Questions to consider when you write the "Final Chapter" of your life:
What did my life add up to?
Did I really matter?
What did I live for?
Who will remember me?
What will they say about me when I'm gone?
Why was it important that I existed?
So many questions. So much time. Will you lie there with no regrets? Some regrets? Or nothing but regrets?
Imagine these questions to yourselves. Reflect them upon yourselves. Imagine, if today is the day of your death, how would the final chapter be written? If it's not a pretty chapter, you can start today and begin anew!
"Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 29:18 (kjv)
Monday, January 29, 2007
And your answer will be?
What is more powerful than God?
What is more evil than Satan?
Rich people don't have it.
Poor people have it.
If you eat it, you will die.
What is more evil than Satan?
Rich people don't have it.
Poor people have it.
If you eat it, you will die.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Evangelism Linebacker
Here are two links to a video, "The Evangelism Linebacker". There's another one with a "Christmas message".. *Warning* No caption on the two though I'm sure you get the message. It's pretty funny seeing a "Linebacker" tackling those who do not wish to share Jesus with their friends, neighbors, co-workers and you name it. :)
http://www.sermonspice.com/cart/?p=product&id=722
http://www.sermonspice.com/videos/3859/Christmas-Linebacker
http://www.sermonspice.com/cart/?p=product&id=722
http://www.sermonspice.com/videos/3859/Christmas-Linebacker
Florida Christian Conference for the Deaf
Mark your calendars, PDA's and fridge...
Florida Christian Conference for the Deaf (FCCD) will take place in Jacksonville, Florida on April 19-22, 2007.. Check out their web @ http://www.fccd.us/index.htm. Plan on being there for a wonderful Christian fellowship and instruction of His eternal Word!
Heroes
Each and every church need healthy leaders and servants. The church need people modelling spiritual fervor. I personally wouldn't want to be around critical and Spirit-fire-dousing people. I want to be around people who hunger for God and the truth. I want to be around committed people that aren't easily swayed by Satan's schemes. I have a few people that I love to be around because such people encourage into the next level with God.
Here are a few biblical people that I wish I could spend time with while on earth. Their leadership qualities and love for God still inspires me today:
1. Paul -- Believe in something bigger than yourself. "I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the end of the earth" (Acts 13:47, NASB). He was thoroughly & excessively submissive to the will of God, and he was committed to a specific, meaningful mission. Paul had courage in the face of opposition because he had limitless horizons in his mission. He believed in himself, but he believed in something bigger than himself -- Jesus Christ and him crucified. Jesus is the reason for his undying motivation!
2. Nehemiah -- Build on what God has given you. Nehemiah's leadership was built on His faithfulness with God. He would build the walls of faith. He was not seen in comparison to other great Old Testament heroes. God has given each leader specific gifts. Some are not as visible. All are useful. Some minister's gifts will never be recognized with shouts of joy or approval. Some minister's lives will be spent in out-of-the-way places and unheard of names to the adoring public, but God knows. The measure of a man is faithfulness, not as a person favorably known.
3. Joshua -- Bring the best people to the table. I believe this is very important to God. God wants to use people who desires to serve His will. And ministers will find people with a burning desire to serve God. Joshua had been in the presence of God. "Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so" (Joshua 5:15 ASV). Because of this special blessing, he was appointed as one with judicial powers and responsibilities in Joshua 14:6-15. He didn't say to God, "Come back to me later and ask tell me to take my show off another time. I'm tied up with these priorities of my own." He was courageous as indicated by the spy scenario in Numbers 13:31. He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. But Moses brought him to the table of leadership because he was the best person for the job. My guess is that he had skills Moses admired. Ministers need to bring the best people to the table and then trust them to do their work. Healthy ministers encourage staff. They believe in them because they have skills that are better than their own.
4. Barnabas -- Bridge the gaps of differing opinions. Barnabas was nicknamed "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36, RSV). He bridged the gap between the Greek and Jewish worlds. Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. He was not an "out-front" kind of person but rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. The most memorable aspect of effective leadership of a minister is when he has survived the various of differing opinions and modeled having each side respect the other.
5. Moses -- Blind your eyes to petty criticism. This is where people do not understand my motive against critical people. I tend to listen in then decide whether it is worth the argument to continue the debate. It all depends on the "critique" and his/her heart. Moses was seen as a patient leader of a people with little faith (Exodus 16:8, 16-20). They complained and whined at every inconvenience (Exodus 15:24, 16:2-3). He did get disgusted. He struck the rock and disobeyed God, but his patience had worn thin. He had had enough. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. If that doesn't work, he outlasts them. Just about every minister has "struck the rock" at one time or another, but then, like Moses, the same minister usually has the resilience to see things through.
6. Elijah -- Bind the ties of love and courage. Today's phrase calls it "tough love." Some call it a "tough mind and a tender heart." Elijah had both. He loved God. He had the courage to speak to the evils of his day. Where is your God? he asked. "Perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened" (1 Kings 18:27, RSV). His sarcasm showed his disappointment for those who had forsaken God. In every effective leader's life, there is a time for love but also a time for courage. Effective leaders have the courage to speak even when it is unpopular to speak because they speak the truth with love. This is where ministers are attacked when they touch sensitive spots.
7. Peter -- Bounce back after you are knocked down. In Matthew 16, Peter was seen as both a "rock" and a "stumbling block." He was both blessed and disgraced almost in the same breath. Discouraged by the disapproval of Jesus, yet blessed by the warmth and affection of Jesus, Peter was down but not out. Resilience may be the cornerstone of effective leadership. You get knocked down, but you bounce back.
Here are a few biblical people that I wish I could spend time with while on earth. Their leadership qualities and love for God still inspires me today:
1. Paul -- Believe in something bigger than yourself. "I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the end of the earth" (Acts 13:47, NASB). He was thoroughly & excessively submissive to the will of God, and he was committed to a specific, meaningful mission. Paul had courage in the face of opposition because he had limitless horizons in his mission. He believed in himself, but he believed in something bigger than himself -- Jesus Christ and him crucified. Jesus is the reason for his undying motivation!
2. Nehemiah -- Build on what God has given you. Nehemiah's leadership was built on His faithfulness with God. He would build the walls of faith. He was not seen in comparison to other great Old Testament heroes. God has given each leader specific gifts. Some are not as visible. All are useful. Some minister's gifts will never be recognized with shouts of joy or approval. Some minister's lives will be spent in out-of-the-way places and unheard of names to the adoring public, but God knows. The measure of a man is faithfulness, not as a person favorably known.
3. Joshua -- Bring the best people to the table. I believe this is very important to God. God wants to use people who desires to serve His will. And ministers will find people with a burning desire to serve God. Joshua had been in the presence of God. "Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so" (Joshua 5:15 ASV). Because of this special blessing, he was appointed as one with judicial powers and responsibilities in Joshua 14:6-15. He didn't say to God, "Come back to me later and ask tell me to take my show off another time. I'm tied up with these priorities of my own." He was courageous as indicated by the spy scenario in Numbers 13:31. He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. But Moses brought him to the table of leadership because he was the best person for the job. My guess is that he had skills Moses admired. Ministers need to bring the best people to the table and then trust them to do their work. Healthy ministers encourage staff. They believe in them because they have skills that are better than their own.
4. Barnabas -- Bridge the gaps of differing opinions. Barnabas was nicknamed "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36, RSV). He bridged the gap between the Greek and Jewish worlds. Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. He was not an "out-front" kind of person but rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. The most memorable aspect of effective leadership of a minister is when he has survived the various of differing opinions and modeled having each side respect the other.
5. Moses -- Blind your eyes to petty criticism. This is where people do not understand my motive against critical people. I tend to listen in then decide whether it is worth the argument to continue the debate. It all depends on the "critique" and his/her heart. Moses was seen as a patient leader of a people with little faith (Exodus 16:8, 16-20). They complained and whined at every inconvenience (Exodus 15:24, 16:2-3). He did get disgusted. He struck the rock and disobeyed God, but his patience had worn thin. He had had enough. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. If that doesn't work, he outlasts them. Just about every minister has "struck the rock" at one time or another, but then, like Moses, the same minister usually has the resilience to see things through.
6. Elijah -- Bind the ties of love and courage. Today's phrase calls it "tough love." Some call it a "tough mind and a tender heart." Elijah had both. He loved God. He had the courage to speak to the evils of his day. Where is your God? he asked. "Perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened" (1 Kings 18:27, RSV). His sarcasm showed his disappointment for those who had forsaken God. In every effective leader's life, there is a time for love but also a time for courage. Effective leaders have the courage to speak even when it is unpopular to speak because they speak the truth with love. This is where ministers are attacked when they touch sensitive spots.
7. Peter -- Bounce back after you are knocked down. In Matthew 16, Peter was seen as both a "rock" and a "stumbling block." He was both blessed and disgraced almost in the same breath. Discouraged by the disapproval of Jesus, yet blessed by the warmth and affection of Jesus, Peter was down but not out. Resilience may be the cornerstone of effective leadership. You get knocked down, but you bounce back.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Game Of Life Rule #2 Promo
Check out www.fxcc.org/deaf for the promo on "The Game of Life" Rule #2 coming up this Sunday.. :) I'm struggling with Blogger & Google to get my videos uploaded on Blogger since Blogger asked me to use the new Blogger features.. Bear with me as I work with Blogger & Google to get the glitch straightened out. That's one reason why I have not been blogging since..
Your patience is appreciated!! :)
Your patience is appreciated!! :)
Thursday, January 18, 2007
The Game Of Life
This Sunday, we're beginning "The Game Of Life" (LIFEgame) sermon series where we’ll talk about us as Family.
We love them.
We loathe them.
Sometimes both at the same time! But we can’t just leave them. How do we mend old wounds, deal with difficult people, and break free from the baggage we carry? I will reveal wisdom and advice from the book of Proverbs in hope to help you overcome past hurts, navigate the future, and win in your “Family LIFE.”
LIFEgame enables the congregants to experience what their life could have been like without God's purposes. Though, some of you might still be stuck in a "life without God's purpose". Such experience enforces the need and urgency to have God's purposes for their lives. Ranging from a faithful few to many of God's faithful drift away from God's purposes for their lives.
Similar to the game, "The Game Of Life", here in the D.C. metro area, you'll find a city has already been created, complete with a university, banks, a post office, city hall, a police station, court house, prison, private companies, a shopping complex, country clubs, a cemetery and other institutions normally found in a town. Congregants may choose to get a job or start their own business to earn money, and they can opt to acquire properties like cars, houses and luxury items. Or they may choose to do something worse, rob banks, sit in jail, go to court and receive a sentence. Everyone makes choices whether they are good or bad.
Players (congregants) may decide to marry and have children, climb the ladder of success or even run for Gallaudet presidency. But in their pursuit of desirable circumstances, they may encounter obstacles such as unemployment, inflation, lawsuits, health problems and other negative life influences. The game deepens with new Christians struggling to continue their material lifestyle while learning to live by God's principles.
Before this Sunday, let's read the first three chapters of Proverbs. Take a look at the picture. Since many of us are "in driving mode", it may be time to exit the busy freeway and take off our sandals then enjoy the scenic route. You don't even need a Mapquest to find this location. Just take the next exit and enjoy God's favor!
Monday, January 08, 2007
New Year's '07 Bash
On December 31st, we hosted our first New Year's Eve Bash anticipating the arrival of the '07 year! 44 were at hand for the festivities beginning with the Deaf Worship at 6 p.m. and ending with the New Year at midnight!! Enjoy these pictures of the glorious fellowship!
Deaf Worship
FXCC members swarm the buffet filled with Boston Market grubs.
Two-Zero-Zero-Seven!!! From left to right: Robin Forshay, Zhi Lin, Jasmine & Jason Bard wishes you a spirit-filled 2007!
Our lovely sister in Christ, Dorothy, received our recognition for her faithfulness in attending the deaf worship service. Kathy Flavin, Fred Orr and Neil Ferris also received recognition for their faithfulness in worship.
Neil Ferris, Kathy Flavin, Melanie Williams, Sally Newman and others play a game of Scattergories.
Alyson Lowenstein, Jill Young and Angela Lowenstein were all smiles during this New Year's Eve Bash.
Everyone gathered together to countdown toward the New Year of 2007!
Deaf Worship
FXCC members swarm the buffet filled with Boston Market grubs.
Two-Zero-Zero-Seven!!! From left to right: Robin Forshay, Zhi Lin, Jasmine & Jason Bard wishes you a spirit-filled 2007!
Our lovely sister in Christ, Dorothy, received our recognition for her faithfulness in attending the deaf worship service. Kathy Flavin, Fred Orr and Neil Ferris also received recognition for their faithfulness in worship.
Neil Ferris, Kathy Flavin, Melanie Williams, Sally Newman and others play a game of Scattergories.
Alyson Lowenstein, Jill Young and Angela Lowenstein were all smiles during this New Year's Eve Bash.
Everyone gathered together to countdown toward the New Year of 2007!
Friday, January 05, 2007
i n c o m p e t e n t s
Don't you hate that word? Incompetent... Incompetent to stand trial. Incompetent to perform normal duties. Incompetent to make decisions. Incompetent to serve our Great and Living Lord. Sounds discouraging. Even worse, if someone close to you would dare say this to you.
I've felt this way before. It happened in 1994 after I gave my life and buried it in baptism giving the Lord my sacrifice. A couple months later, my beloved minister of the Lord, Jose Abenchuchan, came to me and said, "Mark, would you like to preach in two weeks?" Good question. I have absolutely no bible knowledge, not even a quote.. I was still learning by attending the Men's bible class memorizing the Scriptures and learning the timeline and maps. My mind wasn't taking in the Scripture which should be like water absorbed to a sponge. Then I said, "Sure.. Why not." But I wasn't exactly sure how or what or where to start.
Jose took me to the library at the old Overland Park church of Christ building. My eyes gazed around and see hundreds of books. Jose showed me some books written by Christian authors, concordances, dictionaries, bible college class books, etc., etc. Then Jose said, "Now, that'll get you started.." then he left. I was appalled as I was being clouded with these hundreds of books. My heart wasn't telling me anything. I skimmed through a few books but nothing came to mind. Until, finally, something did come to mind. I was thinking about how the deaf are so involved with stocks, mutual funds, and investing for their future. And my thoughts about it: it was a sin! Now, don't get me wrong.. It's nice to have an investment for future retirement. I'm all for it. If that's the only thing you worship today, then it becomes what God calls it, "idolatry". Anyway, I began looking at the concordances (my favorite) where it shows me the verses from a word such as "lust", "money", "power" and others.
My first lesson on Sunday. The room was packed with more than a normal deaf worship service. Jose was shocked! In the back of my mind, I thought to myself, "Perhaps, I should use my lesson for the next week. Not today.." I preached. One hour later. (Yes, I preached for one hour!) And the worse of all is, I only quoted the verses without explaining the meaning of each verse! Ouch! I sweated. People were yawning. Eyes were rolling. The chairs in the back sleeps ten. And a few deaf investors squirming in their chair. I got a bad review from them but a laughing review from Jose. I know Jose means well.. (I'm still chuckling today because it was a moment I'll never forget.)
And yes.. At that point, I did feel incompetent to preach the gospel to the deaf in the world. I don't think I ever preached again until I got into Bible school. When I decided to give up my home and career to become a full-time servant of the Lord, I still have these feelings of incompetence. I thought to myself, "God will give me a gift other than preaching the gospel." I'm thankful that I'm not a powerful orator. If I was, I would be impressing people instead of God. God is only interested in my heart, not how I preach. During Bible school, everyday, we have this "preaching lab" where ministers-in-training will have the opportunity to preach and receive criticism. It's nice to get criticism like "You need to emphasize Jesus more", "You didn't clearly explain the Scripture", "That's not what the Scripture says", "You took the Scripture out of context" and stuff like that. There were positive comments, of course. But the critiques I received still showed my incompetency to preach the gospel.
Later in my studies at Sunset International Bible Institute, I learned a whole lot more. It's about how Jesus choose His men to change the world!! Jesus didn't go to the wise. Nor did He go to the strong in faith. He didn't go to the Pharisees whom were already "teachers of the law" in the wrong way. He didn't look for spiritual elite! Jesus wasn't looking for a hunky-looking guy or a person that was chosen as the "Most Likely To Succeed" by his Jewish school classmates. Jesus chose..... Twelve.... Ordinary..... Sinful.... Insecure people like you and me!
Fishermen.
Tax collector.
Accountant.
Political activist.
They were outcast before the eyes of the Pharisees. They were partiers, cheaters, liars, deceivers. But Jesus surrounded Himself among them. Jesus prefers an ordinary guy. I've been there. I partied. I had several dates. I dumped them. I hurt people. I cheated. Pride loves me and I love pride. I was a backstabber. I was too stupid, too sinful and made many mistakes. I wasn't good enough.
But God prepared me to make a difference in this dark world. God is using me and He can still use you if you're still living the ordinary, worldly ways.
I just couldn't believe, now, how God has led me through these trials beginning on August 29th, 1994 when I first met Jose. We studied the Scripture. God pierced my heart. I looked back to all that I've done to people, and worse, myself! Then I thought to myself, "Me, a preacher". Moses been there..
Moses wanted God to choose someone else. But God is determined that Moses is da man to do the job. Moses gave his excuse, "Oh Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." (Exodus 4:10) And that would be me, too.. I love to sing, but to preach is a the very bottom of the "To-D0-List". What if someone ask me a question where I don't know the answer? What if I say the wrong thing or quote the Scripture out of a context? I am subjected to blame. I am the center of attention. I see bananas, apples, cream pies ready to receive a beating if I give a bad message.
I read a book where a friend of the writer quoted,
"God doesn't choose the prepared. He prepares the chosen."
Wow!! That's it!! That's exactly it!! No matter how unprepared you feel, it's God's business to prepare you!! You've experienced the delicacies of the world now He wants you to taste the delicacies of Heaven! He's teaching you how to touch, taste, and smell Heaven! So you might never feel ready and that's okay.. In fact, since you might not feel ready, God will still call you and prepare you for the job. Jesus came to Matthew, the tax collector, and said, "Come and follow me." That was it! Matthew was doing his business of collecting taxes probably for years. He could say to himself, "Ha! I haven't been trained to do whatever you want me to do." Matthew didn't do that.. Instead, he dropped everything, abandoned his bank and followed Jesus where Jesus will train Matthew and the rest of the eleven to change the world!
If you're feeling incompetent today, that's wonderful!! God works better with the incompetents than with competents!!! God is ready to use you. Believe it or not, you'll be ready for His use!
I've felt this way before. It happened in 1994 after I gave my life and buried it in baptism giving the Lord my sacrifice. A couple months later, my beloved minister of the Lord, Jose Abenchuchan, came to me and said, "Mark, would you like to preach in two weeks?" Good question. I have absolutely no bible knowledge, not even a quote.. I was still learning by attending the Men's bible class memorizing the Scriptures and learning the timeline and maps. My mind wasn't taking in the Scripture which should be like water absorbed to a sponge. Then I said, "Sure.. Why not." But I wasn't exactly sure how or what or where to start.
Jose took me to the library at the old Overland Park church of Christ building. My eyes gazed around and see hundreds of books. Jose showed me some books written by Christian authors, concordances, dictionaries, bible college class books, etc., etc. Then Jose said, "Now, that'll get you started.." then he left. I was appalled as I was being clouded with these hundreds of books. My heart wasn't telling me anything. I skimmed through a few books but nothing came to mind. Until, finally, something did come to mind. I was thinking about how the deaf are so involved with stocks, mutual funds, and investing for their future. And my thoughts about it: it was a sin! Now, don't get me wrong.. It's nice to have an investment for future retirement. I'm all for it. If that's the only thing you worship today, then it becomes what God calls it, "idolatry". Anyway, I began looking at the concordances (my favorite) where it shows me the verses from a word such as "lust", "money", "power" and others.
My first lesson on Sunday. The room was packed with more than a normal deaf worship service. Jose was shocked! In the back of my mind, I thought to myself, "Perhaps, I should use my lesson for the next week. Not today.." I preached. One hour later. (Yes, I preached for one hour!) And the worse of all is, I only quoted the verses without explaining the meaning of each verse! Ouch! I sweated. People were yawning. Eyes were rolling. The chairs in the back sleeps ten. And a few deaf investors squirming in their chair. I got a bad review from them but a laughing review from Jose. I know Jose means well.. (I'm still chuckling today because it was a moment I'll never forget.)
And yes.. At that point, I did feel incompetent to preach the gospel to the deaf in the world. I don't think I ever preached again until I got into Bible school. When I decided to give up my home and career to become a full-time servant of the Lord, I still have these feelings of incompetence. I thought to myself, "God will give me a gift other than preaching the gospel." I'm thankful that I'm not a powerful orator. If I was, I would be impressing people instead of God. God is only interested in my heart, not how I preach. During Bible school, everyday, we have this "preaching lab" where ministers-in-training will have the opportunity to preach and receive criticism. It's nice to get criticism like "You need to emphasize Jesus more", "You didn't clearly explain the Scripture", "That's not what the Scripture says", "You took the Scripture out of context" and stuff like that. There were positive comments, of course. But the critiques I received still showed my incompetency to preach the gospel.
Later in my studies at Sunset International Bible Institute, I learned a whole lot more. It's about how Jesus choose His men to change the world!! Jesus didn't go to the wise. Nor did He go to the strong in faith. He didn't go to the Pharisees whom were already "teachers of the law" in the wrong way. He didn't look for spiritual elite! Jesus wasn't looking for a hunky-looking guy or a person that was chosen as the "Most Likely To Succeed" by his Jewish school classmates. Jesus chose..... Twelve.... Ordinary..... Sinful.... Insecure people like you and me!
Fishermen.
Tax collector.
Accountant.
Political activist.
They were outcast before the eyes of the Pharisees. They were partiers, cheaters, liars, deceivers. But Jesus surrounded Himself among them. Jesus prefers an ordinary guy. I've been there. I partied. I had several dates. I dumped them. I hurt people. I cheated. Pride loves me and I love pride. I was a backstabber. I was too stupid, too sinful and made many mistakes. I wasn't good enough.
But God prepared me to make a difference in this dark world. God is using me and He can still use you if you're still living the ordinary, worldly ways.
I just couldn't believe, now, how God has led me through these trials beginning on August 29th, 1994 when I first met Jose. We studied the Scripture. God pierced my heart. I looked back to all that I've done to people, and worse, myself! Then I thought to myself, "Me, a preacher". Moses been there..
Moses wanted God to choose someone else. But God is determined that Moses is da man to do the job. Moses gave his excuse, "Oh Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." (Exodus 4:10) And that would be me, too.. I love to sing, but to preach is a the very bottom of the "To-D0-List". What if someone ask me a question where I don't know the answer? What if I say the wrong thing or quote the Scripture out of a context? I am subjected to blame. I am the center of attention. I see bananas, apples, cream pies ready to receive a beating if I give a bad message.
I read a book where a friend of the writer quoted,
"God doesn't choose the prepared. He prepares the chosen."
Wow!! That's it!! That's exactly it!! No matter how unprepared you feel, it's God's business to prepare you!! You've experienced the delicacies of the world now He wants you to taste the delicacies of Heaven! He's teaching you how to touch, taste, and smell Heaven! So you might never feel ready and that's okay.. In fact, since you might not feel ready, God will still call you and prepare you for the job. Jesus came to Matthew, the tax collector, and said, "Come and follow me." That was it! Matthew was doing his business of collecting taxes probably for years. He could say to himself, "Ha! I haven't been trained to do whatever you want me to do." Matthew didn't do that.. Instead, he dropped everything, abandoned his bank and followed Jesus where Jesus will train Matthew and the rest of the eleven to change the world!
If you're feeling incompetent today, that's wonderful!! God works better with the incompetents than with competents!!! God is ready to use you. Believe it or not, you'll be ready for His use!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
The Holidays...
Guess what!!? I'm just glad the holidays are OVER!!! I feel like I've gained 50 lbs!! Those M&M's are surely good every single time.. And you know how many of them are in a bag! Man!!
We had a wonderful night last Sunday night!! 44 people (adults and children) attended the New Year's Eve worship service. Following worship, we all had a wonderful time of fellowship with grubs from Boston Market and various games on several tables. We also gave four awards (with gift certificates to Starbucks) to Neil Ferris, Kathy Flavin, Fred Orr and Dorothy Eckert for their faithfulness to Sunday's Worship. Each of them missed almost 1 to 5 services throughout the whole year! They are a wonderful example to us all!! Most of us remained until the midnight bell ringing in the new year of 2007.. We didn't get home until 1:45 a.m.!! We really enjoyed it very much, a good, clean and non-alcoholic fellowship.. And we got a hang-over!!! Hang-over from having such a great time with Christians and friends.
***
Bear with me that I couldn't contain all that had happened last night. Last night, I went to bed again at 1 a.m.. No.. I'm not going to make this a "habit"!! Just that I couldn't turn off the television because of the super thriller game between Boise St (Broncos) and Oklahoma (Sooners)!! Boise St were leading like 24 to 7 at halftime. But during the third quarter, Oklahoma caught up and took over the lead.. Everyone thought it was all over, including me. But after several bowl games consisted comeback victories, I decided to stay with them. Sure enough, Boise St came back to tie the game with just 8 seconds left from the 40 yard line with a fake play!!! Overtime!! Oklahoma scored on just one play with a Peterson touchdown. Boise St had trouble getting through the Oklahoma defense but managed to overcome several 4th down conversions until finally getting a touchdown. Remember, they need a field goal to re-tie and bring the game into a double OT. Well, Boise St. decided to gamble by going for a two-point conversion to win the game, or to lose if failed. My jaw dropped through the floor!!! Boise St scored the two-point conversion, easily!!! I just didn't see how it was played until the replay!! Man!! They had us all "fooled"!!! Sorry Ohio State and Florida..
Boise St. 13 - 0 National Champs! No question!
***
Last Sunday, I gave a message before the new year rang in. I encourage you to check out this lesson @ http://www.fxcc.org/deaf/sermons.asp titled, "Brand Spankin' New You" which will be posted in a few days.
2006 is gone! Whatever happened to you during that year is old. It's in the past. You, during 2006, have vanished away. Now, the new year of 2007 is here. Develop new wine. Bring it into a new wineskin. Let's begin with a fresh and new heart, new goals, new visions and new plans. Bring God into it. But, be prepared for new problems, new pressures and new possibilities. Don't use whatever you have tried in the past, especially during 2006, to solve these new issues in 2007. Be creative. Be convinced. Be courageous.
"I said, 'Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of my love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.'" Hosea 10:12 (nlt)
1. Return to the practice of good works.
2. Seek others (leaders & faithful servants) who sow righteousness. Stay away from others who sow unrighteousness (attitudes of the world)
3. Look up to God for His grace.
And when do we do these things? The Lord says, "..for now is the time.." (v. 12)
1. Seeking the Lord is to be "everyday's work"!!
2. If we do our part, God will do His!
3. If we sow righteousness, we reap mercy (love). If we sow to the Spirit, we will, of the Spirit, reap eternal life!
It is encouraged that we do not do the same things we've done during the 2006. I'm not saying that you make a "New Year's Resolution" for God. It's destined to be broken. It's a time for new wine and a wineskin. This year, change your hearts for God and work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)!!
"..but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 (niv)
We had a wonderful night last Sunday night!! 44 people (adults and children) attended the New Year's Eve worship service. Following worship, we all had a wonderful time of fellowship with grubs from Boston Market and various games on several tables. We also gave four awards (with gift certificates to Starbucks) to Neil Ferris, Kathy Flavin, Fred Orr and Dorothy Eckert for their faithfulness to Sunday's Worship. Each of them missed almost 1 to 5 services throughout the whole year! They are a wonderful example to us all!! Most of us remained until the midnight bell ringing in the new year of 2007.. We didn't get home until 1:45 a.m.!! We really enjoyed it very much, a good, clean and non-alcoholic fellowship.. And we got a hang-over!!! Hang-over from having such a great time with Christians and friends.
***
Bear with me that I couldn't contain all that had happened last night. Last night, I went to bed again at 1 a.m.. No.. I'm not going to make this a "habit"!! Just that I couldn't turn off the television because of the super thriller game between Boise St (Broncos) and Oklahoma (Sooners)!! Boise St were leading like 24 to 7 at halftime. But during the third quarter, Oklahoma caught up and took over the lead.. Everyone thought it was all over, including me. But after several bowl games consisted comeback victories, I decided to stay with them. Sure enough, Boise St came back to tie the game with just 8 seconds left from the 40 yard line with a fake play!!! Overtime!! Oklahoma scored on just one play with a Peterson touchdown. Boise St had trouble getting through the Oklahoma defense but managed to overcome several 4th down conversions until finally getting a touchdown. Remember, they need a field goal to re-tie and bring the game into a double OT. Well, Boise St. decided to gamble by going for a two-point conversion to win the game, or to lose if failed. My jaw dropped through the floor!!! Boise St scored the two-point conversion, easily!!! I just didn't see how it was played until the replay!! Man!! They had us all "fooled"!!! Sorry Ohio State and Florida..
Boise St. 13 - 0 National Champs! No question!
***
Last Sunday, I gave a message before the new year rang in. I encourage you to check out this lesson @ http://www.fxcc.org/deaf/sermons.asp titled, "Brand Spankin' New You" which will be posted in a few days.
2006 is gone! Whatever happened to you during that year is old. It's in the past. You, during 2006, have vanished away. Now, the new year of 2007 is here. Develop new wine. Bring it into a new wineskin. Let's begin with a fresh and new heart, new goals, new visions and new plans. Bring God into it. But, be prepared for new problems, new pressures and new possibilities. Don't use whatever you have tried in the past, especially during 2006, to solve these new issues in 2007. Be creative. Be convinced. Be courageous.
"I said, 'Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of my love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.'" Hosea 10:12 (nlt)
1. Return to the practice of good works.
2. Seek others (leaders & faithful servants) who sow righteousness. Stay away from others who sow unrighteousness (attitudes of the world)
3. Look up to God for His grace.
And when do we do these things? The Lord says, "..for now is the time.." (v. 12)
1. Seeking the Lord is to be "everyday's work"!!
2. If we do our part, God will do His!
3. If we sow righteousness, we reap mercy (love). If we sow to the Spirit, we will, of the Spirit, reap eternal life!
It is encouraged that we do not do the same things we've done during the 2006. I'm not saying that you make a "New Year's Resolution" for God. It's destined to be broken. It's a time for new wine and a wineskin. This year, change your hearts for God and work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)!!
"..but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 (niv)
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