27
Jul '21
Parents, how would Jesus respond?
27
Jul '21
How many times do we hear the phrase practice what you preach?
As parents, one of our goals in life is to raise, godly, well-behaved, respectful and disciplined children. This task is a gift from God that we cannot handle by ourselves.
How many times do you find yourself doing exactly what you just told your child not to do? You know who will be the first to point it out too… them! As you sit there fuming with anger because of the disrespect and back talk about the issue, you have to breathe and ask yourself, “how would Jesus react?”
Wow…how would Jesus respond? That’s a stop-you-in-your-tracks moment. I would have to say that many times I have not responded how Jesus would.
How would we parent if we stopped in our tracks, and our first response was to pray for patience and direction? Then respond how Jesus would….in love! Use those moments to teach your children that we as humans are sinful and we need God’s grace each and every day.
Proverbs 22: 6 ESV
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Show them you aren’t perfect but with God’s help, he can help us make the right choices. Teach them how to confess their sins and ask for forgiveness.
Proverbs 11: 2 ESV
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
When we hear “practice what you preach,” we often think of the moral decisions and guidance we speak of: be kind to others, share your toys, brush and floss your teeth, don’t litter. Those are all things that we should be practicing, but how can we tell our kids to do those things if we ourselves are not doing them?
What if we remember that same phrase when we mess up or sin? Let’s be an example to our children on how to react and respond to heartache, to family fights, to disappointed plans, to anger outbursts. Show them how to take responsibility for their actions no matter who was involved or whose fault it may have been. We as humans are sinful and not perfect, so until we reach heaven, all we can do is work toward honoring Christ.
Philippians 3: 14 NIV
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do; forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Do your kids see you reading your Bible as much as they see your face in your phone? UGH… guilty.
Let’s challenge ourselves to focus on Christ. If we as parents are not focused on him and making him number one in our lives, then how in the world do we expect our children to do so?
Practice first, then they will see with their eyes what is important. Then preach it so they can be challenged to do the same. Again no one is perfect and bumps in the road will come, but how we respond and steer our children during those times will help them grow closer to Him.
Author:
Kids Ministry Lead, Faith Grand Detour
Read more...
08
Jan '21
Jesus as Savior and Lord
08
Jan '21
As we celebrate the beginning of a new year, this annual celebration is always a reminder to celebrate the beginning of my new life that started in January 1996, 25 years ago, that still feels just like yesterday. In 1996, God finished what he had started many years before, and I was born again.
John 3:5-6 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the spirit.”
At this time, Jesus became my Savior giving me the gift of eternal life, and I received a supernatural fresh start with new desires and a new purpose for life (my testimony for another time). To be completely truthful, it took me a little longer for Jesus to become not just my Savior, but also my Lord. Without Jesus being my Lord, I am quite sure I would have a much more difficult time celebrating the 2021 New Year. I’ll try to explain what I mean by this.
As my Savior, Jesus gave me eternal life. As my Lord, I gave Jesus my life! It’s really that’s simple. We don’t have to make it theologically difficult – which it certainly can be – but that’s not God’s intent.
So when I say 2021 would be more challenging were it not for trusting in the Truth of God’s Word, I am saying all of the challenges below could very quickly consume me with fear and unanswerable questions if I chose to let it. Things like…
The consequences of the coronavirus
Separation and loss of liberty (absolutely we have to protect the most vulnerable)
The uncertainty of the fairness of the 2020 election
Evil that seems to have permeated government at all levels
Medical challenges with family and friends
The Truth of God’s Word wins and helps me stay grounded, which is where God wants all of us to be of use to Him as He continues to implement His perfect plan.
When Jesus is Lord of our life, and our life is His, it provides an entirely new and proper focus. Here are a few of my go-to scripture verses that help me stay grounded:
John 4:23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.Philippians 1:21 For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
I encourage you to make Jesus Lord of your life, trusting Him with your life. He has given His life to become your Savior, offer you eternal life, and transform your heart. It’s never too late to receive this gift and submit your life to Him. If you’d like to learn more, please reach out to us.
Author:
Elder, Faith Assembly
Read more...
17
Dec '20
The Cost of Christmas
17
Dec '20
What do you think about when someone says Merry Christmas? Does it take your mind to warm and fuzzy places? Does it make you anxious? Fill you with joy? Make you sad? Excited? The Christmas season seems like a time that is highly influenced by our history, our gains and losses, and our present circumstances.
Christmas brings us back to the power of the gospel
The season gives us a chance to enjoy traditions, gift-giving, and precious time with family. We might even take in a special Christmas service to remember the story. But it’s about more than that – so much more.
For believers, Christmas brings us back to the power of the gospel. It encourages us to look at the Christ child in light of the cross. It wasn’t glittery, it was less than ideal. Full of wonder, but unexpected. Beautiful, but messy.
Christmas reminds us that sin has a cost.
Without this miracle – the Word becoming flesh – we would be utterly lost, without a way to be reconciled with God. We had dug ourselves a hole we couldn’t climb out of. The cost was too high. But God made a way – He sent a Redeemer.
Because of God’s great love for us, He gave his only son to pay the steep price of sin once and for all. Jesus, who laid aside His glory for the glory of the Father, became our Emmanuel. God with us – now and forever! Check out how this translation reads:
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. John 3:16-17 (The Message)
This is the good news the angels were talking about when they appeared to the scared-out-of-their-mind shepherds in the field.
Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2: 10-12 (NIV)
Christmas led to sacrifice
The kingdom of God came in the form of a baby. God became man. The Word became flesh. I don’t think the disciples saw it coming that the Messiah – the one they’d been praying for – did not come to build the Kingdom on earth by revolution. Rather, the real revolution was one of the soul – our sin covered by Jesus blood once and for all. Only the Lamb of God could take away the sin of the world. We now have the opportunity to be clean and free from our past, reconciled to God, and alive in Him forever.
Does it mean life is perfect now? Nope. But because of the babe who became a man – this Jesus – we can now live a transformed life in and through His grace alone. We don’t have to earn it. But we can be transformed by it if we choose.
So when we celebrate Christmas, let’s remember this gift. The gift that brought healing of the soul. The gift that came at such a high price. Like his coming, our lives may be messy, but because of Jesus, they are beautiful.
There’s only one God that stepped down from His throne out of love, to save a world torn apart by sin. There’s only one King that did that for me – His name is Jesus. Do you know him? Check out this song by Marc Martel called How Many Kings below. It talks about just that.
If you don’t know Jesus and would like to know more. Please contact us. We’ve love to share more about how He has transformed our lives with you.
Author:
Read more...
09
Nov '20
The Servant Leadership Example of Jesus
09
Nov '20
For each Faith Elder meeting over the last several months we have devoted time for teaching from a book on “servant leadership”. A book that features Jesus himself modeling various aspects of leadership while he walked on this earth. The deacon board and church staff are also doing the same and as with the elders, each deacon and staff member take their “teaching turn” on different weeks.
It has been a super good lesson and reminded me of two important truths. The first is that study has to be intentional by spending time in God’s word to really know him, and the second is the importance of prayer and discussion with like minded brothers and sisters in the Lord. Both are required for growth in relationship with the Lord and with each other – especially in times of turmoil and distraction.
The “servant leadership” teaching focused on one’s heart, head, hands and behaviors. It was helpful to see how Jesus focused on these areas of teaching and application with His disciples in the gospels. The focus scriptures in each meeting were those with which we were all familiar, but this teaching helped to draw out the deeper purpose of what Jesus was doing. These were applications not just for servant leadership in and around the church (body of believers) but in all areas including jobs, neighborhoods and families. Jesus is our perfect example!
The Heart
The heart was the first topic of teaching since it is the center of one’s being as is stated many times in scripture. Heart change is what moves a person from what is inherently a self-serving lifestyle to a serving lifestyle out of thankfulness for what Jesus has done for us. It is what drives one’s motivation and intent to lead by serving. It very simply is giving instead of getting.
The Head
After the critically important element of the heart, the head comes into play to shape our belief system and perspectives. It is the renewing of our minds by being transformed from the inside out and no longer conforming (or desiring to conform) to the things of this world (Romans 12:2).
The Hands
Once the heart and head are engaged correctly, the work of the hands follow since the actions are now aligned with and becomes one’s behaviors. With the heart, head, and hands working together, it can now be about the “being” of relationship and serving out of thankfulness and not just about the “doing” of the work.
The Habits
The habits in which one seeks to engage was the last area of servant leadership development that is super important to ensure positive and helpful disciplines are maintained. The battle of getting and doing for self (the wrong reason) instead of giving for the Lord can often lead us the wrong direction. Godly habits that involve solitude, prayer, and scripture meditation – all of which Jesus practiced often throughout his life on this earth – are the example He left us to follow to keep us moving in the right direction.
Reading this material may make servant leadership seem fairly simple, but as with many things the application can be challenging. Remember, it took a while for the disciples to get it even though Jesus was the best teacher ever and modeled it perfectly. That said, we can be sure Jesus will be patient with us too as we seek to live the greatest commandment to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength” as we seek to become all God created us to be.
Author:
Elder, Faith Assembly
Read more...
27
Apr '20
We Have a Choice
27
Apr '20
We have all been hit in some way, shape or form from fallout of COVID-19. Whether it be financially, socially, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually; we can all relate to those areas being affected in our lives. Just like anything else in life though, we have a choice on how we handle those areas affected.
Many things are out of our control, but how we choose to respond is within our control.
I’ve found the easiest way to justify or make excuses (at least at the time in my head) is to blame someone or something else for my problems. Or if something doesn’t go the way we like at work, home, or whatever area you want to apply it to, it’s easy to point the finger and think in our head, “If I was in charge this wouldn’t have happened”, or “I could do a better job than that person”.
While sometimes these statements may be true, we still have a choice on how we respond. It is no different to apply when it comes to the current situation in our world and more specifically our country. I continue to hear the blame game from everyone and everything I read. Sure, things could always be done better.
We as citizens of this country – and more importantly as Christians – have an obligation to be in prayer for the situation and for our all of our leaders. We also are called to be thankful in all situations.
So instead of complaining about our current situation, let’s all try to focus on being thankful. Thankful that no matter what, no one can ever take my relationship with Jesus from me. I am thankful that he is always in control because Heaven and earth are filled with his glorious presence.
Isaiah 6:3 “And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
We can’t run the world better than God. Even if we think he is mismanaging things, we can’t know what He knows or see what He sees. He calls us to live by faith and not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
This is a call to acknowledge His sovereignty by being thankful in all situations. With everything going on in the world, it’s not easy. But we can choose hope, choose gratefulness, choose to fix our eyes on Jesus.
Through all the seasons – through it all – He is faithful and if we are Christ-followers, we are secure in His everlasting arms. Let this song minister to your heart today.
Author:
Worship Leader, Faith Assembly
Read more...
17
Jun '19
Called to be Fishers of Men
17
Jun '19
A couple of weeks ago the sermon at our church referenced John 21: 1-14. It is amazing how you can read the Bible and see one thing, and later read it again for God to point out even more truth you had not seen before. That was the case with this passage for me.
So in the reference, Simon Peter tells his friends he’s going fishing. They say they’re going with him. Here’s the thing: I know fishing is their trade – and they must eat – but in Matthew 4:19 and Mark 1:17 – Jesus said he would make them “fishers of men” if they would follow him.
They go fish all night and catch nothing. Then as morning comes, they hear someone (they don’t know who at this point) say “Children have you any food?” The answer is no! So, Jesus tells them to cast their net out on the right side of the boat.
Now hold up. If I’m in the boat, I’m saying to myself “Are you kidding me, I have been out here all night and you don’t think I’ve tried both sides of this boat? Really?”
Back to the story. So they throw their net out on the right side. They end up catching so much they can’t even pull the net in. Simon Peter puts on his outer garment and jumps into the water because he now knows it’s Jesus speaking to them from shore. The rest of the disciples stay in the boat and bring the fish to them. When they get there, they see breakfast is already cooking. “Bring some of the fish you have just caught,” Jesus says.
Then I had questions.
Certainly there are the miracles that happened:
- Catching 153 large fish on the right side of the boat – who does that?
- The net doesn’t break – how?
- Breakfast is all ready for them when they get to shore. Who made the breakfast and where did the food come from?
After the questions, I had a few thoughts.
- In this story, Peter reminds me of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus. Peter had to get to shore to be with Jesus, while the rest of the disciples stayed with the task at hand – like Martha. I want to be like Peter.
- We are all called to be fishers of men. We may share our testimony and not feel we get any responses, but God asks us to keep witnessing – keep fishing. You never know when your net will be so full you can’t bring it into the boat.
Bottom line?
Keep being a fisher of men – even when it feels like no one is listening.
Keep throwing your nets into the water.
Maybe try the right side next time.
Author:
Ken Drew, Elder at Faith Assembly
Read more...