Faith Blog - Faith Assembly Grand Detour

Parents, how would Jesus respond?

Posted on 07/27/2021 in Devotions, Perspectives, Real Life | Tags: fruit of the spirit, Humility, Love, Parenting, walking in the light

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:

Jordan Bivins

Kids Ministry Lead, Faith Grand Detour

What’s in your heart? Where is your treasure?

Posted on 07/20/2021 in Devotions, Spiritual Growth | Tags: honesty, Priorities, repentance, Spiritual Discipline, walking in the light

Scripture often reminds me of how much Jesus knew about what was in the hearts of people. Of course He did, He is God! The heart – the center of our being, not just physically but in a spiritual sense – is what motivates who we are and what we do. The Bible talks about the heart almost 1000 times.

The Lord says that “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” Jeremiah 17:9. This sounds pretty harsh, but God through Jeremiah was issuing a warning for us to be mindful of who we are in the natural….sinners.

The best example of this can be seen in toddlers

I love my grandchildren, most of whom have not reached the age of accountability. So regardless of their actions, they would be a recipient of heaven if they died today. Praise God for that! It is amazing though how selfish and disobedient toddlers can be. This is the natural, undisciplined wickedness we are born with. It either grows into more rebellion as we mature, or changes once we enter into a relationship with the Lord, growing in love for God and spiritual discipline. Even then we are subject to relapses and failure, being human, which the Bible points out we need to learn from.

King David – an example of repentance and consequences

King David was identified as a man after God’s own heart. In Acts 13:22, the Lord said, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, he will do anything I want him to do.”

But wait, didn’t David fail in a big way when he committed adultery and murder to cover it up? Yes, he did. Here’s the thing though. In Psalm 51, King David pleads with God to create a clean heart in him after he commits these sins. Because of his repentance, he was restored but not without consequence.

The good news? God restores us when we are honestly sorry, ask for forgiveness and learn from our sin. This means turning from that behavior in repentance, doing an about-face and choosing to walk in the light. But there are consequences to what we do, and it seems had David been using his time more wisely, practiced discipline and gone to battle with his men, this may not have happened.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

I have heard it said that how a person spends their time and money tells others a lot about what matters to them. For the people of God, it should be obvious. Jesus tells us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moths nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”—Matthew 6:19-21

This is pretty clear and there’s no ambiguity in this. Now, we are expected to be wise about taking care of and providing for our families which involves a certain level of planning, but it is planning with God at the center of it considering biblical principles. If our treasures are so earthly focused, making us no heavenly good in how we spend our time and money, there must be a realignment. In this me-focused world, it’s easy to get pulled into the “you deserve it” advertising, trying to keep up with what other family or friends have or are doing, or allowing social media platforms to consume too much of your time.

If this is you – and admittedly over the years sometimes it has been me – we need to take a breath, pray, and remember tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. We can use this reminder to refocus our priorities on storing up treasures in heaven, where moth and rust can’t destroy and thieves can’t break in and steal.

Today, let’s refocus our hearts on Christ, determine to have a heart after God and make His priorities our priorities. He knows your heart better than anyone, including all the good and the bad. It’s never too late to turn things around. With His help, you can.

If you would like to talk with someone about these things or know more about what it means to live life with Jesus, please contact us. We’d love to talk and pray with you.

Author:

Randy Ortgiesen, Elder

Jun '21

Mighty to Save

Posted on 06/21/2021 in Devotions, Soul Care | Tags: Father God, Old Testament, Salvation, Worship

Jun '21

During one of my devotional times, I read Zephaniah 3:17. As I read the verse it sounded strangler familiar. Suddenly I remembered we used to sing this song about forty years ago! It’s not a song we sing today, but I could remember the words and sang it the way I had learned it.

Zephaniah 3:17 KJV
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save. He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love. He will joy over thee with singing.

When I finally got the tune out of my head, I concentrated on the words and what the Lord was trying to show me.

A little background…
There are only three chapters in Zephaniah. Zephaniah had to bring a strong message from God to Josiah the King of Judah of destruction and repentance. The Lord sent His prophet to the people because they had basically turned their backs on God and what He was going to do.

In verse 17, it says the Lord your God in the midst of thee is mighty. When God is in your midst, He is in you and completely covering you. Then He will save you. God will save you through whatever you are going through.

Then the rest of the verse should just bless the socks right off you.

It says He will rejoice over you with joy! That should be all our desire – to bring joy to the Lord. He will then rest in His love and He will joy over you with singing… imagine, God singing over me and you when we have brought joy to Him! This part really got to me. I tried to imagine God singing over me and I was humbled by that notion.

The bottom line? God takes His relationship with us very seriously, so should we! Let’s determine to bring Him joy today, and rest in His strong hands.

Take a moment to listen to this song that refers to this scripture. It’s not the one I had originally learned, but I think I like this one better.

Author:

Ken Drew

Elder, Faith Assembly

The Lord is Enough

Posted on 05/24/2021 in Devotions, Spiritual Growth | Tags: contentment, Grace, Jesus, Love, provision, trust

We have the world at our fingertips.

Need to order something… Amazon Prime.

Need to watch a show.. binge watch on Netflix.

Need to pay someone…Venmo.

Need to talk to someone across the country…text, call or facetime.

Our society is so fast paced we hardly have time to think about what we are actually doing each day. God forbid if the internet is out or an app doesn’t load right away. Our culture tells us we need more and we need it right now. Our human, sinful nature also tells us we need more of whatever “it” is and we need it right now. All the things we have in life that compete for our attention is mind boggling.

Over these 34 years of life the Lord has blessed me with, the Lord often gets a hold of my heart and tells me these three words.

I am enough for you.

I was recently introduced to the song “Jireh” by Elevations worship and Maverick City Music. I fell in love with the lyrics because it’s a message that He is enough – for every moment, every circumstance, every good day and every bad day. Jireh means the Lord will provide.

God loves us and He will provide because He is enough, but there’s also a challenge to be content in every circumstance. We do very well at this when things are going our way. What about when things are falling apart…are we content?

I can honestly say that I’m not always content in every circumstance. With the Lord’s help I want to be the type of Christian that can say, even though my world may be falling apart, I am content in Jesus because he is all I need to see me through the storms of life.

The scriptures tell us that the Lord clothes the lilies of the valley in splendor and they do not labor or spin. Jesus tells us not to worry because we are loved, we are chosen, and He will take care of us too.

So, the next time you have the urge to want the next best thing or want your circumstances to be different, see if you can change your mindset. Instead of wanting more, choose contentment in Jesus instead.

The Lord desires an authentic relationship with you. He has chosen you, will you choose Him? If you don’t know Jesus and would like to know more, we’d love to talk with you.

Jireh, you are enough for us. Take a minute to soak this in:

Author:

Ryan Bivins

Worship leader, Faith Assembly

Lessons in Practical Leadership

Posted on 05/17/2021 in Devotions, Real Life | Tags: leadership, life lessons, Priorities, Real Life, walking in the light

In our recent move to our new home, I discovered a book given to me by my late Mother-in-law, Janice Kessel, who has been with Jesus now for almost 14 years. The book is titled Leadership by Charles Swindoll. Janice gave me this book in 1985, fresh off the first printing as we were returning from Italy from our first tour of duty in the navy and getting ready to assume command of a Construction Battalion Unit back in the good old USA. A country we had come to love even more having been gone for 2 years. Janice’s handwritten note in the book included “I hope this little book will give you some insight into the responsibilities, the satisfaction and the source of good leadership abilities.” This was 36 years ago and 11 years before I became a Christian.

Although I am sure I must have opened the book back then, I don’t remember reading the book until this recent move. Since discovering this book again, I have read it and the associated scripture many times in the last 6 months. It’s an easy read and based entirely on the apostle Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.

In the last 36 years based on my career positions, and serving as a deacon and now elder for Faith Assembly, I can confidently say that the four leadership actions the book describes from Paul’s letter are absolutely right on, not so difficult to understand, but not quite as easy to put into action without loving people.

Without Paul using titles for the four leadership actions he describes, the book calls these:

Sensitivity to Needs
Affection for People
Authenticity of Life
Enthusiastic in Affirmation

The scripture verses for each follow:

Sensitivity to Needs. But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children (1 Thess. 2:7).

Affection for People. Having thus a fond affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us (I Thess. 2:8).

Authenticity of Life. Nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working day and night not to be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, that you might follow our example (I Thess. 2-9-10).

Enthusiastic in Affirmation. You are witnesses and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers, just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring you as a father would his own children, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2:10-12).

The bottom line of these leadership actions for work, church, or home are:

Treating and appreciating people as people
Caring for them appropriately
Allowing people to get to know the real you
Encouraging them in the issues of life
Being sensitive to promptings to keep wise boundaries as may be necessary

When my mother-in-law wrote that I would have insight into “the satisfaction and source of good leadership abilities”, I am certain she was praying that one day I would discover it isn’t about me, it is about Jesus who modeled love and these leadership actions with great success as did many who followed including the apostle Paul!

I am still working on it, and one day by the grace of God hope to get much closer to achieving it. Thank you Janice and thank you Jesus! may all of us continue to build our practical leadership skills to the glory of God.

Author:

Randy Ortgiesen

Elder, Faith Assembly

Contemplating Temptation

Posted on 01/18/2021 in Devotions, Real Life, Soul Care | Tags: Jesus, New Testament, Sin, Temptation

Have you ever been tempted? This is where everyone says “of course”! You are breathing, right? There is no one who has ever lived that hasn’t been tempted to do or say something they know is wrong.

Recently I was reading the account of Jesus in the wilderness in Luke 4. I believe there were several things that the Lord wanted me to see. I wanted to share them with you.

Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and led into the wilderness for forty days and forty nights. The devil tempted Him the whole time and I am sure in every way possible. I know we only look at the ones mentioned in the scripture. But, what else did the devil do to try and get Jesus to deny his Father? I am sure we all know how creative the devil, our enemy, can be. He is manipulative, finds our weak points, and is a liar.

When the days came to an end, the scripture says Jesus was hungry. Even for Him, it was exhausting.

Luke 4:3-4

If you are the Son of God command this stone to become bread. Jesus said that man does not live by bread alone but by every word of God.

Luke 4: 5-8

The devil shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world (the devil could offer this because it was his domain) and says he can have charge over all if Jesus would worship him. Christ says to the devil “get behind me for it is written that you shall worship the Lord your God and Him only you shall serve.”

Luke 4:9-12

The devil takes him up to a pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem. He tells him to throw himself down from there because it is written that He will give His angles charge over you to keep you safe. Jesus response is “It has been said, you shall not tempt the Lord your God.”

Luke 4:13

When the devil had tried every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.

Hebrews 4:15

We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Christ is our example. After the forty days ended, the devil was still trying to think of ways to tempt Jesus. The enemy of our soul is relentless. Know that the devil is going to try his absolute best to get you to fall into sin.

Be confident, courageous, and bold in the Lord when confronting the enemy. Use the scripture, contact a brother or sister in Christ for spiritual support, and most of all, know that the Lord is with you! He has not abandoned you in your time of despair.

Psalms 52:22

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Jesus is our example – we are charged to follow in His footsteps. He countered every temptation with the Truth of the Word of God.

Run from sin and lean into the power of God within us through the Holy Spirit. With every temptation, our Father provides a way of escape. Be encouraged today! If you know Jesus as your Savior and Lord of your life, He is with you!

Author:

Ken Drew

Elder, Faith Assembly

Jesus as Savior and Lord

Posted on 01/08/2021 in Devotions, Perspectives, Real Life | Tags: New year, trust, Truth, Worldview

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:

Randy Ortgiesen

Elder, Faith Assembly

The Cost of Christmas

Posted on 12/17/2020 in Devotions, Perspectives, Real Life, Spiritual Growth | Tags: faith, forgiveness, Freedom, hope, Jesus, Love, Peace, Salvation, Theology

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:

Michelle Marx

The Power of Serving with Your Children

Posted on 12/07/2020 in General | Tags: Generosity, Giving, Gratitude, Kids, Love, Parenting, service

As parents we are always looking for ways to “teach our children” a lesson. Whether it be why we pick up our room, why we don’t eat candy before dinner, or why being thankful for what we have is so important.

We as humans can get so stuck in our own selfish ways. If it doesn’t please us or help us in that moment we aren’t satisfied or happy. In a world that bombards us with self-gratification everywhere we turn, it is so hard not to follow in those ways and get stuck in a pity party rut.

The hard truth: life is not about us.

God calls us to be servants.

If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all. Mark 9:35

Wow, what a challenge for us as humans and parents as we teach and guide our children to live a Godly life while serving those around us. We can all be challenged to serve more, give more, and have less. It is a life lesson… so don’t be discouraged!

Use those “teaching moments” to steer your children to the word of God and what it says about serving others.

Each of you should use whatever gifts you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

This season I encourage you to help your child serve or bless someone else.

It may be something simple like writing a note to a neighbor or an elderly person, baking a sweet treat for a friend, packing a shoe box with goodies to send to a child in need, or buying presents for a family who can’t afford them. Use this season of Christ’s birth to teach and share the love of Christ by serving those around us. Your children are watching you. Practice giving together and the message is even more powerful.

Blessings on you and your families this Christmas season!

Author:

Jordan Bivins

Faith Kids ministry lead

For His Name’s Sake

Posted on 12/01/2020 in Devotions, Spiritual Growth | Tags: righteousness, testimony, The Word, witness

Lately I’ve been reading the Psalms for my devotions. One of the scriptures I recently read was Psalm 25:11: For Your Name’s Sake, O Lord, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great. The phrase For Your Name’s Sake caught my attention for a moment. but I was so intent on finding food for my current need, I moved right past it not realizing I passed up a meal.

A few nights later I landed on Psalm 23. Although it’s a familiar Psalm, the only one I’ve memorized, reading it again was comforting. To my surprise at the end of verse 3, there was that phrase again in Psalm 23:3b … He leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s Sake. I’m embarrassed to say after all the times I’ve read this Psalm and memorizing it, I never bothered to dig into what it actually meant.

Let’s discover the importance of it together. First, let’s start with a few other scriptures with the same or similar wording:

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for Your Name’s Sake you lead me and guide me. Psalm 31:3

Thus says the Lord God; It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the Sake of My Holy Name … Ezekiel 36:22a

And you will be hated by all for My Name’s Sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22

Nevertheless He saved them for His Name’s Sake, that He might make His mighty power known. l John 2:12

I soon realized these words meant for the sake of revealing God’s character and His glory.

The Bible is not about me – it’s for me.

In the verses above, we see God addressing a situation or action that occurs for us and for the sake of exhibiting His character and His glory. The Bible is about our Father, His love for humanity, and His desire for a personal relationship with each of us. God is significant to everything, the foundation of our existence, and is our Beginning and our End.

Questions began to pop into my mind. Am I living out God’s character in my life? Do I leave question marks in people’s minds when I interact with them? Do they wonder what kind of God I serve when I act in a way that doesn’t look like the God I say I serve?

Our God is righteous.

Psalm 23:3 says He leads us in paths of righteousness (uprightness) so we are upright like Him. God offers us free grace, freedom from sin, a new character (His), and all of the guidance we need to be like Him. As we walk with Him, He calls us to display a character so like His that when others interact with us they can look through us and see Him.

What if my lifestyle isn’t upright?

Then who God is won’t be revealed through me. The world will see a distorted view of God and what He’s like. God is trusting us to realize the importance of His name. How we do life reflects on His name and character, and the witness we’re called to be is often tarnished by how we live our lives. Knowing we have the responsibility to live our lives for His names sake is quite a challenge – it calls us to live upright lives.

We can show a frightened and stressed world there is a God who offers them peace and comfort.

We have a Father who offers freedom from sin, longs to teach His ways, desires a personal relationship with us, and brings the peace we all long for. Let us embrace His character as a part of ourselves so the world sees Him through us. When we realize the Bible is for us and given to us for His sake, we can be sure He will not allow us to fail in serving Him if we live lives that reflect His character.

Author:

Cindy Drew

Church development at Faith Assembly

Jesus, the Bread of Life

Posted on 11/17/2020 in Devotions, Soul Care, Spiritual Growth | Tags: Freedom, hope, Jesus, Salvation, Spiritual Growth

My wife (Cindy) and I will sometimes go to a bread store about an hour from where we live. There is just something wonderful about going into this store and smelling the fresh breads that are being baked. They also give free samples of the breads so you can see if there is any particular kind of bread you may or may not like. We love the Swiss/Dill, Cheddar/Garlic, Cinnamon, and Dakota breads. The other day I was having a piece of the Dakota bread toasted with some peanut butter on it and it was delicious!

While I was enjoying the bread, the Lord laid upon my heart thoughts about the Bread of Life.

There are many verses in the Bible about this, and here just a few:

Matthew 4

Satan tempted Jesus by telling him to change the stones into bread to nourish his body. His response was that Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

Matthew 26:26

Jesus took bread, blessed it, gave it to the disciples and said “take, eat, this is my body.

John 6:33

Jesus says, “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” In verse 35 Jesus says , “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger ; and he that believes on me shall never thirst.” Jesus is talking about our spiritual lives here.

John 6:51

Jesus talks about being the bread that was sent down from heaven “that whosoever eats of this bread will live forever.” Salvation!

I Corinthians 10:17

“For we being many are one bread, and one body : for we partakers of that one bread” – speaking of Jesus.

Here’s the bottom line. Yes, we all need nourishment for these temples God has entrusted to us to use while we walk this earth. The most important part however, is our spiritual health – partaking of the Bread of Life everyday so we can walk the earth spiritually equipped to do His will in our lives.

So the next time you look at any kind of bread, take time to think about the Bread of Life – Jesus – and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you the things God is wanting you to hear from Him. He alone is our sustainer, our salvation, and our hope!

If you need to talk to someone during these trying times, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to speak with you.

Author:

Ken Drew, Elder at Faith Assembly

The Servant Leadership Example of Jesus

Posted on 11/09/2020 in Perspectives, Spiritual Growth | Tags: Sacrifice, Servanthood, Spiritual Growth, The Church, walking in the light

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:

Randy Ortgiesen

Elder, Faith Assembly

When Life Gets Tense Remember These 3 Things

Posted on 10/28/2020 in Devotions, Real Life | Tags: anxiety, Love, Prayer, purity, Real Life

It is really hard not to let circumstances around us in life make us upset.

We feel we aren’t treated fairly or get upset with someone when they make a comment on social media. We see presidential debates, we have disagreements, we have differing views and it can become wearing. We often look at others actions or words and become upset because it’s not what we think or believe. Maybe this is you or maybe not, but I know at times I have struggled with not letting the outside influence my heart and my relationship with God.

Whether it’s something that comes up at work or within family, we are sure to come across unpleasant situations.

It can be in the form of personal attacks or verbal arguments, disagreements with co-workers or friends on social media… you name it. We can easily let these situations start to influence our heart, our relationship with God and those around us.

The Lord has continued to bring three very important reminders to me when I am struggling with these things.

ONE: God calls me to a pure heart

The Lord continues to remind me to keep my heart pure when it comes to matters that tend to make me upset or feel wronged. It doesn’t do any good to focus on someone else’s views or comments when I have no control over it. When we have a pure heart, we draw closer to God. The Bible says in Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for that shall see God.”

TWO: God calls me to prayer

Instead of feeling angry towards another person or situation, I am called to pray for those things. If someone has wronged me, pray. If people don’t see the political world how I see it, pray. Don’t pray for the things I want, but the things God wants to come out of situations or how he wants to work in someone’s life. Matthew 5:44 tells us to Love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.

THREE: God calls me to love

The last reminder is to love. Luke 6:27 says “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who persecute you.” First, we have to hear, second is to love and third is do good. Let us come together before God and ask him to help us love those around us. Not the easy to love, but those that need to see the true love of God.

Resist allowing the world’s opinions and pressures influence your heart and relationship with God. Let’s put our trust in God alone – our firm foundation that cannot be shaken. Be encouraged through this song and make it your prayer today.

Author:

Ryan Bivins, Worship Leader

Entering God’s Rest – Our First Work

Posted on 10/07/2020 in Devotions, Soul Care, Spiritual Growth | Tags: abiding, anxiety, hope, limits, Peace, psalms, rest, Soul care, Spiritual Growth