annual Community Women's Lock-In
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Why Wait?
"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:14
We all hate to wait. In traffic. Long lines. For the last family member to get in the car. Test results. Or an answer to our prayers. Even when things are going good in our lives we hate waiting for the next positive moment to happen.
And often we don’t even know why we are waiting. But God does. He is an all-knowing God. He knows when you sit and when you rise; He perceives your thoughts from afar. He discerns your going out and your lying down; He is familiar with all your ways (Psalm 139). He knows the purpose for any waiting in your life. You can either wait patiently and learn what you can in the process or wait impatiently and miss whatever refinement God intends for you.
Either way, waiting is part of God’s plan. He may have you wait:
• to gain more knowledge
• for more favorable circumstances to arise
• until you have the support of others
• until financial provision is available
• or you are emotionally prepared
Pray as you wait. As you do, you’ll discover the value of letting things come in God’s time. You’ll also find the beauty in waiting—the possibility that God’s dream for your life is just on the other side.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Community for Him
During my husband and I's recent trip, I had a lot of time to think about things while we were traveling but also was able to hear several great speakers and musicians while we were gone as well. There was one constant theme throughout and that was of living with an urgency for Christ. With the society that we and our children live in today I think a lot of times it's so easy for me to lose that urgency. Becoming overwhelmed by the thought of doing "one more thing." BUT what I forget is that putting off Christ as that "one more thing" is the worst possible choice I could make for me or my family. This could be as our individual relationships with our Father or sharing the gospel with the people known and unknown around us daily.
Several months before I left for our vacation I had been thinking about what it might look like to work towards a "community women's ministry." Coming together and serving as a community group with other individual women's ministry from the community of Hutto and the surrounding area. I know LifePointe Women's Ministry as struggled at times to build, serve and grow the way we'd really like and yearn to. I just feel that we could make a much bigger impact for our Father's Kingdom if we came together serving as one. We would have meetings together, planning events together, serving together, studies together, etc. We would be better able to fulfill the needs of women, children and their families from here, around our state and aboard as well. Now is the time to band together, working to reflect the love of our Father and build His kingdom. I would like to schedule our first meeting on Sunday August 29th at 7:30p.m. at LifePointe Fellowship. If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, please do not hesitate to email me at monsaw@yahoo.com. Or if you can't make the first meeting but are interested in being apart of this journey of a Community 4 Him please feel free to email me and I'll make sure you get meeting notes. Please provide me your feedback on this idea...pros and cons. Please feel free to be honest with me on this. I can sometimes get ahead of myself on things which is why I've kind of ignored this all together until now. I just felt a new found hope or energy thinking about how many times I've failed to stop and make Christ my number one priority as an individual and as a disciple wanting to share the gospel. Thank you all for your opinions, time, encouragement and support. God bless my friends!!!
Several months before I left for our vacation I had been thinking about what it might look like to work towards a "community women's ministry." Coming together and serving as a community group with other individual women's ministry from the community of Hutto and the surrounding area. I know LifePointe Women's Ministry as struggled at times to build, serve and grow the way we'd really like and yearn to. I just feel that we could make a much bigger impact for our Father's Kingdom if we came together serving as one. We would have meetings together, planning events together, serving together, studies together, etc. We would be better able to fulfill the needs of women, children and their families from here, around our state and aboard as well. Now is the time to band together, working to reflect the love of our Father and build His kingdom. I would like to schedule our first meeting on Sunday August 29th at 7:30p.m. at LifePointe Fellowship. If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, please do not hesitate to email me at monsaw@yahoo.com. Or if you can't make the first meeting but are interested in being apart of this journey of a Community 4 Him please feel free to email me and I'll make sure you get meeting notes. Please provide me your feedback on this idea...pros and cons. Please feel free to be honest with me on this. I can sometimes get ahead of myself on things which is why I've kind of ignored this all together until now. I just felt a new found hope or energy thinking about how many times I've failed to stop and make Christ my number one priority as an individual and as a disciple wanting to share the gospel. Thank you all for your opinions, time, encouragement and support. God bless my friends!!!
HOPE
by Max Lucado
It’s one of the most compelling narratives in all of Scripture. So fascinating is the scene, in fact, that Luke opted to record it in detail.
Two disciples are walking down the dusty road to the village of Emmaus. Their talk concerns the crucified Jesus. Their words come slowly, trudging in cadence with the dirge-like pace of their feet.
“I can hardly believe it. He’s gone.”
“What do we do now?”
“It’s Peter’s fault, he shouldn’t have … ”
Just then a stranger comes up from behind and says, “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help overhearing you. Who are you discussing?”
They stop and turn. Other travelers make their way around them as the three stand in silence. Finally one of them asks, “Where have you been the last few days? Haven’t you heard about Jesus of Nazareth?” And he continues to tell what has happened. (Luke 24:13-24)
This scene fascinates me—two sincere disciples telling how the last nail has been driven in Israel’s coffin. God, in disguise, listens patiently, his wounded hands buried deeply in his robe. He must have been touched at the faithfulness of this pair. Yet he also must have been a bit chagrined. He had just gone to hell and back to give heaven to earth, and these two were worried about the political situation of Israel.
“But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.”
But we had hoped … How often have you heard a phrase like that?
“We were hoping the doctor would release him.”
“I had hoped to pass the exam.”
“We had hoped the surgery would get all the tumor.”
“I thought the job was in the bag.”
Words painted gray with disappointment. What we wanted didn’t come. What came, we didn’t want. The result? Shattered hope. The foundation of our world trembles.
We trudge up the road to Emmaus dragging our sandals in the dust, wondering what we did to deserve such a plight. “What kind of God would let me down like this?”
And yet, so tear-filled are our eyes and so limited is our perspective that God could be the fellow walking next to us and we wouldn’t know it.
You see, the problem with our two heavy-hearted friends was not a lack of faith, but a lack of vision. Their petitions were limited to what they could imagine—an earthly kingdom. Had God answered their prayer, had he granted their hope, the Seven-Day War would have started two thousand years earlier and Jesus would have spent the next forty years training his apostles to be cabinet members. You have to wonder if God’s most merciful act is his refusal to answer some of our prayers.
We are not much different than burdened travelers, are we? We roll in the mud of self-pity in the very shadow of the cross. We piously ask for his will and then have the audacity to pout if everything doesn’t go our way. If we would just remember the heavenly body that awaits us, we’d stop complaining that he hasn’t healed this earthly one.
Our problem is not so much that God doesn’t give us what we hope for as it is that we don’t know the right thing for which to hope. (You may want to read that sentence again.)
Hope is not what you expect; it is what you would never dream. It is a wild, improbable tale with a pinch-me-I’m-dreaming ending. It’s Abraham adjusting his bifocals so he can see not his grandson, but his son. It’s Moses standing in the promised land not with Aaron or Miriam at his side, but with Elijah and the transfigured Christ. It’s Zechariah left speechless at the sight of his wife Elizabeth, gray-headed and pregnant. And it is the two Emmaus-bound pilgrims reaching out to take a piece of bread only to see that the hands from which it is offered are pierced.
Hope is not a granted wish or a favor performed; no, it is far greater than that. It is a zany, unpredictable dependence on a God who loves to surprise us out of our socks and be there in the flesh to see our reaction.
It’s one of the most compelling narratives in all of Scripture. So fascinating is the scene, in fact, that Luke opted to record it in detail.
Two disciples are walking down the dusty road to the village of Emmaus. Their talk concerns the crucified Jesus. Their words come slowly, trudging in cadence with the dirge-like pace of their feet.
“I can hardly believe it. He’s gone.”
“What do we do now?”
“It’s Peter’s fault, he shouldn’t have … ”
Just then a stranger comes up from behind and says, “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help overhearing you. Who are you discussing?”
They stop and turn. Other travelers make their way around them as the three stand in silence. Finally one of them asks, “Where have you been the last few days? Haven’t you heard about Jesus of Nazareth?” And he continues to tell what has happened. (Luke 24:13-24)
This scene fascinates me—two sincere disciples telling how the last nail has been driven in Israel’s coffin. God, in disguise, listens patiently, his wounded hands buried deeply in his robe. He must have been touched at the faithfulness of this pair. Yet he also must have been a bit chagrined. He had just gone to hell and back to give heaven to earth, and these two were worried about the political situation of Israel.
“But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.”
But we had hoped … How often have you heard a phrase like that?
“We were hoping the doctor would release him.”
“I had hoped to pass the exam.”
“We had hoped the surgery would get all the tumor.”
“I thought the job was in the bag.”
Words painted gray with disappointment. What we wanted didn’t come. What came, we didn’t want. The result? Shattered hope. The foundation of our world trembles.
We trudge up the road to Emmaus dragging our sandals in the dust, wondering what we did to deserve such a plight. “What kind of God would let me down like this?”
And yet, so tear-filled are our eyes and so limited is our perspective that God could be the fellow walking next to us and we wouldn’t know it.
You see, the problem with our two heavy-hearted friends was not a lack of faith, but a lack of vision. Their petitions were limited to what they could imagine—an earthly kingdom. Had God answered their prayer, had he granted their hope, the Seven-Day War would have started two thousand years earlier and Jesus would have spent the next forty years training his apostles to be cabinet members. You have to wonder if God’s most merciful act is his refusal to answer some of our prayers.
We are not much different than burdened travelers, are we? We roll in the mud of self-pity in the very shadow of the cross. We piously ask for his will and then have the audacity to pout if everything doesn’t go our way. If we would just remember the heavenly body that awaits us, we’d stop complaining that he hasn’t healed this earthly one.
Our problem is not so much that God doesn’t give us what we hope for as it is that we don’t know the right thing for which to hope. (You may want to read that sentence again.)
Hope is not what you expect; it is what you would never dream. It is a wild, improbable tale with a pinch-me-I’m-dreaming ending. It’s Abraham adjusting his bifocals so he can see not his grandson, but his son. It’s Moses standing in the promised land not with Aaron or Miriam at his side, but with Elijah and the transfigured Christ. It’s Zechariah left speechless at the sight of his wife Elizabeth, gray-headed and pregnant. And it is the two Emmaus-bound pilgrims reaching out to take a piece of bread only to see that the hands from which it is offered are pierced.
Hope is not a granted wish or a favor performed; no, it is far greater than that. It is a zany, unpredictable dependence on a God who loves to surprise us out of our socks and be there in the flesh to see our reaction.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Saturday Retreat
Coming up on Saturday June 26th we will be hosting our Saturday Women's Retreat. It will start at 8:30a.m. and go till approximately 1p.m. We will be serving breakfast and lunch for everyone. Please join us as we spend time diving into God's word and sharing our experiences. You will have several hours of time alone with God during the morning. This is time you can use with God as you feel lead. For example, sometimes women in the past have brought their ipods to go on walks or runs at some point in time during their individual time with God. It's completely up to you and our Father. We do recommend you bring a journal and your bible. The retreat is free of charge. Towards the end of our morning we will come back together for open discussion on our experiences from the morning. We promise you will not be disappointed in what God can and will do for each of us during this event. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Monica at monsaw@yahoo.com anytime! Again, this is a community wide event so PLEASE invite all of the women in your life. Send out a mass email or text to all of the women you know from around the area. We want to continue to reach out to everyone and share our Father's love.
In Him,
The Women's Ministry Team
In Him,
The Women's Ministry Team
Monday, May 3, 2010
W.O.W. Worn Out Woman
We are excited to announcement an upcoming study we will be kicking off during our Tuesday Night Mixer on Tuesday May 18th. Below is a sneak peak at what it's going to be like.
Who's "Worn Out"? Stand and be recognized! What does "worn out" mean?? According to wiki.com, the phrase is an adjective that has the following meanings:
1. Damaged and Useless due to hard or continued use.
a. That old tractor is worn out.
b. He still wears his old worn out shoes.
2. Exhausted or fatigued from exertion.
a. I was worn out after all that work.
b. That game was fun, but now I'm all worn out.
Take a moment...how many of us can envision ourselves as an old worn out tractor or busted up pair of shoes?
Read John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
Those were Jesus's words. The word in red above is US! You and I. He gave his life in a brutal way so we may have abundant life. No broken down, rusted out tractors in that statement. Here we are, all different ages, different personalities, different circumstances, and yet because we are WOMEN, we have an immediate camaraderie. We all have a deep desire to be the kind of women God had in mind when He created us.
But HOW?
-Most days I feel overwhelmed.
-I want to run away and start over again
-I've wished my life away
-I hardly ever experience intimate or tender moments with the Lord
-My days are filled with things I don't want to do
-When I read my Bible, it's out of habit rather than desire
-The joy and excitement are gone
-I wake up feeling discouraged
-I've taken on responsibilities that I never wanted
-I feel like I'm missing me, but maybe God is missing
Sound familiar?
How did I get this way? Is there a way out? You are NOT alone! The worn-out woman has many sisters!
No one can unclutter her life without uncluttering her heart! No matter how stressed and overwhelmed you might feel you can experience the fulfilling life God has planned for you.
Let's explore together the emotional, mental, social, physical and most importantly, spiritual areas of our life!
Who's ready to be a "Recovering Worn Out Woman"?
Read John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
Those were Jesus's words. The word in red above is US! You and I. He gave his life in a brutal way so we may have abundant life. No broken down, rusted out tractors in that statement. Here we are, all different ages, different personalities, different circumstances, and yet because we are WOMEN, we have an immediate camaraderie. We all have a deep desire to be the kind of women God had in mind when He created us.
But HOW?
-Most days I feel overwhelmed.
-I want to run away and start over again
-I've wished my life away
-I hardly ever experience intimate or tender moments with the Lord
-My days are filled with things I don't want to do
-When I read my Bible, it's out of habit rather than desire
-The joy and excitement are gone
-I wake up feeling discouraged
-I've taken on responsibilities that I never wanted
-I feel like I'm missing me, but maybe God is missing
Sound familiar?
How did I get this way? Is there a way out? You are NOT alone! The worn-out woman has many sisters!
No one can unclutter her life without uncluttering her heart! No matter how stressed and overwhelmed you might feel you can experience the fulfilling life God has planned for you.
Let's explore together the emotional, mental, social, physical and most importantly, spiritual areas of our life!
Who's ready to be a "Recovering Worn Out Woman"?
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Breaking Free Session One Viewer Guide
A few things we need to know about yokes and how they can be shattered based on the example of "Miden's Defeat.
1. The blessed people of God can live under great oppression.
The goal of the oppressor is to make us...
*Unproductive (vv.3-4)Hebrew shahat: ruin...corrupt...lose...spill...waste." In the KJV terminology, the oppressors destroyed the increase."
*Impoverished (v.6)Hebrew dalal: "bring low, dry up, be emptied, not be equal, fail, be impoverished."
2. If we don't seek freedom, we will seek shelter (v.2 and glance ahead to v.11).
3. God stands to get much glory from making might warriors out of the least likely.
4. Whatever we may end up setting on the alter will be holy received by God.
5. The purpose of this journey is not to kill us but to bring us to the full measure of abundant life He promised us (v. 23).
1. The blessed people of God can live under great oppression.
The goal of the oppressor is to make us...
*Unproductive (vv.3-4)Hebrew shahat: ruin...corrupt...lose...spill...waste." In the KJV terminology, the oppressors destroyed the increase."
*Impoverished (v.6)Hebrew dalal: "bring low, dry up, be emptied, not be equal, fail, be impoverished."
2. If we don't seek freedom, we will seek shelter (v.2 and glance ahead to v.11).
3. God stands to get much glory from making might warriors out of the least likely.
4. Whatever we may end up setting on the alter will be holy received by God.
5. The purpose of this journey is not to kill us but to bring us to the full measure of abundant life He promised us (v. 23).
Matthew 6:25-34
Jesus Teaches About Worry
For many years I spent endless number of hours worrying about EVERYTHING. Not kidding...if I had a stomach ache I expected to visit our local doctor and be told I had cancer. It was immobilizing, horrible, life altering and very real to me. I didn't understand it but I knew it was my reality. BUT was it really reality??? Obviously not but until I knew what it felt like to live a part from it I didn't know any other way to live. This was until somewhere in my college years that I began to see glimmers of hope in living free of constant worry. I can't put an exact date or time to it but I know that's when God began to really do a work in me. Showing me verse like "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring it's own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today" and "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" Both of these incredible encouraging verses come out of Matthew 6.
Here are some of the explanations taken from my NIV Life Application bible on Chapter 6:25-34:
-Because of the ill effects of worry, Jesus tells us not to worry about those needs that God promises to supply. Worry may (1) damage your health, (2) disrupt your productivity, (3) negatively affect the way you treat others, and (4) reduce your ability to trust in God. How many ill effects of worry are you experiencing? Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern-worry immobilizes, but concern moves you to action.
-To "seek the Kingdom of God above all else" means to put God first in your life, to fill your thoughts with his desires, to take his character for your pattern, and to serve and obey him in everything. What is really important to you? People, objects, goals, and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly become most important to you if you don't actively choose to give God first place in every area of your life.
-Planning for tomorrow is time well spent; worrying about tomorrow is time wasted. Sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference. Careful planning is thinking ahead about goals, steps, and schedules, and trusting in God's guidance. When done well, planning can help alleviate worry. Worriers, by contrast, are consumed by fear and find it difficult to trust God. They let their plans interfere with their relationship with God. Don't let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today.
All of this at one point in time or another rained priority in my life...NOT trusting God. I was completely filled with fear about everything. I made myself sick a lot, had panic attacks, would scream and yell at family including my husband on a plane full of passengers...you'll have to ask him about that one. I felt like I had no control which looking back I think is what scared me even more. God's incredible and very specific words on worrying have brought me through a lot. I love him so much for providing it. He's so good to each of us, knows the struggles in our lives and provides such specific actions and encourage for us. In fact, did you know that He knew "fear" was going to be such a stronghold for His people that it is mentioned in the bible 364 times...that's right. You could do a year long devotional about fear using one verse a day. God is so loving!
For many years I spent endless number of hours worrying about EVERYTHING. Not kidding...if I had a stomach ache I expected to visit our local doctor and be told I had cancer. It was immobilizing, horrible, life altering and very real to me. I didn't understand it but I knew it was my reality. BUT was it really reality??? Obviously not but until I knew what it felt like to live a part from it I didn't know any other way to live. This was until somewhere in my college years that I began to see glimmers of hope in living free of constant worry. I can't put an exact date or time to it but I know that's when God began to really do a work in me. Showing me verse like "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring it's own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today" and "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" Both of these incredible encouraging verses come out of Matthew 6.
Here are some of the explanations taken from my NIV Life Application bible on Chapter 6:25-34:
-Because of the ill effects of worry, Jesus tells us not to worry about those needs that God promises to supply. Worry may (1) damage your health, (2) disrupt your productivity, (3) negatively affect the way you treat others, and (4) reduce your ability to trust in God. How many ill effects of worry are you experiencing? Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern-worry immobilizes, but concern moves you to action.
-To "seek the Kingdom of God above all else" means to put God first in your life, to fill your thoughts with his desires, to take his character for your pattern, and to serve and obey him in everything. What is really important to you? People, objects, goals, and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly become most important to you if you don't actively choose to give God first place in every area of your life.
-Planning for tomorrow is time well spent; worrying about tomorrow is time wasted. Sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference. Careful planning is thinking ahead about goals, steps, and schedules, and trusting in God's guidance. When done well, planning can help alleviate worry. Worriers, by contrast, are consumed by fear and find it difficult to trust God. They let their plans interfere with their relationship with God. Don't let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today.
All of this at one point in time or another rained priority in my life...NOT trusting God. I was completely filled with fear about everything. I made myself sick a lot, had panic attacks, would scream and yell at family including my husband on a plane full of passengers...you'll have to ask him about that one. I felt like I had no control which looking back I think is what scared me even more. God's incredible and very specific words on worrying have brought me through a lot. I love him so much for providing it. He's so good to each of us, knows the struggles in our lives and provides such specific actions and encourage for us. In fact, did you know that He knew "fear" was going to be such a stronghold for His people that it is mentioned in the bible 364 times...that's right. You could do a year long devotional about fear using one verse a day. God is so loving!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Matthew 6 - Lord's Prayer
I've always known the Lord's Prayer but don't believe I really knew what it meant or why I said it. As I was walking through the pages of Chapter 6 of Matthew, he writes a great deal about the Lord's Prayer and answer the question of what and why. I've been using the Life Application Bible as we study the book of Matthew and I would like to share with you some of the insite it provides into this very important prayer that Jesus used to teach his disciples. Below is taken directly from the NIV Life Application bible: Verses 9-13
"Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one."
-This is often called the Lord's Prayer because Jesus gave it to the disciples as a model for them (and us) to keep in mind as we pray. Jesus provided a pattern to be imitated as well as duplicated. We should praise God, pray for his work in the world, pray for our daily needs and pray for help in our daily struggles. To what extent do you use the items in the Lord's Prayer to guide your own prayer times?
-Verse 9:The phrase "Our Father in heaven" indicated that God is not only majestic and holy but also personal and loving. The first line of this model prayer is a statement of praise and a commitment to hallow, or honor, God's holy name. We can honor God's name by being careful to use it respectfully. If we use God's name lightly, we aren't remembering God's holiness.
-Verse 10:The phrase "May your Kingdom come soon" is a reference to God's spiritual reign, not Israel's freedom from Rome. God's Kingdom was announced in the covenant with Abraham (8:11, Luke 13:28), is present in Christ's reign in believer's hearts (Luke 17:21), and will be complete when all evil is destroyed and God establishes the new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1).
-Verse 10:When we pray "May your will be done," we are not resigning ourselves to fate but praying that God's perfect purpose will be accomplished in this world as well as in the next. And how does God accomplish his will on earth? He does it largely through people willing to obey him. This part of the prayer allows us to guide, lead and give us the means to accomplish his purposes.
-Verse 11:When we pray "Give us today the food we need," we are acknowledging that God is our sustainer and provider. It is a misconception to think that we provide for our needs ourselves. We must trust God daily to provide what he knows we need.
-Verse 13:God sometimes allows us to be tested by temptation. As disciples, we should pray to be delivered from these trying times and for deliverance from Satan ("the evil one") and his deceit. All Christians struggle with temptation. Sometimes it is so subtle that we don't even realize what is happening to us. God has promised that he won't allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). Ask God to help you recognize temptation and to give you strength to overcome it and choose God's way instead.
-Verses 14, 15:Jesus gives a stratling warning about forgiveness: If we refuse to forgive others, God will also refuse to forgive us. Why? Because when we don't forgive others, we are denying our common ground as sinners in need of God's forgiveness. God's forgiveness of sin is not the direct result of our forgiving others, but it is based on our realizing what forgiveness means (see Ephesians 4:32). It is easy to ask God for forgiveness but difficult to grant it to others. Whenever we ask God to forgive us for sin, we should ask, Have I forgiven the people who have wronged me?
"Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one."
-This is often called the Lord's Prayer because Jesus gave it to the disciples as a model for them (and us) to keep in mind as we pray. Jesus provided a pattern to be imitated as well as duplicated. We should praise God, pray for his work in the world, pray for our daily needs and pray for help in our daily struggles. To what extent do you use the items in the Lord's Prayer to guide your own prayer times?
-Verse 9:The phrase "Our Father in heaven" indicated that God is not only majestic and holy but also personal and loving. The first line of this model prayer is a statement of praise and a commitment to hallow, or honor, God's holy name. We can honor God's name by being careful to use it respectfully. If we use God's name lightly, we aren't remembering God's holiness.
-Verse 10:The phrase "May your Kingdom come soon" is a reference to God's spiritual reign, not Israel's freedom from Rome. God's Kingdom was announced in the covenant with Abraham (8:11, Luke 13:28), is present in Christ's reign in believer's hearts (Luke 17:21), and will be complete when all evil is destroyed and God establishes the new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1).
-Verse 10:When we pray "May your will be done," we are not resigning ourselves to fate but praying that God's perfect purpose will be accomplished in this world as well as in the next. And how does God accomplish his will on earth? He does it largely through people willing to obey him. This part of the prayer allows us to guide, lead and give us the means to accomplish his purposes.
-Verse 11:When we pray "Give us today the food we need," we are acknowledging that God is our sustainer and provider. It is a misconception to think that we provide for our needs ourselves. We must trust God daily to provide what he knows we need.
-Verse 13:God sometimes allows us to be tested by temptation. As disciples, we should pray to be delivered from these trying times and for deliverance from Satan ("the evil one") and his deceit. All Christians struggle with temptation. Sometimes it is so subtle that we don't even realize what is happening to us. God has promised that he won't allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). Ask God to help you recognize temptation and to give you strength to overcome it and choose God's way instead.
-Verses 14, 15:Jesus gives a stratling warning about forgiveness: If we refuse to forgive others, God will also refuse to forgive us. Why? Because when we don't forgive others, we are denying our common ground as sinners in need of God's forgiveness. God's forgiveness of sin is not the direct result of our forgiving others, but it is based on our realizing what forgiveness means (see Ephesians 4:32). It is easy to ask God for forgiveness but difficult to grant it to others. Whenever we ask God to forgive us for sin, we should ask, Have I forgiven the people who have wronged me?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Carrying Out God's Requirements
A little bit from chapter 3 in Matthew...
"But Jesus said, "It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires." So John agreed to baptize him (Jesus)." Verse 15
-John had been explaining that Jesus' baptism would be much greater than his, when suddenly Jesus came to him and asked to be baptized. John felt unqualified. Do you ever feel unqualified when Jesus calls us to call something? John wanted Jesus to baptize him. Why did Jesus ask to be baptized? It was not for repentance for sin because Jesus never sinned. "We must carry out all that God requires" refers to accomplishing God's mission. Jesus saw his baptism as advancing God's work. Jesus was baptized because (1) he was confessing sin on behalf of the nation, as Nehemiah, Ezra, Moses and Daniel had done; (2) he was showing support for what John was doing; (3) he was inaugurating his public ministry; (4) he was identifying with the penitent people of God, not with the critical Pharisees who were only watching. Jesus, the perfect man, didn't need baptism for sin, but he accepted baptism in obedient service to the Father, and God showed his approval.
-Put yourself in John's shoes. Your work is going well, people are taking notice, everything is growing. But you know that the purpose of your work is to prepare the people for Jesus (John 1:35-37). Then Jesus arrives, and his coming tests your integrity. Will you be able to turn your followers over to him? John passed the tests by publicly baptizing Jesus. Soon he would say, "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less" (John 3:30). Can we, like John, put our egos and profitable work aside in order to point others to Jesus? Are we willing to lose some of our status so that everyone will benefit?
"But Jesus said, "It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires." So John agreed to baptize him (Jesus)." Verse 15
-John had been explaining that Jesus' baptism would be much greater than his, when suddenly Jesus came to him and asked to be baptized. John felt unqualified. Do you ever feel unqualified when Jesus calls us to call something? John wanted Jesus to baptize him. Why did Jesus ask to be baptized? It was not for repentance for sin because Jesus never sinned. "We must carry out all that God requires" refers to accomplishing God's mission. Jesus saw his baptism as advancing God's work. Jesus was baptized because (1) he was confessing sin on behalf of the nation, as Nehemiah, Ezra, Moses and Daniel had done; (2) he was showing support for what John was doing; (3) he was inaugurating his public ministry; (4) he was identifying with the penitent people of God, not with the critical Pharisees who were only watching. Jesus, the perfect man, didn't need baptism for sin, but he accepted baptism in obedient service to the Father, and God showed his approval.
-Put yourself in John's shoes. Your work is going well, people are taking notice, everything is growing. But you know that the purpose of your work is to prepare the people for Jesus (John 1:35-37). Then Jesus arrives, and his coming tests your integrity. Will you be able to turn your followers over to him? John passed the tests by publicly baptizing Jesus. Soon he would say, "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less" (John 3:30). Can we, like John, put our egos and profitable work aside in order to point others to Jesus? Are we willing to lose some of our status so that everyone will benefit?
Monday, February 8, 2010
Book of Matthew
As the motorcade slowly winds through the city, thousands pack the sidewalks hoping to catch a glimpse. Marching bands with great fanfare announce the arrival, and protective agents scan the crowd and run alongside the limousine. Pomp, ceremony and protocol-modern symbols of position and evidence of importance-herald the arrival of a head of state. Whether they are leaders by birth or election, we honor and respect them.
The Jews waited for a leader who had been promised centuries before by prophets. They believed that this leader-the Messiah ("anointed one")-would rescue them from their Roman oppressors and establish a new kingdom. As their king, he would rule the world with justice. Many Jews, however, overlooked prophesies that also spoke of this king as a suffering servant who would be rejected and killed. It is no wonder, then that few recognized Jesus as the Messiah. How could this humble carpenter's son from Nazareth be their king? But Jesus was and is the King of all the earth!
Matthew was one of Jesus' 12 disciples. Once he was a despised tax collector, but his life was changed by this man from Galilee. Matthew wrote this Gospel to his fellow Jews to prove that Jesus is the Messiah and to explain God's Kingdom.
Matthew begins his account by giving Jesus' genealogy. He then tells of Jesus' birth and early years, including the family's escape to Egypt from the murderous Herod and their return to Nazareth. Following Jesus' baptism by John (3:16, 17) and his defeat of Satan in the wilderness, Jesus began his public ministry by calling his first disciples and giving the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7). Matthew shows Christ's authority by reporting his miracles of healing the sick and the demon possessed, and even raising the dead.
Despite opposition from the Pharisees and others in the religious establishment (chapters 12-15), Jesus continued to teach concerning the Kingdom of Heaven (chapters 16-20). During this time, Jesus spoke with his disciples about his imminent death and resurrection (16:21) and revealed his true identity to Peter, James and John (17:1-5). Near the end of his ministry, Jesus entered Jerusalem in a triumphant procession (21:1-11). But soon opposition mounted, and Jesus knew that his death was near. So he taught his disciples about the future-what they could expect before his return (chapter 24) and how to live until then (chapter 25).
In Matthew's finale (chapters 26-28), he focuses on Jesus' final days on earth-the Last Supper, his prayer in Gethsemane, the betrayal by Judas, the flight of the disciples, Peter's denial, the trails before Caiaphas and Pilate, Jesus' final words on the cross, and his burial in a borrowed tomb. But the story does not end there, for the Messiah rose from the dead-conquering death and then telling his followers to continue his work by making disciples in all nations.
As you read this Gospel, listen to Matthew's clear message: Jesus is the Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of lords. Celebrate his victory over evil and death, and make Jesus the Lord of your life.
The Jews waited for a leader who had been promised centuries before by prophets. They believed that this leader-the Messiah ("anointed one")-would rescue them from their Roman oppressors and establish a new kingdom. As their king, he would rule the world with justice. Many Jews, however, overlooked prophesies that also spoke of this king as a suffering servant who would be rejected and killed. It is no wonder, then that few recognized Jesus as the Messiah. How could this humble carpenter's son from Nazareth be their king? But Jesus was and is the King of all the earth!
Matthew was one of Jesus' 12 disciples. Once he was a despised tax collector, but his life was changed by this man from Galilee. Matthew wrote this Gospel to his fellow Jews to prove that Jesus is the Messiah and to explain God's Kingdom.
Matthew begins his account by giving Jesus' genealogy. He then tells of Jesus' birth and early years, including the family's escape to Egypt from the murderous Herod and their return to Nazareth. Following Jesus' baptism by John (3:16, 17) and his defeat of Satan in the wilderness, Jesus began his public ministry by calling his first disciples and giving the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7). Matthew shows Christ's authority by reporting his miracles of healing the sick and the demon possessed, and even raising the dead.
Despite opposition from the Pharisees and others in the religious establishment (chapters 12-15), Jesus continued to teach concerning the Kingdom of Heaven (chapters 16-20). During this time, Jesus spoke with his disciples about his imminent death and resurrection (16:21) and revealed his true identity to Peter, James and John (17:1-5). Near the end of his ministry, Jesus entered Jerusalem in a triumphant procession (21:1-11). But soon opposition mounted, and Jesus knew that his death was near. So he taught his disciples about the future-what they could expect before his return (chapter 24) and how to live until then (chapter 25).
In Matthew's finale (chapters 26-28), he focuses on Jesus' final days on earth-the Last Supper, his prayer in Gethsemane, the betrayal by Judas, the flight of the disciples, Peter's denial, the trails before Caiaphas and Pilate, Jesus' final words on the cross, and his burial in a borrowed tomb. But the story does not end there, for the Messiah rose from the dead-conquering death and then telling his followers to continue his work by making disciples in all nations.
As you read this Gospel, listen to Matthew's clear message: Jesus is the Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of lords. Celebrate his victory over evil and death, and make Jesus the Lord of your life.
Monday, February 1, 2010
A Walk Through The Gospels
This Sunday February 7th we will begin our "Walk Through The Gospels" beginning with the book of Matthew. We will meet from 8a.m. to 9a.m. at LifePointe. The hour together will be a time for us to go back to the original source of God's Word and guidance. We will meet the first Sunday of every month. We are going to start with the gospels and work from there. During the month between each meeting, it will be a time for each of us to read, pray, research and journal over each book we are currently reading. There will be no specific study guide but I'd love for each of us to be journaling during this time so that we can all remember what we are learning and being shown.
This Sunday we will begin our journey through the book of Matthew. Below is some statistics and insight into Matthew.
As you read this Gospel, listen to Matthew's clear message; Jesus is the Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, Celebrate his victory over evil and death, and make Jesus the Lord of your life.
This Sunday we will begin our journey through the book of Matthew. Below is some statistics and insight into Matthew.
- Purpose: To prove that Jesus is the Messiah, the eternal King
- Author: Matthew (Levi)
- Original Audience: Matthew wrote especially to the Jews.
- Setting: Matthew was a Jewish tax collector who became one of Jesus' disciples. This Gospel forms the connecting link between the Old and New Testaments because of it's emphasis on the fulfillment of prophecy.
- Key Verse: "Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose." (5:17)
- Key People: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the disciples, the religious leaders, Caiaphas, Pilate, Mary Magdalene
- Key Places: Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Capernaum, Galilee, Judea
- Special Features: Matthew is filled with messianic language ("Son of David" is used throughout) and Old Testament references (53 quotes and 76 other references). This Gospel was not written as a chronological account; it's purpose was to present the clear evidence that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior.
As you read this Gospel, listen to Matthew's clear message; Jesus is the Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, Celebrate his victory over evil and death, and make Jesus the Lord of your life.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Silent Auction Items and More
First of all, thank you all for joining us on Sunday. I know we had a lot of stuff available to look over but I hope you found things you liked. We will have everything available Sunday at Maxie's from 9a.m. to 4p.m. to bid on and purchase. Plus, the raffle items as well. The raffle tickets are $1 each or $5 for 6. Our La Tienda Tshirts are selling for $15 along with a chance to win one of two donated glam sessions when you purchase a shirt.
Silent Auction Items:(3) 1 Hour Family Photo Session with 25 edited images on a disc - minimum bid of $50 a piece
(1) 2 Hour Intimate Photo Session with 25 edited images on a disc - minimum bid of $200
Personal Photo Music Video
Handmade Wooden Longhorn Clock
Gift Basket
(1) Piece of Silpada Jewelry
And so much more!
Cara and her Momma...Barb :-)Sunday, January 10, 2010
1st Annual La Tienda Glam Sessions Party
There's still time to join us for this event on Sunday January 24th from 9a.m. to 4p.m. at Maxine's Salon in Hutto, Texas. There will be 2 make up artists, 2 photographers, 2 hair stylists and your own 30 minute photo session. The photo session is $75 which includes a $25 deposit at time of sign up. You will receive 5 images from your session to do whatever you'd like with. They would make a great gift for your husband on Valentine's Day. There will also be giveaways, silent auctions, food and lots of pampering. ALL money raised that day goes to La Tienda Ministry located in the Dominican Republic. Barb Welch's (one of our Women's Minstry team members) daughter Cara Welch serves in the DR with this ministry so this is a very personal event for all of us. You can learn more about La Tienda by visiting their website at http://latienda.moonfruit.com/. We are collecting business/individual donations, silent auction and giveaway items and will need food for this day as well. If you would like to donate monetarily or an item/service, please contact Monica at monsaw@yahoo.com asap. You can also volunteer to help out that day. Barb Welch is going to be selling lots of La Tienda items as well which have traveled from the Dominican Republic made by the women of the DR. Please join us for this very special event. You won't be disappointed you did!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
And the winner is...
It is so exciting to us to have the opportunity to do this study. There is so much healing possible through this new study we cannot begin to imagine what each of our lives can be like. Please join us for this study beginning Monday February 22nd at 7p.m. at LifePointe. Sign up will begin this Sunday at the back table. The study costs $20 which includes the cost of childcare. If you have any questions please feel free to email Monica at monsaw@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Upcoming Spring Bible Study Information
We have decided to allow everyone to vote on our spring study. We are having a ministry team meeting tomorrow evening at 8p.m. at Monica Hamby's house and at that point the voting will close. Please take the time to vote! We have narrowed it down to three different studies. The choices are:
Breaking Free: The Journey, The Stories by Beth Moore. This is one of her original studies BUT it has just recently be updated with new dvd series and study guides. This study leads you through a study of the Scriptures to discover the transforming power of Christian freedom. Based on Isaiah 61:1-4, this in-depth Bible study draws parallels between the captive Israelites and today's believers. Beth uses Scripture to help identify spiritual strongholds in your life, no matter how big or small. She explains that anything that hinders us from the benefits of knowing God is bondage. Breaking Free is Beth's life message that she wants to share with you.
Covenant by Kay Arthur shows that the idea of covenant-God's enduring promise-is key to understanding our relationship to God. Covenant explores God's initiatives with humanity by studying His covenants throughout history. The eight-week format touches on the most important aspects of covenant:
Week 1 - The Whole Counsel of God
Week 2 - In Covenant with Him
Week 3 - The Customs of Covenant
Week 4 - The Lord Watch Between Me and You
Week 5 - A Walk into Death
Week 6 - The Oneness of Covenant
Week 7 - The Covenants of Salvation
Week 8 - Mediator of the New Covenant
Week 9 - The Covenant of Transforming Power
Through the process of inductive Bible study, participants will learn what it means to live covenant relationship with God.
One in a Million by Priscilla Shirer is an exploration of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness . Shirer encourages participates to fully engage in the abundant life God has waiting for those who will allow Him to take the lead in daily living. One in a Million is an opportunity for you to experience your deliverance from strongholds, to conquer your wilderness living, and to claim your God-given inheritance.
Breaking Free: The Journey, The Stories by Beth Moore. This is one of her original studies BUT it has just recently be updated with new dvd series and study guides. This study leads you through a study of the Scriptures to discover the transforming power of Christian freedom. Based on Isaiah 61:1-4, this in-depth Bible study draws parallels between the captive Israelites and today's believers. Beth uses Scripture to help identify spiritual strongholds in your life, no matter how big or small. She explains that anything that hinders us from the benefits of knowing God is bondage. Breaking Free is Beth's life message that she wants to share with you.
Covenant by Kay Arthur shows that the idea of covenant-God's enduring promise-is key to understanding our relationship to God. Covenant explores God's initiatives with humanity by studying His covenants throughout history. The eight-week format touches on the most important aspects of covenant:
Week 1 - The Whole Counsel of God
Week 2 - In Covenant with Him
Week 3 - The Customs of Covenant
Week 4 - The Lord Watch Between Me and You
Week 5 - A Walk into Death
Week 6 - The Oneness of Covenant
Week 7 - The Covenants of Salvation
Week 8 - Mediator of the New Covenant
Week 9 - The Covenant of Transforming Power
Through the process of inductive Bible study, participants will learn what it means to live covenant relationship with God.
One in a Million by Priscilla Shirer is an exploration of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness . Shirer encourages participates to fully engage in the abundant life God has waiting for those who will allow Him to take the lead in daily living. One in a Million is an opportunity for you to experience your deliverance from strongholds, to conquer your wilderness living, and to claim your God-given inheritance.
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